Title: To George Washington from James Lovell, 31 December 1777
From: Lovell, James
To: Washington, George

sir
Decr 31st 1777.

A Course of Disappointments has attended the printing of the Journals of Congress. Good progress was indeed making in Sepr last when Mr Aitkin had nearly finished a second Volume with December 1776. This Work he has sent out of the city of Philadelphia, and buried.
By all the Scrutiny I can make, I gain no other Knowledge about the Spot where the Books are deposited than a high probability that Frederic Bicking a paper-maker has the Care of them.
Having tarried myself in Philada after the other Delegates left it, I procured of Col: Hamilton a Security of some Waggons from Impressment for the Use of Mr Aitkin which he did not appear to me afterwards to have been spirited to make use of; and in Fact he remained in the City.
Bicking is an honest timorous Man and lives in the Neighbourhood

of John Roberts a Miller 10 Miles from Philada which Roberts is a Tory, and yet tis probable his Team brought the Journals out for Mr Aitkin.
I beg your Excellency to communicate these Circumstances to some active pensylvanian Officer, who, being acquainted with the Spot of Ground mentioned, will take a proper speedy Method of gaining the Journals & forwarding them to Lancaster or York. I imagine the Types are also buried at the same place with the Journals. They would be a valuable Acquisition at this Time, tho’ they are not absolutely necessary to carry on the Journals.
I am not insensible of the great Affairs which press your Excellency on every side; but, I really thought this Business of recovering the Journals was important enough to warrant the Freedom I now take of applying to you for Orders respecting the pursuit of it. I had intended to do this in person, but the Absence of three of my Colleagues and other Gentlemen has thrown such additional Committee Business upon me as to make it impossible to assure you, otherways than by Letter, that I am Your Excellency’s Obliged Friend & Humble Servant

James Lovell


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 31 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

[Head Quarters, Valley Forge, 31 December 1777]

Instructions for Brigadr General Count Pulaski
You are to march the body of the Cavalry into Winter Quarters at Trenton where you are to take the most effectual means for putting both men and horses in condition to act with vigour in the ensuing Campaign notwithstanding your distance from the Enemy and the apparent improbability of their forming any Enterprize against you—some degree of vigilance will be necessary to secure your Quarters from Surprise—this may be effected by such small patroles as will not make the Tour of duty come round too frequently, and break in too much upon the Repose of the men and horses which is so essential to reestablishing them—the same Patroles may likewise be a safeguard to the Shipping laid up at Borden Town.
After you are well settled in Quarters, frequent opportunities in favorable Weather are to be taken of perfecting the Cavalry in the most useful manœuvres—even a Series of bad weather will not prove a total bar to the instruction of the men and horses, as they may at such times perform the ordinary exercises of the Riding-School—a proper house for which purpose you will provide immediately upon your arrival at Trenton—this kind of discipline will not occasion any greater exercise than is conducive to the health of both men and horses.
The men are to keep their arms in the best Order—and the Sadlers to keep the Saddles and Bridles in constant Repair—if any Regiment be without a Sadler the Commanding Officer of it is to procure one with proper Tools, upon the best Terms he can make.
The Colonels are commissioned to provide their Regiments with Cloathing and Accoutrements—all that can be done with respect to these articles under your eye—is that the Officers require their men to make the best of what they have by repairs.
You will have sufficient time for training a Troop of Lance-men, and the Lances may be made according to your directions on the spot—no pains should be spared to inspire the men with an affection for their horses, and make them perfect in the managemt of them—these important ends can only be gained by great attention and assiduity in the officers—You must therefore strictly prohibit all Wandering from Quarters. Given at Head Quarters this 31st December 1777.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Babcock, 1777
From: Babcock, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Stonington [Conn.] 1777

I have lately been informed from indisputable Authority that Your Excellency tho’t proper to severely reprimand my Worthy Friend Genl Putnam for recommending Me to your Notice, and that he ought to know Me better than so warmly to have mentioned Me as a Person in his Esteem deserving the Rank of a Brigr Genl in the Continental Army.
How your Excellency should have presumed thus unwarrantably to have censured a Person that You could not know but from the Character given of him by others is to me a matter of Supprize—How is it possible that You should be better acquainted with Me than Genl Putnam with whom I served five Campaigns & who was an Eye Witness to my Conduct during all that Time unless you look upon Genl Putnam as a Person wholly unworthy of the Rank he sustains & that all Merit together with a superior Knowledge of Men centres in the Commander in Chief; your Excellency may be assured that I served the last War in

a simillar Rank to Yours, and it is possible that I might have served under Generals who perhaps might have informed even Your Excellency in the sublime Part of the Art of War—As to the mechanical Part it’s the Duty of every Serjt to be acquainted with—But notwithstanding your thus recriminating upon My Character which I hold as dear to myself as your Excellency can do your own—Far be it from Me tho’ crully and improperly treated to deprive Your Excellency of any Merit that You are justly entittled to, particularly in your extreamly well conducted Retreat thro’ the Jersys—Your great Success at Prince Town, and afterwards your rallying the Pensylvania Militia when they gave way & leading them on so successfully to Victory for which I as an Individual return You many Thanks, But give Me Leave just to trouble Your Excellency with a Paragraph of a Letter from Sir Jeffry Amherst to Govr Hopkins in the Glorious Year 1759 who said “That whereas Colo. Babcock has throughout the whole Campaign continually manifested his great Zeal for the publick Service I should not do him Justice were I to omit giving him this publick Testimony of it and desire You to return him my particular Thanks for the same.”
Suffer Me just to mention to your Excellency that many Characters have been lost from not persevering in the Paths of Virtue which at first they set out in but thro’ the alluring & fascinating Charms of unlimited Power too, too often have deviated from as the History of Mankind most clearly evinces, few very few Persons can bear it or indeed ought to be trusted with unlimited Power To conclude—I have to observe that most Gentn in your exalted Station seldom hear any Thing but adulatory Compliments Because they have much to bestow and It is for their Interest to offer up Incense to those in whose Power it is to serve them—But if Truth offends & A Character (irreprochable as a military Person) is unjustly sullied It is a Matter of perfect Indifference to Me how much it offends—But for my Countrys Sake & the Important Rank You sustain in it I sincerely wish Your Excellencys Laurels may never wither but flourish in Immortal Verdure & that Your Country may hereafter repay Your signal Services with their best Thanks, Affections & Gratitude & that You may have the secret Satisfaction of restoring Peace to your native Country. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most humble & most obedt Servant

H. Babcock


Title: General Orders, 1 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters Valley-Forge January 1st 1778.
Ulster—Salem. Amboy.

As this day begins the new year The General orders a gill of spirits to be served to each non-commission’d Officer & soldier; And to avoid the irregular and partial distribution of this Article (which has been a good deal complaind of) he expressly orders that no spirits shall issue to any part of the Troops in future but in Consequence of general or special orders from Head-Quarters—A deviation from this rule will be at the risque and peril of the Issuing Commissary.
The Commanding Officer of each Regiment is to give in a Return at orderly time tomorrow of the number of Tailors in the Regiment he commands; and no new Cloathing to be made for the use of any Regiment but by a pattern which will be furnished them.
A considerable number of Froes and some Axxes are ready to be issued at the Quarter Master General’s Stores.
Coll Cook is appointed President of the Court Martial which sits daily at the Bake-House; to relieve Coll Scammell.


Title: Arrangement of the Continental Army, 1 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

[Valley Forge, 1 January 1778]

Arrangement of the Army for the Campaign 1778—& present state of the Battalions this 1st day of Jany 1778.

            [Maj. Gen.
            Brig.
            Regt.
            Col.
            Statey
            Strength]

            [Regt.
            Brig.
            Div.]

            Marqs de la Fayette

            Mulenberg

            1st
            Hendricks
            Virga
             187

            5.
            Jos. Parker
            Ditt.
             318

            9.
            Matthews
            Do

            13.
            Russell
            Do
             150

             655

            Woodford

            3

            Do
             285

            7.
            McClanahan
            Do
             411

            11.
            Morgan
            Do
             295

            15.
            Mason
            Do
             279

            1270

            Scott

            4.

            Do
             252

            8
            Beauman
            Do
              65

            12.
            Wood
            Do
             450

            Gibson State
            Do
             394

            1161

            3086

            Baron Kalb

            Weedon

            2.
            Febiger
            Do
             364

            6.

            Do
             209

            10.
            Stephens
            Do
             401

            14.
            Lewis
            Doy
             245

            1219

            Smallwood

            1
            Stone
            Maryd
             215

            3.
            Gist
            Do
             325

            6.
            Williams
            Do
             186

            7.
            Richardson
            Do
             198

             924

            2.
            Price
            Do
             222

            4.
            Hall
            Do
             268

            5.
            Gunby
            Do
             266

            German
            Bn
             287

            1043

            3186

            St Clair

            Wayne

            1
            Chambers
            Pena
             349

            2.
            Becker
            Do
             110

            7.
            Irvine
            Do
             200

            10.
            Nagle
            Do
             216

             875

            3.
            Craig
            Do
             171

            6.
            Magaw
            Do
             165

            9.
            Butlar
            Do
             190

            11.
            Humpton
            Do
             159

             685

            4.
            Cadwallader
            Do
             149

            5.
            Johnson.
            Do
             283

            8.
            Brodhead
            Do
             355

            12.

            Do
             208

             995

            2555

            ArnoldLincoln
            2 Brigadrs & Light Troops.

            Glover

            Shepperd
            Mas.
             377

            Wigglesworth
            Do
             391

            Vose
            Do
             383

            Biggelow
            Do
             358

            1509

            Patterson

            Marshall
            Do
             302

            Brewer
            Do
             315

            Bradford
            Do
             355

            Tupper
            Do
             354

            1326

            Learned

            Bailey
            Do
             397

            Wesson
            Do
             365

            Jackson
            Do
             308

            Jackson
            16.

