Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 19 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town Januay 19th 1780

          I had the honor yesterday to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th by Colo. Magaw with the Resolutions of the several dates to which it refers.
          I am sorry to trouble Congress again on the subject of the proposed exchange of prisoners, but circumstances and my desire to do what is right compel me to it. I must beg leave to Inform your Excellency that when your dispatches on this point came to hand, I received and by the same conveyance, a Letter from the Honorable the Board of Treasury dated the 14th, Inclosing an Act of the 11th of the former of which I have the honor to transmit a Copy. From the tenor of these and the circumstance of their coming at this time, I was led to consider them, altho’ I had received no information from Congress with respect to their contents, as directory of the conduct I was to persue in the proposed negociation; and that the adjustment and payment of the accounts to which they relate, were to be preliminary conditions, without which it could not take effect. Whether I was right or wrong in this I cannot determine, but from the Act & the letter it appeared to me, that I could make no other conclusion. And in this idea I accordingly prepared a Letter for Colos. Magaw Mathews—Ely & Lt Colo. Ramsay, of which I also inclose a Copy, who were to call upon me to day previous to their setting out for New York—and to whom my engagements in other business would not permit me to attend before. These Gentlemen on finding the footing upon which the affair was placed,

expressed great concern and they assured me, altho’ they thought the conclusion I had drawn from the dispatches received from the Treasury was such as they seemed to require, that they had every reason to beleive from the conferences with which they had been honoured, that there had been some misconception on the occasion—and that Congress they were convinced had no intention of connecting the settlement or payment of the accounts against the Convention Troops with the present proposed exchange, either as a previous condition to the negociation or as an Ultimatum in any case. How far this corrisponds with the sense of Congress I cannot determine myself—the Gentlemen I am sure think it does perfectly; but the Letter and the Act from the Treasury, which I consider myself officially bound to notice, and the other concomitant circumstances make it indispensibly for me to refer the point for their particular direction. And as it is my wish to persue their intention where ever I can—And as there are certain matters in which I cannot use my own discretion and which occur in the present case—I must take the liberty to entreat, that Congress will be pleased to delineate explicitly the Objects they wish me to comprehend or to exclude in the negociation—especially, whether the settlement or actual payment of the accounts alluded to in the whole or in part—or any stipulation about either, is to make a Condition previous to a negociation—or an Ultimatum in any case. The directions of Congress in these instances are absolutely essential—as I cannot undertake of my own discretion to decide upon them. I should also be happy to know the sense of Congress as to the indulgence of parole proposed in the 3d Article with respect to the Officers of Convention, who may not be included in the exchange—and as to the propriety of including the southern prisoners of whose state I am entirely ignorant.
          Colo: Magaw and the Gentlemen with him were so fully persuaded that there had been a mistake in the business, that they requested any corr⟨e⟩spondence with respect to it, might be suspended till Congress could be informed upon the subject; and concluding to remain out, after sending one of their party with a Letter of apology to Sir Henry Clinton for their delay, till the result was know[n]—they solicited permission to wait on Congress again. I have the honor to be With great respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 19 January 1780
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Burlington [N.J.] 19th Jany 1780.

          Last Saterday the Majestrates of this County met, And Chearfully undertook to Raise the provision Called for, and Gave Written orders to Edward Thomas & Richd price (Contractors) to Immediately Collect it, I fear the Number of Cattle will fall Short, but that Deficiency will be made up in other meat, Exclusive of what the Commisarys had Purchaced before this Requisition was made, upwards of one hundred Carcases of Good mutten, and Several of Veal, fresh pork &c. will Set out in Sleds tomorrow, and one Cask of Poultry, this Last I have Directed to be Delivered at your Excys Quarters, the Grain will be Easily Raised, and Ready to be Sent off Soon.

          one brigade of Sleds that went with Mutton, was Several times Stoped, and the Drivers much Insulted, and Several Carcases of Mutton forceably taken away, principelly by a person, (name forgot) but Gave a Cirtificate on their Return as Surgeon to the Second pennsulvania Regt this Conduct very much Discorages the Inhabitants from turning out with their Sleds, who as yet offers to Go Voluntirily.
          Receivd your Excellencys favour of the 16th Inst: this Day. I am with much Respect your Excys Most Obedt Hume Servt

            Israel Shreve


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Ward, 19 January 1780
From: Ward, Joseph
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town January 19th 1780

          I beg leave, to inform your Excellency, that in compliance with your Excellency’s pleasure, signified to me in a letter from Colonel Harrison, the 13th Instant, I immediately wrote to the Majors of Brigade (as I had no Officers in Camp) and requested them to muster their respective Brigades, and make a return of their muster Rolls to me. In the mean time I proposed to muster the Artillery, and the Corps not annexed to any Brigade in the line, myself.
          Being just informed, by an Act of Congress, which I received inclosed in a letter from his Excellency the President, dated the 12th Instant, That the Troops are in future to be mustered by the Inspectors of the Army; and that the Officers in the mustering Department are discharged.
          I therefore conceive that I have nothing farther to do

respecting the Musters, but to deliver the Rolls I have received this month, to such Officer as your Excellency may be pleased to direct; and to give him such information as may be in my power respecting the Department, to enable him with the greater facility to complete the business for the present month. I have the Honour to be With every Sentiment of Esteem and Respect, Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servant

            Joseph Ward


Title: General Orders, 20 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown thursday Jany 20th 1780
            Parole Quintilian—  C. Signs—Queen. Quack.

          Rum is to be issued only to detachments or fatigue parties unless directed particularly by a general order.


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 20 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

            Dear Custis
            Morristown Jan. 20th 1780

          I should have acknowledged the receipt of your letter of the 12th Ulto long since but for the many important matters which have claimed my attention.
          My letter which missed you on its passage to Williamsburg will acquaint you (as there is little doubt of its having got to hand long ’ere this) of the footing I proposed to put the valuation of the Cattle upon that you had of me—I only wished to hear

upon what principle Colo. Bassett acted as I thought it ungenteel to give a Gentn the trouble of performing a Service & disregard it so much afterwards as not even to enquire upon what ground he went—As I want nothing but justice, & this being your aim, it is scarce possible for us to disagree—but there is one thing which ought to be held in remembrance, & I mention it accordingly—& that is—that I should get no more real value for my Cattle at £40 a piece payable in the fall of 1779 than I should have got at £10 the preceeding fall provided the money had been then paid—For example—you could have got two barrls of Corn in 1778 for £10—& I can get no more now for £40—with respect to other things it is the same—it would be very hard therefore by keeping me out of the use of the money a year to reduce the debt three fourths of the original value— which is evidently the case, because the difference between Specie & paper in the fall of 1778 was about four for one only—now the difference is upwards of 30, consequently Ten pounds paid at that period was equal to 50/ good money—but paid at this day is not worth, nor will it fetch, more than a dollar—Had the money been paid and put into the loan office at the time you say the Cattle ought to have been valued I should have received a proportionate interest—that is—as the money depreciated the nominal sum for the interest would, by a resolve of Congress have increased, & I should have got the real value in the interest; whereas if you pay me £10 in loan office certificates of this date for my Cattle, I shall receive for every £10 or 50/. (which is the relative worth of it according to the then difference of exchange) one Dollar, & no more.
          These are self evident truths and nothing in my opinion is more Just and reasonable if you can come at, and do fix the value of the Cattle at what they were worth in the fall of 1778 & would then have been appraized to, that you should pay loan office certificates of that date for had you paid me the money at that time I should have lent it to the public, if there had been no other use for it, as it is not a custom with me to keep money to look at.
          This reasoning may, in part, be considered as an answer to so much of your letter of the 12th of Decembr as relates to the payment of the annuity for the dower Estate. You do not seem disposed to make the Just & proper distinction between real & nominal sums—a dollar is but a dollar whether it passes in Silver

at 6/. or paper at £6 or Sixty pounds—The nominal value, or the name, is but an empty sound, and you might as well attempt to pay me in oak leaves with which I can purchase nothing as to give me paper money that has not a relative value to the rent agreed on.
          If you have been unfortunate in your Crops, or in the means of raising money from your estate I am sorry for it, & do not by any means wish to put you to an inconveniency in paying the rent at this time which became due the first of this month—it may lye till my wants, or your convenience is greater, but as it was certainly the expectation of us both that this annuity was to be raised & paid out of the produce of your Crops, a moments reflection and calculation must convince you that it is full as easy to do it at this day (if you have those crops) as at any period before or since the war began; because the difference between the old & present prices of every article raised upon a plantation or farm bears at least an equal proportion to the difference between specie & paper—It is a matter of little consequence then whether you pay £30 in paper or 20/. in specie when the same quantity of Corn—wheat—Tobo—or any other article you possess will fetch the former with more ease now, than it wd the latter in the best of times.
          The fact is, that the real difference between the prices of all kinds of Country produce now, & before the War, is greater than between specie & paper. The latter in Philadelphia being about 30 when it is well known that the former in many things is at least a hundred & in scarce any article less than forty. Witness flour—Wheat—Indn Corn—&ca which are the great articles of produce of every Virginia estate. It is the unusualness of the idea, & high sound which alarms you in this business; for supposing the difference to be 30 prices & in consequence you pay £15,750 I neither get, nor do you pay a farthing more than £525 because as I have already observed, less Corn—wheat—&ca will enable you to pay the former now, than it wd take to pay the latter while they were at their old & accustomed prices—calling the sum therefore which you pay me £15,750 or £525 is a matter of moonshine, as it is the thing, not the name, that is to be regarded.
          I have wrote to Mr Lund Washington concerning Sheridines point, but am in some doubt w⟨heth⟩er ⟨the⟩ qty of Land will compensate the expence of the Bank wch must be lengthy—I

have left it to him however to determine this matter & to apply for the ditchers (who was about to leave you) if he shd want them. If your banks are not properly executed it is to be feared you will find more plague from the Musk-rats & other vermin than you seem to apprehend when the warm weather returns.
          I am glad to hear that your Assembly are disposed to exert themselves in the great work of apreciation—I heartily wish them success in the attempt—We have nothing new in this quarter—the weather has been, & now is, intensely cold—& we are beginning to emerge from the greatest distress on acct of the want of Provisions. My love to Nelly & the Children and I am sincerely & affectionately Yrs

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Churchill Houston, 20 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Houston, William Churchill

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 20th January 1780.

