Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 3 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 3 1782.

                  Upon my return from Albany & our upper Posts last evening, I found your two favours of the 21st & 22nd of June.  I have given directions to the Commissy Genl of Prisoners to have the amount of Money due from our Officers (who have been Prisoners of War) to Persons within the Enemy’s Lines, particularly ascertained; & to transmit an abstract thereof to you as soon as may be.
                  Confident that the partial failure of Provisions could not be attributed to the want of performing the Contract on your part, I am the more happy to find you now call on the Contractors in so decided a tone to perform the stipulation on theirs, as they will not have any excuse to urge for their future deficiencies.
                  As the Contractors have mentioned in their Letter of the 17th Ulto to you, that I had that day fixed on West Point as the Magazine of Flour for the Moving Army, I think it expedient to inform you that my principal reasons for assigning that place were, to safety, & convenience for drawing the supplies by water from thence to the Army, while stationed any where on the banks of the River; as well as to make ample provision for the Post if it should remove to any other Quarter; and as they were importunate to have the place appointed, before the objects & plans of the Campaign could be fully disclosed, and as the expence of transportation from the deposit I should appoint must be borne by the Public, I could not think of any other spot so elibible as that I have named; especially upon taking all the possible contingencies of the Campaign into consideration, as far as I was able.
                  From the acct of the Gentlemen themselves I clearly foresaw there was no prospect of accumulating a large Magazine, in a short time, at the place assigned them and well knowing (as the Flour is to come from Pensylvania & Jersey) that it would always be their Interest to save the expence of transportation to West point there would be no difficulty—in case the Army should move Southerly to change the Rout of the Surplusage for the Garrisons on this River to the Delaware I could not as I have before observed with a view to the public Interest name any place so properly as West point in my present state of suspence.
                  The Secry at War has given information that you have agreed to the system of Issues proposed by me, which at his request, hath been carried into execution during my absence.  I have the honor to be &c.

                     G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 3 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 3d-30 July 1782

                  I am honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st of June.
                  Captain Johnson, who was the Bearer of it, had permission granted to him to go to the Enemy’s Lines for the purpose of carrying Money to the prisoners.
                  That your Excellency may be fully informed on what footing the Exchange of naval prisoners now stands, I have directed the Commissary of prisoners to report to you, what he has done in that Business—Not having any Agency in the Exchange of naval prisoners, I cannot give the Directions your Excellency requests; and indeed was this not the case, I should be extreamly unwilling to give any Sanction to partial Exchanges, it having been always my Opinion that this Business should be conducted on a more general Scale—the irregular & partial Mode that has been adopted, has been pregnant with Many Evils.I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Philip Van Cortlandt, 3 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Van Cortlandt, Philip

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 3d 1782

                  I have been favored with your Letter of the 27th ulto.
                  The late Resolution of Congress deranging those Lieuts. from each Regt I have not received officially, & therefore do not think myself at Liberty to put it in execution; the Regts will remain as they are at present, till further information is received from the Secrety at War.
                  On your application the Q. Master will deliver Tents for Regts which may be encamped on any convenient place near your present position—I am Sir your Most Humble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Meshech Weare, 3 July 1782
From: Weare, Meshech
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Hampton falls July 3d 1782

                  Since my letter of the 5th of June, which I had the honor to address to your Excellency by Capt Bailey, I have Receivd some further information respecting the Correspondence and Schemes carrying on between Vermont and Canada, by a letter from Moses Dow Esqr. who lives at Haverhill on Connecticutt River, which I take the liberty to inclose to your Excellency, By which it Appears I think beyond a doubt that a Traiterous Correspondence is carried on between some persons in Vermont, and the Brittish officers in Canada, which may prove very injurious to the united States.  The people About Connecticutt River on the Northerly frontier who are well disposed, are thereby in Constant danger of being killd or Captivated and are in great need of present Assistance.  The General Assembly of this State, have Ordered One hundred men to be Rais’d as Soon as may be for their defence—But perhaps a much greater force may be necessary to put a Stop to the Designs of the enemy.  I tho’t it my duty to give your Excellency this information, And forward it by the perticular desire of General Bailey, who has also wrote you on the same Subject, And it is likely has given more perticular information. Mr Johnson’s situation is very critical if he could by Any means be Exchang’d it would greatly Relieve his mind And of which he is Exceeding Sollicitous.  I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem and Respect Yr Most Obt & Humle Sert

                     M. Weare

                Enclosure

                        Hond & much Respected Sir
                        Sundy Evening June 16, 1782

                     Since I wrote you by Capt. Bayley Two deserters have come in from Montreal who informed that the Brittish were fortifying Oswego & were making Quebec very strong—That all the prisoners from Vermont were to be sent home immediately—since which time a number have arrived who say that the others are generally coming—some say that they are exchang others that they are on parole—but they generally incline to say but little about Affairs—Five or Six Days since a party of Indians came and took one Abel Davis out of his house about thirty miles to the northward being the farthermost house on Hazen road, pillaged his house & carried him off.
                     Last evening just before dark Capt. Prichard with a party of 8 or 10 made an attack upon Genl Bayleys house, fired two or three Guns, by which one man had his arm broke, in such a manner that tis much feared it will will prove mortal, & two men taken prisoners out of his house & one of his sons was likewise taken at his own house about half a miles from the Generals, on their retreat which immediately gave an alarm to both towns, a party of about 30 men were sent in pursuit of the Enemy 12 or 15 miles but to no purpose.
                     Thomas Johnson was made acquainted with Prichards being in & his designs about two hours before the attack, had just time to give Genl Bayley a hint by which means he made his escape, but had not time to collect any force to oppose them untill it was too late—three or four had just met but were attacked before they were prepared to oppose.  On their retreat the Enemy made prisoners of a number of men in the back part of Newbury & in the town of Corinth who swore allegiance to the King of  & were dismissed.
                     Yesterday morning Prichard sent Levi Sylvester to Mr Johnson & informed him that he wanted to see him accordingly Mr Johnson went into the woods at time & place agreed on & conversed with Prichard & Capt. Breakenridge about one hour—Prichard told him that Genl Haldeman had just received a return from his King—that Vermont was established a Province & That the Indians were not to be suffered to molest the Inhabitants any more—but that all who submitted to the Governmt of Vermont were to be used kindly & to enjoy all their lands & privileges—but that the opposers were to be destroyed as fast as possible—That Doctr Smith & Capt. Sherwood were appointed Commissioners to plan & contrive & Prichard to Execute the same.That Shem Kentfield & Vandike had sworn previous to Kentfields Execution—that this Sylvester was a traitor & a Spy instead of a deserter, as he pretended, & had brought packetts of Correspondence from Canada to tories here—That the intelligence was carried directly to Genl Haldeman & would soon be here—so that it was not safe for Sylvester to tarry here any longer but must go to Canada with him.
                     Prichard further said that Govr Chittenden had received an account that all Newbury but three or four, had voted to make application to New Hampshire to be received & protected, & that Genl Bayley was very active in the matter—& had sent the same by an Express to Genl Halderman & intreated him in the most earnest & pressing manner to send immediately & take Genl Bayley off the Ground as he kept this part of the Country in a tumult & Confusion & unless he was taken away he could not carry his plans in to effect.
                     Johnson earnestly entreated Prichard to forbear taking Genl Bayley at present as it might be a means of his being suspected, taken up & found out—but he said that there was no danger of that Because Col. Bedell said when he was in before that he was not in the least mistrusted.  but yet that if that should be the case, that he would rescue him.
                     That he should leave John Cross at Corinth under the Care of Col. John Taplin—So that if any thing should turn up contrary to his expectation, Cross would return into Canada in three days & give him information—and that he would immediately come with a sufficient force & lay all this Country waste—as he had 150 & as many more as he pleased at his command.
                     Johnson told him that it would not do to destroy this Country as there were so many well disposed to Government & that he must avoid shedding blood—which he promised to do at this time except in his own defence.
                     Prichard told Johnson that he was sorry that Davis was taken, since Sylvester was obliged to go to Canada, he intended to have gone to Davis & engaged him to carry on the correspend in Sylvesters place—That the Indian were sent out after the deserters & went contrary to their orders in taking a prisoner—but that he would send Sylvester to Davis & engage him & send him home immediately.
                     This information of Mr Johnsons may be depended upon as I had it from his own mouth & have it from under his hand & could mention many things more, but have not time.
                     Thus Sr you see our distressing situation, constantly watched by the tories & exposed to their ravages, & unable to help ourselves or render that service to the public which we are daily convinced it stands in much need of at this day for want of a proper strength to check these growing evils which will soon prove intollerable—& all that will not swear their allegiance must quit their habitations or be butchered—and in less than one month we expect to be reduced to the sad alternative.
                     Earnestly entreat your Honors influence in Genl Court, at Congress or with his Excellency the Commander in Chief, that we may be protected & the public Cause supported—Suppose twenty or thirty persons have sworn allegiance to the King at this time & it may not be ten days before a large party may be in & raise the Brittish Standard in our neighbourhood & possibly amongst us.
                     Last Even. Recd an official Acct from Col. Tupper Comd. at Albany of Kentfields & Vandikes depositions—had it been receivd six hours sooner we should been able to have taken Sylvester—but he w entered Prichards party & was the man that broke the man’s arm as within mentioned—& is gone off—It is a great pity that intelligce of such importance should not be forwarded by an Express in the most Expeditious manner.
                     Your honor will please to excuse the blunders, inaccuracy &c. as we are in great tumult, hurry &c. & receive these few broken hints & suffer me with all defference & Esteem to subscribe myself your sincere friend & most humble Servt

                        Moses Dow

                        P.S.  Entreat that such parts of this letter as relates to Mr Johnson Correspondance may be kept the profoundest Secret as his life, Character & fortune are all at hazard upon it.


