Title: From George Washington to Landon Carter, 30 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Landon

                        My dear Sir,
                        Valley-forge May 30th 1778.

                    Your favors of the 10th of March (ended the 20th;) and 7th Instt, came safe to hand after a good deal of delay. I thank you much for your kind and affectionate remembrance & mention of me; & for that sollicitude for my welfare which breathes through the whole of your Letters—were I not warm in my acknowledgments for your distinguished regards, I should feel that sense of ingratitude which I hope will never constitute a part of my character, nor find a place in my bosom. My friends therefore may believe me sincere in my professions of attachment to them, whilst Providence has a just claim to my humble, and grateful thanks for its protection & direction of me, through the many difficult & intricate scenes which this contest hath produced; & for its constant interposition in our behalf when the clouds were heaviest, & seemed ready to burst upon us. To paint the distresses, & perilous situation of this army in the course of last Winter for want of Cloaths, Provisions, and almost every other necessary, essential to the well being (I may say existance) of an Army, would require more time, and an abler pen than mine; nor, since our prospects have so miraculously brightned, shall I attempt it, or even bear it in remembrance, further than as a memento of what is due to the great author of all the care & good that has been extended in relieving us in difficulties and distress.
                    The accts wch you had received of the accession of Canada to the union, were premature—it is a measure much to be wished, and I beleive would not be displeasing to the body of that people; but while Carlton remains among them with three or four thousand regular Troops they dare not avow their sentiment (if they really are favourable) without a strong support. Your ideas of its importance to our political Union coincides exactly with mine—If that Country is not with  us, it will, from its proximity to the Eastern States—its intercourse, & connexion with the numerous tribes of Western Indians—its communion with them by Water, and other local advantages, be at least a troublesome, if not a dangerous neighbour to us; and ought, at all events, to be in the same interest & politicks of the other States.
                    If all the Counties in Virginia had followed the example of yours, it would have been a fortunate circumstance for this army; but instead of fifteen hundred men under the first draught, & two thousand from the latter, we have, by an accurate return made me four days ago, received only 1242 in the whole—from hence, unless you conceive our Country possessed of less virtue, or less knowledge in the principles of Government than other States, you may account for the multitude of Men which undoubtedly you have heard our Army consisted of—& consequently for many things which, without such a key, would seem misterious.
                    With great truth I think I can assure you, that the information you receivd from a Gentleman at Sabine-hall, respecting a disposition in the Northern Officers to see me superceeded in my Command by Genl G——s is without the least foundation—I have very sufficient reasons to think that no Officers in the Army are more attached to me than those from the Northward and of those none more so than the Gentlemen who were under the immediate comd of G——s last Campaign. That there was a scheme of this sort on foot last fall admits of no doubt but it originated in another quarter—with three men who wanted to aggrandize themselves—but finding no support, on the contrary, that their conduct, and views when seen into, was like to undergo severe reprehension they slunk back—disavowed the measure, & professed themselves my warmest admirers. thus stands the matter at present—whether any members of Congress were privy to this scheme, and inclined to aid & abet it, I shall not take upon me to say, but am well informed that no whisper of the kind was ever heard in Congress.
                    The Draughts of Bills as mentioned by you, & which have since passed into Acts of British legislation, are so strongly marked with folly & villainy, that one can scarce tell which predominates or how to be surprized at any Act of a British Minister this last trite performance of Maister Norths is neither more nor less than an insult to common sense, & shews to what extremity of folly wicked men, in a bad cause, are sometimes driven, for this rude boreas, who was to bring America to his feet, knew at the time of draughting these Bills, or had good reason to believe, that a Treaty had actually been signed between the Court of France & the United States. by what rule of common sense then he could expect that such undisguised artifice would go down in America  I cannot conceive—But, thanks to Heaven the Tables are turned; & we, I hope shall have our Independance secured in its fullest extent, without cringing to this Son of thunder who I am perswaded will find abundt work for his Troops elsewhere on wch happy prospect I sincerely congratulate you & every friend to American liberty.
                    The Enemy seem to be upon the point of evacuating Phila. & I am perswaded are going to New York—whether as a place of rendezvous of their whole force, for a general imbarkation, or to operate upon the North River—or to act from circumstances is not quite so clear—My own opinion is, that they must either give up the Continent, or their Islands; which they will do, I cannot say—which they ought to do, is clear; and yet, I think they will endeavour to retain New York, if they can, by any means, spare Troops enough to Garrison it. Reinforcements will, undoubtedly be sent to Canada, Nova scotia &ca; & I presume must go from their Army in America, as I trust full employment will be found for their Subscription, and other Troops in England & Ireland. Equally uncertain is it, whether the Enemy will move from Phila. by Land, or Water; I am inclined to think the former, and lament that the number of our Sick (under inoculation &ca)—the Situation of our Stores, & other matters, will not allow me to make a large detachment from this Army till the Enemy have actually crossed the Delaware and begun their March for South Amboy. then it will be too late; so that we must give up the idea of harrassing them much in their March through the Jerseys, or attempt it at the hazard of this Camp, & the Stores which are covered by the Army that lays in it if we should divide our force or remove it wholly which by the by circumstanced as the Quarter master’s department is, is impracticable.
                    I am sorry it is not in my power to furnish you with the Letter required, and which (with many others) was written, to shew that I was an Enemy to Independance; & with a view to create distrust & Jealousy—I never had but one of them, and that I sent to Mrs Washington, to let her see what obliging folks there were in the world. as a sample of it, I inclose you another Letter written for me to Mr Custis, of the same tenor, & which I happened to have by me. It is no easy matter to decide whether the villainy, or artifice of these Letters, is greatest. they were written by a person who had some knowledge or information of the componant parts of my Family and yet so deficient in circumstances & facts as to run into egregious misrepresentations of both. I have spun out a long letter, & have sent it to you in a very slovenly manner, but not having time to give it with more fairness, and flattering myself into a belief that you had rather receive it in this dress than not at all, I shall make no other appology for the interlineations &  scratches you will find in it than you will please to allow my hurried situation. With sincere esteem, regard, & affection I remain Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & obliged Hble Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 30 May 1778
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        sir
                        Head Quarters [Philadelphia] May 30th 1778

                    I am commanded by his Majesty to communicate to the Congress, and to the commander in chief of their troops, certain acts of Parliament in favor of America, which have lately received the Royal assent; in consequence of which I have deputed an officer of rank, Colonel Patterson, Adjutant General to the Army under my command, to have the honour of transmitting to you, Sir, those bills, with other dispatches from the Kings Commissioner Lord Howe, and myself; I therefore desire to know, Sir, at what time and place you will be pleased to receive Colo. Patterson upon this important business. I have the honour to be, Sir your most obt humble servt

                        H. Clinton.


Title: To George Washington from John Grizzage Frazer, 30 May 1778
From: Frazer, John Grizzage
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        Bordeaux [France] May 30th 1778.

                    I hope you will excuse me for the liberty I have taken in writing to you, and at the same presenting you with Otway’s Art of War, a book very lately published in England, and much approved of by those that are judges—It comes by Capt. Willm Jones of an Armed Brigt. belonging to Maryland—War is not yet declared between France, and England, but it is Daily expected. Spain seems to be very still, it is thought they only wait to get their Flota Home, which must be arived by this—we have heard of their puting into the Western Islands a month ago.  The Commissioners Sailed from England for America the 22d Ulto our most Sanguine Friends in England dispair of their doing anything with the Honbe Congress—Lord Chatham departed this Life the 11th Inst. his Death was lamented but by very few in France or by the Friends to America in England, as his last speach was rather an unfavourable one against the United States of America, indeed many people thinks he was Non Compus at the time, and was made a tool of by the Comt party to answer some vile purpose of their’s—Lord Dunmore has had Forty Thousand Pounds Sterling allowed him for what he says he lost in Virginia, and his Accounts all paid for the Hostile proceedings he carried on in his late Government, also his Salary paid him annually as Governour of Virginia—his Lady left Paris in April, Capt. John Paul Jones of the Ranger Ship of War belonging to the united States of America who I come to France with, has done Wonders he has been to White Haven and landed 30 men spiked up the Guns in the Fort there, and set Fire to several Ships in the Harbour, which was too soon discovered, or the whole wou’d have been burnt; he then went over to the Scotch shore and landed at Lord Selkirks seat, expecting to make him a prisoner but he was not at Home, his Lady & Family were, Capt. Jones ordered all his Lordships plate to be taken, which was accordingly done—Lady Selkirk delivered it up with great composure, and politeness, as she has since acknowledged that the officer’s, and Men, that Landed behaved very politely to Her, and did not take away any thin[g] else; Capt. Jones then went upon the Coast of Ireland & took and distroyed many Vessells, one of them the Drake Sloop of War, the same force as the Ranger, he had hard fighting for Her ⟨& Kill⟩’d the Capt. & 46 of his men Capt. Jones lost his Lt of marines and four Men then returned with the Drake and three other prizes, into Brest, bringing in with him 240 Prisoners, British Seamen, The Honbl. John Adams arived safe at this port the 1st of April in the Boston Frigate, And the Honbl. Silas Deane left Paris the 13rd of April for Toulon, where he Embarkd on board Count D’Estang’s Fleet, it is said for North America, I shou’d have come Home this spring if any Troops had been sent from England, and likely to have been another Campaign, my Heart & Soul is in your Camp, & believe me Sir to be Yr Most Obt & very Hbl. Servt

