Title: To George Washington from James Wilkinson, 11 October 1780
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir

                        Trovose October 11th 1780

                  I had this moment the honor to receive your Letter of the 5th
                     Inst., and should instantly obey your Excellencys Commands was I possessed of
                     means necessary for the Purpose; I shall go to Philadelphia Tomorrow morning
                     & as soon as my private credit or the public funds can furnish me the
                     small sum necessary to defray my traveling expences, shall set off for your
                     Quarters: In the mean time I must beg leave to trouble your Excellency with the
                     inclosed copies of my Official transactions, and I hope it will appear
                     therefrom that I have not been defective in Duty. I am ignorant of the measures
                     which the Board or War or their agents (the absolute
                     Providous of Clothing) have adopted since the Return of
                     which I inclose a copy, was made, having not ever been
                     honored with any communication on the subject; tho, I am very apprehensive that
                     their confidence in the Capital supply exported from France has suspended every
                     object of domestic Provision; The articles of Clothing which I have since
                     received being inconsiderable, a transcript of Mr Moylans Issues since this
                     Return deducted from the Quantity represented therein will exhibit our
                     Situation: I have heard that Congress furnished the Board of War with £20,000
                     Stg some time ago for the purposes of the Clothing Department but when, where,
                     how or for what Articles this trifling Sum has been appropriated I know not,
                     however I hourly expect to receive the proceeds, which at best will afford us
                     but little releif, if we are absolutely disappointed in our European
                     expectations; I am sorry to inform your Excellency that I am equally uninformed
                     with regard to the steps taken by the different States, but I dread
                        from the arrangment of our finances & the
                     distracted state of our civil Polity that their exertions, if they have made
                     any, are feeble & insufficient.
                  I have this Day received a Letter of the 23rd Ultmo from the
                     Maryland State Clothier at Petersburgh requesting to know when he might apply
                     for Clothing, & representing the wretched Condition of the regiment
                     of that Line, which from the total loss of baggage in the affair near Camden
                     are reduced to the distressing situation, however as they have the advantage of
                     a temperate Clime I shall write Governor Lee requesting him to make the best
                     provision he can for them & will let him know that we have no prospect
                     of being able to furnish any supply from this Quarter.
                  By advice from Springfield of the 13th Ultmo I find that my
                     Deputy at that place had no prospect of geting forward the small quantity of
                     Winter Clothing there on Hand, every department having exhausted its credit
                     & being monnyless, when this evil is removed I hope we shall be able
                     with the remnants which may be scraped together & the
                     strands at New Burgh, if they should prove of good quality,
                     to collect Woollens sufficient to make 700 or 1000 Suits, buttons can be easily
                     obtained & if I can by any means pick up thread & lining, I
                     think, as the only resource, that they can be made up by regimental detachments
                     of Taylors, who may immediately go to work either at Morris Town or New Burgh.
                  The Hide Department has not escaped the Fate of the other
                     branches of the civil staff; The want of a few essential regulations in the
                     present System, has originated a diversity of opinion respecting its merits,
                     this Circumstance & the total absence of Money has thrown it into much
                     disorder & confusion; we must not therefore expect the substantial
                     assistance from this source which we have hitherto experienced: the inclosed
                     copy of a Letter to the Board of War will shew your Excellency the footing on
                     which I have held myself & now stand with the Department. My
                     Circumscribed office being literally Commissarial, I can be answerable only for
                     the equal & seasonable distribution of the Articles I receive, and this
                     must depend in a great measure on the Qr M. Generals Department: whilst my
                     Friend Mr Moylan attended to & discharged this Duty satisfactorily, I
                     conceived that my presence would be most essential here, in order to make
                     representations to Congress & the Board of War, to attend the frequent
                     calls of the latter, to obtain Monies, whilst to be had, for the Commissaries
                     of Hides and to keep my Papers properly arranged. if I have not wrote your
                     Excellency so often as I ought to have done, I hope I shall be excused when I
                     protest upon Honor, that I have been influenced by the conviction of the
                     Presumption
                     impertinence & Gasconade of intruding
                        immaterial concerns of Office on Moments imployed in  of National Importance, and I have the honor to be Your
                     Excellencys much Obliged & ready Hble servant

                     James Wilkinson

                Enclosure

                        Copy of a letter to the Board of War
                        Gentlemen
                        Morris Town Jany 4th 1780

                     The active and laborious duty to which I am personally exposed
                        for want of Authority to employ such assistants as emergencies render
                        necessary has prevented my appraising your Honble Board of matters which
                        claim instant attention—Just before I left Philada I rec’d thro Mr Secry
                        Stoddert a request from your Hon’ble Board to take the direction under your
                        instructions of the Hide departt and altho this undertaking exposed me to
                        additional perplexity and trouble not enjoined by the Office under which I
                           act my desire to promote the public Interest of
                        Comfort of the Army induced my chearfull acquiescence. In consequence
                        thereof & on the presumption of ample Authority I have called on Mr Hetfield for a settlement of his
                        Accounts & have forbid in the mean time his disposing of any more
                        Hides, as I have detected great irregularity confusion & incapacity
                        in his Office and am very fearfull of great fraud, indeed had I power I
                        should instantly arrest from his hands every Visible property of the States
                        & compel an immediate Settlement. but I find from the instructions
                        above refered to which I have since rec’d from Mr Stoddert that the Measures
                        I have adopted on this Occasion are vain & ridiculous, as the
                        Commissaries of Hides are in those instructions placed on a most liberal
                        footing, independent of other Authority than your Honble Board, Judges of
                        their own conduct and are only to take the advice & instructions of
                        the Clothier General on common occasions at their own discretion—I shall
                        therefore wave any further procedure in this Case & Unless I am
                        invested with power to suspend principles & remove such subordinates
                        as I may detect in improper or dishonest Conduct subject on appeal to the final decision of your Honble
                           Board I must beg leave to decline any other connection with the Dept. than what is specified in the Act of Congress of the 25th
                        of July—I hope the Honble Board will do mi the justice to believe that I am
                        not actuated herein by a thirst of Power or a desire of disunion with the
                        dept., on the contrary I shall be happy to employ the information and
                        knowledge I have obtained of the Business for the public emolument—but I
                        must acknowledge so much of self love as to decline that Connexion which
                        would involve me in the honor or disgrace of the Office without having
                        Authority to enforce such Measures as I might deem Necessary to promote the
                        former purpose, I think my duty to remark to your Honble Board that altho’
                        your instructions might in the hands of Men of delicacy Capacity &
                        Industry answer the purpose sought after yet should their exertions depend
                        on persons Who want those refinements the public will be subject to vast
                        imposition & abuse, for there realy is not under its present
                        establishment in the whole Circle of public Offices one which is so open to
                        peculation as the Hide Depart. it is therefore my Opinion that the
                        Characters of Conduct of the principals, and what I find more important, of
                        their Subordinates should be frequently scrutinized & their Accots
                        ought to undergo a particular Examination at least once in Six Months, not
                        by the Commissioners of Accounts who cannot possess the Necessary Materials
                        or knowledge for the Occasion but by the powers which
                        governs them—at present I can discern no check or restraint on the Dept. and
                        I am sensible they have been much needed in the instance of Mr Hetfield, tho
                        I think it my duty here to diclare that I believe he has acted with good
                        designs and that his own imprudence or incapacity & an implicit
                        confidence in Mr Stansbury has involved him his present Situation.
                     On my late arrival at New Windsor I found that Mr Stansbury
                        out of the 2000 Hides ordered to Mr Henry by the Honble Board, had Sent on
                        not quite four hundred of these at the Mercy of Private Waggons; I
                        immediately applyed for Teams to carry on the remainder but could not obtain
                        them nor is there at present any prospect of bringing them forward for such
                        is the difficulty of Transport on this Communication that we have not yet
                        been able to bring up the small Quantity of Clothing remaining on hand at
                        Newburgh.
                     When I undertook the Clothing Office I found it necessary in
                        order to extricate the Dept. from the prodigalty & distraction with
                        which it was conducted, to have no sort of retrospect to antecedent issues,
                        which had been almost Universally directed by no other Rule than the wants
                        instead of the just due of the Soldiery &
                        I perceived it was indispensable both for regularity of accounts &
                        for equal Justice to the Nation & the Army that a given period for
                        the Commencement of the Issue & the principle on which they were
                        made should be established, I applied to the General on the Occasion who
                        confirmed my wishes, by directing that the Clothing Issued by me should be
                        on Account of the present Year, my Accounts have been opened accordingly
                        & as soon as the Continental Bounty is issued to the Troops stopages
                        will commence which besides a great Salvage to the public will have various
                        other good effects, all the Clothing which I have rec’d with the States
                        supplies which we could obtain Information of were found, on a Calculation
                        made before the Commencement of the General issues to fall vastly short of
                        the Continental bounty, the General therefore excluded every Man who was not
                        enlisted during the War or for the present Winter & altho’ we have
                        practised this & every other possible care & Œconomy I find
                        that the Coats & Vests are deficient at least 1/5 the Breeches
                        & Overalls collectively 1/2 the Shirts, Hose & Blankets 3/4
                        under these Circumstances the Situation of the Troops beggars all
                        description—Tis not my Business to quote particular Instances of
                        Wretchedness nor will I wound the sensibility of the Honble Board thereby,
                        but I will take the Liberty to remark that the Manly perseverence &
                        virtuous resignation of the Soldiery under the compound Calamity of
                        Starvation & Nakedness transcends past examples & exceeds
                        credibility.
                     If it is practicable I shall in person attend your Honble
                        Board before the 20th Inst. and will then lay before you the particular
                        State & Conduct of my Department. In the Mean time &c.

