Title: From George Washington to John Durkee, 20 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Durkee, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 20th 1781

                        I was surprised to find by a Letter from Mr John Hurlbut of Wyoming that you had given permission for the Men
                            belonging to the Army, who were Inhabitants of & now are at Wyoming to continue at that place until further
                            Orders—You must be sensible such interference is very improper; & in future you will not presume to contravene the
                            Resolutions of Congress, or Orders of Your Superior officers. I am Sir Your Hble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 20 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 20th 1781

                        It was exceedingly proper to order the men who left the Detachment under the Marquis, to be confined—if the
                            practice should prevail, severe examples must be made—but if it ceases here, and the number is small, it may not be worth
                            the while to send them back, (Altho there should not be evidence sufficient to convict them here with certainty) lest the
                            fear of Punishment should induce them to a final desertion, on their route to those Troops.
                        By the Proceedings of the Court of Enquiry on Captain Pope, there appears to be such information respecting
                            the conduct of the Officer who was on Guard at the time the Prisoners made their escape, that it is necessary he should be
                            put in Arrest, and brought before a Court Martial, for being absent from his Guard, and neglect of duty in suffering the
                            Prisoners to escape from the Guard under his Command—This you will be pleased to direct accordingly. With great regard
                            & esteem I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I thank you for the News Paper You forwarded by Major Gibbs.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 20 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point April 20. 1781.

                        This being the day appointed by your Excellency’s orders, for the execution of Robert Maples, alias John
                            Walker, and Nathan Gale, directions were given for the necessary preparations to be made—and the troops have been paraded.
                            Mr Hutton the Provost-marshal, who had received your Excellency’s warrants for the execution of the culprits, has
                            attended—but has refused to perform the execution himself, and has not provided any other person. The Deputy
                            Adjutant-general would have furnished him with one if to be found, rather than let the execution pass: but it has been
                            impracticable. I conceive it to be the undoubted duty of the Provost-marshal to perform the execution himself if he does
                            not procure some other person, as it is the duty of the High-Sheriff to execute criminals in his county. I have sent Mr
                            Hutton in arrest to your Excellency, to be dealt with for his disobedience as you may think proper. The day will be so far
                            spent, that it will not be possible to perform the execution to day. The whole is submitted to your Excellencys further
                            directions. I have the honor to be with the greatest regard, Your Excellencys Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 20 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters 20th April 1781

                        I have from the necessity of the case respited the two Criminals ’till Tuesday. In the mean time the provost
                            Martial must be tried for refusing to execute his Office as directed by the Warrant—perhaps the Court may make some
                            allowance for the reasons he alledges. If you think there is no need of executing both for the sake of example and can
                            find out which is the most atrocious character between this and Tuesday, I will pardon one of them—Hutton must be tried
                            tomorrow, that if he should be displaced, we may have time to procure another. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 20 April 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia April 20. 1781

                        I am directed to transmit your Excellency the enclosed Copies of Letters, viz., one from his Excellency
                            President Reed to me, the other from Mr Fowler to President Reed, with the consequent Resolve of Congress of the 19th
                            Instant; directing that effectual Measures be taken to make Enquiry into & correct the Abuses therein mentioned
                            and for bringing the Offenders to condign Punishment.
                        This Mr Fowler is an Auditor appointed by Congress to settle public Accounts in that Quarter.
                        It may not be amiss to mention to your Excellency that it hath been suggested by Gentlemen of Character, that
                            Colonel Broadhead for some reasons is disposed to obstruct, rather than to aid Colonel Clarke in his present Expedition
                            to the westward, & prevent his Proceeding. How far the latter Suggestion, or those Facts mentioned in Mr Fowlers
                            Letter are well founded I cannot pretend to say. A proper Enquiry is necessary to ascertain those Matters; and I am firmly
                            perswaded your Excellency’s Prudence will direct to such Measures as that the Public may not suffer by flagrant Abuses,
                            and at the same Time no faithful Officers may be injured by ill founded Misrepresentations, if any such there be. I have
                            the Honor to be, with the highest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servant

                            Sam. Huntington President

                            P.S. I have been Honourd with your Excellency Letters of the 12th & 14th instant.

                     Enclosure

                                (Copy)
                                Sir
                                Pittsburgh 29 March 1781

