Title: To George Washington from Christian Febiger, 10 February 1782
From: Febiger, Christian
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Cumberland old Courthouse February 10th 1782

                  I was this moment honour’d with your Excellencys of the 12th ultimo inclosd from Governor Harrison.  I must intreat your Excellency’s Pardon for not haveing inform’d you of my Situation before, which was in the first place owing to my knowledge of the Multiplicity of Bussiness, which allways surround your Excellency and haveing nothing pleasing to communicate and a Certainty, that no timely Aid for the present Detachement could be afforded me from your Quarter, and in the next place to an innumerable Series of Distress & Perplexities, which have persecuted me ever since my takeing Post here.  All I can say in my own Justification is, that I can reconcile my Conduct to my own Conscience and I hope upon an Enquiry, to your Excellencys Satisfaction.
                  The Memorial, which Your Excellency alludes to, I knew not off untill it was presented me, I disapprov’d of it from the first, and never harbour’d a Thought of rating my Services in that manner, it’s true the Distresses of the Officers were and are great; But they might have been represented in a very different Manner.
                  A great Number of the old 18 months men were dischargd after the Reduction of York, a larger Number of them who had longer to serve were unfortunately sick and furloughd on their March to this place by Major Poulson and Desertion has been so prevalent in this Country, that very few of them have ever return’d, a Majority of the Officers were also furloughd principally by the Baron, so that not more than 5 or 6 of them and about 200 men came up and those naked in the literal Sense of the Word.
                  Nothwithstanding my constant Applications and Exertions, they are not yett well clad; But as they are they shall march on Wednesday—they would have marched the 1st instant; But being informed by government, that by detaining them a few Days I should receive a few New , which will arrive tomorrow Night.
                  Their Number will be about 100 Noncomission’d Officers inclusive about 150 will remain behind most of those are sick absent Officers Waiters and Invalids, those that Will be fit to march shall be sent on afterward Lt Colo. Posey commands the Detachement, it’s well officered and I hope when it getts into the Field, it will in part retrieve the sinking Caracter of the Va Line.
                  There had been great Relaxation of Discipline amongst those men during the last Campaign, owing in some Measure to the Officers being chiefly those exchangd from long Island and some Injudicious new Appointments.
                  Want of Cloathing, want of provisions, being once twelve Days without a Morsell of Meat of any kind (causd by the Repeal of a Law under which we were supplied) and the Contents of the aforementiond Representation being through the Imprudence of some made rather too publick has been productive of great Disorders among the men; once upwards of 100 rose in Arms to rescue some prisoners; But by the Negilance of the Officers, that now command the Detachment, they were compell’d to return to their Duty—it has requird Address and Attention to keep them together.
                  Notwithstanding every Precaution such as frequent Roll Calls—Patrolls—Camp Guards strick Orders and severe punishments, the Buseness of some of the Inhabitants in encouraging and carrying on an illicit and pernicious Traffic with the Soldiers, I have at last been obligd to order a General Court martial.  The original Proceedings of which your Excellency has inclosd,  The Necessity of the Case and my Proceedings on the Occasion I hope will justify my Conduct in ordering the Culprits executed, which was done with great Solemnity, and I hope will have the desir’d Effect.  Whilst under Sentence of Death he discover’d a Scene of Villainy too Shocking to relate.
                  I have allready had Numbers of the inhabitants before civil Magistrates and punishd according to Law, an Officer is now out with a proper Warrant from a Justice of the Peace, who will bring in many more.  Arm’s, Accoutrements, Cloathing, Pants, Axes, Waggons Gears etc. etc. nay nothing has escapd their rapacious hands, however hope it is now putt a Stop to.
                  a Law was passd the last Session for recruiting the Line, an order is also issued by Government for putting the late Draft Law in Execution in the Delinquent Country which if there was monney in the Treasury to pay that price might probably produce from 1000 to 1200 men during the Course of the Summer, But such is the Situation of the State at present, that they have few pounds in the Treasury nor any immediate Prospects—There is not an article of Cloathing either Continental or State Property except what is on the mens Backs ready to march neither is there Waggons, Tents Camp kettles, Can or any other Article of Qr Master Stores or Camp equipage.  Arms and accoutrements I have hitherto obtained from Richmond, however my Demands were but small in those Articles—there is neither Espontoons, Sergeants Swords, Drums Fifes or Colors the latter we can do without.
                  I have therefore to request the Favour of your Excellency, Should you think proper to continue this Post as a General Rendezvous for the Reception and equipment of the new Levis to have a Sufficiency of Cloathiers—Qr Mr Stores Waggons etc. etc. order’d to this place for this purpose as nothing can be expected from the State.
                  Your Excellency will pardon my Suggesting the Necessity of Conductors being ordered not to break Bulk untill they arrive here.
                  My Reason is, that I cannot go into a Qr Masters Store in the State; But I find one or other Article of the Stores of season for General Greene from Philadelphia—so soon as the Troops have marchd, I shall lay before your Excellency and the Minister of War the necessary Estimates, however from the supposed Number of such to be raised your Excellency is the best Judge of the Quantity and Quality of the Stores necessary for their Equipment.
                  The Officers necessary to continue at this Post and at the different Rendezvous order’d by Government as also a Number of Sergeants Drummers and Fifers a few Invalids and Artificers unfit to march but useful here are really distressed for want of monney, many have been oblig’d to sell at an undervalued part of their little All for Subsistance, not being attachd to any particular part of the Army, we are precluded from the Advantages of those in the Field both in monney and other Supplys.
                  I am therefore requested to Sollicit your Excellencys Attention towards us, probably a Sum adequate to three months Pay commencing the first Day of January last (to which Date the Legislature have passd a Law to settle with the line) might through your Excellencys Interest be putt in the hands of the Paymaster to the General Rendezvous for this purpose.
                  Lt Colo. Posey is extreamly uneasy and I am inclined to think, that he was more  by the Importunitys of other officers than by his own Inclination to Sign the Representation for , it was wrote by an Officier, who having no Dependencebut his Commission rather of a warm Temper is really distressd and it was not properly degested when handed to me.
                  it gives me inexpressible pain, that the Officers of your own Country should be guilty of wounding your Excellencys Feelings and hope it will never again be the Case.
                  Whilst I am writeing, I receivd the inclosd Order of Government with a Request to Officers to the different Rendezvous for the Reception of the Drafts.
                  Your Excellency will therefore pardon my urging the immediate Necessity of forewarding on the Supplier of Cloathing, and other Stores as soon as possible as other ways the men who allways come in half naked will suffer and be detaind much longer than the Necessitys of the Service will admitt.  I have wrote Major Forsyth D:P:C: S:A: on the Subject of provisions which is extreamly scarce and the meat very bad—and unless the Post can be supplied by Contract, I fear we will again be brought to Sufferance.
                  If the necessary Supplies can be furnishd me in due Time, I will take Care, that they Shall be properly applied, regular Accounts kept—and the Troops form’d and marchd without Delay.  I have the honor to be with the greatest Veneration and Respect Your Excellencys Most obedient and most humble Servant

