The Writings of George Washington from the
Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C.
Fitzpatrick, Editor.
Head Quarters, Brunswick, November 30, 1776.
Sir: I have the pleasure and Honor of
acknowledging the Receipt of yours of the 27th.91
General Williamson gives me small Encouragement
to hope for much Assistance from the Militia of
this State; indeed some of the Counties, if they
were willing, are intimidated from coming in, as
the Enemy have possession of the Country. I hope
the four Regiments, to be raised to serve till
the first of April, will be quickly full, as
more dependance is to be put upon them, than
Common Militia. The time of General Heard's
Brigade of flying Camp Men for this State, and
that of Genl. Beall's from Maryland, expires
this day; so that the army will by that means,
suffer a very considerable diminution. But what
is still worse, altho' most of the
[Note 91:
Governor Livingston had written (November 27):
"I can easily form some Idea of the Difficulties
under which you labour and particularly of one
for which the public can make no allowances
because your Prudence and Fidelity to the Cause
will not suffer you to reveal it to the public,
an instance of Magnanimity superior perhaps to
any that can be shewn in Battle. But depend upon
it, my dear Sir, the impartial World will do you
ample Justice before Long. May God support you
under that Fatigue both of Body and Mind to
which you must be constantly exposed."
Livingston's letter is in the
Washington Papers.] Pennsylvanians
are inlisted till the first of January, I am
informed that they are deserting in great
numbers; I therefore intreat, that you would
without loss of time, give orders to the
officers of Militia on the Roads and the Ferries
over
Delaware, to take up and secure every
Soldier that has not a regular discharge or
Pass. In order to effect this, proper guards
should be immediately posted.
I thank you most sincerely for your feelings
for me at this time and upon this occasion; I
will not however despair; but look forward with
a hope that such Reinforcements will yet arrive
to my assistance, as will enable me to prevent
our common Enemy from making much further
Progress. I am, etc.
