Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 1 January 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Head quarters, Highlands January 1. 1782.

                  I was honored with yours of the 24th ultimo yesterday.—Have this day called for the returns of those who have not had the small pox, and directed that preparations be made for putting them under inoculation as soon as possible.
                  I do not know whether the clothing for the Rhode-island regiment is gone on or not.  The Subaltern and party shall be instructed conformably to your directions.
                  The deputy-adjutant-general informed me this morning, that the form of a return from the adjutant-general, as mentioned in your letter, had not reached him—perhaps he may receive it this day.
                  Lieutenant–colonel commandant Reid is the oldest officer in the New Hampshire line, and in case of general Stark’s absence, unless some other officer is sent to the northward, will command the troops.  I have just received a letter from him, representing the absolute necessity he is under of going home some time this winter.  If general Hazen cannot be spared to go to the northward, I believe it would not be disagreeable to general Paterson, if your Excellency should approve it.  During his absence from his own brigade, it will be commanded by colonel Putnam, whose abilities are fully known to your Excellency.
                  This day the new system of supplying the army here by contract commences.  I hope it will answer the expectations of Congress.  Particular instructions from the Secretary at war were expected pointing out the mode of returns, orders, vouchers, &c.  None having arrived, I have been obliged from the necessity of the case to direct that the new system take place, but that the old mode of returns, orders, &c. continue until the instructions arrive.  The contractors are exerting every nerve to ensure an ample supply of provisions.
                  The clothier general is issuing the clothing with all possible expedition, having begun with the blankets, vests, overalls, shirts, hose, shoes, &c. which will afford the first relief; and it was never more wanted.  Many of the troops are almost naked.  The cloth for the coats, vests and overalls, is very good—part of the blankets are also very good; but a large number of them are so small that a man cannot cover himself with one of them.  Three might make two good ones—at present it is impossible that they should keep the men warm.  There is also a very considerable number of baize blankets—your Excellency knows their quality.  There is a great deficiency of shoes, and a great number of men now barefoot.  But the greatest difficulty will be to get the clothing made up.   The regiments are nearly four hundred strong.  There are not, I believe, more than five or six taylors in a regiment—in some, not so many.  The clothier-general in his advertisement for taylors from the country, offers twelve shillings Pennsylvania currency for every suite which shall be made up consisting of a coat, a woolen vest, breeches and overalls.  This, I fear, will be considered by the taylors as but small encouragement; but Mr Moylan thinks it is as much as he can venture to offer.  If it was August, any small delay would not be so material.  At this season, every moment is precious.  The troops are suffering inconceivably, and unless a very considerable number of taylors are collected, it will be almost spring before all the clothing is made up.
                  I am just informed that about fifty men belonging to the regiment of light troops, late under the command of colonel Scammell, are left sick at Annapolis, principally with the small-pox.  They are under the command of lieutenant Jackson of the 8th Massachusetts regiment, he has written in the most pressing manner for assistance—He had applied to the council of the State for relief, but could not obtain it—Five or Six of the men had died before he wrote.  He represents that such as get well cannot move until clothing is sent them.  To send clothing from here will be more expence than it will be worth when it gets there, and will take up a considerable length of time.  Cannot some relief be sent them from Philadelphia, or be procured where they are at less expence than if sent from here?
                  Some recruits have lately arrived from Massachusetts—a number more are collecting.  I wish your Excellency the compliments of the Season, and have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant,

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 1 January 1782
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Trenton 1 Janry 1782

                  By recent Advice from Eggharbour, several armed boats, with a number of men, are fortifying on Osburn’s Island near Eggharbour with a view, as is supposed, to receive Deserters from the American army, & deserting prisoners taken from General Burgoyne & Lord Cornwallis, as well as for the greater convenience of conveying provisions to New York, which already go from that neighbourhood in immense quantities.  The Vicinity of that part of the State is so disaffected or intimidated that the Refugees have long reigned in it with little or no control; & I fear that the Enemy’s lodging themselves there in any strong hold, will be of the most pernicious consequence:  Whether from the want of pay or what other cause, but guards from our militia are latterly procured with the greatest difficulty; and when obtained, are, for the want of proper discipline,  from the insignificance & unfitness of their officers, & not  from their being soon corrupted after being stationed on the Lines by the alluring profits of the illicit trade, of very little public utility.  Not that I mean, Sir, by this to insinuate the propriety of having any of the American troops stationed along our Lines much less to request a measure that is liable to many inconveniences. But how far it may be proper for a detachment of them to dislodge the Enemy from that post, & thereby to disconcert the measures established by them to facilitate the trade in that neighbourhood, & to prevent the well-affected in those parts from deserting their habitations, (which they announce the necessity of doing) and thereby extending the enemy’s lines, I entirely submit to your Excellency’s better Judgment.
                  I have also intelligence of James Moody’s being again out with six or seven men.  He lately declared that he intended to take one of the Members of Congress in Philidelphia, to revenge the death of John Moody not long since executed as a Spy, which to a fellow of his Enterprize, and so cherished by the Tories as he is, is not impracticable.  Other Intelligence from New York represents his object to be a person of less consequence in this Town.  At any rate from the mischief he has already done, & his intimate knowledge of every part of this Country, together with his extensive connections with the disaffected amongst us, it would I think be worth some pains to prevent his further progress.
                  I mentioned the affair of Eggharbour to Lord Stirling, & his Lordship promised me to converse farther with your Excellency on the Subject—I wish your Excellency many happy years, & have the honour to be with the greatest esteem Dear Sir your Excellency’s most humble & most obedient Servant

                     Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from William Barber, 2 January 1782
From: Barber, William,Cogswell, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Danbury Jany 2d 1782

                  Agreeably to your Excellencys Orders to us directed, We have inspected the Horses of Colonel Sheldons Legion, and have discriminated as accurately as in our Power, between those, which in our opinion may be recruited and fitted for the Service by the Spring, and such as are broken down which we judged could not be raised at a less Expence than their Value—Those of the former Character, we have suffered to pass Muster, and to be retained in the Corps, which amount to 78, the latter amounting to 58.  We have condemned and mustered out those being delivered over to the Q. Master.  Measures are taking to dispose of them agreeable to your Excellencys Instructions.  We have the Honor to be your Excellencys most obedient Hum: Servants

                     W. Barber Major &
                     asst Insr N. Army
                     Thos Cogswell W.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Victor-François, 2d duc de Broglie, 2 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Broglie, Victor-François, 2d duc de

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 2d January 1782.

                  I embrace, with very singular pleasure, an opportunity of testifying my sense of the Gallant Behaviour of the Chevalier de la Meth at the Seige of York in Virginia—It having been determined to carry two of the enemys works by assault on the night of the 14th of October—the Chevalier sollicited and obtained leave of His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau to act as a Volunteer upon the occasion—with the French Column.  He proceeded with the Advance, and, upon the point of entering the Works, received two very dangerous Wounds in his Knees with a Musket Ball.  I am however happy in hearing that he is in fair way of recovery—If I may be allowed to form a future Judgment from present appearances I will venture to pronounce that your brave young Kinsman will prove a most valuable Officer to his Country, and an Ornament to the Noble Family to which he is allied.  I have the Honor to be with most profound Respect and Admiration Sir Yr most obt and very hble servt.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 2 January 1782
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York, January 2d 1782.

                  As it has been always my earnest wish to pay every attention to the situation of Prisoners, and to facilitate their Exchange; I have only to repeat the Assurances I have already made You in my Correspondence on this Subject—that I am ready to send Commissioners properly Authorised by me to treat with those you shall Appoint for the accomplishment of so desireable a Purpose.  And as I think no time should be lost in a Matter of such Importance, I have (in the hope that You will Order their Exchange) appointed Brigadier General O’Hara and Lieut. Colonel Abercromby to be Commissioners on my part, with directions to meet such as You shall name on Yours, whenever you please, either at Elizabeth Town, or Amboy, as places more Commodious for such a Meeting than any Staten Island affords.  I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

                     H. Clinton

                     P.S.  I beg leave to trouble you with forwarding the inclosed Letter to Count de Rochambeau.


