Title: Instructions to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 4 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McIntosh, Lachlan

Sir,
[Valley Forge, 4 April 1778]

You are to visit all the Hospitals of which I have given you a list, and such others in the States of Pensa & Jersey as may have been omitted, if there are Continental Soldiers in them.
You are to bring me an exact acct of the state of each hospital with the number of Men therein; distinguishing the State, Regiment, & Company they belong to; and, as nearly as possible, those who died in, & have been discharged from them—For this purpose you are authorized to examine, if necessary, the Books of the Directors, Surgeons, Commissaries &ca—You are to make a minute enquiry into the management of the Sick; the care and attendance given them; their wants; &ca—and report the same to me with your opinion of the number and proper place or places to fix the Hospitals at for the purposes of accomodating the sick, the more convenient superintending of them; and reducing the expence by lessening the number of Physicians, Surgeons, &ca &ca—which are now imployed and may be necessary in the present divided state of the Hospitals.
You are to inform yourself truely of the number of Soldiers employed as Guards—Tenders of the Sick—Waiters on Officers, Surgeons, &ca—and, if it shall appear to you that any are improperly employed order them to their respective Regiments and in such a manner as to be known whether the order is complied with or not. The Arms and accoutrements

at each Hospital is also to become an object of your attention.
Herewith you will receive a Copy of the Instructions given to the Officers sent to the different Hospitals. Enquire how far they have been complied with, & if you should discover any inattention or neglect in any of them, order them immediately to Camp with proofs of their Misconduct if you should think a Court Martial proper.
Above all things you are to cause every Officer and Soldier at any of the Hospitals who are fit for duty, and not detained at them by order, or to answer any valuable purpose to repair to Camp immediately, and join their respective Corps—this you will likewise do by all such as you may meet with in your circuit under the like circumstances.
Your expences, in the course of this tour of duty, will be borne by the public; an acct of which you will render to the Auditers; œconomy—& every dispatch which you can use consistent with the valuable purposes of your journey will be expected, as the Season is fast advancing and every Officer will be found necessary at his post in the line. Given at Head Qrs Valley forge April 4th 1778.

Go: Washington

Note, If at any of the Hospitals you shall visit, there should be found Soldiers unfit for Service, and whose appearance affords little hope of their ever becoming useful to the States in that line you are at liberty to discharge them provided it is agreeable to their own desires.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel David Mason, 4 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, David

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 4th April 1778

I am favd with yours of the 21st and 23d of March. I am convinced that your silence has not been owing to any want of respect or neglect of duty, but to having nothing material to communicate, and when that is the Case I will always willingly dispense with your not writing.
I some time ago sent orders to the different Hospitals in Virginia to have no more men innoculated there, as it was determined to have it

done upon their arrival in Camp. You will therefore be pleased in future to direct the drafts to march the most direct Road to Camp, taking care to avoid the Towns where the small pox has been.
I will not allow you to receive the Resignation of any Officer in Virginia whose Regiment is here, they must make their Resignation to me and make it appear that they are not indebted to their Companies or to the public for recruiting Money or in any other way. If any therefore who have gone home upon furlough, and wish to resign, do not return, and make their resignations in due form they may depend upon being dealt with in a very disagreeable manner.
By the Articles of War none but General Office⟨rs⟩ have a right to inflict the sentence of a Court Marti⟨al⟩ which affects life. If therefore, there should be a condemnation, and no General Officer in the state, the proceedings must be sent to me for approbation.
I am surprised to hear that Men have been recd as drafts or substitutes who are not capable of doing the duties of soldiers. This is imposing upon the public, and the Officer who recd them ought to be answerable. If the district that furnished any such will not take them and replace them with able bodie⟨d⟩ Men they had better be discharged at once, as they will consume public Cloaths and Stores and be of no advantage—I am sorry to hear of the indisposition of Mrs Mason whose complaint I hope will be relieved by the warm weather. After having seen the drafts and reinlisted Men upon their march, I desire you will join your Regiment, and assist in training it, and endeavouring to inculcate that spirit of discipline into both Officers and Men which the Baron Steuben a very able German Officer is introducing into our Army. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 4 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Joseph Reed, 4 April 1778. In his diary entry for 4 April 1778, Christopher Marshall wrote: “About eight o’clock waited upon Gen. Read

at Wm. Atlee’s. He there wrote a polite letter to Gen. Washington on my application, in order to procure a pass for daughter Patience to go to Philadelphia, to secure sundries belonging to my three sons” (Duane, Marshall’s DiaryWilliam Duane, ed. Extracts from the Diary of Christopher Marshall, Kept in Philadelphia and Lancaster, during the American Revolution, 1774–1781. 1877. Reprint. New York, 1969., 175).


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 4 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 4th April 1778

I recd yours of the 28th March and 1st April. Not being able to spare any ready made Cartridges just at this time, I have sent over an equivalent in loose powder and Ball.
I would have you deliver the Negro and the inhabitants taken in Arms to the civil power of the State, their laws are severe and I would rather have them punished by the Civil than the military Law. I can give you no other directions than to watch the motions of the Enemy, and to cover the Country as well as you can if they make an incursion. Our situation does not admit of sparing more continental troops. If the situation of the Tories at Billingsport is such that you can make a stroke at them and rout them it will be very desirable and may answer many valuable purposes, but I would not have you attempt it at any great Risque. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


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

Head-Quarters V. Forge Sabbath April 5th 1778.
Roxbury—Rumney—Rindge.

On monday 6 oClock in the morning the North Carolina Brigade to send a non commissioned officer & ten Privates to relieve his Excellency’s Guard for two hours only. The Brigade Inspectors, the Brigade Majors and all the Adjutants of the Army are to attend on the Grand Parade tomorrow morning at Guard mounting; if the weather should prove bad, they will attend the first fair day.
No Furloughs to be granted to non-commissioned Officers and Privates until further orders.
Those Regiments that are in want of shoes are desired to apply to the

Cloathiers store for them—A few dozen of worsted stockings and some shoes fit for officers may be had at the Clothiers.


Title: To George Washington from Col. George Baylor, 5 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Baylor, George
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. George Baylor, 5 April 1778. On 1 May, GW wrote Baylor, “I am favd with yours of the 5th of last month.”


Title: General Orders, 6 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Monday April 6th 78
Leonidas—Lee. Logtown.

Lieut. Coll Greene is appointed to the Command of the 10th and Lieutt Coll Davies to the Command of the 14th Virginia Regiments ’till further orders and are to be respected accordingly.
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Vose is Presidt March 31st 1778—Lieutt Dunn of Coll Patton’s Regt tried for striking and ungentlemanlike behavior to Lieutenant Street and acquitted.

The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence and orders Lieutt Dunn to be discharged from his arrest, at the same time observing that the frequent proceedings of Courts-Martial presented to him which seem to originate more from personal prejudice & private animosities than real intention to promote the good of the Service, gives him very sensible pain; He wishes the Officers of His Army to consider themselves as a band of brothers cemented by the Justice of the Common Cause, that a perfect harmony might subsist among them and that they would settle all personal disputes among themselves in an amicable manner, ever being cautious not to trouble Courts-Martial or the General with private dissentions or add papers to the public files which may hereafter reflect disgrace upon themselves and the Army.


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Barry, 6 April 1778
From: Barry, John
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Middletown [Del.] April 6th 1778

Inclosed is a bill of sundry Articles purchased at the Sales here for your Excellency which tho’ laid in high, hope will please you; I shou’d have compleated the whole of your Excellency’s Memn. had it been in my Power. Major Burnet, purchased all the Knives & forks to be equally divided between your Excellency & General Green; You will please to send the Marshall the Amot of the Inclosed bill by the same hand that brings the Money for the Articles purchased by Major Burnet. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most humble & Obt servt

John Barry


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 April 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston Apl 6th 1778.

I have to acknowledge the honor of the receipt of yours of the 5th & 12th Ulto. Genl Burgoyne was not gone when I was honored with your last enclosing one to him. He has expressed the greatest pleasure & satisfaction on receiving your letter. I do myself the honor to enclose one from him. Yesterday about 11 o’Clock he set out for Rhode Island, He expresses the strongest wishes for an accommodation.
I am exceedingly sorry that the wax did not come safe to hand, as it was very fine and it is almost impossible to procure any. As the Messenger who carried it was to go to Congress, I directed him to deliver it to Colo. Mifflin at Reading, and desired him to forward it to your Excellency.
Enclosed is a request from Capt. Sewall of Colo. Lee’s Regiment for leave to resign his Commission in the Army. He is a good Officer. He represents that necessity compels him to resign, and indeed it is a malancholly consideration to find so many go[o]d officers daily applying for leave to resign their places in the Army. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obed. Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Morgan Lewis, 6 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Morgan

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 6th April 1778.

