To George Washington from James Caldwell, 3 July 1780
From James Caldwell
Chatham [N.J.] July 3d 1780.
Sir,
Our situation here is exceedingly distressing. Parties out continually after every active Whig, and not a Centinel between us and the enemy. During the Alarm the farmers below, coud not work their fields—& now they dare not in safety.1 Corn and grass suffer. And no decency can be observed at Elizabeth Town about Flags. I know your Excellency must attend to your grand object—from this we do not wish to divert you. But if you can grant the 3d, or rather the first & third Jersey Regiments, You will add inexpressible joy to the Country, & add to the many favours granted,2 Your excellencys most obed. & very hume sert
James Caldwell
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Caldwell is referring to the northern New Jersey militia that responded to recent British incursions into the state (see Battle of Connecticut Farms, 7–8 June, and Battle of Springfield, 23–24 June).
2. Caldwell’s request helped prompt GW to station the 3d New Jersey Regiment near Elizabeth, N.J. (see GW to Elias Dayton, 10 July, DLC:GW; see also Dayton to GW, this date).