Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 28 November 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Paramus November the 28th 1780

                        We Arriv’d last Night at this place and was much favor’d By the Weather in our Recconnoitring of the island
                            where, I Confess, my feelings were different from what I had experienc’d when looking at these forts with an hopefull
                            Eye—I saw the fatal Centry Clel Gouvion alluded to on an Upper Battery of Jeffery’s hook—I also saw a Small vessel playing
                            of this hook, But quite a trifling thing without guns and But two men on Board—Nothing else on the River But the Usual
                            Guards of Spiting devil.
                        As you have been pleas’d to Consult me on the choice of An adjutant General, I will Repeat here, My dear
                            General, that tho’ I have alwais delt with General Hand on an other point of wiew, his zeal, obedience, and love of
                            discipline have given me a very good opinion of him.
                        (Col Smith has been By me wholly employ’d) in that line and I Can assure you that he will perfectly Answer
                            your purpose.
                        Unless, however you was to Cast your Eye on a man who, I think, would suit Better than Any other in the
                            world. Hamilton is, I Confess, the officer whom I wold like to See in that Station—at equal advantages his Services
                            deserve from you the preference on any other—But his knowledge of Your Opinions and intentions on Military Arrangements,
                            his love of discipline the Advantages he would have on all the others principally when Both Armies Will operate together,
                            and his Uncommon Abilities would Render him perfectly Agreable to you—the Use of him would be Increas’d By this
                            perferrement, and On other points he would Render the Same Services—An Adjutant General ought alwais to be with the
                            Commander in chief—Hamilton should therefore Remain in Your family, and his Great industry for Business would Render him
                            perfectly Serviceable in all Circumstances—on Every public or private Account, My dear General, I would Advise You to take
                            him.
                        I shall on My Arrival at Philadelphia write you how Matters are Going upon which I will Build my private
                            Schemes—But I heartly Wish that Some Account or other from Europe May Enable you to Act this Winter on Maritime
                            operations—I hate the idea of being from you for so long a time—But I think I ought not to Stay idle—at all events I must
                            Return when your immediate Army takes the field.
                        I flatter Myself with the hope of Meeting Mrs Washington on the Road. Adieu, My dear General, Most
                            Affectionately and Respectfully Yours

                            Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 November 1780
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Boston Novr 28th 1780

                        The committee on ways and means have now before them the resolves of Congress of the 4th instant in which
                            part of the necessary supplies for the next campaign are apportioned on the several States—as also their circular letter
                            calling in the most rational and energetic terms for a speedy and punctual compliance.
                        It is with pleasure, I can assure your Excellency, that this State convinced of the necessity, fitness and
                            importance of the requisition are determined to enter seriously into the matter; and that this and raising the men to fill
                            up our battalions will claim their constant deliberations untill compleated; and as far as I can learn the sentiment of
                            the people they will warmly second their views and give the most prominent support & speedy execution to all their
                            resolves.
                        In the same resolve of Congress, it is provided that the articles shall be delivered by the respective States
                            at the several periods therein pointed out; and at such place or places as the commander in chief shall direct. Your
                            Excellency’s early determination on this matter will greatly facilitate the business, save much of the expence and prevent
                            many of the evils, which have been too often felt by delays (some times unavoidable) of land transportation. For the
                            trouble of transporting the salt and driving the cattle on foot bears little proportion with that of transporting the
                            whole after salted—If your Excellency can now determine to what point or points the supplies might finally be drawn,
                            different Magazines may be immediately fixed on in this State to the case of the inhabitants & equally safe and
                            beneficial for the common interest.
                        We are now under the former requisition of Congress for a monthly supply of beef. Whether their last demand
                            is to supercede that or not, or whether it is to come in aid thereto is no where by them fully ascertained. If it is
                            expected that the monthly supply be continued the earliest notice of it should be given to prevent that deficiency in
                            supplies, which an omission of them would necessarily create.
                        The beef on foot is to be delivered at such times and places as the Commissary
                            shall direct—As this supply will be necessary and must be thrown in at different periods, and as provision for the whole
                            which will be demanded prior to the first of May or June must now or soon be made, no step would be more likely to insure
                            a perfect & a regular delivery than a speedy information at what times, places and in what numbers they will be
                            needed and must be had—As the commissary General I know cannot give a full and satisfactory answer without your
                            Excellencys perticular instructions, and as it is a matter of some importance to a regular supply of the army on which
                            depends the success of our arms; and a deficiency in which may render abortive the best concerted plans—I rest assured
                            that your Excellency will excuse my rehearsing this matter to you though Congress in their resolves seem to have placed
                            the direction of it in an other person.
                        As all our success under God depends on a regular ample & constant supply of the army every measure
                            adopted which in its consequences may in the smallest degree tend to render this supply doubtful and uncertain may with
                            decency be pointed out, however dignified and respectable the body in which such a measure had its origin. Whether the
                            following resolve of Congress has that tendency or not your Excellency will judge.
                        "Resolved that if it shall appear on adjustment of the quotas of the several States, that any State has
                            supplied more than its due proportion in value every such State shall be paid the value of the surplus at the rates
                            aforesaid in specie with interest at six percent per annum from the time such surplus shall have been deposited as a bove
                            directed and every State which shall have failed to supply its due proportion shall be charged with the deficiency at the
                            rates aforesaid and the like interest thereon from the time the same ought to have been deposited."
                        By this resolve if we can suppose it possible that any State should think her perticular interest could be
                            promoted seperately from the general good and be so lost to a sense of her sacred obligations plighted in the
                            Confederation she might greatly avail her self. For the several articles do really cost double the money they stand rated
                            at by Congress: hence the deficient State saves all her trouble of collecting & half of her expences at least,
                            while that people who are making every exertion necessary for the support & speedy terminations of the war are not
                            only disappointed in their views, from the neglect of others but are saddled with double expence.Your Excellency will not
                            think I am arrogating to this State when I claim for her the merit of throwing in more then her proportion of the scanty
                            supplies of the last campaign, merit it must be called, for she knew at the time she did it, that she should receive for
                            the ballance in her favor only one half of what the articles cost her in new money, which she was oblige to emit at
                            Eighty prCent discount; this also was done at a time when she might have had for those articles an ample price by
                            supplying our allies in conjunction with others—This matter has been passed over hitherto without many animadversions or
                            much difficulty: but I apprehend if this order is continued without any amendment we shall feel, through the whole of the
                            next campaign the ill consequences of it—Policy and justice will ever call civil socities to encourage and reward the
                            virtuous and leave the delinquent to feel all the evils & ill consequences of his own neglect.
                        I hope Your Excellency will not suppose that any partialty for this State has drawn
                            these observations from me—Was I not convinced that the well being & happiness, if not the very being of the Army
                            may in some measure depend on an alteration of the present system I should have left the ill consequences, which may
                            attend it, to have been pointed out & represented by the civil guardians of the people. I have the honor to be My
                            dear General with every of sentiment of regard & esteem your Excellency most Obedt & most humble servant

                            B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 28 November 1780
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Philadelphia 28 Novr 1780.