As the Services of Colonel Hay Deputy Quarter master, from the present appearance of things will probably be very little wanted in the Station in which he is at present, and will certainly be of considerable utility in this Army—You will order him to join it with all possible dispatch, unless from any reason which is unknown or does not occur to me, the general Service will essentially suffer by it. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Stephen Moylan, 6 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. Stephen Moylan, 6 April 1778. On 11 April, GW wrote Moylan, “I have your favr of the 6th.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 6 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

Sir.
Head Quarters Valley Forge 6th April 1778

I am favd with yours of the 3d instant inclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial held upon William Seeds and Thomas Carter. As no Officer under the Rank of a Brigadier commanding in a separate State has a power of appointing a Court for the trial of capital Offences I am obliged to disapprove the sentences as inflicted by a Court illegially constituted. But that the prisoner Seeds may not escape I have inclosed you a power to constitute another Court which may consist of the same members if they are at hand—By the Resolve of Congress we are not empowered to try persons, inhabitants of the States, if taken more than thirty Miles from the Head Quarters of the Army. You must therefore deliver Carter to the Civil authority.
I hope Major Howell may be able to effect something against the Tories at Billingsport, who may probably be surprised by a vigilant Officer.
If Cattle or provisions of any kind can be collected in any parts of the Country within the Enemy’s reach it ought by all means to be done. Some of the Commissaries should attend and give Receipts for what is taken. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 6 April 1778
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mount holley [N.J.] april 6th 1778

Last friday Evening a Messenger came to haddonfield from below, informing me, the Militia were imbodied to the number of 200, and Desirous to march into the Neighbourhood of Billingsport on Saturday, to Incourage them I ordered Major Howell Down with 100 men to Join them, there to Act as Should Seem Best when on the Spot, the

same morning about 100 Enemy Tories marched out of Billingsport towards Sweedsborough, fell in with Capt. Fizlow with 50 Militia, who Attacked them kiled 5 or 6, Drove them of[f] with the Greatest precipitation, by this time Major Howell Got to Sandtown 4 miles from the fort, hearing they were out, pushed Down to the fort, Got within one mile, when the Enemy Returned by a Back Road, the fort being Alarmed, and the Militia Not Comeing up, the Major Returned, takeing one Waggon, and 5 Tories, our post at Haddonfield being Exceeding week, the major Got in that night Leaveing Capt. Bowman with 50 men at Woodberry.
The Enemy Giting intellegence of our movement, Detatched 600 Light Infantry Commanded by Col: Abbercrombe, to Gloucester point, there Crosed, By Some means Surround 4 Vedets, one of them Rode his horse through Newtown Creek, Gave the Alarm at half past two Sunday morning. I Immediately Got the men under arms, the Stores and Baggage Loaded, thought it most prudent to move off, haveing Good information of their intentions and Rapid march, I ordered one horseman to Woodberry, another to Coopers ferry, where we had a Guard of 40 men & 2 horsemen, Lieuts. Stout and Hutchin of my Regt, with orders to Collect his Guard and make his Retreat Good over Coopers Creek Bridge, half after three the Enemy Entered the town, we had Lost it about 10 minutes, upon a Signal they Gave three Huzzays, and Immediately Stove open the Doors, wounded Several Inhabitants, Burnt 2 houses (belonging to Quakers) plundered the town, and Returned by way of Coopers ferry.
Mr Sage a Volunteer Horseman, that I Sent to the ferry Returned Just as the Enemy had Entered, he Cut his way througt them 200 yards, then Dismounted and Left for Dead, haveing Receiv’d fourteen Wounds with Bayonets he is yet alive, Major Ellis (of Militia) being officer of the Day, was at the ferry, Lt Stout prudently Got his Guard together and Retired over the Bridge according to Orders, Major Ellis as Imprudently ordered him Back to his post, the Enemy pushed Down Cut of[f] their Retreat, Lt Stout who is a brave officer fought them a Considerable time, untill overpowred by Numbers was forced to Give way, no Retreat Left Some Broke through others Swam Coopers Creek and Got off, the 2 horsemen Got off, Eleven prisoners was Taken among them Major Ellis, Lts Stout & Hutchin Stout Received 2 wound, before he Surrendered, two of my Regt was found Dead on the Ground, one of them Bayoneted, Some were kiled in the Creek, Several are yet missing, this Guard were part Militia, the Enemy Immediately Crossed the River to the City, three Deserters Came in, who Informs me their arms were not Loaded But their Orders was to Give no Quarters, and to plunder the town for Incouragement, these orders was Red to them by

their Col. before they Crossed, Our men being much fateagued for two Days with marching and Loss of Sleep, I thought Best to Retire to this place, Leaving 50 men below, to move from place to place And stot the Tory trade.
I fear If not Reignforced the Enemy will Ravage Great part of the Lower Counties, A prise from Cork Now Lies at or near the forks of Egharber, with 200 Barrels of Beef, 50 of pork, upwards of 2000 firkins Rose Butter, 51 peices Linnin, &c. this Cargo is taken for the use of the Army But not Yet Removed, this port Cannot be Safe If a post is not kept at Haddonfield.
I hope your Excey will pardon me for So Often ⟨mutilated⟩ a Reignforcement, I fear true Representations from this Quarter has not been made, I mean to Represent things Just as they are I Should Send a Return of what Militia I have But Cannot Obtain it, they Do not Exceed 150, I am your Excellencys very Huml. Servt

I. Shreve Col.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 6 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge 6th April 1778

Mrs Jones, Mrs Pleasants and two other Ladies connected with the Quakers confined at Winchester in Virginia waited upon me this day

for permission to pass to York Town to endeavour to obtain the release of their Friends. As they were admitted by the Officer at the advanced picket to come within the Camp, I thought it safer to suffer them to proceed, than to oblige them to return immediately to the City. You will judge of the propriety of permitting them to proceed further than Lancaster, but from appearances, I imagine their request may be safety granted. As they seem much distressed, humanity pleads strongly in their behalf. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 6 April 1778
From: Wharton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council Lancaster [Pa.] April 6 1778

I have the Honor of receiving your Letter of Yesterdays date encloseing one from Mrs Mary Pemberton to you—I am to inform your Excellency that Council chearfully comply with the request of that Lady,

being desirous that the Situation of the Gentlemen in confinement should be made as agreeable as may be consistent with the safety of the state—you will please therefore to receive enclosed a Passport for one or two Waggons and such necessarys as these Gentlemen may realy need—It is proper to acquaint your Excellency that the House of General Assembly have Passd a Law that will apply to the cases of these Prisoners—and that Council has obtained a Resolve from the Honorable Congress to deliver them to the state of Pennsylvania and a person will be sent in a day or two to Winchester to escort them to this state, when they will have an opportunity to take a decided part—and this the Act absolutely requires of them. As your Exellency purposes to forward the Passport I beg you will take the trouble to mention this circumstance as it ⟨may⟩ in some measure govern Mrs Pemberton & the other Ladies in the quantity & kind of supplies intended to be sent out.


Title: General Orders, 7 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Tuesday April 7th 78.
Sandown—Saco. Sutton.

A General Court Martial of the Line whereof Brigadier General Poor is appointed President to sit tomorrow nine ôClock at the Presidents quarters to try such persons as shall be brought before them, Coll Stewart, Lieutt Coll Burr, Major Peters and a Captain from the Corps of Artillery, Woodford’s, Scott’s 1st Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania, Glover’s, Paterson’s Muhlenberg’s, Maxwell’s, Huntington’s Varnum’s and McIntosh’s Brigades to attend as members.
Captain William Lewis is appointed Brigade Inspector in General Muhlenberg’s Brigade and Captain Corghan in General Scott’s; they are to be respected accordingly.
The Brigade Quarter-Masters will immediately bring in the empty Ammunition boxes to the Park of Artillery and deliver them to the Commissary of Military Stores.
An exact return of Arms & Accoutrements to be made immediately according to the form which shall be delivered the Brigade Majors.

The Commanding Officers of Regiments & Corps are desired to be very particular in their next weekly returns to account for all their officers & men, who are absent, sick, on furlough or Command and the places where that proper measures may be taken to call them in to join their respective Corps—The General enjoins upon them to be exceedingly exact to mention those officers in every department who detain any of their soldiers as waiters or for any other purpose and every other particular Circumstances relative to their absence as his fixed determination is that he will know the true state of his Army.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 7 April 1778
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mountholley [N.J.] April 7th 1778

this moment I Received Intillegence that the Enemy has Landed at Squan between 600 & 1000 men, And Distroyed all the Salt and works in that Neighbourhood.
If your Excy Should think proper to Send more troops to this Quarter, with Artillery, I Beg for the Jersey Compy of Artillery, at present Commanded by Capt: Lt Seth Bowen.
the Spirit of Burning prevails Still Among those Misarable Villons at billingsport, Last night they Come to Woodberry in a Skulking Manner and Burnt two Whig houses, and ordered other famalys to move out in a few Days or they would Burn them in them. I am your Excys very Huml. Servt

I. Shreve Col: Comdt


Title: General Orders, 8 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Wednesday April 8th 78.
Thornton—Taunton Terrytown.

A renewal of the orders relative to the Cleanliness and proper appearance of soldiers who are to mount guard however great a reproach to the officers whose province it is, to attend to those points, is become necessary.
The Adjutants in whom the delinquency originates, as it is their duty in the first instance to inspect the Arms, Ammunition, Accoutrements and Dress of the men before they quit their regimental Parades, are particularly called upon.
The Brigade Majors are required minutely to examine the detachments assembled on the Parade of the Brigade in all the abovemention’d respects, and the Adjutants are to remain there ’till the men are march’d off in order to answer for any deficiency.
When the Guards are assembled on the Grand Parade, the Brigade Majors and Field Officers of the day are carefully to repeat the same examination of the Arms &c. and to order the Adjutant under arrest

when any ill-appearance or deficiency may justly be attributed to his Negligence; Want of Uniformity in the soldiers cloathing and its indifferent quality so far from excusing Slovenliness and unsoldierly neglect in other respects ought rather to excite each man to compensate those blemishes by redoubled attention to the means which he has in his power; For instance, the soldier may always shave his beard, appear with clean hands and face & in general have an air of neatness which will be conspicuous under all disadvantages.
A Court of Inquiry whereof Lt Coll Hubley is appointed President to sit tomorrow morning nine oClock at the President’s quarters to examine into a complaint exhibited by an Inhabitant of this State against Captn Chambers of 12th Pennsylvania Regiment. Majr Ledyard & a Captn from Glover’s, Conway’s & Huntington’s Brigades to attend as Members.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 8 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 8th April 1778

