Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 26 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands, August 26. 1782.

                  The inclosed memorandum was sent me the last evening by colonel Webb, and is submitted for such directions as your excellency may think proper to give in any of the particulars mentioned.  I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath

                Enclosure

                           c.26 August 1782

                     Some of the Companies have only a partial supply of Ammunition.
                     A deficiency of Commissioned & Noncommissioned Officers.
                     A Deficiency in the Music, & the necessary articles for repairing Drums much wanted.
                     No mode for repairing the Arms.
                     Wanting a Brigade Major—Brigade Qr Master—and a Forage Master.
                     Waggons for moveing the Tents & the Officers light Baggage.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph King, 26 August 1782
From: King, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      August 26. 1782

                  The humble Station in which I act would forbid the freedom I take in writing to your Excellency had I not Reason to believe your kind disposition towards the Afflicted—And being urged by the necessity, flatter my Self you will Pardon the Liberty I take, Therefore beg your Excellency will permit me to inform you that the Inclosed Paper signed by Officers of the Jersey line and the One Signed by the Doctors have been Some time in the hands of General Lincoln in Philadelphia, together with a Petition from me to be Admitted into the Corps of Invalids in equal Capacity with my former Standing.  The Genl Return’d me the Papers again telling me that your Excellency was about to form Some General Plan Respecting Invalids which I might avail myself of if I Came within the meaning of it.
                  I must beg leave further to Observe that when I engaged to Serve in the war I had the Same encouragement given me that the Officers now in the Corps of Invalids had, If I was once intituled to every Gratuity & Priviledge equal with them.  It will remain to enquire whether I have done any voluntary act of my Own to forfeit Such Priviledge, The Inclosed Papers Show the Reason of my leaving the Jersey line.  I have Since been in Different Imployments with the Army, Necessity Obliged me take Some Easy Imployment.  Those Imployments have Ceased and I am again left out of Service, unpaid, and my own little Resources which have Supported me ever since the war fail me.  I have now no Money no Estate to go to, My Constitution Ruened & Am truly rendered unfit for any Laborious Business by means of Wounds, Imprisonments &c. and a Family to maintain.
                  The Inclosed Papers are Sufficient to Shew that my Character is unimpeached.
                  I have now to beg your Excellencys kind Interposition to help me to Equal Justice with Other Officers.  I believe I am the Only one ever Recomended to the Corps of Invalids from the Jersey line.
                  I have further to beg you will put the Inclosed Papers in a wraper directed to me at Jonathan Belknaps near Little Brittain.  I am with much Esteem your Excellencys most Humble Servant

                     Joseph King


Title: To George Washington from George James Ludlow, 26 August 1782
From: Ludlow, George James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Dobbs’ Fery August 26th 1782

                  I take the Liberty of acquainting your Excellency, that I waited your commands at Chatham, according to my Letter of the 14th, in expectation of receiving an answer to the Dispatches I brought from Sir Guy Carleton; but presuming it may have been set by some other conveyance, & not having it in my Power to stay any longer, I am now on my return to New York.  I have the Honor to be Sir with the greatest Respect your most Obedt &a

                     G.J. Ludlow


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 26 August 1782
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                        Private

                     Sir,
                     West Point August 26th 1782

                  Necessity only can apoligize for this address, which I know will be as painfull to your Excellency, as it is mortifying to me.  But the attention you have paid my private concerns, when they did not interfere with the public service, has induced me to hope this will not give you offence.  The non payment of my wages, since I have been a General Officer, (except a very trivial sum) together with my advances for the public; early in the controversy, for the last of which I received continental money have reduced my funds very low—although the continent does not owe me less than twelve thousand dollars for pay &c.  Sollicitous to defeat the claims of Great Britain, to which I gave an early opposition and to finish the war, I have continued in service under great difficulties; till I am no longer able to support Mrs McDougall at distant quarters, without exposing myself to people, who perhaps would rejoice at the discovery—For a few months would expend all the hard cash I can now command; and leave me bare of small money for necessary demands.  To prevent this I removed her to the Post.  As the Army is now about taking the field; I am anxious to know, how your Excellency intends to dispose of me when the sentence of the Court Martial is returned from Congress.  For I am but ill provided with means or health to take the field; and I own I feel a dread on my spirits, at the idea of my condition, being unable now to appear in character and thereby exposed to the Allied Army.  But I hope for releif in the course of the winter, and perhaps it may come sooner.  I presume the present campaign does not promise to be an active or interesting one, or I would have been silent, whatever the consequences might be.  some arrangments that I have made will supply me with articles from Robinsons farm, which will save me some money, if I should resume command here after the sentence of the Court Martial is published; otherwise it will be lost.  I should not have mentioned this, but because I observed the General order, which appoints my respectable and affectionate friend, General Knox to command here, seems to be intended but temporary.  The dificulties and perplexities of the Post, render it to me under any other circumstances, exceedingly ineligible.  But when I have not one good Horse to carry me into the field, I feel more freedom in communicating my condition to your Excellency, than to be exposed to strangers.  I have the honor to be with great truth your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant

                     Alexr McDougall

                     P.S.  I am so feeble, that I was obliged to get this copied.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 26 August 1782
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

                     Sir.
                     Philadelphia 26th Augst 1782.

                  I received your Excellency’s Favor of the eighteenth Instant last Evening.  I pray you to accept my most grateful Acknowledgements for this mark of Approbation and Confidence.  As the Enemy appear to be desirous of doing Justice the Meeting about to take Place will I trust be under better Auspices than the former.  It may perhaps be successful.  Nothing would give me greater Pleasure than to comply with your Excellency’s Wishes, but the Situation of things here will not permit of it.  I must therefore pray your Excuse.  I am Sir, with perfect Esteem & Respect your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant

                     Gouv. Morris


Title: To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 26 August 1782
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     West Point August 26th 1782.

                  I find by this days Orders your Excellency has directed a Board to meet in Order to Examine the Shoes in Store, as the Clothier General Concieves Himself Injur’d by the report of Inspection.
                  The Cause for such a reports being made; was from the Almost Universal Complaints of the Officers respecting the Shoes they have receiv’d for this Year, And the bad Appearance, & Short last of those then in Possession.
                  On my receiving the Inclos’d Letter from Mr Moylan, which He had deliver’d to the Minister at War, I call’d upon a few Gentlemen who were near, & who had been Amongst the Complainants for their Ideas respecting the Shoes heretofore receiv’d, their Opinions I have the Honor to Inclose your Excellency, with a letter I wrote to Mr Moylan.
                  In his Letter Yr Excellency will find He Informs the Secy at War, of a quantity of Shoes Unfit for Service being on hand, and which He has Continued to Issue, in what proportion I know not, and although it might prove a Saving to the Public, Justice was not held out to the Soldier—And I cannot think the Examination of the Shoes now in store will determine the quality of those heretofore receiv’d.  I shall therefore Submit it to Your Excellency whether the Opinions of the Officers should not at the same time be taken respecting the Quality in General, and wear of those the Men have receiv’d for the present Year.
                  I hope your Excellency will Excuse the Trouble I give you, but as it is to Shew the Ground on which I made the Report, I thought it a duty Incumbent upon me to lay before Your Excellency the Certificates &ca.  I have the Honor to be with respect & Esteem Yr Excellencys Most Obedt Hhble servant

                     Walter Stewart Colo. Inspr
                     Northn Army.

                Enclosure

                        Dear Stewart
                        Philadelphia 14th Augst 1782

                     At a time that I was beginning to reap some satisfaction from the Unwearried pains & Labour I have been at to Cloth the Army—you will Easily Conceive how Distressed I must have been at the perusal of that part of yr late Inspection report which relates to the Shoes hitherto Issued to the Troops—an Article of clothing which I have by Experience found it necessary particularly to Attend to.  the Inclosed Copy of a Letter to the Minister of War will make you acquainted with some Circumstances which it pains me you had not been previously Informed of, as it woud have been the Means of preventing so general an Aspersion on the Department.  Many of the paymasters of the regiments you Inspected have made the most favorable report of the greater part of the Shoes they had received; & never were certainly better delivered to the army than those wch by their own Confession, the Troops stationed in this state & Jersey have received—a Circumstance, as these also went under your Inspection, you must have forgot, when in your report you so generally alluded to the Supply of this article of Clothing—I am perfectly Sensible that it Entirely proceeded from what you at the time thought it your duty to mention—but in some measure to relieve me from the Censure it has  brought upon me, I must request, & expect it from your friendship for me, as well as from a Sense of that regard & Delicacy which is certainly due to Every officer, whether in a Civil or a military Station—I must request, that you will in future minutely Enquire into the Causes of any Deficiencys or Defects which you may find in the clothing of the army—& as the shoes henceforward to be Delivered are of Excellent quality, it will be but Common Justice, if such you find them, to have it particularly mentioned in your reports in order to wipe off the Infamous aspersion under which the Department must untill then continue to Labour, in Consequence of the last you have made.
                     I congratulate you on the Arrival of your Brother, & the present prospect of Foreign Affairs, which I hope will soon lead to an honorable & permanent peace—Mrs Stewart is still in the Country, & am Informed in good health the bearer waits with Impatience whilst he obliges me to Conclude this Scroll, which you will Scarce be able to read, by Assuring you of the Esteem of yr Hble servant