                        Jno. G. Frazer


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 30 May 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        ⟨Robi⟩nson’s House [N.Y.] 30th May 1778

                    Yesterday Evening I was favoured with the Receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter of the 25th Instant, and have this Morning despatch’d Expresses to the Governors Clinton and Trumbull, pressing them in the strongest Manner, immediately to order their Militia to reinforce this Post—I have inclosed each of them an Extract of Your Excellency’s Letter to me, with a Copy of the within from Col. Graham, at the White  Plains—and have apprized them, that neither Recruits or Drafts arrive from the Eastward—Col. Wadsworth and Col. Cuyler are also written to—to throw in a sufficient Supply of Provision of Meat to answer the Demands that will be made upon my Magazine—Col. Lamb, agreeable to Your Excellency’s Order is preparing to move the fine Train of Field Artillery from Farmington: at present not a Soldier can be spared from hence to escort it to Easton—I have appointed Col. Malcolm to act as D. Adjutant General to this Department, and wish Your Excellency, would please to order his Regt here, as Governor Clinton will undertake to recruit it—Col. Malcolm consents to act only upon Condition that his Regiment is sent here, and by no means intending to resign his Regiment upon that Account—With the greatest Respect, I am. Sir. Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

                        Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 30 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

                        Dear sir.
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 30th May 1778

                    In my last of the 23d Inst. I enclosed you the best ascertained account of the draugh⟨ts⟩ and substitutes obtained from the State of Virginia which could be procured at that time. I have since discriminated and classed the recruits from each county, as draughted under the old and new law, that have joined me; and now send you an exact return.
                    I have the pleasure to inform you that our prospects of regaining  Philada still continue; our information bringing it down to almost a certainty. But it is not easy to determine whether they design to march thro’ the Jersey or go by water to New-York. The former opinion is supported by several considerations. Their waggons are still retained—their cavalry provided for such a purpose and the horses of Citizens impressed. Reports also agree, that they have not Transports sufficient for their troops. However every thing points to their speedily evacuating the City. I am Dr Sir your &c &.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 May–18 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

                        Sir,
                        [Valley Forge] 30 May–18 June 1778]

                    Poors, Varnums, & Huntingtons Brigades are to March in one division under your Command to the North River.
                    The Quarter Master General will give you the rout, Incampments, & halting days to which you will conform as strictly as possible to prevent interfering with other Troops and that I may know precisely your situation every day.
                    Leave as few sick & lame on the road as possible such as are absolutely incapable of Marching with you are to be committed to the care of proper Officers with directions to follow as fast as their condition will allow.
                    Be strict in your discipline—suffer no rambling—keep the Men in their Ranks & the Officers with their divisions—avoid pressing Horses &ca as much as possible and punish severely every officer or Soldier who shall presume to press without proper authority—prohibit the burning of Fences—in a word you are to protect the persons & property of the Inhabitants from every kind of Insult & abuse.
                    Begin your Marches at four oclock in the Morning at latest that they may be over before the heat of the day, & that the Soldiers may have time to Cook, refresh, & prepare for the ensuing day. Given at Head Quarters this 30th May 1778

                        G. Washington

                        The foregoing Instructions may serve you for Genl directions, but circumstances having varied since they were written you are to halt on the first strong ground after passing the Delaware at Coryells ferry till further orders unless you should receive authentic intelligence that the enemy have proceeded by a direct rout to South Amboy (or still lower)—In this case you will continue your March to the No. River  agreeably to former orders & by the rout already given you—If my memory does not deceive me there is an advantageous spot of ground at the Ferry to the right of the road leading from the water.
                        G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 30 May 1778
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Camp [Valley Forge] May the 30th 1778

                    I observ’d before to your Excellency that the merit and strong recommendations of sevral of the Foreign Gentlemen now Candidates for commissions in the American Service, but above all a deference and respect for a Court and Nation for the generous part They have ⟨mutilated⟩ted renders it incumbent on the Congress to make ⟨fav⟩ourable satisfactory provision particularly for the French—on the other hand the unreasonable pretentions of not a few of these Gentlemen, and the zeal firmness and military deserts of the American English and Irish Officers who have servd faithfully and well from the commencement of the War, prompts the necessity of observing caution discernment and moderation in making provision for the Foreigners—it woud at the same time be not a little serviceable to the Gentlemen of the Congress if some means coud be devisd of putting an end to that state of persecution which They are under from the perpetual solicitations and unfounded claims of numerous Candidates—having mentiond to the Marquis the necessity of something being done which woud be at the same time advantageous to the Continent and satisfactory to his Countrymen He sent me the inclosd opinion—I sincerely concur with him in the perswasion that The French and Deserters in a Body by themselves will not only be infinitely more serviceable, but that their being  sufferd to remain intermixd in the American Regiments particularly those purely American will have most pernicious effects—They will debase the mens morals not only as Soldiers but Citizens. As They are usd to Officers of air and manners widely different from the American Officers. They will despise or affect to despise ’em, and likewise shew their contempt, which will have a dangerous influence on the minds of the American Soldiers in short They will prevent or subvert order and discipline and communicate a variety of vices with which The Americans have been hitherto unacquainted—upon the whole I am myself fully convincd not only that it woud be prudent but that it is absolutely necessary to form the French and German Deserters in distinct Corps—I wish, with the Marquis that Monsr Armand may not only have leave to enlist French and Deserters but that He may have authority to take all those out of the ranks of the N. England Regiments who have been in⟨mutilated⟩ to general Orders—of two Corps ⟨consisting⟩ of four Companies each were formd the Mar⟨quis⟩ (who is a much better judge of their particular merits) is of opinion that all those who have solid titles might be provided for, no injustice done to the Natives English and Irish and the Congress freed from persecution. I am, Sir, Your Excellencys most Obedt humble Servt

                        Charles Lee


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 30 May 1778
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Trenton [N.J.] 30th May 1778

                    I had got as far as White Marsh in compliance with your Excellencys order of the 24th when I received your Letter of the 28th countermanding that order I have in consequence halted the 3d & 4th Regiments who were on their march to Camp, the first, had proceeded So far, that I thought it best to Know your further pleasure, before I woud give them orders to return, I must beg leave to mention that the arms of these three Regiments are at present in the hands of the detatchment with Major Clough, so that it is of little consequence where they are Stationd. I will however draw them to this quarter, and depend upon those arms being Sent forward which Major Jameson assures me are finishd in Virginia & Maryland.
                    the party under the Command of Major Clough consists of 120 horse, if your Excellency thinks proper to Keep So large a body upon that duty, I think it will be better to order what remains here fit for duty of  the first & third Regts to join it, and Let what are with the Major of the 2d & 4th join their respective Regiments, it will be attended with Salutary consequences to have the duty performd Regimentally, both the officers and the men will be better pleasd, the former in commanding his own men, the Later in being commanded by their own officers, the Horses by being under the eye of their own officers will be better taken care of, if you approve of it, I will give the orders for putting it in execution.
                    I will Send the officers to General Green to pick out such horses as are fit for the Dragoon Service, of those purchasd in that State, and will have the cast horses Sold off.
                    I heard Some time ago that an oath was to be taken by all those who bear a Commission in the Service, Captain Smith mentiond to me yesterday at Germantown, that it has been in General orders if so, the officers in the Cavalry Know nothing of it your Excellencys directions on this head will be agreeable to Dear Sir Your most obliged H. St

                        Stephen Moylan

                        the bearer carries 12 bottles of M⟨mutilated⟩ sent to me by Capt. Rich⟨mutilated⟩ the use of your familly.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 30th May 17⟨78⟩

                    I recd your favr of yesterday by Colo. Fleu⟨ry.⟩ After sending off the prisoners of War to Lancast⟨er,⟩ I think you had better endeavour to disencumber yourself of the Tories by examining them, and if any of them appear insignificant in themselves or confined for trifling crimes, dismiss them.
                    I have no objection to your permitting Cap⟨t.⟩ Walbe and the purser to go to Philada upon Parole⟨.⟩ As I do not admit Capt. Robinson to be considered as a prisoner of War, but have demanded him a⟨s⟩ being unjustly detained, I cannot with propriety propose an exchange between him and Capt. Wal⟨be,⟩ because that would be giving up the point.
                    I would wish to have the other Brigade with the Army, could they move up without exposing the Stores at the Head of Elk too much. I gave order⟨s⟩ to the Commissaries to have those, that come up ⟨the⟩ Bay  in future, carried to Charles Town; if they hav⟨e⟩ done so, the quantity remaining at Elk cannot be very considerable. If therefore you think the Maryland Militia sufficient to answer the purpose, I would have you make a proper disposition of them and join this Army with the Continen⟨tal⟩ Troops. I should think the party under Colo. ⟨Pope⟩ might now be called in; and Militia sent to take their places. I expect to hear of the mov⟨e⟩ of the Enemy every hour, and whether they go ⟨by⟩ land or Water, our Army will march northw⟨ard.⟩ You will therefore hold yourself ready at a mo⟨ment’s⟩ warning—As you will not, in all probability remain where you are more than a day or tw⟨o,⟩ it is not worth while to send Colo. Fleury back ⟨to⟩ the Brigade at Chads: They may be practicing their former lessons. I am Dear Sir Your most ob⟨edt Servt⟩

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 30 May 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General
                        Mount Joy [Pa.] 30th May 1778

                    I have not heard whether the Arrangement has yet taken place by which a light Corps was to be formed, your Excellency must have been well Convinced of the Utility as well as Indespensible necessity of such a Corps previous to your Recommendg it to Congress—the time is now arrived when that Corps will be wanted to act in the field—all I wish is to be made one of the Number.
                    I have not often troubled your Excellency with a Requisition of this Nature, nor shou’d I at this time take the liberty—if I thought it would meet your Disaprobation—Altho’ I must Acknowledge that I should feel much easier in that Corps than in my present Situation.
                    but if your Excellency should not think proper to Indulge me I shall Endeavour to do my duty where I now am during the active part of the Campaign. Interim I am with every Sentiment of Esteem yours most Sincerely

                        Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 31 May 1778
From: Brooks, John
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                        Camp at Valley Forge 31t May 1778.

