Title: From George Washington to The States, 31 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: The States

                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Janry 31st 1782

                  I have the honor of transmitting herewith accurate Returns of the number of Men now actually in service from your State, in order that measures may be taken for compleating the Regiments to the full establishment, agreeably to the Resolution of Congress of the 10th of Decr.  I cannot omit so favourable an opportunity of expressing my sentiments on that subject, to your Excellency, & of entreating, in the most earnest manner, that there may be a speedy, pointed, & effectual compliance with those Requisitions.
                  It will, I flatter myself, be unnecessary to recapitulate all the Arguments I made use of, in the circular Letter I had the honor to address to the Governors of the several States at the close of the Campaign of 1780; in which it must be remembered I took the liberty to urge from the knowledge I had of our affairs, and a series of experience, the policy, the expediency, the necessity of recruiting the Army as the only probable means of bringing the War to a speedy & happy conclusion; if those Arguments had any influence at that time—if the consequent exertions were crowned with any success—if the present Crisis exhibits new and more forcible inducements for still greater efforts; let me point your Excellency to these considerations; and especially let me recommend, in the warmest terms, that all the fruits of the successes that have been obtained the last Campaign, may not be thrown away by an inglorious Winter of languor & inactivity.
                  However, at this advanced stage of the War, it might seem to be an insult upon the understanding to suppose a long train of reasoning necessary to prove that a respectable force in the feild is essential to the establishment of our liberties & independence; Yet, as I am apprehensive the prosperous issue of the combined operation in Virginia, may have (as is too common in such cases) the pernicious tendency of lulling the Country into a lethargy of inactivity and security; and as I feel my own reputation, as well as the interest, the honor, the glory & happiness of my Country intimately concerned in the event, I will ask the indulgence to speak the more freely on those accounts, and to make some of the observations, which the present moment seems to suggest, that the broken & perplexed state of the Enemy’s affairs, and the successes of the last Campaign on our part, ought to be a powerful incitement for vigorous preparations for the next—that, unless we exert ourselves strenuously to profit by these successes, we shall not only lose all the solid advantages that might be derived from them, but we shall become contemptible in our own eyes, in the eyes of our Enemy, in the opinion of Posterity, and even in the estimation of the whole World; which will consider us as a nation unworthy of prosperity, because we know not how to make a right use of it—that, altho’ we cannot, by the best concerted plans, absolutely command success; altho’ the race is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong; yet, without presumptuously waiting for Miracles to be wrought in our favour, it is our indispensible Duty, with the deepest gratitude to Heaven for the past, & humble confidence in its smiles on our future operations, to make use of all the Means in our power for our defence & security—that this period is particularly important, because no circumstances since the commencement of the War have been so favourable to the recruiting service as the present; and because, it is to be presumed from the encrease of population & the brilliant prospects before us, it is actually in our power to complete the Army before the opening of the Campaign—that, however flattering these prospects may be, much still remains to be done, which cannot probably be effected unless the Army is recruited to the establishment; and consequently the continuance or termination of the War seem principally to rest on the vigor and decision of the States in this interesting point—And finally, that it is our first object of policy under every supposible or possible case, to have a powerful Army early in the field: for we must suppose the Enemy are either disposed "to prosecute the War, or enter into a negociation for peace"—there is no other Alternative—on the former supposition, a respectable Army becomes necessary, to counteract the Enemy, & to prevent the accumulating expences of a lingering War; on the latter, nothing but a decidedly superior force, can enable us boldly to claim our rights, and dictate the law at the pacification—So that, whatever the disposition of the Enemy may be, it is evidently our only interest & oeconomy to act liberally & exert ourselves greatly, during the present Winter, to cut off at once all the expences of the War, by putting a period to it.
                  And soon might that day arrive, soon might we hope to enjoy all the blessings of peace, if we could see again the same animation in the cause of our Country inspire every breast, the same passion for freedom & military glory impel our Youths to the feild, and the same disinterested patriotism pervade every rank of Men, as was conspicuous at the commencement of this glorious revolution; and I am persuaded, only some great occasion was wanting, such as the present moment exhibits, to rekindle the latent sparks of that patriotic fire into a generous flame, to rouse again the unconquerable spirit of Liberty, which has sometimes seemed to slumber for awhile, into the full vigor of action.
                  I cannot now conclude this Letter without expressing my full expectation, that the several States animated with the noblest principles, & convinced of the policy of complying faithfully with the Requisitions, will be only emulous which shall be foremost in furnishing its quota of Men; that the calculations of the numbers wanted to fill the deficiency may so ample, as (allowing for all the casualties & deductions) will be sufficient certainly to complete the Battalions; that the measures for this purpose, may be so explicit, pointed, and energetic as will inevitably furnish the Recruits in season; and that such checks may be established to prevent impositions as to the quality of the Men, that no Recruits may be accepted but those who are in fact able-bodied & effective: should any of a different discription be sent to the Army, they must be rejected, the expences thrown away, & the service insured, tho’ others are required to fill their places—for it is only deceiving ourselves with having a nominal instead of a real force, & consuming the public Provisions & Cloathing to no effect, by attempting to impose decripid & improper Men or boys upon us as Soldiers.

                     the following paragraph sent only to Greene and Weare

                  The Returns before alluded to, being but this moment collected, I regret that it was not possible they should have been forwarded sooner—to prevent miscarriage or delay in so important a communication  I have committed them to Lieutenant Colonel Olney, who will have the honor of delivering these Dispatches, & explaining my ideas very perfectly; as he is charged solely with this business, he will return as soon as it is negociated, but he is instructed to wait untill he can bear such official Accounts from Your Excellency to me, as will fully inform me, what aid may be absolutely relied upon from your State which in conjunction with the other reports of a similar Nature, must serve as a basis, on which we may build our final plans & arrangements for the ensuing Campaign.  I have the honor to be With great esteem & regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 31 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 31st January 1782

                  The inclosed to Generals Lincoln and Huntington and Colo. Olney contain the Returns of the Troops of the Eastern States, and circular letters to their Legislatures.  They have been already delayed much longer than I could have wished, owing to the difficulty of collecting the Returns, some of which have not yet come in.  For that reason, I have left under flying seal the letter to General Lincoln, that you may invest the amount of the two New Hampshire Regiments in the Return of the Troops of that State.  I think those Returns must be with you, by the time this will reach you: But should they not, you must write a line to General Lincoln and inform him that you will forward them the moment you get them.
                  That these dispatches may go in with speed and security, I must request you to put them into the hands of an active Officer, who will himself deliver them to the Gentlemen to whom they are addressed.  The expences of his journey will be born by the public.  You will charge him to make all possible haste, as I fear some of the Legislatures will be about rising.
                  Yours of the 26th instant inclosing Sheldons Return is this moment come to hand.  I am with great Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt and hble servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Olney, 31 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Olney, Jeremiah

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 31st Janry 1782

                  Having forwarded, under a flying seal to your care, Dispatches of immense consequence, on the subject of compleating the Regt of your State to the Establishment, I must request you will lose no time in delivering them to His Excellency, the Governor; and that you will use your utmost influence to have this business put upon such a footing as will be attended with the desired success.
                  As I am certain, from your experience in service, and the knowledge you have of our present circumstances & prospects you are convinced that the events of the ensuing Campaign will depend principally upon the exertions of the States, this Winter, in filling the Army & making provision for its support; I have only to authorize & desire you to devote your whole time, attention, & abilities (as far as possible) to the accomplishment of these interesting objects—to consult & advise with the Legislature; or such persons as they may please to appoint for the purpose—to enforce the Arguments I have made use of—and to suggest whatever may occur to you as obviously calculated to promote the public interest.
                  To make ample calculations as to the numbers, to establish effectual checks as to the quality of the Recruits; to interest every body in obtaining them by a fixed time, to oblige the Delinquents (should there be any) to pay in a summary mode, what will be actually sufficient to hire the Men, and to cause the men to be hired instantly, are matters which cannot escape your consideration—It will also be necessary to give every assistance in your power, towards making the Midwinter arrangements for collecting & forwarding the Recruits, who are to be sent on to the Army at the expence of the State, by the Resolution of Congress of the 18th of Decr which I request may be done as speedily as possible after they are inlisted, in any numbers from 10 to 100 upwards—this will not only tend to prevent desertion but to inure them to a Camp life & give them the habits of discipline before the opening of the Campaign, which we hope will be at an early period.
                  I have enclosed to you a Copy of the last Letter from the Financier to me, on the subject of Supplies; you will readily perceive this is an object of equal importance with the former—it is the pivot on which the success of our operations must turn—Unless the States should comply with the Requisitions of Congress, you see how our prospects will fade, and all our hopes may be blasted. I wish you to make the best use you can of it.  urge, importune, persevere—and be so good as to let me know, as frequently & explicitly as may be, the situation of affairs in your State, and what aid of Men & Money may be expected from thence.  I am with great regard Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 31 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia Janry 31. 1782

                  As I do not know of any Gentleman in your State so capable of promoting the Recruiting service as yourself, I am induced to commit to your Care the Dispatches on that subject, & request your attention to it as far as your business will permit.
                  I have also taken the liberty to forward to you the Dispatches for New Hampshire and wish you to address & send them as early as may be to such Officer in that State as you shall think most advisable, as I do not know what Officers are now at home & am anxious the business should be expedited as much as possible.
                  You are so well acquainted with the subject of Mr Morris’ last Letter to me (of which I enclose a Copy) that I do not think it necessary to enlarge upon it.  I shall be happy to hear from you Often & am Dr Sr


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 31 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                     Sir
                     Philada 31st January 1782

                  It appears to me but reasonable that an Officer under Major Mcphersons circumstances, acknowledged by no State and belonging to no Corps should be put upon the same footing in respect to his depreciation of pay as the Foreign Officers in our service were.  I have the honor to be&c.


