Title: To George Washington from Joseph Carleton, 17 March 1781
From: Carleton, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     War Office March 17th 1781

                  I am directed to enclose for your Excellencys consideration the within papers from the British prisoners of War under confinement in this City.  I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys most Obed  Hbl. Servt

                     Jos. Carleton Secy

                Enclosure

                        Philladelphia New Prison 14 March 1781

                     The Humble Petetion of they British Prisoners at Philladelphia To Your Excellency
                     Most humbly sheweth, & sets forth, our unhappy sittuation, which at this present is deploreable, having a Very brief sickness and deadly fever Arangeing amongest us, which in a Very few days illness, has Carried Off, A many bold, & youthfull, active, Soldier.  Also the Case is Miserable, being in want of Necessaries, Clothing, Blanketing, &c. for want of such, the General part of us, Are much distressd and almost Naked.
                     The surgeon, who visits the Hospital, behaves Very attentively, he being a gentleman of this Town, exerts his utmost duty towards the Sick—Several applications has been made, to New York to Officers there, but has never been Answered in Any measure, for Clothing &c. &c. nor, supply has been Answered, so; that we, look upon our selves to be Entirely forgot, which makes our Case the more Unhappy—There are some Soldiers here, has been Captured, betwen four, & five years and have not Received any Subsistance,  This we deschribe, our selves Unto your Excellency—hoping not to Offend, nor wish your displeasure.
                     We Conclude your Excellency’s—Most Faithfull, Humble, and Obedient Servants at Command, bold British Soldiers Prisoners of War.

                Enclosure

                        New Prison 17 March 1781

                     To the Honourable the Board of War, at Philladelphia 17th March 1781
                     The Humble Petition of the British prisoners—Most humbly Sheweth unto the Honourable Board—The Necessity of Our application, for a Serjeant, to be granted Permission on Parole, to New York; to Solliciting Our Commander in Chief for Clothing, Necessaries, Blanqueting, Subsistance.
                     As they whole of us here are much distrest and in a most Miserable situation, & Afflicted with Sickness—With Humility and Obesience We combine and address our selves, to The Honourable Board; for a Serjeant to be permitted on Parole, to Convey a Letter to our Commander in Chief, such Serjeant, having Permission, & Limmitted Time, to Receive Clothing &c. &c. as may be Committed to his care.  Shall Depose upon Oath; to be have as Becometh Him Faithfully, and Honourably Return according to His Permitted Time of Such Parole.  I have the Honour to be with due Respects, the subschriber yours Most humble & Obedient Servant

                        Serjeant Thomas Quartermon


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 March 1781
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Camp at the Iron Works, 10 Miles from Gilford Court House March 17th, 1781

                  Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter sent to the President of Congress giving an account of an Action with the British Army at Gilford Court House.  The honor of the Day terminated in favor of the Enemy, but their loss being infinitely greater than ours, I trust the event will ultimately prove advantageous to us.
                  I hope the reasons which urged me to the risque of a general action, will meet with your Excellencys approbation.  I have the honor to be with great respect and esteem, Your Excellencys most obt & mo. hble servt

                     Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 17 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

                     Dear Sir
                     Hartford 17th March 1781

                  It would have afforded me the greatest pleasure, had I been able to have extended my late visit to Newport as far as Boston, but the important operations, which may be expected to the southward, made it necessary for me to return as soon as possible to the North River, that I might be more immediately in the way of receiving intelligence, and communicating any, which might be essential to the common interest, to the Count de Rochambeau.
                  The present is a most important moment--The success of the expedition, now in agitation, seems to depend upon the naval superiority, and the force of the two Fleets is so nearly equal, that we must rather hope for than entertain an assurance of Victory.  The attempt, however, made by our Allies to dislodge the enemy in Virginia is certainly a bold one, and should it fail, will nevertheless intitle them to the thanks of the public.
                  The Army under my immediate commd is so much weakened by the detachment which I have made to co operate with the French Troops in Virginia, that I have been under the necessity of calling for the Recruits which are raised in the neighbouring States—Few have yet come in, and I plainly perceive, that unless very vigorous exertions are made, the quotas of the several States will be not only short but exceedingly late in the feild.  I must therefore intreat the interferance of your Excellency’s Countenance and Authority with the persons in the different  Townships, whose business it may be to procure the Levies, not only to send forward those, to the places of rendezvous, which have been raised, but to attend to compleating the deficiencies where any may have happened.  There is the greater necessity for a strict compliance with the number of Men required by Congress, as the pennsylvania line, which was to have composed part of the Northern Army, has lately been ordered to the Southward.
                  A regular and full compliance with the specific requisitions of provision is a matter of equal importance with the foregoing and to which I beg leave to call your Excellency’s attention also.  I have the honor to be with most perfect Respect and Esteem Yr Excellencys most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 18 March 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Newport March the 18th 1781

                  I have the honor to send to your Excellency the Letter which I write to Sir Henry Clinton, by the Chevalier Destouches’s desires, and I beg of your Excellency to send it to him, as quickly as possible, as our frigate and our Transports remaining here are in an absolute want of seamen, which is the reason that the Frigate La Gentille did not along with the other ships.
                  Mr Hancock has desired Mr De La Perouse to ask me, what succours either in men or ships, we could give the State of Boston, in case they should attempt an Expedition against Penobscot.  I caused answer to be made to him, that in our actual state, I could only wait for the return of the Southern expedition and wait afterwards for Your Excellency’s orders for the Ensuing operations.
                  The Captain of a Ship that set sail on the 10th instant from Eddington, in North Carolina, certifies his having seen on the 8th a gentleman of character that was just arriving from Halifax and who said that General Greene’s army amounted to eighteen thousand men and had surrounded Lord Cornwallis at Hillsboro’, that same Captain certifies that Arnold is very much perplexed at Portsmouth, and that it is said that he has always two pistols loaded on his Table, swearing that he shall not be taken alive.  As the Captain sailed at a distance from the coast, for the sake of the South-West wind, he has not Seen or heard of any of the fleets.  I am with respect and personal attachment Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant
                  le cte de rochambeau

                     P.S.  I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 16th dated at Lebanon.  I can assure your Excellency that if you was pleased with this Little army of yours, every member of it, down to the meanest soldier, was charmed to see your Excellency.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1781
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Richmond, Mar. 19th 1781.

                  I have the honor of enclosing your Excellency a copy of a letter from Genl Greene with some other intelligence received, not doubting your anxiety to know the movements in the South.  I find we have deceived ourselves not a little by counting on the whole numbers of militia which have been in motion as if they had all remained with Genl Greene, when in fact they seem only to have visited & quitted him.  The Marquis Fayette arrived at York on the 15th his troops still remained at the head of the bay till the appearance of some force which should render their passage down safe.  I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest esteem & respect, Your Excellencys Most obedt & most hble Servt

                     Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Abner Nash, 19 March 1781
From: Nash, Abner
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Camp at the Iron Works March 19, 1781

                  I am just arrived at Genl Greene’s camp; and an  Express being setting off I just take this oppertunity of acknowledging the receipt of Your Excellency’s favr dated the 23 Jany, which I received on my way here.  Genl Greene will no doubt give Your Excellency the particulars of the action of the 15th.  I have the pleasure to be told by him that though he lost the ground, he disabled the enemy from further injuring this state for the present.  I left Wilmington about 10 days ago, where the enemy have a post; their strength 500.  Our militia keep them close in town.  We have at length an act of the Assembly passed for filling up our battallions, which I hope will have the desired effect in a few weeks.  With the highest esteem, I am Yr Excellency’s most obedt servt

                     A. Nash


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de Vioménil, 19 March 1781
From: Vioménil, Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de
To: Washington, George

                     Monsieur
                     a Bord du duc de Bourgogne Le l9 mars 1781. a 30 lieues dans le Sud des Caps de la Delawar

                  Votre Excellence verra par la Lettre et le détail que M. Destouches a lhonneur de lui adresser les Evenements qui nous ont empêché d’Entrer dans la Baye de Chesapeak; C’est avec bien du regret que nous retournons a Newport sans avoir rempli l’objét que votre Excellence nous avoit prescrit.  Nous serons peut etre plus heureux dans un autre moment.  M Destouches a manoeuvré et servi le Roi et la cause de l’Amérique dans la Journée du 16 avec une distinction qui doit lui faire le plus grand honneur et lui assurer l’Estime de nos Ennemis.  Il a été parfaitement secondé par tous les capitaines et officiers de son Escadre.  Nos Troupes de Terre ont mérité son intérêt.  Je puis assurer votre Excellence que nous nous trouvons tous bien malheureux d’Etre obligé de renoncer par raison a une Expedition qui pouvoit influer aussi essentiellement sur les affaires de l’Amérique.  Je ne dis rien a votre Excellence de ma peine particulière il lui sera facile de l’imaginer et je la suplie de croire que je ne me consolerai jamais d’avoir manqué cette occasion de meriter son Estime et son interêt.
                  Je Suis avec le plus profond respect de Votre Excellence Le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