                        John Moylan

                Enclosure

                        Dear Sir
                        West Point August 22nd 1782

                     Yesterday Afternoon I received your Favor inclosing a Letter you had written to the Minister at War on the Subject of Shoes delivered to the Army—I am extreemly sorry it was necessary for me to make such a Report especially as I find you are so nearly concerned in the Matter.  But the almost universal Complaints of the Officers, their assuring me that many of the Shoes they recieved for their Men did not last more than a fortnight, and their naked Situation for want of this article made it a Duty incumbant upon me—  I inclose you Copies of a few Certificates from the officers of different Ranks in the Army respecting the Shoes recieved, from these you will find the Ground I had to go upon and that instead of three Pairs worn out pr Man, be assured I find it at least four and many have recieved five Pairs.
                     Our Army without Doubt was never better cloathed than at present, and from the Regularity and Discipline now existing in it, and the great Attention of the officers two Pairs of Shoes of equal Quality as those formerly drawn should last as long as three Pair when the Officers were void of Method, destitute of Accounts with their Soldiers, and when there was no Examination into the Expenditures of the different Articles of Cloathing.
                     You will generally find in the Army that every Pair of Shoes the Soldier is entitled to for the Year is worn out, and the Army only on the Point of leaving their winter Quarters; this really does not plead in favor of the Quality of the Shoes by any Means—The Officers inform me when the Shoes are recieved they look well in general, but the Workmanship is badly performed, on this account I gave it as my Opinion, an able Judge of Shoes should be appointed to examine them, thinking the Contract was made with the Financier Genl—had I known you was at the Head of it, I should most certainly have written you my Sentiments upon the Matter.
                     I am very sensible of the Exertions you have used to supply the Army, and I think my Report of the Cloathing in general is honorable to a high Degree to the Head of the Department—It will ever be my Wish to make Reports favorable to the different Officers, as I well know the Difficulties they have to struggle with—And as I doubt not the Shoes you mention will come on—you may rest assured after my seeing them, I will embrace the first opportunity of declairing to the Commander in Chief &c. their good Quality.
                     The Certificates I enclose you are from comg officers of Regts Pay Masters, Majors who have been on Command and Captains of light Companies—As these Officers have been best able to Judge of the Quality of the Shoes, they will shew the Cause of my Report, and be assured the Ideas they contain are general through the Army, and continually used to me at Inspections—I however hope the old Stock you mention is out, and that those to be recieved in future will come particularly under your own Notice.  I am Dr sir &ca

                        W. Stewart Colo. Inspr Nor. Army

                        (Copy)

                           not transcribed are notes to Stewart from Jacob Vose, Ebenezer Storer, Robert Bradford, Hugh Maxwell, Caleb Gibbs, Jonathan Howe and John Burnham, all 22 Aug. 1782, all testifying to the poor quality of shoes.


Title: General Orders, 27 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Tuesday August 27th 1782
                     Parole  Bermuda
                     C. Signs  St Kitts
                  Nevis
                  The Brigade and regimental Quartermasters except those for Garrison duty with the Camp colourmen are to meet the Quarter master general at Verplanks point tomorrow morning at nine o’clock with such tools as he shall direct.
                  An Engineer will attend to measure the ground and make a sketch of the camp—The Quartermaster general will be furnished with the order of encampment.
                  Each brigade is to have a seperate landing, within the point, in the order of their encamping to which boats at all times of the tide can have free access—with these landings they are to open good communications for the purpose of removing their baggage and embarking and debarking the troops with fasility.
                  The Brigade Quarter Masters will make a proportionate distribution of the boats which they have received to the regimental Quartermasters—and these again to the respective companies that every thing may be properly arranged previous to the order of embarkation, The Brigadiers will assign four good oarsmen to each boat, and an officer who has some skill in the management to take charge of them till further orders.  They will see that scoops are provided for freeing the boats of water in case they prove leaky.
                  The boats designed for the Jersey & York brigades may be lent to other corps which require them most but must be delivered up when the army gets to its ground.
                  The amunition in the hands of the brigade is to be critically examined and compleated—the bad & indifferent to be exchanged.
                  Each soldier is to have a good flint in his musket, and another in his Cartouch box—this order extends equally to the Light infantry.
                  The regimental sick (unable to march and improper to be taken into the field) are to be reported to the directer general who will order them to proper Hospitals.
                  Before the troops remove to their new position it will be proper for the mens baggage and effects to be thoroughly inspected and the articles pointed out which they are to carry with them—they may take all their regimentals into the field, but when they are compleated with hunting shirts it is expected the uniform coats will not be worn so long as the warm season continues, except on particular occasions, such as on guards formed on the grand parade: Inspections, reviews &ca.
                  To keep the Cloathing in the best possible order has become an object of so much attention that the general thinks it almost superfluos to repeat his recomendations especially as it is now universally considered that not only the comfort and convenience but even the reputation of a corps depends essentially upon keeping every article belonging to the soldiers in the most perfect state both for service and appearance.
                  The Quartermaster general, the Engineer, and the person having the superintendence of the public Armoury at Westpoint are called on to make immediate return of the men drawn from the infantry regiments to serve as Artificers, Limeburners, colliers, blowers, &ca in their several departments, specifying their names, the regiments they belong to, how long they have been under their direction, where and how employed.
                  Congress having by an act of the 23d of July last made a new arrangement of that branch of the Medical department in which Doctor Ledyard was employed and that Gentleman being by such arrangement no longer in public service is not subject to trial by courtmartial.  All further proceedings against him are therefore to cease and the court are immediately to proceed to the Trial of the officers in Arrest.
                  All prisoners in provost whose Crimes in the opinion of the judge Advocate are cognizable before a regimental Courtmartial are to be ordered to their respective regiments for trial.
                  The Adjutant general having agree’d to spare Captn Carlile of Hazens regiment, one of his Assistants to do the duty of brigade Major to the Corps of Light infantry he will immediately enter on that service and is to be respected and obeyed accordingly.
                  The Commanding officers of Light infantry Companies while they are detached are directed to make regular weekly returns, on thursdays, of the state of their companies to the Commanding officer of the regiment they are draughted from.
                  For fatigue tomorrow the 9th Massachusetts regiment.


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 27 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                     H.Q. 27 Aug. 1782

                  Doctor Vache formerly Surgeon to the 4th New York Regiment has made application to Congress, alledging that he was injustly diranged from the New York Line, notwithstanding he was Eldest Surgeon of the line and had Signified in proper time his desire of remaining in Service—as the Secy at war has referred the matter to me I must desire you to acquaint me fully, what were the reasons for which he was deranged and younger Surgeons appointed to the Regiments.  I am.

                     P.S.  to prevent any misunderstanding I must request your explicit answer in writing to my Letter of the 8 Inst.—that I may be able to make my arrangements previous to the Army taking the field.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 27 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands, August 27. 1782.

                  Enclosed your excellency will find a report made this morning by brigadier-general Huntington of a soldier belonging to the Connecticut line in crossing a corn-field being fired upon and wounded by an inhabitant in the day time, and how far measures have been taken to obtain justice.  The soldier had one of his legs broken—it is yet uncertain whether an amputation must take place or not.  I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath

                Enclosure

                        Dear Sir,
                        Highlands Danforth, 26 Augt 1782

                     Searl Squires, a Recruit of the 3d Regt was, on the 22d inst., passing through a Cornfield of Justus Neilson, in a foot Path commonly used by Passengers going from the Connecticut Line to Neilson’s Point—when he was challenged by a Countryman, fired upon, & dangerously wounded in the Ancle. Upon Report of the Fact to the Commdt of the 1st Connecticut Brigade. Justus Neilson, Roger Neilson, John Crook & Cornelius Neilson, Inhabitants near the Premises, were confined under the Camp Guard—for the Detection of the Offender and for their personal Safety, and with their Consent, as the Soldiery were greatly enraged—Justus Neilson was released the next day—Col. Huntington prefer’d a Complaint to Justice Wiltse of FishKill agreeable to your Direction. who sent word that one Austin had been to him & confess’d himself to be the Author of the Offence. this Day Justice Wiltse has been here to make Enquiry. the Result of which has been to order said Austin to Poughkeepsie Goal. Austin justifies himself by saying that Squires was picking his Corn and that he had a Right to defend it in the Manner he did. the same Sentiment & Practice generally prevail in the Neighbourhood of this Camp.  I am, dear Sir, most respectfully Your very obedt Servant

                        Jed. Huntington B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Ledyard, 27 August 1782
From: Ledyard, Isaac
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     West Point 27th Augt 1782

                  I find by the General Orders of this Day that the Court is ordered to proceed no further in my Trial because I am Deranged by Congress.
                  I beg leave to Remark to your Excellency that the Crimes with which I am Charged are said to have been committed before these Resolutions were made and I cannot but think that I am triable by a Court-Martial upon Charges made whilst I was in actual Service—that I suffered a long Arrest before the Court met for my Trial and now the Evidence is chiefly given in on the side of the prosecution, whilst I have had no chance of vindicating myself by a single Evidence.
                  I beg leave to observe further to your Excellency that the most those have to expect who have served in this Army is the Credit of having served well—tho: I have not now the honor of serving under your Excellency’s Orders, yet, for the Reasons which I have here offered I hope your Excellency will be pleased to indulge me with a chance of vindicating my Conduct for the time that I did serve—tho: I am unceremoniously dismissed from Service by Congress, I have it to hope from your Excellency’s Generosity and Goodness that this Dismission shall not effect my Character in preventing the Court from proceeding in my Trial, especially as the prosecution part of it is nearly closed.
                  Your Excellency’s decision in this Case will remove me from a State of very sensible anxiety.  I am most Respectfully Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very Humble Servant

                            Isaac Ledyard


Title: From George Washington to Philippe-André-Joseph de Létombe, 27 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Létombe, Philippe-André-Joseph de

                     Sir
                     Head Qtrs 27th Augst 1782

                  I have to beg the Favor of your giving a Conveyance of the inclosed to the Marquis De Vaudriul.
                  I had the Honor of your Letter of the 20th in two Days from its Date & forwarded to Phila., the Letters to the Minister of France & Count Rochambeau without Delay.  With Regard &a.