            McDougall

            Poor

            Scammell
            N.H.
             378

            Scilley
            Do
             279

            Hale
            Do
             316

            Lee
            16

            Varnum

            Green
            R.I.
             290

            Angell
            Do
             275

            Sherburn
            16

            Henley
            16

            Huntington

            Prentis
            Con.
             489

            Webb
            Do
             301

            Bradley
            Do
             422

            Swift
            Do
             474

            1686

            Lord Stirling

            Maxwell

            3
            Dayton
            Jersy
             211

            4
            Martin
            Do
             251

            2
            Shrieve
            Do
             226

            1
            Ogden
            Do
             227

             915

            McIntosh

            1:
            Carolina
            Car.

            2
            Do
            Do
            1079

            Hazen

             413

            Hall
            Delae
             220

            1712

            Malcolm
            16
             182

            Heartley
            16.
             228

            Grayson
            16
             234

            Stewart
            16.
             300

             944

            Nixon

            Nixon
            Mas.

            Greyton
            Do

            Putnam
            Do

            Alden
            Do

            Parsons

            Wyllys
            Cont

            Durkee
            Do
             458

            Chandler
            Do
             448

            Meigs
            Do

            Clinton

            Courtland
            N.Y.
             202

            Livingston
            Do
             232

            S. B. Webb
            16.

            Spencer
            16.
             196


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Forman, 1 January 1778
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp [Valley Forge] 1 t Janry 1778

Agreeable to your Exclys request I herewith inclose a Memorial respecting The Salt Works—in The Memorial I have not Specified the Quantity of Salt that I suppose the Works will Dayly produce as Those matters Cannot be with Certainty assertained—yet I think we shall when intirely Compleat produce at Least Two Hund. Buss. ⅌ Day—a Quantity That will Abundantly Supply all the Wants of your Excelys Grand Army boath for Salting Provisions and Camp Consumption—As Early as the Month of Aprill we Shall at least be able to furnish a Large Supply for the Consumption of The Camp and by Faul have a Suffientcy for Salting Provisions for The Army.
The Bareer Will wait for yr Excelys Letter to Govr Livingston. I have the Honr of Wishing your Excely the Compts of the Season & Subscribing my Self yr Excelys Most obdt Humble Servt

David Forman


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 1 January 1778
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Valley Forge Jany 1. 1778

Agreeable to your Excellencys Desire communicated to your General Officers, I have made a few detached and imperfect Observations on the Subjects mentioned—upon the small Detail.
some Gentlemen have been pleased to express their Surprise and lay under Reproach, our civil and military Transactions, because they do not find in this our Embryo state, the Wisdom and Art of those perfect and refined Systems in Europe which have been the Growth and Labour of Ages—suffice it for us, if we can form our Plans and direct our Measures upon a well informed Judgment of our own Circumstances, depending upon the great Fountain of Wisdom and Power, to direct us from Time to Time in the Means and finally to bring us to the End of our Pursuit, the Liberty and Happiness of the People.
The Divisions of an Army, both greater and less, ought to be distinct as may be from each other and sufficient in themselves, each Part being an Epitome of the main Body, possessing in itself, the Springs Wheels and Powers of the Grand Machine, that they may operate seperately or jointly without breaking, or interfering with, the Order and Regularity of the Whole—upon this very Principal depends the gracefull Manœuvres of a Battalion on Parade and their Dexterity and Vigour in the Field of Action.
Battalions should not be moved from one Brigade to another without absolute Necessity—it is a Work of Time and of great Importance that the commanding Officer of a Corps be well acquainted with the Genius and Characters of those under his Command.
Each Brigade should have its own Quarter Master, Commisary, Forage Master, Conductors of Teems, (the Number of Teems may be lessened) Armourers and Artificers.

Quarter Masters of Divisions may be omitted.
Brigade Quarter Masters need not any Rank to give them Authority—the Brigadiers will always support them in the Execution of their Duty—their Rank gives just Umbrage to the fighting Line.
The Pay of the Regimental Quarter Masters is not in Proportion with the other Officers of the Army—the Place requires a Man of Ability and Integrity as his Receipt is good for all the Provisions Arms &C. of the Regiment, in the Campaign of 1776 they were indulged with two Pays amounting to £ 10.18—New England Money—at present they have only 8.5.
Each Brigade should be furnished with a traveling Forge—A covered Waggon with Chests to secure Arms untill they can be delivered into the Ordinance store.
It should also have a commodious Waggon to move the Sick from Camp—Lives have been lost whilst Application has been making for a Waggon—I have known an Officer, of more sensibility than common, put to greater Trouble and Distress in making the most indifferent Provision for a Soldier suddenly taken ill upon his Hands, than he would be in conducting his whole Company on a March or in Action.
Regimental surgeons ought to be supplied with a little Physick—a simple Cathartic or Emetic may often prevent a long Fit of Sickness—if this cannot be, Part of the Expence of a Surgeon and his Mate at a hundred Dollars ⅌ Month might be saved—because a Barber Surgeon who can let Blood and do some other little Offices will do as well.
Regimental Surgeons should not be removable from Regiments or discharged or New Ones appointed but by the commander in Cheif.
Each Brigade should be attended with a traveling Oven. whoever has experienced the Unwholesomeness of the Bread commonly made in Camp, or seen the Waste of Flour, will desire no other Arguments in favour of this usefull Appendage.
The Qr Mr General, Commissaries &C. should not take their Assistants, Clerks &C. from the Battalions—the extra Wages will procure them from the Country, if Pains are taken to engage them in Time.
The respective States should appoint an Agent to each Regiment to supply Clothes & Accoutrements &C. under such Regulations as may be necessary—Pay masters of Regts to account with their own states for all Clothing—the Continent to account with each state for as much as their stipulations to the Troops—Clothing imported by the united states to be delivered to and paid for by, the several states as equaly as may be, as to Quality and Kind, & the number of their Troops.
The fewer Waggons to the Army, the better, as the March of Troops is always greatly impeded, and Entreprizes often frustrated by their Delays—if Batt. Horses could be substituted, they would be preferable—

a Waggon of four Horses generally carries about forty Tents—each weighing about twelve pounds—the four Horses, therefore, carrying 10 or 12 Tents each, would transport as much as the Waggon—the Size of the Load is no Objection.
Forage too might be collected to better Advantage upon Horses than in Waggons, with the same Number, All the Hay, brought to some markets, is upon Horses.
A Change or two of Linnen, a Little Provision and some Convenience for carrying necessary Papers, should comprise all the Baggage of an Officer when he takes the Feild—some Boxes in Fashion of Horse Canteens might be contrived for them.
Brigade Commisaries have no Allowance for Wastage in dealing out Provisions, they are therefore under a strong Necessity of giving short Weight to the Regiments or be liable to account for the Wantage in the same Way, the In[i]quity proceeds to the Men, after the Provisions are divided and subdivided to Companies and Messes the Pound is often reduced to 12 Ounces, the Commisaries ought to deal the full Quantity to each Company.
Commissions of Officers appointed in Consequence of the Resolve of Congress of September 1776 for raising a new Army, ought all, as most of them do, to bear Date the first of January 1777.
Temporary Promotions made by commanding Officers of Divisions and Brigades ought not to prejudise the Rank of other Officers.
Will it be advisable to make any more full Colonels of Regiments—rather have Lt Colonels comdants on Account of Exchange, if Prisoners. I am your Excellencys most obedt servant

Jed. Huntington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st Jany 1778

I have been duly honored with your several favors of the 23d 24th and 25th ulto with the enclosures to which they allude.
In my letters of the 22d and 23d of last month, I mentioned the difficulties which the Service laboured under for want of a Qr Masr Genl and as I am induced to beleive that a new nomination has not been made since Genl Mifflins resignation, because Congress could not fix upon any person in their opinions fully qualified to fill that important office, I thought it my duty, to endeavour to find out a Gentleman, who I could venture to recommend, either from my own particular knowledge or from that of others. That my enquiries might be more extensive, I occasionally mentioned the matter to the General and Feild Officers, and desired them, if any persons came within their Idea as proper, that they would mention them to me, that I might upon their comparative merits fix upon the most deserving.
Several of the Officers, from the Northward, spoke of the uncommon activity and exertions of Colo. Hay Deputy Qr Masr General in that department. Hearing him so well spoken of, I enquired very particularly of most of those who had served there the last Campaign, and of Generals Sullivan and Wayne who had served in that Country the two preceding ones in times of uncommon difficulty. They confirmed the favorable report of the others, and went so far as to say, that without disparagement to any Gentleman, they thought him the best qualified of any man upon the Continent for the office in question. Upon this universal concurrence of all parties, I think I may venture to recommend Colonel Hay to the consideration of Congress, and if, upon further inquiry, they should find him answer the high character which he bears, I hope no time may be lost in appointing him, provided some other has not already been the object of their choice. I will just add that Colo. Hay’s pretensions in right of seniority intitle him to notice.
You must be fully sensible that very little time is left between this and the opening of the next Campaign for the provision of Feild Equipage, Carriages, Horses and many other articles essentially necessary, towards which I cannot find that any Steps have yet been taken.
In my last I also took occasion to mention, that by Colo. pickerings appointment to the Board of War, I expected he would soon be called upon to take his Seat. In a letter from the Secretary of the 24th ulto I am desired to permit him to retire and nominate an Adjt General pro tempore. But as there is no person upon the spot that I can with propriety ask to accept of the place pro tem I am obliged to detain him, and am under the necessity for that reason of urging a new appointment

