Title: From George Washington to John Potts, 20 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Potts, John

[Valley Forge] Decr 20th 1777

In Answer to your Letter, delivered me by Major Jamieson, When Mrs Potts applies she will have my permission for herself and children to go into Philadelphia. As to your Household furniture, I cannot consent to their removal, they being under the cognizance and direction of the Legislature of the State. The Bearer will escort you tomorrow morning as far as Our pickets. I am Sir Your Hble servt

Go: Washington


Title: Proclamation on Threshing Grain, 20 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

[Valley Forge, 20 December 1777]

By virtue of the power and direction to me especially given, I hereby enjoin and require all persons residing within Seventy miles of my Head Quarters to thresh one half of their grain by the first day of February and the other half by the first day of March next ensuing, on pain in case of failure of having All that shall remain in Sheaves, after the periods abovementioned, seized by the Commissaries & Quarter Masters of the Army and paid for as Straw. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters near the Valley forge in  County, this 20th day of Decemb. Anno Dom. 1777.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Franziscus Scheffer, 20 December 1777
From: Scheffer, Franziscus
To: Washington, George

Sir
Frederiksburg [Va.] on the 20th of Dec: 1777.

It is now a year, since we were taken prisoners; a time, the length of which, we have felt the more heavier, for the disagreeable situations, we have been thrown into, on account of our distance from the army. Want of pecuniary and other supplies exposes us so frequently, and especially now, to the greatest inconveniences; That we are obliged Sir, to lay our circumstances open to you, and to apply to your Excellency’s generous intercesion for a speedy relief of our distresses. During our stay in Virginy, we could never maintain and support ourselves, then at the highest expences: greatly augmented by our travelling from one place to another. For want of correspondence, and proper channels, there was no dependence upon pecuniary remittances from our army. With great difficulties we borrowed some money: but as it was not adequate to our exigencies, our little stock was soon exhausted. Clothes were never furnished to us; but there is an impossibility of being provided with these necessaries at the present time: It necessarily follows from the precedeng facts, that with the encrease of our wants, we shall be, above all at the place, we are presently stationed in daily less able to satisfy them. Your Excellency is therefore humbly requested by all the Hessian Officers prisoners, residing in this town, to give the officers leave to go either upon their parole in the British army, for their better support, or to send one of their Company to His Excellency General Howe for these necessities, without which their longer subsistence is impossible. You can be, Sir, the best judge of our situation, it is in your power to alter it, and by the noble sentiments of generosity and humanity, you excel so far the rest of mankind in, we don’t doubt Sir, you will. We have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Sir Yours Excellencys Most devoted humble Servants the Hessian Officers.

Lieut.-Colonel Scheffer


Title: To George Washington from an Unknown Person, 20 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Unknown
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from an Unknown Person, 20 Dec. 1777. In his letter to an Unknown Person of 6 Jan. 1778, GW writes that “I recd yours of the 20th decemr.”


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Whitaker, 20 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Whitaker, Nathaniel

Revd Sir,
Valley Forge Decr 20th 1777.

Your favour of the 24th of September inclosing a discourse against Toryism, came safe to my hands. For the honour of the dedication, I return you my sincere thanks, and wish most devoutly that your labour may be crowned with the success it deserves.
You also have my gratefl Thanks for your affectionate wishes. With great Esteem and Respect, I am, Reverend Sir, Your mo. obt & obliged hble servt

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Major John Clark, Jr., 21 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Clark, John Jr.

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 21st decemr 1777

I was yesterday favd with yours of the 18th and 19th and last night with that of the 20th The inclosed, which you will be kind enough to carry or send to Genl Potter immediately, as it is of consequence, among other things directs him to look into the matter of Mr Trumbulls provision and to have it restored to him. Genl potter is somewhere between Radnor and Merion Meeting. If you will purchase a

Horse I will give order to the Quarter Master to pay the Amount. The first opportunity that offers I will write to Baron Arent, who is at Reading, and order him to return Mr Lewis’s Mare.
I would not have you put any great confidence in Trumbull, he is at best but a Man of indifferent Character and while he remained in Philada was counted among the disaffected. I am Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have sent Genl potter’s letter to him by Express.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 21 December 1777
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Sunday noon December 21st 1777

I am honored with yours of this Date, a Spy from the City & the Express arrived a few Minutes ago, the former confirms the account of the Enemy’s intention to plunder, they intend to visit Derby, Marple & Springfield Townships this Week, so says “Mr Nat. Vernon in confidence to Mr Joshua Humphreys of Philada.” Yesterday six large flat bottom’d Boats (with about 70 Privates) returned from Jersey loaded with Beef Corn &ca &ca my Spy saw no more Troops, but understood the whole party were coming over—the Enemys late entrenchment extends about 15 Rod, & they are busy at work—about 200 Waggons were paraded & ’twas said were going towards Frankford—a very plentiful market of Beef Yesterday—they Enemy are busy in turning the Inhabitants out of their Houses & quartering Troops in them, many of the Citizens are obliged to live in their Kitchens & permit these Tyrants to occupy their Houses—a universal murmuring among them, General Grant is said to have gone with Lord Cornwallis to England, & they refuse to pay for the Cattle they took ’till they return—they talk of sending the new Levies to N. York to prevent their deserting—they Yesterday destroyed Mr Dick Peters House at the fork of the Roads on this side Middle ferry—& returned, three of their Light Horse came up several Miles on the Haverford Road yesterday afternoon, several Deserters came into the City, from the East side Schuylkill Yesterday—they boast of having killed & taken part of a Troop of our Dragoons in that quarter—a current report prevails in the City that a number of Inhabitants had lately made an attempt to burn N. York & that 15 of them were hanged, that General Jones had wrote to Sr Wm for some

Troops to keep them in order, & that his request was granted—a number of Vessells have lately gone down the River, three or four remain at Chester—I expect a Spy tomorrow with further information, which if material, shall be communicated—I sincerely thank your Excellency for your good advice, as well as for the Order to purchase a Horse—I never did repose so great a confidence in Trumbul as to permit him to go or send any one but such as I cou’d trust & shall not employ him in future—I am just informed Morgan’s Corps is in this Neighbourhood, shou’d the Enemy make any sudden move, I’ll give the Col: notice—& every thing in my power shall be exerted to procure you the most instant intelligence of their moving—they say that we may expect a much larger foraging party this Week than last—I send you an Evening post & wou’d be glad to know whether you receive the newspapers regularly from any other quarter, & am with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Obedt

Jno. Clark Jun.


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 21 December 1777
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 21st December 1777

I have deferred answering your Letter of the 28th November, daily expecting to receive the promised List of Prisoners in your Possession, which I was sorry to find Mr Boudinot had no Knowledge of when he met my Commissary on the 2d Instant; but having directed a Letter to

be written to him on that Subject, I trust he will not longer delay so necessary a Communication, more particularly when I am given to understand you will have Pleasure in affording them every Degree of Relief their unfortunate Situation will admit.
I shall be ready to return your Officers in Proportion upon their Parole, as soon as I receive mine from you.
I hope you will excuse my Compliance with your Request of the 14th Instant for granting Passports to Vessels carrying Provisions and Fuel for the Troops under the Articles of the Convention, conceiving it would not be possible to prevent the Passports being improperly used, and being hopeful the Troops may be permitted to embark at Rhode Island agreeable to Genl Burgoynes Request which will make such Provision unnecessary: The Transports designed for that Service sailed from home some Time ago.
In consequence of a former Letter from you a Vessel was ordered to be laden at New York, and proceed with Flour to Boston for the Troops; this Want being supplied, I trust that Fuel may be procured without any great Inconvenience, or a Necessity for Passports from me, even tho the Troops should not embark so soon as I expect. With due Respect I am Sir your most obedient Servant

W. Howe


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Potter, 21 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Potter, James

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 21st decemr 1777

Major Clark has wrote to me several times about some provision that a Mr Trumbull was sending in to Philada by his permission as a cover to procure intelligence, this provision was seized by Colo. Rankin and has been since detained by him. I desire you will give order to have it delivered for unless we now and then make use of such means to get admittance into the City, we cannot expect to obtain intelligence.
I think it of the greatest consequence to have what Hay remains upon the Islands, above the Mouth of Derby Creek, destroyed, especially if what you heard of the former Magazine of hay being spoiled is true. At any rate, as we cannot remove it, I think it should be done as speedily as possible, as we shall probably oblige them to come out into

the Country to Forage, which will perhaps give us an opportunity of cutting off a party. The Mode I leave intirely to Colo. Morgan and yourself. I am informed that there are parties cutting Wood every day on this side the Schuylkill. I do not doubt but they might easily be drove in, but I think destroying the Hay ought to be first attended to. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

Please to acknowledge the Rect of this.


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 22 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John

Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, c.22 Dec. 1777. In his first letter to GW of 23 Dec., Armstrong writes of “your Excellens. favour which came to hand last night.”


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentn
Head Qrs [Valley Forge] Decr 22. 1777.