          I have been honored with yours of the 14th with the Act of Congress to which it refers.
          As Congress in their instructions to me have not determined whether the settlement and payment of the accounts of the troops of Convention shall be previous to, or be any ways involved in the subject of the proposed negociation—I have taken the liberty, in consequence of your letter, to request their explicit determination upon that head, before I appointed Commissioners for that purpose.
          I should be happy to afford the Board any assistance in procuring the adjustment and payment of accounts of such magnitude and of so much consequence to the public: But I really do not know an Officer of the Army sufficiently versed in the affairs of the Quarter Master’s and Commissary’s departments to undertake the settlement of those accounts in conjunction with the Gentleman who you may think proper to empower. perhaps one of the Asst Quarter Masters General might be best acquainted with the mode of stating and liquidating the several accounts at present in dispute.


Title: From George Washington to John Witherspoon, 20 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Witherspoon, John

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 20th Jany 1780.

          I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 14th, and to your exertions at so trying a juncture for supplies for the army. Indeed all the counties of this State, from which I have heard, have attended to my requisition for provisions with the most cheerful and commendable zeal. What we shall obtain in this manner, in conjunction with the steps taken by Congress, and the States from which we are principally furnishd with provisions, will, I flatter myself, secure us from a recurrence of the evil.
          With regard to your suggestion for making the certificates given on this occasion a tender for the taxes for continental purposes, I do not consider myself at liberty to propose any particular mode to Congress. I shall however, as the good people of the State have been so zealous and liberal in relieving our wants take the freedom to mention the policy of discharging them as early as possible.
          I shall enquire into the detention of the cattle—and am D. Sir Your obt & hble servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 January 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morristown January 21st 1780

          Nothing could mark my folly in stronger colours than to be guilty of either want of respect or attention to General Washington: nor can I upon a review of my past conduct think myself justly chargable with either one or the other. Your Excellencys reproof therefore this morning gave me the most sensible pain.
          When I first came to this place, after Head quarters was agreed on, I gave Coll Baldwin and Capt. Brewin directions to select out a proper Number of Carpenters, and to hold in reserve a sufficient quantity of Boards, to do every thing for Head quarters that the family might think proper to order. I did not suppose your Excellency either wished or expected me, to take the particular direction of the business. Such materials as were necessary to execute the work, I have spared no pains to procure; but the severity of the weather, and the scarcity of the Articles, has renderd the supplies less ample than I could have wished.
          The number of Carpenters that we have had here, has been small; the most of them being left behind at West Point and Kings ferry, to complete the fortifications there. The most we have had here until within a few days did not exceed forty; and these had their huts to build, and the Hospitals to provide for the reception of the sick. Few were left for other purposes; the greater part of which were sent to Head quarters. Whether they have been as faithful as they ought to have been, I cannot pretend to say. If they have been, it was more than was to be expected, considering the discontent in the Corps, and the injustice done them in point of pay.
          With this handful of men, I had quarters and accomodations to provide for all the Officers. My inability to answer or comply with their demands, has been no small source of discontent. Baron Stuben was so dissatisfied as to threaten to enter a complaint at Head quarters for an imaginary neglect: altho at the same time, he had more attention paid him than any General in the Army, except your Excellency. I only mention this to shew the disagreeable situation I am placed in. Every Officer feels the peculiar inconvenien⟨ci⟩es of his own situation, and is proportionably urgent for assistance. And what has servd to render

my condition the more humiliating, as well as disagreeable, has been the disinclination of the Inhabitants, to accomodate the Officers Most of which are without any conveniencies.
          General Knox it must be confest is nobly accomodated: but this he has done with the Artificers of the Park; who are not at my command. It is true I have had a Kitchen built for my self, which has been effected with great difficulty, and is the only accomodation I have effected for my own family; altho part of them are obliged to lodge abroad, and the rest have been crammed together in away which decency it self almost forbids. Nothing but Mrs Greenes peculiar situation could have prevaild on me to have paid the least attention to my own accomodation. If I have been faulty in this let my Affection atone for my offence. I am still in want of an Office to do business in, not having had a place to retire to upon any occasion until within a few days; and am indebted to Mr ⟨Moseholuch⟩ for the convenience, as he was polite enough to give up his quarters.
          The duties of my Office are peculiarly desagreeable and grow more and more so every day. Those I am willing to struggle with. But I wish your Excellency to make just allowances for the circumstances of ⟨the⟩ tim⟨es⟩, and not to impute tha⟨t⟩ to neglect which is nothing more than the difficulties incident to the business. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Sert

            N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 21 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

            Dear Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris Town Jany 21st 1780

          I have received your letter of yesterday. I do not object to the excursion you propose upon Staten Island; if upon full enquiry you think it promises success—and advantage equal to the risk. You are sensible that if we make a second attempt and fail it will add much to the disagreeable effect of what has already happened. This I say not to discourage you, but as a motive to caution. You ought to satisfy yourself well before hand of the enemy’s position and numbers and the degree of vigilance they observe. If after this you think the enterprise likely to succeed, you have my consent to undertake it.
          But perhaps there will be no inconvenience in waiting ’till about the time the relief to your detachment marches. This may move from camp in the afternoon and continue its march during the night so as to arrive in time to countenance and cover your retreat. The 26th is the day when you ought to be relieved in course—That night may be the night of execution—but this too I leave to your discretion.
          I should be glad however your inquiries may extend to the whole Island—to ascertain the enemys precise strength and disposition; the particular corps—where they are—what works at the different places—how they sta⟨nd⟩ for provision and fuel— what covering wit⟨hin⟩ their works—how near the huts barracks or houses in which the troops are cantooned—what guards and patroles are kept out—with whatever else occurs to you, the knowlege of which may be useful.
          I should hardly hope that circumstances will justify a second attempt upon a large scale; but perhaps it will hardly be proper to renounce the idea altogether. One fruitless attempt

may produce security and carelessness in the enemy favo⟨r⟩able to another attempt. They may reason that we have made the experiment and finding the matter impracticable will give it over for the future. Indeed we ought not to expose ourselves to the hazard of a sec⟨ond⟩ disappointment without a very high probability of succeeding—Should we fail again it would be a real disgrace ⟨to⟩ our arms. By the inquiries you make you will be able to judge whether the enemy⟨’s⟩ posts at the watering place or at Richmond (or both at ⟨the⟩ same time) are esily susc⟨ep⟩tible of a surprise. The mode from the description I have received ⟨which⟩ I should thi⟨nk⟩ most likely to effect it with respect to the first would be for your detachment to cross at midnight or earlier at Halsteads point and proceed alo⟨ng⟩ that road to the place of your late encampm⟨ent⟩ there filing off to your left to take the least frequented avenues towards their work⟨s⟩ approaching very near the sound road, and passing if possible between the main road and the Hill on which the enemy h⟨ad⟩ a turf house and a picket directly to th⟨eir⟩ redoubts to endeavour to seize and maint⟨ain⟩ them ’till you were reinforced—The advantage of attempting both places at the same time would be the preventing the retreat of the enemy from one to the other; but the disadvantage would be the difficulty of an exact cooperation and the additional risk you would run from a division of your force. The relief might march from here so as to arrive by day break on the Island to assist in completing the enterprise. But this no doubt would be a hazardous business and ought not to be undertaken unless you have good reason to believe the enemy are much off their guard. You can consider the project maturely and let me know what you think of it—The time of execution ought to be the usual time of relief that is the night of the 26th. Perhaps your first plan and this may be in some measure united—You may pass at Halsteds and either file off to Deckers or continue in the manner I have mentioned according to the appearances of tranquillity or alarm after you have gotten upon the Island.
          But all this I only suggest as objects worthy of your attention. I mean to leave you at full liberty to act as you think proper as well with respect to what you propose as what is now added. You will only give me previous notice, of what you intend that any thing to be done here may correspond—You know the value of

secrecy; here it shall be carefully preserved if you entrust a secd person you cannt insure it. I am with regard Yr most Obed. ser.
          You will also direct your inquiries into the state of the River between Powles Hook & New York and of the communication between New York and Staten Island either directly or by way of Long Island.
          General Du Portail will set out tomorrow morning to New Ark—from thence he will proceed to reconnoitre Powles Hook. You will have a party of two hundred men ready at New ark early tomorrow to take his orders. These men will rejoin you the day after; so that it will not materially interfere with anything you may have in contemplation.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 21 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

            Dr Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown 21 Jany 1780

          Mr Caldwell has represented to me, that it may be necessary to have some parties from your detachment the better to recover the plunder of Staten Island, from such persons as are known to have it in possession, but who will not deliver it up. To avoid as much as possible an appearance of military interposition—on our part—you will only grant parties on the application of a majestrate—and further to prevent any ill effects to the inhabitants who may have the plunder—you will put them under the command of discreet officers—attentive to the rights of citizens—and forbid in the most pointed terms all insult or abuse whatsoever. I am Dr Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 January 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General,
            Highlands [N.Y.] January 21. 1780.

