Title: General Orders, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday May 1st 1778.

                        Parole America.

                    The Brigade Quarter Masters are daily to attend at the Orderly Office for the Quarter Master General’s Orders precisely at three ôClock in the afternoon—It is expected this order will be strictly complied with as the delinquents may depend on being severely noticed by the Quartr Mastr Genl.
                    As the Adjutant General is now furnish’d with the Names of all the men in the Hospitals and the Regiments they belong to; also of those who died deserted and were discharged from them at different times—Officers commanding Regiments & Companies are therefore desired immediately to apply to him & get an exact account of their men respectively before they attest their Muster-Rolls for the last Month & every month hereafter, as such returns are to be made regularly for the future to prevent the Uncertainty hitherto experienced.
                    The Muster Master and his Deputies also are ordered to be more careful hereafter and not to certify any Muster-Roll unless the duty every Man is on or the Hospital he is in is mentioned in the Muster-Roll.
                    On the day of Muster the men are to be brought on the parade clean, dressed in their Regimentals and with their Arms and Accoutrements, they are to be drawn up in the order in which they stand upon the Roll, with their Arms shouldered & Bayonets fixed; The Officers to take post in front of their respective Companies and to continue there during the time of Muster; The Field and Staff Officers are to attend and no Officer or soldier to be absent unless upon duty or prevented by sickness; The Rolls must be made out with all possible Fairness & agreeable to the directions given by the Officer of Musters.
                    A certain number of Pickets will be fixed up in the front of the Lines by direction of the Inspector General—A sufficient number of Centinels from each Brigade are to be posted with strict orders to prevent their being removed.
                    A General Court Martial whereof Major Tyler is appointed President is ordered to sit tomorrow ten ôClock in the forenoon at the Gulph to try such Persons as shall be brought before them, six Captains and eight Subalterns will attend as Members.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge ⟨1st May⟩ 1778

                    I am favd with yours of the 5th of last month. I have not the least doubt but your time and attention have been both fully applied to the Business upon which you were sent, and in which, I hope you will have the desired success.
                    I wrote to Colo. Bland about ten days ago, and directed him to send forward the Horses and Recruits in squads, as they could be got ready; those men who have not had the small pox may be sent on and innoculated with their Regiments. I repeat this to you, lest you should not have been informed of it by Colo. Bland.
                    By a letter from Colo. Moylan a few days ago, I find that his Regiment and Sheldons will want Arms—Swords and pistols in particular, and as they are not to be obtained to the Northward, I beg you will engage all that you possibly can from Hunter.
                    I approve of your employing Officers to purchase Horses &ca in preference to the common dealers in that way, and as you seem to think that Capt. Lewis can be particularly useful to you, I shall send him back to Virginia.
                    Capt. Lewis informs me that you have been appointing Cornets to your Regiment, upon a presumption, I suppose, that the plan for augmenting the Cavalry is actually adopted—You must remember, that this was only a recommendation of the Committee, but whether Congress have confirmed it, I do not yet know. If any young Gentlemen apply for admission into your Regiment, I would have you take an account of them, but make no absolute promise of a Commission. As I am not clear that the powers, formerly vested in me by Congress to appoint Officers, have not expired, I would not myself undertake to fill up the Vacancies, and therefore I desire that you may not proceed further.
                    If there is a vacant Cornecy in your Regt I should wish it reserved for Mr Peregrine Fitzhugh, son of Colo. Fitzhugh of Patuxent in Maryland, a young Gentlemen strongly recommended to me by his father. He is now here, but will go over to Major Clough and receive proper instructions from him, to fit him for command. Should your Regiment be full, be pleased to speak to Colo. Bland and desire him to reserve a Cornecy for Mr Fitzhugh. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge May 1st 1778

                    I have received yours of the 10th Ulto with an Account of your Proceedings up to that Time. As the Money put into your hands by the board of Treasury was particularly for the purpose of procuring Horses and Accoutrements I think you were right in not applying it to the payment of the Cloathing purchased by Collo. Temple—I can see no objection to your taking up Money from the Deputy Paymaster General and giving credit for it when you come to settle your regimental Account. I wrote fully to you about ten days ago, and to Collo. Baylor this day to which I refer you for Orders respecting sending forwards the Horses and recruits with all dispatch. I am Dear Sir Yr Most obdt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st May 1778

                    I am honored with yours of the 25th and 29th last Month. As I have never heard any thing from Genl Heath respecting the Exchange of Genl Hamilton for Genl Thomson since his letter of the 6th January,  copy of which I transmitted to Mr Peters in mine of the 25th January, I concluded that the exchange could not be effected; but that no means may be left untried to regain so valuable an Officer as Genl Thompson I will again write to General Heath and desire him to propose his Exchange for either of the three Brigadiers at Cambridge. I have before mentioned my willingness to exchange the Officers under the Convention for any of ours of equal rank, but I imagine this is made a matter of great favor by Genl Howe, as many urgent letters to him on that subject from the Conventionists have passed thro’ my hands. I have just now one from Lord Napier a Lieut. in the 31st Regt.
                    The State of our Elaboratories contained in yours of the 29th is sufficiently alarming, but would be much more so if we had not every reason to expect from the late glorious news from Europe that the Enemy will not be in a condition to operate against us early. I make no doubt but every thing has been done and will be done to put matters in the best state of preparation. I am exceedingly glad to hear that so active a Man as Mr Henry is universally represented to be has succeeded Butler in the Armourers department—which had been long shamefully conducted. I do not think a moments time is to be lost in opening the lead Mine upon Juniata. If the dispute of property is between individuals, the public should in my opinion take the matter in hand, keep an account of the produce and pay it to him who shall in future appear to have the best title. The Iron Cartridge Cannisters should be by all means carried on. They will upon an emergency serve instead of the Cartouch Box and will always carry spare ammunition perfectly secure from Rain, and save tin of which the former ones were made. I have the honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

                        Sir,
                        Valley Forge May 1st 1778

                    I have had the honor to receive your dispatches of the 27th Inst. In compliance with the request of Congress, I shall immediately call upon the Officers in the Army to take the Oath of Allegiance & Abjuration. This I should have done, as soon as the Resolution passed, had it not been for the state of the Army at that time, and that there were some strong reasons which made it expedient to defer the matter.

                    My opinion upon the subject of a future provision for the Officers, hath been so fully & I trust, so necessarily & equitably urged, that I shall not add further respecting it, except my sincere wishes that the establishment was determined on. Nothing in my idea can be more just, & I am certain there is nothing more essential. The present unsettled state of the Army is hurtful in the extreme.
                    Since my Letter of the 27th I have received authentic information of the sailing of a very large number of transports from Philadelphia—Two hundred it is said. They went down the Delaware the beginning of the Week, light & empty. I have not been able to learn any thing of their destination, nor can I form a conjecture upon the occasion, that is the least satisfactory.
                    With infinite pleasure, I beg leave to congratulate Congress on the very important & interesting advices brought by the Frigate L’sensible. Genl McDougal & Mr Deane were so obliging, as to transmit me the out lines of the good tidings. As soon as Congress may think it expedient, I shall be happy to have an opportunity of announcing to the Army with the usual ceremony, such parts of the intelligence as may be proper & sanctified by authority. I have mentioned the matter to such Officers as I have seen, and I believe no event was ever received with a more heart felt joy. I have the honor to be With great respect & esteem Sir Your most Obet Servt

                        Go: Washington

                        P.s. Just as I had finished my Letter, above, I received the honor of your favor of the 28th with the Resolution & Packets alluded to, I will take measures for dispersing the Printed Resolutions.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                        Dear Sir.
                        Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 1st May 1778.

                    I return you my thanks for your favor of the 27th Ulto and heartily congratulate you on the important intelligence contained in it. As the  matter is related in general terms, France appears to have acted with politic Generosity towards us, and to have timed her declaration in our favor, most admirably for her own interests and the abasing her ancient Rival. One immediate good consequence I flatter myself will attend this intelligence, which is that the states will shake off their languor and be stimulated to complete their batallions. I am with great regard Dear Sir Your most obedt Servt

                        Go: Washington

                        P.S. You will be so good as to dispatch an express immediately with an accurate return of the number of continental Troops at your post and its dependencies.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 1 May 1778
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

                        Dr General.
                        York Town [Pa.] 1st May 1778.

                    Knox is to attend the Council. Conway hath resigned & his Resignation is accepted. The Affairs of the Army are necessarily delayed by the foreign Affairs which have broken in upon us. As to the Half Pay Matters stand thus the Questions have been carried but by an Entry on the Minutes there is an Agreemt that a final Question shall be put whether it be finally determined in Congress or sent to the several States. When a Motion is made for this Purpose the yeas will be Massats Rhode Island, Connec., Jersey, & South Carolina, The Nays will be N. York Maryland Virginia & Georgia. Pensilvania is in a mighty flimsy Situation on that Subject having indeed a mighty flimsy Representation. I wish Boudinot were here. Delaware is absent who is with us as is N. Carolina also absent. New Hampshire is absent who is against us. This is to go by Gates. I am respectfully yours

                        Gouvr Morris.

                        I pay my Respects to Mrs Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

                        Sir.
                        Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 1st May 1778.

