Title: General Orders, 13 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Orange town Sunday August 13th 1780

							Parole Wyoming
							 Countersigns Wells WingWatchword Improve

					[Officer] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne.
					The same number of fatigue men and Masons from the Left wing to be paraded tomorrow at the time and place mentioned in yesterdays orders.
					A Serjeant and Six from the right and a corporal and six from the Left wing to be paraded tomorrow morning eight ô clock at the Church with two days provision their Arms Packs &ca. They are to be sent to fix an Hospital for the reception of the sick.
					An Accurate return of the Sick to be delivered to the director General of the Flying hospital tomorrow at the orderly office eleven ô clock by the regimental Surgeons.
					Six Orderlies from the right Wing tomorrow for the General Court martial.
					George Hutchinson Matross in the 4th regiment of Artillery was tried the 23d ultimo at a brigade general court martial where of Major Eustis was president for “Desertion” Pled Guilty.
					The Court are of opinion that he is guilty of a breach of Article 1st Section 6th of the Articles of war and sentence him to be shot to Death (more than two thirds of the Court agreeing thereto).


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 13 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters Orange town 13th Augt 1780

					I have recd your favor of yesterday. The providing Wood in season for the Garrison is so essential a matter that you will be pleased to furnish Colo. Hay with the Men required. I expect those Men who were detained at Rhode Island, while there was an expectation of Genl Clinton, will soon come forward.
					Colo. Sheldon may be directed to send down a Flag with Capt. Benedict and Mr Stevens. If the former can obtain liberty to be admitted into New York, I have no objection to his going. The general directions which have been given respecting Flags have been as follows. To discourage the frequent use of them as much as possible—To permit no persons inhabitants of the States to go into New York without permissions in writing from their respective Governors—except in such a case as that of Capt. Benedict—who shews sufficient cause. And always to grant Flags upon the application of the Governors of the neighbouring States.
					Several prisoners have lately escaped from the provost at West point and voluntarily surrendered themselves here. Two who came in to day say they were induced to break out for want of Water, as a practice has been made of keeping it from them and obliging them to pay exorbitantly for it.
					Be pleased to enquire into this matter and let the Officers of the Guard look to it in future. I am confident it is an imposition without the knowledge or concurrence of any but the inferior Officers. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

						Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 14 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Orange town Monday August 14th 1780

							Parole Saxony
							 Countersigns Upton VincentWatchword Enterprize

					[Officer] For the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Nixon
					At five ô clock tomorrow morning the Inspector General will take four battalions from the second line and perform a March manner of entering a Camp—service of the Guards and the different duties in Camp.
					The division and brigade inspectors—Quarter Masters of Brigades and regiments are to attend to this Exercise.
					The General desires all superior officers also who are not on duty to attend—for which purpose the exercise of two battalions from each division is to be deferred till tomorrow afternoon five ô clock.
					Orderly Serjeants for the General Court martial from the Left Wing tomorrow.
					The old Soldiers who have been drafted for Waggoners are

immediately to be relieved by an equal number of drafts from the regiments which they were drafted from.
					No sick are to be sent to the Hospitals unless by an order from the Director General or some of the surgeons of the Flying Hospital.
					At a Division General Court martial whereof Colonel Angell was President the 10th of July last held by order of Major General Lord Stirling.
					Henry Finn of Colonel Angell’s regiment was tried for “plundering the inhabitants while on command at Paramus and abusing a woman” and Acquitted: He is to be released from Confinement.
					At the same Court Lieutenant Boss of the fourth Pennsylvania regiment was tried on the following charges.
					“1st For ungentlemanlike behavior in imposing a falsehood on Major Church—Also for Assisting in prosecuting the Major on groundless and malicious charges to the prejudice of Major Church’s Character.”
					“2d For being frequently intoxicated with Liquor and for beating and abusing Soldiers when in that situation contrary to good order.”
					“3d For Neglect of duty and for unofficerlike behavior in making use of Expressions unbecoming the Character of an Officer and Gentleman against Lieutenant Colonel Butler and Major Church: also for a breach of his Arrest on other charges subversive of good order and Military discipline.”
					The Court are of opinion that the 4th charge is not supported and that the 1st 2d 3d and 5th are groundless and malicious they therefore acquit him of the whole with honor.
					The Commander in Chief confirms the opinion of the Court Lieutenant Boss is released from Arrest.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 14 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters 14th Augt 1780

					Colo. Hay proposes to send down a person into West Chester County to purchase some Cattle which are there, and as he will have occasion to go where there may be danger either from the Enemy or the disaffected, you will be pleased to give directions to Colo. Sheldon to afford

a proper party to cover Colo. Hays Agent while in the execution of the business. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

						Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 14 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

						Gentlemen
						Head Quarters Orange town 14th Augt 1780

					I have been honored with your favors of the 28th ulto and 2d and 8th Inst. Inclosed you have an account of the places fixed upon for the deposit of the several Articles required for the States by the Act of Congress of the 25th Feby with the quantities to be laid up at each post—and also an account of the demand made by the Committee of Cooperation on the 2d June—The last in a great measure supersedes the necessity of the first, but as the Board did not particularly mention which was wanted, I thought it best to transmit both.
					I have not yet been fully informed of the circumstances attending the capture of Lieut. Leonard and the others sent to Philada with him. I only know that they came out under the sanction of a Flag, but there being something irregular in the conduct of it, the Militia of Monmouth thought proper to apprehend and secure them.
					No circumstances or proofs appearing to induce a beleif that Mr Joel came over from the British Army with intentions of remaining among us for dangerous purposes, I think it would be better to discharge him from confinement, with positive injunctions not to come near the Army—You will be pleased to deliver the inclosed to him, which contains a refusal of granting his request to admit him to a command in the American Army.
					General Knox some little time ago wrote to the Board and desired that a certain number of Rifles and a proportionable quantity of Rifle Powder might be sent forward to the Army. Should this not have been done you will oblige me by expediting them, as the Corps for which they are intended is formed and only waiting for the Arms. I have the honor to be &.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 14 August 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						War Office [Philadelphia] Augt 14. 1780

					The Board do themselves the Honor to inclose you some papers relative to the annexing Porters, Jones, Lees and the Company late Corens to the regiment of Col. Procter. The Board would be glad Your Excellency would be pleased to arrange them in such manner as you think proper, under the powers delegated to you by Congress. If however you should think proper to decline it from any reasons which the Board are unacquainted with, they will be obliged to you for your Ideas on the Subject to enable them to report to Congress.
					The Board beg leave to inform you that they have furnished the Delaware Regiment of new levies, with Arms and Accoutrements at this place—As they understand they are inlisted for a short Period they beg leave to submit to your Excellency the propriety of calling upon them for those Arms and Accoutrements before they leave Camp on their Return.
					Your Excellency will be pleased to return the Papers when you have no longer Occasion for them. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

						By order.Willm Grayson.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 14 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Brodhead, Daniel

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters Orange Town 14 Augst 1780

					I have received your favours of the 29th June and 21st July—Colo. Bowmans apprehension of the force expected from Canada is certainly groundless, as what men can be spared from the Garrisons of the upper Country—St Johns—Montreal and Quebec are now acting in conjunction with the Indians upon the Mowhawk River, where they have lately done considerable mischief.
					The distress on the score of provision has not been confined to you alone, but has been severely experienced in every quarter, and I think you will be very happy if you can adopt any expedient to supply yourself without depending wholly upon the Commissary in a regular way.
					I am pleased to hear of the success of the parties under Captains Brady and McIntire to whom you will be pleased to express my thanks for their conduct. These affairs tho apparently small have considerable influence upon Indians.
					The first division of the French Fleet, & Army consisting of 8 Ships of the line and 5000 men are yet at Rhode Island, waiting the arrival of the second division now hourly expected.
					We look for very important news from the West Indies, the whole combined force of France and Spain, in those Seas, having gone down it is said against Jamaica. I am Dear Sir with great esteem & regard Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

						Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Clymer and John Nixon, 14 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clymer, George,Nixon, John

						Gentlemen
						Head Quarters Orange town 14th Augt 1780

					I have been honored with yours without date—I am much obliged not only by the candid manner in which you have laid before me the State of the Bank, but by your assurances of using every possible exertion to afford a supply of Bread to the Army, as far as your circumstances will admit. Of this although I do not entertain a doubt, I cannot help expressing my apprehensions that we shall be under the necessity of placing our dependance upon you for the principal part of our support in the Article of Flour, at least untill the Crops of Maryland New Jersey and New York are got in and are fit to grind—From this consideration—I shall be glad to be informed, with as much precision as the nature of the case will admit, what quantity of Flour I may depend upon from the Bank, (delivered at the Army at or near this place) from this time to the 1st of October, I shall, by adding this to our other resources, be enabled to form an estimate of the number of Men I may draw together with a probability of finding subsistence for them. For want of this knowledge—I am obliged to keep my force disjointed, by which there is upon the whole a greater consumption, than when an Army is regularly formed, besides a number of inconveniencies and expences attending the keeping up a multiplicity of detached posts. I have the honor to be with very great Respect and Esteem Gentn


