Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 25 February 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dobbs’s ferry 25th Feby 1783

                        When in New York, several of the Inhabitants of Long-Island, and others who have advanced money to our
                            officers, while Prisoners, waited on me for a settlement of their accounts, being inform’d by Mr Skinner, that he had
                            Lodged the papers, and every thing respecting their affairs in my hands, and that they must apply to me for a Settlement.
                        I was obliged to inform them, that Mr Skinner had never mentioned the matter to me, nor deliverd any papers
                            relative to the business—they produced the inclosed Letter No. 1 from Mr Skinner to them, and a Copy
                            No. 2 of Your Excellency’s Letter to him, of the 4th of July 1782 (these respect the Board  the
                            Inhabitants) from whence it appears Mr Skinner was authorized to settle the account—But has only amused them by promises
                            which he has left unperformed, and has attempted to throw the weight of his failure on my shoulders. The inclosed No. 3
                            are Copies of Letters from Mr Macnair & Co. merchants on Long Island with their account-Current—No. 4 is a Copy of
                            a Letter and account of the Doctor who attended them—from these Letters your Excellency will observe the light in which Mr
                            Skinner is view’d, and the improper finese he has made use of to evade a settlement.
                        From my acquaintance with the Character of Doctor Bainbridge, Mr Macnaire & others, who assisted the
                            Prisoners, I must observe, they are entitled to every attention in our power to shew them, and I should be happy to be
                            enabled to settle the accounts, to their satisfaction. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

                            W.S. Smith Lt Colo.

                     Enclosure

                                (Copy)
                                Gentlemen
                                Phillips House July 19th 1782

                            I am happy in having had an Opportunity of Recieveing from you at this Place Lists of the Monies due from
                                the Amirican Officers While prisoners on Long Island agreeable to his Excellency General Washington Commands The
                                Vouchers produced for those monies due are Sufficient. And I will do Every thing in my power to have my Engagements
                                fulfilled, and also for The Payment of the private Debts. I find in Some of the Lists Charges Against Officers who
                                have made their Escape and Otherwise Evaded, giving their Landlords orders on me for Acceptence, and for the Payment,
                                of their Demands. this you may Depend Shall be Attended to & Rest Satisfied Every kind of Justice will be done
                                those Gentlemen who have taken care of the Amirican Officers that have unfortunately been in Captivity. I am Gentlemen
                                with Great respect Your Mo. Obt & Hble Sert

                                Abm Skinner
                                Commy Genl Prisr.

                                To Jeremiah Van Der Bilt Rutgert Van Brunt Johannis E. Lott. Adriaen Van Brunt Johannis I. Lott
                                    Esquires Appointed for the Liquidation of the American Officers Account for Boarding & while Prisoners on
                                    Long Island.

                     Enclosure

                                (Copy)
                                Sir
                                New York Feby 6th 1783

                            we wrote to Colo. Skinner last september respecting the Debts due to us by the American officers who were
                                exchanged in the year 1780, inclosing the proven list thereof, amounting to £790.10.1 N. York Cury all which we are
                                inform’d were put into your hands.
                            We now take the liberty to address you again on that Subject, and to disire the favor of you to lay the
                                matter before his Excellency General Washington from whose Justice & Humanity we presume every attention will
                                be paid to our solicitation.
                            We shall not advance any arguments for our desiring payment, at this time, of the whole or any part which
                                you may think proper to send us, We only beg leave to mention, that the articles we furnished were not imported by us
                                from Europe, but were purchased of our freinds here, and that we have, long ago, been obliged to pay the money for
                                them to our very great injury and inconvenience: We therefore intreat you will, as speedily as possible, use your
                                influence in our favor, and so confer on us a lasting obligation. We are very respectfully sir Your most hume Sert

                                Ralph Macnair & Co.

                     Enclosure

                                (Copy)
                                Sir
                                New York Feby 19. 1783

                            About two years past, when your officers that were prisoners on Long Island left this place, a number
                                were indebted to me for medicine (attendances I never charged them for) immediately on Mr Skinner’s arrival at N. York
                                some wrote to him, and when he came to Flat Bush all requested him to pay me, for they could not think of leaving L.
                                Island ’till I was paid.
                            When I delivered in the Account several of the officers desired me to make them larger, for they were
                                certain I could not afford to attend them at that rate—my answer was, I did not wish to make money by Gentlemen in
                                their situation, all that I desired was to be paid for medicine, my advice, and attendance they were welcome to.
                            Mr Skinner thanked me very politely for the Attention shewn the officers, and assured me on his honor
                                that he would not leave N. York without paying me—And all that I had to do was to write a receipt, and (if it was
                                inconvenient for me to go to New York the next day) give it to Mr Winslow Dy Comy of Prisoners—I gave the receipt to
                                Mr Winslow, but Mr Skinner saw proper to go out without paying me—a few months after he came to this place again, I
                                waited on him, and told him that I was greatly surprized he had not paid me—he made some trifling excuses, that an
                                Ensign in the British Army owed him, that he would give me an order on  Major Brewen (Major Brewen had positively
                                refused advancing any money for Said Ensign)—He at length gave me his note for the amount of my account, and desired
                                me to send it out to Elizabeth town by any safe opportunity and he would most assuredly pay me, I wrote to him
                                repeatedly but without receiving either money, or answer-- The last Winter I went with a flag to Eliz: town, I hired a
                                man and horse to carry a Letter to Mr Skinner-- his answer was that he was sick abed—after being detained there by a
                                snow storm and the Ice, I returned to New York half a dozen Guineas poorer than I went—some short time after I saw Mr
                                Skinner here—He told me he was exceeding sorry that I had been kept out of my money so long, but that he was
                                determined to make no more excuses, and he would not only pay me my account, but would reimburse me the expence I was
                                at going to Eliz: town If I would send out my Account and receipt by the first flag—I told him I did not wish to be
                                paid more than my account with the interest which would make it about £50, the answer I receiv’d from Mr Skinner at
                                Eliz: town by a Gentleman that went in a flag in two or three weeks after, was, that I ought to be paid, but he did
                                not know when, or whether ever.
                            It gave me real satisfaction to hear you was appointed in Mr Skinner’s place, a Comy Genl Prisoners
                                should be a gentleman, a man of honor and capable of feeling for the distresses of his fellow creatures.
                            I must beg that our former friendship may apologize for my troubling you with this long account of Mr
                                Skinner’s Conduct, and that you will be obliging enough to inform me whether I may expect to be paid. My best wishes
                                for your Health & Happiness I am Your Mo. Obt Hume Servt

                                A. Bainbridge

                                Principal £44.19.4
                                Interest.

                     Enclosure

                                (Copy)
                                Sir,
                                New York February 21st 1783.