                    I am exceedingly concerned to learn that you are acting contrarily both to a positive Resolve of Congress and my express orders, in engaging British prisoners for your Legionary Corps—When Congress refered you to me on the subject of its composition, to facilitate your raising it I gave you leave to enlist one third deserters in the foot, and was induced to do even that from your assuring me that your intention was principally to take Germans, in whom you thought a greater confidence might be placed—The british Prisoners will chearfully enlist as a ready means of escaping, the continental bounty will be lost and your Corps as far as ever from being complete—I desire therefore that the prisoners may be returned to their confinement and that you will for the future adhere to the restrictions under which I laid you—the horse are to be without exception natives who have ties of property and family connexions—I am sorry It is not in my power to grant your request relative to draughting four men per Regiment for your Corps, as this would be branching ourselves out into different corps without increasing our strength—and men cannot conveniently be spared from the line at present. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 1 May 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Camp Valley Forge May 1st 1778

                    I beg leave to lay the enclosed account before your Excellency, which only Contains, some of the principal losses I have met with in the Service of the United States, the Smaller ones I have kept no Account of. These losses would amount to more than any pay I have yet received in the Service, and I cannot Suppose it will be thought reasonable that I should be the Sufferer. If your Excellency should think that you are not impowered to order the Account to be liquidated and discharged; I must ask the favour of you to transmit it to Congress for their Order thereon. I am your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant

                        Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 1 May 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

                        My Dear
                        General Providence May 1st 1778

                    I Should have Long Since wrote your Excellencey was there any thing in this Quarter worth Ingaging your attention. I found upon my Journey Home that there was not the Least probability of the Enemys attempting to Rescue Genl Burgoine & Army: I therefore went to New Hampshire where I tarried about twelve Days upon my Arrival here I found no Troops worth mentioning & by the Inclosed Return your Excy will See we are Little Better now. Connecticut has not Sent us a Man Massa. but fifty New Hampshire owing to my pushing the matter have theirs principally on the Road.
                    The Three Last mentioned Regiments will Leave me tomorrow their time Expires this night when your Excy has viewed the Return you will be Surprized at the Indolence of the Enemy They are three Thousand Six hundred Strong of British & Hessians beside a Small Regt of Green-coats made up of Deserters & Refugees from us This Regiment Consists of 127 & is Commanded by one Whitman They have Draughted  none from Rhode Island this year Except fifty four to Join the Light Infantry of their Grand Army Those Sailed with Lord Howe—The Enemy are Busy in Fortifying the Island & are much afraid that we are about to attack them I wish the Deception may Continue—Capt. Whipple in the Providence Frigate passed their Shipping with a Strong Gale of Wind the night of the 30th ult. under a Severe Fire which he warmly Returned & got Safe to Sea—we have nothing new in this Quarter Save that General Pigot Politely Requested me to Disperse his hand Bills among the people which I Refused & Deliverd them over to the assembly—I Since hear that while I was viewing the Sea Coast below the Enemy the populace Rose & Burnt them under the Gallows—when any thing worth your Excys Notice Occurs Shall give you the Earliest intelligence Interim I have the Honor to be Dear General with the highest Sentiments of Gratitude & Esteem yr Excys most obedt Servt

                        Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 1 May 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General
                        Providence May 1st 1778

                    In my Letter of this Day I mentioned the State of this Post: I Expect the Troops will be Soon here, if There is any Spirit Left in the New England States: but when they Arive I Shall have only one Brigr viz. Brigr Genl Cornell to assist me in taking Care of Troop So Scattered as mine must be, viz. from Point Judith to Providence on the west, & from Providence to Seconnet Point on the East; being in the whole one hundred miles—I therefore beg your Excellencey to order General Stark who is now arrived at New Hampshire (from Albany) to Take Post with me this Campaign. I have the Honor to be with the most Profound Respect your Excellenceys most obedient Servant

                        John Sullivan

                        P:S. Some Gentlemen of veracity have arrived from Boston & Inform that they have been on Board a prize Ship Sent in there by two Connecticut Privateers with a hundred & Sixty Bales of Dry goods & Sundry other Articles Mr Shaw of New London owns half of one Privateer & a Sixteenth of the other his Share is Computed at 70 Thousd Pounds L: M: This Acct may be Relied on J: S:


Title: From George Washington to Francis Wade, 1 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wade, Francis

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st May 1778

                    I recd yours of the 30th last month informing me of your appointment to the Qr Mastership for the Delaware State and three Counties in Maryland. As I am a stranger to all arrangements in that line, I do not know how it comes to pass that there should be so many employed in the same Business in the same district. At any Rate the thing must be wrong, as it increases Officers and consequently one will be clashing with and bidding upon the other. I shall therefore speak to General Greene to regulate the matter—Inclosed you have a letter for General Smallwood, who I am convinced will give you every proper countenance and assistance in the execution of your duty. Genl Reed never shewed me the Certificate which you mention, neither do I know to what it alludes. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: General Orders, 2 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters V. Forge saturday May 2nd 78.
                        Parole Bavaria—C. Signs Bristol. Burlington.

                    The Commander in Chief directs that divine Service be performed every sunday at 11 oClock in those Brigades to which there are Chaplains—those which have none to attend the places of worship nearest to them—It is expected that Officers of all Ranks will by their attendence set an Example to their men.
                    While we are zealously performing the duties of good Citizens and soldiers we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of Religion—To the distinguished Character of Patriot, it should be our highest Glory to add the more distinguished Character of Christian—The signal Instances of providential Goodness which we have experienced and which have now almost crowned our labours with complete Success, demand from us in a peculiar manner the warmest returns of Gratitude & Piety to the Supreme Author of all Good.
                    At a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Febiger was President, April 27th 1778, Timothy Flood a soldier in Captain Craiges Company of Light Dragoons tried for desertion to the Enemy and upon Suspicion of being a spy & unanimously acquitted; And the Court determine the money for which the Prisoner sold his horse & the Accoutrements brought with him out of Philadelphia be delivered for the public Use to the Person appointed to purchase horses and Accoutrements for Captain Craiges Company of Light Dragoons.
                    The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place.
                    After Orders May 2nd 1778.
                    No fatigue Parties to be employed on sundays till further Orders.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 2 May 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Camp Near Neshhamany Bridge York Road [Pa.] May 2. 1778

                    My Camp was Surrounded Yester Morning by Day Light With a body of the Enemy who appeared on all Quarters my Scouts neglected the Perseading night to patrole the Roads as they were ordered, but lay in Camp till Near day. one of the Scouts met the Enemy Near two Miles from the Camp, the officer who Commanded Says he Was So Near the Enemy before he Espide them, that he thaught it dangerous to fire but Sends off one of his party to allarm the Camp who did not Come, on the Disobediance & Misconduct of this officer, I have to Lay my Misfortunes.
                    the Allarm was So Sudden I had Scarsely time to mount my Horse before the Enemy was within Musket Shot of My Quarters, (my party Lay in a little Wood Near half a Mile above the Billit on the York Road) I observing the party in my Rear, had got into Houses and behind fences their Numbers appearing Nearly Equal to Mine I did not think it advisable to attact them in that Situation, espessially as another Body appearing to the East of the Billet, not knowing what Numbers I had to Contend with, I thaught it Best & fixed a plan to open my way Under Cover of a Wood by Colo. harts which Lay to the left of my Camp for which my little party moved in Colloms the Baggage following in the Rear. I passed Mr Erwins but a little way before a fire began between my flankers & the Enemy I kep Moving on till I made the Wood, when a party both of foot and Horse Came Up the Byberry Road & attacted my right flank, the Party from the Billit Came upon my Rear & those in the Rear of my Camp Cut a Cross and fell upon my left flank a body of Horse the same time in our front Shewing themselves here we took trees  and gave them a Very warm fire, which obliged them to give ground, their Horse suffered, Considerably for they Charged us, & were severely repulsed here we lost our Baggage from this I Continued my Corse. the Horse in froont giving way as we advanced, we Continued Scirmishing for upward of two Miles, when I mad a sudden turn to the left through a wood which Lost them and Came into the York Road Near the Cross Roads and Moved Slowly Down toward the Billet in hopes to take Some advantage of their out parties but they had retired toward the City. my people behaved well.
                    My Loss is Near thirty Killed & wounded the numbers taken Prisr cannot be assertained I think it cannot be many—Several were inhumanly Butchard after they had Surrendered. the Close of Some were Set on fire after wounded and Burnt to death Several good officers are among the Dead. three of the Enemies Horse were taken and five Left dead on the field the Riders being either killed or wounded, their Loss must be Considerable from the Blood found in the Road they passed along.
                    I have not got an exact return of my Brigade otherwise would Send it to your Excellency, Since my Last Return I have been Joined by Better than one Hundred and fifty men the Bigest part Came to Camp the Day before my allarm.
                    Intiligince is Just arived that the Enemy is at Newtown, that those out yesterday is joined by a Large Body, and is Supposed to be a forraging.