          The bearer Lieutenant Williams of the first Massachusetts Regiment waits on your Excellency to receive and forward to this place Such monies as you may think proper to deliver him for the purpose of paying the continental Bounty to the reinlisted Soldiers agreable to your Excellencys Letter of the 31 Ultimo.
          Two deserters belonging to the 3d Battn of Brittish Artillery came here the day before yesterday. One of them left the city the 15 Inst. and the other left Fort washington the same day: they both relate the distress’d State of the Troops and inhabitants for the want of fuel, and that they are cutting up the Wharves. That they are very anxious for the arrival of a fleet of victuallers, which have been for Some time expected, & without their arrival the Garrison will be Short of provisions. The one from

Fort Washington corrects the intelligence brought out by the Hessian deserters respecting the Grenadiers and light Infantry, which I mentioned in a former Letter. The 1 & 2d Regiments of Guards, with their own Grenadiers and Light Infantry, (instead of the corps of Grenadiers and light Infantry) are at Fort Washington with 2 Regiments of Germans & part of Colo. Wormbs Yaagers.
          For the recovery of my health, much impaired by my late indisposition and which is not yet eradicated, and on account of my domestic affairs, I wish for a short leave of absence to visit my family during the winter if possible. If a relaxation from business and change of air Should not have the happy effect which I hope for and expect, I may be reduced to the disagreable necessity of asking leave to retire from the Service. If your Excellency Should be pleased to grant this indulgence I wish to have it the beginning of the month of February, and hope by that time, Major General Howe will be at liberty to return to this place. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

            W. Heath

            P.S. Major Bauman is importuning leave to try Some experiments in Gunnery, which, he Says, will be of public utility, & that he has before proposed them to your Excellency. I request to be informed whether your Excellency thinks it proper to have the experiments made—and at this time, which the Major represents as peculiarly advantageous on account of the River being frozen.
            I am just informed that Major Allen of Colo. Putnam’s Regiment, who Some time Since went home, on Furlough, was lately Killed by an accidental Shott at North Hampton on a party of pleasure Hunting Deer.

              W.H.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 21 January 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia Jany 21st 1780

          I am honour’d with your Excellency’s dispatches of the 23d, 24th, 25th, & 27th of Decemr, the 2d, 4th, 5th, & 18th Instant which have not been in particular before acknowledged.
          By the act of Congress of this day herewith enclos’d together with the letter from the Board of War therein refer’d to; you will be informed of the request of Colo. Armand for promotion to the rank of a Brigadier & his claim as stated in the letter from the Board of War; and that I am constrained to request the opinion of your Excellency thereon. I am Sir with every sentiment of respect & Esteem your Excy’s hble Servt

            Saml Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from James Jay, 21 January 1780
From: Jay, James
To: Washington, George

            General Heath’s Head Quarters [Highlands, N.Y.]Jany 21: 1780
            Dear Sir

          Though I had your permission above a twelve month ago, to make some Experiments relative [to] Artillery, it has hitherto unfortunately happened that I never had leisure, when an opportunity offerred, to carry them into execution. And I have now the mortification, when leisure permits, to be disappointed of the

opportunity, or at least to have the prospect of its being deferred till after I shall be under the indispensable necessity of going to Albany, to attend the Meeting of our Legislature. I came here yesterday for the purpose of making the Experiments; but I find that General Heath is averse to any thing being done at present, lest the report of Cannon at this juncture, when the Militia have been ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march at a short notice, should alarm the people & occasion them to turn out. For this & other reasons, the General thinks proper to take your opinion on the matter. For my part I am inclined to think his apprehension is ill founded; because our Militia, though their curiosity may be raised by the report of Cannon, yet from their being long accustomed & directed to attend only, on any suspicious occasion, to the firing of the Beacons and signal Guns, or to the express orders of the proper Officers, are not likely to be put in motion at firing a few irregular shot. Besides, it is no difficult matter to apprize the neigh[b]ourhood that such firing is to take place. To day I had the pleasure of conversing with Major Beaumont of the Artillery, who is very desirous of availing himself of the present favorable opportunity, when the River is hard frozen & covered with snow, to make a few experiments, in order to ascertain and reduce into a plain, easy System, some points in the doctrine of Projectiles, which he says are now vague, and have not been duly considered by any writer he has met with on the subject. His plan, if carried into execution, will certainly facilitate the practice of throwing Shells, render it more exact, and be particularly useful in the defence of West Point, from the nature of the ground about that Fortress.
          The Major says that a few discharges will be sufficient for his purposes. Mine will not require many. Notwithstanding what I have said above of General Heath’s objection, I am not unawares that You may have other & sufficient reasons why Cannon should not be fired at this Post at present. I mean not therefore to press it upon You: but permit m⟨e to⟩ request that you would acquaint me with your intentions in this respect as soon as you can conveniently; that if it should be unadviseable to pursue the Design now, I may proceed to Albany without loss of time. I remain, with great respect & esteem Dear Sir Your Most Obt & humble Servt

            James Jay


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 21st Jany 1780

          I have received your letter of the 17th—I am happy to find such a disposition in the good people to relieve us, and for their ready & zealous compliance in my requisition. I think you had better order forward the corn which is stored in Cumberland, to this place while the roads remain in their present condition. I suppose the commissaries will take proper care to provide barrels for the salted provisions.
          I am very well pleased with Capn Paytons success. altho, short of the original intention. The circumstance you mention I am persuaded would not admit of carrying it further. I am Dr Sir, with great regard—yours &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 21 January 1780
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Wethersfield [Conn.] Janry 21st 1780

          On examining the enlistments of the Dragoons belonging to my Regt—I find a few men have been enlisted, contrary to my positive orders, for three years or during the War. As this obligation seems rather ambiguous, I should be glad of your Excellenys opinion whether such Enlistment ought to be esteemed valid during the war or not. I have the Honour to be with the Greatest Respct your Excellencys most obt and very Humble servt

            Elisha Sheldon Col. 2d L.D.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 22 January 1780
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

            Sr
            Charles town [N.H.] 22nd Jany 1780

          Your Excelency was Pleased More than a Year Since to order that the Indians at Coos Should be Supplied Provitions and Since have Repeated the Same orders which Favours we Greatfully acknowledge as our Safty in a great measure depends on the Friendship with those Savages Your Excelency did not Give me the least Latitude to Supply with any other article, but Last march (and I did the Same in Octr following) I thought Best on the whole to Send the Indians out Hunting on this Principle, tho’ I was

obliged to Procure Cloathing to Enable them to go yet I thought they would be a great Safty to us as I Sent them to Such Places as I knew if any Party Should be Sent to Dissturb us we Should have Timely notice, another, Sein I had was that the Supply of Cloathing was not Equel to the Provitions if they had not been Sent out, I have ordered that the accounts of Supplys to them, and what is r[e]cieved from them is Exactly kept. there is now thirty four Indians with us and more Exspected, your Excelency may depend that I will not go beyond my orders and will be as Saveing to the Continent as Possiable in them, but Still as we know it is our Safty and if ours the Safty of the States of N: Hampr. and the Massachusitts to keep in Friendship with those Savages I Could wish for an order to Supply with Such Cloathing as is absolutely Necesary to Enable them to Hunt and that all Persons are forbid Dealing with them on any Pertance whatever and that the Person or Persons who Shall be authorised to Supply keep an Exact account of Supplys and what they Receive from them, I am Certain if Such an order is had the Indians will be of but Little Exspence to the Continent, I wish your Excelency would Enquire of Colo. Hazen who can give you reasons why Such an order is Necesarry.
          there is Some accounts from Canada tho’ not Official yet Alarms the People on this river, which Considering the Deficulty of Passing may Exsite the People to raise Men to be Imployed as Scouts which if they do I hope it will not be desagreeable. Capt. Green is aquainted with the affair I am your Excelencys most Obedient Humble Servant

            Jacob Bayley


Title: Circular to Major Generals and Officers Commanding Brigades, 22 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Major Generals and Officers Commanding Brigades