Your favor of the 14th Instant I received on Saturday Evening. The Release of Genl Thompson is what I wish much to effect. No circumstances have arisen since his captivity by which it could be accomplished. Your Letter is the first & only information, I have had respecting Genl Hamiltons desire of being exchanged & remaining in America, having never received a Line from Genl Gates or any intelligence from him or any other person upon the Subject. However, that Genl Thompson may have a chance of being releived from his present disagreeable situation and of being in a situation to give the States his services, I have written to Genl Heath to inquire into the matter & to mention it to Genl Hamilton. If it is wished by him and Genl Burgoyne which I shall know from Genl Heath, I am hopeful Genl Howe will consent to an Exchange. I have the Honor to be Gentn Your Most Obedt Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 22 December 1777
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Genl Potters quarters [Radnor, Pa.] 22d Decr 1777–12 oClock

A large Body of the Enemy are on their march to Derby, where they must have arrived by this time, the number uncertain, but you may rely are formidable, they certainly mean to forage where I mentioned in my Letter of Yesterday—at 8 this morning about 20 Dragoons of the Enemy came up to the Fox Chase, to give the alarm, & then took the route to Derby—I have alarmed Morgan—the Genl is rode out but is expected every moment—If a Corps was thrown instantly toward Middle ferry their retreat is inevitably cut off. I am in haste Your hble servt

Jno. Clark Jun.

I fear they’ve cau’t a few of our Light Horse.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 22 December 1777
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Newtown [Square, Pa.] Decr 22d 1777–2 oClock P.M.

I have just returned from Springfield, having met one of my Spies on the Road, he informs me Genl Sr Wm Howe Sr Wm Erskine & a number of other Generals are with the party at Derby, refreshing the Troops—they have a very formidable Body with them—my Spy was taken by their advanced Guard one Mile this side Derby, on the Springfield Road—& carried to the Generals at Derby—they’ve made great many fires—one of their Guides assured my Spy they were only forageing, & meant to proceed towards Chester, I now observe a considerable smoke towards Providence Meeting House—Intelligence from another says they’ve 200 Waggons with them—I shall order my Spy to return & bring me further information—wou’d to God! I had only a few good Light Dragoons—I will now take a tour in their front—no Waggons had passed Derby before my Spy came away. I am in haste with the greatest Attachment your Excellency’s Obedt

Jno: Clark Jun.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. John Clark, 22 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. John Clark, Jr., 22 Dec. 1777. Clark says in the postscript of his letter to GW of 23 Dec. that “I wrote you by Express last Evening.”


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 22 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Head Qrs Valley Forge Decr 22. 1777.

On Saturday Evening I had the honor to receive your Favor of the 17th Inst. with it’s Inclosure. The next day I wrote to Genl Burgoyne upon the subject of his application & transmitted him a Copy of the Resolution of Congress founded thereon. That the matter might not be delayed, I dispatched my Letter by the Express who brought yours, he having informed that you expected he would be sent with It.
It is with infinite pain & concern, that I transmit Congress the inclosed Copies of Sundry Letters respecting the state of the Commissary’s Department. In these matters are not exaggerated. I do not know from what cause this alarming deficiency, or rather total failure of Supplies arises: But unless more vigorous exertions and better regulations take place in that line and immediately, This Army must dissolve.

I have done all in my power, by remonstrating—by writing to—by ordering the Commissaries on this Head from time to time, but without any good effect, or obtaining more than a present scanty relief. Owing to this, the march of the Army has been delayed upon more than One interesting occasion in the course of the present Campaign—and had a body of the Enemy crossed Schuylkill this morning, as I had reason to expect from the intelligence I received at Four oClock last night, the Divisions which I ordered to be in readiness to march & meet them could not have moved. It is unnecessary for me to add more upon the subject. I refer Congress to the Copies, by one of which they will perceive how unfavourable also our prospect is, of having any considerable supplies of Salt provisions for the ensuing Year.
I would also take the liberty of reminding Congress of the necessity of filling, as soon as possible, the Offices of Quarter Master and Adjutant General. These posts are of infinite importance and without appointments to them, it will be impossible to conduct the affairs of the Army. The first Office is now suffering much for want of a Head to direct the great business of it, and the latter will be in the same predicament in the course of a few days by the departure of Colo. pickering, who has been only waiting since his appointment to the Board of War for a Successor.
Congress were pleased by their Resolution of the 29th Ulto to direct me to regulate the rank of Major Genl Arnold and of Brigadr Generals Woodford & Scott, by calling in their present Commissions and granting New Ones agreable to the principle adopted in their Resolution of the 12th of the same Month. This business so far as it relates to General Arnold and General Scot is clear, and admits of no difficulty—But it is otherwise in the case of General Woodford. The principle adopted by the Resolution and previously recommended by a Board of General Officers upon another occasion was “That relative rank or precedence of Officers should be settled according to that standing they held in the Army immediately before their present Commissions.” At the time General Woodford was appointed he held no rank in the Army. His claim is to rank before such of the Gentlemen appointed Brigadiers when he was, as were younger Colonels than himself. If this was intended by Congress in their Resolution of the 29th Ulto, and I presume it was, or it can have no Operation as to him—An Explanatory and directory Resolve would answer every purpose, as from that a Commission might be filled up agreable to their views respecting him. I wish this business to be determined on as early as possible, in whatever mode Congress may think proper, as no subject can be more disagreable or injurious to the service than that of contested rank. The Generals who were Younger Colonels and promoted above him, I beleive

were Wayne—Muhlenburg and Weedon. From the difficulties, which have arisen in several instances of this sort in the course of the present year, I trust Congress will be more guarded in future. They may not be so intimately acquainted with them as I am; But they may be assured, there are none of a more fatal and injurious tendency. when rank is once given, no matter upon what principle, whether from mistake or other causes, the party in possession of it in most cases is unwilling to give it up, though the most obvious principles of Justice or even the public good should require it. Such is the general ambition of Men and attachment to their own private preferment. It is a truth, that it will ever be found more easy to prevent, than to remedy difficulties after they have happened. I do not mention these things from a wish or disposition to dictate, nothing being farther from my intention—but because my feelings are every day wounded by the discontent—complaints and jarring of the Officers, not to add resignations—All of great detriment to the Service.
3 oClock P.M. Just as I was about to conclude my Letter, your Favor of the 20th with its several Inclosures came to hand.
It would give me infinite pleasure to afford protection to every Individual and to every Spot of Ground in the whole of the United States. Nothing is more my wish—But this is not possible with our present force. In all Wars, from the nature of things, Individuals and particular places must be exposed. It has ever been and ever will be the case, and we have only to pity and to regret the misfortunes of those who from their situation are subject to ravage and depredation. These facts are evident and obvious to All; and if that System of conduct is pursued by an Army, which is most likely to give the most general and extensive security, it is all that can be done or expected from It. I assure you, Sir, no circumstance in the course of the present contest, or in my whole life, has employed more of my reflection or consideration than in what manner to effect this, and to dispose of the Army during the Winter. Veiwing the subject in any point of light, there was a choice of difficulties. If keeping the Feild was thought of, the naked condition of the Troops, and the feelings of Humanity opposed the measures. If retiring to the Towns in the interior parts of the State, which, consistently with the preservation of the Troops from their necessitous circumstances might have been justifiable, the measure was found inexpedient, because it would have exposed and left uncovered a large extent of Country. If cantoning the Troops in several places—divided and distant from each other, then there was a probability of their being cut off and but little prospect of their giving security to any part. Under these Embarrassments, I determined to take post near this place, as the best calculated in my Judgement to secure the Army—to protect our

Stores and cover the Country; and for this purpose we are beginning to hut, and shall endeavour to accomplish it as expeditiously as possible. I have also from a desire of preventing the Enemy from an intercourse with the Delaware State and from making incursions there detached Genl Smallwood with the Maryland forces to take post at Wilmington, which I had reasons to beleive the Enemy intended. This However I cannot but consider as hazardous, and shall be happy if it does not turn out so. I have it also in comtemplation to throw a Bridge over Schuylkill near this place, as soon as it is practicable, by means of which I hope we shall be able in a great measure with the aid of the Militia, to check the Excursions of the Enemy’s parties on the other side.
As to Jersey, I am sensible of her sufferings and exertions in the present contest; and there is no State to which I would more willingly extend protection: But as I have observed, it is not in my power to give it in that degree, in which it seems to be wished and expected. I cannot divide the Army, not superior from sickness and other causes equally painful when collected to the Enemy’s force, into detachments, contrary to every Military principle and to our own experience of the dangers that would attend it. If this is done, I cannot be answerable for the consequences. My feelings lead strongly to Universal relief, but I have not the power to afford it. Nevertheless, it has been and is still my intention, as soon as I have formed and secured this Camp, to detach a small force to aid and countenance their Militia; This is All, it appears to me, that can be done; and I hope their apprehensions for the greater part will prove rather immaginary than well grounded: tho I confess, there are strong reasons to conclude, the Enemy will not be remiss in their acts of violence and injury there, or any where else.
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter from Genl Howe of the 21st in Answer to mine of the 28 Ulto & 14 Instant. From this it appears Transports have sailed to take in Genl Burgoyne & his Troops. Should Mr Boudinot be at York I think it will be adviseable to shew him the Copy of Genl How’s Letter, that he may expedite the return of the Officers, that an equal number of Our’s may be released. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P.S. A large supply of Blank Commissions are still wanted—but few of the States having granted them to their Officers.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 22 December 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Decr 22d 12 oClock 1777

I sent Capt. Lives of with 5 men when I wrote you he is Just Returned and says the enemy are in Darbey with a large Number and going aplundring of three Townships. I am Sir your Most Humble Servant

Ja’s Potter


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 22 December 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Decr 22d four oClock 1777

the enemy are in two partys and going up into Spring field and the other nearder to the Chister Road we have parties observing there mosions and will be able to let you Know where they encamp this night they have a great number of waggans with them. I am your Excelan. Humble servant