Title: General Orders, 4 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Thursday July 4th 1782
                     Parole
                     C. Signs

                  It is with no small degree of astonishment the Commander in Chief has heard, since his return, from the Northern Posts—that the issuess of Provisions to the Army still give a short allowance of flour when they do not issue bread—the continuance of this practice is not less unacountable than it is astonishing after Mr Sands’s acknowledgiment in his presence to the secretary at War that it was well understood at the time of Contracting that where bread coud not or was not delivered a full pound of flour was to be issued in lieu of it—the General in possitive terms orders that this shall be the case invariably—and that the ration of spiritt: where it is not commuted by mutual agreement be regularly served—also Vinegar agreeably to the engagements which the Contractors have entered into with the Public.
                  All returns for Arms, Accoutrements and Ammunition are to be countersigned by the Inspector General, or the Inspector of this Army—Returns for six days Oats for all the riding Horses of the Army to be sent to the Forage Magazine at Newburgh Tomorrow—Bags are to be sent and the Brigade Forage Masters to attend the drawing.
                  To prevent the accidental communication of fire to the powder Magazines which would endanger the lives of many persons and Total demolition of the fortifications, besides the inconvenience that must arrise from the loss of the Powder, the Commander in Chief directs that the Quarter Master or Commissary of Military stores may as soon as possible have grates fixed to the air holes of the Magazines and that Lantherns made of Transparent horn or Glass be immediately provided instead of those made of pierced tin which are at present very imprudently used—Untill the horn or glass lantherns are provided the greatest care is to be taken not to open the door of the lanthorns in the Magazines, and at all times to have water in the bottom to extinguish sparks—It is moreover positively ordered that no person whatever be permitted to enter a Powder Magazine without first pulling off his shoes.
                  The General having observed inconveniency and loss of Ammunition to attend the practice of carrying Cartridges loose or in bundles in the mens pocketts or in the bottoms of their Cartridge boxes, directs that the troops carry about them no more ammunition than the number of cartridges their boxes are pierced for, in general twenty nine rounds, except when parties or Corps are ordered on a particular service detached from their ammunition Waggons—He persuades himself this rule will not be attended with any bad consequence as men cannot be considered unprovided with Ammunition when the Conductor has a sufficiency in Camp ready to issue at a moments warning.
                  The Brigade Conductors, and Quarter Masters of Corps that have not Conductors are hereby called on to pay due attention to the instructions laid down in the regulations for the order and Discipline of the troops (Page 120 and 121) on this subject proportioning the quantity of spare Ammunition to the number of men to be supplied.
                  The first Massachusetts Brigade will be inspected and mustered for the month of June the 10th instant—the second Massachusetts Brigade the 12th the 3d Massachusetts Brigade the 14th, and the 10th regiment of Massachusetts the 15th instant—The first Connecticut Brigade the 16th the second Connecticut Brigade the 18th, and the third or Massachusetts regiment of Artillery and the Corps of Sappers and Miners the 20th instant.


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 4 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters July 4th 1782

                  Agreably to your Excellency’s favor of the 23d of May last, I have now the honor to inclose to you, Returns of such of the Inhabitants of So. Carolina as have been removed from thence bey order of the British Officers commanding in that Department, and who now wish to return to the places specified in the inclosures.  I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Cochran, 4 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Cochran, Robert

                     Sir,
                     head Qrs 4 July 82

                  I am informed that some uneasiness has arisen from a late Regimental order issued by you requiring the Surgeon and Mate of the Regiment you Command to attend the Parade at every Roll Call and to Post themselves in a line with the Company Officers on the right of the Batallion.
                  It is certainly right in you, Sir, as Commanding Officer of the Regiment to see that those Gentlemen are always at hand to attend to the duties of their Office nor can it admit of a doubt that you have a right to order their attendance in the Parade whenever you may think their presence there necessary but as it has not been the Custom in our Army for them to attend and take post at Roll Calls with the Company Officers and as it is not necessary to the Service the introducing that custom now can answer no good purpose and may be productive of disputes—Viewing it therefore in this light I think it will be best not to insist on it in your Regiment.  I am


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 July 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     War Office July 4th 1782

                  Colonel Pickering has orders to build, without loss of time, a magazine on West-Point, or on Constitution Island, as your Excellency shall direct—When we were down the General Officers were divided in their sentiments whether it should be on the Point or Island—and if on West Point, at what spot—Time has been given for a more perfect view—I wish therefore that Your Excellency would, of yourself, or after you shall have taken the opinion of the General Officers and the principal Engineer, direct the Quarter Master General where the magazine shall be erected.  I would give my own opinion in the matter—but I have not a sufficient knowledge of the ground at West Point to determine whether there is any place there proper for it or not.
                  Colonel Pickering has directions to procure thirteen Masons, a number it is said sufficient to lay the stone—These from the state of our finances are all the men we can pay—was there less necessity for the Magazine—and was not all the ammunition for the defence of a Post the most important in America, and a great proportion of our stock of powder exceedingly exposed and insecure I should defer this matter until it could be effected without the aid of the Army—but under our present circumstances I dare not delay it—I am constrained, therefore, to request that Your Excellency would order from the Army, in such manner as you shall judge will most effectually execute the purposes for which they are detached, such a number of Men as shall be necessary to make the lime and bricks, fix and transport the stone to the place when it shall be wanted, and to attend the Masons.  I am too sensible how much this requisition, joined to those which for some purpose or other are daily made, must break in upon the discipline of the Army not to be distressed that I am reduced to the alternative of making the request, or of omitting the execution of that work, which the safety and interest of the United States makes the performance of indispensable—Your Excellency I know, is fully impressed  with the importance of the object, and you will, I trust, excuse the application.
                  As one objection to employing the Troops in this kind of business is that they thereby dirty and destroy their clothes—I have ordered into the hands of the Q.M. Genl such a number of frocks and overalls to be shifted from Party to Party as shall be sufficient to cover them while on this fatigue—I wish an Officer of authority, industry, and resource could be found who would undertake to superintend all the fatigue–Parties during the performance of this business—much time would be gained by arrangement and method.
                  Would any suitable Officers undertake it.I would see that he had some compensation for his attention, and that paid weekly.
                  I have the honor to be with perfect esteem; Your Excellency’s most obedt humble servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 July 1782
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,Hanover Town July 4th 1782 at 1 o’clock P.M.

                  I received this moment your Excellency’s Letter of the 24th Last month.  You will have seen by my letters to the Chevalier De La Luzerne that, As we are come to the 1st of July without any plan of campaign being arrived or any of the officers whom I had sent to France being returned, and the season being very much advanced, it has been necessary to resolve upon some thing or another, from a meer guess of what might be done, and try to do for the best .all the many which mister de la luzerne has received announcing the arrival of our naval force from the West Indies and from france to go to the northward, I have thought there was not a moment to be lost to put the Army in Movement toward that part—it will march by very Slow journeys as the weather is extremely hot, & I go before and shall arrive at Philadelphia on the 13th or 14th where I desire very much to meet with Your Excellency as you wished your Self. as the Vanguard is to be at Alexandria on the 18th only, we shall have full Time to suspend its march in case your Excellency should think it fit—I will put under Your Eyes only one reflection, which the State of Affairs induces me to make, if our naval force are not sufficient to undertake any thing to the northward they will be the less so to the Southward, as they have not there any harbor nor any watering place.  we shall have another object in view which our junction may effect and which will be not less interesting to the common cause and that Is to approach so near to New York that when Rodney comes to visit, which we need not doubt of in the least, he may not take any Land Troops along with him to go after the hurricane months & take some of our Colonies, I am much afraid that this will be the result of our Campaign, but it will be usefull toward the general peace.
                  Your Excellency very likely Knows the intelligences which the Chevalier se la Luzerne has received from Hispaniola, they gave him to understand that, our fleet will come either to rhode Island or to Boston, I think it would be of the greatest consequence to send militia to Rho. Island to occupy it thar: reestablish the bateries which protect the entry of the port if they have been leveled to the ground.
                  Such are my reflections and in our conference Your Excellency Shall judge of them and give me Your Orders wich will be followed with the greatest exactness.  I Am with respect and personal attatchment. Sir. Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servant.

               le cte de RochambeauThe words in square brackets are translations of code.