                            We beg leave to Address you on a subject of very great importance to us: and to inform you that many of
                                the American officers who were prisoners on Long Island in the years 1779 and 80 were accustomed to frequent our store
                                at Flatt Bush in order to purchase necessaries for their comfortable subsistence while seperated from their Friends by
                                the Calamities of War; and that a considerable number of these gentlemen were reduced to the disagreeable necessity of
                                leaving the Island when exchanged in the latter end of the year 1780 and beginning of 1781 without having it in their
                                power to discharge the Debts they had unavoidably incurred in their distressed situation.
                            Those Debts were mostly contracted early in 1780 after it was known that regular supplies had been voted
                                by Congress to the officers who were then prisoners and before any suspicion was entertain’d of their not arriving in
                                due time; and We should be wanting in justice to these gentlemen if we did not mention—That as their apprehension of a
                                disappointment encreased the greater part of them refrained from applying except for articles of absolute necessity.
                                To the last, We believe their Expectation of supplies exceeded their hope of an Exchange, and it is pleasing to us to
                                think, that, with many, the circumstance of their going out, without discharging their accounts, was some drawback
                                upon the satisfaction of being soon to rejoin their friends in the Country.
                            General Irving of Philadephia, Colo. McGaw of Pennsyla, Colo. Ramsay of Maryland and Colo. Matthews of
                                Virginia were on Long Island at that time, were acquainted with our business and were uniformly of opinion that the
                                public funds of the United states were bound for the discharge of these debts and even sollicited and obtained paroles
                                in order to expedite the supplies voted by Congress for that purpose.
                            some time ago we were favored with a copy of the recommendation of his Excellency General Washington to
                                Colo. Skinner respecting Debts due by the American officers then exchanged: We therefore agreeable
                                to the principles of that recommendation now inclose you a proven List of the Debts due to us
                                amounting to £790.10.1 New York Currency. However trivial this sum may appear to a public treasury yet we can with
                                truth aver to you, Sir, that in our present circumstances it has become almost necessary to our subsistence and that
                                the want of it has distressed us more than is necessary to be repeated.
                            We have attempted in the list to point out the different states, to which the officers belonged; there
                                may be some mistakes in that respect but we believe not many: a number of Debts were settled by notes of hand, some of
                                which expressly bear interest, several Gentlemen gave orders on Colo. Skinner part of which are accepted absolutely
                                others conditionally and some are not accepted at all either for want of an opportunity to present them or because he
                                thought it unnecessary perhaps in expectation that he would soon discharge the whole: One only he became security for
                                by signing the note of hand. the greatest number have open accounts of which there are few that have not got the
                                bills; and we can assign no other reason why so many are in that state, but the belief of their being
                                shortly after paid and the difficulty of meeting with every one as they were exchanged, by reason of our
                                removal to this City previous to their departure.
                            We hope you will excuse us for being so explicit with you at this time and allow us to assure you sir
                                that the miscarriage of our Letter to Colo. Skinner with a proven List dated in september last has given us much
                                uneasiness and has rendered it proper to make you thus better acquainted with the Circumstances of these transactions.
                            As an Apology is necessary for detaining you from other business so long—We shall now conclude requesting
                                the favor of you to state these matters to his Excellency General Washington near whose person we doubt not are some
                                Gentn who may recollect our names and will join you in recommending our Case to His Excellency’s attention. However we
                                leave the mode of application entirely to your Wisdom & prudence and We have the Honor to be sir Your Mo. Obt
                                & Hble Servts

                                Ralph Macnair & Co.
                            Amount of Debts due by the American Officers (late prisoners of War) on Long
                                Island
                                (Copy)
                            The Officers of the 9th Virginia regiment commanded by Colo Matthews

                                    Captains
                                    G. Gilchrist
                                    ⅌ note
                                    9.
                                    16.
                                    —

                                    Lieutents
                                    Woodson
                                    accot
                                    5.
                                    5.
                                    5

                                    Snead
                                    "
                                    4.
                                    1.
                                    8

                                    Teacle
                                    "
                                    5.
                                    11.
                                    3

                                    T. Payne
                                    "
                                    13.
                                    4.
                                    6 1/2

                                    Parker
                                    "
                                    8.
                                    6.
                                     10 1/2

                                    Ensigns
                                    Robins
                                    "
                                    45.
                                    3.
                                     9

                                    Darby
                                    "
                                    10.
                                    8.
                                    1 1/2

                                    Coverly
                                    "
                                    1.
                                    10.
                                     —

                                    Jo. Payne
                                    an order

                                         20.

                                         5.

                                         10

                                    The above List delivered to Colo. Matthews
                                    123.
                                    13.
                                     5 1/2

                                    Novr 29. 1780.

                                    Robins
                                    a small ballance (omitted)

                                    6.
                                    2

                                    123.
                                    19.
                                    7 1/2

                        Officers from Virginia of other Regiments

                                    Major
                                    Willis
                                    ⅌ conditional acceptance

                                    of Mr Henry Mitchell which the

                                    Major has not complied with
                                    43.
                                    4.
                                     0

                                    "
                                    order on Mr Hill not accepted
                                    18.
                                    8.
                                    0

                                    F. Brickle
                                    ⅌ accot
                                    11.
                                    10.
                                    6

                                    Clark
                                    "
                                    1.
                                    16.
                                    4

                                    Field
                                    "
                                    1.
                                    7.
                                    4

                                    Rodgers
                                    "
                                    4.
                                    7.
                                    3

                                    Ed. Smith
                                    "
                                    6.
                                    15.
                                    5

                                    J. Smith
                                    "
                                    13.
                                    4.
                                     —

                                    Worman
                                    "
                                    2.
                                    5.
                                    7

                                    102.
                                    18.
                                    5

                                    226.
                                    18.
                                    0 1/2

                        Officers from No. Carolina

                                    Caps.
                                    Armstrong
                                    ⅌ accot
                                    8.
                                    18.
                                    5

                                    Anderson
                                    "

                                         9.

                                         3.

                                         10

                                    18.
                                    2.
                                     3

                        Officers from Maryland

                                    Captains
                                    The Baron d’Ubreitzt

                                    in Colonel

                                    Armand’s Legion—
                                    Notes and an Order

                                    on Abr. Skinner Esgn C.G.A.P.
                                    10.
                                    16.
                                     3

                                    Jo. Button
                                    ditto
                                    ditto
                                     3.
                                    12.
                                    1

                                    Croxall
                                    Abm Skinner Esgn Security
                                    59.
                                    12.
                                    3

                                    Chisely
                                    ⅌ account

                                    6.
                                    5.
                                    10

                                    Grace
                                    "

                                    9.
                                    .
                                    6

                                    Hillary
                                    "

                                    2.
                                    7.
                                    3

                                    Lucket
                                    ⅌ note

                                    19.
                                    10.
                                    1 1/2

                                    Lyles
                                    ⅌ note &
                                    order on A.S. Esgn C.G.A.P.
                                    12.
                                    10.
                                     —

                                        Le Vacher

                                    do
                                    do
                                    12.
                                    12.
                                    11

                                    Orendorff
                                    ⅌ note

                                    8.
                                    1.
                                    5

                                    Simmes
                                    ⅌ Accot O.

                                         2.

                                         17.

                                         —

                                    147.
                                    5.
                                    7 1/2

                                    Major
                                    A. Giles
                                    ⅌ note
                                    to McNair & Smith

                                         12.

                                         10.

