Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 January 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh Jany 14. 1781. P.M.

                        This moment has been handed to me the inclosed copy of General Heath’s "Garrison orders" issued at West
                            Point, apparently with a design to regulate the public issues at Fishkill; but which, if carried into execution, will
                            unhinge all public business there, & go near to dissolve my department in the state. They were issued, I am
                            warranted to say, at the instigation of Colo. Hazen, whose overbearing disposition aimed at the absolute controul of every
                            transaction at that post. On the 20th of December he issued the extraordinary orders of which a copy is inclosed; calling
                            them, to give colour to his assumed authority, "garrison orders." I expressly forbad the officers in my department paying
                            any regard to them. After some time he obtained a letter from Genl Heath directing him to call on the different
                            departments for returns of all their issues. On both these occasions I conversed with Colo. Hazen, and endeavoured to
                            convince him that his demands were improper; and when at Fishkill last week thought I had settled the affair: for he
                            complained that in the issues of Provisions injustice was done to his regt & that his sole object was to redress
                            that grievance. To put an end to the difficulty I proposed that when the full rations of provisions, particularly rum
                            & flour which were sometimes deficient (the former generally) could not be obtained, an equitable division should
                            be agreed on between him & the principal of my department at the post, according to which the Commissary should
                            make his issues. With this he said he was content. But I now find he is not to be satisfied with the exercise of his
                            proper rights; and at length by his persevering importunity, has induced Genl Heath to gratify his wishes to a certain
                            degree, by issuing the orders of the 13th inst. before mentioned.
                        I would not trouble your Excellency (at this time especially) with the foregoing detail, if I imagined an
                            application to Genl Heath would remove the difficulty: but he has entertained a mistaken principle in the case. He
                            reprobated Colo. Hazen’s orders, telling him he had no right to interfere with the great
                            branches of the staff departments; but that the subordinate officers, the issuers of public supplies he had a right
                            to controul.
                        General Heath’s mistake (for I am clear that it is one) arises from his confounding a civil with a military
                            post. Were Fishkill a mere place of arms and a garrison posted there for its defence, the commanding
                            officer ought undoubtedly to regulate & control the distribution of every species of stores: for he would be
                            answerable for its safety; and the security of such a post depends on its supplies of provisions &c. In like
                            manner when an issuing officer is appointed merely to serve a military corps, he must be subject to the controul of its
                            commanding officer. But issuing officers at Fishkill stand on very different ground. ’Tis a magazine for stores of every
                            kind—a great thorough fare for passing troops & a variety of persons in the public service. The supply of Colo.
                            Hazen’s regiment is accidental. It is not necessary for the security of the place. A captain’s guard would perform all the
                                military duties of the post.
                        It has happened very unfortunately that during this whole time Colo. Hughes has been absent, being engaged at
                            Albany & that neighbourhood in business of great public importance. Had he been present Genl Heath would hardly
                            have thought of requiring the deputy quarter master of the state to carry his provision return to be countersigned by
                            Colo. Hazen or perhaps one of his captains. Yet the present general order makes no exception. But if it be not revoked, I
                            am certain that Colo. Hughes on his return will instantly resign. This his assistant and subordinate officers are now
                            ready to do, & his large collection of excellent artificers, who are essential to the department, will immediately
                            leave off working & disperse.
                        Genl Heath too must have forgotten that by the plan for the Commissary’s department, the quarter-master
                            general, his deputies or assistants (besides a variety of other public persons) are impowered to give orders for the
                            issues of provisions. I beg leave to inclose a copy of the paragraph referred to. Genl Heath’s orders operate as a repeal
                            of this act of Congress.
                        I speak with confidence on this subject, because Colo. Hazen’s conduct has occasioned my repeatedly revolving
                            it in my mind; & the more I have considered it, the more I have been confirmed that my sentiments concerning it
                            were just. If I am mistaken, your Excellency will correct me. I request you will indulge me with your interference to
                            prevent the mischiefs which otherwise will immediately take place. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect your
                            Excellency’s most obedt servant

                            Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.

                     Enclosure

                                Garrison Orders
                                Post at Fishkill Decemr 20th 1780

                            Complaints having been made to Colo. Hazen, of sundry partial supplies of provisions, Rum &
                                Forage, by the issuing Commissaries of those departments at this post.
                            That an unequal distribution of Quarters, are allowed by the Quarter Master General, his assistant and
                                Barrack Master, and that many other abuses have crept into the several public departments, at this place.
                            It therefore becomes the indispensible duty of the Commanding officer of this post, not only to examine
                                into the nature and Grounds of those complaints; and any public Grievances, but as far as may be in his power to
                                provide a Remedy, and if possible to prevent such injuries, and causes of future complaints or jealousies amongst the
                                troops, and people employed in the service of the United States at this Post, and its dependencies, more especially at
                                the present exigencies of public affairs, in every Branch or department, requires the greatest Oconomy and most
                                pointed attention in all officers of every Rank, and denomination, to the general Interest of America.
                            Colonel Hazen has therefore thought fit, on this occasion to order that weekley returns from the Head of
                                all and every department of this post and its dependencies, be made to him, or the Commanding officer of this post, on
                                every monday at 10 oClock in the forenoon, containing all and every of their several & respective Matters or
                                business in Charge Viz.
                            The Physician or Surgeon at this post, will make a return of the sick in the Hospital, or discharged from
                                it, in the course of the week proceeding—The acting quarter master general, of all the public Horses and teams, of any
                                kind fed; and employed at this place, as well as the service on which they are employed, and of all private impressed
                                teams, that may be employed at this post & its dependencies, as well as in genl all other public
                                expences attending his department at this place.
                            The several Commanding officers of Artificers will make returns of the men under their care and Command, how and where they are employed, and the work done by them.
                            The Barrack master of all the public business by whom occupied, and the quantity of wood by him Issued at
                                this post.
                            The Issuing Commissary of Provisions of all the provisions received
                                by him, from whom, how applied, or to whom Issued, & by whose order.
                            The Issuing Commissary of Forage of all the forage which he may receive, from whom, now applied, or to
                                whom Issued & by whose order.
                            Great punctuality, and a necessary accuracy is expected in all these Returns.

                                Moses Hazen, Colo. Commdr

                     Enclosure

                                Garrison OrdersWest point January 13th 1781

                            All provision Returns at Fish Kill are to be presented to Colonel Hazen, or in his absence to the senior
                                officer at that place, to be countersigned, or an order given thereon, and no provisions are to be Issued otherwise,
                                the same mode is to be observed in the Issuing of forage, Fuel, and other public Stores.
                            The Issuing Commissary at Fish Kill Landing, will present once a week, to Colonel Hazen, or the senior
                                officer, at Fish Kill, an Account of the provisions & stores, Issued by him, to whom & by whose
                                orders.
                            Extract from an Act of Congress of the 10th of June 1777
                            "That no provision be issued to any person but by the written Order of the Commander in Chief, the
                                Commander of any Department, the Quarter Master General, any of his Deputies or Assistants, the Commanding Officer of
                                a Post, describing the person in whose favor such order shall be given; or upon a Return signed by the Commanding
                                Officer of a Corps or Detachment thereof, whether Commissioned, or nonCommissioned, or by the Regimental Quarter
                                Master."