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 31 January 1782
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Commy Prisoners Office Elizth Town Jany 31st 1782

                  Since my Letter to your Excellency of the 29th inst I have received a Letter and a Pass from Sr Henry Clinton to meet Mr Loring at New York for the purpose of carrying into Effect the Exchanges of our Officers taken to the Southard agreable to your Excellencys Instructions of the 5th Decr. I shall proceed to New York as soon as the Ice will permit me and Report my proceedings to Your Excellency on my return.
                  Inclosed is a Letter from New York received per Flag this day.  The Seals appear to have been broken and Genl Skinner apologizes for it on the back of the Letter.  I am Sr with the highest respect Your Excelly’s Mo. Obt Hble Servt

                     Abm Skinner
                     Comy Genl Pris


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 1 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 1st Feby 1782

                  Mr Skinner th Commissary of Prisoners has informed me, that the communication between our Posts & those of the Enemy is stop’d, by the Sheriff’s having confined two persons who came in the last Flag.
                  I should not be sorry for this circumstance, was it not of some consequence that the business Mr Skinner has in hand should be completed.  I will thank you to make the necessary inquiry into this matter, and to take such measures as may be most proper for obtaining an interview between the two Commissaries.  with great regard I am Dr Sr Your Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hanson, 1 February 1782
From: Hanson, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia 1st Feb. 1782.

                  Congress being disappointed in their Meeting yesterday your Excellency’s letter of the 30th ult. of course, was not laid before them until this morning.  In answer to that part which relates to Major Porter of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment, I am directed to inform your Excellency, that He never obtained the permission of Congress to go to France or elsewhere.  I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Obedient & very humble Serv.

                     John Hanson Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 1 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Skinner, Abraham

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 1st Feby 1782

                  The Express has just handed me your Letter of the 29th Ulto—as you do not mention the circumstances under which the persons who came in the Flag are confined it is impossible for me to give any directions in the matter—I have written to Colo. Dayton by this conveyance desiring him to take the proper measures for obtaining you an intercourse with the British Commissary.
                  Was it not that the business you are on is of some importance I should not be at all Sorry for any thing that would tend to putting a Stop to the frequent intercourse that is kept up between Eliz. Town & Staten Island as I am convinced it is conducted in a very improper manner.
                  If I may judge from circumstances Mr Loring’s answer must have been sent soon after the 12th Inst.  Why then did you delay the information untill the 29th—when so many Officers are anxiously waiting the Event of your Mission.


Title: To George Washington from James Duncan, Jr., 2 February 1782
From: Duncan, James, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Lancaster 2nd Feby 1782

                  As I conceive myself highly injured and not being able to obtain redress of greivance elsewhere, I am thus reluctantly obliged to trouble your Excellency with my complaint.
                  Shortly after my arrival at this place I obtained leave of absence from Genl Hazen for sixteen days, during which time the enclosed order was issued, which I beg your Excellency will please to peruse.  This order however just it may be, certainly excludes me not only from the command of my own Company but also from any command in the Regiment, while Capts Goslain, Lee, and Selim although younger Officers are appointed to the Command of incorporated Companies.  This being a true state of the case, I could not but think myself injured, and accordingly applied to Genl Hazen for redress, urging the impropriety of younger Officers holding a Command, while I was excluded; he informed me that he had desired Lt Colo. Antill to make out the Arrangements, that having seen it, it met his approbation, nor would he make any alteration for the present.  Could I be convinced that Genl Hazen had any disposition to do me justice, I could have submitted to a temporary injury rather than have troubled your Excellency on this occasion, but as I conceive the order not only big with injustice for the present, but likewise evidently calculated to throw me out of service, should the Regiment be reduced to the common establishment,  I hope your Excellency will pardon this intrusion, and beleive me with every sentiment of respect and esteem.  Your Excellency’s most obedt mo. hume Servt
                  J. Duncan Capt.

                     Genl Hazen’s Regt

                Enclosure

                        Lancaster Jany 1st 1782

                     It being highly necessary for the regularity of the Accounts as well as the Mustering of the Regiment that the same be arranged, it will from this day and untill further orders be formed into eight Companies in the following order, (Viz.)
                     1st Satterlee’s Hughes & Duncan’s       Lieuts Anderson, Bugby2nd Munsons, McConnel’s & Popham’sLieuts DionneLee3rd OliversLieut. MooresEnsn Goslain4th Lloyd’s L. Gilberts’ & White’sLieut. Torrey5th Pry’s & L. Heron’sLieut. Cady6th GoslainsLieut. FeriolEnsn Boileau7th Lee’s & Carlile’s                   Lieut Stuart8th Selim’s & Leibert’sLieut GilmotEnsn McPherson
                     The Regiment will do duty, parade, be returned & Mustered agreeable to this arrangement.&all Accounts of Arms, Amunition, Cloathing &c. To be regularly kept by the Commanding Officers of Companies respectively.
                     (signed) Edwd Antill Lt Colo.Commandr
                     A true Copy.


Title: To George Washington from James Wood, 2 February 1782
From: Wood, James
To: Washington, George

                            SirWinchester 2d February 1782

                        I think it my Duty to inform your Excellency, that I was Continued On the Command of Superintending the Convention Troops in the State of Pennsylvania, ‘till the 1st of November last, when the Board of War were Pleased to Permit me to Return to Virginia, in Order to my Being Present at the settlement of the Public Accounts, for Provisions furnished the Convention Prisoners while in Virginia; as the People Generally Parted with their Property at my Instance, I Concieved my self bound in Honor to Afford them every Assistance in my Power in the settlement of their Accounts.As no Material Occurrences happened in the latter part of my Command, and being Conscious that your Excellency’s whole time and Attention was engrossed by Affairs of much Greater Consequence, I Considered it altogether Unnecessary to give you the Trouble of Reading Letters or Reports from me.Since the Capture of Lord Cornwallis’s Army I Perceive among the Prisoners the Greatest Disgust to the British Service, Particularly the Germans, and Tradesmen belonging to the British; Several Sober Industrious Tradesmen have made Proposals to me of Serving two years without Pay in Our Army, to be Allowed the Liberty of Remaining in the Country, and becoming Citizens; many of whom wou’d be Valuable Acquisitions to any Country. The Ballance of Prisoners in Our favor being so Considerable, there is hardly a Probability of their being wanted as Objects of Exchange; your Excellency will, I am Persuaded, think this a matter worthy of future Consideration. there is One Particular Instance Among the Germans in a Soldier who has his family with him, and who has, I am informed, Acquired Near two thousand Pounds Sterling in money and Bills, by Settling, who Offers to lay Out his money in Real Property, and to leave it, and his Family in Security for two Years, which he Agrees to serve in Our Army.The Prisoners have been Removed from hence Agreeable to General Lincolns Orders, except the sick and those entirely Naked, amounting in the whole to Near three hundred; they are without Provisions except a little Flour which won’t last them more than Eight Days. As I have understood that General Lincoln is gone to the Eastward, I have taken the Liberty of Writing Mr Robert Morris On the Subject, urging the Necessity of a Temporary Provision being made for them, and such Straglers as I shall be able to Collect, until they Can be Removed. I have the Honor to be with every sentiment of Respect and Esteem. Sir Yr Excellency’s Very Obt Servt

                            James Wood.Col. 8th Va


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                     Sir,
                     Phila. 4th Feby 1782

