Letter George Washington to Lewis Gordon, December 22, 1776
The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 06
Sir: The Council of Safety for this State, have by their Resolve of the 17th. Instt. impowred me, to call out the Militia of the County of Northampton, to the Assistance of the Continental Army under my Command; that by our joint endeavours, we may put a stop to the Progress of the Enemy, who are making preparations to advance to Philadelphia, as soon as they can Cross the Delaware either by Boats or upon the Ice. As I am unacquainted with the Names of the Colonels of your Militia, I have taken the Liberty to inclose you Six Letters, in which you will please to insert the Names of the proper Officers and send them immediately to them, by persons in whom you can con fide for the Delivery. If there are not as many Colonels as Letters you may destroy those that are not wanted. I most earnestly intreat you Sir, and the rest of the Gentleman of your Committee, to exert your influence among the people of the County and endeavour to make them turn out generally, in defence of their Capital; which will most assuredly fall a Sacrafice, unless the Militia of the Province contribute Largely to its defence. Those who are so far lost to a love of their Country, as to refuse to lend a hand to its support, at this critical time, may depend upon being treated, as their baseness and want of Public Spirit, will most justly deserve. I am, etc.
P.S. please to make me a return of the Names of the different Colonels. (65)
[Note 65: The draft is in the writing of Tench Tilghman.]
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mgw:@field(DOCID+@lit(gw060321))