                        J. Wilkinson

                Enclosure

                        Extract of a Letter to the Board of War,
                        Gentlemen
                        Phia August 8th 1780

                     I have the honor to inclose you a general State of the
                        Clothing now on Hand agreable to the latest reports of my Deputies,
                        & I must beg leave to call your particular attention to the Article of Shirts, the supply of which has
                        been so inconsiderable as to keep the Troops constantly destitute of this
                        essential part of their bounty—Since my last general State of the Department
                        we have made few other, than contingent Issues a return whereof is at
                        present very unimportant, however if it is required it shall be forthwith
                        made out—If the French Fleet have brought any Clothing to NewPort, I conceive
                        it will be proper in order to avoid accidents or abuse to bring it forward
                        to New Burgh or Springfield, or at least to get it into Continental
                        Possession—I am sorry it is not in my Power to make you acquainted with the
                        Circumstances of the State supplies, as I have never been able to obtain the
                        necessary Information from their respective Clothiers—I am &c.

                        J. Wilkinson
                        Clothier

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Extract of a letter, August 10th 1780

                     I beg leave to communicate to the Honble Board that I have
                        received a letter of the 22nd Ultmo from Col. Brodhead containing a
                        requisition for the ensuing Winters Clothing & representing that the
                        Woollens forwarded to him last fall are mostly worn out, and I must at the
                        same time inform them that I have received no account of the appropriation
                        of that considerable supply—My Ignorance of the Establishment or Object of
                        that Department disqualifies me for making any calculation of the Provision
                        necessary at this Juncture, and as the Office of Providore is not
                        comprehended in my Duty I beg leave to submit the affair wholely to the
                        Honb. Board.
                     I again repeat my request that I may be furnished with the
                        Account against my Deputies, comprehending the Articles they have rec’d from
                           Messrs Mease & Measam, as necessary to the
                        settlement of my Accounts. I am &c.