Title: General Orders, 3 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters V. Forge Sunday May 3rd 1778.
                        Parole Canterbury—C. Signs Castletown Camptown—

                    In future no guard in Camp is to be suffered to remain on duty more than forty eight hours without being relieved.
                    On Monday next the several Brigades will begin their Exercise at six ôClock & continue ’till eight ôClock in the morning and from five to six oClock in the afternoon, the men for guard not to attend the Exercise.
                    The Medicine Chest from Lord Stirling’s Division to be sent to the Yellow Springs immediately to be filled by the Apothecary General.
                    The Pay-Masters of the Marquis’s and General Wayne’s Divisions are to call on the Pay-Master General for a month’s Pay next Monday, Poor’s, Glover’s and the Baron De Kalb’s on tuesday, Weedon’s, Muhlenberg’s  the Artillery & Maxwell’s on Wednesday—Late Conway’s, Huntington’s Varnum’s and McIntosh’s on thursday.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Baylor, 3 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

                        Dear Sir,
                        Valley-forge May 3d 1778.

                    You will receive another Letter from me, by this conveyance, & to which I refer; but cannot help again cautioning you against making new appointments, & filling up vacancies in your Regiment without first obtaining full powers for that purpose. If there are any Gentlemen whom you would wish to get into your Regiment, & who would do credit to the Service, it will always meet with my concurrance, but you would do well to mention the matter previously; to avoid the imputation of assuming powers, & setting a bad example. Mr Peregrine Fitzhugh (Son to Colo. Wm Fitzhugh of Maryland) I intend a Cornecy for in yr Regiment. & I dare say I shall readily acquiesce in any choice you may have made of others. I am with great regard Yr Affecte Hble Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 3 May 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Camp Valley Forge, 3d May 1778

                    From the Situation in which I found the Quarter Master General’s Department on my entering upon the Office, which is not unknown to your Excellency, it appeared to be absolutely necessary to make very extensive & speedy Preparations for the ensuing Campaign, especially in Horses, Teams, Tents, and other Articles of high Price. In Consequence of this apparent Necessity, I have given extensive Orders, almost without Limitation, for the Purchase of these Articles; apprehending, from the Prospects at that Time, the utmost Exertions we could make would not procure more than a Sufficiency for the necessary Accomodation of the Army.
                    From the Intelligence lately received, the Aspect of our Affairs is essentially changed; and it may be that in Consequence of this Change the Plan of military Operations may undergo such material Alterations as may, in a considerable Degree, abate the Demand for those expensive Preparations which some Weeks ago were thought indispensibly necessary. And as I would not willingly enhance the Expences of the Quarter Master’s Department farther than Prudence and good Oeconnomy absolutely require, I take the Liberty of addressing Your Excellency on the Occasion, to request the Favour of your Advice and Direction whether the Plan above mentioned for obtaining Supplies ought to be retrenched, and in what Degree; or, in other Words, in what Degree the Plan of Preparations ought to be continued: And, particularly,  as the Prospect of the local Situation of the Army may be greatly altered by these Changes, What Alterations should be made in the Plan, lately approved by Your Excellency, for establishing Magazines of Forage in the different Parts of the Country. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

                        Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 3 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lacey, John Jr.

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 3d May 1778

                    I received yours of yesterday giving me an account of your misfortune. You may depend that this will ever be the consequence of permitting yourself to be surprised, and if that was owing to the misconduct of the Officer who was advanced, you should have him brought to trial—It is not improbable that the Enemy, flushed with their success, will soon be out again, if you keep a strict watch upon their motions you may perhaps repay them. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 3 May 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Sir.
                        York Town [Pa.] 3d May 1778.

                    My last trouble to Your Excellency was dated the 30th Ulto by Ross.
                    The present will cover an Act of that date for ascertaining the Rank & pay annexed to Brevet Commissions, whether this is, or is not intended to have a retrospective effect, I think is not clearly expressed by this Letter, & as I apprehend such operation may in many Instances give Umbrages I shall embrace the first proper opportunity for obtaining an explanation of the Act or information to my own understanding.
                    I dispatch this Messenger principally to inform Your Excellency of an event the knowledge of which may nevertheless very probably have reached Camp before this can arrive there, as our Messenger from  France Mister simeon Dean had spoken every where on his Journey to York of the Treaties between the Court of Versailles & the United States of America which were executed on the 6th February 1778—these were read in Congress late last Evening & will probably be ratified & published in the course of the present Week, except a Secret Article which it is also probable is very well known abroad—be this as it may I view the Treaties of Alliance & Commerce, although not free from exception, as circumstances of advantage to these united States & which afford a bottom for vast improvements. I beg leave therefore to congratulate with Your Excellency & with every friend to the great American Cause—I shall move Congress to morrow to order duplicates of the Treaties to be immediately transmitted to Your Excellency in the mean time this of a Letter from Doctor Franklin & Mister Deane which will go enclosed will communicate the great outlines. I have the honor to be With the highest Esteem & Regard Sir Your obliged & obedient servant

                        Henry Laurens President of Congress.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 3 May 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        York Town [Pa.] 3d May 1778.

                    Soon after I had dispatched my Letter of this Morning by McKlosky—the Secretary sent in the Inclosed Act of Congress dated 2d Inst. for raising two Regiments for the protection of the Western frontier & for authorizing your Excellency to appoint a proper Officer to the Command of Fort Pitt—a Copy of the Letter mentioned in the Act will also be inclosed.
                    I likewise transmit about 100 Copies of an abstract account of intelligence lately received from France which I have by the aid of Mister Chief Justice Drayton had printed to day from an opinion that such an account will be acceptable in the Army, & not unuseful in the City.
                    I have requested Major Brice who is so obliging as to take the charge of these to receive from Mister Bailey printer at Lancaster 500 Copies of the Address to foreign Officers & Soldiers printed in the German  Tongue—which he has promised to deliver to Your Excellency. I have the honor to be With the highest Esteem and Regard Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient & Most humble servant

                        Henry Laurens. President of Congress.


Title: From George Washington to Captain George Lewis, 3 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, George

                        Dear George:
                        Valley Forge, May 3, 1778.

                    I should be glad if you would let the inclosed go by a safe hand, as it is to thank Mr. Turner for an elegant pair of pistols and furniture which he obligingly made me a present of. I do not know where to direct to him, but believe he lives somewhere on Rappahannock, either near Leeds or above it. He is the son of Harry Turner, and I think married the sister of Captain Fauntleroy. I would not have the letter miscarry.

                    Mrs. Washington desires, if you meet Custis at or beyond Baltimore, you will desire him to bring her some oranges, which it is said are in plenty at that place. I am, yr. affect.

                        G. Washington.


Title: General Orders, 4 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters V. Forge Monday May 4th 1778.
                        Parole Denmark—C. Signs Dartmouth Deane.

                    The Sub and Brigade Inspectors are to be pointedly exact in pursuing the written Instructions of the Inspector General.
                    That the strictest Uniformity may be observed throughout the whole Army, they are not to practice a single Manœuvre without his direction—nor in a method different from it—Any Alteration or Innovation will again plunge the Army into that Contrariety and Confusion from which it is endeavouring to emerge—The hours for Exercise are also to be exactly attended to by each Brigade for which purpose and that no difference may arise on account of Watches, proper attention is to be paid to the order of the first of last April, for regulating them by that of the Adjutant General.
                    The Commander in Chief requests the Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades will see that these orders are strictly complied with, hoping we shall not let slip the golden Opportunity which now presents itself of disciplining the Army and that each brigade will vie with the other in arriving at the highest and earliest Pitch of Excellence. For the sake of decency the General hopes the Commanding  Officers of Regiments will order their Necessaries to be hid with Boughs or Hurdles, the last tho’ more troublesome at first will allways serve as they can easily be removed.
                    Stricter Attention is required to the order of the fifteenth of last March respecting Hides.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel George Baylor, 4 May 1778
From: Baylor, George
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Fredericksburg [Va.] May 4th 1778

                    Since my last letter to you I have been tolerably sucksesful in purchasing of Horses. I have at this place fifty three, which I should of sent to Camp ten day ago but could not get them shod, they will set out in two or three days. I have at Richmond twenty five and several others in the country which will remain there until those are sent from this place, owing to the great scarcity of Forrage in this neighbourhood, which has induced men to send the Horses that are here to Camp without your farther orders.
                    I have not at present either money or Loan office certificates, the latter, I negotiated contrary to my expectations. I inform’d Congress a fortnight since of my situation, but have receivd no supply or answer.
                    I observed when in Camp that we were to have a second Lieut. and twenty four men in addition to each Troop by the present regulations, I have on the strength of this, promisd a few young Gentlemen appointments in the Regiment, conditionally and have recruited several men. I should be glad to have your farther orders respecting this, and if these men are to be enlistd whether I am to make use of the money that is intended to purchase Horses &ca.
                    The average price is rather more than a Hundred pounds this currency, for the Horses which are purchasd. I am Dr Sir with the greatest respect your most Obt Humble Servant

                        George Baylor


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 4 May 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General,
                        Head Quarters Boston May 4th 1778.