                  It would give me much pleasure in answering your letter of this date, if I could deliver such an opinion as would perfectly accord with the wishes of yourself, and the Gentn who are had in contemplation as Assistant Inspectors—But despairing of this, I shall submit such an one as candor, and a desire of information may require.
                  My opinion has uniformly been that throwing the Inspectorate & Mustering departments into one was improper—and if my judgment does not mislead me, the duties of the two, if they are accurately and strictly performed—agreeably to the system newly established by Congress, will find ample employment for the Gentn to whom they are entrusted—But before I give a definitive opinion permit me to request a candid reply to the following questions.
                  1st.  Is it practicable, according to your conception of the duties of your office, for the Gentn engaged in it to take (over and above) an equal share in the common rotine of the Army?
                  2d.  If it is not, where can the line be drawn that will not subject the Comr in Chief or Officer Commanding a seperate Army to the imputation of partiality— & the public Service to those embarrassments which proceed from the complaints of disgusted Officers; who think it hard (having the Ordinary & troublesome duties of their Corps to attend to) to be deprived of the only opportunities by which Military glory is to be atchieved?
                  3d.  Who is to perform the duties of the Inspectors Office (which are almost incessant) while they are employed on detachment or other duties of the line?  and
                  4th.  If this indulgence is allowed to the Officers in the Inspectors department will not the same be claimed by those in the Adjutant Generals and the whole Military Staff?
                  The New system, although it leaves a discretionary power in the Officer Commanding the Army, to employ the Inspectors otherwise than in the immediate line of their duty, holds up, nevertheless, in a clear point of view the idea of its being sufficient to employ them—however, as I have already observed, before I give a definitive opinion I should be glad of your answers to the questions propounded.  I am Sir Yr Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

                     G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Harrison, 5 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Nathaniel

                     Sir
                     Philada 5th Feby 1782

                  I was, two days ago, honored with your favor of the 7th ulto accompanied by an address of thanks from the Senate of Virginia.  By presenting my answer, which you have enclosed, you will add to the obligation which you have already conferred, by the polite manner of sending the Address to me.  I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from William Moore, 5 February 1782
From: Moore, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     In Council Philada February 5th 1782

                  Your letter of the twenty second Ulto, has been read in Council, and agreeably to your request, shall without delay be laid before the General Assembly which stands adjourned to Monday next.  During their last sitting they had under consideration a bill for raising the supplies called for by Congress, for the present year, and altho’ the sum is indeed great, the chearfulness with which that measure was entered upon, leaves no room to doubt of a most vigorous exertion to comply with the demand.
                  The observations you have been pleased to make, and the reasoning thereupon are so important and interesting, that they cannot fail of having great weight and influence;  I beg you to believe that the Council consider them as new proofs of your attention to the general interest of America, and that the measures you recommend shall have the fullest support from the Council.  I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient humble servant

                     Wm Moore
                     President


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 5 February 1782
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Williamsburgh, February 5th 1782

                  The Legion de Lauzun had begun to march, when a very cold weather came on, and the ground was covered with snow six inches deep.  As by the intelligences, I had from your Excellency and those I got from the flag it appears that the reinforcement from New york for Charlestown does not exceed 1300 men, I have not judged this rapid movement of the Legion quite necessary, when in these melted snows; all its equipment both of horse and foot, would have been utterly spoiled and therefore have ordered it into its quarter again, untill the weather be milder, in the mean time, I hope I shall receive your Excellency’s answer.
                  The News I had from Newyork by the flag, are that all the men of war under 64 are gone a month since to join Admiral Good, that there remains only at Newyork the Lion, commanded by Digby some fifty and forty gun ships and several frigates.  that is quite Sufficient to keep the Romulus in awe.  They brag likewise at Newyork of an immediate large reinforcement from Ireland with the same particulars of two Regiments of dismounted Dragoons.  Tho’ I have not the least faith in it, I believe it would be necessary, before we come to any resolution, to know whether this storm will take its direction to the Northward or Towards the South.  It is the same report which was spread in Charlestown and which has alarmed General Greene.
                  As your Excellency’s answer might be Long a coming by reason of the rivers being full of floating ice, and of our not having had any intercourse with the Northern States this fortnight past, I have resolved to send back to Newyork all the convalescents which it will be possible to assemble that they may be exchanged against our convalescents of the West indies Brigade, taken on the Bounetta,  I believe it will be better for both to return among their countrymen there to receive the assistance they stand in need of.  I am with respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

                     le cte de rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 6 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de

                     Sir
                     Philada 6th Feby 1782

                  My knowledge of the goodness of your Excellency’s heart, induces me, without hesitation, to request your attention to an affair which is of consequence to a particular Friend of mine—a Colonel Fitzhugh of the State of Maryland.  While the common enemy were in possession of the Chesapeake, they committed great depredations upon that Gentlemans property, burning his Houses and carrying away upwards of forty of his most valuable Slaves—  Five of those people, in endeavouring to make their escape from York were taken in the Bay and put on Board the Magnanime; no person appearing, with proper authority, to claim them, they were unavoidably carried off with the Fleet to the West Indies—I take the liberty of inclosing a list of the names and a description of the persons of the Slaves.  Should they be still on Board the Fleet I will take it as a very great favor if your Excellency will direct them to be sent back by any Vessel coming either to Virginia or Maryland, or should they have been sent on shore and put under the care of any particular Gentleman, you will oblige me by giving him information to where they belong and desiring him to send them back to their Master, who will pay the expense of their passage.
                  I have heard with infinite pleasure of your Excellency’s safe arrival at Martinico, and am now impatiently waiting the result of the great operations under your direction.  If the united good Wishes of a grateful people can contribute to your success, your Campaign in the West Indies will be as glorious as that in America.  I have the honor to be with perfect Respect and warmest personal attachment yr Excellency’s Most obt and hbe servt.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 6 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin, Sr.

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia Feby 6th 1782

                  I have been duly honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 4th of Janry by Colo. Carrington.
                  The disagreable picture you give of the embarrassed situation of the finances and other public Matters in your State, is the more distressing to me; as I flatter’d myself the reduction of the Enemy’s force in Virginia would afford a favourable opportunity for reestablishing your affairs, and making more vigorous preparations for prosecuting the southern War.
                  It is not my business to determine which of the States has sustained the greatest share of the burthen of the War, or to decide whether the contingent of Men and Money lately assigned to them has been exactly in proportion to their abilities—Congress whose province it is to judge, ought from the information they may be possess’d of, to be supposed competent to the task.  but it may not be improper to observe, that the advantage derived to any particular State from the present mode of feeding the Army by Contract, depends wholly on the local circumstances, which require the Army to be stationed in such State; that very little, if any public money, is paid from the Treasury except on the provission Contracts and that these Contracts must cease as I have already explained in my circular Letter of the 22d of January, unless the Financier is enabled by the States to pay the Contractor regularly.
                  In my several communications to the States, since the surrender of the Enemy at York I have expressed my Sentiments so fully on the necessity of making early and vigorous preparations for the next Campaign, that I have nothing new to add upon that Subject.  I had formed expectations that the reasons for spirited exertions at this crisis, would have appear’d as forcible to others as they had done to me—unless such measures are adopted I see no prospect of putting a speedy period to the War—With the greatest respects and esteem I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Humble Servt

                     Go: Washington

               P.S. As to forward the Inclosed with dispatch to Colo. Febiger.G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Prentis, 6 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Prentis, Joseph

                     Sir
                     Philada 6th Feby 1782

                  I had not the pleasure of receiving your polite favor of the 15th of December untill the day before yesterday.  Permit me, this year, to return my answer to the Address of the Corporation of the City of Williamsburg and to express my regret that circumstances did not admit of my receiving it personally. I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr most obt & hble servt.


Title: From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 6 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip John

                     Dear Sir,
                     Philadelpa 6th Feb. 1782

                  I have received your favor of the 25th of Jany inclosing the Copy of your letter of the 22d of October to Majr Stark, which, agreably to your desire, I return by this conveyance—The arguments & reflections respecting the dispute of the Vermontese, made use of in that letter, appeared so just as well as political, as to be particularly calculated to heal the unhappy disturbances & produce a reconciliation: This is one of the many proofs you have given of your ardent desire to put a period to internal contention, and unite all the separate & jarring interests in prosecuting the great common Cause of America.
                  I have shewn yours of the 21st Ulto to, & conferred with, the Minister of Foreign Affairs—My sentiments, in general, respecting the necessity of perfect unanimity among ourselves, in order to give energy & decision to our collective efforts against the enemy, are too well known to be insisted upon: for I have had frequent occasion to repeat, that it was my most fervent wish, that all grounds of jealousy & dispute between any districts of Inhabitants of the United States which were at variance might be removed by an amicable adjustment of their differences; and that, in my opinion, moderate measures (so long as they can be pursued with propriety) are much more likely than violent ones to produce such a salutary effect—If therefore my public advice in my late circular letter or my private opinion, which has been given without reserve on every occasion can be of any avail, I am confident the consideration of all other matters would be swallowed up in, or made subservient to, the general good of the whole—but as it has ever been a point of delicacy with me, while acting only in a Military character, not to interfere in the civil concerns of the Continent or the Legislatures, except where they are intimately connected with Military matters; I should not think myself at liberty, without deviating from that rule, to intermeddle so far as to dictate particular modes of accomodation (however earnestly I desire it may be effected) especially on a subject which has been under the immediate consideration of Congress itself; whose directions, it is my duty as well as inclination to be guided by.
                  I am informed Mr Ira Allan & Mr Fay have arrived in this Town from Vermont on some public business to Congress, what the object of their Mission is I know not, should anything interesting transpire I shall communicate it to you.  Mrs Washington joins me in presenting her Compliments to Mrs Schuyler & yourself—I am Dr Sir—with every sentimt of regd & esteem Yr Most Obt & Affecte