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

						Sir
						Head qrs Orange Town Augt 14 1780

					I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s favor of the 22 of July and with its inclosure. With respect to appointing Officers for the Levies—Your Excellency I presume will have received before this, my Letters of the 18 & 22 Ulto, and by which You would find that I had arranged the matter, as far as the circumstances I was possessed of would admit, in consequence of your former application. But as the Officers of the 1 & 2 State Regiments were not included and they are complete, or nearly so, in their number, and your Excellency has determined that these Corps shall march to the Southward, I see no objection to their receiving a proportion of the Levies, and the less so, as it will make the officers of the Other Regiments, who are too few, more competent to their commands. I shall write a line to this effect to Genl Muhlenburg to day. The Levies I find, by a Copy of a Resolution of Congress of the 5th Inst. are to join the Southern Army. It is certainly much more for the public interest that these Men are to serve till Decr 1781—than for any shorter term—and I most earnestly wish, because I am certain—the interest, if not the absolute safety & existence, of America demands it,

that the States would at once attempt to raise a sufficient number of Levies for the War. The expence in the first instance would be very little greater than the enormous bounties now paid for a few months service and in the end it would be found to be by far the most œconomical plan, both as to money and as to Men. To our Army’s being levied on a short & temporary footing, the War has been protracted already to a period, to which I am doubtful whether it would ever have otherwise extended—to this we may ascribe near all our other misfortune & present embarrasments—and to this the loss of our liberties and Independence, if the fatal event should take place. This system of politics has brought us very low indeed—and had we not been held up by provid⟨ence⟩ and a powerful Ally, we must have submitted before this to the Yoke of bondage. A perseverance in the system may yet effect it. I beg Your Excellency to pardon this digression—which the misfortunes we have suffered and the difficulties that now surround us have led me as it were to make involuntarily. I am happy to learn by Genl Muhlenberg that several of our Troops have escaped from Charles Town, both as it releases them from captivity—and as it adds men of service & tried courage, without giving an equivalent for them, to our remaining force. The General mentions that he has heard 200 have returned, which I consider as a valuabl⟨e⟩ acquisition; but he adds, that Many of them though they were engaged for the War, conceive themselves discharged by reason of their captivity and escape & have gone to their homes. It is astonishing that they should have taken up such an idea—and I have directed him to pursue the most effectual measures to collect them. It is very unfortun⟨ate⟩ that the navigation of the Bay should be so interrupted & destroyed, and as I imagine that the Enemy’s frigates are now drawn from thence, I would hope that means will have been found to drive away the smaller, pickerooni⟨ng⟩ craft. Their continuing must be attended with great public inconvenience at least, and be highly prejudicial to the trade of Virginia and Maryland.
					I informed Your Excellency of the arrival of the Armament from France—and also of Admiral Greaves’s with Six Ships of the line on the part of the British. These added to the Ships the Enemy had before, give them a decided superiority at present over the French Squadron under the Chevr de Ternay, and keep it blocked up at Rhode-Island. We expect a reinforcement to the latter and hope it will be such as to turn the scale of superiority & that it will arrive before it is long and effect a junction, as upon the event our prospects & extensive operations must depend—should we be even so fortunate as to get matters in good train on our own part. I have the Honor to be With very sincere respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt st

						G.W.

						P.S. From the information I have received that there are many Deserters in the State—and also that Many Soldiers who have been captured in the course of the War, and escaped from the Enemy, have gone to their homes & consider themselves as discharged from service—I have been induced to issue the inclosed proclamation, which I request the favor of Your Excellency to have published in the News papers.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 14 August 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

						My dear General
						Light infantry Camp August the 14th 1780

					You very well know that for Many and Many Reasons Both on account of the Country and on that of the french, I think it very important, Nay I might Say politically Necessary that Some thing Brillant Be at this time perform’d By our troops—to those Motives Which are very strongly impress’d on My Mind, and which I Might More fully explain in A Conversation, I will, add, My dear General, that I Warmly wish to Bring the light infantry into an Action which would put them in Spirits for the Campaign.
					There are two way of executing it which Seem to offer a pretty Good probability of Succes, and the less they May be foreseen By the ennemy the More it is prudent to Undertake them.
					I have been this Morning to fort lee, and from what I Could discover it Seems that the ennemy have two Small hessian encampements one the North part of the island—one of about four hundred men By fort Washington—the other a little Stronger at Some distance from that fort, which By the Way is not So difficult of Acces As I thought, and in which there Appears to be But a Small guard—from that place to Newyork, No troops are to be Seen—all the Ships are Below Newyork

excepting a Small vessel who lays above fort lee and does not Carry more than four or at most Six pounde[r]s—So at least we have judg’d.
					I Can’t help thinking that if No other troops Are Within Supporting distance, it would be very easy to Bring down Boats along the Shore with the tide, and when the tide would Begin to Come up to cross over york island a Body of fifteen hundred Men—the Right Column to March to the larger encampement—the left one to the little Camp and to the fort—a Night Surprise Would Cause a Great Confusion in the two Camps—on entering in fort Washington We would Burn the Magazine, destroy the provisions or Stores, and Spike up the Cannon, and after having Kill’d a Number and dispers’d the Rest of the Soldiers in the Camps we might Set fire to the tents⟨—⟩the distance of the Shipping Below, and the force of the tide Coming up would Make it Very Safe to go over and Retreat with the Greatest ease.
					That plan, My dear General, ought to be Minutely examin’d and I will to morrow Come to Your quarters about diner time—But in all Cases Would beg leave Most earnestly to Request You would be pleas’d to Send for intelligences on that head.
					An other project, My dear General, would be this—Supposing that the ennemy have Advanced a Corps towards philips’s house, Can’t we Cross over from dob’s ferry and Cut them off? for that Article I Would Also Beg you to Send for Speedy intelligences Which will only enlighten our Measures, and do not for the present engage us to Any thing.
					My Motive for Being So hasty about Getting intelligences is that General clinton’s present position Seems to Afford a very Good opportunity of fulfilling My purposes. With the highest Respect and Most tender Affection I have the honor to be, My dear General—Your most obedient humble Servant

						Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 14 August 1780
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Haverstraw [N.Y.] aug. 14 1780

					General arnold deliverd to me your Excellencey letter of the 11th Inst. with orders to march Yesterday—and we are now encamp’d about half way between the ferry & Mr Smiths—I have made application for

Tents, axes & Waggons, but have obtain’d no Kind of Field Equipge except abt 20 Tents—I have some men with no arms, & many with very bad ones—perhaps if Such men were turnd over to the York Brigade it might be consistent to arm them out of the Ordinance Stores—If your Excellency thinks this method of Arming the men eligible, I will write to the Governor, for his approbation to detatch them.
					I understand your Excellencys order that although come up even to Kings Ferry in suffi[ci]ent force to Justify an opinion that they design an attempt on Wt point, Yet unless they actually pass the ferry I am not to leave this place—I particularly notice this part of the order, because if they should once pass the ferry ere we march Your Excellency must be Sensible that they get up the River, Land, & prevent our getting into the Garrison—It is the opinion of Col. Dubois & of Col. Graham as well as mine that we could not reach the Garrison in less than 4 or 5 hours. I most respectfully am Your Excellencys mo. obedt & very Hbe Sert

						W. Malcom


Title: General Orders, 15 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Orange town Tuesday August 15th 1780

							Parole Cambridge
							 Countersigns Free HoldWatchword Excel

					[Officer] For the Day Tomorrow. Brigadier General Patterson
					A great number of Horses having strayed from the Pastures since the Army has been on this Ground and as it may be supposed many have been taken up by waggoners and other persons who would return them could they find the owners; each colonel or commanding officer of a Corps will cause a strict inspection to be made into the horses of their

regiments or Corps: The Heads of the several Departments will take the same measures and have all the horses not belonging to them sent tomorrow at orderly time to the Church where those who have lost any will attend.
					The officers commanding out Posts will not suffer any men on horseback to go out of Camp without a pass from a General officer.
					The officers and men of the corps of Artillery attach’d to divisions or Brigades are not to be furloughed by the officers commanding the divisions or Brigades as it is irregular and interferes with the internal arrangement of the Corps.
					To render the Camp more wholesome and for the better preservation of the Tallow and the hides they are to be sent to the Commissary of hides by the Brigade Commissaries every other day or as often as they draw provision without fail.
					Orderlies for the Court martial tomorrow from the right wing.
					The same number for fatigue from each wing as ordered the 12th Instant to be sent to Dobbs Ferry tomorrow morning five ô clock with their Arms and two days Provisions.


Title: Proclamation to Deserters, 15 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						[Orangetown, N.Y., 15 Aug. 1780]

					By his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of all the forces of the United States of America.
					WHEREAS many soldiers belonging to the regiments raised by the commonwealth of Virginia for the army of the United States, have most wickedly and shamefully deserted from the same, in violation of their oaths and of the duties they owed their country, who it is apprehended being sensible of the enormity of their crime, would willingly return and conduct themselves like good and faithful soldiers, if they were not restrained by a dread of punishment. In order therefore to take from them every possible pretext for absenting themselves longer from their duty: I hereby offer and declare a full and free pardon to all soldiers under the above description, and to any other in the said commonwealth, who have deserted from other regiments or corps belonging to the army of the United States, on condition that they surrender themselves to Brigadier General Muhlenburg, or to any other continental officer at Fredericksburg or Chesterfield, in the said commonwealth on or before the first day of November next ensuing.
					And whereas many soldiers who have been captured in the course of

the war and who have afterwards escaped from the enemy, have withdrawn themselves from service and returned to their homes, under the ridiculous and unjustifiable pretence, that, by their captivity and escape, they were discharged from their enlistments and from every obligation to serve; I farther think proper to declare, that all soldiers in the said commonwealth, of this denomination, who shall not surrender themselves to the officers above named within the time and at one of the places above mentioned, will be considered and treated as deserters.
					And lastly, that no soldier under either of the above descriptions may reject the mercy and offer of pardon, or fail to comply with the injunction hereby held forth; I farther think fit to declare, that if they do, it will be at the peril and risk of subjecting themselves to all the pains and penalties denounced against deserters by the laws of war, and that these will be carried into execution against them with the utmost rigour and severity.
					GIVEN under my hand and seal, at head quarters, in Orange town in the state of New York, this 15th day of August, Anno Domine 1780.