                     Christian Febiger
                     Colo. 2nd Va Regt


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia Feby 10th 1782

                  Upon a view of the difference there will be in the expences between hiring & purchasing Ox Teams for the service of the next Campaign, exhibited in your Estimate; I am cleary of opinion they ought to be purchased if it is practicable—but it will be necessary for you to arrange this matter with the Superintendant of Finances; as well as to take early & effectual Measures to procure the number of Waggoners & Drivers which may be necessary, so that no Drafts may be required from the Line for that Service.  I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 10 February 1782
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Williamsburgh, February 10th 1782

                  I have the honor to send to your Excellency an account of the unhappy shipwreck of the Diligente, one of our frigates, off cape Henry.  The hermione is sailed without any mishap with the Baron de Viomenil and all our Dispatches.
                  We send to morrow a flag to Newyork to demand all the prisoners of the Bonnetta, of the Land and of the Navy, and the remainder of the crew of the Cutter L’alerte.  I send likewise on parole about 120 convalescents from the hospital at Glocester, invalid and infirm, most of them unfit for service.  Captain Richardson conducts them himself and I send with him Mr DuBouchet, aid-adjutant–General to carry ours back as they are without officers.  They will be exchanged either by Mr Clinton against the convalescents, or Admiral Digby who owes us yet a pretty considerable number of Seamen.
                  The Legion de Lauzun left hampton yesterday and will go thro’ this town to day.  I send it to Charlotte court house, ten miles from the Stanton, where it has been found that its Establishment would be better than at Peytonsburgh.  I wait for your Excellency’s answer to My Letters on that subject.  I am with respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellencys Most obedient humble servant

                     le cte de rochambeau

                     I send to your Excellency the report which I have just received from Hampton.  I hope the news are true.  A Vessel which is shipwrecked commonly gave no false news. to morrow is Your Excellency’s birthday anniversary,  I propose to celebrate it, in a great ball which I give on that account.

                Enclosure

                        Sir,
                        In Princess ann’s County, two miles S. O. of Cape henry near Lynn haven Bay ,Tuesday 5th Febry 1782.