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Holt, 6 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Holt, William

                     Gentlemen
                     Phila. Feby 6. 1782

                  I thank you sincerely for your polite Address & Congratulation on the important success, which has been obtained, by the assistance of the Troops of our great & generous Allies.
                  If I have been instrumental in restoring tranquillity to any part of the United States, which was suffering under the ravages of the Enemy, I consider the approbation of the Virtuous Citizens of America, as the most ample reward for those services.
                  Permit me, Gentlemen, to assure you, that the tender concern, you are pleased to express for my future success & personal wellfare, will ever inspire me with the liveliest sentiments of gratitude & respect, whilst I have the honor to be Your Most Obedt and most Humble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 7 February 1782
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters St Pauls Parish February 7th 1782

                  Your Ecellency’s letter of the 29th of December, came to hand yesterday.  The reinforcement you mention has not arrived, and I hope they are gone to another quarter.  I got intelligence of the preparation making in New York, and of the opinion of their being destined to Charles Town.  But whether they went to some other quarter, or the small reinforcement mentioned in my last was what gave rise to the report, I am unable to say.
                  In your Excellency’s instructions to correspond with Count Rochambeau, you did not tell me whether I was to request aid of him upon cases of emergency.  However, my apprehensions were so great, and the consequences appeared to me so fatal to this Country, I made application without hesitation; and I should be glad to know your mind on the subject, by which I shall govern my conduct in future.
                  I see little prospects of getting any reinforcements from Virginia, as will appear by the Governor’s letter.  The State conceive themselves ill treated; and however groundless it may be, it will operate greatly to  our prejudice for a time.  Colonel Carrington is gone to Congress to represent several matters which claim immediate attention.  I wish no disagreeable disputes may happen from the present uneasiness and discontent prevailing in Virginia, from a persuasion that the northern States are treated with more delicacy than she is.  I fear the financier general will have a hard task to stear clear of suspicions of partiality.  Colonel Carrington will represent to your Excellency our apprehensions of firing the laboratory, at Richmond, and our wishes for having it at New London.
                  Inclosed are the Returns of the Pennsylvania Line, agreeable to your Excellency’s direction.  Those of Maryland and Delaware are transmitted to the Governors of those States.  That of Virginia shall be also sent, as soon as it can be had.  The absence of Colonel White’s Regiment of Dragoons in Georgia is the reason of its delay; however, the infantry of that State with this Army, amount to not more than sixty men.  In a very few days, I will have the honor of transmiting you exact returns of the operating force serving under my command in the Southern Department.  I am with the greatest regards Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

                     Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from William Irvine, 7 February 1782
From: Irvine, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      7 February 1782

                  The present strength of the Garrison at Fort Pitt is 230 at least 30 of these are unfit for field duty, & several even Garrison duty.  from this number Detachments are made to Garrison Forts McIntosh & Whiting the first distant 30 miles the latter 80, Fort Pitt is in a bad state for defence Fort McIntosh pretty easily repaired—if Fort Pitt was in the best state—the Work is too extensive for less than a Garrison of (at least) 450 men to make a tolerable defence.  Fort McIntosh would take 150 to defend it properly & be able to send Pattroling parties towards Wheeling.
                  Wheeling should have 25 or 30 Men, and an equal number at some intermediate Post—from Fort Pitt to the Laurel hill northwards it would take 200 men in Actual service from the 1st April to the last of October, to guard that quarter from the incursions of the Savages.
                  By this arrangement it would take 950 men to act on the defensive the whole of the summer Season, the number of Militia in Washington County is said to be 2000, in Westmoreland 1000.  The Inhabitants are dispirited, and talk much of making their escape early in the spring to the east Side of the Mountain, unless they see a prospect of support.
                  The Indians have all left us except ten Men—And by the best Accounts are preparing to make a stroke in the Spring, either against General Clarke at the Rapids or on Fort Pitt, which my informant would not with certainty say, but was positive one or other was interested.
                  I am apprehensive from the Steps taken by the Commandant at Detroit that something serious is intended—first—thirteen Nations of Indians have been treated with in the beginning of November, at the conclusion they were directed to keep themselves compact & ready to assemble on short notice—2d The Moravians are carried into Captivity & strictly watched and threatened with severe punishment, if they should attempt to give us information of their movements.  3d Part of five Nations are assembled at Sandusky—the Shawanese & Taways have settled nearer Detroit than formerly.  There is no Magazine of Provision laid in at any of our Posts to hold out a Siege.  Ammunition exhausted, no Craft to transport materials for repairing the Fort, or to keep up a communication with Fort McIntosh or Wheeling—or to supply these Posts with Provision or Stores in case of exigence.
                  To carry on an Expedition against Detroit would take two thousand Men, to a tolerable certainty of success—the time would be three Months, and  best season to march from Fort Pitt the 1st of August then the waters are low, Morasses and soft rich meadows dried up—by land totally preferable to any part by Water, the Enemy having entire command of the Lake with Armed Vessils—the Navigation of rivers uncertain—beside the number of Boats and waste of time, would make it more expensive than land carriage—Pack Horses to carry Provision would be better & more certain than Waggons—but as a Road must be cut for Artillery—the Ammunition & Military Stores would be transported with greater facility & more safety in Waggons—1000 Horses would carry Flour for 2000 Men for 3 months—Beef must be drove on foot—25 Waggons would carry Military Stores sufficient for the train—which should consist of two 12 Pounders two 6—one three pounder—One 6 Inch Howitzer—& one Royal.
                  At least one half should be regular Troops—If it is necessary to keep half the number of troops to act on the defensive than it will to act offensively and three months are sufficient to compleat the Expedition—then the only difference in the expense will be transportation of provision & Stores; as acting on the defensive—seven Months will be the least and—the same quantity of Provision will be consumed & Ammunition wasted—If we Act Offensively it will draw the whole attention of the Enemy to their own defence by which our settlements will have peace, and such of the Militia as do not go on the expedition will have time to raise Crops, on the contrary—continual Alarms—will keep them from these necessary dutys.  The Garrison at Detroit is 300 Regular Troops, The Militia, Canadians) from 700 to 1000; the number of Indians that could assemble in ten days notice to a certain point about 1000.
                  Query—Should we be able to take Detroit will we hold it—if not what advantage will the bare reduction of the plan be of, if immediately evacuated.
                  Answer—The reduction of Detroit in the fall of the year will prevent an intercourse with the Western Indians for a whole year—as it would be late in the succeeding Summer before the British could reestablish themselves; during which time we might either open a trade with such Savages as would ask for Peace—or by frequently penetrating into, & establishing Posts in their Country oblige them to retire to such a distance as would put it out of their power to harrass the back Inhabitants.  It would be attended with great expence, & vast risque to support a Garrison at Detroit as long as the British possess the lower part of Canada—and have the Command on Lake Erie.
                  The present Garrison is too weak to repair this Fort & perform other necessary dutys, No Cash to pay Artificers—The Troops in bad temper for want of pay—under very bad Discipline—too long in one Station as they have formed such connections as make them tenatious of the rights of Citizens, which they at the same time retain all the Vices common to a Soldiery—What is contained in the foregoing report is all that occurs to my memory at present—necessary to trouble Your Excellency with—I have the honor to be with perfect Respect Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                     Wm Irvine


Title: To George Washington from William Thompson, 7 February 1782
From: Thompson, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia February 7th 1782

                  The relation subsisting between your Excellency and every branch of the Army, is more intimate and close than, perhaps, hath ever been instanced in any period of time, with the Commander in Chiefe and the troops subjected to his Authority.
                  Established and cemented in this mutual relation, and as the beloved patron of America—your Excellency must conceive, that in dificulties and distress, unexampled in other Nations, we have followed your fortunes thro’ every Peril, while disregarded and unthanked by those we fought for—It is but natural in return, that we expect Protection—and it is in this general Claim, that as an old Officer of yours, I now presume to address your Excellency.
                  At the commencement of Seventy six, I was honoured with a Commission in the line of the Army—I have brought into the field two Brothers, who fell, one at Fort Washington, and the other in the assault against General Wayne at the Pioli—I served in the ninth Pensylvania Regiment, as Lieutenant and Adjutant, untill the first of January Eighty one—Inthe Course of the Campaign Eighty, frequent overtures were Made to me to Join Col. Moylans Regiment—On deliberation, and spending my leasure hours in rehersal of the Horse manouvers, acquired by my former service in Ireland, previous to this Contest, I hoped to be of more Essential service to my Country, in the Cavalry, than in the Infantry—Captain Hopkins, one of the Gentlemen who invited me to Join their Corps, gave my Name to Colonel Moylan, who presented me as Lieutenant and Adjutant of his Regiment, to your Excellency for approbation, together with the names of Lieutenants Milligan and others in Novembr Eighty which appointments you were pleased to appove, and was shewen me afterwards by Col. Temple.
                  In consequence thereof, I setled my Regimental & other accounts, and produced such vouchers, with Colo. Richard Butlers letter addressed to your Excellency on this occassion, January sd 1781—That Colonel Tilghman receiveing them backed my Commission as follows
                  Viz. Lieutenant Thompson is hereby at his own request discharged, from the Service in the Regiment in which he is at present Commissioned, it being his desire to enter into the Cavalry.