						GEORGE WASHINGTON.

							By his Excellency’s command,

						ROBERT H. HARRISON, Sec’ry.


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 15 August 1780
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

						Tapan [N.Y.] Maubys Mills15th Augst 1780
						Please your Excellency

					I have been several Weeks much distressed about the resources of Provisions and the manner of procuring & forwarding them, under those Circumstances I have with great Concern seen your Army Increasing, and no decisive measure taken by many of the States to support them, I have but very little hope of a Temporary and Seasonable supply to Answer your Excellency’s Expectation. The Continental Magazines are quite Exhausted and afford no relief—the failure of Supplys coming from Trenton I doubt will deprive a distribution sufficient to keep the Army from Mutiny and Discontent. The Army is now fed from hand to Mouth. to Add to the misfortune, Four thousand five hundred Pennsylvania Militia are on their way to Camp, depending on the Public Magazines—Could your Excellency Insure the Service of those Men when wanted, would wish them delayed, untill we are in a better way to

have them feed—I have this day received Advice of little flour being on the Communication from the Head of Elk to Trenton.
					Since the requisition of Congress, The Active Men who have been with me in Business this four Years, and on whom I could have put the greatest dependance for relief in the hour of Distress, and was well acquainted with the Nature of Supplies, are principally left Out in the State Arrangements. New persons appointed who are Strangers to the Business few of which have Spirit or perseverance to procure the Supplies their respective Districts can furnish, though they have Law to support them in Seizing any thing wanted for the Army. Nor have they an Idea of the disagreeable and fatal Consequences One days failure of Supplies have with the Soldiery—thus am I left to struggle with Difficulties unsurmountable, and without four fold Exertions in the States must Undoubtedly End in a dissolution of the Army—Your Excellency may rest assured of my Constant and Utmost Exertions, happy indeed if my Efforts prove succesfull, and distressed beyond measure should they fail. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Humble Servt

						Eph. Blaine C.G.P.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of Admiralty, 15 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of Admiralty

						Gentn
						Head Quarters Orange Town 15th Augt 1780

					In a letter which I have lately received from the Chevalier de Ternay, in answer to one in which I informed him that the American Frigats were directed by Congress to act in concert with the Fleet of his most Christian Majesty, is the following Paragraph “I propose to your Excellency to have escorted by these Frigates to the port of Boston a Vessel loaded with Flour by Mr Holker for the Squadron of the King of France. and which Vessel is at present in the Delaware. It would be necessary in this case that they take their Route a little large that they may not fall too near this place, the Frigates of Arbuthnot being able to extend their cruises to the shoals of Nantuckat.” The French Admiral also wishes that if the Saratogha sloop is a fast sailer and not otherwise employed, she may be suffered to carry dispatches to the Count de Guichen in the West Indies.

					Should not these plans interfere with any arrangements which may have been made by the Board, I could wish that the Frigates and Sloop may be offered to the Minister of France for the several purposes mentioned by the Chevalier de Ternay.


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 15 August 1780
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

						sir.
						Brunswic Landg [N.J.] 15th August. 1780

					I have returned from the business committed to my direction by your Excellency, & am so far on my route to join the army.
					Captain McLane with his Infantry has come up. The fatigue of the troops has induced me to halt for a few days to refresh them.
					your Excellency will please to direct whether this halt shall be long or short. I have the honor to be with perfect respect your Excellys most ob. sert

						Henry Lee Junr


Title: General Orders, 16 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Orangetown Wednesday August 16th 1780

							Parole Africa
							 Countersigns Alfred ArmsWatchword Keep Time.

					[Officer] For the day tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Wayne
					The Orderly Serjeants for court martial from the Left wing tomorrow.
					Trowsers having been lately drawn for the Troops instead of overalls the General recommends it to the officers to have them immediately altered into overalls which have a much better military appearance.
					As it is necessary for the noncommissioned officers to have side Arms and they are not provided with Sabres the order for delivering in the Bayonet belts so far as respects them is dispensed with.
					The Officers of the day are reminded of the order of the 31st of January last directing the old and new officers of the day to attend at Head Quarters at one ô clock.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 16 August 1780
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

						Dear Sir,
						Head Quarters Robinson’s House Augt 16th 1780.

					Your Excellency’s Favor of the 13th I had the Honor of receiving the last Evening, I have ordered particular Inquiry to be made into the Treatment of the Prisoners and every Abuse to be remedied. No Complaint had ever reached me on the Subject previous to your Excellency’s Letter.
					Inclosed is a Return of Provisions on Hand, the daily Issues and a Copy of a Letter from Mr Stevens D. Commy General of Issues, respecting the Supplies which were expected for this Garrison, which he is of Opinion will be very deficient; I believe little Beef can be expected from this State for some Time. Your Excellency is undoubtedly better informed by the Commissary General what Supplies are ordered for this Garrison and of Course what Orders will be necessary to give on the Subject; I hope the Supplies will be ample notwithstanding Mr Stevens’s Fears.
					Two hundred Men are draughted for the Purpose of cutting Wood; the remainder of the Garrison are employed on the Works, but are much retarded for Want of Waggons. The Engineer has demanded nine with four Horses each. The Quarter Master can furnish only four. He has Horses but says there are neither Waggons or Giers for more, in the Department.
					A Mr Moody, an Officer in the Enemy’s Service who was taken up on the Lines & confin’d in the Provost at this Post, still remains here; I beg to be advised by Your Excellency, whether he is to be considered & treated as a Prisoner of War, or as a Spy & put in Irons.
					One Burtis also has been confined here some Time, under Sentence of Death; I beg to know Your Excelleny’s Pleasure respecting him.
					Agreeable to Your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th I have directed

Colo. Sheldon to furnish Colo. Hays Agent in West Chester with an Escort while in the Execution of his Duty. With Sentiments of the most profound regard & respect, I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & Most Hble servt

						B. Arnold

						P.S. Mr Stevens has this minute called upon me & says he has no Expectation of any Beef for some Days; and as the Quantity of Salt Meat at this Post is so small, that there is a Necessity of reserving the whole, I have directed Colo: Livingston to stop forty Cattle out of the first Drove that shall arrive at Kings Ferry & send them to this Post; Which Order I make no Doubt Your Excellency will approve.
						Mr Stevens has sent several Expresses to the Purchasers in New England to hurry on the Cattle. He informs me that this is the second Instance of Mr Foots leaving his Post without Permission from the Officer commanding in this Quarter, when the Garrison was streighten’d in Point of Provisions. Of the first, M. Genl Howe is able to give Your Excellency full Information; For which reason I think it will be proper to order him in Arrest on his return.

							B.A.


Title: From George Washington to La Luzerne, 16 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

						Sir
						Head Quarters Orange Town August 16th 1780

					I have the honor to inclose Your Excellency a letter which came under cover to me from the Count De Rochambeau. I think the plan of engaging the German Deserters will answer a good purpose.
					The Chevalier De Ternay has applied to me to have a Vessel loaded with flour now in the Delaware convoyed by the Continental Frigates to Boston and the Sloop Saratoga Sent to the West Indies with his last dispatches to the Count De Guichen. I have written to the Board of admiralty urging their compliance with these requests on your application. I have the honor to be with the most perfect attachment Your Excellencys Most Obet & hum. Servt

						Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, 16 August 1780
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

						Monsieur
						Philadelphie le 16. Aout 1780.

					J’ai reçu la lettre que Vôtre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur dé m’ecrire le 11. de ce mois avec celles dont elle etoit accompagnée. Je vais prendre en consequence les mesures dont je fais part à Mr le Cher de Ternay dans la lettre ci jointe que je Vous prie de vouloir bien lui faire parvenir après en avoir pris lecture, ainsi que des papiers dont elle est accompagnée. Je suis avec un respectueux attachement Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

						le che. de la luzerne


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Council, 16 August 1780
From: Massachusetts Council
To: Washington, George

						State of Massachusetts BayCouncil Chamber Boston Augt 16. 1780
						Sir

					We are favored with Your Excellency’s Letters of the 1st & 8th Currt. The State of the Treasury is such that it is impracticable to purchase the Powder as recommended by Your Letter of the 1st inst. & our own Stock on further Examination is so small, that it would be imprudent to lessen it at this time, as there is almost a certainty that you can be fully Supplied by Our Allies ’till the Arrival of the Alliance Frigate.
					In Consequence of a return from General Glover, orders have been issued to the several Brigadiers, immediately to compleat the Levies for the Line of this State.
					By order of Council a Thousand New Muskets with Bayonets & Cartouch Boxes have been delivered to the Deputy Quarter Master General who has been supplied with Money to send them to Fish Kill agreeable to your orders, & he has sent them accordingly. We could not spare a greater Number having had demands for several hundred Arms for our own Garrisons, since We wrote you on that Subject, otherwise We should have sent you the whole Number of Thirteen hundred & twenty three mentioned in our former Letter—There are now at Springfield in the Continental Magazines there, about One hundred Thousand Fire Arms, which at different times have been sent there to be finished or repaired, but they remain in the same state in which they were when they were first sent—This gives cause of great uneasiness to our People who are much dissatisfied that our Arms should be Sent away when there are such an overplus of them in the said Magazines. This matter it is proper Your Excellency should be informed of, that you may take such measures concerning it as you think proper. In the Name & behalf of the Council I am, With every Sentiment of Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Servt

						James Bowdoin Presid.