                                         10

                                    159.
                                    16.
                                    5

                        Officers from Pennsylvania

                                    Colonel
                                    Antill
                                    ⅌ Order on A. Skinner Esgn

                                    Comy Genl Am. Priss accepted
                                     38.
                                     3.
                                    4

                                    Captan
                                    Anderson
                                    ⅌ note
                                    1.
                                    6.
                                    6

                                    Blewer
                                    ⅌ Accot
                                    4.
                                     4.
                                    1 1/2

                                    Carter
                                    "
                                    4.
                                    5.
                                    8

                                        Curson
                                     order
                                    5.
                                    3.
                                    3

                                        Craig

                                    note & order on A.S. Esgn CGAP
                                    10.
                                    16.
                                     5

                                    Crawford
                                    do & do on do accepted
                                    4.
                                    4.
                                    10

                                    Decker (a watch less)
                                    ⅌ Accot
                                    9.
                                    18.
                                    6

                                    J. Finlay
                                    ⅌ note
                                    12.
                                    14.
                                    3

                                    Grice
                                    ⅌ Accot
                                    4.
                                    0.
                                    7

                                    Galt
                                    "
                                     5.
                                    10.
                                    10

                                        Hackenberg

                                    ⅌ note
                                    5.
                                    13.
                                     —

                                    Hambright
                                    "
                                    12.
                                    17.
                                    0

                                        Harper

                                    ⅌ Accot
                                    10.
                                    8.
                                    10

                                        Jameson

                                    balance
                                    .
                                    4.
                                    2

                                    Lindsay
                                    "
                                    .
                                    16.
                                    6

                                    Murfits Order on A.S. Esgn Comy
                                    ⅌ note
                                    23.
                                    10.
                                    10

                                    Rudolph
                                    "
                                    6.
                                    19.
                                    5

                                    Standley
                                    "
                                    30.
                                    4.
                                    5

                                    Stotesbury
                                    "
                                    9.
                                    6.
                                     —

                                        Willing

                                    "
                                    11.
                                    8.
                                    4 1/2

                                        Wright
                                    ⅌ Accot
                                    .
                                    9.
                                    6

                                        212.

                                        6.

                                        4

                        Officers from New Jersey

                                    Capt.
                                    Holmes
                                    ⅌ note
                                    19.
                                    6.
                                    0

                                    Parsons
                                    ⅌ Accot
                                    7.
                                    16.
                                    3

                                    Paul
                                    "

                                         4.

                                         18.

                                         10

                                    31.
                                    15.
                                    1

                        Officers from New York & Eastward

                                    Captain
                                    Garret
                                     N. Yk staff departmt
                                     ⅌ accot
                                     1.
                                    15.
                                     1

                                    Swartout

                                    do
                                    2.
                                    6.
                                     —

                                    A. Thomson

                                    ⅌ note
                                    14.
                                    12.
                                    6

                                     E. Hopkins
                                    Connt
                                    "
                                     86.
                                    15.
                                    9

                                    Asa Lay
                                    "
                                    "
                                    9.
                                    16.
                                    10

                                    Niles
                                     "
                                    ⅌ Accot
                                    3.
                                    9.
                                    6

                                    Whiting
                                    "
                                    "
                                    2.
                                    8.
                                    1

                                    Sheariman
                                    Rho. Isld
                                    "
                                    2.
                                    10.
                                    8

                                    Bliss
                                    Massachusetts
                                     "
                                    9.
                                    7.
                                    10

                                    Fenno
                                    "
                                    "
                                    1.
                                    19.
                                    6

                                    Walker
                                    "
                                    "

                                         5.

                                         10.

                                         2

                                        141.

                                        11.

                                        11

                                    £

                                        790.

                                        10.

                                        1

                                New York Jany 1st 1781

                        Ralph Macnair & Co. City of New York Feby 21 1783
                        Ebenezer Macnair one of the partners of Ralph Macnair & Co. being duly sworn on the holy Evangelists
                            of Almighty God Deposeth and saith that the several sums in the forgoing List on this and the two preceding pages and
                            amounting in the whole to seven hundred and ninety pounds ten shillings and one penny New York Currency are justly due and
                            owing by the respective persons as therein mentioned. Eben. Macnair
                        Sworn before me Wm Walton
                        Magiste of Police


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 26 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh 26 Feby 1783

                        I am sorry to have to acquaint your Excellency, for the information of Congress, that a project which I had
                            formed for attacking The Enemys Post at Oswego, so soon as the Sleighing should be good, and the Ice of the Oneida Lake
                            should have acquired sufficient thickness to admit the passage of the Detachment, has miscarried. The report of Colol
                            Willet, to whom I had intrusted the Command of the Party (consisting of a part of the Rhode Island Regiment and the State
                            Troops of New York, in all about 500 Men) will assign reasons for the disappointment.
                        Altho the Expedition has not been attended with success, the Officers and Soldiers employed on it, are
                            entitled to great credit, for the Spirit, Activity & patience exhibited by them in the course of the attempt—and I
                            am certain nothing that depended upon Colonel Willett to give efficacy to it, was wanting.
                        Major Talmadge, whom I had placed on the Sound, with the Infantry of Sheldons Legion, for the purpose of
                            interrupting as much as possible on that side, the Trade with New York, has been more successfull, as will appear by his
                            report, a Copy of which is likewise inclosed. The Zeal & activity of Major Talmadge & the promptness and
                            bravery of the party acting under his orders on this occasion, have merited and received my thanks—The Detachment also
                            belonging to the command of Brigr General Hazen, which are occasionally advanced to Bergen, New Ark, Elizabeth Town
                            &c. to intercept the illicit commerce in that quarter, appear to have been very alert, and they have succeeded in
                            several instances.
                        I flatter myself Congress will be persuaded, nothing on my part has been omitted to carry fully into
                            execution their Resolution of the 30th of October last, but at the same time I am under the necessity to declare in my own
                            vindication, that unless the Civil Powers of the different States will adopt the most energetic measures & make
                            the greatest exertions to carry them into effect it will be impossible to put a stop to an evil which has encreased to an
                            alarming height & which (notwithstanding all our efforts) is still increasing & I am informed prevails no
                            where in such an uncontrouled manner as on the Sea Coast of Connecticut. I have the honor to be, with the highest respect
                            Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient & most humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 26 February 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                             Philadeplphia, 26th Feb. 1783

                        I had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 30th ult. which I immediately laid before
                            Congress, who, without delay, gave it the full attention it deserved. The result of their deliberations I do myself the
                            pleasure to enclose.
                        The Secretary of Foreign Affairs will make the confidential communication to your Excellency mentioned
                            therein, I hope, by this opportunity. The critical state of our Finances obliges Congress to the most disagreeable
                            parsimony, altho’ the objects proposed, are certainly of the highest consequence, and which will engage their attention,
                            at all events, in case of the least change of appearances.
                        By a Vessel arrived yesterday from Teneriffe, and one a few days ago at Baltimore from St Kitts, there are
                            various Reports about all negociations for Peace being broke up at Paris; but sifting them well and duly considering dates
                            and other circumstances, they amount to nothing worthy of attention. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest
                            sentiments of respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s Most obedient & very humb. Servt

                            Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 26 February 1783
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear Sir
                            Jamaica Plain February 26-3 March 1783