                     Vioménil

                     P.S. Je Supplie votre Excellence de vouloir bien faire passer a M. Le Comte de Rochambeau La dépêche ci-jointe.
                     J’ai l’honneur de prevenir votre Excellence que J’ai instruit M. de la fayette par la voie de Philadelphie des motifs de notre retour a Newport


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 19 March 1781
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Philadelphia 19th March 1781

                  I was honored, & much Obliged by yours of the 26th Ultimo, & had the most flattering prospects of being able to march a decent Detatchment to co-operate with the Marquis, but the same supiness & torpidity that pervades most of our civel Councils, has prevented any part of the troops from moving, the executive council not having complied with their engagements, or made any essay towards it until within these few days—however I yet hope that in the course of three weeks, we may have from 1000 to 12 or 1500 men in motion, which might have much better taken place on the 15th Instant than at any other period.
                  I have been knocking at every door from the Council up to Congress to little purpose—they all present me that Gorgon head—an emty treasury.
                  Inclosed you will see one more effort—I don’t know what effect it may have—I hope a good one, about 3000 pair of Overalls, an equal number of shirts & shoes & 600 uniform Coats & waistcoats would enable us to move a respectable re enforcement, the overalls are nearly ready, so are the shirts & about 1500 pair of shoes, the coats are making up, but will not be complete in less than ten days.
                  Arms Accoutrements & Camp equipage I have taken care to secure sufficient for about 2000 men, these I shall direct to be properly distributed previous to my departure, (without the troops), should that be the Decision of Congress.
                  Colo. Harrison will be able to give you a minute account of matters, I can only assure your Excellency that I entertain a just sense of the many Obligations you have confered upon me, & that in every vicissitude of fortune I shall be happy & ready to serve you with the best service of your Excellency’s Most Obt & Affectionate Huml. Sert

                     Anty Wayne

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Phila. 19th March 1781

                     I have the honor of Inclosing you the Orders of His Excelly Genl Washington, and letters that have passed between the Marquis Lafayette & myself on that subject, & the Object of his Detatchment—I experience much anxiety on the Occation, as I have the strongest ground to believe that the Commander in chief intended that I should be present in case of an Operation—at the same time expected that a part of the Pennsa Line would have joined that Detatchment.
                     this was rendered impracticable by the periods fixed for settlement with the respective Regiments (and the worst of all evils in War) an exhausted treasury, which has prevented the executive Council of this State from furnishing the Soldiery with a little money & necessary Clothing, which should have been complied with on the 15th of this Instant agreeable to promise, & altho’ I have Collected a sufficiency of Arms & Accoutrements, & procured tents & other Camp equipage for all the retained troops, we cannot put even those in motion that have been settled with except about 80 men in a Regiment, for the reasons already mentioned.
                     I am therefore necessitated to request your Excelly to lay these facts before the Honble Congress, that they may adopt some mode to facilitate the advance of the troops.
                     I feel my situation delicate—duty & Inclination, places me at the point of Operation—adverse and intervening circumstances keeps me at a Distance, may I hope for the Immediate Advice & Directions of Congress on the Occation.  Interim permit me to Assure your Excelly of the best services of Your Most Obt & very Huml. Sert

                        Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 21 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de

                     New Windsor Mar. 21st 1781

                  I arrived, my dear Chevalr, at these my Quarters in the fore noon of yesterday; after passing over very bad roads & riding thro very foul weather without any damage—I must again give vent to that sensibility wch your goodness has impressed me with—and again thank you for all those civilities which your politeness heaped up on me at Rhode Island—I shall be greateful for them—& shall wish for oppertunities to prove the sincerity of these professions.
                  G. Britain is at War with the Dutch—the Manifesto & declaration of that Court I have done myself the honr to transmit to the Count de Rochambeau.  We have it by report that Adml Des Touches is safe arrived in Hampton Road.  A number of Militia under the command of Baron de Steuben were hovering round Arnold, ready to co-operate with Genl Viominel & the Marqs de la fayette in the moment of their debarkation—the latter of whom had advanced his detachment to Annapolis to receive more readily the protection & Convoy of the Frigates of Monsr Destouches.
                  General Greene by my last Accts was gathering strength—Ld Cornwallis was retreating but the object of his retrograde movement was uncertain—a little time must discover it.
                  Will you do me the favor to present my respects to Genl Viominel & those Gentn to whom I am indebted for unbounded civilities; & do me the justice to believe that with sentimts of purest regard & the warmest personal attachment—I have the honr to be Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 21 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                     My dear Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 21st March 1781

                  I returned the last Evening from Newport to which place I had been upon a visit to the Count de Rochambeau.  I have, since my last of the 28th of Feby, received yours of the 9th 15th and 28th of the same month—the last releived me from much anxiety by informing me that you had saved all your Baggage—Artillery and Stores notwithstanding the hot pursuit of the Enemy and that you in turn were following them—I most sincerily hope your reinforcements may be such as will enable you to prevent their taking a post in the upper Country, and hinder the disaffected from joining them—You may be assured that your Retreat before Lord Cornwallis is highly applauded by all Ranks and reflects much honor on your military Abilities.
                  In my last I informed you of the detachment which had marched towards the Chesapeak under the command of the Marquis.  I at that time expected that only a detachment of the French Fleet would have gone round, but the Admiral and General afterwards determined upon sending the whole with a detachment of between eleven and twelve hundred Grenadiers and Light Infantry—They sailed the 8th in the Evening from Newport—The British from Gardiners Bay the 10th in the Morning.  Much will depend upon which Fleet reaches the Chesapeak Bay first—A reinforcement either for Lord Cornwallis or Arnold sailed from New York the 13th their numbers said to be about 1500.
                  From what I saw and learned while at the Eastward I am convinced the Levies will be late in the Feild and I fear very deficient of the requisition—My regard for the public good and my inclination to promote your Success will prompt me to give every assistance and to make every diversion in your favor, but what can I do if I am not furnished with the means?  I most anxiously await the event of the present operation in Virginia.  If attended with Success it may have the happiest influence upon our southern affairs by leaving the force of Virginia free to act—For while there is an Enemy in the heart of a Country you can neither expect Men or supplies from it in that full and regular manner in which they ought to be given.
                  I had promised myself the pleasure of paying Mrs Greene a visit at Coventry—But the important intelligences which might be every moment expected from the southward determined me not to go a Mile out of the line of communication.
                  Great Britain has made herself another enemy by a declaration of War against Holland.  This has been announced in form in the New York Papers.  With the sincerest Esteem I am My dear Sir Yr most obt and hble Servt

                     Majr Genl Greene


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 21 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 21st March 1781.

                  I returned to this place yesterday at Noon.  I did not prosecute my intention of visiting Springfield, as I wished not to be out of the line of communication from the Southward, on account of the important intelligences which may be hourly expected from that quarter.
                  Give me leave sincerely to congratulate Your Excellency and Congress upon the completion of the Confederation of the United States—An event long wished for—which I hope will have the happiest effects upon the politics of this Country, and which will be of essential service to our cause in Europe.  I have the honor to be with the highest Respect Yr Excellency’s Most obt and hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 21 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 21st-22 March 1781.

                  I arrived at this place yesterday at Noon.  Upon my return I found intelligence contradicting that which I gave your Excellency from Hartford.  The British Transports, I suppose, had made some change of disposition, which gave rise to the report of their having sailed and returned again to New York.  I believe it may now be depended on that they sailed from the Hook the 13th instant.  I am in hourly and anxious expectation of news from the Chesapeak, which, the moment it arrives, shall be communicated.
                  I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency a New York paper, in which you will find a formal declaration of War on the part of Great Britain against the States of Holland.  I do not know what effect this may have upon the politics of Europe, but I think the other Neutral powers are bound to stand by the States, as one of the causes of War urged by Great Britain is their having acceded to the Armed Neutrality.  I have the honor to be with the most perfect consideration and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obt and hble Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  22d  Your Excellency’s favor of the 18th came to hand last Evening.  The letters for the Chevr de la Luzerne and for Sir Henry Clinton, which were inclosed, have been immediately forwarded.
                     The accounts brought by the Edentown Capt. are exaggerated.  General Greene had received considerable reinforcements, but not equal to the Captain’s report—It was yet uncertain whether Lord Cornwallis meant to return to south Carolina, or take a post in North.
                     The answer given by your Excellency to Governor Hancock was, in my opinion the proper one—Should circumstances render it inexpedient to undertake any operation of more importance, perhaps we may hereafter find an opportunity of striking the small detachment the Enemy have at Penobscot.
                     I have this moment received letters from the Marquis de la Fayette dated at York in Virginia the 15th.  Neither Fleet had then reached the Chesapeak.