						P.S. Since writing the above The Alliance Frigate has Arrived in this Harbour in 40 days from L’Orient.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

						Sir
						Head Quarters Orange Town Aug. 16th 1780

					The number of Officers who are absent from the Connecticut line on the recruiting service & for other purposes is so great, that those remaining in Camp are scarcely sufficient to perform the necessary duties of it—I entreat you therefore to order on all the latter, and as many of the former as can possibly be dispensed with—Your knowledge of the circumstances, will enable you to point out the number to be left, & the places where they should remain to recollect & forward the recruits—And you will be pleased to give the directions accordingly.
					I am sorry to find still so great a deficiency in the levies which were ordered for the Connecticut Line—And wish to be informed what Your prospects are, respecting those Yet wanting. I am Sir Your Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

						Go Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 16 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

						Sir
						Head Quarters Orange Town 16th August 1780

					I have sucessively received your two letters of the 8th and 10th.
					Other pressing occupations prevent my entering at this moment into the particulars of the last—I shall content myself with observing that I am happy to find our ideas substantially the same, and I hope a further explanation will obviate whatever little difference there may be.
					I have received advices that the enemy are again preparing an embarkation. The number of troops said to be two thousand—pontoons and waggons have been put on board. It is reported that this corps is to be convoyed by the Foy frigate and two gallies. If so ’tis for some coasting expedition. With perfect attachment I have the honor to be sir Your most obt servt

						Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 17 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Orangetown Thursday August 17. 1780

							Parole Frederick
							 Countersigns K PWatchword Be Alert

					[Officer] For the day tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Huntington
					Orderly Serjeants for court martial from the right Wing.

					The Division General court martial whereof Colonel Angell is President, is Dissolved.


Title: To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 17 August 1780
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Washington, George

						Dear Sir
						Boston August 17. 1780

					Yesterday arrived the frigate Alliance in forty days from L’Orient. She has on board 2000 Stands of Arms, a number of Cannon And a Quantity of powder for the united States. Your Excellency will give Such Orders concerning them as you think proper: but with respect to the Arms, if there be not an absolute necessity for all of them, the Council would be glad you would allow one thousand of them with Bayonets to be retained by this State in lieu of the like number we have lately furnished you with, as we have none in our magazine.
					Dr Lee came passenger in the Alliance. He tel⟨ls⟩ me, the Ships & troops, that were intended to reinforce the french Armament at Newport, remained at Brest, when the last Post came from thence just before he Sailed: and there were then cruizing thirty two Sail of british capital Ships before that harbour; where were only twelve Sail of the line of french Ships: but that there were at Cadiz thirty Six Sail french & Spanish; which it was Supposed would proceed to Brest to remove the british, and join the french Ships there.
					He was surprized to hear that Admiral Graves was in this part of America, as he apprehended in France he had gone with his Squadron in another direction.
					The Doctor Says a great mob of fifty or Sixty thousand men had appeared in London; and were masters of it three or four days: but had no valuable political object in view. They comitted many robberies, destroyed many houses, particularly Lord mansfield’s, and pulled down every Jail in London. They were finally quelled by the Guards and militia, who killed three or four hundred of them.
					The ministry had intercepted several Letters from Lord George Gordon, calculated to excite disturbance in Scotland: in consequence of which, he had been committed to the Tower.
					The Russians & Dutch had agreed to insist, that none of their Ships Should be Searched by british cruizers; and that they would be carriers for any nation whatsoever, wch should think proper to employ them.
					There is no other intelligence of importance.
					I have obtained from a person, who came from Halifax about a month ago, a Sketch of the fortifications there, which I enclose for Your further information. It would give us great satisfaction if your

Excy could inform us, there is any probability of the allied Forces being able to attempt any thing with effect this Campaign. I have the honour to be with the Sincerest Esteem Sir Yr Excellency’s most obt hble Servt

						James Bowdoin


Title: From George Washington to the Committee at Headquarters, 17 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Committee at Headquarters

						Gentlemen.
						Head Quarters Orange Town Aug. 17. 1780

					We are now arrived at the middle of August; if we are able to undertake any thing in this quarter this campaign, our operations must

commence in less than a month from this, or it will be absolutely too late. It will then be much later than were to be wished; and with all the exertions that can be made, we shall probably be greatly straitened in time.
					But I think it my duty to inform you, that our prospects of operating diminish in proportion as the effects of our applications to the respective states unfold; and I am sorry to add, that we have every reason to apprehend, we shall not be in a condition at all to undertake any thing decisive.
					The completion of our Continental batalions to their full establishment of five hundred and four rank and file has been uniformly and justly held up as the basis of offensive operations. How far we have fallen short of this, the following state of the levies received and of the present deficiencies will show.
					By a return to the 16th instant we had received from

							Rank & file

							New Hampshire
							457

							Massachusettes
							2898

							Rhode Island
							502

							Connecticut
							1356

							New York
							283

							New Jersey
							165

							Pensylvania
							482

							6143

					The deficiencies of the batalions from a return of the 12th allowing for the levies since arrived to the 16th are

							Rank & file

							Of New Hampshire  3 batalions
							248

							Of Massachusettes including

							Jackson’s adopted—.16 batallions
							3514

							Of Rhode Island—  2 [battalions]
							198

							Of Connecticut including Webbs batalion adopted
							1866

							Of New York  5 batallions
							1234

							—New Jersey—  3 [battalions]
							569

							Pensylvania  11 [battalions]
							2768

					In the whole 10397 rank & file.
					If the amount of these deficiencies and the detached corps necessarily on the frontier, and at particular posts be deducted, and a proper allowance made for the ordinary casualties and for the extra calls upon the army for waggoners, artificers &c., it will be easy to conceive how inadequate our operating force must be to any capital enterprise against the enemy. It is indeed barely sufficient for defence.

					Hitherto all the Militia for three months that have taken the field under my orders have been about 700 from New Hampshire[;] 1700 from Massachusettes[;] 800 from New York[; and] 500 from New Jersey.
					A part of the Eastern Militia has been detained to assist our allies at Rhode Island, and will shortly march to join the army. But from all the information, I have, the number of Militia will fall as far short of the demand as the Continental troops; and from the slow manner in which the latter have for some time past come in, I fear we have had nearly the whole we are to expect.
					In the article of provisions our prospects are equally unfavourable. We are now fed, by a precarious supply from day to day. The Commissary, from what has been done in the several states, so far from giving assurances of a continuance of this supply, speaks in the most discouraging terms; as you will perceive by the inclosed copy of a letter of the 15th in which he proposes the sending back the Pensylvania Militia, who were to assemble at Trenton the 12th, on the principle of a failure of supplies.
					As to forage and transportation our prospects are still worse: These have lately been principally procured by military impress—a mode too violent unequal oppressive and consequently odious to the people to be long practiced with success.
					In this state of things, Gentlemen, I leave it to your own judgment to determine how little it will be in my power to answer the public expectation, unless more competent means can be, and are without delay, put into my hands. From the communications of the General and Admiral of our allies, the second division without some very unfortunate contrariety, will in all probability, arrive before the time mentioned as the ultimate period for commencing our operations. I submit it to you whether it will not be adviseable, immediately to lay before the several states a view of circumstances at this juncture, in consequence of which they may take their measures. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect & esteem Gentlemen Your most Obedt servant

						Go: Washington

						N.B. The return of The Rhode Island recruits is of the last of July. More may have since joined.
						There is a body of Connecticut state troops and militia employed in preparing fascines &c. on the sound.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

							Dear Sir
							Head qrs Orange Town August 17. 1780

						I have received successively Your three favors of the 9th 12th & 13th with three Inclosures.
						With respect to the Militia or Three Months Men as they are called—I do not wish them to leave the Count—as long as he shall think their services really essential; but when he judges that he can part with them without injury or inconvenience, the whole, as well those furnished by Rhode Island as those from the Massachusetts, will proceed to Peek’s Kill. When they march You will advise me of it, that I may meet the Officer commanding them—with Orders for his further destination, when he arrives at Claverack.
						As to your wishes to join the Army—As I observed before, your aid may be very material to the Count—and as we have no prospect of—immediate—active operations—I would rather wish You to remain with him longer. I thought it essential in the first instance, that there should be an Officer of rank sent to him, and a variety of reasons concurred to induce me to believe that You would answer the important objects I had in view, as well, at least, as any I could choose. I have not been disappointed in the least in my expectations—and the Count himself judges your continuing very essential and expressed himself in the following manner upon the subject, several days ago. “I shall keep with me, if You think proper, Genl Heath, whose ardor, spirit and activity are absolutely necessary to me.” For these several considerations, I wish You to reconcile Yourself to remaining with him a while; which will be the more easy, when You consider that You will be fully advertised whenever we are in a situation to attempt any thing Offensive on a great scale, and will have your command.
						I return You the proceedings of the Court Martial, as your powers are fully competent to the case it respects, and You will act in the affair as You shall judge proper.
						I am exceedingly happy to hear of the success of the Eastern Cruizers

against the Fleet bound to Quebec, and hope that the Sixteen prizes already arrived, will be followed by the remainder of the Fleet or the greatest part of it. A stroke of this kind against the Provision Vessels expected from Cork, to follow this, would be very interesting. I hope it will happen.
						From advices I have, the Enemy are again preparing an embarkation. The number of Troops is said to be about Two Thousand & from several circumstances it would seem, that they are intended for some coasting expedition. I am Dr Sir With great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servt