                        J. Wilkinson
                        Clor Gnl

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        October 8th 1780

                     Being informed that Congress have it in Contemplation to
                        reform the various Staff Departments, I think it my Duty to lay before your
                        Excellency my Objections to the Arrangement of the Clothing Department; and
                        at the same time I must beg leave to offer for your examination a plan on
                        which I conceive the office may be conducted with the greatest Oconomy
                        & effect.
                     By the present establishment all domestic supplies depend on
                        the Board of War & the States. they being severally Authorized by
                        Congress to purchase on Continental Account; the latter for the particular
                        advantage of their respective Troops & the former for the general
                        Interest of the Army. In my Opinion the most essential branch of the
                        Department requires immediate attention as it is evidently fraught with the
                        most destructive consequences, when we reflect that the average Price of
                        Clothing here is at least 500 ⅌ Ct on the European cost. we must certainly
                        condemn all domestic Purchases but if Misfortune, disappointment &
                        consequent emergencies make it indispensable, we certainly should study to
                        do it on the most Oconomical plan. The Number of Agents & their
                        Subordinates which are found Necessary to execute the
                        present mode of Provision are alone a grevious Tax on the Country, but the
                        Capital Injury Originates in the competition consequent on a variety of
                        Purchasers who never act in Concord & therefore cannot  sacraficing Public Interest to Individual Avarice,
                        This Fact was illustrated in Philadelphia last fall & Winter
                           when the Virginia, the Delaware, the Pensylvania
                        & the Jersey Sub. Clothiers with the Continental Agent were at the
                        same point of Time purchasing for their seperate Interests out of a common
                        Fund: The Natural dependence between the States & the Continent
                        which this composition of Interests involves will I fear
                        prove the source of disappointment & perplexity as long as it is
                        continued; the locality of four States incapacitates them for making any
                        Provision with certainty conducive for Oconomy &
                        the remoteness of others may render the transport of all distinct supplies
                        or refreshments for their respective Troops, difficult, precarious,
                        expensive, & perhaps seasonably impracticable;
                        this disadvantage was experienced by the No. Carolinians whilst serving
                           with the grand Army & the
                        Eastern troop will be liable to the same inconvenience if
                        they should in the progress of the War operate to the Southward.
                     The Clothing thus provided is made up under the direction of
                        the respective Purchasers & is delivered by the Board of War to the
                        Clothier General & by the States to their respective
                           Clothiers, and is Issued in a strict conformity to the
                        Ordinance of Congress of the 23rd March 1779 as is possible, but it is
                        impossible from the following Camps to carry that System
                        into execution, viz. 1stly because partial Issues are frequently made
                        without the knowledge or order of the Clor Genl or his
                        Assistant. 2ndly Because the State Clothiers are seldom (& many of
                        them never)
                         the Army and their representatives in Camp are
                        capable of giving little or no Information respecting their Proceedings.
                     3rdly Because exact Returns can never be obtained from the
                        Sub. Clothiers of the goods they receive from their respective States, for
                        knowing that such supplies are to be directed from their
                        proportion of the general Stock they expect by  the
                        Quantity in their Returns, to increase their Proportion out of the
                        Continental Store: hence it follows that the Troops of some States are well
                        Clad whilst others who have not the same local advantages are half
                        naked—Besides we are daily obliged to Issue in detail to the Additional
                        Corps detachments & and these pointed infractions of the Ordinance
                        are inevitable from the desulatory Nature of the service, for it is
                        impossible that a Sub: Clothier, were he ever so Intelligent &
                        attentive, can attend to supply the frequent minute wants of all Permanent
                        drafts & detachments which are made, or of Men operating hundreds of
                        Miles from each other. The Troops at Fort Pitt are not within reach of their
                        respective Clothiers, nor is there any Superintendant of Clothing in that
                        Department, so that the supplies which I have forwarded to that Post, were
                        by Order of the Board of War addressed to the Commanding Officer and how
                        they have been disposed of or appropriated I know not, having never received
                        a  of a Pen on the subject,
                        except an acknowledgment of their reception.
                     I beg leave to call your Excellencys particular attention to
                        the 6th Article of the inclosed plan: In Attaining the bounty I have left
                        out several superflous & unnecessary Articles & have added
                        others which will be found on examination to be absolutely necessary for the
                        Health Comfort & appearance of a Soldier; the reformation proposed
                        in the line of Issues is highly essential, for if we persist in admiting
                        additional drafts & Levies, who scarce know their Duty before the
                        term of Service expires, to share the bounty Clothing tis
                        not in the Power of the Clothier General to which the torrent of dissipation
                        which the Department has not been Subject to, or to discharge the Duty we
                        owe the deserving Soldiers; to confirm their  of this operation I beg your Excellency to reflect
                        that seven Months Men, whose time begins to expire in January constitute the
                        bulk of our present Army and that should they be comprehended in the
                        approaching distribution of Winter Clothing, the greatest part of it will be
                        swept away and the Men destined to encounter future hardships will be left
                        almost naked & unprovided. The 7th & 8th Articles of the
                        Plan merit equal regard with the preceding it is
                        indispensible that a specific Period be fixed for the commencement of the
                        Annual Issue for without this regulation the Wants, instead of the just due,
                        of the soldiery is the only Rule on which the Issues can be made &
                        of course an Account can never be closed, defeciencies supplyed or stopages
                        made: Public Oconomy & private Justice require that the practice of
                        Issuing in detail at Philadela Boston &c. should be restrained, for
                        the extraordinary supply which is often obtained on those occasions by
                        Personal application is extremely Injurious to those meritorious fellows who
                        prefering the service of their Country to every other consideration are now
                        reduced from the Toil & Hardship attending incessant
                        Duty. If the inclosed or a Similar plan was established with double the
                        Salaries proposed, it would be comparatively Oconomical, for if I am not
                        Mistaken it will be found on examination that the Commission of one Agency
                        alone has amounted to at least £ 2000 Sterling ⅌ Anm: When I took charge
                        of the Department I found it without Method or Order involved in utter
                        confusion; my indeavours have not been wanting to introduce the system dwelt
                        on in this Letter, but I am sorry to acknowledge that the formation of the
                        Arrangement & the embarrassments already enumerated have baffled my
                        efforts, I have however the satisfaction to reflect that my attempts have
                           been serviceable—Since I entered the Office I have
                        studied every Oconomy in my Power, I have at no Time employed more than
                        thirteen Persons in the Department Clerks, & Labourers included and
                        those on Terms by no means adequate to their Subsistence; In every Personal
                        consideration I rely on the Justice of Congress & I shall be content
                        with their division. I beg leave to mention that I took charge of the Office
                        when no Person would accept it, since which time I have upon honor declined
                        every Species of Private Business. I have the honor with great respect Your
                        Excellencys Most Obedt & mot Hble Servant

                        James Wilkinson
                        Clo. General

                Enclosure

                           c.11 October 1780

                     A Plan for regulating the Clothing Department.
                     1st That all State Purchases of Clothing on Continental
                        Accounts, and all State regulations or Appointments in the Clothing
                        Department established under the recommendation or Authority of Congress be
                        abolished on the first Day of January ensuing at or before which time the
                        Sub. Clothiers are to deliver to the Clothier General on his orders all
                        Clothing procured at Continental expence which they may have on Hand, taking
                        his receipt for the same, a duplicate whereof to be transmited to the
                           Chamber of Accounts.
                     2nd That an Assistant Clothier General be appointed by
                        Congress.
                     3rd That the Clothier General receive all Clothing imported by
                        Congress, that he direct & superintend all Domestic Purchases,
                        & for this Purpose he shall draw money from the Continental Treasury
                        on an Estimate comprehending the Annual disbursements of the Department.
                     4th That (so long as domestic Purchases are continued) the
                        Board of War appoint four purchasing Agents, viz.—one at Baltimore for
                        Maryland & the Southern States, one at Philadelphia for Pensylvania
                        & Jersey, one at New London for Connecticut, New York & the
                        State of Rhode Island, and one at Boston for Massachusetts & New
                        Hampshire—who are to be under the immediate Control of the Clothier General &
                        to prevent the possibility of competition they are to confine Purchases
                        & contracts strictly to their respective districts.
                     5th That in future the confederate Army of the United States
                        established during the War or for the term of— years, receive the annual
                        Bounty Clothing from the Clothr General Regimentally, & that the
                        Clor General keep regular Accounts against the respective regimental
                        Clothier accordingly.
                     6th That all Non Commd Officers, Soldiers, Artificers
                        & Waggoners who are or may hereafter be Inlisted during the War or
                        for the Term of  years, be annually furnished the following Articles in lieu of
                        the Bounty prescribed in a Resolution of Congress of the 6th September 1777,
                        viz.
                     One Regimental Coat full made.
                     One Cloth hat
                     One pair of Cloth Breeches & two pair of Woolen Hose
                        or One pair of Cloth overalls & two pair of Woollen Socks.
                     One Felt Hat or Leathern Cap.
                     four shirts
                     two pair of Linnen overalls.
                     One Leather or Worsterd stock.
                     four pair of strong Shoes.
                     One Blanket
                     One pair Shoe Bucklesevery two years.One Stock ClaspThe Dragoons to receive two pair of Boots & a pair of Spurs instead of the Shoes & Buckles with a Horsemans Cloak in addition and that no Non Comd Officer Soldier Artificer or Waggoner who is not engaged for the War or during the term of — years be furnished any Article of Clothing by the Clor General.7th That the Issue of the Annual bounty commence in future on
                        the 10th Day of November for the Winter & the 1st Day of May for the
                        Summer Clothing and that the Clothier General take particular care to have
                        the Clothing equally & impartially distributed when it is found
                        incompetent for the whole Army.
                     8th That in Order to prevent the confusion, Injustice
                        & dissipation consequent on detail Issues from a variety of Posts,
                        the Clothr General in future Issue from no point whatever but the Stores
                        of general Issue annexed to the Army or Detachments thereof, and therefore
                        the Commanding Officers of Corps are to be answerable that all Non Comd
                        Officers & Privates who leave Camp or Quarters whether on furlough
                        or Command be properly equiped for the occasion.
                     9th That the Clothier General settle the Accounts of the
                        Regimental Clothiers annually in September or November previous to the
                        commencement of the general Issue, that he certify to them respectively the
                        arreages which may be due the soldiery, and notify the Paymaster Genl of all
                        Surplusages specifying the corps to which they were advanced in order that
                        defeciences be compensated & stopages be made agreable to the Acts
                        of Congress in those Cases provided.
                     10th That the Clothier General be allowed to appoint &
                        employ for the Conduct of the Magazines at Springfield, New Burgh &
                        Philadelphia each, & for the store of general Issue annexed to the
                        Army, a Deputy, Clerk & Labouror; for the Western Department a
                        Deputy, and for the Southern Department a Deputy with such Subordinates as
                        the Nature of the Service may require, the appointment in that Quarter to be
                        made with the concurrence of the Commanding Officer & to be reported
                        to the Board of War.
                     11th That the Officers of the Clothing Department be, when
                        possible, taken from the Line of the Army & that they be all owed
                        such pay in addition to the Emoluments of their Commissions as may be agreed
                        on by the Clor General & approved by the Board of War, and that the
                        pay of Persons employed in the Department who are not taken from the Army be
                        as follows viz.
                     The Clothier General  per Annum £  SpecieThe Assistant Clor GeneralBlankA Dept. Clor GeneralA Dept. Clor General conducting as private DepartmentAn Agent ClothierAnd That the Clor General be under Obligation to allow no more
                        than current Wages to Clerks & Labourers.