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 4 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Skinner, Abraham

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 4th 1782

                  The Superintendant of Finance having informed me "that several of our Officers have left behind them in New York considerable sums of Money unpaid, which had been advanced to them while they were Prisoners.  The humanity of those who have made such advances; as well as the principles of Justice require that they should be repaid."  In consequence of the forgoing information, and at the request of the Financier, you will take immediate measures to have the amount of those Debts particularly ascertained; and if you shall find it necessary you will proceed without delay to the British Lines for the purpose.  I am Sir Your Humble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 5 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters July 5th 1782

                  I have reced a Letter of the 1st Instant from Cap. Dayton informing me that Lt McDonald of the 71st British had come from the Enemy.
                  Many reasons may be alledged to justify the Desertion of a Private Soldier, but such a Conduct in an Officer cannot but impress a very unfavorable opinion of his Character—Experience has proved that I am right in my suspicions of such People and therefore I wish them always removed as soon as possible from every part of the Army or indeed any other place where they can do any Mischief.
                  As he will not be sufferd to come here he will probably go to Philadelphia should that be the case it will not be amiss to drop a line to the Secy at War that such a Character is gone on—that he may have an Opportunity of watching his Conduct in that place.  I am.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 5 July 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands July 5 1782.

                  Enclosed is a New York paper of the 2—the latest I have received.
                  Major Knap, who now commands on the lines, writes me that the enemy have sent up a number of field-pieces to the north end of York island—and that the 17 light dragoons continue towards Kingsbridge—that some are of opinion the enemy intend an excursion to some part of the lines.  I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 July 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                  Dear General

                     War office July 5th 1782

                  I have the honor to inclose an order of Congress empowering your Excellency to grant certain indulgences to our prisoners in New York—I have also inclosed an extract of a letter from the commissary of prisoners to me and my report to Congress founded thereon—The only doubt, as I am informed, in the minds of Congress with respect to the propriety of granting the request arose from an apprehension that it might open a door through which British goods might pass into the united States.  I have the honor to be my dear General with perfect esteem your Excellencys most Obedient servant

                     B. Lincoln

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        War Office June 28. 1782

                     The enclosed Extract of a Letter from the Commissary of prisoners to me, represents the wish of our Marine Prisoners in New York that a boat might be permitted to fish on the Banks near Sandy Hook for their Benefit—and the request of the British Commissary that permission might be granted him to purchase wood for the use of our prisoners within our lines where it can be procured much cheaper than with the Enemy—and will enable him to afford the prisoners a greater supply.
                     The distressed situation of those prisoners—the little probability there is that all of them will soon be liberated—and the necessity we are under not only to do every thing in our power to alleviate their sufferings but to convince them that they are the objects of our attention in Order to reconcile them as much as possible to the miseries of a loathsome Confinement until they can be Exchanged, and to prevent them from an idea of their being neglected, engaging in the service of Britain are consideration which I think fully justify a compliance with their request—Should his Excellency General Washington be directed to take order on the matter he will have it under his immediate controul and may suspend it when ever he finds that it is injurious, or does not answer the good purposes intended, or he may indulge it under such limitations as shall appear necessary—Should Congress be of these sentiments they will please to direct that General Washington take order in the matter.
                     B. Lincoln
                     Copy
                     Upon the foregoing Congress came to the following resolution—Resolved That the sd Extract be referred to the Commander in Chief and that he be authorized to take order thereon so far as he shall Judge the indulgences applied for can be guarded from Abuses.

                        Extract from the Minutes
                        Commissary Prisoners Office Newburgh N.Y.

                        June 12. 1782

                     Sir
                        I am solicited by our Naval prisoners at New York and the British Commissary to Obtain a permission for a Boat to Fish on the Banks near Sandy Hook on the Jersey Coast—this Boat they propose to man by some of the Prisoners, and some persons to be employed by the Enemy, and the fish to be appropriated to the use of the prisoners on Board the prison ship and other places where they are confined.
                        The British Commissary has also proposed to purchase within our Lines a quantity of wood for which he will pay the Cash and it shall be for the use of our prisoners solely—the applications are founded on those principles; The Fish will afford the prisoners two or three fresh meals a Week and the price of wood being so much lower within our Lines than at New York, the greater allowance will be given to the prisoners.
                        I am Extremely sorry to inform you that the situation of those Men is truly deplorable all hopes of their Release is frustrated and no Exchange can take place—I owe the Enemy a Ballance of 1,000 Men in the Naval Line, & they will not consent to Exchange those they now have unless we give them an equal number of Seamen or Soldiers & pay off the Bal. I could therefore wish to be authorized to contribute towards the comforts of those Prisoners & that if you think proper that they should be indulg’d wth the necessary permission to Fish & that the British Commissary be allowd to purchase wood for the use of our prisoners.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 6 July 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Office of Finance July 6th 1782

                  I am to pray that your Excellency will cause the inclosed Letter containing Affidavits of the Plunder of Some Americans on Board a Flag by British Privateers to be transmitted.  I am Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient & humble servt

                     Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Vose, 6 July 1782
From: Vose, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     West Point 6th July 1782

                  Lieut. Joseph Foot of my Regiment haveing made repeated application for permission to resign his Commision in the army, the situation of the Regiment is such at Present, I could wish he might be indulged with a discharge. I am Your Excellencys most Obdt Hume Servant

                     J. Vose Colo.


Title: To George Washington from Theodore Woodbridge, 6 July 1782
From: Woodbridge, Theodore
To: Washington, George

                  May it please your Excellency

                     Dobbs Ferry July 6th 1782

                  The week past in which I have been here with the Regt Captn Pray has neither made any report, nor been at the Post—for which reason I supposed he did not consider himself in the least connected with, or controulable by the Officers in command here.
                  The impropriety which must be obvious to any who commands here when viewing him as separate whilst his boats are passing and repassing daily—and the only means of finding Flags or expresses by water, are in his hands would induce me to conclude that it was not your Excellencys design to have him continue independant of the order of the officer in command at this place.
                  Whilst he remains so I shall not judge his command as adding to my security or that I have it in my power to send a Flag—He has furnished a boat for the latter purpose, on my request—but I wish not to repeat this method.
                  The good of service has inclined me to wait your Excellencys direction rather than to communicate a dispute with a junior Officer—His residing above Dobbs Ferry—& the orders at the Post not being fully explicit in this point has also an appearance to Justify his sentiment—Captn Walters a gentleman from Baltimore has gone by a Flag to N. York, with design to effect an exchange for three Marine Officers & about fourteen Seamen—the like number are brought on from Maryland & are now at the Lines.  His procedure is by permission of the Governor & Council of that State—I beg your Excellencys order—whether I shall permit them to be sent into N. York if Captn Walters on his return, shall request it.
                  Captn Johnson an Inhabitant of Connecticut came from N. York yesterday—he will wait on your Excellency—a paper of the 5th was brought out by him.  I have the honor to be with due respect your Excellencys most obedt hble servt

                     T. Woodbridge Major Comdg
                     the Post at Dobbs Ferry


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 7 July 1782
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York July 7th 1782

                  However convinced of your Excellency’s disposition, yet it gave me much Satisfaction to be confirmed therein by your Letter of the 22d of June, wherein you say, that it woud make you happy if any Measures can be adopted for humanizing, as much as possible, the Calamities attendant on a State of War.  But you are also pleased to say, Resort must be had to the Civil Power, the Laws complained of having been passed without your Agency, and not being under your Controul.  I feel the full Force of this Argument, and shall be content to take any means which can procure the desired End.  I must observe however, that as these Laws are considered by me, and in fact are, more Instruments of War, so I think, Sir, that on occasion of any Conference with the Civil Power on this Subject, it will be necessary (as the Army is so deeply engaged in the Question), that you should at least have some confidential Officer to assist in the Attainment of a purpose, which I am persuaded we both, with equal Earnestness, desire, nor can I apprehend any difficulty in the Attainment.  There are Questions which require only that they should be proposed, to Men of sound Judgment and dispassionate Minds, that they may be assented to.  The difficulties with me, Sir, are, as to the mode, and I see no reason why I should not frankly call upon you for Assistance.  Am I, Sir, to apply to Congress, that Persons appointed by me, may be admitted to Conferences at Philadelphia?  Or can any Deputation be sent by Congress to your Camp for this purpose, to be there met by Persons empowered by me?  Or will you Sir, undertake to manage our common Interest?  All I wish for is, that an End in which our common Honor & Humanity is engaged may be substantially obtained.
                  I shall take this Opportunity to inform your Excellency, I have learned within these few Days, that Clergymen, Physicians, Surgeons and Apothecaries, have been considered as Prisoners of War, and paroled accordingly, this I am sure requires only the bare mention to be reformed.  These Paroles, if your Excellency concurs, may in public Orders be discharged, and in future forbid, as erroneous & contrary to the Customs of War.
                  I am further to inform you, Sir, that the Court Martial upon Lippencot for the Murder of Huddy, has given in it’s Judgment, and the Minutes of the Trial, which are long, I shall order to be copied & sent to your Excellency, accompanied by some other documents.
                  I have just learned from a Letter written by your Commissary General of Prisoners, that your Objection to an Exchange of Land for Naval Prisoners, is, that it wou’d give us a great and permanent Strength for which you cou’d receive no adequate Compensation.  To remove this Objection, I propose, that (all Exchange of Men of the same description being exhausted) Sailor and Soldier, shall be immediately exchanged, Man for Man, against each other, with this Condition annexed, that your Sailors shall be at liberty to serve the Moment they are exchanged, and the Soldiers so received by us, shall not serve in, nor against, the thirteen Provinces for one Year, a Period which I trust will extend beyond our present Contentions.  This I think throws the Advantage entirely into your Hands, but I do not think this Inequality of Importance enough to weigh against the Imprisonment of so many Men on both Sides, for Imprisonment itself, attended with its necessary Conditions, is, in this Season especially, a Calamity which ought not to be imposed, nor protracted, for political Niceties.  I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble Servant