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 21st 1781

                  I have not had it in my power, untill the present moment, to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors of the 18th and 23d of Febry & 1st Inst. which were forwarded to me, while on my Journey to Rhode Island, from whence I returned Yesterday.
                  Since the Enemy have turned so much of their attention to the Southern States, the situation of our affairs in them, has become extremely interesting & important—I thank you therefore sincerely for the frequent and accurate communications you have made.  I am sensible, My Dear Baron Your zeal, activity & ability have been conspicuous on every occasion, but in no instance have you displayed a greater share of each, than in organising the Troops, arranging the Military affairs of Virginia, forwarding the succours to Genl Greene, and making the necessary preparations with so much celerity & judgment, for co-operating in an attack on the Post of Portsmouth.  This is an Enterprize of the highest moment to the United States, & I cannot but flatter myself, from the combined force employed on it, & the harmony of the several parts, that we, shall soon hear the most agreeable intelligence from that quarter.  I am, Dear Baron, With very great esteem & regard &c.


Title: To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 21 March 1781
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Yellow Springs March 21st 1781

                  The Satisfaction I felt on finding your Excellency Approve of my Conduct, during the Unhappy Affair of the Pennsylvania Line, is hardly to be Exprest.  Be Assurd sir, the greatest wish of my Heart since I enter’d the Army, has been to prove myself Worthy the Attention And Confidance of my General.
                  I have been at this Post for Ten days past, where the Auditors of Accounts are settling with my Regiment, I am unhappy to find but few Men come in for Settlement; A Consciousness of Guilt prevents it.  As at the time they Swore off, I Inform’d them, that when my Inlistments Came to hand, I should Certainly take up every Man, who I found legally, And properly Inlisted for the War.  A few under these Circumstances have Appear’d, and upon my laying their Situation before them, And the Necessity I was Under of making good my promise, they have taken the New Bounty, and reinlisted.
                  I Cannot bear the Idea the Council of the State Possess, that however Unlawfully they gain’d their discharges, And under every Circumstance, these Men should be at Liberty to Act as they please; I much fear the Example would be of the most dangerous Consequence, and am determin’d as far as in my power to put in Execution the Engagement I made in behalf of the Army, And State, and which they so fairly Agreed to.
                  It would make me Happy, Could I Inform Your Excellency that the recruiting Service went on with rapidity.  The late Law brought to our Regiments a very few Men; the Classes in general, rather than give themselves much trouble to procure Soldiers, paid in their Fines of fifteen Pounds.  And the Want of money Occasions the mode of Voluntary Inlistments, being very much Contracted.
                  We have been Urging the Members of our Legislature,Speedily to pass an Effectual Act to bring men into the Field, and put it out of the power of the different Classes to Excuse themselves by paying a Small Sum.  The one pass’d in Conecticut, we have held up to them; And they Assure us, as soon as the last has fully Operated, by bringing in all the fines, (wch may be Expected by the 1st of April) they will with Industry Attend to a Second.
                  Our Regiments are yet but very small, mine Consists of 18 Serjts 12 Drum & fifes, And 118 Rank And file, the fifth is more Compleat, It and the Ninth being Join’d together, and Comeing late for Settlement, they were enabled to retain a good many men. it Consists of between 250 And 300 rank And file.  The others are in General from 100 to 200 Men Strong.
                  I have great hopes as the Warm Weather Approaches, and on the next Laws passing, we shall compleat with more Expectation; Tomorrow I remove my Regiment from this Out of the Way, and Uncomfortable Position to Downings Town, on the Lancaster Road.

                     Since I came to Philada I have Bid attention to a young Lady of Extensive Accomplishments, and a disposition form’d for Happiness; Our Attatchment to each other I flatter myself is Mutual, and Miss Meclanaghan is to make me Happy, the beginning of next Month.  I beg Your Excellency will Excuse my troubling You on a Subject which is relative only to myself.  I do it in Order to Assure You, that I have not the most distant thoughts of leaving the Army, And that my Duty to my Country; & Regiment, (by my taking this Step) shall not be in the least Abated.  Tis not the Wish of the Lady, And tis far from being the desire of her Father.
                  Confidant of the Hurry of business Your Excellency has always before You; I should not trouble You by Writing, If I thought my letter Would be Attended with Answers.  I think it my Duty from time to time, to let Your Excellency know how things go on with my Regiment in particular, And  on in the State, relative to the Army, which Come under my Notice.  It will always make me Happy the doing it, when I know it is not Attended with any trouble to Your Excellency.  I have the Honor to be with sincere regard And Esteem, Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt Huble servant

                     Walter Stewart


Title: General Orders, 22 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                      Thursday March 22d 1781
                     Parole
                     Countersigns

                  The Commander in Chief having returned from Rhode Island and resumed the Command of the Army Approves the orders issued by Major General Heath and thanks him for his great attention to the security of the Posts entrusted to his care.
                  The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to make the following appointment
                  In Congress January 8th 1781
                  "Congress proceeded to the election of an Adjutant General and the Ballots being taken Brigadier General Hand was elected."
                  He is to be respected and obeyed accordingly.
                  Colonel Scammell late Adjutant General whose resignation had been previously accepted having been relieved by Brigadier General Hand in the absence of the General he cannot suffer him to retire from an office in which he has distinguished himself so meritoriously without expressing an entire approbation of his conduct and requesting him to accept the thanks to which he is justly entitled.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 22 March 1781
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Albany 22d March 1781

                  Robert Morris Esqr. late Chief Justice of the State of New Jersey has requested my Consent for him to have an Interview on the Lines with Laurence Kortright, John DeLancey and John Zobricski for the Purpose of receiving Information respecting the Title of some Lands in this State—the two former are Subjects of this, the latter of the State of New Jersey—If your Excellency can consistently grant Permission I shall have no Objection and it will much oblige Mr Morris—he would I believe prefer Elizabeth Town for this Interview and as I am uncertain how far it would be consistent with the Laws of this State for Kortright & Delancey to come within our Jurisdiction I should also wish that some Place in Jersey might be appointed for this Business.  I am with the most perfect Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

                     Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Catharine Littlefield Greene Miller, 22 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Miller, Catharine Littlefield Greene

                     Dear Madm
                     New Windsor Mar. 22d 1781.

                  My last, written in an hour of haste from Providence would inform you of my disappointment in not havg the please of seeing you in the course of my trip to R Island—Since my arrival at this place I have received a letter from Genl Greene of the 28th Feby (with the inclosed to you) informing me that Lord Cornwallis was retreating & that he was advancing; but the end & design of the Retrograde movement of the enemy was not, at that time, sufficiently unfolded.
                  I have also been hond with your favor of the 26th of Feby & find by the letter to Mrs Washington that you have it in contemplation to make a journey to the Southward.  I can neither advise you to, nor disswade you from the measure, because the true footing (if you will allow me the freedom to say so) upon which the journey should depend is, in my opinion, the encouragement given to it by Genl Greene; who having a view of all circumstances  before him, can alone determine the propriety of it.  Mrs Washington is not yet returned from albany—or she would, I am sure, salute you with as much warmth & cordiality as does Dr Madam Yr most Obedt Servt

                     Go: W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 22 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Thomas Sim

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 22d March 1781

                  Your Excellency’s favor of the 18th ulto came to Head Quarters during my visit to Count de Rochambeau at Newport from whence I only returned two days ago.  You may be assured that every attention shall be paid to the Exchange of Colo. Marbury in his due turn, more than that I cannot promise without deviating from a Rule of conduct which I myself had ever observed and which has lately been confirmed by an order of Congress—I have however the pleasure to learn that Colo. Marbury is admitted to parole and as he is, I beleive, the oldest Officer of his Rank unexchanged, I hope his final release will ere long be accomplished.  I do not know what Officers were taken at King’s Mountain or in any part of the southern Quarter, but should a general exchange take place due consideration will be had to the remaining prisoners at New York.  I am with very great Respect and Esteem Yr &c.


