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Original Document
Major Patrick Ferguson recalls his encounter with General George Washington during the Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777.

“[A] Rebell Officer remarkable by a Huzzar Dress passed towards our army within 100 yards of my right flank, not perceiving us- he was followed by another dressed in Dark Green or blue mounted on a very good bay horse with a remarkable large high cocked hat. I ordered three good shots to steal near them and fire at them but the idea disgusted me and I recalled them…. The Huzzar in returning made a circuit but the other passed within 100 yards of us upon which I advanced from the wood towards him, upon my calling he stopd but after looking at me proceeded. I again drew his attention, and made signs to him to stop leveling my piece at him, but he slowly continued his way. As I was within that distance at which in the quickest firing I have seldom missed a sheet of paper and could have lodged a half dozen of balls in or about him before he was out of my reach I had only to determine but it was not pleasant to fire at the back of an unoffending individual who was acquitting himself very coolly of his duty so I let him alone.”

Credit: McGuire, Thomas J. The Philadelphia Campaign: Brandywine and the Fall of Philadelphia. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2006. 299-301.
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