                    As the great Concerns of the Army must engross your Excellency’s Attention at this Time, it is with the greatest Reluctance that I trouble you with a Matter of a more private Nature.

                    An Expectation of a new Arrangme⟨nt⟩ of the Army, of which I had the fullest Assurance from the Committee of Congress last Winter, and a Wish not to trouble your Excellency on the Subject, have hitherto kept me silent. But as at present there appear no Symptoms of an Alteration in the Army, from the Quarter I expected—and as the Moment for taking the Field appears to be nigh at Hand, I can no longer refrain from representing my situation. Shou⟨ld⟩ the present Moment be neglected, I should conceive it to indicate an Inattention to that personal Honor which, ought ever to characterize an Officer.
                    In Novr 1776 I was arranged as Lieut. Colonel to Colonel M. Jackson. At that Time it w⟨as⟩ expected that his Wound which he receiv’d at Montresor’s Island would be soon well. Experience has proved otherwise. His Wound has not only kept him from the Field, but prevented him from performing the necessary Business of the Regiment at Boston; which has been to me, a Source of continual Trouble and Perplexity.
                    As soon as I receiv’d my Commission, I receiv’d Money for the recruiting Service, appointed all the Officers, excepting two; and arm’d and cloath’d the Regiment as it was recruited. In short, every Risque and Trouble attending those Services were mine. As soon as the Regiment was raised I took the Field with it, and have been happy in being with it ever since.
                    That I have done more than my Duty, I am far from supposing. But I have reason’d thus—If, after having raised the Regiment, (which I consider as not coming properly in the Line of my Duty) I have commanded it in the Field with such a Share of ⟨cr⟩edit for so considerable a space of Time, as not to come under Censure, it would be incompatible with my Honor as an Officer to open a second Campaign as Lieutt Colonel commanding a Regiment, while there was no prospect of the Colonel’s joining to take a share of Burden from me.
                    This is my Situation, and my sentiments concerning it. I have laid them before your Excellency, praying you to bestow a Moment’s Reflection upon them, and honor ⟨mutilated⟩ such Advice as your Wisdom shall dictate.
                    As it would give me the greatest Uneasiness to take the Field under my present Circumstances, must beg your Excellency to excuse me, in pressing a Decision of the Matter, previous to this Event. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect your Excellency’s most obedient humbe Servant

                        J. Brooks Lt Colo.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 31 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 31st May 1778

                    I do myself the honor to inclose you a letter which Mr Morris sent open for my inspection. I shall only add that the mode of promotion which he points out is exactly conformable to the Rule established by a Board of General Officers on the 29th October last. It is absolutely necessary that some fixed principles should be settled for regulating promotions, and it would be attended by the most happy consequences could all the states adopt one and the same Rule. I am &ca.


Title: From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 31 May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters [Valley Forge] May the 31st 1778.

                    I had the Honor last night, to receive your Favor of the 30th Inst.
                    I am sorry, that I cannot see the necessity of the interview, which you propose. If you or Lord Howe have any dispatches for Congress and think fit to transmit them to my care, they shall be forwarded by the earliest Opportunity: If you have any for me of a military nature (for none other can come properly under my consideration) I wish them to be communicated in writing, and in the usual way. This will prevent any trouble on the part of Colo. Paterson and must answer, I should suppose, all the purposes you may have in view. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obedt servant

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 31 May 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Trenton [N.J.] May 31t 1778

                    Captain Carle with a part of his Troops, went down Yesterday, as low as Frankford—he saw many People, who had just left the City, all of whom agreed, that Genl Howe return’d there on Thursday last, having unexpectedly met with a French Fleet, at the Capes—the report of the Enemys passing thro’ Jersey, still prevailed in Philadelphia, but, that it  was Genl Clinton’s intention, to attack your Excellency, previous to his march, this way. many wooden Cannon were placed, in several of the Redoubts, part of the Iron ones, being embarked—great quantities of Goods, lay on the pavement yesterday morning; much Tory furniture, had been thrown out the Vessells, which lay on the Wharf, to make room for public stores—by Intelligence recd from below, sixty sail of Transports arrived the 27th instant, at New Castle—the same day, eighteen Vessells deeply laden’d, passed the Cheveaux de frize—since which, I am told One hundred sail, have fallen down—no particular information from Staten Island, but daily expect it—your favor of the 28th instant came to hand. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Obt

                        Philemon Dickinson

                        Those Persons whom Capt. Carle saw Yesterday, informed him, that Genl Clinton, was ⟨embodying⟩ the Citizens.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 May–1 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

                        sir.
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge May 31st[–1 June] 1778.

                    I had the honor to receive your favor of the 25th Inst. by Doctor Scudder, and that of the 29th yesterday afternoon, with the inclosures and packet to which they referred.
                    I shall inform Major Lee of the New arrangement of his corps and will appoint the officers required.
                    Major Beatty is not in camp. The letter addressed to him shall be sent by the first opportunity, to Princetown, where I presume he will be found. That for Capt. Smith is already dispatched to him.
                    The enemy are yet in Philadelphia, tho’ the whole chain of information for several days past afforded grounds to beleive, that they would have evacuated it before now. I should suppose they are nearly prepared to do it, tho’ the removal of the stores & baggage of so large an army requires considerable time.
                    June 1st. I should be glad to know, in case Philadelphia is evacuated, whether any and what line of conduct is to be pursued respecting the goods that may be left. Such articles as come under the denomination of public stores will, of course, be taken by the proper officers for the  use of the States. The point on which I wish direction, is with respect to goods and merchandise—private property. I do not know whether any considerable quantity may be left; but it has been suggested, that from an expectation of the sort, there are some bringing into light their gold and silver for the purpose of buying up. If there should be cloathing suitable for the army, perhaps there might be nothing unjust in the publics taking the preference; and Congress appointing one or two, intelligent, active persons of address—acquainted with the City, and with those who have the goods, with proper powers to purchase them. Whatever measure may be thought expedient, it will ⟨be⟩ necessary to adopt it as early as possible, as t⟨he⟩ evacuation will probably take place in a short time. Robt Morris Esqe I should imagine, if the purchasing scheme is determined on, will be able to point out proper persons. Some Gentlemen have mentioned Mesrs Samuel Howel & Thomas Franklyn as well qualified, both on account of their integrity, and attachment to our cause, as from their knowledge of the City and residence in it ever since the enemy had the possession. I have the honor to be with great respect & Esteem Sir your most obt se⟨rvt⟩

                        Go: Washington

                        P.S. I was just now honoured with your Letter of the 31st Ulto.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 31 May 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        York Town [Pa.] 31st May 1778

                    The day before yesterday I troubled Your Excellency with a Letter by Messenger Gray; last Night Brigadier McIntosh put into my hands Your Excellency’s favor of the 21st Inst. which shall be laid before Congress to morrow.
                    Inclosed herein Your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of the 29th for reforming the North Carolina Battalions now in Camp—as it will afford Your Excellency some information, I have subjoined two additional Resolves to complete that Act the whole of which I shall  transmit to Govr Caswell to morrow. I remain with the highest Regard & Esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

                        Henry Laurens. President of Congress.


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, May 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

                        Dear Brother,
                        Valley-forge May  1778.