I have been favd with yours of the 23d and 24th ulto. Finding that Colo. Lee cannot be prevailed upon to remain in the service I have represented his Case and that of Major Swazee to Congress and expect in my next to inform you of their acceptation of their Commissions. If Capt. Aldens circumstances are such that he cannot conveniently continue in the Army you may give him a discharge, first seeing that he has settled his Regimental Accounts and accounted for any public money that he may have received for recruiting or other purposes.
I am exceedingly anxious to hear what Steps the State of Massachusets have taken to raise their Recruits—for what time—and what numbers are voted.
It is shameful to see the number of Men that have been admitted to Furloughs. In some Brigades they amount to nearly as many as the men present and fit for duty. I must beg you to issue positive orders for every Man belonging to the Regiments of your State, whose furloughs have expired, to join their Corps under pain of being treated as deserters. Many Officers have likewise exceeded their terms and they should also be ordered to join their Regiments without loss of time.
You must be sensible that the lateness of raising the Recruits can only be compensated by hurrying them to the Army after they are raised; and I therefore depend much upon your assiduity in doing it. And I desire that whenever an Officer sets out with a party of Men, that he may have a reasonable time allowed him for reaching Camp, which if he exceeds, he must be accountable for. I would have this done to prevent unnecessary delay upon the Road. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 8th April 1778

I have been favd with yours of the 29th March and 3d instant. The Fleet which arrived in Delaware, as mentioned in mine of the 31st ulto, came from N. York; but they had very few troops on board, so that if those transports, which were at the Hook with Troops, have sailed, I know not certainly where they are gone. General Lee, who came out of Philada a few days ago upon parole, says he thinks they were to go to Rhode Island to replace some troops which were to be brought from thence to New York.
The practicability of the Enterprize mentioned in mine of the 31st ulto will depend intirely upon circumstances and must be still, as it was then, left to your own good judgment and that of the Gentlemen with whom I desired you to consult—The sending on Van Schaiks Regiment must also depend upon the intelligence you receive from New York. If you find that the Enemy are not in a situation to make an attempt upon you, but still too strong for you to attempt any thing against them with a probability of success, I would have you, in that Case, send the Regiment forward as quick as possible.
The number of Men in parsons’s Brigade admitted to Furlough amazes me. Their terms must certainly be by this time expired, and I beg that Genl Parsons may exert himself in having them collected and

brought to their Regiments, as all the Officers of other Regiments who have men absent upon that account ought to do.
The Recruits who have not had the small Pox and who are intended for the Regiments with this Army ought not to halt or touch at the places where the Hospitals are. If they do, they will more than probable take the infection and be seized with the distemper upon the Road. An Officer may be posted at some convenient place in Connecticut to give them directions in this matter. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 8 April 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Wilmington [Del.] April 8th 1778

Inclosed is a letter, I fancy from Governor Johnson, forwarded by the bearer hereof Mr Burrell who informs me that he left his son about fourteen Months ago with his Brother about 12 Miles above Philada upon the Schuylkill to Learn the Bleaching trade, his Brother having taken refuge with the Enemy Carried his son without his Privity with him & having understood that his brother sent the boy out upon his Business he was taken by some of our parties. Mr Burrell therefore being Anxious to recover his son waits on your Excellency for that purpose should his son be captured as it is represented; my Knowledge of Mr Burrell & his Attachment to the Liberty and Interests of America and his having had two sons in our service induces me to recommend him as a proper person to extend this Indulgence to, as I am Conscious it was by no act of his, or perhaps of his sons, that he went to the Enemy.
As a General Exchange of Prisoners is like to take place, allow me to solicite you in behalf of Lieuts. Dent, Wright, Muse, & Praul Officers of my old Regt taken on long Island the 27th of August 1776, who have remain’d ever since in Captivity, tho’ Numbers of like rank taken long after that period have been exchang’d, they were good Officers & Merritted a better fate & therefore hope your Excellency will order them to be included in the first exchange, Nothing new here at present. I

wou’d beg leave to Submit the Expediency of the removal of the stores & forrage in the Peninsula below this, as Speedy as Possible, the Superintendant Colo. Hollingsworth is distress’d for Waggons &ca but it is not in my power to Aid him with Consistency &c. I have the Honor to be Dr sir Your very Obdt Hble servt

W. Smallwood


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 8 April 1778
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp [Valley Forge] April 8th, 1778.

Upon reviewing my Expences for the Winter past, I find myself greatly in Arrear to my private Fortune. This is not the Result of Extravigance in eating, drinking or Cloathing. There is no conceivable Prospect of being in a better Situation. I am therefore under the Necessity of establishing a Credit with a person in Rhode Island, upon whom I can occasionally draw for Supplies. I know of but one Way of effecting this, and that is by selling or mortgaging a Real Estate, which I now own in that State. My Father in law has supplied me, during the last Campaign, to the Amount of six Hundred Dollars; But I cannot think of getting any more in that Way as he supports my Family solely, without making me Debtor.
The agreeable and important Obligations due to the Feelings of a

virtuous, fine Woman make me unhappy in being so long absent from her, & I have too much Youth on my side to bury, in the Profundity of Philosophy, the most pleasing Sensibilities of the human Heart.
For these two Reasons I think it my Duty to apply for Liberty of absence for the Term of five or six Weeks, previous to the probable Opening of the Campaign, and when other Circumstances will best admit of it. If the Division would be likely to suffer, I imagine General Parsons might be called here in the interim to supply my Place; For I am certain he is of no Service where he is.
If your Excellency should judge this Request improper, I shall chearfully acquiesce, and charge the Loss of domestic Felicity to the good of the Service. For I do not think it delicate or consistant to repine at Events which happen in a Sphere above my own proper Command.
Your Excellency’s Determination shall convince me what is right in the matter, To know which will be gratefully felt by your very obdt humble Servant

J. M. Varnum.


Title: General Orders, 9 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters V. Forge Thursday April 9th 1778.
Frederick’sburgh—Fairfax. Fayette.

In addition to the orders of yesterday for the purpose of effecting decency and cleanliness in the dress of the men, the Commander in Chief informs the Serjeants and Corporals of the Line and desires it may be deeply impressed upon them that unless they exert themselves to the utmost to bring about this desirable change (as far as the circumstances of cloathing will admit) and at the same time by a conduct and example which ought to distinguish them from privates, endeavor to preserve order, regularity and obedience, every delinquent amongst them without exception shall be reduced to the Ranks and others appointed ’till good ones can be had to discharge their respective duties properly—Nothing does, nor nothing can contribute more to the health of soldiers than a clean Camp, clean Cloathes and Victuals well dressed; these (however deeply involved in rags an Army may be) are to be effected by attention in the officers—The General therefore calls upon every officer from the Major General to the Corporal inclusively for their exertions hoping thereby with the blessing of God to prevent such number of deaths which unfortunately have happened since we came to this ground, and see a stricter attention to orders than heretofore has been paid.
The Court of Inquiry whereof Lt Coll Hubley is President will sit tomorrow at his quarters to examine into the circumstances of Captn McGowen’s mortally wounding a soldier of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Burnaby, 9 April 1778
From: Burnaby, Andrew
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Greenwich [England] April 9th 1778

Availing myself of the present moment of tranquillity, I sit down to renew a correspondence, which has been long interrupted, either by

my residence in Italy, or by that common calamity which I am persuaded we both most sincerely lament. Yet how shall I resume a subject, which, by naturally carrying us back to those happy days when our acquaintance commenced, and obliging us to compare them with that sad and unfortunate reverse which has since happened, must necessarily affect us both with concern! A Civil War spreading enmity and distrust where Affection and confidence ought naturally to prevail, is a circumstance which not only we, but Every one not lost to humanity, must, I persuade myself, most seriously deplore. And is there no way to stop the further progress of this ruin, and heal the wounds which have been opened by so dire a calamity? Must the Parent and the Child be for ever at variance? And can either of them be happy independent of the other? You, my dear Sir, know too well the circumstances and interest both of Great-Britain and America not to perceive the impossibility of it. Great Britain and America united, will constitute the fairest and happiest State in the World; but divided, they will be quite the reverse. It is not even possible that America should be happy, unconnected with Great-Britain. Will that Union, for example, which is at this time so firm among the Americans, from the sense of a common cause, be permanent, when they are totally independent? Are there no circumstances in the State of each Colony, no ingredients in the Character of their respective inhabitants, which render this morally impossible? A worse and more disastrous war than the present will, in such case, not fail, in the space of less than half a Century, to desolate America from border to border. Remember the States of Greece after the retreat of the Persians: remember the Peloponesian War.
France too; is it to be supposed, however Specious and fair her conduct and promises may be at present, that she can in reality be a Wellwisher to America? I doubt not of her professions indeed, nor even of her readiness, in case of any appearance of a reconciliation’s taking place between us, to make was sooner than suffer it to come to a conclusion: But will it be from Affection to America that She will do so?
Et Sic notus Ulisses?
Will it not rather be from hope that Great-Britain and America may weaken each other, and then fall a common prey to her insidious acts? There can be no doubt of it. You yourself have most sensibly experienced the perfidy of that false and treacherous people. The interest of Great-Britain and America is the same; the same lineage, the same language, the same liberty, the same religion, connecting them: but that of America and France is diametrically opposite, absolutely irreconcileable. That Union and harmony then, which so happily subsisted between us in the year 1763, ought to be again revived, and for ever preserved hereafter inviolate and sacred. This, I am convinced, is the