							Go: Washington

						On further consideration the Rhode Island Militia or Three months men will not proceed till further orders or till the French troops advance.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 17 August 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

						Dear General
						New Port August 17th 1780

					The British Fleet under the Command of Admiral Arbuthnot, which was lately at Anchor in Gardners Bay, came to sail the day before yesterday, and yesterday we are informed were off New London. Some Deserters lately from the Fleet, report that Sir Henry Clinton has yet designs against the French Fleet & Army here, and that he will soon make an attempt with 13000 Land Forces; little credit is given to this Report. I believe Admiral Arbuthnot from the superiority of his Fleet wishes to come this way, and has been & still is urgeing it; but that Sir Henry Clinton is very diffident about it. The State of Rhode Island have not raised their Regiment of three months Militia. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

						W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 17 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters Orange town 17th Augt 1780

					I have recd your Excellency’s favor of the 4th instant. As soon as I found that Sir Henry Clintons return from the Eastward had frustrated the enterprize which I had in contemplation, I directed Colo. Seely to return again to Morris town with the Militia and wrote to the commanding Officer of the State detachment in Monmouth to remain there. By a return from Colo. seely of the 10th instant his numbers only amounted to 443, and by a return of the same date from the commanding Officer of the Jersey Brigade, only 159 Recruits had then joined, and I hear of none since. These deficiencies, especially in the last, are so great, and operate so seriously upon our plans, that I am obliged to represent to your Excellency the absolute necessity of calling upon the proper Officers in the respective Counties to know how far they have succeeded in procuring the quotas allotted to them how many Men they have sent forward, and whether they have any or what prospects of obtaining the remainder. I advert more particularly to the Levies for the Continental Battalions.
					Your Excellency must be sensible that ⟨unless⟩ the number of Men demanded by the Committee of Cooperation in conjunction with me can be brought into the feild, any attempt against the enemy in New York must be fruitless, and attended not only with disgrace, but with an immense accumulation of unnecessary expence. Our calculations were founded upon a pretty exact knowledge of the strength of the Garrison, and I do assure you, our requisitions were as moderate as circumstances would possibly admit—Should our Continental Battalions remain uncompleated, the consequence will be, that we must either totally abandon an enterprize upon which the hopes of the States and the expectations of our Allies are fixed, or we must make up the deficiency by an increased demand of Militia. How distressing this will be to the people—how incompetent to the end—and how destructive to our slender Magazines of every kind, Your Excellency can as well conceive as I can describe.
					I am persuaded I need not make use of further arguments to induce an exertion to collect and send forward all the Men actually raised

under the late law, and if that should be found incompetent to the end of obliging those Counties, which are still deficient, to provide their quotas, to fall, without loss of time, upon some more effectual measures for that purpose.
					I have just recd advice from Newport that the greater part of a fleet of Victuallers and Merchantmen from England to Quebec had been taken by the Eastern Cruisers. Sixteen of the prizes had arrived in the different ports. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect and Regard Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

						Go: Washington

						P.S. 6 levies only have joined since the return of the 10th.
						I have appointed the 1st Septemr for the trial of Moody at this place. If your Excellency knows of any material Evidences agt him, be pleased to direct them to attend.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 17 August 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

						sir
						Newport, August 17th 1780

					The English fleet has unmoored, the day before Yesterday, from Gardner’s island, where it had been taking in Wood and water, and has been cruizing yesterday before New London. It is said that they expected for General Clinton’s Land forces, they seem not to have given over their project of Embarking them. I have no faith to that 2d part of the News, which came to me From New London, as I have received no Intelligence from Your Excellency, nor from any of the Generals of your army, who are posted on the Left side of Hudson’s river. Would not all this noise be to mask Clinton’s motions, who may have a desire to go again to the Continent to get a Subsistance? This reflection, as well as all my proceedings are submitted to the profound abilities and to the orders of Your Excellency. I am with respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble servant

						le cte de rochambeau


Title: General Orders, 18 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Orangetown Friday August 18. 1780

							Parole Westerley
							 Countersigns Take CareWatchword Be attentive

					[Officer] For the day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General stark
					In the present state of our Magazines of provisions it is of the greatest importance that we should use all possible Oeconomy and Care in the distribution.
					The General therefore directs and earnestly requests all officers who

sign returns to be particularly circumspect in preventing imposition by which he will render an essential service to the army and to his Country.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 18 August 1780
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

						Dear General
						Fort Pitt Augt 18th 1780.

					The Lieutenant of Mongalia County informs me that ten men were killed on friday last above the forks of Cheat. They were quite off their guard when the Indians attacked them, and made no resistance.
					The Troops are suffering for want of bread, the waters being too low to grind the Grain, and I am informed that the pack horse men have left the Service for want of pay &c.
					I take the liberty to inclose the proceedings of the Genl Court Martial on the trials of Captn Thomas Beall, Peter Davis & David Gamble, and shall be happy to receive your Directions respecting them. The Genl Court Martial has addressed a Letter to your Excellency which is inclosed with the proceedings.
					I have lately received two Letters from the Delaware Towns, copies of which I likewise take the liberty to inclose. It appears by the Contents, that the Delawares and Wyondats & their Numerous allies, might be speedily involved in a War against each other Provided we were possessed of the means to reward the Delawares for bringing in Wyondat Scalps & Prisoners.
					The Forts in the new Country were taken by about two hundred whitemen & Seven hundred Indians. Encouraged by their Success its highly probable they will attempt Carrying these Garrisons, which in their present circumstances, to superior Numbers must inevitably fall a prey, unless timely Supplies can be obtained. But the best exertions in my power shall not be wanting to prevent so fatal an event. I have the Honor to be with the utmost respect & esteem your Excellencies most Obedt Humble Servt

						Daniel Brodhead


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Shaw, 18 August 1780
From: Shaw, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

						New London [Conn.]Augst 18th 1780 Fryday 7 OClock P.M.
						Sir

					Since I wrote you the 13th Inst. the Brittish Fleet are Returnd, and are now att Anchor in Sight of this Port, and Yesterday Six Ships Came from up the Sound, I Suppose from New York and Join’d them, I look’t att them with a Good Spy Glass, and Imagine their was one Frigate and Five Store Ships.
					Shall Inform our Friends at New Port (Agreable to your Request) of Every movement of the Brittish Fleet as long as they Continue hear.
					This Evening we Send a Small Boat Over to the Island for Inteligence when she Returns Shall Inform you. I am Sir Your moast obedt hume Servt

						Nathl Shaw


Title: General Orders, 19 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Orangetown saturday August 19th 1780

							Parole Europe
							 Countersigns Essex. Eden.Watchword Expectation

					[Officer] For the day tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Irvine.
					A sub. serjeant corporal and twenty men from the right wing to be paraded on the Grand parade tomorrow at guard mounting with two days Provisions their Arms &ca. they are to repair the roads Mr shute will give them directions.

					A serjeant and ten from the Left wing and three Masons for fatigue to build ovens.
					It affords the Commander in Chief very singular pleasure to receive from the Inspector General so favorable a report of the progress made by the new Levies in their Exercise and Manœuvres and of the diligence and indefatigable pains with which the officers are endeavouring to render them more perfect. For their Attention to this duty he begs them to accept his thanks.
					It is expected that the men for daily Guards will appear upon the Grand and other Parades shaved, combed and powdered and their Cloaths as clean as Circumstances will admit.
					Although our situation unhappily does not allow us to make as military an appearance as could be wished in the last respect yet it is in the power of the officers to see the first carried into Execution The officers of the day will pay particular attention to this matter and when any men are found defective as to the above report the Corps to which they belong.
					It has been reported to the General that notwithstanding the regulations are expressly to the contrary soldiers have been stop’d at the advanced Picquets with passes signed even by Serjeants—To remedy this evil officers commanding Guards are expressly ordered to stop confine, and send back to his regiment every Soldier who has not a pass agreeable to the Regulations, with the Pass itself, that the Colonel or commandant may have an opportunity of discovering and bringing to punishment those who undertake to grant passes without authority—The passes of Heads of Departments to any persons within their respective lines are to be valid.
					Instead of the usual exercise on the Grand parade the Brigade Major of the day will in future perform the service of the guards as prescribed in the regulations Chapter 22, in doing this the following method will be observed.
					First. An Officer one serjeant one Corporal two Drums & fifes and twenty seven privates will mount Guard in front of the parade representing a Camp guard and will place the nine Centinels as prescribed Article 1st.
					Second. The Guard will turn out under Arms as prescrib’d 4th.
					Third. The Centinels will be relieved as in Article 3d.
					Fourth. The Guard will be visited by the officer of the day, as in 5th.
					Fifth. The Guard will receive the Grand rounds as in Arte 5th.
					Sixth. The rounds & patroles will go as in Article 4th.
					The Centinel nearest to the one before the Guard must be instructed that at the approach of a General or Officer of the day he is to call out loud “to Arms” and not “Turn out the Guard” as has been usually practised.