                        Your favor of Ocr the 23d I was honored with in due season: but having nothing special about which to write,
                            & being sensible how many & great your engagements were, I delayed till somewhat of importance might
                            offer. Now is the happy moment: for though we have received no official accounts announcing the Peace, yet the information
                            is so particular & hath the appearance of such authenticity, that I cannot but embrace the first opportunity of
                            congratulating your Excellency upon the glorious event; & of making my renewed & hearty acknowledgments to
                            you for the self-denials difficulties & dangers You have readily submitted to, that so You might bring it about.
                            As I have not doubted your fervent wish for it, & a return to private life; so I most sincerely wish, that you may
                            long enjoy all the comforts of it; with the additional happiness of observing that our political systems & forms
                            of government both general & particular are better established. It hath been my thought, that the kind
                            interposition of Heaven in granting us Peace in this crisis of our affairs, is as eminent as in any period of our past
                            successes: for without money, without credit, & an evident tendency among the people to disorder, what could we
                            have done? What an amazing contrast between the last speech & all the preceding ones, for ten years back! The
                            temper of the king must have been mortified beyond expression. Nothing but apprehensions of fatal consequences resulting
                            from perseverance have, I apprehend, produced this change. The Scotch were preparing to give him trouble; &
                            designed had the war continued to have shaken him off, & to have separated from England.
                        I wait for the confirmation of Peace from Congress, & then propose presenting a memorial praying
                            access to their archives: should account myself highly obliged to You would You support it by your recommendation,
                            provided your Excellency perceives no impropriety in your doing it. Should my memorial be complied with, shall repair to
                            Philadelphia with all possible expedition, & shall hope for the pleasure of inspecting your papers after having
                            examined the Secretary’s office. Dr Ramsey has informed me that matters being properly arranged there, as much may be done
                            in the office within one day as would employ three elsewhere is common.
                        I truly wish that our officers who have borne the brunt of the day, may meet with grateful returns answerable
                            to the abilities of the people, & consistent with the republican principles of the country. The manners of the New
                            England States will scarce admit of half pay; but a consideration ought to be made for their sufferings, losses, &
                            long exclusion from every other but the military mode of life. Our assemblies are composed of such heterogeneous
                            materials, & have so many little narrow souls among them, that men of more liberal minds are not able to carry
                            their points so oft as they desire. Whenever the pleasing & yet painful moment comes for taking leave of the army
                            & of public service, a recommendatory Address from your Excellency to the several States mentioning how much their
                            corps of officers merit rewards as well as thanks, will probably have great weight in serving them. I write thus without
                            having consulted with any one, & mean not to communicate but retain it a Secret in my own breast.
                        People, as is natural, are very desirous of knowing the terms of Peace. I trust, that the Policy of the
                            French has secured us the fishery; or great uneasiness will follow. The New England States, this particularly cannot do
                            without, as it is their whole & sole staple, worth speaking of. Should their interest have been neglected or
                            sacrificed, they will manage some how or other with Britain to regain it. I wish to have no jarrings & janglings,
                            either between particular States, or the United States & any foreign power. May we have peace with the world
                            & among ourselves! & may our affairs be conducted with such wisdom & uprightness, that we may not
                            be embroiled in any European quarrels! Sorry should I be to have America the cockpit of warriors: That would after a while
                            prove fatal to its liberties. I deprecate those changes, which while they aggrandize a country in the opinion of other
                            kingdoms, do eventually reduce the inhabitants to a state of slavery. The same principle makes me wish, that the
                            sovereignties of the several states may never be swallowed up in a congressional vortex— that we may never become an
                            offensive united Power, but may ever remain a defensive one, which will secure us the interpositon of other powers in case
                            of an hostile attack: but do we become offensive & ambitious, we shall in a century or two be so formidable, that
                            European kingdoms will be jealous for their own security & join in wars against us.
                        I have had frequent opportunity of enquiring after your Excellency’s health, & the satisfacion of
                            hearing that You was well. May the continuance of this blessing sweeten your other enjoyments for many future years!
                        Not having had a line from friends or relations in Britain of later date than last August twelvemonth, I
                            propose accompanying this with two letters for New York, open for your Excellency’s perusal, one of which I would have put
                            into the mail for London & the other delivered, & which I suppose you can easily get done for me; but if
                            there is any impropriety in your assisting therein be pleased to excuse my mistake in applying, & let the letters
                            be destroyed. Mrs Gordon joins in best wishes & sincerest regards to Self & Lady. I remain, with the
                            highest esteem, Your Excellency’s faithful friend & very humble servant

                            William Gordon

                            Mar. 3. We are waiting for the confirmation of peace-reports; the appearances in favor of the event are
                                not lessened.


Title: From George Washington to Pelatiah Haws, 26 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Haws, Pelatiah

                            Sir
                            Head Qurs Newburgh Febry 26th 1783

                        I have been favoured with your Letter of the 14th and in consequence of it have issued a General Order, that
                            whenever a Regiment is ordered for duty on the Lines, the Qur Mr or some Officer in his room, will precede the Regiment one
                            day at least, for the purpose of Providing convenient Quarters, on the route, as well as on the Lines, without incommoding
                            the Inhabitants more than is absolutely necessary—The Qur Master or Officer employed on this business, will apply to the
                            Civil Authority in the vicinity, and the mode pointed out by an Act of this State for billeting Troops, is to be observed
                            on all ordinary occasions, so far as the circumstances of the service will permit. This to be a standing Order.
                        I hope you will not suffer any farther inconveniency on this account in future and notwithstanding your age
                            and infirmity, you may yet live to see the happy return of Peace & many good days. I am Sir with much
                            respect Your Most Obt hume Servt
                    G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 26 February 1783
From: Jackson, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            War-Office February 26th 1783

                        I do myself the honor to enclose to your Excellency a late resolve of Congress.
                        The Clothier informs me that he has written to you on the subject of the blankets which have lately arrived. I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect Your Excellency’s obedient servant

                            W. Jackson


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 26 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            (Private)
                            My dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Feby 26th 1783

                        I believe it was mentioned when you was at Head Quarters that Major Villefranche had made application for
                            promotion—I have declined in this and all similar instances to use my influence directly with Congress, to obtain rank for
                            Gentlemen who solicited it out of the common course of promotion; because I wished in the first place that Honble Body
                            might decide according to their own pleasure, and in the second that I might not be harrassed with a multitude of useless
                            & improper applications. Tho I foresee this may in some degree be the case if Major Villefranche succeeds, yet I
                            cannot conceal my sentiments in his favor (which indeed I have expressed very fully in a Certificate which has been given
                            to him) and should not his promotion involve any very troublesome consequences of this kind, I wish with all my heart it
                            might take place. With sentiments of esteem & regard I am My dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 26 February 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philadelphia 26th Feby 1783.