                    Your letter of the 27th of Mar. from Bushfield came safe to hand, & gave me the pleasure of hearing, or rather inferring (for you are not explicit) that my Sister and the rest of your family were well. I thank you for your intelligence respecting the pamphlet of forged Letters which Colo. Lee has, & said to be written by me; not one sentence of which you may rely on it, did I ever write; although so many little family circumstances are interspersed through the whole performance to give it the air of authenticity—The Arts of the enemy, and the low dirty tricks which they are daily practising is an evincing proof that they are lost to all sense of virtue & honor, and that they will stick at nothing however incompatible with truth and manliness to carry their points. They have lately forged, & industriously circulated, a resolve for Congress, purporting (after reciting with great propriety, & plausibility, the inconveniencies of short enlistments) that all Soldiers who have been drafted for periods short of the war, shall nevertheless continue in Service during it; and by their emissaries have endeavoured, & effected the injury of the Service by this means—alarming the fears of the Soldiery & Country.
                    I am mistaken if we are not verging fast to one of the most important periods that ever America saw—doubtless before this reaches you, you will have seen the Draughts of two Bills intended to be enacted into Laws, & Lord North’s Speech upon the occasion; these our accts from Phila. say, will be immediately followed by the Commissioners; and Lord Amherst, Adml Keppel, & General Murray are said to be the Commissioners—These Gentlemen I presume, are to move in a civil and Military Line, as Genl Howe is certainly recalled, & report adds—Lord Howe also—Be this as it may, it will require all the skill—the  wisdom—& policy—of the first abilities of these States, to manage the helm, and steer with judgment to the haven of our wishes through so many shelves and Rocks, as will be thrown in our way. This, more than ever, is the time for Congress to be replete with the first characters in every State, instead of having a thin Assembly, & many States totally unrepresented, as is the case at present. I have often regretted the pernicious (& what appears to me, fatal) policy of having our ablest men engaged in the formation of the more local Governments, and filling Offices in their respective States, leaving the great national concern, on wch the superstructure of all, and every of them does absolutely depend, and without which none can exist, to be managed by Men of more contracted abilities—indeed those at a distance from the Seat of War live in such perfect tranquility that they conceive the dispute to be at an end in a manner, and those near hand it, are so disaffected that they only serve as embarrassments—between the two, therefore, time slips away without the necessary means for opening the Campaign in time, or with propriety.
                    Your accts of the high prices of fresh Provisions in Philadelphia are true, but it affects the Inhabitants more than the Soldiery, who have plenty of Salt Meat, Pease &ca.
                    Since I began this Letter, authentic accts have come to my hands of France having declared the United States free and Independant, and guaranteeing to them all the Territory formerly ceeded by them to Great Britain. My acct (from the Gentleman who was going on to Congress with the Treaty) adds, that France have done this in the most generous manner, and to our utmost wish. This is great, ’tis glorious News and must put the Independency of America out of all manner of dispute. and accts for the gentle gales which have succeeded rude Boreas, of late. A publication of this important intelligence will no doubt be directed by Congress, & diffused through the Continent as Speedily as possible, I shall add nothing further therefore on the Subject.
                    It would have been a happy circumstance if the several States had been industrious in pushing their recruits into the field, early—but I see little prospect of it at present, if ever. My love and best wishes, in which Mrs Washington joins me attend my Sister & the rest of your family & with great truth I subscribe myself Yr Most Affecte Brothr

                        Go: Washington


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

                        Head-Quarters V. Forge Monday June 1st 1778.
                        Parole Luxemburgh—C. Signs Leech. Lewis—

                    Coll Cortland is appointed to tarry in Camp to superintend the sick on the Ground when the Army moves and to send on the recovered men properely officered to join their respective Corps, & Major Grier will repair to the Yellow-Springs and the Hospitals near Camp and superintend the sick there; They will apply tomorrow at the Orderly-Office for written Instructions.
                    The following will be observed as a standing Model for the Order of March, whether of the whole Army, a Division, Brigade or Battalion; It may happen that some changes may be necessary in the Strength and number of the Advanced, Rear and Flank Guards and in their relative distances to each other and to the Main Body &c. which are to be determined according to particular Circumstances and which the Officers commanding will judge of, but the general principles and Rules here laid down are in all Cases to be practiced only with such Variations in applying them as different situations may require.
                    When a Battalion receives orders to march each Company forms before its own quarters, the Captain having inspected into their Arms and Accoutrements, conducts it to the Regimental Parade where the Field Officers inspect the whole, form each Battalion into eight Platoons for charging agreeable to the Instructions given and march it by Platoons to the Rendezvous—When only one Battalion marches the Coll orders out an advanced and rear guard, each consisting of one Lieutenant three non commissioned Officers a Drum and twenty Privates.
                    A Brigade composed of several Battalions has an advanced and rear Guard each consisting of one Captain two Subalterns, six non commissioned Officers and forty or fifty Privates.
                    When several Brigades march together, each Brigade furnishes a proportionable number for the Advanced and Rear Guards.
                    When the whole Army marches the new guards of the day form the advanced Guard and the old Guards form the Rear Guard.
                    The new guards being assembled on the Grand Parade the Brigadier of the day forms them into a Battalion of 8 Platoons, the oldest Field Officer of the day takes command of it & marches at the head of the Column.

                    The Brigadier of the preceding day having assembled the old Guards forms them in the same manner; the eldest Field Officer taking the Command and marching in the Rear of the Column.
                    The advanced guard should be advanced from fifty to two hundred paces in front of the Column—Each advanced Guard should send forward a detachment to serve as an advanced guard to itself and that detachment should also send out a patrole in front each one hundred paces in front of the other—thus one Captain 2 Subalterns 6 non Commissioned Officers one Drum and fifty men will send out a non Commissioned Officer and twelve men, and that non Commission’d Officer will also advance four men in his front.
                    An advanced Guard of a Lieutt & 20 men will advance one non Commissioned officer and eight men, and the non Commissioned officer will advance two men in his front.
                    The Rear Guard will observe the same Rules sending its’ detachment in the Rear as the advanced Guard does in front.
                    When a Brigade, Division or the Army marches by the right tis supposed the Enemy is on the left and the contrary; Each Battalion will therefore send out on the Flank exposed to the Enemy, a subaltern two non commissioned Officers and sixteen men as a flank guard, who will march in a platoon by files from the right opposite the center of the Battalion at the distance of 80 or 100 Paces from the Column.
                    When the Army marches in two Columns the Right Column has its flank Guard on its’ right & the left Column on its’ left—When in one Column and the Position of the Enemy uncertain, guards must be sent on both flanks—The advanc’d, Flank and Rear Guards must allways have their Bayonets fixed.
                    Wherever the Ground will permit the Battalion must march by Platoons: During the march each Colonel must stay before his Battalion and each Captain & Subaltern before his Platoon; The Intervals between the Battalions and Platoons must be strictly observed during the march.
                    When there is a Creek or Defile to pass, the Brigadiers must stop ’till their Brigades have passed and the Colonels ’till their respective Battalions have passed—They will take Care that the Men pass with as large a front and as quick as possible.
                    The advanced Guard having passed the Defile should take such a situation as to be able to see all around and should send out Patroles 500 Paces round: The head of the Column halts before it enters the Defile to let the Platoons get at half distance and when half the Column has got thro’ it halts ’till the whole has passed and then continues its march.
                    When the road will not admit to march by Platoons, the march is to  be made by sections of four in front in the following manner; Each officer divides his Platoon into sections; For Example a Platoon of 16 files makes four sections, they will break off by the right or left and continue the march, each section two paces distant from the other: If a Platoon has fifteen files, the last section will have three files—If the Platoon has only fourteen the last will have four men in one rank. If a Platoon has thirteen files, the last will have five files.
                    When marching in this order by the right, the Officers commanding Platoons will be on the left of the first Section, the Serjeant on the right stays in his Place and the Officers and Non Commissioned Officers who were in the Rear will be on the right flanks; If they march in this order by the left the Commanding Officer of the Platoon remains on the right of the first section and the others on the left flank so that by wheeling the Sections the Platoon will be formed and each Officer and non Commission’d Officer be in his Place.
                    During the march each Officer must keep his Platoon in order; The Officers and non Commissioned Officers in the Rear must prevent the soldiers leaving their ranks on any Account; If the soldiers have occasion for water, the Officer must send a non Commissioned Officer with some men to fill their Cantoons and the Non Commissioned Officer must bring them back to their Platoon immediately—The flank guard will never suffer any non Commissioned Officer or soldier to pass them during the march and the Rear Guard will take Care to bring up all Straglers.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Brooks, 1 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Brooks, John

                        sir.
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st June 1778

                    I have considered your letter of yesterday, but must confess I do not see into the force of your scruples.
                    The accident which happened [to] Col. Jackson is not uncommon. But it would be, to discharge an officer, merely, because he happens to be wounded. Were such a practice to prevail, it would lessen the incitements to bravery, and prove most injurious to the service.
                    I think you will be convinced on reflection, that where there has been no neglect or inattention to an officers promotion, his personal honor cannot therefore be affected by his continuance in the army, and waiting the natur⟨al⟩ gradations of the line. I am Sir your obedient and humble servt.