Title: From George Washington to David Forman, 2 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

                     Dear Sir—
                     Philadelphia 2 Jany 1782

                  Yours of yesterdays date I have rec’d, and am much Obliged by the Intelligence it conveys.
                  The Letter you refer to advising of the fleet’s preparing to sail, must have miscarried, for I do not recollect any such comeing to hand.
                  I have presented your account to Mr Morris and have the pleasure to inform you that a warrant will pass the Office for a Settlement of it in the course of ten days, when the Amount shall be deliverd to your Order.
                  Could you Obtain accurate accounts respecting the situation of the Enemy on Staten Island specifying their Numbers Cantoonments & State of their Works, without considerable risk or Inconvenience, it might be of service.  I have lately rece’d intelligence from there, & the post in the course of the Winter may possibly merit our attention.
                  I approve much of your discharging the Horseman mentiond as it is at present a very inactive Season, their being continued in service would be a very unneccesary expence to the public.
                  I am happy to find that the fellow who join’d the Enemy was not capable of striking by his information at your Chain of Intelligence, should you be possessd of any thing material in future I wish you to continue forwarding to me the earliest account of it.  I am with esteem Dr Sir your most Obliged Humbl Servt

                     G.Wn


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 2 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 2d Janry 1782

                  I have the honor to inform Congress that the detachments, supposed to be destined for Charles–Town left Sandy Hook on Thursday, last.
                  From the best intelligence I have been Able to Obtain, it amounted to about twelve or 1500 Men—the fleet consisted of fifteen square riged Vessels and four Sloops and Schooners, Convoyed by two Frigates and two Sloops of War.  With the greatest respect I have the honr to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & Humle Servt

                     G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Francis Mentges, 2 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Mentges, Francis

                     Sir
                     Philada 2d January 1782.

                  Yours of the 29th of November did not reach me ’till within these few days, when I immediately laid it before the Director General of the Hospitals, who has written to Docr Tilton who succeeded Doctor Treat and has required of him an account of the application of the Money put into his hands, and has also called for an explanation of such other parts of the conduct of the Surgeons as appear exceptionable by your representation—I conceive your duty as superintending Officer to be to keep up a proper degree of discipline among the patients who will not often pay obedience to the orders of the Officers of the Hospital to make Returns from time to time of the numbers & condition of the sick and to represent, as you have lately done, any matters which appear to you irregular—You cannot have any immediate controul over the Surgeons and Physicians—They must be answerable for their conduct if complaints are lodged against them.
                  I am confident that too little attention has been paid to the security of the prisoners of War.  They will soon be all collected and kept in places of more safety than they have been.  I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 3 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 3d Jany 1782

                  I have received yours of the 27th Ulto.  It appears by accounts from General Forman that the Fleet with the detachment supposed to be for Charles-Town had Sailed.
                  I will leave the entire management of McMichals affair to you—There are reasons why I cannot with propriety interfere.  I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Humble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Forrest, 3 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Forrest, Thomas

                     Sir
                     Philada 3d January 1782.

                  I have recd your favor of the 29th ulto and was pleased to find inclosed so full an acquittal of the charge brought against you by Majr Eustace— That with the other Certificates sufficiently justify me in giving you a discharge from the service.
                  I wish it were in my power to afford you the assistance you request on the score of Money.  You are as well acquainted as I am with the state of our Finances, which do not, at present, allow of doing more than making equitable settlement for arrearages, and giving Certificates for the Amount.  Your case is common to hundreds—and I could not interfere in behalf of any individual, without being charged with partiality by the remainder.  You have my wishes for Success in the business upon which you are entering and I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 3 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 3d Jany 1782.

                  The embarkation mentioned in yours of the 26th Ulto did take place and has sailed, Supposed for Charles Town.
                  You need give yourself no more trouble on account of the salt provisions at Providence, all our distant Magazines now come under the directions of the Superintendant of Finance, who will dispose of them to the Contractors, or others, if they do not want them.
                  Every proper indulgence has been granted to the Soldiers of the Connecticut Company raised at Wyoming.  When they were removed from thence last Spring, by order of Congress Colo. Butler had liberty to grant Furloughs to those whose families would be most distress’d by their absence, and he did so.  If there are others under the same circumstances, I should have no objection to their being allowed the same indulgence, a like Number of those upon Furlough being called in.  But I cannot consent to the interference of the State in giving discharges.  That is a Matter altogether foreign to their power, and if once admitted would lead to disagreeable consequences.  I return the papers relative to the affair.
                  Be pleased to order the 10th Massachusetts Regt up to Albany, to be quarter’d in the Town, as soon as they are Cloathed which I beg may be as expeditiously as possible and hold two other Regiments in readiness to move.  I particularly mention the 10th, because it will be Brigaded with the two New Hampshire Regiments.  You will also give orders to the Officer Commanding at the Northward to keep all the Troops in that Quarter as compact and as ready for service as possible.  I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Humble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 3 January 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Head quarters, Highlands Jany 3. 1782

                  I will thank you for a copy of the instructions given to major-general  McDougdale when you assigned him to the command of Westpoint, if any of a particular nature were given—and for information, of any powers more than usual in similar cases have been delegated to him.  I am sorry to trouble your Excellency with this request, but am constrained to do it, and beg your answer as may be convenient.  I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant,

                     W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Officers and Quarter Masters in South Carolina, 3 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Officers and Quarter Masters in South Carolina

                      3 January 1782

                  All Quarter Masters and Officers in Continental Service are requested to give Mrs Greene every aid & assistance in their power in her journey to the State of South Carolina.  Given at head Qrs in Phila this 3d day of Jany 1782.

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Pollock, 3 January 1782
From: Pollock, Oliver
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Orleans 3d Janry 1782

                  It is not because you Rank as the Protector of the United States, that I beg leave to Adress Your Excellency with this Letter, but as A Gentleman, whom I hear intends Illustrating the Bells River, with Your presence, as soon as the Warr is brought to the happy Issue for which your Excellency Unsheath’d the Sword.
                  Therefore as in all probability A Negociation for A Peace, will soon come about, I wish to Acquaint Your Excellency, that the preservation & support of all that most promising Western Circuit Depends upon the free navigation of this River.  The Eight Years Experience I have had, during the Trade with the British on the Missisippi, and the promising Advantages they were likely to thereby, that urges me to trouble Your Exclly and some others on the Continent on this Subject, and to compleat or perfect that Trade & Navigation, it is highly Necessary that the United States of America, should Obtain the East English side of the River, say from Manchak Upwards, but if Circumstances should Appear Contrary to that Idea, in fault there of, to Obtain on this Island about one League in Front of this River with the Depth back to the Lakes as near to this Town as Possible or within one or two miles of it, on this side of the River, if not on the other side may do, for a Port for our Vessells and A Deposite for our Goods, Otherwise without some place of this kind, it will be Impossible to Carry on the Commerce of this River to advantage or Satisfaction, and that takeing place the Country above will Flourish (and soon become one of the first States in America) and Nourish this place with her Produce & Commerce, and the Contrary, will only prevent the Country Above from being so Directly Settled, & keep this place Poor & Crampt in her Trade.
                  But at all Events for the mutuall benefit and Good Understanding of both Nations, I think it Absolutely Necessary, that the navigation of the River Misisippi Should be equally free, and in Consequence some place on Said River should be Agreed Upon or Appointed to Establish an American Custom House for which provided the English side, from Manchak upwards Cannot be obtain’d, (which however I think the United States have a Claim to too)—The next Most proper & Convenient place is upon this Island as near this Town as Possible for the Deposite of the Produce  belonging to the Subjects of the United States—In order that their Vessels & Goods should not by any ways or means liable to Vissit, Duty or  upon any pretence Whatever, while in thier Bottoms, or on their own Landing, and in order that both Nations may Still Reap a Mutuall & Advantageous benefit from this Arrangement, I think a free Commerce may also be agreed Upon between Spain & the United States, upon the Missisippi as the Inhabitants of this Country has Pettition’d their Court Strongly for that purpose, and for the better Security of the Navigation it will be highly Necessary to Obtain a place At the Balize or  of the Mississippi to Establish an American Pilot to Conduct their Vessels in & out of the River, if any thing in this Country, in which I can Serve Your Excellency, please make it known, & it shall be Executed with the Greatest pleasure.
                  I beg leave to Congratulate Your Excellency on your late Success, and permit me to Rank as one of those, that dare wish Your Excellency the Same, at the worst of times.  I have the Honor to be with the most Profound Respect Sir Your Excellencys Most obedient & Most Hble Servant

                     Olr Pollock


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 4 January 1782
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Richmond January 4th, 1782