                     Guy Carleton


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 7 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                     Sir,
                     Head Qr 7th July 1782

                  The Honble Mr Renden, resident of Spain at Philadelphia, Mr Holker and Mr Ferresson, have a desire to see Saratoga, and the Field of Action in that Country.
                  I recommend them to your civilities & if it should be judged expedient, I desire you will give them them such guards, or so dispose the Troops in the Quarter where they are as to give them security in their jaunt.  I am Sir Yr Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 7 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir,
                     Head–Quarters, Newburgh, July 7th 1782

                  Mr Benson & Mr Smith have nominated Judge Hobart as a third person to determine with them the Disputes between the Army & the Contractors.  The Gentlemen will attend to the Business on Wednesday next, and wish it may be accomplished at Poughkeepsie as that place will be much more convenient to them than any other; but if it should appear necessary that a large Number of Witnesses must attend from the Army, they will forego their own Convenience, for the Sake of accommodating those concerned, by meeting at Fish Kill.  As this is a Matter of Delicacy on their part, I would wish the Gentlemen, who have undertaken to settle the Disputes, may not be put to more Trouble than is absolutely necessary.  I am, Dear Sir, Your very humble Servt

                     Go: Washington

               P.S. It will be proper for a Gentleman from the Army Togo to Poughkeepsie on Wednesday next, where the Referees will assemble that Day, in Order to fix upon the place and mode of proceeding &c.    G.W.


Title: General Orders, 8 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                      Monday. July. 8th 1782.
                     Parole
                     C. Signs.

                  That the invalid regiment may be enabled to keep up the Detached guards lately assigned them, the men of that Corps on duty at West Point except such as are necessarily imployed as Artificers are immediately to be relieved.


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 8 July 1782
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                        Monsieur.
                         APhiladelphie le 8 Juillet 1782.

                     Vous recevrés par M. de Vauban une lettre de M. le Comte de Rochambeau.  Il informe Votre Excellence qu’il sera ici vers le 13, ou le 14 de ce mois.  J’éspere avoir l’honneur de Vous y voir pour le 15 au plutard et je me felicite de ce que les affaires concourent à Vous amener ici précisement à l’epoque où je celebre la naissance du Dauphin.  Votre presence et celle de Madame Washington rendront la fete complete et j’éspere que Messrs les Officiers qui composent Votre famille voudront bien Vous accompagner.  Je n’adresse d’invitation à aucun d’eux ni aux Généraux et Officiers de Votre armée mais Votre Excellence fait que rien ne peut m’être plus agréable que de leur faire les honneurs d’une fête aussi interessante pour nous et que je fais l’être beaucoup pour nos alliés et toutes les personnes que Vous amenerez seront très bien venues.  J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un respectueux attachment Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très humble et très obéissant Serviteur,

                        Le che. de la luzerne

                  Translation
                     You will receive by Mr de Vauban a Letter from Count Rochambeau informing your Excellency that he will be here the 13th or 14th of this month—I hope for the honor of seeing you here by the 15th at farthest and I felicitate myself that matters concur to bring you here precisely at the time when I celebrate the birth of the Dauphin. Your presence and that of Mrs Washington will render the feast compleat and I hope the Gentlemen  who compose your family will accompany you—I do not send any written invitations to them, nor to the Generals & other Officers of your Army but your Excellency knows that nothing could be more agreable to me, than their participation of a feast which is interesting to us and which I know is so also to all our Allies—Every body your Excellency brings with you will be  welcome.  I have the honor to be &c.

                        le chev. de la luzerne


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Miles, 8 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Miles, Samuel

                     Sir,
                      8 July 1782

                  By the Receipt of a Mr White your Assistant
                  2 Tureens
                  2 Sallid Dishes.
                  29 Dishes of difft Sizes
                  5 dozn & 7 Plates—shallow
                  2 doz. & 10 Soup Do—&
                  8 Salts
                  Were left in his care to be sent to me when ordered; but in lieu thereof, consequent of the Order, I have received the following.
                  2 Turens
                  8 Dishes
                  2 Doz. & 10 Shallow Plates
                  3 Doz & 7 Soup Do 9 more than were left & 6 Salts.
                  The deficiency I expect to receive by the first oppertunity—if they are not already on their way—Only two Plates were found broken in the Package that came to hand.  I am Sir Yr Most Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Smallwood, 8 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Qrs Newburgh July 8th 1782

                  Altho’ the Levies of Maryland are considered as part of the Southern Army, & you an Officer under the immediate orders of Majr General Greene It is my wish, nevertheless, to receive regular Reports of the Progress you make in the Recruiting Service—and every other matter & thing relative to your Command—without these Reports I am unacquainted with my own strength, and how to make that disposition of the Troops which may be adjudged necessary, and wch the good of the Service may require.
                  You will be pleased therefore, and as the plan of the Campaign must speedily be determined on, to give me a Return of Your Troops—the appointments of them—How Armed—Cloathed &ca.  I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Serv.

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Smith, 8 July 1782
From: Smith, William
To: Washington, George

                  May it please your Excellency

                     Chester, Kent County, Maryland July 8th 1782

                  By Order and in Behalf of the Visitors of Kent-County School, I have the Honor to enclose to your Excellency an Act of the General Assembly of Maryland "for erecting a College at Chester," for the Benefit of the Eastern Shore, or Peninsula between Chesopeake and Delaware Bays; which they have dignified with the auspicious Name of—"Washington College, in the State of Maryland, in honorable & perpetual Memory of his Excellency General Washington, the illustrious & virtuous Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States."
                  In every possible Way, your Country wishes to erect public Monuments to you while living; and Posterity, with out Doubt, will greatly increase the Number: But none, it is believed, can be more acceptable to you than a Seminary of universal Learning, expressly dedicated to your Name, with the View of instructing and animating the Youth of many future Generations, to admire and to imitate those public Virtues and Patriot Labours, which have created a private Monument for You in the Heart of every good Citizen!
                  As this College is to be instituted upon the Foundation of Kent County School, the Visitors of the said School are, by Law, honoured with the great Trust of carrying the Design into Execution.  They have already been favored with very liberal Subscriptions, under the Auspices of Your Name; and have no Doubt speedily of receiving such further Subscriptions payable in three equal yearly Payments, as will amount to the Estimate in the Law, and enable them to proceed in the next Spring to build the necessary School Rooms for Lectures in the Sciences &c., and to furnish them with Books, and with Philosophical & Mathematical Apparatus.
                  The Visitors hope to obtain your Excellency’s Permission to place your Name at the Head of the Seven additional Visitors and Governors of the College, which the Law allows to be chosen from any of the Neighboring States, to make up the Number Twenty four, as you will observe in the Perusal thereof.  They further hope that the Time is not very remote in which this Infant Seminary may salute you in Person, and like a dutiful Child, as one of its first works, present the Olive Wreath, and other Emblems of Peace, to its Father, Guardian & Protector!  I have the Honor to be, in Behalf & by Order of the Visitors of Kent County School—Your Excellency’s most obedt & most humble Servt

                     William Smith

                     P.S.  As there is no Conveyance, thro’ the Post Office, from Philadelphia to this Place; I would request that, whatever Answer your Excellency may please to honour us with, may be sent to Philada under Cover to my Brother Thos Smith Esqr. one of the Delegates in Congress for Pennsylva. who will send it to me by the private Eastern Shore Post, unless Col. Tilghman should have some immediate Conveyance to his Father.

                     W.S.