                     New Windsor sd January 1781Tench TilghmanA.D.C. copy

                     If the letter alluded to, be in your Excellencys possession it will evidently appear, that I was not to quit the Service, but to Join the Cavalry—It will also Acquaint you of my Character during the Course of my Services; which I flatter myself will manifest my Strict attention to the duty of the Regiment on Every occassion.
                     Colonel Richard Butler on his arrival here in February last, made personal application to the late president of this State, for a Warrant to obtain my Commission from the Board of War—and I also applied to the President some time after for the same purpose, in Order that I might join the Regiment, but was answered by him in the Negative—adding that if any new appointments took place I stood as likely a chance to succeed as any other gentleman—Sinch which period Mr Robins has been Appointed in Colonel Moylans Corps which induces me to make a farther Application.
                     I am therefore Constrained to beseech your Excellency: that  in a written form, you will be pleased to announce my Right to a Commission, as such avowal will no doubt, have the Most Efficient weight withe the Honourable the Council which favour shall be Dutyfully acknowledged by your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

                     William Thompson

                     P.S.  I beg leave to add, that had I remained in the 9th Regiment, I should not have been nominated a retiring Officer, as there was not a Sufficient Number of Subalterns to Compleat the Line.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 7 February 1782
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Poughkeepsie Feby 7. 1782.

                  Yesterday I was honored by the Receipt of Your Excellency’s Favor of the 28th ulto.
                  Agreeable to your Directions, I do inclose Copies of the Powers and Instructions to Colo. Harrison, in Feby & March 1777; to Colo. Grayson, Lieut. Colos. Harrison & Hamilton & Mr Boudinot in March & April 1778; to Lieut. Colonels Harrison & Hamilton in November 1778; to Colos. Davies & Lt Colo. Harrison in April 1779; and to M. General St Clair & Lieut. Colos. Carrington & Hamilton in March 1780, which are all that I recollect to have taken Place & that are to be found among the Papers now in my Hands relative to that Business.  I have also inclosed Copy of Notes made by Colo. Harrison, on the Powers vested in Your Excellency, by Congress, to form & execute Cartels & Exchanges.
                  Since my Letter of the 14th, Mr Hughes, one of the Writers, who, tho capable, had been frequently too inattentive to the Manner of executing his Duty, took my frequent Reproofs & Directions in Dudgeon & quitted the Service, after having compleated two Volumes (from the 1st Jany to the 10th Septr 1779.  This was the ostensible Cause; but the real one was a Disappointment in his Wishes and Expectations to make a Jobb of the Business.
                  I have written to Mr Ray, to repair to this Place immediately, to commence where Mr Hughes left off.
                  Mr Fonda having joined his Regiment, I have desired a Mr Trimble late in Colo. Hay’s Department, who is desirous to be employed, to come to this Place, as soon as he has completed his Business under Colo. Hay, (which will require a few Weeks.
                  If he declines or delays too long, Mr Dunscomb of the late Auditor’s Department, who still has Charge of those Papers at New Windsor, will probably be employed as his Brother, Captn Dunscomb, has applied to me on the Subject.  With Sentiments of the most perfect Respect & Esteem, I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & very hble Servt

                     Richd Varick


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 8 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

                     Dear Sir,
                     Phila. Feby 8th 1782.

                  The letter of which the inclosed is duplicate, & put under cover for you to forward—will, I hope, produce the effect you wish it to have, with Count de Grasse.  The original, I shall request the Minister of France to send with his first dispatches to the West Indies.
                  I thank you for the communications in your letter of   The present moment will not allow me to add more than my congratulatory Compliments to Mrs Fitzhugh & yourself on the Marriage of the Captain—to whom & his young bride I wish every immaginable Joy.  please to make a tender of my best respects to Colo. & Mrs Plater.  With much truth & affect.—I am—Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 8 February 1782
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Virginia In Council February 8th 1782.

                  Your favor of the 10th ulto did not get to hand till a day or two ago, stopped I suppose by the way, by the severe weather, The Letter from the Officers ordered to march for Carolina (to Colo. Febiger) was laid before the Assembly at their last setting, and every relief given to them that it was in their power to give.  They seemed so sensible of this, that I had no doubt of their marching immediately, however they are not yet gone, but are endeavouring to dispose of their Certificates to furnish themselves with necessaries.  If I can procure the Act that passed in their favor you shall have it herewith, but if not I will send it as soon as it is printed.  Colo. Carrington is with you and can give you some Account of it.
                  About ten Days ago we received the inclosed, which discovers the same Spirit in the men that actuated their Officers.  This was a natural Consequence and to be expected.  The little that was in the power of the Executive to do to quiet them has been done, and I am told by Colo. Posey who left us yesterday that he expects they will now march: if they do not I shall tho I have nothing to do with them most assuredly call on Count Rochambeau to compel them—It is a lucky Circumstance that the French Legion is marching that Way.
                  I shall not give you a Detail of the distressed Situation of the State, the poverty of the Treasury or the Want of Power in the Executive to render essential Service, having been pretty full on these Subjects in my Letter by Colo. Carrington, but shall again repeat that no Endeavours of mine to render such means as I have, the most effectual, shall be wanting.
                  I most earnestly wish and press that something may be immediately done for the Support of the Continental Staff Department in this State.  They are so totally neglected, that they can’t support even a single Rider, feed a horse or hire a waggon to do any kind of Business however necessary it may be.  The Troops are distressed in the same manner even for Provisions, now being laid in for them, nor no Contracts formed for their Support  in short there must be immediate Exertions used, or it will probably end in Ruin.  It is in vain to depend altogether as has hitherto been the Case, on this State, we are willing to do much tho we have it in our power to do but little.
                  I find by the returns made of the Virginia Troops that there is a number of them at Pittsburg.  If it is not an improper request I could wish you would order them to the Southward; there they could render Service, which is not the Case where they are placed.  Indeed there is too much reason to fear they will be incorporated into the Pensylvania Regiment in Consequence of a Resolution of Congress to reform the Troops at that Station.  I am With every Sentiment of respect & Esteem Your most obedient and most humble Servant

                     Benj. Harrison

                Enclosure
                                    Gentlemen officers,c.29 January 1782
                     We the majority of the troops are entirely satisfied, that if we are pushed on to march to the Southward without our pay or at least the greatest part of it will infallibly prove injurious, as we are wholy and solely unanimously determined not to march untill such time, we receive some pay we don’t mean to insurrect any of the Gentlemen officers provided we have justice done us neither do we flatter ourselves they will presume to march without pay.  We are ready to obey the legal commands of our superieurs in any thing that is legally, and as to commencing this march without our (Rights) will undoubtedly be attended with ill consequences, we humbly beg pardon, if this is construed as an offence, as we mean nothing but what is adequate.