                        I  to write a Letter  if I  you to excuse. If I am rightly inform’d of the
                            Situation of the Enemy the Next Embarkation will not leave above 6.000 Men in New York. Supposing this to be the Case I
                            will go on to suppose that the french Troops with 2.000 Militia are thrown upon Long Island and march
                            Westward. That you move down with 10.000 Men to the Neighbourhood of Kings bridge and at a proper Moment throw a Bridge
                            over Haerlem River at Haerlem and cross to the Island with 8.000 Men leaving 2.000 above Kings Bridge.
                            That 1500 Militia are assembled at Elizabeth Town Point and 500 at
                                illegible. In this Situation it appears almost certain that the Enemy would
                            abandon Fort Washington and the adjacent Heights. If so We might take Possession of them, shore up
                            Intrenchments, by Lumbrs from Albany build Huts, and thus keep Possession of that Ground. In this Case The Enemy would
                            probably quit New York and then we might make such powerful Diversions next Year agt Canada and Nova Scotia as easily to
                            recover the Southern States almost by their own internal Strength but especially if Spain should send three thousand Men
                            to operate in that Quarter. If   Enemy should persist in keeping fort Washington &ca they would loose Staten
                            Island & their Fort at Brooklyn. If they abandon Staten Island, strengthen themselves at Brooklyn then they would
                            necessarily loose New York. What would be the Effects of a brilliant Stroke at the close of the Campaign I need not . believe me yours

                            Gouvr Morris


Title: To George Washington from Francisco Rendón, 28 November 1780
From: Rendón, Francisco
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             Philadelphia 28th November 1780

                        On the 24th Inst. I had the honor to receive the Letter with which Your Excellency was pleased to favor me,
                            under date of the 18th by it’s Contents I observe Your Excellency has been so kind as to acquaint me with the Sailing from
                            Sandy Hook on the 15th of Admirald Rodney with five or Six Ships of the Line and a number of Transports all under his
                            Command, their destination being So much reserved that Your Excellency cou‘d not ascertain it, but only think he may go to
                            the Eastward to make a Conjunction with Admirald Arbuthnot, to the West Indies, or to the Southward, not knowing the
                            Number of Troops they had on board.
                        I am highly Oblig’d to your Excellency for the advise of so Important Intelligences, as also for the
                            Conjectures on their Proyects, and according I have imparted them to the Superiour Government of Havana, that they may
                            transfer them to the Officer Generals who are to Operate against the Common Enemy, to whom I dont doubt will be exceeding
                            agreable to warn & direct their Operations to the best end possible.
                        I have the pleasure to acquaint Your Excellency that on the 21st Inst. arrived at this River from the Havana,
                            an American Vessell, the Captain informs me that on the 16th Ulto Sail’d from that Port, the Expedition directed against
                            Pansacola, Composed of Six Ships of the Line, four Frigates, and fifty Transports with four thousand Regular Troops
                            & Militia on board that there were Seven Ships of the Line & Some Frigates Still remaining in that
                            Harbour, & that three more Battle of Ships were daily expected from Vera Cruz (a Port on the Coast of the Gulph
                            & Kingdom of Mexico) where they were sent for the purpose of bringing the Treasure home; On their arrival its very
                            probably will proceed to form the Second Expedition which I had the honor to Impart Your Excellency in my former Letters.
                        I have not received any Packets from the Governor of Havana, because a Vessell that I Charter’d for that
                            purpose sail’d from the Said Port in Company with the one arriv’d here, whose Captain assures me that the other Vessell
                            had my Packets on board from the Govor I expect with the greatest Impatience her arrival, which I think will provide me
                            with a Number of Interesting Intelligences all which I shall make bold to acquaint Your Exccy with. I remain with the
                            utmost respect, Your Excy’s most Obedt and most Humble Servant

                            Francisco Rendon


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 28 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

                            Dear Sir;
                            Morris Town 28 Novr 1780

                        Both your letters of the 25th came to my hands this day. I received with much pleasure the report of your
                            successful enterprise upon Fort St George and the Vessel with Stores in the Harbour—and was particularly well pleased with
                            the destruction of the Hay; which must, I should conceive, be severely felt by the Enemy at this time.
                        I beg of you to accept my thanks for your judicious planning, and spirited execution of this business—and
                            that you will offer them to the Officers and Men who shared the honors of the enterprize with you.The gallant behaviour of
                            Mr Muirson gives him a fair claim to an appointment in the Second Regimt of Dragoons, or any other of the State to which
                            he belongs, where there is a vacancy, and I have no doubt of his meeting with it accordingly if you will make known his
                            merit with these Sentiments in his favor.
                        You have my free consent to reward your gallant party with the little booty they were able to bring from the
                            Enemy’s Works. With much esteem and regard I am—Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 29 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Morristown Wednesday November 29th 1780
                            Parole
                            Countersigns.

                        The General has the pleasure to inform the Army that Major Tallmadge with a party of sixty dismounted
                            dragoons of the 2d regiment surprized Fort St George on Long Island and captured a Colonel, Captain Lieutenant Surgeon and
                            Fifty men in it—That he destroyed the works, burnt a Vessel laden with Stores in the harbour, and the King’s Magazine of
                            Forage at Coram containing upwards of three hundred tons of Hay and returned without the loss of a man having only one
                            wounded—Of the Enemy seven were left dead and mortally wounded at the Fort.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Addison, 29 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Addison, Henry

                            Sir
                            Morris Town 29th Novemr 1780

                        Being accidentally at this place, I met your letter of the 17th, here, this day.
                        Should you obtain the permission which you have requested of the Governor of Maryland, that will be
                            sufficient to convey you safely through the posts of the American Army; as the Officers commanding at them have directions
                            to pay obedience, at all times, to the Acts of the Executive powers of any of the States. I am Sir Yr most obt &
                            hble Servt


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 29 November 1780
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New York Novr 29th 1780.

                        In answer to your Letter of the 20th Inst., informing me that you are authorised to propose a meeting of
                            Commissioners for the purpose of effecting an exchange of all Continental prisoners of War now in my possession, and of
                            the Hostages given in Canada, as well as of all Officers on parole, and Officers Violators of parole, and Militia actually
                            taken in Arms and remaining prisoners of War, for an equal Number of the Convention Troops and others, prisoners in your
                            hands, rank for rank, and where similar ranks will not apply to pursue the Exchange on the footing of Composition
                            &c., I am to acquaint you that I have not the least objection to this proposition, and shall therefore appoint
                            Commissioners on my part to meet such as you may name for the purposes aforesaid; And I shall give to the Gentlemen I
                            propose to send on this business full powers to treat of all Matters respecting it, not only as it relates to the proposed
                            Exchanges, but upon the subject of an adjustment of the Accompts of the Troops of Convention; You are sensible, Sir, that
                            going into this matter will naturally draw along with it an adjustment, also, of all Accompts between the British and
                            American Armies from the Commencement of prisoners being made on both Sides to the present period, comprehending all the
                            different parts where American prisoners of War have been Stationed, as, in Canada, Nova Scotia, and so on to the more
                            Southern Provinces, and as this must take up a considerable time in adjusting, I would propose in the first instance to
                            extend the Exchange now going on, as settled by the Commissaries Loring & Skinner, to the American Officers
                            Prisoners of War remaining on Long Island, against a Division of the Troops of Convention.
                        Major General Phillips will explain this more fully to Messrs Irvine, Mathews & Ely, who will have my
                            permission to go out of New York upon a limited parole. The Meeting of the Commissioners as proposed will Operate, you
                            must be sensible, to a more extensive exchange of the Charles Town prisoners of War.
                        You will receive herewith a passport for the Sloop Carolina packet to proceed to Charles Town, with
                            provisions and Cloathing for the American prisoners at that place, and for the safe return of that Vessel to the port of
                            Philadelphia, agreable to the request contained in Your Letter of the 16th Instant; I cannot, however, consent to the
                            desire of Mrs Mathews and Miss Camber.
                        I am to remind You, Sir, of a request, made in my Letter of the 4th Instant, for a passport for a Flag of
                            Truce Vessel to carry Cloathing and other necessaries for the Troops of Convention in Virginia, not having as yet received
                            an Answer thereto.
                        I deferred taking notice of Your Letter respecting the exchange of Lieut. Morris for John Burke Esqr. of
                            Antigua, until I had an opportunity of seeing Captain Robinson; I am now to acquaint You that I have no objection to that
                            exchange taking place. I am, Sir, Your humble Servant

                            H. Clinton


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 29 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Morris Town 29th Novemr 1780