Title: From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 14 January 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Janry 14th 1781 9 OClock P.M.

                        I have laid Your Letter of this day before his Excellency, who directs me to inform You that he believes the
                            Orders of Major Genl Heath to have originated from a request lately made, to have a full investigation into the issues
                            of Provision at the several Posts; but that this was not designed particularly for Your Department—Which may yet be put on
                            such a footing in this particular  as to give satisfaction in this Article.
                        Just after You left Head Quarters Yesterday the General received Letters from the Committee of Congress,
                            advising that the Pennsylvanians were on their March to Trenton, and that an accomodation was likely to take place. He
                            therefore thinks it will be best to have the Horses remain in their present places, as he expects in the course of the
                            Night, or early tomorrow to receive such intelligence as will absolutely determine what line of conduct he is to pursue. I
                            have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

                            D. Humphrys


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 January 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh Jany 14. 1781.

                        In a memorandum of your Excellency’s which I recd at Totowa is the following—"Ox teams to be provided
                            & used the next campaign." In a resolution of Congress of the 10th of November is the following paragraph: "That if
                            it be deemed preferable by the commander in chief that a proportion of the public horses should be disposed of for draught
                            oxen, to be provided for the ensuing campaign, he be authorised to direct the quarter master general to effect the same in
                            such manner as may be most beneficial to the public service."
                        The public horses which were old & so worn down as not to be worth recruiting, I ordered to be sold.
                            The proceeds of the sales would not billet the residue for one month; much less enable me to purchase oxen to supply the
                            places of the horses sold. The horses which remain will be barely sufficient for the artillery & ammunition
                            & the waggons of officers intitled to carriages seperate from the soldiers. I rather think they will fall short;
                            but this cannot be determined till I receive returns from my deputies.
                        Unless the public should acquire other funds than I have any conception of, the teams requisite for the army
                            cannot be procured, unless by an assessment on the states capable of furnishing them—or by hire. In the latter way alone
                            will good teams & carriages be obtained. An assessment for general use might bring a compotent number of cattle
                            into the field; but probably as unfit for service as the assessed horses sent in the last campaign. Yet, it this moment
                            occurs to me, that one species of assessment would really be beneficial. The New England states are each very capable of
                            furnishing the ox-teams necessary for their respective quotas of troops: and for their own troops they would naturally
                            make much better provision than for the service in general.
                        Should your Excellency think proper to direct ox teams to be provided for the troops of other states, I beg
                            leave to inform you that I know of no way to procure them but by hire; and in this way any number may be obtained in
                            Connecticut alone.
                        The states of New York, New Jersey & Pensylvania (the latter especially) have been little used to
                            oxen, and their services would be less grateful to the troops of those states than those of horses—For expeditions where
                            dispatch is necessary, particularly in the heat of summer, horses will be preferable to oxen. If the troops of one or more
                            states (of Pensylvania for instance) were furnished with horse teams; they might be taken on special occasions for the
                            service of any other line or for a detachment—their places, while absent, to be supplied by ox teams from those lines
                            which were furnished in such manner with horse teams.
                        This subject I mentioned in a memorandum left with Mr Humphry’s to be laid before your Excellency. Most of the
                            foregoing hints had then occurred to me; & I have since thought it my duty explicitly to suggest them.
                        In the same memorandum I mentioned the provision of carriages I had thought of for officers, & for
                            the transporting the camp kettles of the troops. The two horse carts or tumbrils for both purposes may be constructed at
                            Fishkill before the opening of the campaign.
                        By the plan of my department divers officers are intitled to two horse waggons, but none have ever been
                            provided; and many times I have been obliged to furnish a four horse waggon where one with two horses would have answered
                            better, & saved expence. I have proposed to build tumbrils instead of waggons, because they will be one third
                            cheaper, may be made with more ease & in much less time, and are vastly more simple in their movement. Colo.
                            Lutterloh (with whom I have often conversed on the subject for a year past) has informed me that the field officers of
                            Prince Ferdinand’s army were each furnished with such a trumbril. They must be larger than those used in the artillery.
                        I made the estimate of regimental waggons on supposition that the states would compleat their quotas of
                            troops to the new establishment. Were this done, and the number of carriages allowed by the plan of the Qr Master’s
                            department to be furnished, each regt would have 12 four horse waggons. In my estimate they are reduced to 10 and two
                            tumbrils. On a more accurate calculation I am induced to think that four common baggage carts or waggons will carry the
                            tents of the non commissioned officers and privates; to which one may be added for the sick. Two tumbrils (instead of a
                            waggon & tumbril) may suffice for the field officers. They will carry more than the one waggon at present allowed,
                            & be more convenient. If a Colonel has been detached he has (I am told) usually taken his waggon with him,
                            & left his Lt Colo. & Major destitute. With two tumbrils the inconvenience will be remedied—If there be an
                            order to send off the heavy baggage, one of the tumbrils may be loaded & sent away. The same may be done in the
                            case of the captains & subalterns, for whom on the new establishment one waggon cannot possibly answer. The like
                            would be practicable among the General Officers, if allowed two waggons, or one waggon & a tumbril; & less,
                            it clearly appears to me, will not serve them.
                        Great advantages will result from an intire separation of the officers baggage from the tents of the men. The
                            Waggons appropriated to the latter may be kept unincumbered with chests, benches, tables, &c. &c. and the
                            baggage of the former will be secured from plunder.
                        With submission to your Excellency’s opinion, I think the old tents if made into cover for the camp
                            kettles will not answer your expectations. They have sometimes been made into forage bags: but would not pay for the
                            expence of making them up. Camp kettles ever seeemed to me to be a disgusting incumbrance to the troops when they were
                            required to carry them. If covered with close strong cases the difficulty would in a degree be obviated; but then they
                            must be carried at their backs (in the German manner) & each furnished with a lethern belt or sling. If the troops
                            carry their kettles are attacked on their march, the kettles are of course thrown away—For these reasons I request your
                            Excellency’s attention to the method of carrying the kettles proposed in the memorandum I left with Mr Humphrey’s. One two
                            horse tumbril, about six feet in the body in length, with higher sides than usual (like a coal cart) will carry all the
                            kettles of a regiment, with one small bowl to each, until our kettles can be made with covers.
                        Very great disadvantages have arisen from the variety of sizes & fashions of the boats that were
                            mounted on carriages; and probably not half of them will be fit for service another campaign. Colo. Hughes is
                            procuring lumber that will enable him to build a great number of boats. Those for carriages should be uniform and of the same size, to prevent any confusion or delay in mounting them in the dark; for then any carriage would suit any boat,& take up the first which came to hand—Or
                            if for particular purposes a few boats of one or two more sizes & fashions be thought necessary, they may be so
                            distinct in their forms & sizes as to prevent mistakes in mounting them. Should your Excellency approve of my ideas
                            on this subject, & be pleased to mention the different military purposes for which you judge boats or carriages
                            may be required, I will endeavour to have them constructed accordingly. I have the honour to be with great respect your
                            Excellency’s most obedt servant

                            Tim. Pickering Q.M.G.