                  From Williamsburg the 15th November, I did myself the Honour of informing Your Excellency of the respective Amounts of Mr Ross’s Debt against the United States, for the purchases made of the British Merchants in York, and of the sum resulting from the Sales of Hoaksley (or Robinsons) Store to be set against it.  Two Bonds were taken for the latter, one from Braxton & Parker, with a Mr Howey as Security for £3791.11.1 3/4 Sterling; the other from George Nicolson, with David Ross security for £3684.7.6 1/4. like money—amounting in the whole to £7475.18.8 3/4—On Nicolsons Bond I have allowed a Credit of £23.6.8 Sterling, claimed on the Goods by Governour Nelson for the rent of the Store House while occupied by Mr Hoakesley, and for which the Goods were liable—This leaves a net sum of £7452.12—1/2 Sterling on the two Bonds.  I was at a loss for a proper Character to make the Bonds payable to, and therefore took them in my own Name as Commissioner of Sales for the above purpose.  The Bonds are left in the Hands of Mr Ross, subject to Your Excellency’s Orders: But when paid will sink so much of the Debt against the United States.
                  The whole of the Papers & Vouchers relative to those two transactions I should sometime ago have done myself the Honor to transmit to Your Excellency; but they are too bulky to send by the Post, and it would not be safe to trust the line of Express with them, as the loss or Miscarriage of them would leave you under great inconveniences.  A special Express for the purpose, would have cost more money than our Finances could well have afforded, or Your Excellency wished to have expended on them; however, I should have taken this Step had not I found that Mr Ross had wrote fully on the subject, and had given every information necessary to ground the drafts on Mr Morris in his behalf upon.  I shall go to Philadelphia in a few Days from this Time, and will from there transmit every Paper in my possession on those transactions properly adjusted.
                  My Trip to Philadelphia is occasioned by the Alarm given in this Quarter by Mr Morris’s Advertisements proposing to Contract for the Supplies for the Posts in Pennsylvania and Northwardly of that State, while no such Terms are held out this way.  Government conceive that Advantage is taken of the Patience of the Southern People to support the War amongst them by Co-ercive Measures, without paying a Valuable consideration for the property taken, while the Northern States are to be dealt with by Contract: they are therefore determined to withdraw from Congress the Assistance formerly so liberally bestowed, and thereby compel a devotion of the same means this way as are experienced in that Quarter.  Whether those apprehensions are well grounded or not it is not for me to determine: but a Stop is put to every kind of business which the Public Agents do not risk Suits in executing.  Even the important business of transporting the Military, & other Stores, from York to this place has been affected without that Aid which was expected from Government.  We have been obliged to impress without Authority the necessary Vessels, and secure their services by paying money which we could illy spare.  The transportation Southwardly is also at a Stand for the same reasons; and unless something can be done to support the Service here independently of Governments, the Southern Army must fall short of almost everything that is to go from here.  I have just taken the Liberty to explain my Motives for going to Philadelphia, so far as to satisfy Your Excellency of the Necessity and propriety of the Measure.  I have fully explained to Colo. Pickering the State of our Affairs, and requested his interposition to remedy the Mischiefs as far as he can.  I shall do myself the Honour to write very fully on the subject of the Deposit of Military Stores in this Neighbourhood in another Letter by the same conveyance, accompanied with one to General Knox—In the mean time, till the Invoices, and other Papers, respecting the transactions at York shall get to hand, I take the Liberty to enclose an Account Sales &ca of Hoakesly’s Store, and a Copy of the two Bonds taken thereupon.  I have the Honour to be with due respect Your Excellency’s most obedient Servt

                     Ed. Carrington
                     Lt Col. aut.


Title: From Tench Tilghman to William Connor, 4 January 1782
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Connor, William

                     Sir
                     Philada 4th Jany 1782

                  Your letter to His Excellency the president of Congress having been referred to the commander in Chief, he has been pleased to accept your Resignation, which is endorsed upon your Commission, enclosed herein.  I am Yr most obt servt

                     T. Tilghman
                     A.D.C.


Title: To George Washington from John Hanson, 4 January 1782
From: Hanson, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 4. Jany 1782.

                  The inclosed letter from William Connor and the papers accompanying it, have been read in Congress and referred to your Excellency to take order upon.  I have the honor to be &c.

                     J.H.


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 4 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                     Sir
                     Phila. Jany 4th 1782

                  Herewith I have the honor to send your Excelly a letter for the Chevr De la Meth, in which is another for the Mareschall Duke de Broglie.
                  In giving these testimonials, I have a two fold pleasure—doing justice to the merits of a gallant young Officer—and Complying with your Excellency’s wishes—to do which, at all times, will afford me the highest pleasure.  I have the honr to be Yr Excellys Most Obedt & Hble Ser.

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 4 January 1782
From: Willett, Marinus
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Albany 4th Jany 1782

                  I am told the army is to receive another change And it is said their are to be no longer particular regiments belonging to particular States But that the regiments are all to be the regiments of the united states of America, And to be recruited indisscriminatly throughout the whole of the American states.  Your excellency is sufficiently acquainted with my fondness for the service—And I wish you to believe that however vain it may appear for me to declare myself of the opinion that I can procure as many recruits as any man in this state of New York this declaration proceeds as far as I know myself from a Candid heart.  I have the honor to be your excellencies most obedient and very humble servant

                     Marinus Willett


Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 6 January 1782
From: Fitzhugh, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Calvert County Maryland Janry 6th 1782.

                  When I had the Pleasure to Meet You at Annapolis, Considering Your short stay with us, & being unwilling to Disturb you with private Business, I omitted to solicit your Excellencys Application to the Count De Grasse, respecting five Valuable slaves of Mine, who were on Board of The Magnanime, & sail’d with the French Fleet—These slaves If they can be recover’d will be a Considerable Acquisition to me, Considering the very great Losses I have sustain’d by the Enemy—Permit me therefore to Entreat you, in the Course of Your Correspondance with the Count De Grasse, & by the first Oppertunity to solicit His attention to this Subject, & If the slaves are still on Board His Fleet, or have been Landed in any of the Islands, that His Excellency wou’d be pleas’d to direct them to be Secured, & Sent by any Conveyance which may Offer, Either to Maryland or Virginia, & I will Pay their Passages or If by Custom, or Other wise they Shou’d have been Sold, that the Value may be remitted to me.  My sons had Advice from  the Capt. of the Magnanime before they left York, that my Slaves were on board that Ship, or wou’d be deliver’d to their Order; in Consequence of Which My son Perry gave an Order to Mr Stephon Steward junr who promis’d to Call for them, but neglected it, & My Sons having left york Mr John Allen Thomas, went on board the ship, a Day or two before the Fleet Sail’d, See the Slaves & And Demanded them, but was refus’d for want of a Proper Authority to receive them—The Capt. Sent His Barge & an Officer with Mr Thomas on board the Admirals Ship, And the Admiral wou’d not Order the Slaves to be deliver’d without a proper Power from the owner, or other Authority, As many Impostures had Avail’d themselves in Similar Cases—I inclose a List & Discription of the Slaves, & shall be Infinitely Oblig’d to Your Excellency for your friendly Interposition in my favor.
                  My Son Perry Presents His Respectful Complimts to You & Your Lady, & to Colo. Tilghman & the Gentle. of Your Family—He was Married on the 11th Ulto to Miss Betsey Chew, an Agreeable Young Lady about 15 Years of age, with a Genteel fortun.  My Son William writes Me of the 6th  of December from North Carrolina near Gilford Court House, where He says the troops wou’d be Detain’d a few Days by an uncommon fall of snow in that Country, & I am Sorry He Adds, that many of the Soldiers are in Want of shoes & Cloathing—My son had permission from Colo. Baylor to Continue with General Gist, untill they arive at General Greens Army in South Carrolina which He Supposes wou’d be in Little more than a Fortnight after the Date of His Letter.  The Army were then in Good Health & Spirits.
                  Being infirm as Usual in the Winter I left Annapolis a few Days ago, to rest myself at Home, & shall return to the Session next Week.  I am Sorry I cannot give Your Excellency a very pleasing Acct of Our proceedings, We have gone on Extreamly Slow, & as yet Done Little or Nothing.  Our Supply Bill I believe is yet with the Senate, & when Pass’d, will in my Oppinion, be very Inadequate to Our Wants——The Appropriation is Chiefly to Our Civil List. & the Demands of Congress—not a shilling, when I came away, provided for recruiting, or Cloathing our Army—It was warmly Urg’d by some of Us, to Apply the first Collection of Supplys to the Immediate Support of Our Army, but this Excited such a Racket about the Civil List, & requisitions of Congress, that all Attempts for the Army were vain—still declaring, that Ample provision must, & shou’d be made for Our Army before the end of the Session.  I wish it may prove so, but have my Doubts—Indeed Our Civil List, upwards of £20,000 Specie pr Annum, & Increasing every Session, is too much for this State to Support in time of War—The Governors Salary ought to be Liberal, He must be Supported, but I cannot See the Necessity of Salarys to His Council, who have Little to do, & were they to do Less, I believe wou’d be of service to the State, I think a Per diem Allowance to Pay their Expences—might serve them for the present, & to Attend on the Governors Call, upon any Particular Service requir’d it—Our Judges & likewise have Salarys—They might I think have Virtue Enough to Ease this State during this Just & Necessary War—Sure I am, that We cannot Support the Civil List as now Establish’d, Comply with the Demands of Congress, & at the Same time, recruit, Pay, feed, & Cloath Our Army—This last & Important Object, I wou’d give the first Attention to, & provide for the Military at all Events.  As a Security for every thing that is Dear to Us, & with regard to other Exegencys of the State, or States, they Shou’d be provided for as soon as Possible.  The Highest respect Ought to be Paid to the requisitions of Congress, & every Possible Compliance, But If all our Wants cannot be provided for at this Important Crisis; I Flatter myself, That Honorable Body, wou’d give the preference to Our Army—As to the Mere Pomp of Civil Government, it will be in Proper Season, When the Enemy are Driven from Our Coasts, & Perfect Peace & tranquility is restro’d to Us—I beg Your Excellencys Pardon for the Length of this Letter, I cou’d not forbear to Give You my Sentiments on a Subject which I have so much at Heart.
                  Mrs Fitzhugh Joins with Me in respectful Complts & Affectionate Wishes to you & your Lady.  Our Complts are Also Offer’d to Colo. Tilghman, & the other Gentlemen of Your Family.  I have the Honor to be With Perfect respect & Esteem. Your Excellency’s Affectionate & Oblig’d Hume Servt