					In order to execute the above with more advantage instead of the two Wing parades directed in the order of the 9th instant there shall be one Grand Parade for the whole army for which some Central and convenient spot is to be immediately chosen.
					The Drummers and Fifers till further orders are to practice between the hours of nine and eleven in the morning and of four and six in the afternoon agreeable to the order of the 18th of June last.
					[Officers] For the day[:] Lieutenant Colonels Commandant Hubley[,] Smith[,] Brigade Major Smith.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 August 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

						Dear General
						Newport Augst 19th 1780

					Enclosed is an application from Lieut. Cooke, for leave to resign his Commission in Colo. Greenes Regiment, impaired health occasions his request.
					The enclosed Letters from New-London are just come to hand, I apprehend the enemy have some Small enterprise in contemplation.
					The master of a vessel Just arrived at Dartmouth reports that he saw a Fleet of Sixty Sail off Nantucket, who or what they were is not known. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

						W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to the Officer Commanding the Delaware Militia Regiment, 20 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Sir
						Head qrs Orange Town August the 20. 1780

					I have been informed by a Letter received just now from His Excellency, Cæsar Rodney Esq., that the Regiment of Militia raised by the Delaware State to reinforce the Army, embarked at Wilmington on the Morning of the 9th for Philadelphia, with orders to join the Army after they should be armed & accoutred at philadelphia. This I find by a Letter from the Board of War has been done, and I presume that the Regiment has moved from thence. I am to desire that You will proceed with it, by the Route through Princeton, Brunswic, Westfield, Springfield—Acquackinac—& paramus, till You arrive at the Army. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt st

						G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

						Sir,
						Head Qrs Orange Town Augt 20th 1780.

					I have been duly honored with your Excellys letters of the 3d 5th & 7th instt with their Inclosures.
					I have a grateful sense of the confidence of which these Acts are expressive, and shall labour to improve it to the utmost extent of the means with which I am entrusted. I sincerely wish our prospects were more favourable than they are.

					The inclosed copy of a letter to the Honorable The Committee of Co-operation will give Congress an idea of our situation at this time; and how little reason we have to expect we shall be able to prosecute our original intention in this quarter; even should the event corrispond with the expectations of our Allies on their part. The same obstacles will oppose in a great degree the operations recommended to the Southward; for from all the accounts we receive from thence the affairs of the Southern States seem to be so exceedingly disordered, and their resources so much exhausted, that whatever should be undertaken there, must chiefly depend on the means carried from hence. If these fail we shall be condemned to a disgraceful & fatal inactivity. It is impossible to be more impressed with the necessity of the reverse than I am—I think our affairs absolutely require it; and if any efforts of mine can enable us to act with vigor, either here or elsewhere, it certainly shall be done. But there is a complication of embarrassments that menace us on every side with disappointmt. At this very juncture I am reduced to the painful alternative either of dismissing a part of the Militia now Assembling (though by the way they were to have rendezvoused the 25th of last Month) or let them come forward to starve—whh it will be extremely difficult for the Troops already in the field to avoid—If we adopt the first we shall probably not be able to get them out again in time to be of any service this Campaign—and to let them come on without the means of subsistance would be absurd. Every day’s experience proves more & more that the present mode of obtaining Supplies is the most uncertain—expensive—& injurious that could be devised. It is impossible for us to form any calculation of what we are to expect, & consequently to concert any plans of future execution. No adequate provision of forage having been made, we are now obliged to subsist the Horses of the Army by force—which among other evils often gives rise to Civil disputes, and prosecutions as vexatious as they will be burthensome to the public. This is the Spirit prevailing among the Inhabitants, and its effects cannot be prevented by us, without an open rupture with the Civil Magestrate. Influence & perswasion begin now to be unavailing—We of course have no other remedy.
					In our present state of suspense I would not propose any Specific requisitions of the Southern States other than those already made—they should be urged to exert themselves to comply with these, and in general to do every thing in their power to form as ample Magazines of Bread—forage—& Salted Meat as the resources of the Country will afford, at such deposits as the Commanding Officer in that quarter may point out, having regard as far as circumstances will admit of it, to transportation by Water. Congress I doubt not are better acquainted with the abilities of those States, than I am, or any person I can consult, and will

be better able to direct calculations of what they can furnish. If they think any further specific demands necessary to answer the purpose of forming Magazines, I shall be much obliged to them to take the proper measures, calculating for an Army of Eight thousand American Troops. If possible there should be this force kept up and supplied in any case while the enemy remain there with their present strength.
					If any thing more can be done to stimulate the States this way to a compliance with the requisitions made of them, particularly in the Articles of flour and forage where we seem most defective, it will conduce more than any thing else to enabling us to act both here and to the Southward—for as I before observed, it appears to me evident that the means for a Southern operation, as well with respect to Supplies as men, must be principally carried from hence.
					But while we are meditating offensive operations which may either not be undertaken at all, or being undertaken, may fail—I am perswaded Congress are not inattentive to the present State of the Army, and will view in the same light with me the necessity of providing in time against a period—the first of January—when one half of our present force will dissolve. The shadow of an Army that will remain will have every motive except mere patriotizm to abandon the Service—without the hope which has hitherto supported them of a change for the better: This is almost extinguished now, and certainly will not outlive the Campaign unless it finds something more substantial to rest upon. This is a truth of which every spectator of the distresses of the Army cannot help being convinced. Those at a distance may speculate differently; but on the spot an opinion to the contrary, judging of human nature on the usual scale would be chimerical. The honorable the Committee who have seen and heard for themselves will add their testimony to mine; and the wisdom and justice of Congress cannot fail to give it the most serious attention. To me it will appear miraculous if our affairs can maintain themselves much longer in their present train. If either the temper or the resources of the Country will not admit of an alteration, we may expect soon to be reduced to the humilitating condition of seeing the cause of America, in America, upheld by foreign arms. The generosity of our Allies has a claim to all our confidence and all our gratitude—but it is neither for the honor of America nor for the interest of the common cause to leave the work entirely to them.
					It is true our Enemies as well as ourselves are struggling with embarrassments of a singular and complicated nature, from which we may hope a great deal—But they have already more than once disappointed the general expectation, and displayed resources as extra ordinary as unexpected. There is no good reason to suppose those resources yet exhausted. Hitherto they have carried on the War with pretty equal

success—& the comparitive forces of this Campaign are, I believe, less disadvantageous to them than they were the last. At present indeed their affairs wear a critical aspect—but there are chances in their favor, and if they escape, their situation will be likely to take a more prosperous turn, and they may continue to prosecute the War with vigor. Their finances are distressed; they have a heavy debt; and are obliged to borrow money at an excessive interest; but they have great individual Wealth, and while they can pay the interest of what they borrow, they will not want credit, nor will they fear to stretch it—A bankruptcy whh may be the result will perhaps be less terrible to the King and his Ministers than giving up the contest. If the measures leading to it enable them to succeed, it will add so much to the influence & power of the Crown, as to make that event a ladder to absolute authority—supposed by many to be the object of the present Reign; nor are there wanting enlightned Politicians who maintain that a National bankruptcy is not only a necessary consequence but would be a National benefit. When we consider the genius of the prest reign and the violent Councils by which it has been governed, a system of this kind will be judged less improbable.
					As to the domestic dissention of the enemy—In Ireland—we see they have hitherto not only diverted, but have in some measure appeased them; and by pursuing their plan of taking off the leaders and making plausible concessions to the People, we ought not to be surprized, if they keep matters in that Country from going to extremety; In England—it is much to be feared the overbearing influence of the Crown will triumph over the opposition to it, and that the next Parliament, will be nearly as obsequious as the last. A change of some of the Ministry to make way for a few of the principal heads of opposition would perhaps allay the ferment; but even without this, considering the complexion of the British Nation for sometime past, it is more probable these appearances will terminate in a partial reform than in a revolution favourable to the interests of America. The Ministry may be perplexed for a time, and may be obliged to make a few sacrafices in favor of public Œconomy, which may finally promote their views by leaving more money in the treasury to be applied to the purposes of the War.
					The General disposition of Europe is such as we could wish; but we have no security that it will remain so—The politics of Princes are fluctuating, more guided often by a particular prejudice—whim—or interest—than by extensive views of policy. The change or caprice of a single Minister is capable of altering the whole system of Europe; but admitting the different Courts at this time ever so well fixed in their principles, the death of one of the Sovereigns may happen, and the whole face of things be reversed. This ought to be the more attended to