                            As a public servant and a citizen of the united states whose greatest ambition is to see them prosper, I
                                can no longer remain silent. Indeed I think I should be undeserving of the trust reposed in me were I not to be
                                explicit. For the indolence of public servants and the enormity of public abuses becomes more and more obvious.
                            We are here Sir reduced to a contemptible situation and I am afraid we shall soon appear in a disgraceful
                                one. For discipline is not only relaxed but totally neglected and private interest shamefully predominates over public
                                oeconomy The indians and quarter masters who are equally objects of the people’s jealousy and aversion are equally
                                indulged here from motives mean and unwarrantable. An indian trade is carried on in this department on principles
                                hitherto unknown to even our enemies in their lost and corrupt state. Under the auspices of our Commandant his harlot
                                purchases furs and peltries from the savages which are paid for with liquor, salt &c. from the commissaries
                                store and sold for cash: and though this trade must be allowed to be snug, safe and profitable yet it is degrading, is
                                unworthy of imitation and ought to be reprobated.
                            At the head of the quarter master’s department we have a grovelling ignorant man; but as he is servile
                                and knowing and an adept in taking advantages in jobbing & making
                                bargains he appears to be principal confidant. While David can catch an
                                advantageous private bargain Daniel can smile at public calamity. And while the people are
                                complaining and almost ready to revolt, both can fatten on their distresses. These gentn Sir are
                                largely concerned in the land jobbing way. Their credit and connextions extend far and near and however unbecoming
                                such conduct may be particularly by men who have public money to account for nothing else seems attended to.
                                    Indians have not only been countenanced but public criminals secured through
                                base and interested motives. Hence Congress have been misled. With all due respect to that honorable body while they
                                were bestowing commissions on savages the state of Pensylvania judged right by offering a bounty for their scalps.
                            Colonel Broadhead has not only rendered himself universally obnoxious to the people but also to many of
                                his officers, who have refused for these twelve months past to dine or associate with him on
                                account of his conduct, and what was then deemed only a suspicion is now rendered a fact. Nay some of his officers
                                have charged him with sporting with public money and tho’ he has on the
                                one hand treated them with indignity they have on the other applied for a court of enquiry but
                                nothing is done. The officers are eager for a hearing and the commandant seems to sit silent under
                                the reproach.
                            To enumerate to your excellency all the abuses & grievances here would be an endless task, I
                                shall however endeavour to point out a few of them and their causes.
                            Respecting commanding officers their expences are at present unlimited. By the single
                                dash of a pen a commandant can make all fly before him. Thus the public stores are made not only subservient to his
                                will, but caterers to his passions. By which means the safety and happiness of a country depends on individuals. False
                                and destructive policy. In the british service Sir, there are many abuses, yet nothing of this kind can arise—With
                                respect to the quarter masters department, it is a ruinous & destructive one. For having neither check nor
                                controul of any kind they are enabled to ship the public at pleasure and make just what sum of money they deem
                                necessary. Our Assistant D.Q. Master Mr Duncan tho’ he can scarce write his name can employ
                                just as many teams, artificers, labourers and workmen of all kinds as he thinks fit not for the benefit of the public,
                                but the benefit of he that employs them, for the benefit of the very scum of America who
                                seem to be destitute of all kind of knowledge as well as principle but that of amassing wealth. The assistant Qr
                                Master has his forms, his assistants have theirs and for aught I know some of his waggoners, where their horses are
                                employed in the summer season; and in the winter when agriculture is at an end and teams can do little from the
                                shortness of the days and the depth of the roads, they are whipped into the public service, and while they are
                                fattened and made sleek at public expence the poor continental horses are left to gnaw their hoofs & die in
                                ditches. Public waggons, public geers and public artificers are employed for the private emolument of these men. Here
                                your excellency may behold a public carpenter employed in mending & repairing the quarter masters waggons, for
                                the use of which waggons he charges the public a high price—And the public blacksmiths shoeing his horses making and
                                repairing his plough irons as well as all kind of husbandry utensils, while many of the soldiery are employed in
                                clearing his lands. Not only his land is cleared but houses are repaired & built and he puts what price he
                                pleases on his timber. Even an artificer (a destructive bee of the quarter master’s hive) has built a dwelling house
                                with other conveniencies in the face of the garrison while he and his wasps were receiving high pay from the public
                                & I believe double rations. And such hirelings as these shall even have their hirelings put on pay and rations
                                by an assistant to a D.Q. Master and employed on their farms for weeks I believe I may say months together. So that
                                every species of abuse and low peculation is practised that the art of man can invent. And while such public nuisances
                                as these can not only supply themselves but their creatures & connections with every necessary and convenience,
                                many who are entitled to attention from those gentry by resolutions of Congress are totally neglected. The abusers of
                                public confidence, may it please Your Excellency, are linked together in a chain of iniquity. One delinquent makes
                                many until they are encreased without end. And indeed, Sir, I have often observed in my Rubbs through life that mean
                                abilities are often attended with craft and he that knows nothing else knows how to be cunning So that besides An Auditor of Accounts an inspector of abuses is necessary in this department.
                            Your excellency will readily ask how such barefaced abuses can possibly arise without the knowledge of
                                the Commandant? How can an assistant to a D.Q. Master and his assistants employ their own teams in the face of a
                                resolution of Congress? Is it not the duty of a commanding officer to be as careful of public property as his own? For
                                my own part, Sir, I have ever thought so and that there cannot be a greater mark of virtue in a public servant than
                                public oeconomy. But when a commanding officer & an assistant D.Q.M. become conjoint & connected it
                                answers all these questions. It explains the whole & leaves nothing a mystery. The interest of the one becomes
                                the interest of the other, and the interest of the public seems never to come under the consideration of either. With such
                                public servants a country cannot prosper unless they are bitted and bridled like untamed colts.
                            To remove the abuses enumerated and prevent them in future I beg leave to offer to your excellency the
                                following hints.
                            Relieve the commandant and discharge the quarter master. Indeed we can only act defensively in this
                                quarter. And if a proper defensive plan was adopted, which is the only plan that can be adopted, that can either
                                afford security or protection to the people the whole hive of wasps might be discharged and the public stores
                                delivered to the care of capt. Ferrel deputy field commissary who is a gentleman and worthy of
                                trust; and all artificers that may be found absolutely necessary for the public service to be employd by the said
                                field commissary & to be under his directions, by which means much treasure will be saved to the public.
                            Officers who are entitled to horses to find their own horses as well as forage & to be paid for
                                the latter. This is very practicable here & I make no doubt but the officers, those excepted that are
                                connected with the quarter master, would be better satisfied than in the manner they are now supplied.
                            The fire wood necessary for the department to be found by contract which I am convinced I could have done
                                here at one fourth the present expence.
                            Public stores and public money to be held sacred and by all means to fix an allowance for commanding
                                Officers.
                            The above remedies on trial would I am convinced be found specific ones. But if it may be thought
                                necessary that an assistant to a D.Q. Master and a swarm of his leeches are to be continued here I would beg leave to
                                recommend such for that employment as have no farms in the neighbourhood and that his accounts should be audited on
                                the spot: and for the benefit of the public I will with pleasure if agreeable take that trouble upon myself &
                                report to the respective Auditors. I can assure your excellency that these gentry are so accustomed
                                to low cunning that they are not at a loss in putting a gloss of Justice and authenticity on the
                                face of their accounts by well arranged vouchers, solemn affidavits and I know not what else
                                besides which must naturally be admitted below and can only be detected here. I have many things in
                                my eye which I cannot communicate to your excellency and what cannot be discovered by the most
                                discerning & circumspect without being on the spot. As I conceive it to be the duty of
                                every honest public servant to detect abuses as well as give information thereof to those who may have it in their power to correct & prevent them I have thought it mine to trouble your
                                excellency with this letter which exhibits in unexaggerated detail of the disorders in the west
                                and in doing so I hope I shall not be by the virtuous & patriotic deemed officious. They are of a dangerous
                                & infectious nature & I hope a specific remedy will soon by employed.
                            I beg leave to assure your excellency that the public good is all that I have in view by the letter. I bear
                                resentment normally to no man. But I cannot see America in some measure
                                conquering her self and strengthening the hands of our enemies by the depravity
                                of public servants, without indignation: And I should ill deserve the opinion which I flatter myself your excellency
                                entertains of me were I either to be intimidated by power or restrained by any other motive from giving you this
                                information. For as a great author observes "The enjoyment of liberty and even its support and preservation consists
                                in every man being allowed to speak his thoughts and lay open his sentiments." Yr excellency’s most Obedient &
                                most humble Servt

                                (signed) A. Fowler

                     Enclosure

                                (Copy)
                                Sir
                                In Council Philadelphia April 18. 1781

                            In answer to your excellency’s favour of this morning enclosing general Washington’s letter respecting
                                fort pitt, I beg leave to inform you that proper measures were taken last fall to have meat salted at fort pitt Cattle
                                were purchased in the adjoining counties of Virginia and salt sent up to that post, but some obstruction arose to the
                                cattle going out of Virginia which was not got over till this spring, when twenty eight head were sent, but in a
                                different condition than they should have been. Col. Broadhead made a representation to us about the same time and of
                                the same nature as that to the general upon which every step in our power has been taken and we hope by this time Mr
                                Duncan’s exertions and the money with which we supplied him have relieved not only the wants but the apprehensions of
                                the garrison. As to flour and spirits there never has been any want. In this respect Col. Broadhead’s representation
                                is too unqualified I must also beg leave to remark to your excellency that until the last requisition of Congress,
                                beef was not comprized in the articles required from this state. Our whole exertion therefore was made on the other
                                articles and when we inform your excellency that in the course of a few months six thousand and fifty four pounds
                                fourteen shillings and one penny state money, when the purchases could be made with it nearly at a par with gold
                                & silver, was sent to furnish the supplies of the garrison, and one thousand pounds lately we presume it will
                                appear that this important post has not been neglected.
                            Whether these supplies have been furnished or applied with due oeconomy and care we cannot determine, but
                                the Council have thought it proper to send the enclosed letter in this subject for the information of Congress. The
                                writer is an Auditor of the public accounts and deemed a man of character and intelligence. We are sorry to add that
                                the information of the inhabitants of that part of the country corresponds in some degree with several particulars in
                                the letter. I am with much respect Your excellency’s Most obedient and very humble Servt

                                (Signed) Jos: Reed
                                President


Title: From George Washington to William Hutton, 20 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hutton, William

                             20 April 1781

                        To William Hutton Provost Marshal of the Army
                        of the United States of America
                        Whereas at a General Court Martial held at West Point the 10th Instant by order of Major General Heath
                        Major Graham president
                        Robert Maples alias John Walker charged with "inlisting in Colonel Alden’s regiment by the Name of John
                            Walker for during the War and deserting therefrom, also reinlisting by the name of Robert Maples for three years and
                            taking a Bounty of two hundred hard dollars and deserting again." Was Tried, found Guilty and sentenced to suffer Death
                            which sentence was by Me approved and his Execution ordered this day.
                        You will therefore take said Robert Maples alias John Walker from the place of his present confinement to the
                            place appointed for his execution and there Hang him by the Neck ’till he be Dead for which this shall be your sufficient
                            Warrant. Given under my Hands and Sealed New Windsor this Twentieth day of April 1781.
                        By His Excellency’s command