as speedily as possible. I have taken the same methods of endeavouring to find out a person qualified for an Adjutant General, that I did for that of Qr Mr General. But I cannot say that I have recd any account sufficiently satisfactory to determine me in favor of any particular person. I will just recite the Names that have been mentioned to me, which are Colonels Lee and Scammel of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Colonels Innes and Davies of Virginia, and Major Scull of Pennsylvania. The four first are well known to many Gentlemen of Congress and Major Scull is warmly recommended by General St Clair.
The Enemy returned into Philada on sunday last, having made a considerable Hay Forage, which appeared to be their only intention. As they kept themselves in close order, and in such a position that no attack could be made upon them to advantage, I could do no more than extend light parties along their front, and keep them from plundering the inhabitants and carrying off Cattle and Horses, which had the desired effect.
I have the pleasure to inform you that a Vessel has fallen into Genl Smallwoods hands near Wilmington, I hope she will prove a valuable prize. You have the particulars in the inclosed extract of his letter.
Before this reaches you, you will have recd a letter from Genl Weedon, in which he has stated his objections to Genl Woodford’s taking rank of him. Genl Muhlenberg is gone to Virginia, and I therefore cannot say that would have been his objections, but I imagine they are founded upon the same Reasons as those of Genl Weedon: And you may perceive by the inclosed Copy of Genl Waynes letter to me, that he does not think that the rank of Colonel, which Genl Woodford held at the time of his resignation could operate in his favor upon his appointment to the Rank of Brig: General. I could therefore wish that Congress, as they now have the matter fully before them, would proceed to the final settlement of the relative Rank of the Brigadiers. I have recd information that the Militia of Jersey have taken possession of another of the Enemy’s Vessels which ran in ground upon their shore. I have reason to beleive the fact is so, but I have it not from full authority. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 1 January 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
York [Pa.] 1st Jany 1778.

I presume that before this can reach your Excellency, you will have received from a Committee of Congress consisting of the Board of War & three other Members, to whom your Excellency’s Letter of the 22d Decemr was committed, an account of the measures adopted & put in operation for better supplying the Army with provision.
This Evening your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th Decemr was brought into Congress & reported; & will have the desired effect.
My present duty is to convey to your Excellency three Acts of Congress, which will accompany this. Vizt
Decemr 30th a Resolve for granting one months extraordy pay to the Officers & Soldiers now in Camp; for a new adjustment of the Officers Rations &c.

Decemr 31st a Resolve, for promoting a speedy reformation in discipline & œconomy in the Army.
Jany 1st for preventing imposition in the payment of extra-Pay granted the 30th Decem. I have the honour to be with great Respect.

P.S. your Excellency will receive in three packets by the present conveyance 150, Blank Commissions.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 January 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Wilmington [Del.] January 1st 1778

We have recovered our Sloop which I wrote concerning the other Day, & no other Damage sustained by the Tories retakg her, than a few Barrells of Flower, & some Pork, our Party havg surprized & drove them of[f] whilst unloading her.
The Brig is like to be much more valuable than was at first supposed, there appears to be a great Quantity of Arms, Baggage & some Cloths, Ammunition Rum & Wine, and I am in hopes some Soldiers Cloathing, in short she is full, & I understand lately from England, but called by [New] York & took in Officers Baggage & the Soldiers now Prisoners, there were upwards of 90 Waggonloads brought from her the Day before yesterday, but very few yesterday, being chief pt of the Day securing her by fasts on the Shore, the Tide having made very ful, & the Ice had Nigh carried her off, but believe she is now well secured—I have ordered Waggons in to carry of[f] the Arms heavy Baggage &c. to the neighbourhood of Nottingham, where I judge They will be more secure, & shoud be glad of your direction relative to the removal of the Prisoners—Officers are now sorting the Arms & Baggage &c. for Removal, & as soon as an Inventory of the whole can be made out it shall be done & transmitted.
Mr Holliday Paymaster of the 5th Maryd Regiment waits on you to obtain a Warrant for some Money to pay the Officers & Soldiers, who

are pennyless, & are dissatisfied & clamorous, it appears there is a considerable sum of Money due the Regiment as pay, which at present the Paymaster cannot account for by pay Roll, as many of the Officers with their papers are absent, which disables him from closing the Accounts; indeed I am apprehensive there will be a necessity to advance Money on Account, to several of the Regiments, till Leisure and Opportunity is given to the Officers this Winter of making a final Settlement of their Accounts, which the want of Leisure & particular Circumstances have hitherto prevented, & it may have a bad tendency not to obviate their Murmurs in some Degree, when it will be attended with no risque, the Circumstances of such Officers (& several there are) who have borrowed Sums of Money upon their private Credit from their Friends to aid the Service is peculiarly hard, & unless aided & speedily remedied by the Public must lessen their Reputation.
I shou’d be glad to have your Approbation upon the Mode which I proposed of shoeing this part of the Soldiery, who are from their late hard Duty almost bare foot, their Shoes at best is bad when new, & the Frost soon Cuts them out—I remain &c. Yrs

W. Smallwood


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 1 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] January 1st 1778

By this Express from General Armstrong he informs me he is of Opinion that 1000 Militia regularly reliev’d may be equal to effect the necessary duty on the North Side of Schuylkill—he also mentions that he writes you to this purpose, & requires my sentiments thereon.
As it has been my constant desire & Study to conduct things in such manner as may be attended with the smallest expence & inconvenience to the people I readily concur in this measure, & expect it may answer, as 2000 could not prevent the Enemy from coming out in force, & 1000 may be a sufficient Check to small parties, & answer all the purposes of preventing an Intercourse between the City & Country.
I think it will be absolutely necessary to furnish the light Horse the General speaks of—As I shall be oblig’d to send those belonging to the Army into Quarters in order to put them in a Condition to be fit to

render any essential service the approaching Campaign—from the present appearance of Matters, I hope I shall not be oblig’d to call for any Assistance of Militia to do duty on this side schuylkill this Winter or if I do that the Number will not exceed 2 or 300. I am &ca

G.W.


Title: General Orders, 2 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Valley-Forge Jany 2nd 1778.
Southampton—Bristol. Burlington—

The Commander in Chief, to prevent unnecessary Applications for Furloughs informs the Officers that none will be granted by him unless the Officers who apply for the same produce Certificates from the Major Generals of the Divisions to which they belong, that the state of their Regiments will admit of their absence from Camp.
And it is expected that the Major-Generals previous to their giving such Certificates will duly inform themselves of the State of the Regiment and whether the Furloughs requested may be granted without Injury to the service. And in determining this they will consider how very expedient it is that Officers remain in Camp (where strong necessity does not demand their Absence) to improve themselves and their Corps in such a regular System of discipline as may be prescribed and which the quiet and leisure of a fixed Camp will afford them Opportunities to practice.
All the Cartridges in the mens hands are to be collected forthwith & delivered to the Regimental Quartr Masters except those which are regularly placed in their Cartridge boxes, which are to be completely filled.
The Regimental Quartr Masters are to deliver all these spare Cartridges to the Persons appointed by the Major Generals of the respective divisions to receive them, and the Major Generals are desired without delay to appoint proper Persons for that purpose, who are to apply to the Commissary of military stores for paper & cause all the good Cartridges to be carefully packed in Bundles and the damaged ones to be returnd to the Commissary—The Brigadiers and Officers commanding independent Brigades are to make the like Appointments for their Brigades.
Every monday morning the surgeons of Regiments are to make

returns to the surgeon General or in his absence to one of the senior-surgeons present in Camp of all the sick in Camp or otherwise under the immediate Care of the Regimental Surgeons, specifying the men’s names, companies Regiments and Diseases.
Adjutant Marvin is appointed Brigade Major pro-tempore to General Varnum’s Brigade and is to be respected as such.
Coll Swift is appointed President of the General Court-Martial to sit tomorrow morning at the Bake-House in the room of Coll Cook who is absent.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Brent, 2 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Brent, William

Sir
[Valley Forge, 2 January 1778]

You are to proceed to Wms Burg as expeditiously as you possibly can. You will apply to His Excelly the Governor & the Honorable The Council & take their advice on the most speedy mode for apprehending the

Deserters from the Regt to which you belong—A return of which You have with you. You will also apply for the residue of the men to Complete the Regt previous to It’s March from Willms Burg—Regulate the Instructions you may give to the Officers of Your Corps in Virginia by the Directions You may receive from His Excelly the Governor.
Visit the Sick left by the Regt at Geo: Town, York & Lancaster, & send such of them as are fit for duty to the Regt. You will make frequent reports to Colo. Gibson, or the Commanding Officer of your Regiment of what you have done & what there is a probability of your being able to effect. Given at Head Quarters Jany 2d 1778.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cooke, 2 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Cooke, Nicholas

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 2d January 1778.

Inclosed you will receive a Copy of a Letter from General Varnum to me, upon the means which might be adopted for completing the Rhode Island Troops to their full proportion in the Continental Army—I have nothing to say in addition to what I wrote the 29th of last month on this important subject, but to desire that you will give the Officers employed in this business all the assistance in your power. I am with great respect Sir Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear sir.
Head Quarters Valley Forge Jany 2d 1778.

