George Washington Papers

General Orders, 8 October 1780

General Orders

Head Quarters Paramus [N.J.] Sunday October 8th 1780

Parole Tadmor Countersigns O: S.
Watchword Look about.

[Officers] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Huntington[,] Lieutenant Colonels Peters [and] Hull[,] Brigade Major Darby.

If the weather is fair tomorrow the Army will march. the order for marching the same as yesterday.1

An officer from each brigade to be sent back this afternoon on the road the Army marched to pick up stragglers and see that the Waggons which may be left in the rear are brought on.

Half the Pioneers and a company of Artificers are to parade as soon as possible near General Glover’s quarters—An officer from each division will take charge of them, a serjeant from each brigade for this duty—Colonel Tupper is requested to take the directions of the whole and see that they repair the road between this and Totowa bridge.

The officers commanding regiments are desired to see that their mens Cartridge boxes and ammunition are dried this afternoon.2

After Orders

the first Pennsylvania brigade will lead the column to morrow—The light Infantry will march about one mile in the rear.

A General court martial to sit at Westpoint on Monday the 23d Instant for the Trial of Colonel Sheldon of the second regiment of light dragoon. Colonel Hazen will preside—Lieutenant Colonel Temple—Major Wyllys—two Captains from the second regiment of light dragoons[—] three Captains from the fourth—and five Captains from the brigades of Infantry in the Highlands are appointed Members.

All Witnesses and persons concerned will attend.3

Varick transcript, DLC:GW.

2Lt. William S. Pennington of the 2d Continental Artillery Regiment wrote in his diary entry for this date: “The Army remained on their ground this day to dry their tents, and are to resume their march to-morrow morning, 9 o’clock” (Pennington, “Diary,” description begins A. C. M. Pennington, contributor. “Diary of William S. Pennington, of New Jersey, 1780–1781.” Journal of the Military Service Institution of the United States 4 (1883): 314–29. description ends 322).

3For Col. Elisha Sheldon’s acquittal, see General Orders, 31 Oct.; see also Benjamin Tallmadge to GW, 23 Oct., n.2.

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