ardent wish of every good and honest man in this kingdom whether in the highest or the humblest Station: Indeed the appointment of the present commission is an incontrovertible proof of it. Whatever errors or misunderstandings then may have happened during the course of this unfortunate business, it is time that they were rectified, and that the wounds were on both sides healed. Let us mutually forget our past misfortunes, and unanimously strive to recover our former happiness and friendship. Let Affliction teach us wisdom and moderation. You, My dear Sir, whose Virtues have raised you to so eminent and conspicuous a situation, may, by using and exerting your endeavours, contribute very much to the completion of so divine a purpose; and thereby acquire more glory, and confer more real and lasting Service both to your own Country and to Mankind in general, than perhaps ever yet happened to the lot of any one Man. May Heaven give you the power, as I doubt not of your inclination, to effect so great and Virtuous a design.
Allow me, before I take leave of you, to inquire after Mrs Washington and my friends. I hope they are all well; and desire that you will recall me to their remembrance. You will find by a very imperfect, and I fear injudicious, account of my travels in America, which I have taken the liberty to send you, how deep a sense I retain of the kindness and civilities of my American Acquaintance. I hope Mrs Washington will not think that I have spoken too slightly of the Virginian Ladies: if she does, be so good as to remind her in a whisper, that I was at that time in love with a Lady, whom I had left in England; and of course was half blind to the beauty of Every one else. I was not however insensible to her merit; and I would add, if it were not for fear that She should suspect me of flattery, that the happiness of her acquaintance obliged me to speak that truth of the Virginian Ladies, which in my present judgment I think the most honourable testimony I could bear to their Virtue, “that they make the best Wives and best Mothers in the World.”
Wyth is, I take for granted, as philosophical and Socratic as ever, and as deeply absorbed in Grecian litterature. Be so good as to present my best Affections to him. Our friend Small is, alass! no more. He died about two years ago, leaving a considerable fortune, but a much more considerable Character, behind him.
I am myself in possession of every blessing in life; a respectable preferment, an independent fortune, a Wife after the Virginian Model, four Sons and a daughter, and above all things of the most perfect friendship and affection for yourself; being Dear Sir, with the highest respect and gratitude Your most faithfull and most Obliged Humble servant

Andrew Burnaby


Title: From George Washington to a Continental Congress Camp Committee, 9 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Congress Camp Committee

Gentlemen
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 9th April 1778.

By a Resolve of Congress, the appointment of Officers to the Corps which Brigadier General Count Pulaski is authorised to raise, has been refered to your decision in conjunction with me—as I know the superior confidence which a Commandant places in officers of his own choice, I have given him my approbation of the Gentlemen whom he has nominated; it remains with you to decide in their favor, or have others substituted. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Gentlemen Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 9 April 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Doyls Town [Pa.] April 9th 1778

About two oClock in the morning of the 8th Instant Capt. Humphreys with a small party of Continental Troops were surprised at Smithfield by a body of the Enemy supposed to be about 300 the greatest part of which were Refugees and new Levies, Capt. Humphreys narrowly made his escap out of a house where he was lodging, got part of his men out of another House by the back way just as the Enemy entered in at the Front leaving their Arms behind them he run to another little party he had at some little distance had them paraded which number was about twelve men, from this number he kept up such a warm fire as obliged the Enemy to leave the houses and retire the Capts. loss was one man killed & two wounded and one Officer taken Prisoner the loss of the Enemy is not known, but from the blood found on the road next morning their loss must have been considerable. The same morning about ten oClock a Scouting party of Militia fell in with a body of the Enemy near Doctor Benvils on the York Road by which five of the Militia were killed & two badly wounded, one of the latter is made Prisoner.
Inclosed is a return of the Militia under my Command the body of which lays at the ⟨Billet is⟩ also inclosed is the prooceeding of a Genl Court Martial which is now sitting at this place two of the Persons who has been tryed, are notorious offenders James McGill & John Wiggons who it appears has made a Constant trade of going to Philadelphia. I remain your Excy’s most obedt Hble Servt

John Lacey jr B.G.

P.S. the Court is to Continue Siting from day to day till the Prisoners are all tryed, which are Nineteen in Number I have Sent the proceedings of Yesterday for your Excelys approbation and would be glad to have an answer by the Barer, I will send also the Remainder Proceedings as Soon as they are finished.

J.L.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 9 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Letter not found: to William Livingston, 9 April 1778. On 11 April, Livingston wrote GW, “In Answer to your Excellency’s favour of the 9th with which I am just now honoured.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Matthias Ogden, 9 April 1778
From: Ogden, Matthias
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 9th Apl 1778

Since my being in this state, I have recieved such certain intelligence of the situation, of our Officers, that are prisoners on Long Island, that I think a landing might be effected there in the night, & that between twenty & thirty of our Officers might be brought off with verry little risque—I would propose embarking with about thirty men in three row boats, at, or near Middle Town point, tis eighteen miles from thence to New-Etrick bay where I would land, from the place of landing to New Etrick town is one quarter of a mile, I would there seize the small militia guard kept for the purpose of giving the alarm, & take possession of the church to prevent their ringing the bell, & in the mean time give notice to the Prisoners, I would land so as to encircle the fishermen to prevent their escapeing untill I shall have finished my buisness.
Within the compass of a Mile & an half there are eighteen Officers among whom are Colonels Megaw & Ellis, two miles & an half from the place of landing lie in one house, Capt. Manley a French Officer & two others, from that place, in every house for two miles farther; more or less are quartered, the enemy have no troops within eight miles except the militia—I have as yet made no enquiry wether the boats may be had where I expect to find them, for fear something might be suspected; ’tho I doubt not they may be had—the men I shall chose from

among the inhabitants such as I am acquainted with, & that may be depended on, I shall not inform them of their business untill we are embarked.
If your Excellency approves of the expedition, & will permit me to put it in execution, no exertion shall be wanting that may entitle us to success—I beg your Excellency will signify your pleasure on this subject, as soon as may be—I am sir with the greatest esteem your verry humble servt

M: Ogden Col. 1st J. Regt


Title: To George Washington from Major Michael Ryan, 9 April 1778
From: Ryan, Michael
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
April 9th 1778

It gives me pain to be under the Disagreeable Necessity of troubling you a Second time with matters concerning Myself, But when you are pleased to considder, how disagreeable it must be to me, to be acting in an Honorable Station in the army without rank, more especially as I once had rank in the Service, and was not deprived of that rank on account of any demerit of mine, that I know of, I hope your Excellency will excused me.
I beg leave to lay my Commission’s and appointments before your Excellency, with their respective dates,

            2nd Lieuts. Commission
            Jany 5th 1776

            Adjutants
            March 15th Do

            Appointed to do B. Majors Duty
            Septr 17th Do

            Appointed B. Major
            Novr 18th Do

            Receiv’d My Commission as Major 10th P. Regt
            Octr 23rd 1778

In Consequence of the Determination of the Board of Genl Officers, I receiv’d a letter from one of your Excellencies Aid De Camps ordering me to send in My Majors Commission Feby 20th 1777 which order I obey’d.

The Principles on which the Board of General Officers acted, (who declar’d My appointment as Major to the 10th Pensa Regt “Irregular”) have not been General, consequently did not carry that degree of Justice in them (in my humble opinion) which your Excellency has ever been noted for establishing throughout the Army.
They determined that I lost all pretensions to Rank when I became B. Major, Altho’ its well known to your Excellency that Many Gentlemen in Similar cases have receivd Rank from the dates of their Brevats, and appointments.
If I remained in the 5th Pennsa Regt and had only receiv’d Rank in a regular line, I should now be an old Capt. But I was over persuaded by Genl Gates to remain at Ticonderoga, as the other Gentlemen capable of doing B. Majors duty had all left that place.
I Submit my Pretensions to Rank in the Pennsylvania line to Your Excellency Humbly requesting you will appoint Some mode of determining them, Or (as the Campaign will in all probabillity soon be opened, and that I cannot consistant with My honor or Safety remain in My present Situation) I humbly request, you will grant me such a Dismission from the Army as your Excellency Shall think My Services have Meritted. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencies Obedient Humble Servant

M. Ryan


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 9 April 1778
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mountholly [N.J.] April 9th 1778

Last Evening I Receiv’d an Express from David Furman, Late B. Gen. Giveing an Account of the Enemys Behavour at the Works, they Landed in flat Bottomed Boats at Squan River, Burnt All the Works on that River, But Did not Distroy the Salt pans or Salt, But as soon as they had Set fire, they Immediately Embarked and Stood to the Northward, But on Tuesday Morning two Vessels was Seen of Toms River, Standing in for the Inlet it was feared, furman has Detaind the troops that was ordered to Join me, on account of the Enemys Appearing. I have Sent Orders If No Enemy Appears to Send them on.

I have Receiv’d no Reignforcement Since my Last Letter, I have three Small parties below, I have with the advice of the Other field officers, Ordered the two Iron peaces of Artillery to be Sent Back to Some Secure place with a Small Guard, and the men Act with the other Militia as Musket men.
Major howell will march Downwards this Evening the Remainder will follow in the Morning, Sending off Every thing that is Cumbersom, and the whole Act as Light troops, in Scouting between this post and Sweesborough, in order to Stop trade as much As possable, Moveing from place to place, untill Reignforced by Militia or Continental troops. By Virtue of your Excys Warrent, I Caled a Court Martial to try William Seeds, and Samuel Carter, who was taken in arms within Less than Twenty-five miles of your Excys Head Quarters, the Virtuas Inhabitants and Militia officers Seemed very much Dissatisfied, on account of Carters being Delivered up to the Civil Law All his famaly being Enemys to us, two Brothers in the Enemys Service with Several Near Relations, upon the whole I thought Best to have him tried and Send the preceedings for your Excy Consideration, And Aprobation. We are Daily takeing Traders to the City. I am your Excys very humble Servt

I. Shreve Col: Comdt


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 9 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Varnum, James Mitchell

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 9th April 1778.