Captain Hopkins of Colonel Moylans Light Dragoons goes to Boston to procure Cloathing & accoutrements for the Regiment against the ensuing Campaign. As the prices of many articles have risen from there being too great a number of Bidders, I have directed the Captain, if there are any Persons Purchasing for the Continent not to interfere with them, but, to apply to them for such articles as he may want; I have also directed him particularly, in his Instructions, to see Major Blackden (who has similar orders) and fix on a Line for their proceedings, that they may not raise difficulties to each other. The Captain will send the articles that he may get, either made, up or not, as he finds most

advantageous to the Regiment. There will be several things, as Boots, Sadlery, &c. for which he must contract himself, to Pay for which, I desire you will furnish him with Money. If the Continental Agents should not have the articles of Cloathing proper for Captain Hopkins, he is in that case to procure them on the best terms he can, & you will also be pleased to furnish him with money for the amount. We have found so many advantages from Cavalry in the course of this Campaign, that I am determined to augment them as much as possible against the next, and enable them to take the Field in a respectable manner. I therefore hope you will give Capt. Hopkins, your countenance, and every assistance in your Power. I am Dear Sir your most Obet Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Captain David Hopkins, 2 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hopkins, David

Sir.
Hd Qrs [Valley Forge] Jany 2d 1778.

Being appointed by Colo. Moylan to procure cloathing & accoutrements for the Regt against the ensuing Campaign, you are to repair immediately to Boston as the most probable place of furnishing yourself. Upon your arrival you will see Major Blackden, who has similar instructions with these, & with him you will determine on your manner of proceeding on this business, that you may not by any means interfere with each other. In order that you may effect the purport of [your] errand there the better, I have written a Letter to Genl Heath, through whom you are to apply to the persons purchasing cloathing for continental use, and of them you will receive the necessary quantity. which done you will either forward the Articles in the state you receive them, or have them made up as you see proper, & most for the Benefit of the regt.
The Articles of Boots Sadlery &c. you are to contract for yourself, & Genl Heath will furnish you with the money.
If the Continental Agents should not have the kind of Cloathing necessary & suitable to your purpose, you are to purchase them yourself, on the Best terms you can, and apply to Genl Heath for the amount.
That you may not be imposed upon on the one hand, or tend to raise the prices of goods on the other by giving more than is usual, you will apply to the Continental agents for advice & direction in this matter.
Altho’ I have mention’d Boston as the principal place from whence you may expect to draw your supplies, you are not to overlook the different Towns in Connecticut in many of which Sadlery especially is to be obtained.

You must be so well convinced of the necessity & advantage of being early in the Field, that I need not urge you to exert yourself in procuring the things necessary for that purpose.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel James Innes, 2 January 1778
From: Innes, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Head Quarters, Valley Forge, 2 January 1778]

The Continental Forces from Virginia being at present in a situation, that requires the exertion of some officer in that state to collect together the reinlisted Soldiers of the old Regiments—as well as the recruits & Draughts intended to compleat those & the six additional Battalions—you are while in Virginia, in aid to any superior officer who may be there with Instructions to pay particular attention to the recruiting officers and those who returned with the reinlisted Soldiers—Hold frequent correspondence with them, & give them such Instructions from time to time as the Interest of the service may appear to you to require. you will endeavour to inform yourself of the nature of the Draught act—and the particular mode pointed out by it to compleat the 15 Regts—assemble as many of the Draughts as possible and expedite their March to Camp under proper Officers. If it be by any means practicable get the Soldiers Cloathed, in the Uniforms of their respective Regiments—particularly use your every effort with the proper Persons to provide each man with a good Blanket, & Shoes.
A particular resolve of Congress was Passed some time since recommending the different States that proper Officers should be appointed in each, for the purpose, not only, of recruiting Men, but, apprehending Deserters; to the latter, I must urge your most active exertions, & if it has not already been done, that you will order proper officers on that duty, without loss of time, to collect such as may not voluntarily have come in, or otherwise be secured. Your own knowledge of this matter will at once strike you with the necessity of paying the utmost attention to it, and relying on your activity, with the aid of others, shall rest satisfied, that some effectual step will be taken.
If any thing material is done by you, in consequence of these Instructions, I shall expect to hear from you. Given at Head Quatrs the 2d Jany 1778.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 2 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 2d Jany 1778

I take the liberty of introducing Major John Clark, the Bearer of this, to your notice. He entered the Service at the commencement of the War and has for some time past acted as Aid de Camp to Major Genl Greene. He is active, sensible and enterprising and has rendered me very great assistance since the army has been in Pennsylvania by procuring me constant and certain intelligence of the motions and intentions of the Enemy.
It is somewhat uncertain whether the ⟨State⟩ of the Majors Health will admit of his ⟨remai⟩ning in the military line, if it should, I ⟨may⟩ perhaps have occasion to recommend him in ⟨a⟩ more particular manner to the favor of Congress at a future time. At present I can assure you that if you should, while he remains in the neighbourhood of York, have any occasion for his Services, you will find him not only willing but very capable of executing any of your Commands. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 2 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge January 2d 1778

I take the liberty of transmitting to you the Inclosed Copies of a Letter from me to Genl Conway since his return from York to Camp, and of Two Letters from him to me, which you will be pleased to lay before Congress. I shall not in this Letter animadvert upon them, but after making a single observation submit the whole to Congress.
If General Conway means by cool receptions mentioned in the last paragraph of his Letter of the 31st Ulto, that I did not receive him in the language of a warm and cordial Friend, I readily confess the charge. I did not, nor shall I ever, till I am capable of the arts of dissimulation. These I despise, and my feelings will not permit me to make professions of friendship to the man I deem my Enemy, and whose system of conduct forbids it. At the same time, Truth authorises me to say, that he was received & treated with proper respect to his Official character, and that he has had no cause to justifye the assertion, that he could not expect any support for fulfilling the duties of his Appointment. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. The Inclosed Extract from the proceedings of a Council of Genl Officers will shew, the Office of Inspector Genl was a matter not of such modern date as Genl Conway mentions it to be, and that it was one of the Regulations in view for the reform of the Army. The Foreign Officers who had Commissions & no Commands and who were of ability, were intended to be recommended to execute it—particularly the Baron D’Arendt with whom the Idea originated, and whose capacity seemed to be well admitted.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 2 January 1778
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Chantilly in Virga Jany 2. 1778

The inclosed came to my hand only a few days past altho from its date it appears to have been written long since. There are some useful suggestions in it, and therefore I send it to you—I do not know the Writers reason for dating it in April 1776 when from some parts in the body of the writing, it must have been written in the cours of the year 1777. The arts of the enemies of America are endless, but all wicked as they are various. Among other tricks they have forged a pamphlet of Letters entitled ‘Letters from Gen. Washington to several of his friends in 1776.’ The design of the Forger is evident, and no doubt it gained him a good Beef Steak from his Masters—I would send you this pamphlet if it were not too bulky for the Post, as it might serve to amuse your leisure hours during the inaction of Winter—We hear, that Lord Cornwallis is gone to England, probably to encourage the hopes of Administration upon their sending out strong reenforcements in the

Spring. I am just informed from Williamsburg that the Assembly have [passed] the Confedration Nem. Con. and have Voted 2000 men to be drafted from the Single Men to fill up the regiments; also 10 regiments of Volunteers to be quickly raised & marched to the Army fir 6 Months—They have adopted a very extensive Taxation which will produce a large sum of money, and thereby produce the most salutary consequences—The injury my health received at York is not yet removed, but I hope to be in Williamsburg to assist in Assembly by the 12 or 14 of this months—I wish you the compliments of the Season, and remain with true affection dear Sir yours Sincerely

Richard Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 2 January 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp valley Forge Jany 2d 1778

I am Directed by a Number of the Genl officers of the Army to Enclose your Excellency a memorial from them to Congress which they beg you to peruse & forward as Soon as Convenient—The General officers further Direct me to Inform your Excellency That The Inclosed Memorial Shows forth as well The Sentiments of the General officers absent as those who have Signed. I have the Honor to be with The highest Sentiments of Esteem & Respect yr Excellencys most obedient Servant

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Trenton and Mercer County Magistrates, 2 January 1778
From: Trenton and Mercer County Magistrates
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton [N.J.] January 2d 1778

Having, with much Concern, been informed that four Regiments of the Light Dragoons of the Army are ordered to be quartered in this

Town for the Winter for the Purpose of recruiting, and to be exempt from Duty; and apprehending that, if our Information be true, Your Excellency must have been greatly misinformed respecting the present State and Condition of the Town and the adjacent Country, we, some of the Magistrates of the Town and Neighbourhood of Trenton, conceive it to be our Duty, as well with Respect to the Publick Service, as to the Convenience and Safety of the Inhabitants, to submit to your Consideration the following Facts; from which we doubt not it will appear that the Quartering any considerable Number of Horses in this Town, especially for the Purpose of recruiting, would not be so likely to answer the End proposed as might be expected in many other Places, and that it would at the same Time be very distressing to all, and absolutely ruinous to many of the Inhabitants.
1. A Number of Horse quartered here, not being on Duty, could afford no Protection to the Country; and at the same Time might be a Temptation to the Enemy to make an Invasion on a Place so near them, which otherwise might not afford them an Object of sufficient Importance.
2. The Town, and especially the Stabling and Out-Houses, suffered so much Injury by the Ravages of the Enemy last Winter, and other Events of the War, that it is yet greatly out of repair, and from the Scarcity of Materials and Workmen is likely to continue so for some Time to come; insomuch that it is with some Difficulty the Horses and Cattle of the Inhabitants are sheltered from the Weather: And should any considerable Number of Horse be quartered in the Town, they must either want Stabling, or the Horses of the Inhabitants must be turned out to make Room for them.
3. From the great Number of Waggons and Horses employed in & about this Town for several Months past in the Publick Service, the neighbouring Country has been so much drained of it’s Forage that it is very difficult to get a sufficient Supply for the Teams now necessarily employed in and daily passing through the Town. Many of the Inhabitants have not got, nor are able to get an adequate Supply for their own Stock; the Country for ten Miles round and upwards being so much exhausted, that although the Horses and Cattle within that Circumference are far less numerous than usual, the Forage remaining will afford them a very scanty Subsistence for the Winter. At the same Time the Inhabitants of the Town are obliged to keep more Horses than they otherwise would for the Purpose of collecting Fire-Wood, the Country Teams being so much employed in the Publick Service that they cannot be procured for this Purpose. And moreover the local Situation of Trenton renders it so necessary a Post and so much a Thoroughfare, that many Teams as well as Travellers in the Publick Employ necessarily depend on finding temporary Supplies in it.