                    I this day forward from this place to the Treasury at York Town 127,334 ⅓ Dollars in Specie under the care of John Adams Esqr. who will have the honor to deliver this. The Money is loaded on three Waggons, the Boxes marked, Musket Cartridges, and covered with upward of 5000 Canteens for the purpose of deception. The Escort is commanded by Captain Hutchins of the State of New Hampshire; his detachment consists of between 80 and 100 Men of the Hampshire Troops who have principally been at home on furlough and to cure their wounds; I have directed Captain Hutchins to call upon General McDougall at Fish Kill and ask his direction for the most safe and expeditious rout through the Jersies; and I would request that your Excellency, if you think there is any danger, would send such additional Escort to the most dangerous passes as you may think proper; not being acquainted where the greatest danger would be, Capt. Hutchins has orders to escort the money to York Town unless he should receive your orders to the contrary. I therefore beg leave to submit to your Excellency the reinforcing or dismissing the Escort when and where you may think best; and that the Canteens may be ordered to be unloaded at such place as may be most convenient if the Waggons do not pass the Army on their way to York Town.
                    I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the safe arrival of Two Ships from France, one at Portsmouth, the other at Cape Ann, loaded  with Cloathing both made up and in the piece, and many other Articles of Stores. These are part of the Fleet ordered out on account of the United States.
                    I do myself the honor to send you Two pounds of the best Wax and a few Quills—hope you have found the other in this.
                    Agreeable to your instructions of the 14th March enclosing a letter from the Board of War of the 14th February, I remonstrated to Major General Massey Commanding Officer at Halifax, on the unjustifiable treatment of Mr Heister; I have received a most haughty and insolent answer; I take the liberty to enclose copy of my Letter with his answer. I also enclose paragraph of a letter which I received from Captain Willoe, late Aid-de-Camp to General Reidesel who went to Halifax in the flag, by whom I wrote to General Massey and to whom I mentioned the matter when here. Mr Heister obtained his flag from the Council, not from me. If your Excellency has any further instructions on this matter, I shall, on sight, obey them.
                    Enclosed is also a request from an Ensign Jones for leave to resign his Commission which I could wish might be accepted. I have the honor to be With great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

                        W. Heath

                        P.S. I am just now certified that General Massey is in the Department under the Command of General Howe.
                        W.H.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 4 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 4th May 1778

                    Congress having by a Resolve of the 26th of February last annexed the German Battalion to the State of Maryland, and no means having  been yet taken to compleat it: I have thought proper to dispatch Capt. Hubley to receive information from you, in what manner the Officers shall proceed to recruit. Upon his return, I will send off a proper number of Officers, either to receive directions from you, or to proceed immediately to such parts of the State as you shall appoint. In the latter case, you will be pleased to furnish me with the necessary instructions, and inform me to whom the Officers are to apply for money to pay the State Bounty &ca. I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 4 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 4 May 1778

                    Last night at 11 oClock, I was honored with your despatches of the 3d. The Contents afford me the most sensible pleasure. Mr Simeon Deane had informed me, by a line from Bethlehem, that he was the Bearer of the Articles of alliance &ca between France and the States.
                    I shall defer celebrating this happy event in a suitable manner, untill I have liberty from Congress to announce it publickly. I will only say, that the army are anxious to manifest their joy upon the occasion.
                    Inclosed you have a letter which I received a few days ago from Lord Stirling, and which, at his request, I lay before Congress with its contents. I am with the greatest Esteem and Respect Sir Your most obt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 4 May 1778
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Evesham [N.J.] May 4th 1778.

                    Since I Wrote yesterday I have been better Informed as to the Enemys Situation at Coopers Point near the Ferrys, Several Gentlemen that was at the Ferrys when the Enemy Crossed, and Rode Down again in the afternoon within Sight of their Centin⟨els⟩.
                    they Landed Early in the morning Said to be two thousand Commanded by Sir Wm Erskin, an inhabitant that they took at Landing, Since Set at Liberty Informs, he Saw a Large Number of intrenching tools they Brought over, in the afternoon they were forageing the uper Side Coopers Creek five miles from the River; a Number of horse was with the forageing party.
                    we now Suppose they will fortify the point, and Endeavour to Ravage the Country, which as yet abounds in provisions far beyond Expectation.
                    They will Cover the Disaffected who Chuses hard Money for their produce, I Shall be obliged to keep my Small fource Divided as we Shall have Billingsport and those at the point to Watch.
                    If your Excy Could Spare one Brigade it mig⟨ht⟩ Save a Country from Ravage, that otherwise can Nearly furnish provisions for that Brigade.
                    If the Enemy Should attempt to march and Distroy Batsto furnice, and the Vessels at the port of Eggharbour they might Accomplish it in four Days with foot, and in ⟨Less⟩ time with a party of horse, which they may now Land under Cover. I hope your Excy will Excuse my mentioning these facts, which is Submited by your Humble Servt

                        I. Shreve Colo:


Title: To George Washington from John Stadler, 4 May 1778
From: Stadler, John
To: Washington, George

                        May it please Your Excellency
                        Friedericksburg [Va.] May the 4th 1778.

                    When the late president, the honourable Mr Randolph, in Conversation with the late General mercer shewed a great desire of having an Engineer for this Colony; I was shortly after march the 30th 1776 honoured from Congress with a Commission as first Engineer of the Southern Department: When with said Commission waited on General Lee, to know what it was worth, he answered 20 Dollars per month, and owned that it was too little, but said he should write to You Excellency about that matter. Colll Thomas Lee, to whom I made Complaint, wrote to his Brother Richardt Henry, and told me 3 weeks after the answer from Congress was, I should have 30 Dollars per month, which according to a Certificate from Gen: Lewis, which was send to Congress per our Governour, is the whole that ever I received for Continental Service without Rations and forage: Now I leave this to Your Excellency’s Consideration, If Congress really expected that such a Pittance could Support a man in such a Post? I was therefore obliged to let our House of Convention know, that the Salary offered was not sufficient; They added to it 4/ daily with Rations and forage as Captain at that time, with this proviso, as long as I did duty in Virginia: As this was a precarious Situation, I thought it would be better to resign the Continental Service and to enter the Colonial, particularly as I had shewn at that time some marks of knowledge in Fortification, in erecting some Works at gwins Island that answered the Purpose, by doing hard Duty Night and Day for Six weeks with 200 men, without help of any Assistant Engineer to relieve me, without Canon to employ, in order to hinder the Enemy from carrying on their Works, although under the mouth of Canon from their Fort and Shipping, and yet without Loss of a single man; But even this did not fall out to my Expectations, the affair was no sooner over than forgotten: About this time when I expected Promotion, Colll Benjamin Harrison who came from Congress, went to Yorktown to see the Works carrying on there, which were 3. burried Batteries by express Order from Gen: Lewis, very proper for the Situation and force I had to carry them on with, which was some days only 5 Soldiers for 5 or 6 hours at work, said (I believe innocently or perhaps upon the strength of some too premature Insinuations to Congress from Gen: Lee in favour of one Mr Malseburg, whom Gen:  Woodford had for some time with him) in the house of Convention, my works were good for nothing, which Expression was very prejudicial to me, spoken before a sett of Gentlemen, who are unacquainted in those matters; Whoever he is that disrecomended me to Congress, did wrong, if any suspected my ability, they should have examined me first, and if found incapable, dismissed me; although I could not obtain my proper Rank nor Salary, I still entered the 30th December 1776 the Colonial service yet to no small Disadvantage to me and my family, and continued till our Colony was supplied with 2 other able Engineers, then I resigned the Service, which was October the 19th 1777. When I left the Colonial Service I was not so handsomly treated as I could wish, This state owed me £83. 6/9, The Governour and Council approved the Debt and signed my account, but the Auditors refused to pass it, a Letter from one of the Council to me says since, that their honourable Board do not incline to do any thing more in it, as gen: Weedon has seen both the account & Letter. The partial promotions that frequently happened, the feeble support I received in carrying on my works, the Impediments thrown in my Way by taking my labourers to digg graves for the Soldiers, taking my Artificers to make Coffins for them, making too free with my materials, which I intended for Barracks and other Purposes, taking my overlooker over Carpenters away for some weeks to value the burnt houses in Norfolk &c. for which made offten Complaint to Council without being redressed, made Life miserable to me and hastened greatly my quitting the Service. As I had the Honour these 13 Years to be acquainted with Your Excellency, Your Lady & Family, and being the Chief Commander of our Armies; I think it not only consistent but my humble Duty to make You acquainted with the Reasons of my Resignation I wish Your Excellency Health Success and Prosperity, and remain with the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

                        John Stadler


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 4 May 1778
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                        May it please Your Excellency
                        Chatham [N.J.] May 4th 1778