Title: To George Washington from Charles-François, vicomte Du Buysson des Aix, 12 October 1780
From: Du Buysson des Aix, Charles-François, vicomte
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philada October 12 1780

                  I just now received a letter from Coll Hamilton by which I find
                     that your Excellency did not receive my last, therefore I beg leave to acquaint
                     you that I am now confind to my Bed with a Violent Fever, am also greatly
                     afflicted with a Spitting of Blood occasioned by the Bruises I received on my
                     Breast, and it is the Opinion of the Doctors that I should goe to Europe for
                     the recovery of my Health, I beg Your Excellency to obtain leave for me to goe
                     to France, as the same Favor has been granted to some of Burgoyne’s Officers
                     and Coll Ramsey, By my Parole I am under obligation to goe to New York the
                     latter End of this Month, which I am afraid will not be in my Power to perform
                     owing to my present weakness, I beg your Excellency will let me know what I am
                     to do in this disagreable Situation. In Spight of all the many advantages I
                     should have in serving again, I would willingly give them all up for the
                     obtaining Permission to goe to France, and to remain a Prisoner there untill
                     exchanged. I have the Honor to be with the Highest respect your Excellency’s
                     Most Obedient Humble Servant

                     Le Chr Dubuysson


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 12 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters Prekaness 12th Octor 1780

                  This will be delivered you by Mr Ludwick Baker Genl—who is
                     instructed by Coll Stewart Commissary Genl of Issues to repair to West Point
                     & erect as many ovens at that Post as are equal to a dayly supply of
                     Six or eight thousand pounds of Bread, exclusive of one to be appropriated
                     solely to the purpose of baking Biscuit—he is also ordered to erect one oven at
                     Stoney Point for the supply of the Troops there & at Verplanks. I fully
                     approve Coll Stewarts instructions on this head, and earnestly intreat your
                     attention to immediate completion of them. I am Sir Yr Mo. Obet hum. Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 12 October 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Light Camp Totawa october the 12th 1780

                  from Major Lee I just now hear that he has seen a man who has
                     been in Newyork and told him that an embarkation has certainly taken place,
                     said to be going to Virginia—that he got the intelligence in the City on Monday
                     last, and that dragoons were on Board.
                  A young man that went into the City has lately sent word to his
                     family that he had been press’d on Board a fleet which was going to sail.
                  Aome days ago Major Lee communicated
                     to me a private letter from Mr Simcoe who commands the Queen’s Rangers wherein
                     that officer seems politely wishing for a personal interview as he will Remain
                     some days in Newyork from all those circumstances and what we have heard from
                     other quarters, I am much inclin’d to Believe that the embarkation has taken
                     place and want to know if any intelligence as to the fact itself, the
                     destination, or the number is come to head quarters.
                  There is a plan, my dear general, which if successfull would be
                     very Brillant, and which at least is worth inquiring into its possibility.
                  The Ennemy Are far, I Believe, from suspecting any enterprise
                     from us against the works on staten island—I think they may be surpris’d in
                     that part, and can’t help Believing that a corps cross’d over at Elizabeth
                     point, or what I would like Better sent down the passaic in Boats might attempt
                     a stroke on the works at the watering place and Richmond, and I also think that
                     with a sufficiency of Boats and some other precautions we might make our
                     Retreat good—I don’t give you, my dear general, any arrang’d plan about it, and
                     Confess that I want informations on that Matter—the only
                     thing I would Request (if you don’t dislike the idea) would be that the Boats
                     at kakeat or any where else be sent for as soon as
                     possible, and that people be procur’d who might give to us intelligences.
                  in the mean while, there is a way of getting Boats which I Beg
                     the liberty to adopt—Major Lee having ask’d from me
                     the permission of attempting the Boats of the Refugees as well as theyr galley
                     in the night, and in the same time to strike at theyr troops on the point, I
                     have directed him to come to morrow morning that he may explain me his scheme
                     and if I find it a prudent one I Beg leave to let him go on with it.
                  Unless we hunt for enterprises they will no more come in our way
                     this campaign—we can’t any more Build upon certain calculations—I go further,
                     my dear general, and if the ennemy have made a considerable detachement, I
                     would carry up my ideas to such a point as will perhaps have less difficulties
                     than we Believe when we will be upon the ground—we might at least make a
                     diversion to give uneasiness to the Ennemy—But the thing which I want now to
                     submit to you is the staten island project, and the little enterprise propos’d
                     By Major Lee. With the most tender affection and high Respect I have the honor
                     to be my dear general Yours forever

                     Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from William Malcom, 12 October 1780
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Albany Ocr 12 1780