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Sheldon, 27 August 1782
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Newtown. Augt 27th 1782

                  Agreeable to orders contained in your Excellencys Letter of the 25th Instant, My Regt will march this Day, & by the time appointed, shall be at Pines Bridge.
                  I have inclosed a return of the Dismounted men of my Regiment who are totally without Shoes, and have been in this Situation for some time, I beg your Excellency to furnish Capt. Hoogland with an order to receive the Shoes, as without them, I am confident, the men, whose feet are already much worn, will be unfit for any service.  I have the Honor to be with the greatest Regard your Excellencys most obt and very Humble Servt

                     Elisha Sheldon Colo. Regt L.D.


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 27 August 1782
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Fishkill Augt 27th 1782

                  I am this moment favored with a Letter from General Knox, in which he mentions your Excellency’s Desire to have my Sentiments on the subject of Brigade Conductors.
                  This is a Class of Men, which I have long wished to see reduced; because I conceive that the Duties of that Department more properly belong to the Brigade Quartermasters; and because they have been heretofore subject to such a Variety of Orders from all Ranks of officers, that instead of being serviceable they have been in many Instances a Nusance.
                  I conceive therefore, that the Duties of the Brigade Quartermasters, are not so complex but that they might easily extend their Attention to this necessary Business—that they should not only have the Direction of all Arms, Amunition &c. but that the travelling Forges should also be put under their Care, and that they be allowed a Serjeant, or even a good Corporal to superintend the armourers, Waggoners and Horses of their respective Brigades, to take their Orders only from the Brigade Quarter Masters who are to be accountable for the whole.  I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excy’s most obt servt

                     steuben
                     Maj: Genl

                Enclosure

                        Head Quarters 27 Augt 1782

                     My dear Baron you may remember that I mentioned to you the Intention of Congress and the wish of the minister of War as a matter of oeconomy, to reduce the brigade Conductors.  His Excellency the General to whom I have been speaking upon the subject wishes to have your ideas on an arrangement for the brigade and regimental quarter masters to perform the duty heretofore done by the Conductors.  That is for the brigade Q.M. to have the direction of the travelling forge and the repair of arms.  and the regimental quarter masters the possession of the proportionale quantity of Cartridges & flints—or will it be best for the brigade Q. Masters to have the possessing & direction of the whole with same manner as the brigade Conductors?  Will you be so good as to digest your opinion, and transmit it the General Immediately.  I am my Dear Baron, your Humble Servt

                        H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil, 27 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Vaudreuil, Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de

                     sir
                     Head Quarters. 27th Augst 1782

                  The Letter of which the inclosed is a Copy, is this Moment come to my Hand—Altho it is not perfectly authentic, yet so far as it depends on the Gentleman who gives me the Informaton, I am confident of his Intelligence—I therefore do not make any Delay to convey this to you immediately.
                  Any further Information I can collect you may depend on receivg as early as possible.
                  I had the Honor of your Letter of the 18th & am much concerned for the Misfortune which has attended the Magnifique—but hope it may not prove so fatal as your fears suggest.
                  I am much flattered with the Idea which you entertain of paying me a Visit at my Quarters—If it should be in your power, I should think myself very happy in receivg this Mark of your Respect, I am &c.


Title: From Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton to David Humphreys, 27 August 1782
From: Villefranche de Genton, Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de
To: Humphreys, David

                     sir

                        27 August 1782

                  as it appears by the General orders of this day, that the army is going to move, I should be much obliged to you to let me know, whether it is his Excellency’s intention that I should march with it & who are the Engrs designd to stay at west-point.  I am sir with great regard your most humble obedient servant

                     Villefranche
                     Majr of Engrs


Title: General Orders, 28 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Wednesday August 28th 1782Parole  Tunbridge
                     Countersigns  Upton
                  Warwick
                  At a General court martial whereof Major general Howe is president held at Westpoint by order of the Commander in chief.
                  Major General McDougall was tried on the following charges Vizt
                  1st  For Ordering the distribution of a quantity of boards (said to be about 1300 which were brought to Westpoint the 6th day of December last in a sloop commanded by Captn Van Alstyne, designed for the use of the department) to the Troops at Westpoint only when their arrival ought to have been reported to the Commanding general, or Deputy Quartermaster of the Department, that an equal distribution might have been ordered, and other troops, who equally needed them, some of whom were suffering with the small pox, might have received releif.
                  2d  For not reporting to the Commanding general the escape of upwards of 30 prisoners from the provost at Westpoint on the night of the 4th instant that orders might have been sent to the out posts to take measures to intercept them on their way to the enemy, and it being an occurence which ought to have been reported.
                  3d  For drawing Orders on the Clothing store at Newburgh particularly on October 2. 5. 8. 11. 18. 19. 27. 28. 29. and November 7. 10. 12. and 18. and one for a servant of Ensign Davis without date, which is the perogative of the commanding general only, and which he signified to General McDougall in a Letter of the 26th september last such his orders—nbesides invading the right of the Commanding Genl have involved some of the paymasters in embarrasments in their accounts particularly the paymaster of the 3d Massachusetts regiment.
                  4th  For writing a letter to the Commanding general on the 16th of December last injurious to command and unbecoming an officer—the Letter as follows.

                  SirWest Point N.Y. Decr 16th 1781 7 P.M.
                  To be prepared for every contingency which might happen on the river, to intercept our transportation Colonel Putnam was out several Days to reconnitre the country on both sides the river for the most practicable routes to open roads to bring in our provisions and forage—he had not compleated it when he was ordered in Courtmartial altho he was for that important object kept of duty in garrison—The distress we now suffer is oweing to his not being able to complete his observations there being a supply of flour above the mountains but neither the roads nor the river was practicable.
                  This is one of the disorderly effects of detailing the officers of this garrison with the Army, nor is this the only instance of disorder from that Practice.  An Officer who was on Main guard for a week was detailed for other duty, I shall not enter into any further discussion on this subject ’till the Commander in cheif comes on, when I shall apply to him to have this and several other unmilitary practices determined in a more solemn manner than can now be obtained, For sir give me leave to tell you I know my own rights and those of the Garrison, not in speculation but in as long and as attentive service as my superiors—In the mean time sir that service may not be injured and that the distressing and pressing calls of humanity may be relieved I beg Colonel Putnam may be releived and suffered to goe on that service—I have the honor to be sir your most obedt and most hble servt
                  Alexr McDougall
                  Major Generl Heath