                     It is with the greatest sorrow that I give you an account of the intire Loss of the frigate La Diligente which I had the honor to command.  This unhappy event happened on the 2d of February in the evening, two miles to the Southward of Cape henry, owing to the ignorance, I shall not use a stronger expression, of the Pilot Chambers, who came to me from the hermione.  The inhabitants say we are very Lucky to have saved our Lives as it was impossible to be wrecked in a worse place.  after a roll call of my crew, it appears that 23, men have been drowned, a soldier of Bourbonnois, another of Royal Deux ponts and the Pilot included.  All the officers are happily safe, it is owing to their intelligence to their good example, that so many brave men are saved.  You know we sailed on the 2d instant in the morning, with the Hermione, whose march was far superior to ours.  half after three in the evening we were off Cape Henry.  at Six, the Hermione brought to, and Mr De La touche told me he was going to crowd sail all night and that he and his Pilot advised me to go and anchor at Hampton, and there wait for more favorable winds than those which then blew from the N.E.  he then sent me the Pilot Chambers.
                     as soon as he was a board, he persisted in his opinion of going to Hampton; In vain I advised him to ply to windward by tacking, or to anchor where we were, telling him that night approached.  he eluded all my advice saying that he put more trust in his head than in his eyes.  on which we tacked about.
                     at Seven, we found eight fathom water, the Land could not be seen, the Pilot assured we were in the good road and that the water would become shallower by degrees. three quarters after Seven, all on a Sudden, we found five fathom.  We tacked before the wind, but the frigate touched the ground and missed tacking.  I ordered the anchor to be cast, and as soon as we had the prow to the windward, the cable was slipped and I proposed to beat out for the main, but unluckily the rudder was unhung and the billows threw us again a ground.
                     Six feet water were then found in the hold. as the masts fatigued the frigate, the main mast, the mizen mast was cut, and the fore mast Left standing to get nearer to the shore.  the Water was as high as the orlop deck.  we had no ressource but to get nearer to the coast to save the crew, to that purpose, almost all the guns were thrown overboard, we endeavoured to put the Long boat to sea, but the violent pitching of the frigate broke the tackling.  We Laid in this situation untill next morning, the frigate was fatigued beyond expression, the waves throwing us nearer to the coast.  at day break we Saw Land A muskett shot before us.  the billows were very high and the currents ran parallel to the coast, instead of bearing on it, which gave us a great deal of uneasiness.
                     Some Seamen risked to go to Land by swimming, two arrived, a third perished with cold on the shore, several more were borne away by the currents and were drowned.
                     at two in the afternoon, Mr Boucherot swam a shore and carried with him a bit of rope which broke directly after. at five in the afternoon.  I sent Mr de St Vincent with four men on a raft.  he was lucky enough to carry a pass rope a shore, by the means of which a Large raft Landed 100. men and all the officers, at 8. the bad weather prevented landing any more men.
                     The frigate sunk deeper and deeper in the sand and had then its quarter deck even to the water.  I was on board with 80. men more dead than alive, wet to the skin, worn out with fatigue hunger thirst and cold, having no kind of shelter.  you may easily imagine what might we passed, ten men perished with cold.
                     On the fourth, in the morning, I proposed to send the rest of the crew a shore, but the pass rope was broken.  I could by no means prevail on the seamen to carry another, they were too much spent to risk it.
                     In this distress, I got on two planks with two men and having struggled a quarter of an hour with the billows, I Landed almost dead with cold, with a bit of rope, which has saved the rest of the crew.  I was so weak that I could not return to fetch them as I had promised.
                     at noon, all the crew being Landed, but quite uncloathed, their feet almost frozen and perishing with cold, I sent for carts to carry the weakest.  they are all Lodged with the few inhabitants on the coast, the Surgeons with the Sick, and the officers with their Brigades.  they will rest themselves a couple of days and I hope that Friday evening, we will be at Portsmouth.  We cannot travel fast, we are so spent; from Portsmouth, we will go to hampton, thence to york.  We cannot say enough in praise of the inhabitants who have afforded us all the Succours they could.  they take our hand notes for their payment, for we are without a shilling.  I have appointed Mr Desagenots to stay within view of the Frigate to take up what ever will come a shore, but the inhabitants say it will soon be buried in the sand and that very few things will come a shore.
                     By the advice of the officers, I am to make a bargain with the inhabitants, by which they will keep one third of what ever they may save, and the rest for the King.  this bargain takes place, I will take away the seamen and Leave Mr DeSagenots there to inspect the proceedings.  I am heartily sorry to have such a bad piece of news to acquaint you with, but I at Least have the comfort to think that this event is not owing to me, and that I have to the Last moment filled my duty, both as captain and officer.
                     I have not Leisure now to write to Mr De Locmaria I beg of you to communicate this Letter to him and likewise to the Count de Rochambeau.  I have the honor to be with most sincere attachment Sir, Your most obedient humble servant Signed

                        Le Ch. de Clonard

                Enclosure

                     Report of Mr De La Valette, Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment of Saintonge, commanding at Hampton,

                           9 February 1782
                        February 9th 1782.

                     a vessell coming from St Thomas is just run a shore, in James river, it has had a passage of 16. Days and has brought the news of St Kitt’s being taken when it left St Thomas, this expedition has been done by the troops which the Count de Grasse had conveyed.


Title: From Robert Morris to United States Congress, 10 February 1782
From: Morris, Robert,Livingston, Robert R.,Washington, George
To: United States Congress

                     Philadelphia 10 Feby 1782

                  The Subscribers, taking into Consideration the important Situation of Affairs in the present Moment, and the Propriety & even Necessity of informing the People and rousing them into Action; considering also the Abilities of Mr Thomas Paine as a Writer, and that he has been of considerable Utility to the common Cause by several of his Publications.  They have agreed that it will be much for the Interest of the united States that Mr Paine be engaged in their Service for the Purposes abovementioned.  They have therefore agreed, that Mr Payne be offered a Salary of eight hundred Dollars per Annum, and that the same be paid him by the Secretary of foreign Affairs.  The Salary to commence from this Day and to be paid by the Secretary of foreign Affairs, out of Monies to be allowed by the Superintendant of Finance for secret Services.  The Subscribers being of Opinion that a Salary publickly and avowedly given for the above Purpose would injure the Effect of Mr Paine’s Publications, and subject him to injurious personal Reflections.

                     Robt Morris
                     Rob. R. Livingston
                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 11 February 1782
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters New York February 11th 1782.

                  In the late Treaty between Your Commissary of Prisoners and mine for affecting a general Exchange, Major Skinner objected to the exchange of Lieut. General Earl Cornwallis from want, as he says, of proper Authority to enter upon the same, I thought it right to direct Mr Loring to reserve His Lordship’s Value from the highest in Rank of the American Officers unexchanged; But Major Skinner has thereupon refused to proceed further in the Exchange—Therefore, as I understood from Lord Cornwallis that Colonel Laurens had informed his Lordship before he left Virginia, that You had agreed to his being exchanged for Mr Laurens, the Father of the Colonel, I am to request that You will be pleased to inform me if this was the case, in order that every objection to the Exchange going on may be obviated.  I am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

                     H. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 11 February 1782
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York February 11th 1782

                  In my Letter of the 14th December I applied to you for a Passport to send Clothing for the British and German Prisoners in your Possession, but as it appears from your Answer of 31st same Month, that their Destination was to be changed, it becomes necessary to alter the Mode of Transportation—I am therefore to request you will be pleased to furnish me with a Passport for a Vessel to proceed from hence to Philadelphia as a Flag of Truce with such Clothing, Stores and Necessaries, as I may have Occasion to send thither for the Use of the Prisoners at that Place, Lancaster &c., under Charge of proper Persons, to whom you will please to grant Permission to distribute what may be wanted by those at Philadelphia and afterwards carry the Remainder in Waggons to Lancaster &c., and remain there under the Directions of Major Gordon for the same Purpose.  If the Destination of the German Prisoners is fixed, I shall likewise request a Passport of the like Nature for another Flag of Truce to proceed up the Chesapeak to such Port as may be most contiguous to their Cantonments, and that the Persons charged with the Necessaries, Stores, &c. may be permitted to distribute the same at the different Places where they may be.
                  Both Vessels to return to this Port when they have landed their Cargoes.  I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant,

                     H. Clinton


Title: General Orders, 12 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Tuesday Feb. 12. 82.