However contrary to my wish and inclination it is to refuse the requests of my Officers, there are cases in which duty requires a sacrifice of my feelings—it is upon this principle that I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of disapproving the application which you have made for leave of absence—for I cannot think myself warranted in suffering the Army to be deprived of its best bulwark, good Officers, at a time when we cannot, from one moment to another, assure ourselves of inactivity on the part of the enemy—General Huntington’s leave of absence was partly obtained because your Stay was regarded as certain—if you were to go at this time, your Division would be without a single General Officer, when our circumstances rather demand the presence of them all.
For these reasons I hope you will renounce all thoughts of quitting

Camp—and endeavour to conciliate your happiness with the public Interest and the good of the Service.


Title: To George Washington from Major Joseph Watkins, 9 April 1778
From: Watkins, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lebanon [Pa.] April 9th 1778

I have the Honor to inclose to your Excellency a Return of Ordnance and Military Stores at this Place. The Ordnance were sent up here from Camp, they are not fit for service, and I have not had it in my power to get them repaired for want of Work Men. The Military Stores are all contained in the only C[h]urch that could be appropriated for a Magazine at this Place.
Since I first came here I have been as assiduous as I possibly could in procuring Men and Materials, but as yet have got only 53 Men who are employed in making Musket Cartridges and casting Ball & Buck Shot; they are engag’d for 6 Months. Shall continue to use all the means in my power to increase the number to 200. I am apprehensive the number of Musket Cartridges will fall greatly short of the Quantity expected, owing to a dispointment of Men Coll Sweers informed me the Honl. Board of War had ordered from Lancaster. I have but small expectations of being able to collect a sufficient number of Men unless they could be procured in some way from the Standing Army. I shall with pleasure and alacrity execute any orders your Excellency may be pleased to Honor me with. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient huml. Servt

Jos. Watkins C. O. & M. Stores


Title: To George Washington from Grace Gilbert Webb, 9 April 1778
From: Webb, Grace Gilbert
To: Washington, George

Sir
April the 9th 1778

I was exceedingly surprized & not less afflicted by a Visit a few Days ago from Colonel Humpton, when he informed me that it was your Excellencys Orders, that I should not remove to Philadelphia with my Family & Effects till farther Orders from your Excellency. I replied, there was not the least Danger of my taking such a Step, for I was too great a Coward to attempt to take a Journey without being protected by a Flag: but I demanded of him (if I should be detained here any Length of Time & the Money I had was expended) whether I might not have the Liberty of disposing of such Things as I could spare, to support my Family? He replyed, I must not. This answer shook my whole Frame, that I should be detained here with two small Children, a Son (that Mr Webb had by a former Wife) & Maid, without proper Support, was afflicting beyond Description. But I flatter myself, however your Excellencys Orders may appear to Col. Humpton, it was far from your Excellencys Intention to shew me so much Rigour, as I hear from various Persons a most amiable Character of your Excellency, & that the Grace of Humanity particularly shines forth in your Excellency, a Persuasion that I have of meeting with Lenity from your Excellency has in some Measure mitigated my Concern; for however culpable my dear Mr Webb may appear, I & my Children are innocent—What valuable End can be answered by my being detained I am at a loss to find out? but however I must be satisfied if it is to be my Fate to be separated from the only Relation that I have upon the Continent, excepting my Children, & be disappointed this Summer in seeing my near & dear Relatives in England, as I had flattered myself with. It is no small Augmentation to my affliction that my dear Mr Webb should be looked upon as having broke his Parole, when I know that it is a Conduct he detests; for had he not looked upon himself as exchanged, he would as soon have suffered his right Arm to be taken off, as to have abided in Philadelphia—for when he left me he spoke of returning; though I

will candidly acknowledge to your Excellency, I was desirous that he should not, (providing he would not be guilty of a Breach of his Parole, His Reply was, my Parole ran that I should abide at Bethlehem till I was exchanged or discharged, & I have been exchanged according to Mr Chameirs Letters, these four Months:) My Motive for wishing him to stay was innocent, however wrong it was neither more nor less than a Desire I had of his preparing Things for our Embarkation; but I can assure your Excellency he had not determined upon any Thing when he left me, for his last Words were, You may probably see me again, for I will determine upon nothing till I see General How, if he should advise me to abide, as I am exchanged, & should not be guilty of a Breach of my Parole—I suppose I shall abide by his Advice. I hope I shall not tire your Excellencys Patience, or encroach on your valuable Time in reading this insignificant Letter. A few Lines to Col. Humptom, signifying your Excellencys Indulgence (as a Letter to myself will be too great a Favour) will be greatfully acknowledged by Sir Yr most obedient Servt

Grace Webb


Title: General Orders, 10 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday April 10th 1778.
Warwick—Wrentham. Walpole.

Whereas many Inconveniencies may arise in settling the recruiting Accounts of the Army for want of the officers being acquainted with the mode of stating the said Accounts, the Commanding Officer of each Regiment and Corps is therefore requested to apply to the Auditors of the Army who will furnish them with blank forms by which that business will be much facilitated, and render the adjustment of their Accounts both simple & easy—In order that no difficulties may arise from a multiplicity of Accounts, the Auditors request that the officers commanding Regiments and Corps will cause the respective officers of their regiments &c. who have been employed in the recruiting service to produce to them their recruiting accompts which should be collected in Form of an Abstract, that the whole may appear at one view and thereby enable the Auditors immediately to acquit the said Commanding officers of Regiments and Corps from the several sums with which they respectively stand charged.
The increasing warmth of the Season requires that the greatest Care should be taken to keep the Hutts of the men clean, their beding air’d every day and the Streets and Alleys of the Camp free from all kind of Filth; The Commander in Chief therefore earnestly requests both the Brigade & Regimental officers of the day to see these duties regularly and punctually performed; All bones, putrid meat, dirty straw and any other kind of filth to be every day collected and burnt.
The detachment from Forman’s Regiment now in Camp to be got in readiness immediately to join their Regiment in the Jerseys.
As marching men by files has an unmilitary appearance and a tendency to make them march in an unsoldierlike manner—All parties commanded by commissioned officers are to be march’d by divisions and every officer commanding a Guard or detachment will be very attentive to see that his men march properly and when relieved to march his guard &c. back to the Brigade to which they belong, if from several Brigades he will march them to the Grand Parade before he dismisses them.
At a General Court Martial whereof Brigr General Poor was President April 8th 1778—Coll John Crane tried for a vexatious and groundless Arrest of Major Forrest and for speaking disrespectfully of Courts-Martial to the Prejudice of Good-order of the Service of the United

States acquitted of a vexatious and groundless arrest against Major Forrest—but found guilty of speaking disrespectfully of Courts-Martial to the Prejudice of Good Order of the service of The United States being a breach of Article 5th Section 18th of the Articles of War and sentenced to be reprimanded in Brigade Orders—The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place tomorrow.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Adam, 10 April 1778
From: Adam, Robert
To: Washington, George

Esteemed Sir
Center House [Va.] April 10th 1778

The many Obligations I have been, and Still think my[self] under to you Oblidges me by this Opertunity to truble you with a few lines And for a Moment Interupt from Matters of Much greater Consequence.
Mr Lund Washington and I have Settled all the Acctts that Subsisted between you & I, and has received the Ball[anc]e in full for which I have his receipt. I cannot help Observeing to you, that you may think me ungratefull in Offering payment for money Lent when it was of more real value than it is these present times, On our Declineing Bussiness The Embarasement of our Affairs and not haveing it in my power Only prevented my makeing you a payment then, I settled our Partnership Bussiness with my two Friends with whom I carryed on Bussiness, and took upon myself the payment of all Debts due from the Concern and was determined you should be the first pay’d And I can with great truth say that every Shilling I have paid you, has been so in reality to me As I have been in no kind of Bussiness since these times

Commenced, I have, or had also another reason for paying up the Mortgage Money, which I hope you will think deserved my Attention, I have an Elder Brother with a large & helpless Family which lives on One of these Tracts of Land you have Sir been very Indulgent to me, but were any Alteration of Circumstances to deprive him of that place he must be much disstressed. Mr Washington brings with him a Deed of Release which you will please to Sign and have Evidenced by such Gentm. as you think will be this way within the time, which will be Adding to the many Obligations I am under to you And for which I have Only to Offer my best Services when in my power My most earnest prayers for your Success, Wellfare, & preservation, through this most Important Struggle, And may you live to enjoy the Blessings of Peace, Liberty, & Domestick Happyness, at the Well improved Seat of Mount Vernon is the most earnest wish of Sir Your Much Oblidged Most Obedient & Humble Servt

Robert Adam

I begg leave to Offer my Complements & best wishes to your Lady.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 10 April 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Sir
Petersburgh [Va.] April 10th 1778.

