Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 13 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 13th Decemr 1778

Upon my arrival here I found your favor of the 5th: Your own letter communicated the first hint that I ever recd of any representations or reports made by the Board of War to Congress respecting you or your command in Philada. The Board some little time ago applied to me for a Regiment or two to be stationed at Philada and Trenton to do the Town Duties and guard the Stores, alledging that the militia complained of the hardship of being turned out for these purposes. I have accordingly ordered down Colo. Hogans Regt of North Carolina which is as much as I can, with propriety, spare. I have never heard, nor is it my  wish to be acquainted with the causes of the coolness between some Gentlemen composing the Board of War and yourself, I most sincerely hope that they may never rise to such a height as to oblige either party to make a public matter of it, as I am under more apprehensions on account of our own dissentions than of the efforts of the Enemy. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Yr.


Title: From George Washington to George Emlen, 13 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Emlen, George

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 13th Decemr 1778

  I recd your favr of the 20th November, respecting the damage done to your farm by the Army in the Fall 1777, and am not a little surpd that General Mifflin should refer you to me when he well knows that

    this is a business clearly within the line of the Quarter Masters department, & that every Acct of the kind is to be settled by him, up to the date of General Greene’s appointment to that Office in March 1778. For Such purposes as these it was, I thought, the late Sum was put into his hands. I am sorry you should have delay & difficulties to encounter, and that I am obliged to refer you back to the only Gentn whose proper business it is to settle with you. Be pleased to make my Compliments to Mrs Emlen. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Fleury, 13 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Fleury, François-Louis Teissèdre de

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 13th Decemr 1778

  I recd your favr of the 2d upon the Road between the North River and this place. I also at the Same time recd a letter from the president of Congress upon the same subject—In answer to which I have informed him, that, in my opinion, the application to the French Minister plenipotentiary for a renewal of your Furlough would be made with more propriety by yourself than by Congress, and that could you obtain further leave of Absence, I should, agreeable to my promise to you, take an occasion of employing you in a manner suitable to your

    Rank and deserts, whenever an opportunity offered of doing it without interfering in commd with the Officers of the line. I have also mentioned to the president my good opinion of your former Merits and services, of which I still entertain the same favorable Ideas.
I imagine the French Officers to whom you allude are Genl du Portail and the Gentlemen of the Royal Corps of Engineers. They are in a very peculiar situation. They were particularly requested from the Court of France and their services granted for a limited time; that time being nearly expired, the States must either sollicit their leave of Absence to be prolonged or they will be under a necessity of returning home. Upon this principle I desired Congress to express their wishes to the Minister plenipotentiary that Genl du portail and the Gentlemen of his department might if agreeable to themselves, be allowed to remain in America.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 13 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 13th December 1778.

  Since my last of the 7th I have been honored with your favors of the 5th 6th and 8th instants with their inclosures, to which the proper attention shall be paid. I have made the Report of the Committee on Canada Affairs the subject of a particular letter which I have the

    honor of transmitting by this conveyance. I am with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

    Go: Washington

P.S. Lieut. Colonels Harrison and Hamilton went to Amboy on Monday last to meet the British Commissioners but the Weather had been so extremely bad that they had not met on Friday.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 13 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

    Sir,
    Head Quarters Middle brook [N.J.] 13th Decr 1778.

It has not been in my power to return an answer to your favor of the 6th Instt till now. The letter met me on the road, seperated from my papers, and I did not reach this place till late on the 11th; since which I have been much employed, in attending to the disposition for hutting the Army; but in the mean time the objects of the dispatch have engaged my utmost consideration.
The earnest desire I have to pay the strictest compliance in every instance with the views and instructions of Congress, cannot but make me feel the greatest uneasiness when I find myself in circumstances of hesitation or doubt with respect to their directions. But the perfect confidence I have in the justice and candor of that honble body, emboldens me to communicate without reserve the difficulties which occur in the execution of their present order; and the indulgence I have experienced on every former occasion, induces me to imagine that the liberty I now take will not meet with disapprobation.
I have attentively taken up the report of the Committee of the 5th (approv’d by Congress) on the subject of my letter of the 11th Ulto on the proposed expedition into Canada. I have considered it in several lights, and sincerely regret that I should feel myself under any embarrassment in carrying it into execution. Still I remain of opinion from a general review of things, and the state of our resources, that no extensive system of co-operation with the French, for the complete emancipation of Canada, can be positively decided on, for the ensuing year. To propose a plan of perfect co-operation with a foreign power, without a moral certainty in our Supplies; and to have that plan actually ratified with the Court of Versailles, might be attended in case of failure in the conditions on our part with very fatal effects.
  If I should seem unwilling to transmit the plan as prepared by Congress, with my observations, it is because I find myself under a necessity (in order to give our Minister sufficient ground to found an application on) to propose something more than a vague & indecisive plan; which even in the event of a total evacuation of these States by the Enemy, may be rendered impracticable in the execution, by a variety of insurmountable obstacles. Or, if I retain my present sentiments,

    and act consistently, I must point out the difficulties as they appear to me which must embarrass his negotiations, and may disappoint the views of Congress.
But proceeding on the idea of the enemy’s leaving these States before the active part of the ensuing Campaign, I should fear to hazard a mistake as to the precise aim and extent of the views of Congress. The line of conduct that I am to observe in writing to our Minister at the Court of France, does not appear sufficiently deliniated. Were I to undertake it, I should be much affraid of erring through misconception. In this delemma I would esteem it a particular favor to be excused from writing at all, on the Subject, especially as it is the part of candor in me, to acknowledge, that I do not see my way clear enough to point out such a plan for co-operation as I conceive to be consistent with the ideas of Congress, & that will be sufficiently explanatory with respect to time & circumstances to give efficacy to the measure. But if Congress still think it necessary for me to proceed in the business, I must request their more definitive & explicit instructions, and that they will permit me, previous to transmitting the intended dispatches, to submit them to their determination.
I could wish to lay before Congress more minutely the State of the Army, the condition of our Supplies, and the requisites necessary for carrying into execution an undertaking that may involve the most serious events. If Congress think this can be done more satisfactorily in a personal conference, I hope to have the Army in Such a Situation before I can receive their answer, as to afford me an oppertunity of giving my attendance.
I would only add, that I shall chearfully comply with the directions of Congress relative to making every preparation in our power for an Expedition against Niagara; and for such further operations to the Northward as time & circumstances shall enable us to carry on. Measures for this purpose have been taken in part for sometime past, and I shall pursue them vigorously. The subject has long engaged my contemplation, and I am thoroughly convinced of the expediency & policy of doing every thing practicable, on our part, for giving security to our Frontiers, by the reduction of those places which facilitate annoying them, and even for accomplishing the annexation of Canada to the Union. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

    Go: Washington

P.S. I have detained the letter to the Marquiss till your further Instructions. The Waters have been so high as to prevent the Express setting out yesterday, with this dispatch, as was intended.

  G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to William Rogers, 13 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Rogers, William

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 13th Decemr 1778

I have your favr of the 4th. As I have no power to make the appointment of Chaplain to the Garrison of Philada which is sollicited by you, I can only recommend it to you to make your application to Congress who are alone competent to grant your request, if they think it proper. I thank you for your professions of Regard and am with Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Peter Scull, 13 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scull, Peter

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 13th December 1778

In consequence of your favr of the 5th I shall take the first opportunity that offers of ordering Israel Dodge to Fort Pitt and shall direct him to call at Philada on his way.
Mr Hoogland Adjt of Sheldons Regt of Dragoons is employed by the Colonel to provide the Regimental Cloathing for the ensuing Year. He goes to Pennsylvania as the most likely place of procuring leather Breeches for which I must desire the Board to give him a Credit upon the Makers. As it will be more convenient to draw their Cloth Cloathing from the Eastern department, be pleased to give directions to Messs Otis and Andrews to furnish the necessary quantity agreeable to the Regimental Returns, which will be furnished by the Adjt. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: General Orders, 14 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Camp Middle-Brook [N.J.] Monday Decr 14th [17]78
    Parole Middle-BrookC. Signs Nash—Oxford—

  Much of the sickness among the Troops seems to have been occasioned by the improper method adopted in forming many of the Hutts last Winter; Some being sunk in the ground and others covered with Earth; To avoid consequences of a similar nature as far as in our power from occuring again, The Commander in Chief directs,

    that all the officers on the ground see that their men observe the Instructions of the Quarter Master General in the formation of their huts—That they be roofed with boards, slabs or large shingles; That the men be not suffered to dig into the ground (except so far as to level the surface) or to cover their huts with earth or turf.
The officers will likewise see that their men erect bunks or births to keep them off the ground and proper conveniencies in their huts for the purpose of preserving their Arms and Accoutrements from being damaged.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 14 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

    Sir.
    Hd Qrs Middle brook [N.J.] 14th Decr 1778

  Your favor of the 2d Inst. meet me on the road to this place.

