General George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell
May 7, 1778

To B. General MAXWELL,

Sir,

The detachment under your comd. is designed to answer the following purposes; become a security to this Camp, and the Country between the Schuylkill and Delaware; interrupt the communication with Philadelphia; obtain intelligence of the motion, and designs of the enemy; and, aided by the Militia, prevent small parties of the Enemy from patrolling, to cover the market people; whilst large Parties, especially if any attempt should be made on this side the Delaware to destroy the Vessels above Bristol, are to be harrassed [sic] as much as possible, till notice thereof can be communicated to me.

Our parties of foot and horse betwn. the Rivers, are to be under your commd. and to form part of your detachment; which had best not be stationary, that the enemy may be less able to comprehend the design, or take advantage of your situation which at all times, and in all places should be guarded against surprizes [sic]. On Monday se'nnight [sic] you are to return.

As great complaints have been made of the disorderly conduct of the Parties which have been sent towards the enemys [sic] lines, it is expected that you will be very attentive in preventing abuses of the like nature, and will enquire how far the complaints already made, are founded in justice.

You will make particular enquiry into, and obtain the most authentic testimony of the conduct of the British Troops towards the Militia under the comd. of Brigr. Genl. LACEY on the ... Instt. that if the facts alledged [sic] be true a proper representation of it may be made to the Comr. in Chief of the British Troops.

Given under my hand at Head Qrt^s
Valley Forge this 7^th day of May 1778.

G. WASHINGTON.