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 8 July 1782
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Fish Kill July 8th 1782

                  As the Peculiarity of my Situation requires an immediate Explanation with Congress, I have it in Consideration to proceed to Philadelphia, taking the York and Jersey Lines in my Rout.
                  It is unnecessary to inform your Excellency of the Circumstances which render this Measure indispensibly necessary; your own Observations will prevent me the Pain of recapitulating them.
                  A Delicacy due to my own Feelings and a Regard to the Interest of the Cause I have drawn my Sword in, obliges me to request that your Excellency would please to favor me with your Sentiments in writing, on the following Questions—Is the Department of Inspector General necessary in the Army or is it not?  —Has this Department been conducted during the Course of five Years agreeable to your Wishes and have the Consequences resulting from my Exertions as Chief of the Department answered your Expectations?
                  The Candor I have experienced from your Excellency on every former Occasion, leaves me no Room to doubt but that I shall be favored with your Answer without Reserve.  I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                     Steuben
                     Maj. Genl


Title: To George Washington from Silas Talbot, 8 July 1782
From: Talbot, Silas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Providence July 8th 1782

                  Doubtless Your Excellency will remmember that in February eighty, I did myself the Honour to wait on You (in Company with Colo. Barton) at your Quarters in Morristown New Jersey.  The motives that induce’d us to trouble your Excellency at that time, was a hope we Entertaind that Your Honour would be pleas’d to Appoint us to some command in the Army, by which means We might have it in our power to gratify the great desire we had of further serving our Country in So Glorious a Cause.  Your Excellency manifested a desire to comply with our Request, but at the same time told us that it was impossible to annex us to any Regiment Without giveing offence, and as their was a greater Porportion of Officers than men, you could not give us any Employ agreable to our Rank, and Concluded with Observing that it was possible I might have some offers of an Armed Ship Either in publick or Private Employ, and if such should be the Case, You Rather advised me to imbrace the opportunity.  I then took my leave of Your Excellency and went on to Philadelphia, and as Humbly as Respectfully Petitiond Congress and the Board of Admiralty to give me Employ in the Navy, but was Very Politely informed that they Should be happy to have me in their service, but they had no Ships but ware Officerd, and they ware too poor to build more—being then disapointed in every expectation I resolvd to return to my Family, and on my way I took the Liberty to call at your Quarters with an intent to Request a Written Furlow, but Your Honour was absent on Some occation, and the scarsity of Forage compeled me to leave Camp and in August Following I excepted of the Command of the private armed Ship Genl Washington as a means to avoid the bad consequences and Shame which attends an Idle life, but unfortunately for me I was soon Captured by his Majestys Ship the Colloden, and after being confined for a While in the Provost New York, I was sent to England where I Was closely confined in Prison till last Decr.  on my Return to this place I was inform’d that my self and many Other Supernumerary officers was discharged from their Appointments in the Army.  I must Confess I think there was a degree of Propriety in the Order, but I could not see the Reason why a Very few inferior officers should be pointed out and dismist from pay especially as their are some (my self for one being wounded and have a ball in my body and another through my left Rist Which I Recd at Mud Island) who must Remain Crippled till death puts a final Period to their existence, and so many superior officers Retaind eaqually unservisable to the army and at home about their Necessary Employ.  However I dont pretend to say it is wrong.
                  The motives that induced me to Trouble Your Excellency with this is to Request that you will be pleas’d to indulge me with the Favor of a certificate amounting in Substance that You did Verbally give me liberty to gow into Sea Employ, but not till after I had made Frequent Applications to be Employ’d in the Army, this I want to make use of in acquiring my Wages, perhaps your Honour will Remmember that I made application For Employ accompanied by Genl Greene when head Quarters was at White marsh, and again in Jersey the Second day after the action of monmoth, as well as at Morristown.  I have allso to beg that your Excellency will pardon the Liberty I have taken in Troubleing you with this long and Tedious appistle, and which I am induced to hope will be the Case, when You Reflect that this is the only time that I ever made use of similar fredom during the present war, I beg your Excellency will favour me with a letter, and the certificate which will be esteemd a Great Honour Done on Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedient And most humble Servt

                     Silas Talbot


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

                  Dr LundHead Qrs 8th July 1782
                  I have not been able to discover, from any enquiries I could make—while I was in Philadelphia—that it was necessary to do any thing with the inclosed, to secure the Title—& therefore return them; with the Patents for my Land on which Simpson lives; to be deposited with my Papers.  Some indeed were of opinion that yours, as well as other Patents of a similar nature, & under like circumstances, had better be registered in the Pensylvania Land Office, but as I could not get this officially announced to me, I did not incline to run you to the expence.  I am Dr Lund Yr affecte friend

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Theodore Woodbridge, 8 July 1782
From: Woodbridge, Theodore
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Dobbs Ferry July 8th 1782

                  The Letters which accompany this I received last evening by a Flag from N. York——Captn Walters who was mentioned in my letter of the 6th has wrote me from N-York—that Mr Sproat has promised, "on the arrival of the prisoners at N. York he will give an equal number in exchange"—and requested that I would send them in.
                  They are still at the Lines—and have been supplyed with four days provision from Stony Point. I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect—Your Excellencys Obedt servt

                     T. Woodbridge


Title: From George Washington to James Duane, 9 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Duane, James

                     Dear Sir,
                     Head Qrs July 9th 1782

                  Baron de Steuben, who will have the honor of presenting this Letter to you, feeling himself in a disagreeable situation, has made a representation of it to Congress, in expectation that that Honble Body will releive him from present distress, & place him—especially with respect to half pay—upon a more permanent footing than the thing appears to be with him at present, having no State to resort to (being a Foreigner) as other Officers have.
                  The Barons representation is full, & will speak for its self,  I have only to add therefore that, the United States are exceedingly indebted to him for the advantages which they have derived from his Zeal abilities & experience & that I should be happy to see him satisfied as far as it can be done consistent with public justice beyond which I perswade myself he has no aim.  With great esteem & Regard—I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 9 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 9th 1782

                  Having found a moment’s leisure to examine myself into the situation of affairs on the frontiers of this State, I have lately made a journey, up the Hudson & Mowhawk Rivers as far as Saratoga & Schenactady—Just before my arrival there a party of three or four hundred of the Enemy, consisting of British, Refugees, & Savages had made an incursion down the Mowhawk, attacked, and captured (after a gallant defence) a small guard of Continental Troops, who were stationed at the only remaining Mill on the upper Settlements, which they also destroyed.
                  By a deserter from this Party, we are informed that the Enemy are taking Post at Oswego, and are either rebuilding the Old, or erecting new fortifications there—Whatever the design of the Enemy may be by thus occupying a new Post & extending themselves on the frontier, I consider it my duty to inform Congress thereof, and have, for that purpose, taken the liberty to forward this by the earliest safe conveyance, since my return from the Northward.
                  I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency Copies & Extracts of sundry Letters which have lately passed between the British Commanders in Chief & myself.  The subjects contained in them being principally of a civil nature, I must beg leave to submit them to the consideration & direction of Congress.  I think it only necessary to remark, that notwithstanding the plausibility of the terms on which Sir Guy Carleton proposes the exchange of American Seamen for British Soldiers, in his Letter of the 7th Inst. it must still be obvious, that it would amount to nearly the same thing, to have the Prisoners so exchanged employed against our Allies in the West Indies, as it would to have them acting against ourselves on the Continent.  I have the honor to be With perfect respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 July 1782
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New Windsor 9th July 1782.

                  Deeply impressed with the importance of West Point to the existence of the United States, I have, with the approbation of your Excellency, endeavored, from its earliest state as a fortification, to have it and its dependences as amply furnished with cannon and military Stores of all Kinds as could possibly be spared from other uses.  But after every exertion for this purpose, there still remains a very capital deficiency, owing principally to a want of money to transport the necessary articles.
                  I have, in the enclosed paper, exhibited to Your Excellency, in a comprehensive view, the actual state of the ordnance and stores at West Point, and of the articles wanted to complete the number of rounds specified for each cannon and mortar.  It is necessary to remark, that if it were possible for all the artillery to be employed at the same time, the ammunition requested would scarcely answer to a siege of ten days.  But it is not probable that more than half could be in service at the same moment, which would render the quantity sufficient for twenty days—indeed, there must be a peculiar combination to require more than the service of one third.
                  A great proportion of the ten inch shells are at Mount Hope and Hibernia furnaces in Jersey, distant between fifty and sixty miles, and also a large number of the shot.  The furnaces at Salisbury in Connecticut and Mount Hope are in blast for the public.  From these, it is probable, almost the whole of the deficiencies could be drawn, and the remainder, if any, to be brought from Pennsylvania.  The Powder is at Springfield and can be brought from thence to Claverack, by a communication not very long nor difficult.
                  The aggregate of the deficiences may at a rough calculation, amount to about one thousand tons.  The transportation, taking into consideration the vicinity of Salisbury to Hudson’s river and the probable quantities to be obtained from thence, compared with the probable quantities to be procured from Pennsylvania and Springfield, may be averaged at about fifty miles; which, at two shillings and six pence per ton for each mile would amount to Six thousand two hundred and fifty pounds Pennsylvania Currency.
                  From these facts being given, your Excellency will be enabled to form a judgement whether even the present deranged state of our finances will justify so great a deficiency remaining any longer unsupplied.  The ordinary means of the Quarter Master General appear inadequate to the transportation, which perhaps can be effected only by an exertion sanctioned by your Excellency, the manner of which you can best determine.  I shall be happy to assist in any degree to remedy a defect of such magnitude, which, if the enemy should be capable of acting upon, would involve great distress, if not absolute ruin.
                  Being on the subject of stores necessary to be furnished, I must address myself to your Excellency on the preservation of those in possession and of what may be obtained.  It appears by invariable experience, that the bomb proofs in the interior and exterior works of Fort Clinton are improper for the deposit of powder for any length of time.  This is the uniform report of all the artillery officers who have had the immediate charge of the magazines, and confirmed by my own observation the dampness in those places is inveterate and cannot be expelled but by a long exposure to the dry winds.  This renders the necessity inevitable of erecting stone magazines above ground, in different parts of the garrison, properly secured from danger—or suffering the alternative of having the ammunition entirely ruined.  It is necessary to have three of these for the garrison, each capable of containing two thousand barrels of powder, and another of equal size, for the reception of the fixed ammunition.  Besides the magazines, there are wanting stores for small arms and accoutrements, and the implements and apparatus of the ordnance—and a large laboratory.  At present, the arms, musket and cannon ammunition, implements, &c. are in great confusion, being huddled together in wretched buildings, incapable of resisting the effects of bad weather.  This is the reason that more arms and ammunition are annually damaged, than the expence of ample buildings would amount to, and the chance of accidents is greatly multiplied.
                  I am constrained to bring this matter to your Excellency’s view.  I have not been wanting in my endeavors to have it effected by other means, but my power has been inadequate to the object.  I sincerely hope that you will examine into the propriety of my request, and direct such measures as you may think necessary.  I have the honor to be with the highest esteem and respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant,