                     Enclosure

                                    c.14 January 1781

                            l. Shall Ox-teams be provided for the heavy baggage of the whole main army? Cavalry & artillery as
                                well as infantry?
                            2. If bags for camp kettles are made of the oldest tents, they will soon wear out, & tear with
                                the slightest touch: Major Cogswell & I (before the publication of the Genl Order) had proposed having one two
                                horse waggen so constructed as to carry the kettles of a whole regt.
                            3. In the estimate of waggons necessary for a regt it is proposed to seperate the officers baggage wholly
                                from that of the men; & that the numbers stated will be necessary for a regt of infantry on the new
                                arrangement.
                            4. It seems clear that one waggon to a general officer is insufficient—But 2 will serve a Major Genl
                                & one 4 horse & 1 two horse waggon a brigadier—For the three field officers of a regt one two horse
                                waggon is added—The number of Captains & subalterns in a regt being 27, besides the staff, 2 close waggons
                                will be requisite for their baggage.
                            If the above disposition is approved it is hoped provision may be made accordingly; but must be set about
                                immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Chittenden, 15 January 1781
From: Chittenden, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            State of Vermont. Arlington 15th January 1781

                        I am exceeding unhappy when I view the critical Situation of the Interest of the United States, and the great
                            Evils which attend the people in this Quarter, by the unhappy internal Broils and Contentions caused by the Disputes
                            between them and the several adjacent States, which prevents that Line of Correspondence with Your Excellency, necessary
                            to make the Common Interst become mutual; and which I am not insensible puts it out of your Excellency’s power, to hold
                            such Correspond as I presume from your known Humanity and warm Attachment to the Liberties of Mankind, would be otherwise
                            granted with pleasure.
                        Notwithstanding, I esteem it my Duty to inform your Excellency of the perseverance of the Inhabitants of this
                            State in the grand Cause of Liberty, in which they have embarked, and of the high Estimation they entertain of your
                            Excellency’s emminent Services as Commander in Chief of the American Arms (not to flatter.)—I am wanting in Language to
                            express their feelings, I can only assure your Excellency that, nothing impedes their Willingness to support your Excellency
                            in the important Trust of Commander in Chief at the Risque of every thing dear to them, but a Want of being assured at the
                            End, of sharing equal priviledges with the United States.
                        It gives me pain to give your Excellency any Intelligence which may in the least add to your Burden, But Duty
                            to my Country, and Self preservation, makes it become necessary to present an Official Account of our Situation in this
                            Quarter, so far as Respects the Interest of the common Cause; for which I refer your Excellency to the inclosed Letters,
                            which are Copies of those sent as therein specified, and will give a particular Relation of the Subject.
                        I can only mention further to your Excellency that, many Prisoners (Inhabitants of this State) are in the
                            Custody of the Enemy in Canada, and that Notwithstanding we have taken more than three Times the Number from them, it is at
                            present out of our power to return equal Numbers, having delivered such prisoners
                            so taken from time to time, to the United States—We are about settling a Cartel for the Redemption of
                            our Men in Canada as before mentioned, must therefore beg your Excellency’s Indulgence with a sufficient Number of
                            Prisoners to answer such an Exchange, should the Commissioners appointed for that purpose agree—Should this proposal meet
                            your Excellency’s Approbation, a Return of the Number shall be immediately transmitted, and a Compliance with any
                            reasonable Requisition that may be necessary to compleat a matter so earnestly wished for, by Sir, Your Excellency’s most
                            Respectful & most Obedt Humbl. Servant

                            Thos Chittenden

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Bennington 25th July 1780.

                            Your Excellency’s letter of the 10th ult. inclosing several acts of Congress of the 2d & 9th of
                                the same Month, I accidentally recd the 6th Inst. have laid them before my Council and taken their Advice thereon; and
                                now beg your Excellency’s Indulgence while I treat on a Subject of such Moment in its Nature, and which so nearly
                                concerns the Citizens of this State.
                            However Congress may view those Resolutions, they are consider’d by the people of this State, as being in
                                their Nature subversive of the natural Rights which they have to Liberty and Independance, as well as incompatible
                                with the principles on which Congress ground their own Right to Independance, and have a natural & direct
                                Tendency to endanger the Liberties of America, which have hitherto been defended at great Expence both of Blood and
                                Treasure.
                            Vermont’s Right to Independance has been sufficiently argued, & the good Consequences resulting
                                to the United States from its first assuming Government, clearly vindicates, in sundry Pamphlets, which have been
                                officially laid before Congress—I beg leave to refer your Excellency to "Vermont’s Appeal" &c. particularly from
                                the 32d to the 42d pages, in which among other Things is contained a particular Answer to the Resolution of the 24th
                                of Septr refered to in the Resolves of the 2d of June last, and a Denial of the Authority of Congress over this State,
                                so far as relates to their Existence as a free & Independant Government—I find notwithstanding, by a
                                Resolution of the 9th ult. that Congress have assigned the 2d Tuesday of Septemr next, to judge absolutely of the
                                Independance of Vermont as a seperate Jurisdiction—Can Congress suppose that this Government are so void of Reason, as
                                not to discern that the Resolves of the 2nd and 9th of June aforesaid (so far as the Authority of Congress may be
                                supposed to extend to this State) is levelled directly against their Independency?
                            Vermont as before mentioned, being a free and Independant State, have denied the Authority of Congress to
                                judge of their Jurisdiction, Over the Head of all this it appears, that Congress by their Resolution of the 9th ult.
                                have determined that they have power to judge the Cause, which has already determined the Essence of the Dispute: for
                                if Vermont does not belong to some one of the United States, Congress could have no such power without their Consent,
                                so that consequently determining that they have such a power, has determined that Vermont has no right to Independance;
                                for it is utterly incompatible with the Rights and prerogatives of an Independant State to be under the Controul or
                                Arbitrement of any other power. Vermont have therefore no alternative, they must either submit to the unwarrantable
                                Duree of Congress, or continue their Appeal to Heaven & to Arms—There may in future be a Tryal at Congress,
                                which of the United States shall possess this Territory, or how it shall be divided among them
                                (but this does not concern Vermont;) and it is altogether probable, that there have been proposals for dividing it
                                between the States of New Hampshire & New–York, the same as the King of Prussia, the Empress of Russia,
                                & the Empress of Hanover, divided Poland between those powers, with this Difference only, that the former are
                                not in possession of Vermont.
                            The Cloud that has hovered over Vermont, since the ungenerous Claims of New–Hampshire &
                                Massachusetts Bay, has been seen, and its motions carefully observed by this Government, who expected that Congress
                                would have averted the Storm, But disappointed in this, and unjustly treated as the people (over whom I preside on the
                                most serious & candid Deliberation) conceive themselves to be in this Affair; Yet blessed by Heaven with
                                Constancy of Mind and some friends, as an honest, valiant & brave people, are necessitated solemnly to declare
                                to your Excellency, to Congress, and to the World, that as Life, Liberty and the Rights of this people entrusted them
                                by God are inseperable, they do not expect to be justified in the Eye of Heaven, or that posterity would call them
                                blessed, if they should tamely surrender any past.
                            Without Doubt Congress have (previous to this) been acquainted that this State hath maintained several
                                Posts on its frontiers at its own Expence, which is well known to be the only Security to this Quarter of the frontier
                                Inhabitants of the States of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire, and it is highly probable that Albany, and such part
                                of the State of New–York as lies to the Northward of that, would before this Time have been ravaged by the Common
                                Enemy, had it not been for the indefatigable Exertions of this State, and the Fears which the Enemy have been, and are
                                still possessed of, that their Retreat would be intercepted by the Troops from those posts, and the Militia of this
                                State.
                            Thus, by guarding the Frontiers, has this State secured the friendship of a part of the private Gentlemen
                                and Yeomanry, even of those States, whose Representatives it seems, are seeking its Destruction; And having the
                                General Approbation of disinterested States, this people are undoubtedly in a Condition to maintain Government, But
                                should they be deceived in such Connexions, yet they are not included in the Thirteen United States, but conceive
                                themselves to be a seperate Body, they would have still in their power other Advantages, for they
                                    are if necessitated to it, at liberty to offer or accept Terms of Cessation of Hostilities with
                                Great Britain, without the approbation of any other Man, or Body of Men; for on  provision that neither
                                Congress, nor the Legislatures of those States which they represent will support Vermont in her
                                Independance, but devote her to the Usurpated Government of any other power—She has not the most distant Motives to continue Hostilities with Great Britain, and maintain an important frontier for the
                                Benefit of the United States, and for no other Reward than the ungrateful one, of being enslaved by them.
                            True, Vermont has taken an active part in the War subsisting between the United States & Great
                                Britain, under an Expectation of securing her Liberty, considering the Claim of Great Britain to make Laws “to bind the
                                Colonists in all Cases whatsoever without their Consent" to be an Abridgment of the natural Rights of Mankind; and it
                                appears that the said Resolves of the 2d and 9th of June, are equally arbitrary; and that they furnish equal Motives to
                                the Citizens of Vermont, to resist the one as the other; for if the United States have departed
                                from the virtuous principles, upon which they first commenced the War with Great Britain, and have assumed to
                                themselves the power of usurping the Rights of Vermont, it is Time, high Time for her seriously to consider what she
                                is fighting for, and to what purpose she has been more than five Years last past, spilling the Blood of her bravest
                                Sons—This Government have dealt with Severity towards the Tories, confiscated some of their Estates, imprisoned some,
                                Banished some and hang’d some, &c. and kept the Remainder in as good Subjection as any State belonging to the
                                Union—And they have likewise granted unto worthy Whigs in the neighbouring States, some part of their unappropriated
                                Lands, the inconsiderable avails of which, have been faithfully appropriated for the Defence of the Northern frontiers,
                                which eventually terminates in the Support of the Interest, and securing the Independance & Sovereignity of
                                the United States; and after having faithfully executed all this, have the Mortification, to meet with the Resentment
                                of Congress, circulated in Hand Bills, and in the New–York public papers, representing their Conduct "In contravening
                                the good Intentions of Congress as being highly unwarrantable, and subversive of the peace & welfare of the
                                United States." Those Resolves serve only to raise the aspiring Hopes and Expectations, and to revive a languishing
                                Flame of a few Tories & Schismatics in this State, who have never been instrumental in promoting the common
                                Cause of America.
                            With Regard to the State of Massachusetts–Bay, they have not as a legislative Body, laid any Claim to
                                the Territory of Vermont, nor have they enacted Laws judicially authoriseing Congress to take Cognizance thereof,
                                agreable to the aforementioned Resolves, a Majority of their legislative Body considering such Intentions to be an
                                Infringement on the Rights of Vermont, and therefore the State of Massachusetts Bay cannot be considered as a party
                                in this Controversy And as to the State of New–Hampshire, although they have judicially authorised Congress to make a
                                final Adjudication, of their late started and very extraordinary claims to the Territory of Vermont, Yet by receiving
                                back to original Proceedings between the two States it appears, that the General Court of New–Hampshire had, previous
                                to laying their said Claim, settled their boundary line with the State of Vermont, and established Connecticut River
                                for the Boundary between the respective Governments, and so far as the Approbation of the Government of New–Hampshire
                                can go, have previously conceded to the Independence of Vermont; the particulars of which are too prolix to be given
                                in this Letter, but are exhibited at large in a pamphlet, entitled “A concise Refutation of the Claims of N.Hampshire
                                & Massachusetts Bay to the Territory of Vermont &c." which is herewith transmitted as a Bar against
                                the right of New Hampshire to a Tryal for any part of Vermont—The Government of New Hampshire ever since the royal
                                Adjudication of the Boundary line, between them & the Government of New–York in 1764, have cast the
                                Inhabitants of the contested Territory out of their protection, and abandoned them to the Tyrany of N.York, and have
                                very lately over the Head of the Settlement aforesaid, laid Claim to the said Territory, and enacted Laws as aforesaid
                                to enable Congress to judicially determine the Merit of said Claim—How glaringly illegal absurd and Inconsistent must
                                their Conduct as a legislative Body appear in this Respect.
                            Such Irregularities among Individuals, arise from the Ill Government of the Humane Passions, but when it
                                takes place in public Bodies it is unpardonable, as its Influence is more extensive & injurious to Society.
                                Hence it appears that (legally speaking) neither of the States of New Hampshire, or Massachusetts Bay, can be with
                                propriety considered as parties in the Controversy, and consequently New York alone, is left a Competitor with
                                Vermont—even admitting that Congress are possessed of sufficient Authority to determine those Disputes agreable to
                                their Resolutions, which by this Government is by no Means admissable.
                            Notwithstanding the Usurpation & Injustice of Neighbouring Governments toward Vermont, and the
                                late Resolutions of Congress, this Government, from a principle of virtue and close Attachment to the Cause of
                                Liberty, as well as a thorough Examination of their own policy, are induced once more to offer Union with the United
                                States of America, of which Congress are the legal Representative Body—Should this be denied, this State will propose
                                the same to the Legislatures of the United States seperately, and take such other Measures as self preservation may
                                justify—In behalf of the Council I am, with the greatest Respect & Esteem, your Excellency’s very Obedt Humbe
                                Servant,
                            Thomas Chittenden

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                State of Vermont. In Council, Bennington Decer 12th 1780.

                            Inclos’d I transmit your Excellency a Copy of my Letter to Congress of the 25th of July last, which
                                together with this, I request may be laid before the Legislature of the State over whom you preside, for their perusal
                                and Consideration, as it is the only Method that Vermont has at present in her power, of soliciting a Union with the
                                United States, to propose it to their several Legislatures seperately—And as I have not receiv’d any Answer from
                                Congress, to my proposals of Union in my said Letter to them, nor to sundry other similar Offers from this Government,
                                with additional proffers to that honorable Body to bear a just proportion of the Expence of the present War with Great
                                Britain, It does not appear that Congress have determined to admit this State into Union.
                            The Arguments and Representation exhibited in my said Letter to Congress, are equally applicable for the
                                Consideration of the several Legislatures of the United States. This being premised, I proceed to propose an Alliance
                                and permanent Confederation between the States of Connecticut & Vermont against the Hostile Attempts of
                                British power on such Conditions as may be agreed upon for the mutual Advantage and Security of the Liberties and
                                Independance of the two States respectively.
                            Similar proposals are made to the Legislature of the State of Rhod Island & providence
                                plantations by this Government, and also a Demand on the Legislatures of the States of New York, New–Hampshire
                                & Massachusetts Bay, to relinquish their Claims of Jurisdiction to Vermont, with proposals to unite with them
                                in a like Union.
                            The Citizens of this State are of Opinion that, it is owing to the undue Influence which those contiguous
                                Claiming States (to this Territory) have in Congress, that Vermont has been hitherto prevented from a Union with the
                                United States.
                            This they consider as the greatest Injustice & Ingratitude, as they have eversince the
                                Commencement of the present War, been a frontier in part to every of them, and in such Circumstances have nothing
                                better to expect from them at the Conclusion of this War, than to be obliged to wage another with them to protect their
                                Liberties against their exhorbitant Claims, or fall a prey to them, notwithstanding such a Series of Sufferings and
                                beneficial Services done to the United States in general, and to them in particular in the Course
                                of this War.
                            And although these Considerations abstracted from all others are sufficiently discouraging, yet
                                additional Evils arise when we consider the force of the Enemy in Canada, the probability of their being reinforced
                                between this and the Conclusion of the next Campaign, together with their Advantage of the Navigation of the Lakes, by
                                which means they can suddenly bring their whole force into this State, which cannot fail to be their Object next
                                Campaign (unless some Measures be immediately adopted to prevent it) as the frontier Settlements of the State of New
                                York are already destroyed.
                            In a Word, their force will be so great that it will be out of the power of this State to form Magazines,
                                and support a Body of Troops sufficient to withstand them, and the Consequences must inevitably be either, that the
                                Inhabitants of this State be sacrificed, or 2ndly they must be obliged to retire into the Interior
                                parts of the United States for Safety, or 3rdly be under the disagreable Necessity of making the best Terms with the
                                British that may be in their power. Nearly the same would be the Condition of either of the United States, seperately
                                considered from their Union (as they would be unable to withstand the British power) which may abundantly serve to
                                evince that, it is out of the power of Vermont to be further servicable to them, unless they are admitted into Union—I
                                have the Honor to be, with Sentiments of Respect & Esteem, your Excellency’s very Obedt Humbe Servant

                                Thomas Chittenden


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 15 January 1781
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Poukeepsie 15th January 1781

                        I am unhappy to learn by your Excellency’s Letter of the 13th (which was delivered me late yesterday Evening)
                            that the Accounts from the Pensylvania Troops are not so favourable as they were first represented—I have not for some
                            considerable Time had occassion to call upon the Militia most contiguous to the Posts in the Highlands & I may
                            therefore be deceived with respect to thier present Temper & Disposition; but judging from their former Alacrity I
                            am, led to believe we shall be able to throw into the Garrison upwards of one thousand Men in the Course of three or four
                            Days—Some of them may reach West Point the same Day they have Notice to March & the greater Part the next; This
                            however is on a Presumption that the Time for which they may be wanted will be so short as to render the Preparations
                            which it woud be proper for them to make were they to continue any considerable Time in Service unnecessary. Some of the
                            Officers of most Authority & Influence are attending the Legislature at Albany & shoud it be determined to
                            call out any Part of the Militia on the present OccassionI wish therefore to be advised of it as early as convenient as their
                            Absence will in some Measure render my Personal Attention to the Business necessary--I begg Leave to inform your Excellency that I do not
                            propose setting out for Albany before the Middle of next Week. I have the Honor to be with Sentiments of the highest
                            Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

                            Geo. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 15 January 1781
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany 15th January 1781

                        I have been honor’d with your Excellency’s two favours of the 19th & 26th Ultimo. I wish it were in
                            my power to inform your Excellency that our supplies in this Quarter were either more regular, or our prospects more
                            flattering than they are. But a general deficiency of every article necessary for the Troops is the melancholy Fact—I have
                            repeatedly and in the most pressing terms applied to the State Agent in this department for the necessary Supplies
                            particularly for Fort Schuyler—But instead of collecting a Quantity for that post, the Troops quartered in
                            Schenectady—Saratoga and this place, have not been supplied with Flour scarcly half the Time. I beg leave to refer your
                            Excellency to the enclosed copy of a Letter from one of the Agents in Answer to my last Requisition—I have directed the
                            Quarter Master to afford Mr Shippen every posible Assistance agreeably to your Excellency’s instructions, but there are
                            several Articles which cannot be procured without cash.
                        Colonel Courtland is ordered to march to Fort Schuyler with the next Convoy, as I had, previous to the
                            receipt of your Excellency’s favour of the 26 Ult. directed Lieut. Col. Cochran to relieve L. Col. Wisenfelt.
                        The returns of the two Regiments as they now stand in the new Establishment should have been sent down by
                            this Express, but waiting to hear the determination of Lieut. Col. Bruyn and Major Logan, if it should meet your
                            Excellency’s approbation, I will send them down as they stand.
                        Major Fish who has acted some time past as Deputy Adjutant General at West Point is much wanted in this
                            department. I have written for him, but he declines coming up—I wish to know if it is your Excellency’s pleasure that he
                            should continue at the point or join his Corps. I have the honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt
                            Servant

                            James Clinton

                            P.S. I wish to know how the Supernumery non Commissioned officers are to be returned on the new
                                Arrangement.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Albany January 15th 1781

                            In answer to your Honor’s Letter of this Day I am sorry to say that although we have made use of every
                                exertion in our power we conceive it will be impossible to supply Fort Schuyler and the other posts in this department
                                even during the present Winter, unless we are supplied with Cash to purchase, or are assisted with supplies from our
                                principal, we have lately wrote to him on the Subject, but have not as yet received his answer. The Troops at
                                Schenectady Saratoga and this Post are with the utmost dificulty supplied from Day to Day with Flour from the Meat
                                drawn from the Inhabitants by assessments a mode which it is unnecessary to mention is so disagreeable to the Country
                                in general that we fear we shall not be able to draw in the small quantities now due without the interposition of the
                                Military—but even this supply if we were possessed of the whole would be greatly inadequate to what is necessary for
                                satisfying your Honour’s present demands. I am with great esteem and Regard Your Honors most Obedt Serv.

                                Isaac Stoutenburgh

                                Copy


Title: To George Washington from Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 15 January 1781
From: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                            A Bord du Neptune, En Rade de Rhode Island Le 15 Janvier 1781.

