From Tench Tilghman to Alexander Scammell, 5 August 1781
Head Quarters 5th Augt 1781.
Dear Sir
His Excellency wants to make a reconnoitre upon the North River Road tomorrow—For which purpose he desires you will move down about five oClock in the morning with all your foot and Colo. sheldons Horse and Foot and possess the Roads leading into the North River Road—You will advance parties as far below Phillips’s, as you can with safety—You will request Colo. sheldon to leave an officer and 20 dragoons at Dobbs’s ferry as an Escort for the General, who will be there about 7 OClock. I am Yr most obt servt
T. Tilghman
A.D.C.
You need not go down if it should rain—The party will come up again in the afternoon—therefore taking provision with them is immaterial.
DLC: Papers of George Washington.