III: To Colonel Theodorick Bland, 11 September 1777
III
To Colonel Theodorick Bland
Chads ford [Pa.] 11th Septr 1777
20 Mints. after ⟨mutilated⟩ O’Clock1
Sir
I earnestly entreat continuance of your vigilant attention to the movements of the Enemy and the earliest report, not only of their movements, but of their number, & the course they are pursuing. In a particular manner, I wish you to gain satisfactory information of a body confidently reported to have gone up to a Ford Seven or Eight miles above this. It is said the Fact is certain. You will send up an intelligent—sensible Officer immediately with a party to find out the truth—What number It consists of, and the Road they are now on. be particular in these matters. I am Sir Your Hble Servt
Go: Washington
LS, in Robert Hanson Harrison’s writing, PWcHi.
1. GW apparently wrote this letter in late morning after learning of Hazen’s report about a British force near the Brandywine forks (see Document IV) and before receiving Ross’s intelligence of Howe’s column marching toward the forks (see Document II). The time of writing probably was 11:20 A.M. (see , 12).