Title: To George Washington from Gamaliel Dwight Lyman, 22 March 1781
From: Lyman, Gamaliel Dwight
To: Washington, George

                     Sr
                     Fairfield March 22, 1781

                  By Particular information an Expedition is formed against the Eastern part of the state of Massachuts Bay consisting of Two Thousand Refugees & Fifteen Hundred British Troops which has been laid before Sr Henry Clinton & by him forwarded to the King the answer is expected daily; and the Troops expect to embark and keep Possession of that part of America—and as Casio Bay is the Object, Your Excellency will take the Information as You please.
                  I must beg Your Excellencys attention to my Particular Situation one moment as I served in the British army before this war commenced and by Your Excellencys Indulgence when Prisr of War was released am now out of the British Lines & shall esteem it a favr to receive & obey Your Orders.
                  Should any Vacancy in the Army happen which I am fit for under Your Command Your Excellencys Recommendation will confer an Obligation on Your Excellencys most obedient Humble Servant

                     Gam. D. Lyman


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Moylan, 22 March 1781
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Lancaster 22d March 1781

                  Major Bull arrived here last week and Major Fauntleroy a few days after him, the former says a Letter he forwarded from your Excellency containd orders for Major Fauntleroy to join the first Regiment, it did not reach his hands and he is averse to leave the Regiment in which he holds his Commission, as one part of the reason why Major Bull prefferd the 4th to the 1st does not longer exist, perhaps it may be indifferent to which Regt he is annext—both now composeing a part of the Southeren Army.
                  we get Some men, but no prospect of horses or Accountrements yet in view, Congress have resolved that they shall be got, and there it rests I will return to Philadelphia to morrow, and if my public duty will not prevent it, propose bringing Mrs Moylan from Jersey to this place, where I shall be happy in receiveing your Excellencys Commands.
                  My brother James has sent you a Case of Claret which I deliverd to the D.Q.M.G. to be forwarded—he prayd your Excellency woud pardon the Liberty, and accept of it, as a small mark of the veneration he has for your exalted Character these Sir are his words, which I know to be correspondant to his Sentiments, a report prevails here that the two fleets were in Sight of each other on tuesday last off the Capes of Virginia I do not credit it, as I think it impossible for the account to reach this in So short a time.  I have the honor to be Dear sir Your most Obliged H. St

                     Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 22 March 1781
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     War Office March 22d 1781

                  We have the Honour to enclose a Plan for the Alteration of the Provision Departments for your Excellency’s Consideration & Opinion.  The Reasons inducing the Alterations appear in the Plan.  The Change will be considerable as will be the Business thrown upon the Quarter Master General which however he thinks he can accomplish.  The first you will perceive is upon a less extensive Scale than the last & is the one we thought of recommending in the first Instance.  All Changes are not Reformations & great Caution should be used in making them especially at the Opening of a Campaign.  But as ours is become a War of Finance as well as of military Operations & we are distressed to the last Degree on the Score of Money we were induced from Principles of Oconomy to endeavour at lessening the Charges of carrying on these Departments which from some late Estimates appear enormous.  The Sallaries of the Issuing Commissaries alone will amount to two hundred thousand Specie Dollars ⅌ Annum beside Rations Forage &c.  Yet the necessary Services of the War must go on & Oconomy must be a leading but not the sole Consideration.  We shall be happy in having your Answer & Opinion so soon as convenient; because if the Plan is either to be adopted modified or rejected the sooner it is determined the better.  We have the Honour to be with the highest Respect & Esteem your very obedt Servants

                     Richard Peters
                     By Order

                Enclosure

                           c.22 March 1781

                     From the change the present mode of procuring supplies of provisions has produced it appears to the Board that the department of Commissary General of purchases is unnecessary the Business being so much reduced as in our Opinion to be capable of being executed by the Quarter Master General with very little additional Trouble to himself or expence to the public to that now incurred in his department.  It seems too naturally to fall within his line of duty as the receiving and storing the provisions procured by the States (the only channel thro which they are now obtained) are by the Resolution of the 15th July and 30th November last directed to be done by him his deputies and Storekeepers.  The transportation of the provisions also wholly depending upon him renders it both necessary and convenient that he be constantly informed of the exact state of supplies and the wants of the Army to which his Measures for transportation may from time to time be accomodated The issuing of Provisions at fixed posts may in our Opinion be performed by the Officers in the Quarter Masters Department as at almost every post there are Assistant Quarter Masters and Store keepers who in some Instances with very little Trouble and in general without any additional Expences deliver out the provisions whereby the Salaries and other expences of a double set of Officers will be saved With the Army and its detachments issuing Commissaries will probably be necessary—The duty of Commissaries of Prisoners may also be done by the deputy Quarters Masters and their Assistants as this duty is at most posts merely temporary and whereas it is constant there is not much Business to do—The Board are induced to propose these Measures from their desire of saving the Expence of such a Cloud of Officers as are now employed to do the Business herein proposed.  They are not convinced from Experience of the Utility of having a double or treble set of Officers as Checks upon each other.  If Men are honest they do not want them if they are not scarcely any system is so constructed as not to be eluded and in this Case an Encrease of Officers would be only an encrease of Plunderers—It is for the above reasons therefore submitted to Congress.
                     That the department of Commissary General of purchases be abolished and that the Quarter Master General be authorized and directed to carry into execution the Resolutions of Congress made for the Regulation of that department.That there be no issuing Commissaries at fixed posts but their duty shall be performed agreeable to the regulations of the issuing department by the deputy and Assistant Quarter Masters at such posts who also act as Commissaries of Prisoners whenever there is a necessity for so doing by the Arrival of prisoners at their posts.That duplicate monthly Returns be regularly made by the Assistant Quarter Masters at posts of all Issues of Provisions and sent to the deputy of the State who shall transmit one Copy of such Returns together with Returns of all provisions issued by him to the Commissary General of Issues and the other to the Board of War every three months.That duplicate Returns of all Prisoners of War shall also be made monthly and transmitted to the respective State deputies by their several Assistants one whereof together with Returns of any prisoners under his immediate Care shall be sent to the Commissary General of prisoners and the other to the Board of War every three Months.That in case it be found necessary at any time to make purchases of provisions beyond those to be furnished by the respective States the same to be made by the Commissary General of Issues under the special Orders of Congress Commander in chief or Board of War.That in all matters within the lines of their respective departments the deputy and Assistant Quarter Masters shall take the directions of the Commissary General of Issues and Commissary General of Prisoners.That all issuing Commissaries and persons employed by them and all Commissaries of Prisoners at any fixed posts be no longer considered in the Service of the United States.That all provisions now in the Care of the issuing Commissaries at fixed posts be delivered over to the deputy or Assistant Quarter Master at those posts.That no additional Salaries be given to the deputy or Assistant Quarter Masters for any Services done under the foregoing Resolutions but if any additional Clerks shall be found necessary at any posts where the Business is sufficiently extensive to require them they shall be employed with the Approbation of the Board of War.The Board conceived that the foregoing plan might be easily carried into Execution and save a very considerable Expence to the United States On conversing with the Quarter Master General he is of Opinion that with a Superintendant of provisions under his directions he could carry on the Business both of the issuing and purchasing departments and therefore the Board lay before Congress a plan agreeable to this Idea that they may be pleased to consider of the matter in every point of View.
                     Resolved
                     That the departments of the Commissary General of purchases and Commissary General of Issues be abolished.
                     That the powers and duties of those departments devolve on the department of the Quarter Master General who shall give to his deputies Assistants and Storekeepers the necessary Instructions accordingly.
                     That the Regulations heretofore made respecting the Commissaries departments be observed so far as the same will now apply.
                     That for the Assistance of the Quarter Master General he be authorized to appoint with the Approbation of the Board of War and Commander in chief a person qualified for the Office of Superintendant of provisions who shall always reside with the main Army and be subject to his Orders.
                     That the Superintendants duty shall be to take the immediate direction and oversight of all persons employed in the provision department from time to time to ascertain the usual consumption of provisions to inform the State Agents of the quantities they must respectively furnish to keep up a regular supply to collect from the Storekeepers monthly and oftener when necessary Returns of all provisions received and delivered and remaining on hand to keep correct Registers and Accounts of his transactions and of all matters respecting provisions—weekly and oftener if necessary to lay before the Quarter Master General a summary State of the information they contain and generally to devise such measures as shall most effectually tend to insure to the Army a full and regular supply of all provisions and a just and oeconomical distribution of them.
                     That the Quarter Master General with the Approbation of the Board of War appoint a deputy superintendant of provisions for the Southern Army—whose duty with respect to that Army shall be the same as that of the Superintendant with the main Army.
                     That Returns of all provisions in Stores and of all Issues be regularly transmitted by the Superintendants of Provisions countersigned by the Quarter Master General every two Months to the Board of War who are hereby authorized and directed in case of failure in this Respect to remove the delinquent Superintendant from his Office.
                     That the Quarter Master General with the Concurrence and Approbation of the Commander in chief be authorized to form temporary Regulations for the issuing of provisions and providing for any Cases not taken Notice of in the Acts of Congress and not contradictory thereto reporting any Regulations so made within One Month to the Board of War that the same may be considered by them and reported to Congress.
                     That the Superintendant of Provisions be allowed

                         dollars per Month three Rations of Provisions and two of forage per day and the deputy Superintendant