Ja’s Potter


Title: From George Washington to James Potter, 22 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Potter, James

Letter not found: to James Potter, 22 Dec. 1777. In his fourth letter to GW of this date, written at 11:00 p.m., Potter mentions that he had “Just Receved you Excelanceys favours of seven and Eight oClock this evening.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 22 December 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Decr 22d Eleven oClock 1777

I have Just Receved you Excelanceys favours of seven and Eight oClock this evening the enemy are not moved towards Wilimington they ley en Camped from Philip Prices to Joshewa Asshes Place on the

Road leading from Darby to Springfield meetinghous—your pleaseed to Inform me that you will send down fifteen choice partys as soon as they can be perreaded then you Aske me to Inform you of the Numbers of the Enemy that I am not able to Assurtain General How is out and I Beleve the greater part of his Army they form a line of three mills long, I am of opinion that it will Requier a larg Bodey to Get the Better of them—we have a party In Springfield meeting hous this night and patter Roles from that to there picquates—the Keep verey Closs to gether: they Do not Scatter as they did when out before. I am your excelanceys Humble Servant

Ja’s Potter


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 22d decemr 1777

The Enemy marched out of Philada this morning early with a considerable Body. Their intent is said to be to forage, but lest they may have something further in view, I think it proper to put you upon your guard. They incamp this Evening near Derby. I have this day recd information that the Troops which were embarked some days ago, and were said to be destined for New York are designed to land in the lower Counties and collect Stock and Forage there and upon the Eastern Shore of Maryland. But I cannot say the information is much to be depended upon. You may easily know the probability of this, by sending down to enquire whether the Transports yet remain in Delaware Bay. I shall be glad to hear what progress you make in fortifying yourself and whether the Militia join you in any considerable Number. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 22 December 1777
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear sir,
Wilmington [Del.] December 22d 1777

Our March being retarded on the 19th Inst. by the Commissarys not furnishing Provision till the Eveng, prevented our seting off, ’till 4 Oclock in the Morning of the 20th, & after a fatiguing & rapid March, arrived here at 9 Oclock in the Morning of the 21st, with all the Troops Artillery and Ordnance Stores &c. safe; we have compleated one Battery mounting two Guns at the Bridge; and are now about two more, one on the commanding Ground above that & rather higher up the Brandewine, & another at the Fort late on the Point commanding the two Creeks; after the Completion of which, we shall immediately proceed to fortify and guard against the Enemys Advances, shou’d they attempt to cross the Brandewine higher up, & come on in our Rear; the Place is too extinsive for our Force, but no Exertions shall be wanting to secure & defend it, our Baggage & Artillery in Addition by Colo. Sheriff has just arrived & I am endeavorg to procure & make out two Iron pieces more wch if effected will scarce be sufficient for the necessary Posts tho they will be all that can be manned—No Aid from the President has arrived tho I have to Day sent an Express to him requesting it in pursuance of your Requisition—no light Horse are to be had here, nor do I think this Place secure against a surprize (tho it may be partial) with less than a Troop they wou’d aid and lessen the Duty of the Infantry on the out Posts very considerably & you must conceive the Duty within too extensive for our Numbers & the bad state they are in at present therefore flatter myself you will see the necessity of forwarding a Troop.
I have not had Time to obtain any Intelligince of importance, no Ships in View, a Brig & Shallop deep laden are now going up, appear to be unarmed, which shou’d soon be determined; had I two Boats here & submit to you if a few light Boats woud not be essentially necessary not only in this but other Views.
A Number of Men of this Division now at Bethlehem, on comd in the Fleet, & in other Departments, Waiters on Surgeons &c. &c. are much wanted here & wou’d submit the expediency of a Genl Order directing them immediately to be detached to join their Division, Stragglers I shall send for as soon as I have Leisure.
Mr Musgrove whose Character has been represented to me in a favorable

light has given his Honor to deliver this has applied for a pass into Philadelphia which induced me to refer him to you to obtain in much haste am Your Excellencys most Obedt Hble Sert

W. Smallwood

P.S. I hear there is a Body of the Enemy at Salem in the Jerseys who got there a few Days since.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 22 December 1777
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp [Valley Forge] Decr 22d 1777.

According to the saying of Solomon, hunger will break thro’ a stone Wall; It is therefore a very pleasing Circumstance to the Division under my Command, that there is a probability of their marching. Three Days successively, we have been destitute of Bread. Two Days we have been intirely without Meat. It is not to be had from the Commissaries. Whenever we procure Beef, it is of such a vile Quality, as to render it a poor Succeedanium for Food. The Men must be supplied, or they cannot be commanded. If This Country will not, cannot afford the means There are other States in a different Situation. The Complaints are too urging to pass unnoticed. It is with Pain that I mention this Distress. I know it will make your Excellency unhappy: But, if you expect the Exertions of virtuous Principles, while your Troops are deprived of the essential Necessaries of Life, your final Disappointment will be great, in Proportion to that Patience, w’ch now astonishes every Man of human Feeling. I mention these things on Paper, that the Evil may be inquired into. I am, with Submission, your Excellency’s most obdt Servt

J. M. Varnum


Title: General Orders, 23 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters, Valley-Forge, Decr 23rd 1777.
ParoleC. signs

Those men engaged in building the bridge, under General Sullivan’s direction, are to be supplied with provisions by themselves, upon General Sullivan’s order, and are therefore to be deducted from the regimental provision returns.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 23 December 1777
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
23d Decr 1777—Near Bartholomews [Pa.]

Yesterday, prior to your Excellens. favour which came to hand last night, I had dispatch’d an Express to the Council of this State in regard to a Continued Succession of the Militia thro’ the Winter—this I had in effect done by a former letter, but Yesterday have been explicit.
About 200 fine Cattle are gone forward to you, with these I have Sent a Guard & thro the hurry of business forgot to keep Six of them which wou’d have been necessary as in a Short time it will be hard to feed these troops. The Cloathing from the Northward otherwise

bound for Lancaster, I have order’d by Paulings Ford & to Call on you. This Night I shall have Seven Battns distributed to different roads—Have brought Some Cattle from near Frankfort—Taken Some Market Truck—this I order to the party who takes it, and have this morning got two men who were carrying down Articles to Market those it will be proper to Send to you, but have not yet examined, nor heard what they have to Say—In two days I hope to have my distribution or arrangement done according to the present Strength And have yesterday Wrote General Potter, which letter I have desired to be produced to you, as it expresses my wishes that Gl Potter may come Over here, which is Submitted to yr Excellency. I can only express my real concern for the Observations too generally made, on the halt of the troops on this Side Scuylkill, that that day the Troops marched from White Marsh—Cutting the Bridge &c.—If any Exchange Shou’d take place, perhaps there might be a parity betwixt Genl Irwin & McDonald taken in No. Carolina. I am Dear General most respectfully Yours

John Armstrong


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 23 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John

Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, c.23 Dec. 1777. In his second letter to GW of 23 Dec., Armstrong writes that he had “received your Excellys Favour this Afternoon.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 23 December 1777
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp near Bartholemews [Pa.] Decemr 23d 1777.

I received your Excellys Favour this Afternoon & shall as far as in my Power endeavour to obey your Commands. Upon conferring with Persons who have the best Opportunities of knowing the Circumstances of the Country between this & Philada I am of Opinion that instead of there being a Surplus beyond the Wants of the Inhabitants they will have great Difficulty to reach the Spring with the little Stock left. The long Residence of our Army in these Parts has made every kind of Provision so scarce that I have found the utmost Difficulty to procure sufficient for the Troops I have. As to what may remain between the old Camp & Philada I believe your Excelly will not think there can be any Gleaning after British Troops. Upon the whole I am so well satisfied that nothing beneficial can possibly arise from the Search, that unless the Orders are renewed after this Information, I shall not proceed. In that Case I shall use my best Endeavours tho’ without the least Hope of Success.
I have given the necessary Orders for the Troops to collect as early as possible at a Rendezvous in order to proceed to the Enemys Lines, which I hope will have the desired Effect. The late Arrival of the Express & the Darkness of the Night added to the State of their Provisions will prevent their March untill the Morning, but I shall proceed with all Expedition after they are put in Motion & hope it will answer your Purpose.
Your Excellys Situation, at such a Time with the Enemy plundering before your Camp & destitute of Bread gives me the greatest Concern, & the greater as I can do so little for your Relief. The only Dependance I had for my Troops after this fatiguing March was a Load of Flour about Midway between us—this I have ordered to be forwarded to you, & shall leave no Efforts untried to procure as much more as possible. The Arrival of the Bullocks which pass’d me yesterday will I hope relieve you in the Article of Meat. I have not spared any fat Cattle within

my Reach tho I am well assured many of them are designed for the particular Use of the Owners & only kept till this Time for Want of Salt. From my own Observation supported by the Judgment of all those with whom I have conversed I do not find the least Prospect of obtaining Flour in this Part of the Country I would not have your Excelly therefore depend upon any Supply from this Quarter as I am well satisfied you would be disappointed—Even the Support of the Militia must soon fail if the Commissy Genl cannot extend his Views to us—There are few Cattle left & what Wheat remains is not threshed. I am with great Respect & Regard Your Excellys most Obedt & very Hbble Servt

John Armstrong


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 23 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from the Board of War, 23 Dec. 1777. In his letter to the Board of War of 2–3 Jan. 1778, GW writes that “Your several Letters of the 23d, 24th & 27th Ulto have been recieved.”


