Gentlemen: Having heard of your sufferings, your attachment to the cause of freedom, and your gallantry and address in action, I had formed to myself the pleasing idea of receiving in you a great and valuable acquisition to my force. Judge, then, of my disappointment, when I find you scattered about in parties, subjected to no orders, nor joining in any general plan to promote the public service. The recollections of your past achievements, and the prospects of future laurels, should prevent your acting in such a manner for a moment. You have gained a character; and why should you risk the loss of it for the most trifling gratifications?

You must know that, in your present situation, you can neither provide for your safety, nor assist me in annoying the enemy. Let me then entreat you, by the regard you have for your fame, and by your love to your country, to repair to my camp, and subject yourselves to order and discipline. I will ask you to encounter no dangers or difficulties, but what I shall participate in. Should it be thought advisable to form detachments, you may rely on being employed on that business, if it is more agreeable to your wishes; but it is absolutely necessary that your situation and movements should be known to me, so that I may be enabled to direct them in such a manner that they may tend to the advantage of the whole. I am, gentlemen, with every sentiment of regard, your obedient servant, Daniel Morgan.

Emphasizing the phrase “advisable to form detachments” and reserving the right to act independently when they chose to do so, Major Jackson’s men and a number of other Georgians heeded this call and reported to Morgan. Jackson’s men and others who were well mounted were ordered to serve under the commander in chief’s cousin Colonel William Washington, who had been twice wounded in previous engagements with Banastre Tarleton, but without having been involved in a victory. He was eager to prove himself capable in battle.