                  At a general Court Martial held by order of the Commander in Chief at Philadelphia February 11 Inst. was Tryed James Crab (alias Daniel Shea for Desertion and reinlisting, Willful Perjury and Defrauding the States of Nine Pounds Specie—Found guilty and sentenced to receive One hundred Lashes, and that the pay Master of the 2d Jersey Regiment do stop in his hands Nine Pounds Specie in order to refund the Bounty received by the prisoner.
                  The Commander in Chief approves the above sentence and orders that he receives his Corporal punishment immediately—and remain a prisoner untill there is an Opportunity of sending him with a Copy of his sentence to the regiment to which he belongs.


Title: To George Washington from John Connolly, 12 February 1782
From: Connolly, John
To: Washington, George

                     May it please your Excellency.
                      Feby 12th 1782.

                  Whatever may be the feelings of my heart, & the Rectitude of its intentions, I am sorry to find my Re: union with my Countrymen is impracticable.
                  Whatever I have experienced in the course of this unhappy contest has been incapable to alienate my affections, tho I must confess myself astonished & afflicted at my late unmerited ill treatment—determined as I have long since been, to retire from the War, I must intreat the permission of your Excellency to go to England or Ireland on Parole, as the only alternative left to restore me to a degree of health, or to render life worth protracting.  I must flatter myself that circumstanced as I am, Your Excellency will condescend to oblige me in a compliance with a Request in itself so unimportant, yet to me so consequential. Who am most Respectfully Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

                     Jno. Connolly


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 12 February 1782
From: Cornell, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

                      12 February 1782

                  Resolved that the promotions here after made of Cols. or Lt Cols. Commodant to the rank of Brigadiers or of Brigadiers to the rank of Major Generals shall not entitle the officer so promoted to any additional half pay or allowance of land on account of such promotion, And that such of the present brigadiers as shall be promoted to the rank of Major Generals shall only be entitled to the half pay of brigadiers and to the allowance of land allowed to brigadiers by the resolution of the 12th of August 1780.  And that such of the present Cols. or Lt Cols. commodants as shall be promoted to the rank of brigadiers and from thence to that of Major Generals shall only be entitled to the allowance of land and half pay assigned to Cols. and Lt Cols. commodant any resolution heretofore passed to the contrary not withstanding.
                  Resolved that all brigadier Generals who hold that rank previous to the first day of May 1777 be and they are hereby promoted to the rank of Major Generals.
                  Resolved that all Cols. who held that rank previous to the first day of May 1777 be and they are here by promoted to the rank of Brigadier Generals.
                  The foregoing proposed Resolutions are submited for your Excellencys perusal and your opinion thereon will be acknowledged as a favour by him who has the Honor to be your Excellencys most obedient Humle Servant

                     E. Cornell

                     BrigadiersJames Clinton—August 9th 1776Wm Moultrie—Sepr 16th 1776Lachlan McIntosh—Sepr 16. 1776.Henry Knox—Decr 27. 1776John Glover. February 21. 1777John Patterson. &a &aAnthony Wayne &a &aGeorge Weedon &a &aPeter Mughlenburg &a &aEdward Hand April 1st 1776Charles Scott April 2d 1776Coll John Lamb          1st Jany 1777.  2nd Regt Artillery.
                     Coll John Crane             Do    Do    3rd        Do
                     Coll Stephen Moyland    8th Jany  Do    4th Legionary Corps
                     Coll Joseph Vose       21st Feby 1777
                     Coll John Greaton       1st July 1775
                     Coll Will Shephard          May  1776
                     Coll Rufus Putnam       5th Augt Do
                     Coll Michael Jackson     1st Jany 1777
                     Coll Henry Jackson      12th Do  Do
                     Coll John Durkee        10th Augt 1776
                     Coll Herman Swift        1st  Jany 1777
                     Coll Samuel B. Webb           Do   Do
                     Coll Goose Van Schaick  28th June 1775
                     Coll Philip Cortlandt   21st Novr 1776
                     Coll Matthias Ogden      1st Jany 1777
                     Coll Elias Dayton        8th Feby 1776
                     Coll Daniel Brodhead    29th Septr  Do
                     Coll Richard Humpton     1st October Do
                     Coll David Hall          4th January 1777
                     Coll Otho Williams       1     dito    1777
                     Coll John Gunby         17th April 1777
                     I have not been able to procure the dates of the Cols in Virginia or North Carolinia—There is none in Soth Carolina previous to the first of May 1777 and only Colo. Elbert in Georgia.


