To George Washington from the Board of War, 12 June 1780
From the Board of War
War office [Philadelphia] June 12. 1780.
Sir
Previous to the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 8th inst. the Infantry of majr Lee’s Corps (the Cavalry it is presumed has Joined the Army) had arrived at Richmond where the board suppose they will remain until your further orders about their destination.1
The board thought proper to submit that part of your letter where you Speak of your weakness in Cavalry, to the consideration of the President of the State, observing to him at the same time, that they conceived it would be advisable to direct the City light Horse to hold themselves in readiness; and the President concurring in sentiment; the corps is ready to move—whenever your Excellency shall signify that there is a necessity for its services.2 I have the honor to be With the highest respect. Yr Excellencys Most Obed. & Most Humble serv.
by order
Ben. Stoddert Secy
ALS, DLC:GW. GW replied on 16 June.
1. GW had recalled the infantry battalion of Maj. Henry Lee, Jr.’s, 2d Partisan Corps (see GW to the Board of War, 21 June).
2. On 9 June, the Board of War wrote Pennsylvania president Joseph Reed: “The General writes us that the Enemy are out in Force, & lie below Springfield in Jersey. What their object is remains undiscovered. He complains of the Want of Horse, & desires Major Lee’s corps may be ordered on to counteract the Cavalry of the Enemy, which are very numerous. We have done ourselves the Honour of communicating this Intelligence as well for Information as to submit to your consideration the Propriety of holding the Philadela Light Horse in readiness to march in Case of Exigency” (, 1st ser., 8:308; see also GW to Reed, 16 June).