                     Willm Fitzhugh

                     a List of Slaves belonging to Colo. William Fitzhugh of the State of Maryland, & were on Board the Magnanime a ship of the French Navy When the Fleet Sail’d from the Bay of Chesapeake under the Command of His Excellency The Count De Grasse in Novr 1781.
                     Viz. George, Call’d George Wilks, a Stout Molotto Man about 30 Years of Age was a Workman & Pilot in the Bay.
                     a Negro Woman Nam’d Sukey about 50 years of Age, She was a Cook, & Mother to George.
                     Sarah, Call’d Sal, a Molotto Woman about 25 Years of Age She was a Weaver, & Sister to George.a Molotto Boy Nam’d Ben about 15 Years of Age, He was a House Servant & brother to George.
                     a Molotto Girl Nam’d Rachel about 12 Years Old, & sister to George.
                     The above mention’d George was a Pilot & Gunner to Several of the Enemies Piratical Barges.  When they Burn’d Many Houses & Comitted Several Murders.  It may be prudent to Secure Him seperate from His Family to prevent His Escape.

                     Willm Fitzhugh

                     Maryland Janry 6th 1782


Title: General Orders, 7 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Monday January 7. 1782.
                     Parole.
                     C. Signs.

                  Major Moore being so much indisposed as to be unable to attend the General Court Martial whereof he is a Member, Major Dextor is requested to attend in his place.
                  That the business of the Court Martial may not be delayed Major Dextor will please to attend immediately.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 8th January 1782

                  I have recd your favors of the 30th of Decemr and 1st and 3d instants.
                  Having no papers with me but those of a late date, I cannot recollect the circumstances of the arrangement of the Captains of the Massachusetts Line, to which you refer.  If it was ever made and delivered in, it must be among my papers on the hands of Colo. Varrick at Poughkepsie; you will therefore be pleased to write to him, mentioning the time at which the arrangement was made and by whom, and desire him, if he finds it, to transmit it to you.  If it appears compleat and such an one as gives satisfaction, I have no objection to its being acted upon.
                  The Secretary at War will have, before this reaches you, have transmitted the forms of the Vouchers to be passed to the Contractors upon the delivery of Rations, and has written fully to the Cloathier General upon every matter in that Branch—He has particularly instructed him to spare no pains nor reasonable cost in procuring Country Taylors to assist in making up the Uniforms.  I shall attend to the situation of those Men left sick at Annapolis.
                  Inclosed is the Copy of the instructions to Major General Mcdougal upon taking the command at West point last summer.
                  The command to the Northward may for the present be left in the hands of Colo. Reid or whatever Officer may happen to be eldest in the Brigade.  I am with great Esteem Dear Sir Your most obt and hble servt
                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 8 January 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Head quarters, Highlands January 8th 1782.

                  I was yesterday honored with yours of the 31st ulto, to which strict attention shall be paid.
                  The letter from the orderly-office with the form of a return, did not come to hand until yesterday.  No time shall be lost in collecting the returns conformably thereto.
                  The small pox spreads and is mortal.  I have directed the inoculation of such as have not had the distemper, to take place immediately.  But it is delayed for the want both of medicine and stores.  Mr Sands has promised to have the latter ready by thursday next; but the hospital is distitute of a sufficiency of the former.  There is a large quantity of medicine in the hands of the clothier, part of which is to be left here if it could be taken without breaking the packages; if not, the orders are most pointed, that the whole be sent on together to Philadelphia.  We shall have about 2000 men to inoculate, and the pox is not of the best kind in the natural way.  It is probable a considerable quantity of medicine will be wanted if it goes to Philadelphia, a proportion must be brought back immediately.  In the interim many brave men may be lost for want of it.  The orders are so positive, and the director of the hospitals being absent, I do not chuse to break in upon the orders of the board of war, and order the packages broken.  But I have taken the resolution, to detain the whole, and to send off this representation by express, with orders to ride day and night.  I request your Excellency will obtain such directions from the war office, or Congress as will afford the necessary relief.  The inclosed letter to doctor Cochran, which I have taken the liberty to put under your cover, will shew what articles are wanted.  I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

                     W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Thomas Sim

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia Jany 8th 1782

                  I have lately been informed, that a number of Soldiers, Belonging to the Army which had served in Virginia, were, on their return from thence, left sick in Annapolis, and that they are now in a very distressed situation for the want of Cloathing, and other necessaries—I shall direct the Clothier to send such Articles as are most necessary, as soon as may be; and in the mean time will pray your Excellency, that any assistance in the power of your State, may be granted to them; and which I am confident will be done, on account of their meritorious services, as well as for the sake of humanity itself which is particularly interested, in the preservation & relief of those pining under the pressure of want & disease.  I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 8 January 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     War Office January 8th 1782

                  By the enclosed copy of a Resolve, your Excellency will observe that Congress have referred to you the determination of the questions, what Officers shall be allowed servants and what Number of them.
                  I have daily applications from Officers for order, empowering them to draw rations for their servants.  I have delayed issuing any orders to the Contractors, as I do not know who, nor what number are to be drawn for—I should be happy if your Excellency would take the matter up, and I will send for your determinations in those questions.  I have the Honor to be Dear sir Your Affectionate Hble servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 8th January 1782.

                  I received your favr of the 27th ulto which with its inclosure I have put into the hands of the Secretary at War to be acted upon.
                  I thank you for your kind congratulations upon our late success to the southward, which as you observe, if properly improved, must be attended with most important advantages—I would wish you and every other Gentleman of influence to exert yourselves with the Legislature in obtaining a full compliance with the requisitions for Men and Money—Without that we are wasting ourselves in a lingering ineffectual War—I wish you better health and am Dear Sir Yr most obt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 8 January 1782
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                     Dear sir
                     Philadelphia Jany 8. 1782.

                  Your excellency will, I hope, readily believe, that I most cheerfully obey the commands of my brethren in the delegation, to transmit to you the vote of the Virginia assembly, expressing their sentiments of your conduct and exertions at York.  We cannot pass by this favorable opportunity of declaring to your excellency the thorough coincidence of our feelings with theirs.
                  Shall we beg the favor of you to forward the inclosure to the Marquis.  Its contents are honorary in a great degree; but I fear, there is something very unusual in presenting a gentleman with a bust of himself.  I have the honor to be Dear sir with the sincerest respect and esteem yr exclly’s obliged and obt serv:

                     Edm: Randolph.


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

                     Sir
                     Philada 8th January 1782.

                  You will add to the obligations under which you have already laid me, by taking the trouble to transmit the inclosed to the speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.
                  I am happy in having so good an opportunity, as that which now offers by Capt. la Touche, of forwarding the letter to the Marquis de la Fayette.  I am not a judge of the Etiquette upon these occasions, but it really does seem odd to me to present a man with his own likeness.  I have the honor to be with sincere Esteem Sir yr most obt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Philada 8th January 1782.

                  In my last I barely acknowledged the Rect of your Excellency’s favr of the 18th of Decemr.  I have since been honored with that of the 24th.
                  I am fearful that the Expresses between this place and Williamsburg are badly regulated, and I shall upon the return of the Quarter Master Genl from the North River endeavour to have things put in better train.
                  I am extremely sorry to hear of the loss of the Palace at Williamsburg by fire, and must beg your Excellency to accept my warmest acknowledgements for your goodness in accommodating our sick who were deprived of their Hospital by the accident.  My loss at Mount Vernon was not very considerable, but I was in the greater danger of having my House and all the adjacent Buildings consumed.
                  I congratulate your Excellency upon the brilliant success of the French Arms under the Marquis de Bouillié at St Eustatia and have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem and personal Regard Yr Excellency’s Most obt & hbl. Servt

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 8 January 1782
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Williamsburg January 8th 1782

                  I received yesterday your Excellency’s letter of the 16th of last month and I see with great pleasure the vigorous preparations made by Congress, for next campaign.  I beg Leave to refer your Excellency to my Letter to the Chevalier de La Luzerne, for a great deal of news which I desire him to communicate to your Excellency, that you may see of what importance it is that Congress should by powerfull Land forces put us in a situation to combine our Land operations with the naval superiority that the King has actually in America.
                  I am very persuaded that your Excellency will share our joy upon the birth of a Daughter.  I am with respect and personal attachment Sir, Your Excellency’s Most humble and most obedient Servant

                     le cte de Rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip John

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 8th January 1782.