                            Go: Washington

                            D. Humphrys Aide De Camp.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 April 1781
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Redding April 20th 1781

                        It is now five Days since I have first walked from my Bed to the  I have moved as
                                fair as I have any Right to expect since that  continues very weak. I hope the
                                 Day to go abroad; and when I gain Strength sufficient  hope a
                            Journey will restore my Strength as well as Health; I am at present unable to attend to the Business
                            you committed to my Charge; Captain Walker will take charge of those matters and doubtless communicate to Your Excellency
                            what he finds important; I can only say that the Steps taken in that affair seem  the operations of the disaffected to a Stand at present they seem to be
                            waiting Events, I cannot but  your Excellency in the absence of the british Fleet to order an Expedition to
                            Lloyd’s Neck, Two Frigates would be sufficient to cover the Operations and five Hundred men will be quite sufficient to
                                render the attempt Succesful those with the Ships can perhaps be ordered from
                            Rhode Island where no jealousy will be occasioned by the movement, this Expedition if successful will
                            give peace to our Coast the whole Summer and on that point of Light will be important and very grateful
                            to this Country; if your Excellency should order this Expedition I think I have many Reasons to claim to Command it and
                            must beg your Excellency not to deny me: but if my Reasons should induce you to order any other Officer
                            to Command; I must beg your permission to go with the Expedition and Command or not as You see fit. I am Dear General your
                            Obedient Humble Servant

                            Saml H. Parsons


Title: From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 20 April 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 20th 1781

                        His Excellency wishes to be informed what success has attended the Measures taken for the transportation of
                            the flour from Ringwood—what number of Teams were procured by the last impress &c. He also requests that you will
                            direct the Forage Master Genl to provide Pasture, as convenient as possible to Head Quarters for the Horses which belong
                            to himself & his Family.
                        We shall shortly be much distressed for Paper & Wax. I am Dr Sr Your Most Obed. Servt

                            D. Humphrys

                            P.S. We will thank you for some Wafers by the bearer if any have Arrived.


Title: From Timothy Pickering to David Humphreys, 20 April 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Humphreys, David

                            Dr Sir
                            Newburgh April 20. 1781.

                        Between the 5th & 13th inst. were loaded at Ringwood fifteen double teams & twenty nine
                            single teams, with
                        124 barrels of flour
                         1 barrel of biscuit
                         33 barrels of beans
                        2 hogsheads of salt
                        6 tierces of ditto
                        23 barrels—do–
                        according to the report of Mr Skidmore the deputy waggon master, who saw them loaded. On his return hither
                            the 14th inst. he met 17 more single teams on their way to Ringwood for flour. These were doubtless a part of those
                            impressed by the dragoons: for Alexander, one of the expresses who went to assist in the impresses, reports 24 teams being
                            set in motion on the 14th, and 18 more on the 18th inst. Another Express, Latham went with another
                            party, but was taken unwell, & obliged to leave the dragoons to make the impresses in Orange county by themselves.
                            Of these I have had no return. But as what provisions have actually arrived at New Windsor
                            would better satisfy the General, I sent to Mr Weed at New Windsor for a return of all he had received from Ringwood
                            during the present month, & on what days it arrived. But he & his clerk were absent. My
                            request was left, & I expect his return to-morrow: but if you chuse, you may obtain it sooner
                            by sending to Mr Weed for it in the morning, which I will thank you to do. With great esteem I am D Sir yr most obedt servt

                            T. Pickering Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Proctor, 20 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Proctor, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 20th April 1781.

                        Your favor of the 9th did not reach me untill the 18th instant—I am sorry to find that the situation of your
                            domestic affairs renders it necessary for you to quit the service—It always gives me pain to part with an Officer, but
                            particularly so with one whose experience and attention has made him useful in his profession.
                        I cannot in justice to you permit you to leave the Army without expressing my approbation of your conduct
                            upon every occasion since you joined me in 1776—and wishing you success in the line of Life which you have now embraced.
                        I have signified my acceptance of your resignation, which bears date the 18th inst. to the Board of War. I am
                            &c.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 20 April 1781
From: Stevens, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            May it please Your Excellency,
                            Fishkill April 20th 1781

                        I would acquaint Your Excellency that I have consulted Mr Morrell, the Gentleman that proposed putting up a
                            Quantity of Shad, and find him to be destitute of the Means of Purchase; He says he expects he can have a Sufficiency of
                            Fish to fill six hundred Barrels for three Pecks of Salt per Barrel, but that he shall not be able to procure them upon
                            Trust, and as it is not in my Power to promise Payment to his Acceptance, I have been under the Necessity of dismissing
                            him upon the Subject. I have the Honor to be with due Respect, May it please Your Excellency Your Excellency’s most obedt
                            Servant

                            N. Stevens D.C.G. Issues


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 20 April 1781
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Hartford April 20th 1781

                        I took the Liberty yesterday to propose in a letter by General Beville that in case the french army marched
                            to Head Quarters—thier rout shou’d be by the Sea Cost. since which I have received a letter from General Rochambeau
                            ordering some preparations which will if made put it out of my power to furnish them on that rout—I find he has an Idea of
                            Marching soon in May—the Country west of this will not afford forage enough before the Green forage is up and I fear an
                            attempt to March sooner will be attended with bad consequences. no exertion of mine shall be wanting to facillitate thier
                            March—but their great consumption of Forage will make it impossible to supply them on their March
                            & at the Camp—before their is new Grass. I have the honor to be with great respect and
                            attachment Your Execels most Obedient Hum. Ser.

                            Jere. Wadsworth

                            P.S. The Sea Coast road from hence to Camp will yet be the most eligible unless the Troops are to be at
                                West Point.

                            J.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Arbuthnot, 21 April 1781
From: Arbuthnot, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Royal Oak, Off New York, 21st April 1781.

                        If I had not been very busy when I Received your Letter dated the 25th of January last, complaining of the
                            treatment of the Naval Prisoners at this place, I certainly should have Answered it before this time; And Notwithstanding
                            I then thought, as I now do, that my own Testimony would have been sufficient to have put the truth past a doubt, I
                            ordered the strictest Scrutiny to be made into the Conduct of all parties concerned in the Victualling and treatment of
                            those unfortunate people—Their several testimonies you must have seen, And I give you my honor, the transaction was
                            conducted with such strict care and impartiality that you may rely on it’s Validity.
                        Permit me now Sir, to request that you will take the proper Steps, to cause Mr Bradford your Commissary, and
                            the Tailor of Philadelphia, to abate of that inhumanity which they have, and do exercise indiscriminately upon all people,
                            who are so unfortunate as to be carried into that place.
                        I will not trouble you Sir, with a Catalogue of grievances further than to request that the unfortunate may
                            feel as little of the Severities of War, as the Circumstances of the time will permit, that in future they may not be fed
                            in the Winter with Salted Clams, And that they may be afforded a Sufficiency of Fuel. I am, Sir, Your most obedient
                            & humble Servant

                            Mt Arbuthnot


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Garanger, 21 April 1781
From: Garanger, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                            sir
                            New windsor 21st april 1781.