                  Two days ago, a Body of the Enemy landed at South Bay—By
                     comparing informations they consist of about 900—the greatest part of which
                     Regular Troops—commanded by a Major Carleton—They Surrounded &
                     Summoned, a little post called Fort ann—which was instantly surrendred by a
                     Capt. Sherwood, with 70 odd men—next towards Fort Edward, in the Vicinity of
                     which, they burnt a number of Houses—made no attempt on the Fort—but proceeded
                     towards Fort George where Warners Regiment were Supposed to be—Unfortunately
                     Capt. Chipman, the Commanding officer, had Sent all his men out except about
                     14—of Consequence the Enemy got very easy possession—& had previously
                     met about 30 men of the Garrison which were all killed & taken—Several
                     miliita Regts are marchd to that Quarter & I hope Col. Vanschaacks
                     Regiment will also march towards Fort Edward to morrow—but the Colonel is under
                     great apprehensions that his men will desert—From Fort Scuyler I am informed
                     that a very considerable Body of Troops are got to oneida—that they have
                     Cannon—mortars &c.—and one part of them on the Road about 20 miles
                     below the Fort, not far from German Flatts—It is also said that Sir John Johnson
                     is to come in by the Way of Jessups Patent—& Join the party on the P.
                     Frontiers.
                  I am collecting the militia & disposing of them, as fast
                     as possible—according to the best accounts which I obtain of the Enemys
                     movements—& what is most difficult Collecting provisions for them—Three
                     Regts are ordered to Scohair—Four to the Mohawk River & six to Fort
                     Edward. Genl Tenbrock expects they will come out pretty Generally—but I have
                     greet doubts—especially judging by the humour of this City Regiment.
                  I hope to get back such a disposition made as will enable me to
                     go up to the mohawk River to morrow, and to Vanschaack on the Hudson River.
                  I have wrote to the Governor & given him a particular
                     account of all these matters—he is at Kingston & I expect he will be
                     here to morrow or the day following—In my last letter I enclosed a very
                     particular State of the Garrison of Fort Scuyler, Which will enable your
                     Excellency to judge what defence it can make, If it shall be actually invested
                     (which I for many reasons do not believe) the Militia cannot—will not relieve
                     it—Two days more will discover the Enemys chieff object. I have the Honor to be
                     with due Respect your Excellencys mo. obedt & very hume Servt

                     W. Malcom

                     Warners Regt—Fort George
                     3 officers Killed
                     2 wounded
                     4 prisoners
                     25 R. & File Killed

                        50

                        prisoners
                     Capt. Sherewood—of the Levys—Fort ann
                     3 officer prisoner

                        64 R. & file prisoners
                     1 do Killed
                     an officer of Warners Regt on parole gives this State of the
                        Loss.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 12 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Prackness Octobr 12th 1780

                  Your Excellency’s letter of the 5th did not arrive ’till late
                     last evening—I agree in opinion with you on the utility of asking to have your
                     present park doubled; but I think this will suffice. Though we are not well
                     provided with siege artillery, we shall be able to supply the deficiency.
                  We are again told of an embarkation at New York on the point of
                     sailing; the number is not ascertained; but the embarkation does not appear to
                     be general. So soon as I obtain particulars and with certainty, I shall do
                     myself the honor to transmit them to you.
                  I had the pleasure of writing to you the 10th; by the same
                     opportunity went some imptant dispatches from the Marquis de la Fayette for
                     France. I am Sir With the greatest regard Your most Obedt servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S. I have Just received the inclosed curious
                        performance—the completion of Arnolds disgrace which I send for your
                        amusement.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 12 October 1780
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Robinsons House October 12th 1780

                  I have the Honor to inform Your Excellency, that I think my
                     Health is so far restored, as to enable me to bear the Fatigue incident to an
                     Attendance on a Court of Enquiry into my Conduct, which Your Excellency was so
                     indulgent as to promise me, as soon as I should be able to attend to It.
                  It is Sir, a Wish, natural to a Young Man, whose rise &
                     Happiness in Life depend on a fair & unblemished reputation, to
                     preserve it inviolate; And it is also his Duty, when by any unforeseen
                     Incident, it is sullied, to wipe off the reproach in the most candid, public
                     & effectual manner, & to evince to his Countrymen, that altho
                     he has been unfortunate, he is yet worthy of their Confidence.
                  This Consideration induces me to wish, if Your Excellency’s
                     Opinion be not absolutely opposed to it, that I may be indulged with a fair,
                     candid And rigid Enquiry into my Genl Conduct; from the Commencement of my
                     Service in the Cause of my Country, till my joining Arnold’s Family.
                  I am also induced to this request from a painful recollection of
                     the Animadversions that have been made, on my Conduct & Capacity, by
                     some disingenuous Persons and by others of my well meaning uninformed Fellow
                     Citizens, on my being dismissed by Congress in January last, in so strange a
                     manner: and also to prepare the Court of Inquiry for a proper Investigation of
                     my Line of Conduct since I joined Arnolds Family.
                  As I shall have all the Testimonys in this respect in Writing, it
                     will not detain the Courts above one Day longer: A favorable report on my past
                     Conduct is perhaps the last & parting Approbation, which I am to expect
                     from my late Brothers Officers, after a long Period of service.
                  I have, agreeable to Advice form Major Genls Greene & St
                     Clair, written to Genl Schuyler, for his Testimonials of my Conduct, for near
                     three Years, which I expect will be in General Greene’s Hands, on the 20th
                     October; On which Day I am to request Your Excellency, to appoint the Court of
                     Inquiry to convene at West Point.
                  On this Occasion Colo. Meade’s Presence will be necessary, to
                     prove what my Conduct was, after Arnold’s Treachery was announced to me by Your
                     Excellency; And especially with respect to the Papers he was directed to take
                     Charge of, from my Hands.
                  Some of the late Genl Arnolds Papers may be necessary to explain,
                     a Part of my Conduct; I have mentioned them in a Letter of this Date to Colo.
                     Meade, And shall deem myself happy if that Gentleman may be permitted to come
                     to West Point & bring with him the Papers mentd in my Letter to him. I
                     have the Honor to be with sentiments of the most sincere respect, Dear Sir Your
                     Excellency’s most Obedt servt

                     Richd Varick


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

                     Head Quarters Totowa Friday October 13th
                        1780
                     Parole Wilmington.
                     Countersigns Wesel, West.
                     Watchword Watch

                  For the Day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     IrvineColonel ChambersLieutenant Colonel SumnerMajor HarwoodBrigade Major DarbyAt a General Court Martial held at Fort Pitt the 14th of August
                     last, Colonel Gibson President, Captain Thomas Beall of the Maryland
                     independent corps was tried "for discharging a Soldier after having been duly
                     inlisted and receiving his regimental cloathing through private and interested
                     views thereby defrauding the United States" found Guilty, being a breach of the
                     first Article twelfth section of the Articles of War and sentenced to be
                     dismissed from the service.
                  The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to
                     take place.
                  At the same court David Gamble a soldier of the 8th Pennsylvania
                     regiment was tried on the following charges
                  First Desertion:
                  Second. having counterfeit money in his Possession.
                  Unanimously found Guilty being a breach of Article first Section
                     sixth of the Articles of war, Sentenced to suffer Death.
                  The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence and orders that
                     David Gamble be executed at such time and Place as the commanding officer in
                     the western department shall direct.
                  Peter Davis a soldier of the 9th Virginia regiment was tried at
                     the same court for "Desertion" found Guilty and sentenced to suffer Death.
                  The Commmander in Chief approves the sentence, but from the
                     intercession of the Court he is pleased to Pardon him.


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Brodhead, 13 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Brodhead, Daniel

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters near Passaic Falls 13th October, 1780.