                  5th  For directing Colonel Crane commandant of Artillery in this department to deliver arms & accoutriments on the 16th instant contrary to the general order of the 4th instant and threatning to send him to the provost in case of refusal.
                  6th  For conversing before the Feild officers of the several Corps stationed in the Garrison of Westpoint who were convened at his request on the 16th January last, and in a manner unbecoming an officer, by bringing into question General Heaths right to command the garrison of Westpoint, representing his orders as unmilitary saying that an officer was not bound or obliged to obey orders if he thought them improper or unmilitary, telling Colonel Crane that he had ill advisors he beleived that General Heath had advised him—desiring Col. Crane to take the advice of the officers present who he said were his Countrymen and many other things in the course of the said conversation, tending to excite sedition create divisions, subvert good order and discipline and wound the service.
                  7th  For conversing before officers of different ranks particularly on the evening of the 7th January last in a manner unbecoming an officer saying that General Heaths orders were subversive of all good order and Dicipline and injurious from the Centenel to the eldest Major Genl in service, that he sent private commands to Colonel Crane without informing him (General McDougall) for the removal of a considerable quantity of Amunition from the Magazine and that if such a practice prevailed in the army it would be in the power of an Arnold at any time to dismantle and sell the Garrison and publicly relating some matters that passed at a Council of war at Mr McGowans 1776 respecting the retreat from New York and saying that none were opposed to it but a fool, a knave, and an obstinate honest man that general heath was the knave and many other things in the course of the said conversation—such conversation tending to lessen confidence in the commanding officer, to limit command bring orders into contempt and distroy that due subordination which is the life of dicipline and the only barrier against confusion and disorder.
                  Lastly for ordering two public buildings near Fishkill Landing to be pulled down in the months of November and December last vizt a bake house and one other building which Mr George Fisher was ordered to pull down on the 18th December last and the materials to be removed to Westpoint, making additions and erecting buildings at Westpoint without the knowledge or consent of the Commanding general particularly the additions to the house in which General McDougall quarters and the building for the provost Guard when General McDougals command at the post was of a temporary nature only and such measures not warranted either by his instructions or Military principles.
                  The Court on mature consideration of the charges against Major General McDougall, the evidence in the case and the observations both by General McDougall and the Judge Advocate, are of opinion,
                  On the first charge that Major General McDougall did order the distribution of the boards mention’d in the charge to the troops of Westpoint only, and that he is justifiable in so doing, because though the boards in the first instance might have been designed for the army at large, yet as the manner in which they were applied for the Quartermaster, was agreable to the custom of commandants of Westpoint and specifyed the particular purpose for which the boards were intended, were sent to the post on such application and receipt’d for by the officer who received them to be delivered at Westpoint, he was warranted in such distribution, without a report being made to the Commanding general or Deputy Qr Mr of the Department.
                  On the second charge it appears to the court that general McDougall is justifiable in not reporting the escape of the prisoners to Major General Heath because the provost martial of the army was at the post, by order of General Heath whose duty it was to make such report.
                  On the third charge it appears to the court, that General McDougall did draw orders on the Cloathing store on October 8th 18th 19th 28th November 7th & 10th and an order for cloathing for Ensign Davis’s servant and that he is justifiable in so doing because it has been customary and was requisite to service for officers of different grades to draw Cloathing from the Cloathing store for necessitous soldiers, detached issues have been accordingly constantly made and there has appeared to the Court no orders to the contrary: it does not appear that General McDougall drew the other orders mentioned in charges.
                  On the fourth charge the Court are of opinion that General McDougall is justifiable.
                  On the Fifth charge it appears that General McDougall did order Colonel Crane to deliver arms and accoutrements on the 16th January last, and threatned upon his refusal to send him to the provost, or confine to his room—But as Colonel Crane was a member of the Garrison, and being senior officer of Artillery at that time had the Keys of the Military stores for the defence of the Garrison, and under the orders of General McDougall as Commandant thereof; the Court are of opinion that General McDougall was justifiable for giving the orders and threatning to confine him for a disobedience of them notwithstanding the orders of General Heath of the 4th of January last, relative to the Grand Magazine.
                  On the sixth charge the embarrassments Major General McDougall laboured under by the order of Major General Heath of the 4th of January last and other orders mentioned in evidence, his official rights as Commandant of the Garrison being thereby invaded the Magazine shut against his orders which disenabled him from drawing forth the necessary means for its defence in case of any emergency, the garrison officer, through whom, Arms, Amunition &ca were attainable, refusing obedience to his legal orders, and directing no returns to be made to Major General McDougall of the state of the Magazine, where stores were deposited for its defence, are in the opinion of the Court, sufficient to justify Major General McDougall in convening the Field officers of the several corps stationed in the Garrison on the 16th Jany last and for the whole of his conversation with them at that time—that part of the charge bringing in question Major general Heaths right to command the Garrison of Westpoint, saying that an officer was not bound or obliged to obey orders if he thought them improper or unmilitary is not supported.
                  On the seventh charge the Court find that General McDougall did converse before officers of different grades accidently met at his quarters on the 7th of January last and did say that General Heaths orders were subversive of all good order and discipline, and injurious from the Centinel to the eldest Major General in service—that he sent private commands to Colonel Crane without informing him (Genl McDougall) for the removal of a considerable quantity of Amunition from the Magazine—and that if such a practice prevailed in the Army, it would be in the power of an Arnold at any time to dismantle and sell the Garrison and publicly related some matters that passed at a Council of war at Mr McGowans in 1776 respecting the retreat from Newyork and said that "none were opposed to it but a fool, a Knave and an obstinate honest man and that General Heath was the Knave."  and are of opinion that the time, the place, the manner of expressing what is set forth in the charge and the persons before whom he did express it, render such conversation unjustifiable and in breach of Article 5th sectn 18th of the rules and articles of war.
                  On the last charge it appears to the court, that the Bake house was pulled down on an application from Major General McDougall to Colonel Hughes the Deputy Qr Master by his direction, that the other building was ordered by General McDougall on the 18th Decr last to be pulled down, but was not pulled down on that order, but by order of Colonel Pickering Quarter Master General and that the materials were removed to Westpoint.  That General McDougall did erect a building for a Provost Guard and made additions to the house in which he quartered but it appears to the Court from a Letter produced in the case, that General Heath knew & approved the building the provost guard house—therefore that General McDougalls erecting the same was not as is said in the charge without the knowledge or consent of the Commanding general—The Court are of opinion that from constant usage of Commandants of Westpoint never yet interdicted General McDougall is justifiable in making additions to the house in which he quarters.
                  The Court agreable to their opinion on the several charges, do fully acquit Major Genl McDougall on the first, second, fifth and sixth charges, on the fourth they acquit him, on the third and last charges they fully acquit him, and think the charges vexatious.
                  On the seventh they sentence him to be reprimanded by the Commander in cheif in General Orders.

                  By the United states in Congress assembled August 15th 1782
                  The Proceedings and sentence of a General Courtmartial on the trial of Major General McDougall having been read.
                  Resolved That Congress approve the sentence of the said Court.

                  It is with extreme reluctance the Commander in cheif finds himself under the necessity of carrying the sentence of the court upon the seventh charge into execution more especially as it concerns an officer of so high rank and generally acknowledged merit.
                  The ill consequences arising from a too free censure of the conduct of officers of superior by those of inferior rank are too obvious to need enumerating.  The Commander in cheif cannot however help remarking particularly upon the impropriety of one Member of a Council of war divulging the opinion of another (except in cases of criminality which could not fail of being imediately noticed) and undertaking to reflect publicly upon him for it—such a liberty if allowed, would very often tend to prevent an officer of coolness and deliberation from giving his opinion in favour of cautious measures, lest the army and the world at large should attribute his reasons to other than the real motive.
                  Major General McDougall is released from his arrest.
                  The General court martial of which Major General Howe is president is desolved.
                  The second Connecticut regiment will releive the guards and fatigue parties now on duty from the 3d Massachusetts for seven days unless sooner releived commencing tomorrow.
                  For Fatigue tomorrow the 4th Connecticut regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Canfield, 28 August 1782
From: Canfield, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Garrison near Stamford 28th Augt 1782

                  I send your Excellency herewith under the care of Lieut. Bull four Prisoners (viz.) Peter Corne, Gilbert Fowler James Jenkins and a mulatto Fellow; they came from New York with a Flag of Truce granted by the Commandant of the City which Lieut. Bull will deliver to your Excellency—Agreeable to your Excellency’s orders of the 10th of May last (that no Flag of Truce shall be received at any place or Post except Dobb’s Ferry) I have detained them as Prisoners & now send them to your disposal.
                  The Sloop they came in I have taken proper care of.  I ordered the Vessel to be searched on their arrival but nothing was found on board except what was necessary for their support.  There has been no papers found with them, except an Account which the Master of the Vessel has with a person at Stamford which he will produce if required.  I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect your Excellency’s most Obedient very humble Servant

                     Saml Canfield


Title: To George Washington from Anne Stillwell Bartow de Visme, 28 August 1782
From: Visme, Anne Stillwell Bartow de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Paramus August 28th 1782

                  I take the Liberty to request your Excellency’s Permission for myself and Daughter to have an Interview with my Son (who is lately arrived at New York from England) on Board the Flag Boat at Dobbs Ferry about the middle of next Month.  I have the Honor to be your Excellencys most obedt Hble Servt

                     Anne De Visme


Title: From George Washington to David Forman, 28 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augst 28th 1782

                  I was yesterday favored with your Letter of the 25th.  I am much obliged by the intelligence you have forwarded—The List you enclosed appears to have the marks of authenticity—should you find there is any alteration in the state of the Enemy’s shipping, or should you obtain any other important information I shall expect to hear from you by an early conveyance.  in the Mean time I am with great regd & esteem Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 28 August 1782
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Freehold 28th Augst 1782

