From George Washington to Lieutenant James Budden, 28 June 1780
To Lieutenant James Budden
Head-Quarters, Ramapaugh [N.J.], 28th June, 1780.
Sir,—
I was favored yesterday evening with your letter of the 26th, advising me of the arrival of your troop at Trenton.1 The spirit and alertness which the Philadelphia Light horse have discovered on this Occasion, is such as to deserve my best thanks. I should have been happy in their services, had the enemy continued in the Jerseys; but as they have evacuated this State, and as the necessity is over which called them out, you will be pleased to return to Philadelphia.2 Indeed I thought to have prevented your advance so far, having requested Col. Moylan, who was going that way, after the enemy had retreated, to countermand the order for bringing you to camp.3 I am, Sir, your obedt. Servt.,
Go. Washington.
Rogers, First Troop Philadelphia Cavalry, 24-25. No reply to GW from Budden has been found.
1. See Budden to GW, 26 June, found at GW to Joseph Reed, 25 June 1780, n.1.
2. The British retreat during the Battle of Springfield, N.J., on 23-24 June, and the subsequent British evacuation of New Jersey, had rendered the services of the Philadelphia Light Horse unnecessary, and prompted GW to order their return to Philadelphia (see Board of War to GW, 12 June, and n.2; Samuel Huntington to GW, 12 June, and n.2; GW to Joseph Reed, 16 June; Reed to GW, 20 June; Battle of Springfield, 23-24 June, editorial note; and GW to Reed, 25 June).
3. Col. Stephen Moylan had written Budden on 26 June to request a meeting with him at Somerset Court House, N.J., the following morning, when Moylan planned to deliver Budden “a message from the Commander-in-Chief.” When the two officers met on 27 June, Moylan presented Budden with an undated letter that Moylan had written him: “I am come by order of the Commander in Chief, to return you and the Gentlemen of the Philadelphia Light Horse, thanks for the spirited intentions they have shewn to join the Army under his Command. As the enemy have quitted this State with very little Honor to themselves, His Excellency would not wish to deprive the Capital of Pensilvania of the assistance which so many brave and virtuous Citizens must assuredly give to the Laudable exertions now prosecuting for the public benefit.” Moylan added: “The General doubts not but when occasion requires, the Gentlemen of your Hon’ble Corps will testify the same readiness to take the field which they have shewn upon this, and every other occasion” (both in Rogers, First Troop Philadelphia Cavalry, 25-26).