                     H. Knox
                     M. General commanding the Artillery

                     One magazine will be immediately began—An attempt will be made to throw in a sufficient supply of stores before winter.


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 9 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 9th 1782

                  I am much obliged to your Excellency for your two favours of the 28th of June, and 3d July which I have had the honor to receive, since my return from the frontiers of this State, where I have been in company with Governor Clinton, to visit and regulate my advanced Posts.
                  As the business of the Army had accumulated greatly in my absence, and as I am exceedingly occupied in making some arrangements; and putting the affairs of this Department in such train, as that I may commence my Journey to Philadelphia the moment I shall receive the necessary information from the Count de Rochambeau; I beg you will excuse my writing in such haste, and believe that I am with sentiments of the Most perfect respect & esteem Sir Your Excellency’s Obedient Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  Your Excellys private letter of the 20th of June I also found at this place upon my return from Albany.  I thank you for the communication—the contents shall remain with me alone.

                     Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 9 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

                     Dear Sir,
                     Head Qrs 9th July 1782

                  Your letter for Mr Elliott, went into New York a few days since by the Comy of Prisoners, who is now there.  The Packet for Genl Dalrymple shall also go there; altho’ the Genl, by this time, may be in England.
                  Genl Knox has Skinners Letter—Mrs Washington set out this day for Virginia by an upper Road—present me in the most acceptable manner to Mrs Morris & Miss Kitty Livingston—I do not forget Mrs Morris; nor to assure you that I am Dr Sir Yr Affecte Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 9 July 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Office of Finance 9th July 1782

                  I have received your Favor of the third Instant, and am obliged by your Attention to my Requests—I entirely approve your Excellencys Reasons for directing a Magazine at West Point—The Contractors will I believe exert themselves.
                  It is impossible for me to state the Trouble and Distress I undergo—This Morning the Southern Post brought me a Letter from the Reciever in Virginia, of which the following Clause is an Extract.  "Our Assembly having postponed the Collection of one half the Land Tax (which was payable in Specie only) for three Months, and all the Appropriations of the Revenue for the Support of Government, being to be first provided for by the Treasurer; I fear it will be December or January next before any Thing will come to the Hands of the continental Receiver, and what may then be the Sum, it is not in my Power at this Time to give you the least Information, as it will depend upon a great many Contingencies which may, or may not happen"—With such gloomy Prospects as this Letter affords I am tied here to be baited by continual clamorous Demands, and for the Forfeiture of all which is desirable in Life, and which I hoped at this Moment to enjoy, I am to be paid by Invective—There is Scarce a Day passes in which I am not tempted to give back into the Hands of Congress the Power They have delegated, and lay down a Burthen which presses me to the Earth.  Nothing prevents me, but a Knowledge of the Difficulties I am obliged to struggle under.
                  What may be the Success of my Efforts God only knows, but to leave my Post at present would I know be ruinous.  This candid State of my Situation and feelings I give to your Bosom because you who have already felt and Suffered so much will be able to Sympathize with me.  Believe me I pray you very Sincerely your’s

                     Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Peter Muhlenberg, 9 July 1782
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Cumberland Court house July 9th 1782

                  Since I had the Honor to write to Your Excellency by the last post, Eleven Men defected from this place, carried off by some old Offenders, who were sent in as Substitutes—The most notorious Villain of the whole is apprehended, & was Yesterday by a General Court Martial sentenced to be shot; He acknowledges himself guilty of Defecting four different times, & Stealing a Horse & saddle forging a Discharge & pass in my home, & of having Join’d the Brittish Army last Campaign.  but notwithstanding I am convinced that nothing but exemplary punishment will put a stop to Defection & that the person I have described to Your Excellency, is a proper Object, yet I was very loth to Order the Execution, untill I could receive directions from Your Excellency in what manner to act.  General Scott & the Field Officers whom I have consulted in this head, urge the execution, alledging that unless the punishment is prompt it will not answer the good purposes for which it was intended, & that if I wait to receive Your Excellency’s Orders the troops will in all probability have Marchd, & none will be left to profit by the example—I have therefore conferred the Sentence and ordered it to be put into execution on the 16th of this Month—I hope the proceedings will meet Your Excellencys approbation.  I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt hble Servt

                     P. Muhlenberg


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 9 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                     Sir;
                     Head Qrs July 9th 1782

                  In answer to your Letter of yesterdays date, containing the following queries, "Is the Department of Inspector General necessary in the Army, or is it not?"
                  "Has this Department been conducted during the course of five years agreeable to your Wishes, and have the consequences resulting from my exertions as Chief of the Department answered your Expectations?"
                  I give it as my clear opinion that it has been of the utmost utility, and continues to be of the greatest importance, for reasons too plain & obvious to stand in need of ennumeration; but more especially for having established one uniform system of Manoeuvres, & regulations in an Army composed of the Troops of thirteen States (each having its local prejudices) and subject to constant interruptions & deviations, from the frequent changes & dissolutions it has undergone.
                  It is equally just to declare, that the Department under your auspices, has been conducted with an intelligence, activity and Zeal, not less beneficial to the Public, than honorary to yourself; and that I have had abundant reason to be satisfied with your abilities & attention to the duties of your office during the four years you have been in the Service.  I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 9 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, Tench

                     My dear Sir,
                     Head Qrs Newburgh 9th of July 1782.

                  ‘Till your letter of the 28th Ulto arrived (which is the first from you, & the only direct acct of you, since we parted at Philadelphia)—We have had various conjectures about you—Some thought you were dead—others that you were Married—and all that you had forgot Us.  Your letter is not a more evident contradiction of the first & last of these suppositions than it is a tacit confirmation of the Second; and as none can wish you greater success in the prosecution of the Plan you are upon than I do.  so believe me sincere, when I request you to take your own time to accomplish it, or any other business you may have on hand—at the same time I must be allowed to add, that you have no friend that wishes more to see you than I do.
                  I have been in constant expectation ever since my arrival at this place of a Summons to meet Count Rochambeau at Philadelphia, to settle a plan for the ensuing Campaign.  the non-arrival of the dispatches from his Court has hitherto prevented it. but the absolute necessity (to avoid delay after they do arrive)—has induced me to propose a meeting at all events; that we may settle such hypothetical plans as will facilitate our operations without waiting for this meeting afterwards.  I shall know the result of this proposition in the course of a few days, as my dispatches left this the 24th Ulto.
                  We have nothing new in this Quarter.  Sir Guy, gives strong assurances of the pacific disposition of his most gratious Majesty, by Land.  Sir (that is to be) Digby, gives proofs, if he is dificient in assurances, of his most gracious Majesty’s good intentions of capturing every thing that floats on the face of the Waters; and of his humane design of suffocating all those who are taken thereon, in Prison Ships, who will not engage in his service.  To an American whose genius is not susceptable of refined Ideas there would appear some little inconsistency in all this; but to the enlarged, & comprehensive Mind of a Briton, these things are perfectly reconcilable.  But whether they are right, or whether they are wrong time will determine.
                  I am just returned from a visit to our Northern Posts; in which Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, the Cohos, & the Fields of Burgoyne were visited—Mrs Washington who sets out this day for Mount Vernon thanks you for your kind remembrance of her—She wishes you as I do, as much happiness as you can do yourself.  Sincerely & Affectly I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington

               The portion in square brackets is taken from the draft.