                    As Colo. Sheldon is about riding for Head Quarters to Day I think it my duty to inform your Excellency of the State of that Part of our Regt which is on the other side the North River & of which I have had the more immediate Charge for these four Weeks past. Your Excellency need not be apprised that ⅓d of the Regt was detached from us & did duty in other Departments thro’ the last Campaign—to regulate & superintend which has been my duty for the time beforementioned.
                    I am to inform that the Troop Commanded by Capt. Bull, which served in the middle Departmt the last Year, is in good Qrs & in tolerable good Condition. Tho much worn down with hard service, I must in justice to the Officers & Men declare, that with diligence & close attention their Horses are much recruited.
                    The Troop Commanded by Capt. Seymour, which served in the Northern Army, was so exceedingly reduced, & has been so short a time in Qrs that their Condition is not so promising.
                    With respect to arms both Troops are much in want (Swords excepted  of which I believe they have nearly a supply). The Sadlery work has been rectified & repaired as much as possible—I should be wanting in my Duty should I omit to mention that our Supplies of every kind have been much retarded for want of Money. Capt. Seymour’s Troop has been supply’d wholly on Credit, & in a Country where by means of the Regulating Laws, necessaries are hard to be obtained even for money, it is but reasonable to suppose that a distant, & even (with some) a doubtful Paymt will be but a poor inducemt to part with those Commodities to the Publick for which they can have the ready Cash in any other Market.
                    I am extreemly unhappy to find by a letter lately recd from Your Excellency by Colo. Sheldon that the Honour of the Officers, as well as the Dignity of the Regt are so very low in your Excellency’s opinion. I formerly had the Vanity to think that we were Considered in a different light. For me to apologise & answer to the Charges therein contained, is needless, since the Colo. has wrote so largely on the Subject. But if being Commy of Forage, Purchaser of Boots Cloathing &c. for the Men, Superintendant to the Armourers & Sadlers Employments &c. &c., intitles the Man who acts in these several Capacities to the Character of being indolent & inattentive to duty, I would acquiesce in the Charge. I can add to this that never since I have been a Member of the Continental Army, have I asked for, or enjoyed the benefit of a furlough to Visit my Friends. I wish not to enlarge on so disagreeable a subject, but with as much reluctance as I should quit a service which from principle I wish to support, & a Genl whose Commands it has been my highest ambition to obey, Whenever my Conduct shall be reprehensible by the latter, or of no avail to the advancemt of the former, Honour as well as Inclination would urge me to impose on the Publick no longer. Tho not particularly pointed at in your letter, my Honour, as well as the Honour & Services of all my Brother Officers seem to have so depreciated in your Excellency’s opinion that unless a Change of Sentiments is experienced, ⟨I⟩ am well convinced we can serve with but little C⟨mutilated⟩ & no satisfaction hereafter. With much Respect, I am, Your Excellency’s most obdt Hble Servt

                        Benjn Tallmadge Major 2d Regt L.D.


Title: General Orders, 5 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

                        Head-Quarters V. Forge Tuesday May 5th 1778.
                        Parole Europe—C. Signs Exeter Eltham.

                    Aaron Ogden Esquire is appointed Brigade Major in General Maxwell’s Brigade and is to be obeyed and respected accordingly.
                    Mr Davis Bevan is appointed by the Quarter Master General to super intend the Artificers and to deliver out boards, Plank &c.—in future therefore when boards or Plank are wanting or Artificers are necessary to Do any Jobbs in the Army an order signed by a General Officer, Officers commanding Brigades or Brigade Quarter Masters and directed to Mr Bevan at Sullivan’s Bridge will be duly attended to.
                    If there are any Comb-makers in the Army, the Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades are desired to make return of them to the Adjutant General.
                    A Flag goes into Philadelphia next Friday.
                    At a General Court Martial whereof Majr Tyler was President at the Gulph Mills May 2nd A.D. 1778—John Morrel a soldier in Coll Henry Jackson’s Regiment tried for desertion from his Post while on Centry and unanimously found guilty of a breach of Article 1st Section 6th and Article 6th Section 13th of the Articles of War and unanimously sentenced to be hung by the neck ’till he is dead.
                    At a Brigade Court Martial whereof Colonel Bicker was President April 24th 1778—Thomas Hartnet a soldier in the second Pennsylvania Regiment tried for desertion to the Enemy, found guilty & unanimously sentenced to be hung by the Neck ’till he is dead.
                    His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the aforegoing sentences—The General Court Martial whereof Major Tyler is President is dissolved.
                    After Orders May 5th 1778.
                    It having pleased the Almighty ruler of the Universe propitiously to defend the Cause of the United American-States and finally by raising  us up a powerful Friend among the Princes of the Earth to establish our liberty and Independence upon lasting foundations, it becomes us to set apart a day for gratefully acknowledging the divine Goodness & celebrating the important Event which we owe to his benign Interposition.
                    The several Brigades are to be assembled for this Purpose at nine ôClock tomorrow morning when their Chaplains will communicate the Intelligence contain’d in the Postscript to the Pennsylvania Gazette of the 2nd instant and offer up a thanksgiving and deliver a discourse suitable to the Occasion—At half after ten ôClock a Cannon will be fired, which is to be a signal for the men to be under Arms—The Brigade Inspectors will then inspect their Dress and Arms, form the Battalions according to instructions given them and announce to the Commanding Officers of Brigades that the Battalions are formed: The Brigadiers or Commandants will then appoint the Field Officers to command the Battalions, after which each Battalion will be ordered to load & ground their Arms.
                    At half after eleven a second Cannon be fired as a signal for the march upon which the several Brigades will begin their march by wheeling to the right by Platoons & proceed by the nearest way to the left of their ground in the new Position; this will be pointed out by the Brigade Inspectors—A third signal will be given upon which there will be discharge of thirteen Cannon; When the thirteen has fired a running fire of the Infantry will begin on the right of Woodford’s and continue throughout the whole front line, it will then be taken on the left of the second line and continue to the right—Upon a signal given, the whole Army will Huzza! “Long Live the King of France”—The Artillery then begins again and fires thirteen rounds, this will be succeded by a second general discharge of the Musquetry in a running fire—Huzza!—“And long live the friendly European Powers”—Then the last discharge of thirteen Pieces of Artillery will be given, followed by a General runing fire and Huzza! [“]To the American States.”
                    There will be no Exercise in the morning and the guards of the day will not parade ’till after the feu de joie is finished, when the Brigade Major will march them out to the Grand Parade: The Adjutants then will tell off their Battalions into eight Platoons and the commanding officer will reconduct them to their Camps marching by the Left.
                    Major General Lord Stirling will command on the right, the Marquis De la fayette on the left and Baron De Kalb the second line—Each Major General will conduct the first Brigade of his Command to its ground, the other Brigades will be conducted by their commanding Officers in separate Columns—The Posts of each Brigade will be pointed out by Baron De Steuben’s Aids—Majr Walker will attend Lord Stirling—Major  De Eponsieu the Marquis De la Fayette and Captain Lanfant the Baron De Kalb—The line is to be formed with the Interval of a foot between the files.
                    Each man is to have a Gill of rum—The Quarter-Masters of the several Brigades are to apply to the Adjutant General for an order on the Commissary of Military stores for the number of blank Cartridges that may be wanted.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 5 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                        Sir,
                        Head Quarters [Valley Forge] May 5th 1778

                    In answer to your favour of the 3d I give it clearly as my opinion, that no change has happened in our affairs, which will justify the least relaxation in our military preparations and consequently that the provisions you have been, and are, making, in your department, ought to be continued in their fullest vigor and extent.
                    Whether any, or what change may happen, in the local situation of the army, for the ensuing campaign, or what dispositions in your department, may be necessary, in consequence—are matters, which for particular reasons, I cannot yet determine. A council will soon be held, in which will be decided a general plan of operations for the army. When this is done, you shall receive your instructions accordingly; in the meantime, you will proceed in the plan already on foot. with great Esteem I am Sir Yr hume ser.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge May 5th 1778

                    Notwithstanding the immense advantages which we shall derive from the acknowledgement of our Independency by, and our late alliance with the Court of France, yet much remains to be done to extricate ourselves intirely from our oppressors. even taking it for granted that the Enemy, from the situation of European Affairs, cannot be further reinforced, their remaining Strength, if Collected and properly directed, is formidable. The Congress, sensible of this, have wisely determined not to relax in their Preperations for War, and have earnestly recommended it to every State to compleat their Quota’s of Continental Troops, and to hold their Militia ready for Service. I cannot account for a late Maneuvre of the Enemy, in any other manner, than by supposing they are about making some change in the disposition of their Forces. They have lately sent near two hundred sail of light transports from Philadelphia. If they evacuate Rhode Island & carry the Troops from thence to New York, the Brigades upon the North River should be reinforced by their Recruits as speedily as possible, and if the troops are brought from Rhode Island to Philadelphia this Army will in like Manner stand in need of Assistance. I therefore must again request  you to forward the Recruits, Draughts, furloughed Men, and those recovered from hospitals, to the North River, with as much Expedition as possible. The commanding officer there will detain those belonging to the regiments stationed there, and forward the remainder to this Army. I have never yet heard what number of Men were raised or to be raised by the state of Massachusets, in addition to those in the Field, and as it will very much assist me in forming a plan of operations, to be made acquainted with this circumstance, I shall be glad to be informed in your Next.
                    I had a letter a few days ago from the Board of War, in which they desire to know whether you had ever been able to do any thing more towards the exchange, between Brig: Genl Thompson and Brig: Genl Hamilton. If you cannot succeed in that, they desire you to feel the Pulse of the two other Brigadiers, for either of which, we would willingly exchange Genl Thompson. The foreigners have thought themselves partially treated by Genl Howe, in regard to exchange, and if you were to propose the Matter to the foreign Brigadiers, and either of them should incline to it, perhaps Genl Howe would accede, rather than give umbrage. I am Dear Sir Your most obdt Servt