                  Agreeable to my proposial in the letter I had the Honr to write to your Excly the 25th Inst: I set off for Shrewsbury and the Highlands of Middle Town on Monday Morning and flatter my self have now got my line of Intiligence in sutch away as will insure to me regular accts from New York and of the Arrival of all armed Vessells in or about Sandy Hook.
                  yesterday morning I was Honoured with the Rect of your Exclys favr of the 25th at Shrewsbury and as I had no other Intiligence to Communicate further than was contained in my letter of Sunday Evening last determined to detain the Express rider fom Morris Town untill I finished my Carier through the Highlands of Middle Town—Expecting as the wind was from a South and Suth and by East that possably the British West India fleete might heave in Sight from the Southward—for that purpose I Continued on the Highlands of Middle Town untill late in the Evening—from my Own observation I find the floating Battery—the Ships prepared for Sinking in the Chanell at Sandy Hook, and all those Ships of War (the Lyon of 64 Guns and one Frigate Excepted) are withdrawn from Sandy Hook—this withdrawing of there force puts on an allmost positive proof that they consider every danger removed, yet I do think very odd of it that there is no Appearance of there Grand fleete, more espetially as we have had a very greate prevalence of Southerly and South west Winds Since the Arrival of the Express Brigg. mentioned in my letter of the 25th.
                  it gives me real pain when I find my self under a necessity to ask your Excly any political Question, least it might seeme in me presumeing on the Confidence your Excly has honoured me with—but I hope the Inquisitive anxiety of the people at large in this Country, when added to my own will pleade my Excuse to your Excly for begging to be informed what is to be done for the Murder of the unfortunate Capt. Huddy.  I have the Honr to be your Exclys Most Obedt Humble Servt

                     David Forman

                     after Sealing this letter sent one of my Servts to the Village of Freehold to be delivered to the Express rider from Morris Town who had brought Your Exclys Letter as within Mentioned to My surprize word was brought me that he had gone To Trenton in a few Hours after delivering his Letters to one of my Horsemen to follow me to Shrewsbury—As Nothing Meterial had turned up did not think it Necessary to go to the Expence of Sending a Horseman to Morris.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 28 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands , August 28. 1782.

                  In the present stage of the war the officers of the Massachusetts line have thought it an object highly interesting to them to know whether their state will conform to an ordinance of congress of October 1780, granting half pay for life to the officers who should continue in service to the end of the war—or if this mode should not be agreeable to the genius and inclination of the people, to make a commutation.  They have accordingly prepared a memorial to the legislature of the commonwealth, and instructions to the committee to be sent—At a meeting yesterday, made choice of the officers named in the enclosed, and have requested me, as your excellency will observe, to sollicit your permission that the officers chosen may proceed to Boston, to present and support the memorial at the approaching session of the general assembly.  I do therefore, in their behalf and at their request, ask such your excellency’s indulgence, and beg your answer as soon as you may think it convenient.  I have the honor to be with the highest respect, your excellency’s most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath

                Enclosure

                        sir
                        W.Point August 27th 1782

                     The Officers of the Masstts Line having made Choice of Majr Genl Knox, Cols Putnam & Brooks Lieut. Colo. Hull, & Capt. Hayward, as a Committee to present their Memorial on the Subject of half pay to the Legislature of the Commonwealth—The Line have desired me to give you this Information, & request your Application to the Commander in Chief for his Permission for them to proceed to Boston.  I am with the greatest Esteem Your Humble Servt

                        J. Greaton Coll
                        President


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste-Joseph, comte de Laumoy, 28 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Laumoy, Jean-Baptiste-Joseph, comte de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augst 28th 1782

                  The Army is about to take a position in the field: it is my wish you would, attend it yourself as Chief Engineer, and take one other Officer of that Corps with you—The remainder of the Gentlemen belonging to it, in this Department, you will be pleased to Order to West Point, to assist Major Villefranche in superintending & carrying into execution the Works now erecting at that Garrison and its dependencies.  I am Sir &c.

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Lawrence, Jr., 28 August 1782
From: Lawrence, Jonathan, Jr.,Villefranche de Genton, Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     West Point August 28th 1782

                  I Enclose to your Excellency a Certificate from Doctor Townsend, Genl Patterson in Consequence thereof has Granted me permission to Retire for a short time into the Country, which I most sincerely wish may Answer the purpose of removing the Complaint—I should not have made my Complaint known had the Corps to which I belong been orderd for the field—but as it is for Garrison duty, and Consequently in a State of Inactivity Justice to myself Induced me to acquaint Dr Townsend, whose advice is to take the Diet of the Country, as soon as I find myself Better I shall Immediately make it a point to join the Corps. I have the Honor to subscribe myself Your Excellencys Very Humble Servant

                     J. Lawrence Junr

                     it appears by the Certificate of dr Townsend that Capt. Laurence is not able to performe the duty of his station  untill his Complaint is remove, therefore think that he may be permitted to retire into the Country for a while; on Condition that he Will join his Corps again as soon as his health will admit.

                     Villefranche
                     Majr Comd. the sappers and miners

                Enclosure

                        West Point Augt 28th 1782

                     Captn Lawrence of the Corps of Sappers and Miners, from indisposition is rendered unfit for the fatigues of military duty—His complaints of the Breast are of such alarming nature as require the strictest & earliest attention (particularly so far as it relates to diet) to remove.

                        D. Townsend hospl Surgeon


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Philadelphia Augt 28, 1782

                  I have been honored with your Excellencys private letter by Mr Frothingham.
                  I have no doubt but Congress will confirm the exchang of Lord Cornwallis for Colonel Laurens and that they will not hesitate a moment about the matter when they are informed of the fact by him—by what I hear it will not be done before.
                  Your letter on the Adjutant Generals department covering two letters from General Hand have been laid before Congress—they are now in the hand, of the committee who reported the system—I think there is little probability that it will receive any material alteration for the committee say that Congress acted very understandingly in the matter—when they passed the system they had before them your observations on the draught of their report which were considered with it.
                  In your public letter on this subject were some minutes in your own hand writing—I did not lay them before Congress as I did not suppose you intended them for their perusial Your Excellency certainly mistakes the wishes of Congress—they have no design to curtail the officers of the benefits of their rations—It is quite immaterial with them whether the officers draw their whole rations in specific articles or subsistance—I am sure Congress had the most benevolent intentions in ordering the subsistance in the first place and they would as readily repeal that order as they passed it provided they thought it would be more agreeable to the officers to draw all their rations in kind—If they do wish it I should be glad to know it.
                  I have requested that the matter respecting the former commissioners might be taken up and passed on I hope and expect it will soon be done—I think, if Congress should, as I suppose they will approve of the doings of the former commissioners it will be a good basis for them or new ones in future.  With sincere affection I am my Dr General Yours

                     B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 August 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Private
                     My dear General
                     Philadelphia Augt 28 1782

                  General Potter and Colonel Magaw are delegated by the Assembly of Pennsylvania to confer with your Excellency on the subject of an Expedition proposed to be undertaken by the State against the Savages who are destressing the frontiers.
                  The Assembly suppose that carrying the war into the enemys country by attacking Sandusky and the towns of the six nations will be the most efficient mode of checking their barbarous incursions—they wish the continental recruits of this State and Hazens regiment to aid the force which may be employed in the expedition.
                  I have been restrained from saying much on the subject not knowing whether your Excellency had relinquished the idea of a Northern Expedition—should that be prosecuted this will in a measure become useless for if we strike at the root the branches must fall—If you have given up the idea of moving northward with any considerable force I think that the Inhabitants of the upper part of this State have been so much irritated and appear to be so much in earnest that if countenanced by your Excellency they will go great lengths.
                  Should you think proper to grant the aid they request, would it not facilitate the design and give a temporary relief to the State of New york to order a detachment up the Mohawk river to act in concert with the troops who shall move this way?
                  If nothing more general is to be undertaken I have but one doubt in my mind of the propriety of aiding the intention of this State which arises from the advanced season of the year—those however who are better acquainted with the country than I am think this will be no difficulty—yet it forms one in my mind for with every exertion it will not be possable to march before the latter end of September—soon after the rivers will begin to rise & the nights become long and cold.  Should they not reach the Indian towns and succeed according to their wishes the very movment will give security to the frontiers by recalling the enemy which in itself would, in my opinion, authorise the attempt notwithstanding any doubt with respect to the success of the expedition in the whole.  I am my dear General with sincere affection & esteem your Excellys most obt servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 28 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                     Dr Sir,
                     Head Qrs 28th Augt 1782.

