From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 25 July 1778
To Colonel Stephen Moylan
Head Quarters White plains 25th July 1778
Dear Sir
I recd yours of the 23d by Major Washington. I think the best position for the Cavalry, to answer the purposes of foraging and covering the Country, will be about Hackensaik New Bridge. You then have an oppertunity of drawing supplies from the Country between the North River and Hackensaik and Hackensaik and Pasaic as your Station will be central. You also hinder the inhabitants from carrying provision to New York, either by the way of Bergen, or Barbadoes Neck.
As soon as the Forage master has got matters in his department fixed, I shall order all, but abt 50 Horse, over to this side. You will therefore be ready to move at a moments warning.1 I am &c.
Df, in Tench Tilghman’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. Moylan replied to GW from Orangetown, N.Y., on 26 July: “Major Washington deliverd me your Excellencys Letter of Yesterday, I propose to move what horse are fit for duty to the Newbridge to morrow, agreeable to your orders and shall endeavor to fulfill the duty reccommended therein.
“Whenever your Excellency will order us over, you will find the Cavalry ready to obey your Commands” (ALS, DLC:GW).