                        In compliance with the directions of Congress contained in the inclosed resolution I have the honor to inform
                            your Excellency that our last dispatches dated in October announce a disposition in the belligerent powers to terminate
                            the war by a general peace the Court of London whose sincerity was most suspected because it was to make the greatest
                            sacrifices appears to have smoothed the way by the commission to Mr Oswald (which your Excellency has seen) empowering him
                            to treat with the thirteen United States of America Mr Ranival (brother to Mr Gerard) having been sent from France to
                            sound the intentions of the British minister returned perfectly satisfied of their sincerity. A Little before our
                            dispatches were closed our Ministers had delivered their proposition to the court of London they consisted of three Genl
                            heads which comprized our right to the Fisheries the extent of our territories & commercial objects—Tho’ these
                            propositions contain all we could ask under each of these heads yet Mr Oswald gave our ministers reason to conclude that
                            they would be granted which I am inclined to believe they have been in their fullest extent from the lead which our
                            ministers have taken in acquiring provisional articles—France Spain & Holland had made their proposals so that the
                            King of Great Britain was perfectly apprized of their demands before he met his parliament There is little room therefore
                            to doubt when these facts are compared with the speech of his Britanic Majesty that unless some unforeseen event should
                            arise a general peace will be concluded before the opening of the next campaign.
                        I was honoured by your Letter of the 18th—I have delivered the one enclosed to Mr Jefferson who is detained
                            by order of Congress till they receive more certain advices as to the issue of the negotiation. I should also acknowledge
                            the recd of your favor of the 8th of Jany which I found here on my return from the Country. I think wth you that the
                            british administration will chuse to take the advise of parliament on the terms of peace before they agree to them. Yet
                            they have gone every length with respect to us—In this however they are perfectly safe as the opposition have all along
                            dictated that measure, so that on this quarter they are secured from their attacks More circumspection
                            will be necessary in adjusting the articles wth the other belligerent powers to this cause we may
                            probably attribute the delays that this business still seems to strugle with.
                        Be pleased Sir to accept my comps. & those of my family, who join me in returng our best respects to
                            Mrs Washington. I have the honor to be Dr Sir with great respect & esteem Your Most Obt Hum. Servt

                            R.R. Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Comfort Sands, 26 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Sands, Comfort

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Feby 26th 1783

                        In reply to your Letter of the 19th inst. I have to observe, that the description contained therein, of
                            Troops supplied under the Contract for the Moving Army & under the Contract for West Point, is exactly conformable
                            to the idea held up in the Letter I wrote to you in the Month of April last & in the general Order of Aprl 29th
                            1782—But as there was a wilful infraction of that Order on your part—and as (upon my expressing an apprehension that the
                            confounding the issues of the two Contracts might be attended with difficulty in the settlement of accounts) you declared
                            in unequivocal terms that the Matter was perfectly understood & agreed upon between Mr Morris &
                            yourself—and finally, as that agreement did supersede the Arrangement I had made; I can give no farther explanation, or
                            say any thing more on the subject. I am Sir Your Hble Servt.Comfort Sands Esqr.


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 26 February 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dobbs’s ferry 26th Feby 1783

                        Inclosed I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency a Copy of a Letter from Mr Robert Hoakesly
                            accompanied with a memorial and the original Invoice of Merchandize shiped on board the Sloop Convert, with affidavits
                            annexed, tending to prove the propriety of the prayer of his Memorial. I am Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

                            W.S. Smith Lt Colo.

                     Enclosure

                                (Copy)
                                Sir
                                New York 20th February 1783

                            I flatter my-self your goodness will render an appology unnecessary for the freedom of this Letter, when
                                you consider of what importance the subject is to me, that occasions my writing it.
                            In the month of December Last, I sent from here a memorial to his Excellency General Washington which I
                                understood from Mr Sproat Commissary of prisoners was delivered to you Sir, to be forwarded, as I have not been
                                honour’d with an answer from His Excellency to the request contain’d in the Memorial, beg leave to enclose a Copy of
                                it Least the original should be lost or mislaid, and also Affidavits in support of the Injuries Complain’d of.
                            Should my application to the General require that Brazel and Mackelheney be Examined viva voce, it would
                                lay me under particular Obligations if I could get leave soon to come with them within the American Lines as one if
                                not both of them will shortly go to nova Scotia in this situation my anxiety cannot but be great, and I trust you will
                                Excuse me for requesting the favour of you to lay my papers before General Washington as soon as possible. I have the
                                honor to be with every sentiment of respect Sir Your most Obedt & Humble Servt

                                Robt Hoakesly


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 26 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                            Dear Baron.
                            Head Quarters Feby 26th 1783

                        I was favored by the last Post, with the Report of the Board of Officers respecting Captn Segond’s claim of
                            admission into the Legion of Armand; as it appears to be founded in justice & reason it has my entire approbation,
                            and I presume must be satisfactory.
                        As the prospect of Peace (the more promising than it has been at any former period) is somewhat equivocal; I
                            have determined to put the Army, so far as depends on our own exertions, in the most respectable state for active
                            operations, which may be extremely necessary should any Contingency make another Campaign inevitable: to effect this, your
                            presence & assistance will be of the greatest utility—so soon therefore as you can make it perfectly convenient, I
                            shall be happy to see you at the Army; in the mean time I am Dr Baron with sentiments of the highest esteem &c. obed. srvt.


Title: General Orders, 27 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Thursday February 27th 1783
                            Parole Andover.
                            Countersigns Barnagat, Colchester.

                        For the day tomorrow Lt Col Comdt Brooks.
                        For duty the 1st Jersey regiment.
                        When ever a regiment is warned for duty on the Lines the regimental Quarter Master or some officer acting for
                            him will precede the regiment one day at least for the purpose of providing convenient quarters on the rout as well as on
                            the Lines without incommoding the Inhabitants more than is absolutely necessary—The regiments returning from the Lines
                            will observe the same rule—The Quarter Master or Officer employed in this business will apply to the Civil authority in
                            the vicinity and the mode pointed out by an act of this State for billitting Troops is to be observed
                            on all ordinary occasions so far as the circumstances of the service will permit—this to be a standing order.
                        The Board of officers assembled in consequence of the orders of the 29th ultimo (Major General Baron Steuben
                            President) to enquire into the claim of Captn Segond to be admitted into the corps of Colonel Armand, report as follows
                            viz.
                        The Board having considered the Claim of Captn Segond and the papers handed them in support of it, on the one
                            part: and the objections of Colonel Armand with the papers offered by him on the other part are unanimously of opinion
                            that Captain Segond has not a right to a command in the Legion of Colonel Armand.
                        The Board are sensible that the Captivity of Captn Segond alone, has prevented his being at this moment in
                            the Legion of Colonel Armand, & therefore as his unfortunate situation has thrown him out of command; and as by
                            testimony it appears he has served with reputation in the Corps of the late Count Pulasky, The Board beg leave to
                            recommend him to the consideration of Congress and of his Excellency the Commander in Chief. The Commander in Chief
                            approves the Report.
                        The Muster and Inspection of the troops in this Cantonment for the Month of February will take place on the
                            following days, vizt

                                    New Hampshire
                                    Brigade
                                    the 1st March

                                    Jersey
                                    do
                                    4th

                                    1st & 7th
                                     Massa.
                                    regiments
                                    6th

                                    4th & 2nd
                                    do

                                    8th

                                    5th & 8th
                                    do

                                    10th

                                    3d

                                    Brigade
                                    11th

                                    &
                                    New York
                                    do
                                    20th