                  I am sorry to find by your favor of the 16th ulto that matters are like to take so disagreeable a turn upon your frontier.  I have at different times recd letters from Mr Chittenden upon the subject of the dispute, but I have never given him any answer before the one which is now enclosed, and which I beg may be carefully transmitted to him.  I was induced to take the matter up just now, from an apprehension that things might be carried to extremes, and from having received lately a very confidential letter from him, in which he discloses all their political Manoeuvres, which he protests have been in reality innocent and only meant to alarm the other States.  This letter I have shewn to a number of my Friends, Members of Congress and others, and they have advised me to write to Mr Chittenden, in my private Character, give him my opinion upon the unjustifiableness of the extension of their Claim, and advise him to accept the terms offered by the Resolve of the 21st of last Augt.  This I have done fully and forcibly, and perhaps it may have some effect upon Mr Chittenden and the leaders in Vermont.  I would wish you to keep the purport of this communication to yourself, as I do not wish to have my sentiments publicly known.
                  Mrs Carter and Miss Schuyler leave us tomorrow.  Be kind enough to make Mrs Washingtons and my Compliments to Mrs Schuyler and believe me to be Dear Sir sincerely yours

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  I confide my letter to Mr Chittenden, under a flying Seal for your purusal, before it is forwarded.  G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Tyler, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Tyler, John

                     Sir
                     Philada 8th January 1782.

                  I have been this day honored thro’ the hands of the Delegates of your State in Congress with your favor of the 21st December inclosing a Vote of the House of Delegates of the 17th.  For so singular and honorable a mark of their attention and Esteem I beg leave through you, Sir, to present my humble thanks; and for the polite manner in which the Resolve was transmitted, I intreat you to accept my warmest acknowledgements.  I have the honor to be with perfect Respect Sir Yr most obt & hble servt.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 8 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

                     Dear Lund,
                     Philadelphia 8th Jan. 82

                  Your letters of the 12th & 19th Ulto are now before me, unacknowledged, & this being Post day, will probably produce a third if not a fourth, as I missed one by the last Post and understood that no letters further So. than Annapolis were received in the Mail.
                  I beg you to examine my Papers, & send me those which relate to the Tract on which Simpson lives, which I think consists of five Surveys (made if my memory serves me, by a McLean)—those also which relate to my Land at the Great Meadows, which I believe is in one survey (each survey amounting to abt three hundred and thirty odd acres)—likewise My Patent for the Tract on Racoon Creek—these Lands by the late settlement of boundery between Virginia and Pensylvania have fallen into the latter state, & require something from thence to perfect my right, & this I am told is a favourable moment to do it in.  I have been attempting in vain, to recollect whether the surveys were made in my name, or the name of others, and whether they are in my possession, or (those for the first two Tracts) returned to the Land Office of this state.  Nor is there any way of determining it but by a search amg my Papers.  If I can be of service to you, in obtaining a Patent for your land under like predicament, I shall do it with all my heart.  The sooner I get these Papers the better—they will, I suppose, come safe by the Post, but if any Gentleman on whose care you could confide as coming immediately on, so that there would be no occasion to shift hands, it would be preferable.
                  I had wrote thus far when your two letters of the 25th Ulto & 2d Instt came to hand, the little space between the coming & going of the Post, & the number of letters I have to read & write upon those occasions, will not allow me at this time, to say more about the stable than that I entirely approve your plan for enlarging it, provided the Coach house can be placed in the Middle; without which, the House, with large and dble doors at one end would have an uncouth appearance—the Coach House should be in the middle and a pediment over it, with a door in the pediment for the purpose of receiving hay& ca—but as the length of the House makes no other difference in the rafters & joice than in the number, they may be set about immediately—in the meantime, if you will let me know the exact distance from the inner range of the Garden wall (which may become part of the gable end of the stable) to the outer range of the New Coach House, & the range of the other Houses above it, and will also inform me of the size of the last Coach House & stables, and how much too small the latter were—I can then form some plan, and make a disposition of the Doors & windows, & transmit it to you; you may also, at the time of furnishing me with these materials to work upon, give me your Ideas of a proper plan, & may consult Evans if he is a man capable of design upon the subject.  I can add no more at present than my best wishes to Mrs Washington & yourself & Milly Posey, and that I am Yr Affecte friend & Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     Mrs Washington begs to be remembered to you and Mrs Washington & Milly Posey in the kindest manner.


Title: General Orders, 9 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Parole
                     C. Signs Wednesday Jany 9. 1782.


Title: General Orders, 10 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Thursday Jany 10. 82.

                  As it is expected that in the Course of the present Winter many of the officers and men belonging to the Army of the United States will be indulged with leave of absence from their Corps for a limited time and as it is absolutely necessary the Strictest punctuallity should be Observed in returning at the expiration of the time for which thier Furloughs are granted, The Commander in Chief has thought proper Thus early in the season to signify his fixed determination to all concerned that every Officer or soldier who shall absent himself beyond the limitation of his Furlough (unless he shall be prevented from returning by some inevitable Misfortune or other Casualty which shall be deemed a sufficient reason for his detention) shall for such conduct be brought to Tryal before a Court Martial.
                  Upon the return of any Officer who may have violated this Order by absenting himself beyond the time of his Furlough report is immediately to be made thereof to the Adjutant General or Deputy Adjt Genl who is to represent the same to the General or Commanding Officer, that the necessary Steps may be Taken without delay.  The mode of proceeding against absent Officers as pointed out by a Resolution of Congress is to be invariably pursued.
                  Soldiers are also to be Tryed and punished in the most summary manner if they will be guilty of a crime so injurious to the public Service as well as to the Interests and feelings of their Brother Soldiers who may in consequence of the long absence of such delinquent be unavoidably debared the gratification of visiting their friends before the Opening of the Campaigne.  The General however cannot but hope by Taking the precaution of causing this public Notice of his intention to be given to the Army, the Disagreeable Consequences will be prevented which might otherwise have Taken place, for he is persuaided whoever will give himself the trouble to reflect will find that, as great indulgencies as are consistent with the public good and justice to individuals are granted in the first instance.  That as a certain Number of Officers and men must be constantly kept in Camp, every Tresspass upon those indulgences is an act of injustice to the individual who is detained in Consequence of it: and probably in the issue to the public.
                  That the most pointed exactness is indispensibly Necessary in all Military affairs, Events unknown and frequently of the greatest Magnitude depending upon it, and that those men who may have attached Themselves to the Service of their Country should consider that the public has a constant claim upon their services which can only be despensed with under certain circumstances and for definite periods of which those intrusted with the regulation of the Army must be supposed to be the most Competent Judges.  No officer or soldier is to be permitted to be absent on Furlough after the Tenth day of April next on any Occasion whatever.
                  The Musters of the Army are with all possible expedition to be completed to the Thirty first day of December last inclusive, after which They are to be taken regularly at the end of every Month and the Rolls Transmitted to the pay Office without delay agreeable to a resolution of Congress of September 25th 1780.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Head-quarters, Highlands January 10th 1782.

                  The regimental tailors are now busily employed in making up the clothing, but their numbers are by no means sufficient—Few, if any have yet arrived from the country.  The clothier has resolved to offer more encouragement.  The inoculation of the troops will deter those who have not had the small-pox, from coming to work in the respective quarters of the regiments.  To remedy this, I intend, if the country tailors should be induced to come in, to have some shops at Fish-kill, Newburgh, or New Windsor, for those who have not had the small-pox, where an officer shall superintend—It is apprehended there are many tailors in the compass of twenty or thirty miles, who will not leave their shops, but at the same time would take home cloth for a number of suits, make it up, bring in the clothes, and take out another quantity.  This is frequently practised at the eastward, when large quantities of clothing are to be made up.  I wish to know your Excellency’s opinion, whether it will be prudent and proper to employ any in this way.
                  When orders came for issuing the clothing, there was an exception to the music as there was a probability of an alteration.  I wish to know whether the matter is determined, respecting them, as many of them are very naked.
                  Desertions from the enemy are frequent, and those who come out say, they will continue.  Five light-horse men from Arnold’s corps lately came out with their horses &c. complete—two of them were deserters from our army.  I ordered them confined in order for trial.  One of them has been tried and is sentenced to suffer death.  I have not yet approved or disapproved the sentence—I am sensible that desertion to the enemy is one of the blackest of crimes, and ought to meet the most exemplary punishment; but in the present state of things, when there are but very few deserters to the enemy, and a great part of those who have deserted and are in the service of the enemy are wishing to return, a doubt arises in my mind whether it be consistent with the principles of policy to execute any of those who come out, as they will put a stop to it, when the infliction of corporal punishment may not.  Even the publication of a sentence of death, although the culprit should be pardoned, will have nearly the same effect as an execution on those who are with the enemy.  I therefore, wish your Excellency’s opinion on this head, whether it will be best to let the law have its due operation and punish those who come out according to their deserts, or otherwise.  I have the honor to be With the highest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 10 January 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Head quarters, Highlands January 10th 1782.

