Your Very Humble Servant,
Malcolm Morrison.
Mr. Ludington waits for an answer.
N.B. Gentlemen, enclosed you have the commission.
This extraordinarily naïve and unconventional letter was received on March 9, apparently being borne by Major Ludington himself as messenger. It was favorably acted upon, and the next day, March 10, Ludington was made first major of the regiment in Morrison’s place. At this time the companies were not yet filled, and the regiment was small. But recruiting went on rapidly, so that by the first of May, 1776, the regiment was actually too large. Accordingly on May 6 the Committee of Dutchess County took action for the formation of another regiment in that part of the county, as reported in the following letter to the Provincial Congress:
Sir:—It having been represented to the General Committee of this County, that the Southern Regiment of Militia was too large and extensive, containing 12 companies and covering a space of country upwards of 30 miles in length, we have, therefore, not only because in other respects it was expedient, but also in compliance with the Resolution of Congress prohibiting a Regiment to consist of more than 10 Companies, divided it, and instead of one have formed the Militia in that quarter into 2 regiments, together with a list of persons nominated for Field Officers. As this part of our Militia will remain unregimented till the Officers receive their Commissions, we must request that the Commissions be made out as soon as possible and sent to the Committee in Rombout’s Precinct with directions to forward them to the Officers immediately.
I remain, by order of the Committee,
Your very humble servant,
Egbert Benson Chairman.