George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Colonel William Shepard, 18 November 1777

From Colonel William Shepard

Sufferons in the Clove [N.Y.]
Novr 18th 1777 2 oClock P.M.

Sir

I am now on my way to Deleware River with Genl Glovers Brigade now under My Command; Since we Crost Hudsons River I have Labour’d under Many Disadvantages to Retard my March; by Reason the Brigades which had Gone Forward had taken the Waggons which I Made Dependence on to Carry my Baggage; but with Much Difficulty I have Obtain’d Nearly A Sufficiency of Waggons to Carry what Baggage we Bro’t on.

I Shall take the nearest Rout from this Place to Carrells Ferry, And Desire your Excellency’s Directions by the Bearer, what Rout I Must take from that Place;1 Your Excellency May Depend I Shall Forward the March with the Utmost Dispatch in My Power. I am with Respect your Excellency’s Obedient Humle Servant

Wm Shepard

ALS, DLC:GW. A note on the cover indicates that this letter was “Favord by Capt. Ball.” Lebbeus Ball (1739–1806), a captain in Shepard’s 4th Massachusetts Regiment, was promoted to major this month.

1Although no written instructions from GW to Shepard have been identified, Shepard arrived at the camp at Mount Holly, N.J., on 25 Nov. (see Nathanael Greene’s first letter to GW, that date).

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