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge Decemb. 23d 1777.

Full as I was in my representation of matters in the Commissary’s department yesterday, fresh and more powerful reasons oblige me to add, that I am now convinced beyond a doubt, that unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place in that line this Army must inevitably be reduced to one or other of these three things. Starve—dissolve—or disperse, in order to obtain subsistence in the best manner they can. rest assured, Sir, this is not an exaggerated picture, and that I have abundant reason to support what I say.
Yesterday afternoon receiving information that the Enemy, in force, had left the City, and were advancing towards Derby, with apparent design to forage and draw subsistence from that part of the Country, I ordered the Troops to be in readiness, that I might give every Opposition in my power; when behold! to my great mortification, I was not only informed, but convinced, that the Men were unable to stir on account of provision, and that a dangerous mutiny, begun the night before and which with difficulty was suppressed by the spirited exertions

of some Officers, was still much to be apprehended for want of this Article.
This brought forth the only Commissary in the purchasing line in this Camp, and with him this melancholy and alarming truth, That he had not a single hoof of any kind to slaughter, and not more than 25 Barrells of Flour! From hence form an opinion of our situation, when I add, that he could not tell when to expect any.
All I could do under these circumstances was, to send out a few light parties to watch and harrass the Enemy, whilst other parties were instantly detached different ways to collect, if possible, as much provision as would satisfy the present pressing wants of the Soldiery—But will this answer? No Sir: three or four days bad weather would prove our destruction. What then is to become of the Army this Winter? and if we are as often without Provisions now, as with them, what is to become of us in the Spring, when our force will be collected, with the aid perhaps of Militia, to take advantage of an early campaign before the Enemy can be reinforced? These are considerations of great magnitude—meriting the closest attention, and will, when my own reputation is so intimately connected and to be affected by the event, justify my saying that the present Commissaries are by no means equal to the execution of the Office, or that the disaffection of the people is past beleif. The misfortune however does in my opinion proceed from both causes, and though I have been tender heretofore of giving any opinion or lodging complaints, as the change in that department took place contrary to my Judgement, and the consequences thereof were predicted; yet finding that the inactivity of the Army, whether for want of provisions, Cloaths, or other essentials is charged to my account, not only by the common vulgar, but those in power, it is time to speak plain in exculpation of myself. With truth then I can declare, that no Man in my opinion ever had his measures more impeded than I have, by every department. Since the month of July we have had no assistance from the Quarter Master General, and to want of assistance from this department, the Commissary General charges great part of his deficiency—to this I am to add, that notwithstanding it is a standing order and often repeated, that the Troops shall always have two days provisions by them, that they might be ready at any sudden call, yet no opportunity has scarcely ever offered of taking advantage of the Enemy, that has not been either totally obstructed, or greatly impeded on this account: and this the great & crying evil is not all. Soap—Vinegar and other articles allowed by Congress we see none of, nor have we seen them, I believe, since the battle of Brandywine. The first indeed we have now little occasion for, few men having more than one shirt—many only the moiety of one, and some none at all. In addition to

which, as a proof of the little benefit received from a Cloathier General, and at the same time, as a farther proof of the inability of an Army under the circumstances of this, to perform the common duties of Soldiers, besides a number of Men confined to Hospitals for want of Shoes, & others in Farmers Houses on the same account, we have by a Field return this day made, no less than 2898 Men now in Camp unfit for duty, because they are barefoot and otherwise naked; and by the same return it appears, that our strength in continental Troops, including the Eastern Brigades which have joined since the surrender of Genl Burgoyne, exclusive of the Maryland Troops sent to Wilmington, amount to no more than 8200—in Camp fit for duty. Notwithstanding which, and that since the 4th Instant our numbers fit for duty from the hardships and exposures they have undergone, particularly on account of Blankets (numbers having been obliged and still are, to set up all night by fires, instead of taking comfortable rest in a natural and common way) have decreased near 2000 Men, we find Gentlemen without knowing whether the Army was really going into Winter Quarters or not (for I am sure no Resolution of mine would warrant the Remonstrance) reprobating the measure as much, as if they thought the Soldiery were made of Stocks or Stones, and equally insensible of Frost and Snow; and moreover, as if they conceived it easily practicable for an inferior Army, under the disadvantages I have described ours to be, which is by no means exaggerated, to confine a Superior one, in all respects well appointed and provided for a Winters Campaign, within the City of Philadelphia, and to cover from depredation and waste the States of pensylvania, Jersey, &ca. But what makes this matter still more extraordinary in my eye is, that these very Gentlemen, who were well apprized of the nakedness of the Troops from occular demonstration, who thought their own Soldiers worse clad than others and advised me near a month ago, to postpone the execution of a plan I was about to adopt in consequence of a Resolve of Congress for seizing Cloaths, under strong assurances, that an ample supply would be collected in ten days agreable to a decree of the State (not one article of which, by the bye, is yet come to hand) should think a Winters Campaign, and the covering these States from the invasion of an Enemy so easy and practicable a business. I can assure those Gentlemen, that it is a much easier and less distressing thing, to draw Remonstrances in a comfortable room by a good fire side, than to occupy a cold, bleak hill, and sleep under frost & snow without Cloaths or Blankets: However, although they seem to have little feeling for the naked and distressed Soldier, I feel superabundantly for them, and from my soul pity those miseries, which it is neither in my power to releive or prevent. It is for these reasons therefore, I have dwelt upon the subject, and it adds not

a little to my other difficulties and distress, to find that much more is expected of me, than is possible to be performed; and, that upon the ground of safety and policy, I am obliged to conceal the true state of the Army from public view, and thereby expose myself to detraction & calumny.
The Honble Committee of Congress went from Camp fully possessed of my Sentiments respecting the Establishment of this Army—the necessity of Auditors of Accounts—Appointment of Officers—New Arrangements &c. I have no need therefore to be prolix on these Subjects, but shall refer to them, after adding a word or two to shew, First, the necessity of some better provision for binding the Officers by the tye of Interest to the service (as no day, nor scarcely an hour passes without an Offer of a resigned Commission) Otherwise, I much doubt the practicability of holding the Army together much longer. In this, I shall probably be thought more sincere, when I freely declare, that I do not myself expect to derive the smallest benefit from any establishment that Congress may adopt, Otherwise than as a Member of the Community at large in the good which I am persuaded will result from the measure, by making better Officers and better Troops; And Secondly, to point out the necessity of making the appointments, arrangements, &ca without loss of time. We have not more than three months to prepare a great deal of business in—if we let these slip or waste, we shall be labouring under the same difficulties all next Campaign, as we have done this, to rectify mistakes, and bring things to order for Military arrangements and movements, in consequence like the Mechanism of a Clock, will be imperfect, and disordered, by the want of a part. In a very sensible degree, have I experienced this in the course of the last Summer—Several Brigades having no Brigadiers appointed to them till late & some not at all. by which means it follows, that an additional weight is thrown upon the Shoulders of the Commander in Cheif to withdraw his attention from the great line of his duty. The Gentlemen of the Committee, when they were at Camp, talked of an expedient for adjusting these matters, which I highly approved and wish to see adopted; namely that two or three Members of the Board of War—or a Committee of Congress should repair immediately to Camp where the best aid can be had, and with the Commanding Officer, or a Committee of his appointment prepare and digest the most perfect plan, that can be divised for correcting all abuses—making New arrangements—considering what is to be done with the weak & debilitated Regiments (If the States to which they belong will not draft men to fill them, for as to enlisting Soldiers it seems to me to be totally out of the question) together with many other things that would occur

in the course of such a conference: and after digesting matters in the best manner they can, to submit the whole to the ultimate determination of Congress. If this measure is approved of, I would earnestly advise the immediate execution of it. And that the Commissary General of purchases, whom I rarely see, may be directed to form Magazines without a moments delay in the Neighbourhood of this Camp in order to secure provision for us in case of bad weather. The Quarter Master General ought also to be busy in his department—In short, there is as much to be done in preparing for a Campaign, as in the active part of it. In fine every thing depends upon the preparation that is made in the Several departments in the course of this Winter and the success or misfortunes of next Campaign will more than probably originate with our activity or Supineness this Winter. I have the Honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 23 December 1777
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
York [Pa.] 23d Decemr 1777

I had the honour of writing to your Excellency the 20th by Messenger Macklosky Since which I have not received any of your Excellency’s favours nor any Commands from Congress to be transmitted to you.
General Conway is so polite as to afford me an opportunity of conveying a Packet to your Excellency which I received last Evening from Majr General Gates—at the Same time I send the correspondence alluded to in my last between Brigadier Parsons & General Tryon. I believe I was premature in giving this Gentleman the title of Sir William—& I also add Copy of a Letter from the Brigadier to a Member of Congress which shews that he had retorted the injuries he complained of by an Act which he would not have the Enemy believe he meditated—If your Excellency shall not have seen other Copies these will give some information. for the first Instance, a British Crew of a Vessel bound from Granada to New York with 70 Puncheons of Rum & Six Hogsheads Sugar for the use of the Enemy’s Troops, some time last Month dispossessed the Master of Command & carried the Vessel into Charles Town so. Carolina—where, according to a Resolve of Congress the Value of Vessel & Cargo were adjudged prize to the Captors—this Resolve was founded on the practice of the British Court for encouraging infidelity & treachery among our Seamen—I hope all their infamous examples & I have no doubt this particular one will be retaliated an hundred fold. I remain with very great regard & Esteem—&ca.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 23 December 1777
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sr
23d Decr 1777