                            The Garrison of Westpoint will also be Mustered and Inspected on the 13th 14th & 15th of the same
                            month.
                        The Saucissons for the communications between the Lines are to be furnished in the following proportion. Vizt

                                    The
                                     Jersey
                                    Brigade
                                    620

                                    1
                                    York
                                    regiment
                                    300

                                    1st
                                    Massa.
                                    Brigade
                                    1080

                                    2d
                                    Do
                                    Do
                                    1080

                                    3d
                                    Do
                                    Do
                                    710

                                    Hampshire
                                    Do

                                         530

                                    4.320

                        Two Pickets of five feet long are to be furnished to each Saucisson.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 27 February 1783
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Dr Sr
                            Philada 27th Febry 1783

                        Your favors of the 14th Decr last and the 11th inst. have been duly received—a series of ill health through
                            the fall and the greatest part of the Winter and which untill very lately rendered my attendance in Congress seldom and
                            very irregular must be my apology for suffering the first to remain so long unanswered.
                        Congress have been for some time past almost wholely employed in devising some general and adequate funds for
                            paying the interest and in time sinking the principal of the public debt as well as to provide for future loans should the
                            continuance of the War render borrowing necessary—difficulties apparently insurmountable presented themselves in almost
                            every stage of the business, owing to the different circumstances of the several States, and the necessity, that the
                            subjects selected for taxation to form the funds, should operate throughout them all, generally and equally, or nearly so,
                            to make them acceptable. After opening and discussing a variety of questions, no object has been yet discovered, to which
                            so few objections lie, as the import duty formerly recommended to the States, and which, with some alterations from the
                            former plan to obviate the objections that have been raised, has been agreed to in a Comtee of the whole and will I think
                            be finally adopted—What this duty, when granted by the States will amount to annually, is very uncertain—in time of peace
                            there can be no doubt but it will be considerable and for years prove an increasing fund, but it is thought by no means
                            adequate to the payment of the interest and sinking the principal of the national Debt—Other means have therefore been
                            considered in aid of the import duty—Land, Polls, Salt, Wine, Spirits, Tea &c, these last being what are called
                            luxuries it is thot may bear a small tax in addition to the import duty—I fear at present few of these will go down, and
                            that we shall be obliged at last to rest the payment of the public Debt upon the mode presented by the Confn (requisitions proportioned on the States according to the value of land buildings
                            &c. a plan for obtaining which scale of proportion has been digested and agreed upon in Congress and will
                            immediately go on to the States,) and the produce of the 5 ⅌ Ct duty if granted—A small poll tax, did
                            not the Constitution of Maryland stand in the way, might probably succeed, as it wo’d operate more equally perhaps than any
                            other, and may be adopted, allowing Maryland to substitute some other adequate and productive fund in its room. A short
                            time will bring to a conclusion our efforts on this business, which I am in hopes will terminate in the adoption of such
                            measures as may be acceptable to the States, and produce the granting such funds as will restore public credit, give value
                            to the great mass of depreciated certificates, and enable Congress to render, to every Class of the public Crediters ample
                            justice. Congress have the purest intentions towards the public Crediters, and will use their best exertions in obtaing
                            from the States the means to do them speedy and complete justice—such is their opinion of the merit and services of the
                            Army that did it not wound the sense of justice, they want not the inclination to give them the preference to any other
                            class of Crediters but equity and sound policy forbid discrimination and partial distinctions. One ground of discontent in
                            the Army, and on which they found the opinion, that justice is not intended to be done to them, is the delay in complying
                            with their requests—but with those acquainted with the deliberations of public bodies, and especially of so
                            mixed a Body as that of Congress, allowances will be made for slow determination—Every class of public
                            Crediters must know the inability of Congress to pay their demands, unless furnished with the means by the several States,
                            and the exertions of that body have not been wanting heretofore, to obtain the means though they have not produced the
                            desired effect—the measures now digesting will, there is good reason to expect, prove more efficacious, for obvious
                            reasons. Reports are freely circulated here that there are dangerous combinations in the Army, and within a few days past
                            it has been said, they are about to declare, they will not disband untill their demands are complied with. I trust these
                            reports are not well founded, and that the Army will exercise a while longer at least, the patient forbearance, which hath
                            hitherto so honourably distinguished them—to you it must be unnecessary to observe, that when once all confidence between
                            the civil and military authority is lost, by intemperate conduct or an assumption of improper power, especially by the
                            military body, the Rubicon is passed and to retreat will be very difficult, from the fears and jealousies that will
                            unavoidably subsist between the two bodies—To avoid therefore the adoption by the Army of any hasty and rash measure, should employ the attention, and draw forth the exertions of every worthy officer in it—for from
                            these alone can opposition be expected. The Ambition of some, and the presence of distress in others, may produce
                            dangerous combinations founded on the pretence that justice is delayed, and will be refused to them—the pretext is
                            plausable and insnareing, and may draw in to engagements the unsuspecting honest Soldier from which it will be difficult to
                            extricate himself, even when he sees the dangers they lead to. If there are Men in the Army who harbour wicked designs,
                            and are determined to blow the coals of discord, they will gradually endeavour to hurt the Reputation of those, averse to
                            their projects, and by sinister practices lessen their weight and influence among the Soldiery—I have lately heard there
                            are those who are abandoned enough to use their arts to lessen your reputation popularity in the Army, in hopes ultimately the weight
                            of your opposition will prove no obstacle to their ambitious designs—If this be true, and they are likely to succeed, I own
                            it will prove a bad prognostic of the future & I shall be among the number of those who entertain fears of the Army, and
                            doubt that Peace will not be followed by its usual blessings to America.Whether to temporise, or oppose with steady
                            unremitting firmness, what is supposed to be in agitation of dangerous tendency, or that may be agitated, must be left to
                            your own sense of propriety, and better judgment.
                        (With respect ot the business of Vermont I think you need not be uneasy from apprehensions that the Army or
                            any part of them will be employed to inforce a compliance with the act of the 5th of Decr last should
                            the people of vermont refuse a compliance with that demand at least for some time to come if ever. To go into detail upon
                            this matter wod be prolix and rather improper for the scope of a letter. It cannot be denied that the act of Congress of
                            the  of Augt opened the prospect to Vermont, of an acknowledgement
                            of their independence and admission into the union—altho’ it gave ground of hope, it was not conclusive, and the
                            legislature of Vermont absolutely rejecting the offer, and recommending to the people an inviolable adherence to their
                            union and encroachments on the adjoining States, (and which, as well as other unwarrantable acts they have unjustly
                            concealed from the public in their remonstrance) released Congress from their offer, and left them at liberty afterwards
                            to accept or refuse as they saw fit, when Vermont repenting of her conduct at a future period complied—A particular state
                            of things produced the act of Congress, a change of circumstances afterwards dictated the delay in determining on their
                            proposition, and the report of a Committee to whom it was referred—that Report authorises observations I decline to
                            make—this proceeding in Congress they Stile a violation of the Compact entered into with them. there always has been a
                            strong opposition to the claims of Vermont and their admission into the Union—Virginia has generally been among the number
                            of her opponents, not so much perhaps upon the question of independence as the impolicy of her admission into the Union,
                            while several very important questions of local concern remained undetermined, and untill these great points are settled
                            the consent of Virginia I expect will be withheld and if before obtained, it will be a sacrifice of her Opinion to the
                            peace and common weal of the U. States. If Vermont confines herself to the limits assigned her, and ceases to encroach
                            upon and disturb the quiet of the adjoining States, at the same time avoiding combinations or acts hostile to the U.
                            States, she may be at rest within her limits, and by patient waiting the convenient time, may ’ere long be admitted to the
                            priveleges of Union. The influence Vermont has gained in the Army and in some of the States that espouse her cause, do
                            little credit to the parties concerned, and to this influence is in a great measure to be ascribed the variable,
                            indecisive conduct of Congress, respecting the claim of that people. The remonstrance states the receipt of Official letters recommending a compliance with the act of Congress, and intimates yours to be
                            of the number, and that these communications influenced them to comply—The assertion is wrong as to yours and may be
                            equally false as to others, and is one proof among a variety of others of the disingenuity and want of candour in
                            Vermont—it exhibits also very little respect to this Body, when they ascribe their compliance to other motives than the
                            recommendation of Congress.)
                        Seven States have voted 5 years whole pay as the commutation for the half pay to the Officers—but the
                            resolution has not passed the House being postponed for the present from an opinion prevalent with many, that the consent
                            of nine States is necessary to give it validity—Delaware and Georgia are absent, were they represented, probably the vote
                            wod be sufficient.
                        That we shall have peace soon is almost reduced to a certainty—but my fears are it will not be attended with
                            those blessings generally expected—there are so many great questions very interesting to particular
                            states unsettld, which require speedy determination to preserve quiet, that it is difficult to avoid uneasy impressions
                                for their consequences—the present conjunctions perhaps, above all others America has experienced,
                            calls for good dispositions in the States, and moderation and wisdom in their Councils—may the Spirit of Union govern them
                            is the earnest wish of D. Sr yr aff. hum: Servt