Title: From George Washington to Major Alexander Clough, 1 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clough, Alexander

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

                    As soon as you shall have received such intelligence of the evacuation of Philadelphia, as will warrant your sending a party there—you are to detach a subaltern and a few men, to ascertain the fact—with orders, to approach under every proper precaution, and when he finds it safe to enter the City, to do it in the greatest order, keeping his men together and forbidding under the severest penalties any insult to the inhabitants—when the officer has gained satisfactory intelligence relative to the evacuation, the situation of the shipping &ca he is to dispatch a horseman with it to you, and return with his party—you will immediately forward his Letter to Head Quarters—and march with your whole detachment towards Camp. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 1 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Trenton [N.J.] June 1st 1778

                    This morning, I received the inclosed from General Maxwell—Yesterday a party of Horse returned from the lines, they saw many Persons from Philadelphia, who say, that it was Lord Howe, who arrived there on Saturday last, & not Genl Howe, as I mentioned to your Excellency, in mine of Yesterday’s date—The Captain of a Boat, which I keep down the River, landed yesterday Morning at Parrs Place, I had a Conversation with an Uncle of his who lives in the City, he informed him, that the Enemy had thrown a great Number of Cannon, into the different Docks, & the greatest preparations still continued, to evacuate the City—most of the Shiping, were to fall down tomorrow—Numbers of People, daily go into the City from Bucks County, without the least interuption. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Ob. Sevt

                        Philemon Dickinson


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 1 June 1778
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                        My dear
                        General Worcester [Mass.] June 1st 1778

                    I was honored with your kind favor of the 7th Ulto the 19th accompanying your valuable present the epaulettes & sword knot—you will permit me to return my most cordial thanks for them, and to assure your Excellency, that this testimony of your approbation of my conduct fills me with the highest sentiments of duty & affection, will always be remembred with the warmest gratitude, and ranked among the first honors, which have been confered upon me in life—I must have been insensible indeed not to have felt this honorary & very perticular mark of respect, blind not to have discerned the candor and friendship, with which I have been treated from my first being honored with a command under your Excellency, criminally inattentive not to have noticed the concern, you have expressed for my safety & perfect recovery, and must ever be unhappy in reflection, should I not pay you that tribute of love & esteem, which justice and gratitude indispensably demand.
                    My leg hath acquired such degree of strength, that I can bear considerable weight on it; there have been lately several exfoliations, the openings are now small, the limb is free from pain & inflammation, and puts on a better appearance, than it hath ever before.
                    By the advice of my surgeons, for the sake of a ride, I came to this town the week before the last with Mrs Lincoln she was immediately taken with the small pox, the natural way, & now lies very ill. I am, my dear General, with regard & esteem your obliged humble servant

                        B: Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st June 1778

                    I am honoured with yours of the 23d and 29th ulto. The person who delivered me your letter of the 17th was one of our hired Expresses. He is now out upon duty, but when he returns I will enquire how he came by the letter. The Christian Name of Bankson, who I begged the favor of you to keep an Eye upon, is Jacob, but as I am now satisfied concerning him, you need not trouble yourself further in the Matter.
                    Upon an application from General Dickenson, about ten days ago, I sent him over 2000 weight of Musket Ball, which was all the lead in Camp and indeed more than could be well spared considering the scarcity of that Article. If any can be procured in Jersey, at any rate, I would recommend your doing it without loss of time.
                    I am glad to hear that your Militia are in spirits, and I make no doubt but they will give the Enemy as much trouble as they possibly can should they march thro⟨ugh⟩ Jersey. Could their intentions be certainly known, or could I detatch from this Army without exposing our Baggage Stores, Artillery and sick, of whom we have a considerable number just recovering from the small pox, I would thr⟨ow⟩ a greater continental force into Jersey than is at present there: But to weaken ourselves at present by detatching ⟨would⟩ be extremely dangerous. The Enemy have all their effective foot, their Cavalry and Feild Artillery on this side the Delaware; and although I am certain that they intend to evacuate either by land or Water, I am as certain that they would not miss an opportunity of giving us a parting Blow. A very little time must discover their true intentions. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 1 June 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Mount Holley [N.J.] 1st June 1778

                    I inclose to your Excellency a Letter from Coll Shrieve which contains all the Inteligence we have in these parts. I inclose the whole to General Dickeson who I make no doubt will forward it immediate to you. One of my Pickets took up James Burnett with the Inclosed pass he says he belongs to the 12th Virginia Regt and I thought it improper to let him pass & go on board a Privateer I will send him to General Dickeson to be forwarded to Head Quarters. This Moment a Deserter arived that formerly belonged to the 2d Jersey Regt he came out at 11 o’clock last night by the way of Frankford he says that Lord and  General How is not come back but that a Packet came in on friday evening he saw several letters that came in he says that there is great disturbance in England & believes they have acknowledged Independance to us, but that the[y] must not mention it till the Soldiers are Marched or gone on board for fear of Dezertion. he says it is the prevailing opinion that they will march through the Jersey, He says ⟨11⟩ pie⟨ces⟩ of Cannon was brought over to this side yesterday. it is supposed they will march to morrow. The Soldiers has put all on Board only 2 shirts & their haversacks even their blankets is on board. The Merchants is hurrying their goods on board. He says there is two Woomen to a Company left to go by land the rest are all on board. He say they draw a weeks provision now at once, and their drawing day was this but they had orders Yesterday to draw their weeks provision which they did, There is two too-horse Waggons to carry the Weekly Provision for the Regt. The Officers has all their Horses on shore yet. It is reported that there is to be a Council held at General Clinto⟨n’s⟩ Quarters to day & that they will march to morrow. I am Your Excellency Most Obedt Humble Servant.

                        William Maxwell

                        12 oclock N.B. A Deserter is just come in from Coopers Ferry from the 55th left them at 10 oclock last night. says the 7th Regt 55th 63d the Cammeronians & two Battns of the new Leveys is on this side, that the Grenadiers & light infantry is expected over to Joyn them to day, that they have partly the same Baggage with them they had when they came from the head of Elk, they have two woomen to a Company the others all on Board.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st June 1778

                    I recd yours of the 30th May. A person, who I sent down to Chester to observe the Movement of the Fleet, left that place on Sunday at dusk, he informs me that upwards of one hundred sail had come down from Philada and that they had not stopped near Wilmington, but proceeded towards the Capes. If this is so, it is a plain proof that they have no design to land any body of Men to molest our Stores. Capt. McLane who commands a scouting Party upon the Enemy’s lines has been this Morning as near Philada as Kensignton, from whence he has a full view of the Harbour, he says very few ships remained and  those cheifly armed Vessels. If therefore, upon sending an Officer to Chester and another to Wilmington you find that the Vessels have gone down and are below New Castle, you are immediately to join me with your whole continental force. I am &c.

                        P.S. Bring up your Tents with you and your ligh[t]est Baggages as you will probably march immediately Northward.


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

                        Head-Quarters V. Forge June 2nd 1778.
                        Parole Montgomery—C. Signs Mercer. McClary—

                    At a General Court Martial, Coll Chambers Presidt 29th May, Lieutt Coll Gray of 12th Pennsylvania Regt tried for unofficer and ungentlemanlike behaviour in entering into Private Contracts with the soldiers of his Regiment for the deficiencies of rations by which means and other unwarrantable practices the soldiers are defrauded of a considerable sum of Money, found guilty of the charges exhibited against him being a breach of the 21st Article of the 14th section of the Articles of War and sentenced to be cashiered and that agreeable to the 22nd Article of the 14th section of the Articles of War his Crime, Name, Place of Abode & Punishment be publish’d in the News-Papers in and about Camp and of that particular state from which he came or in which he usually resides.
                    His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place.
                    At the same Court Lieutt Webb of the 7th Virginia Regiment was tried for disobedience of Orders for going upon duty in a hunting shirt after confessing he had a Coat and being desired if he had no regard for his own Appearance to have some for the Credit of his Regiment &  therefore not to appear in so unofficerlike a manner—found guilty and sentenced to be reprimanded by the Officer commanding the Regiment to which he belongs in presence of the officers of the Regimt.
                    The General approves the sentence & orders it put in Execution tomorrow morning at Roll-Call.


Title: To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 2 June 1778
From: Board of General Officers
To: Washington, George

                        [Valley Forge] June 2d 1778.

                    In Obedience to Directions received from the Commander in Chief relative to the Examination of a certain Thomas Shank, charged with being a Spy sent from Philadelphia: The Board, after a careful Hearing of the Prisoner, and of the Witnesses against him, are of Opinion.
                    First—With respect to the Criminality of said Thomas Shank, the Board divided; Ten being clear that he is guilty, & four not satisfied.
                    Second. Whether he is a proper Subject of Punishment, and Example?
                    The Board divided; nine of the Ten being of Opinion that he is a proper Subject for Example.
                    Third. Eight of the nine are of Opinion that he ought to suffer Death by the Cord.

                        Charles Lee President


Title: From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 2 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of General Officers

                        Gentlemen
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge June 2d 1778

                    The business of your meeting, this morning, is to take into consideration and report your opinion, concerning Lt. Col: Du Plessis’ claim of rank and service, in the corps of Artillery, to which he was annexed by an order of Congress. Colonel Du Plessis will produce to the Board the papers on which his pretensions are founded. There are herewith my answer to a memorial, from the officers of Artillery on this subject, and a second memorial from them in reply—Their first has been, by some accident, mislaid; but I have directed them to furnish you with a copy of it. In the issue to which the matter is now brought, whatever may be contained, in my answer, can only be considered as declarative of my opinion, and can have no influence in deciding the question. I wish to have the sentiments of the Board, accurately and explicitly, as to the nature and operation of Mr Du Plessis late appointment; specifying the particular species of service, in which he ought to be employed, in the corps of Artillery; in giving which they will, no doubt, pay proper attention to former decisions of a similar kind. I am Gentlemen Your most Obd. servant

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 2 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                        Dear sir.
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 2d June 1778

                    I inclose you a copy of a letter of the 23 Ulto forwarded by express: to which I have received no answer.
                    Col. Johnson refusing the appointment, Congress have since nominated as Commissary of prisoners Major Beatty. I have forwarded him their resolve and desired his immediate attendance at Head Quarters.
                    I must again urge the ⟨great n⟩ecessity of your hastening here with all possible dispatch. The prospect of the enemies moving The present circumstances and situation of the prisonrs in Philada make your presence at this time absolutely necessary. If their liberty is to be affected by exchange or parole it will be easier, in all probability to accomplish it where they now are than where they may be removed to. I am &c. &.