                        Go: Washington

                        P.S. As the ballance of Officers is much against us, in the case of Prisoners, and may long remain so, unless we can effect exchanges between ours with the Enemy, and those of Genl Burgoyne, I must request you will take Occasion to inform the latter on their application, or indeed without it, that we shall readily consent on our part to their releasment for our officers of the same rank, If there should be any Number, who wish this to take place they had better write at the same time to Genl Howe, or Commanding Officer at Philadelphia, & you will send me a list of their ranks and Names, that a like number who have been longest in Confinement may be directed in return, if their request is complied with.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 5 May 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Dear sir—
                        York Town [Pa.] 5 May 1778

                    In a public Letter which I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency the 3d Instant by Major Brice, I sent a number of hand Bills calculated for giving satisfactory information to the public who were  anxious to learn the recent intelligence from France—one article of this has been questioned, respecting the King of Prussia’s promise—the only part of the performance that can be called mine—I believe my authority is good—Mister Izard under the 16th ffebruary informs me, “the King of Prussia has given the most explicit & unequivocal assurance that he will be the second power in Europe to acknowledge the Independence of America,” tis true our Commissioners in their public advices are not so express—nor are they in my opinion so full & clear in some other respects as they might have been—human nature pervades every human breast—a residence at Paris will not exempt Men from infirmities of the Mind, nor is even the momentous concern of Guardianship to thirteen united States, an Infant World in danger of being crushed by the hand of violence paramount to those Curses upon Mankind, Pride & Covetousness, sources from whence all the Evils of this Life spring—Our ambassadorial Commissioners of which Your Excellency cannot be ignorant, are unhappily divided in sentiment, Jarrings & Appeals have followed, intelligence intended for the public loses part of that fulness & perspicuity which would have appeared in candid & united Counsels.
                    I have seen so much of the World as to be guarded against surprize at any thing, no inconsiderable benefit results from attempts to reconcile & even sweeten the most untoward circumstances which happen in ones journey through it—I apprehend it would break in upon Your Excellency’s time otherwise I would have troubled you with Mister Izard’s Letter not merely for information but from a hope that something might be devised for promoting Concord between our friends yonder, or the public good, by a Wise operation. but I will not dwell upon this subject.
                    Last Night I had the honor of reciving Your Excellency’s favor of the Last of April & am happy in finding a confirmation of my sentiments, respecting persons proper for treating with the expected deputation from our Adversary. I fear the determination, where only this point can be determined, will be contrary. be it so, thank God we have here some Men of abilities & Integrity, I hope we shall make a judicious choice.
                    The Act of Congress of the 22d April will blot out pages of the British Instructions, the Commissioners from that side will perceive a necessity for taking a new departure from the Tower of Independence & what happened in France on the 6th ffebruary will oblige them to shape a new course. from the absence of the Commissioners I presume they had not sailed from England at the 10th March it may have been found expedient at st James’s to vest them with more ample powers, if they meant to come, than were originally intended, & under new sanctions of parliament—a work of slow progress—the people would have  much to say—that the Nation were more than a little agitated appears from a Letter which I take the liberty of inclosing for Your Excellency’s perusal—I have likewise a Letter from the Mercantile line in London which proves to me, the people in general had very sensibly felt the weight of the War, were ardently desirous of peace & anxious lest Congress should reject the intended propositions.
                    The long & as I humbly think, unnecessary, delay of the Army arrangement is very affecting, I know it must give extreme pain to Your Excellency—it is improper for me to touch upon the Causes, especially when it is so well known that Congress have been engaged in very much important business—the plan introduced for that part of it which is intended to establish an half pay for Officers during Life, I have been uniformly averse from, & in a Committee of Congress delivered my objections, these appear to me at this moment of more weight because they have not been removed by the reasonings which have been offered against them & I may without vanity think my self not obstinate, I am open to conviction & always without murmuring submit to a Majority.
                    I view the scheme as altogether unjust & unconstitutional in its nature & full of dangerous consequences—’tis an unhappy dilemma to which we seem to be reduced—provide for your Officers in terms dictated to you or lose all the valuable Soldiers among them—establish a pension for Officers make them a separate Body to be provided for by the honest Yeomanry & others of their fellow Citizens many thousands of whom have equal claims upon every ground of Loss of Estate health &c. &c. & lose your Army & your Cause—that such provision will be against the grain of the people has been unwarily testified by its Advocates whom I have heard converse upon the subject; indeed they have furnished strong ground for opposition against an immediate compliance with the demand.
                    If we cannot make Justice one of the pillars, Necessity may be submitted to at present, but Republicans will at a proper time withdraw a Grant which shall appear to have been extorted.
                    Were I in private conversation with an Officer on this point I should not despair of fairly balancing every greivance he might suppose to be peculiar to the Army, by instances of losses & inconveniences in my own property & person—and I count myself very very happy compared with thousands who have as fait[h]fully adhered to our original Compact—’tis said Gentlemen did not think the War would have continued so long, forgive me Sir, a ludicrous remark which I made early in our Contest, indeed in England before the commencement of Contest.
                    “I know my Countrymen are good for the Quarter but I have doubts of their going the Course”—there is a certain versatility habitual if not  almost constitutional in Men born south of 38 Deg⟨rees⟩ of Latitude in these States—circumstances which have occured in the process of this War have given strength to my observation, there are within that division of America not only objects inviting, but temptations almost irresistable, to Change—to say nothing of the general train of Education; hence tis easy to account for resignation of a Commission which had been anxiously solicited by scores—the want of something, is made an excuse & even sometimes by worthy Characters who do not suspect themselves.
                    Would to God Gentlemen had followed the Noble patriotic example of their Commander in Chief, a plan, which reflection will shew them in a shade of disgrace would never have found place in their minds—How superior are many of the Gentlemen now in my contemplation, for I know many with whom I don’t converse—to the acceptance of an half pay, contributed to by Widows & Orphans of Soldiers who had bled & died by their sides, shackled with a condition of being excluded from the privilege of serving in Offices in common with their fellow Citizens, bated in every House of Assembly as the Drones & incumbrances of Society, pointed at by Boys & Girls—there goes a Man who robs me every Year of part of my pittance—I think Sir I do not overstrain—this will be the language of Republicans—How pungent when applied to Gentlemen who shall have stepped from the Army into a good remaining Estate, how much deeper to some who in Idleness & by peculation have amassed Estates in the War.
                    this Sir is a large field, Virtue & Honor might be summoned to answer, but it is time for me to forbear, I am obliged to write in haste called upon by particular public duties, besides I feel a full assurance, notwithstanding the present seeming contrariety, that my sentiments when fully explained will not differ essentially from Your Excellency’s—I must not however conclude without these declarations—that I am not among those to whom may be applied “Our God & Soldier we adore in time of danger” &c.
                    I am most heartily disposed to distinguish the Gallant Officer & Soldier by the most liberal marks of Esteem—desirous of making proper provision for all who shall stand in need I would not except even some, of the brave, whose expences have been princely, in extravagance, while they complained of insufficiency of pay.
                    I have ever detested & never practiced parliamentary Jockeyings for procrastinating an unpalatable business, which as a silent auditor & spectator I have within some time past known to be alternately adopted.
                    I most sincerely wish this of the Army had been wisely attended to—the high Esteem I, from gratitude, bear for Your Excellency whose sufferings from a contrary conduct I know must have been great, as well as my love of dispatch makes me wish it, & I lament that in some  degree we are likely to be more indebted to the policy & deep projects of other Men for our deliverance than to our own Wisdom & fortitude.
                    I ask Your Excellency’s pardon for taking up so much of your precious time, & this the more particularly, because I know Sir your politeness & punctuality in making returns to correspondents—I intreat Your Excellency pay no regard to me in this respect, I am a very plain unceremonious person not ignorant that a multiplicity of affairs are continually crowding upon a Gentleman in your high station & know your mind must be as continually employed in the most important speculation, I only request Your Excellency, if you think me wrong, will believe me Candid & be assured I am with the most sincere attachment & the most respectful affection & Esteem Dear sir Your much obliged servant

                        Henry Laurens.

                        If it be not improper I request Your Excellency will cause the Inclosed Letter to Thomas Pike to be sent in to Philadelphia.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 5 May 1778
From: Nelson, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

                        My dear General,
                        Chatham [Va.] May 5th 1778.

                    Finding that there was no probability of raising any number of voluntiers upon the plan adopted by our Assembly, I have given over that, & am endeavoring to promote the scheme proposed by Congress, of raising Volunteer cavalry, in which I have the highest expectations of succeeding, several of the first gentleman in the country having engaged as privates, who will equip themselves, and others, not able to support the expence have entered, upon being furnished by subscriptions in their respective counties. The numbers that will join me, I am not able to ascertain, but I have no doubt, but they will be considerable; & altho’ we shall not take the field so soon as could be wished, yet we may be a seasonable reinforcement when the other Cavalry are  much fatigued. I shall use all the dispatch possible to get them equipt & trained, & will march with the first Squadron that shall be fit for duty. I am at a loss to know in what manner it would be best to have this Corps equipt. Colonel Bayler tells me that Carbines are by no means necessary, if they can be dispensed with, we shall be ready for the field much sooner, than if we are to wait for them—Your instructions upon this point, as well as our route to Camp will greatly oblige, dear Sir, your obedient Servt

                        Thos Nelson Jun.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 5 May 1778
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Camp at Valley Forge 5th May, 1778.