And honest looking Quaker just Now Came to me and informd me that he was up and saw the number of the enemy that is now out, he thinks of the light infantry thare was about a Thousand with four field peces, he thinks there is more of the battalions out then has been before, thay ware going out from four oclock yesterday morning, till eleven, We are reinforced by fifteen or six teen detachment every one seperate Commands General Potter Cant do any more for them than find them gardes, I am going out with what I have off duty and shall give my advice but from thair orders Can take no command even if we ware engag’d. I am your most obedient and Very Hble sert

Danl Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 23 December 1777
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
23d Decr 1777

Several of the Captns of the Detach’d parties put themselves under my Command, I took Charge of them fixed upon a place of randisvouz, and detach’d Companies to scout round the enemies lines, Colo. Butler fell in with a Troop of horse took ten men twelve horses and retook a man [of] Capt. Lees—the rest Narowly escaped, the other parties had no success, thay are by no means fit for scouts, being taken promiscuously from the regts, when thay ought to have been pick’d men, and thay all Came out without provisions which renders them almost useless thay stragle at such a rate that if the enemy was any wais interprising thay might get two from us, whare we would take one of them, which makes me Wish General How would go in least any acsident

might happen us, we have retired to spring field meeting house whare we keep a strong guard and intend to go to thair lines early in the morning, if any thing remarkably happens you shall have the earliest Notice of it, three or four of the detachd Companies has been on the North side of darby Creak, that I have Not heard from, parhaps they have done something clever. I am with much esteem your obedient servt

Danl Morgan


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 23 December 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Radnor, Pa.] Decr 23d 1777

The men came down the greater part of them without provision, I saw by there orders that each Capt. had a Seprate Command, I found each of them pilets and the proseeded down to the enemy Col. Morgan is gon with all the men we Had off duty I have no great expectation from these partys.
one of our partys that was out all Night this morning on this side of Darbey saw 17 of the enemys Light Hors and the pursued our Hors But Discovered the fut then they tacked about and maid there Escape there is a large Bodey of the enemy out and I Beleve they are halling Hay from the Islands they Keep preety Close together. I am your Excelanceys Humble servant

Ja’s Potter


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 23 December 1777
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Genl Potters Qrs (Radnor) [Pa.]Decembr 23d 1777 5 oClock
Dr Sir

I arrived here with my division about an hour ago, I find Colonel Morgan went out Early this Morning (with his own Corps, the fifteen parties detached last Night & part of Genl Potters Militia) towards the Enemy; there is as yet no Intelligence from them; some few Cannon have been heard this Afternoon; But I belive nothing of Consequence has happened, or Intelligence would have been here of it; by what I can Collect the Enemy are Encamped with their Right at the Sweeds

Church, & their left at Darby, which makes a front of about a Mile & Quarter; they keep Close to their line, no Waggons appear on this Side of them; on the Whole I belive they are busy Carrying off the Hay & forrage from the Neck & the Islands between Derby Creek & Schuylkill, as their position Covers that part Compleatly. The Troops here (even potters included) I find are Intirely without provision, some Grain & Spirits are between this & the Enemy; I have therefore sent for all my Waggons from Camp to Carry it off. The Militia &c. have been so frequently & so long in this Quarter that every thing Else is Consumed. whatever happens your Excellency will have the most early Intelligence from your Excellency’s Most Ob. Humble Servt

Stirling,

If provision (Beef I mean) is in Camp some should be sent.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Bailey, 24 December 1777
From: Bailey, John
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency.
December 24th 1777

Lieut. Colonel Bedlam of my Regiment, having lost his Cloaths, in the Siege at Fort Stanwix. The officers & Soldiers of the Regiment, being in great want of Cloathing, Myself & the Major being Present Humbly request, that he may have a furlough, for the purpose of Procuring Cloathing for himself & Regiment. From Your Excellencys Most Obedent Humb. Servt

John Bailey Col.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 24 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from the Board of War, 24 Dec. 1777. In his letter to Henry Laurens of 1 Jan. 1778, GW refers to receiving a letter from the secretary of the board of the “24th ulto,” and in his letter to the Board of War of 2–3 Jan., GW writes that “Your several Letters of the 23d, 24th & 27th Ulto have been recieved.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 24 December 1777
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
York [Pa.] 24th Decemr 1777

I had the honour of writing to your Excellency yesterday by General Conway; I now inclose a Resolve of Congress of the 22d Sent in to me last Night, directing, all Gold & Silver which shall be received for provision or other necessaries supplied British Prisoners, to be paid immediately into the Continental Treasury—To this I will take the liberty of adding extract of a Letter dated Nantz the 18th October, the latest date I have heard of—from this writers account, an opinion which I have long entertained & Sometimes expressed, that the Court of Versailles, were playing off these Infant States as puppets for the sole benefit of France, is not discountenenced. neither such versatile attachment on one Side nor the enormous considerations which we are paying for their Trade &c. on the other will entitle them to strong claims upon our gratitude—the less obligation we are under the better.
If War is declared between England & France according to present appearances it must from necessity commence with the former. I am with very great Regard &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Morgan, 24 December 1777
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
24th [December] 1777

I left the lines this evening—Lord starling sint for me to know in what maner the enemy lay, that he might the better dispose of some parties he was going to send out, & intend back in the morning.
Lord starling thinks the horses and accutrements ought to be sent to head Quarters that they might be put to immediate service, and the value paid to the men that took them. I spoke to the men about it, thay are well agreed it should be so in Case thay are despos’d off that way if not thay would chuse to despose of them, themselves, the Carbines and swords Capt. Lee has got likwise the trumpet and trumpeter—the enemy is incampt from schuylkill to within two miles of the white horse

on chester road—I think thair prencesible view in Coming out, was to get in the hay from the islands, thay have had Nigh a hundred waggons halling hay every day since thay have been out—we keep Close round them. thay dont offer to Come far out side of thair pequets so that we have little Chance to take any of them if any thing remarkable happens you shall have the earliest Notice of it. I am Your very obedient servt

Danl Morgan

N.B. about thirty sail of Vessels saild down the river Yesterday several of them very large.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Nelson, 24 December 1777 [letter not found]
From: Nelson, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 24 Dec. 1777. GW wrote Nelson on 8 Feb. 1778 that “I have been favoured with your Letters of the 24th. of Decmr. & 20th ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Allyne Otis, 24 December 1777
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
Boston Decr 24th 1777

With the utmost anxiety I have beheld your army of Patriots opposeing not only the formidable powers of Europe, and you bearing your Gallant breast not only against misfortune, but combating also the attacks of inclement Skies in our unequal Combat.
Why application to the Eastern States whose ports are open and whose acquisition of Cloathing is vast, was not sooner made I cant determine, But sure I am that to say nothing of the distress brave men are exposed to in the Cold season uncovered, the delay has cost the Continent £100,000.
In ten days after notice of my appointment I dispatched 12 waggons with Sundry articles agreeable to the return inclosed, am now loadg the 3d brigade with plains coatings &c.
There is plenty of Cloathing thank God for 20,000 men except perhaps a deficiency in Shoes hatts & blanketts, but woolens are daily arriveing, & if I can be supplied with money & Waggons, and the Convoys are not cut off, I pawn my life upon covering the Army with good decent Cloathing, as they deserve that of Laurells.
Forgive my obtrusion upon one of your important moments & beleive me with the profoundest respect & veneration for your exalted virtues Your Excellencys Most humble & Obet Sevt

Sam. A. Otis


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 24 December 1777
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Radnor, Pa.] Decr 24th 1777

yesterday 18 of the enemys light Hors Took one of Capt. Lees horsmen near the whit Hors Tavernn a party of ours Commanded by Col. Butler hard of the horsman been taken, and went and Surrounded the hous and the Eenemy hors were forced to take to the mash, Butler took 13 of the hors and ten of the hors men prisners on seeing of Colo. morgan and his party two of there out picquets Ran in the enemy Keep Cloase. I am your Excelancys Humble Servant

Ja’s Potter


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 24 December 1777
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Radnor [Pa.] Decembre 24th 1777 6 oClock

Since I wrote you this Morning Nothing very Material has happened; I found Col: Morgan with His Corps & Six Companies of the 15, detached parties and the Militia have posted themselves in the front and on the left-flank of the Enemy, in Sight of them I therefore sent off Colonel Malcolm with the Lt Cols. Barber & Harmer with 300 Men to the Vicinity of Marshalls Mill, which will Cover our foorageing parties, and be Sufficient to destress any of theirs which may Venture out; what is become of the Rest of those 15 parties I know not; but had they been formed under three feild Officers & put under the direction of Col: Morgan they might have been of Use. The light Horse taken Yesterday with Several Light Infantry, Negroes, &c. I have orderd to be sent to head Quarters tomorrow Morning; the Arms & Boots of the light Horse I have Allowed Capt. Lee to retain for the Benefit of his Troop till your further order, the Horses (13 in Number with every thing Else) are to go to Head Quarters in the Morning. Col: Morgans opinion is that the Enemy mean Nothing more than to forage the Neck & Islands I mentioned in my last, that our forces are well posted, and sufficient to Answer every purpose, till they Adopt other Measures. I am of his opinion, and that with our whole Army, it would be imprudent to Attack them in their present possition, indeed from what I know of the Ground I think they have taken a post of defiance; yet I am

in hopes of picking up some of their Straglers on their Right as I hear they behave Carelessly there, we are now well Supplyed with Bread & Meat and Notwithing what I was told yesterday I belive we shall make a very good forrageing tomorrow Morning with all the Waggons of my division, I wish some more Waggons were sent, I will find loads for them which may otherwise fall into the hands of the Enemy your Excellency may be Assured that no force will be Used, While linetive Measures will Answer the purpose. I am your Excellency’s Most Obt Humble Servt

