To George Washington from Colonel John Neilson, 26 June 1778
From Colonel John Neilson
Inglish Town within 6 Miles of Monmouth Courtho⟨use⟩
26 June 1778 1 OClock P. M.
Sir
By order of Major Genel Dickinson I marcht a small Detachment of Militia consisting of about 200 Men on this Road to Endeavour to gain the Front of the Enemy to throw what Obstructions we could in their way, I got to this Place About one hour Since, and by the best Intelligence I can get am Inform’d the Main body of them are at Monmouth Courthouse and cant find that they are Advanced beyound that, So that we are at a Loss to know what Rout to take have horsemen out to Observe their March, if they take the Middletown Road I shall be able to gain their front, if they take the Shrewsbury Road I shall not, in this Situation shall be glad of your Excellency’s Directions I am informed About 100 Monmouth Militia are on their March within a small Distance of this Place who have left their Quarters at T[r]enton falls in Shrewsbury not knowing the Situation of Our Army, your Directions to them shall be Imediately Executed—your most obedt Servt
John Neilson Coll 2d Bat. Midl. Mil.1
ALS, NN: Emmet Collection.
1. Neilson had been offered a commission as brigadier general in February 1777, but he declined it later that year.