                  Your favors of the 18th and 21st of August reached my hands a few
                     days before I sat out for Harford to meet the French Admiral and General. This
                     has occasioned their remaining unanswered to this time.
                  I have approved the sentences of the Court Martial against
                     Capt. Beal, Peter Davis of the 9th Virginia and David Gamble of the 8th
                     Penna Regiment—Gamble appearing to me the most proper object for an
                     example, I have directed his execution. The time and place is left to your
                     option. The Adjutant General transmits you the extract from General Orders
                     respecting the above. I am sorry,  that I cannot,considering the former good Character of
                     Capt. Beal,  comply with the recommendation of the Court in his
                     favor. The circumstance of his receiving the  Grain and Rifle Gun for transferring
                     Mr Cloud to another Corps is so inconsistent with the character of an Officer,
                     that I cannot, with any degree of propriety, reinstate him.
                  I return you part of the proceedings of a Court Martial upon John
                     Gosset of the 9th Virginia Regt. I imagine the remainder has been left out when your packet was made up.
                  The want of Provision is a clog to our operations in every
                     quarter. We have several times,in the course of this Campaign, been without
                     either Bread or Meat, and have never had more than four or five days before
                     hand. The smallness of your force will not admit of an expedition of any
                     consequence, had you Magazines. You must therefore, of necessity, confine
                     yourself to partizan strokes, which I wish to see encouraged. The State of
                     Virginia are very desirous of an expedition against Detroit, and would make
                     great exertions to carry it into execution. But while the enemy are so
                     formidable to the southward, and are making such strides in that quarter, I
                     fear it will require a greater force of Men and supplies to check them than
                     we, since the defeat near Campden, shall be able shortly to draw together. I am,
                     Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S. Since writing the foregoing, I have received your favors
                        of the 5th, 14th and 17th Septemr. Your distress for provision, considering the
                        distance you are from supplies, and the approach of Winter is very
                        alarming, and I shall therefore take the earliest opportunity of laying
                        before Congress the situation of the Garrison, and the necessity which there
                        seems to be of furnishing the department with more certain means of
                        procuring provisions, than a bare dependence upon the requisitions made from
                        the States. Necessity must in the mean time justify the measure of taking by
                        impress what the inhabitants can spare.
                     When the Court Martial have finished the business before them,
                        it may be dissolved.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 13 October 1780
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York October 13th 1780

                  I yesterday afternoon received your Letter of the 7th Instant and
                     am to inform you in Answer that it is my Intention to immediately exchange
                     Major General Phillips and Major General De Riedesel with their respective
                     families, and I have directed the first of these General Officers to write to
                     you upon the Subject.
                  Major General Phillips has, also, authority from me to give such orders
                     to the British Commissary General of Prisoners as he may think proper, and I
                     shall approve whatever that General Officer shall cause to be done upon the
                     Subject of Exchanges, which I have been long Solicitous for, upon motives of
                     pure humanity, as well for the American Officers and Privates Prisoners of War
                     as for those of the King’s Army including the Troops of Convention. I am Sir,
                     Your most humble Servant

                     H. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Charles-François, vicomte Du Buysson des Aix, 13 October 1780
From: Du Buysson des Aix, Charles-François, vicomte
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia October 13th 1780

                  I receive this moment the Letter with which Your Excellency had
                     honored me, & I have written the Enclosed which I beg you will be
                     pleased to transmit to H.E. Sir Henry Clinton. I rather fear that as I am
                     Absolutely unknown to that General, it will have but little Effect, &
                     certainly not that which a few Words from Your Excellency might have produced.
                     However, as your Excellency does not think proper to take this step, I will
                     content my Self with waiting patiently for the Event of an application which I
                     have too much reason to believe will prove unsuccessfull. I am with the
                     greatest respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant

                     Le Chr Dubuysson


Title: To George Washington from John Greaton, 13 October 1780
From: Greaton, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                      Totoway Octr 13th 1780.

                  Doctor Smith Chaplain to the 1st Masstts Brigade, having devoted
                     his Time to the Service of the public since the Commencement of the War, having
                     represented to me, that the Circumstances of his People render it absolutely
                     necessary that he should return to them—His very pressing Request induces me
                     to give my Approbation, if agreeable to your Excellency—I am Sir your most
                     obedient Servant

                     J. Greaton Colel Comdt


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 13 October 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     West Point Otober 13th 1780

                  I arrived at this place on the Evening of the 8th. the troops got
                     into garrison on the morning of the 9th.
                  The works of the garrison are very incomplete; indeed very little
                     has been done to them this campaign. On my arrival I made the following
                     disposition of the troops. New Jersey brigade to mann the redoubts No. 1, 2, 3
                     and 4. New York brigade to mann Fort Putnam, Webb’s and Wyllis’s redoubts.
                     Stark’s brigade Fort Clinton. Two regiments of the New Hampshire brigade are on
                     Constitution Island, and two regiments on the east side of the River, on the
                     table of ground at the foot of the Mountains on which the north and south
                     redoubts are constructed. Upon all alarms the troops are to mann the respective
                     works assigned them.
                  I have detached 100 men to join the horse under Colonel Jameson
                     to cover the lower country; and intend to detach a party of fifty men more, on
                     purpose to follow what are called the Cow Boys. This party I mean to be at
                     liberty to pursue the thieves thro’ all their turnings and windings; as I am
                     persuaded 5000 men upon stationary guards would not prevent their inroads. Upon
                     examining the Posts at King’s Ferry, I find too much ordnance and too many
                     stores there to be held upon the footing which your Excellency has directed;
                     and yet I fear it will be attended with great jealousies to remove them at this
                     time. I am persuaded the greater part will fall into the Enemy’s hands; it
                     being impossible to get them off in the time that will be given between the
                     Enemy’s appearance and their being up with the works.
                  It appears to me highly probable if the Enemy ever move up the
                     River in force, with a veiw of attacking this place, that the transports will
                     be preceded by three or four armed vessels, which will immediately pass the
                     batteries and prevent the stores from going off by water: nor can they get them
                     away by land, unless teams are kept in constant waiting for the purpose. If a
                     surprize is meant upon West Point, no regard will be paid to the works below;
                     and then considerable ordnance will be necessary to annoy the shipping as they
                     pass. If a surprize is not meant, measures will be taken to prevent the stores
                     from being got off. a disposition therefore that will be necessary for one
                     purpose, will be a little dangerous on the other. To dismantle the works at
                     this time will give great alarms to the country, already full of jealousies and
                     apprehensions. If the ordnance and stores are continued the redoubts had best
                     be sold as dear as possible; and held to the last extremity. Suppose 50 men and
                     two or three officers at most were to be left at each of the works, and all the
                     other officers and men sent away on the appearance of the Enemy in force; and
                     those that are left behind to have directions to defend the redoubts as long as
                     possible. Perhaps the alarm by their fall will not be materially different from
                     an alarm by an evacuation; and it will give more time to call in the Country
                     for the defence of this place. However I dont apprehend the least danger of an
                     attack from the Enemy this winter; nor could they carry their point by storm if
                     attempted.
                  I have been round and veiwed the works with Colonel Gouvion; and
                     am of opinion that a block house is absolutely necessary to keep possession of
                     the ground between the redoubts No. 3 and 4, and have given orders for the
                     construction accordingly. If the Enemy should possess that ground I am
                     persuaded they could soon dispossess us of the redoubts No. 3 and 4. No. 1 and
                     2 would become useless, and artillery could be immediately opened upon Fort
                     Putnam, and all the lower works, which could not fail of reducing them.
                  The numerous guards and detachments which are necessary for the
                     service of this department, will leave but a small number of men to be employed
                     upon the works. Nor is the Q. Master’s Department in a condition to second the
                     business; being altogether in a state of confusion and unprovided with the
                     article of lime. However this difficulty I hope will be soon removed.
                  I have sent off all the horses as well private as public property
                     except one for the commanding officers of brigades and the Engineers horses and
                     shall take every step in my power to provide wood and forage for the Winter.
                     But such is the poverty of the public and the difficulty attending the
                     business, I am afraid the utmost exertions will fall far short of the demands
                     of the service.
                  We have been out of flour most part of the time since I have been
                     here; and the troops have suffered exceedingly. The want of water prevents the
                     Mills from supplying us. I went to Poughkeepsie Yesterday to see the Governor
                     upon the business; but he was gone to Esopus. On my return last Evening was
                     happy to find eighty barrels had arrived from the Southward. We have been
                     obliged to take some from the forts, after letting the troops be without two
                     days.
                  Colo. Barber has forwarded the returns called for in your
                     Excellencys letter of the 10th.
                  Captain Philips has just returned from New York and says that a
                     body of troops sailed from that place on sunday last.
                  I have been so busy since I have been here, that I have not had
                     time to complete the calculations of the expence of an army of 32000 men; but
                     am in hopes to get through them this evening and if I should, will forward them
                     in the morning.
                  I am taking measures to obtain intelligence but the channel is
                     not yet open.
                  I wish to be informed whether Major Lee’s party succeeded in the
                     attack on Bergen; and whether there is any news from the Southward, where the
                     troops that sailed from N. York are said to be going. I am with the greatest
                     respect Your Excellency’s most obdt hum. Servt