Title: To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 2 June 1778
From: Clough, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                        Sr
                        June 2d 1778

                    The last night I recd a letter from Col. Hamilton informing me that your Exellency was not acquainted with my motives for sending Capt. Mclean the order he inclosed to you, for fear my conduct might be thought blameable in that respect, I beg to represent what occationed it, I had been informed by the greatest part of the officers who had been on that duty, that Capt. Mclean and his party plundered with out distinction every one thay met below Germantown, and frequently discharged them afterwards as if thay where not answerable to any one for  thayr conduct, I was ⟨led⟩ to think from your Exellencys letter of the 21st, that I had the command of both partys, and of consequence in some measure accountable for their behaviour, which I expected would be condem’d where you informd of it that I might be justified when that should be the case I sent him the order mentiond before, and the inclosed to the Captain commanding the party of horse, that you might be a judge of our actions while on this command. I am Your Exellencys Most Obt Hbl. Ser.

                        A. Clough


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philemon Dickinson, 2 June 1778
From: Dickinson, Philemon
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir,
                        Trenton [N.J.] June 2d 1778

                    I wrote your Excellency yesterday, since which, I have recieved the inclosed from Genl Maxwell, & now forward by Express. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servt

                        Philemon Dickinson


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 2 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 2d June 1778

                    I am favd with yours of the 30th ulto. As there is the greatest probability that the whole Army will move to the Northward, I have desired Genl Knox to write to Colo. Lamb, to halt upon the East side of Hudsons River, at the most convenient place for forage for the Artillery Horses. I think he mentions Litchfeild. Inclosed you have a letter for Colo. Lamb, which please to forward ⅌ Express.
                    I know not what to say respecting Colo. Malcolm. I have not looked upon him as in the service since January last. He then applied for leave of absence, which I refused, as he had been constantly at and near home all the preceding Campaign. Upon this he desired liberty to resign. I referred him to Congress, as I did not chuse to accept his Commission without their concurrence. What Steps he took afterwards I do not know, but he left the Army, and has never been a day with the Regiment since, except once upon a visit. If Congress, in consequence of his application, have not accepted his resignation, and he, in the intended reduction and arrangement of the 16 Battalions should be continued in service, I have no objection to his retaining the command of his Regiment and acting as Deputy Adjt General at the same time: But I cannot oblige myself to send the Regiment to the Northward.
                    The Enemy are still making preparation to evacuate Philada and from all appearances they will march through Jersey. I have matters in such readiness to move, that I flatter myself a strong reinforcement will reach the North River before they can gain Staten Island and make a proper disposition for going up the River, should they have such intentions.
                    Do not omit to send forward the Arms, as the Recruits and Levies  from Jersey and Maryland want them much. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 2 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

                        Sir
                        Valley forge June 2d 1778

                    I beg leave to inform you, that agreably to the Resolutions transmitted in your Favor of the 31st Ulto, I shall undertake the reform of  the North Carolina Batallions in Camp, as soon as circumstances will admit.
                    I sincerely wish the Legislatures of the several States had passed Laws, adopting the generous policy, recommended by Congress in their Resolution of the 23d of April. I am assured, by authority not to be questioned, that for want of this, Hundreds nay Thousands of people, and among them many valuable Artisans, with large quantities of Goods will be forced from philadelphia, who otherwise would willingly remain. From report, their reluctance and distress upon this occasion, are scarcely to be parallelled. There are a few, whose conduct has been such, that no assurances of security, I presume, could induce them to stay; and their departure, compelled and founded as it were in the approbation of their own consciences, would answer all the purposes of example, especially if followed by a confiscation of property. A proscribing system or Laws having the same effect, when carried to a great extent, ever appeared to me to be impolitic; and their operation should always cease with the causes, which produced them. Examples in terrorem are necessary, but to exile many of it’s Inhabitants cannot be the interest of any State. I have the Honor to be with great respect and esteem Sir Your Most Obedt servt

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 2 June 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

                        Dear Sir
                        Albany [N.Y.] June 2d 1778

                    Yesterday the inclosed Information was given me by a person whom I sent to the Enemy with a view if possible to learn their Intentions and what particular Object they had in View—I have the fullest Confidence that he has been informed what he has related to me; but whether such are the real Designs of the Enemy Time must determine—That the Tories have Hopes of seeing our Army moving up Hudson’s River is beyond a Doubt—It is also certain that many of them are daily passing thro’ the Country to the Westward—Some are known to have already joined Butler at Kanasedega and the Enemy who lately attacked and destroyed thirteen Houses in a Settlement called Durlock about forty Miles from hence were chiefly Tories & Indians.
                    About twenty Senecas and some others arrived in this Town—I have not yet seen them. I am &c.

                        Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from William Smallwood, 2 June 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

                    Letter not found: from William Smallwood, 2 June 1778. In his letter to Smallwood of 5 June, GW mentions “your last of the 2d Inst., with which I w⟨as⟩ favoured.”


Title: To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 3 June 1778
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Philada June 3d 1778.

                    I am directed to transmit to Congress, and the Commander in chief of their troops, printed Copies of three Conciliatory acts of Parliament; Let me add my most sincere wishes that they may produce the desireable effect which is hoped from them. I have the honor to be sir your most obedient and most humble sert

                        H. Clinton.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 3 June 1778
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                    Letter not found: from Henry Clinton, 3 June 1778. On 6 June, GW wrote to Clinton acknowledging receipt of “your two Letters of the 3d Instant.” The first, enclosing Parliament’s conciliatory acts, appears above; the second, apparently “on the subject of prisoners,” as GW says in his letter to Clinton of 6 June, has not been found.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Allen McLane, 3 June 1778
From: McLane, Allen
To: Washington, George

                        Dear sir,
                        Seven oclock Wednesday [3 June 1778]

                    Yesterday evening the enemy began to demolish their new Redouts about dusk I moved down with a small party of horse in order to alarm them and make discoveries—found two parties very busy—the horse charged within musket shot—the enemy ran in great confusion—the drums beat to arms—after some time they moved the lines—we returned with 4 valuable horses in the night one of my spies came to me, informed me that 1000 men were ordered to parade at 10 oclock—He conjectured they were to demolish their works. I keep close to them till 3 oclock this morning—Could hear them at work about daylight; all the shipping dropped down about the same time, the light army advanced by two different roads—Limekill & new German Town Roads. They have several pices of Canon and a number of waggons. I believe this to be their last visit in this quarter—They are halted about Allens’ house—enclosed you have a note of intelligence from a friend in the city. With great respect, Yr humble servt

                        Allen McLane Capt.


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

                        Head-Quarters Valley-Forge June 4th 1778. Parole Northumberland—

                    The following Resolve of Congress, the Operation of which has been heretofore prevented by the particular Circumstances of the Army is in future to be punctually observed.
                    In Congress Novr 19th 1776—Resolved, That on any sick or disabled Non Commissioned Officer or soldier being sent to any Hospital or sick quarters, the Captain or Commandant of the Troop or Company to which he belongs shall send to the Surgeon or Director of the said Hospital or give to the Non Commissioned Officer or soldier so in the Hospital or Quarters a Certificate countersigned by the Pay Master of the Regiment if he be with the Regiment of what Pay is due to such sick non-Commissioned Officer or soldier at the time of his entering the hospital or quarters and the Captain or Commandant of the Troop or Company shall not receive the Pay of the said soldier in Hospital or  Quarters or include him in any Pay Abstract during his Continuance therein; And in Case any Non Commissioned Officer or soldier shall be discharged from the Hospital or Quarters as unfit for further service a Certificate shall be given in by the Surgeon or Director of what Pay is then due him and the said Non Commissioned Officer or soldier so discharged shall be entitled to receive his Pay at any Pay-Office or from any Pay-Master in the service of the United States, the said Pay-Master keeping such original Certificate to prevent Impositions and giving the Non Commissioned Officer or soldier his discharge or a certified Copy thereof mentioning at the same time his having been paid.
                    That this Resolution be transmitted to the Commanders in Chief in the several departments to be by them given out in Orders and then delivered to the Directors of the Hospitals in each Department, who are to cause the same to be fixed up in some conspicuous Place or Places in every Military Hospital for the Inspection of all concern’d.
                    Commanding Officers of Regiments are immediately to make Returns to the Commissary of Military-Stores of the Arms actually wanting in their respective Corps to compleat the number of men fit for duty in each agreeable to which the Commissary is forthwith to issue the Arms now in Store.
                    All Persons whatever are forbid selling liquor to the Indians—If any Sutler or soldier shall presume to act contrary to this Prohibition, the former will be dismissed from Camp and the latter receive severe Corporal Punishment.
                    On the march Lieutt Coll Fleury will be attached to General Lee’s Division—Lieutt Coll Davis to Genl Stirlings—Lieutt Coll Barber to Genl Mifflin’s—Mr Ternant to General De la Fayette’s—& Lieutt Coll Brooks to Genl De Kalb’s and as they will not be employed on the march in exercising or manoeuvring the Troops they are to fill the Office of Adjt General each in his respective Division.