4. The Legislature of the State are to meet at Trenton early in the Month of February, and, from the Causes beforementioned, it will be with great Difficulty that tolerable Provision can be made for them and their Horses: If but a single Regiment of Dragoons should be placed here, it will be impossible; and there is not another Town in the State, equally remote from the Enemy, now in a Condition to afford them suitable Accomodations and Conveniences for doing Business. In their late Session at Princeton the Publick Business was much obstructed for want of proper Accomodations and Conveniences; and at length, we are well informed, it ended, leaving several important Matters unfinished, which would otherwise probably have been completed.
We therefore flatter ourselves that Your Excellency, having taken these Circumstances into Consideration, will be of Opinion that Trenton is an improper Place for the Repose of the Horse for the Winter, and that you will be pleased to order them elsewhere. We are anxiously desirous, and we have Reason to believe the People of this County in general, especially in the Neighbourhood of Trenton, are well disposed to further the Operations of the Army by every Effort that can be reasonably expected from good Citizens. The Inhabitants in and near this Town, from their local Situation and other Circumstances, have already felt the Calamities of War in a Degree unknown to most other Parts of America. And the known Benevolence of Your Excellency’s Disposition prompts us to hope that we shall not be subjected to any new Distresses unnecessarily. We are, with the greatest Respect, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble Servants

Wm Cleayton
Beniamum Yard
Rensselr Williams
Benjn Vancleave


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 2 January 1778
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir—
Camp [Valley Forge] Janry 2d 177[8]

The two Battalions from the State of Rhode Island being small, & there being a Necessity of the State’s furnishing an additional Number to make up their Proportion in the continental Army; The Field Officers have represented to me the Propriety of making one temporary Battalion from the two, so that one intire Core of Officers may repair to Rhode Island, in order to receive & prepare the Recruits for the Field. It is imagined that a Battalion of Negroes can be easily raised there. Should that Measure be adopted, or recruits obtained upon any other Principle, the Service will be advanced. The Field Officers who go upon this Command are Colo. Greene, Lt Colo. Olney and Major Ward: Seven Captains, Twelve Lieuts., six Ensigns, one Pay Master, one Surgeon & Mate, One Adjutant & one Chaplin. I am your Excellency’s most obdt Servt

J. M. Varnum


Title: Lieutenant Colonel John Fitzgerald to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 January 1778
From: Fitzgerald, John
To: Wayne, Anthony

Dear sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] Jany 2d 1778

The Inclosed Letter is just come to hand which his Excellency orders to be forwarded to you, that you make proper Enquiry into the truth of the Facts mention’d therin; & Issue such orders as you find necessary for the Reformation of those or any other Abuses or irregulariti⟨es⟩ you find to be committ’d in Lancaster, York, or other such places as you go to whilst absent from Camp.
One Step the General recommends to affect this—that you order every Officer & Soldier fit for duty & not upon necessary Business, to return immediately to Camp & Join their respective Corps, taking a List of the Officers Names, Regiments &Ca so order’d, & transmit it to Head Quarters to the End that we may be able to point out any who dont pay due attention thereto. I am Dear Sir your mo: Obedt servt

John FitzgeraldAid de Camp


Title: General Orders, 3 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Westfield—Wilmington—Newcastle.
Head-Quarters at the V. Forge Jany 3rd 78.

At a General Court-Martial held 28th ultimo whereof Coll Scammell was President, Captn Courtney of the Artillery appeared before the Court charg’d with “leaving his Howitz. in the Field in the Action of Brandywine in a cowardly and unofficerlike manner”—The Court having considered the Charge and Evidence are of Opinion that Captn Courtney is guilty of the charge exhibited against him and do sentence him (as he has ever supported the Character of a brave man) to be reprimanded by Genl Knox in the Presence of all the Artillery Officers—The Commander in Chief is induced from the state of the Evidence to disapprove the sentence; and orders Captain Courtney to be discharged of his arrest without Censure.
The Commander in Chief approves the following sentences of the same General Court-Martial held 29th ultimo.
Ensign Carpenter charged with “Absenting himself without leave from Camp knowing that the Regiment was immediately to go to Action” is found guilty & sentenc’d to be cashiered: The sentence is to be executed forthwith.
John McClure charged with “suttling in Camp contrary to general orders”—pleads guilty—The Court are of Opinion that his sufferings in the provost have sufficiently punished him for his Crime and do direct that he be discharged from thence.
The Honorable The Continental Congress have, Resolved, That the Commander in Chief be directed to inform and he does hereby inform the brave Officers & soldiers of the Continental Army now in Camp that as the situation of the Enemy has rendered it necessary for the Army to take Post in a part of the Country not provided with houses and in consequence thereof to reside in hutts, Congress approving of their soldierly Patience, Fidelity & Zeal in the Cause of their Country direct one months extraordinary Pay to be given to each; and that Congress are exerting themselves to remedy the Inconveniencies which the Army has lately experienced from the defects of the Commissary and Cloathier’s Departments.

That after the first day of January instant the Commissary Genl of Purchases is from time to time to compute the Cost of each part of a Ration agreeable to the Prime Cost of the several Articles composing the same; and by this estimate the Issuing Commissaries are to govern themselves, instead of that made in 38th Article of the Commissary’s Regulation passed by Congress 10th of June last. And further that the General shoul[d] recommend and he does strongly recommend to the Officers of the Army to draw such a part of their rations only as may be necessary for their respective subsistence, & to receive the residue in money at the estimated Cost aforesaid, until the difficulties arising from the present deficiency in the Commissary’s department shall be removed.
The second Brigade of Lord Stirling’s division have Permission to discharge their Arms tomorrow morning at Roll-Call.


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 3 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 3d Jany 1778

Colo. Innes having staid a few days longer than he expected, it affords me an opportunity of inclosing you the Returns of the Virginia Regiments which I promised in mine of the 27th December.
I refer you to Colo. Innes for more full information, than I have given you by letter, of matters relating to the Virginia line. A valuable prize has fallen into General Smallwoods hands at Wilmington, I have not the particulars of her whole Cargo, but there are three hundred Chests of Arms besides many other useful Articles. I have the honor to be with great Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 3 January 1778
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Artillery Park, Great Valley 3d Jany 1778

The following hints are humbly submitted to the consideration of your Excellency.
The necessity of recruiting the Army is so very obvious, that there cannot be the least doubt but Congress will take the most speedy and effectual methods to induce the respective States to furnish their quotas of men, in such season that they may be collected and disciplind, before the Campaign opens. The mode of opening the Campaign, the success of it, and, perhaps, the Liberties of America depend on exertions in this important affair.
The movements in the Spring will be pretty confin’d, as the Enemy have now, but two Posts, containing all their forces—vizt Philadelphia and New York, except Rhode-Island, which probably they will evacuate. It will become a matter of consideration which place is of the greatest importance to the enemy, and which is the most assailable.
It is a standing maxim in War, to fight the Enemy with your whole force oppos’d to part of his; for part of the enemy’s force being defeated, the remainder, probably being inferior to your whole force, declines the combat, and you reap all the good consequences of a general Victory, without any of its dangers.
New York has ever appear’d to me to be of much greater importance to the Enemy, in their intended design of subjugating America, than any other place whatever. The goodness of the Harbor and comparative easy access in all seasons, its central situation, and easy communication with the neighbouring States, the facility of obtaining supplies and recruits by the North River (supposing them to be in possession of it)—all conspire to render the preservation of New York to them a matter of the utmost consequence.
The disagreable circumstances to which the loss of New York would reduce the Enemy, operate so Strongly on my mind, that were the numbers there fully ascertain’d, their Works of defence &c. so as to render the success of a coup de main probable, I should most readily give my opinion to open the Campaign by an attack on that place; first securing our Magazines &c. which are in this State. Indeed I think we might with more ease and safety make this manoevre than any other. supposing it to be undertaken at a more early period than we could posibly open the Campaign in this State, as we shall be oblig’d to wait untill our recruits join—The Militia of New-England in conjunction with 5000 troops detach’d from this Army, and the two Brigades on the North River, would make up a force irresistable by the Garrison of New York. The remainder of the Army here might fall back so as to cover

our Magazines. The enemy would not dare to penetrate in large numbers far into the Country, and small numbers would answer no purpose—I beleive the enemy would immediately detach to New-York all the troops they could spare from the defence of Philadelphia, which would were our measures taken with prudence and secrecy arrive too late. If we succeeded in New York, we might join our whole force and return to Philadelphia, be strengthened by one of the two Brigades now on Hudsons River, and recruits from all parts of the Continent, leaving the other, with the Militia for the security of that place.
should the Army be fill’d up and organized in such a manner as to give your Excellency a decisive superiority in the field, and the affair of New-York be thought ineligible, my opinion would be to make such movements on this side Schuylkill as to be able to reposess Mud-Island and Red-Bank, and interrupt the navigation in such a manner as to oblige the Enemy to come out and give battle on our own terms. But should this fail, and they remain in Philadelphia, your Excellency will be able to form a blockade in such a manner as must unavoidably reduce them to the necessity of fighting.
These appear to me to be the only two methods of opening the Campaign with success and eclat, and I freely confess I think the first will be, not only the most brilliant, but the most advantageous.
Militia
If the numbers of the Enemy the next Campaign be so far increased as to oblige your Excellency to call in a body of Militia, I would propose that they should be incorporated into the Continental regiments of the State to which they belong, and do duty with them in the same manner as the Continental troops, only commanded according to rule by continental officers from the Colonel downwards. From this method I think we should derive the best consequences, and upon all occasions have a powerful body of Auxilar Troops.
Manoeuvres
It is absolutely necessary that one sett of manoeuvres should be adopted and practis’d by the whole army. plain and simple. one general mode of drawing up the Army for Battle—a general rule for marching the Column to Action and mode of displaying the Column. manner of mounting Guards &c. All these, except the order of Battle (which the General officers alone ought to know) to be printed and given to every officer in the Army.
Magazines
It will be necessary to pitch on proper places for Magazines, in which shall be deposited Provisions, fix’d-Ammunition, Hospital Stores, and Spare Artillery. security ought to be the governing principle in the choice, therefore I think they should be at such a considerable distance

