To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 31 January 1777
From the Pennsylvania Council of Safety
In Council of Safety Philadelphia January 31st 1777
Sir
Col. Geo. Geiger of Northampton County an honest old German marches directly from Northampton to Head Quarters His Battalion is pretty large and from the known integrity of the Colonel, it is hoped he will be of much service to your Excellency.1
Inclosed is a return of the Arms &c. which the Colonel is in need of, and which the Council are unable to furnish him with and therefore have referr’d him to your Excellency for them.2 I Am with great respect Your Excellency’s Obedt Servant.
Df, PHarH: Records of Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary Governments, 1775–90.
1. The council of safety apparently is referring to Henry Geiger, a Pennsylvania farmer and veteran of the French and Indian War who had commanded the 2d Regiment of Northumberland County Associators since October 1776. The council of safety’s orders to Colonel Geiger of this date “to proceed immediately to Head Quarters at Morristown” are in PHarH: Records of Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary Governments, 1775–90.
2. The enclosed return has not been identified.