This day fortnight I wrote to Your Excellency in obedience to the Orders Recd by Col: Baylor, Since which I have been Constantly employd in the Purchase of Horses for the Cavalry; I have myself Purchased ten,

as yet I have not exceeded £100 this Curr[enc]y & have only given that in one Instance; the generality of my Purchase has been from 60 to 85. From the dispersed Situation of the officers and men of my Regt on furlough I have not yet been able to collect more than two or three at the Rendezvous but expect them all in a few days, when I shall deliver them Recruiting and Purchasing Instructions, and loose no time in Compleating the Complicated and troublesome commission with which I am honor’d. I have written to the Commy & Qr Mastr Genl in this State to appoint proper officers to lay in forage & Issue Provision for the party, but have according to Custom been disappointed in both & have in consequence thereof undertaken to appoint persons myself, for those purposes. I have seen Col: Temple within these few days and have directed him to repair as speedily as possible to Camp with the Cloathing &c. for the Regt and what he has left unexecuted shall if practicable have done, and sent forward as soon as Possible. The dispersed Situation of the Inhabitants of this State, together with the want of punctuality in the performance of Duty, renders it difficult to procure from the Public officers the necessary Articles of Cloathing &c. but you may be assured Sr that no means in my power shall be left unattempted to expedite matters as much as Possible. Lt Col: Temple shewd me a part of his Instructions wherein I was orderd to furnish him with money to discharge the demands against him for such necessaries as he might procure for the Regt but no money has yet been remitted me for that Purpose, the Sum necessary he says will be three thousand Pounds Virga Currency. I at first thought of giving him that Sum out of the money remitted for the purchase of Horses Arms &c. but on recollection found I had no orders to apply the money in that way, & that it probably might be soon wanted, as there was a great Probability that we shd not be long in furnishing the Horses. I have since applyed to the Govr & Councill for that Sum on Continental Credit, & have wrote to the board of War, to remit it as soon as possible lest, I shd be disappointed by the Govr & Councill, & by that means the arrival of the Cloathing shd be retarded or perhaps Col: Temple Totally disappointed in some articles as many articles have risen considerably since he contracted. There Seems but a bad Prospect for filling up the Augmentation except out of the men whose times have Expired in the Infantry, and they seem to require some short times to be weaned of home before they can think of again Entering into the Service. the Causes of this backwardness to Enlist are manifold, tho I am not without hopes of being able to make up the Complement both of men & horses, the latter I have a Good Prospect of Doing. I submit it to Yr Excy whether it wd not be proper that I shd apply to the Depy Pay Mastr Genl Here for the Pay of the men & officers of my Party (to be credited on the Regt Pay roll) while we remain in Virginia. This Place affords no news but the

loss of the Continental frigate Virginia in an unfortunate & Scandalous Manner. I am with the Utmost respect Yr Excy very obet Humbe Sert

Theok Bland


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 10 April 1778
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Towlston [Va.] April the 10th 1778.
Dear Sir,

I had an Opportunity of writing to Yr Excellency lately from Alexandria; but the peculiar Situation I was in prevented me from writing more fully at that time. I advanced one Position only which will be the Ground of this Letter, namely, that Providence carries on Wars the more readily by causing or suffering People to see the same Things in a different Light. And from the pleasure I felt in perceiving Your Sentiments agree with mine in regard to a particular Providence, it led me to judge of the additional pleasure I should have if our Sentiments coincided in other Points also. But tho’ this may not happen it is still a Satisfaction to communicate our Thoughts without risking the Loss of Friendship, which I have always the more readily cultivated with Yr Excellency from a Persuasion that it would never be in the power of any other Person to interrupt it, and that if it was lost it would be my own Fault alone.
The following Observations may lead me to remark on those which You favoured me with lately.
It has appeared to me, that at the Beginning of these Troubles the People of Great Britain thought that if they gave Way at that time, America would take Encouragement therefrom and shake off her Dependency;

and on the other Hand America was persuaded that if she acquiesced, she would be taxed and perhaps without End. Now both these Opinions seemed to me wrong. For as to the former, whatever designs or Wishes a small Party might have had, the great Body of the People, at least in this and many other Parts of America, had none towards it. On the other Side whatever Designs the Ministry may have had, they could not well have succeeded without the Concurrence of the English Nation, and what could procure that more readily than the Supposition that America aimed at Independency. From Genl Burgoyne’s Letter to Genl Lee it appears that many unconnected with the Ministry supposed it. It was his opinion too, as also that Gt Britain would not enforce Taxation because it was her Interest not to do it. But Genl Lee says it is the Principle we contend for. But if the Effect ceases why contend for the Principle? Misunderstandings were necessary and they seem to have been contrived by superior Powers to answer some End, whether to establish a new Government here, or only as a Punishment for the Sake of Reformation only Time must discover. But when we consider the gradual Manner in which the Alteration took Place, one Regulation making way for another, the keeping so clear from internal Divisions, and the wisdom attending our Councils in general with the strange Proceedings on the other side with respect to the End aimed at, the former seems the more probable. The present Times have served to strengthen my opinion of a superintending Providence more than any Events that ever before fell under my notice—I have thought to perceive it in the Publications, the false as well as true tending to rouse the Spirits of Men to what has happened; as also in the Representations here, of the weakness of Gt Britain, and there, of the weakness of America. So that I have not been so much surprised at any thing as otherwise I should have been, having from the Beginning dreaded a civil War.
The Instances to be met with in Scripture of a Governing Providence are so many, that we cannot well believe the one without believing the other. But how it is done is not so easy to conceive. But may we not suppose Thoughts to be infused into our minds, which may be stirred up by such Thoughts as may suit the various tempers of men. These thoughts may lead to Actions and these again to more. Some believe it strongly with regard to Individuals, and as they compose a Community the whole may be governed, and yet the Will left free. A Father may lay such obstacles before a Child stragling towards a Precipice as may stop it without any Infringement on it’s Will. It’s Heavenly Father may suggest to its mind such Thoughts as may deter it from proceeding, or can put it into the Heart of some other Person to call and seek for it. Infinite Wisdom then can controul our Actions, can raise up and pull down and the human Instruments be still accountable for their Conduct. He can

prepare some by the Exercise of patience and Fortitude for those Exigencies where uncommon Patience is required. He can lay the Seeds of future Broils in imperfect Establishments, to be called forth at a future day: And in countries where there is nothing foreign to excite a War or one internal is more necessary, Fuel may be found or prepared. Some in reading of cruel & arbitrary Tyrants may have their minds so impressed with disgust as to be led to dislike a Monarchy; others from the irregular and oppressive proceedings of some Republicks may as much dislike them: hence a Byas, and a cause of variance whence some designed occasion calls it forth. God is not only said to create peace but Evil. Isaiah XLVth: I form the Light and create darkness: I make Peace and create Evil. I the Lord do all these Things. In another Place he saith—Is there Evil in a City and I have not created it? To him therefore must we look for Peace. But I am sorry that there appears no Prospect of it, having had some hopes of it since the middle of October. They who have been the wicked Instruments of these Troubles I agree with You have great Punishments in store and perhaps waiting for their Repentance and that the British Ministry little dreamt of the Opposition that has been made. If the same Men think what was at first desired was reasonable and refused it from vile Motives how wicked must they be! but I must judge of them as of the rest of the World without Prejudice, for they are Nothing to me nor ever were; They may be a wicked Set for any thing I know, but You may remember that it seemed to me at first that from [what] had happened the face of Affairs would appear in a different Light in England than what was generally thought, and I have since believed that it was designed that it should be represented in a false view to both sides. It does not hinder the wicked Actors from being obnoxious to divine Punishment.
The Commissioners may have been detained ’till the Force was ready which was preparing—and this was contrived by instilling into their minds I suppose that having a gt Force with them they would be able to treat upon better Terms—and so the Time being prolonged Independency took place and the Treaty rendered ineffectual: and alternate Successes will prolong the War till our Cries reach the Throne of Heaven.
That Men of any Character should descend to what You mention is so extraordinary, that I hope You’l pardon me for having doubted at first Sight whether You might not have been mistaken; for among the many groundless Surmises I have not been accustomed to doubt your Informations, knowing no One more cautious, but the Thought was sudden, and as suddenly expressed—as also concerning the Party doing it, having in mind what I had heard concerning a Party, which I hope is at an End; for tho’ as a Friend I might wish Yr Excellency detached from the Army, yet as an American for many Reasons should be

sorry for it. Would to God that the English Nation would look forward fifty or a hundred years, & establish a Commercial Treaty; or if that can’t be had that the Terms offered may be plain and certain.
I should have been happy in the Alliance which was in Agitation, and the more so as it would have met with Your Approbation. But considering the subject of this Letter No one ought more readily to acquiesce in the divine Will than Yr Excellency’s most obliged & obedt Servt

Bryan Fairfax.

Mr Carlyle tells me he has been applying for the direction of my Brother’s Estate.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 10 April 1778
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Marblehead [Mass.] 10th apl 1778

your Excellencys letter of 18th Ulto I recd the 8th instant; the business I was Charged with, is not yet finished, oweing to many circumstan[c]es attending the accots; and the mode of payment, Resolved by congress, which I fully mentioned, in my letter, of the 29th March.
General Burgoyne, left Cambridge for newport the 5th instant; when

he gave me a bill on his paymaster, for the amount of his Account, in which he engages to pay, in hard money, for the provisions, and in paper ditto, for all the other supplies. the paymaster (went on with him) accepted to pay the bill at his return. at General Burgoynes requist, I have engaged to lay the accots before the General Court, with his objections, to Charges for articals stolen, & damages, don to barns, graine, &ca: when he expects large deductions will be maide; If so I am to refund the amount to General Phillips; the Court haveing adjornd for two weeks (on Account of the Small pox being in Boston) has prevented my laying the Accots before them, it is to meet the 14th at Jamaciar plains, when if my helth will permitt, I shall waite on them, & hope to get the matter through in a few days; and then pay off the accots & get clear of the Jobb, which has ben a very Troublesom one. In my last I rote your Excellency of my ill state of helth, which still remains; the means Im now Useing hope will help me; I Shall not Delay a moment to Joine the army, as Soon as I find myself able. I am Sir. with great esteem, your Excellency; Most Obedt Humbl. Sevt

John Glover


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Obadiah Johnson, 10 April 1778
From: Johnson, Obadiah
To: Washington, George

Canterbury in Connecticut10th April 1778
May it please your Excellency

I am sensible that your perpetual publick Concernments are so important that it is with much Difficulty you Can Spare a few Minnutes to an Individual but Knowing your Kindness to all Men I presume a moment to interrupt you & to request a perticular favour—I have lately I