                    Perhaps the Subject upon which I am addressing your Excellency is too extensive for the Comprehension of my Rank, and too intricate to be discussed by an American Soldier: But, as my Motives can originate only from an inviolable Attachment to the good of the Country, and a sacred Regard to your Reputation, I persuade myself the Attempt will not be displeasing.
                    The Imperfection of human Wisdom, and Inadequacy of human Prudence are such, that the best constituted Armies are frequently in a Situation to be ruined by inferior Numbers. It is therefore an essential part of the sublime Character to conceal his real Situation; It is the constant View of his Antagonist to unfold his Heart, and anticipate his Intentions. How important then must it be to a great General to obtain a Knowledge of the Strength of his Opponent’s Army? How many Instances must be recent in your Excellency’s Breast wherein such a Knowledge would have plunged America into irretrievable Distress? Permit me therefore to observe that the Returns of an Army should be known only, in an ordinary Way, to the Commander in Chief, and his Adjutant General. I am the more confident in this Sentiment, as it is predicated upon the Example of all great Captains, and has been particularly embraced by your Excellency. Men are sociable, communicative Beings, & their Thoughts flow from one to another as imperceptibly as the gentle Glidings of a placid Stream, And whoever enjoins a Secret upon another, is unfit to be entrusted with one himself.
                    I have observed for some Time since the progressive Encroachments of a newfangled power, which, if not checked, may prove destructive to this Army. I mean the Office of Inspector. It was created with a View of forming the Troops upon one System of Discipline and Tacticks. The Event has fully justified the Establishment: But when that Office begins to divest others of every power, & leave them in Possession of Names only, it becomes highly necessary to stand upon our Guard. I shall not, at this Time, mention the particular Instances which have justly alarmed every feeling Officer, as I am fond of thinking that Baron Stuband’s Intentions are founded in Honor and Integrity; But being too much prejudiced against the American Officers from an Ignorance of their Abilities, he may have extended his Authority farther than he otherwise would. I shall content myself with disclosing a Circumstance which happened yesterday; And, which I must confess, filled me with Horror; The Brigade Inspector, by the Baron’s Order, called upon the different Adjutants of the Army for Returns of the Men  fit for Duty. Two Circumstances induce me to abhor the Measure, as totally repugnant to every military Idea. In the first place, a Number of nonimportant Officers are made acquainted with the Strength of your Army. A Number of the Returns I saw myself in the Hands of the Baron’s Aids; & there is not an Inspector, or Gentleman in his Family but may know them. Consequently the Enemy may obtain the greatest Advantage. To explain this matter, I must beg Liberty to observe, That in all Services Bribery is prevalent. Amidst a Variety of Officers from different Countries it will ever succeed; And I challenge the World to produce a more favorable Opportunity to an Enemy’s Wishes than the present.
                    A great military Writer observes “That Aid de Camps to the Commander in Chief being commonly possessed of important Secrets are the fittest persons in an Army to be tampered with.” His Conclusion is striking, “Aid de Camps should never be made Confidents but upon the most urgent Occasions”: And, it may fairly be subjoined, much less those of infinitely less Consequence. In the second place; If Adjutants are to act independent of their Colonel’s Orders, they are not accountable to them. All Commands should pass thro the proper Channels; And, I must insist, that if Orders are to be ex[e]cuted in a Corps without the Knowledge of the Commanding Officer, he becomes useless, & Subordination, the Soul of Discipline, is at an End. The Absurdities arising from this kind of Government are too glaring to be concealed. If the Baron, by his Aids, & Inspectors, can manage my Brigade without my Orders, his power is directly in Opposition to your Excellency’s, and there are two commanders in Chief at the same Time. In Aid of this pernicious Plan, I observe the Sub Inspectors are appointed Adjutant Ge[ne]rals upon the March. What is the Consequence? The Returns of the Army concenter in the same point, and the Baron, & his Family will be made acquainted with what every Major General in your Army ought to be ignorant of.
                    I am sensible that great Politeness and Respect are due to the foreign Officers; But our Complaisance should never subjugate our Reason. We have too much at Stake to be filched out of our Understanding by mere Words. I know it is said we are Jealous, and envious: Heaven can Witness to the sincerity of my Heart, that I never could discover, in many of them, Qualities worthy Emulation; And, sure I am, the World will laugh at us, when they view the List of Appointments and Promotions in their favor. Some of them are undoubted great men; but that which gives them Preferrence, they are, most of them, Strangers to, I mean Experience.
                    I hope the Contents of this Letter will be known to your Excellency only, as I wish to avoid too great a Share of ill will. I have the Honor of  being, With the most profound Respect, your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

                        J.M. Varnum.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 5 May 1778
From: Wharton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        In Council Lancaster [Pa.] May 5th 1778

                    Altho your Excellencys letter of the twenty sixth day of April has been repeatedly under consideration of this Council, and measures have been taken to obtain an account of the arms fit for service belonging to this state, we have not yet been able to ascertain it; but we have reason to fear that the number will be greatly short of what we could wish, perhaps three thousand are as many as we can expect to procure. The smallness of this number is owing to various causes; among which that of the militia leaving their arms at camp from time to time is a capital one; and perhaps the improper behaviour of the men, in throwing them away may be another. It is probable there may be a considerable number belonging to individuals; but I have little reason to hope these can be had in the field otherwise than in the hands of the owners, many of whom we hope, and expect, will be induced, upon a decisive occasion, to join your Excellencys army whenever they shall be called upon, whether it may happen to be their tour of duty or not. Less than three weeks cannot be thought of, for the purpose of collecting a considerable body of militia in this state.
                    The very great number of our people employed as tradesmen &ca in the various branches of continental business, and the exemptions earnestly solicited by Congress for them, must necessarily weaken our militia exceedingly: The more minutely this matter is enquired into, the more this will appear to be the case. The season of the year, and the difficulty of hiring labourers, renders the presence of the farmer at his own home indispensibly necessary.
                    Your Excellency may have observed, that the term of service, for which the Pennsylvania militia may be retained in service, is two months. This as the laws at present stand cannot be lengthened without their consent; a difficult business in its nature. I find by the experience of this last year, that for the ordinary service, militia cannot be depended upon. The first classes of several counties were large and filled with the most respectable freeholders; but those lately drawn out, have shrunk to meer companies. This proceeds from the abler people submitting to a fine, and the disuse of substitution. Should the calls for  militia in the ordinary way continue, It is very clear, that Governor Livingston proposal must be adopted here. vizt to establish state forces for this service under short enlistments, in order that the husbandman may pursue his labour at home, and raise supplies for the army.
                    I beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on the arrival of Mr Deane, and the great tydings he has borne to Congress, and have the honor to be with great respect sir Your most obedient and very humble servant

                        Tho. Wharton jun. Prest


Title: To George Washington from Richard Caswell, 6 May 1778
From: Caswell, Richard
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        No. Carolina New Bern 6th May 1778.

                    I had the honor to recieve your favor of the 28th March, some few days past. A Quantity of the Clothing purchased for our Troops have been, previous thereto sent on, directed to the Clothier General at  Lancaster, what have been since, or may be sent for our Troops, shall be directed to the officer commanding our Brigade. The General Assembly of this state which rose a few days ago passed an Act for the Completion of the Battalions of this state—A Copy of which I have the honor to enclose you. And I beg leave to assure your Excellency that every means in my power shall be used for raising and forwarding the Men agreeable to your orders.
                    In pursuance of a Resolution of the General Assembly, of which the enclosed is a Copy, I take the liberty of recommending to your Excellency’s notice the Bearer Monsieur de Cambray—who arrived in this state about two months ago, since which he has been busily employed here in constructing a Fort at Cape Lookout-Bay, which may be of very great Utility to the states. He wishes you to be informed that his stay here was merely for the service of the States, having refused any allowance from this State for his very essential labours. He is desirous of entering into the Army, and I believe has Letters to Congress, and to your Excellency, which make it the less necessary that I should say any thing further in respect to him. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect and regard, Sir, your Excellency’s most ob. & very huml. Servant

                        R. Caswell.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 6 May 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Sir.
                        York Town [Pa.] 6th May 1778

                    My last was under the 3d Instant by Maj. Brice since which I have had the honor of presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s several favors of the 30th Ulto, 1st 3d & 4th Inst.
                    The present will cover the undermentioned Papers

                        1. An Act of Congress of the 2d Instant for the protection of the Western frontier—amended.
                        2. of the 5th for establishing a plan of a well organized Inspectorship.
                        3. A Letter from Lieutenant Colo. Sutherland of the 47th British of the 11th April accompanied by a State of this Gentleman’s health by Doctr Weir.
                        4. A Letter of the 15th April from Major Agnew of the 24th & Lieutt Poe of the 47th & also a State of the health of these Gentlemen respectively by Doctor Weir.
                        5. Copy of a Letter from the Honble James Duane Esqr. dated Albany 24th April.
                        6. A Commission appointing the Honorable Baron Stüben Inspector General with the Rank of Major General.

                    the Cases of the British Officers are submitted by Congress to Your Excellency referring to a Resolve of the 3d March—I received only verbal direction on this head & that not very explicitly, if I understand right Congress mean that an Exchange should be attempted with sir William Howe being willing to gratify Colo. sutherland & the other  Gentlemen upon equitable terms. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble servt

                        Henry Laurens Presidt of Congress.