                        I have received several of your favors lately, but having sent them up to New Windsor among my papers, I
                            cannot answer them particularly—From the general tenor of them—I have thought it best to order the remainder of your line
                            up to Albany to be stationed there—at Schenectady—and as such intermediate posts between that and Fort schuyler as may
                            secure the communication. But it is my wish to have the troops as little scattered as circumstances will possibly
                            admit—more particularly just now—because there is a necessity for the Officers being together to settle the new
                            arrangement of the Army. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 29 November 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia November 29. 1780

                        Your Excellency will receive enclosed two Acts of Congress of the 28th Instant and one of this Day.
                        By one of the 28th, it is ordered, that the Commander in Chief and the other Officers in the several
                            Departments therein mentioned, be furnished with the Journals of Congress for the Use of the Army; which will be
                            accordingly forwarded as far as they are printed.
                        The other of the same Date is explanatory of the late Resolutions of Congress respecting the half Pay of the
                            General Officers.
                        By the last, the Officers who are entitled to keep Horses, and shall have them wounded & disabled in
                            Action, are to receive Pay for them, provided the Horses so wounded and disabled, are delivered to the Department of the
                            Quarter Master General. I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect your Excellency’s most obedient & humble
                            servant

                            Sam. Huntington President

                            P.S. Your Letter of the 20th hath been duly received.


Title: From George Washington to Officer Commanding the New Jersey Brigade, 29 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Officer Commanding the New Jersey Brigade

                            Sir,
                            Morris-town 28th Novr 1780.

                        The Jersey Brigade is placed under the general directn of the Officer Commanding in this State & you
                            are to obey his orders but you are, nevertheless, to attend to the instructions you have already received from me
                            & thou whilst follow—copies of which you are to furnish the Commanding Officer of the State with, that he may give none which may
                            clash with them.
                        You are to leave a detachment of about one hundred Men properly officered, & under the Command of a
                            Field Officer, near Suffrans; at or near the place where the old Barracks stood; where, or on the Height South of the
                            bridge, it may be well to build a block House, proof against Musketry, & calculated for Barracks for the above
                            number of Men, or a smaller number—say 60.
                        You are, in case you should receive such information as you can rely on of the enemys moving up the North
                            River in force to march immediately with the Troops under your Command to West point, giving the Officer commanding there
                            & in the Jersey notice thereof.
                        You are, as far as it is in your power with prudence, to oppose any incursions of the Enemy in the quarter
                            where you lay—particularly in that district of Country between the Passaic & North Rivers.
                        And you are to attend when it is required, or when in your Judgement it is necessary, escort to the public
                            property passing to & from the Army.
                        You are not under any pretence whatever without leave from me to suffer a Regiment to be without a field
                            Officer or a Company without one Commissioned Officer at least.
                        Every horse, public & private, that can possibly be dispersed with is to be sent from Camp as soon as
                            you get to your Ground—the Officers who are intitled to keep horses at public expence in Camp will be allowed for keeping them at a
                            distance.
                        It is expected that the strictest discipline will be maintained by the Troops under your command & no
                            inquiry offered to the persons or property of the Inhabitants. Given &ca this 29th day of Novr 1780

                            Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 30 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Dear Sir
                            Morris Town 30th Novemr 1780

                        The Bearer Mr Buel, who is recommended to me by Governer Trumbull, will undertake to stock a number of the Gun
                            Barrels at Springfield, and repair the old Arms—He has a set of Workmen of his own and will go on with the Business upon
                            Credit, which is a very material consideration: But to prevent the matter being made a job—I think it will be best for you to give
                            orders to the Officers superintending the Elaberatory to have the Barrels sufficiently proved before they are delivered to
                            Mr Buel, as I suspect that they are most of them of the trash kind which Mr Lee charges Mr Deanes Agent with purchasing. I
                            am &c.


Title: To George Washington from William Phillips, 30 November 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York Novr 30th 1780

                        I had the honour of receiving Your Excellency’s letter of the 9th Instant and was made very happy to find
                            that you had been pleased to extend the proposed Exchanges so generally into execution.
                        Agreeable to Your Excellency’s desire I send the inclosed list specifying the name of the Vessel designed to
                            carry the Stores and refreshments to the Troops of Convention, with the name of the Master and Number of Seamen required
                            to navigate her.
                        I propose on my Part to Send only a Commissary with the Assistants mentioned to take charge of the British
                            Stores &c., and Major General De Riedesel is desirous that two of his own Officers may go for the same purpose
                            with respect to the German Cloathing.
                        I shall be glad that You will, Sir, direct the necessary Passports for this Vessel being considered as a Flag
                            of truce, to be Permitted to go to James River in Virginia, and to return to New York whenever the Commission with which
                            this Flag of Truce may proceed upon is compleated. I have the honour to be, Sir Your Excllencys most obedient humble
                            Servant

                            W. Phillips

                     Enclosure

                                Return of Officers and Men of the Ship General de Riedesel

                                    c.30 November 1780

                            Return of the Officers and Men belonging to the Ship General De Riedesel of about 100 Tons burthen, a
                                Flag of truce

                                    Ship’s name

                                    General De Riedesel

                                    Master

                                    William Boyes

                                    Mate

                                    James Balie

                            and fourteen Seamen to Navigate Her.
                            Names & Rank of the Officers, &c. who have charge of the Stores, &c., &c.
                             In charge of the German Stores
                            Captain Gerlach
                            Lieutenant Herstall
                            Corporal Fitsch
                            Bernard Hageler Servt
                            Johan Jacob Buchner Do.
                             In charge of the British Stores
                             Mr Commy Hoakesley
                            Mr Richd Brasil, Clerk
                            Conductor Reilly
                            Serjeant Mudd

                                Wm Campbell
                                Asst Dr Q. M. G.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Sir,