                        We the honest Politicians
                        a copy


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

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

                  On the morning of the 4th I was honored with yours of the 29th and 31st ultimo, with several packets for the eastward; the latter were forwarded the next morning by a trusty officer, instructed conformably to your directions.  The returns of the New Hampshire regiments were not come to hand, although I had written three or four times in the most pressing manner for them.  It seems the first letter covering the former, reached Albany just as general Stark was leaving the place; and whether he took them with him, or what became of them, is not known.  A day or two before I was honored with your letters I sent off a special express with another form of the returns, and a pressing injunction to colonel Reed to lose not a moment in collecting and forwarding them.  I have received his answer, that I shall have them with all possible despatch.  I have written general Lincoln respecting the returns, as your Excellency was pleased to direct.
                  The patients who have been under inoculation for the small-pox in the tenth Massachusetts regiment are recovering, as are those of the other regiments.  The 10th regiment shall move to Albany as soon as the men are perfectly recovered and clothed.
                  By a former resolution of Congress, regimental paymaster, adjutants and quartermasters, inspectors &c. were allowed an extra ration, or some of them rations equal to captains—  Are they continued under the new system, or not?  A doubt arises with the contractors, and I have not the means of determining the matter.  If the secretary at war was present, I should address him on the subject, and not trouble your Excellency.
                  The officer commanding on the lines complains of a heavy burthen falling on him, and thinks some extra allowance should be made him on account of his situation.  The officers commanding at Kings-ferry think their situation also requires some aid.  Inclosed is a line from general Paterson, which I take the liberty to transmit, and request your opinion and direction.
                  Colonel Pickering being gone for Philadelphia I wrote him respecting the returns of cattle, &c. kept by the french army.  The arbitrators who are appointed to settle the forage accounts, are to meet in a few days; if the returns from the french army are not obtained, one of the best means of ascertaining the quantity of forage will be lost to the public.
                  By the former orders, an officer previous to a discharge being granted, was to produce a certificate from the paymaster of the regiment, the auditors and the commanding officer of the regiment.  As the auditors have for some time ceased to act, What certificates are now to be considered necessary previous to an officer’s being discharged.
                  One Charles Gillchrist, a soldier in the Massachusetts line, who deserted and was taken up after the expiration of your Excellency’s pardon, and under the act of the state, which, in such case, decrees a term of service beyond what was stipulated in the enlistment, was tried the last year at a brigade court martial, and, it appears, sentenced to make up the deficient time of his three years engagement, only, then to be discharged.  The man now applies for his discharge, the term being completed—which is the first of my hearing of it.  I conceive that a brigade court could have no right of interference in the case, when the law of the state and your Excellency’s proclamation had decreed otherwise, and that the man must be held, the sentence of the court notwithstanding; unless your Excellency thinks proper to discharge him.  I pray your directions in the case.
                  The Rhode-island huts were built the last year on a part of a farm, which the owner wishes to improve this spring, and which he was prevented the last year, by his land being laid common.  As his fences were destroyed and all the adjacent timber collected for the huts or burnt, the proprietor applies for leave to take down the huts for the purpose of fencing the land.  Some of the huts are in good order, but are not, nor will they be improved this winter.  Shall the proprietor be permitted to take the huts down, or do with them as he thinks proper, after they are appraised; which may be necessary in part to ballance the bill of damages he may sooner or later exhibit for payment?  I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath

                     P.S.  Your letters to the eastward which were under flying seal, were not dated, except that to general Lincoln—apprehending that it was forgotten through the letters having been copied some days before they were sent, I ventured to inject the same date as that of general Lincoln’s, viz. the 31 of January.  I hope this will be approved by your Excellency.

                     W. Heath

                Enclosure

                        Sir,
                        Westpoint Feb. 4. 1782.

                     Captain Frothingham, commanding at Stoney point, has represented to me, that he cannot subsist upon the ration he is allowed, by reason of the company he is unavoidably obliged to entertain, owing to the peculiar situation of the post.
                     Captain Goodale spoke to his excellency the Commander in chief upon this subject when he was on his way to the southward—he was then in haste and could not attend to it, but said he thought it reasonable that he should have some extra allowance.
                     I beg leave to refer captain Frothingham to your determination, in which I wish you to consider, also the officer commanding at Verplank’s point.  I think it highly reasonable that an additional subsistence should be granted.  I am, Sir, with great regard your most obedient humble Servt

                        John Paterson


Title: To George Washington from Robert Howe, 8 February 1782
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia Feb 8 1782

                  Late last night my unabating Efforts obtain’d me a sum of money which tho’ not perhaps quite Equal to my Expences will Enable me to Leave Town (I hope) without discredit.  Some part of this Cash has advanced me by a friend I accidentally met with upon Generous Terms, but the Residue (and that the greater Part) I have been moved to Accept upon hard Condition of indebting myself one hundred Dollars for every sixty Actually recived, the whole sum to carry interest at six per an. & the time of payment not very remote.  I shall devote Tomorrow to the settling of my affairs, and on Tuesday I hope to set out, when I shall be proud to be honourd with your Excellency’s Commands.  I have been advised by my friend in Congress to forbear giving in to that Body Any Estimate of my Expences until I had in the first instance paid the money myself.  I therefore intend to lay before Congress tomorrow morning an accompt of what my Board has amounted to, unless your Excellency could, and would be pleas’d to advise me to some other mode.  Should an application to congress be the way, it would I doubt not be paid more attention to if I wrote your Excellency officially upon the subject inclosing the accts, and you were so obliging as to lay it before them.  I would not presume to trouble you upon this Occasion without having first Consulted you thereupon, nor would I at all have done it, did not the present situation of my Fortune make the success of this affair a matter of great importance to me, and this I flatter my self will apologize for the liberty I have taken.  I think my self Equitably and absolutely entitled to be Reimbursed those expences incurr’d by a Trial in consequence of the order of Congress, and which I otherwise should have been exempt from, Especially as I have been acquitted with the highest Honor I am then sir with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servt

                     R. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 8 February 1782
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Westpoint 8th February 1782

                  The Conduct of Major General Heath, and some Officers acting under him, give me too much ground, to suspect, he and they, will give me every Embarrassment in their power, to obtain Justice.  The Inclosure is a specimen.
                  Altho’ your Excellency’s Order, for the Court Martial, on my Case, positively directs it to sit, at Westpoint; yet an Order of General Heath’s, which follows, indicates his intention to have it convened at some other place: And Application has been made to Mr Mandeville on the East side of the River, for a Room.
                  This will appear the more extraordinary to the Commander in Chief, when I inform him that two General Court Martials, have been sitting at this post, for no small time, on Officers, not members of the Garrison, consuming the Wood procured by the amazing fatigue of its Soldiers, and the particular attention of its commandant.
                  Considering the Officers want of money, and local Circumstances, the point is the most convenient position for the Court Martial to sit at; because most of the Evidences, are in the Garrison: And if it is convened elsewhere the precarious State of the Navigation, which may be expected ’till the 10th of March, will often delay the progress of the Trial, by the detention of the witnesses.  Besides the Officers composing the Court, can be better accommodated here, than at any other place, all circumstances considered.
                  For those Reasons, I shall necessarily be obliged, to refuse attending the Court, at any other place, but where your Excellency has directed it to convene; especially as it is called by your Order.
                  It will be of importance to me, on my trial, to know, whether any Musketry Ammunition was issued to any Troops, but those which composed the Garrison, or sent from this post, since the 4th of November last, to the 18th of January; and whether any musketry Cartridges were filled between those Periods?  This I have demanded of Colonel Crane after fully explaining to him the use, I intend making of it, but he has refused it in writing, a Copy of which, I take the Liberty to enclose.
                  For the like purpose, I wish to have a Return of the Cloathing, in the Cloathing Store, from the 1st of September last, to the 15th of December; but as I have too much Reason, to fear my asking this, will be as fruitless, as the other; therefore I beg Your Excellency to direct an order, to be sent to me, to enable me to obtain those Returns.  The Delay or want of them, may be injurious to, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most humble servant

                     Alexr McDougall

                Enclosure

                        Head Quarters Highlands February 6. 82.
                     The following are the Orders of his Excellency the Commander in Chief.Head Quarters Philadelphia January 29th 82

                     A General Court Martial, for the tryal of Major General McDougall on sundry charges exhibited against him by Major General Heath, will assemble at West Point as soon as possible.  Major General Lord Stirling, is appointed president.
                     The Deputy Adjutant General of the Eastern Army will detail the members.
                     Extract from General Orders

                        Edwd Hand A.G.

                        As soon as Major General Lord Stirling arrives at this Post, the members of the court will be named, and the place of the courts sitting pointed out.

                        William Hull Lt Colonel & D.A.G.
                        E. Haskell D.A.G.