Title: To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 9 July 1782
From: Willett, Marinus
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Albany 9th July. 1782

                  This letter will be conveyed to Your Excellency by Lieutenant Ten Eyck, who is pay master to our State troops Raised for three Years—and the Levies Raised in this Quarter—I have directed Mr Ten Eyck to inquire about Arms Clothing &c. for the three years troops—I am compeled to wish he may be fortunate enough to procure those things—Inasmuch as the troops being Inlisted with the promise that they should be paid Subsisted and Clothed by the Public, are Continually looking to us for the fullfilment of our promise, and their situation deprives us of the most Important parts of there Service. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency Most Obedient Servant

                     M. Willett


Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 9 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Williams, Otho Holland

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters July 9. 1782

                  I am favord with your polite Letter of the 2d Inst.
                  It would have given me great pleasure to have had the opportunity of congratulating you personally on your late Promotion, but your business not permitting that, I am happy in this Oppertunity of doing it, at the Same time assuring you that your Merit more than any Interest of mine influenced Congress in your favor.
                  I sincerely hope your applications to the Legislature in behalf of the Sick and Wounded Soldiery of your Line may have been attended with Success—nothing surely could be wanting to excite the gratitude of the People but the bare mention of their distress.
                  Tho’ the present inactive State of Affairs does not render your presence here necessary; should circumstances change I shall be very happy in availing myself of them if I can do it with propriety and in the mean time I remain with great regard Sir Your very humble Servant.


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

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Wednesday July 10th 1782
                     Parole
                     C. Signs

                  The Commander in chief is singularly happy to be confirmed in the favorable opinion he had entertained of the rapid progress which would be made in the dicipline of this Army, by the Inspection returns which are just handed to him by the Baron Steuben; from which it appears that the troops in general have greatly improved since the preceeding inspection in order and discipline; and that the spirit of emulation, which is universally to be seen among all ranks of officers and soldiers leaves no room to doubt but that the few regiments which are yet a little defective will by following the laudable example before them, soon attain an equal point of Military perfection.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 10 July 1782
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Chatham July 10th 1782

                  Your Excellencys letter of the 24th Ulto I received the 6th instant—I communicated the contents to Capt. Dayton who I beleive will be able to give a satisfactory account of the two Officers alluded to in governor Livingstons letter.  If I could beleive Capt. Dayton was not disposed to comply with every order received from his superior Officer he certainly should not remain at that place another day.
                  I have in confinement about twenty prisoners five are deserters from the Cornwallis prisoners the others are british and refugees taken at different periods, I shuld be glad to have Your Excellencys orders what to do with them as it is very inconvenient keeping them at this place.  I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Hlbe servt

                     Elias Dayton


Title: From George Washington to John Glover, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters Newburgh, July 10th 1782

                  I have recd your Letter of the 18th June with the enclosed Certificate.  Agreeably to your Request, I have forwarded a Copy of your Letter with the corroborating Evidence of the physicians, to the Secretary at War, and recommended a Compliance with your Desire.
                  That you may soon be restored to your former State of Health is the sincere Wish of Sir, Your most Obdt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin

                        Dear Sir;
                            Newburgh 10th July 1782

                         handing me the Letters herewith inclosed (amongst others) without apprizing me of the direction of them, I opened one of yours before I discovered the mistake—I offer this as an appology to you for the Seal coming to you broken. With great esteem & Regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affect Serv.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 10 July 1782
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Lancaster July 10th 1782.

                  Some time since, I applied to the honble the Minister of War for his advice, or orders in a Case of Capt. McCurdey of the Pennsylvania line, who I had Arrested on a complaint of Captain Charles Asgill of the British Guards, and a prisoner of war—In answer to which I was favored with your Excellencys orders of the 23rd of June, disaproving of the sentence of the Court Martial held at Carlile on the 16 of May last—dissolving the Court and directing a Court Martial to be held at Philadelphia for the trial of Capt. McCurdy.
                  The Minister of War was pleased to recite a paragraph in your letter to him in the following words, vizt "I don’t Consider Brigadier General Hazen as Commanding through the State of Pensylvania, and consequently incapable of ordering officers from the various parts of the State to attend at what places he may think proper."  from which I am very apprehensive Your Excellency has not been informed of a true state of the matter—for I never had an Idea of Commanding anything more in this State, than my own Regiment, and the prisoners of War at this place, York and Reading, which I was fully authorized in, by my instructions.
                  If Officers of other Corps Come within the limits of my Command, and plunge themselves into broils and quarrels, with those under my immediate protection, Your Excellency will, I am pursuaded, agree with me, that in such Cases, duty would require my intoposition, more especially, when justice is not only due to individuals; but the honor of the American Army concern’d.
                  I do not know that I ever saw Capt. McCurdy in my life, or that I ever heard his name mentioned, untill a formal Complaint was handed to me by Major Gordon, the oldest Officer amongst the prisoners of War—Consequently I could not have entertain’d any unjust prejudices against him—And I have not ever changed a single word, either verbal, by message, or in writing with Col. Butler on the subject of Capt. McCurdys Arrest—I must Confess I thought Col. Butlers Conduct odd, and was not well satisfyed with what appear’d a want of civility, at least toward me.
                  If therefore Col. Butler or any other person have Represented to your Excellency, that I have assumed the Command in the State of Pennsa and ordered Officers from one part of the State to the other at pleasure, or any thing of that Nature; I must beg leave to declare, without entering into a detail of Particulars too tedious to trouble your Excellency with, that the Reverse will appear throughout the whole tenor and line of my conduct, since I have been honored with the Command at this place, which however, has not been the case with Col. Butler, for he ordered Capt. Asgill, and all his evidences from York Town; this place and elsewhere, to Carlile, to attend at McCurdys tryal; without my knowledge or consent.
                  When I arrested Capt. McCurdy, I Concieved him to be stationed at York Town on the Recruiting service, and under Col. Humptons Command, who risided at Phila.—Whether that was really the Case or not, I Cannot at present Assertain.
                  I am happy with your Excellencys decision, and thrice happy indeed, to find the dispute taken off my hands; in which I acted officially only.
                  I beg your Excellency will pardon me for the trouble I have given on this occasion, and believe Me ever to be, with great truth and sincerity, Your Excellencys most Obedt and Most devoted humble Servant

                     Moses Hazen

                     P.S.  I never ordered a Court Martial for the tryal of Capt. McCurdy—I advised him of one setting at Lancaster for the tryal of Capt. Van—Hain—and left it at his option, whether he would be tryed by it or not.


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

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands July 10 1782

                  There is at present a deficiency of cartridge-boxes, and many of the recruits who have drawn arms are destitute of boxes.
                  The 3. Massachusetts brigade have no conductor of military stores, or forage master—and wish to have them appointed, as they daily experience the want of them.
                  Enclosed is the report of the field officers of the Massachusetts line on the conditions which majors Rice and Gibbs were admitted into the line.  I believe the officers wish not to have any mention made of the matter in the public orders; but that the report remain on file as matter of record.
                  Enclosed also your excellency will find the report of the board of officers who settled the rank of the subaltern officers of the Massachusetts line on the dispute of rank between messieurs Allen and Cary of the 10. regiment.  The third person of the board is general Glover, who is absent.  It appears that Mr Allen is indisputably entitled to take rank of Mr Cary.  If the report meets your excellency’s approbation, mr Allen takes the rank which mr Cary has held, and an alteration must be made in the numbering of the subalterns of the line as at present arranged, if you should think proper to direct it—No other inconvenience can happen.  I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath

                     P.S.  I observe many of the soldiers are barefooted, and are obliged so to go on duty.  Enclosed is a letter from captain Pray.

                     W.H.

                Enclosure

                        Nelson’s Point 7 July 1782

                     Lieut. Nathaniel C. Allen’s Pertentions to Rank in the 10th Massats Regiment late commanded by Colo. Thomas Marshall—Appointed Paymaster to Colonel Thomas Marshalls Regiment 1st January 1777.

                        N.C. Allen Lieut.
                        10th Massts Regt

                Enclosure

                        Nelsonspoint July 7th 1782

                     Lieut. Jonn Carys Protentions in the 10th Massts Regt late Commanded by Colo. Thomas Marshall—Appointed the 6th Lieut. in the 10th Mastts Regt August 10th 1777, Appointed and Mustred as Capt. Lt the 30th of October 1779.

                        Jonn Cary Capt. Lt

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Camp Nelsons Point 7th July 82

                     We have taken into consideration the dispute of Rank between Captain Lieutenant Jonthn Cary and Lieutenant C. Allen, and report the following Facts—That Lieutt Allen was appointed a Paymaster in the 10th Massachusetts Regiment the 1st of Jany 1777 with the Rank of first Lieutt  Lieut. Cary was appointed the sixth Lieutt in the same Regiment the 10th August 1777 and was returned and Mustered as a Captain Lieut. the 30th of October 1779—That he has not obtained either a warrant or Commission, and his being returnd and Mustered appears to be the only Authority by which he acts as Capt. Lieut.  On these Facts we report, that returning and Mustering Lieut. Cary as Captain Lieutenant, was irregular as Lieut. Allen was the oldest Officer, and was clearly entitled to the promotion—We are therefore of opinion that Lieut. Nathaniel C. Allen, is entitled to the Rank of Captain Lieutenant from the 30th of October 1777, and that Captain Lieutenant Jonathan Cary ought only to be Considered as a Lieutenant and take Rank from the date of his Commission.  we have the honour to be Your very Obedient Servant,

                        John Paterson B. General
                        Wm Hull Lt Colo.