Title: From George Washington to Captain John Finley, 4 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Finley, John

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 4th June 1778

                    You are to proceed in the most expeditious manner, with the party under your command, to Reading, where you will meet Capt. Hutchins of New Hampshire, with three Waggons under his charge. Upon delivering the inclosed to him, he will put the Waggons under your care, and you are to proceed immediately with them to York Town, and upon your arrival there, deliver the Contents of them to the Board of Treasury. You are to wait at York Town with your party untill Colo. Broadhead with the remainder of the 8th Regt joins you. I am, Sir Yr most obt Servt

                        P.S. If the Canteens which came from Boston in the Waggons were not left at Easton, they are to be delivd to the Qr Master at Reading.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 4 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                        sir.
                        Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 4th June 1778.

                    Mr Loring having been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to meet Mr Boudinot or any other person appointed by me for the purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners; I have therefore to desire you (Mr Boudinot being absent from Camp) to hear any proposals Mr Loring may have to offer on this subject; and to do definitively whatever may be  necessary towards the execution of a general exchange of prisoners: And I hereby assure you that your proceedings in this instance will be ratified by me. I am Sir, your very hble servant

                        Go: Washington


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

                        Sir
                        Valley forge June 4th 1778.

                    I take the liberty to transmit you by Express, the inclosed packet, which just arrived at our advanced post by a flag from Sir Henry Clinton. I also transmit a Copy of a Letter I received from him, of the 30th Ulto and of my answer; likewise Copies of his and Lord Howe’s Letters which came to hand by the present flag. The packet, I presume, contains Acts similar to those sent to me. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Sir your Most Obedt servant

                        Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 4–5 June 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Sir.
                        York Town [Pa.] 4th[–5] June 1778

                    Since my last under the 31st May, I have had the honor of presenting Your Excellency’s sundry favours of the 21st 28th 28th & 31st Ulto & 1st Instant. these are dispersed in the hands of Committees and at present I have only to forward to Your Excellency, the undermentioned papers.

                        1. Establishment of the American Army by Acts of Congress of the 28th & 29 May & 1st June—about 200 Copies. in two Bundles—Your Excellency will be pleased to make the necessary distribution in the Army at Valley forge.
                        2. about 500 Copies of the Oath of Abjuration &c. if Your Excellency shall find it necessary to call for more of these, be pleased to give me an early intimation, in order to set the press to work.

                    Copies of the Establishment of the Army, I mean to transmit to morrow to General Gates, General Sullivan & General Heath, & have already sent a few to the president of south Carolina. to General Howe  & General Moultrie I have requested the president to order Copies in both Gazettes at Charles Town—& I presume all the printers in the several states will adopt them to fill up a part of their respective publications—If any further step shall appear to be necessary I request Your Excellency will be pleased to direct me. I intend to morrow to send Copies to Maryland Virginia & North Carolina & in due course to each of the United States, these, tho’ in the line of my Duty may appear to be works of supererogation, since Your Excellency as Commander in Chief will I presume give them all the circulation that is necessary, & also that a Mode must still be adopted for carrying the arrangment into Execution in the mean time these will serve at least for general information, & being without special direction from Congress I have done what appears to be inoffensive. I have the honour to be With the highest Esteem & Respect sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient & humble servant

                        Henry Laurens, President of Congress

                        5th Inclosed Your Excellency will find an Act of Congress of yesterday for carrying the Establishment of the Army into Execution. Your Excellency’s favor of the 2d is come to hand & presented.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Roberdeau, 4 June 1778
From: Roberdeau, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                        York [Pa.] June 4th 1778

                    I am ever loath to intrude on your Excellency, as I well know the great embarrassments attending your important sphere do not admit of any unnecessary or fruitless Correspondence, but I am as sensible of your attention to the most minute Circumstance which has a tendancy to promote the common Cause, therefore permit me to inform your  Excellency that the want of Smelters of lead is the only remora now in the way of supplying your Army in the most speedy & ample manner with that necessary Article, now transported from distant parts of the Continent, from a vein of Ore in this State, within nine miles of the navigation of a branch of Juniata. A large quantity of Ore is at the pits mouth, a mill for stamping constructed, & a Furnace will be finished, I expect within ten days from this time, but Artificers of the above Class are so scarce in this young Country, that having tryed to obtain them by advertising and from Deserters from the Brittish Army, I am at length constrained reluctantly to trouble you on the Subject. Colonel Scammell hints an expedient of sending into Philada; to bring out such, with a promise of a handsome reward. I would most cheerfully give such reward, but know not how to set about so hazardous an enterprize. My own mind has suggested the probability of such Characters being in your own Army, and whether they, only three wented, can serve their Country equally in the capacity of Soldiers. One Edward Harris a Sergeant of the 15th Virginia Regiment has been mentioned to me as a man of sobriety integrity and ingenuity in analyzing Metals, but does not profess to be compitent to the Business on a large scale, he has been spoke to in my behalf by Major Clark, and is willing to be enlarged on furlow to make a tryal. I will not trouble your Excellency by enlarging on these hints. Major Clark will proffer Encouragements if you should think proper, to issue your orders for obtaining these useful Artificers, without whom the prospect however flattering of a great internal resource of lead must fail. To prevent the Evacuation of the frontier of Bedford County and, for the general defence against Indian incursions I have built with Logs at the Mine in Sinking Spring Valley at the foot of Fisher Mountain, a Fort, Cabbin fashion, 50 yds square with a Bastion at each Corner. The Fort consists of 48 Cabbins about twelve feet square exclusive of the Bastions. I left Major Robt Clugage a discreet Officer in Command with about seventy men chiefly Militia, with a few Continental Troops raised to serve until the 1st Decr next. I most sincerely congratulate your Excellency on the happy prospect of publick Affairs and am with unfeigned regard Your Excellencys most obedient & very hume Ser.

                        Daniel Roberdeau


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 4 June 1778
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                        sir
                        Hartford [Conn.] June 4th 1778

                    In consequence of the foregoing Letter, I have directed Mr Asa Benton, a trusty Person and well acquainted with Salted Provision &c. to raise Twenty Coopers, which he has effected, and they will March to morrow for Head Quarters of the Grand Army.
                    When I left Your Excellency, I expected to have return’d to Camp before this time, and have made ample Provision for supplying the Army with Food, but on my return Home, found the regulating Act was not Suspended and the General Assembly of this State are so much engaged to enforce that Act, that they have sent a Committee to the Legislature of Massachusetts to persuade them to Adopt it—If that State Adopt the Act, I am seriously afraid the Army cannot be fed—I informed Congress it was not in my Power to Supply their Army under the regulating Act, and had I not been convinced that the Suspension wou’d take place imediately on the General Assembly’s meeting here—no Consideration wou’d have persuaded me to have Accepted the Appointment of Commissary General—I shall leave nothing undone to Supply the Army, and will set out for Head Quarters as soon as the Committee return from Boston—I am very unhappy that the Army is not well Supplied, but beg Your Excellency will believe it is not owing to any want of my Attention to the Business, or those employed by me. I am able to justify my Conduct, and shew that the wants of the Army are owing to causes which I foresaw and pointed out to Congress, and expected thro’ their Influence they wou’d have been removed—I have  wrote them on the Subject and soon Expect their Answer. I am—Your Excellency’s, Most Obedt Humb. servt

                        Jereh Wadsworth


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

                        Head-Quarters Valley Forge June 5th 1778.
                        Parole Oronoko—C. Signs Otway—Otis.

                    A Court of Enquiry whereof Coll Wigglesworth is appointed President will sit tomorrow morning at ten ôClock at the Presidents Quarters at the request of Lieutt Coll Duplissis to enquire into his Conduct on the different occasions mentioned in a letter from the Commander in Chief to Congress in his behalf and into the Truth of the Facts on which the Representations contained in it were founded, and of the  several matters urged by the Officers of Artillery to the contrary, in a letter from them to the Commander in Chief; All Persons concerned will attend. Lieutt Colonels Dearbo[r]n and Butler and Majors Hay and Campbell will attend as Members.
                    Captain Laurence Keen of the Regiment late Patton’s is appointed Aide-De-Camp to Majr Genl Mifflin and is to be respected and obeyed as such.
                    At a General Court-Martial May 27th 1778 Coll Chambers President, Lieutt McDonnald of the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment tried for unofficer and ungentlemanlike behaviour in taking two Mares and a barrel of Carpenters tools on the lines, which Mares he convey’d away & sold the tools at private sale, 2ndly with insulting behaviour—and refusing to comply with his Arrest.
                    After mature deliberation, the Court taking into consideration several Circumstances are unanimously of opinion, that altho’ Lieutt McDonnald is guilty of the facts alledged in the first charge that they do not amount to unofficer or ungentlemanlike behaviour & do acquit him of the first Charge—Likewise of the second.
                    The Commander in Chief is far from being satisfied of the Propriety of Lieutt McDonnald’s Conduct; He knows of no authority under which he had a right to seize the horses in question and to apply them in the manner he did; he approves still less of the measures taken with respect to the Tools; If the Probability of their being carried in to the Enemy, arising by being in Possession of a disaffected Person, justified the Seizure, nothing can justify the converting them as appears to have been intended to private Emolument, to the Injury of the Right Owner, who was an absent and innocent Person & who had only lodged them in the Care of the other during his absence.
                    They ought immediately to have been reported to and deposited with the Quarter-Master General—Lieutt McDonnald is released from Arrest.
                    General Poor’s, Varnum’s, Huntington’s 1st and 2nd Pennsylvania and Late Conway’s Brigades and the Artillery to receive their Pay for the Month’s of February & March this day; Woodford’s, Scott’s and the North Carolina Brigades the 6th instant—Glover’s Paterson’s and Larned’s the 7th—Weedon’s, Muhlenberg’s & 1st & 2nd Maryland the 8th.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Arendt, 5 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip

                        Sir
                        Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 5th June 1778.