                        I have waited a long time for a favourable moment to be employed in the corps of artillery of the united
                            states in the rank and under the conditions agreed upon between Mr Deare and Mr du Coudray, in the hope that it might take
                            place without exciting any discontent among the artillery officers: but the operations which I have been in the last
                            instance charged to execute in concert with some of them, having procured me a certainty that those officers would with regret seeme connected with their corps, it appears to me that I have nothing
                            better to do than to pray your Excellency to permit me to return to france.
                        The only favour I have to request is that your Excellency will be pleased to grant me a certificate
                            testifying the manner in which I have conducted myself since I Joined the army in the month of December 1778. the pains I
                            have taken and the Zealous disposition I have shown to procure opportunities of distinguishing myself in the service of
                            the united states—I dare flatter myself from your Excellency’s known Justice and goodness, that you will not refuse a
                            compleance with a request which as an officer of france I owe not less to the service to which I belong than to myself:
                            your Excellency by casting your Eye upon the inclosed papers will see the authenticity of my pretensions; and I am not
                            conscious of having done anything to forfeit my right to those marks of consideration which have been bestowed on every
                            foreign officer and what I may expect with t5he greater propriety as I come to this Country under the faith of treaty. with
                            every sentiment of respect and attachement I have the honor to be your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble servant.

                            Lewis Garanger Capt of bombardiers
                            in the french service


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 21 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point April 21. 1781.

                        I have been honored with your two favors of the 20th. I am informed that twelve or thirteen men have deserted
                            from the light infantry—but few of them have come to their regiments. It is generally thought, that such as have not come
                            in are lurking in the vicinity of the post to hear how those who have come in are treated.
                        The subaltern who was with Captain Pope and who had the immediate charge of the prisoners when several of
                            them made their escape, shall be arrested this day and brought to tryal the beginning of next week.
                        Mr Hutton will be brought to tryal this morning. I do not know which of the two criminals who are under
                            sentence, is the worst—Walker is exceedingly penitent. By the proceedings of the general court-martial which are inclosed,
                            one John Williams is sentenced capitally. Williams and Walker belong to the same line. Perhaps your Excellency may think
                            it unnecessary to execute them both. Walker is a foreigner, a british soldier, taken prisoner on the lakes. Williams, I
                            believe, is an American—has inlisted three or four times—has been whipped twice one hundred lashes—has done very little
                            duty—and may deserve death as much as Walker. Nathan Gale belongs to the Rhode Island line—I do not know his character—I
                            think Colonel Greene, some time since, informed me that an example was necessary in their line.
                        In the year 1759, when General Amherst was at Crown point, a criminal was to be executed. The Provost marshal
                            offered fifty guineas to a man to be executioner. The man refused. The Provost marshal waited on the General, begged he
                            might be excused from being executioner, or that he might resign his appointment. General Amherst would not consent to
                            either. The Provost marshal performed the execution.
                        I am exceedingly sorry so often to repeat to your Excellency our alarming situation on account of the
                            scantiness of provision as I know every possible means in your power has, and will be exerted for our relief. Nearly half
                            the Irish beef is already gone—& yesterday morning we had not half a ration of flour per man at the post. 120
                            barrels arrived in the afternoon. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient
                            servant

                            W. Heath

                            P.S. Such of the proceedings of the court martial as do not amount to capital sentences, I will save
                                your Excellency the trouble of deciding on, if they are returned.

                            W.H.


Title: To George Washington from Hugh Hughes, 21 April 1781
From: Hughes, Hugh
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Fish Kill April 21st 1781.

                        I have the Honour to Inclose your Excellency the Knife you sent me. If the Point is not agreeable, it shall
                            be alter’d whenever your Excellency is pleased to order it back.
                        Permit me to assure you that I have not been inattentive to the accommodation of your lady or self. I sent to
                            Hartford in order to know if a Fare of Salmon could be had, and was inform’d that none could be procured on Account of the
                            height of the Water, which had been high for some time.
                        As I expect the Water will fall considerably by the middle of next week, I shall order a Wagon to be there by
                            that time, and hope to have the Pleasure & Honour of accommodating your Excellency and Lady with a handsome Fare
                            of Salmon. With the greatest Respect, I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt

                            H. Hughes


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 21 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My Dear Marquis
                            Hd Qrs April 21st 81

                        Though the situation of Southern affairs would not permit me to recall your corps to this army, yet it was
                            with great reluctance I could resolve upon seeing you separated from Head Quarters—My friendship for you makes me desirous
                            of having you near me, and there will occur frequent occasions in cooperative measures in which it would be of the
                            greatest utility I should have it in my power to consult you. These motives would have induced me to propose to you to
                            return personally to Head Quarters, did I not believe you would not have chosen to quit your corps—and had I not foreseen
                            a difficulty in giving you a command in the remaining troops. A select corps you could not have and there are so many
                            Major Generals who conceive themselves in a manner wedded to the different lines and who are to be
                            provided for that it would not be easy at present to accommodate matters to your having a command in
                            the line. But the difficulty might be overcome, and I cannot forbear late as it is, leaving it to your option to proceed
                            with your corps or return personally to Head Quarters—If the last should be your choice, you will give the necessary
                            orders to the officer you leave in command to march with all the necessary
                            precaution and take the orders of the Baron De Steuben. You will at the same time write to The Baron
                            communicating to him your instructions and to General Greene informing him of your return.
                        If you resolve to proceed forward, I shall have one consolation which is that from the present aspect of
                            things it is perhaps most probable the weight of the war this campaign will be in the Southern states, and it will become
                            my duty to go there in person where I shall have the pleasure of seeing you again. Of this I would not have you to say
                            anything—Adieu My Dr Marquis wherever you are, assure yourself of my unalterable friendship & affection

                            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 21 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            Dear SirHead Quarters New Windsor 21st April 1781

                        I have recd your favors of the 2d and 13th Inst. Major Clarkson has communicated the Matter for which I am
                            referred to him in your last. It seems a clue which may lead to an ample discovery of what has been some time suspected,
                            provided the Emissary is sincere. But Major Clarkson cannot tell me whether he proposed to make himself known to me or
                            whether he is to communicate his discoveries to Mr C—. If one or the other of these is not to be the consequence, we
                            shall be as much in the dark as before, and he may have been artful enough to have given the hints he has, to screen
                            himself from punishment should he be apprehended on his journey.
                        Under this uncertainty I have concluded not to send in the letter ’till I can hear again from you. You will
                            therefore be good enough to apply to Mr C— and know of him whether any and what mode of communication has been agreed
                            upon—If no plan has been settled, ask him whether he could fall upon any way of informing  that it would be necessary that I or some person authorised from me should see him at a
                            convenient place on his way to and from . I would prefer an
                            interview both going and coming to any other mode, for by cross examining and minutely observing the conduct and behaviour
                            of a person under such circumstances much may be determined as to his honesty or knavery. I shall be anxious to hear from
                            you on this subject. You will see the necessity of keeping the names of the principal Actors out of sight as I have done
                            in this letter. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 21 April 1781
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            War Office April 21. 1781

                        The Friends of Capt. James Willing are pressing to have him exchanged & his long Sufferings entitle
                            him to it. He is not in our Department & we are told holds only the Rank of Captain & that of an armed
                            Boat. The Enemy have conceived him to be of so much Consequence as to claim a Lieut. Colonel for him. This seems
                                unreasonable but there is a Lieut. Col. Rogers in the State Prison at philadelphia whose
                            Situation  point of Health is very precarious & he does not appear to be a formidable Enemy. We only mention
                            this for your Excellency’s Consideration that if you think it any wise proper Lt Col. Rogers may be offered for Capt.
                            Willing or for him & any Equivalent. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem your
                            obed. Servants