                  I have been favoured with your private Letter of the 26th.
                  In forming my arrangement of Commands for the Army’s taking the Field—not knowing how long the proceedings of Congress on your Trial might be delayed—& not finding any other Command so proper for Majr Genl Knox, under present circumstances, as that of West point, where the Corps of Artillery, Ordnance and Military Stores are to remain, and where his attention in the particular line of his duty could be more usefully displayed, I concluded to assign that Post to him.
                  The Resolution of Congress on your Trial, being now come to hand, & to be published in this days Orders, I have assigned to you the command of one division of the Army; composed of the two Connecticut Brigades, which I hope will be agreeable to you.
                  I am very sorry for the disagreeable situation in which you find your private affairs; but as the Army will take their first position on Verplanks point, where they will probably remain for sometime; and as the operations of the Campaign will probably be rather inactive, you may have the oppertunity, for some time at least, of drawing from your Farm at Robinson’s, all the advantages for your support at Verplanks, that you would receive at West point.
                  If your health is on such a footing as not to admit your taking the Field, I should not expect, nor do I wish you to move with the Army—in which case you will be at liberty to remain in such place as you shall think most beneficial and convenient.  I am—Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Moore, 28 August 1782
From: Moore, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     In Council Philadelphia August 28th 1782

                  The inroads which have recently been made by the indians within this state, and the number of murders committed by them far within our frontiers, having become seriously important and alarming, the House of Assembly, many of whose members are well acquainted with the nature of indian wars, have taken the matter under their consideration and think it necessary to carry several expeditions into the indian country as the only effectual means of drawing their warriors from our settlements: And as the defence of the frontiers of Pennsylvania by covering a number of other states, becomes a common cause of the United states, we have agreed to send a deputation from the House, and one from the Council, to confer with your Excellency on this subject, and adopt such measures for this purpose as shall by you, and them be judged effectual and practicable.
                  The Council are unanimously of opinion that such expeditions are really necessary, and therefore feel the strongest disposition to interest your Excellency in favour of that measure, as far as shall be found consistent with the general plan of operations for the Campaign, and we beg leave to assure you, that we shall give, with the greatest readiness, every aid in our power in forwarding the measure.
                  The Council wish that your Excellency would consider the Vice President as fully impowered on the part of the Council to enter upon this business on the broadest ground, and finally to agree to the measures to be taken, as we confide in his abilities, and the season will admit of no delay.  We are happy to find that the Secretary at war appears to think favourably of the expeditions proposed, and that he has written your Excellency his sentiments thereupon.  I have the honor to be, with the greatest regard and esteem Your Excellencys Most obedient and very humble servant

                     Wm Moore
                     President


Title: To George Washington from Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, 28 August 1782
From: Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus Conrad
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,

                     State of Pensilvania In general Assembly Aug 28th 1782

                  It is with infinite Sorrow and Regret, that the Assembly of Pennsylvania find themselves under the necessity of calling your Attention to the Alarming Distresses of this State.
                  The different Tribes of Indians, assisted by British Mercenaries, have fallen on our extensive Frontiers, with their usual fury and inhumanity, to enter into a detail of Facts would only give your Excellency pain, without adding to our Relief.  Such however is our Distress, and such the Effect of their concerted Attacks, that one part of our Frontiers cannot succour another; and indeed the very Existence of the Frontier Counties, now depends not on a momintary expulsion of the enemy, but the Destruction of the Indian Towns adjacent to them.
                  In former Campaigns, the Indian Force appears to have been employed chiefly by way of diversion, or as a revulsion, to draw off part of the American Troops, to the Frontiers of a State, while the grand Attempt was against the Capital or some interior part; it now seems to be the principal means employed by our Enemies, to distress the States; and unhappily for us, our Situation exposes Us to an uncommon share of it, while several States are entirely exempted.  We beg leave further to observe, that the Resources of this State, are almost entirely engaged for the Supplies of the current year, as granted to Congress. Further or other Taxes We cannot lay on our Constituents, with the least prospect of their being paid.
                  Something must however be done, to repel the Enemy or they will soon penetrate to the Heart of the State.
                  The Bearers will lay before your Excellency some Estimates of the extraordinary expences of two expeditions, which are proposed to be carried into the Indian Country; one up the Susquehannah against the Jenessee Towns, and the other from Fort-Pitt.  We are happy to find, that no very great expence will be incurred, and this House are ready to give every Assistance in their power.
                  It will give Us infinite satisfaction to learn, that your Excellency’s Arrangements will permit you to pay Attention to the Distresses of the State, we represent, as we cannot think of putting an end to our Session, without affording Protection, in some manner or other, to our Frontiers.  I have the Honour to be Sir Your Excellencys most obedient & very humble Servant

                     Fredk Augustus Muhlenberg Speaker


Title: To George Washington from William Ramsay, 28 August 1782
From: Ramsay, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir.
                     Boston, August 28th 1782.

                  Experimentally sensible of your refin’d Generosity and firm Adherence to strict Justice, I beg leave with the Submission, that shou’d influence every Friend to Mankind to solicit your Interest in behalf of John Manley Esqr. (formerly the brave Commander of the Hancock Frigate)—A Friend to the glorious american cause and every mode that can or will adduce an advantage to it.  In all probability the Deane Frigate will shortly be divested of a Commander, generally thought undeserving the Office.  The Gentleman recommended can with the greatest Ease and celerity fit her for Sea; fight her at Sea, and in consequence save the rising Country great Expence and Trouble.  The best Wishes of Those, Who have the happiness to be intimately acquainted with the truly brave and honest Man cordially attend Him.  His great Perseverance in, and highly mortifying Sufferings for the celestial Cause in which we are all embark’d, will I am Sensible claim Your Excellency’s earliest Notice and induce your magnanimous Soul, at once the admiration of human Nature and Terror to Tyrranical Sychophants to put into employ the Man who is able, Willing and ardently anxious to accelerate the Glory of America.  Permit me Sir to assure you that I am with the greatest Sincerety your Excellency’s particular Friend, as well to Character as Person

                     William Ramsay


Title: To George Washington from William Shepard, 28 August 1782
From: Shepard, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      August 28th 1782

                  I have Recivd your Excellencys favor of the 25 Instant for which I concive my self under greate obligation.
                  It never was my wish or Intention to divert or Interrupt in any Degree the attentions of Congress from the greate objects which demand there Consideration.
                  I aske nothing of them but what is fully in there Power to grant—and what I have a Right (to Expect) as there faithfull servant—nor is it my wish to Intrude my request at an unseasonable time—Congress have already had the subject of promotion in the massachusetts line before them upwards of four years.
                  I am persuaded your Excellency would not Exact that long Degree of patience which some officers have already Exercised.
                  I Can assure your Excellency that my mind is fixd and that it is my Intention to Know the Ground on which I stand.
                  I have the fullest Confidence in your Excellencys Wisdom Prudence and frindship and with Cheerfullness submit to you to lay the subject of my letters before Congress at such time—and in the manner your Excellency shall think Proper.
                  I cannot however refrain from declaring that I do not now: resque my life in the Field with that Cheerfullness which I have been wont to do nor am I willing to spill any more of my Blood in the cause of a Country who are so little disposed to do equal Justice—and while by Withholding from the line of massachusetts that promotion which they have so liberally Confered on officers of other states: are not only destroying that Grand Encentive to military Exertions but also Holding me up as an object of Contempt and Derision to the Community at large.  I am with the highest respect & Esteem your Excellencys most obt and most Humle Servt

                     Wm Shepard Colo.
                     of the 4th massts Regt


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 28 August 1782
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Pompton August 28th 1782

                  after near three years absence, I am thus far on my way to visit my Fathers Family in Connecticut; not having any public business to engage my attention, I am confident I shall not be blamed—I forwarded to your Excellency by one of Genl Choise’s aids, a Copy of a Letter from the secretary at War, address’d to Clarkson & my-self, in consequence of which we have deferr’d putting in execution our west Indie expedition—& in case of active operations express’d a wish to be employ’d—I should have with confidence return’d to your Excellency had it not been for one expression in the Letter you honor’d me with to the Commanding General of the Combined forces, viz., "and lately one of my aids DeCamp"—your Excellency will excuse my giving the Candid Reason & pardon my Error, (if I am in one) as it is upon the right side—previous to the formation of a most unhappy connection my whole soul was devoted to the service of my Country, & to your Excellency’s pleasure, I now find myself capable of once more entering upon  the pleasing task—and being Confident that you, Sir, would not wish to heep misfortune on the unfortunate, I cannot but flatter myself I shall be honored with some employment.
                  Colo. S. Webb will forward any orders that your Excellency may think proper to favour me with.  I am your Excellency’s most obliged Humble Servt

                     W.S. Smith Lt Colo.


Title: From David Humphreys to Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 28 August 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Villefranche de Genton, Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de

                     Sir.
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augst 28th 1782

                  Upon mentioning the subject of your favor of the 27th to His Excellency, he was pleased to direct me to inform you, that, as the service of many Engineers will not be necessary in the Camp we are about to take, which indeed is but a change of Position, and as you are so perfectly acquainted with the plan of the Works now carrying on at West Point & its dependencies, he would have you at present continue to superintend them—but in case we should come to serious operations in the field, he will not be unmindful, in making his Arrangements, of employing your Talents in such a manner as will be useful to the Public & reputable to yourself.  In the mean time, the General proposes that all the Engineers, (except Coll Lamay & one other Who will be named by him) shall be employed under your Orders in carrying the Works now in hand into execution.  I am with great regd & esteem Sir.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Vose, 28 August 1782
From: Vose, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                      Augt 28th 1782

                  Agreeable to Genl Orders of the 26th Inst.
                  the Commanding Officers of Regiments meet at the Colonade and Appointed three persons to Inspect the shoes (Viz.) Colonel Vose Colonel Tupper and Major Throop, we immediately attended to the business, we found the shoes as follows, five thousand Pair call’d the old contract upon a Strict examination of them, we Judge that as many as one third Part of them are fifty Percent under Par. Twelve thousand pair call’d the new Contract upon examination we Judge that as many as ten pair to the hundred are Twenty five percent under par.
                  Exclusive of the ten Pair in the hundred we Judge them to be an exceeding fine loot of shoes.  In behalf of the Gentlemen,

                            J. Vose Colo.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Wheaton, 28 August 1782
From: Wheaton, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Verplanks point August 28th 1782