                  I am this moment informed by colonel Hughes, that all the medicine, except seven barrels of sulphur and five cask of other medicine, are gone on for Philadelphia, so that any fresh order for retaining any more of it here, can now answer no purpose.  Such as are wanted must be brought back from Philadelphia.  I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 January 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Philadelphia Jany 10th 1782

                  As Sr Hy Clinton has requested leave that two officers, with cash for the prisoners might be suffered to pass to them I think it unnecessary that Captain Barcly and Lieutenant Hall should be indulged with the liberty of going into New York and intended to mention the matter to your Excellency that if you was of the same opinion our answer on the subject might be similar.
                  I have no doubt but Dr Ledyard is a Gentleman of meri, and that with other men of virtue he has suffered in the cause of his country—It would be a felicitating circumstance indeed if such could be amply rewarded but it is not now in the power of the States to do it.  An invitation is given to a number of Gentlemen sufficient to fill the Hospital department upon the late arrangement—The seniors in the department have been invited to continuethe supernumeraries therefore will be the  juniors—This much I supposed would be less injurious to the feelings of those who must retire than any other and as much for the public interest.
                  I do not see that any thing farther is to be done respecting the officers mentioned to your Excellency by General Parsons—Those who incline to retire will be entered as retiring officers those who do not must at present remain—If in the Spring the regiments should be compleatly filled, and those officers then not able to do duty the matter can be taken up and considered.
                  I will have the pleasure of calling to morrow evening.  I have the honor to be Dr General your affectionate humble servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 10th January 1782.

                  I shall be glad to meet you here tomorrow Evening at 7 OClock on the business of the allowance of servants to Officers.  You will be pleased to bring with you any Resolves of Congress or Papers which may be relative to the Matter.
                  Inclosed is a letter from General Mcdougal recommending Docr Ledyard to a continuance in the new Hospital arrangement.  I have no particular knowledge of the Gentleman—consequently have nothing to say agt him or in his favor—You have also inclosed a Letter from General Hazen to me on the subject of a request from Capt. Barclay and Lieut. Hall for permission to go to New York—It appears that Genl Hazen has written to you on the same subject, I shall be glad to know your determination, that I may answer him accordingly.  I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 11 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 11th January 1782

                  I had, yesterday Evening, the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 2d.  I am apprehensive that you have misunderstood the full meaning of my letter of the 6th of December, as I infer from yours that you suppose the meeting of Commissioners is intended principally to facilitate the exchange of prisoners.  That will undoubtedly be one of the objects: but the primary one will be "to liquidate the expences of maintaining prisoners and to make solid arrangements for providing for them in future."  The mere business of exchange is so well settled and understood that our respective Commissaries are competent to the adjustment of that point.
                  As the Commissioners named by me will go fully prepared for the purposes I have mentioned, I have thought it proper to be thus explicit with your Excellency that there may be no disappointment.  I shall await your answer, after which the time and place shall be fixed.
                  The American Commissary General of Prisoners has directions to send in Twenty Cords of Wood for the use of our prisoners.  You will be pleased to grant passports upon his application for that quantity, and for a person to go in and make the proper distribution of it.
                  I shall forward the packet for the Count de Rochambeau by the first oppertunity.  I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obt and humble servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 11 January 1782
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Trenton 11th January 1782

                  I think I have very authentic intelligence from New York that General Clinton (and such kind of enterprizes are the ne plus ultra of some Generals) has contracted with a party to take the mail from the Post who rides from Philadelphia to Morristown; & that they purpose to execute their design in the mountains between Pluckhimin & Basken–ridge.
                  I have recommended Coll Lawrence who is a member of our Council & the bearer of this, to Lord Stirling if your Excellency should be otherways too deeply engaged, for such intelligence as may be necessary for a particular purpose in contemplation, which I believe him very capable of giving.  I have the honour to be with the greatest esteem Dear Sir Your Excellency’s most humble & most obedient Servant

                     Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 11 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia Janry 11th 1782

                  I have been favoured with your Letter of the 2nd Inst. and am much obliged by your congratulations on the success of the Campaign.
                  The Papers respecting the case of Doctor Ledyard have duly been laid before the Secretary at War, from whom the following Answer has been received.
                  "I have no doubt but Doctor Ledyard is a Gentleman of Merit, and that with other Men of virtue he has suffered in the cause of his Country—It would be a felicitating circumstance indeed if all could be amply rewarded, but it is not now in the power of the States to do it.  An invitation is given to a number of Gentlemen sufficient to fill the Hospital Department upon the late Arrangement—The Seniors in the Department have been invited to continue, the Supernumeraries therefore will be the Junior—This mode I have supposed would be less injurious to the feelings of those who must retire than any other, and as much for the public good."
                  I am very happy to hear of the tranquility and good humour which prevail in the Garrison; and am particularly pleased with the attention & exertion of the Officers, for the future I cannot but hope, from the regular train in which the business of the several Departments will be placed, that both Officers & Men will be made more convenient in their situation, & find greater reason to be satisfied with the service, than they have hitherto had.  With great regard & esteem I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt
                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 12 January 1782
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Chatham January 12th 1782

                  I had the honor of writing to your Excellency the 27th Ultimo and enclosing some returns &c. in which I mentioned some particulars respecting a persone whom I then had, confined in Irons.  Bruin, who first gave notice of Sir Harry’s correspondence with the Pensylvanian revolters, and whom they have held in irons since that period in New York, I have got enlarged.  And McMichael has been permitted to go in, upon condition that he shall also, immediately liberate Pool or return in ten days.
                  In my last I mentioned that several British Regts were under orders for embarkation, since which time I have been informed, that they did not move, but that a number of Hessians less than one thousand had sailed.
                  I have enclosed Lt.Colonel DeHart’s resignation which he begs your Excellency would be pleased to accept of publicly—I have also enclosed the necessary certificate for him with one for Majr Hollinghead, who I am told has resigned likewise.
                  The usual impositions with regard to flags are still practised upon us at Elizabeth town in a greater degree than ever—the circulation of a great number of news & other papers at the expence of Government, the safe channel they afford for communicating & receiving matters of intelligence as well as for the illicit trade, among the number of those abuses.  I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obdt Hbl servant

                     Elias Dayton


Title: From George Washington to Moses Hazen, 12 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Janry 12 1782

                  I have received Your favor of the 6th of Janry by Judge Atlee.
                  As the Secry at War has given you directions respecting Captain Barclay & Lt Hall who solicited leave to go into New York; I have nothing farther to observe on the subject except that business of this kind will in future go regularly thro the Channel of the War Office; but at the same time, I entirely approve of your precaution in detaining those Gentlemen untill you should receive instructions respecting their destination, from the Minister of War.  With great regard & esteem I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 12 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 12th January 1782.

                  Your favor of the 8th came to hand this morning.  The Director General is not in town; but that the business of innoculation may not be unnecessarily delayed, I have desired Docr Bond to give directions to Docr Ledyard to take out the Medicine proper for the occasion.  I have no directions to give respecting the remainder.  I suppose there were good reasons for ordering the whole here: indeed I am told the greater part must undergo a preparation in the Elaboratory before it can be used.
                  I am so anxious to obtain the Returns called for, that I may transmit them to the States, that I cannot help again wishing you to expedite them as much as possible.  You need not call for those of the York and Jersey Lines.  They will be transmitted immediately to me.  I am with much Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 12 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 12th-13 January 1782

                  On receiving Your Excellency’s favor of the 1st instant by Lord Stirling, I immediately set about making the necessary enquiry respecting the post said to be taken by the Enemy near Egg Harbour, and had I found the report well grounded, I should have concerted measures to have dislodged them—From the best information I have been able to obtain: particularly from General Forman who is now in Town, no lodgment ever was made upon Osburns Island or at any other place.  A constant intercourse is carried on by Water between the Refugees and the Inhabitants, but that, no force which I could spare would prevent, as they would, if kept out of one inlet, make use of another for their purpose—It is in vain to expect that pernicious and growing traffic will ever be stopped, untill the States pass laws against it, making the penalty, death.  This I long ago foresaw and recommended.  We are I believe the only nation who suffer their people to carry on a commerce with the enemy in time of War.
                  It is a pity but that Villain Moody would be apprehended lurking in the Country, in a manner that would bring him under the description of a Spy.  When he was taken before, he was in Arms—in his proper uniform—with a party—and had his Commission in his packet—It was, therefore, a matter of great doubt whether he could be considered otherwise than a prisoner of War—It was said he had been inlisting men in the Country but no proof of the kind ever appeared.  I have the honor to be With great and Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant
                  Go: Washington

                     P.S. 13th
                     I have recd Your Excellency’s favour of the 11th by Colonel Laurence who confirms the accounts I had of the situation of matters upon the Coast, and adds, that an adequate water force can alone remove the evil.  I am obliged by Your information respecting the intended attempt upon the Mail, which I think probable—I shall give notice of it to the post Master and to public Bodies that they may be carefull how they send dispatches of consequence by the post.  An Escort of Horse already travels with the post Rider from Kings ferry to Morristown which was thought the most dangerous stage.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 12 January 1782
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Williamsburgh, the 12th of Jany 1782.