                                November 1780

                        Having already communicated to you my intention to attempt to Surprize the Enemys Posts at the North end of
                            York Island, & prepared you for the part I expect you to take in the conducting of it, I have now to desire
                        That you will on  next (under the most specious pretence
                            that can be devised to conceal the real object) detach as many Officers and Men as with the aid of
                            the Infantry they are to accompany, will be sufficient to manage the Artillery in the Enemys Works, in case they become
                            Master of them.
                        That you will put up in the way least liable to suspicion, a dozen Rockets—three dark Lanthorns & about
                            2000 flat headed Nails for Mufling oars with Green hides—they may be given to the Party of Artillery, or thrown in the
                            way of Genl Hand, as shall be thought best & most likely to deceive.
                        That  boards Inch & half thick, & the greatest
                            length that can be obtained— with  Nails of a proper size to fasten
                            the cross, or foot pieces to them, be also provided, & delivered as above.
                        That you will, under the best colourable pretence, have Scows & Boats in readiness at the Point to throw
                            the Troops across the River as quick as possible in the Evening of the .
                        That you will, if it is not unusual, and is not likely to create suspicion, contrive that the Connecticut
                            Troops, and indeed Artillery also, as a sufficient number of the latter will be required for  Field pieces including that which is at present with the light Infantry, be supplied, or
                            have on hand that day, at least two days provisions.
                        That in the fore part of the same day, you communicate to Genl Huntington & Colo. Smith under the most
                            solemn injunctions of secresy (till the progress of the movements of the Corps under their respective commands will no
                            longer conceal the real object) what the design of it is; that, at the sametime they afford their aid to carry it into
                            execution, they may lend their assistance to mask the design. as likely means as any that occurs to me at present to
                            effect this, is, to hold out the idea that information is received of a design in the enemy to take advantage of the
                            Accident at Verplanks point to possess themselves of that Post—and that these, being the nearest Troops are hurried to
                            its support—while their places again will be supplied from the Cantonment of New Windsor. This deception may continue,
                            & the longer it can be imposed the better, till the Troops pass Verplanks point.
                        That  pieces of Field Artillery, in the Night of that
                            day, be sent to Verplanks point—and Horses be Impressed for them so as to be at that place by day break—but no step is
                            to be taken in this matter that can alarm or give any cause to the Inhabits. to suspect the design till after Midnight; as
                            nothing will give greater jealousy than an Impress of Horses for the Field Artillery to the disaffected who would not
                            require more than 4 hours to convey the Intelligence from the Neighbourhood of Crompond, Peeks-kill &ca to Kings
                            bridge.
                        Orders for the Light Infantry
                        The day the Detachment moves from New Windsor the Officer Commanding it (the Light Infantry I mean) is to
                            send tw o Companies to Bedford where the Officer Commanding those Companies is to receive further Orders—these orders are
                            to go to him through Major Talmadge. the Companies sent there may be those which happen at the time to be on Croton.
                        The day preceeding the Attack At Kingsbridge & towards Sundown the light Infantry is to receive a Sudden
                            & peremptory order to March instantly to Verplanks point to reinforce the Post with every Man that is able—the others
                            with the Women & Baggage may remain, or move to West point—neither Officers nor Men are to be incumbered.
                        At Verplanks point, or at the Fork of the Road leading to it they are to have orders to continue their march
                            towards Kingsbridge with as much dispatch as possible without injury to the Troops. If Small parties, stragglers, or men
                            on passes should be out Officers must be left to follow with them.
                        Genl Hazen.
                        To be directed a day or two before hand to have his Men, their Arms, Ammunition & Cloathing in readiness to
                            be Inspected at the yellow House at 12 Oclock, the day preceeding the Night of the Enterprise—It may be hinted to him
                            that as I am called upon to give an opinion respecting the propriety of continuing or reducing his Corps that I will have
                            it examined by a good judge if I cannot be there myself before I determine.
                        About 4 OClock he may have a peremptory order to March every Man that is fit for duty to Dobbs Ferry where he
                            will receive further orders.
                        The Relief for Hazen’s Regt
                        Is to march the same day that the operating detachmt goes from the Encampment, and to Quarter in the Houses
                            at & nearest to Smiths Tavern. The next day they are to reach the Block House, where he may be told Hazens Regiment will
                            join him the day following—& that that Officer will deliver over his Instructions to him.
                        Towards the Evening of the (third) day and wch is the Evening preceeding the Night of Attack he must have
                            Orders to proceed immediately to Dobbs’s Ferry where he will receive further orders.
                        Colo. Smith
                        Is to be informed of the Orders given to Hazen, and the Regiment which marches under the idea of a relief to
                            him.
                        He is to detain all the Boats which may be at the Post at Dobbs Ferry—To discover without any appearance of
                            design, what Boats are at the Slote and some time after dark sieze & bring them to the Post for the purpose of
                            transporting with as much expedition as possible the above Regiments to the East Side.
                        He is to be informed of the signals, denominative of the different Works that are carried—and at  o’clock that Night & not before, nor is a moments previous Notice to
                            be given of it, he is to send one or more Officers with a party of Men over the River, who are to
                            watch for the Rockets & listen for the Guns—None but the Officers should be apprized of these Signals altho’ the
                            Sentries are to look & listen for them for fear of desertion. They will stop all Passengers.
                        Colo. Sheldon.
                        Is to have orders to deliver to Majr Talmadge his two Infantry Companies—The Dragoons mentioned by Talmadge
                            & to give them every aid he may require to facilitate his Enterprize on Long Island.
                        With the rest of his Legion—the State Troops of New York, & those of Connecticut he is to commence his
                            March for Kingsbridge after Dark—He is to mask this movement so as that no Officer or Soldier under his Command shall
                            know what his object is further than it unfolds itself as he moves on.
                        Contractors
                        To be Instructed with respect to the Articles of Provision & Rum to be forwarded as quick as possible.


Title: Plan of Attack on New York, November 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                                November 1780