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 22d Jany 1780

          I am extremely concerned to find by the late reports of the Inspector General, that most of the corps in the army are in

worse order than I had flattered myself. That in general it does not make that progress in order and discipline which might reasonably be expected: that some corps have even gone backward: and that almost every one has defects and abuses which have existed a considerable time, and ought no longer to be tolerated.
          In all our returns there is a greater disproportion between the total number, and the men fit for duty, or who could really be employed in action than in any other army in the world. This of late is not to be attributed to the sickness of the troops, for they have enjoyed very good health for a long time past. The column of sick present is moderate, but the columns of sick absent, and on command are excessive. The former far exceeds the Hospital returns, and a very small part of the latter is employed on military duty. A great many of both are probably not to be found any where, only serving to swell the pay-rolls, and deceive the government with an idea of its having a larger army on foot than it really has, and perhaps excite expectations which it is not in our power to fulfil. The ill consequences of this in a variety of respects are obvious.
          You will be pleased without delay carefully to examine the State of the different regiments, have all the men who have been so long absent, that cannot be satisfactorily accounted for, and whose return is therefore become improbable, struck off the rolls; and take effectual measures to collect those who are improperly absent and who are still recoverable. This is a matter in which I would wish the most rigid exactness to be observed.
          There are in some of the Regime⟨nts,⟩ too many officers absent on furlough, so that they are left without a sufficient number to preserve order, and perform the common routine of service. Several of the companies it appears are without a single commissioned officer. This is directly contrary to General orders, and inadmissible on every principle. I must intreat your particular attention to prevent it in future, and to make such a distribution of the remaining officers, that no company may be without a commissioned officer to take care of it at all times agreeably to the regulations.
          Another defect is, in some corps, an insufficiency of noncommissioned officers, in others an improper destribution of them; some companies having more than their compliment, others less. It need not be urged that the regularity of service

greatly depends on having a sufficient number of good noncommissioned officers. Where there is an overpluss, these ought to be given to those companies which have not their proportion, and their places supplied in the companies from which they are taken by the same number of private men drawn from those to which they are annexed. By this method one company will not be benefited at the expence of another. But where there is a deficiency in some companies, and no excess in others, the former ought to be made good by new appointments.
          In some instances (though they are not numerous) offic[e]rs are employed in stations not authorised by the establishment of the army, and derogotary to their rank. This is a practice that ought at all events to be discountinanced.
          As you will find these defects, and others pointed out in the inclosed reports of the last inspection, I shall not enter into a more minute detail. I shall only add in general that I have remarked with chagrin, that there is not so punctual an attention to the regulations which have been established for the goverment of the army, nor so emulous a spirit of discipline and improvement, as a regard to the success and reputation of our arms demands. I sincerely wish it were in my power to make a contrary declaration; but we ought not to flatter ourselves in a point of so much importance. We ought impartially to open our eyes to our true situation, as the surest way to make it better; uniting our exertions to correct our defects and to acquire that perfection and respectability which we are bound equally to aspire to from a sense of what we owe to the public and to ourselves. I am Sir your obt & hble servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S: You will observe in the repor⟨t of⟩ the 10th Pennsylvania regt that a more th⟨an⟩ ordinary number of men are absent no⟨t on⟩ military duty. To this you will pay particular attention. The case of Capn Ashmea⟨d⟩ ought to be determined. He should eith⟨er⟩ be superseded or obliged to return and g⟨ive⟩ an account of his conduct.
            The companies of Light Infantry in the 3d and fifth regiments should be re⟨duced⟩ to a more proportionable standa⟨rd,⟩ and the improper incorporation of the 5th company in the 9th rectified.

            N.B. In order to collect the absent men an officer from each Brigade may be sent or two offic[e]rs if necessary whose reasonable expences will be paid. You will please to return the inspector⟨’s⟩ reports after you have made the intended use of the⟨m⟩.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dear Sir,
            Head Qrs [Morristown] Jany 22d 1780.

          Appearances & facts must speak for themselves—to these I appeal—I have been at my present quarters since the first day of Decr & have not a Kitchen to cook a dinner in, altho’ the Logs have been put together some considerable time by my own Guard—nor is there a place at this moment in which a servant can lodge, with the smallest degree of comfort. Eighteen belonging to my family, & all Mrs Fords are crouded together in her Kitchen, & hardly one of them able to speak for the colds they have caught.
          I have repeatedly taken notice of this inconveniency to Majr Gibbs, & have as often been told that boards were not to be had. I acquiesced—and believe you will do me the justice to acknowledge, that it never has been my practice to involve the public in any expence I could possibly avoid, or derive benefits which would be inconvenient, or prejudicial to others—To share a common lot—& participate [in] the inconveniences which the army (from the peculiarity of our circumstances are obliged to undergo) has, with me, been a fundamental principle; and while I conceived this to be the case—universally—I was perfectly content—That it is not so, I appeal to your own observation; tho’ I never intended to make the remark, nor should I have done it, but for the question which involuntarily drew from me the answer, which has been the subject of your Letter.
          Equally opposed is it to my wishes & expectation, that you should be troubled in matters respecting my accomodation, further than to give the necessary orders, & furnish materials; without which, orders are nugatory.
          From what you have said, I am fully satisfied that the persons to whom you entrusted the execution of my work, are alone to blame; for certain I am they might, by attention, have obtained (equally with others) as many boards as would have answered my purposes, long ’ere this.
          Far, very far is it from me, to censure any measures you have adopted for your own accomodation, or for the more immediate convenience of Mrs Greene—at all times I think you are entitled to as good, as circumstances will afford; and in the present condition of your Lady, conceive that no delay could be

admitted—I should therefore with great willingness have made my conveniency yield to hers, if the point had lain there, being very sincerely Yr obedt & affecte Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 22d Jany 1780.

          I have before me your Excellency’s favor of the 16th of Decr last.
          The inclosures for New-York have been duly transmitted. with respect to the prevention of flags to Chesepeak under the present appearance of things in that quarter, I shall should any fresh application come from the enemy give it proper consideration.
          The case of Col. Bland wch your Exy was pleased to communicate is very peculiar. On your representation of the matter, I took the liberty to introduce it before Congress; and I would flatter myself that their determination on the subject will be satisfactory. I have the honor to be with the greatest regard—Your Excellency’s most obt & hble servt.

            p.S. Your Exy letter did not come to hand till the 16th inst.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 22 January 1780
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Middletown [Conn.] 22d Jany 1780

          there is at Last a path made from East Haddam to Colchester, by which rout I shall march of[f] the Regiment this day. we have an exceeding cold day, and the Regiment So very badly off for

under cloaths that they are much to be pitied. if the Quarters are So bad as represented to me, it will be much to be Lamented that the whole has been orderd thither—Major Tallmadge informs me that a part of the 2d will march this day by way of Bolton—and the remainder the 24th the Dismounted of that Regiment are to remain at Weathersfield, as it will be impossible to quarter them at Colchester, this is don at the request of Mr Hubbard, who acknowledges that the men cannot be quarterd any where convenient to the Stables.
          Captain Pike, & Captain Craig are going to recruit for the Regiment. if your Excellency will be pleasd to order them Some money for that purpose, they will account for the Same—as there are Severall of the officers now absent and my books in New Jersey I have desired Capt. Pike to make out the Arrangement of the Regiment from the Paymasters book, and Lay the Same before your Excellency or the Board of War as you may please to order—Major Talmadge is the oldest Major, and if Lt Col. White is promoted to the 1st Regiment, he must in course come into the 4th Captain Bull of the 2d is the oldest Captain and is entitled to the first Majority Fauntleroy & Hopkins are I believe next for preferment, their Commissions are of the Same date, 21st Jany 1777—Fauntleroy was first appointed, and by the inclosed you will See Captain Hopkins pretentions. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Dear Sir your most Ob. H. Servt

            Stephen Moylan


Title: From George Washington to the Continental Congress Committee on Reducing the Army, 23 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Congress Committee on Reducing the Army

            Gentlemen
            Head Qrs [Morristown] January the 23d 1780

          I have had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 11th, with a Copy of the propositions to which it refers—and on which you are pleased to request my opinion.
          With respect to the first proposition, I beg leave to inform You, that the Object of it has been anticipated in part. On the 6th of this month from the infinite distress in which we were for the want of provision, & the improbability, on account of the severity of the weather, of an attempt on the part of the Enemy—I wrote to the Brigadiers and directed them with the concurrence of the Colonels and Commanding Officers of Regiments, to discharge All the Soldiers in this Camp, whose inlistments and terms of service would clearly expire by the 31st, which was accordingly done. As to the remaining Troops which come within the proposition—I should hope from the circumstances of the season and the detachment the Enemy have made, that they might be discharged without materially affecting our military security. It would however diminish our present force here, according to the best estimate I can form, from Eight to Eigh[t] Hundred & fifty Men—and that at West point & Danbury where the Massachusetts & New Hampshire Troops are stationed, supposing