                     Nath. Greene M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Udny Hay, 13 October 1780
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Fishkill 13 Octr 1780

                  I was honoured by the Governour with the perusal of your
                     Excellency’s letter to him on the subject of flour and Casks; though I flatter
                     myself it can be made appear that the greatest attention has been paid for the
                     purpose of providing these as well as the other articles it is now become my
                     province to collect, yett I am sorry at being oblidged to confess my having
                     fallen extremely short of what your Excellency had great reason to expect from
                     me, not owing to a real scarcity of the articles, but to a want of Cash for
                     such as I was to purchase, and to the innumerable difficulties attending the
                     mode of Collection of such as were assessed, for having only Certificates to
                     tender for the latter, there are but very few indeed, who do not make a
                     thousand difficulties of granting any part of what we have a legal right to
                     demand, and as to what I ought to obtain by purchase I have never yett recd a
                     shilling since my appointment from either the State or Commissary General, by
                     which meens the purchasers in the other States, who by some mode or other, are
                     furnished with money, are enabled to purchase the very articles I ought to
                     procure, and for not procuring of which I am undoubtedly responsible.
                  The Legislature of this State, Sir, has lately been convened, and
                     have given many proofs of their inclination to serve the general cause, and
                     support the Army under Your Excellency’s Command, but alas! they are destetute
                     of the means; a Treasury totally empty, and the taxes to be collected already
                     anticipated by the permission, which, with the best of views, they formerly
                     granted the public officers of issuing notes which should in payment of
                        taxes be accepted in lieu of Cash.
                  In short, Sir, when I view our present situation, and the near
                     approach of the season, when the roads will become all most, perhaps
                     altogether, unpassable, I am struck with such apprehensions of the
                     consequences, as impells me to give a short sketch thereof to your
                     Excellency—Within this Department, Sir, there is scarce any rum, no salt more
                     than what will be necessary to use with the beef that will be essued to the
                     Troops fresh, not near the number of Casks we ought to have, and I am affraid
                     very slender prospect for obtaining the number of Cattle that ought to be
                     salted, could even the other materials be procured, and what
                     is as bad as all the rest no Cash, nor a probability of obtaining any sum
                     nearly adequate to the purpose for which it is wanted.
                  I have long agoe wrote the Commissary General on all these
                     subjects, and urged the necessity of making the necessary preperations this
                     fall for the maintenance of the Troops in this vicinity during the winter, but
                     imagine he is surrounded with embarrassments and difficulties which prevent his
                     making the exertions he would otherwise undoubtedly attempt.
                  Though I foresee many difficulties, I beg leave
                     to assure your Excellency I do not despond, and that no mode for promoting the
                     public service you are pleased to point out for me to tread in shall be left
                     unattempted. I have the Honour to be with the greatest respect and esteem, Your
                     Excellencys, most obedient & very humble Srt,

                            Udny Hay


Title: From George Washington to John Laurens, 13 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, John

                     My dear Laurens
                     Hd Qrs Passaic Falls 13th Oct. 1780.

                  Your friendly & Affectione letter of the 4th came to my
                     hands on the 10th & would have been acknowledged yesterday by the Baron
                     de Steuben but for some important business I was preparing for Congress.
                  In no instance since the commencement of the War has the
                     interposition of Providence appeared more conspicuous than in the rescue of the
                     Post & Garrison of West point from Arnolds villainous perfidy. How far
                     he meant to involve me in the catastrophe of this place does not appear by any
                     indubitable evidence—and I am rather inclined to think he did not wish to
                     hazard the more important object of his treachery by attempting to combine two
                     events the lesser of which might have marred the greater.
                  A combination of extraordinary circumstances—an unaccountable
                     deprivation of presence of Mind in a Man of the first abilities—and the
                     virtuous conduct of three Militia Men—threw the Adjutant General of the British
                     forces in America (with full proofs of Arnolds treachery) into our hands—and
                     but for the egregious folly—or the bewildered conception of Lieutt Colo.
                     Jameson who seemed lost in astonishment and not to have known what he was doing
                     I should as certainly have got Arnold.
                  André has met his fate—and with that fortitude which was to be
                     expected from an accomplished Man—and gallant Officer—But I am mistaken if at
                        this time, Arnold is undergoing the torments of a
                     mental Hell. He wants feeling! From some traits of his character which have
                     lately come to my knowledge he seems to have been so hackneyed in
                     villainy—& so lost to all sense of honor and shame that while his
                     faculties will enable him to continue his sordid pursuits there will be no time
                     for remorse.
                  Believe me sincere when I assure you, that my warmest wishes
                     accompany Captn Wallops endeavours & your expectations of exchange—and
                     that nothing but the principle of Justice & policy wch I have
                     religiously adhered to of exchanging Officers in the order of their captivity
                     (where rank would apply) has prevented my every exertion to obtain your release
                     & restoration to a family where you will be receiv’d with open arms by
                     every individual of it—but from none with more cordiality & true
                     affection than your Sincere friend and obliged Servant

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S. The Baron not setting out as I expected becomes the
                        bearer of this letter.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 13 October 1780
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Octr 13th 80

                  I have made it my business to see the person who was Capt. Browns
                     guide. from a minute examination of him I am confident that Gen. St Clair was
                     named to deceive, that Capt. Brown did not see or hear from Gen. St Clair,
                     & that Capt. Brown passed himself on his conductor as a person engaged
                     in our service, altho his object was to communicate with some gentleman of
                     consequence among us—I am apt to beleive that he was charged with dispatches
                     for Gen. Arnold. I have the honor to be Sir with perfect respect Your
                     Excellency’s most obt Servt

                     Henry Lee Secnd


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 13 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

                     Dear Sir,
                      Octr 13th 1780.