                        the bearer of this is charged with a packet containing 500 blank Oaths.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 6 May 1778
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir,
                        York [Pa.] the 6th of May 1778

                    The unfortunate cause which hath prevented me from attending to your last favor sooner, will, I hope, be my excuse. The long sickness and death of my much loved brother of Belleview, has for some time past confined me in Virginia, and removed every other consideration from my mind. I now embrace the first good opportunity of sending you the pamphlet of forgeries that I formerly mentioned. Tis among the pitiful arts of our enemies to endeavor at sowing dissention among the friends of liberty and their country. With me, such tricks can never prevail. Give me leave dear Sir to congratulate you on the happy event of our Treaty with France being so effectually concluded—Congress has ratified on their part and ordered the ratification to be delivered in due form. This will be announced to the public immediately. The counsels of France have been governed in this affair by true magnanimity and sound policy. It was magnanimous in his most Christian Majesty not to avail himself of our situation to demand unequal and oppressive terms; and it was wise to leave the Commerce of America open to all the Maritime States; which will prevent their jealousy & enmity and make them foes instead of friends to England. Great Britain has its choice now of madness, or meanness. She will not war with the house of Bourbon and N. America at the same time, so that I incline to think ⟨that⟩ meanness will be her choice as best befitting her present State and the minds of her rulers. It will probably happen that the Trade of France will not now be interrupted; and thus, by affording no pretext for war, the whole force of our ⟨ene⟩mies may be devoted to one last and vigorous Campaign against us. As wise men we ought to be prepared for such an event by collecting a strong army, and by every other means that can discourage and defeat such intentions of our inveterate enemies. Being disappointed this Campaign, must infallibly  compel the acknowledgement of our independence and keep the world for some time longer in peace. England alone will pay for her wickedness and folly by the loss of North America.
                    Our information is good that very few Troops can come here from Germany, and private letters, as well as public papers say that the plan of getting Regiments by subscription, tho much boasted of at first, has fallen very low. From the Highlands of N. Britain some men will be obtained, and perhaps a few from England and Ireland, but there seems no reason to suppose that their every exertion can add more than four or five thousand to the present force in N. America. But this will require a very considerable strength on our part to make the event certain. An unsettled dispute between the Emperor and the King of Prussia (which England will undoubtedly foment) concerning the division of the estate of the late Elector of Bavaria has threatened a rupture in Europe not for our advantage, because the former of these Princes being with us, the latter might be disposed to favor the views of G. B. to our injury. Alderman Lee writes that there is some hope of this being negotiated happily. An intelligent Correspondent in England writes Alderman Lee that it was uncertain whether Lord Norths bills would be agreed to or not, but that they were industriously sent over here and circulated to prevent our Treaty with France from being concluded. Vain and unwise Men, their means are always destructive of their ends. Norths delusive and indecisive propositions have accelerated an adoption of the agreement with France. I am much concerned to find in Virginia such want of method and industry in collecting and bringg forward the Drafts. When I came away there were all the Men (amounting to forty one or two) both of the former and the latter drafts remaining in King George—merely for want of an Officer to bring them away, and I am misinformed if it is not the case in other Counties. As far as I have been able to learn, it is probable, that if dexterous recruiting Officers were properly furnished for the business, and sent out, almost all these Veterans that have been discharged from our 9 regiments would reenlist in a short time. I am, with sincere esteem, dear Sir your most affectionate and obedient servant

                        Richard Henry Lee

                        P.S. Aldderman Lee says they talk of sending Lord Westcote and Hans Stanley here to treat with us, and that they are to bring half a million of guineas to bribe the Congress—From their own corruption these men reason to the corruption of all others—I had alm⟨ost⟩ forgot to mention that four expresses have been sent fr⟨om⟩ St James’s on the subject of Generals Howe and Clinton—The latter had leave to go home, the Court was disgusted With the former and had recalled him,  but recollecting that Clinton might be come away, another Messenger was sent to stop Howe if that should be the case. I hope they are both gone.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 May 1778
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        West point [N.Y.] 6th May 1778.

                    Your Excellency’s favor of the 1st was handed to me last Night from Fish Kill. Agreeable to your request I inclose you a return of the Corps at these posts of the 27th Ultimo. It is far from being correct; but it is the best I can obtain. Col. Greatons and Aldens regiments are not yet ordered down from Albany; as the Stores there were exposed to a Coup de main of the Enemy, Till the River was Secured. But they are very weak or most of them out on Forlough; for General Conway wrote me they were but 250 Strong, when he paraded them, to march to the Northward on a late False Alarm. I have but Little Hopes of the Batalions being filled. All the mean and wicked arts are practised, which the craft of man can invent, to screen men from the draughts, or to render them ineffectual, by engaging Deserters & prisoners; old men and boy for Substitu[t]es. I shall write you more fully from Fish Kill. The Chain was stretched across the 30th Ultimo. I have the Honor to be your very Humble Servant

                        Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Captain William Nichols, 6 May 1778
From: Nichols, William
To: Washington, George

                        May it please your Excellency
                        Reading [Pa.] May 6th 1778

                    Capn Wm Nichols, late Commr Of His Brittannick Majestys packet the Eagle, most humbly beg leave, to petition Your Excellency, to grant him leave to go on his parole to philadelphia, to see if Could get a Capn in the Continental Service, who is now a Prisoner, to be Exchang’d for him, As am Inform’d, by Elias Boudinot Esqr. Commissary General for prisoners, that Capn Edward Travis, whom Your Excellency did me the honour to Nominate against me, is Already Exchang’d; If your Excellency would do me the great Honour, to propose any Commr of a Continental Ship of War, (Below a Frigate,) flatter my Self, The Admiral, The Rt Honble Lord Viscount Howe would Immediately Comply with, which with my most humble, & respectfull Compliments, beg leave to Subscribe my Self Your Excellency’s Much Oblig’d, & most Obedient Humble Servant

                        Wm Nichols


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 6 May 1778
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        War Office [York, Pa.] May 6th 1778

                    A Capt. William Scull has been employed by your Excellency to survey the Country from Derby to Lancaster which he informs he has nearly completed. Enclosed you have a Copy of a Resolution of Congress relative to the Survey of the Susquahanna & several Creeks running into it. The Board have employed Messrs Villefranche, Capitaine & Bedeaulx three French Officers recommended to them for the Purpose, to survey & make Drafts of the Susquahanna from the Head of the Tide Water to Harris’s Ferry. Their Work when ⟨col⟩lected shall be transmitted to your Excellency. As Captain Scull is an ingenious Surveyor & has every thing prepared for the Bussiness the Board have thought it best to employ him to survey the Creeks submitting their  Order nevertheless to your Consideration that if it interferes with your Views as to Mr Scull you may contradict it of which however you will inform the Board by Return of our Messenger that some other Person may be employed. Should you think proper that Mr Scull should proceed be pleased to direct an Engineer & military Draftsman to attend him in Order to form a proper Judgment of the Positions Heights Ravines Fords & Passes &c. on the Creeks & in their Vicinity. Some one of the French Gentlemen at Camp it is presumed may be sent & as your Excellency is a better Judge than we are of what Instructions he should be furnished with we beg you will be pleased to give what Orders you Deem expedient. We enclose a Copy of our Instructions to Mr Scull.
                    We transmitt herewith a German Translation of a Resolution of Congress designed to induce the foreign Officers & Soldiers in the Service of the British King to leave their present ignominious Employment & become resident as industrious & peaceable Subjects in a Country they cannot conquer. Many of the German Prisoners among us we know would gladly become Citizens of these States; but at present it may not perhaps be expedient to indulge them. Were they exchanged Numbers would if possible return to take Advantage of these or even lesser Inducement to settle among us. Your Excellency will no Doubt take the earliest & best Means of circulating the Papers among the German Troops. I have the Honor to be with great Respect your very obedt Servt

                        Richard Peters By Order


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 6 May 1778
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

                        Dr Sir
                        Mount Vernon May 6th 1778

                    Every day last Week Mr Custis and my self intended to set off for Camp, but was prevented by Rain. this was the reason why I did not write to you last Post, Custis now declines going his Duty Callg him to the Assembly—the reason why I did not set off for Camp this week is owing to indisposition, I got wet once or twice last week which brought on me a very bad Cold. this Added to an inflamation or breakg out on my uper lip, obliged me to take Physic. Colo. Fitzgerrald says he shall certainly set off for Camp on tuesday next at Farthest. I shall go with him—Captn Thos Triplett who expected I was to have been at Camp long before I shall, gave me a Letter to you incloseg his Commission—he finds he shall not be able to do the Duty of a Soldier, he cannot recover his health, at this time he is full of Boils—the Letter I shall bring—As in all probability I shall see you almost as soon as this Letter gets to hand, I shall only tell you the Family are in tolerable health—I have cured a Sufficient Qty of Fish for our people, together with about 160 or 70 Barrels of Shad for the Continent. My Compliments to Mrs Washington & am Dr Sir your affectionate Hbl. Servt

                        Lund Washington