none to have been already discharged there in this Month, and counting upon the columns in the Muster Rolls, about Two Thousand. In this number not any of the New Levies of Massachusetts which amount to about Twelve Hundred are included. The service of the majority of those will expire in April—the rest probably before. None of these from the enormous bounty they have received and the consequences to which the precedent might lead, should in my opinion be discharged at any rate. But although the discharge of the inlisted Troops might not endanger our military security—and the measure would be attended with a public saving; yet there are some objections to it, as their discharge before their inlistments expire of course, would serve to encrease the uneasiness of those, who are engaged for a longer time or permanently and who are but too much dissatisfied when they take place in regular order. And besides it would entirely take away all chance of reinlisting them for the war, which however is not considerable. Our late sufferings for provision and the deficiencies in many essential articles of Cloathing are very discouraging circumstances and have not only operated to prevent this, but have occasioned great desertions. How far the considerations I have mentioned, are to be put in competition with the expence that would be saved by their dismission, Congress can best determine; but I would by all means dissuade, for the reasons above and as it would be particularly disgusting to the Troops, from the discharge of the New Levies.
          Considering the present reduced condition of the Regiments—and that they will become still weaker—and the little probability there is, that the States will put them upon so respectable a footing as to enable Offensive operations to be carried on, at least to any great extent, though our true interest and policy may require it—added to the embarrasments we experience on the score of provision—cloathing and other Supplies—I shall not offer any thing against the proposed reform—and more especially as I am not acquainted with the views Congress may have, or with the political state of affairs in Europe. It will however in the execution be found a work I fear, of difficulty and delicacy; and as this will always be the case, whenever a reform of this sort is made, it were to be wished, both for the sake of harmony and the good of the service, that it may be the last and calculated on such a plan and number of corps as will be certainly kept

up. In conducting the business it will be happy if the mode the least exceptionable can be hit upon. What this mode should be is difficult to determine, but I should suppose it would be best to make it the effect of some general principle—such as casting of Lots—or retaining the oldest or strongest Regiments—or the Oldest Officers—or the like, which will probably have a less disagreable operation than a mode that would be attended with particular discriminatio⟨ns⟩ or preferences founded on supposed merits. The Officers of the reduced Regiments to be incorporated as well as the Men in their respective lines, as far as it can be done till the Corps retained are compleat; and the rest to retire on the allowance proposed. I would not however recommend the 5th proposition in its present extent for two reasons; One is, the reintroducing the Supernumerary Officers into the Corps kept up as vacancies happened, would in most cases be the cause of discontent and the means of perpetuating it: the other is they would be obliged to hold themselves in constant readiness to join the Army when called upon—and consequently could not pursue any other occupation to advantage. Besides as promotion is looked for, as it should be, as the reward of service, the not conferring it upon the Officers whose fortune it had been to be retained, when occasions offered, might lessen their ardor and take away a primary inducement to a good & proper conduct.
          I have mentioned an incorporation of the Officers as well as of the Men because we are exceedingly deficient with respect to them and the service is suffering greatly for the want—and as it will be the means of providing the Regiments with a proper number, which could not be done by new appointments, admitting for a moment that they would be equally good, as there are few if any to be found at this time, willing to engage in a service which promises at best but little emolument if not a certainty of loss. And while I am on this subject, I would beg leave to add, that it appears to me essential to promote the public good—that the establishment adopted on the 27th of May 1778, so far as it respects the giving of Companies to Field Officers should be altered, and a Captain be appointed to each. Owing to the deduction of Captains by this institution, the appointing them Aids de camp &c. and the other drafts upon the Officers for the Regimental Staff—their resignation, and accidental sickness, we

find the number left with the Corps absolutely insufficient even for their good order and government while in Camp.
          The scheme of reduction I suppose will be extended to the Corps and Regiments not belonging to any particular state. The case of the Officers belonging to these is rather more embarrassing, than that of the Officers in the state lines, from the certainty of its being impracticable to incorporate them with the latter; a circumstance to be regretted as th⟨ere⟩ are several in these Corps of great merit and in general inferior to none in the service. If they could be incorporated with the rest, it were much to be wished; but as this cannot, I think, be done—I see nothing left for it but to incorporate these Corps with each other, so as to compleat such of them as are retained; and I should hope as they will be then extremely valuable, that effectual measures will be taken for keeping them respectable and rendering their situation, both Officers & Men, as comfortable in point of Supplies as those belonging to the particular States. At present their condition or at least that of most of them is painfully distressing and such as renders some reform or mode of relief absolutely necessary. Indeed it is to be wished that the Several States had it all equally in their power to assist the Officers & Men belonging to their respective lines with necessaries, for even among these, the discriminations in this instance are great & the source of uneasines⟨s;⟩ but in the case of many of the Corps that do not come within that description, there ⟨is⟩ not the smallest relief extended to them.
          I will only beg leave to observe in additio⟨n⟩ to what I have said, that whatever plan it shall be the pleasure of Congress to adopt—whether to reduce the Regiments or not, it appears to me they can not decide too soon upon it; and that their requisitions for Men to the States, if not already made, for filling the Regiments they determine to keep up, should not be longer deferred. Events possibly may take place to make this unnecessary, but I think we ought not to relax in our preparations, as the Enemy would ascribe it to our inability and might be encouraged perhaps to persevere in the War, which otherwise they might judge it their interest to bring to a conclusion. And besides our relaxing in our preparations might impress our Ally and the Court of Spain with concern and produce sentiments and indeed a conduct that might be very unfavourable to us. The earliest measures will not be sufficient to effect a proper

arrangement in time; and if they are not taken immediately we shall open the Campaign and continue it, in the most confused and disordered state—such as policy and a regard to the reputation of our Arms should prevent as far as it can be done. This will readily be perceived by recurring to the state of the Army which I had the honor of submitting to Congress in my Letter of the 18th of November, and in a more particular manner by that of the Virginia Troops transmitted in a subsequent correspondence which will but too well answer for a representation of the state of the Rest. I have the Honor to be with sentiments of great respect Gent. Yr Most Obedt st

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 23 January 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Highlands [N.Y.] January 23d 1780.

          The enclosed is paragraph of a letter which I received the last Evening from Colonel Mead at Horse neck—From what I can learn this would have been a very pretty affair, had not folly & imprudence Stain’d the retreat. The men loitering behind on their return as is commonly the case with this Sort of troops were pursued and overtaken by about 20 Horse who cut and Slashed many of them in a Shocking manner and I suppose took between thirty and forty prisoners.
          Mr Read the Deputy pay master has not yet come from Albany. I am just informed that a Gentleman who left Albany the day before yesterday Saw Mr Reed, who informed him that he had receiv’d no orders to repair to this post but was in expectation of them. Whether orders have been Sent, or are detain’d on the road I cannot tell. The Troops are exceedingly uneasy on account of their pay, being So much in arrear. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, 23 January 1780
From: Knyphausen, Wilhelm von
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York Janry 23d 1780.

          In the absence of Sir Henry Clinton, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 19th Instant by Colonel Magaw, and to acquaint You that for the reasons assigned by Your Excellency, the Gentlemen therein mentioned have my permission to remain until the business they went out upon is compleated, as you say it will only detain them a very little time longer than was originally intended. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt humble Servt

            Knyphausen


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 23–24 January 1780
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            My dear General
            Charles town [S.C.] Jany 23d[–24] 1780

          I had a few days since the honor of your favor of the 12th Ulto by Colo. Laurens—announcing that the Virginia line were ordered to this department, than which nothing could be more acceptable, saving that of their not being needed—their speedy arrival is an event most ardently wished for.
          By our late accounts from Philadelphia, and from a large ship being seen off this bar on the 10th with troops on board, said to be from New York to Savannah, we are led to believe that the enemy will be early reinforced in Georgia—from that idea, and from a belief that this town will be the object, which will claim their first attention—I have requested the Governor of this State to order into Augusta a number of his Militia to relieve the continental troops there—all of which I mean to draw, as soon as

possible, into such posts as will facilitate their being thrown suddenly to a point.
          I find my self greatly embarrassed to know what ground to occupy—for, if we draw them into this town, or in its vicinity and the enemy should attempt the same route as the last year, we shall lose the advantages of opposing them at the several strong passes between this town and the Savannah—If we should throw the troops near that river, from an idea that the enemy will cross it, and instead of that they should take shipping and land between us and this town, they will shut us out of it—the consequenc⟨e⟩ of which would, I think, be its loss—besides, if we keep the troops near this town and the enemy should land Northward of the bar, they will, in that case, probably reach Haddrel’s point before us and thereby fort Moultrie will be in danger—If we divide our few troops there will be danger that we shall be beaten in detachment.
          It is my dear sir among my first misfortunes that I am not near enough to your Excellency to have the advantage of your advice and direction—but this I cannot enjoy—I feel my own insufficiency and want of experience—I can promise you nothing but a disposition to serve my country—If this town should be attacked, as now threatned, I know my duty will call me to defend it as long as opposition can be of any avail—I hope my inclination will coincide with my duty.
          If the enemy mean seriously to attack this town, I think, previous thereto they will have their emissaries in the back part of this country to stimulate the Indians, and the unfriendly to acts of hostility—we have therefore to guard against their baneful influence as much as possible—for this purpose it is necessary that we at all times keep a body of men in arms near the inland fronteirs—I have requested the Governor of North Carolina immediately on the attack of this town to embody a number of militia, and march them towards the frontiers of his State, where there are many disaffected people—as they would not only quell any disturbance there, but in case they should not be needed for that purpose, they might march this way and serve as a reinforcment to us.
          Two of ours and the french frigates are going out to see what discoveries they can make—they would have gone sooner but