                         dollars per Month and three Rations of provisions and two of forage per day.
                     That the deputy and Assistant Quarter Masters at fixed posts act as Commissary of Prisoners whenever there is a Necessity for so doing by the arrival of prisoners of War at their posts and that they take the directions on this Subject of the Commissary General of Prisoners to whom and to the Board of War they shall transmit monthly Returns of their Transactions relative to Prisoners.
                     That no additional Salaries be given to the Officers in the Quarter Master Generals department for any Services done under the foregoing Resolutions but if any additional Clerks shall be found necessary at any posts where the Business is sufficiently extensive to require them they shall be employed with the Approbation of the Board of War.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Willard, 22 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Willard, Joseph

                     Sir,
                     New Windsor Mar. 22d 1781

                  I am much indebted to you for announcing my election as a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences—I feel myself particularly honored by this relation to a Society whose efforts to promote useful knowledge will, I am perswaded, acquire them a high reputation in the literary world.
                  I entreat you to present my warmest acknowledgements to that respectable body and to assure them that I shall with Zeal embrace every oppertunity of seconding their laudable views and manifesting the exalted sense I have of the institution.
                  The Arts & Sciences essential to the prosperity of the State & to the ornament & happiness of human life have a primary claim to the encouragement of every lover of his Country & mankind.
                  For the polite & flattering terms in which you have been pleased to convey the sentiments of the Academy I beg you to accept my grateful thanks and the assurances of my being with great esteem & respect Sir Yr Most Obedt & Oblig’d Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to François Barbé de Marbois, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Barbé de Marbois, François

                     Sir
                     New Windsor 23d Mar1781

                  I had the honor to receive your favor of the 1st at Newport, upon a most agreeable visit Le Count de Rochambeau & the Gentlemen of the French Army.
                  I shall most readily grant the certificate which the friends of the late La Radier desire, but as it will be necessary for me to see Genl Du Portail to ascertain some particulars relative to the different tasks which he bore in the American service I must defer transmitting the certificate untill the return of the Genl from Rhode Island.  I am with very great esteem Sir Yr most obt & Hble Sert

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 23 March 1781
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Burgh 23rd March 1781

                  The information I have received from Philadelphia is very alarming and gives me great concearn, Mr Hazelwood state agent for the City has informed my assistant that he has directions from Council to send no more Provisions to the grand army untill further Orders—the Convention Troops being on their march from Virginia to Quarter in some part of that state.
                  I have not received Colo. Hays return to know the quantity of Flour I can expect from this state before harvest, but from report I doubt very inconsiderable—Jersey is doing little and I believe the Governor and Council of that state are useing very Indiffirent measures to procure the Supplies required.
                  In this situation what is to be done—my applications are so frequent I believe many of the Executives look upon them Impertinent—the assembly of Pennsylvania is now sitting will your Excellency please to write them—the whole supplies of flour received from their agents the last and present year do not exceed ten thousand Barrels—a few weeks neglected at this season may loose all the surplush flour in the States of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania—Mr Phelps agent for Massachusetts assures me sixty stall’d cattle weekly untill the middle of may.
                  the Magazine at West Point fish Kill &c. equal One thousand barrels of flour, five hundred barrels of beef, twenty five Hhds of rum, and One hundred and twenty cattle, part of which was delivered yesterday, five hundred barrels of Flour at Ringwood, and, About an equal quantity at Morris and Trenton—very few stores at Philadelphia except five hundred barrels of beef, put up by my directions last December.
                  with your Excellencys’ Permission I woud wish to set out next monday or tuesday immediately upon my arrival at Philadelphia, Colonel Stewart will return.  I have the honor to be very respectfully—your Excellency’s, Most Obdt and very Hble Servant

                     Eph. Blaine  C.G.P.


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                     Gentlemen.
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 23d March 1781.

                  Upon my return from Newport three days ago, I found your favor of the 3d.  I look upon the procuring shoes and Accoutrements to be so much more essential than that of Caps that I would not wish the matters carried into execution while there is the least danger of its interfering with the manufacture of those necessary articles.  I recommended the measure upon a presumption that there would be Leather enough for all the purposes before mentioned.  The want of money may put a stop to the manufacture of accoutrements but I do not see how it ought to affect the supply of shoes, because any number of them may be procured by Contract with Tanners and shoemakers who will take the Hides from the places of killing and return shoes into the Store without requiring a farthing of money.  I am not without my suspicions that some of the Commissaries of Hides are appropriating both Hides and Leather to the payment of the Salaries of themselves and Deputies; and I here cannot help remarking that any irregularities of this nature might be looked into and checked by the Cloathier General, whose Business it is, could I by any means prevail upon him to give his attendance at the Head Quarters of the Army—He has so repeatedly disobeyed my orders on this head that I shall be under the necessity of representing his conduct to Congress.
                  It is of importance that Congress should determine whether the States to which the Regiments of Cavalry are apportioned are to mount as well as recruit them—The Assembly of Connecticut refused to purchase Horses for Sheldons Regt because the Resolve was not explicit—The Quarter Master General has been by a late Resolve directed to purchase Horses for the Cavalry, but unless he is furnished with means of which I am ignorant, I am certain nothing is to be expected from him—Should the War continue to the southward we shall more than ever have occasion for Cavalry, as I am informed by General Greene as I have been by all the Officers who have served there that a superiority in Horse gives the most decided advantages to the Army possessed of it.
                  Lt Colo. Weltners claim rests solely upon a determination whether Baron Arent was considered as Colo. of the German Regiment untill its reform.  But I do not see upon what principle Lt Colo. Smith of the Maryland new raised Regiment, which was only a State Regiment while it existed, cam claim the benefits of a reformed Continental Officer.
                  It was my intent to have visited Springfield on my return from Newport, but the intelligences which might be every hour expected from the southward were of so much importances that I did not care to go out of the line of communication—I make no doubt but the principal obstacle to carrying on the public Work is the want of money, but by the extract of a letter from Colo. Shephard which I inclose, there appears some want of proper management also.  It will therefore I think be well to send the new Commissary Mr Heller forward as quickly as possible and let him endeavour to make the best arrangements in his power.  If it shall be found that the public are unable to furnish the means of carrying on the business, it will be better to discharge the hands than let them remain idly consuming provisions and accumulating a debt by the amount of their pay—As you are pleased to think a letter from me to Congress on the expediency of furnishing the department of Commissary of Stores with money may have weight I shall most chearfully comply with your request.
                  The Deputy Cloathier shall be directed to furnish an account of what Goods were sent to Albany for the Oneida Indians.
                  You will oblige me by referring to your Register and informing me who appears, by the dates of Commissions, to be the eldest Captain of the four Regiments of Cavalry, as the second Majority of Lt Colo. Commandant Whites Regiment is yet vacant and is claimed by two Gentlemen Capt. Hopkins of Moylans and Capt. Cadwallader Jones of Baylors.
                  I shall be at all times ready and happy to afford the Board every assistance in my power, in the transaction of the very important Business of the War department which Congress have been pleased to commit to them.  I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Gentn Yr &c.

                     P.S.  I have recd Mr Carletons letter of the 17th inclosing the request of the British prisoners to be allowed to send a serjeant into New York to represent their wants—This having been lately done at a meeting of our Commy with Mr Loring, I do not conceive there is a necessity of granting the request at present.  And should another representation become necessary I should think it ought to go thro’ some other Channel.


Title: From George Washington to Armand-Charles-Augustin de La Croix, duc de Castries, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Castries, Armand-Charles-Augustin de La Croix, duc de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 23d March 1781

                  On my return from Newport I had the pleasure of finding your letter of the 1st from Philada.  Convinced that you would not have taken a step in the least disagreeable to His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, I cannot but be flattered with the Offer you make of attending the Marquis de la Fayette as a Volunteer in the American Army—I wish and hope that every thing may concur to make the expedition perfectly agreeable to you and have the honor to be Sir Yr most obt and hble Sert


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 23 March 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     West point March 23. 1781.

                  On my return here the last evening I was honored with yours of the 21st.
                  I am happy to find by the general orders of yesterday that my endeavors to discharge my duty during your absence, have met your Excellency’s approbation.
                  In mine of the 4th of Feby I took the liberty to represent to your Excellency, Major Cartwrights request to leave the service—in your answer on the 5th of the same month you were pleased to observe, that you would give him a discharge.  I have this morning received a letter from him, in which he again sollicits that a discharge may be sent to him—Permit me, therefore, in his behalf, to request it as soon as may be convenient.
                  I have this morning written to the guards below, to exercise their every exertion to obtain intelligence from New York at this moment, which is undoubtedly big with some important event—Heaven grant it may be a fortunate one to us and our allies.  If I receive any intelligence, no time shall be left in transmitting it.  I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 23 March 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     West point March 23. 1781. 9 o’clock P.M.