                  The Inclos’d is Colo. Olneys Letter in Concequence of my application to your Excelence to go to Newyork, he has no objection to the propos’d Interview tho he thinks it would have been more proper after this tour of Command.  I am sencible of it, though the Colo. is not sufficiently acquainted with the Circumstance of my friends Leaveing Newyork Soon for Hallifax, nor should I have made such a request had not the Necessity for going been greater than the Impropriety of Leaveing this tour of Duty.  I am with the greatest Respect your Excelencies most obdt & Very huble Sert

                     J. Wheaton Lt R.I.R.

                Enclosure

                        Dr Sr
                        Camp Dobb’s Ferry 27th Augt 1782.

                     your favr of 26th Inst. on the Subject of your haveing an Interview with your parents in New York, has this moment Came to hand, and as you inform me his Excellency has no objection to it—I shall not therefore be averce to the propos’d Interview—though I think the application Would be more proper after our Tour of Command was over.  I am Dr Sr your Obedt Srvt

                        J. Olney


Title: General Orders, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Thursday August 29th 1782
                     Parole
                     Countersigns

                  The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolve.
                  By the United States in Congress assembled August 14th 1782.
                  Resolved that the resolution of the 5th day of October 1780 directing a Court of enquiry on the conduct of Major General Gates be repealed and that he take command in the Main army as the Commander in cheif shall direct.
                  The general order of Encampment—and the order of Battle for the Main army this Campaign will be in one Line—with a reserve—organized and commanded as follows.
                  Left Wing
                  Major General Heath
                  Division
                  Major Genl Ld Sterling
                  Senior OfficerCol SheppardN. Hamshre Brigade1st Massa. Brigade1st Regiment1st Regiment2d do7th Do11th Massa.4th Do
                  Division
                  Majr Gl Howe
                  Brigadr PattersonColonel Greaton2d Mass. Brigade3d Massa. Brigade2d Regiment3d Regiment8th Do9th Do5th Do6th Do
                  Right Wing
                  Major General Gates
                  Division
                  Majr Gl McDougall
                  Colonel SwiftBrigr Huntingtn2d Connect. Brigade1st Connect BrigadeR.I. Regiment3d Do4th C. Regiment5th Do2do Do1st Do
                  Division
                  Majr Gl St Clair
                  Colonel CourtlandtColonel DaytonNew York BrigadeNew Jersey Brigade2d Regimt2d Regimt1st Do1st Do
                  The Reserve for the present to consist of the second Connecticut and third Massachusetts Brigades commanded as above—They are to encamp when the ground will admit of it 200 Paces in the rear of the line.
                  The park of artillery with the corps of Sappers & Miners (on their left) between the two brigades which compose the reserve.
                  When the reserve for want of depth of ground is obleiged to encamp in the centre of the Line the park & Corps of Sappers will do the same.
                  The Light infantry and Sheldons Legion will have no particular places assigned them in the general order of encampment or in the order of battle—the orders of the general will point these out occasionally.
                  As Colonels  Greaton Dayton Sheppard and Swift are to have permanent commands of the brigades to which they belong and as Colonel Cortlandt will have the same of the York brigade ’till a senior officer of that state shall join it, they are therefore releived during such permanent command from executing the regimental duties of their respective regiments as pointed out by the order of the 17th instant.  They are notwithstanding to retain the general Superintendence of them.
                  Major General Lord Stirling will be pleased to repair to albany and take the immediate command of that brigade of his Division which is to the Northward together with the state troops in that quarter.
                  The Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the several regiments who have been invalided by the late board of officers and surgeons are not to take the field with their respective regiments but to join the corps of invalids.  They will receive proper certificates for that purpose from the inspector of the Army, who will also furnish Colonel Nicola with a List of them.
                  For Fatigue tomorrow the 5th Connecticut regiment.
                  At a general courtmartial held at Philadelphia 27th July 1782 by order of the Honorable the Secretary at War Major Thomas L. Moore President.
                  Serjeant Nicholas Bourge of the Pennsylvania line was tried for Desertion and advising others to desert found guilty of both charges and sentenced to suffer death.
                  The Commander in cheif approves the above sentence, but in consideration of the recommendation of Colonel Humpton he is pleased to pardon the said Nicholas Bourge.


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 29 August 1782
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York August 29th 1782.

                  I inclose the copy of a letter I Received from Governor Livingston dated the 10th of August.
                  Your Excellency from thence will perceive that no regard will be paid to the laws of war within that Province, and that his letter is of such a nature as puts an end to that correspondence: I am the more surprised to find these sanguinary measures pursued with such eagerness in Jersey, as we have on our part not only suspended all acts of hostility, but are taking every precaution to prevent such irregularities as may lead to the shedding of american blood by american hands.
                  The unhappy Man in whose behalf I had applied to Mr Livingston was during this Suspension peaceably following the occupation of a fisherman, when he was seized by irregular plunderers from Jersey, loaded with Irons, & charged with offences transferred as it should seem from one condition to another, to be finally condemned I suppose by their treason laws; why occasions for exercising these cruelties on loyalists should be sought after with so great vivacity, or what political purpose they expect it to answer; Time may explain; but to a policy of the like sort in other places, I must attribute those inroads of Indians upon the north western frontier which I now hear of; at least, if these Indians come not solely to revenge the cruelties practiced on their Brethren, their motives are to me wholly unknown.  To my knowledge they cannot have directions from the Commander in Chief on that side, and these proceedings not only have my disapprobation, but I shall very willingly assist in restoring tranquility on that frontier also.  I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant,

                     Guy Carleton

                Enclosure

                        Copy.
                        Sir,
                        Trenton 10th August 1782.

                     Upon the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 21st July, I dispatched an express to the Sheriff of Monmouth as the most proper person to apply to on that occasion, requesting him to furnish me with the cause of the capture & detention of Ezekiel Tilton? with his treatment? who he is? and if a Refugee when he first joined the enemy? and if possible to send me his answer by that express, or as soon after as he could.
                     To that letter, Sir, I last night received the Sheriff’s answer, which I will give in his own words.
                     "I received your’s, (says he,) of the 31st of July respecting the character of a certain Ezekiel Tilton lately taken prisoner and brought to this place.  As to his being loaded with Irons, it is true.  He joined the Enemy in the Spring 1777.  He has been guilty of House-robbing, House-burning, horse stealing and plundering, ever since the time of his running off, which can readily be proven.  I am very sorry that it was not in my power to answer your’s by the express, it was not then within my knowledge as to his character."  Thus far the Sherif of Monmouth, a Gentleman on whose representation, from his known character as a Man of honor and veracity, I can fully rely.
                     As there certainly was sufficient time between the fatal epocha when the English first embrued their hands in American blood in their hostile incursion into Lexington, and the declaration of our independence, for every Man to take his choice to defend his country against the design of reducing it to the despotism of Great Britain, or to join the Enemy in facilitating so unnatural and barbarous a resolution, this State, Sir, by a clemency almost unexampled, has observed it as a rule to treat all those captured by us, who joined the Enemy previous to the establishment of our legislature, which was a considerable time after the declaration of our Independence, as prisoners of War, but to regard as traitors all those who left their Country for that purpose since that period, before which we had a right to consider ourselves as actually and de facto, an independent Nation, leaving it to providence and the sword whether we shou’d finally be so; and how far, by trusting in providence and the sword, we are like finally to be so, I suppose Sir, by this Time, your Excellency is able to form a tollerable judgment.  This I presume is what every other Nation in the world, engaged in a civil War, and equally inclined to moderation, would do: and without establishing that particular Oera as the time before which those who joined the royal Party should be considered in the light of national enemies, and those who apostatized to it afterwards, as traitors to their Country, I conceive no time can be fixed upon to discriminate between British & American Subjects, but all our criminals have nothing further to do in order to escape the punishment due to their Crimes, than to flee to New York and there procure a commission to perpetrate greater.  Your Excellency might therefore as well demand any Offender against the laws of this State, who has taken refuge in your very comprehensive Assylum a fortnight ago, as one that has fled from us to the British standard one day after he was, according to the law of Nations, a Subject of this State; and so Mr Tilton evidently was in 1777, or never would have been tho’ the War had lasted a hundred years, & he continued among us for Ninety Nine, and had then joined your troops, and been afterwards captivated in the very act of warring against us.  Your Excellency will therefore excuse me, if in answer to that paragraph of your letter in which you say, "I hereby demand Sir, that this man shall be placed in the Condition of a prisoner of war only and treated with that lenity with which prisoners of war ought to be treated," I take the liberty to say with great plainess and sincerity, that this Man, Sir, will not be placed in the condition of a prisoner of War; nor be treated with that lenity with which prisoners of war ought to be treated; but that he will be tried by the laws of this State as a Subject of it; and that for such trial and it’s consequences, I do not hold either the executive or any other department of this State, responsible to any foreign State or Potentate whatever.
                     Your Excellency is pleased to say, "that from all comment on my letter of the 25th of June last, however extraordinary it appears, you will at present abstain, and that you cannot think that I mean deliberately to violate the laws of war, nor excite a spirit of resentment in the Minds of the Loyalists, and provoke them to acts of revenge, which arrived to a certain height, will no longer remain in my power nor your’s, to prevent; and this at a time when all hostilities stand suspended on your part."
                     As the beginning of this paragraph appears to be ambiguous, I do not know whether your Excellency intends that my letter is extraordinary or that your abstaing from all comment upon it, is so.  If the former is meant, it is really more than I can discover on the most careful perusal of the copy, for which reason I shall be the more obliged to your Excellency for your comment whenever you are at sufficient leisure to make it.  In the mean time I shall take the liberty to insert in my chapter of Extraordinaries your Excellency’s insinuation, that I mean deliberately to violate the laws of war, when instead of giving the least color for such a construction, the whole scope of my letter manifestly announces the contrary.
                     As to the resentment of the loyalists, was I not convinced from your Excellency’s character, & your knowledge of Mankind that you was above any thing of the kind, I should really consider it in the light of a threat.  I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant.