the french ships had not water over the bar, and ours were out of repair.
          I have requested the Governor of Virginia to order shoes, stockings, and other clothing to be supplied the troops on their march, and that he would forward clothing here for their future supply—I wish, if you approve of the application, that you would support it.
          I am very sorry that Colonel Laurens, after waiting a number of days, could not get a passage by water as he expected, for thereby my letter to you, instead of being the first, was long detained and the consequence was that You received the information of our raising the seige before Savannah from Congress when you ought to have had it from me—Though I was in hopes that I had given too great evidence of my atteachment to you, to believe that it was from a designed neglect, yet I could not so fully rely on the Candor of the world, and was afraid that it would be construed to my disadvantage, and that some might attempt to persuade your Excellency that I have not really that attachment & esteem which I have always expressed I hope no such attempt has been made for nothing could be more injurious.
          24th Since I began this letter, what was before conjecture is now nearly reduced to a certainty—Vizt that the enemy mean a descent on this State which probably will happen soon— yesterday a vessel was decoyed into this harbour, by a tender to our continental frigates, bound from New York to Savannah in company with a fleet of about ninety sail bound to that port, convoyed by the following ships Viz. three 74 three 64 one 54 one forty & one frigate—The Europe Russel, Roebuck, Robust, Renoun, Rainsonible, Defiance, Romulus & Perseus—she was seperated from the fleet off Cape Hatterass in a storm about twenty days since—she has on board a few bales of clothing some horse furniture &c. but the whole as it is said of inconsiderable amount passengers in her one Lieutenant & one Ensign in the British service besides other passengers and five privates in Robinson’s corps.
          This news has induced me to write to Governo[r] Jefferson, & Governor Caswell requesting them to give every possible Assistance to facilitate the march of the troops ordered from the main army to reinforce this. I have the honor to be my dear

General with the greatest regard & esteem you[r] Excellen[c]ys most Obt servant

            B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 23 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters 23d January 1780

          Congress have by a late Resolve directed the incorporation of the Inspectorate and Mustering departments. But previous to this, the Officers of the latter had chiefly left the service, and as the new arrangement is not yet organized the Musters for the Months of Novemr and Decemr are on that account incompleat. The Brigade Inspectors have generally performed that duty for those Months at the request of Colonel Ward who was desired by me to get the Business done by some Officers of the line. He informs me that the Inspectors of the pennsylvania Brigades have made some objections to executing it. I wish you to inform the

Gentlemen that this was not then required as a matter of duty but of necessity, and as the pay Rolls cannot be made up before the troops are mustered, I hope they will undertake it as they are more acquainted with the nature of the Business than any others. I am &c.


Title: General Orders, 24 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown monday Jany 24th 1780.
            Parole Unite—  C. Signs Ulmen. Ulster.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Richard Butler, 24 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, Richard

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 24 Jany 1780

          I have received your favr of the 21st—As we are tolerably well supplied with provision at present I would not wish you to distress any of the inhabitants by taking their working Oxen. As there is a law of the state for punishing engrossers, Lt Colo. Chamberlain if guilty of a breach of it will more properly come under the cognizance of the Civil than Military law and I therefore think you had best let his person alone, as we should be at a loss how

to deal with him, should you take him. I am much obliged to you for your exertions—as I am to the Gentlemen who went to the other Counties. We are reaping the benefits of your industry in a very high degree. I am Dear Sir yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 24 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters [Morristown] 24 January 1780

          I should have been glad had the situation of the Army, in respect to General Officers, admitted of my granting your request for a longer continuance of your furlough: But I am really obliged to dispense with many necessary Camp duties and to send Officers of inferior Ranks upon commands which ought in propriety to fall to General Officers. We have at this time but two Brigadiers of the line in Camp, and one of them, General Irvine has pressing calls to visit his family and waits the return of you or General Huntington. You will see by the above that I am under the necessity of desiring you to join your Brigade as soon as you possibly can. I am Dear Sir yr most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William De Hart, 24 January 1780
From: De Hart, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Paramus [N.J.] Janry 24. 1780.

          Mr Herring (the state superintendant—& Purchaser of Provisions for this County) has been with Me, & Informs Me that he has Already Procur’d the 800 Bushls of Grain Requir’d from this County And thinks in A little Time he will be Able, to Double the Quantity, the Grain now lays at several Different Mills to be Manufactured the Proprietors Chusing to diliver it that way. the severeness of the weather has stop’d the Mills from Grinding

As fast As I Could wish, but he will with the Utmost Dispatch have it done & forwarded it to Col. Dunham C:P. as the law Directs him, he Inform’s Me he has Diliver’d A sufficient Quantity of flour, for the Present to the Issuing Comissary at this Post for this Detachment, & will Continue to do So. he likewise Informs Me that it will be Impossible to Collect the Number of Cattle wanted from here which is 200; but thinks he Can supply this Post with Meat. this I belieive is True for the Difficulty I have had in Collecting Cattle for this Detachment Convinces Me of it. A Very Considerable Number of Cattle Already has been Taken from this County & few left.
          I shoul’d be glad to Know whether, I Am to Use Any Measures to Procure More Cattle than what he Promises & whether the surplussage of Grain will Not be A Compensation for the Cattle. I Am your Excellenceys Most Hum. Servt

            Wm D. Hart.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 24 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Thomas Sim

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 24th Jany 1780

          I have been honored with your Excellency’s letter of Decr 26th and its inclosure. The immediate attention of goverment to the distresses of the army, and the effectual assistance promised from the operation of the act cannot but claim the acknowlegements of every good citizen. I flatter myself from your exertions, and those of the other States from which we derive our supplies, that we shall not again experience a like evil. I have the honor to be with the greatest regard, Your Excellency’s most obt sert

            Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 25 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday Jany 25th 80.
            Parole Venice—  C. Signs—Vienna. Vigo.

          The regimental Pay-Masters will bring in their pay-rolls and abstracts for December to the Deputy Pay Master General for examination—As there is money arriv’d for the payment of November and December the troops will receive the same immediately after the examination of the abstracts.
          To preserve uniformity in the accounts the rolls and abstracts in future are to be made out in dollars and ninetieths.
          The whole army is to be supplied with two days provisions which is to be cooked immediately and the troops held in perfect order.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 25 January 1780
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Cranes mills [N.J.] 25th Jany 1780

          Your Excellencys letter of yesterday I have received and observe the Contents—Hatfield is again returnd from the Island he Confirms his former Intelligance—and further reports That a Reinforcement of about 1200 men arrived from New york to Staten Island on Sunday evening the 23d Instant—and brought with them a large Quantity of ammunition—That yesterday orders ware given to have the Troops on the Island Served with five Day’s provisions and Immediately cooked—a Subalterns Picket Still remains at and Near Dungens mills—Randalph is also returned from the other end of the Island and Reports that a militia guard of 30 men assemble every Night at one van pelts;

three miles from Richmond and four to Amboy—Two Negros have also come of[f] the Island who Confirm Randalphs Information—By what I can learn from them a Body of 60, 80, or 100, men Possibly might be carried to the militia guard at Van pelts undiscovered—But It will now be Necessary for me to watch the motion of this Reinforcement, If their Design is to pay us a visit; I hope and Trust we Shall not be Surprised but receive them properly—They may It is true Pick off Some of our advance guards or Pickets—If they mean a Defence of Staten Island only; a Day or Two will most Probably Determine it—and they may in that case Cantoon their men or a Part of them in Such a manner as will leave me a favourable opportunity of acting on the former Plan—If nothing more than the Bring off a Picket or Two with a small Body of men, Should appear prudent, to under Take—will your Excellency give me leave to Include the militia guard at Van Pelts? or Else where—The Success of this business Depends on Several Circum. viz. good Intelligance; Proper guides; and a Dark, or at least Not a moonlight Night to execute the business.
          whatever Plans I may fix upon; or However favourable they may appear to me—Yet I beg your Excellency will rest assured that I Shall under Take nothing without giving you Timely Notice; in order to obtain your Excellencys approbation.
          I was of your Excellencys opinion of Hatfields being a Suspicious Character; and Doubt not but he Carrys the ene⟨my⟩ every Piece of Intelligance that he is able to Collect, Yet if he has littl⟨e⟩ or nothing of Consequente to Carry to them—and bring us back ass⟨umed⟩ Truths; the Ballance will be in our favour; I Shall keep a very Strict eye on his Conduct; he Says he has Secured a friend who will come over and let him know if their be any move ments of the ene⟨my⟩ this way; I have the Honr to be Your Excellencys most obedt and most Devoted Humle Servt

            Moses Hazen


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 25 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

