To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 2 July 1778
From Colonel Daniel Morgan
Middletown [N.J.] 2d [July]1 78 9 oclock
Sir
I came to this place early Yestorday Morning—the enemy had left it the night before—thair main body is encampd about three miles from the Town thair rear within a mile, we are in full vew of each other—I am and have been, ever since I come out, at a great Loss for light horse, having none onaxt [annexed] to me—Genl scott sent me a serjant and six, whose horses ware tierd and was Rather an encumbarance, as thay could scarcely Raise a gallop Major Jameson was here yesterday I applied to him for a few, he sent Capt. Harison—who staid with me about two hours, when Colo. Moylan sent for ⟨him⟩ and his party—Moyl⟨an⟩ certainly has reasons for so doing but sir you know that cavalry is the Eyes of the infantry—and without any, my situation must not be very pleasing being, in full Vew of the enemys whole army.2
my advance engaged thair rear yesterday thay reinforced and sent a colume on each flank we retreated to a hill this end of the town—thay retreated to thair own ground, a few ware killd—I had one slightly wounded—but had no horse till coronet Dorsy luckily come up.3 I am with esteem your most obedient and Hble servt
Danl Morgan
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Morgan wrote “June,” but the letter was docketed “2 July,” and the troop positions date the letter in July. GW’s aide-de-camp John Laurens reported Morgan’s intelligence in a letter of this date to his father, Henry Laurens (, 201).
2. GW’s aide Richard Kidder Meade replied to this letter on 3 July, informing Morgan: “His Excellency received your favor dated yesterday, & desires me to request that you will join this army immediately on your finding that you can no longer do them (the Enemy) injury. Should they be on the Hook, it is taken for granted that there is no annoying them, in which case you will march this way. You will be pleased to desire Colo. Gist to conduct himself in the same manner” (NN: Myers Collection).
3. Larkin Dorsey (1744–1822), formerly a cadet in Col. William Smallwood’s Maryland Regiment and a second lieutenant in the Baltimore Artillery Company, became a cornet in the 4th Continental Dragoons in January 1777. He resigned in September 1778.