                    I am glad to find by your letter of the 28th Ulto that your health is so far reestablished as to allow of your returning to active duty—at the same time it gives me concern to be informed that you have any disinclination to rejoin your Regiment, and the rather as I have no prospect of your being otherwise employed—It remains with you to determine whether the differences which you have had with your officers are of such a nature as to exclude reconciliation. I am Sir Yours &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 5 June 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

                        Sr
                        Petersburgh [Va.] June 5th 1778.

                    Since my last from this Place I have been under the necessity of making a journey to Newbern in North Carolina to obtain from the Loan office at that Place money for an order, sent me (by Col: Baylor) from Congress; and being unfortunately taken Ill on my return have been detaind near a fortnight longer, than I should have been, which has been the reason of my not writing to Yr Excellency Since my last. I however flatter myself that on the whole my Journey to Newbern has not been useless; for altho there was little or no Money in the Loan office of that State I procured Loan office Certificates; which I am in hopes of being able to Circulate by means of my Intercession with the Merchts of this Place to negotiate & give them a Currency; I also purchased  some Horses on my Journey, & obtaind a promise for a Considerable Quantity of Leather an Article extremely scarce in this state and the want of which greatly impedes the forwarding the Saddles and other Accoutrements; besides which I found in the Continental store near enough Blankets & shirts to furnish the Party under my command here; which the Continental store keeper at Halifax has promised to send on to me immediately. I must not omit informg Yr Excellency that at Halifax N. Carolina I met with a Capt: Medici who Commands a troop of Horse belonging to the Continent from that state, who represented to me the absolute impracticability of Purchasing horses on the terms he was Authorised by the board of War (not being allowed more than Sixty Pounds for each) and finding that for want of proper instructions, (for which he told me he had wrote without effect,) that the Service on which he was sent was Fatally at a stand I therefore esteemed it my Duty, as he fell within my district, to furnish him with Instructions agreeable to the Spirit of those I received from Yr Excellency, and hope my Conduct on this occasion will not be deemed improper, or a deviation from the line of my Duty. I procured from him a return of his Party & have orderd him to make one every fortnight the first I have enclosed Yr Excy as I shall the Subsequent ones when they come to hand. I must further acquaint Yr Excy that between three and four thousand Pounds will be necessary, in addition to what he has already, to Complete his Number of men and Horses, which may be either transmitted through my hands to him, or perhaps better orderd to be paid him, on account, from the treasury of that state. Inclosed you have a return of the State and Condition of my party at this place with respect to cloaths Arms and accoutrements; In the two last articles yr Excellency will see we are greatly deficient, nor Indeed is there much probability of their being furnishd at all on this Side york River, partly through the want of Materials and what is almost as bad the want of good faith & punctuality in the trades-men who cannot be depended on even after the most solemn Contracts, nor can they be brought under the obligation of a bond, as a Mutual agreement on our part and mutual penalty is there necessary, and the uncertainty of regular supply of money wd subject us to heavy forfeitures, A Risque that no officer of Small fortune (however anxious to serve his country) can with prudence run. For Arms I must entirely and accoutrements cheifly depend on the Northern parts of this state which lays in Col: Baylors district. It is some time since I heard from that Gentn nor do I know how he has succeeded in those Articles but from report from thence I imagine we have both together about 120 Horses. As soon as I hear from him which I expect in a day or two, and am informed of the mobility of Equiping  any Number of men, I purpose sending on a party with all the Horses here which are in a condition fit for service, as we are obliged to buy some poor, and they require a little time to get in order I shall retain such to be sent on with the next Party. Nothing has prevented my sendg the men on, but that of their not being equipt in any manner so as to be serviceable in the field, for altho I have horses sufficient to mount the men Yr Excellency will observe by the return that there is not one bridle no boots, and but a very few Saddles, nor hardly one other necessary of Horse furniture, but what belongs to the old Corporals & Serjts that are with the Party So soon as the accoutrements necessary even for the march Can be obtaind Yr Excy may depend on my forwarding the fresh Horses and new recruits as speedily as possible. I am with the greatest respect Yr Excelly’s most obedt Servt

                        Theok Bland

                        P.S. Since writing the above I have Recd a Letter from Coll Baylor by whom I am happy to be informed, that he has recd 1,00000 Dollars which will I hope unembarrass us for some time with regard to money matters.
                        T.B.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 5 June 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

                        Sr
                        Petersburgh [Va.] June 5th 1778

                    Since Closing my letter to you of this day Mr Addison Lewis of my Regt has applyed to me on acct the Rank which he appears most certainly to be entitled to on the Promotion of Capt. Lee, he being now the Oldest Leiutt in the Cavalry. I must also beg leave to Inform yr Excelly that Capt. Lewellen Jones is under nearly the same Predicament, he being the Oldest Capt. of Cavalry in the Service. These Gentn feel (with some distress) them selves neglected in the line of Promotion, after having yeilded their Country the most faithfull, & active services in their power; while younger officers in the same Regt have been promoted over their heads whose merit however great, these Gentn had Similar opportunities offerd I doubt not might have Emulated. They repine not at the Advancement of others whose signal Services have renderd objects of yr Excellencys Patronage, and the rewards of their Country, but wish not to be overlooked, and by that means receive, what is worse to an officer than death, a Silent reproach for a Conduct which they flatter themselves on the Strictest Scrutiny wd merit at least the approbation, if not the applause of their Country. And now Sr I am on the Subject of Ranks yr Excy will I hope excuse my reminding you of my own having been by some means or other overlooked on my entering into the Continental Service as that I was reduced during the last campaign to the disagreeable dilemma of either Quitting the Service of my Country into which I enterd on the Purest principles of Patriotism, or of Submitting to the Commands of Gentn appointed to raise a regt long after I had the command of a full Regt on actual Duty. Knowing the immense and Important business in which yr Excelly is constantly engaged it is with the Utmost reluctance I am induced to trouble you with subjects of this nature. But when I consider the Injury which my Honor as an officer sustains, or would sustain by tamely acquiescing in being Superseded in my rank, together with that of the other officers in my Regt whose more Immediate Guardian & advocate I esteem my self on such occasions & whose rank is under similar circumstances with mine I trust yr Excy will excuse my Intrusion. Having been informed that the Regt I have the Honr to Command has since my departure from Camp sufferd a dismemberment of one whole troop, which has been attached to a new Raised Corps under the Command of Majr Lee. I must beg leave with diffidence to mention to Yr Excellency, that Shd the fact be really as has been stated to me, I feel myself sensibly affected by a measure which I can hardly conceive has ever received yr sanction, not only from its being unprecedented as far as my  small reading or experience informs me, but also as it leaves a Captain in my Regt totally without a troop, and myself the Colo. of a Mutilated Regt—yr Excellency will I doubt not at once perceive the propriety of this remonstrance and will I hope if the Amputation has not been already performed, restore to the regiment, or suffer it to retain the limb which has been nourished with the greatest care and attention by Yr Excys Most obedt Sert

                        Theok Bland

                        P.S. As the Augmentation has been resolved on, and I find the Cols of other Regts are appointg officers & have myself recd no orders or instructions for so doing shd be glad to be informed by yr Excy how to proceed in that case having had many applications from young Gentn on that head.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philemon Dickinson, 5–7 June 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters Valley Forge 5th[–7] June 1778

                    Your favr of Yesterday came safe to hand. What the real designs of the Enemy are remains yet to be discovered. Appearances and a thousand circumstances induce a beleif that they intend thro’ the Jerseys to New York. Your last intelligence however is a lot to this opinion, inasmuch as it contradicts a former report of their assembling a number of Boats in prince’s Bay—That they will either march to Amboy and from thence pass to Staten Island, or embark below the Chevaux de frize scarcely admits of a doubt; and the first being much the most probable, I would recommend it to you to be in the most perfect readiness for their reception, as you may rely upon it that their march will be rapid whenever it is begun.
                    I take the liberty of giving it to you as my opinion also, that the way to annoy, distress, and really injure the Enemy on their march (after obstructing the Roads as much as possible) with Militia, is to suffer them to act in very light Bodies. Were it not for the Horse, I should think the parties could not be too small, as every Man in this case acts as it were for himself and would I conceive make sure of his Man between  Coopers Ferry and south Amboy, as the Enemy’s Guards in front flank and Rear must be exposed and may be greatly injured by the concealed and well directed fire of Men in Ambush. This kind of Annoyance ought to be incessant day and Night and would I think be very effectual. I shall add no more than that I am with very sincere Esteem and Regard Dear Sir yr.

                        Dear Sir
                        Head Quarters 7th June 1778.
                        Since I wrote the inclosed upon the 5th I have had no opportunity of forwarding it before now. I have recd yours of the 6th The Commissioners are arrived, but whether this will make any alteration in the intentions of the Enemy I cannot yet say. If the[y] mean to stay even a short time in Philada they must order up some of their transports and Victuallers, as, from every information, they had retained but a very small quantity of provision and scarce any Baggage. The Commissioners are Lord Carlisle, Govr Johnston and William Eden Esqr. Lord Cornwallis is returned, but no troops with him. I am Dear Sir &c.