Title: To George Washington from John Laurens, 12 February 1782
From: Laurens, John
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General.
                     Jacksonburg 12th feby 1782

                  I have written a letter of this date to Congress inclosing one to me, from Mr Moses Young my fathers Secretary, by which it appears that our Minister plenipotentiary at the Court of Versailles had not so late as the 28th Septem: received official notice of the Resolve of Congress for exchanging Genl Bourgoyne.  I likewise inclosed a letter from Genl Cornwallis in which he assures me that all his influence will be exerted to effect an exchange between him and my father, provided I transmit him an official paper authorising it on the part of Congress.
                  I claim Your Excellencys promise to interest yourself in a business, in which I feel so many powerful public and private motives.  Your Excellencys friendship becomes the more necessary as I am informed that the Exchange of Cornwallis has been represented in Congress as impolitic at the present juncture, on account of his talents and influence.  the former can excite no apprehension in my mind, while the American Army continues under its present auspices—with regard to the latter, which some allege would extend to securing a reinforcement and a continuance of the war—it appears to me that the credit of no one individual would tempt the british ministry at the present period to carry their views beyond a vigorous effort for the recovery of Georgia and So. Carolina—this appears to me to be the last plan they can propose to themselves and in the execution of it they must employ all their means, let who will command their army—their most sanguine hope cannot lead them beyond a truce or a treaty upon the footing of uti possidetis, they retaining the two States above mentioned—as this object will require all the military exertions they can possibly make, and the aid of every political intrigue, I do not think one General officer would bring out a larger reinforcement than another.
                  These being my sentiments I apply with confidence to Your Excellency, and beg leave to sollicit in the most earnest terms—your friendly attention to any fathers circumstances—the continuance of a loathsome imprisonment, in which he is excluded from the converse or correspondence of his friends and laborers under every illiberal restriction that his mean-spirited tyrannical persecutors can invent—may at his advanced age, prove fatal.
                  Considering the perseverance of the british ministry in their absurd pretension it is probable that an exchange would be more readily effected Under your immediate authority than by the intervention of Congress—& perhaps there are other officers besides Cornwallis, who the british wd be glad to receive in exchange for my father.
                  I entreat Your Excellencys pardon for troubling you with this tedious epistle—but my distress for a parent whom I love almost to adoration, and Your Excellencys goodness will form an excuse for me.  I beg Your Excellency will accept the sincere and repeated assurances of veneration and attachment with which I am invariably Dear General Your most obedt Servt

                     John Laurens


Title: From George Washington to Ezekiel Cornell, 13 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Cornell, Ezekiel

                     Sir
                     Philada 13th Feby 1782

                  I was yesterday honored with yours, accompanied by the proposed form of several Resolves of Congress for the immediate promotion of a number of Brigadiers to the Rank of Majors General and of Colonels to that of Brigadiers—How far your plan would promote the public service give satisfaction to individuals, (a matter which ought ever to be attended to in some degree,) & not alarm the States I will not undertake to determine finally.  I will only mention some of the inconveniences which I fear would result from so extensive a promotion as that which you propose.
                  By your return of Brigadiers to be promoted to Majors General there are eleven.  You must recollect that we already have more Majors General in Commission than we can conveniently employ, consequently, a great proportion of the old, or of the new creation must be sent home upon half pay—The old would think themselves intitled, from their priority, to be employed.  The new would, in my opinion, think themselves ill used by having a Grade conferred upon them one day, and by being deranged the next, and that too upon the half pay of their former Rank and at the pleasure of a simple man who though never so good may be mistaken & if otherwise may act from caprice, prejudice &ca to the injury of the best officers in the Army.
                  In your return of Colonels for promotion there are twenty one and in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia there will be at least nine more which will make thirty.  Calculating upon the strength and mode of arrangement of our Army twenty Brigadiers are sufficient for the service of our Horse—Foot and Artillery—There would therefore be an overplus of ten, to be deprived of Regiments for the nominal Rank of Brigadier, for it would not be considered as more—They too would retire upon the half pay of Colonel only.  There is another reason which in my opinion operates against so great a promotion of Colonels without a very sufficient cause—which is—that you take a number of the best officers in the Army from the head of their Regiments—Your plan would, I doubt not, be satisfactory to such of the new promoted, as would be retained in service, but I am convinced it would give disgust to the deranged, who would be numerous.  I am further apprehensive that so great a promotion especially when it might be viewed by the public as unnecessary, would give an alarm to those who already look up to the half pay establishment as one of our most greivous Burthens.
                  Although I have stated the foregoing objections I can perceive the advantages which would result from the plan—It would give a larger feild to select General officers from, and it would give promotions to some, who are in my opinion highly worthy of the public notice, but who cannot be advanced, partially, without encreasing the uneasiness already occasioned by some late promotions in the line of Engineers.
                  I feel myself much obliged by your submitting this matter to my opinion before you carried it into Congress—I have candidly given you my sentiments upon it.  By comparing them with those which you may have obtained from others, you will be enabled to form a judgment upon the propriety or impropriety of prosecuting the plan.  I have the honor to be.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 13 February 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Head quarters, Highlands February 13th 1782.