Conceive been most Severely injured by a Gentleman of this State in a publick Assembly (when nominated to Sustain An Office and again to Serve in the Cause of my Destrest Country) by his Objecting to my Appointment & Giving these for reasons that I was a Person in whom the Publick could place no Confidence Faith or Dependance, and for Example that just before an Action with the Enemy which he Said was well known to me & all others the Officers, that I applyed to the General for A Discharge which he Declined giving but that I so importuned and repeated my Applications that the General was Dogged Out & Gave it a Charge of this kind Sir I think ought to be clearly supported or seasonably Disproved as Life without a Character (especially to those in a Military Line) is of but little Value—I was perfectly astonished and amazed at the Report, and well might be Confounded as I Consider it to be of the highest Importance to me and absolutely necessary that I Speedily Demonstrate whatever of the kind passed between your Excellency and my Self; and I know of no way that will or Can be Convincing here, but by intreating a State of the Matter (and whatever facts Did happen) in a Line from your Excellency and Subscribed by that hand which will at Once establish a full belief—for my own Part I Can concieve of no Other Matter or thing from which any Plausible Pretensions of the Report Could arise unless it be my application to your Excellency for a furlow for a few Days at Bucks County on the 23d Decr 1776—which tra[n]saction I State and Conceive to be as follows—that at that Time there had been repeated applications to me from the Soldiery of Colo. Wards Regt (to which I then belonged) for Cloathing, as they were furnished none with more then one Change of Linnen (agreable to Orders at Peeks kill before they marched from that Post) and Some with only single Shirt, the applications were so many & the Importunitys so Close, that I Proposed to Colo. Ward that he or I Should Go to your Excellency, give Information of the Matter and receive the necessary Directions—the Colo. Desired me to go, to Head Quarters & Lay the Matter before the General, and also that by the then Last Return that there were but about 120 Men of his Battalion at that Post, the rest being at Peeks Kill &C. I accordingly went that Day and first waited on your Excellency at a house a little Distance from Head Quarters where I made my Business known to the General and Gave him a perticular account of the Number & wants of that Part of our Battalion who were then there, & that the whole of the Field Officers were there, and that the Greater Part of the Regiment then remained at Peeks Kill &C. The General replyed that Colo. Ward must Send for the rest of his Regt who were able to Come forward, with their Necessary Baggage, and that he would Give him Orders accordingly: your Excellency (I think) then walked out to Go to Head Quarters, when I had the Honour

to walk with you, & while so walking asked wheather your Excellency was willing that I Should be absent from Camp a few Days upon Business of Special Concernment and Importance to me at home—Your Excellency (I think) made answer, that Perhaps Colo. Ward wanted to go as much as I Did, I replyed that I Could not say but he might—after all which (I think) your Excellency told me that if Colo. Ward would Say, that I Could be Spared, and was willing that I Should go, as he knew the State of the Regiment best there would be no objection. Accordingly I Delivered the Order to Colo. Ward to march forward the remainder of the Regiment then at Peeks Kill, & Soon had his Consent to my, absence as proposed, and thereupon on the next Day I Caried Colo. Wards Certificate to Head Quarters and immediately had a Furlough—(without any objection or Question)—and with it I Left Camp carried Colo. Wards, Order to Peeks Kill and caused the remainder of the regt there immediately to march forward—I Proceeded, compleated my Business and returned within the time limited in my furlough & upon my return overtook a Considerable Part of sd Regiment (who were marching agreable to sd Orders) before they had joined the Colo. at Samp Town, in New Jersey.
Your Excellency by this time I believe may remember Something of the Matter I therefore beg it as a perticular Favour to have Sent to me the matter as your Excellency may Please to State it; if I was guilty of so Infamous Behaviour as is Comprised in that Scandalous Report, I ought to Lay under and Bear the reproach; but if not I Doubtless Have a Right to Vindicate my Innocence. I have the Honour to subscribe with the highest Esteem and Respect your Excellencys most Obedient and Very huml. Servt

Obadiah Johnson Lieut. Colo. to said Battalion


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 10 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir,
Valley Forge April 10th 1778.

I have had the honor of receiving your favor of the 4th Instt, inclosing a resolve of Congress of the same date empowering me to call forth five Thousand Militia from the States of Maryland, Pensylvania, and New Jersey. I thank Congress for the power; at the same time it is incumbent on me to assure them, that granting the practicability of collecting such a number, it would prove a work of time, difficulty and expence—to evince which, I need only recur to the experience of last Campaign on similar occasions—and to remind you, that it was not possible to obtain 1000 Men, nor sometimes even one hundred from this state, altho the former number was required, and promised, for the purpose of covering, during the winter, the Country between Schuylkill & Delaware.
As this resolve appears to have been made in consequence of my Letters of the 24th & 29th Ulto which were founded on conjecture, and in some degree misinformation; and as the execution of it would, exclusive of the inconveniences abovementioned, I am perswaded, have a tendency to injure the completion of the Continental Regiments, I shall call for a small part only of the number allowed; but could wish that Hartleys Regiment were ordered immediately to Camp, & the duties of it performed by Militia—In like manner I would propose that all remote guards should be composed of Militia—& that the several purposes for which men are drawn from the Continental Troops should be answered by them—This would be a means of drawing together a considerable number of Men, who are in a manner lost to the Army; & of employing the Militia to the best advantage possible.
The great end of my letter to Congress of the 24th Ulto seems to have been mistaken—My views were not turned to reinforcements of Militia—To know whether the old establishment of the Army, or the new, as agreed upon by the Committee, is the choice of Congress—and in what manner the Regiments of this State and the additionals are to be reduced—Officers for the whole appointed &ca—were my objects—These are objects of the greatest moment, as they may, in their

consequences, involve the fate of America; for I will undertake to say, that it is next to impossible when the Season is so far advanced, properly to accomplish those changes—appointments—and the dependant arrangements for the ensuing campaign. Should any convulsion happen, or movement take place, they will be altogether impracticable—Justice to my own character, as well as duty to the public, constrain me to repeat these things—their consequences are more easily conceived than described.
It may be said by some Sir, that my wish to see the Officers of this army upon a more respectable establishment is the cause of my sollicitude, and carrys me too far—To such I can declare, that my anxiety proceeds from the causes above mentioned—If my opinion is asked with respect to the necessity of making this provision for the Officers, I am ready to declare, that I do most religiously believe the salvation of the cause depends upon it—& without it, your Officers will moulder to nothing, or be composed of low and illiterate Men void of capacity for this, or any other business—To prove this, I can with truth aver, that scarce a day passes without the offer of two or thr⟨ee⟩ Commissions; and my advices from the Eastward, and Southward are, that numbers who had gone home on furlough, mean not to return; but are establishing themselves in more lucrative employments. Let Congress determine what will be the consequence of this spirit.
Personally, as an Officer, I have no interest in their decission, because I have declared, and now repeat it, that I never will receive the smallest benefit from the half pay establishment—but, as a man who fights under the weight of a proscription—and as a Citizen, who wishes to see the liberty of his Country established upon a permanent foundation—and whose property depends upon the success of our Arms, I am deeply interested—But all this apart, and justice out of the question, upon the single ground of œconomy and public saving, I will maintain the utility of it; for I have not the least doubt that untill Officers consider their Commissions in an honorable, and interested point of view, and are affraid to endanger them by negligence and inattention, that no order, regularity, or care, either of the Men, or Public property, will prevail. To prove this, I need only refer to the General Courts Martial which are constantly sitting for the trial of them, and the number that have been cashiered within the last three Months, for Misconduct of different kinds.
By Officers who are just returned from Massachusetts bay, I learn that there is not the least prospect of getting Men from thence before the Month of June—if then—and indeed, that there is no reason to expect any number that will deserve the name of re-inforcement for the Continental Regiments this Campaign; the Towns being only

called upon to furnish the deficiency of their last years quota, so that all subsequent casualties are disregarded, and the fifteen Regiments of that State which may now perhaps want 4000 Men to compleat them, will receive only 500 if the Towns came within that number of their compliment last year—What change the requisition of Congress of the  Feby may effect I shall not undertake to say—if it has not a speedy and powerful operation our prospects in that quarter will be exceedingly unpromising—A Gentleman from New Hampshire some little time since informed me that matters were nearly in the same train there, notwithstanding a resolve for the completion of their Battalions—and, the Inclosed copy of a Letter No. 1 from General Putnam, whom I have desired to remain in Connecticut for sometime in order to forward the Recruits from that State conveys his Ideas of what may be expected from thence. What New York, New Jersey, & No. Carolina have done, or are about to do, I know not—Pensylvania and Maryland have tried the effect of voluntary inlistments to little purpose, and the first, in direct contradiction to the most pointed injunctions laid on the Officers, have their Recruits composed chiefly of Deserters who will embrace the first oppertunity of escaping with our Arms. Virginia, it is true, has proceeded to a draught; but the number, besides being in itself inadequate, has been lessened by desertion—and the deficiency of the Regiments, on the other hand, being increased by death & desertion, their strength will probably fall very far short of the new establishment.
This Sir is not a flattering Picture of our affairs, but the representation is just, and it is incumbent on me to exhibit it in my own defence, as, notwithstanding all these unfavorable circumstances (and what is to me a certain prospect of being plunged into the Campaign before our arrangements are made—Officers appointed &ca) great matters I perceive are expected from our activity this Spring—in proportion therefore will the disappointment be felt, by those who are Sanguine. For want of the ratification of Congress, the horse establishment—Companies of Shappers—Provost Marshalsey &ca &ca—as agreed to by the Committee, & recommended for their consideration, are entirely at a stand; at a time when we ought to be deriving benefits from their execution—In a word—at no period since the commencement of the War, have I felt more painful sensations on account of delay than at the present—and, urged by them, I have expressed myself without reserve.
By a Letter just received from General Weedon I am informed of his intention to resign if General Woodford should be restored to his former Rank—which he had not then heard—General Mulenberg is now ballancing on the same point; one therefore, if not two Brigadiers will be wanted for that State. The disadvantages resulting from the frequent