                        1st The morning of the 5th of December may be fixed upon for the Surprise. The Moon changes at 4 Oclock the
                            preceeding Evening, when the Nights will be dark and perhaps Rainy, which will favor the attempt. It will be high Water at
                            the Post at 11 Oclock at Night.
                        2d—The first Jersey & second York Regiments to be named as the relief for the Light Infantry on the Lines;
                            but whether these or the light Infantry had best be the operating Troops merits consideration as there are reasons in
                            favor of each.
                        3d—Some other Regiment—a strong one—should March undr the pretext of relieving Hazens Regiment & Pompton
                            & the Clove.
                        4th—Hazens Regiment to March to Suffrans on the 3d of Decemr—Halt—& meet the relieving Regiment there the
                            4th—And orders in the Afternoon to proceed immediately to Dobbs’s ferry—whether it will be necessary to cover this
                            movement under an idea of danger to the Post, or assign no reason for it may be considered hereaftr.
                        5th—Upon the Signal which is to announce success, they are instantly to cross the River, & march by
                            Companies or Battns according to Circumstances, to re inforce the successful Troops.
                        6th—If the Enemy should be in posillegiblen of the passes to the Island—illegible hill—Kings
                            bridge and illegible of them should be forced & the Communication with the Country opened, for the
                            purpose of receiving succours, or securing a retreat, in case of need.
                        7th—The Jersey & York Regiments will proceed by Water from the Boat Landing (or Mouth of Murderers Ck) on
                            the 2d (of Decr). They will that day, reach the Mouth of Peekskill—upper side—where the light Infantry, if they are to be
                            the operating Troops, are to meet them & to embark at Dusk; and to proceed (first making a shew of coming up the River,
                            till they have gained the West Shore) by the Posts at Kings Ferry, eluding if possible the Sentries there. If on the
                            other hand, the two Regiments above mentioned are prefered they may halt on the Island below Fort Montgomery till Night,
                            & then slip down—In either case, they are to keep the middle of the River till they pass the Houses at the Dock below
                            Noyels, & then hug the Jersey shore close till they get below the Landing a little above the Beacon at the Verdrietgue
                            hook—which is nearly opposite to Tellers point—there they are to conceal themselves without Fire or smoke all the
                            succeeding day—to wit the 3d—The Boats are to be so concealed by Bushes, as that they may not be discovered.
                        8th—Here the Corps should be perfectly organized—the Commands properly assigned—& each officer have an
                            exact Roll of the Men under his care—which Roll he is to examine every hour to see that they are all present—A close Chain
                            of Sentries is to be formed, & no man under any pretence whatever to go beyond them—After dark, they are again to
                            proceed silently in the middle of the River till they pass Dobbss ferry & the Sentries at that place & then keep
                            close under the Jersey Shore till they come to the Vineyd where they are to lye concealed all day (the 4th) using the same
                            precautions as before.
                        9th—Here, a little before Night, the whole plan may be disclosed to the Officers—to such at least as ought
                            to be acquainted with it—the part of each assigned—& over & over again impressed—in a word they should (those who are
                            principles in the execution) have their orders in writing that there may be no misconception of them—They should be
                            exhorted to coolness, firmness, intripidity & Silence. they should be told that attempts to surprize scarcely ever fail
                            of success but from misconception of orders, blunders in the execution—or want of courage. that the enterprise they are
                            going upon will be most brilliant & important—or disgraceful & ruinous, from the manner of its execution.
                        10th—In the afternoon of the 4th—or rather at dusk—the Regiments, or light Infantry at Peekskill (as the
                            case may be) & those at the Boston Hutts, are to commence their March along the River Road to Kingsbridge—Sheldons
                            Legion & Camfields Corps are to do the same. the Connecticut Regts at West point are to begin to cross—& the Troops
                            from the Cantonment of New Windsor put in motion by Land & Water to give the most instantaneous suppt in case of
                            success.
                        11th—As it will take the Troops who are designated for the enterprise two days & 3 Nights to get from
                            Peekskill to the object of attack, during which time, in spite of every precaution, their passage down the River will be
                            known—it is a question worthy of consideration whether waylaying the Roads during that space, to intercept all kind of
                            communication & intelligence is most likely to prevent, or create suspicion of some movements going forward—If the
                            enemys spies of which we may presume they are not without in our Army—or the disaffected people get notice of a body of
                            Men going down in a concealed manner, the presumption is that they will give notice of it, thought they may be ignorant of
                            the real design. If to avoid this we attempt to shut the avenues, the time which parties must be employed in this
                            business, & the very near position taken to do it effectually, are alone sufficient to give an
                            alarm, admitting (which is hardly to be expected) that every possible vigilence is used, & no desertion takes place.
                        The Plan for Surprising the Posts at Kings-bridge
                        12th—As the good or ill success of Surprises depends less upon number’s than on the composition of Troops—and
                            upon a well concerted plan; & the secrecy, decision & spirit of its execution. I prefer a small number to a large one,
                            because it is more manageable in the Night & less liable to confusion. In either case however every Actor shd know
                            precisely the part he is to perform—more especially in combined attacks, where a failure in point of time may disconcert
                            & ruin the whole.
                        13th—As it is more than probable that the enemy have guards at all the good Landing places in the vicinity of
                            their Works, I should think for that & other reasons it would be best to (keep on the West side of the River and) pass
                            them all; and go to some obscure place opposite to the White House & land under the high banks opposite to it.
                        14th—There are three capitol Works which should be attacked—indeed a fourth that is essential; the principal
                            one is Laurel hill, or Fort George. the next is Fort Knyphausen (formerly Fort Washington)—the third Fort Tryon (north of
                            Fort Knyphausen on the same height)—& the 4th either Fort Charles, No. 8, or the Redoubt on Cox’s hill in order that a
                            communication may be opened with the Country to admit succour or to secure a Retreat in case of need.
                        15th—The Troops should be form’d for, & the Officers instructed in these several Attacks the afternoon
                            preceeding the Morning intended for the Surprise—As you cannot count upon more than 6 or 700 Men, either in the Regiments
                            before named, or light Infantry, I think the following disposition, or as near it as companies will bring them the best
                            that can be made—viz.—200 for Fort George—150 for Fort Knyphausen—& 50 for Fort Tryon with a proportion of Artillery Men to
                            each. The remainder to compose a reserve for the purpose of supporting—bringing off—or making prisoners of the Runaways
                            as the case may be.
                        16th—The Troops being thrown in to commands as above the afternoon before will embark—proceed—& Land in the
                            following Ordr—The Command for Fort George First, That for Fort Knyphausen Second—Fort Tryon third—and the reserve last.
                            They should be preceeded by a Vanguard taken from the three attacking parties—& composed of faithful Men, & intripid
                            Soldiers under very intelligent Officers—These are to Land first, &  post a chain of Sentinals around the place of
                            debarkation who shall have positive orders to suffer no Man under any pretence whatever to pass them, till the column
                            moves—they will then advance a little way a head of it, but in full view—a small distance advanced of these again two
                            or three shrewd bold Men should March to decoy or sieze any person, or persons they meet with and send them back with
                            intelligence & for Guides.
                        17th—The whole will March in one column to the place of seperation, but to be distinctly told off for the
                            respective Attacks; so that the column may divide without noize, confusion or delay at the place appointed. Officers are
                            to be particularly attentive that no Man quits his Rank. with a view either to skulk or desert.
                        18th—When the Column divides the Vanguard will divide also & precede the detachments they respectively
                            belong to—each performing what the whole did before—The front, or right column intended for the attack of Fort George
                            shou’d have time given it, first because the distance it will have to go is greater than to Fort Knyphausen to & by
                            which both the others must go as the one for Fort Tryon must pass Fort Knyphausen, and secondly, because being of the
                            greatest importance the others are secondary objects & must yield to it.
                        19th—The Plan or sketch which accompanies this with the explanations will give a more perfect idea of the
                            place of debarkation—the Road—the Houses—the March of the Column—the seperation of it, first by the detachment that
                            goes to Fort George—and afterwards of the other two, for the Forts Knyphausen and Tryon.
                        20th—If these attacks, should be successful, not a moment should be lost in endeavouring (which may be
                            attempted by stratagem under the idea of relief) to seize one or more of the upper posts or No. 8 that the Communication
                            may be opened for the succours which are ordered.
                        21st—The Artillery Men should be provided with Rockets—one of which & no more, should be fired from every
                            work that is possessed. Besides these, after the conflict is over and order restored, Cannon as a further signal should be
                            fired distinctly & at regular Intervals to announce what Works are captured. Eight shall be the signal for possession of
                            Fort George—four for Fort Knyphausen—two for Fort Tryon—and one   of the others—These at an
                            interval of ten minutes between each—that is between the Eight, the four &ca.—And if all the Works are carried—or the three principal ones & either of the smaller ones—as a further signal of confirmation, half an hour after
                            thirteen Cannon are to fired. And American colours or some other devise fixed on the Parapets as information to the Troops
                            who are coming as a support that they may not precipitate themselves into danger unnecessarily.
                        22d—Fort George or Laurel hill, is of great importance, because this with number Eight, secures a
                            communication between the Island & the Country. without it, it would be dangerous to attempt holding the others if we
                            should possess them—consequently they should be damaged as much possible & evacuated—bringing of the Garrisons if
                            captured.
                        Scaling Ladders may be absolutely necessary, but how they are to be provided without creating suspicious is
                            not easy to devise.
                        Dark Lanthorns will be wanted.
                        Hatchets or Axes will also be required.
                        Muffled Oars—or materials for Muffling them.
                        Paper for Cockades to distinguish our own Troops, from those of the Enemy must be provided.
                        Provision & Spirits to be taken care of.
                        Surgeons of the Corps to attend them.
                        Field Artillery—& spare Ammunition to go down with the covering Troops.
                        Watch Word.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 1 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West Point December 1st 1780

                        This will be presented by Lieut. Jackson of the 2d Dragoons, who has escorted up the Prisoners taken by Major
                            Talmadge in Fort St George on Long Island, on the morning of the 23d inst. Lieut. Jackson will also present your
                            Excellency the Colours of the Fort.
                        The Massachusetts & Connecticutt Lines arrived the last Evening. I have the honor to be With the
                            greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 1 December 1780
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Richmond Decr 1st 1780

                        I omitted to answer your Excelly favor of the 12th of April last, from an expectation of hearing from you
                            soon after on the subject of it—This hope I was led to entertain from an expression contained in it, and had therefore
                            resolved to trouble you but once, by way of reply.
                        It is not perhaps the smallest evil, which Virginia has derived from the War, that the public papers &
                            records, in being removed from the Offices, exposed to danger, have undergone great diminution, and that even those parts,
                            which survive the carelessness of Clerks, are not yet recovered from their confusion. This circumstance has hitherto
                            rendered it difficult to lay our hands upon all the documents in Colo. Mercers case. The Clerk of the Chancery within
                            whose province this business falls is so much engaged in another line, that he is want to make the necessary arrangements
                            in his department of the Court. I do not question however, that I shall procure every thing, which may serve as a
                            foundation for a final decree, as far as papers are concerned. But I fear, that the Sequestering Act forbids the Court of
                            chancery to proceed in this cause. It provides generally, that all Suits, which were depending in any Court of Law or
                            equity within this Commonwealth, on the 12th day of April in the year of our Lord 1774 wherein British Subjects alone are
                            Plaintiffs, and any Citizen of this Commonwealth is a defendant, shall stand continued (unless abated by the death of
                            either party) in the same state, in which they were at that time. Now Mr Graval, Miss Wroughton & Colo. Mercer
                            came within the description of British Subjects, and thereby have occasioned a suspension of the Suit. I will take the
                            opinion of the Court at the next Session in April, whether as Interlocutory decree does not except your Situation from the
                            restrictions of this Law. I should have mentioned, that my Father must have filed every paper in his possession,
                            respecting this business, as not a trace is to be found of one in his Press. I am rather too inclined to believe this, as
                            all exhibits must have been before the Court at the time of the Interlocutory decree?


