George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 7 June 1781
To Colonel Elisha Sheldon
Head Quarters, New Windsor June 7th 1781
Sir
Instantly upon the receipt of this Letter, you will put the whole of your Corps in motion to join the Army—leaving only such Officers and dismounted Dragoons, as are absolutely necessary to collect and bring on the Horses and Equipage which may be provided by the State.
When you have commenced your march (which I should advise to be by the Route of Litchfield towards Peekskill) you will be pleased to send forward & inform me of it.1 that, if any alteration of circumstances, should require a change in the Movement or destination, the necessary Orders, may be given.2 I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.
Df, in David Humphreys’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. GW soon ordered the entire main army to march for Peekskill (see General Orders, 19 June; see also Document VI with The Wethersfield Conference and Aftermath, 14 May–16 June, editorial note).