                            Richard Peters
                            By Order


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Adolph von Riedesel, 21 April 1781
From: Riedesel, Friedrich Adolph von
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Brooklyn April 21 1781

                        Several German Officers of the Convention of Saratoga having applied to me to be exchanged on account of
                            their particular private affairs, I made a requisition accordingly to Major General Phillips to propose such an Exchange
                            to Your Excellency, and in answer to my request General Phillips communicated to me Your letter of the 25th of January to
                            His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, in which the proposed Exchange made by Major General Phillips to you, Sir, on the 23d of
                            December last is agreed to, and consequently involves in it the German Officers, who were included in the proposition,
                            though not nominated at that time.
                        In consequence of Your Excellency’s acquiescence to this measure I delivered to Major
                            General Phillips a List of the Officers I begged to be exchanged, which he has assured me has been forwarded in his last
                            proposals made between the British and American Commissarys General of Prisoners on the 3d of March.
                        As all the British Officers Major General Phillips asked to be exchanged at that time are already arrived,
                            without one German Officer included in their number I presume that the before mentioned list has not reached Your
                            Excellency’s hands, being convinced you, Sir, would be guided with the same impartiality towards one
                            Nation as another; I, therefore, take the liberty of repeating Major General Phillips’s application for, Sir Your having
                            the goodness to exchange the German Officers mentioned in the said List, a Copy of which I annex to this, and to give Your
                            Excellency’s orders for those Gentlemen being sent to New York.
                        Major Meibom of my Regiment of Dragoons and Ensign Meibom of my Regiment of Infantry belonging to the Troops
                            of His Serene Highness The Duke of Brunswick being made Prisoners of War a few days past on Long Island I shall
                            acknowledge it as an effect of Your Excellency’s goodness to permit those two Officers to come to New York on Parole; the
                            infirm state of Major Meibom’s health claims a particular attention, and I shall make use of every interest in my power
                            with His Excellency General Sir Henry Clinton to procure permission for their being exchanged if Your Excellency will
                            please to give your approbation. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

                            Riedesel
                            Maj: Genl


Title: From Abraham Skinner to Alexander Hamilton, 21 April 1781
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                            sir
                            Commissy Prisoners Office near Elizth Town April 21st 1781

                        The 18th instant, I answered His Excellency’s Letter of the 14th in a line addressed to Colo. Tilghman—since
                            which I have received The General’s Letter of the 16th and shall pursue the directions contained in it respecting the
                            Demand of our Privates.
                        As I know of no other Prisoners beside Lieutt General Burgoyne absent from America on Parole. I will dispatch
                            the Letter addressed to Sir Henry Clinton by a Flag to day.
                        I have Omitted going to Phila until I see or hear from the British Commissy and will take the earliest
                            Opportunity to wait on you with a Report of my Negociations. I am sir Your Mo. Obt Servt

                            Abm Skinner
                            Commissary General Prisoners


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 21 April 1781
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Chesterfield Co. Ho. Virga 21st April 1781

                        The preparations of the Enemy at Portsmouth indicating an intention of operating offensively and the number
                            of Militia in the Field being too small to afford the least prospect of resistance, I thought it prudent to remove every
                            species of Public Stores to some distance in the Country and on the 16th Instant gave orders for that purpose.
                        The 18th Fourteen Sail of Vessells came up the River as high as Newport News, the next day they advanced as
                            far up as Burwells ferry and yesterday they lay oposite James Town—I have no account of the number of Troops on board nor
                            can I with any degree of certainty judge their intentions—Government is preparing to remove from Richmond——from whence as
                            well as from Petersburg many of the Inhabitants have already removed.
                        The Militia come in very Slow—Arms will be wanting for them and Swords for the Horse which might be
                            assembled—The Battery at Hoods is not half finished and every thing is now in the same confusion as when Arnold came up
                            the River—there is not a single Company of Regular troops in the State & the Militia are too unexperienced to hope
                            any great resistance from them.
                        I have not heard a word from General Greene since the 6th—he marched that morning towards So. Carolina. I
                            have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

                            steuben
                            Maj: Gen.


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Stevens, 21 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Stevens, Nathaniel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 21 1781

                        I should be glad to be informed by you, what quantity of Provisions, has within a few days arrived from the
                            Eastward, & particularly of salted Meat from Connecticut, & what your immediate prospects are.
                        I have written to the President of New Hampshire, urging that State to an immediate & regular
                            compliance with the requisitions of Congress especially in the Article of Beef Cattle—I have also written to Mr Phelps the
                            Agent of Massachusetts on the same subject, directing that the number of Cattle be constantly furnished, which is pointed
                            out by the Commissary at the Army. It now remains with Your Department, to make such Arrangements with the Agents,
                            Contractors, Or Purchasers of the several Eastern States as will insure a regular supply to the Army—for I would not have
                            the salted Provisions which are now forwarding from the Eastward, consumed at present, if it can possibly be avoided. I
                            mean by this to have the Weekly supplies of Cattle still drawn from the Country, as far as practicable, & these
                            Provisions kept, as a reserve, to prevent those calamities & distresses, which will otherwise so frequently happen,
                            from unforeseen & unavoidable Accidents. I am Sir.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 21 April 1781
From: Stevens, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            Fishkill 21st April 1781

                        Your Excellency’s Favor of equal Date I have received: There has fifty Barrels of Salt Provisions &
                            twenty six Cattle arrived from Connecticut since the Ninth Instant and Eighty Cattle from Massachusets. My immediate
                            Dependence for a Supply was upon the Salt provisions put up in the latter, which appears to be about five thousand Barrels
                            of Beef and three thousand Barrels of Pork deficient: In comparing their Deliveries with the Requisitions laid on them,
                            who I am informed have nearly that Quantity collected, and a considerable part of the same now on the move—Also upon 60
                            Cattle Mr Phelps engaged Colonel Blaim weekly, the former of which I, in Consequence of their not coming on agreeable to
                            promise, wrote to upon the Subject the fourth Instant, who was unfortunately on a Journey when the Express arrived at his
                            house: His Assistant assured me that no Endeavours should be wanting in sending them on. I have also wrote very urgent to
                            Connecticut upon that Subject, but have not received an Answer, however I shall immediately acquaint the whole of the
                            Agents for the New England States, except Rhode Island; what Number of Cattle will be wanted weekly from each of them,
                            which shall be calculated sufficient to answer our Consumption agreeable to Your Excellency’s Directions.
                        I can give no further Information respecting Rum, than what I wrote to Your Excellency the 14th Instant. I
                            have the Honor to be with due Respect Your Excellency’s most obedt Servant

                            N. Stevens D.C.G.I.

                            P.S. Since the above was wrote I have received a Letter from Mr Pomeroy of which the inclosed is an
                                Extract.

                                    1230

                                    Barrels of flour & 30 Barrels hard Bread was at

                                    Sussex Court House the 19th Instant also

                                    248

                                    Barrels of Flour at Warwick & about

                                         200

                                    ditto at Ringwood which I have requested Colo:

                                    Total

                                        1678

                                    Pickering to have brought on to New Windsor.

                     Enclosure

                                Extract of a Letter from Ralph Pomeroy D.Q.M. dated

                                Hartford 16th April 1781.

                            Your Favor of the 11th Instant I received Yesterday, upon which have written to Governor Trumbull
                                & Council at Lebanon requesting them to deliver me the Rum purchased for the Army which if they comply with
                                shall forward on to you as soon as possibly can.
                            I have made a Disposition for removing a considerable Quantity of Salt meat which  hope will be speedy
                                & effectual.


Title: General Orders, 22 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Sunday April 22d 1781
                            Parole.
                            Countersigns.