Title: To George Washington from Peter Van Rensselaer, 1 December 1780
From: Van Rensselaer, Peter
To: Washington, George

                            Albany 1 Decemr 1780

                        In my last I Informed your Excellency That for want of a Supply of Money &ca: the Artificers under my
                            Direction had Quit the works, But can now with great pleasure Inform your Excellency that I have with great Difficulty and
                            fair promises got them at work again.
                        I have the honour to Inclose your Excellency my Return for the Month of Novemr Since my last Monthly Return,
                            and am Most Respectfully Your Excellencies Most Obedt Servant

                            P. Van Rensselaer
                            Publicstorekeeper


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Cheever, 2 December 1780
From: Cheever, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

                            May it please your Excellency
                            Springfield Decemr 2nd 1780

                        I beg leave to lay before you Some facts relative to the Malepractice and late Villanous Conduct of John
                            Collins D.C.M.S. which presume will unfold the difficulties attending this department—Soon after I returned from Philada
                            Mr Samuel Webb Condtr, told me He Suspected Collins had Rob’d the Store of three Barrells Saltpetre
                            Augt the 26th: that missing the Petre he inquired of Collins what was become of them bbls, Collins answered He had sent
                            them to Mr Doolittle of N. Haven, who had recd 8 Casket Saltpetre Augt 19th by order of Govr Trumbull—Mr Webb not finding
                            an Entry of them in the delivery Book was Silent about the matter ’till my return, when I endeavoured to Search out the
                            affair, October 31st I caused Collins to be Arrested and Confined to his Quarters. The next Morning thro’ the
                            Sollicitations of Some of his friends, whom I esteem’d and regarded, I was prevailed with to promise, I would not have him
                            Confined in Goal provided he would disclose the whole Business & Cause the Petre to be returned. He then Confessed
                            the Fact and Said late Lt Eli Parsons was employed as negosiator.
                        The day following I took Collins to go with me to Parsons dwelling in the Town of Palmer, accompanied with
                            Captains Bryant & Hawes. on our way meet with Parsons and Abram Watters of Sutton, we
                            immediately repaired to my quarters, when Parsons acknowledged He Sold Four barrels Saltpetre wt 1390  at £9.  which petre he recd from Collins as his property and recd the
                            pay in Cash, rum, Sugar and Abram Watters note for the balance £7878.8/ payable on or before the 28th of December next,
                            Bearing date Worcester 26th Octor 1780—I recd an order on Mr James How of Roxbury for the delivery of the petre to me on
                            order signed by Watters & Parsons which I sent to Mr Comy Barber at Boston who recd the Same and took it in his
                            Custody. I order’d Collins under the Care of Cap. Lt Bryant to his quarters: did not immagine he would attempt now to
                            desert. However next forenoon Capt. Bryant informed he heard Collins had run off, but was not Certain of the truth, would
                            go to his quarters & know, then returned & Confirmed the fact. I immediately Endeavour’d to Send in
                            pursuit of Him as We learned He intended for Newbury, but Qm Tuckerman could not furnish a Horse for
                            the purpose, neither could one be hired in Town, altho’ Capt. Bolter, endeavor’d to his utmost to obtain One.
                        I therefore Sent Advertizements to be published in the public news paper’s—Hartford, Worcester &
                            Boston which has answer’d my design. The 24 Instant I recd a letter from Lt Phelon of Colo. Henry Jacksons Regiment,
                            adviseing upon Seeing an advertizement in a Boston paper relative to John Collins, for malepractices, He had apprehended
                            him and lodged him in goal at Boston this day, but not with out manifest danger of his life &, detesting an
                            importuning Bribe for his liberation. I find by papers found on Collins and Sent to me, which evince his insidious
                            & malevolent design to injure & ruin my reputation. I take the liberty to enclose you Sir Copy of his
                            anonymous Letter with Complaints & Charges against me which are futile, I can Satisfy any inquiry made Concerning
                            them. Collins observes it is with the gratest reluctance he is obliged by his oath for the faithful discharge of his duty
                            to his Country to make those changes, when he must have been Consious of his ingratitude to me, and his abominable
                            iniquity. The Letter I was honored with from your Excellency dated Valley forge the 2d April 1778 approveing my Conduct,
                            Collins Feloniously took out of my Desk wch was found with his papers at  Boston. The Direction to me is Seperated  & his name Mr Collins affixed at bottom as tho’ designed for him I Suppose to Serve Some Villanious purpose, in Shorte Sir He appears
                            to be a finished Villain.
                        I confess I have been grately deceived & im by Collins and Major Eayres false
                            pretentions & declarations
                             Honor & friendship and did not ’till lately believe th
                            malicious designs. I have wrote the hon. board War & beged their direction respecting the affair, and Request your
                            Excellencys orders for my proceedings with Collins.
                        I pray your Excellency will be pleased to Excuse my troubling you with this long detail, alwayes anxious for
                            your, Honor & Prosperity in the noble Cause you are Engaged in. I have the honor to be your Excellencys Dutyful
                            and most humble servant

                            Ezekl Cheever D.C.G.M.S.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,
                                Springfield Septr 29th 1780

                            last evening Mr Cheever arrived heare from Philada After a Tedious Journey of Six weeks & four
                                days. and brings an Account of the dismission of Colol Mason, Majr Eayrs & Capt. Chapman, and says the Honble
                                Board War have been pleased to reinstate himself. if so it is full time this department was broke up for I will Assert
                                that the public sinks money every day while he hold the Command of the works here.
                            The frequent selling & Bartering of public stores Chiefly by him and his orders, must be very
                                detrimental to the public and is a great means of raising the resentment of the people at Large, that is acquainted
                                with the Same.
                            I was in great hopes after I saw a Copy the Resolve of Congress, of the 26th of July respecting Colo.
                                Mason & Mr Cheever those iniquities would be Immediately removed for the good of individuals as well as the
                                public in General—it is with the Greatest reluctance I am oblidged by my Oath for the faithfull discharge of my duty to
                                my Country to enclose a few Charges which will Convince your Honr that his Genl Conduct cannot by no means entitle him
                                to a Continuation in the public Service, if it Could be avoided should wish that the old Gentleman was removed or
                                dismissed without being Brot to a trial as it must rub hard with him. The Instance of L. Lockwood Condr Military is
                                easyly Come at without any trouble by Compairing Mr Cheevers abstracks for the year 1777 & 78 with his Account
                                and Vouchers which has been under Examanation Last Augt at Philadelphia—the sweet oil Accounts Compaired with the
                                monthly orders for the Month of Septr 1779 will prove to be as I assert.
                            I am perswaded that those affairs Ware done with a design of fraud as he know I was Acquainted with those
                                particular Instances. and would not let me see his General Cash Accounts being fearfull I shd Inform, but by Some
                                means obtained a sight of them.
                            on his arrival here from Philada Last evening, his extensive orders from the Hon. Board War Contents
                                Communicated with the Nature of them—in Consequence of Which two Companies of Artificers left Work.
                            I Expect that other Companies will follow their Example—I have it from Good Authority that Genl Knox
                                should say at hardford when with his Excelly G. Washington there he would recommend it to Congress & the Board
                                of War to reinstate both Mason and Cheever am perswaded if his Honr was as well acquainted with their General Conduct
                                here as I am he would not put pen to paper in their Behalf— Shd wish for the Satisfaction of the Board the Old
                                Gentleman may have orders to send me with his Cash Accounts to Philada. With all due Respects I am Your Honrs Most
                                obedt Servt

                                John Collins

                                Copy

                                Charges as follows Viz.
                                Selling Continental powder in the year 1777. when the Militia were Called upon to stop the progress
                                    of the enemy at or Near Bennington and Rendering no Account for the sales of it for drawing pay & rations
                                    for Lambert Lockwood Condr Military Stores of Mr Ebenezer Hancock Esqr. Pay Master for some Months Converting said
                                    pay and Rations to his own use and paying said Lockwood in full out of other Supplys Charging the Same, in his
                                    General Cash Account to the public so that the public pays the money twice over, firstly Mr Cheever, Secondly Mr
                                    Lockwood for Selling 18,000 dollars Worth of Saltpetre at private Sale Without Authority for Indulging Capt. Wm
                                    Barton of the Armory to Barter Continental Iron for a load of hay for his horse, for purchasing Sweet oil in
                                    Connection Charging the Same in his General Account to the public & Conventioning it to his use—&
                                    for encouraging the Bartering of public Stores in a low way—that is ordering Axes Hinges sythes Knives &
                                    forks made at the Armory Out of public Iron & Steal to pay for Joice Board &c. &c. for a
                                    New Armory Ship When there stands on the hill dormant a Compleate Blacksmith shop errected or the Hill Dementions
                                    70 by 25.