            Dr Sir
            Hd Qrs Morris town 25 Jany 1780

          I have before me your letter of this date.
          The doubling of the garrison on Staten-Island, besides the giving a greater security to the place may have something further in view I am informed by Major Thayer (who commands a detatchment at Paramus) that the enemy have also doubled their numbers at Pawlus Hook. These circumstances would point to some offensive operation on their part; and I would imagine the forage in the neighbourhood of the Scotch plains to be a principal object. You will necessarily turn your attention not only to Staten Island but to Powles Hook and obtain certain intelligence of the situation of things in this quarter. Should the enemy make any attempt they may operate from both places—And should the ice be strong enought to cross troops from N. York to Pawlus Hook (and it is said to be in this condition) they will be able to augment their force at pleasure and with the greatest facility. This circumstance is well worth attending to, and will no doubt claim your enquiry and precautions.
          The relief marches to day Yet will however, remain with your’s, for some days after it joins you, or till my further orders on the subject.
          I find by Major Thayer’s report that a communication between New-York and Hoebuck has been opened by the enemy, and that many sleds are daily employed in the transporting of wood. Perhaps this may afford an opportunity to strike some of their covering parties.
          If any thing in the way you mention can be effected on Staten Island, the militia if not essential to its success should not be included—As we have reason to believe that there taking up arms is a matter of compulsion; and more intended for show than service. I am.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 25 January 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia January 25. 1780

          Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d an Act of Congress of the 20th Instant together with two other Acts of the 14th & 17th of Decemr to which the former refers.
          These Acts are calculated with a Design to r⟨e⟩tren⟨ch⟩ Expences in the several staff Departments and promot⟨e⟩ as much as possible œconomy therein.
          From a variety of Accounts there seems but too much reason to believe that grea⟨t⟩ & unnecessary Expences have incurred in those departments remote from Head Quarters, and out of the View or knowledge of the Heads of the Departments.
          The Gentlemen appointed Commissioner⟨s⟩ in the Act of the 20th Instant will be notified to wai⟨t⟩ on your Excellency at Head Quarters as soon as Circumstances will permit to consult & advise on th⟨e⟩ Subject matter of their appointment. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect your Excy’s hble Servant

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from the Justices of Morris County, N.J., 25 January 1780
From: Justices of Morris County, New Jersey
To: Washington, George

            Morris Town 25th January 1780

          The Representation of the Justices of the County of Morris in Behalf of the good people thereof
          Sheweth
          That agreeable to your Excellencys Requisition when the Troops were in distress. We have called on the Inhabitants of

this County, who with the utmost chearfulness have exerted themselves, many of them, even beyound their Abilities for the relief of the Army, in hopes that when the necessity ceased, the Depredations comitted on the property, & the Insults Offered to the Persons of the Inhabitants, when Hunger pinched the Troops, would cease also, But as was too truly Apprehended the Forbearance of the people in exhibiting complaints, and backwardness of the Officers in punishing, while the distress continued, ⟨and⟩ when the complaints were made; which nothing but necessity could justify is followed with a licenciousness very injurious to The Inhabitants, frequent complaints are yet made and many recent instances testify, that the Soldiery continue in parties to Wander abroad from Camp, chiefly under cover of the night, not only to Plunder and Steal provision, but money Cloathes &c. &c. and also to maltreat and wantonly abuse the good people who have generously strove to relieve the Army when in want.
          We are not insensible of the difficulty under which your Excellency & the Officers of the Army must Labour in putting a stop to the torrent attended with the disadvantages that at present exist; Yet with submission we take the liberty to suggest whether the Evil complained of, may not, at least in a measure, be prevented by Issuing Orders or otherwise limiting them from wandring About without proper officers.
          We further beg leave to Represent to your Excellency that the Prison & County house which when the Continental Guard was first placed there, was whole and in good Repair, and by being frequently and almost constantly occupied by the same since that time, untill it, is Rendered almost useless And the Culprits committed by the Civil authority can by no means be safely kept, several such prisoners having lately made their escape the said Guard not being accountable to any County Authority, Subjects us to peculiar difficulty in the Administration of Justice.
          As this County has during the present contest; by the Troops being much of the time encamped here, and constantly passing and repassing, suffered in many respects: We Submit to your Excellency whether the Damage done to the said house by the Troops ought not to be repaired at the expence of the Continent, if so, we doubt not your Excellency will give the Quarter Master General Instructions respecting the matter.

          In full confidence that your Excellency will with Equal exertion do every thing in your power to secure and pr⟨o⟩tect the Subject, as to provide for the Soldier We are with the most perfect Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & Humble servants

            signed by order & in behalf of the wholeBenjn HallseyJohn Brookfild Jona. StilesBenjn Lindsly.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 25 January 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York January 25th 1780

          I have had the honour to receive all Your Excellency’s letters with the several permissions inclosed for Major Gardner, and I beg leave to assure Your Excellency that I feel very much obliged to you for the attention you have been pleased to pay to my Requests. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great personal Esteem Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

            W. Phillips


Title: General Orders, 26 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown Wednesday Jany 26th 80.
            Parole Williamsburgh—  C. Signs Weisel. Weser.

          Captain William Van Lear of the 9th Pennsylvania regiment having done the duty of Brigade Major and Brigade Inspector of the 2nd Pennsylvania Brigade from the 12th day of december

last, is appointed Brigade Major and Inspector of the same ’till further orders; He is to be respected and obeyed accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to Major Thomas Cogswell, 26 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Cogswell, Thomas

            Sir
            Head Qrs [Morristown] January 26th 1780

          About [ ] days ago I received Your Letter of the 27th of last Month. In answer I must take occasion to assure You, that you are mistaken if you suppose, either a predilection for Major Hull or the circumstance of his having served of late more immediately under my command than you have done, influenced me in any degree in the opinion which you saw. Considerations like these had no part in the business. I viewed the matter in question between you and that Gentleman on a more liberal and extensive ground, and I see no reason to alter in the least, the sentiments I then delivered; and were you to examine the subject dispassionately, I think, you would find the reasonings were right—and that you have no just claim to your present pretensions. At the same time I repeat, that I had no intention in what I said to detract from your merit as an officer, or to give a preference to Major Hull on that score. I am sir Your Most Obedt servant

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Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William De Hart, 26 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: De Hart, William

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 26th January 1780.

          I have recd yours of the 24th. If the Country is in the situation you mention with respect to Cattle we must be content with less than the demand made upon the County and if they will give an extra quantity of Grain for the deficiency of Cattle, it will I think be doing for the best. The Cattle should be drove immediately towards Camp as they are collected, except what are necessary for the detachment, and the Grain put into Mills as far from the River as possible. The easy passage upon the Ice puts it in the power of the enemy to cross and burn both Mills and Grain. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 January 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Morristown [26] January 1780.

          The situation of my department has been, for a long time, peculiarly embarrassed. My greatest solicitude and efforts have scarcely satisfied the common exigencies of the service; and I have the mortification to find, that in spite of all my endeavors the difficulties are every day increasing.
          I have repeatedly mentioned to your Excellency for some months past, that the supplies of money furnished the department were very unequal to the current expences. I have all along flattered myself that affairs would take a new and more favorable turn. As Congress were delibarating upon the subject of finance, I was led to believe, that the schemes and plans they were adopting would afford more ample relief; and have encouraged the agents under such an expectation to proceed in the execution of the business. They have been enabled to extend their credit thus far, so as to keep the wheels in motion, hoping not to fail until government could find ways and means for furnishing us with cash more adequate to the demands. But whatever grounds I supposed there were for authorizing such expectations I now find they were vain and nugatory. The cloud thickens, and the prospects are daily growing darker. There is now no hope of cash. The agents are loaded with heavy debts, and perplexed

with half-finished contracts, and the people clamorous for their pay, refusing to proceed in the public business, unless their present demands are discharged. The constant run of expences incident to the department presses hard for further credit, or immediate supplies of money. To extend one, is impossible; to obtain the other, we have not the least prospect. I see nothing therefore, but a general check if not an absolute stop to the progress of every branch of business in the whole department. I have little reason to hope that, with the most favorable disposition in the agents, it will be in our power to provide for the occasional demands of the army in their present cantonements; much less, to have in readiness the necessary apparatus and supplies of different kinds for putting the army in motion at the opening of the campaign. My apprehensions, of a failure in these respects, are so strong; and my anxiety, for the consequences, so great, that I feel it my duty once more, to represent to your Excellency our circumstances and prospects. From such a view of our situation, you may be led, not to expect more from us than we are able to perform, and may have time to take your measures consequent upon such information.
          I know not whether government can command such sums of money as are necessary for the current expences of the nation; but it is a folly to expect, that this expensive department can be long supported on credit. A further attempt would only bring ruin and distress upon ourselves, without affording any substantial advantage, either to the public or the army; and therefore I think it is highly necessary, as all military movements are under your immediate direction; and as the affairs of this department are intimately connected with all the active operations, that you should have a right understanding with administration, with respect to the support they can give, in executing the measures you may think proper to take.
          There is no deficiency in the resources of the country. On the contrary, I have authentic reasons to conclude the country is more plentifully stored with every material necessary for the provision and support of an army than it has been for three years past. The defect lies in a want of proper means to draw them into public use. I cannot see how a remedy will be applyed to this evil in the present management of finance. The wretched state in which that is involved, creates new