  I shall give directions to-day to the Adjutant General that the men of your Brigade who are on particular guards on this side the North River, be ordered to their respective Regiments. I am Sir &

  G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 14 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

    Dear Lee,
    Head Quarters [Middlebrook, N.J.] 14th Decr 1778

The bearer has my horse in exchange for your Mare. He takes with him another which I am willing to give for the old Mare you mentioned to me (if she has not quite passed her teeming time) he is of the same age of the other—bought at the sametime—of the same person, & has given sufficient proofs of his goodness. He has been foundered, & not yet perfectly recovered of it; for which reason, & having no inclination to impose upon the public, you may take him upon tryal to be replaced next Campaign by another if the founder should render him unfit for Service—No duty is to be expected of him this winter.
I do not want the Mare to be sent to me, my wish is to send her and the other to my Seat in Virginia—Do you know of any good & safe oppertunity of doing it? Were you not to have sent a Horse to me to look at for my own riding? Will you come & dine with me to day? I am Yr sincere friend & Affecte Hble Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 14 December 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Princeton [N.J.] 14 Decr 1778

  Considering the number of the disaffected in the County of Monmouth, it will be difficult for the loyal Citizens of that County to oppose the Enemy aided by the open junction or at least the secret co-operation of the Tories. To call to their assistance the Militia of any the other Counties in Expectation of an Event that may or may not happen, will be attended with much Inconvenience & in case it should not happen give considerable umbrage; I Should therefore think a few continental Troops might be posted in that County to great Advantage; particularly to prevent the trade with New York & that at least some of the Dragoons would be better accommodated in those parts than almost any where else, & that too with Provender which unless consumed by them will doubtless get in the hands of the Enemy in some way or other—I make thus free to give my opinion because I think it my duty to state which seems to be devoted, by the British forces as the theatre of spoil & destruction as long as they remain in America. But as to the Propriety of the measure when weighed in the great ballance of the general Interest & in connection with your Excellencys Ideas of the best disposition of your Troops in

    that Comprehensive View I do not pretend to be a competent Judge. I am with great Esteem Dr Sir.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 14 December 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Princeton [N.J.] 14 Der 1778

Taking in consideration the Enemy’s cruelty towards many of the Citizens of this State their Prisoners in New york not taken in actual Service, & therefore not considered by the continental Commissary of Prisoners (& who indeed seems to look upon his negotiating their exchange even for the Enemys citizens captivated by ours as matter of grace & not immediately in the line of his duty), as exchangeable for the British soldiery prisoners with us & that in the mean time their citizens in the above predicament are out on parol, & complimented with such Indulgence as is not likely to induce the Enemy to exchange them for ours who are confined in jails & otherwise treated with rigour. From these considerations I say as well as that of the better supplying our people in Captivity with Provisions our Legislature at their last sitting passed a Law appointing a Commissary of our State Prisoners, and authorizing him to treat them (subject to the directions of the Governor) as the Enemy treat the Subjects of this State in their power.
There are now in this Village a number of British Prisoners on their way to Elizabeth Town to commissary Beaty. They are Marriners lately belonging to the english Ship which stranded on our Coast on her voyage from Hallifax to New York with several Captains of Vessels passengers on board of that Ship. As they surrendered themselves prisoners of war to the Inhabitants of New Jersey not on duty as Militia nor consequently in the pay of the united States, (which had undoubtedly altered the matter) I cannot but consider them as prisoners of this State in particular in contradistinction to Such as are either taken by the regular standing troops of the united States, or the Militia of any particular state in their immediate pay & service, & as such exchangeable by this State for its own particular Inhabitants in captivity with the Enemy. But I should be glad of your Excellency’s Sentiments on the Subject, & am with the highest respect Dear Sir your Excellency’s &ca.


Title: From George Washington to George Measam, 14 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Measam, George

    Sir.
    Head Quarters Middle brook [N.J.] 14th Decr 1778.

I received your two letters of the 1st and 4th Inst. this morning.
For the present I think it will be best to Store the cloathing forwarded to your charge by Otis and Andrews, where you now are, at least till my further orders on the subject.
It cannot be determined precisely what number of Shirts hose—shoes—and hats we shall want in this quarter; however you need not be apprehensive of our having too many of either. You will be pleased to send a proportion of each to this side of the North River, keeping a reserve for those troops on the other. I am &c.

    G. W——n

P.S. you will inform me of the number of overalls on hand—A large number will be wanted.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 14 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Poor, Enoch

    Dr Sir
    H.Q. [Middlebrook, N.J.] 14 Decr 1778

This morning Captn White handed me your favor of the 5th Inst.
While I am willing to gratify your inclination in a visit to your family I could wish at the same time, that it might be as short as convenient with your affairs. It is by no means certain how long we shall continue inactive. It is expedient therefore to have as many as possible of the general and other  officers with the army this winter, least a small change in circumstances should render their presence indispensibly necessary. You will I am persuaded accommodate your stay to these sentiments.
The arrangement is not yet definitively settled, But I would imagine the officers, may be ordered to take their respective commands agreeable to the late arrangement; as I have no doubt of its being ultimately confirmed by Congress. I am Sir Your most hble servt

    G.W.

P.S. I inclose you a news paper by which you will observe that Congress have confirmed the arrangement. It came to hand since writing the above.


Title: To George Washington from Malachi Treat, 14 December 1778
From: Treat, Malachi
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Malachi Treat, 14 Dec. 1778. On 19 Jan. 1779, GW wrote to Treat: “I recd yours dated 14th but the month not mentioned.” With the exception of urgent messages delivered by express riders, most letters sent to GW from Albany took over a week to arrive, so Treat probably wrote his letter on 14 Dec. rather than 14 January.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 15 December 1778
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

    My dear Sir
    Jamaica Plain [Mass.] December 15 1778

  I have for some time waited in vain for the pleasing occasion of congratulating your Excellency upon the evacuation of the United States by the British troops; but can delay no longer writing you a few lines. My tour was far more agreeable than can be generally expected so late in the fall. Genl Gates being orderd to Boston, while I was at Weathersfield in the neighbourhood of Hartford, I tarried a day longer than designd at first, that I might have his company which threw me upon thursday the fifth of November, the only bad day’s journey I met with while from home. Was thankful upon my return <yet> to find, that family & friends were in the like comfortable circumstances as when I left them. Business increases upon my hands so that I am obliged to rise early, that I may finish it with comfort by night. By means of my using the candle while the sun is in the east, instead of after he has visited the west, I am master of myself & have no interruption; & I know not when upon the whole I have found myself in better health. I shall now prosecute my historical labours with unwearied diligence, during the winter season in which cowardice may <leave> the enemy. I am puzzled what conclusions to draw as to their future operations, one while leaning this way, & another that; but I most sincerely wish

    they would take themselves away, acknowledge our Independence, & be at peace with the whole world. I am wear<ied> with war. You must be much more so. It ruins the morals; destroys humanity; & weakens citizenship. We all rejoice most heartily when our swords & spears give place to the ploughshare & pruning-hook; & men shall leave off to destroy <illegible> the Continent. I long the more earnestly for this period, from knowing, that many of our military men have lost sight of the principle upon which they set out, & are making a profitable bargain with our country before they lay down their weapons. Officers who have visited this way have spoken very unguardedly, not to say more, & some who have rank in the field were better pleased, that Genl Sullivan made a good retreat from Rhode Island; than they would have been had he succeeded & taken Newport, for then, they said, they should have <soon> be no longer wanted. When the soldier once comes to place his heart upon the pecuniary reward he is to receive he commences a mercenary whether he fights under a Washington or a Clinton, an American or a British standard. I would pray your Excellency to be upon the watch, that so you may observe the first openings of any wrong propensity in officers or soldiers, & may give it an early check, in which you may serve the interests of the Continent little less tha<n y>ou have done in the military line. There are some points that require the utmost delicacy & address. If <mutilated> Congress & the Army misunderstand each other the liberties of the country may be lost—they will certainly be endanger’d. The United States, unless reduced by a foreign power must not admit of their representative Body’s being controlled or directed by any other than their own power, & that in a way corresponding with the Articles of confederation. I shall not suspect that I need make any apology to your Excellency for my writing thus, when I mention my having heard, that some months back the officers sent a petition to Congress so improperly worded that in justice to themselves they could not but treat it with disrespect—that a number of field officers were to meet from the several regiments this month at Hartford—& that a threatning somewhat was presented to Gen. Nixon from the sergeants of his brigade respecting the Bay State, a copy of which I have seen. It will give me the acutest pain, if, when delivered from foreign foes Heaven should punish us for our enormities by internal <riots and> civil discord. Should that be the unhappy lot of America, after all the glory she has acquired in the estimation of the world, I shall be like to seek Some <obscure> retirement for self & partner. But infinite wisdom & goodness I trust will prevent those confusions, which generally end sooner or later in the disgrace of their promoters. Whatever changes may await America in your day, may your Excellency’s

    honour, prudence, courage & happiness remain uninjured; & when your existence changes its form at death, may you appear with distinguished glory among those who have fought the battles of the Lord against the powers of darkness, subdued their corrupt inclinations, & overcome all their spiritual enemies thro’ Jesus the Captain of their salvation—thus prays your sincere & hearty friend & humble servant

    William Gordon

    Should you visit Virginia this winter, may the prospect of old scenes produce new pleasures! Mrs Gordon joins in affectionate regards to Self & lady. May my respects to you <Suite>.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

    Sir
    [Middlebrook, N.J., 15 Dec. 1778]