                  A day or two since I was informed that a large number of arms, (said) seven or eight thousand stand, were brought from the eastward and lodged in stores on the bank of the river at Claverack, and there left without guard or direction that I can hear of. General Schuyler passing that way, apprehending they were in some danger, from the character of the people in the vicinity on the other side of the river, obtained a militia guard until a guard could be sent by colonel Reid from Albany, which has been done.  As soon as I was advised of the matter, I directed colonel Hughes to remove the arms to Fishkill immediately as I think for several reasons it is both impolitic and unsafe to trust them at Claverack.  By whole order, or why they were sent there, I do not know, perhaps it was thought the best route of transportation.
                  The officers are growing very uneasy respecting their rations.  The price of the ration by the contract is nine pence half penny Pennsylvania currency—Mr Sands charges four pence half penny for the jill of rum, four pence half penny for the pound of beef, two pence for the bread—This makes eleven pence without the small articles, so that the subaltern who is entitled to two rations, cannot receive more than one and a half.  I have written the financier on the subject by this post.  The officers cannot conceive why they should be charged more than mr Morris gives, or they are to receive.  I request your Excellency will please to give it such consideration as you may think it deserves.  It certainly will be productive of great uneasiness if allowed to continue as at present.
                  By the contract for the northern district, the contractors are not obliged to keep any provisions on hand from the situation of some of the posts, and at particular seasons the difficulty of access to them, whereby they will be put to extreme hazard only some reserves of provisions are kept on hand, I have desired the contractors to provide accordingly—they are equally with me, convinced of the necessity I have mentioned it to mr Morris hope he will approve of it, and that it will also meet your Excellency’s approbation.  It was a measure which I dared not omit, as it might occasion the loss of some of the posts.  I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from John Lamb, 13 February 1782
From: Lamb, John,Stevens, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Burlington 13 Febry 1782

                  We have been informed, that it is in Contemplation to advance the officers of the Army, two Months Pay, to be received in Notes from the Financier, payable the first of August next—supposing the Information to be good, we take the Liberty of addressing your Excellency, upon the Subject, and do beg the favor of you to lay our sentiments before the Financier.
                  We conceive that the full Confidence of the Men under our Command, is not only necessary to preserve good Order and harmony in our Regiment, but that the service, which we have so much at heart, must be injured whenever that Confidence is withdrawn—that the sure way to preserve it, is to share with our Men, the Rewards and Benefits, as well as the Toils, Difficulties, and dangers of service—That this happy and equal communion of services and Rewards, forms in the Minds of Soldiers, and most when in difficult services, a pleasing Coalition of Affections upon which that service materially depends.
                  We think also, that the present measure, if adopted, will produce in the Minds of our Men, Jealousy and discontent; or at least will be opening a wound, already too much imitated, without administering a Cure.
                  From these Considerations, and from a sincere desire not to receive a single exclusive Benefit which shall not be received in a due propo rtion by those under our, Command, we pray that the benefit now intended the officers, may be extended to the Soldiers also—Or if from a peculiar situation of our Finances this may not be in the power of the Financier to grant we beg that the partial Payment may be made to the Soldiers, in preference to ourselves.
                  Though we have already felt too sensibly the Painfulness of our situation—The want of money, and with many, of Credit,  made which, may generally be comprised the want of every thing else.  Tho’ our prospects are far from flattering us with a Change in our Circumstances, Yet, such is our desire to cultivate the Affection and Confidence of our Men—to preserve Harmony and order in our Regiment, that I beg, that if our Requests cannot be granted that our Renumeration of the partial Payment intended, may be accepted, and that no Payments may be made to the Regt unless extended to the soldiers, as well as the officers.
                  We beg leave to assure your Excellency, we wish not to embarrass the Affairs of Government asking for more than can be conveniently provided but we are induced to make this address from the purest motives, as Love of the service and a desire to promote it—Signed at the unanimous Request in behalf of the officers present, of the 2d Regt of Artillary.

                     John Lamb, Colonel

                     2nd Regt Artillery

                     E. Stevens, Lt Col. 2d Regt


Title: From George Washington to Richard Varick, 13 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Varick, Richard

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 13th February 1782

                  I duely received your favr of the 14th ulto inclosing an abstract of the pay due your writers upon which Mr Morris has advanced 500 dollars for which sum you have his notes payable on demand in specie.  I am informed they are so well established in the Country that you may command the money for them—The whole is charged to your account—You will dispose of it in such proportions as you please, and when you make settlement bring in your Vouchers which will be the receipts of the several individuals.
                  I do not clearly understand your question respecting the General Index—You will therefore postpone going into it, before I see you, which will be no great while hence—The Indexes of each Volume should be made upon the last leaves of each Book, otherwise they will be always liable to be lost or misplaced.
                  I could not procure the dates of the appointments of the several Governors and Presidents of States—The appointments of the different Presidents of Congress you have inclosed.
                  Be good enough to look to the Books in which the General Orders are recorded and let me know the date of the last Order upon Record.  I am Dear Sir Yr most obt servt


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 14 February 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General,
                     Boston February 14th 1782

                  I was on the 12th instant honored with your letter of the 31st ultimo covering several papers. Those for New-Hampshire I cannot forward as the return of their Troops did not accompany them.  As soon as it shall come to hand, which I may hourly expect, I will forward them to Colonel Dearborn, the only Officer I know in the State of New Hampshire now at home—from whose influence and attention much may be expected.
                  On my arrival I was informed by the Gentlemen of this State that they were in great forwardness respecting their troops for that they had nearly completed the number voted the last winter.  But they were thunder-struck when informed by your Excellency’s return that they were deficient about three thousand men—They find now, of which they would not be persuaded the last winter, that their original vote was more than a thousand men short of the requisition—I wish the return had been dated for they say some men have been sent on this winter who may or may not have been included.
                  A Committee was last evening appointed on your Excellency’s letter and the requisition of Congress—I shall have the honor of meeting them to-day, and will give every aid in my power—I am pleased with an idea which is frequently thrown out in the Assembly (the debates of which I have had the honor of hearing for some days) that the State is not debilitated, that they are as sick as before the war—and that our numbers are augmented—Those sentiments are a good basis, on which the most favorable argument may rest for the most decided and vigorous exertions.
                  I am happy to inform your Excellency that all the Stores which were at this place necessary for the next campaign, excepting some heavy Ordnance, and ordnance stores, are sent on, among which is an ample supply of tents.
                  As early as the assembly take their measures I will advise you of it.
                  Major Jackson, who attended Colonel Laurens to Europe, will have the honor of delivering this—he has merited much from his country by the zeal dispatch & address with which he transacted their business abroad.  I have the honor to be My Dear General with perfect esteem your Excellency’s most Obedient servent