Stirling,

I write in a Noisy Crowd, therefore Excuse this Scrawl.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 24 December 1777
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Dembr 24th 1777

Yours of the 11th Inst. is come to hand—I am Sorry Howe has manag’d so as to escape a Drubg. this Campaign I fully expected he woud get one—Your Army we are told are going into Winter Quarters, but whether that will be a means of giveg us the pleasure of your Company at Mount Vernon or not, this winter, we here cannot tell. I wish it may. It gives me Real concern and uneasiness, that we are makeg nothing—all our Wheat destroyd, our Mill Idle, and but a short Crop of Corn, Morrise’s Field the greatest part of which, is swamp, drown’d, so that it brought no Corn, consequently he made not more than half a Crop 297 Barrels only—at the Ferry—it being a Stiff hard soil, and when once wet does not soon get dry especially when it is raing 2 or three days in a Week. We coud not Plow it at all, for I coud not ride

through the Field without mireg my Horse, however it was attempt’d very often to the injury of the Horses but no advantage to the Corn—we coud only keep the people chopg the grass—here we expected to make a great crop of Corn—we tended the large Field upon the Creeck and joing Frenches, the Plows belonging to the Mill plantation were aded to those belonging to the place (haveg no Use for them at the Mill) in the fore part of the year I made no doubt of makeg 600 Barrels of Corn there, whereas we make but little more than two of sound Corn—in the Neck we make 919—& in the meadow at the Mill 40—out of these different Crops, after payg oversrs Fatg Hogs Beef &c.—we shall not have more than 400 Barrels for Sale if so much—you Sir may think (as every one wou’d) that in your absence we live at a less expence than when you are at home but it is the reverse, it is seldom that this House is without Company—our stable always Full of Horses—(I forgot to mention the Corn at Muddy Hole our Crop there, good as ever the Land produces 385 Barrels) Custis keeps seven here Mrs Washingtons Charriot five, seven Mares, the young Horse that I cut in the Fall (which I fear will never make more than a waggon Horse) the Waggon Horses, and my one, makeg in the whole 24—these added to the Visitors Horses consume no small Quantity of Corn—the Four Dray Mares are with Foal by Mr Brents Horse the little Bay mare you sent here by Mr Mercer I put to him, but I fear she is not with Foal.
I am told in Massachusets they made several Hundred Hogsheads of Rum, Sugar, and Molasses out of the Iindian Corn stocks, if they make it, surely we may, and if I was sure it coud be done, to so great advantage as we are told it may, it woud be much better for us to attempt it than to endeavour to make Tobacco, under the disadvantages that we shall, your advise upon this head I shoud be glad of A Hhd of Rum is worth more than one of Tobacco—it is said an Acre of Corn, will make a Hhd in Tobacco, I am sure it will not make a Hhd, therefore (if Report is true) we coud make more Hhds of Rum than we can Hhds of Tobacco—The apperatus Necessary for Manufactoring the Corn is not more or so much as is necessary for Tobacco—these requires no Houses, for one thing. In short I am really uneasy that we shoud have no Crop that will bring Money, and for the year to come am anxious to Fix upon something that will be profitable. All well with us—and am dr Sir your Faithful & Humbl. Servt

Lund Washington


Title: General Orders, 25 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Valley Forge, Decr 25th 1777.
Parole Springfield.C. Signs Windsor. Hartford.

Each brigade is to detach an active, careful subaltern and eight men, who with an Assistant Commissary are to go to such places as the Commissary General, or his Assistant at Camp shall direct, for the purpose of collecting flour, grain, cattle and pork, for the army—Such men are to be selected, as are able of body, and know how to thresh—Lieut. Col. Bayard is to take the command of these detachments, and see them duly employed for the purposes above mentioned. The men are to take their arms, blankets and necessaries with them, and parade to morrow morning at nine o’clock, at the Black-Bull. Three baggage waggons of each brigade are to be unloaded and parade at the same time and place, to go with the detachments.
Very correct returns are to made immediately, of every corps in the army, to be transmitted to their respective states, to enable them to determine on the measures best adapted for completing the corps to

the establishment. Of the nine old Virginia regiments, the number reinlisted are to be particularly specified—and in the New-England regiments those inlisted for a short period are to be distinguished from the rest.
Complaint has been made, that divers soldiers, some on horseback, have been plundering the inhabitants; this probably arises at least in part from the rolls not being regularly called, and absentees duly noticed—The General requires therefore that this be constantly done in future; And if any soldier is caught riding a waggon or other horse, in or out of camp, he is to be severely punished.


Title: Plan to Attack Philadelphia, 25 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To:

[Valley Forge, c.25 December 1777]

Jameison with the light Horse on the other side Schuylkill to guard the Avenues to the City, & even to form a Chain across from Kensington to Schuylkill; and stop, & secure every Person going in, and coming out. obtaing from them all the Intelligence he can.
A Small Party of Horse under a careful Officer to waylay the road from the middle & upper Ferry, & do the same.
A Party of foot at each ford from Sweedes to the Falls, for the same purpose.
Lord Stirling’s division, with Morgans Corp, & the Detachments from the Line together with Potters Militia to keep up the appearance of an Attack upon the Enemys left & to harrass the Enemy as much as possible. to give, in short, every opposition, to afford time for the Baggage &ca to be removed from our present Camp—if that Camp cannot be defended.
Half the Horse at present on the West side of Schuylkill. to Patrol

near the Enemy’s Lines, & Stop deserters & others from going to them, with Intelligence. & give Informn to me of the Enemys M[ovements].
The other half to follow in the Rear of the Army, & watch all the Fords from Sweedes downwards on the East side; to see if the Enemy approaches to either.
A Spirited & enterprizing (Captn) with three good Subs., 4 Sergeants and 60 Rank & File from each Brigade, with a good guide, to March in Front under the direction of a Colo., L: Col. & Major & to possess themselves by surprize of the Redoubts; immediately upon the doing of which, to form a Chain of Centrys from the one to the o[ther] to prevent any Person from going out, & to defend them to the last extremity against the Enemy.
The Right Wing of the Army (under Genl Sullivan) is immediately upon their passing the enemys Lines to hasten towards the four Ferries, & possess themselves of the Bridges; cut them loose from the West Shore; and defend the Passes till further orders: and, as this is a work which depends more upon secrecy and dispatch than Numbers, no time should be lost in the execution. Genl Woodfords Brigade to furnish one Regiment for the Security of the upper Ferry (just within the Enemys Lines) and to possess themselves of the Redoubts (at all events) which defend the bridge at the Middle Ferry (which is to be cut away from the West side as before described.) Genl Scotts Brigade is to do the same at Greys Ferry. and Genl Waynes division the like at the lower Ferry of all over to Provence Island. Genl Poors Brigade is to join the Reserve & form on the Right of it, at the place, & in the manner hereafter describd.
The Left Wing is to March immediately into the City by the way of  take possession of the most advantageous parts release our own Prisrs & demand a surrender of the Enemys Arms under promise of good Quarter in case of compliance, and no Quarter if opposition is given. Also to threaten all the Ships in the Docks with destruction to themselves (by Fire) and to the Crews by the Sword, if they Stir or offer to resist. The Batteries above, and below the City, to be immediately possessed, and a number of Artillery men thrown into them with the heaviest 2 field pieces to annoy any ships which may attempt to escape. this business to be undr the care of Genl Knox.
Poors, Varnums, Huntingtons and the No. Carolina Brigades are to form a Corps of reserve, and draw up in a line on the Common of Phila. near the Center House facing the City.
The Pensylvania Militia under Genl Armstrong to March & form a junction with Lord Stirling the Moment our lodgment is made—& in the mean while, to move towards Matsons ford for that purpose or for covering our retreat, or securing our Camp, in case of a disaster or

disappointment. General Smallwood is also to join Lord Stirling & the force of Pensa, Maryland, the lower Counties & Jerseys with Provns to be pourd In to Crush Howe before he could recovr from the Surprize or regain his Ships.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Caswell, 25 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Caswell, Richard

Sir
Head Qrs Valley forge Decr 25. 1777

I had the Honor to receive your Favor of the 25th Ulto, with Its Inclosure by yesterday’s post. A spirit of resigning their Commissions, whether resulting from necessary causes or feigned ones I cannot determine, has been but too prevalent in the Army of late. I have discountenanced it as much as possible, especially where the applications were by Men of merit and in some such instances have peremptorily refused to grant ’em. The practice is of pernicious tendency and must have an unhappy influence on the service. At the same time, it is to be observed, where Officers wish to resign, whose characters are exceptionable or do not stand in a favourable point of view, their Commissions should be received, as their continuance would not promote the public Interst and might prevent the promotion of better men. I shall pay due regard to the Resolve of your Honble House of Commons, and that their views may be the more fully answered, I shall deliver a Copy of it to the Commanding Officer of your Troops, that it may be communicated through their Line.
I have nothing that is agreable or interesting to inform you of in the military line. The Enemy still remain in possession of philadelphia and are strongly fortified by a chain of Intrenchments and Redoubts from Schuylkill to Delaware. By a Letter from the Eastward, a Ship arrived at portsmouth (New Hampshire) about the last Ulto, in Seventy five days from Marseilles with Forty eight Brass four pounders—19–Nine Inch Mortars—4110 Stand of Arms—9 Tons of Powder, & 61051 lb. of Sulphur—2500 9 Inch Shells & 2000–4 lb. Balls for the United States. This is an agreable event, as it is a recent proof of the friendly disposition of the French Nation. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Svt

Go: W.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark Jr., 25 December 1777
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Mr Maris’s [Pa.] Decr 25th 1777–1 oClock P.M.

This morning a party of the Enemy with a few Field pieces moved from Derby towards Chester, near the White Horse Tavern they fell in with a small party of our Troops, and a pretty smart Skirmish ensued, the Enemy played their Artillery so warm, that our Troops were soon obliged to give way, we have one man killed, & another wounded with a Cannon ball—& we have taken two prisoners, with their Horses, one of them a Sutler in the 17th Dragoons, & the other a Servant, the Enemy’s design, they say, is only to forage on the Chester Road, & that the party consists of the 1st & 2d Light Infantry our Troops have retired to Springfield Meeting House, & are endeavoring to get some refreshment—they Enemy have only about 40 Dragoons with them—the wretched situations of the Troops here is much to be lamented, no provisions provided for them, ill clothed, many of ’em no Shoes, & they are scattered in sixes & sevens all about the Neighbourhood, in short, they had better be called away. If any considerable number of the Enemy’s Horse, had come up the Springfield Road, they must inevitably have fallen into their Hands—I have ordered the few Officers I met with, to collect them, send to a Mill near this, where there is plenty of Flower & have them well refresh’d—Experience of late, has taught me the advantage of being superior to the Enemy in Horse—If we had at this time 200 Light Dragoons in this quarter, we might catch the Enemy by dozens—& as they seldom send above a Troop of Horse together, we shou’d be able to take them in the same manner—but as matters Are at present in this quarter, they Enemy will do what they please, almost unmolested—I cannot help recommending to your Excellency have a Regiment or two of Dragoons raised, in addition to what you have, these, well Officered, & accoutred, to act in concert with a Corps of 1500, or 2000 Infantry under Col. Morgan, equally equip’d, wou’d methinks be of the utmost service—No sinister Views whatever, has prompted me to mention this—I have nothing but the general Welfare of my Country at heart, & am happy in my station—I shall now make an excursion across towards Chester, & will give you such further information, as may be necessary of the Enemy’s movements, I expect a Spy from the City to Night—In the interim, permit me to say, I am with due regard & esteem Your Excellency’s Obedt hble servt

Jno. Clark Jun.

P.S. The Enemy’s main body, remain as yet, in status quo, I wish your Excellency a merry Christmas & all the Compliments of the Season.

J.C.

N.B. The Enemy have a Bridge of Boats over the lower Ferry to province Island—& probably will retreat that way at least their rear—A great number of Ships are now under way down the River—& a number of Officers are going to England.


Title: From George Washington to Elbridge Gerry, 25 December 1777
From: Washington, George
To: Gerry, Elbridge

Dear Sir
Valley Forge 25th Decr 1777.

Notwithstanding my last Letters to Congress were very explicit, and expressive of the wants of this Army—the necessity of arranging many matters in it—and making the necessary appointments without a moments loss of time, yet, when I consider the advanced Season, and consult my past experience of delay, I am induced to take the liberty of claiming your particular attention to this business; hoping thereby, that the method suggested by you, of having a Comee of Congress, or from the board of War, sent to Camp to consult with me, or a Comee of my appointing (for it would be impossible for me to give that close attention which the nature of the thing would require) on the best

regulations, arrangements, and Plans for the next Campaign will be approved.
If this method should be adopted by Congress, I would feign hope that the powers of their Comee might not be confined to particular matters, but generl and extensive; Congress reservg to themselves the right of approving or disapproving the proceedings. Our whole Military system might then be considered, and such alterations as should be found necessary & benefecial, & that circumstances would admit of, be adopted.
If this Comee should happen to be composed of Members from the board of War, they could fix many matters at the same time with Genl Knox in the Ordnance department, which requires as close attention & dispatch, as any thing whatever—in short I can foresee many great advantages which would result from it, without one possible evil.
I shall be obliged to you for recollecting what I mentioned respecting some additional Aids; I find, especially at times, the multiplicity of writing, & other business too great for those I have. Congress may be assured I do not want to run the public to any unnecessary expence on this Acct and that I shall be as sparing as possible in my appointments under the Indulgence they may give. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt H. Ser.

Go: Washington

P.S. If Congress mean to adopt the half pay establishmt &ca much good would result from anouncing it soon; that all Officers who should be retaind, under the New regulations, may know at once what they have to trust to—this would, probably, begin the desired reformation in the Army whereas, under uncertainty & doubt, things at best, will jog on as usual.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 December 1777
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston Decr 25, 1777

Not long since I received a Letter from Colo. Sam. B. Webb, informing me that the fortune of War had thrown him into the Hands of the Enemy, that he was admitted on parole, and was very desirous if possible to effect an Exchange for some British Officer in our hands. As Colo. Webb is an active and good Officer, I beg leave to recommend him to your Excellency’s particular attention, and as an exchange might, I imagine be very easily made for some Officer out of the many that are here. I beg leave to solicit the favor in behalf of Colo. Webb, but submit the propriety, or expediency of the measure to your Excellency’s determination.
General Burgoyne has not as yet sent to Rhode Island to have the Transports ordered round, although he has been talking of it ever since he was informed of the Resolve of Congress restricting him to the Port stipulated by Convention. He is very uneasy that he does not hear your Excellency’s determination as to himself and Suit which he daily expects. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obed. Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 December 1777
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
York [Pa.] 25th Decemr [1777]

I had the honour of writing to Your Excellency yesterday by Colo. Boudinot.
This Instant was brought to me a Resolve of Congress dated the 24th in favor of Colonel Barton, which will accompany this.
I have in obedience to that Act signed & delivered to Colo. Barton a Commission of Colonel in the Army—that Gentleman will be bearer of this & intends immediately to wait on your Excellency in hopes of receiving such Commands as will give him opportunities of being

further servicable to his Country. I remain With very great Esteem & Regard.


Title: Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh’s Instructions for Wagon Masters, 25–26 December 1777
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Wagon Masters

Remarks
Dec. 25[–26] 1777

as soon as the Troops have delivered into my Stores all the Tents according to order. I would advise that all those Waggons which carried the Tents were to be delivered up, they could be employed in the Forraging & Commissary Genls Business: I wish also, That all the Colonels & Commanders of Regiments were ordered to See that all the Continentel pressed riding horses were to be delivered up to My department, as I am certain Several officers have by Some Means or other got horses & draw forrage which have no right to do So & which Multiplyes our Expences, Deliverys & Wants.
The Commissary Generals business in providing Provisions will not, nor it cannot be done regular and the Wants assertained, if not proper steps are taken, to prevent the drawing for More Men, as the Effective stand is, and other irregularitys in the deliverys abolished.
The Backery is now allmost upon a footing to deliver Bread for the whole Army, which may be done regularly every Three days: the Want of Flower has prevented hitherto.
As our Cavallery Recruits fast, Now Nothing but horses are Wanted to be able to oppose the Enemys strong Patrolls I would advise to have a day to luck over all private Pressed Teams, & to take the best horses by a fair Valluation. This would Supply quick Some Men.

H. E. Lutterloh

Remarks
Decbr 26 1777

To regulate the Brange of the Waggon Master General. his deputys—and the drivers properly. I must have them all in an other Regulation, to which is absolutely Necessary That
First  The Waggon Master Generall must take more care to Keep his Subalterns in better order, & that he often himselfs examines into the state & Situation of all his Continentel Teams, such is to be done

that he goes to the devisions, and has the Waggons & horses parated; and then punishes those which are found Neglectfull.
Secondly  The Waggon Masters and Conductors Must absolutly Keep close to their posts & go often to call the Waggoners over, & if any of them is Absent without a Waggon Mstr or Conductors leave he must be punished (by this many excesses and robberys will be prevented) The Waggon Mstr Conductors Must absolutely be ordered & Kept to See the horses well fed & cleaned. both Neglects at present increase our Wost Expences for lost & ruined horses.
Thirdly  The changing and engaging drivers for Such a short Time as has been done hitherto, is the Foundation of all Confusion & the ruin of the horses, Waggons & harnesses; it cannot be expected that a Common fellow who engages for a short Time should with Care, and proper love to See his Team in order: Many Articles are Said to be lost, when perhaps he stole & Sold them. This rightly Considered will prove the Certainty why our Continentel Teams are in such a shocking Condition & our Hors hospithals Crowted. to luck at a Privat Team, fet & Kept in same Service will convince every body, that it is only Neglect that ruins ours.
Forthly  To Keep in future the drivers to their duty, & execute the Service better. All drivers ought & must be properly inlisted for during the War (and I will Send out Inlisters for that purpose) and all there drivers ought to be regularly like the Soldiers be provited with Cloathing compleat, & they should have a Plate (as per marke) on their Breasts to show to which departement they belonged, So that every body may be able to find them out. And then every driver must be answerable for every Utensills delivered into his Care. by this Way only a proper order can be Kept.