                  I receive this instant your Excellency’s Letter of the 31st Ulto.  I don’t doubt but the embarkation which was to set sail from New york had its destination for Charlestown,  I write to the Chevr de La Luzerne that the intelligence which I had sent him, of the arrival of a Squadron from France, to the Count de Grasse in the West indies, is either false or premature, because on the 29th 8bre that the frigate La Sybille sailed, The Royal Louis, the Terrible and all the other men of war were yet at Brest, but that a formidable armament was preparing for the East and West indies.  I am with respect and personal Esteem, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and humble servant

                     le Cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hutchins, 14 January 1782
From: Hutchins, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philada 14th Janry 1782.

                  I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency that agreeable to your advice, I presented the Minister of War with my Account, and a few days ago requested him to inform me when I might expect to be equiped to set out for the Southward.  He answered it could not be done sooner than five of Six Months, and perhaps not then.  This being the case, I humbly pray, rather than remain idle, that your Excellency will favor me with indulgence to accompany the Commissioners who are appointed, and will shortly set out, to finish the Boundary Line between this State and Virginia.  The Minister of War was so obliging as to permit me to make Use of his Name to your Excellency and mention that as it is his opinion that we shall shortly be obliged either to repair Fort Pitt, or seek a proper situation in its vicinity to erect a Fortress on, in either case I can be Useful when upon the Spot, but at any rate, I should have it in my power to choose a number of such Situations as might prefer, and be able also to bring with me Plans and occasional Remarks, for the inspection and Approbation of your Excellency or those whose particular province it may be.  His Excellency the President of this State informed me the other day that hearing I was unemployed, and being desirous I should be one of the Commissioners for running the boundary Line, He had, with the Executive Council Nominiated me one of them; and that he would have requested your Excellency’s Permission for me to accompany them, but conceived that my being a federal Officer and under your immediate Command, an application from myself would be more proper and, consequently more agreeable to your Excellency.  I beg pardon for the trouble I have occasioned you and am With the most respectful Regard Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most Humble Servant

                     Tho: Hutchins


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 14 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 14th Janry 1782

                  I do myself the honor to transmit your Excellency a packet which I received under a flying Seal from Sir Henry Clinton.  I took the liberty to mention to Colo. Ternant that his exchange was compleated.  Captains Bert and le Brun are I believe at Charlottville with Colo. Armand.
                  Should your Excellency incline to exchange Lord Rawdon for any American Officer, I would wish you to insist upon his being considered of the Rank of Brigadier General—  Sir Henry Clinton confesses he appointed him as such and if my memory does not fail me he has acted in that Capacity: and instead of exchanging him by composition for some of our full Colonels, it will be more agreeable to our practice to set him against an Officer of his own Rank; in which case Brigadier Genl Moultrie of south Carolina will be intitled to the preference.  I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 14 January 1782
From: Alexander, William Lord Stirling
To: Washington, George

                     Janry 14th 1782

                  Memorandums for immediate Consideration
                  If it should be found to be true that the Enemy’s armed Vessels are detained in the Ice in Lake Champlain, would it not be very proper to send of a party to bring away their Cannon Riging &c. and to destroy the Vessels.
                  If the Object of an Expedition is Confined to this; 800 or 1000 Men will be Sufficient and the Chief preparation will be in getting about 300 Sleys ready for the purpose.
                  If the Winter should Come on more Severe and so as to render the Waters adjacent to the Island of New York unnavigable and Consequently the Ships of force Useless will it not be a favourable time to Attempt that place, In Sleys we may be on the Island in 24 hours from the time we Start from the Highlands, If harlem River is frozen we may Cross on the Ice and be near the City in less than two hours they would have no troops but those in the City to defend it, they could have no reinforcements from either Long Island or Staten Island: but what would come too late.  the fortifications should be Avoided as much as possible, they must of Course fall afterwards, if they Ice is doubtfull the boats maybe used 15 or 20 of which can easily be brought on Sleys and should at all events move with the Army.
                  If the Attempt on New York should prove Successfull, there may perhaps be time enough to execute the Expedition to the Northward Afterward, and upon a larger Scale with a force sufficient to reduce St John & Montreal.  The Inducements to such a Conquest are too Many and too Obvious to need mentioning.  But one Circumstance is alone Sufficient to interest every State in the Union in the Success of it.  While the Brittish possess the River St Lawrence from the Mouth of the Sorels upwards, they have Access to the Rear of every State on the Continent; thro’ Lake Champlain & Lake George they have Avenues to the Rear of All the New England States New York & New Jersey, thro’ Lake Ontario and Lake Erie they have easy Access to the Rivers Ohio and Missisippi and of Course into Pensilvania, Virginia and all the Southern States. no treaties will Secure our frontiers while the Brittish are in possession of that part of Canada they will break up our Settlements whenever they please and lay the blame on the Indians;  It would be a happy Circumstance to us, to be in possession of it, at the Conclusion of a peace.

                     Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 14 January 1782
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Poughkeepsie Jany 14th 1782.

                  I was honored with Your Excellency’s Favour of the 31st December on the 10th inst.
                  As I mean to have an Index in each Volume, as well as a General one to each Set of A.B. & C., when completed, I shall commence the former when Paper arrives & hereafter draft them, as fast as the respective Volumes are filled; the latter, must be left undone till the whole Business is executed.  It will be necessary to fix on a Day, to which Time, the whole are to be recorded and when the general Index is to commence; I shall be happy to be favored with Your Excellency’s Directions therein.
                  I shall write to Mr Fonda, to be informed whether he yet is & means to continue (more than nominally) an Officer in the York Line; If so, Mr Ray shall be employed as soon as possible.  His Services will not be of as long Duration as that of the others, unless I find him capable of transcribing the Indexes neatly in the different Volumes, which, together with the Letters & Papers of D. & F., will nearly employ one the whole Time.
                  Your Excellency’s Directions respecting the Writers, relieve me from Trouble & they very readily acquiesce in the Terms on which their Services are expected; The Hopes of receiving Cash, silences all their Difficulties in this Respect.
                  As the Writers do not attend the Office on Sundays, it will, probably, answer no valuable End, in Practice, to let them know that I am at Liberty to make Allowances for any Purposes whatever.  And they will be satisfied to make up Deficiencies, not occasioned by public Holydays, Sickness or unavoidable Accident; in such Cases I shall not require a Compensan.
                  Agreeable to your Excellency’s Directions I do inclose an Account of Services rendered by each Writer; I did suppose a Certificate necessary in any Case, but where the Writers are discharged & have inclosed ’em accordingly.  Sickels, Glean & Hughes still continue.
                  I have written Colo. Tilghman, requesting him to procure from the Secretary of Congress a List of the Dates of Election or Appointment of the Governors &ca of the respective States since their Organizations after 1775., to enable me to complete the Addresses of the Civil Letters already & to be recorded & to make the Indexes.  I wish to index those Letters doubly, under the Titles of their States as well as the Sirnames of the Governors.  I wish Your Excellency the Complimints of the Season & am very respectfully Your most Obedt Hble Servt

                     Richd Varick


Title: To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 15 January 1782
From: Schuyler, Philip John
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Albany January 15th 1782

