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TRANSCRIPT
GLC 6482
George
Washington. Letter signed: Camp four miles from Pots Grove, to Ceasar Rodney,
1777 September 24. 2p. + doc.
Camp
4 Miles from Pots Grove Septr 24th:
1777.
M
D
Sir
I
last night received your Favor of the 21st. and am much obliged to
you for <the> Book. This and One taken in the Action at Ch<loss>Ford
compleat Genl How’s Orders from Apr<loss>
to the 10th Inst. I am sorry for the Capt<ure> of Mr Berry,
whom you mention to be a yo<ung> man of merit, But no Proposition for his
E<xc>hange can be made at this time, nor can <loss>
he be exchaged but in due course, which is the only Rule by which equal justice
can take place. The conduct of the Militia is much to be regretted. In many
instances, they are not to be roused, and in Others, they come into the Field
with all possible indifference, and to all appearances, entirely unimpressed
with the importance of the Cause in which we are engaged. Hence proceeds a total
inattention to order and to discipline, and too often a disgraceful departure
from the Army, at the instant their aid is most wanted. I am inclined to think,
the Complaints and Objections offered to the Militia Laws are but too well
founded. The Interest of the community has not been well consulted in their
formation, and generally speaking, those I have seen are unequal.
I
wish I could inform you that our affairs were in a happier train than they now
are. After various manuvrers and intending his Army high up the Schuylkill, as
if he meant to turn our Right Flank, Genl How made a [2] sudden Countermarch on
Monday night, and in the course of It and Yesterday Morning, crossed the River,
which is fordable in almost every part, several miles below us. he will possess
himself of Philadelphia [inserted: in
all probability] but I trust, he wi<ll> not be able to hold it. No
exertions on my part <s>hall be
wanting to dispossess him.
I
am in haste
D Sir
Yr Most Obed Sert
Go: Washington
[address]
(On Public Service)
Brigdr Genl Rodney
Go: Washington
[docket]
Letter from Genl Washington
Sept 24th. 77
4 Miles from Pott’s Grove before the British took possession of Philada
Speaks of the inefficacy of militia
C Rodney
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