                        John Williams alias Andrew Forster soldier in the 6th Massachusetts’ regiment tried the 19th instant by the
                            general court martial whereof Major Graham is President for "Desertion" was found Guilty and sentenced to suffer Death
                            more than two thirds of the court agreeing.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders him to be executed on Tuesday next.
                        Mr William Hutton Provost Marshal of the army was tried the 21st instant by the same general court martial
                            for "Refusing to execute the office of Provost Marshal in the execution of John Walker alias Robert Maples agreeable to
                            His Excellency’s Warrant to him for that purpose.
                        The Court are of opinion that the reasons Mr Hutton offered are sufficient to excuse his refusal.
                        The Commander in Chief is sorry to be under the necessity of disapproving the Sentence of the Court who seem
                            to have been misled by Mr Hutton’s testimony "That he has only been appointed Provost Marshal the day before and that
                            previous to that time he had acted as a Volunteer": it is true that Mr Hutton had not been appointed in orders as
                            principal in the office ’till the time he mentions but he had for some time past been considered as a deputy—had performed
                            the duties—and drawn pay.
                        To allow such a precedent as Mr Hutton contends for to be established might upon future occasion operate
                            seriously should a criminal of consequence require a hasty execution.
                        In the Civil line a High Sheriff whose office is of a similar nature to that of Provost Marshal in the
                            military is obliged to execute his Warrant himself if he cannot procure a common Executioner.
                        Mr Hutton is dismissed from his office.
                        Agreeable to the orders of the 3d of September last, the men draughted from the line into the Corps of
                            Sappers and Miners were to draw pay as a seperate corps from the 1st of August last inclusive—of course they are to be
                            considered as transferred from the Corps to which they originally belonged and struck off their Muster rolls from that
                            period—The officer commanding the Corps of Sappers and Miners will make regular Weekly and Monthly returns of that Corps
                            to the Orderly Office.
                        A Corporal and three men to be sent to New Windsor as a Guard for the Paymaster General.


Title: To George Washington from John Durkee, 22 April 1781
From: Durkee, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Camp April 22d 1781

                        Receeived yours of of the 20th instant, am sorry to find myself under your Excellencys Displeasure respecting
                            the Men at Wyoming—when Colo. Butler was in Camp in January he represented to General Parsons that several Men of the
                            independent Company commanded by Capt. Spaulding had Families & were not likely to be of any Service to the public
                            if called to do Duty in a marching Regiment as they would be oblieged to bring their Families with them—General Parsons
                            proposed he would represent the Matter—& as Colo. Butler could not join immediately that those Characters should
                            wait the last till his Waggon came on—soon after & before Capt. Spaulding joined in the Absence of General Parsons
                            I wrote to & reminded Colo. Butler of the Proposal by General Parsons; find that Capt. Spaulding left Seven of his
                            Company & that four of the other Men detached from the Connecticut Line were retained by Colo. Butler—but that
                            Colo. Butler & the whole of the Men were expected on before this Time—know not from whence Mr Hurlbut got his
                            Information, as your Excellency may depend on the above Representation to be true. I have the Honor to be with the
                            greatest Respect your Excellencys most obedient Humbe Servt

                            J. Durkee Colo.


Title: From David Humphreys to William Heath, 22 April 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters April 22nd 1781.

                        It is His Excellency’s pleasure that One of the two Prisoners, belonging to the Massachusetts Line, now under
                            sentence of Death for desertion, should be pardoned. He therefore requests that you will be pleased to Order that One of the two Culprits, whose crime shall appear to you the least aggravated, to be
                            finally pardoned, and released from his confinement. I have the honor to be With the most perfect respect Dear Sir Your
                            Obedt Hble Servant

                            D. Humphrys Aide De Camp


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My dear Marqs
                            New Windsor April 22d 1781

                        Since writing the inclosed your several letters (acknowledged in my public one of this date) are come to
                            hand—all of them except that of the 12th arrived at Hd Quarters within the course of one hour.
                        The reasons assigned in some of your letters—and others which have occurred to me—chiefly of a political
                            nature—assure me that great advantages will be derived from your being wherever the French Army and the American head
                            Quarters, are—I therefore not only repeat the offer contained in the inclosed letter, but accompany it with a wish that
                            you may return, if you can, consistently with your own inclination, relinquish your present command for the prospects I
                            have mentioned—not else—as it always has been, and ever will be my wish to make things as agreeable to you as the nature
                            of the service will admit. To recall the detachment I cannot, for reasons which in my judgment are conclusive.
                        The accidents to which letters are liable, forbid me, unless I could write to you in cypher, to go into a
                            full explanation of some matters wch you seem not to be well informed of, and wch I wish to set you write in; but I dare
                            not attempt it in a common letter—nor will there be any necessity for it if you return.
                        I am very sorry that any letter of mine should be the subject of public discussion, or give the smallest
                            uneasiness to any person living—The letter, to which I presume you allude, was a confidential one from me to Mr Lund
                            Washington (with whom I have lived in perfect intimacy for near 20 Years)—I can neither avow the letter as it is published
                            by Mr Rivington, nor declare that it is spurious, because my letter to this Gentn was wrote in great haste, and no copy of
                            it was taken—all I remember of the matter is, that at the time of writing it, I was a good deal
                            chagreened to find by your letter of the 15th of March (from York Town in Virginia) that the French fleet had not, at that
                            time, appeared within the Capes of Chesapeak; and meant (in strict confidence) to express my apprehensions and concern for
                            the delay; but as we know that the alteration of a single word does often times, pervert the Sense, or give force to
                            expression unintended by the letter writer, I should not be surprized at Mr Rivingtons or the Inspector of his Gazette
                            having taken this liberty with the letter in question; especially as he, or they have, I am told, lately published a
                            letter from me to Govr Hancock and his answer, which never had an existance but in the Gazette. That the enemy fabricated
                            a number of Letters for me formerly, is a fact well known—that they are not less capable of doing it now few will deny. as
                            to his asserting, that this is a genuine copy of the original—he well knows that their friends do not want to convict him
                            of a falsehood and that ours have not the oppertunity of doing it, though both sides are knowing to his talents for lying.
                        The event, which you seem to speak of with regret, my friendship for you would most assuredly have induced me
                            to impart to you in the moment it happened had it not been for the request of H—— who desired that no mention might be
                            made of it: Why this injunction on me, while he was communicating it himself, is a little extraordinary! but I complied,
                            & religiously fulfilled it. With every sentiment of Affecte regard I am Yrs

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. The letter, wch you say has made much noise, I enclose you—lest you may not have had it from any
                                other Quarter.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Neilly, 22 April 1781
From: Neilly, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            May it Please Your Excellency
                            Pittsburgh April 22d 1781