                  Agreable to your Excellency’s order, in August last, Brigr Gen: Clinton left me a Guard, of one Serjeant one Corporal and Eleven privates, chiefly aged and Infirm men, he has lately ordered them to be reduced to a corporals guard.  It is now a notorious fact that three parties have been expressly sent from Canada to take or put me to death; Capt: Brownson lately returned from Canada, A Mr Sheppard of Tryon County, A Mr Miller of Saratoga, and others who have made communications to the commissioner for detecting conspiracies, all agree, that the British are determined to get me into their possession.  The Imprudence of the commissioner for expecting conspiracies to whom, in order to save a person employed by me, I was under the necessity of communicating some secret matters, and which have been divulged have rendered the Enemys inveteracy still greater.  And I am persuaded, that even with my former Guards, I shall run some risk, both in person, and property, and that without such an one, I must remove myself and family to a place of great security.  I have therefore to entreat Your Excellency the favor of an order to Gen. clinton to recompleat the Guard, as he left it In August last.
                  Yesterday I received advice that the people in the grants had generally assembled In town meetings, had declared their apprehensions that a communal intercourse prevailed between some of their people and the british, and  on an examination of the conduct of the suspected persons, and had by a great majority of the towns voted that a relinquishment should be made of their late extended claim both on the east & west.  The latter part of this Intelligence is this moment confirmed to me in such a manner that I have not a doubt remaining of its truth, and I have reason to believe that the former part is not without foundation.  With every wish which affection and Esteem can inspire I am My dear Sir Your Obedient Servant

                     Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Hutchins, 16 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hutchins, Thomas

                     Sir
                     Philada 16th January 1782

                  In answer to yours of the 14th I can only say, it is my earnest wish you should proceed, if possible, to the southern Army, where you could probably, for some time to come, employ yourself most advantageously; the enemy appearing, by the latest accounts, to have left us in possession of the whole Country, except the Vicinities of Charles Town and Savannah—permitting you to accept the appointment of one the Commissioners on the part of Pennsylvania, to settle the Boundary between that State and Virginia, or giving you liberty to accompany the commissioners on that Business, does not lay with me.  Should it be thought necessary, or that it would conduce to the public good, the previous application must be made to Congress; but I confess to you, I think you will, with more propriety, still make it your endeavour to get to the southward.  I am Sir Yr most obt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 17 January 1782
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Windsor Jany 17. 1782

                  Last evening I received letters from Major Claiborne D. Qr Master for Virginia, dated the 23d & 24th ulto extracts from which I beg leave to inclose.
                  I have procured returns of the boats in the North river, agreeably to your Excellency’s directions in your letter of the 14th ulto.  I wait for the returns of stores in this district which I wrote for before I left Philadelphia; I expect shortly to receive them.
                  Colo. Miles has informed me that delays have happened in the carriage of letters from Count de Rochambeau: The most probable cause is the want of moniy to support the Expresses.  Before I left Virginia the chain was fixed from the Bowling Green northward, agreeably to your orders; and fearing the want of money might occasion failures, I authorized Major Claiborne to apply to this use so much of the money arising from the sale of the stores at York Town as should be necessary. He was to sell such only as were not necessary for the public service.  Mr Yeates informs me that the want of money for the riders, renders it extremely difficult for him to forward letters thro’ his district.  I have the honour to be with great respect your Excellency’s most obedt h’ble servant

                     Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.

                Enclosure

                           23-24 December 1781

                     Extract from Major Claiborne’s letter of Decr 23d 1781. Dated at Richmond.
                     "Colo. Edward Carrington has been here many days, and his efforts with mine have been used to obtain the means of transportation for the stores from York Town, now at this place; to the southern army; but our applications both to the Assembly and Executive have been unsuccessful.  The hospitals at Williamsburgh, Todds-bridge and Fredericksburgh are still in the greatest distress, & I see no way of relieving them.  The legion under the command of Colonel Armand, sent by his Excellency General Washington to recruit at Charlotteville, can scarcely exist.  The prisoners at Winchester are in a calamitous situation."

                     Extract from M. Clairborne’s letter dated at Richmond Decr 24. 1781.
                     "Government decline advancing any thing farther for the Continent: I have neither means nor credit as a public officer, or the power of impressing; and therefore see no way but that the Continental horses within the state must perish for the want of forage, or be sold, the latter of which I will direct to be done, before they shall be an entire loss."—"A party of men belonging to Colo. Armand’s legion, with four officers & thirty hogsheads of cloathing and accoutrements arrived yesterday in the harbour of Richmond, to be forwarded to Charlotteville; but I am perfectly at a loss how they will be got on; no waggons, or ways of procuring them."


Title: General Orders, 18 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters. Philadelphia Friday. Januy 18. 1782.
                     Parole
                     C. Signs

                  The Operating force of the Army having Suffered great deminution by the Number of Soldiers made use of as Servants by persons of different denominations not immediately connected with the line,
                  The General anxious to have the Regiments in the most collected State and as respectable as possible at the opening of the ensuing Campaigne, Orders that infuture no person belonging to the civil Staff be permitted to take a Soldier as a Servant, and that those Gentlemen in that Department who now have such return them to their respective Regiments, or Corps on or before the first day of April next, by which time he hopes they will be able to provide Themselves otherwise without inconvenience.
                  Officers Commanding Corps are desired to pay particular Attention to this order, and directed immediately to recall such of their men as are absent without proper authority: especially those with officers who have retired from the Service.
                  The General is astonished to find by the returns that some of the absentees are accounted for in the manner last Mentioned.


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 18 January 1782
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     January the 18th 1782.

                  It would have given me Satisfaction to have paid my Compliments to Yr Excellency when You passed thro’ this County; but when You were coming from the Northward I supposed on Account of the short Stay you made at Mt Vernon that it would be more agreeable to be without Company and therefore did not think of doing it; and when You returned, You were departed again before I heard of it.  Yet it is some Satisfaction to me to do it in writing, and to assure You that I can yeild to none of your Friends in point of Attachment to You, not doubting but it will last always, as I find not the least Diminution, of that Regard which was so much heightened by your friendly Kindness to me when in distress.  In Answer to your Favor when You inclosed Mrs Bomford’s Letter I think I inform’d Yr Excelly, that I intended to consult with some one with regard to Mrs Savage’s Affairs, and accordingly desired Mr Nicholas to apply to the Attorney to undertake it and since that I have heard Nothing about it.
                  As I mentioned in that Letter so I must repeat it in this that I hope You will not take the trouble to write in Return, as otherwise I should not have writ at this time when I had nothing particular to require it.  I remain with great Regard Yr Excellency’s most obliged & Obedt Servt

                     Bryan Fairfax


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 18 January 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Head quarters, Highlands January 18. 1782.

                  I was not honored with yours of the 3d and 8th instant until yesterday.  Their contents shall be duly observed.  But I scarcely know what to do with respect to sending the 10th Massachusetts regiment to Albany.  The troops are now under inoculation, and as yet unclad.  There are upwards of one hundred men in the regiment who are to have the small-pox.  The moment the men are clothed, such as have had the small-pox shall march for Albany; but it will be some time before they are ready.  If your Excellency wishes a detachment from the army to march before the regiment is ready, it shall be immediately done, on being signified.  The two regiments of the 2d Connectiut brigade shall be held in readiness to march; but these as well as the 10th Massachusetts, and all the other regiments, have upwards of one hundred men each to undergo inoculation.  The two New Hampshire regiments are Quartered at the different posts in the northern district, both at the northward and on the Mohawk river.  I some time since recommended to general Stark to have the two New Hampshire regiments inoculated for the small-pox, if it could be done without endangering the inhabitants.  The distemper has proved very mortal here in the natural way—upwards of a dozen died before the inoculation took place.
                  The instructions from the secretary at war respecting the issue of provisions under the contract did not come to hand until yesterday.  He has refered many things to my determination.  I wish they had been determined at Philadelphia, but I will aim to do the best in my power.  I wish to be informed what rations or subsistence colonel-commandants of brigades are to be allowed—what are to be allowed the quarter master generals department—what sum is to be allowed to the officers for their rations or as subsistence money.  Is the extra ration which has been allowed to officers, and which was to be continued until the further order of Congress, still to be continued, or to cease?  The officers are anxious to know.  Permit me to request your answers to these several matters, if convenient, before the first day of February, at which time it is intended a strict conformity to the new system shall be observed.  The instructions not coming in season, has prevented it in part, this month.  A very great saving will be made to the public.  I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath

                     P.S.  Yesterday and the day before, a serjeant and seven dragoons of Arnold’s corps, with nine horses, furniture, &c. complete came here.  They were part of a foraging party of eighteen horse and some infantry, who came out towards Phillips’s.  They all agree that the whole corps will come off if they were certain of receiving a pardon– and ardently wish to hear of a pardon from your Excellency.
                     The state of New York are become almost out of patience for a settlement of the accounts of forage consumed by the allied army in West Chester county.  I have obtained colonel Pickering’s return of the horses, oxen, &c. kept there by the american army.  Without a like return from the french, it will be impossible to make a settlement.  Fifty recruits have this day arrived from Massachusetts.  I have the honor to be, as before

                     W. Heath