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Westpoint Febuary 7th 1782

                     I received yours from the D.A.G. of the 31st Ultimo respecting a Return of Muskett Cartridges made and delivered.  I am sorry I cannot comply with your Request, as I am not at Liberty to make you such Return.  I am Sir Your most Obedient humble servant

                        John Crane

                        A true Copy
                     Rich: Platt


Title: From George Washington to William Moore, 8 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Moore, William

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia Feby 8 1782

                  Upon an application of Capt. Van Heer Commanding the Troop of Marechaussé for Money to Recruit his Troop the Superintendent of Finance was of opinion, that as he recruited the Men in this State and as they would consequently be placed to the Credit of the State, the Sums necessary for recruiting should be furnished by them—Should your Excellency agree in this opinion Capt. Van Heer will take your directions.
                  It has been thought that Men for the Cavalry might be procured on better terms than for the Infantry; Colo. Armand has accordingly undertaken to recruit his Corps at Thirty two Dollars ⅌ Man, and I think it equally probable, that Capt. Van Heer will be able to recruit his Troop on the same Terms.
                  Capt. Van Heer will furnish your Excellency with the returns of his Corps & give you any information respecting it which you may desire.  I have the honor to be with great regard Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedt hum. Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 8 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Febry 8th 1782

                  As your continuance at the North River was considerably longer than I expected, I have not had an opportunity of being so explicit as I could have wished, respecting the preparations which will be necessary to be made in your Department for the ensuing Campaign.
                  I wish now to be informed what Arrangements you have made with the Secretary at War on the Subject—And that Copies of the Returns of the Articles on hand, as well as the Estimates of those which will be wanted, and such other Official Information as is requisite to be known may be delivered to me, that Measures may be taken accordingly.  I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 8 February 1782
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia Feby 8. 1782

                  I am honoured with your Excellency’s letter of this date respecting the preparations to be made for the next campaign.
                  The reason of my stay at the North River I mentioned in a letter from thence.  As soon as I obtained the returns in that quarter I came away.  A general return is forming, which, from the multiplicity of articles, will be voluminous; but as soon as possible I will complete and lay it before your Excellency.  In the mean time I beg leave to submit to your consideration some things which need not wait the completion of the return: but on which, from their nature & capital importance, an early decision seems requisite.
                  On considering the mode most proper to be adopted in providing ox-teams for the ensuing campaign, the Secretary at War & I were decidedly in favour of purchasing them.  I have since formed the inclosed estimate (No. 1.) shewing the comparative expences of hiring and purchasing the necessary number of oxteams; in which your Excellency will see on what foundation our opinion rested.
                  Tents being the most expensive & essential article of camp equipage, I extracted from the returns then in my hands, the numbers on which we might rely for the ensuing campaign.  The Secretary at War, on a cursory view, supposed these numbers would be sufficient.  The same extract (a copy of which, marked No. 2, is inclosed) shews the  state of the knapsacks, canteens &c. at the times mentioned therein.  On comparing this with my estimate of last year, I think nothing more need be purchased, at least for the present, except knapsacks, canteens and camp kettles.  I was apprehensive that the canteens at Boston in September might afterwards have been transported to Claverac; and they are an article so frequently lost & broken, I concluded with the Secretary at War, that six thousand  more should be procured in Massachusetts, to be brought on by the teams raised for the army; and I sent orders according to my deputy there by him.
                  No. 3. is a return of the public boats in the North River. On the back of it I have noted the number and species of private vessels on the same river, & the amount of their tonnage. But as they have run during the war and been ill repaired, probably not more than half of them will be fit for service the ensuing season.  I procured this information as I thought it might be of use, if a question should arise whether the gun boats and other public vessels there should be repaired.
                  No. 4. Contains the terms on which Mr Sheaf (the superintendant at Wappens Creek) will perform the ship & boatwright’s work therein mentioned.
                  No. 5. is an estimate of a company of Artificers which I apprehend will be necessary in the main army the ensuing campaign.  Should the operations of the army in the state of New York require a greater number, I persuade myself it will be easy to engage them for the occasion.  On the terms stated I find the company may be raised.
                  I left orders with the Commissary of forage to form a magazine sufficient for the posts in the Highlands until the first of May, which if the snow continues I expect will be done.
                  I have contracted with the Smith at Newburgh for all the Smith’s work necessary for the Main army during the next campaign, if I choose to continue the contract so long.  Its continuance will of course depend on the aid which can be derived from the superintendant of finance.  The terms are lower than any smiths in this city will engage on.
                  It was the desire of the Secretary at War that your Excellency’s determination relative to the ox-teams might be by me communicated to him before he should leave Massachusetts.  I have the honour to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedt servant

                     Tim. Pickering Q.M.G.


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

                     Sir
                     Philada 8th February 1782

                  I have recd your favor of the 6th.  Whether the duties of the assistant Inspectors will or will not admit of their performing other duties incident to Officers of their rank remains yet to be tried.  Upon a supposition that they will—I shall consent to their being put upon the General Roster of the Army, and that they shall be, in their turn, eligible to command upon detachment or otherwise, with this express proviso, that whenever such tour may interfere with the duty of their appointments as Inspectors, the Commander in Chief or Commanding Officer of a separate Army shall have it in his power to prevent the Inspector from taking it, or when upon command may order him to be relieved if the duties of his Office or the service shall require it—This is the sense and nearly in the Words of your own letter.
                  I will first observe, that if the Assistant Inspectors should belong to no particular Corps, or if the Corps to which they belong are not serving in the Army to which they are appointed, it will be extremely difficult to find opportunities of giving them commands.
                  You mention the case of Colo. Williams—who acts as Dy Adjt General to the southern Army.  The Regiment to which that Gentleman belongs is with that Army, and therefore he can occasionally put himself at the head of it without interfering with or giving umbrage to any other Officer—When Colo Armands Legion joins the southern Army, Lt Colo. Ternant can upon similar principles take his place in it occasionally: But Colo. Stewart can seldom expect an opportunity of acting out of the line of his Office, for reasons which must be obvious to you who are so well acquainted with the nature of our service.  You may nevertheless assure him that when opportunities do offer, and I can indulge him with propriety, I shall be happy in doing it.  I am with great Esteem Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 9 February 1782
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Chatham Febry 9 1782

                  I received safely the letter which contained your Excellency’s orders for the relief of the Garrison at Wyoming—as the men now there are, by reason of age lameness & other infirmities, fit persons for Garrison duty only.  I would ask your Excellency’s permission to relieve the officers only.  I have reason to think that the men now there will be contented to stay with a new set of officers and have therefore delayed their marching untill further orders.
                  I have at this time about one hundred men at Elizth Town & Newark which number I thought necessary during the severe weather to prevent plundering parties, from the other side, coming over and distressing our friends, and they have had a good effect.  we have made prisoners of the refugees one Doctor & six privates and killed one, we retook from them eight sleds loaded with hay—The matter respecting flags I expect will be settled at least so far as respects Mr Skinner’s negotiation, but Mr Skinner has been absent ever since I recieved your Excellency’s letter—inclosed is the particular cantonements of the troops in N. York & its vicinity handed me by a man in our interest.  I have also an accurate map of the fortifications at Brooklyn given me by the same person but will take a safer opportunity of conveyance.  We have had from three to six deserters from the enemy every day since the river has been froze.  I am your Excellencys Most Obedient Hbe servent

                     Elias Dayton


Title: From George Washington to Christian Febiger, 9 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Febiger, Christian

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Febry 9th 1782

                  I was extremely sorry to hear some time since, that the march of the Virginia Troops to join Genl Greene, had been unhappily delayed by Means of the Officers who belong’d to the Detachment—I hope all the difficulties have been obviated & that the Troops have moved before this time; should that not be the case, you will instantly, on the receipt of this, give Orders to commence the March, & see that the Movement is accelerated as much as possible.
                  I am persuaded, your zeal for the good of the Service, a consideration of the honor of the Troops, & especially the necessity of hastening this reinforcement to the Southern Army (which has been fully explain’d by Genl Greene to the Executive of the State) will prompt you to do everything in your power on the occasion.I am, Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 9 February 1782
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Wethersfield 9th Feby 1782.

                  Your Excellencys Letter of the 31st ult., with the inclosed, reached me the Night before last, yesterday morning I waited on the Governor, who communicated your & Mr Morris’s Letter to the Assembly.
                  I have been with the Assembly the most of the Time for four Weeks past, in Order to complete a Settlement between the State & their Line; in the Course of this Business I have taken every Opportunity to explain & enforce the measures of Mr Morris, & the Views & Wishes of your Excellency as they stood in my Apprehension.  I shall with great Pleasure do every Thing in my Power in Aid of the Arguments urged by your Excellency.
                  The Requisition of the Financier General, & the Completion of our Quota of Troops, have been Subjects of long & warm Debates in the House; as to the latter, the mode only has been, & still is, in Altercation.  The Principle of the former has been contested; the House, however, have finally voted to raise one fourth of the Demand by the first of April, leaving it to the Sessions in May to provide for the Remainder—this first Payment is to be made out of a Quantity of Provisions (on Hand, raised by a former Tax proposed to be sold to their Merchants or Contractors,) and a new Tax to be paid in Money or Bank Bills, on 3d on the Pound, supposed to net 18.000 Pounds, Dollars at 6/.
                  The Well wishers to Mr Morris’s System have had to combat almost invincible Prejudices—those however daily gain Ground & I doubt not the Operation of his Plans will evince their Goodness & gainsay every Opponent.
                  I cannot percieve that any one here has had a Thought of taking any Part of the recruiting Expences out of the Sum required by Mr Morris.
                  The Line of this State do not insist on any Money for Wages from the State except the Arrears of the Taxes laid expressly for the Purpose of a Payment on the Score of last year, & which will amount to little more than one months Pay.
                  In a few Days I shall be better able to form an Opinion of what Aid of Men may be expected when I shall do myself the Honor of writing again, in the mean While I am, with the sincerest Respect, & Devotion—Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant

                     Jed. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 9 February 1782
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     West point February 9th, 1782

                  It is with extreme Reluctance, I trouble your Excellency with Applications on the Subject of my Arrest: But I am perswaded whatever is armed with propriety, will, from your known sense of Justice be granted.  Under this Impression, I beg your Excellency to order me a certified copy of the Minutes of the Council of war held at my Quarters at Mrs McGowans, on the 12th of September 1776.
                  This will be of importance to me, as a material in my defence.  I have the Honor to be with great Truth, your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servant

                     Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Francis Mentges, 9 February 1782
From: Mentges, Francis
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                      Williamsburg the 9 feb. 1782

                  I was honored with your Excelencys letter of the 2d ultimo, and I am happy to find your Excel. Approbation, on the Remarks I made in the Departement of the Hospitals, I have since seen a resolve passed in Congress impowering the senior Surgeons of Hospitals to appoint a Purveyer to settle a Monthly account with the steward of the Expenditure of the Hospital stores, I have only to Observe the Proverbe—Cumunia sunt Amicoram inter se omnia—and this I have since experienced—the Reason I had for acquainting your Excel. the article of Medceyn, was that I often lamented the Death of so many brave Soldiers to Doctor Juniper.  his answer was, that there was no more than three articles to cure all the Deseases—The present state of the Hospitals, so few in Number are badly supleyd with provission.  The meat is barely eatable on that Account, I made application to the Governor, I have the Honor to inclose your Excel. his answer—I will be necsseated to send the wounded to the Corps of Invalides, and the sick, where there is no prospect of a soon recovery.  I shall furlough to their  homes—This Day the Intendant of the french army informd me that the Bill of 50 frensh Crowns I had drawn on the Paymaster General (and for no other purpose, as to enable Capts. Nolsburg & Smith Lts Martin, White & Spear, to march a Detachment of 74 men  (to the Southern army) was Protested, I have since sent an other small Detachement of 44 Men, and before I could send them I represented their situation to Count Chastellaux who was kind enough to advance 18 dol. for the making of 44 pair wollen Overalls—Therefore I expect an other protest of 18 dollars—but I am assured that the generosity of the Frensh will not allow them to call on me for the repayment of the money employd to forward the service.
                  At the arrival of the frigate La Sibele the Count Rochambeau sent to me a tierce of Burdeaux Wine and a fad Ox, to be distributed emongst the sick to enjoy themself equally with the frensh troops at the news of a young Dauphin.
                  The Count desired me to give Capt. Richardson of the Guards Permission to go to Europe he likwis mentioned that Capt. Michel was to take with him upwards of 100 prisoners to exchange for the frensh Soldiers taken in the Bonetta and carried to New york—The British prisoners are yet throughout every part of the state and are not provided with provision so that a great Number are Dead, and Deserted—I have priveous to your Excel. Orders, paid the strictest attention to the Discipline and the Cleaneness of the Hospitals likwis had I sent monthly returns to General Hand and to Col. Williams D. Ajdg. in the southern army.  I have the Honor to be with the highest Esteem Your Excellencys Most Ob. hbe Servt

                     F. Mentges

                     N.B.  at Williamsburg 74 men
                        at Petersburg      16

                     =                      90
                     about forty will be able to be sent to the southern army out of the Number, by the 1st of marsh.


Title: To George Washington from William Moore, 9 February 1782
From: Moore, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     In Council Philada Feby 9th 1782

                  Your letter of Yesterday respecting the Troops of Masschussetts has been read in Council who are of opinion, that it will not be proper for the state of Pennsylvania to open an account with Captain Van Heir by advancing money to him for recruiting, but should any of the men enlisted by the state appear to be proper for that  they may be assigned to it, if Your Excellency think it proper.  The Council are, the more confirmed in this sentiment as Capt. Van Heir has made many applications both to the Council and General Assembly claiming right to be considered as part of the line of Pennsylvania, which have uniformly been refused both by the Council & Assembly, for reasons which appeared to them to be obvious and conclusive on that head.
                  Should any directions be necessary on this subject to be given to Colo. Humpton, who superintends the recruiting service of this state, upon an intimation from Your Excellency of their nature & tendency, they shall be immediately given to him.  I have the honor to be with the greatest regard Your Excellencys Most obedt humble servt.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 February 1782
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia Feby 9. 1782

                  The estimates & information required by your Excellency’s letter of yesterday, I am preparing, and will lay before you in the afternoon, so far as they can be immediately furnished.  I have the honour to be with great respect your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                     Tim: Pickering
                     Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 9 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Philada 9th Feby 1782

                  I have been honored with your Excellencys favors of the 12th and 22d ulto the last inclosing Copies of General Greene’s letter to you and your answer—After informing you, that I concur with you in opinion, that it would not be politic, at this moment, to move a detachment from your main Body to the southward, permit me to assure you that I very sensibly feel your goodness in determining to advance the Legion as soon as possible to the Frontiers of North Carolina.  I have only to request, that the commanding Officer may have orders to proceed further or not as circumstances may require.  The move of the Legion will be perplexing to the enemy, and as it has been heretofore the advanced Corps of your Excellency’s Army, you may, I think, give out (and it will carry with it a strong marks of probability) that your whole Army is to follow as soon as the weather will admit of the march—supposing the enemy should receive the reinforcement from Ireland, I do not imagine that he will, after the many severe blows he has felt from plunging himself into the Country, march to any great distance from Charles town, especially if he considers, that, while France has a naval superiority in the West Indian or American seas, a Body of Troops might be easily thrown in between him and the Town, whereby his ruin would be inevitable.
                  It would certainly be to our true interest, if it could be done, to give General Greene such a Force, that he should be able, under all circumstances, to keep the enemy confined to their posts upon the Coasts of south Carolina and Georgia: But should your excellent and valuable Body of Men be made use of for that purpose, it might possibly interfere with the plan of Campaign which we may shortly expect from your Court—Those States, where Troops compose the southern Army, will be pressed to send forward reinforcement to General Greene as early and as expeditiously as possible.
                  I am apprehensive your Excellency will think me unmindful of a most agreeable piece of duty which I have been directed to perform by Congress—It is, the presentation of two of the Field pieces taken at York, with an inscription engraved on them expressive of the occasion.  I find a difficulty in getting the engraving properly executed,  when it will be finished, I shall, with peculiar pleasure, put the Cannon into your possession.
                  In an address which I have lately received from the senate of the State of Virginia on account of the surrender of York and Gloucester, I am desired to make their most grateful acknowledgments to your Excellency and to the Officers and Men under your command for your eminent services upon that occasion and to assure you that they see with pleasure the harmony which subsists between the inhabitants of the state and their generous Allies—I take the first opportunity of making this agreeable communication.
                  In my letter of the 14th of January I requested that Lord Rawdon might be exchanged for Brigadier General Moultrie of South Carolina in preference to any of the Colonels mentioned by Sir Henry Clinton, it being more conformable to our practice than to make exchanges by composition.  I now take the liberty of confirming that request.  I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Peter Summers, 9 February 1782
From: Summers, Peter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia Feby 9th 1782

                  having had the honor to serve as a milatary Officer in the Pensilvania line.  nothing but the Situation and Circumstance of my family, losing all I had, when the Enemy took possesion of this City, should Induce Me to Relinquish a life, as honorable, and agreeable.  having Obtain’d Certificates from Colonel William Butler and paymaster General.  the acceptation of my Resignation will Oblige your Exellency’s, most Obediant, & Very humble Servant

                     Peter Summers Lt
                     4th Pensa: Regimt


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 10 February 1782
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters New York February 10th 1782.

                  Having occasion to send an Officer belonging to the Quarter Master Generals Department with a Sum of Money for the British and German Troops, Prisoners of War at Lancaster and its Neighbourhood, I am to request a Passport for his proceeding thither, and return to this place, after he has finished that Business and that you will be pleased to give directions that he may be furnished with a proper Escort from Elizabeth Town, for the safe Conveyance of the Money he will be charged with.
                  As it is necessary for the convenience of the Troops who are Prisoners at Lancaster &c. that a Deputy Paymaster should reside with them, I am also to request that the Gentleman for whom You sent me a passport sometime since may have permission to continue there as long as his presence may be requisite.  I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

                     H. Clinton