                  I have just received intelligence from the water guard, which I believe may be fully depended on, That the fleet of transports having the troops on board, sailed from New York on wednesday morning last, the 21st instant—the same number that had put to sea before, and returned, having been chased in by the French fleet—Sir Harry Clinton is gone in the fleet—report says, to the southward.
                  General Kniphausen commands in New York at present; but it is said he goes for Europe the next month.
                  The same morning the fleet sailed (viz. 21st) two men came out of New York by the way of Kings bridge—They are charged with dispatches for Quebec, and are to proceed by a secret route.  One of the men is a little rising of five feet—short black curled hair—light blue coat—about 40 years of age.  The other is about five feet eight or nine inches—light long hair—about 25 years of age—wears a brown coat.  They are to proceed on foot.  They cannot yet have got far—but it is almost impossible to know where to intercept them.
                  There is now at Spiting devil Creek 24 flat boats, part of which have been there about a week past; the rest were brought there but a few days since.  A corps called the New levies (or Arnold’s corps) are lying near fort Washington, said to be ready to man the boats, &c.  A frigate of 30 guns lies off Greenwich—and it is said a Galley is fitting for service.
                  I am informed that a man by the name of John Austin, who has for some time given intelligence, and such as has been authentic, is suspected by the enemy, and this day came off with our boats—He wishes to go to Morristown for a short time—He says he is known to your Excellency, and the last summer had a pass from you to go to the same place.  I wish to be informed if your Excellency has any knowledge of him, and your opinion whether to grant him the indulgence requested.  I would request an answer to this by the return of the Express, that I may give the man an answer—He is now with the guard boats.
                  This should be forwarded this evening—but it is so extremely dark that it is almost impossible—It shall be sent at day-break, with some late York papers.  I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 23 March 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia March 23. 1781

                  I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letters of the 16th & 18th Instant.  You will observe by the enclosed Resolve of this Day, that it is the Sense of Congress, on receiving the Information contained in your Letter of the 16th, of the Proposals you have made respecting the Exchange of General Burgoine, that you be authorized to proceed in perfecting the Exchange, if you shall think fit; the Resolution of the third Instant notwithstanding.  I have the Honor to be, with very great Respect & Esteem Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant

                     Sam. Huntington  President


Title: From George Washington to Jacob Johnson, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Jacob

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 22 1781

                  Your Memorial of the 24th of Feby addressed to me, was lodged at Head Quarters, while I was absent on a Journey to Rhode Island, from which place I have but lately arrived.
                  In answer to your request to be appointed Chaplain of the Garrison at Wyoming I have to observe; that there is no provision made by Congress for such an establishment; without which, I should not be at liberty to make any appointment of the kind, however necessary or expedient (in my opinion), or however I might be disposed to give every species of countenance & encouragement to the cultivation of Virtue, Morality, and Religion.  I am, with Sir Your Most Obedt


Title: From George Washington to Cadwallader Jones, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Jones, Cadwallader

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 23d March 1781.

                  Your favr of the 15th Feby never reached me ’till a few days past.  I must inform you that you have been mistaken in the principles of promotion at present existing—Your right to the Majority of the 1st Regt does not depend upon your being eldest Captain in the 1st and 3d, but upon being the oldest in the four Regiments—I have written to the Board of War for the date of your Commission and that of Capt. Hopkins of Moylans who also claims the Majority of the 1st—The succession will depend upon the date of Commission.
                  I shall inform the Baron Steuben that his appointment of you was upon mistaken principles.  I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 March 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     My Dear General
                     Williams Burg March the 23d 1781

                  By Former Letters, Your Excellency Has Been Acquainted with My Motions From My Arrival at the Head of Elk, to the time of My Landing at this place.  The March of the Detachement to Elk Had Been Very Rapid and performed in the Best order—Owing to the Activity of Lt Clel Stevens a train of Artillery Had Been provided at Philadelphia, and Notwistanding Some Disappointements, Namely that Relating to the Want of Vessels, No delay Should Have Been Imputed to Us in this Cooperation.
                  Having Received Your Excellency’s Letter By Which the Sailing of the french fleet Became a Matter of Certainty, I Determined to transport the Detachement to Annapolis, and Did it for Many Essential Reasons.  The Navigation of the Bay is Such that the Going in and Going out of Elk River Requires a Different Wind from those which Are very fair to Go up and Down the Bay—our Stopping at Annapolis and Making some preparations on the Road to Carolina Might Be of use to deceive the Ennemy—  But Above All I thought with Your Excellency that it was important Both to the Success of the Operation and the Honor of our Arms that the Detachement Might Be Down to Cooperate, and from the time when the french were to Sail and the Winds that Blew for some days, I Had No Doubt But that our Allies were in the Chesapeak Before we Could Be Arrived at Annapolis.
                  Owing to the Good Dispositions of Commodore Nicholson Whom I Requested to take charge of our Small fleet, the detachement was Safely Lodg’d in the Harbour of Annapolis, and in the Conviction that My presence Here Was Necessary Not So Much for Preparations to Which Baron de Stueben provided as for Settling our plans with the french And obtaining an Immediate Convoy for the detachement I thought it Better to Run Some personal Risk than to Neglect Any thing that Could forward the Success of the Operation, and the Glory of the troops under My Command.
                  On My Arrival at this place, I was Surprised to Hear that No french fleet Had Appeared, But attributed it to delays and Chances so frequent in Naval Matters—  My first object was to Request that Nothing Be taken for this Expedition which Could Have Been Intended for or Useful to the Southern Army Whose Wellfare Appeared to me More Interesting than our Success—My Second object Has Been to Examine what Had Been prepared, to Gather and forward Every Requisite for a Vigorous Cooperation, and Besides a Number of Militia that would Have Amounted to five thousand, I Can Assure Your Excellency that Nothing would Have Been Wanting to Insure a Compleat Success.
                  As the position of the Ennemy Had not yet Been Reconnoitred, I went to Gal Müllemburg’s Camp Near Suffolk, and after He Had taken A position Nearer to Porsmouth, we Marched down with Some troops to View the Ennemy’s works.  This Brought on a trifling Scarmish during which we were Enabled to See Some thing, But the Insufficiency of Ammunition which Had Been Many Days Expected prevented My Engaging too far to push the Ennemy’s out posts, and our Reconnoitring was postponed to the 21st when on the 20th Major Mcpherson an officer for whom I Have the Highest Confidence and Esteem Sent me word from Hampton where He was Stationned that a fleet Had Come to Anchor within the Capes.
                  So far was it probable that this fleet was this of Mr Destouches, that Arnold Himself Appeared to Be in A Great Confusion, and His vessels Notwistanding Many Signals Durst not for a long time Venture down.  An officer of the french Navy Bore down to them from York, and Nothing Could Equal My Surprise in Hearing from Majr Mcpherson that the fleet Announced By a former letter was Certainly Belonging to the Ennemy.
                  Upon this Intelligence the Militia were Removed to their former position and I Requested Baron de Stubens (from whom out of delicacy I would not take the Command Untill the Cooperation was Begun or the Continental troops Arrived) to take Such measures as would put out of the Ennemy’s Reach the Several Articles that Had Been prepared.
                  On My Return to this place I Could not Hear More particular Accounts of the fleet—Some people think they are Coming from Europe—But I Believe them to Be the fleet from Gardner’s Bay—they are Said to Be twelve Sails in all frigats included—I Have Sent Spies on Board, and shall forward their Report to Head Quarters.
                  Having Certain Accounts that the french Have Sailed on the Eighth with a favorable wind, I Must think that they Are Coming to this place, or were Beaten in an Engagement, or Are gone Some where Else—in these three Cases, I think it My Duty to Stay Here Untill I Hear Some thing more Which Must Be in a Little time—But As Your Excellency Will certainly Recall a detachement Composed of the flower of Each Regiment, whose Loss would Be Immense for the Army Under Your Immediate Command, and As My Instructions are to March them Back as soon as we Loose the Naval Superiority in this Quarter, I Have Sent them orders to move at the first Notice from me which I will Send to morrow or the Day after, or Upon A Letter from Your Excellency which My aid de Camp is Empowered to Oppen.
                  Had I not Been Here Upon the Spot, I am sure that I would Have Waited an Immense time Before I knew what to think of this fleet, and My presence at this place was the Speediest Means of forwarding the detachement either to Hampton, or Back to Your Excellency’s immediate Army.
                  By Private Letters we Hear that General Greene Had on the 15th An Engagement with Lord Cornwallis—The Honor of Keeping the field was not on our Side—The Ennemy Lost More Men than we did—General Greene displayed His Usual prudence and Abilities Both in Making His Dispositions and posting His troops at ten Miles from the first field of Battle where they Bid defiance to the Ennemy and are in a Situation to check His progresses.  With the Highest Respect I Have the Honor to Be Dear General Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