                        signed   Will: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 29 August 1782
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Little Britain Augt 29th 1782

                  Your Excellency’s Letter by Doctr Vasche I Received last Night and Agreable to Your desire will Endeavour to Acquaint you as fully as I can the Reasons why the Doctr Retired from Service.
                  By the Inclosed Letter from the Doctr of the 22d of Novemr 80 You will See that he made Application to me to Continue in service and his reasons for it; And by the Inclosed Returns of the 4 N.Y. Reg. of the 1 & 31st of Decemr 80 You will See that his Coll Returned him Absent without leave And by the Return of the Officers of his Regt he takes No Notice of him at all.
                  I believe the Reason why Coll Weissenfels Returned the Doctr Absent without leave was because he did not go with him to Fort Schuyler when the Regt was Ordered there About the last of Septr 80 as he had no Doctr that he could Depend on, in case of Accident, I know the Doctr Applyed to me at the time I told him if he was Not Able to go on Acct of his Ill State of Health as it Appeared to me to be the Case I would not order him As he had been Absent for the Same Reason the Most of the Summer.
                  About the first of Jany 81 Doctr Vasche Arrived at Albany I Informed Colls Van Schaick & Cortland of his Intentions and Likewise Doctr Cooks And Requested them to Settle the Matter Amongst themselves and told them if any Difficulties Arose I would Apply to the Council of Appointment for their Oppinion as they were then Sitting in Albany but in A few Days After I Understood by Docts. Cook and Vasche that they had given Up their pretensions as the Colls had A Mind to keep their former Surgeons and by that Reason they were left out of the Arrangement.
                  And at the Same time I Understood by Doctr Vasche that he would not want to Continue Only that he had lost his health in the service and if he Retired he was Afraid he Would loose All future Emoluments, I told him that Reason was Against him And that he should Apply to Congress for Releif who Always did Justice.
                  I think it my duty to Inform your Excellency that I Allways thought Doctr Vasche Attentive to his duty from the time I was first Acquainted with him till the Year 80 when he Complained of the Loss of his health shortly After he was Married at Morris Town.  I have the Honor to be Your Honor Most Obedt Humle Sert

                     James Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 29 August 1782
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                     SirHead Quarters, Ashley Hill, South Carolina, Augt 29th ’82.

                  Since I wrote your Excellency a day or two ago Lt Colo. Laurens has been killed in an Action on the Combahee River about fifty miles south of our Camp.  The Enemy made a detachment into that quarter with a number of armed Vessels, empty Sloops and Schooners with about 500 Infantry to collect Rice.  General Gist with the Light Troops, in which Lt Colo. Laurens held a command, was detached to oppose them.
                  Enclosed is a copy of Genl Gists Letter containing an account of the different operations.  Colo. Laurens’s fall is glorious, but his fate is much to be lamented.  Your Excellency has lost a valuable Aid de Camp, the Army a brave Officer, and the public a worthy and patriotic Citizen.
                  The Enemy made a descent upon Santee some little time since to collect rice in which they were but too successful; the situation in which it lay prevented Genl Marion from giving them any considerable interruption.
                  The Rivers of this Country are very favorable for those kind of enterprizes, but I am in hopes the Enemy will get but little by their present expedition.
                  It is said that Admiral Pigot is on this Coast with near 30 sail of the Line to take off the Garrison of New York.  A part of the fleet is to take post at Beaufort to take off the Garrison of Charles Town.  It is said the Enemy within a few Days past have been meditating an attack upon us.  I have the honor to be with great respect, Your Excellency’s most obt hble servt

                     Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 29th Augst 1782

                  Altho I must confess that it appears to me rather surprizing to have a request for so many Gentlemen, and of such Rank, to be absent from their Commands, at this Time of the Campaign, on Business to their State—Yet as it is the particular Desire of the Officers of the Line, I give my permission as requested, for all the Gentlemen except Major General Knox; who cannot by any means be spared from the Command which is given him; & besides that, I have an Expectation of employing him soon on another very important business, which cannot be dispensed with.
                  The Surgeon mentioned may have permission to go to Philadelphia, agreeable to request.  With Esteem & Regard I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient & most humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 29th Augst 1782

                  I have received your Letter of this Day, accompanied with one from Colo. Canfield at Stamford, informg—the Detention of Mr Corne & others as Prisoners.
                  I am pleased with the Conduct of Colo. Canfield & his Attention to his Duty—& as it seems there is no other Way to reduce Genl Birch to an Observance of the Convention respectg the Place where Flags are to be received, than by the Detention of such as shall come in any other Way than by the Post of Dobb’s Ferry—You will be pleased to order the persons sent to you by Colo. Canfield to be kept as close prisoners untill further Orders can be taken respecting them.  With much Regard I am Dear Sir Your most obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 29 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands. August 29. 1782.

                  The enclosed was handed to me this morning—I am informed by an officer who is present, that such is the case with the boats assigned to other divisions, and that where the boats appear to be tight, while they lay empty in the water—as soon as a number of men get in them, and sink the seams below, which were above the water, they leak very much.  I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath

                Enclosure

                        Dear sir,
                        August 29. 1782

                     I do not know what service the Boats we have lately drawn are to be put to—but I am fearful they will disappoint us—the most of those in this Division are so leaky that they cannot carry half the Burden they ought to do if they were in good Order—I suppose it is known that we have not received Oars for them.  I am dear Sir, very respectfully your obedt

                        J. Huntington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Humpton, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Humpton, Richard

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 29th Augst 1782

                  The Sergeant has delivered Your Letter of the 21st inclosing two Courts Martials & the Returns of Recruits in Phila.
                  Inclosed is an Extract from Genl Orders respectg Sergt Bourge; who upon your recommendation is pardoned.
                  The proceedgs of the other Court Martial are returned to you—The Court have Tried & sentenced Wm Taylor to Death—In your Letter you mention him under the Name of Wm Robinson, as a person proper for an Example, because he is the same person who had been pardoned by me (for a like Offence) when I was last in Phila.—You will be pleased to explain this Matter—I fancy the Man has an Alias Name which has not been noted in the proceedings of the Court.  I am sir Your &c.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                     Sir
                      29 August 1782

                  You are hereby appointed to the command of West point and its Dependencies—But as the Army will lay for some time upon Verplanks point, you will consider yourself as releived, ’till further orders, from the care of attending to that post—Stoney Point and Dobbs’s Ferry, which are part of the dependencies—except so far as relates to their being constantly supplied with the proper quantity of Ordnance Stores.
                  I have so thorough a confidence in you and so well am I acquainted with your ability and activity, that I think it needless to point out to you the great outlines of your duty—I recommend the following matters to your attention.
                  To visit the Redoubts frequently—see that they are kept in proper order—that the Garrison’s allotted to them are alert—and that they make it an invariable Rule to sleep within the Works.  They should each be furnished constantly with ten days Wood and Water, and if the Contractors keep up such a Magazine of Salt provision upon the Point as they ought to do by Contract, the detached Works should be provided with ten days provision also.
                  The Rolls to be frequently called—No Officer to be absent without your leave, and no non Commissioned Officer or soldier without the leave of a Feild Officer.
                  The Quarter Master having reported a scarcity of Tents, you will be pleased to remove the 10th Massachusetts Regt into the Barracks, that their tents may be delivered up.
                  No Buildings either public or private to be erected without your knowledge, and when applications are made to you for that purpose, you will, if the applications are admitted, direct the commanding Engineer to point out the situations, that they may not interfere with the defences of the place.
                  The public Buildings now carrying on, and the alterations and repairs of the Works will engage your particular attention.  You know the necessity of bringing them to a certain state before the Frost sets in.  Given at Head Quarters at Newburg the 29th of August 1782.

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters August 29 1782

                  Agreable to your desire Inquiry has been made into the reasons of Dr Vaché being deranged from Service.
                  Inclosed is copy of General Clintons Letter on that subject—From that and from what I can learn it appears that the Doctor had been absent from his Regiment a very long time before the Arrangement took place and that his ill State of Health renderd him unfit to continu in Service—these reasons it seems influenced the Officers of the Line in deranging him and tho he at first objected, yet from what Genl Clinton says—it was afterwards understood that he Acquiesced—and his going home immediately and remaining there to this day without any application whatever—serves to confirm this opinion.