as three of the principal Potentates are in so advanced an age that it is perhaps more probable one of them should die in the course of a year than that all three should Survive it.
					The inference from these reflections is, that we cannot count upon a speedy end to the War—that it is the true policy of America not to content herself with temporary expedients—but to endeavour, if possible, to give consistency and solidity to her measures. An essential step to this will be immediately to devise a plan and put it in execution for providing men in time to replace those who will leave us at the end of the year, for subsisting & making a reasonable allowance to the Officers & Soldiers.
					The plan for this purpose ought to be of general operation and such as will execute itself—Experience has shewn that a peremptory draft will be the only effectual one. If a draft for the War, or three years can be effected—it ought to be made on every account—a shorter period than a year is inadmissible.
					To one who has been witness to the evils brought upon us by short enlistments, the system appears to have been pernicious beyond description, and a croud of motives present themselves to dictate a change. It may easily be shewn that all the misfortunes we have met with in the Military line are to be attributed to this cause. Had we formed a permanent Army in the beginning, which by the continuance of the same Men in Service, had been capable of discipline we never should have had to retreat with a handful of Men across the Delaware in Seventy Six—trembling for the fate of America, which nothing but the infatuation of the enemy could have saved. We should not have remained all the succeeding Winter at their mercy with sometimes scarcely a sufficient body of Men to mount the ordinary Guards, liable at every Moment to be dissipated, if they had only thought proper to March against us—We should not have been under the necessity of fighting at Brandywine with an unequal number of raw Troops, and afterwards of seeing Philadelphia fall a prey to a victorious Army—We should not have been at Valley forge with less than half the force of the enemy—destitute of every thing, in a situation neither to resist nor to retire—We should not have seen New York left with a handful of Men, yet an overmatch for the Main Army of these States, while the principal part of their force was detached for the reduction of two of them—We should not have found ourselves this Spring so weak as to be insulted by five thousand Men, unable to protect our baggage and Magazines, their security depending on a good countenance and a want of enterprize in the enemy—We should not have been the greatest part of the War inferior to the enemy, indebted for our safety to their inactivity, enduring frequently the mortificaton of seeing inviting oppertunities to ruin them,

pass unimproved for want of a force which the Country was completely able to afford—To see the Country ravaged—our Towns burnt—The Inhabitants plundered—abused—murdered with impunity, from the same cause.
					Nor have the ill effects been confined to the Military line—a great part of the embarrassments in the civil flow from the same source. The derangement of our finances is essentially to be ascribed to it. The expences of the War, and the Paper emissions have been greatly multiplied by it. We have had a great part of the time two sets of Men to feed & pay, the discharged Men going home, & the Levies coming in. This was more remarkable in Seventy five & Seventy Six—The difficulty and cost of engaging Men have increased at every successive attempt—till among the present levies we find there are some who have received a hundred & fifty dollars in Specie for five Months Service; while our Officers are reduced to the disagreeable necessity of performing the duties of drill-Sergeants to them & with this mortifying reflection annexed to the business, that by the time they have taught these men the rudiments of a Soldiers duty their term of Service will have expired, & the work is to recommence with an entire new set.
					The consumption of Provision—arms—accoutrements—Stores of every kind, has been doubled in spite of every precaution I could use not only from the cause just mentioned, but from the carelessness and licentiousness incident to Militia and irregular Troops—Our discipline also has been much injured if not ruined by such frequent changes. The frequent calls upon the Militia have interrupted the cultivation of the Land—of course have lessened the quantity of its produce—occasioned a scarcity—and enhanced the prices. In an Army so unstable as ours, Order & œconomy have been impracticable. No person who has been a close observer of the progress of our Affairs can doubt; that our currency has depreciated without comparison more rapidly from the system of short inlistments, than it would have done otherwise.
					There is every reason to believe the War has been protracted on this account—Our opposition being less, made the successes of the enemy greater—The fluctuation of the Army kept alive their hopes; and at every period of the dissolution of a considerable part of it, they have flattered themselves with some decisive advantages. Had we kept a permanent army on foot, the enemy would have had nothing to hope for, and would, in all probability, have listened to terms long since.
					If the Army is left in its present situation it must continue an encouragement to the efforts of the enemy—If it is put upon a respectable one it must have a contrary effect—and nothing I believe will tend more to give us peace the ensuing winter. It will be an interesting Winter. Many circumstances will contribute to a negotiation—An army on foot not

only for another Campaign but for several Campaigns, would determine the enemy to pacific measures, & enable us to insist upon favourable terms in forcible language. An Army insignificent in numbers, dissatisfied, crumbling into pieces, would be the strongest temptation they could have to try the experiment a little longer. It is an old Maxim, that the surest way to make a good peace is to be well prepared for War.
					I am inclined to hope a draft for the War or three years would succeed—Many incentives of immediate interest may be held up to the people to induce them to submit to it. They must begin to consider the repeated bounties they are obliged to pay as a burden, and be willing to get rid of it, by sacraficing a little more, once for all. Indeed it is probable the bounties may not be much greater in that case than they have been. The people of the States near the Seat of War ought to enter into such a plan with alacrity as it would ease them in a variety of respects—among others by obviating the frequent calls upon the Militia.
					I cannot forbear returning in this place to the necessity of a more ample & equal provision for the Army. The discontents on this head have been gradually matured to a dangerous extremety. There are many symptoms that alarm and distress me. Endeavours are using to unite both officers and Men in a general refusal of the money—and some Corps now actually decline receiving it. Every method has been taken to counteract it—because such a combination in the Army would be a severe blow to our declining currency. The most moderate insist that the accounts of depreciation ought to be liquidated at stated periods & certificates given by Government for the Sums due. They will not be satisfied with a general declaration that it shall be made good.
					This is one instance of complaint; there are others equally serious—among the most serious is the inequality of the provision made by the several States. Pensylvania maintains her Officers in a decent manner. She has given them half pay for life. What a wide difference between their situation and that of the Officers of every other line in this Army? some of whom are actually so destitute of Cloathing as to be unfit for duty, and obliged for that cause only to confine themselves to Quarters—I have often said, and I beg leave to repeat it, the half pay provision is, in my opinion, the most politic and effectual that can be adopted. On the whole, if something satisfactory be not done, the Army (already so much reduced in officers by daily resignations as not to have a sufficiency to do the common duties of it) must either cease to exist at the end of the Campaign, or it will exhibit an example of more virtue—fortitude—self denial—and perseverance than has perhaps ever yet been parallelled in the history of human enthusiasm.
					The dissolution of the Army is an event that cannot be regarded with indifference—It would bring accumulated distresses upon us—It wd

throw the people of america into a general consternation—It would discredit our cause throughout the World—It would shock our Allies—To think of replacing the Officers with others is visionary—the loss of the veteran Soldiers could not be repaired—To attempt to carry on the War with Militia against disciplined Troops would be to attempt what the common Sense and common experience of Mankind will pronounce to be impracticable. But I should fail in respect to Congress to dwell on observations of this kind in a letter to them.
					But having gone into a detail of our situation I shall beg leave to make one observation more. It is a thing that has been all along ardently desired by the Army, that every matter which relates to it Should be under the immediate direction & providence of Congress—The contrary has been productive of innumerable inconveniences. Besides the inequality of provision already mentioned, all the confusion we have experienced by irregular appointments and promotions has chiefly originated here; and we are again relapsing into the same Chaos—I have daily complaints of palpable mistakes and deviations from those rules on which the tranquility of the Service depends, of which I might cite recent instances if it were necessary to trouble Congress with such a detail—I shall however mention one in the Jersey line by way of example. A vacancy happened July 79 by Lt Colo. Brearly’s being appointed Chief Justice of the State—this was not filled till March following by which the officer entitled to succeed has lost several Months rank in the line of the Army—The vacancies his promotion made still continue open to the prejudice of those next in order—And yet (as I have been informed) new appointments have been made by the State on the principle of those vacancies. As this is a fruitful source of disconten⟨t⟩ it is naturally in my provence to point it out; but if I were to permit myself to touch upon the political consequences, I might easily show that it has a direct tendency to enfeeble our civil union, by making us thirteen Armies instead of one, and by attaching the Troops of each State, to that State, rather than to the United States, the effects of this spirit begin to be visible. But this is a topic on which I may not be permitted to enlarge.
					In this delicate & perplexing conju[n]cture which I cannot but contemplate with extreme inquietude, I have thought it my duty to lay My sentiments with freedom—and I hope I have done it with all possible deference, before Congress—and to give them the fullest & truest information in my power. I trust they will receive what I have said, with all the indulgence which must flow from a conviction that it is dictated by a sincere attachment to their honor—and by anxious concern for the welfare of my Country. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most obt S⟨er.⟩

						Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 20 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

						Dr Sir
						Head Qrs Orange Town Augt 20th 1780

					This day Mr Joshua Anderson of Monmouth County presented a petition to me in consequence of Capt. Rudulph’s seizing a stone horse, which he urges was at any rate, unfit for present use—His petition is supported by many well effected Inhabitants of that County who place him clearly in the character of a friend to his Country—Therefore as the seizure must have been made by the Capt., in consequence of my instructions to you, & they only directed that such horses & cattle as

belonged to disaffected persons in the power of the Enemy were to be taken, & Mr Anderson lives about 20 miles from the Sea, & cannot be considered as coming within the instructions, I desire you will have the horse given up to him. I am &c.