Without loss of time you will provide and deposit at Albany Sail cloath rigging, pitch, Junk, Iron, and every other material for shipbuilding. I cannot at this instant give you either the kind or dimensions of the vessels which are to be built as it is necessary for me to advise with good naval judges on this occasion before I resolve; but that you may have some data for your government, say, four square rigged vessels of twenty guns each, or ten large stout row gallies.
You will have an exact account taken of all the batteaux which now are, or can be repaired, and got in order for hard service, by the middle of April next, and transmit the same to Major Gen. Schuyler at Albany. This account is me[a]nt to comprehend all the batteaux on Hudson river, and such others as can be spared and transported from the Delaware to the former. Information of this kind will enable Gen. Schuyler to fix upon the number of new ones to be built—and your deputy in that department will receive orders from him accordingly.
  You are to form magasines of forage at Albany, and other places under the directions you will receive from Gen. Schuyler, and you are to provide at Albany a number of felling axes, 3,000, and a full and complete assortment of intrenching tools; in doing those regard is to be had to such as can be spared from this and other posts, after the

    hutting is completed. All new made tools should, besides having the public mark, be stamped with the initials of the makers name, that impositions may more readily be detected and justice done the public, as great complaints are made of the bad quality of our tools.
It may also be necessary to provide bags for the transportation of short forage. The number necessary will be best known by a consultation with the officers at the head of that department and the means of obtaining them. It will be proper also to know, whether a number of sleds (no matter how coarse and rough) could be had at a sudden call, and fat cattle sufficient obtained to draw them.
A number of ship and other carpenters should be provided at Albany for the various purposes there wanted. Their particular applications will be directed by Majr General Schuyler. Given at Head Quarters Middle brook this 15 day of Decr 1778.

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 15 December 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    New Brunswick [N.J.] 15 Decr 1778

Since my troubling your Excellency with mine of yesterday’s date on the Subject of having some of the Troops stationed in Monmouth, I received a petition this morning from several of the Inhabitants of that County, expressing in very moving terms their distress, & imploring my application to your Excellency for the above purpose. One of their militia Battalions has gone through such a severe Course of duty, as to be almost worn out & dispirited—The other principally consists of disaffected persons & is not to be depended upon. Perhaps about 400 of the continental troops stationed in that County in three different divisions that is one at middletown point, the other at middletown, & the third at Shrewsberry might be sufficient for a guard, & prevent that insufferable communication & traffic Constantly carried on between New York & the first & last of the three places mentioned—Did I think this application inconsistent with the general interest I can not persuade myself that my partiality for this State could induce me to make it, but I chearfully submit my opinion to your Excellency’s superior Judgment & have the honour to be.


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners, 15 December 1778
From: Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners
To: Washington, George

    Camp [Middlebrook, N.J.] Decr 15th 1778

Report of Lieutenant Colonels, Robert Hanson Harrison & Alexander Hamilton Commissioners &ca—To His Excellency General Washington—
We, the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency for the purposes specified in the powers to us given on the 30th of November last—Beg leave to Report—
That in pursuance of Your instructions, we repaired to Amboy on Monday the 7th instant at 11 oClock; where we continued till friday evening the 11th before we were met by the Commissioners on the part of His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton, who had been detained ’till that time by impediments of Weather.
That the next day we had an interview with them on the business of our commission; in which they immediately objected to our powers, as not extending to the purposes they had in view—declared the object of our meeting had been misunderstood, and after a short conversation, put an end to the conference.
That their intention, as communicated to us, was—that the exchange of each of their Officers should necessarily involve the exchange of a certain number of their privates also; and consequently that the whole of our Officers, prisoners in their hands, should be exchanged for a part only of the Officers of the Convention troops, with a proportion of private men to discharge the balance in their favour; whereas the line of conduct prescribed to us, both by the resolution of Congress and your Excellency’s powers founded thereon was, “that Officers of equal rank should be first exchanged, after which if it should be necessary, an equivalent of inferior for superior Officers; and if agreably to that equivalent all the Officers of the Enemy should be exchanged, and a balance of prisoners remain in their hands, then an equivalent of privates was to be settled, according to the customary proportion or such proportion as might be agreed on”.
  That the British Commissioners in the course of the conference having urged certain inconveniences, which in their opinion would result from the separation of all the Officers of the Convention troops from the men, by a general exchange, in order effectually to obviate that objection, we thought ourselves authorised by our instructions to make them an offer, which we accordingly made, to exchange whatever part of the Convention Officers, they might think proper for an equal number of our Officers in their possession of equal rank, as far

    as the relative state of numbers would permit. This proposal, however, they totally declined.
That after the interview, we received a Letter from the British Commissioners containing reasons, which they had before assigned verbally—for their refusal to conduct the negotiation on the terms proposed in our instructions; a copy of which letter and of our answer, we beg leave to subjoin for your Excellency’s perusal.
This put an end to the business of our meeting and we have taken the earliest opportunity to return to Camp and report our proceedings to Your Excellency; which we hope will meet with your approbation.

  Rob: H: Harrison
  Alexr Hamilton


Title: General Orders, 16 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Camp Middle-Brook [N.J.] Wednesday Decr 16th [17]78
    Parole SouthboroughC. Signs Tudor Ulster—

  Major General Lord Stirling is to take the command of the three Virginia Brigades.

  The regimental Pay-Masters are to bring in their Pay-Rolls to the Pay-Master General for November when they apply for October’s Pay.


Title: From George Washington to John Beatty, 16 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Beatty, John

    sir
    Head Qrs [Middlebrook, N.J.] Decr 16th 1778

Sir Henry Clinton having called for the return of our Officers on parole; You will take the earliest occasion after receipt of this to call for the immediate return of the Convention and other Officers, if any other there be, who have been permitted to go to the Enemy on parole; or for the purpose of being exchanged, if it has not been accomplished by his releasing an equal number required by you; or unless he immediately does it. In your demand of the Convention Officers, you will not include Lieutenant General Burgoyne. Mr Mersereau who is in these parts, it is probable, can furnish you with a more accurate list of the Convention Officers, under the above description, than you may have before received.
As the order for recalling the Convention & Other Officers on parole, is founded on the measures Genl Clinton has taken with respect to Ours, who had receivd a like indulgence; if he should countermand his order for their return—the directions I have given you, concerning the Convention and Other Officers on parole, are to be dispensd with. I am sir Yr Most Obedt sert

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 16th Decemr 1778

As I expect shortly to be called upon by Congress to lay before them a general State of the Army with our Resources and prospects for the ensuing Campaign; I am collecting from the Gentlemen at the Heads of the several great departments their opinions of the present and future prospects of supplies in their respective lines.
Your department (including Forage) being of the utmost consequence and the one in which I fear we shall be most distressed, I am to request you will draw me up such a state as will enable me to point out to Congress in a summary manner in what Articles you are most apprehensive of a deficiency—whether such deficiency is likely to arise from a real or artificial scarcity, and what will be the most probable means of remedying such evil. There are perhaps other matters, which do not strike me, which it would be proper and which you would wish to have represented to Congress. If there are I would wish you to include them, and I assure you that no exertions of mine shall be wanting to put them upon such a footing as will conduce to the good of the Service and to the ease and reputation of your Office. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 16 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

    Sir.
    Head Qrs Middle Brook [N.J.] Decr 16th 1778

Since I had the Honor of addressing you on the 13th the Gentlemen appointed to meet Commissioners from Sir Henry Clinton have returned to Camp. Your Excellency will find by a Copy of their Report No. 7, which, with the other papers respecting the meeting, is inclosed, that an Exchange of prisoners has not taken place.
  As an exchange has not been effected, and Sir Henry Clinton has called for all our Officers on parole; I shall, in consequence of the Resolution of the 19th Ulto, order the Commissary of Prisoners to

    require the immediate return of the Convention and any other Officers with the Enemy on parole. I do not mean however, to include General Burgoyne in the demand, unless Congress should direct it; as there appear to me, many political reasons for permitting him to remain in Britain in his present temper. But if Congress should differ from me in opinion on this point, I shall be happy to be informed, that measures may be pursued for his recall. I have the Honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 16 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

    sir
    Head Qrs [Middlebrook, N.J.] Decr 16th 1778

I received Yesterday the Inclosed Letter from Colol Butler; with one addressed to myself. As far as the interview requested depends on my concurrence there will be no objection; and whatever place may be thought proper for the purpose, will be agreable to me. I would add, however, if you meet Colonel Butler, that Elizabeth Town point appears to me most convenient for the occasion. I am sir Yr Most Hble servant

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 16 December 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 16th Decmr 1778

I have not any thing new to inform Your Excellency of, save that I have sent Coll Shrieve with his Regt to New Ark to take the command of that & second River, till further Orders.
  It seems necessary to lighten this place with respect to finding wood; Forrage, and even Quarters if possable. I have inclosed You a Letter from General Jones to Genl Skiner with Genl Leslies pass to Vanmater; all which I think very extraordinary, after what was setled with his Lord ship (or rather what they setled) I ordered this Vanmater back immediately and His Lord ship had ordered the others home before, but the inclosed shews that they had been apointed to come here long before His Lord ship knew any thing of the Matter.

    & I have good reason to think that they are collecting their friends from different parts and provideing passes for them on their arival here, and refusing all others. They turned back two Woomen the day before yesterday who had passes from the State of Pennsylvania and Indorsed by Your Excellency, on which I have stop’d all their friends from going in and desired them to go to their homes. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servant

    Wm Maxwell

N.B. I have beged Lord Stirling would in form Your Excellency of what he knows of those Matters.