                Enclosure

                        West Point July 8th 1782.

                     The Field Officers of The Massachusetts Line, having met agreeable to the Orders of Yesterday to investigate, determine, and report The Conditions upon which Majors Rice, & Gibbs were admitted into The Line.  Make the following Report.
                     That they were, not to derive any Advantage either in promotion or in doing Duty in the Massachusetts Line, from the Continental Majors Commissions, they held previous to the 1st Day of January 1781; But should be considered, as the Junior Majors in said Line, and take Rank as such from the period above mentioned, but that they shou’d not be excluded from any Advantages of Command which they might derive from their Continental Majors Commissions, when acting in the Line of the Army at large.

                        J. Greaton Colo. Presdt
                        By Order of the Field Officers

                Enclosure

                        Dear General
                        West point July 10th 1782

                     I arrivd at this place this morning about 3 oClock with the New Commissiond Officers and Privates of the  Brigade to be musterd.  I shoud have Calld at Your Honors Quarters if it had not been in the night.
                     The day before yesterday I was informed by Major Woodbridge that there was a Great number of flat botom boats in Spiten duvel Creek—Yesterday morning I took two boats and went down the River to assertain the Truth of it.  found there was none there—While I was on Shore the Ships Sent three Barges and a Gun boat after us.  We lay till the Barges came within  Swivel Shot of us.  and prevented their coming any further.  till the Gun boat Came up and fird upon us.  but we Kept the barges betwen them and us so that we could not Receive any damage as our boats Rowed much faster than theirs.
                     I wish your Honor to Give the bearer Serjt Cap  an Order for powders and Shot enough for thirty Rounds for the Swivels.  Likewise paper to make them.  and one Quire of Writing paper.
                     There is a Report Came out of York that the Enemy have Evacuated Charlestown & that they have burn’t it.  this I Got Yesterday morning when I was down.
                     As the men will be musterd this day I shall Return down the River tomorrow.I have the Honor to be with Every Sentiment of Respect Your Honor’s most Obedt and Very Humble Servant
                     Jno. Pray Capt.


Title: From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 10 July 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Hughes, Hugh,Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel

                     Gentlemen
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 10th 1782

                  The Commander in Chief sensible of the immense importance of preserving the Horses & Teams of the Army in good condition for service through the Campaign & considering that the Movements, supplies & success of an Army frequently depend on this Article alone; hath commanded me, to request from you Gentlemen in writing, a joint Report on the following Points, viz.
                  What number of Horses & Teams have arrived, what number more are expected, when, & from whence?
                  In what condition are they?
                  How or by what means are they now supplied with forage?
                  What are the prospects for the Campaign in this article?
                  In case of deficiency of Money, & public supplies, what provision is made by the laws of this state for furnishing Grass, or any other species of Forage?
                  His Excellency directs, besides the report on the aforementioned Questions; that you do also as soon as may be give in an Estimate of the quantity of forage necessary for the Army, together with your sentiments of the best practicable Plan under our circumstances for keeping up the supply, particularly of pasturage, through the Campaign.
                  The General is the rather induced to give this order, at this time, in so explicit a manner; that, if the present means are not adequate to the object, Measures may be taken while the Legislature is sitting, to prevent the public Cattle from suffering & the service from being essentially injured on the one hand; as well as to supersede the necessity of an arbitrary seizure of private property (without compensation) for their subsistence, on the other.  I am Gentlemen, Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

                     D. Humphrys
                     Aid de Camp


Title: From George Washington to William Irvine, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Irvine, William

                     Sir,
                     Head-Quarters, Newburgh, July 10th 1782

                  I have been favoured with your Letter of the 16th June, apprizing me of the Disaster that befell the Militia at Sandusky.  I am persuaded you did every thing in your Power to insure them Success.  I cannot but regret the Misfortune & more especially for the Loss of Colo. Crawford, for whom I had a very great Regard. I am, Sir, Your most obt Sert.


Title: From George Washington to John Laurens, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, John

                     My Dr Sir
                     Head Qrs 10 July 82

                  The last Post brought me your Letter of the 19 May.
                  I must confess that I am not at all astonished at the failure of your Plans.
                  That Spirit of Freedom which at the commencement of this contest would have gladly sacrificed every thing to the attainment of its object has long since subsided, and every selfish Passion has taken its place—it is not the public but the private Interest which influences the generality of Mankind nor can the Americans any longer boast an exception—under these circumstances it would rather have been surprizing if you had succeeded nor will you I fear succeed better in Georgia.
                  In the present moment there is very little prospect of the Campaign being much more Active in this quarter than in yours—however little can be positively determined on, till we have some advices from Europe—which I am anxiously waiting for—when they arrive I shall be better able to tell you what we may expect.
                  Sir Guy Carlton is using every art to sooth & lull our people into a state of security—Adml Digby is Capturing all our Vessels, & suffocating all our Seamen who will not enlist into the Service of His Britanic Majesty as fast as possible in Prison Ships.  And Haldiman (with his Savage Allies) is scalping & burning the Frontiers—Such is the line of Conduct pursued by the different Commanders—and such—their politics.  You have my best wishes always, being sincerely Yrs

                            G. W——n


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

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters July 10th 1782

                  I do myself the honor to transmit you, Copy of a Letter I have received from Brigadier General Glover, which you will observe he desires may  submitted to Congress.
                  Was I to give my Opinion on this matter, it would be that his Request should be complied with, for I think it pretty evident that the Country will reap very little benefit from any future services from him—his Age and Infirmities are such, that he will ever be absent from the Army, and therefore, if he is not permitted to retire on half pay, he must either be dismissed (which I dare say no one will think just) or he will receive the full pay and Emoluments of his Rank without rendering any Service—The same reasons urge me to recommend that General Parsons may also be permitted to retire, his situation is exactly similar to General Glover’s, and the same provision must, I should suppose, be made for both—whatever may be the determination of Congress on this matter, I beg you to make me acquainted with it.  I am Sir Your very Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George James Ludlow, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Ludlow, George James

                     Sir,
                     Head Qrs 10th July 1782

                  The Inclosed came under cover to me—I shall be happy when opportunities offer to Show you Civilities. I have the honr to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to George Reid, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Reid, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 10th 1782

                  I am favored this moment, with your Letter of the 2nd Inst.  The intelligence communicated therein appears to me, to be vague & not perfectly founded; it ought however to have so much influence upon our conduct as to excite unusual vigilance & preparation in order to baffle any of the barbarous designs of the Enemy should they attempt to carry them into execution.  For my own part, I am more apprehensive for the safety of the Country on the Mowhawk River than for any other part of the frontier; because I think from the circumstances the principal effort (should there be any invasion) would be made against it—and therefore it seems to me, that, with Drawing the Companies of State Troops from Saratoga & that quarter, (where they cannot be very necessary) & extending them together with the other Levies on the frontier of the Mowhawk & at the same time concentring your Regt to the neighbourhood of the place you mention, would be a judicious plan; tho I do not pretend to be myself sufficiently acquainted with the local situation, to determine with absolute certainty on the expediency of this disposition—it will, in my opinion, be adviseable to consult & arrange this matter with Coll Willet, who is particularly well informed of the Geography of the Country—Any little dispute about rank or command, I am persuaded will not, on such an occasion or any other where the public good is concerned, intervene to prevent your consulting & acting together for the promotion of the Service.  Those disputes, as I before observed, may be determin’d whenever the claims & documents of both parties are handed in.
                  If there are any public Boats at Albany, I have no objection to your having some of them got up the Mowhawk—Of the other Articles you are in want, there should be a specific Return made to the Quartr Mastr that he may furnish in proportion to your necessities, & the stock on hand.
                  As to Cartridge Boxes for the Levies, it will be impossible to supply them from the public Store, because we have not more than are absolutely necessary for our own Troops—the best substitute that can be devised, must therefore be made use of—and I have a confidence, that you & the other Officers commanding on the frontiers will oeconomize the means in your possession to the best advantage; and exert all your zeal & activity in the public Service.  I am Dear Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to Elisha Sheldon, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Sheldon, Elisha

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh July 10th 1782

                  On the receipt of this, you will have your Regt put in the most compleat state of preparation for Moving to join this Army, and hold yourself in readiness to march on the shortest notice.  I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

                     Dear Sir,
                      10 July 1782

                  The enclosed (one for yourself & the other for Major Clarkson) comes in consequence of Generl Knox’s application.  To give you such Letters, was My first intention; but not knowing who was to command the Forces destined for the Invasion of Jamaica, I had resort to the Certificates with which you were furnished; conceiving it would appear odd to write, & not be able to direct. or to direct to the General otherwise than by name.
                  The direction is now left to yourselves when the knowledge is obtained.  You have, both, my best wishes, & I am Dr Sir Yr obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington