Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 29th 1781

                        I have received your Excellency’s favor of Yesterday, with the enclosures, by Colo. Nicoll. An order for the
                            Ammunition had been previously given, in consequence of your first application. With respect to provision, of the Meat
                            kind, I confess I am entirely at a loss by what means it can be supplyed to the Troops on the Frontier: the whole
                            dependence of the Army for this Article is upon the Eastern States; the unfavorable season for
                            obtaining Beef Cattle between this time & grass Especially the want of means for purchasing will prevent the
                            supply which was expected: and the difficulty of transporting the salted Provisions has already reduced us to the last
                            Mouthfull. General Heath informed me yesterday, that there was but one day’s allowance of the Irish Beef left in the
                            store, and that not a barrel had arrived at the Garrison from the Eastward. Thus unpromising, your Excellency sees, our
                            prospects of supplies & transportation—are! I have ordered a quantity of Fish to be contracted for, on this River.
                            And will still persist in using my best endeavors to keep the Army together, as to afford as much protection to the
                            Country, as the means intrusted to me shall enable me to do. I have the honor to be


Title: From George Washington to John Flood, 29 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Flood, John

                             29 April 1781

                        If Jesse Cole, an Inhabitant of the City of New York, will undertake to communicate with me through the
                            Channel that has been proposed to him, or any other which may be more direct and better—and will give me regular
                            information of the enemys movements—strength—& designs, as far as he can come at them from good information
                            & his own observation, particularly noting their reinforcements—Embarkations—and the disposition of their Troops
                            on the different Islands—& of their ships of war in the Harbr and where the case requires it will give this
                            intelligence with dispatch. I do, in behalf of the United States, promise that due consideration of his services shall be
                            had—& compensation made when circumstances will admit of it. Given at Hd Qrs New Windsor this 29th day of Apl 1781

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Horatio Gates, 29 April 1781
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 29th April 1781

                        The last Letter I had the Honour to write Your Excellency was from Berkeley in Virginia the 15th of January.
                            I wish it was discovered by what Artifice your Dispatches of the 8th of October were detain’d Sixty Four days with Evident
                            Marks of their having been open’d before they reach’d me, as I already mention’d in my last Letter; The Injuries which the
                            Public, as well as myself may have suffered from that interception, are of Greater consequence than is Generally imagined.
                        I am inform’d that my Letter of the 24th Instant to the president of Congress, entreating that Honourable
                            Body to protect me against Standing, though Vague accusations, is referred to Your Excellency. I cannot believe that I
                            shall be Doom’d to remain an Useless Officer, Stain’d with Disgracefull Imputations, unless they be supported by Legal
                            Charges—The Precedent would point out to Our Enemies, how they ought to direct Slander to much Greater Advantage. The
                            British Generals must be stupid indeed, if they did not avail themselves of such promising Opportunities for Obtaining
                            Success, with a prodigious Saving of Blood, and Money.
                        Since our first Exertions in this Arduous Contest to this day, your Excellency has experienced many
                            Deficiencies in Men, and Things. To Descant on these, as far as they Affect me, would be an injudicious Recrimination. The
                            Fault of Others can exculpate no Offender and the Innocent stands in no need of such Resources. when I shall be pointedly
                            charged, I will Answer, and I trust to the satisfaction of my Superiors but I hope it will not be my unhappy Lot to
                            continue Stigmatized until I shall have proved a Negative.
                        Major Thomas Pinkney one of my Aides de Camp, having been wounded in ths action near Camden, was taken, and
                            lies a prisoner with a Fractured Leg in Charlestown. From the beginning of the War, he Distinguished himself in most of
                            the Engagements we have had with the Enemy to the Southwards, and is a Major in the South Carolina Line of The Federal
                            Army He most Earnestly requests me to Solicit his Exchange, his Life being in imminent Danger, unless he be Speedily
                            removed. He is a young Gentleman of Great Merit; & I am confident that if you were acquainted with Him, you would
                            feel a Singular Pleasure in conferring upon him the Favour he intreats from your Excellency. I am not insensible of the
                            Situation of other deserving Officers, who may claim a prior Title to their exchange; but in extraordinary Cases general
                            Rules may be dispensed with. If the requested Favour can be Granted, I shall be equally gratefull—as if I were personally
                            benefitted by it. I have the Honour to be with Great Respect Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient and most Humble Servant

                            Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Udny Hay, 29 April 1781
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 29 April 1781

                        I have this moment recd the inclosed letter for Your Excellency respecting the exchange of salt for Fish, and
                            shall immedeately apply for an express to carry it on, a constant expectation of the Arrival of the Commissary General in
                            Town has been the reason why the board has so long delayd ariving to any resolution.
                        If your Excellency should think proper to order the execution of this business through the channell of my
                            assistants, Mr Monnell near Newburgh, Major Wyekooff at Fish Kill, Judge Wyncoop at Esopus, and Colonel
                                Stoukenburgh at Albany would be the proper Persons to employ, whom I should write particularly on
                            the subject, was I not ignorant of your Excellencys intention as to the quantity you would wish procured, as well as the
                            general instructions You may think proper to give on the occasion; permit me however to hint it will be necessary that the
                            farmers employd should have an order on the Qr master for an immediate supply of Casks, and a quantity of salt forwarded
                            to them as soon as possible. I have the Honour to be with the utmost respect, Your Excellencys, most obedient and very
                            humble Servant,

                            Udny Hay


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 29 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            Garrison West point, April 29. 1781.

                        I am this morning honored with yours of the 27th and Colonel Humphrys’ of the 28th.
                        I shall take immediate measures to ascertain the number of prisoners of war who have been sent on as recruits
                            from the Common wealth of Massachusetts, and write the civil Authority of the Common wealth on the ill policy and dangerous
                            tendency of trusting the fortunes, lives and liberties of these States, to be defended by those who cannot have the least
                            attachment to them.
                        I have notified Colonel Tupper to relieve Colonel Vose.
                        Inclosed is the proceeding of a brigade court-martial in the Rhode Island line, submitted to your
                            Excellencys decision. Several sentences of a general court-martial, contained in a sheet with those of John Williams, who
                            was lately executed, have not been published by the Adjutant-general nor returned here. I made mention of them in my
                            letter of the 21st instant—the culprits remain in confinement.
                        Twelve or thirteen deserters from the light-infantry were brought here the last evening from Sussex, and
                            lodged in the provost. They will be brought to tryal immediately—Several others have returned and
                            delivered themselves up; these will be brought to trial, also. More are said to be on the road.
                        Is it your Excellency’s intention to comprehend the convention troops under the head of Prisoners? In what
                            manner or where shall such as are prisoners be confined?
                        Care will be taken to get down the flour when it arrives at New Windsor. The Commissary
                            this moment informs me, that he has but one days allowance of the Irish beef left in the
                                stores which will be issued to morrow morning. Not a barrel has, as yet, been sent down from Fish
                            kill. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Shippen, Jr., 29 April 1781
From: Shippen, William, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philadelphia 29. April 1781

                        I beg pardon for delaying so long to return a thousand thanks to your Excellency for your polite &
                            obliging Letter of February 14th.
                        Since I left the public service I flatter myself I have been useful in qualifying young gentlemen for your
                            hospitals & army as well as for private life—I impatiently wait to execute any commands you may still honor me
                            with, & beg your & your good Ladys acceptance of my most affectionate compliments & best wishes. I
                            am with unremitting zeal & Esteem Your Excellencys very humb. & obedt Servt

                            W. Shippen jr.


Title: General Orders, 30 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Monday April 30th 1781
                            Parole.
                            Countersigns.

                        John Powel a Soldier in the New Hampshire line tried the 27th instant by the Brigade General Court Martial
                            whereof Major Scott was president charged with "repeated Desertion" was found Guilty and sentenced to suffer Death more
                            than two thirds of the Court agreeing.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence.


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 30 April 1781
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Albany Apl 30th 1781

                        I was honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 17th inst. yesterday. I have communicated its Contents to Mr
                            Rensselear, and expect in a few Days to have a satisfactory Account from him.
                        It gives me peculiar Pain to be obliged to fill my Letters with Accounts which I am persuaded must be very
                            disagreeable to you; but a Reguard to my Reputation and a Sense of the Duty I owe to my Country renders it indispensable.
                            A Letter from Genl Schuyler dated the 29th inst. at Saratoga informs me that there has been no Beef at
                            Post for some Days past, and he fears the Troops will abandon the Post, unless a speedy Supply is received: This is the
                            Case with every Post in the Department—not a Barrel of Beef has been received during this Monh—no turn for Fort Schuyler. I have repeatedly written to Colo. Hay on the Subject. I have sent Mr Gamble to
                            Barrington to endeavour to procure a Supply but he has not yet returned. The Spirit of Direction has
                            some time past prevailed, and where it will end I know not—Genl Schuyler has also received authentic Intelligence that
                            three of the Enemys Ships have arrived at Crown Point. I do not yet expect that any Party will advance into the Country as
                            the Watters are very high—if they should, we can make no Opposition, unless a speedy Supply is received.
                        There are a Number of Prisoners of War now in Goal whom I shall send down to the Comsy Of Prisoners, as the
                            Commissioners of Conspiracy do not approve of their remaining on the Frontier.
                        The Troops in this Department have not been regularly mustered since my arrival, owing in some Measure to the
                            distracted Situation they are in. I should be glad to know your Orders on the Subject. I have the Honor to be with great
                            Respect Your Excellenys most Obt

                            James Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Richard Harrison, 30 April 1781
From: Harrison, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Cadiz 30th April 1781

                        I had the Honor of writing your Excellency on the 12th ulto & 3d Inst. advising of my purchase of a
                            quantity of Soldiers Cloathing for Accot of the United States & inclosing Invoice for the same—The whole are now
                            shipped and this is only intended to convey you a note of the Vessells in which they went, that your Excellency may know
                            where to apply in case of delay, or want of proper Information—The Note is on the other side. I am, with the most perfect
                            Respect & Esteem Sir Your Excellencys Obedt & very hble Servt

                            R. Harrison

                             Bales Casks Trunks

                            ⅌ the Brigt. Expedition,
                            Capt. Henry Atkins
                            for Boston—12th March 1781. 31 14
                            Ship Thomas,
                            Capt. Francis Boardman
                            for Salem—12 March 1781 31 14
                            Ship Glocester Packet,
                            Capt. John Beach
                            for Cape Ann Apl 3d 31 14
                            Brigt Thomas
                            Capt. Edward Tyler
                            for Boston, this 30th April 30 14 1

                                123 56 1

                            The whole consigned to the Cloathier General, Department of Boston.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 30 April 1781
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            War Office April 30th 1781

                        We trust General Cornell will have informed your Excellency of the Measures we have taken from Time to Time
                            on the Subject of Supplies & will have presented to you Copies of the Estimates we have made in which will appear
                            to be included Demands for Articles necessary for the Campaign for all the Corps in the Army. We wish it had been in the
                            Power of Congress to have complied with our Requests; but we are still unprovided with Means & therefore remain in
                            a great Degree solemn Witnesses of public Wants which we are but too incapable of relieving.
                        We have had the Honour of your Letter of the 20th April. Previous to its Reciet we had caused to be delivered
                            to Capt. Craig for the Use of the Fort Pitt Department all the Articles we could possibly spare & he is now on his
                            Way to that Place with the Stores. The Pennsilvania Line & the Artillery going with it are amply provided
                            & these Stores with the extensive Supplies sent from time to time to the Southward have exhausted our Magazines
                            & we wish it were in our Power to replenish them. Among the many Articles of which there is a Deficiency Lead is
                            peculiarly wanting in the Southern Army & from the Failure of the Virginia Mine & the Security both of the
                            Article & Money to purchase it this Want is of the most serious & alarming Nature. As to Artillery we
                            conceive that Army will have a Sufficiency, being according to my Calculation including six sent on by the Marquis de la
                            Fayette, four sent by Baron Steuben & five new carried on by Procter’s Detachment more than
                            twenty Pieces allotted for that Army & certainly safe after the Battle of Guilford. But if your Excy is of opinion
                            that more should be sent it shall be done.
                        When the Cloathing assigned for the Marquis’s Detachment arrives it shall be forwarded. We could obtain none
                            here but we are told the Marquis has procured a Quantity at Baltimore in his own Credit so as to make the Troops
                            comfortable. There being Leather sufficient at the Charlotteville Barracks belonging to the U. States to procure ten
                            thousand Pairs of Shoes we some time ago gave an Order to the Commissary of Hides at that Place to barter the Leather for
                            Shoes & send them on to General Greene & we hope Shoes by this Means are now on their Way from thence. We
                            could wish Mr Moylan who is appointed Clothier General would proceed to philadelphia immediately that some Arrangements
                            might be formed for envigorating that Department the Business whereof is now totally at a Stand.
                        Lt Col. Carrington is the oldest Lieut. Col. & therefore we will forward to him a Commission as
                            Lieut. Col. Commandant of the 4h Regt of Artillery. As to any Orders in Consequence of his Promotion we
                            presume they will come most properly from your Excellency. We have the Honour to be with perfect Respect & Esteem
                            Your very obed. Servts

                            Richard Peters
                            By order


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 30 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dear SirHead Quarters New Windsor. April 30th 1781

                        I enclose to you a Letter for Major General Parsons; in which I have mentioned the return of a Detachment of
                            about 80 Continental Troops, now at Danbury, and have suggested their being employed as an Escort to the Provisions to be
                            forwarded from thence. The Commanding Officer will have Orders to afford every possible assistance to facilitate the
                            transportation; and I must desire you will make use of the occasion to the best & most extensive advantage. I am
                            Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 30 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                        Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 30th April 1781

                        I have had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s and the Chevalier des Touche’s joint letter of the 25th
                            and your own of the 26th. The absence of your light Frigates renders the plan which Major Tallmadge proposed impracticable
                            for the present. We will, however, keep the enterprise in view, and may, perhaps, at some future time, find an opportunity
                            of carrying it into execution with success.
                        I will, in due season, send a proper Officer to make himself acquainted with the defences of Newport.
                        General de Beville will, I presume by this time, have reported to your Excellency the substance of his
                            conference with me, and his own opinion of the different Routes from Newport to the North River. I can only—as I have done
                            before, recommend to you to proceed in making the necessary preparations for the Feild, and assure you again that you
                            shall have the earliest notice should any movements of the Enemy make yours necessary by land. The detachment which is
                            preparing at New York had not sailed by my last accounts from thence. May they not be waiting for the repair of the
                            damaged Ships of War?
                        In the inclosed paper you will find several interesting intelligences from Europe, and the West Indies, under
                            the Philadelphia head. The letter of the 18th March from Martinico is said to be from one of our Agents to the president
                            of Congress—The intelligence from the Havanna is the substance of a letter from the Governor to Don Francisco Rendon the
                            Spanish Agent at Philadelphia.
                        I shall in future address myself on naval Affairs to the Chevalier des Touche by the method which your
                            Excellency has been pleased to point out. I have the honor to be with great consideration and Esteem Your Excellency’s
                            Most obt and hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 30 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                        Sir,

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 30th April 1781

                        I assure your Excellency, that I feel extreme pain at the occasion of that part of your letter of the 26th
                            Inst. which relates to an intercepted letter of mine published by the enemy. I am unhappy, that an accident should have
                            put it in their power to give to the world any thing from me, which may contain an implication the least disagreeable to
                            you or to the Chevalier Des-Touches. I assure you sincerely, that I have no copy of the original letter in my possession,
                            so that I am unable by a comparison to determine how far the publication may be just. The enemy have fabricated whole
                            letters for me, and even a series of letters; and it is not improbable they may have given a different turn to some of my
                            expressions in the present instance. It would however be disingenuous in me not to acknowledge that I believe the general
                            import to be true. The copy however which your Excellency has sent me differs in some respects from that which the enemy
                            has published, as you will perceive by the inclosed Gazette. Whatever construction it may bear I beg your Excellency will
                            consider the letter as to a private friend—a Gentleman who has the direction of my concerns at home—totally unconnected
                            with public affairs, and on whose discretion I could absolutely rely. No idea of the same kind has ever gone to any public
                            body.
                        When I say that I believe the general import of the publication to be true—I mean it in this sense, that
                            there did appear to me a degree of delay in executing the enterprise, suggested by me—with the causes of which I was not
                            well apprised; and an idea of this kind was, probably, expressed in my letter to Mr Washington—as to the apparent
                            insinuation that the first expedition had been preferred to the one proposed by me, I could not have intended to convey
                            it, because it would have been unjust. I could not but have recollected that my formal proposal
                            did not reach you till after the departure of the first Squadron. My letter however was written in haste, & might
                            have been inaccurately expressed.
                        I have lately learnt (though not officially) that the cause of the delay I have alluded to was a want of
                            Supplies for the Fleet—Impressed with a real esteem for, and confidence in the Chevalier Des Touches, I heard this
                            circumstance with satisfaction.
                        With this explanation I leave the matter to his candor and to yours, and flatter myself it will make no
                            impressions inconsistent with an entire perswasion of my sincere esteem and attachment. I have the honor to be with perfect
                            respect Yr Excellencys Most Obedt and Hble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 30 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport April the 30th 1781

                        Mr De Menonville, first Deputy-Adjutant-General, whom I have announced in my Last to your Excellency, will
                            have the honor of delivering you this Letter. he shall receive your Excellency’s orders and instructions about the Letter
                            of credit of Mr Franklin which We have upon Congress, and about the offers which we have had made to us by Congress for
                            the Supplying with provisions the French corps. I am with respect, and personal attachment, Sir, your Excellency’s most
                            obedient & humble Servant

                            le cte de Rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 30 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 30th 1781

                        Your two favors of the 24th & 25th have been duly received.
                        Fully impressed with the idea of the Utility of early, regular & accurate communications of the kind
                            in contemplation—I shall make no difficulty in acceding to the proposal contained in Your Private Letter from N. Port of
                            the 25th—But at the same time, I am engaging in behalf of the United States, a liberal reward for the services of the
                            C——s, (—of whose fidelity & ability I entertain a high opinion) it is certainly but reasonable, from patriotism
                            and every other principle, that their exertions should be proportionably great, to subserve essentially the interest of
                            the Public. All the interior & minute arrangements of the Correspondence, I request you
                            will settle with them as expeditiously & as advantageously as may be: and especially that you will urge, in very
                            forcible terms, the necessity of having the communications as circumstantial frequent, & expeditious, as possible.
                            The great objects of information you are very well acquainted with—such as, Arrivals, Embarkations, Preparations for
                            Movements, alteration of Positions, situation of Posts, Fortifications, Garrisons, strength or weakness of each,
                            distribution & strength of Corps, and in general every thing which can be interesting & important for us
                            to know. Besides these, you are also sensible, there are many things, upon a smaller scale, which are necessary to be
                            reported: and that whatever intelligence is communicated, ought to be not in general terms, but in detail, and with the
                            greatest precision.
                        At present I am anxious to know (for the reports have been very numerous vague &
                            uncertain) whether another embarkation is preparing, and if so, to what amount & where destined. What the present
                            force of the Enemy is; particualarly on Long Island, in new York & at Kings bridge. What Corps are at the latter
                            place, how strong, & where posted exactly—And indeed what the situations, prospects, & designs of the
                            enemy are so far, as they can be penetrated into. I am Dear Sir with very great regard.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 30 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

                            Dear Lund,New Windsor 30th April 1781

                        Your letter of the 18th came to me by the last Post. I am very sorry to hear of your loss—I am a little sorry
                            to hear of my own—but that which gives most concern, is, that you should go on board the enemys vessels & furnish
                            them with refreshments. It would have been a less painful circumstance to me, to have heard, that in consequence of your
                            non compliance with their request, they had burnt my House, & laid the Plantation in Ruins. You ought to have
                            considered yourself as my representative, and should have reflected on the bad example of communicating with the enemy and
                            making a voluntary offer of refreshment to them with a view to prevent a conflagration.
                        It was not in your power, I acknowledge, to prevent them from sending a flag on shore—and you did right to
                            meet it—but you should, in the same instant that the business of it was unfolded, have declared, explicitly, that it was
                            improper for you to yield to the request—after which, if they had proceeded to help themselves, by
                                force, you could but have submitted (and being unprovided for defence) this was to be prefered to a feeble
                            opposition which only serves as a pretext to burn and destroy.
                        I am thoroughly perswaded that you acted from your best judgment—and believe, that your desire to preserve my
                            property, and rescue the buildings from impending danger, were your governing motives—But to go on board their
                            Vessels—carry them refreshments—commune with a parcel of plundering Scoundrels—and request a favor by asking the surrender
                            of my Negroes, was exceedingly ill-judged—and ’tis to be feared—will be unhappy in its consequences, as it will be a
                            precedent for others, and may become a subject of animadversion.
                        I have no doubt of the enemys intention to prosecute the plundering plan they have begun—and, unless a stop
                            can be put to it by the arrival of a superior naval force, I have as little doubt of its ending in the loss of all my
                            Negroes, and in the destruction of my Houses—but I am prepared for the event—under the prospect of which, if you could
                            deposit, in safety, at some convenient distance from the Water, the most valuable & least bulky articles, it might
                            be consistent with policy & prudence, and a mean of preserving them for use hereafter. such, & so many
                            things as are necessary for common, & present use must be retained & run their chance through the firy
                            trial of this summer.
                        Mrs Washington joins me in best and affectionate regard for you, Mrs Washington &
                            Milly Posey; & does most sincerely regret your loss—I do no know what Negros they may have left you—and as I have
                            observed before, I do not know what number they will have left me by the time they have done—but this I am sure of, that
                            you shall never want assistance, while it is in my power to afford it. I am sincerely & affectionately yrs

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, April 1781
From: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            dear general

                                April 1781

                        I was confined in my bed and very sick when I received the favor of your letter. that
                            letter came on purpose, and proved as an encouragement to get the better of my
                            desease. I did not judge proper to depart with a life so much honoured and endeared to me by your friendship. the respect
                            and attachment that I profess for your excellency are such that they may indeed claim a distinction but, dear general,
                            while you continued at newport they were lost in the universal applause and admiration of our service.
                            your excellency carried the hearts of the french. let the bodies follow, and may we be happy enough to fight at
                                your fight and under your command.
                        I am sorry that the courage of our navy is to prove so useless to the common cause.
                            opinion  is always some thing, and constancy will perform one day or an other what
                            the boldest attempts could not do.
                        I beg leave to present your excellency with the due hommage and true respect with which I  my self your most humble and obedient servant

                            chastellux
                        if colonel hamilton has left his   I desire to be recalled to his
                            memory. colonel tilgman, as being both an agreable gentleman and a batchalor, is peculiarly regretted
                            by the young ladies of newport.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Arnold, 1 May 1781
From: Arnold, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            East Greenwich, R. Island May 1st 1781

                        At the battle of Monmouth, on the 28th of June 1778, I was so unfortunate as to loose a leg—I was returned,
                            and drew pay in the regiment until the 1st of November 1779—I have since had a transference to the corps of Invalid in
                            Boston by Colonel Greene, and joined it the 1st of June last—Soon afterwards, I returned to Rhode Island and at the
                            particular request of Colonel Greene took a command in his regiment, which had but a small number of officers and was
                            reinforced by levies.
                        The capture of a vessel by the enemy, at the commencement of the War, on board of which I had considerable
                            property made me but little better than on a level with the world—The scanty pittance I had collected since, by my
                            services in the army, was expended during my long and severe sickness in Jersey after my misfortune (no part of which has
                            as yet been refunded) and by my family in my long absence—together with what remained after my first loss.
                        I have received no pay from the Continent since that for the month of October 1779—and the little prospect of
                            being able to obtain any soon, constrains me to request Your Excellency’s permission to be absent from the corps for the
                            space of five months next following, with liberty to go on board a privateer for a cruize or a letter of marque or
                            merchant man for a voyage, within that time.
                        I beg leave to observe that there are at this time a number of supernumerary officers with the Corps. I am
                            Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

                            Thos Arnold
                            late a Capt. in Colo. Greene’s Regt


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 1 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                        Gentlemen

                            Head Quarters N. Windsor 1st May 1781.

                        Your favr of the 21st ulto reached me on the 28th—Should there be no Naval Officer of Capt. Willings Rank who
                            has a prior right of exchange, I shall be very glad to see his effected, as he has been peculiarly severely treated by the
                            enemy, but if Lt Colo. Rogers is a continental prisoner of War I cannot consistently permit him to be exchanged for Capt.
                            Willing solely, without making a precedent of what the enemy want extremely to establish—that of rating our Captains of
                            the Navy as Lt Colos. of the land forces—If it is Captain Willings turn and the Commy of prisoners can make an exchange by
                            composition, I have not the least objection—Or, if Lt Colo. Rogers should be a state prisoner of Penna and the Executive
                            would give him up for the release of Captain Willing, it might be negotiated as a matter not in common course and our
                            Commy of prisoners might be instructed to signify to the British that it was not done upon the principle of allowing him
                            to be of the Rank of a Lieut. Colonel. I have the honor &c.

                            P.S. previous to the Rect of your favr of the 25th April, I had given orders for the exchange of salt
                                for Fish, to as great an Amount as I conceived, from the information before me, the state of our Magazine would
                            admit.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 1 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

                            SirHead Quarters New Windsor 1st May 1781.

                        I have been authorised, since my letter of the 16th of April, to revoke the demand, then made, of the return
                            of Lieut. General Burgoyne to America. If letters of recall have not been already transmitted to him, you will be pleased
                            to suspend them: If they have, you will be so obliging as to take the earliest opportunity to countermand them. I have the
                            Honor to be Your Excellencys Most obt and hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 1 May 1781
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Camp May 1st 1781

                        My public letters to Congress will inform your Excellency of our situation in this quarter. We fight get beat
                            and fight again. We have so much to do and so little to do it with, that I am much afraid these States must fall never to
                            rise again; and what is more I am perswaded they will lay a train to sap the foundation of all the rest.
                        I am greatly obliged to your Excellency for ordering the Marquis to the Southward. I propose to halt him in
                            Virginia until the enemies plan of operations is better explained. Baron Stuben will join this army, he having offended
                            the Legislature of Virginia cannot be as useful there as he has been. The Marquis is desired to keep your Excellency
                            advisd of all matters in that quarter as it is too far first to come to this army and then be sent back again.
                        When I was appointed to the command of this army, I solicited Congress to give Doctor McHenry a majority that
                            he might serve me in the character of an aid. This they refused. I was perswaded when I made the application of the
                            necessity, and since have felt it, most sensibly. Your Excellency can scarsely tell how happy you are in your family and
                            therefore can hardly judge of my situation. I cannot make a second application to Congress upon this subject, nor should I
                            have hopes of succeeding if did, but I shall esteem it a peculiar mark of your Excellencys friendship
                            and esteem if you will interest yourself in the matter and get him a Majority. Your Excellency will judge of the propriety
                            of my request; and if my wishes has prompted me to ask any thing that dont accord with your opinion or your feelings, I
                            must beg you to decline the measure, and excuse me.
                        It is a long time since I receivd a line from Mrs Greene, I am afraid they have miscarried before they got to
                            Head quarters. I am sorry that you had not leisure to call on her on your return from Newport, she would have tho’t her
                            self greatly honord, and been peculearly happy on the occasion. With the greatest respect esteem & affection I am
                            your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Ser.

                            N. Greene

                            I beg my most respectful compliments to Mrs Washington.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 1 May 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point May 1. 1781.

                        The enclosed news-paper came to hand the last evening. Major Flagg, who commands on the lines informs me that
                                Mr Pines one of our guides, had been below, where he learnt that it was currently reported the 17th
                            dragoons are to embark, and, it is said, Sir Henry Clinton with them—that Arnold is expected in New York—and is to command
                            on the lines.
                        Our situation at this post grows more alarming on account of provisions. Eight beef-cattle arrived here this
                            morning—I suppose a proportionable number are sent to the other posts—But not a barrel of the salted meat has yet come on
                            from Fish kill. The Commissary there writes he has done every thing in his power—the matter sits with the quarter master’s
                            department, to whom he has made repeated representations, and urged the necessity of the provisions being forwarded.
                        If the Commissary has contracted for a quantity of shad, and they are now taking of them an immediate relief
                            may be derived—They may be bloated and thrown in pickle and by the time they are brought here, they will be fit for use,
                            and will be very agreeable to the troops two or three days in the week. I have the honor to be with the highest respect,
                            Your Excellencys Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            SirHead Quarters New Windsor 1st May 1781

                        I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 20th and 23d ulto.
                        I shall take as early measures as circumstances will admit for having an enquiry into the conduct of Colo.
                            Brodhead and the Deputy Quarter Master at Fort pitt. Mr Fowlers Charges are so very diffuse, that I shall be obliged to
                            call upon him to specify them more particularly, and I apprehend there will then be a necessity of taking Depositions on
                            the spot, according to the mode printed out by resolve of Congress, and bringing the matter to trial with the Army, as it
                            will be impossible to constitute a Court at Fort Pitt to try an Officer of Colo. Brodheads Rank—I shall consult the Judge
                            Advocate upon the occasion, and no time shall be lost in investigating matters properly and bringing the delinquents, if
                            they shall be found so, to justice.
                        I have in consequence of the authority given to me by the Resolve of the 23d ulto revoked the recall of Lt
                            General Burgoyne and directed the Commissary of prisoners to endeavour to effect his exchange.
                        I have been obliged, from the distress to which we were reduced for want of provision, to apply 9,000 dollars
                            of the new emission, of the money sent by the State of Massachusetts for the payment of her Troops, to the use of the
                            Quarter Masters department, to enable him to bring forward Flour from Jersey and salt meat from Connecticut. Before I
                            would consent to this expedient, I was driven to the necessity of consuming every ounce of provision which had been kept
                            as a reserve in the Garrison of West point, and I had strained impress by military force to that length, that I trembled
                            for the consequence of the execution of every Warrant which I granted for the purpose—so much are the people irritated by
                            the frequent calls which have been made upon them in that way—If it be possible to furnish the Quarter Master with but a
                            little money to enable him to pay part for transportation, I most earnestly request it may be done, as I am confident the
                            measures we have hitherto been pursuing, cannot be much longer made use of without imminent danger of bringing the people
                            to an open resistance.
                        The expences incident to the command of West point have become considerable, not only on account of its being
                            much resorted to by strangers of Rank and people upon business who are generally entertained, but because the Commandant
                            is under the necessity of supporting a Table at which several of the officers of the Garrison daily dine—This has
                            heretofore been at his own Charge as no public allowance has been made. Congress will I doubt not think it reasonable that
                            some compensation should be made and direct such an one as they shall think proper. I have the honor to be with the
                            highest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 1 May 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia May 1 1781

                        Your Excellency will receive enclosed, a Letter from Mathias Halsted with several other Papers, representing
                            the Misconduct of John Adam Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, which they have thought proper to refer to the Commander in
                            Chief, that due Enquiry may be made respecting the Transactions of this Office, and the Facts complained of &
                            stated in those Papers.
                        I have also enclosed the Copy of a resolve of the 27th Ulto, recommending to the several States to which they
                            belong, to make up the Depreciation of Pay to the Officers and Men now or late of the Regiment of Artificers commanded by
                            Colonel Baldwin. I have the Honor to be, with very great Respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble
                            servant

                            Sam. Huntington President

                            P.S. your Excellencys dispatches of the 21st & 26th of april have been
                                receivd.

                     Enclosure

                                    20 March 1781

                            Joseph Stanbury appeared & said that he had two sons Captured by the Enemy in the Month of August
                                1780—& Confined in prison in the City of New York, That he had frequently applied to Mr Commissary Adam, with
                                a view to Effect their Exchange, That after the Exchange of his Son Porter Stanbury, he Repeated his Applications in
                                behalf of his other Son Jacob Stanbury & made several applications wihout Effect, That some time in the Month
                                of November he saw Mr Adam at his own Door & Enquired Whether his son Jacob was like to Return or not, That Mr
                                Adam Replied he believed not very soon, & turned from this Examinant and was leaving him, on which this
                                Examinant said to the said Adam if you Can Get him home I will make you any satisfaction in my power. That Mr Adam
                                Stopped & Replied he shall be home with the Next flagg, & That he the said Jacob Did Come home with
                                the Next flagg, Which was six Days after the above Conversation passed. This Examinant also adds that at the time the
                                above Conversation passed there was a British flagg at Elizabeth Town and further this Examinant saith not.

                                Joseph Stanbery

                                This Examination Taken
                                in the County of Essex on the 20th Day of March 1781 Before me
                                Matthias Halsted Justice of the peace

                                Isaac Frazee appeared & said that he had a Brother (John Frazee) In Capitivity in New York
                                    last summer & fall, That this Examint frequently applied to Mr John Adam Comsy of Prisrs in behalf of his
                                    Brother without Effect, that at last this Examt offered the said Mr Adam a Barrel of Cyder if he would get his
                                    Brother out with the Next flagg, That Mr Adam Replyed he would Get him out as soon as he Could, on which this
                                    Examt Gave the said Mr Adam the Barrel of Cyder on the above Conditions, that the reason of Making payment before
                                    John Frazee Returned was, that the Said Mr Adams wife had Remarked that People in such Cases had promised them
                                    things & had not paid them & further saith not

                                Isaac Frazee

                                This Examination taken
                                in the County of Essex on the
                                20th Day of March 1781—Before me
                                Matthias Halsted Justice of the Peace.
                                Porter Stanbery appeared & said that on his Return of Captivity from New York on the 27th Day
                                    of September 1780, Mr Adam Commissary of Prisoners Came to the flagg & Enquired for this Examinant
                                    & Obtained his (this Examinents) promise to Call upon him the Next Day, which this
                                    Examinant did, at which time the said Mr Adam Represented the obligations he (the Examinant)
                                    was under to him (the said Mr Adam) and that he might probably have lain for Several Months longer in Confinement,
                                    but for his Exertions, & then Demanded if he (the Examinant) Could not Make Mrs Adam (Meaning the said Mr
                                        Adams wife) a present of six or Eight pounds of fresh Butter for the
                                    Kindness he had Done this Examt that he (the Ext) Engaged to Do so, but not geting the Butter
                                    soon was frequently asked for it, That at lenght having some Beef which he Intended for the relief of Some
                                        of his late fellow Captives who still remained in Captivity he saw the said Mr Adam, who
                                    Requested as he had not had the promised Butter, that he would let him have some of the beef that he (the
                                    Examinant) Replied he Intended that beef for the prisoners, but as he had not Had the butter he
                                    should have some of the beef & that he (the Exmt) Accordingly Cut off two Choice pieces
                                    weighing as this Ext Believes upwards of 20 pounds & further Examinant saith not

                                Porter Stanbery

                                This Examination taken in the County of Essex on the 20th Day of March 1781 Before me Matthias
                                    Halsted Justice of the peace.

                     Enclosure

                                To Whom it may Concern

                                    7 April 1781

                            Be it hereby known that on the 23d Day of March last was brought before me sundry Goods &
                                Merchandise for Tryal, Taken in the Possession of Mr John Adam Deputy Commissary of Prisoners on Which a Trial was the
                                Next Day held, When by a Jury of Good & Lawfull Men the said Good & Merchandise & also a
                                Waggon & two Horses, & a Chair & one horse Conveying the same, were Condemned agreably to a
                                law of this State for coming out of the British lines—The Whole sales amounting to £301.2.4 Lawfull Mony of the State.
                                On the tryal it appeared from Clear Evidence that the said goods & Merchandise had been landed out of a
                                british flagg at Elizth Town Point under the Imediate Inspection & Direction of the said Mr Adam, who was in
                                the Chair with a part of the Goods on his way from the Point aforesaid to the town when the
                                was made. Given under my hand In the County of Essex, State of New Jersey this Seventh Day of April 1781

                                David Miller
                                justis of the peas in the County of Essex.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Elizabeth Town April 21 1781

                            I am Sensibly grieved at the unavoidable Delays that have happened in Procuring the Inclosed vouchers
                                Respecting the Conduct of Mr John Adam D. C. of Prisoners & in forwarding
                                them I should have sent them some time since but Expected to have procured More to accompany those,
                                both Instances of his Partiallities, Briberies & Illicit Trade are Numerous; but Many of Witnesses are
                                Extreemly Cautious in Declaring any thing unless Compelled, alledging they may suffer in Cases of future Captivity if
                                he Remains in office; Conceiving the Inclosed with My Declaration will be sufficient To Convince Congress that his
                                Conduct as a publick officer has not been strictly justifiable I Concluded it best to forward the Inclosures without
                                further Delay, Submiting it to your better Judgment Either to lay the Matter before Congress in its present situation,
                                or to give me further Instructions how to proceed in the Business.
                            As to my Own Knowledge; I Can Declare to several very Glaring Partialities in point of Exchanges, some of
                                Which were not only In favour of Prisoners late Captured, but of those Who from the Circumstances of their Capture
                                were by no Means Entitled to Exchange, an officer of Militia within the British lines has been given for a private
                                Citizen, when officers of ours have been suffering in Captivity: two Justices of the peace of this State both
                                Captivated after me were Exchanged before me, all in direct Disobedience of the laws of this State Respecting
                                Exchanges of prisoners; but since the Act for Resting the Powers of Exchanging Prisoners in the
                                Hands of the Contl Comsys. There is no Power in the state Equal to the Calling offenders in this Point to a Proper
                                account for their Conduct; & unless Congress will do it, not only Individuals, but the the Publick service must suffer, as many of the very Zealous &
                                once active Citizens are Relaxing in their ardor & activity, alledging the probable consequences in Case of
                                Captivity as an apology: for my own Part, should such a Misfortune again befall me, While Mr Adam Continues in office,
                                I am not without apprehensions of what may be the Consequences.
                            Respecting the Certificate from David Miller Esqr. (Inclosed) it may not be amiss to observe that Mr Adam
                                had Previously taken an oath Prescribed by an act of our Legislature, Purporting that he would not allow of any
                                Illicit Trade or Intercourse with the enemy after Earnestly Requesting that the Necessary Measures may be speedily
                                pursued, & assuring you that from the best Information, I verily  on Trial, not less
                                that twenty Instances of Bribery & Partiallity Can be proved if Necessary without going twenty Miles for a
                                Witness; I Conclude & am Sir with Due Respect Your Most Humb. servt

                                Matthias Halsted


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Loring, Jr., 1 May 1781
From: Loring, Joshua, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            1st May 1781.

                        Memorandum for His Excellency the Commander in Chief
                        As We are indebted to the Rebels 300 Privates, and from the best Information I have been able to procure, we
                            have still 1000 Men if not more Prisoners with them, I beg leave to submit it to the Consideration of His Excellency The
                            Commander in Chief, whether it would not be adviseable, to order all the Rebel Privates Prisoners at Charles Town that
                            Lord Conwallis may not have Occasion for, to be sent to New York by the first safe Opportunity, & if none should
                            Offer soon, to know what Number We may Engage to deliver the Enemy by a Cartel that may be sent immediately from Charles
                            Town to Philadelphia

                            Josa Loring Com. Genl Prisrs


Title: To George Washington from John St. John, 1 May 1781
From: John, John St.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir—
                            Highlands May 1st 1781

                        Having been ever sensible of the importance of the present struggles between America & Great Britain,
                            and from a full conviction of the Justice of our Cause, I early engaged in the services of my Country with a design never
                            to quit it until a peace was settled upon honorable Terms, but by reason of some unforeseen Events, the Situation of my
                            Family is such as loudly calls upon me to retire to a domestic Life as I think their happiness is too great a sacrifise
                            for me to make, which is the only reason that induces me to ask your Excellency’s permission to resign my Commission—I beg
                            your Excellency would please to accept this as my Resignation and grant me a Discharge. I am Sir your Excellency’s most
                            Obedt Humle Sert

                            John St John
                            Capt. in the 2nd Connecticut Regiment


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 1 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Skinner, Abraham

                        Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 1st May 1781.

                        You will be pleased to forward the inclosed to Sir Henry Clinton by the speediest conveyance—As it is to
                            revoke the recall of General Burgoyne you may proceed fully upon the instructions of the 12th of April and endeavour to
                            accomplish the exchange of that Officer upon the terms specified therein. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 1 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 1st May 1781.

                        I have received your favor of the 15th. Had it been possible for you to have carried your plan of marching
                            suddenly into North Carolina into execution it would most probably have occasioned the ruin of Lord Cornwallis—But this is
                            one of the thousand instances which daily shew the evils resulting from feeding and paying troops which can only be used
                            for local purposes.
                        The arms which Capt. la Touche landed in the Delaware have been forwarded and one thousand Stand with as many
                            Cartouch Boxes will go immediately from hence—Lead is a very scarce article with us, but as much of that and as much
                            Ammunition as can possibly be spared will be forwarded. In short nothing shall be wanting on my part to give every
                            assistance in my power to a quarter which so much needs it.
                        I have repeatedly urged to Congress and the States the Completion of their Cavalry. I believe the want of
                            means to purchase Horses at the exorbitant prices asked for them is the reason why it is not done.
                        I inclose you a list of all the Virginia officers who have been exchanged in this department since January
                            1780—The Dy Commy to the southward can furnish you with an account of those who have been exchanged there—I never have yet
                            had the returns from him.
                        The Virginia officers transmitted me a Copy of their representation against General Weedon’s coming again
                            into service. It being a matter intirely dependant upon the pleasure of Congress, I did not conceive myself at liberty to
                            give an opinion upon the subject, and gave them that answer.
                        I am exceedingly happy to hear that you are to remain a while longer in Virginia, as I am certain that much
                            of what has been done has been owing to your assiduous exertions, and that matters would go on slowly were they left to
                            the management of persons not acquainted with the Business. I am &a.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 1 May 1781
From: Stevens, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            Fish kill 1st May 1781

                        I would inform Your Excellency that I have employed Judge Wynkoop of Esopus and Mr Merrell of New Windsor to
                            procure Six or Seven hundred Barrels of Shad for the Army, who are not to give more than three Pecks of Salt for two
                            hundred and twenty pounds of cleaned Fish.
                        I inclose my weekly Return, and have the Honor to be with due Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient
                            servant,

                            N. Stevens D.C. G.I.


Title: General Orders, 2 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Wednesday May 2d 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        At a General Court Martial held at Westpoint the 24th April and continued by adjournments ‘till the 1st
                            instant—Major Graham president.
                        Ensign Murdoch McPherson of Colonel Hazen’s regiment, was tried, charged with "Neglect of duty in leaving the
                            guard under his command (having Prisoners in charge) on his way to Easton, at which time a number made their
                                escape."

                        The Court on consideration are of opinion that Ensign McPherson is guilty of the charge against him in breach
                            of Article 5th Section 18th of the Rules and Articles of war and sentence that he be reprimanded in General orders.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence of the court, He thinks Ensign McPherson’s conduct reprehensible
                            in the highest degree, nothing reflects greater dishonor on an officer or can be productive of more fatal consequences
                            than Negligence and Inattention when on duty; Charges which appear to be but too clearly proved against Ensign McPherson.
                        Ensign McPherson is released from arrest.
                        Brigadier General Hand will inspect the first Massachusett and Connecticut Brigades on Monday the 7th instant
                            the second Massachusett and Connecticut brigades on Wednesday the 9th the third Massachusett and that part of General
                            Stark’s brigade not on the lines on Friday the 11th instant if the Weather permits.
                        The inspection of the troops on the Point to commence between nine and ten ô clock in the forenoon.
                        The troops on the East side of the river will be inspected in the afternoon of the days abovementioned and
                            hold themselves in readiness to fall in by regiment, on beating the Long Roll.
                        As far as circumstances will admit the troops are to be excused Duty on the Day of inspection.
                        Besides the usual Inspection returns the present State of the Arms Accoutrements and Ammunition of each
                            regiment is to be made out agreeable to a Form herewith Transmitted to Major Porter deputy adjutant General.
                        No Arms or Accoutrements to be issued except for Recruits untill this Inspection is Completed.


Title: To George Washington from Pierre François, chevalier de Béville, 2 May 1781
From: Béville, Pierre François, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                            Excellency.
                            hartford may Second 1781.

                        I have the honour to inform you of my arrival yesterday at Middle-town through Danbury. this Road from King’s
                            ferry to Middle town is much better than that through linfield and deserves to be preferred though
                            there is neither hay or straw to be found in both roads. I Intend tomorrow to take notice of that from middle-town to
                            Colchester which I am already informed of is very bad; but in case I Should find it So, the army would march through
                            hartford and go on its march through farmington, Southington danbury &a.
                        Colonel hamilton told me when I arrived at new windsor that your Excellency had been So Kind as to write to
                            the Congress in order to intrust M. Champlain with the office of Barack Master of the french army. I rely So far on your
                            Excellency’s Kindness as to be persuaded that you will honour mr champlain with your protection in that Occasion. I am
                            with respect and my sons too your Excellency’s most humble and obedient Servant

                            Béville


Title: From Edward Hand to Elias Dayton, 2 May 1781
From: Hand, Edward
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Sir
                            Orderly Office New Windsor 2d May 1781

                        I did myself the pleasure of writing to you the 28th of March last importing his Excellency’s surprize that
                            the Jersey Brigade had not made returns to the orderly Office since the late arrangement took place in the army and
                            desiring that you might be punctual in sending a Monthly state of the Line to the orderly Office so as to reach it by the
                            last Saturday in every Month, yet no return has yet come to hand nor has the receipt of my letter been answered. Am
                            therefore under the disagreeable necessity of signifying his Excellency’s highest displeasure on that account and
                            repeating his orders that you may in future forward the Returns required. Yr Obt Hble Servt

                            Edward Hand A.G.


Title: To George Washington from Silas Deane, 2 May 1781
From: Deane, Silas
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Paris, May 2d 1781.

                        Mr Grieve will do himself the honour of waiting on you with this, and I take the liberty of assuring you in
                            it, that he has on all occasions been the warm and zealous friend of America, and determined to make common cause with us,
                            has lately become our fellow Citizen. He has an affair with respect to some lands, which I believe lie in your
                            neighbourhood, and in which I hope you will be able to give him some assistance, by recommending him to some of your
                            friends there. I have, therefore, on this account, as well as from my acquaintance with Mr Grieve, and my sincere wishes
                            for his success in America, taken the liberty to recommend him to your good offices. I have the honour to be, with the
                            most perfect esteem, Dear General, your most obedient, &c.

                            S. Deane


Title: To George Washington from William Grayson, 2 May 1781
From: Grayson, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            War office May 2nd 1781

                        The Board do themselves the honour to inclose you a Resolution of Congress of this date, relative to the
                            sending 6,00 hogsheads of Tobacco from Virginia and Maryland to Charles Town; for the use of the Prisoners at that place,
                            This resolution was founded on information, that the Governor of Virginia had been lately permitted this liberty in two
                            different instances—If this point has not been already settled between your Excellency and Sir Harry Clinton, the Board
                            would be glad you would be pleased to write to him on that subject, and obtain (if practicable) his consent to our sending
                            six hundred hogsheads of Tobacco from Chesapeake Bay to Charles Town for the use of the Continental Troops and Militia who
                            are now prisoners of war in those parts; Should he agree to your requisition, the Board will charter Vessels for the
                            purpose, and then apply to your Excellency, (naming the Vessel and Mariners) to procure for us the proper passport: the
                            Board conceive it to be unnecessary in the first instance to take any step in this business, untill
                            they are previously informed that the measure will be allowed of by the Enemy If in your correspondence with General
                            Clinton, the matter could be placed on such a footing, as that we might be enabled to receive a pasport from General
                            Philips or the British Commanding officer in Virgina or if some general permission could be obtained it would greatly
                            accelerate the measure and our prisoners who are in extreem distress would thereby be sooner releived. I have the honor to
                            be with the highest respect yr Excys Most Obedt Servt

                            Willm Grayson
                            By order of the Board


Title: To George Washington from John Mathews, 2 May 1781
From: Mathews, John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear sir
                            Philadelphia May 2 1781

                        You will no doubt think it some thing singular, that the inclosed should be of so old a date and handed to
                            you with this, but the reason of it is, that it was meant to go by Govr Rutledge, who intended paying a visit at Head
                            Quarters, but being taken ill tho’ expecting daily to be in condition to prosecute his journey finding that not likely to
                            be soon the case, I have requested Mr Duane to be the Bearer of it.
                        Our last accounts from Europe are very flattering particularly from Spain. From some circumstances that have
                            lately taken place at that Court, it seems more favourably disposed towards us than it hath hitherto been. And as soon as
                            some late determination of Congress can arrive there, we have little room to doubt, but what our expectations in that
                            quarter will be fully compleated.
                        The decisive measures pursuing by Holland supported as they are, by the strongest assurances from Russia,
                            places the war in Europe on the most formidable footing against G: Britain Although the Emperor of Germany puts on the
                            appearance of war (and as, is generally supposed in favor of G: Britain) yet it is most likely he will be
                            too much over awed, to enter seriously into it.
                        How unfortunate is it, that with all these bright prospects in our favor, we have little or no ability to
                            profit by them. However, as you will see Mr Duane, and who  proposes making a full communication to your Excy of the
                            present state of our affairs, I shall forbear to ingroce your Time with any further observations on that subject.
                        The inclosed extract of a letter, sent us by Genl Moultrie, will shew yr Excy what a deplorable state our
                            unfortunate prisoners at Chs town are likely to be reduced to unless some thing can be immediately done for their relief.
                            We are further informed Ld Chs Montagu, has enlisted between 5 and 600 of our Continentals, & was daily engaging
                            more, all intended for the West India service, so that they must be for ever lost to us. The Committee of correspondence,
                            by order of Congress, have written to Genl Greene on this subject; to take the most effectual measures to effect an
                            exchange as far as his power extend, but its likely he will want some instructions from you on the business. I have the
                            honor to be with the highest respect and sentiments of the most sincere Esteem yr Excys most Obet servt

                            Jno. Mathews


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 2 May 1781
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            2nd May 1781

                        By Inteligence from New York as late as Saturday (which I have every Reason to beleive) General Arnold was
                            every Hour expected there to take Command of an Expedition. Admiral Arbuthnot is going to England his Officers refusing to
                            serve with him since the Action with the french Fleet—his Baggage was landed.
                        Admiral Graves who commands the Fleet was in New York on Saturday but expected to sail in a few Days five
                            Ships of the Line were in East River the rest in North River & below—the fleet with Provisions had arrivd without
                            Loss. the Enemy appear in high Spirits & say all the Money for the currant Year is raisd; this I think probable as
                            Government Bills have risen there from ten per Cent discount to Par—Two Regiments of foreigners at Jamaica are under
                            marching Orders and were paraded on Sunday morning to march.
                        Your Excellency’s Letter to some Person to the Southward, wherein you mention the State of our army armes
                            & Clothing gives great Pleasure to those who know it in New York—great Dependance is placd on the Defection of
                            Vermont, they say their Measures are fully securd there: and that an Army may be expectd from Canada
                            soon.
                        I have desird Cpt Walker to receive the Money due on my Warrant at the Pay Office; if
                            any order of your Excellency’s should be necessary, I should be greatly obliged by your Excellency’s Direction to have it
                            paid I have receivd Nothing for Eighteen Months, have expended all my own Monies, and cannot even redeem my Horses which
                            the Quarter Master has pledgd for the keeping Past Winter. I am with great Esteem yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

                            Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Phelps, 2 May 1781
From: Phelps, Oliver
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Boston May 2d 1781

                        I had the honor to receive the day before yesterday your Excellency’s favour of the 16th Ulto I am sorry that
                            Mr Blaine should have made any possitive assurances, that the State of Massachusetts would furnish a regular supply of
                            beef Cattle, which have turned out so greatly to your disappointment.
                        On my appointment I informed the Commissary-General, that I could not engage him more than sixty head by the
                            week, and at the same time informed him, that as I had no fund for supplies but the specific tax laid on the several
                            towns, I could make him no possitive assurances—The beef required, and money in lieu thereof,
                            has been paid in but very slowly by the towns, the weight of other taxes, almost intolerable, and the raising the new
                            Recruits, who have on an average recived two hundred dollars in specie as a bounty, rendered it impossible for them to
                            raise the beef—However, knowing that the army must suffer, were the supplies to stop, I exerted myself as much as
                            possible, for their support, and involved myself in debt untill I could move no further—I therefore
                            made a representation of my embarrassments to his Excellency the Governor of this State near seven weeks ago, and on the
                            meeting of the General Court did the same to them. a Committee was appointed to examine the state of my department, and
                            provide a remedy if possible; fortunately for me your Excellencys letter reached me at the time they were considering the
                            matter, and I laid the same before them—a temporary supply has been afforded me I expect to forward fifty head of Cattle
                            by the 5th Instant, and am not without hopes, that the number required of us will be sent forward in future.
                        All the beef which I have received, since my appointment would not be sufficient to fill 2500 Barrels out of
                            this I have been obliged to supply the several Issuing stores within the Common I have salted at
                            Springfield 800 Barrels, four or five hundred of which has been delivered over to Mr Tuckerman the assistant of Colo.
                            Hatch—the residue delivered to the Issuing Commisy there.
                        The greatest part of the beef salted at Barrington has been I am informed, sent to the Northward, by whose
                            order I know not. I have also been obliged to send a drove or two of live Cattle to Albany, for the
                            relief of the western Garrisons—I have had no orders from Mr Blaine in the matter, yet could wish to
                            know how to conduct myself in future in this Respect.
                        Your Excellency may depend on that as far as the utmost exertions can be extended, nothing on my part shall
                            be wanting to forward the supplies required; If Cash can be procured these will be no difficulty; provisions of every kind
                            being plentier & cheaper than at the opening of the last Campaign. I have the honor to be your Excellencys most
                            Obedient and very humble servant

                            Oliver Phelps


Title: From George Washington to Francisco Rendón, 2 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rendón, Francisco

                        Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 2nd 1781

                        I have had the very great pleasure and satisfaction to receive your two favors of the 16th and 24th Ultimo.
                        Suffer me to congratulate you, Sir, on the success of the Arms of the King, your Master, in the recapture of
                            Fort St Juan de Nicaragua, whereby the boasted exploits and expectations of the Enemy in that quarter are totally
                            frustrated. And do me the justice to believe, that I sincerely participate in your felicity, at the pleasing prospects of
                            further & more important success against the British at Pensacola, as well as against the fleet, in pursuit of which, you are so obliging as to mention nineteen Ships of the Line had actually sailed—I
                            shall be made extremely happy, by being informed of the successful issue of these expeditions.
                        At present, I have no intelligence of importance to communicate to you. The Reports of another embarkation at New York, have prevailed for many days; but they have been so vague &
                            uncertain, as not to be absolutely depended upon; Whenever any thing of Moment to the common cause shall turn up to view, I
                            shall not fail to acquaint you therewith, being with very great attachment & respect Sir Your Most Obedient Most
                            Humble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Ebenezer Stevens, 2 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Stevens, Ebenezer

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 2d May 1781

                        You will be pleased immediately to order out a party of fifteen or twenty picked Men under proper officers to
                            go with Major Logan, lately of the York Line, to endeavour to apprehend a gang of notorious Villains in this neighbourhood—Major Logan
                            will guide the party and point out the objects. Let them take three days provision if possible. The party will march as
                            speedily as possible, as one of the Gang is already taken up, and it is feared the others will gain intelligence of it. I
                            have directed the order to you in the first instance as I know General Knox is not at home. I am Sir yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From David Humphreys to Nathaniel Stevens, 2 May 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Stevens, Nathaniel

                            SirHead Quarters New Windsor May 2nd 1781

                        His Excellency directs me to inform you, that he has just received a Letter from Col. Udny Hay, inclosing one
                            from the Bd of War, in which the same measure of putting up a quantity of Fish on this River is advised, which has been
                            already adopted: Col. Hay mentions that Mr Morrell, Major Wyckoff, Judge Wyncoop of Esopus & Col. Stoukenburgh of
                            Albany, would be proper persons to be employed in the execution of this business, & that it will be necessary the
                            Barrells & salt should be immediately furnished. The General only observes on this subject, that it is indifferent
                            to him whether the Contracts are made with public or private Persons, but that it is a matter of the greatest importance
                            that the Contracts should be faithfully executed, & the Public & not Individuals benefitted by them.
                        General Heath, will give directions how frequently the Fish shall be issued at prest. I am sir

                            D. Humphreys A.D.C.

                            P.S. yours of yesterday, is this moment recd.


Title: To George Washington from John Sullivan, 2 May 1781
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Philadelphia May the 2d 1781

                        I Take the Liberty of inclosing your Excellency a motion which I intend making in Congress provided it meets
                            with your approbation. I have reasons for this motion which were not proper in my Opinion to Lay before Congress but which
                            I beg leave to lay before Your Excellency. I Suppose it at Least possible That our reinforcement from France may be
                            followed by a Superiour Naval Armament which may arrive before any thing decisive can be Effected; should this event take
                            place we shall find ourselves unable to regain a Single Post the Enemy now possess & consequently the Campaign
                            must be lost unless by Some diversion we can reduce that force at Least to an Equality; & this in my Opinion
                            cannot be so effectually done as by making a Diversion in Canada as they cannot reinforce but by water; & This
                            will demand a Convoy of Capital Ships, but Should not this Event take place namely a naval Superiority on their Side no
                            injury can Arise from making the necessary preparations as this will make a diversion in favor of our intended plans in
                            this Quarter and Enable us in case of Disappointment to turn the feint into a real attack. I am clearly of opinion that
                            our whole force should be employed to regain what we have already lost so Long as there remains a probability of Success:
                            but when the possibility of that Success ceases to Exist we ought not to loose the Campaign & neglect to Conquer
                            Posts Completely in our power because we are unable to gain those we prefer. In Short I am for doing something in case it
                            should become impossible to do what I most ardently wish viz. regaining the Posts already lost, & I submit to your
                            Excellency whether even this will be possible unless the necessary preparations are previously made. These in my opinion
                            may be made without much Expence the Eastern States may be called upon to Embody some Battalions & make other
                            necessary preparations which in case of a Naval Superiority may be employed against New York & Enable us to Detach
                            from the main Army to the Southward. I beg your Excellency to Excuse the Length of this letter as it was only my intention
                            when I began to give the hints without going into a Long train of reasoning upon the Subject but have been insensibly led
                            into it by perhaps too warm an attachment to a Plan which your Excellency may convince me is not Eligible. I have the
                            honor to be with the most respectful attachment Dear General your Excellencys most obedt Servant

                            Jno. Sullivan