                        Jay L’honneur de presenter a Votre Excellence, Mr Le Chev. de Granchain Major, Et Chargé du detail General de
                            L’Escadre du roy, Ses Talents et Ses Connoissances Lui avoient Acquis Toute La Confiance de f.eu Mr Le
                            Chev. de Ternay, Il Est, J’ose Le dire digne de Celle de Votre Excellence, Et Elle peut s’ouvrir avec Lui sur Ce qui Est
                            Relatif a votre position, Et aux Operations prochaines de La Campagne Navale.
                        J’aurois Eu Bien a Coeur de Traiter Moy même de Ces objets avec Votre Excellence, J’eusse satisfait En meme
                            Temps, un Desir Bien Grand Chèz moy de voir et d’entendre un homme qui Jouit d’une aussy haute Reputation dans Toute
                            L’Europe. Ce sont des Sentiments Bien profondement Gravés en moy, de même que Ceux du profond respect, avec Les quelles Lay
                            l’honneur D’Etre, De Votre Excellence, Le tres humble, et tres obeissant serviteur

                            Destouches


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 15 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

                            Dear Sir,
                            New Windsor Jany 15th 1781

                        I have the honour of addressing this Letter to you by Colonel Laurens, one of my Aide De Camps, whom Congress
                            has been pleased to Commission for particular purposes to the Court of Versailles.
                        justice to the character of this Gentleman conspiring with motives of friendship will not permit me to let
                            him depart without testifying to you the high opinion I entertain of his worth, as a Citizen and as a Soldier. You will
                            find him a Man of Abilities, perfectly acquainted with our circumstances, and exemplary for his honour and candor. I can,
                            with pleasure, add assurances of his attachment to you personally & of his perfect disposition to conform to his
                            instructions by availing himself of your advice and assistance upon all occasions; and with this conviction, I confidently
                            take the liberty of recommending him to your friendship.
                        The present infinitely critical posture of our affairs, made it essential, in the opinion of Congress to send
                            from hence a person who had been eye witness to their progress, and who was capable of placing them before the Court of
                            France in a more full and striking point of light; than was proper or even practicable by any written communications. It
                            was also judged of great importance that the person should be able to give a military view of them and to enter military
                            details and arrangements. The choice has fallen upon Colonel Laurens as a Gentleman who unites all these advantages, and
                            adds to them in integrity and an independence of character, which render him superior to any spirit of party.
                        What I have said to him, I beg leave to repeat to you, that to me nothing appears more evident, than that the
                            period of our opposition will very shortly arrive, if our Allies cannot afford us that effectual aid; particularly in
                            money, and in a naval superiority, which are now solicited. Colonel Laurens is so fully possessed of my Ideas of our
                            situation and wants and has himself so thorough a knowledge of them, that I should trouble you to no purpose by
                            enlarging—You may place entire confidence in him, and in the assurances that I am, with the warmest sentiments of
                            respect, esteem & regard, Dear Sir, Yr most obed & Most humble servant


Title: To George Washington from Horatio Gates, 15 January 1781
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Berkley County Virginia l5th January 1781

                        The 2d of last month General Greene presented me your Excellency’s Letter of the 22d of October—and upon the
                            10th following, Capt. Hughes of the First Regt of Dragoons, delivered me that of the 8th of October from Pasaice falls—he
                            said it was given him by one of the Staff Department who had picked it up upon the road—it had evident marks of having
                            been opened by the way. By General Green’s letter of the 6th December Your Excellency will perceive—the Enquiry into my
                            conduct could not be held—neither could any time be fixed for holding it—Congress will likewise receive from me, and
                            General Greene, copies of the inclosed Letters, with Sentiments of great respect. I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

                            Horatio Gates

                     Enclosure

                                Dear Sir
                                Head Quarters Charlotte 4th December 1780

                            Having laid before you my Instructions from his Excellency General Washington relative to the Court of
                                Enquiry ordered by the Honble The Congress, and being directed by him, to suspend the whole Business, if the mode
                                should not be to your liking, before I proceed to take the Opinion of the General and other officers, respecting the
                                practicability of holding the Court under our present Circumstances—I wish to know your sentiments on the Matter, and
                                whether the Evidences you will want to introduce upon the Occasion, can be had in any short Time—If the mode for
                                holding the Court is disagreeable—or you cannot command the Evidences necessary for your justification, it will
                                supercede the necessity of taking the opinion of the Officers; therefore I wish to be satisfied on these Heads, before
                                I take any further Steps in the Business. I am with Sentiments of Esteem and Regard, and every good Wish for your
                                Health & Happiness Your most obedient humble Servant

                                Nath. Greene

                                Copy

                     Enclosure

                                Copy
                                Dear Sir
                                Charlotte 4th December 1780

                            The Letter you did me the honor to write this morning is now before me. Conscious throughout the whole of
                                my Command of my having done all that was in my Power for the public good, I am anxious that the Inquiry into my conduct
                                should immediately take place—It is true there are some Evidences I could wish were here that cannot at present be
                                procured—but Innocence and Integrity induce me to be confident; that the Honor and Justice of the Court of Enquiry, will
                                make every equitable Allowance for that deficiency—With every Sentiment of Regard & Esteem and every wish for
                                your future Glory and Success, I am Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

                                Horatio Gates

                     Enclosure

                                Copy
                                Dear Sir
                                Camp at Charlotte 6th December 1780

                            Agreeable to my Instructions, I have taken the opinion of the Generals and other principal Officers of
                                this Army upon the practicability of holding a Court of Enquiry
                                into your Conduct during your Command in this Department. They are unanimously in the Opinion that it is not
                                practicable agreeably to the Tenor of my Instructions, and that it would not be prudent to call the Baron Stuben from
                                Virginia without further Information from that Quarter—and, that the Circumstances of this Army would not admit of the
                                Enquiry’s being made, even if the Baron was here.
                            Your earnest desire of having the Court held, would have induced me to call the Baron to this Army, had the
                                Officers been of opinion, that our circumstances would admit of the Enquiry being made; unless the Operations of the
                                Enemy in Virginia had rendered his continuance there very essential—in which case I am persuaded you would neither
                                wish, nor expect it—I flatter myself you are convinced that I am equally anxious with yourself for having the Court
                                convened, and no less desirous of giving you an early Opportunity of justifying yourself to the World—than you are of
                                submitting your Conduct to an impartial Enquiry—As soon as the State of this Army will admit of my convening a Court
                                agreeable to the Tenor of my Instructions, I will give you immediate Notice thereof. I am with Esteem—your most obedt
                                hble Servant

                                 Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 15 January 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Garrison West Point Janry 15th 1781

                        The Detachment ordered to be made & held in readiness to march have been compleatly ready for this day or
                            two, & from the general representation of the Officers a very good temper is every where predominant among the
                            men there is but little said by them, but the Officers are of opinion, that they will chearfully obey any orders that are
                            given.
                        I mentioned in mine of the 13th that six companies of Colonel Putnams regiment, had the evening before, by the
                            report of a Sergeant to Lt Colonel Newhall refused to draw their provisions; upon an enquiry made of the Q. Master of
                            the Regiment, he asserts, that there was no refusal in his hearing, & that the men drew their provisions with as much
                            chearfullness as usual; from which it is to be supposed, that the Sergeant’s report to Lt Colonel Newhall was groundless, or
                            formed on the slight objections of some men, which are frequently made among themselves on all occasions.
                        That the Detachment may be in the most perfect readiness to march on the shortest notice, & to
                            prevent their diminishing their provisions, they are taken off duty both of guards & fatigue except at the point; This
                            stops the makeing the new road, & several other necessary peices of business—I therefore request Your Excellency’s
                            opinion, of the probability of the Detachments being called to march; that if the probability is against it, the men may be
                            put on duty as soon as may be thought convenient. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s
                            most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor Jany 15th 1781

                        The unhappy Mutiny of the Non Comd & Privates of the Pensylvania line—the perplexed state of Affairs
                            in this quarter—the distressed condition of the Troops at West Point and in the vicinity of it, on acct of Provision
                            & some essential articles of cloathing—combined with other embarrassments of less importance, have engrossed my
                            whole time and attention; and must be offered as an apology for not complying sooner, with the order of Congress of the
                            1st inst. inclosed in your Excellency’s Letter of the Second; relative to the expediency of removing the French Troops to
                            Virginia.
                        Congress being no stranger to the blockade of the French Squadron at Rhode Island, must have had in
                            contemplation a land March of the French army to the above State. To which the Season, length of the way, badness of the
                            Roads, difficulty of Transportation, and possibly want of covering in a good Military position, when there—The expectation
                            of the second division, and the arrangements which are made in consequence by the French General, might be offered as
                            weighty objections by Auxiliary Troops against the measure—But as Congress have been pleased to
                            ask my opinion of the expediency of it, I think it a duty incumbent on me to add, that it is not agreeable to the
                            Sentiments (perhaps to the orders) of the Officers commanding the Land and Naval force at Rhode Island to seperate, while
                            the latter is awed by a superior Marine—The experiment has already been tried.
                        I shall act to the best of my judgment, in a further exchange of Prisoners and will carry the crews of
                            Congress into effect, as far as I am able.
                        Proper attention has been paid to such Officers of the Continental lines (who are under my immediate command)
                            as now are, or have been prisoners with the enemy, in making the new arrangement of the Army; And I have no doubt but
                            equal regard will be had to those in the Southern Army—I shall write to General Greene on this head—and will transmit him
                            a copy of the Resolve of the first, explaining the sense of Congress on this matter.
                        In my last of the 6th, I communicated the Reasons which prevented my departure for Morris Town upon the first
                            information I received of the Revolt of the Pensylvania line; and the Contingencies on which my going thither, then
                            depended—I found notwithstanding my utmost exertion, and all the Aid I could derive from the
                            Governor of this state, that I could only supply the Garrison from day to day with Provisions. That it was a doubtful
                            point, tho’ the Troops appeared tolerating quiet in this quarter, how far they were to be depended upon in a serious and
                            sperited attempt to quell others, whose declared intention was to seek redress of these grievances, of which they
                            themselves participated and were constantly complaining—while the propriety of weakening the Garrison—supposing the utmost
                            reliance was to be had on them—without Provisions in the Magazine—or works—was not less questionable.
                        On the other hand, all authority in the Officers of the Pensylvania line over their Men being at an end, and
                            the influence of those who remained with them employed to no purpose, I was convinced, that the unhappy precedent they had
                            set, and the shock which discipline had received by the Revolt, would only be increased by my appearance among them
                            without the means of enforcing obedience; the necessity of doing which, for the support of Military authority, was so
                            essential, as to be attempted at almost every hazard—but to choose for the best in such perplexing circumstances I was
                            driven to was not very easy. Ultimately however, I determined to prepare a detachment of a thousand Men, and directed
                            General St Clair (who was at Morris town) to proceed immediately to the Committee of Congress at Trenton, and if matters
                            were not settled—or in their opinion, in a favourable train for it—to make the ulterior arrangements for Militia with Mr
                            President Reed and Governor Livingston, that, with their assistance the detachment from hence might be enabled to act
                            effectually—Thus the matter stood when a letter from the Comee advised me that the business was likely to be accomodated
                            to mutual satisfaction.
                        It would be happy for us, and favourable to the probable operations of next Campaign, if instead of living
                            chiefly upon the Supplies of this State, they, & those of Jersey, could be held as a kind of reserve Magazine.
                        I have this Inst. been honor’d with the receipt of Your Excellencys favor of the 6th and its
                            inclosures—& shall give the earliest attention to the business referred to me. With the highest respect I have the
                            honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Laurens, 15 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, John

                            Memm
                            New Windsor l5th Jany 1781.

                        Colonel Laurens will be so good as to have Mrs Washington’s picture herewith given handsomely
                            set a button for the Shirt Collar—a P the bosom—a Ring for the finger
                            (of  size of his own)—a locket for a Watch—or any thing else his fancy may think better.

                            Go: Washington

                            A Pair of Epaulets. A pair of Shoe & knee Buckles.


Title: From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 15 January 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Janry 15th 1781

                        His Excellency has received such intelligence as induces him, to direct the preparations, which were making
                            for Marching the Detachment to be discontinued: You will be pleased therefore, to Order the Horses (should any have been
                            brought in), to be returned, & that no more should be procured without further Instructions from him.
                        The want of Forage has become so distressing, and all our applications have been so ineffectual that the
                            General requests Your particular attention to this subject. For unless some better supply can be obtained, the Horses at
                            Head Quarters must inevitably perish, the Generals have not had one handful of hay for these two or three days. I am Sir
                            Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

                            D. Humphrys

                            P.S. Pray let us hear some good news respecting Forage.


Title: From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 15 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Janry 15th 1781

                        I have duly received your favor of the 11th together with one from the Committee of Congress of the 9th Inst.
                            as I had just dispatched an Express to you, with my Letter of the 12th. I have detained your Messenger untill this time,
                            in expectation that something so decisive would have turned up, as might have fixed the line of conduct which we ought to
                            pursue.
                        But nothing new having come to my knowledge, which could give sufficient ground for determination, since my
                            last, I can only refer you to it. The Detachment shall be held in readiness till I hear from you, which I anxiously expect
                            every Moment. Indeed nothing can be of greater importance, than to communicate with the utmost rapidity, every incident
                            that may happen, during the continuance of this unhappy affair. I am Dear Sir With very great regard Your Most Obedient
                            Humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Tuesday January 16th 1781.
                            Parole
                            Countersigns–

                        Lieutenant James Giles of the 2d regiment of Artillery is appointed Adjutant to the same from the 1st Instant
                            vice Lieutenant Ashton transferred to the 4th.
                        In Congress January 4th 1781.
                        A Report from the Board of War was read; whereupon Ordered, That the Board of War draw no Warrants on the
                            Paymaster except for the Invalid regiment and the regiment of Artificers in the department of the Commissary General of
                            Military Stores until the further order of Congress.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                            Dear sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor January 16th 1781.

                        I had the honor last night to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the same date—and am happy to inform you,
                            that there probably will be no occasion to march the Detachment, nor consequently to call the Militia to our aid.
                        By the inclosed Letter from the Committee of Congress, which came to hand last evening, Your Excellency will
                            perceive the favorable train matters were in, and the ground to expect an immediate accomodation. I have the honor to be
                            With great esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 16 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                            Dr Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Janry 16th 1781

                        I am this Moment favoured with your Letter of the 12th Instant. by Express.
                        The measures you have taken, in consequence of the late alarming Affair, appear to have been very proper, and
                            calculated to promote essentially the public service.
                        I approve entirely of Your Dismissing all the Militia who have been called out on the occasion, as soon as
                            the circumstances will justify the Measure, of which you will be a much better judge on the spot, than I can at such a
                            distance.
                        It was happy for us, the Troops in this quarter shewed an extremely good disposition—And I have only to add
                            in confidence (for the publication of it might be disadvantageous) that had Matters proceeded to extremities, and called
                            for coercive Measures. A formidable Detachment was in readiness & would have marched to Your assistance—but it is
                            much more to have the affair amicably & honorably settled. I am Dr Sr Your &c.

