Period Quotes Concerning Riflemen's Duties

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DUTIES

"To Col. Morgan- Sir: The Corps of Rangers newly formed, and under your command, are to be considered as a body of Light Infantry, and are to act as such, for which reason they will be exempted from the common duties of the line.
At present you are to take post at Van Vechten's Bridge, and watch, with very small scouting parties (to avoid fatiguing your men too much under the present appearance of things), the enemy's left flank, and particularly the roads leading from Brunswick towards Millstone, Princeton, &c.
In case of any movement of the enemy, you are to instantly fall upon their flanks, and gall them as much as possible, taking special care not to be surrounded, or have your retreat to the army cut off.
I have sent for spears, which I expect shortly to receive and deliver to you, as a defence against horse. Till you are furnished with these, take care not to be caught in such a situation, as to give then any advantage over you. Given under my hand at head-quarters, Middlebrook, the 13th of June, 1777." George Washington. - James Graham, The Life of General Daniel Morgan, Derby & Jackson, New York. 1856.