To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 12 September 1777
From Thomas Wharton, Jr.
In Council, Philada Septemr 12th 1777
Sir
Council have Strong apprehentions that General Howe may take the Shortest rohad to cross over the Schuylkill, call’d the Sweedes Ford; below this pass which is about 17 miles to the Northwest of this City, there is no ford equally good, or tollerably practicable.1
Some Cannon 12 pounders will be Sent thither, and orders were issued yesterday for great part of Militia of Philada & Bucks Counties to assemble at the Swedes ford & other places on the banks of that River. Measures are also taking to bring the Towns people to the like, and to watch the lower parts. Parties have been employed to Collect the Boats attend the removal of the Bridge and driveing off the Cattle.2
But these precautions ought not to be depended on. the want of Arms for the people at large, is great, and Seems remediless, many discouraged by present circumstances, will be backward, Whi[l]st others will act feebly.
In the mean time, Council V[i]ew the unguarded Condition of the works on the Delaware with Concern, as they are not provided with means to reinforce them. I am may it please your Excellency your Excllys Most Obedt & very Humble Servant
Tho. Wharton jun. Prest
P.S. An officer of character is wanted to head the Militia, on the schuylkill.
LS, PHi: Gratz Collection; Df, PHarH: Records of Pennsylvania’s Revolutionary Governments, 1775–90; Sprague transcript, DLC:GW. The postscript does not appear on the draft. The Sprague transcript is dated erroneously 7 September.
1. Swede’s Ford was located at present-day Norristown, Pa., about seven miles northwest of Germantown.
2. The Pennsylvania supreme executive council took these actions on 11 Sept. after learning that the American and British armies were engaged at the Brandywine and “the event doubtful” (, 11:301–2). The middle ferry bridge over the Schuylkill River was removed between 14 and 16 Sept. (see GW to John Armstrong, Sr., 14 Sept., and note 1, and Joseph Reed to GW, 16 Sept.).