                        Reports having long prevaild in this Department that Colonel Brodhead was purchasing Land and appropriating
                            Public Money to purposes for which it was not intended; And that he also had allowed a Girl that he kept to take
                            unbecoming Liberties with some of the Officers, which occasioned the Officers to Assemble to consider of these reports;
                            which being done it appeared to be the general Opinion, that they were not without foundation, and thereupon unanimously
                            agreed (as the enclosed association will shew) not to dine with Colonel Brodhead to which I gave my assent and with many
                            others twice declined accepting of his invitation: However, Major Vernon of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment thought proper
                            to acquaint Colonel Brodhead with the Reports that prevaild and the reasons that had induced the Officers to refuse his
                            invitations—An Explination ensued, and as Majr Vernon and others seem’d satisfied therewith, and I ever wishing to
                            construe reports against my superiors in the most favourable light, I waited with those Gentlemen on the Colonel as usual.
                        However, it seems this explanation was by no means satisfactory to many of the Officers, who still declined
                            accepting of the invitation from Colonel Brodhead, and one of them has lately exhibited a Written report to him of what
                            passed at said Meeting; and though this Gentleman acknowledges that the reports were general respecting Colonel Brodheads
                            sporting with Public Money, yet he affixed my Name to it, and the person from whom he first heard it. And Colonel
                            Brodhead without either coming to an explanation or affording me an opportunity of exculpating myself, not only treated
                            me with indignity, but with gross and unbecoming Language, and withal charged me with having torn from his Receipt Book a
                            leaf or leaves for the barest and vilest purposes—But may it please Your Excellency, I never was so much the favorite of
                            Colonel Brodhead either to be trusted with his Receipt Book, his Confidence, or his Cash.
                        Thunderstruck with such usage, I retired in confusion, and big with Indignation, and have since applied for a
                            Court of Inquiry, but though I have patiently waited for three Weeks I have not been able to receive the least
                            satisfaction, I therefore find myself under the disagreeable Necessity of applying to your Excellency in support of an
                            Injured and traduced reputation; and while I have the Honor of bearing Arms in defence of my own Rights, and that of my
                            fellow Creatures, I hope I shall not be allowed to remain long under the imputation of Arrogant and wanton Columny—As a
                            Soldier I look up to your Excellency for Redress, as a Gentleman I appeal to your Excellencys feelings: And therefore most
                            ardently request that a Court Martial may be ordered, so that I may have an opportunity of either exculpating myself, or
                            affording Colonel Brodhead the satisfaction, to which in the opinion of a Court Martial he may be Intituled, and for this
                            purpose I have troubled Your Excellency with the annexed Charge. I have the Honor to be with due respect Your Excellency’s
                            most Obedient and most Humble Servant

                            Benjm: NeillyLieutt 8th Penna Regt


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Neilly, 22 April 1781
From: Neilly, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                        Viz. That Colonel Brodhead had suffered Nancy McCally (his Girl) to sell a Table made by the public
                            Artificers, at the same time refusing the Officers necessary furniture for their Barracks.
                        An Intimation that Colo. Brodhead had receivd 60,000 Dollars to Recruit his Regiment, and was wantonly
                            sporting said Money away contrary to that purpose.
                        That Colonel Brodhead had suffered Nancy McCally to take unbecoming Liberties with some of the Officers.

                                8th Penn. Regt

                                Majr Vernon

                                Captn Carnahan

                                Lieutt Neilly

                                Lieutt Ward

                                Lieutt Peterson

                                Lieutt Reed

                                Capt. Tannihill of the Maryland Corps

                                9th  Virg. Regt

                                Ensn Tannihill

                                Ensn Beck

                                Captn Springer

                                Ensn Springer

                                Mr Boreman D. Paymaster Genl

                                Mr Shelton Purchg Commy W.Dt.

                                Mr Holloway Assist. Auditor

                                 & others

                        I Charge Colonel Daniel Brodhead with behaving in a manner unbecoming the Character of a Gentleman and an
                            Officer by insulting me in the most approbrious terms—at his own Quarters in the presence of my brother Officers, Charging
                            me at the same time with what was not only false and scandalous, but also improbable.
                        Viz: Destroying his Receipt Book, by tearing from said book a leaf or leaves thereby, to prevent him from
                            accounting for Public Money.

                            Benjm. Neilly Lt
                            8th Penna Regt


Title: To George Washington from Billy Porter, 22 April 1781
From: Porter, Billy
To: Washington, George

                            Westpoint April 22d 1781

                        This may Certify Capt. Benjn Warren of 7th Massts Regt.
                        Having domestic Affairs that calls him to leave The service, that I apprehend it more to his injury To
                            continue in service than it will be to the service To have him leave it; & that I know of no public accounts he
                            has unsettled in the regimt would therefore on his solicitation recommend Him for a Discharge from the service.

                            Billy Porter Majr Comdr


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 22 April 1781
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia April 22d 1781

                        After having recovered from a very severe fever, which attack’d me on my passage from Annapolis to the Head
                            of Elk, and confined me to my bed at the last mentioned place, for ten day’s. I arrived in this City the night before
                            last, rendered very weak by the violence of the disorder tho’ at present recovering fast.
                        When the Marquis received your Excellency’s Orders for his present movement, he communicated them to me,
                            & after some conversation upon the subject asked me what line of conduct I ment to adopt, I told him that as the
                            importance of my station ceased to exist when the expedition against Portsmouth failed, I flattered myself that it could
                            not be your Excellency’s intention that I should continue as adjutant to three Regiments, &
                            therefore presumd as I had no command in the Corps that my remaining behind untill your Excellency’s
                            pleasure should be known on the subject, could not meet with your disapprobation. He therefore advised me upon my recovery
                            to repair to this place & here wait Your Excellency’s orders, whereby I might regulate my
                            future conduct, at the same time assuring me that he would forward letters to Head Quarters upon the
                            subject, in which he would mention that the movement of the Corps not being pleasing to Colo. Vose, as he immagined his
                            presence would be absolutely necessary with his Regiment, that if your Excellency would honour me with the command
                            & permit Colo. Vose to bend his Attention to the formation of his own Regiment, it might prove
                            agreable to all parties.
                        Flattered with these assurances & the prospect of a Command I here wait to be made acquainted with
                            your Excellencys determination upon this subject, and notwithstanding a southern Climate does not seem to tally with my
                            constitution, I shall with pleasure proceed in what ever line your Excellency may think proper to point out. With the
                            utmost respect I remain Your Excellency’s Most Obliged & Very Humble Servt

                            Wm S. Smith Lt Colo.

                            N.B. A Letter directed to me at the City tavern where I lodge will probably meet with a safe
                                consequence.


Title: General Orders, 23 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Monday April 23d 1781.
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        Major Gibbs having been in the late arrangement of the Army appointed to, and having joined the second
                            Massachusetts Regiment the Commander in Chief takes occasion to express his Approbation of his Conduct while in the
                            command of his Corps of Guards and to return him thanks for his very particular attention to the several Duties incident
                            to that Station.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 23 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point April 23. 1781.

                        The enclosed is this moment put into my hand. While your Excellency is with the army, I think it improper for
                            me to grant warrants impress—I therefore beg leave to submit the necessity of an impress warrant being granted for the
                            purposes within mentioned. The case, most certainly, is very urgent. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect,
                            Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 April 1781
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor 23d April 1781