from the immediate seat of War, that in case of a defeat the Enemy should not be able by pushing the remains of the Army to destroy the sinews of the War. supposing the Seat of War the next Campaign should be in this or the neighboring States, I think the Magazines would be well disposed as follows. One at Litchfield in Connecticut, in which the greater part of the Provision purchas’d in New-England should be deposited, One in some place about 30 miles back of Morris Town, or rather nearer the Delaware, and one at Carlile or York; these would form a chain at respectable distances by easy and safe communications.
Hospitals
The surgeons ought to exert every nerve in order to have things comfortable for the Sick and wounded the next Campaign. For this purpose among many others, the regimental Surgeons ought to be supplied with necesaries for the sick under proper restrictions.
Quarter Masters & Commisaries
Experience has taught us that without good Quarter Masters and Commisaries in an Army the most important designs will probably fail. after these departments shall be filled it will be necesary for the Quarter Masters to have all the Carriages inspected and repair’d, Horses recruited and deficiencies supplied, Tents and eve[r]ything else in readiness by the opening of the Campaign. The Commisaries should immediately set about forming Magazines, in proper places of security, of salt Provisions, hard bread, Rum, &c. It would have a happy tendency that such provisions of rum were made as to enable the Commisary to Isue a jill ⅌ day. we have found by experience in the course of this Campaign that a jill of Rum will support the men through every difficulty. The Commissaries also ought by all means, to provide a sufficiency of soap, and Vinegar, for on these, in a great degree depend the health of the Army.
I hope your Excellency will excuse the broken manner in which these thoughts are convey’d, and beleive me to be, with the most sincere attachment Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

Henry Knox


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 3 January 1778
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp [Valley Forge] January 3d 177[8]

Every Gentleman of the Army is convinced of the Necessity of recruiting our Troops to a much more respectable Number, than that of wch they consist at present. A retrospective View of the various Successes and Defeats we have met with from the Beginning of the War will indisputable evince that Superiority of Numbers hath given Superiority in the Field. The Scenes of Devastation and Slaughter might have been closed with the past Campaign, had the States sent only a large Proportion of the Men allotted to them, into the Field. The Country has ever been deceived with Regard to your Excellency’s Strength, imagining your Army much superior to the Enemy’s: your Weakness forbad a Declaration of the Truth; and the Enemy’s Advantages have been attributed to wrong Sources. Dissatisfaction has taken place in some Measure; Tho none have been so blind to Truth as to impeach the Army with Cowardice. Nothing can be more pernicious than a long and expensive War, in a new Country. The jarring Interests wch succeed to a partial Dissolution of Government, give ample Scope to those irregular Feelings of the human Heart, wch are ever in Opposition to legal Restraints. Those Calamities wch invariably attend a continuance of War, are viewed as the inavoidable Consequences of misdirected Policy. That Union wch is the Soul of martial Strength, becomes gradually weakened, ’till the Enemy gain more from Cabal, then from the Exertion of their own Force. In short, every Consideration urges us to strain every Nerve to collect a Force sufficient to ensure compleat Victory the next Campaign. Permit me then to observe, that we cannot expect much from voluntary Inlistments. The Expedient of giving large Bounties was fully tried the last Winter, & its inefficacy too fatally proved. In proportion to the Sums given, the Necessaries of Life were

raised; So that while the Pocket was filled, the Understanding was insulted. There is no Alternative but drafting. If the Powers Of Government are too feeble to effect this, it is idle to think of having an Army. It is ridiculous to say, this is a Measure too incompatible with the Liberties of the People. Were they to enjoy all their Priviledges in Time of War, the Army only would feel its Distresses: And no Army would keep the Field upon such partial Principles. It is necessary to make a temporary Sacrifice of Freedom, in part to give it greater Security in future. If it should be tho’t impolitic to attempt drafting the Men for the Term of three Years or during the Contest, I would propose, that their Service expire the last of January next; or sooner, if ordered by Congress. To this Mode, I fancy, none of the States would object. For my own part, I am so fully convinced that it will be in our power to close the War the next Campaign provided we have Men, that it would give me no Uneasiness whether they are drafted for the War, or for the Term last mentioned. I am not for reducing the Number of Battalions, but think the Number of Men in each Battalion should consist of five Hundred and Twelve rank and File only. That the Men be prepared to enter the Field under every possible Advantage, I would propose, that the Battalions in the Field be joined and blended so as to make some compleat, while the supernumerary Cores of Officers be sent Home, to receive the Recruits, superintend their Innoculation, & Discipline, & finally march them to the Army. An Estimate should be made of the Articles of Clothing necessary for a Soldier for one year, these should be provided by the respective States, wch the Men should receive without Deduction or Stoppage of pay. They should also provide Clothing for their Officers, estimated in the same Way For wch the Officers should pay according to the Prices of Articles before the War commenced. As there will unavoidably be Deficiencies & Losses, the Clother General Should continue to procure all the Clothing in his Power, & for whatever the noncommissioned Officers & Soldiers receive over and above their annual allowance they should be liable to Deductions according to former Prices. To make the Army respectable, & to make the Situation of the Officers agreeable; to the Commissions should be annexed half pay during Life. Two Reasons urge to this Measure. In the common Sacrifice made by the Officers, of Property, Domestic Ease and Happiness, The Hardships attending the Camp, The Dangers that surround them, should be included the Idea of a Counter ballance or Compensation to put them upon a rational Footing with other Citizens. This Consideration is deduced from real Justice, and the Feelings of Mankind. The other Reason consists in the absolute Necessity of having an Army well officered, wch cannot be effected universally ’till Commissions are esteemed as having a real Value. Public Virtue may stimulate us to enter

the Field, but it is not sufficient to keep us there for a long Time. Other Considerations ever were, and ever will be predominent. After the War, nothing would tend more to strengthen the Union of the States and support the Dignity of Congress than the Measure suggested. The Officers feeling a certain, fixed Interest, depending altogether upon the Continent at Large would avoid & endeavour to suppress those Animosities wch may cause one State to contend with another. I am sensible that Commissions have, in many Countries, been saleable. I cannot wish they should be in this. In aristocratical Constitutions it is right; In Monarchical it is tolerable; but in democratic Forms, it is perfectly absurd. Promotion ought to be the Reward of Merit, in a regular Line. But as Wealth does not make a Man the better or the worse, the Badge of Merit should never be sold. As the Strength of an Army depends, in an essential Manner, upon the Subordination and mutual Dependence which pervades the whole, and descends to every part, the different Commands should not interfere. The great animating Soul, is the Captain General, or commander in Chief. It is impossible for him to direct the particular Manoeuvres of Wings, or grand Divisions in Time of Action. He makes the general Dispositions, & gives Field Orders for the whole. There must, in Propriety, be Officers to command Wings, or Grand Divisions, of superior Rank to Major Generals who command Divisions only. In the presen⟨t⟩ System, our Major Generals Command Wings Of Cour⟨se⟩ their Command is lost in their own Divisions: Or, at least there is an Interferance of command, as some of the Youngest Brigadiers may command Division, as is in fact the Case. There should, in my humble Opinion, be a Brigadier to every four Battalions, throught the whole continental Line: A Major General to every three Brigades; A Lieut. General to every two Divisions, besides a supernumerary Number to command Wings and act in seperate Departments, where the command may be important. I mention three Brigades to constitute a Division, because I think one Brigade of three should ever make a Column of reserve to the Line of Fire, seperate from the Idea of Lines at large. There is no Consideration on Earth that ever did, or ever ought to detach an Officer from a sacred Regard to his Rank. Let him be injured in that, he feels Resentment, or does not feel like an Officer. Honor and a Sense of Glory form his Ambition, and his Ambition is Absolutely requisite to encounter even Difficulty, and despise even Death itself when his Duty calls him to it. From hence it is a matter of the utmost Importance, that a regular Line of Promotion be settled for the Army. I am convinced that Exceptions will take Place under all general Rules; but, in Rank, none should be the Exceptions, but personal Merit, & great political Considerations; The latter should never extend to actual Command. The Officers of Battalions