obstructions and an accumulation of expences in every branch of the department.
          Hitherto, our principal difficulty, has arose from a want of proper supplies of money, and from the inefficacy of that which we obtained; but now there appears a scene opening which will introduce new embarrassments. The Congress have recommended to the different states, to take upon themselves the furnishing certain species of supplies for our department. The recommendation falls far short of the general detail of the business; the difficulty of adjusting which, between the different agents, as well as the different authorities from which they derive their appointments, I am very apprehensive will introduce some jaring interests. many improper disputes, as well as dangerous delays. Few persons, who have not a competent knowledge of this employment can form any tolerable idea of the arrangements necessary to give dispatch and success in discharging the duties of the office; or see the necessity for certain relations and dependencies. The great exertions which are frequently necessary to be made, require the whole machine to be moved by one common interest, and directed to one general end. How far the present measures, recommended to the different states, are calculated to promote these desirable purposes, I cannot pretend to say; but there appears to me such a maze, from the mixed modes adopted by some states, and about to be adopted by others, that I cannot see the channels through which the business may be conducted, free from disorder and confusion.
          It would be a folly for me to attempt to change the general disposition of mankind; or to flatter myself with the hopes of a different conduct from those who may be employed in the various branches of the department, than what is known to influence and govern men. If experiments are necessary, I have not the least objections to their being made, but I cannot agree to be responsible for consequenses. If government is distressed, and these expedients are requisite for her relief, my aid shall not be wanting, during my stay in the department, to give them a fair and full operation; but I cannot say, that I think they will either answer the expectations of the public, or prove competent to the demands of the army.
          It cannot be more disagreable to your Excellency to receive, than it is to me, to make so unfavorable a representation. I have

left no steps unattempted, that appeared calculated to put affairs on a more prosperous footing; and have hoped, that every succeeding account would be more promising, than the last. I should betray my trust, were I to amuse your Excellency with hopes and encouragements—And I beg, that this description of my department may, not only be considered, as justly drawn, but dictated by motives of duty, and aiming at the advantage of the public. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Most obedient humble Sert

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 26 January 1780
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Cranes mills [N.J.] 26th January 1780

          I had the Honr to write your Excellency Yesterday to wh⟨ich⟩ I refer; By this opportunity I forward a letter from General Knyphausen which came to hand Late last evening.
          The Plunder Collected by the Reverend Mr Calwell was Sent ove⟨r⟩ to Staten Island yesterday—morris Hatfield was Sent with it He Saw one ⟨of⟩ his Brothers on the Island, who Confirms the Information already given, and further adds; that an other Reinforcement of Two hundred men had arrived from Long to Staten Island on monday last—That the Post at Richmond has lately been Supplied with Six weeks provisions—That the enemy on the Island ware much alarmed and that on monday Night they lay on their armes expecting an attack from this Quarter;

That five Thousand Sailors have been armed at New York for the Defence of that place—That it had been reported in New York Eleven Sail of Transports with provisions from Cork had gone into providance and fallen into our hands; all this as it comes to me; Your Excellency wil⟨l⟩ know what Credit It ought to have.
          Several Desertions from this party Since the 19th Instant Chiefly from the maryland and Pensylvinia line—and yesterday came from the Island one other Negro fellow, I have now three in the whole which I empl[o]y in Cuting wood for the Troops that are on hard Serv⟨ice⟩.
          on the Night of the 27th If Intelligance be favourable and the weather Sutable I purpose Detaching a Small Party or Two; in order if Possible to Surprise and bring off Some of the enemies advance guards or Pickets; as Soon as I Shall have gained the Necessary Information and fixed on the Plan I Shall acquaint your Excellency therewith; Time enough for your approbation. I have the Honr to be Your Excellencys most obedt and very Hume Servant

            Moses Hazen


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 26 January 1780
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

            Dr Genl
            Eliza. Town [N.J.] 26. Jany [1780] 3.OClock A.M.

          The Enemy have I am afraid Surprised this Post; They have taken Major Eccleson, several other Officers, and a Number of

the Detachment, burnt the meeting House. Town House, and the House at D. Harts, Point and retired immediately. They came to this Place about 12.OClock, and as I am inform’d, did not stay more than an Hour at most—I have seen Fires at or about Newark, from which I judge they have been at that Place also—As soon as I am able to collect a more particular Account, I shall forward it. I am your E⟨xcelle⟩ncy’s most Ob⟨edt ser⟩vant

            Moses Hazen

            N.B. My Letter which accompanies this was wrote before the Alarm.

              M.H.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 26–27 January 1780
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Cranes mills [N.J.] 26th[–27] January 1780

          I had the Honr to write your Excellency at 3 and 6 oClock in the morning to which I refer—with alteration as I am Since Told that Colo. Hay of the Pensylvinia line Narrowly made his escape—That the enemys force at Elizabeth Town Consisted of about 100 Horse and between four and five hundred Infantry—they Cross’d Trembly Point and Came into Town between the Hours of Eleven and Twelve in the Evening and most Notoriously Surprised the Detachment at that place. Capt: Bedkin who was Sent for the Perticular Purpose of Patrolling the Streets leading into Town has a Share in the Disgrace—he has lost Twelve Horses with all their accutrements four men Taken Prisoners and Two wounded—Lt Bruff of the 6th Maryland Regt Posted at Elizabeth Town point with 20 men had Just time to retire with his party; over the Ice to bergan and then came in to Newark he lost but 3 or 4 men Lt Brusen of the Pensylvina line who also Commanded a Subalterns guard at Newark was likewise Surprised, his men Surrounded in the academy, him Self Twice a Prisoner with the Enemy and finally made his Escape—I cannot learn who Command[ed] this Detachment of the enemy at Newark; which is Supposed to have been betwen Two and three hundred foot—I have not yet got in the exact returns of our Loss But by the best accounts I have Collected It will be four officers and about Sixty men—viz. major Eccleston, Capt: Belt & Capt: Gray of the maryland line—Capt: Gifford of the New Jersey line was also unfortunately Taken not on Duty; But from his amusements.
          The three Regiments Posted at Connecticutt farms; this Place and Raway assembled with in half a mile of Elizabeth Town in less tha[n] Two hours from the first alarm—Buskirk has ⟨b⟩een fortunate; I have been unlucky—I wish it may not However fall to my lot to be releived before I have an opportunity to Retaliate.
          Col: Willitt has mentioned to me more than once the Practibility of burning the enemys Transports at New york which he Supposes to be frozen up in the Ice in Turtle Bay; where it is Supposed there are many Stores &ca: he wishes to under take it with Twenty or Thirty men only—Col: willit is an active good officer has lived better than Thirty years in New York, he is

Perfectly acquainted with every Part of the City and the Island This or any other object which your Excellency may have in view on York Island he wishes to under take.
          The foregoing letter was rote last evening But before I had time to Close it, I received advice of the Regt at Raway being alarmd by accounts from the Island of the enemys being in motion.
          The approaching evening bids fair for an excurtion on the Island with Some Small Parties, But I have not yet Such Intelligen⟨ce⟩ as would Justify the attempt, tho I hope to obtain Something before the evening. I have the Honr to be your Excellenc⟨y’s⟩ most obedt and very Hume Servt

            Moses Hazen
            Jany 27th 10 oClock fore noon.

            Col: ogdins Detachment are Cantoond at Scots Plains about four miles in my Rear.

              M:H:


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 26th Jany 1780.

          I take the liberty to sollicit the attention of Congress to a matter, which very materially affects Colo. Bland, late commanding Officer at Charlotteville in Virginia. I am informed that this Gentleman, while in command, drew, from the Commissary, necessaries for his Table, upon a supposition that an allowance of that nature would be made, in consideration of his being obliged to live in a manner suited to his Rank, and to the importance of the Station which he filled. Indeed, I am further informed, that before he would accept of the command, he

signified, to the Executive of the State of Virginia, the insufficiency of his private fortune to support the Expence which would be necessarily incurred, and obtained from them an opinion, that a decent table would be allowed him; in consequence of which, he proceeded to Charlotteville, and continued there, untill want of Health and his domestic concerns obliged him to quit the service. The Commissary, upon making up his accounts, has called upon Colo. Bland for the amount of the extra Expences, supposing, I imagine, that he had no authority to allow them. To reimburse these, it is reported that his Estate has been seized and would have been sold had it not been for the interposition of the Executive of the State, who, from an opinion that the Expence ought to be a public Charge, requested that the sale might be suspended, in hopes that Releif would be obtained in another way. I do not know the amount of the Accounts which occasion me to trouble Congress at present, but from information, and Colo. Blands known prudence, I am induced to beleive, that he has not expended more than his situation absolutely required.
          The incidental expences of detached or separate commands are always considerable, but in the present instance they must have been more than commonly so, as the commanding Officer must have been under the necessity of living in a manner, which would make him appear respectable in the Eyes of those whom he was sent to superintend, and that, in times like these, upon the most frugal scale, must have been too heavy for an individual to bear. Indeed, if the reasonable Expences of Officers appointed to detached or separate commands, similar to the one of which I am speaking, are not borne by the public—this very delicate consequence will follow, that they will be compelled to refuse them—an alternative to which I should be sorry to see them reduced.
          I cannot doubt, but Congress will be pleased, upon a full consideration of the matter in every point of View, to direct a liberal allowance to be made for the Expences already incurred, and to determine what shall be allowed to the commanding Officer in future, lest Colo. Wood, who I sent to releive Colo. Bland, should be involved in difficulties of the same nature. I have the honor to be with great Respect Yr Excellency’s Most obt Servt

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