                            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles-François, vicomte Du Buysson des Aix, 16 January 1781
From: Du Buysson des Aix, Charles-François, vicomte
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philada Jany 16th 1781

                        I just learned by a letter from France, that in consideration of a Certificate and a letter to General Lincoln
                            which your Excellency honored me with in April last, a Copy of which I forwarded to France, I have been rewarded with a
                            Commission of Colonel in the Service of the French West Indies, being intirely indebted to you for this Favor, I beg you
                            will except my warmest Thanks, I have requested the Marquiss to Joyn me in the Same, and at the Same time to mention to
                            you how prejudicial my present Captivity must be, to my Advancement, but being exchanged and going immediately to France
                            with marks of Esteem given to me by the State of No. Carolina, in consideration of the great Value and Esteem that State
                            had for my late good and worthy Friend Baron de kalb, I might have a right of Further advancement, which would utterly be
                            lost if I should continue here any length of time.
                        I beg a Thousand Apologies for thus my troubling you so Often, but as I am sensible of your Goodness of Heart
                            to relieve the distressed induces me. I have the honor to be with the highest Respects Sir your most Obedient &
                            very humble Servant

                            Le Ch. Dubuysson


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 16 January 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Janry 16th 1781

                        I have received Your favor of last Evening.I cannot by the Intelligences I have had from Jersey, beleive the
                            Enemy are preparing to make a Movement in that Quarter—however I could wish to have the truth ascertained.
                        Col. Hay informs me there are at least two Hundred Barrels of Flour, at the Landings near Poughkeepsie—The
                            present favorable weather urges strongly the necessity of having it thrown into the Garrison before the River closes.
                        I have nothing new from Trenton but that the two Spies are actually executed. I am with great regard Dear Sir
                            Your very Hble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 16 January 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West Point Janry 16th 1781

                        I have been honored with yours of the 14th inst. to which I shall pay due attention. With respect to that
                            part of your Excellencys letter, which refers to Fish Kill; I scarsely know how to express myself—I am ever exceedingly
                            cautious, not to invade the jurisdiction of others, neither do I choose to have my own infringed. I did not seek the
                            Command at Fish Kill; but as Your Excellency was pleased, & that repeatedly, to declare it rested in me, it became
                            my duty to exercise it. I therefore attempted to discharge the trust reposed in me—if I have been wrong I stand ready to be
                            corrected; if my conduct has been consonant to the Established rules of discipline, I expect to be supported—I take the
                            liberty to inclose coppy of my Instructions to Colonel Hazen, & of my orders of the 13th. I have endeavoured
                            carefully to inform myself of my Duty—I think I know it—unless the doctrine that the Q. M. Generals Department, is not
                            subject to the Command of the Military be true—In a Military Command I conceive there must be one head, or Commander in
                            Chief—supreme over all Departments; the Officers commanding at seperate Posts subordinate to him; if the Commander in Chief
                            has the command of the Q.M.G. & his Department, the Commanding Officer at every Post, has command of those
                            Officers of the Staff Department, stationed at the Post, for the purpose of supplying it; & from hence I conclude,
                            that if Your Excellency has the Command of the Q.M.G. Colonel Hazen who is Your Representative at Fish Kill, has command
                            of the A.Q.M. at that Post; if this is denied the Military can have no jurisdiction over the Staff from the Q.M.G. to the Q.
                            Master of a Brigade and will not this be imperium in imperio, & a two headed Monster whose
                            Offspring must be confussion & disorder—That there is a Resolve of Congress, impowering the Deputies &
                            Assistants of the Q.M.G. to draw provissions on their own order is true, & without it they & the public
                            service could suffer greatly, as at Danbury, Litchfield, Hartford and many other places, where the public service requires
                            branches of the Q. Masters Department to be stationed without any Military Officer, but can this be supposed to exempt the
                            Staff Department from the rules & regulations of the Army, or of any part of it, or at any Post where an Officer
                            commands; if in one instance, why not in all? I thought my Instructions, & order, altho simply expressed, to be founded on
                            principals of reason & of right; I think so still, & altho in obedience, to your pleasure signified in your letter of
                            yesterday, I have  suspended  the order of the 13th, I still retain my own opinion of having done my duty,
                            in justice to myself & every Officer in the Army, to the principles of Discipline & Military propriety, I cannot
                            myself rescind, what I have so done; & it is a matter in which, if I have acted with propriety, Your Excellencys command
                            is equally concerned; & I now request your opinion whether my conduct has in this particular been right or wrong.
                        I am this moment honored with yours of this date—A number of boats returned here the last evening with flour;
                            they will be sent up the river again, but it would be much better, & less fatigueing to the men to bring it from a
                            distance in sail Craft—The men are exceedingly fatigued when they return.
                        The public service is much injured on account of the want of paper—The Muster Rolls, Pay Rolls, &
                            reports cannot be made out for want of it—and I am this day told that the Officers have been obliged to cut the leaves out
                            of the Company books, untill few are left—I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient
                            Servant

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                                Dear Sir
                                Garrison West point Janry 4th 1781

                            As Fish kill is considered as one of the dependencies of my Command, and as you have been ordered with
                                your Regiment to do the duties at that post, I wish your very particular attention to all such matters as properly
                                fall under your Command, And that you will from time to time endeavour to reform such Abuses, if any there should be,
                                as fall Under your cognizance, and report all others that I may redress them myself, or represent them to His
                                Excellency the Commander in chief as the case may be, Any Magazine of Public stores; and the large Branches of the
                                respective Departments, of the Quarter Master General, Commissary General, or the General Hospital, you will not
                                interfere with, but the assistant Q.M. who is specially to serve that post, the Asst Commissary of Issues, the Forage
                                Master, and Barracks Master of the Post, are Subject to your Command, and orders, observing always, not to Command
                                them in any matters repugnant to the orders of his Excellency the Commander in Chief, myself, the principal of the
                                Department to which they respectively belong, or the Established regulations of the Army, Please as soon as may be, to
                                furnish me with a return of the number of rooms in the Barracks, and by whom occupied, and by whose order, please also
                                to inform me, the number of Persons who draw provisions and Forage from the Issuing Store at Fish kill, exclusive of
                                the Hospital, whether there are any women and Children who draw provisions, how and by whose orders, be very carefull
                                to inspect the provision returns, When there is Rum in Store, it is to be Issued only Strictly conformable to the
                                order of his Excellency the Commander in Chief of the 28th of August last, I must request your particular attention to
                                the provost, that the prisoners may kept in safe custody, and escapes prevented, You will please to Send your weekly
                                returns Seasonably on Thursdays, with a report of occurrences, I am with great regard Dear Sir your Obedt Servt
                            a true Coppy

                                W. Heath
                                M. Genl