should rise in the Line of States, and to Brigadiers in like manner. In that Rank the matter becomes too general to follow that Rule, and a general Seniority should be regarded. In matters of extraordinary Merit, no precise Rules can be laid down. But it would not be derogatory to the Dignity of Congress to suspend Promotions of that kind ’till they could consult your Excellency, or have your Opinion upon the particular Case. They would, by that means, know the Sentiments of the Army. And, I am confident, they never would find them averse to the deserving’s being rewarded.
In the Staff Department, there are many and great Abuses. How to remedy them compleatly, requires more Leisure than I have, to point out. Had we a Board of War, of military Experience, they might de-arrange & put them upon a better footing. We now see people, with whom we cannot associate, as Gentlemen, receiving superior Pay to Officers of Rank in the fighting Department, and who insolently claim the Titles of Rank. I think the Quarter Master Genl, should have Rank in the Line; The Adjutant General, the Brigade Majors and the Adjutants: None others ought. There are many useless Branches in the Qr Master Department, wch might easily be lopp’d off. As to the Commissary Department, I am of Opinion that the Persons employed are totally Unacquainted with it, & that Men of Probity and Business, connected in those parts of the Continent where Provisions are to be obtained & Magazines formed, should be ingaged at all Events.
Your Army Sir has ever been greatly reduced by bad Management in the Hospital Departments. The sick are obliged to suffer for want of Hospitals to receive them, or should a few be crouded into Houses, they are treated with a Degree of Inhumanity that would add Horrors to the Glooms of Syberia! Congress, some how or other, have heap’d their Munificence upon those who least deserve it. A senior Surgeon of the Hospital receives Pay, if I am not mistaken, superior to a Brigadier of the Army. Good God! for what? For Ease and Pleasure, and living upon the Stores of the Public, destined originally for the Cause of Humanity! Immense have been the Expences of the public for Wines and other comfortable Things for the sick, wch these Gentlemen have, in a great measure, converted to their own luxurious purposes. This I can prove. Ignorance also has been patronised in those sacred Walls, & Quackery substituted for learned Practise. To remedy these, and many other Evils attendent upon the Hospitals, I would propose, that a Field Officer be resident at every Hospital, or small Circle of Hospitals, to be relieved from Time to Time. That he receive Returns of all the sick sent to the Hospitals, & send them to Camp when discharged. That he inspect into the General Management, & report all Abuses. That a General Officer in Rotation visit all the Hospitals of a Department, &

inspect into, & correct, or report all Neglects or Evils that may take Place. Should any Noncommissioned Officer or Soldier loiter in the Country after being dismissed from the Hospital, he should be punnished as a Deserter; & should any Officer do this, he should be cashiered with the Marks of Infamy due to a Coward. The Field Officers should take Measures for detecting, & bringing to immediate Example Vilains of this Class, as we know there are many of them. If any Surgeon, or other Officer of the Hospital presume to squander the public Stores, or convert them to his own Use, he should be dismiss’d with every mark of Ignominy. This the Field Officer should carefully attend to. To prevent Frauds wch cover Ignorance for sordid personal Motives, The Junior Surgeons and Mates of the Hospital should be examined by a Phusycian & Surgeon Generall, two senior Surgeons, & four Battalion Surgeons, the Majority of whom should determine the Qualification of the Candidate, & None should receive pay as such, but those who are licensed in this Way. I am, with great Respect, your Excellencys most obedient humble Servant

J. M. Varnum


Title: General Orders, 4 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Valley-Forge Jany 4th 1778.
Litchfield.New-Haven Norwich—

As fast as the men go into Hutts the tents are to be returned immediately to the Quarter-Master General: The Commanding Officers of Regiments will see this performed—The Brigadiers are also to pay proper attention to it; and the Officers of Companies will be answerable for those which have been delivered to them. The Commander in Chief is thus pointed because he is informed that some tents have already been cut up by soldiers and disposed of; and because all the tents which now are good and can be repair’d will be indispensably necessary next campaign.
As fast as the tents come into the Quarter Master-General’s hands he is to have them washed, thoroughly repaired and stored; making a return of the whole and the quality of them.
By order of Congress no Officer is allowed to hold two Commissions

in the Army; The Commanding Officers of Companies and Regiments are to pay strict attention to this order in making out their Muster-Rolls.
A General Court-Martial is to sit tomorrow morning at nine o’Clock at the Bake-House for the trial of all Prisoners which shall be brought before them Coll Swift is President, a captain from each brigade (those of Genl Wayne’s division excepted) will constitute the members of the Court—One orderly sergent from each division is to attend the Court.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir,
Valley Forge Jany 4th 1778.

Unwilling as I am to add any thing to the multiplicity of matter that necessarily engages the attention of Congress, I am compelled by unavoidable necessity to pass my answer to Genl Gates through their hands.
What could induce Genl Gates to communicate a copy of his Letter

to me, to that Honble Body, is beyond the depth of my comprehension upon any fair ground; but the fact being so, must stand as an apology for a liberty, which no other consideration would have induced me to take, to give you this trouble—With the greatest respect. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hbe Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 4 January 1778
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Scotts farm [Pa.] Jany 4th 78.

Agreeable to your Excellency’s direction I have informed myself minutely with the country in the vicinity of Radnor-meeting-house.
To effect the object of your Excellency’s wishes, vizt security to the camp: I conceive it absolutely necessary to establish two posts of horse. The one to appertain to the picquet, & patrole one mile, more or less, in advance of the advanced centinel. The other to be fixed near Newtown-square, with directions to patrole to the square-tavern. This last place, is without any guard, tho’ the communication both from the ferrys, & the town of Darby is direct & convenient to the right of the army. It appears to me, that the post established, or to be established at the meeting-house is very far from being secure, unless great attention is paid to the square, at which place the three roads Hartford, Darby & Chester all unite.
These two parties of horse, I conceive necessary only during the night, as a third party being sent early in the morning down to the ferry or enemys picquet, with directions to continue the look-out in that quarter will supersede the necessity of keeping up the other two parties during the day, & thereby render The duty easier To continue a party during the night so far from any support, would in my opinion be extremely hazardous. Nor can it answer the design better; as it is not possible for the enemy by any means to avoid the videts posted as before described, unless they take a rout so circuitous & extensive, as forbids any apprehension of a surprize.
To do this duty, a com. officer, two non com. officers & ten privates will be wanting daily, exclusive of accidental calls & quarter-guards. Consequently, no number less than sixty including non-com. officers

can answer the purpose proposed. That number would in my opinion, afford all the security required from Cavalry, & might be so managed, as to be prepared for the next campaign. Lieutt Lindsay will have the honor to deliver this, & will be able to inform your Excellency more particularly if requisite.
Ample Supply’s & forage will be wanting. The mode I propose to effect this, if agreeable to your Excellency, is, to send an officer to the farmers between this place & the enemy, who in concert with the farmer, will fix on what quantity can be spared from the farm. On condition, that the farmer will waggon to quarters, the stipulated quota; a protection to be granted him for the residue of his forage. By this means, no waggons will be wanting, the public will be supplied, & the farmer eased from the dread of forage-masters, whose general injudicious conduct, afford just cause of murmur & complaint.
Being well acquainted with the characters employed by Major Clarke in obtaining intelligence, I propose with your Excellency’s leave to engage in that business. It may be of service to your Excellency & will afford business for me during the inertness of the winter. It will be necessary that passes from me should be valid, otherwise the intercourse with the city will be uncertain & vague. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect your Excellencys Obt H. Servt

Heny Lee jr


Title: General Orders, 5 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Valley-Forge January 5th 1778.
Fairfield—Milford. Harlem.

At a General Court-Martial held 1st instant whereof Coll Scammell was President appeared Denham Ford Commissary in General Greene’s division charged with Theft—The Court having considered the Charge and the Evidence are of Opinion, That Denham Ford is guilty of the Charge exhibited against him and do sentence him to pay Mr Spencer

  and Mr Holliway two hundred dollars and that after he shall procure a certificate from the aforesaid Gentlemen of the Payment of the above sum, he be brought from the Provost-Guard, mounted on a horse back-foremost, without a Saddle, his Coat turn’d wrong side out, his hands tied behind him, and he drummed out of the Army (never more to return) by all the drums of the division to which he belongs and that the above sentence be published in the News-Papers.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to be put in execution.
The Officers commanding Corps which furnished Seamen to the Galleys in Delaware, are to make inquiry and report to the Adjutant General whether or not they have joined their Corps again.
The Commissaries are without delay to provide soap to be issued to the troops; Soft soap is to be procur’d if hard soap cannot be obtained.
Pursuant to a resolve of Congress of 1st instant the Commanding officers of the Continental Regiments now in camp are required to make immediate and exact returns of the Officers and soldiers in their respective Regiments to the Pay-Master thereof, to prevent any imposition in the payment of the one month’s pay extraordinary which Congress in their resolve of 30th of December last have ordered to be given to the brave officers and soldiers of the Continental Army on account of their soldierly patience, fidelity and zeal in hutting &c. as express’d in the said resolve.
The daily guards are to parade in the morning precisely at nine ôClock; which the officers of the day and Brigade-Majors will duly notice.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 5 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge January 5th 1778.

I yesterday Evening had the honor of your Favor of the 1st Instant with it’s several Inclosures.
The Letter you allude to from the Committee of Congress and Board of War came to hand on Saturday morning; But it does not mention the Regulations adopted for removing the difficulties and failures in the Commissary line. I trust they will be vigorous, or the Army cannot exist. It will never answer to procure Supplies of Cloathing or provision by coercive measures. The small seizures made of the former, a few days ago, in consequence of the most pressing and absolute necessity—When that or to dissolve was the alternative, excited the greatest alarm & uneasiness, even among our best and warmest friends. Such procedures may give a momentary relief, but if repeated will prove of the most pernicious consequence. Besides spreading dissaffection—jealousy & fear in the people, they never fail even in the most Veteran troops, under the most rigid and exact discipline to raise in the Soldiery a disposition to licentiousness—to plunder & Robbery, difficult to suppress afterwards, and which has proved not only ruinous to the Inhabitants, but in many instances to Armies themselves. I regret the occasion that compelled us to the measure the other day, and shall consider it among the greatest of our misfortunes, if we should be under the necessity of practising it again.
I had recieved from the Board of War a Copy of the Resolutions of the 29th Ulto, and published such parts in Orders, as were directed. I shall endeavour as far as possible to carry the intention of Congress into execution respecting the Extra pay, and to prevent any from recieving it, who do not come under their description.
The three packets with Commissions came safe to hand. I have the Honor to be with great respect & Esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I am now under the necessity of keeping several parties from the Army, threshing Grain, that our Supplies may not fail—But this will not do. As to meat, our Stock is trifling, not being sufficient for more than two days, if so long, with the most sparing œconomy.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 5 January 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
[York, Pa.] 5. Jany 1778.