                     B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 14 February 1782
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Providence 14th Feb. 1782

                  I have the Honor to inform your Excellency, your favr of 31st Ulto, Covering dispatches for his Excellency the Governor on the Interesting Subject of Raising men and money, Came Safe to hand on Saturday evening 9th Inst.  Though unfortunately too late, the General Assembly haveing that Day Compleated their Session—I however lost no time in Delivering those dispatches to the Governor who Immediately layd them before as many of the Legislatures as Could handily be assembled at Providence & Greenwich, there advice to the Governor was for Convening the Genl Assembly not ’till Monday 25th Inst. as they had So lately Rise, this I Conceiv’d to be a Dangerous Delay, and urg’d the Necessity of its meeting at an earlier period, (particularly as the provision made at the Close of last Session, for Recruiting their Continental Regmt was very Inadequate and unsuccessfull, one man only being appointed in Each County for that Service, and but one hundred Dollars offered as a Bounty) but I was over Rul’d—The Requisition from the Financier for this States Quota of the 8,000,000 for Defraying the expences of the Current year, was also acted upon and after much Debate on the Injustice of the apportionment & the Great Inability of the State to Comply therewith, Came to a Resolution to Raise only £6,000 in Specie by 1st of April, and the like Sum in produce provided it Could be Received.
                  Your Excellencies dispatches to the Governor, point So clearly the absolute necessity of profiting by Immediate and Decisive Exertions, that I am Induc’d to hope when the Legislative Body Convenes, they will enter upon this very Interesting business with that Zeal and Spirit becoming a people who deserve & are Resolved to be Free—I shall do myself the honor of Transmitting to your Excellency by the earliest oppty the measures adopted by this State for Carrying into Effect this Great & Necessary Business.
                  Your Excellency having been pleas’d to Honor me with the Negotiation of So important a Trust, I find myself bound by every principle of Duty, & Love of Country, to pursue Invariably those measures that are within the Compass of my power, which may Tend to accomplish as far and as Speedily as possible those wishes thatley nearest your Heart. I have the Honor to be with Great Esteem, Your Excellencies, Most Obed. Servt

                     Jereh Olney Lieut. Colo.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 15 February 1782
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     My Dear Sir
                     Richmond February 15th 1782

                  My sincerest thanks to you for your friendly congratulations on my promotion to the Government; indeed my Friend if you knew my true situation and that of this Country you would rather condole with me.  When I accepted the appointment I knew I had innumerable difficulties to encounter, yet I undertook the task with a hope of surmounting them, not with a view of serving myself, for there is nothing to be got by it in the best of times but in these certain loss will attend it.  I meant to serve the State and the common cause  I had vanity enough to think I could do this better than those that were opposed to me.  But my hopes and expectations are all blasted by the conduct of the Assembly; what powers there were in the Executive are done away, and restrictions substituted in their room; much is required of me and no means left of doing even little, the Eyes of the world are fixed on me, it knows not my situation and embarrasments, and therefore expects much, when disappointment takes place, what reputation I had gained I may say, by a life of public services will be lost, nay more I shall be brought even into contempt.  I feel this in every nerve, it tinkles in every vein, and almost destroys the very faculty of thinking, whenever I begin to contemplate the subject—As this is a melancholy theme at least to me, I will quit it, but not before I tell you however situated I will not let dispondency overwhelm me but will endeavour to merit applause If I cannot attain it.
                  The Assembly had risen long before your favor got to hand and they will not meet again till the first Monday in may next, my endeavours shall not be wanting to stimulate them to raise the men required by Congress.  I think they may be had with money and cloths, but as to the money demanded assure yourself it is absolutely impossible, there is not half the sum in the state.
                  I have adopted a mode of my own to endeavour to procure men by calling on the principal persons in each County to open a subscription for a sum to furnish the County for which they are to have credit in their taxes with an allowance of an Interest at the rate of ten percent per annum.  for the time it shall be advanced, I expect some good from it tho’ I confess not a great deal.  When I was in Philadelphia I negotiated a loan to the State of a variety of cloathing &ca with the Chevalier Luzerne, the King of France has nobly complyed with my request, and I expect we shall have them in, in three or four months, but as the regulations of congress now stand if we put them on the backs of our Soldiers we are not to have credit for them out of the money demanded from us, this I think strange, and wish an alteration, but would not desire by any means, that Congress should be made acquainted with the circumstances of the LoanI suppose I shall be told if I deliver them to the Financiers order, I shall get credit, but this I never can agree to, as in that case our poor fellows would never see them.  I think they have not received any thing of the kind from the continent since they went to the Southward as about three or four hundred of them returned the other day almost naked.  This has so frequently been the case, that I am confident it is one great cause of the difficulty we find raising men, for when the subject of cloths is mentioned to a young fellow he instantly points out several that have returned almost naked.
                  How comes it about that I see contracts advertised for to feed the troops from Boston to Maryland inclusive and no attempt of the sort made to the Southward?  Scan this matter my friend, and tell me if there is not partiality in this you may depend if the same steps are not taken here that are taken in the other States, it will create great disturbance, this Government has not the means of furnishing troops and therefore must be assisted till it can.  You will see by the inclosed the situation of the British sick in Gloucester we have taken no step in it.  yet, nor can do anything till we see the Continental Commissary.  I expect he will tell us he has no means and I am sure we have so little, that much cannot be expected, I from my heart pity the poor follows, and will do what I can for their relief.
                  General Nelson’s resignation was occasioned by ill health at least this was the reason he gave tho I think this was not the only one he met with very unmeritted treatment, in many Instances—I am my Dear Sir with every sentiment of esteem and friendship Your most obebedient and most Humble Servant