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Sheldon, 2 December 1780
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            North Castle Decr 2d 1780

                        I have had the Honor to recive your Excellencys orders of the 27th Ulto agreeable to which the Regimint will
                            march as soon as the Horses are shod (which will be in a day or two) for Colchester. I trust your Excellency has been
                            informed that there is a magazine of forage prepared at that place, tho’ I fear we shall be disappointed in our
                            expectations.
                        As I am directed to march my Regt to winter Quarters I should naturally conclude all Detached Commands would
                            be called in. I have however omited to call off the Stages of Expresses, whose Horses are much worn down, untill I hear
                            further from your Excellency on that head. I have the Honor to be with the gratest Regard your Excellencys most obt and
                            Humbe Servt

                            Elisha Sheldon Col. 2d L.D.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 3 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West Point December 3d 1780

                        I have been honored with yours of the 28th Ulto—I have made a distribution of the Troops assigned to my
                            Command, conformable to your pleasure, where it has been signifyed, & in other cases, have acted according to my
                            own discretion, and hope it will meet your Excellencys approbation.
                        The New Jersey Line have gone to Pompton. The New York Regiments, now embarking their baggage in order to
                            proceed to Albany.
                        The Connecticutt Line, with Colonel Webbs regiment sent over to them, are hutting back of Constitution
                            Island, to the North of Danforths, in very good ground, and near the Post. This Line has one regiment assigned to the
                            North Redoubt, another to the middle Redoubt, and a third to Constitution Island—as their alarm Post; and a Detachment of
                            eighty men hutted near the North Redoubt, to be at hand to support the Guards, in case of an attack, untill the regiments
                            assigned to the respective Posts can arrive; the remainder of the Line, to be ready to act as occasion may require. This
                            Line mounts a Captains Guard at the Continental Village, a Captains Guard at Constitution Island, and a Subalterns guard
                            in the North Redoubt and the same in the middle Redoubt.
                        Massachusetts Line drawing for their Quarter their disposition as follows.
                        1st Brigade to hutt in the woods back of the Garrison.
                        2d Brigade quartered in the great Barrack.
                        3d Brigade to occupy the Hutts built by the York Line.
                        4th Brigade quartered in the Barracks in Fort Clinton &c. This Brigade have the defence of Fort
                            Clinton, and its Dependancies—Two regiments of the Massachusetts Line are assigned to the defence of Fort Putnam. One to
                            Fort Wyllys—Do Fort Webb—Do No. 1 Do No. 2 Do No. 3. Do No. 4—The remainder of the Line to act as
                            occasion may require.
                        The 2d Rhode Island regiment are gone to hutt near Robinsons Hills.
                        The New Hampshire Line hutted in the Highlands North East of Soldiers Fortune.
                        2d Dragoons gone to Connecticutt. A Detachment of 150 regular Troops with some State Militia on the Line,
                            with orders to patrole from the Hudsons river above Croton to Pines bridge & down to North Castle and Bedford.
                        Colonel Hazens regiment gone to Fish Kill to do the duties at that Post.
                        Horses have been sent off—Six months Levies discharging in the manner proposed by your Excellency.
                        I am sorry that it is not in my power to add, that we are well supplyed with provisions. I have the honor to
                            be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Dominique-Louis Ethis de Corny, 4 December 1780
From: Corny, Dominique-Louis Ethis de
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Newport December 4th 1780

                        The consequences of a dreadfull Cold which I caught Last june have aflicted me with a disorder in my Breast,
                            the progress of which has determined me to request permission to return to france. I desire to recover spedily my health,
                            that I may immediately return to be a witness of your Excellency’s Glory, and of the Services you will render your Country
                            in bruising her chains and cimenting her restored Liberty. our Ennemies already confess their exhausting and weakness by
                            the choice of the measures they adopt, measures unworthy a Powerfull nation, and Dignity of a generous people. your Eye
                            pervades their secret Plots, and your wisdom disapoints their Designs. your wonderfull perverance, the distinguished
                            Characteristic of true Courage, after having vanquish’d all obstacles, engaged the attention of both Worlds, assured the
                            approbation of Posterity, captivated the esteem of your Ennemies, the admiration of your Allies, the adoration of your
                            fellow Citizens, will command fortune, and crown your Labours, by the success due to such exalted merit.
                        I am exceedingly happy, my dear General, to have had an opportunity of being an Eye Witness of so much
                            greatness, and so many virtues. I rejoice that I have been able to testify to your Excellency the zeal with which I am
                            penetrated for your Person, and the cause you defend. I shall be too happy to have gained by trifling services your good
                            will, and to convince my self that great and good men are more indulgent than others; and that they value good intentions.
                            my heart inspires me with a desire of cooperating in your Labours, in your Sight and that of the young hero of our Nation,
                            who is undoubtely destined to create her happiness as he already has her Glory.
                        Reckon me Ever in the numbers of your faithfull Soldiers. I shall allways be honored by this title and
                            support it with the Liveliest sentiments of my heart untill my Last breath. I am with great Respect and attachment, Dear
                            General Your Excellency’s Most humble and most Obedient servant

                            Ethis De Corny Lt Colonel
                            of cavalry at service of the
                            united states of the america

                            I Beseech your Excellency to present Madame Washington With my Dutifull Respects.
                            In case your Excellency had any Commands for Dr Franklin or any thing Else to order for france, I shall
                                esteem myself Very happy and most obliged to you, to be honor’d With your Dispatches.

                            E.D.C.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 4 December 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia December 4. 1780

                        Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, the Copy of an Act of Congress of the 30th Ulto respecting
                            the Department of the Commissary General.
                        I am informed by Letter from Govr Jefferson that the Brittish have all reimbarked and left, the Chesapeake.
                        By Dunlaps Paper enclosed you will be informed of the Success of the Corps under Genl Sumpter against Majr
                            Wemyss.
                        I have also to acknowledge the Receipt of your Despatches of the 28th Ulto. I have the Honor to be with
                            Sentiments of the highest Respect & Esteem your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 December 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Philadelphia december the 4th 1780