Last Night I was honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 1st Inst. I presented it this Morning to Congress but have received no other Commands except to acquaint Your Excellency that Colonel Scammel by an Unanimous ballot is elected Adjutant General in the Army which will further appear by the inclosed Certified Act of the present date.
I shall likewise inclose a Resolve of Congress of the 3d authorizing Your Excellency to appoint such number of Aids de Camp as you may judge necessary &ca.
Eight or Nine days being elapsed since by possitive Order from Congress I directed Major Genl Heath, to detain Lt Genl Burgoyne & his Troops, enjoining him at the same time to Secrecy until it shall become absolutely necessary to disclose the Order—I intimated to Congress this Morning the propriety of acquainting Your Excellency for obvious reasons, with a measure of such importance & received directions to forward the two Resolves which will accompany the papers abovementioned—Congress mean to introduce these Resolutions by a Suitable declaratory preface—the work has indeed been a long time on the Anvil I hope the whole will soon be perfected for the view of the World—the burthen of business in Congress lies extremely heavy upon a few Members who now faithfully attend & these meet with greater difficulties from being driven out of their regular Sphere & necessitated in many Instances to Act in person Commissary general Quarter Master general Clothier general Director general of Hospitals &c. &c. in order to save the Army from dispersion—I am &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 5 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McIntosh, Lachlan

sir,
[Valley Forge, 5 January 1778]

The Plan proposed by the Feild Officers of your Brigad⟨e⟩ is Similar to what is Adopted by some New England Corps, does them Honor, & is approved of. You are therefore as soon as possible to make up the 1st 2d & 3d Battalions of ⟨No.⟩ Carolina as nearly equal as Conveniently may be, from the Non Commissioned Officers & privates of the other Regiments of that state, and order all the Commissioned Officers of the Vacant Regiments upon the Recruiting Service without Delay that they may if possible under the advice & direction of their Governor be able to fill their Regims. and Join the Army early the next Campain. they are to use their Utmost Exertions to pick up all Deserters & other stragglers belonging to the Continental Army wherever they may be fou⟨nd⟩ and the better to effect these purposes, they are to request h⟨is⟩ Excelly the Govr of No. Carolina that he will be pleased to ⟨give ev⟩ery Asistance in his power, & fall upon some effectual m⟨easures⟩ to fill up expeditiously the quota of Troops from that st⟨ate⟩ in which its own Honor & that of the Continent is so ⟨much⟩ Concerned. And Asist in Clothing their Troops as other ⟨States⟩ have done which prevents Desertions & Save many Usefu⟨l Lives.⟩ Given at head Quarters V⟨alley⟩ Forge this 5th day of Ja⟨nuary⟩ 1778.

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 5 January 1778
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Radner meeting [Pa.] 5th Jany 1778

General Potter Militia he tells me, will all leave this place today, which will leave this post very weak, General Polaskey sent for all the horse that was with me to join their rigts, I did not think it advesable to send them before I aquinted your excellency, As none has Come to reliave them, and without Horse we should be very liable to be surpris’d—I have two butchers that Come out of Philadelphia to buy Cattle two men who sold them Cattle and Sheep under guard and two that broke Goal at winchester and two more that was in Company with them would be glad to know what to do with them. sixty of the enemies horse Com out yesterday as far as the black horse and took one of the three men that took the butcher and the Cattle sellers. I am your Hble sert

Danl Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Palfrey, 5 January 1778
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Lancaster [Pa.] 5 January 1778

I have just receiv’d a Letter from Boston which contains a Paragraph that may not be worth your Excellency’s attention, but which I think it my Duty to Communicate.
“The British Officers will lay any Betts whatever that before this Day (the Letter is dated Decr 15th) General Washington is no more. What

they mean by their Talk we know not, but suppose some infernal Scheme at the Bottom. It stands the General to beware whom he trusts about his Person.”
The Gentlemen seem to be a little mistaken in their Calculation, and it is to be hoped nothing more was intended by it than to excite Speculation and give uneasiness to the Minds of your Friends.
I shall set out to morrow for York in order to obtain a large Supply of Cash and settle the Affairs of my Department with Congress—When I have done this I shall resign my Office, as I find it impossible for me to continue in the Service without ruining myself & family. my Camp Expences (of which I have kept a very exact Account) have amounted to considerable more than my Pay, and every one knows I have not been Extravagant.
From what I can learn there is no probability of any Person being appointed to settle the Accounts of the Army. This important Business is still neglected, I fear to the very great loss of the Public.
I sincerely Congratulate your Excellency on the Capture of the Brig, and am with the highest Esteem & respect Your most obedient Servt

Wm Palfrey


Title: From George Washington to Major Peter Scull, 5 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scull, Peter

Sir
Valley forge January 5: 1778.

A few days ago I recieved your Favor of the 27th Ulto. I wish it had

been on any other subject than that of your resignation, and am extremely sorry the situation of your Affairs should have made such an application necessary. I must request, Sir, if it can be done, that you will not entertain an idea of it. It is no time for Officers of merit in which class I consider you, to leave the Army. I know that the service has been less honorable, and attended with more distressing circumstances to the Officers, than I could have wished. These I hope will in a great measure be shortly removed, and that a reform & some regulations will take place, that will make the condition of the Officers more agreable and Commissions much more desirable than they have yet been. At any rate, I would wish you to decline the measure, till you see what Establishments may be come into. I am much obliged by your assurances of personal attachment and Am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: W—g—n


Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 6 January 1778
From: Craik, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Portobacco Maryland Jany 6th 1778

Notwithstanding your unwearied diligence And the unparalleled Sacrifice of Domestic happyness and ease of mind which you have made for the good of your Country yet you are not wanting in Secret enemies who would Rob you of the great and truely deserved esteem your Country has for you—Base and Villainous men thro’ Chagrin, Envy, or Ambition, are endeavouring to lessen you in the minds of the people and taking underhanded methods to traduce your Character—The Morning I left Camp I was informed by a Gentleman, whom I beleive to be a true Freind of yours, that a Strong Faction was forming Against you in the New board of War and in the Congress. it alarmed me exceedingly, and I wished that he had informed me of it a day or two Sooner, that I might have taken an opportunity of mentioning it to you. He begged that I would do it before I went away, but upon Consideration I thought I had best defer it untill I reached home, perhaps I might make Some further discovories on my way. At my Arrival in Bethlehem I was told of it there, and was told that I should hear more of it on my way down I did so, for at Lancaster I was Still assured of it. All the way down I heard it, and I beleive it is pretty general over the Country. no one would pretend to affix it on particulars, yet all Seemed to beleive it, it was Said Some of the Eastern & Southern Members, were at the bottom of it, particularly one who has been Said to be your Enemy before, but denied it, R.H.L. and that G——l M——n in the New Board of War was a very Active person. This Last I am affraid is too true, I think I have reason to beleive him not your Freind from many Circumstances—The Method they are taking is by holding up General G——s to the people and making them beleive that you have had three or four times the number of the Enemy, and have done nothing. that Philadelphia was given up by your Mismanagement and that you have missed many opportunities of defeating the Enemy, and many other things as ungenerous & unjust—These are the low Artifices they are making use of—It is said that they dare not appear openly as your Enemy, but that the New Board of War is Composed of Such leading men as will throw Such obstecles and difficulties in your way as to force you to Resign—Had I not been assured of those things

from Such Authority as I cannot Doubt it, I should not have troubled you with this—My Attachment to your Person is Such, my Friendship is So Sincere that every Hint which has a tendency to hurt your Honour Wounds me most Sensibly. And I write this that you may be appraized, And have an Eye towards those men, and particularly that man G——l M——n He is Plausible, Sensible, Popular and Ambitious, takes great pains to draw over every Officer he meets with to his own way of thinking and is very Engageing—The Above I Can with Sincerity Say I have wrote from pure motives of Freindship, And have no Enmity to any of those men, any farther than they are Enemies to you—If they are your Enemies every honest man must naturally conclude they are Enemies to the Country and the Glorious Cause in which we are engaged, and will no Doubt most Streneously exert every Nerve to dissapoint their Villainous intentions.
On my calling at Mr Booths in Frederick Maryland I found my Eldest Son just recovering from a fever in which he had been dangerously ill for Several Weeks; And for Several days was expected every hour to die—On my Arrival at home I found Mrs Craik in a very low & poor State of health which she has been in for Some time past she still continues in a weak & low Condition, which I am affraid will put it out of my power to join the Army so Soon as I could wish If She does not recover her health I shall be under the dissagreeable Necessity of Resigning my appointment as I cannot think of leaving her in a bad State of health with Such a large family—Should She recover her health Soon I shall loose no time in geting to Camp—but her Situation alarms me much at present—I get the favour of Mrs Washington to Send this under Cover to you as I expect it will be the most Safe and Expeditious Conveyan⟨ce⟩ as her Letters Seldom Miscarry—May God of his infinite mercy Protect & Defend you from all your open and Secret Enemies and Continue you in health to finish the Glorious undertaking is the Sincere Prayers of your Most Devoted & obliged huml. Sert

Jas Craik

Mrs Craik offers her most Respectfull Compts to you.