                  I am very glad yr letter of this date, has given strength to my
                     own conviction of the innocence of the Gentn, who was the subject of your
                     enquiry.
                  I want to see you on a particular piece of business—if the day is
                     fair, and nothing of consequence intervenes, I will be at the
                        Marquiss’s Quarters by ten o’clock tomorrow. If this
                     should not happen I shall be glad to see you at Hd Qrs. I am Dr Sir Yr obedt
                     Ser.

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Maria Josepha Elirio de la Puente Miralles, 13 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Miralles, Maria Josepha Elirio de la Puente

                     Madam
                     Head Quarters Prackaness Oct. 13.
                     1780.

                  Don Francisco having been so good as to inform me of an
                     opportunity to the HavannahI cannot forego the honour of making my
                     acknowlegements to you for your obliging Letter of the 6th of July last. All
                     the attentions I had in my power to pay to your deceased Husband were dictated,
                     by the friendship with which his many amiable qualities had inspired me.
                  Your affliction Madam and that of his family are additional
                     motives for the regret I feel for his loss. Esteemed by all those who had the
                     pleasure of his acquaintance he would not but be dear to his more intimate and
                     tender connections—My heart will always pay a tribute to his memory, and take a
                     warm part in the distresses, which his loss must occasion to his family. With
                     the most sincere respect, I have the honor to be, Madam Yr most Obed. & hum.
                     servant

                      G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from William Phillips, 13 October 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York October 13th 1780

                  His Excellency General Sir Henry Clinton has been pleased to
                     communicate to me your letter to him of the 7th Instant respecting the Exchange
                     of Officers and Privates Prisoners of War.
                  His Excellency has, also, thought proper this day to signify to
                     me that Major General De Riedesel and myself were to be immediately exchanged;
                     As this event may, perhaps, concern American Officers of Rank taken at Charles
                     Town I have Sir Henry Clinton’s authority for proposing to you, Sir, that a
                     second meeting may be held between Major General Lincoln and me, or should that
                     General Officer not be in the vicinity of Your Excellency’s Head Quarters that
                     you will be so good as to appoint some other for that purpose, and as my health
                     at present is not perfectly good I will request such meeting may be at my
                     Quarters on Long Island—A Yatch shall be sent for Major General Lincoln and any
                     Officers he pleases to bring with him, and I am empowered by Sir Henry Clinton
                     to say that he will have liberty to return immediately after the conference;
                     Should any other Officer be appointed by Your Excellency the necessary
                     passports shall be directly Transmitted.
                  The British Commissary General of Prisoners is at present
                     confined to his Room with Sickness, but this need not prevent the going
                     directly into the business of an Exchange of the Prisoners of war, as Major
                     Skinner may attend Major General Lincoln and I shall take care that Mr Loring
                     certifies to every necessary transaction upon the matter of the Exchange.
                  I send this to Elizabeth-town by a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners
                     with orders to wait there Your Excellency’s answer. I am Sir with due Respect
                     Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

                     W. Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Francisco Rendón, 13 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rendón, Francisco

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters Prakaness Octr 13th
                     1780

                  I had the honour of receiving in due time your letter of the 29th
                     of July, transmitting me one from the Governor of Havannah and another from the
                     lady of our deceased friend; but the movements of the army which soon after
                     ensued prevented my acknowledging the receipt. I have now the pleasure of your
                     dispatch of the 30th of September with duplicates of the above mentioned
                     letters. I beg you, when you write to the Governor next to express to him my
                     sensibility for the favour of his letter, and to forward the inclosed by the
                     first opportunity.
                  I am much obliged to you for the interesting intelligence you
                     communicated; I wish the success of the expeditions you mention, from the double
                     motives of the warm interest I take in every thing that contributes to the
                     honour and advantage of the Arms of His Most Catholic Majesty, and from the
                     beneficial influence which the intended operation may have on the affairs of
                     the Southern states.
                  If it may be in my power at any time to promote the objects of
                     your Commission the motive I have already expressed and my esteem for you
                     personally will make me happy to do it. We have recently received advices of a
                     considerable embarkation at New York, which was to have sailed three days
                     since. We have not the particulars; but they shall be forwarded to you the
                     moment they come to me. It may be useful to the officers charged with the
                     expeditions you announce to be acquainted with this event. Sir I have the honour
                     to be Your most Obed & hum.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 13 October 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     sir
                     New port Octr 13th 1780—9. o clock
                     P.M.

                  With the Greatest pleasure, I received to day Your Excellency’s
                     Letter of the 10th instt. I was in the Greatest uneasiness, at my not having
                     received any news from you since your Last of the 26th of Last month. I was
                     sorry for your Excellency that in spite of the goodness of your caracter, you
                     had been forced to make a necessary example, upon the Young Major André. I wait
                     with the greatest impatience for the answer of your Excellency to my Letter of
                     the 6th inst. about the necessary demands to be made for the Artillery of
                     Siege. I believe that it won’t be Long, before the Frigate and the person that
                     you know off, go away. The news we have from the Enemy’s fleet are, that the
                     day before yesterday, it was under sail, all night and all day. A Frigate came
                     as far as this, and tho’ the fleet was not seen in the day time its course was
                     known in the night, by the Rocketts, which they used as signals. It seems that
                     having gone to the Eastward as far as Point Judith, they had shifted about to
                     get at Large. Does the fleet return to Sandy–hook? is the fleet going to cruize
                     in the open sea? I am intirely ignorant about it.
                  Our Land and sea position is very respectable, and I am persuaded
                     that Rodney will not desire to come to visit it. Holland’s ferry fort, tho’
                     very small, is indeed situated upon a very difficult place to work in, but the
                     Boston militia, go about it so slowly that I fear it will not be defencible by
                     the 1st of November, when their time will be out. We must own that for want of
                     Victuals, they have not wrought two hours this week. Colonel Greene proposes,
                     if it be not done by the 1st of November to go with his corps Lodge in the
                     Barracks standing there, and to work so that it may be speedily finished,
                     thence he will go to take his winter quarters, in Rhode-island state, If your
                     Excellency thinks it proper.
                  Your Letter for Dr Franklin is come to hand, I will give it to a
                     sure person that will take care that he receives it.
                  Give me Leave to send to your Excellency a Letter of consequence
                     I had wrote to Mr Holker and sent to the Marquis de La Fayette to get it
                     forwarded to him at Philadelphy, by the shortest way, that Letter is come
                     again in a parcel of Letters that he sends to The Ch. de Ternay, and I don’t
                     know, for what. I am with respect, sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble
                     servant

                     le cte de Rochambeau


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

                     Head Quarters Totowa Saturday October 14 1780
                     Parole Amazon
                     Countersigns Amber,
                     Watchword Army. Arras.

                  For the Day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     GloverColonel M. JacksonLieutenant Colonel NewallMajor KnappBrigade Major PettingalA General Court Martial to assemble next Monday morning nine ôclock at the President’s Marquee for the trial of all persons brought before
                     the court—Colonel Bailey will preside: Lieutenant Colonel Vose, Major Winslow,
                     a Captain from each brigade of Infantry, and two from the Park of Artillery are
                     appointed Members.
                  All persons concerned to attend.