                     Lafayette

                     Major McLeane who Has Already lost His Baggage in Going to Search the french fleet will Carry this By water to Head of Elk.
                     A Copy of this letter, My dear general, is By me Sent to Congress—It is for this Reason that I insist on the Necessity of Sending Back the detachement to Head Quarters—I Hope, my dear General, that my Conduct will Meet with your Approbation, and it is the thing I the most Heartly wish for—I Beg you will present my Respect to Mrs Washington and Complis to the family.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 23d 1781

                  I was honored on my return from Rhode Island, with Your Excellencys Letter of the 1st Inst. together with the enclosures.
                  Altho the discharging a single man from the service, is a very inconsiderable diminution of our force; Yet when the innumerable applications on this subject are taken into consideration, the unavoidable decrease of our Army if discharges are granted, the amazing difficulty of procuring men for the War, and the heavy expence attending the recruiting service; it cannot certainly be considered as a hardship, to retain those in service, who were fairly inlisted, and with a large bounty—unless able bodied substitutes are procured in their room.  Under this condition, I would consent to the dismission of Robert Skekit: otherwis it would be opening a door of uneasiness to Others, and doing an essential injury to the Public.
                  If the presence of Skekit is so necessary with his Tribe, upon providing a substitute for the War, the Commanding Officer of the Regt may make the exchange.  I have the honor to be With great regard and esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble Servt

                     Go: Washington

               N.B. The Original is supposed to have miscarried in the last Mail.


Title: From George Washington to John Mathews, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Mathews, John

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 23d March 1781.

                  On my return from Newport three days ago I found your favor of the 6th at my quarters.  In my letter of the 26th of Feby I meant only to express my apprehensions that the British Commander in Chief would make some difficulty in the exchange of those Citizens of eminence who were not clearly invested with military Commissions—You may rest assured, as I before mentioned, that whenever it shall be expedient to make an offer of a general exchange of southern prisoners that the cases of the Gentlemen in Captivity at Augustine will be particularly attended to, and every advantage which they ought to derive from the Capitulation of Charles town will be insisted upon, should the enemy attempt to deprive them of them—To make propositions for their partial exchanges would I am certain be of no avail.  I have written to General Greene for a state of southern prisoners on both sides, that I may be able to form a judgment of the operation which a general exchange would have.  Captivity is certainly most disagreeable and distressing to the Individuals who are the objects of it, but private inconvenience must for a while give way to public good.  I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from John Moylan, 23 March 1781
From: Moylan, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Newburg 23d March 1781

                  In Consequence of an order on the Store wch Colonel Pickering some time ago produced from your Excellency in favour of his Departmt, a return of Clothing has been lately handed in for no less than 402 persons Employed under him in this district alone, not Including those Attached to the Army—I have thought it my Duty, Sir, to refuse complying with it, untill your return, as I did not Conceive the order to Extend to the Departmt in General, but to such partial supplies as may be occasionally wanting—I am pressed by Colonel Hughs for an Answer, shou’d therefore be glad to know your Excellency’s Sentiments on the matter.  In the meantime I Shall take the Liberty to Observe, that whilst our Department continues in the same Circumstances it has hitherto Laboured under, from the Scarcity of Supplies, the greatest Inconveniencys must necessarily arise to the Troops, if the Quarter Masr General is Entitled to draw for the Use of his poeple at Large, be their wants Ever so great in proportion to the numbers allready returned for.
                  a Similar order in favr of Mr Rensalaer D. Comissy of Ordinance Stores has been produced on the Comissary of Hides at Albany, & application in Consequence in all for 900 Nine Hundred Hides, part of which I am well Informed is to go towards the paymt of Old Debts, of more than two years Standing—your Excellency must know that the Exchanging of Hides for Shoes & Boats is, from the Want of Cash, the only ressource we now have left for our supplies of those necessary Articles—the Worst Conseqce must therefore be Apprehended, shoud Drafts of this kind be admitted from all quarters—25000 pairs of Shoes—Including the quantity on hand, & what we have to Expect by the opening of the Campaign being the Sum illegible
                      of our expectations for the remainder of this years Supply.  I have the pleasure to Inform your Excellency, that the Business of the Hide Department is going on as well as the Circumstces of General Distress can possibly admit of.  I am however Advised & in deed I have reason to believe that Colonel Pickering is Endeavouring to get the Direction of it, & I conceal that I have wrote Philadelphia to give him Every opposition, convinced as I am that the Army can receive no additional Advantage thereby particularly when the Wants of his Own Departmt—may at any time be found to clash with the wants of the Troops.  I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedt Hble servt

                     John Moylan  A.C.G.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

                     Dear Sir.
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 23d 1781.

                  Your Letter of the 14th Instant was forwarded to me in my absence from this place, and met me on my return; since which this is the first leisure moment I have had to attend to its contents.
                  I am sorry to find the evil so deeply rooted—and that the defection is still gaining ground.  From its extensive nature & pernicious tendency; I think every measure which policy and precaution can dictate ought immediately to be adopted to put a final stop to this illicit & treasonable intercoure.  For this purpose, it will be well to consult the Governor on the subject, who himself, or with his Council will be best able to advise (upon your representation) whether it is expedient to apprehend all the characters you mention, or let them all remain for the present, or to select some of the most criminal & punish them in an exemplary manner, without disclosing the Names of the other Persons concerned.
                  In the mean time, the joint efforts of the Civil and Military, should cooperate and harmonize in defeating the Machinations of the Enemy: it has been hinted that Agents have been employed for these purposes by Your Goverment, if so, these men & your Emissaries might give & receive mutual aid, at least they must be prevented from thwarting each other.  When Matters are ripe for execution I would yeild the necessary Military assistance; untill then the greatest secrecy will be necessary.
                  If the man employed by you, should prosecute his discoveries to effect, upon as large a scale as you intimate, he will be entitled to the rewards proposed.
                  It will be at your option, after having made proper arrangements in this affair, to return to the Army, when you shall judge your presence in the State, not absolutely necessary.  I am, with great regard &c.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 March 1781
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Redding March 23rd-26 1781

                  Agreeable to your Excellencys Orders; I have attended to the Business with which I was Charged; and have been through Various parts of the State where I judged the most Essential service might be Rendered; have succeeded in some Measure; but being Seized a few days ago with a fever am at present unable to stir abroad; hope in a short time to be able to attend to my duty where your Excellency shall direct; would wish it may be at Camp if thought best—should be happy to know your Excellency’s pleasure on this head; likewise to be favored with an answer to my Letter addressed to Your Excellency when absent on your Tour to the Eastward.

                     March 26th 1781P.S.  after writing the above; I received your Excellencys Letter of the 23rd Instant: Observed the contents; but not able to Answer it in full; I have matters of Importance to communicate to Your Excellency, which will do as soon as my health will admit, at present I am not able to Stir from my Bed without help. I am your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

               Saml H. Parsons


Title: From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip John

                     Dear Sir,
                     New Windsor Mar. 23d 1781

                  Upon my return to this place 3 days ago I had the pleasure to rece. your favor of the 25th Ulto—I thank you for the honor you intended me if Mrs Schuyler had added a Son to your family & chearfully become a sponsor for the daughter on the birth of whom and the good health of your Lady please to accept & offer my congratulatory Compliments.
                  By a Manœuvre too profound for my understanding—if it is intended for the public good—the choice of a Minister of War is postponed till October—I have heard no reason assigned for it, and am uncharitable enough to believe that no good one can be given.
                  We are in a most critical and disagreeable State of Suspence with respect to the two Fleets.  Neither had arrived within Chesapeak bay the 15th Instt when letters from the Marqs & Baron de Steuben were dated at Yorktown (20 Miles from the Mouth of James River). tho’ both were expected.
                  Private: How unhappy it is for all our measures, that the adoption of them cannot be in season!  Had the French Commdr at R. Island complied (in the first instance) with my request to send the whole Fleet, and a detachmt from their Land force to Virga the destruction of Arnolds Corps must have been compleat during the debilitated State of the British Fleet.  The undertaking now, is bold & precarious—rendered more so by an unfortunate & to me unaccountable delay of 24 hours in their quitting New port.  After it was said they were ready to Sail—the Wind being as favorable to them & as adverse to the Enemy as Heaven cd furnish.  But it is our true policy to make the most of their assistance without censuring their mistakes therefore it is I communicate this in confidence.
                  By my last advices from General Greene Lord Cornwallis was retreating—but the design of his retrograde movement was not sufficiently explained—Genl Greene was advancing & the Militia assembling—The situation of things there, & in Virginia are critical & big with important events—God grant they may be favorable to us.  I am with great esteem & regard & much Affecte Dr Sir Yr most Obed. Sert

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Sharpe, 23 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Sharpe, William

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 23d March 1781.