                        I will for this time write a very short letter to You, and Cannot be more particular either on public or
                            private Business, untill some few days stay in this City have enabl’d me to get further informations.
                        I have been greatly disappointed in my not Meeting Mrs Washington—I have been very angry with my Bad fate
                            which led me into an other Road at the only moment when I Could Miss her—This has been the More the Case, as I knew you
                            was uneasy about her, and I wanted Both to send you an express and to Advise her to the Best Way of Meeting You as soon As
                            possible.
                        The Southern News are expected this evening—Leslie has Reembark’d, and will probably go to Charlestown—the
                            Southern Members are pleas’d to like My Going towards theyr Country—however, I Cannot for the present be determin’d, as I
                            don’t yet know if the Campaign will be Active, and if Succours are to be expected from france.
                        By a Vessel Arriv’d from there who left l’orient Before the Middle of October we hear that Nothing Material
                            had happen’d except the taking of the Merchant fleet—Both Naval Armies were in port—there was an expedition of, I think,
                            ten ships of the line and five thousand Men Ready to Sail—this Vessel Came in Compagny with Jones who is daily
                            expected—But a very little part of our cloathing will be on Board—Some will Come on Board the Serapis—Jones who Mounts the
                                Ariel has dispatches from the french Court for us—he however Might have been detain’d By a
                            storm off the french Coast which separated the little Convoy—in the vessel arriv’d was a Mr Ross who, I hope, will give me
                            some Account of the Cloathing, and Baron d’arent who Got Rid of his Rupture, has a star with a Cross and a Ribbond, and is
                            upon very Good terms with the King of Prussia, too.
                        Congress have debated a Motion about your being desir’d to Go to the Southward, But have determin’d that you
                            would Better know than they if it was More useful to Go or to Stay—I am more than ever of this last opinion.
                        On My arrival, I found one of the salt Meat Vessels sold and the other to be sold today—I have spoken on the
                            subject to almost every Member of Congress who promis’d that they would take the Best Measures in theyr power to Get these
                            provisions.
                        Cher de la luzerne has Communicated to me in the Most Confidential Way a Spanish
                            plan against St Augustine—upon which I Am Building a letter for the Generals of this Nation, and using the Best Arguments
                            in My power to engage them either to send twelve ships of the line to take us and Conduct us to Charleston, or to Render
                            theyr operation as useful as possible to Gnl Greene—to morrow I will write you about it. If I have time Before the
                            departure of the Confederacy that is Going to the West indias, I will send you the original if not, A Copy of My letter.
                            This is entirely Confidential as I have not the Chevalier’s permission to Mention it. Adieu, My
                            dear General, Most Respectfully and affectionately Yours

                            Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Henry Babcock, 5 December 1780
From: Babcock, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Stonington 5th Decr 1780

                        Tho early in Life I had the Honor of receiving Answers to my Letters from Sir Wm Johnson, Lord Loudon;
                            Governors Hopkins, Pilkin, & Franklin; Genls Abercrombie, Lord Howe, & Lord Amherst (the present Commander
                            in Chief of the Troops of G. Britain)—The great Dr Franklin, who (I ever tho’t) took Rank of the whole of the above
                            Gentlemen, (tho some of them)—and indeed all of them respectable Characters. Yet my Vanity never was more flatterd than in
                            the Letter I was honoured with Yesterday from your Excellencys Head Quarters, Passaic Falls, dated the 7th Ulto for I have
                            been a Twelve month upon the Subject Matter therein contained, & sent my Plan to the Press at Boston, but it has
                            never been published—have orderd it back, a Month ago, but have received no Answer to my Letter. One of my Sons is now
                            copying it for the Press; when printed, will do myself the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency one of them, &
                            shall at the same Time send one to the President; and, if your Excellency will give me leave, send a Copy of your Letter in
                            Answer to mine, wrote from Hartford, together with a Copy of that, wrote by Me to You upon the Subject of coining the
                            Plate—The only Reason why I have not mentioned it earlier to your Excellency has been, that I had wrote you several
                            Letters since I quitted the Army, also Mr Harrison yr Secretary, (I think in my Letter Book there are Six Copies of
                            Letters) previous to the one wrote from Hartford; tho 4 Years nearest ago I wrote a Piece published in Greens Paper signed
                            "Agreeable Americanus," recommending to Congress creating your Excellency Dictator, raising the Army for 3 Years or during
                            the War, which had not been printed 6 Weeks before they adopted it—Now Sir, If I can find a Way of paying the Army, I
                            think my Country will be under some Obligations to Me, The Flower of my Life having been devoted to the publick Service. I
                            have the Honor to be, with greatest Esteem & profoundest Respect, Yr Excellencys most obedient & most
                            humble Servant

                            Henry Babcock


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 5 December 1780
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany Decr 5th 1780

                        I am honored with your Excellency’s favour of the 29th ulto and by a line from Gen. Heath of the 2th Inst. I
                            understand the Troops are on their way for this place agreeable to your Excellency’s order—It is with particular pain I
                            must inform your Excellency that the state of our provision and precarious expectation of future supplies afford the most gloomy
                            prospects, I have mentioned in my former Letters that Impress was the only method left us in
                            this quarter to procure flour, and that only in scanty Portions, I have written to Col. Hay repeatedly, and tho’ I have
                            reason to think he has exerted himself yet I have not been supplied even from Hand to Mouth for those few Troops, Indians,
                            and others who are now on the spot.
                        The Alarm mentioned in my last turned out as I expected, a few Houses were burnt and it vanished in Smoak.
                        Col. Wesenfelt has informed me that the Provisions now at Fort Schuyler will with Oeconomy last till near the
                            first of February—I have since sent him fifty of the best Cattle I cou’d pick out under an escort of new Levies. On a view
                            of a return of Arms delivered to the Militia last Campaign I find one hundred and seventy two which have not been returned
                            I have taken the necessary steps and hope in a short time to have them collected.
                        The Indians are in possession of the Barracks in Schenectady, I know not where to remove them-- when the Troops
                            arrive. I have the honor to be with the greatest Rispect Your Excellencys most humble Servant

                             James Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Charles Harrison, 5 December 1780
From: Harrison, Charles
To: Washington, George

                            My Dr Sir
                            Virga Richmond 5th Decr 1780

                        I have the pleasure to acknowledge the rect of your Excellency’s polite & friendly favor by Major
                            Genl Greene, under whose comd promise myself no small share of happiness. and through his aid to be enabled, to arrange
                            matters within my department, no little deranged by the late unfortunate defeat. It adds no little to my happiness that I
                            merrit a share of your confidence, which shall endeavour to cultivate by doubling my exertions.
                        I was order’d by Genl Gates (after regulating matters as well as circumstances would permit) to repair to the
                            State, & lay before the Legislative the distress’d situation of the remains of the troops under my command; with
                            some difficulty have in a measure relieved their wants, at least so far as to enable them to take the field, with some
                            tolerable degree of comfort, & I fully intended to have return’d to the Army immediately after obtaining my
                            wishes; but the arrival of the Brittish troops at Portsmouth, & the confus’d situation of the State Artillery
                            obliged me to cast my attention that way, & endeavour to fit a few pieces for the Field, this by the exertions of
                            a few of my Officers, was effected in a little time. I must beg leave to ask your Excellency whether, it would not be
                            advisable a few light 3 lb. Shoud be sent the Southern Army, such may prove very serviceable in so woody a Country; at
                            present we have only six 6 lb. & two Howts. And now believe me Dr Sir with due respect, Your Obt Sert

                            Cha. Harrison
                            Comdt Artillery


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 December 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                             December the 5th 1780
                            in the evening

                        However acquainted I may be with our intentions, I thought upon the whole that I should Better wait for your
                            approbation Before I present any opinion of yours to the Spanish or French generals in the West indies. I will, I know,
                            loose the opportunity of the Confederacy, But many vessels are going that way and if my letters meet with your approbation
                            I shall send them By triplicates—I impatiently wait for your answer. I will write to Gal Greene to let him know of this
                            intended expedition which tho uncertain as all human events are may be however in a great measure depended upon.
                        I confess that I don’t hope to prevail upon the Spaniards to come here. But if you will you Count de
                            Rochambeau and cher de ternay may try. In that case I wish you would write to Both of them. My letter will at all events
                            give some Remoted chance of theyr doing what I wish and insure theyr communicating with Gal Greene. For political Reasons
                            I also wish to draw them into this Correspondance.
                        Cher de La Luzerne wishes his paquet to Count de Rochambeau to be forwarded as speedily as possible. Adieu,
                            my dear general, your most Respectfully and affectionately

                            Lafayette

                            Inclos’d I send you something Relating to the southern army.