H. E. Lutterloh

If Such Tickets are Made & deliverd out to the Several drivers afixed on their breasts by the Waggon Master—it will be an easy Way to See where the Man belongs to if he committs any disorder—besids the departement can be Kept better in order.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 25 December 1777
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dr sir,
Wilmington [Del.] Decemr 25th 1777

I have not yet been joined by one Militia Man, I inclose you Genl Pattersons Ltr, which is not very promising of any considerable Aid from them, tho he is now endeavoring to draw them out.
Our Fortifications go on slower than I cou’d wish, as I am not able to procure more Tools than for 150 Men to work wth at once, but every Effort shall be exerted to render the Place tenable.
The Eagle & 25 topsail Transports with 5 Sloops & Schooners passed down Yesterday, & anchored abreast and below Newcastle, in the Cove above reedy Island, Lord Howe is on board I imagine from the Flagg being hoisted on the foremast head; I dispatch’d a trusty Spy to Newcastle to discover if possible their Destination, who returned in the Evening with no other Intelligence but their Mooring & a few Boats Landing about two Miles below Newcastle, I detatched a good Officer with 100 men & a Guide last Night at 7 Oclock, to scour the Shores, intercept such as might Land, & to make discoveries, who has not yet returned. The Evening before last I received Intelligence of 20 Sail standing up the Bay, & that they had come to, off Bomby Hook; by a Person who I had sent the Day before to discover whether there were any Ships below, & whether they had landed any Troops as was reported here, these 20 Sail got as high as Newcastle Yesterday, & are now going up the River by this Place; I cannot learn where they came from, or that any Troops have been landed on this Side the Delaware below; I inclose the Informn received from a Person who was landed by one of the Transports about five Miles above this Yesterday.
The British Army have had no other Views than to forage, from their remaining in their Position about Derby so long, but imagine they have returned by this Time—we are in great want of light Horse, I have been obliged to empress Horses & detatch Officers to reconoitre & watch their Motions, at this Post, without which a Surprize cannot be sufficiently guarded agt in our Rear, which is the most vulnerable part. When I ordered Colo. Sheriff to impress some Horses the Night before last, the Express’s Horse was unknown to me taken among others, this & waiting the return of necessary discoveries has detained him.
I wrote you a Ltr on the 22d Inst. (which is now inclosed) by one Musgrove of whom I had a very good Character Given who passed his Word of Honor to deliver it with his own hand but on hearg the Enemy had come out he got frighten’d & return’d back with the Ltr Yesterday.
It might be well to order the Comy Genl to send down the Articles of Soap Liquors & some Salt there being none in this Quarter wou’d be glad to know your pleasure respecting setting one of these Mils to

work for this part of the Army which might be supplied not only with Flower but wou’d furnish a great pt of the Horses Food from the Grain which will be collected from the North Side of the Brandewine. in haste I have the honor to be wth sincere Regard Your Excellencys most Obedt Hble Sert

W. Smallwood

P.S. I have got your Spy Glass.
Capt. Kirkwood has just returned from Newcastle with 7 Prisoners who give no other Account but that some of the Fleet are going to Ireland & others to Newyork.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 25 December 1777
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Genl Potters Quarters [Radnor, Pa.] Decemr 25th 1777 Noon

I would have wrote you earlier this Morning had we not about Eight oClock heard the report of Several Cannon, yet I cannot learn the Occasion of their fireing. The Enemy keep the Same possition and their Waggons Constantly at work Night & day in geting the forrage from the Islands &c. I have 57 Waggons of my own division at work in Carrying off forrage & Grain from the Neighbourhood of Merrion Meeting House, 23 from the Rest of the Army Arrived here about an hour ago I have sent them to a place where they will soon get loaded. I have Just now been informed that the Enemy loaded Several Waggons with forrage this Morning on the Lancaster Road near the four Mile Stone; perhaps they have almost exhausted the Islands and now begin to extend their Ravage into the Country.
I beg leave to present the Compliments of the Season to your Excellency and all your family. and am Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

Stirling,

I must beg the favour of Col: Harrison to send me a few Sheets of paper as this is my last.
12 oClo’ I have this Moment received Colonel Tilghmans letter by the light horse man I know of no way of putting them in mind of last year but by makeing a Grand Bonfire.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 26 December 1777
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp Eastward of Bartholomews [Pa.] 26th Decr 1777

I cannot yet learn whether the Enemy are return’d to Philada—a person from thence, tells me the Citizens were extreamly alarm’d at the little Noise of the evening before last & it was thought the Ravagers

wou’d return as of yesterday—As to persons passing in & out of Town, I see that may be done in oppo[si]tion to all we can do to prevent it, nor can every degree of Marketing be fully Stoped, to that kind of intercource I have paid every mean of attention in my power, and on as many of the Roads as cou’d yet be occupied, that business already has met with considerable discouragement—Such Provisions as are taken going to Town, I allow to the Soldiers—the Carts & Horses to be delivered to Commissioners appointed by the State, for the Sale of forfited goods—The prisoners found driving to Market, I shall send to Head Quarters, of which I think there are three, others have made their escape, or have been females & were dismiss’d by the partys who intercepted them.
With the Soldiers who went down to the lines I Sent a number of empty Waggons on the prospect of getting some Flour, but not an handfull—Some partys were left behind to Collect Cattle who are not yet return’d, nor have we anything on hand but feed upon hope & am beholden to the highway for a Christmas dinner. Such people as are willing to thrash out Wheat for us, tiez me about the price, of which I know nothing, but order receits.
This day I have prevailed on a certain person to go to Germantown & Sound the Tanners there on the Subject of an exchange of their leather for green Hydes, which he is to do as an Opinion of his own—Bartholomew a great Tanner, who also deals with the Hyde Master, throws a new impediment in the way at this Season, by asserting that drawing leather wet from the Tanfats, will in one Night, or even by two hours frost, be utterly spoiled and whether whole or half Tanned he says the effect will be the Same. I trust yr wants of an important Article, are by this time alleviated if not removed—And provided the Enemy are return’d, that Genl Potter agreeable to my desire may have laid before you my last to him. I have the Honor to be with every feelling of Sympathy & high respect—Yr Excellencys Most humble Servt

John Armstrong


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 26 December 1777
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

sir
Mr Lewis’s [Newtown Square, Pa.] 26th Decr 1777. 8 o Clock A.M.

I wrote you yesterday at one o Clock P.M., informing you the Enemy had moved towards Chester, after which, I took a circuit round them, their design appeared only to disperse our light parties, to make room for their Waggons to hall the remainder of the Hay from Tinicum Island, & the Hook, My Spy from the City has just arrived, & informs me General Knyphausen commands in Philada, & has but a very few Troops with him, chiefly Hessians, one Regt of English—they were attack’d Day before Yesterday & beat into their Lines on the Frankford Road, at Grays ferry they have a very good Bridge of Boats, & chief of the Hay is taken over it from Tinicum—Day before Yesterday three Days provision was sent to the Troops at Derby—And as they’ve nearly compleated their business, I immagine they’ll return this Evening, a glorious opportunity was lost yesterday by the imprudence of one of our Officers forming his Men on the right, instead of the left; 30 of the Enemy’s Horse came out, an ambuscade was formed, & they were permitted to pass in hopes of taking them, & they filed off & returned where the party was supposed to have been fixed to received them—in short we shou’d catch ’em every Day had we but a sufficient number of Horse—At middle ferry near 100 Hessians were driving in Cattle Unarmed, and unmolested, only a picket Guard at the ferry on this side, no Troops on the hill encamp’d the other side of the Ferry—a very plentifull Market, Day before Yesterday, I herewith send your Excellency a News paper—And am tho’ much fatigued Your very Obedt hble servt

Jno. Clark Junr

The Country People are carrying in their produce thro’ fear of being plunder’d as the Enemy return—Beef sells at 1/6 & Buter at 5 / ⅌ lb.
The Enemy had 5 or 6 Men killed in the Skirmish yesterday & several wounded by Captn Porterfeild of Genl Woodfords Brigade whose little party I’m informed by those who were Spectators behaved exceeding well—he had 2 or 3 Men killed.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 26 December 1777
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Ringos Hunterdon County [N.J.] 26 Dec. 1777

I am quite content to have Lieut. Boskirk, Lieut. Earle & Surgeon Hammel treated as Prisoners of war, being fully convinced by your Excellency’s observations on the Subject of the Propriety of the Measure—They therefore wait your order, being now confined in Trenton Gaol—If you think it for the good of the Service to have Browne treated in like manner, I shall have no Objection after his Tryal, it not being in my Power, to prevent that, without giving great Umbrage to the Subjects of this State.
I inclose your Excellency a Copy of General Campbells Letter to General Dickinson on the Subject of those Prisoners, with my Answer.

I also take the Liberty of inclosing you a Copy of a Letter which I send by this Express to Congress, & which I thought it my Duty to the united States, to write—If it produces any Inquiry, & an alteration of Measures I shall think myself happy: If not, I have obeyed the Dictates of Humanity, and am at Peace with my own Conscience. With the highest Esteem I have the honour to be Your Excellencys most humble & most obedient Sert

Wil: Livingston