                  I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 27th ulto while at Newport—Your communication of the positions and relative distances of the several places mentioned in the late letters from the southward has been both satisfactory and servicable to me, as I have not been able to find many of them upon the Maps—Should you in future find leisure to favor me with similar information you will confer an obligation on Sir Yr most obt Servt


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Shaw, 23 March 1781
From: Shaw, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Beverly March 23rd 1781.

                  Nothing it is possible to illustrate, would induce me to trouble your Excellency at this time, but my present circumstances; I please myself therefore in appearing more favorable, than I otherwise could do, in my request for a resignation of a Lieutenancy in Colonel Tupper’s Regiment.  To solicit for a thing of this nature, is sufficiently painfull, allowing my resignation granted without the least censure; consequently I beg, as my error (if one) is not the effect of choice, but force, that I may obtain the former and escape the latter, by which you confer a favor that will ever call for the warmest prayres for your health, prosperity, and increase of honor.
                  Perhaps you will answer, that this requisition should have been made previous to my leaving Camp, which I grant, had I known the events that have transpired since, but they are of such a complexion as human nature could not then investigate; accordingly I entreat this resignation to bare date the day I left Westpoint (which was the first of January) as I am not desireous of receiving pay will not in actual service, not only for the purpose of guarding against calumny but also from weightier considerations.
                  Since I am already inveloped in a scene of perplexities nearly insupportable, I earnestly wish they may not be inhanced, by a desire for me to make this request personally—It will but occasion a great journey, and a heart felt Trial in taking leave of my military friends.  In wishing you a continuance & increase, of worldly falicity, I beg leave to assure you, that I am, and ever will be, with the highest respect and gratitude Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble servant

                     Benjn Shaw


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 March 1781
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Williamsburg Virga 23 Mch 1781

                  I take the liberty to refer your Excellency to the Marquiss Letter of this date for an account of our situation in this quarter.
                  I only lament that the preparations we had made with so much trouble and expence appear to have proved useless and that so sure a stroke as that on Portsmouth seemed to be should have failed.
                  General Green in a Letter of the 11th informs me that his success depended greatly on ours and I have reason to believe that the certainty with which I spoke to him of our success accelerated the Engagement of the 15th of which I have just reced the inclosed Account.
                  From every intelligence I can procure the English fleet have no Troops on board but should a Reinforcement arrive from New York nothing will hinder the Enemy from penetrating further into the Country—they will even be obliged to it to gain subsistence—in this situation Virginia asks Assistance & great part of the people expect it anxiously.
                  I am very apprehensive that this Invasion will stop all succour from this state to the southern Army—the Magazines will be exhausted All this merits the considerations of Congress & our Allies.  I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellencys most Obedt servant

                     Steuben  Maj: Genl


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tupper, 23 March 1781
From: Tupper, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Sir

                        c.23 March 1781

                  Mr Shaw’s solicitations are the only moving cause with me to wish he might obtain a Discharge.  I am your Excellencys most obedit humble Servant

                     Benj. Tupper  Colo. 10 M. Regt


Title: To George Washington from John Palsgrave Wyllys, 23 March 1781
From: Wyllys, John Palsgrave
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Connect: Camp. Highlands 23 March 1781

                  Ensign Jabez H. Tomlinson of the third Connecticut Regiment being desirous of resigning his Commission in the service of the United States, is recommended for a discharge from the same.

                     Jno. P. Wyllys  Majr Comdt
                     3d Connect. Regt


Title: From George Washington to William Davies, 24 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Davies, William

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 24th March 1781.

                  I have received your favr of the 20th ulto inclosing a representation signed by you and a number of the Feild Officers of the Virginia line against the readmission of Brigadier Weedon to command in the line of that State—Being a stranger to the transactions which took place at the time General Weedon was thought to have retired from service, I can give no decided opinion upon the propriety of his assertion of his rank or your objections to it.  I observe, a Copy of the representation has been also transmitted to Congress—they alone can decide upon the point, as I have lately been informed that General Weedons leave of retirement was founded upon a special Resolve, which, if there was such an one, was never communicated to me. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 24 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters March 24th 1781

                  I am favored with your two Letters of Yesterday.
                  As soon as the time of Major Cartwrights resignation is transmitted by you, so that the Discharge may be properly dated, it shall be granted.
                  I do not recollect Austin to have been employed by me—but he may be sent to this place; where he will be recognised, if he has been employed as a private Agent: and the pass given accordingly.  I am Dear Sir With great esteem & regard Your Most Obed. Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Adam Hubley, Jr., 24 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hubley, Adam, Jr.

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters, New Windsor 24th March 1781.

                  I received your favor of the 3d Ulto by Genl Hand who arrived here about the middle of this month.
                  It is a painfull consideration that the late reform of the Army has deprived the service of many excellent Officers: but as matters of this kind must be regulated upon general principles, the lot, as in your instance, will sometimes fall hard upon individuals who would have wished to have remained.
                  There are some measures under the consideration of Congress, when, if carried into execution, may tend to introduce a part of the half pay Officers again into service, in the line of the Military Staff—should the measures I allude to be adopted, you may perhaps have an opportunity of attaining your wishes—In the mean time, I will not withhold from you the Certificate which I think justly due to your merit.  I am sir, with great regard Your most Obedient and Most Humble servant

                     Go: Washington

                     (Duplicate.)
                     It is feared the original miscarried, as the last Weeks Mail is supposed to have been carried into New York.  in that was Genl Waynes Certifie.

                Enclosure

                         24 March 1781

                     Adam Hubley Junr Esquire, late Lient Colo. Commandant of the 11th Pennsylvania Regt, entered the service as a Lieutenant in the year 1775 from which rank he rose to that of the command of a Regiment, and continued untill the late reform of the Army, when he was under the necessity of retiring upon half pay.
                     For the last three years Colo. Hubley acted principally under my immediate command, during which time, he distinguished himself as an attentive, brave and intelligent Officer: and from the testimony of the Gentlemen under whom he served at other periods, his conduct has been uniformly deserving of applause.  Given at Head Quarters  at New Windsor the 24th day of March 1781.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 24 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 24th March 1781

                  The Board of War have lately laid before me a summary of the situation of the department of the Commy General of Military Stores, for want of Money to pay the arrearages due to the Workmen, and to procure proper materials for carrying on the Business of the Elaboratories.  This is a matter of so much importance, and which, if not remedied, will so materially affect our operations not only in this quarter but to the Southward, (for I find by the requisitions lately made that the supply of Ammunition—Arms and Accoutrements for that Army must go principally from hence) that I cannot refrain from mentioning it to Congress, altho’ I know it has been very fully represented to them by the Board of War—If it shall be found, upon due consideration, that it is impossible to furnish the estimated sum, or such part of it as will enable the business to go forward in some degree, I would advise a discharge of the Workmen upon hire, to avoid a considerable consumption of provision and an accumulation of expence by the amount of their Wages: But I flatter myself that means may be found to prevent a measure which could not but be followed by most disagreeable consequences.
                  It gives me pain to be under the necessity of lodging with Congress a complaint against the conduct of a public Officer, but so exceptionable, in my opinion, has that of Mr Wilkinson the Cloathier General been, that I think it my duty and justice to the public to represent it.  Immediately after that Gentleman was appointed in 1779, I informed him of the necessity of the head of every department being generally near Head Quarters, and pointed out to him the disadvantages which had arisen from his predecessors absence from the Army, and the trouble which had been thrown upon me in consequence—Mr Wilkinson urged the necessity of his returning at that time to Philada as the arrangements of the department had not been compleated, but promised to make the Army the place of his general residence.  Notwithstanding this, and my frequent calls upon him since, I think I speak within bounds, when I say, that the whole time of his attendance upon me does not amount altogether to three Months.  By which, every application which respects his department is referred to and order is given in it by me, and sometimes, for want of information, contradictory to those which have been given by himself, when at a distance from me.  In justice to Mr Moylan the Assistant Cloathier at Camp, I must remark, that the most assiduous attention has been paid by him to the Business, but Congress must be sensible that there are many matters which the Head of a department can only regulate.
                  I know not how necessary Mr Wilkinsons almost constant residence in Philada may be, but should it not be deemed essential, I could wish that Congress would interpose their authority since mine has been ineffectual.
                  I do myself the honor to inclose the Copy of a letter from the Commy General of purchases, principally to shew to what a situation we shall soon be reduced for Flour, should the State of Pennsylvania adhere to their order to their Agent to send no more forward, on account of the Convention Troops being ordered into the State.  I hope there may have been some misconception in the matter, for it is hardly possible that the State should stop the supplies for the Army because about 1500 prisoners are brought into it for support.  I have the honor to be with the highest Respect Sir Yr Excellency’s most obt and humble Servt

                     Go: Washington