George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Major Edward Giles, 5 September 1780

From Major Edward Giles

Phi[ladelphi]a Sepr 5th 1780.

Sir

Agreable to your Excellency’s Letter directed to the commanding Officer of the Maryland additional Regiment,1 I have marched two hundred Men to this Place, that Number being all in a proper Condition for marching—The remainder, being about two hundred and fifty, were detained for want of Cloathing. but I expect will join me here in a few Days—Should have proceeded on to Camp immediately had not the Board of War advised me to remain untill the whole Regiment should arrive and be furnished with Cloathing—This Business I flatter myself will be effected in a Week when I shall make all possible Dispatch to Head Quarters, unless I should recieve your Excellency’s Orders to the Contrary2—I am with every Sentiment of Respect. Yr Excellen[c]ys Obt Humble Servt

Edwd Giles Major Commd:

ALS, DLC:GW.

Giles was commissioned major in the Additional Maryland Battalion on 27 July to serve under Lt. Colo. Samuel Jones, who soon resigned (see Md. Archives description begins Archives of Maryland. 72 vols. Baltimore, 1883–1972. description ends , 43:233–34, 272).

2Giles also wrote Maryland governor Thomas Sim Lee on this date: “Tis whispered that we are to be sent to the southward” (Md. Archives description begins Archives of Maryland. 72 vols. Baltimore, 1883–1972. description ends , 45:78–79). For the anticipated order, see GW to Lee, 6 September.

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