                            Jos: Jones


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 February 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            West Point 27th Feby 1783,

                        I received your Excellency’s letter respecting the loss of the stores at the posts at King’s ferry. I take
                            the liberty to enclose the report of Capt. Lieut. Fenno, of artillery, on that subject. I should have transmitted it to
                            your Excellency when I first received it, but I was in hopes that something further might have been discovered. I have
                            sent him the lock and key, and ordered the quarter master at this post to apply for the boards, which, with the change of
                            the mode of doing duty, will in future, I hope, prevent any more depredations of this nature.
                        I am by no means satisfied with Capt. Lieut. Fenno’s ideas of his not being responsible for the stores,
                            because he was not the commanding officer of the posts. He ought, in my opinion, to have considered himself accountable to
                            the public for the stores; and although the frequent changes of commanding officers involved him in much trouble, yet an
                            actual examination of the stores ought to have been made every time a return was called for.
                        Your Excellency will please to observe, that the lost barrell of powder ought to have been reported as part
                            of the first robbery, but was not discovered until lately.
                        In case of any more articles being lost while Capt. Lieut. Fenno commands at King’s ferry, I will relieve him
                            and have the matter enquired into by a court-martial or a court of enquiry. I have the honor to be with the highest
                            respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                            H. Knox.

                     Enclosure

                                    30 January-15 February 1783

                            Extracts of two letters from Capt. Lieut. Fenno, commanding the artillery at Stoney & Verplanck’s
                                Points, to Gen. Knox.
                            "Jany 30 1783
                            I received your order of the 24th instant respecting the stolen ammunition, and wish I could give a more
                                satisfactory account than is in my power. While I commanded, though but a Short time, I minutely examined both
                                garrisons—found the stores at Verplanck’s deficient; the mens quarters dirty; under their births a breach in the wall
                                of the magazine, which I repaired—took every Measure to discover the thief and searched the then present guard, but
                                found nothing. From every circumstance, I believe the powder to have been stolen long before missed. The post being so
                                frequently relieved, its impossible to fix the theft on any Particular command. I directed Mr Campbell to make the
                                return which was demanded by the commanding officer. The men’s quarters are in the bomb proof, over the magazine,
                                which is small and crowded with sixty or seventy men, when conveniently it would contain but half that number.
                            The senior officer receipts for all stores and views them as immediately under his command. With them, in
                                my present situation, I conceive, I cannot be accountable for stores intrusted to a superior’s charge."

                                "Feby 15—

                                In my last I mentioned the manner the powder was stolen, since which on moving the barrels, I find
                                    one empty—the head was in, and prevented my discovering it with the cartridges. Two subs. are at those posts,
                                    which gives me the command. I have set the men to work making the necessary repairs, which are many. The different
                                    commands have injured the posts.
                                I would be obliged to you for a lock and key. Five hundred feet of boards are much wanting. The lost
                                    barrel is returned by Lieut. Leacraft to the last commandant."


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 27 February 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Office of Finance 27th February 1783.

                        I do myself the Honor to enclose in the Paper Number one the Copy of a Letter to the President of Congress
                            which was written on the twenty fourth of last Month. I should have transmitted it to you on the next Day but contrary to
                            my Expectations Congress enjoined Secrecy—I yesterday wrote the Letter of which Number two is a Copy and in Consequence of
                            it I am this Instant informed that the Injunction of Secrecy is taken off. I seize therefore the earliest Moment to give
                            you the Information.
                        I do assure you Sir that Nothing would have induced me to take this Step but a painful Conviction that the
                            Situation of those to whom the Public are indebted is desperate. I beleive sincerely that a great Majority of the Members
                            of Congress wish to do Justice But I as sincerely beleive that they will not adopt the necessary Measures because they are
                            afraid of offending their States. From my Soul I pity the Army, and you my dear Sir in particular, who must see and feel
                            for their Distresses without the Power of releiving them. I did flatter myself that I should have been able to present
                            them that Justice to which they are entitled, and in the mean Time I labored to made their Situation as tolerable as
                            Circumstances would permit. For the Assistance which you have Kindly afforded me, I pray you to accept my Thanks, and be
                            assured that I shall ever retain for it the most grateful Emotions. My Thanks are due also to all our Officers, for I know
                            that unwearied Pains have been taken to give them disagreeable Impressions: I am therefore doubly Indebted for the just
                            Sentiments which, amid so many Misrepresentations, they have constantly entertained. I hope my Successor will be more
                            fortunate than I have been, and that our glorious Revolution may be crowned with those Acts of Justice, without which the
                            greatest human Glory is but the Shadow of a Shade. I am with sincere Esteem & Respect Sir your most obedient
                            & humble Servant

                            Robt Morris

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Office of Finance 24th Jany 1783.