                        Mr Ruddock, Deputy Commissary of Military Stores, at Fishkill, has handed me an order from the board of war,
                            for discontinuing the post at Fishkill, so far as it relates to the department of the Commissary General of Military
                            Stores, dismissing the said Mr Ruddock and all the Officers under him, and ordering all the military stores in his
                            possession to be delivered to the D.Q. Master of the State of New York—a copy of which order is enclosed.
                        I beg leave to recite to Your Excellency the injury that would arise to the service by breaking up said
                            deposit, and delivering the stores (among which are most of the arms, accoutrements, and musket cartridges for the ensuing
                            campaign) to the D.Q. Master.
                        Fishkill, from its relative situation to West Point and the Army which has generally operated below it, has
                            been the temporary deposit of most of the surplus stores necessary to be carried to or from the field, or West Point; or
                            damaged stores, which have been commonly sent to that place in the first instance, and afterwards to the places where they
                            could be best repaired. Besides which, there is a small armoury which executes the slight repairs, and prevents much
                            expence of transportation.
                        These circumstances have occasioned stores and a magazine to be built, for the reception of such things as
                            should be sent there, and which, although they are not so good as they ought to be, are the best of any in this vicinity.
                        It may be supposed that all the stores now at Fishkill might be lodged at West Point, but such a measure
                            would be highly improper, for the following reasons.
                        First—To encumber West Point with stores not necessary for the garrison would be a capital injury to the
                            defence of the place, besides the absurdity of risquing all our stores at one point.
                        Second—There are no proper places there for the reception of such a quantity of stores as are at Fishkill.
                        Third—The natural situation is improper for such a temporary receptacle of stores as that at Fishkill,
                            because the opportunities of sending and receiving stores from the different arsenals could not be embraced in any degree
                            with the same facility.
                        I have ever considered Fishkill, with Your Excellency’s approbation, as a necessary appendage to the field,
                            and made use of it accordingly. I apprehend the order for its suppression has been given without a due knowledge of its
                            situation and utility. The impropriety is apparent of ordering the ordnance and other military stores, so numerous and
                            complicated as those at Fishkill, to be delivered to persons, who from their office cannot be supposed to know even the
                            different species by name, much less their uses, and cannot be accounted for in a candid manner but
                            upon the supposition of misinformation.
                        With respect to the dismission of Mr Ruddock, I can have nothing to say, but that it is a disagreeable service
                            indeed, where a man after six years faithful service, without the imputation of an official crime, that I know of, shall
                            be dismissed, with almost his whole pay due for four years, and that at a time when there are not more officers of his
                            station than are wanted. I beg Your Excellency’s directions on this subject—and have the honor to be, with the highest
                            respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                            H. Knox.


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 April 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Alexandria April 23d 1781

                        Great Happiness is derived from friendship, and I do particularly Experience it in the Attachement which
                            Unites Me to You. But friendship Has its duties, and the Man that Likes you the Best will Be the forwardest in Letting you
                            know Every thing where You Can Be Concerned.
                        When the Ennemy Came to your House Many Negroes deserted to them. This piece of News did not affect me much
                            as I little Value those Concerns —But You Cannot Conceive How Unhappy I Have Been to Hear that Mr Lund Washington Went on Board
                            the Ennemy’s vessels and Consented to give them provisions. This Being done By the Gentleman who in Some Measure
                            Represents you at your House will certainly Have a Bad effect, and Contrasts with Spirited Answers from Some Neighbours
                            that Had their Houses Burnt Accordingly.
                        You will do what you think proper about it, My dear General, But, As your friend, it Was My duty
                            Confidentially to Mention the Circumstances.
                        With the Help of Some Waggons and Horses We got in two days from the Camp Near Baltimore to this place. We
                            Halted Yesterday, and Having Made a Small Bargain for a few Shoes are Marching to Frederis Burg. No official Account from
                            Philips, But I am told they Are Removing Stores from Richmond and Peters Burg. I am Surprised No Body writes to me, and
                            Hope Soon to Receive Intelligences.
                        Our Men are in High Spirits. Their Honor Having Been Interested in this Affair, they Have Made it a point to
                            Come with us; and discontents as well as desertion are Entirely out of fashion.
                        Requesting My Best Respects to Be presented to Mrs Washington and Compliments to the family I Have the Honour
                            to Be With those Sentiments which you know My Dear General Your Most obent Servant and friend

                            Lafayette

                            The Chevalier writes me that Count de Rochambeau is Going to join You—So that Both Armies will
                                Cooperate. I Had Rather Remain in Virginia than go to Carolina. This I Mention Because orders Are to Come from General
                                Greene. But if the detachement is to go more Southerly I will get there as fast as I Can.


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 23 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

                        Dear Sir,
                            Newburgh Apl 23d 1782

                        I have to acknowledge, & thank you for your favor of the 16th which covered a Letter from the Marqs de la Fayette dated the 30th of Jany.That letter does not contain any News of considerable moment relative to public affairs—Altho’ the Marquis does not pretend to speak of the plan of the Campaign; his sentiments in general appear to be—That Britain will make a desperate effort to prosecute the War—That neither New York or Charles Town will be evacuated, That France is perfectly well disposed towards the United States—That no pecuniary aid must however be expected from thence—That it is generally thought the exertions of America are not equal to her abilities, and that nothing could operate so much for further assistance, as pointed assurances of a good army for the War.Great deference I think is due to his opinion, not only from his singular assiduity & sagacity in collecting & combining circumstances, but also on acct of his favorable opportunities for the purpose.He adds that, the Report of Cardinal de Becnis being nominated as prime Minister, was mere rumour; for it appeared that, the King was disposed to be first Minister himself.I have little doubt, for my own part, of the Enemy’s fixed determination to prosecute the War; but have greater hesitancy in believing that they will attempt to hold both New York & Charles Town, unless they expect to have a decided naval superiority on this Coast thro’ the Campaign, or intend to send out large reinforcements of Land Troops from Europe; leaving their own defence, to the Militia and Volunteers of Britain and Ireland.I am not at a loss to decide what ought to be our policy—I wish I could say, that the States were making all the efforts our situation demands, and which our Allies have a right to expect from us—My endeavour to excite that spirit of exertion, has not been wanting; My addresses to the States since the close of last Campaign have been importunate, & incessant.You will have many oppertunities of communicating intelligence to me, which I shall not be able to obtain thro’ any other channel; I shall be happy in a continuation of your corrispondence. and am Dr Sir with the greatest regd & esteem Yr Most Obed. Ser.

                            Go: Washington

                    P.S. Permit me to recommend the letter herewith to your care.G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Hazard, 24 April 1781
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Jamaica Plain April 24th 1781

                        I have received Information by Letters from Philadelphia that another of our Mails has fallen into the Hands
                            of the Enemy; this is a distressing addition to our late misfortunes of that Kind, though from the Circumstance of your
                            Excellency’s having recommended the Road through the Clove as the most eligible, and the universally good Character of the
                            Rider, there can be no Suspicion of either Neglect or Design in those to whom the Conduct of the Post Office Business has
                            been committed.
                        It will be difficult, I fear, to prevent similar accidents in future, unless the several States will adopt
                            vigorous measures for clearing the Country of the many disaffected Persons amongst us which certainly ought to have been
                            done long ago: nevertheless, I apprehend it will contribute much to the Safety of the mail, if your Excellency will favor
                            us with a small Escort of Horse to accompany the Post from Danbury to Fishkill, and from New Windsor through the Clove.
                            These are the only Parts of the Road upon which I suppose there is any Danger at present; and as the mail is an important
                            object, and the Distance but small, I flatter myself the Proposal will meet your Excellency’s approbation; in which Case
                            the Post Masters at Head Quarters and Fishkill will furnish the necessary Information about the Times of the Posts Arrival and Return, so as to prevent the Escorts being needlessly detained from other Duty. I am very respectfully
                            Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

                            Eben. Hazard


Title: From George Washington to Hugh Hughes, 24 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hughes, Hugh

                            Sir
                             24 April 1781

                        It having been represented to me that the Quarter Master at Fishkill hath neither public or private Teams for
                            the transportation of the salted Provisions now at & in the neighbourhood of that Place to the Army, &
                            that he hath applied in vain to the Justices of that District for impress Warrants. And it being absolutely necessary in
                            Order to prevent the greatest calamities & distresses that the said Provisions should be immediately forwarded to
                            the Troops. Your are therefore Authorised and directed to impress by military force a sufficient number of Teams, for the
                            transportation of the aforesaid Provisions, taking care that no abuses are committed, and that the Inhabitants are as
                            little distrest by the measure as possible. And for so doing this shall be your Warrant—Given under my Hand at Head Qrs
                            New Windsor this 24th day of April 1781.