Title: From George Washington to Officer Commanding Pulaski’s Corps, 16 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Officer Commanding Pulaski’s Corps

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 16th Decemr 1778

I am informed by the Qr Mr General that you have returned to Easton with the Horse of Count Pulaski’s and Colo. Armands Corps, not being able to procure Forage at Minisink or in that Neighbourhood. It will not be possible for you to remain at Easton without the greatest inconvenience to the service, as you must consume that Forage which is necessary for the Teams upon the communication and a great deal of that which is intended for this Camp. Colo. Hooper the Dy Qr Mr Genl has directions to canton the Horse under your command in such places as he shall find least liable to the objections above mentioned, you will therefore be directed intirely by him and remove to such place as he shall point out. That no more Forage may be consumed than is absolutely necessary you are to divest yourself of all supernumerary Waggon and Baggage Horses and of all Dragoon Horses unfit for service, which are to be Delivered up to Colo. Hooper who will dispose of them in a proper manner. You are to take particular care that the Officers attend to their Men and Horses that they may be kept in good order and ready to be collected for service at a Moments warning. I am &c.


Title: General Orders, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Camp Middle-Brook [N.J.] Thursday Decr 17th [17]78
    Parole Vandalia—C. Signs Wales—Yarmouth—

  All the Artillery attached to the Brigades in this Camp are as soon as the Weather will permit to join the Park at Pluckimin.
The Commissary of hides is hereafter carefully to deposit all the horns of the Cattle killed for the Army with the Commissary of Military Stores, who is hereby directed to have them converted into Powder horns for the use of the troops as fast as they are delivered him—The strictest attention to the execution of this order is expected.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas, Lord Fairfax, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax of Cameron, Thomas Fairfax, sixth baron

    My lord,
    Camp at Middle brook State of New JerseyDec. 17th 1778.

  I have just been informed that Mr Tomison Ellzey has, under the idea of waste land, entered in your Lordships Office part of my purchase of Simon Pearson or William Ashford, lying in Fairfax County

    and on or near Dogue run—These Lands are included within ancient marked bounds by which I purchased them, and have regularly, & I trust satisfactorily paid your Lordship the quit rent these fifteen or twenty years.
I am perswaded I need do nothing more than to bring your Lordship acquainted with these facts to stay the iniquitous and I may add dirty & sneaking proceeding of Mr Ellzey—I therefore beg that this letter may be received & considered as a caveat to the issuing of a Patent to that person for any land adjoining those of mine abovementioned till I can be heard; when, if I do not make it appear that I neither hold, nor claim lands that have not been paid for in the transfer & regularly to your Lordship by quit rent ever since, I will agree, not only to loose them, but forfeit my whole Estate also.
Your lordship must be sensible that at this distance, seperated from my Papers, and engaged in the important duties of my command, that it is not in my power to go into an investigation of this matter at present and I repose too much confidence in your known justice to harbour a moments doubt that my local situation and confinement to the Army, will operate to my disadvantage in your Office tho it may have had no small weight in the conduct of Mr Ellzey. whose hopes, I am perswaded, were built upon my absence. With sentiments of the most perfect respect, & best compliments to Colo. Martin—I have the honor to be Yr Lordship’s Most Obt & Most Hble Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

    Sir.
    Middlebrook [N.J.] Head Quarters 17th Decr 1778.

I have to acknowlege your favor of the 23 Ulto.
General Heath by a letter towards the beginning of last month informed that there were some sick officers and men of the Convention troops, and some officers having families, who could not proceed with the other troops to Charlotte’s Ville by a land march; and their going by sea was proposed. I did not think myself authorised to decide in the matter—and therefore refered it to Congress—who have been pleased to direct me to act on the occasion as I might judge best. I shall have no objection to your giving permission to the officers and men under the above description, with their attendants to go by sea to the falls of James River—if it should be their choice—as it will be a less fatiguing—and a more expeditious mode of conveyance. From thence they can proceed to the place assigned for their general quarters without any great difficulty. If they deem a water conveyance eligible, I must request you to obtain an exact return of the officers and men—and the paroles of the former—that the whole will perform the voyage and go to Charlotte’s Ville. You will also be pleased to give the necessary pass-ports for the vessel or vessels they may imploy for the purpose.
I have detained this answer for some days, in expectation that a meeting of Commissioners on our part, and on the part of Sir Henry Clinton to settle an exchange of the convention prisoners would have precluded the necessity of their voyage—But the commissioners have broke up without being able to negociate the exchange. I am sir Your most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle brook [N.J.] 17th Decr 1778.

I inclose you the copies of two letters for your consideration. The one my letter to Mr Wadsworth on the quantity of provision which he may be able by his utmost exertions to lay in at Albany, and on Connecticut river from No. 4 (or fort Charles) up to the lower Co’os inclusively, by the first day of February next; and whether he could keep a large army to the Northward regularly supplied?
In his answer you will observe that a principal objection to our supplies being certain, is the precariousness of carriage.
Under the idea, that the adequate proportion of flour may be obtained for such an army as is supposed in my letter, you will determine, whether it is in your power to give it a certain and uniform transportation.
I shall expect your answer, and am, Sir Your very hble sevt

    Go: Washington

P.S. The above letter and the inclosures will serve to afford a more comprehensive view of the subject which I have already mentioned to you.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 17 December 1778
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Minisink [N.Y.] 17th Decr 1778

Since my arrival here which has been much retarded by deep Snows, heavy Rains and consequently high Waters I have been honoured by the receipt of your Excellencies favour of the 26th Ultimo.
  I cant find that Count Polaskies Horse can be accomodated so near this place as to be able to afford any assistance—the Forage they have already consumed has distressed the Settlement—indeed the Country is too rough for Horse to act to advantage. the Count has made application to Col. Hooper D.Q.M.G. at Easton for Quarters for the

    Horse who says he must send them 40 Miles beyond Easton, if that be the case I beleive I must call on the Garman Regt which Genl Clinton tells me lies at Easton subject to my Orders.
The Count has rightly informed your Excellency as to Coles Fort, Pienpack the Sittlement of the greatest consequence in its Vicinity being in a great Measure distroyed—yet there are some Fortified Houses above Coles Fort where I intend to place a few Foot. I beleive I shant be able to make a General Dispotition of the Troops in this Quarter untill Count Polaskies Departure it will take me that time to gain a sufficient Knowledge of the Country.
If your Excellency approves and the Intelligence I receive from the Susquehanna be favourable, I wish to join Col. Hartly at Wioming (which is no more than Seventy Miles from this place by a good Road,) and attempt the reduction of the Indian and Tory Settlements remaining on the East Branch of Susquehannah and Delaware—I have given directions to Colonel Courtland to prepare for such an Event, Genl Clinton has at my request Ordered 300 pair of Snow Shoes to be made at Albany—& I have written to Colonel Hartly at Sunsbury and Col. Butler at Wioming for their Advice and Information in several Matters respecting that Country.
As it will be impossible to travel on Snow Shoes without Mockasons, I must request Your Excellencys leave to have som pairs made of Neats Leather—Provision &ca may be carried on Sleighs to Wioming from thence some Pack Horses will be wanted, therefore Pack Saddles (easily made in the common mode) must be immediately procured, an Active Q.M. & Commisary should be appointed for the Expedition, I shall also be under the necessity of troubling your Excelly for an Order for soom Boxes of spare Amunition, an additional supply of Blanketts, Shoes, & Stockgs and a number of warm Mitts & Caps if to be had.
Tho Horses will be Hurt by travelling in the Woods at this Season of the Year, they will never theless live & perform a journey—Every Indian Village you pass thro affords good Pasturage the Horses Scrape the Snow from off the Grass which remains Green throughout the Winter—the Indian Traders in Pease always traveled from Fort Pitt to the Indian Towns in January and February.
I beg to know your Excellencies Sentiments on the Subject of this Letter By return of the Express as the Season will not admit of Delay. I am Sir with much respect Your Excellys most Obedt Humble Servant

  Edwd Hand


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston and Joseph Reed, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William,Reed, Joseph

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 17th Decemr 1778

To prevent as far as possible the intercourse between the inhabitants of these States and the enemy in New York, I have given positive orders to Genl Maxwell, who commands at Elizabeth Town, to permit no persons being inhabitants of or coming from any of the States to pass to Staten Island or New York without permission has been first obtained from their respective Governors or legislative Authorities. This will releive the commanding officer from the difficulty which he must otherwise be under of discriminating between ill designing persons and those who are proper to be intrusted within the Enemy’s lines: But as a too frequent passage of Flag Boats is attended with many inconveniencies I could wish that as many as possible, of those who obtain leave, might be sent at one time. For instance if it shall be determined that Boats will only be permitted to pass the first of every Month (except in extraordinary cases) they may suit their Business to that time and attend accordingly. If you approve of the above plan be pleased to signify your concurrence, and I will give orders to Genl Maxwell to carry it into execution. I am the more desirous of falling upon some such mode as the foregoing, as, when I was lately at Eliza. Town, I found the intercourse so common that it alarmed and gave umbrage to the well affected in that neighbourhood. I have the honour &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 17 December 1778
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

    Dear sir
    Camp at Reading [Conn.] Decemr 17th 1778.

Altho I have not had the happiness to receive a single line from your Excellency, since I took upon myself the Command of this Division, yet I think it my indespensable duty to continue to inform you of the situation of affairs in this department. The Troops have at this time got their Hutts in good forwardness, notwithstanding the interruptions they have met with, from a succession of bad weather; they have already begun to remove into them, and will I hope in the course of a few days be comfortably cover’d.
  I found it absolutely necessary that an Inspector of Division should be appointed, who might also act as Adjt Genl to the same—I have with the concurrance of the Brigadiers directed Col. Meigs to do that

    duty untill your Excellencys pleasure should be known. A Quarter Master of Division I have likewise orderd to be appointed, which I presume will meet with your approbation.
From the East, to the North River (sinse the removal of the light Troops from Bedford) a large space of country has been laid open to the Enemy to furnish them with provisions equal to their Exigences. By the efficacy of Solid Coin, and the ardent Zeal of their friends, to promote their Interest, I am well inform’d several hundred head of fat cattle have been drove into the Enemies lines, besides a large number of Swine, not less than forty or fifty in a drove, as an officer, who was at the lines with a flagg can testify from ocular demonstration—And to remove the wonder how so large quantities of provision can be furnish’d from such an exhausted Country, your Excellency will please to consider, that the Inhabitants near the Enemies lines, purchase, and drive from one stage to another, whatever stock they please, till they get them within the Enemies immediate power, and upon their being plunder’d by the Enemy, (as they say) a new supply is to be obtain’d in the same manner and for the same purpose. The fact however is the Markets in New York were scarsely ever better supply’d nor for a long time at so moderate prices. Beef has fallen from half a Crown to two Shillings and Sixteen pence pr pound.
Upon these representations, which were made to me, from the best Authority, of the plentifull supplies the Enemy constantly Receiv’d from the Country, I have consulted the Brigadiers under my Command, on the subject of sending small parties down towards the Enemies lines, to prevent these practices, to repulse any of their small partys which might penetrate too far into the Country, and to obtain whatever intelligence may be collected, as specified in your orders to me, and to which I shall pay the most strict and precise attention.
But as the word small is a comparitive term, I thought proper to strengthen my own opinion with regard to the numbers necessary to be sent, by that of others: They have advised to send a Field officers Command of two hundred men, to Round-Hill or that Vicinity; to whom I shall give the same orders respecting property, which I Receiv’d from you. But still some embarresment may remain to the officer, who will not presume without further directions, to drive back any Cattle, unless on the most positive proof of their being design’d for the Enemy—even tho (as the case now exists) there were several pair of Oxen as far down as Rye, which were lately purchased from the Country, and are fed in the best manner, for what purpose your Excellency can determine as well as I.
  I would not presume to dictate, or impose my sentiments on you, but only to suggest, whether, by a co-operation of the parties from

    General McDougall’s Division, on the North River, with those from mine on the East, the Country might not be more effectually cover’d, than at present it is.
And as to the Article of Forage within the Enemies reach, and of which they are more in want than of any other supply; I could wish to know whether any thing should be done to prevent their availing themselves of it, and whether that which cannot be brought off ought in any case to be destroy’d. On Long Island they are using their utmost exertions to procure whatever Hay can possibly be spared by the Inhabitants—two Men are appointed in each Town, to make a Return of it, and to assist in collecting it from a verry considerable distance to Lloyd’s-Neck. Most of the Enemies Cavalry is on the West-End of the Island, which makes the demand so pressing—some of their Troops are stationd as far Eastward as Jericho, Oyster-Bay, Lloyds-Neck, and about Sixty Horse are foraging at Setaket-South, so that the Inhabitants by what they suffer from their Ravages, and that of the Refugees, and other free-looters from this side, are reduced to the most unhappy situation. These are a sett of Lawless men, who under sanction of Commission’d Boats think they have a right to commit every enormity, and that they are not responsible to any body for their Conduct. They have some of them Robbed on the high-Road and burglariously taken the property of the Inhabitants from their Houses. Unless they are restrained, and under some controul, they may still continue to attribute their Vilainy to the Detachment of Lieut. Col. Gray, station’d at Norwalk, as they have already done, tho’ I am fully persuaided, that party has been scrupelously exact in not injuring the property of an individual.
I must beg your Excellencys patience for a moment longer, whilst I mention the Complaints I have Receiv’d; That several Loads of Flower purchased in the State of New York by the Commissaries for the use of the Troops in the Western parts of this state, as they were on the road from thence by the Governors permission, have been seized by some of the Inhabitants and Sold at Vendue, and this in more than one Instance—should a repetition of this conduct take place, not only the Troops in that Quarter, but those which I am about to send, will be necessitated to leave the Country at the Enemies discretion for want of Provisions; I wish your Excellencys attention to the subject.
  I am informed by the Brigadiers that a supply of ammunition will be necessary for the Troops, and should be obliged to your Excellency to be inform’d from what Quarter it is to be obtain’d. I am also desired by Generals Parsons and Huntington to learn from whence Commissions are to be procured for the officers promoted upon the

    new Arrangement. I am with great Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Hble Servt

    Israel Putnam

P.S. It was thought best by the Brigadiers that a Field Officers Command should be sent to the place I have above mentiond; and a succession of Patrolss and Small parties kept from that down towards the Enemies Lines.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sheldon, Elisha

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 17th Decemr 1778

I am glad to find by yours of the 8th that your Regiment is like to be so well accommodated at Durham. I have never had any representation against its being quartered near that place, neither can I conceive why you can interfere with the provision of Beef for the Army more there than any where else in the State.
Should Congress see a probability that the operations of the next Campaign will require an augmentation of the Cavalry I make no doubt but they will give proper orders to have it done in time; but the prospect of a scarcity of Forage is so alarming and the price of Horses so excessive that I am of opinion they will incline rather to decrease than augment the Cavalry.
I have given Mr Hoogland a letter to the Board of War, and he is gone to Philadelphia to procure such Articles for your Regt as can be furnished there. I imagine the Uniforms will be ordered from Boston. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Stevens, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stevens, Ebenezer

    sir.
    Head Qrs [Middlebrook, N.J.] Decr 17: 1778

  I have the pleasure to transmit you the inclosed Commission and the Copy of a Resolution of Congress that accompanied it. I received the Letter which inclosed the Commission on my way from Fredericksburg; but being separated from my papers just after it came to

    hand—and not getting the Letter again till a day or two ago, I have been prevented from sending the Commission till now.
In consequence of your Commission and the Resolution of Congress—you are to join Colonel Lamb’s Regiment and fill the vacancy, occasioned by the resignation of Lt Colo. Oswald. I am Sir with esteem Yr Most Obedt sert

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

    Dear Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.]17th Decemr 1778.

I have your favr of the 11th inclosing a letter from C——. when I desired an interview with him I did not know his peculiar situation. I now see the danger that so long an absence would incur and I must leave it intirely to you to manage the correspondence in such a manner as will most probably ensure safety to him and answer the desired end. I am &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 17 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

    Dear Lund,
    Middle brook [N.J.] Decr 17th 1778.

Since my last from Elizabeth town, I have arrived at these my Quarters for the Winter; and have received your Letters of the 25th of last month and 2d of this; and have also heard of Mrs Washingtons safe arrival at Philadelphia. The list of Horses has come safe, but I thought their had been more of them.
  I observe what you say in your Letter of the 2d Instt respecting the measurement of Marshalls land—I have already, in a letter about the last of November, given you full directions on this head, and in the one from Elizabeth town desired you to fix the quantity at 500 Acres, to save trouble; but to get it lower if you can, as, from Memory, I think the number of Acres less than that; but could tell almost to a certainty if I could have recourse to my Papers—however, I again repeat, that I had rather fix it at that quantity than let the matter

    lie open, or run the hazard of disputing with him about bounds. In short, than to delay a moment; for as I have mentioned to you in some former letters, I shall not be in the least surprized to hear that he has hit upon some expedient (if in consequence of his Sale he has not made purchases wch he may be equally desirous of fulfilling) to get off his bargain with you; for when he comes to find that a barrel of Corn which usually sold for 10/ well now fetch £5 & so with respect to other Articles, he will soon discover that the great (nominal) price which he got for his land, is, in fact, nothing, comparitively speaking; for by the simple rule of proportion, he ought to have got £20 at least; as I would, in the best times of money, have given him 50/ or more for his land by the Acre. but this under the rose—We need not open his, or the eyes of others to these matters, if they do not already see them—This leads me to say, that I am affraid Jack Custis, in spite of all the admonition and advice I gave him against selling faster than he bought, is making a ruinous hand of his Estate—& if he has not closed his bargains beyond the possibility of a caval, I shall not be much surprized to hear of his having trouble with the Alexanders; notwithstanding your opinion of Bobs disposition to fulfil engagements. Jack will have made a delightful hand of it, should the money continue to depreciate as it has lately done, having sold his own land in a manner for a Song, & be flung in his purchases of the Alexanders. If this should be the case, it will be only adding to the many proofs we dayly see of the folly of leaving bargains unbound by solemn covenants. I see so many instances of the rascallity of Mankind, that I am almost out of conceit of my own species; & am convinced that the only way to make men honest, is to prevent their being otherwise, by tying them firmly to the accomplishmt of their contracts.
I like your method (in case of necessity) of giving work instead of building Houses, in the exchange with Barry—the one may be reduced to a certainty, the other cannot—In the one case, it is nothing to you whether the Carpenters work or play—in the other, you may have trouble & vexation, not only on acct of their idleness, but misconceptions, & a thousand little matters which may be edged in under the idea of doing the Work well—neat &ca &ca.
  I do not know what kind of a Conveyancer Arrell is—(he is big enough to draw a good Deed)—but as size does not always qualify a man for such business, I wish you to get Mr Harrison to look them over, or draw them himself (he has promised this)—I wish with all my heart you had got Stones Land at 10 Dollars pr Acre when it was offered, as I have no expectation of your getting it at that price now. What money you may have in your hands of mine, after complying with all my contracts, & the Debts I owe, may be put into the

    Continental loan office—you must receive from Weedon such Sum or Sums as he is disposed to pay on General Mercers Acct. In doing this, begin with his first Bond (for I think there are 4 of £500 each, or 5 of £400) and go regularly on with the principal & Interest of each—It runs in my head that the first of these bonds was sent to Colo. Lewis to be tendered to a Mr Blair, of whom I bought Colo. Mercers Land on four miles run, and that he (Blair) declined receiving it; whether I am right, or wrong in this matter, I cannot be positive—If the first of these Bonds (from Mercer to me) is not among my bundle of Bonds, it must have been applied as above; or is yet in the hands of Colo. Lewis, as I am pretty confident that no money was ever paid to me by Mercer or his Executors.
  In a letter which I have lately received from Mr James Mercer, in answr to one of mine, he says, he is pretty confident that the four Miles run Land bought of him, and the attorney of his Brother, was acknowledged in the General Court (that it was to have been so, I perfectly remember) and that my Bond for the payment of his Brothers moiety must be, he thinks, in the hands of Mr Neil McCool the joint attorney with Blair. When Custis went last from Camp I desired him to examine the records of the General Court & see if this deed was among them, duely executed. I have since heard (from him) that the Papers of the General Court are at Richmond; but nothing more of the matter committed to his charge; tho he has promised to satisfie himself & me by sending there—The reasons for my being thus particular to you at this time, are—that I want, first to be satisfied, that the Land is properly conveyed to me—and secondly, that I may discharge my Bond to the attorney, or attorneis of Colo. Geo. Mercer; James Mercers part being to be paid by a discount of so much out of the Sum he owes me. To effect the first, write to Custis, reminding him of my anxiety to obtain information on this head—and if you find that the land is properly secured, endeavor to hunt up McCool, whose wife saved him, it seems from banishment, while the other, Blair, coming under the description of an Act, that rid the State of Virginia of a good many Scotch Laddies is no longer a non-resident among you. If McCool has the Bond, as Mr James Mercer thinks he must, make him a tender of the money; if he refuses to receive it, place it in the loan office agreeable to the Laws of the state. If he has not the Bond, nor you cannot learn where it is, I think some such advertisement as the one inclosed, might be inserted in the Virginia Gazette; but if you should have an oppertunity I wish you to consult Colo. Mason on the Subject previous to the insertion of it, that every thing may be placed upon a clear & fair footing. I have been in some kind of doubt respecting the propriety, & the equity of paying Interest on the Bond, as I have been always ready—willing—& even upon the hunt after it,

    to discharge the obligation of it. I do not recollect with certainty the Sum I was to pay for this Land, & the amount of the Bond; but think it was £800 the whole sum, & that my Bond passed for £400. If the credit in my Books do not shew, I cannot now inform you; & application if you cannot get at the Bond, must be made to Mr James Mercer for information.
I think Captn Brooke must be misinformed with respect to Tomison Ellzeys entry, so far as it relates to me. I am morally certain there is not an inch of waste land within the bounds I claim to; and which are old and anciently marked. I have run every line by the Deeds, and found the Corners, & marked Trees—that line between Johnston & me from the road down to the hiccory, by my fence, was thinly marked; & may have had those that were formerly there (when I bought the Land) cut down, as I never could prevent a tresspass on that Quarter by Darrell &ca. I know of no Man more capable of such a practice than Ellzey, but think he is upon a wrong scent in the present case—however, as it is a matter I never had the most distant suspicion of, and rely upon memory, which may deceive me, it will be proper for you to make more particular enquiry into his conduct and if you find he is engaged in such a dirty piece of business, forward the inclosed letter immediately to the proprietors office, to stop a Patent till I can be heard. The line from the hiccory abovementioned to Dogue run, is, if my memory does not much deceive me, thick marked; but the Corner tree on the run decayed (a Beech) & I suppose e’re this, fallen. the run from thence downwards is the boundary; I can not therefore find out upon what ground he can possibly found, or lay an Entry.
I wish, every now and then, that you would take a look at the Land I bought of Mercer, to prevent Trespasses, which very probably may be continued upon the old plan, as I am told that almost every body adjoining, & near to it, made free with the Timber; for which, and its contiguity to Alexandria, it is mostly to be valued. There is one Ball near to the land acquainted with the lines—get him to shew them to you, and to have an eye to the Land. that no tresspass is committed.
If you get Marshalls Land secured to me, it will behoove you to exert yourself to get some Meadow upon it, & to put the other Meadows in good order against I see them; or, notwithstanding my hearty assent to your getting Morris’s land, I shall look to the meadow at that place with a grudging eye. Has the Meadow at the Ferry Plantation, wch in some former letter you informed me was much injured by an uncommon rain storm, recovered the damage it then sustained? Are the bare places repaired? and is the Grass well taken over the whole Ground that was Seeded?
  One reason for my wishing you to consult Colo. Mason on the Advertisemt respecting the Money due to the attornies of Colo. George

    Mercer is that this is an English debt, and I am unacquainted with the laws or practice of the Estate respecting them—as I have (supposing the fact to be so) got the Land, I am willing to pay the money, but choose to be safe in doing of it; and therefore wish you to consult proper judges on the occasion.
My Letter to Lord Fairfax is under a flying Seal for your perusal—before you send it to him, put Wafers under the Seal to close it. I am sincerely & affectionately Yrs

  Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 18 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Camp Middle-Brook [N.J.] Friday Decr 18th 1778
    Parole AlcebiadesC. Signs Bangor Cyrus—

  The honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolutions.

  November 24th 1778
Congress took into consideration the report of the Committee of Arrangement and thereupon came to the following resolutions.
Whereas the settlement of Rank in the Army of The United-States has been attended with much difficulty and delay, inasmuch as no general principles have been adopted and uniformly pursued—Resolved—therefore that upon any dispute of Rank the following rules shall be hereafter observed—
1st For determining rank in the Continental line between all Colonels and Inferior Officers of different States, between like Officers of Infantry and those of Horse and Artillery appointed under the Authority of Congress by Virtue of a Resolve of the 16th of September 1776 or by virtue of any subsequent resolution prior to the first of January 1777, all such Officers shall be deemed to have their Commissions dated on the day last mentioned and their relative rank with respect to each other in the Continental line of the Army shall be determined by their rank prior to the 16th day of September 1776—This rule shall not be considered to affect the rank of the line within any State or within the Corps of Artillery, Horse, or among the sixteen additional Battalions where the rank hath been settled; but shall be the rule to determine the relative rank within the particular line of Artillery so far as the rank remains unsettled.
2nd In the second instance preference shall be given to Commissions in the New-Levies and Flying-Camp.
3rd In determining rank between Continental Officers in other respects equal proper respect shall be had to their Commissions in the Militia where they have served in the Continental Army for the space of one month.
4th All Colonels and inferior Officers appointed to Vacancies since the 5th of January 1777, shall take rank from the right of Succession to such vacancies.
5th In all cases where the rank between Officers of different States is equal, between an Officer of State Troops and one of Cavalry, Artillery, or of the Additional Battalions, the Precedence is to be determined by lot.
6th—All officers who have been prisoners with the Enemy, being appointed by their State, and again enter into the service shall do it agreeable to the above rule; that is to say; All of the rank of Captains and under shall enter into the same Regiment to which they formerly belonged and if such Regiment is dissolved or otherwise reduced, they shall be intitled to the first Vacancy in any Regiment of the State in their proper rank after the officers belonging to such Regiment have been provided for.
  7th The rules of rank above laid down between Officers of

    different States are to govern between Officers of the same State, except in cases where the State may have laid down a different rule or already settled their rank.
8th A resignation shall preclude any Claim of benefit from former rank under a new appointment.
Whereas from the alteration of the establishment and other causes many valuable Officers have been and may be omitted in the new Arrangement as being supernumerary, who from their conduct and services are intitled to the honorable notice of Congress, and to a suitable provision until they can return to civil life with advantage.
Resolved, therefore that Congress gratefully acknowledge the faithful services of such officers, and that all supernumerary officers be intitled to one years pay of their commissions respectively to be computed from the time such officers had leave of absence from the Commander in Chief on this account: And Congress do earnestly recommend to the several States to which such officers belong to make such farther provision for them as their respective circumstances and merits intitle them to.
Whereas it will be for the benefit of the service that some rule for promotions be establish’d Therefore Resolved, That it be recommended to the several States to provide that in all future promotions Officers rise regimentally to the rank of Captain, & thence in the line of the State to the rank of Colonel except in cases where a preference may be given on account of distinguished merit.
Resolved—That all officers who have been in the service and having been prisoners with the Enemy, now are, or hereafter may be exchanged, or otherwise released shall, if appointed by the Authority of the State, be intitled in case of vacancy to enter into the service of their respective State in such rank as they would have had, if they had never been captured; provided always that every such officer, do within one Month after his exchange or release signify to the Authority of the State to which he belongs his release, and his desire to enter again into the military service. Resolved—That every officer so released and giving notice as aforesaid shall until entry into actual service be allowed half pay of the Commission to which by the foregoing resolve he stands intitled; Provided always that in case of his receiving any civil office of Profit such half pay shall thenceforth cease.
Resolved—That no Brevets be for the future granted except to officers in the line, or in Case of very eminent services.
Resolved—That Pay-Masters not being of the rank of Captains, Quarter Masters and Adjutants be intitled to receive twenty dollars pr month subsistence Money in lieu of rations.
  Resolved—That all officers and persons employed on the Staff shall

    receive for subsistence money one third of a dollar for each extra ration heretofore allowed them.
Resolved—That Adjutants, Pay Masters and Quarter Masters taken from the line be again admitted into the rank they would have been intitled to had they continued in the line: And such Adjutants, Pay-Masters & Quarter Masters not taken from the line, may be admissible into the line in such subaltern ranks as by a signed certificate from the Field Officers of their respective Corps they shall be deemed competent to.
  December 10th 1778.
Resolved—That the twelve months pay allowed to supernumerary officers of the Army by a resolution of the 24th of November last be made up in the Pay-Rolls of the Regimental Pay-Masters and drawn from them by the said officers respectively.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Clark, 18 December 1778
From: Clark, Thomas
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Paramus [N.J.] Decr 18th 1778

On the 7th Inst. late in the afternoon, I received your Excellency’s Orders to remove from the Clove to Paramus, on the 8th & 9 I called in the Several Commands from the passes of the Mountains, intending to March on the 10th, but was prevented by bad weather ’till the 11th when I march’d & reach’d this place—from the scattered Situation of the Buildings, the Soldiers are not Quartered in So compact a manner as I could wish, but the attention & vigilance of the Officers will I hope make up for this inconvenience—I have left a Sergeant and 12 men at Ringwood and an Officer & 50 at Kakiate & Since the removal of Col. Febeger I have found it necessary to keep a Strong guard at the New Bridge, little ferry & Liberty Pole, for the purpose of cutting of[f] all intercourse between the Inhabitants & New York—I will take care that the Soldiers do not burn the fences or commit any disorderly acts—20 men (out of 34) that lately deserted from the Convention troops, were brought to me yesterday, taken up by the Inhabitants & guards, I purpose Sending them to Morris Town Gaol, tomorrow. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s most Obt & very Humble Servt

  T. Clark


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 18 December 1778
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Albany Decembr 18th 1778.

Enclosed I send Your Excellency a return of the Troops in this Department, by which, you will see the Disposition which I have made of them on the Frontiers, for the present, untill I receive your Excellency Sentiments thereon.
I am sorry to inform your Excellency that the Small Pox hath made its appearance among us. by a Letter from Coll regnier I am informed that the Inhabitants of Connigohary, are much afflicted with it; many of his men being liable to catch it, put him under the necessity of inoculating them—it hath also shewn itself in Col. Gansvoort’s regiment four of them have taken it the natural way, to prevent any ill consequences, I ordered near one hundred of the regiment properly officered to Schanectady to be put under inoculation, having previously consulted Doctor Treat.
From an Hospital return, I find that there are a number of men whose health woud permit them to join their respective Regiments—but as they are entirely destitute of either Cloaths or money, the Inc[l]emency of the Weather, will not admit of their being sent—I shoud be glad to have your Excely Pleasure concerning them.
As the Snow is two feet deep on the Frontiers, I have ordered, one hundred pair of Snow Shoes to be made, as it is difficult for the Troops to take such Steps to gain Intelligence of the Enemy’s movements, as the Service may require, without them—however every acct seems to confirm the general report that Butler & Brant with their Banditti are moved to Neagara, so that I hope they do not intend us another visit this Winter.
I have not had the pleasure of seeing Genl Schuyler since I came to town, as he still remains at Saratoga with his famely—they are soon expected, to spend the remainder of the Winter here.
When any thing of Importance falls out, I shall not fail communicating it to you. I have the honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Servant

  James Clinton B. Genl


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 18–30 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin

    My dear Sir,
    Head Qrs Middle Brook [N.J.]Decr 18th[–30th] 1778.

You will be so obliging as to present the inclosed to the House when oppertunity, & a suitable occasion offers. I feel very sensibly the late honorable testimony of their remembrance—to stand well in the good opinion of my Countrymen constitutes my chief happiness; and will be my best support under the perplexities and difficulties of my present Station.
The mention of my lands in the back country was more owing to accident than design—the Virga Officers having sollicited leave for Colo. Wood to attend the Assembly of that commonwealth with some representation of theirs respecting their claims, or wishes, brought my own matters (of a similar nature) to view; but I am too little acquainted with the minutiæ of them to ground an application on or give any trouble to the Assembly concerning them. Under the proclamation of 1763 I am entitled to 5000 Acres of Land in my own right—& by purchase from Captns Roots, Posey, & some other Officers I obtained rights to several thousands more—a small part of wch I Patented during the Admn of Lord Dunmore—another part was I believe Surveyed—whilst the major part remains in locations, but where (without having recourse to my Memms) and under what circumstances, I know not at this time any more than you do, nor do I wish to give trouble abt them.
  I can assign but two causes for the enemys continuance among us, and these balance so equally in my Mind, that I scarce know which of the two preponderates—The one is, that they are waiting the ultimate determination of Parliament—the other, that of our distresses; by which I know the Commissioners went home not a little buoyed

    up—and sorry I am to add, not without cause. What may be the effect of such large & frequent emissions—of the dissentions—Parties—extravigance—and a general lax of public virtue Heaven alone can tell! I am affraid even to think of It but it appears as clear to me as ever the Sun did in its meredian brightness, that America never Stood in more eminent need of the wise—patriotic—& spirited exertions of her Sons than at this period and if it is not a sufficient cause for genl lamentation, my misconception of the matter impresses it too strongly upon me, that the States seperately are too much engaged in their local concerns and have too many of their ablest men with-drawn fr<om> the general Council for the good of the common weal—in a word, I think our political system may, be compared to the mechanism of a Clock—and that our conduct should derive a lesson from it for it answers no good purpose to keep the smaller Wheels in order if the greater one which is the support & prime mover of the whole is neglected. How far the latter is the case does not become me to pronounce but as their can be no harm in a pious wish for the good of ones Country I shall offer it as mine that each State wd not only choose, but absolutely compel their ablest Men to attend Congress—that they would instruct them to go into a thorough investigation of the causes that have produced so many disagreeable effects in the Army & Country—in a word that public abuses should be corrected—& an entire reformation worked without these it does not, in my Judgment, require the spirit of divination to foretell the consequences of the present Administration, nor to how little purpose the States, individually, are framing constitutions—providing laws—and filling Offices with the abilities of their ablest men. These, if the great whole is mismanaged must sink in the general wreck & will carry with it the remorse of thinking that we are lost by our own folly and negligence, or the desire perhaps of living in ease & tranquility during the expected accomplishment of so great a revolution in the effecting of which the greatest abilities & the honestest men our (i.e. the American) world affords ought to be employed. It is much to be feared my dear Sir that the States in their seperate capacities have very inadequate ideas of the present danger. removed (some of them) far distant from the scene of action & seeing, & hearing such publications only as flatter their wishes they conceive that the contest is at an end and that to regulate the government & police of their own State is all that remains to be done—but it is devoutly to be wished that a sad reverse of this may not fall upon them like a thunderclap that is little expected. I do not mean to designate particular States—I wish to cast no reflections upon any one—The Public believes (and if they do believe it, the fact might almost as well be so) that the States at this time are badly represented—and that the great & important

    concerns of the nation are horribly conducted for want either of abilities or application in the Members—or through discord & party views of some individuals. that they should be so, is to be lamented more at this time, than formerly, as we are far advanced in the dispute & in the opinn of many drawg to a happy period—have the eyes of Europe upon us—& I am perswaded many political Spies to watch—discover our situation—& give information of our weaknesses & wants.
The story you have related of a proposal to redeem the paper money at its present depreciated value has also come to my ears, but I can not vouch for the authenticity of it. I am very happy to hear that the Assembly of Virginia have put the completion of their Regiments upon a footing so apparently certain, but as one great defect of your past Laws for this purpose, has lain in the mode of getting the Men to the Army, I shall hope that effectual measures are pointed out in the present, to remedy the evil & bring forward all that shall be raised—The embargo upon Provisions is a most salutary measure as I am affraid a sufficiency of flour will not easily be obtained even with money of higher estimation than ours. adieu my dear Sir I am Sincerely & Affecly Yrs

    Go: WashingtonPhila 30th

P.S. This Letter was to have gone by Post from Middle brook but missed that conveyance, since which I have come to this place at the request of Congress whence I shall soon return.
    I have seen nothing since I came here (on the 22d Instt) to change my opinion of Men or meas[u]r[e]s but abundant reason to be convinced, that our Affairs are in a more distressed, ruinous—& deplorable condition than they have been in Since the commencement of the War—By a faithful labourer then in the cause. By a Man who is daily injuring his private Estate without even the smallest earthly advantage not common to all, in case of a favourable Issue to the dispute—By one who wishes the prosperity of America most devoutly and sees or thinks he sees it, on the brink of ruin, you are beseeched most earnestly my dear Colo. Harrison to exert yourself in endeavouring to rescue your Country by (let me add) sending your ablest & best Men to Congress—these characters must not slumber, nor sleep at home, in such times of pressing danger—they must not content themselves in the enjoyment of places of honor or profit in their own Country while the common interests of America are mouldering & sinking into irretrievable (if a remedy is not soon applied) ruin, in which theirs also must ultimately be involved. If I was to be called upon to draw A picture of the times—& of Men—from what I have Seen, heard, & in part know I should in one word say that idleness,

      dissipation & extravigance seems to have laid fast hold of most of them. That speculation—peculation—& an insatiable thirst for rishes seems to have got the better of every other consideration and almost of every order of Men. That party disputes & personal quarrels are the great business of the day whilst the momentous concerns of an empire—a great & accumulated debt—ruined finances—depreciated money—& want of credit (which in their consequences is the want of every thing) are but secondary considerations & postponed from day to day—from week to week as if our affairs wore the most promising aspect—after drawing this picture, which from my Soul I beleive to be a true one I need not repeat to you that I am alarmed and wish to see my Country men roused. I have no resentments, nor do I mean to point at any particular characters, this I can declare upon my honor for I have every attention paid me by Congress that I can possibly expect & have reason to think that I stand well in their estimation but in the present situation of things I cannot help asking—Where is Mason—Wythe—Jefferson[—]Nicholas—Pendleton—Nelson—& another I could name—& why, if you are sufficiently impressed with your danger, do you not (as New Yk has done in the case of Mr Jay) send an extra Member or two for at least a certain limited time till the great business of the Nation is put upon a more respectable & happy establishmt. Your Money is now sinking 5 pr Ct a day in this City and I shall not be surprized if in the course of a few months a total stop is put to the currency of it. And yet an assembly—a Concert—a Dinner, or Supper (that will cost three or four hundred pounds) will not only take Men off from acting in but even from thinking of this business while a great part of the Officers of yr army from absolute necessity are quitting the Service and the more virtuous few rather than do this are sinking by sure degrees into beggery & want. I again repeat to you that this is not an exagerated acct—that it is an alarming one I do not deny, & confess to you that I feel more real distress on acct of the pres[en]t appearances of things than I have done at any one time since the commencem<ent> of the dispute—but it is time to bid you, once more adieu. Providence has heretofore taken us up when all other means & hope seemed to be departing from us in this I will confide. Yrs &ca

  G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 18 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

    sir.
    Head Qrs Middle Brook [N.J.] Decr 18th 1778

On Wednesday I had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 12th Instant, with the Inclosures. I very sincerely congratulate you, sir, on the honorable and important station you are chosen to fill. The opinion I entertain of your public character concurs with every personal consideration to make the choice pleasing to me. At the same time, that my warmest acknowledgements are due for the sentiments you express towards me and the polite assurances you are pleased to give; I beg you to believe that I shall, by inclination, embrace every opportunity of giving proofs of that respect & esteem; which I have ever been happy to pay to Your worthy predecessors in Office. I have the Honor to be Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble sert

  G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 18 December 1778
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Philadelphia 18th Decr 177[8]

Your Excellency’s three Letters of the 13th Inst. have been laid before Congress, & the two respecting a certain Expedition & Colonel Fleury are committed.
The Idea of an Interview prevails and there is reason to expect that this useful Measure will be adopted.
I have the Honor of transmitting the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 16th Inst. & am with the greatest Respect & Esteem, Your Excellencys most Obedt & Hble Servt

  J:J:


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 18 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

    Dr sir.
    Head Qrs [Middlebrook, N.J.] Decr 18th 1778

  You will perceive by the inclosed Letter—Commission & Resolution, that Congress have given Lieut. Colo. Stevens an actual

    command in the Artillery. He is to join Colo. Lamb’s Regiment in the room of Lt Colonel Oswald resigned. After reading the Letter you will be pleased to seal it and give the necessary Orders on your part. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obedt sevt

  G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

    My dear Sir,
    Head Qrs Middle brook [N.J.]December the 18th 1778.

I received your official Letter of the 8th Instant, advising that your relinquishment of the Presidency would soon take place, which I see has happened; and assuring me of the respect and esteem you should always retain for me. Permit me in turn, Sir, to assure you in the language of the most unfeigned sincerity, that I hold myself under great obligations for the very polite & satisfactory manner, in which you conducted the Official intercourse that has subsisted between us; and for the flattering marks of confidence and friendship, with which you honored me in a private capacity.
These considerations, and the most perfect conviction of your unwearied assiduity to promote the interest of America, in every instance in your power, have attached me to you, by the ties of the truest respect & affection; And—wherever you may be, and in whatever situation, I shall ever wish you happy—and shall set a high value upon your friendship and corrispondance. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Yr Affecte & Oblig’d Hbe Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Miller, 18 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Miller, Henry

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middlebrook [N.J.] 18th Decr 1778.

I have your letter of the 21st Ultimo, now before me.
A good officer cannot feel more real concern, to find that his domestic affairs, and the circumstances of his family, make it necessary for him to leave the army, than I do myself in loosing his services.

  I always part reluctantly with the officer, who like you, has been early in the cause, and borne his share of military danger and fatigue; and I cannot help wishing that a continuance in the army, could in anywise be made compatible with your domestic duties. But should you fi<nd> this impossible—I suppose I need not tell you that it is customary, in all cases of resignation, to have a certificate that there is no public or regimental account unsettled. You will be pleased to communicate such a certificate, in case you take a conclusive determination to resign. I am Sir Your very hble servt.


Title: To George Washington from Edward Rutledge, 18 December 1778
From: Rutledge, Edward
To: Washington, George

    My dear General
    Charles Town [S.C.] December 18. 1778.

Your much esteem’d Favour of the 5th of October was put into my Hands a few Days ago by General Lincoln; I sincerely thank you for your Recollection of me, and for introducing to my Acquaintance a Gentleman, of his Character and Merit; He is much caressed, & you may be assured that I shall pay him, & every other Person, whom I shall know you to regard, all the Attention in my Power.
  I wish I could prevail on myself to pass over that part of your Letter, in which you remind me of one long since written by you, & unanswerd, for I really blush, when I even think of it; but I cannot be Silent on the Subject, or permit you to entertain the most distant Idea, that a Conduct, which was really founded in Affection, could have proceeded from a different Motive—Believe me my dear General, the true Reason of my Silence, was the uniform Declarations of every Person who came from your Camp that every Moment of your Time, was occupied, by important Business, & tho’ I wished for the Continuance of a Correspondence, which afforded me the highest Satisfaction, yet

    I could not permit myself to add a single Feather to the Weight which already pressed upon you: Affairs however now wear an Appearance very different from what they did, & I will resume with much Pleasure, a Correspondence, which was laid aside with the greatest Regret. You tell me that Matters are much changed in the Army & Politics since we last parted—God knows they are so, & in more Senses than one, in many they afford me very sensible Concern; & if I am not much mistaken in my Conjectures, the worst is yet to come. For if Report, & loud Report too, is to be credited, that Spirit of Cabal, & destructive Ambition, which has elevated the Factious Demagogue, in every Republic of Antiquity, is making great Head in the Centre of these States, & if not soon extinguished, will do more essential Injury to the Cause of America than the Swords of Sir Harry & his whole Army. I have given my Opinion to several Members of Congress with great Freedom on this Subject, & if the Situation of my private Concerns would admit of it with the least Degree of Convenience, I would give it them in person; but they are much opposed to such a Step; & however pleasing it might be to me, to give my Sentiments of Men & Measures, I must at present forego the Gratification. General Lincoln it seems is directed by Congress to undertake an Expedition against St Augustine, but I believe it will hardly be attempted this Winter; the Season is now far advanced, & but few Things in readiness. We have not 1800 Continentals in this State, & your own Experience as well as the untimely Fate of poor Montgomery, has sufficiently taught us, how unavailing it is, to attempt a Siege with an impatient Militia. Should he think himself obliged to it, I shall wish him Success, but if you do not hear that he has planted the American Standard, on the Ramparts of the Castle, you must not be disappointed—The Reduction of the Place is certainly of Importance, to the more Southern States, as it affords Assistance to the Indians, & a Place of Refuge to a Banditti called the Florida Scout, who are committing continual Depredations on the Frontiers, & as they live by plunder, it is not to be supposed that they will cease their Incursions till Augustine is our own: But to have made it so, Congress should have concerted Measures earlier, & better, than they have, for attributing to them the best Intentions; I do not think they will avail—Mr Middleton & Mrs Rutledge desire me to present their best Respects to you, & I beg that you will believe me my dear General to be at all Times & on all Occasions amongst the most sincere & affectionate of your Friends.

  Edward Rutledge