                            As Nothing but the public Danger would have induced me to accept my Office, so I was determined to hold
                                it until the Danger was past, or else to meet my Ruin in the common Wreck. Under greater Difficulties than were
                                apprehended by the most timid, and with less Support than was expected by the least Sanguine the generous Confidence
                                of the Public accomplished more than I presumed to hope.
                            Congress will recollect, that I expressly stipulated to take no Part in past Transactions. My Attention
                                to the public Debts, therefore, arose from the Conviction that funding them on solid Revenues was the last essential
                                Work of our glorious Revolution. The Accomplishment of this necessary Work, is among the Objects nearest my Heart and
                                to effect it, I would continue to sacrifice Time Property and domestic Bliss.
                            Many late Circumstances have so far lessened our Apprehensions from the common Enemy, that my original
                                Motives have almost ceased to operate. But other Circumstances have postponed the Establishment of public Credit in
                                such Manner that I fear it will never be made. To encrease our Debts while the Prospect of paying them diminishes does
                                not consist with my Ideas of Integrity. I must therefore quit a Situation which becomes utterly insupportable. But
                                lest the Public Measures might be deranged by any Precipitation, I will continue to serve until the End of May. If
                                effectual Measures are not taken by that Period to make permanent Provision for the public Debts, of every Kind,
                                Congress will be pleased to appoint some other Man to be the Superintendant of their finances. I should be unworthy of
                                the Confidence reposed in me by my fellow Citizens if I did not explicitly declare, that I will never be the Minister
                                of Injustice. With perfect Esteem & Respect I have the Honor to be Sir your Excellency’s most obedient and
                                humble Servant.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,
                                Office of Finance 26th Febry 1783.

                            A Number of those who have contracted Engagements with me will I know place a personal Reliance on me for
                                the Fulfilment of them. As the Time approaches very fast when I am to quit this Office it is proper for me to make the
                                necessary Preparations. Among these I must place the due and seasonable Information which as an honest Man I must
                                convey to those who have confided in me. I am therefore to pray that the Injunction of Secrecy contained in the order
                                of the twenty fourth of January last may be taken off—At the same Time I take the Liberty to suggest to Congress that
                                the early appointment of my Successor will give him opportunity to take such Measures as may prevent many
                                Inconveniencies that might otherwise happen. With perfect Respect I have the Honor  be Sir Your Excellency’s most
                                obedient & humble Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Coggeshall Olney, 27 February 1783
From: Olney, Coggeshall
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Saratoga Feby 27th 1783

                        Inclosed I transmit to your Excelency the answers of Capt Macomber on oath, to the interogations of the Honbe
                            Jonathan Arnold in his letter of the 11th inst.-- The scattered situation of the Regiment and suffering of the frozen troops
                            returned from the western expedition, has rendered it impracticable to forward the same at an earlier period—Having nearly
                            forty men who must loose their limbs.
                        The orders for the reduction of the Regiment having come to hand, I take the liberty to inform your Excelency
                            that the senior officers are at home on furlough with Colonel Olney, which will render the compleating of the arrangement
                            impracticable for some time. I have wrote the Col: on the subject, and expect a speedy answer, with regard to the
                            determination of the absent officers, and also whether the recruits reinlisted will be retained in service by the State. I
                            have the Honour to be Your Excelencys Most obedient Servt

                            Coggell Olney Major
                            R.I.R.

                     Enclosure

                                    27 February 1783

                            1 question put by the Honorable Mr Arnold see Arnold to GW and enclosure, 11 Feb.
                                1783.

                            When Said Smith Gave you the information aluded to above was the conversation immediately respecting the
                                said Knowlton and Wells absence from home! In Answer to the Best of my Remembrance it was the Conversation had been
                                general, relative to the precedings of a number of the inhabitants of the State of Vermont (as he termed them) in the
                                course of which he mentioned Knowlton and Wells as the most active against the United States in that quarter.that they
                                had Posts from the Southward Northward & Eastward, who collected inteligence for them which they communicated
                                to Quebeck and New York. He also said that, three Posts had arrived there in one day (about ten days before); and that
                                soon after Wells and Knowlton went off; where they were gone, he did not know: but he immagined they had went away in
                                consequence of dispatches brought by some of the Posts; and that there was a letter from Jonathan Arnold Esqr. at
                                Congress (part of which was reported publickly) & informed that affairs in Congress were unfavourable to them
                                & advised them to look out for themselves, or take care of themselves. How Mr Smith came by this inteligence I
                                dont know, as this Discourse so nearly touched on my buisiness, I was unwilling to be inquisitive through fear of
                                suspicion. In answer to the 2nd question—I am not positive whether Mr Smith told me he saw the letter himself, or Got
                                it by information or in what manner it came to his knowledge.In answer to the 3rd question All the information I
                                received respecting the above mentioned Letter was from Mr Smith & I do not recollect whether he told in what
                                manner it was made publick or not; but I remember he said that from what he had observed, he was well convinced that
                                the people of Vermont had bought Mr Arnold to their interest, and that it was his opinion he had been concerned with
                                them a considerable time. Previous to this conversation with Mr Smith, I heard it observed by Gentlemen in the
                                Territory of Vermont among which was Colo. Ethan Allen that they had some friends not with Standing all their
                                disputes, and mentioned Mr Arnold in a very particular manner, but at that time I thought nothing of it &
                                cannot recollect how the discourse was introduced—Soon after Mr Smith Gave me the information as I before Related and
                                finding that it cooperated with what i had heard before.I thought my Self bound in duty to my Country to report the
                                same. Mr Smith have been in this Garrison Since and Reported before Major OlneyEnsign Kirby & my Self the
                                Bigest part of what I have here related. In answer to the 4th question Lieut. Sherburn of the Rhode Island Regiment
                                was present when i had this discourse and no other person to my knowledge.
                            the 5th question, I conceive to be designed only as an insult, and foreign to the matter of my report; I
                                therefore consider my self under no obligation to gratify the Gentlemans curiosity with an answer. but in obedience to
                                his Excellences order which I am all ways happy in obeying I answer that the report I formed and writ my Self from the
                                Information i received with out the assistance of any person and was copied by Lieut. Wheaton of the Rhode Island
                                Regt—but I cant recollect as he either added dominished or corrected. (but it appears by the
                                Honorable Mr Arnolds letter there is one word added) by that means I have sent a copy of the original so fair as it
                                relates to Mr Arnold, "he the Said Israel Smith further told me they Received a letter from Jonathan Arnold Esqr. at
                                Congress part of which was made public he informed them that afairs in Congress ware very unfavourable to them and
                                would have them look out for them Selves or take care of them Selves which ware the words made use of"—whether Mr
                                Smith Said this letter aluded to, was directed to Said Knowlton & Wells or whether it was Directed to Received
                                and Communicated to them by another person I cannot Recollect)

                                Ebenezer Macomber Capt.
                                Saratoga Feby 27th 1783

                                Then personally appeared before me Capt. Ebenr Macomber and made solemn oath that the foregoing
                                    answers to the interogations of the Honbe Jonathan Arnold Esqr. (by him submited) are the truth in every
                                    particular.

                                ⅌ Coggell Olney Major Com

                                R.I. Regt


Title: From George Washington to John Pierce, 27 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pierce, John

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh 27th Feb. 1783.

                        Be so good as to re-examine your Books to see if any Sum was advanced to my order for my own use between Feby
                            & May 1777—To Whom—For what Sum—and the precise date. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Ser.

                            Go: Washington