						G.W.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 20 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

						Dear Sir
						Head Qrs Orange Town 20 Aug. 1780

					I have been honor’d with your Excellency Letter of the 17th Inst. respecting the Troops under the command of Colo. Seely at Morris Town.
					It was not untill the rect of this, that I was made acquainted with the Mode in which the Militia of Your State were to be called forth. And as the time for which the first Class was detached, is so far elapsed, that there is little probability of their being necessary with the Main Army before their service will expire, I should therefore think it adviseable to discharge all of them, except about 100 which may be retained to Guard the Stores & for Similar purposes.
					In the mean time I could wish Your Excellency would give the most pointed Orders for the Next Class, which was to relieve Colo. Seely’s Command: to be ready, by the first of Septr to take the field if called upon—This if punctually complied with, would ansr all the purposes in view & prevent the consumption of More provisions than is absolutely necessary. I have the honor to be with the hightest esteem Yr Excellencys Most Obd. Sert

						Go Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 August 1780
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

						Dear General
						Danbury [Conn.] August 20th 1780

					I was Yesterday honored with yours, of the 16th Instant, and shall take every Measure in my Power for the immediate Return to Camp of such Officers as are now in the State: I have detained only four nor have any continued in the State by my Direction or Licence; I beleive it will not be necessary to retain more than Six or Seven within the State to receive and forward Recruits to Danbury—The Recruits sent on to Camp are fourteen Hundred and Seventy—exclusive of about Ten Horsemen who remain at this Place since they were sent back by Colonel Sheldon; nor can I get any Direction from the Governor respecting them; the other Drafts from the Horse have joind the Infantry—I fear most of the Levies which will ever join are gone foward; the Governor and Council have issued an Order to take up and secure all those who have not gone

forword; which may probably produce Two or three Hundred more within a Week or Two; I have heard that the General Assembly will be called next Week if so tis probably Measures may then be adopted to furnish more Men.
					I last Night received Information from Long Island; that the Enemy had Embarked their Troops at White Stone, and some peices of heavy Cannon; that Twenty Transports part of this Embarkation had fallen down to New York; that on the 16th and 18th Instant some Troops pased through Setalket eastward, that on the 16th Sir Harry Clinton was at Bethpage about five Miles east of Hempstead, escorted by a Company of Dragoons, on his way to the East End of the Island: that the same Day eight Transports (said to be laden with Provisions) went to the Fleet which remaind in Gardners Bay; that on the 15th there was a hot press in New york, supposed to Man the Ships for Rhode Island—I have communicated this Inteligence To the Commanding Officer at Rhode Island. I Am with great Respect Your Excellency’s Obediant Servant

						Saml H. Parsons

						P.S. a Prisoner taken in a small Sloop says the Transports have Waggons & Horses on Board.


Title: To George Washington from Pennsylvania Field Officers, 20 August 1780
From: Pennsylvania Field Officers
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Camp Orange Town August 20th 1780

					When we the other Day had the Honor of a Conference with your Excellency, we were not a little mortified we so widely differed with you

in Opinion with respect to the Manner in which Major Macpherson was introduced into his present Command.
					We have maturely and candidly considered that Article of War which treats of Brevetts, and find it (in our opinion) no ways applicable to the present Case—And however your Excellency may refer to the Customs of War in other Armies, We cannot think (considering the Constitution and Circumstances of ours) they ever will or ought to justify an Establishment, which in its Consequences must prove injurious to the Feelings of every Officer fighting in the Cause we at present are.
					We are far from wishing to strike at any Authority absolutely necessary for the good Order and Subordination of all Armies, nevertheless we think it a Duty we owe to our Country, to enter our most Solemn Protest against establishing a precadent, which if followed must in it’s Consequences one Day or other prove fatal. And as we cannot see it in that Light of Propriety that your Excellency does, it would be Departing from the Line of Candor, and torturing our own Feelings to say we were Satisfied.
					Impressed fully with this Idea, we on our Sacred Honor assure you nothing but a Sincere and inviolable Attachment to your Excellency, and a Regard for our distressed Country, has induced us to relinquish our Intentions of resigning for the present, nor could even these Considerations alone have induced us, only that we still possess the most Sanguine Hopes your Excellencies Candor and Justice will prompt you to remove the present Difficulty as early as possible, and prevent a Similar Inconvenience in future. We have the Honor to be Your Excellencies Most humble & obedt Servts

						Fras Johnston Colonel 5th P. RegtJas Chambers Col. 1 P. RegtRichd Humpton Colonel 10th Pen. RegtRichd Butler Col. 9th P. RegtT: Craig Colonel 3d P. Regt


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 20 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters Orange Town 20th Augt 1780

					I had this morning the honor of yours of the 17th from Trenton. When I ordered the Militia of Pennsylvania to assemble at their place

of rendezvous, I was in hopes that our supply of provisions would have been adequate to their subsistence with the Army: But, from repeated and a lately pointed representation from the Commy General, I find myself very unfortunately disappointed. I can with every exertion, scarcely keep the Army in this Camp (intirely Continental) fed from day to day. In this situation, it will be only adding to our distress to bring forward the Men under your Excellency’s command—to halt them any where betwee⟨n⟩ this and Delaware would be in fact the same thing, and altho’ ordering them back to their Counties may be attended with some inconveniencies and delays hereafter, yet necessity constrains me to do it in some measure. I would wish you immediately to send orders to those of the remoter Counties, who have not yet joined you, to return for the present, but to hold themselves in readiness to move again upon the shortest notice. Should you be of opinion that those of Philada and the neighbouring Counties, who are already embodied and under your command, could take a position in the County of Bucks, where they could be subsisted without interfering with the supplies coming on for the Army, I should prefer it to disbanding them; for to be candid, I fear so much time will be lost in getting them out again after the second division of the French Troops and Ships (hourly expected) arrive, that the Season for action will have glided away, and that we shall on that account be unable to prosecute the intended operation. But should your Excellency be of opinion that they may return home, and be collected again in the course of a few days when wanted—I shall have no objection. The Delaware Militia being but a handful of Men, and those armed and accoutered by the public, I have thought it better to order them forward than, by countermanding them, run the risque of losing the public Stores which they have drawn. I am infinitely obliged to you for providing your people with Camp Equipage, as it would not have been in my power to have furnished them with a sufficient quantity, if with any at all.
					It is a most mortifying reflexion, that we should not, at this advanced period of the Campaign, have Magazines of provision for even one half the Men necessary for our intended operations. I can only hope that this is owing to the new Crop not having yet come into use, and that by the time of the arrival of the 2d division, upon which the commencement of our operations will depend, we shall be in a situation to draw a head of Men together. I have every assurance from the French Land and Sea Commanders that the second Division may, without some very unexpected accident, be daily expected. Should we, upon the arrival of this reinforcement, be found, after all our promises of a cooperating force, deficient in Men—provision and every other essential—Your Excellency can easily conceive what will be the opinion of our Allies, and of all the World, and what will be the consequences in the

deranged—distracted State of our Affairs—And that we shall be found in this situation, unless the most vigorous exertions are made by the several States to send in those supplies which are demanded of them, I am as well convinced as I am of any one thing in nature.
					Let me conjure you then my dear Sir to make the proper use of every moment of the time which we have ⟨yet left—⟩The fa⟨ir⟩est prospect⟨s are⟩ held out to us, and if we do not embrace the opportunity which now presents itself, and which is certainly within our reach, if we will make use of the means in our power—can we expect ever to have the offer repeated? I have the honor to be with great Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s most obt and humble Servt

						Go: Washington

						P.S. I duly recd your Excellency’s favr of the 3d and 7th.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 20 August 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

							Sir,
							Newport, August. 20th 1780

						It is with a great pleasure, that I inform Your Excellency, of the arrival of the Frigate The Alliance, at Boston. You will see in the Newspaper herein included, the news that she brings. they are all very good; All I fear, is Least the Departure of the 2d Division should not have taken place, until the Junction of the Spanish fleet, that was not effectuated, when the Frigate set sail. She assures that the Grand British fleet, was blocking Brest, when she went off. It was composed of 32. sail of the Line. She adds to the News that the Irish Troops, militia, have driven the English from all the forts, and obliged them to encamp upon the Glacis.
						Your Excellency’s favor of the 16th instant, I received this morning. I Learn by it the Embarkment of 2. thousand men with waggons intended for a coactive Expedition. I had Likewise the morning, an

intelligence from New London that 12. sail of Transports had joined the British fleet, and steered Eastward. I desired Directly General Heath to send advices of it to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Noman’s Islands to tell them to be on the watch as to their cattle. This afternoon, the English fleet of the Line, amounting to 18. sail has doubled Point Judith, cruized till night between this & Block island a Little Eastward, and as soon as night came on, steered Southeast, then we Lost sight of it; I am much afraid Least the Expedition be carried on, before they have time enough to set themselves on their guard. I am with respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, and most humble servant,

							le Comte de rochambeau

						The consul of Boston writes to The Chevalier de Ternay that on board the Alliance, there is a Packet for The Chevalier De La Luzerne, I think, all our Letters may be inclosed therein, and I wish the Consul may send it here if he should see that there are others included in it.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Silvanus Seely, 20 August 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Seely, Silvanus

						Sir
						Hd Qrs Orange Town 20th Augst 1780

					By a letter which Genl Greene has just now rec’d from Col. Abeel at Morris Town, I find, that, for want of Drivers, a number of Waggons (which are much wanted here) lay useless at that place, I have therefore to request that you will be pleased to furnish the Col. from the Militia under your command with as many Waggoners as he may find necessary to call on you for. I am &c.

						G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Shaw, 20 August 1780
From: Shaw, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

						New London [Conn.]Augt 20 1780 Sunday 9 OClock P.M.
						Sir

					The British Fleet consisting of Sixteen Sail, came to sail from Gardiners Island Yesterday & stood for Rhode Island with a fair Wind & must have got their by the next morning—at the Same time Six Ships got under way & stood up Sound, and have returned & anchored again of[f] Plumb Island. We have sent a boat over to the Island to gain Intilligenc & shall expect her return to morrow morning. I am with the greatest respect Sir Your Humle Servt

						Nathl Shaw

						P.S. those Ships that are now att Plumb Island I Suppose were Those that Came from N. York.

							N.S.