George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 24 June 1781
To Samuel Huntington
Head Quarters New Windsor 24th June 1781
sir
Towards effecting the intended Operations of the ensuing Campaign, I had made a Requisition to the State of Pensylvania for a Number of Militia to join the Army under my immediate Comand1—but that state having been called upon at the same Time by Congress, for a Number of their Militia for the southern Service, His Excellency the President has informed me that it will not be in their Power to fulfill both Requisitions—I have therefore withdrawn my Request.2
In the Course of our intended Operations, I shall have Occasion for a Body of about three Hundred expert Rifle Men, for most necessary & essential Services, and as all those of our Troops, composing the Line of the Army, from whence I could hope to draw such a Corps, are gone southward, so that it is become impracticable to supply them here3—I have written to his Excellency President Reed, begging that he will furnish me with such Body of Troops from that State to serve with this Army during this Campaign.4
If Congress should approve this Measure, I have to request, that they will be pleased to signify their Approbation to Mr President Reed, & enforce this Requisition; accompanying it with a Promise of Repayment to the State of whatever Bounty they shall engage, with Pay, Rations & compleat Continental Establishment, equal to the other Troops in the Field, during the Time they are in Service—this Measure I deem necessary, because I suppose they cannot be raised as Militia.
A Corps of Men composed of such expert Marksmen, being in my Opinion, of so very great Importance on the Execution of our Intentions, I have the most sanguine Hope, that this Requisition will meet with the most speedy Success. I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem & Consideration sir Your Excellency’s most Obedient & very humble Servant
Go: Washington
LS, in Jonathan Trumbull, Jr.’s writing, DNA:PCC, item 152; Df, DLC:GW; copy, DNA:PCC, item 169; Varick transcript, DLC:GW. Congress read and acted favorably upon this letter on 2 July (, 20:714–15; see also Huntington’s reply to GW, 2 July, and n.2 to that document).
1. See GW to Reed, 27 May; see also The Wethersfield Conference and Aftermath, 14 May–16 June, editorial note.
2. See Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council to GW, 6 June, and GW to Reed, 15 June; see also GW to John Hancock, 15 June, and the source note to that document.
3. GW alludes to Major General Lafayette’s detachment (see GW’s second letter to Lafayette, 20 Feb., source note).
4. See GW to Reed, this date.