1From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 25 August 1777 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd information that the Enemy began to land this Morning about Six Miles below Head of Elk opposite to Cæcil Court House. The informant says he saw two thousand Men, but he may be mistaken as to the Number. I desire you to send off every Man of the Militia under your command that is properly armed as quick as possible, if they were to begin their march this Night while it is cool...
2From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 14 September 1777 (Washington Papers)
I last night wrote to the Officer commandg at the Bridge ordering him to have it moved immediately which I understand has been by some means neglected—I have therefore to request that you will have it executed directly as the Enemy (being now advanced near Chester) will probably Detach a party of light Troops to take possession of it, particularly when they come to understand that we have...
3From George Washington to Major General John Armstrong, Sr., 8 October 1777 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to send General Potter with about 600 of your militia across the Schulkill, with directions to keep himself in such a situation as will be most convenient for interrupting the enemy’s intercourse, between Philadelphia and Chester &c.—He is to take every method to keep himself well acquainted with what is doing, and to embrace every opportunity of cutting off the convoys and...