resignations in the Virginia Line—the changes of commanding officers to the Regiments—and other causes equally distressing—have injured that Corps beyond conception, and have been the means of reducing very respectable Regiments, in some instances, to a mere handful of Men—and this will ever be the case till officers can be fixed by something equivalent to the sacrafice they make—To reason otherwise, and suppose that public virtue alone will enable men to forego the ease and comforts of life, to encounter the hardship and dangers of war for a bare subsistance, when their companions and friends are amassing large fortunes, is viewing human nature rather as it should be, than as it really is.
The Clothier Genl of the army as well as the heads of every other department, should be in Camp near the Comr in chief; otherwise it is impossible that the operations of War can be conducted with energy and precission—I wish most sincerely that this, as not the least essential part of the business settled with the Comee, were decided—& a thorough investigation were had into the conduct of this department, as it is a matter of universal astonishment that we should be deficient in any article of Cloathing when it is commonly asserted that the Eastern States alone can furnish Materials enough to Cloath 100,000 Men—If this be fact there is a fatal error somewhere, to which may be attributed the death, & desertion, of thousands.
I shall make no apology for the freedom of this Letter—To inform Congress of such facts as materially affect the service, I conceive to be one great and essential part of my duty to them, and myself. My agreement with the Comee entitled me to expect upwards of Forty thousand Continental Troops, exclusive of Artillery and Horse, for the Service of the ensuing Campaign, including those to be employed in the defence of the North River—instead of these, what are my prospects?
Majr Genl the Marquis de la fayette is arrived at Camp, and will resume the Command of his division—The Baron de Kalb is expected in a few days. The Inclosure No. 2, is the copy of a Letter from Colo. Shreive of the 2d Jersey Battn; containing an acct of the destruction of the Salt, & Salt Works, at Squan—and No. 3 of a Letter from General Mcdougall shewing the State of affairs in that department. With very great respect I have the honr to be Sir Yr most Obt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Your favor of the 8th Instt inclosing the act of Congress appointing Captn Lee Majr & Commandant of an Independt Corps, is this momt come to hand.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 10 April 1778
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Manor of Livingston [N.Y.] 10th Apl 1778.

Having lately received some Leiden papers the perusal of which (tho’ of an old date) the Marquiss De la Fayette assured me would be agreeable to your Excellency I do myself the honour to enclose them, & at the same time to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 12th March—The papers contain little interesting intelligence but what we have already had—they are chiefly filled with American news, in which they appear very disinterested, giving the London & American accounts of every transaction. Together with your Excellency’s & Genl How’s correspondence—the advantages we have in the facts Stated, & give me leave to say, in your Excellencys manner of treating them, can not fail to impress Europe with the most favourable ideas of the humanity, politeness, & literary address of a people whom they have hitherto been taught to consider as but just emerging from barbarism, & serve to flatter the vanity of one who takes the share that I do in your Excellencys praises, & the reputation of America—I am happy to find that an inquiry into the loss of the Forts has commenced, which, tho the objects of it are not so extensive as the publick censures (they comprehending the loss of the ships & the subsequent destruction of the country) yet will I believe be sufficient to discover at least the incapacity of Genl Putnam—Which however we may feel for the man who offends through ignorance is sufficient to justify the removal of any Officer upon whose abilities the lives of men & the freedom of a country may rest. In a republican government no room is left for those prejudices & partialities which prevail in monarchies. there the honor of individuals is so interwoven in the constitution as to make a part of it, and a support of the throne which is more attended to by the rulers than the happiness of the people, Vertue is the basis of a republick which directs every man to act in that station in which he can render the most essential services to the community in the prosperity of which his own honour is involved—Not having shaken off with the old government the prejudices we imbibed under it, we continue in command peace Officers & dowager Genls who bring the army into contempt & render the most promising schemes abortive—Perhaps they might be useful at the B——d of W——r, since those who are most cautious in the field, are frequently

most brave in the cabinet, & those who let the season for action slip are great in the projection of unseasonable expeditions.
I am happy to find that the command at Peekskill is like to devolve on Genl McDougal whose abilities are a security for the defence of those important passes—Particularly as he will be considerably strengthened by the Albany regiments—In the propriety of bringing them down I am happy to coincide with your Excellency—It struck me so forceably that I some time ago suggested it to the Govr and prevailed with him to write to Congress on the subject.
Genl Schuyler writes me that he is not without apprehentions of an erruption of the Indians upon our Northern & Western frontiers. I can hardly believe after the chastisement they have received that they will venture on an attack without being strongly supported—Should it happen otherwise, it must be considered as a partial, tho’ very severe calamity, which ought to be guarded against, but not at the risk of the important posts in the highlands.
I hope for much from the exertions of the southern States, who have now an opportunity to put a glorious end to this war by one spirited effort—Our State have directed drafts to be made to fill our 5 batts:, I heartily wish similar measures may be adopted by the other States who have hitherto lingered out the war by their scanty provision of men. I have the honour to be Sir With the great respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Obd. Hum: Servant

Robt R. Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 10 April 1778
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Valley Forge] April the 10th 1778.

Coll Mead was with me this Morning, desiring me to give Your Excellency a final Answer, in what manner I intended to Act, with regard to the dispute between Genl Woodford Weedon & myself; Tho I have had time enough to consider of it, I have still put it of[f], as I expected nothing would be done in it, untill Genl Weedons return; This Affair has been often Canvassed within my hearing, by the Officers in the Army, & I find the Generality of them are of Opinion that the Change would have taken place, if Genl Woodford had had no Claim, as Congress were determind to put him into a post, where He might have the first Chance of Promotion; I must Confess neither Honor or Ambition were the leading principle that Actuated me when I entred the Service; neither shall they be the cause of my quitting it at present; But Your Excellency will Acknowledge that much depends on Opinion & whenever an Officer degrades himself in the Opinion of his Brother Officers of inferior Rank his Influence & Authority become despicable—As fond as I should be of continuing in the Service of my Country I do not think I could do it with propriety, unless some Reasons were given for the Change, This would Justify me to my Friends, & to the Army in Generall, for I cannot help thinking that something more is required for our Meridian than barely to call in & Cancell.
Your Excellency will I hope pardon me for writing my Sentiments freely, but should Your Excellency be of Opinion that I have not been injurd, & can serve, with propriety, I shall allways think myself happy in Obeying Your Excellencys Commands. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt

P: Muhlenberg


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 10 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Muhlenberg, Peter

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 10th April 1778

In answer to yours of this morning I have only to say that the matter respecting your Rank and that of Generals Woodford, Scott and Weedon has been most fully discussed at several times by Congress, the Committee of Congress, and a Board of General Officers, whose opinions all seemed to correspond. This contradicts the Report that Congress were at all events determined to give a preference to Genl Woodford, as it appears to me that their determination was founded upon the proceedings of the General Officers. Their report was short, because they had papers before them which fully evinced that the respective claims had been duly considered, and there was therefore no need of recapitulating all that had passed—You know my opinion, which has been given in a conversation between us. I cannot judge of the feelings of others, but my own should generally be regulated by the opinions of a set of Gentlemen, who I conceive have been actuated by the purest principles of impartiality and justice, and I do not think that any Officer will look upon a submission to their decision as dishonorable. I would not be thought to press you to a hasty decision upon this matter, but when you consider that we are upon the verge of the Campaign, you will think with me that no time is to be lost, because if a successor should be necessary, he will scarcely have time to be acquainted with the Brigade before they are called to action. I am &c.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Parke, 10 April 1778
From: Parke, John
To: Washington, George

Camp at Valley Forge April 10 1778
May it please your Excellency

I was Yesterday at Head Quarters, with an Intention of laying my Situatiation before your Excellency, but had not the Honor of seeing you: with great Submission therefore I take this Method of making my Case known.
In the Confidence of Innocence I wrote two Letters to the Adjutant-General, desiring an Enquiry into my Conduct, as reported by Genl Scott: my last Letter was answerd with Arrest, by your Excellency’s special Order. After having been a Prisoner for nine Days and my Arrest

(according to the articles of War) had expired: I receiv’d a third Letter from Col. Scammell, liberating me from Duress, but divesting me of Command. Previous to this Measure, I was in full Expectation of a Tryal every Day & had prepard my Defence accordingly; which Defence I had great Reason to flatter myself, would have met with your Excellency’s Approbation, as well as that of the Court. I have been advised by many Officers of the Army to quit the Service, as I had been left out of the late Arrangement of Congress—that Measure I had resolvd on some time past, but wish’d to do it with Credit.
The Letter which annul’d my Arrest is tho’t to be a Hint for the afsd Purpose: I would wish to improve it, but under my present Circumstances, there are some, who with little Generosity might ascribe that Step, to Motives not very favorable to my Reputation.
The only Request which I now make to your Excellency, is to restore me again to my Command, that I may be enabled to give my Resignation like a Gentleman & not be obliged, like a Thief to sculk out of the Service, as if it were thro’ an Apprehension of being covicted of Crimes, which exist but in Supposition.
I was once honor’d by your Excellency’s Notice, but unhappily for me, either thro’ the Misrepresentation of Enemies or other sinister Accidents of my Life, I have Reason to beleive I have incurrd your Displeasure; this I reckon one among Numbers of other Misfortunes that fill the Catalogue of my Distresses. I shall regret Nothing by leaving the Army, but the Loss of Oppertunities to prove my Principles by my Practice & the Honor of serving under your Excellency, to whose Person (without Flattery) I have ever been Attachd.
If my Request meets with the Approbation that I wish, my Gratitude I hope, will make me deserving of it—if not, I am still with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servant

John Parke L.C.