                     Benjn Harrison

                Enclosure

                        To His Excellency Governor Benjamin Harrison and the Council of the State of Virginia &c. &c. &c.  The Memorial in behalf of British Hospitals Humbly Sheweth
                        British Hospital Gloucester Town—Virginia February the 2nd 1782

                     That Your Memorialist Doctor Robert Smyth Surgeon and Director of British Hospitals in Virginia, having long experienc’d the difficulty and uncertainty attending the Issuing of common Provisions necessary for the Sick and wounded Soldiers Sailors and others left with the Hospitals in Glocester.
                     Your Memorialist expecting every Week wou’d produce some attention to their being regularly served with Provisions, Your Memorialist has therefore deferr’d making any Application to Your Excellency and Council, tho’ the distresses of the Sick and Wounded has often been exhibited to Your Memorialist—but Your Memorialist having lately known a want of any Meat being issued for the British here for Five days in Seven, compels Your Memorialist to lay this before Your Excellency and Council, corroborated by an Official Application made to Your Memorialist by the Clerk of the Hospital acting for the Purveyor, informing that he has made (since we have experienc’d the neglect made by those appointed to issue Provisions) every Exertion to provide Cattle from the Country by Purchase; but the public Money he had is now expended, and in Consequence a horrid Scene of Distress may present itself.  Your Memorialist is just informed that three days Meat is due this day to the Hospital.  Your Memorialist cannot dismiss this Subject without informing Your Excellency and Council that the Officers doing duty under him have in arrears of Meat due them since the fourteenth of December and of Flour since the fourteenth of January.
                     Your Memorialist presumes the Neglect he now makes known to Your Excellency and Council, has originated from some Official Neglects—Your Memorialist therefore hopes Your Excellency and Council will take this Memorial into Consideration, and order Such relief to our Necessities, as by the Capitulation we had a reasonable expectation of.
                     Your Memorialist assures Your Excellency and Council that the distresses of the British and others under Your Memorialists Care will be much added to if a speedy relief is not exhibited.


Title: From George Washington to John Lamb, 15 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lamb, John,Stevens, Ebenezer

                     Gentlemen
                     Philada 15th February 1782

                  I was last evening favd with yours of the 13th by which I perceive that you are not fully acquainted with the motive which influences the superintendant of Finance to issue to the Officers only promissary Notes to a certain amount, payable in six months.
                  It was expected that the arrival of a store ship from France, would have put it in our power to have supplied the Officers with the necessary Articles of Cloathing, but that ship has unfortunately miscarried.  The Financier, upon being informed of this, knowing the distress of the greater part of the Officers, immediately set about devising a plan by which he might afford relief to their wants, without involving himself deeper in those difficulties with which he is perplexed by the scantiness of public Funds—Upon enquiry, he found Gentlemen of this City willing to supply a quantity of Goods proper for the Army at their places of Cantonment at a credit of six Months and as low as they can be purchased else where.  He therefore proposed to me the measure, which is now about to be adopted—that of giving each Officer a note for a certain sum payable in 6 Months which the owners of the goods will receive in payment—There is no obligation upon any Officer to take these Notes, or, when he has received them to lay them out in Cloathing. Should he have supplied himself beforehand, he may keep them untill the time of payment—he may discount them, or he may lay them out in any kind of Stores for the Campaign.  By this, justice is done to the Officer and no injustice to the Soldier.  The public have complied with their Contract in furnishing the soldier with his Cloathing in the specific Articles—They now mean to do the same by the Officers on advancing them a certain sum of Money as a substitute.  Should any uneasiness or  misconceptions arise in the minds of the soldiery, you Gentlemen and the other Officers, now fully acquainted with the circumstances, may easily quiet them.
                  I cannot close this letter without expressing my approbation of the laudable motives by which you were actuated at the time, of writing.  It gives me pleasure to see Officers wishing to share hardships as well as benefits with their soldiers.  I am with great Esteem Gentn Yr most obt and hble servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 February 1782
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                     Philadelphia Feby 15. 1782.

                  An Estimate of public horses on hand in the states named below, and in the main army:
                  In Massachusetts60Connecticut60New York130New Jersey80Pensylvania120Waggon Horses450Riding horses in the hands of officersof all ranks in the line & staff, at least 50500

                  About three quarters of that number are put out to be wintered; and probably four hundred out of the five hundred may be fit for the service of teams at the opening of the campaign.  Whether any, and how many, horses might be purchased, will depend on the regulation that shall be made as to the species of teams that shall be assigned for the officers baggage.  When I made an estimate of ox teams to be purchased, I had it in contemplation to propose that all the close waggons for officers baggage (as well those of regiments as general & staff officers) should be drawn by horses: but in this case I find it will be necessary to purchase about 400 horses, which at twenty pounds each (& this is the lowest price at which they can be rated) would amount to eight thousand pounds, or

                  21,3331/3dollars400 oxen at 65 dollars a yokewill cost13,000The difference:8,3331/3dollars.

                  As there will be inlisted waggoners to take care of the horses, and a regular supply of forage, fewer losses than formerly will happen from carelessness, starving and abuse: but still more than among ox-teams: for these will subsist on grass, without grain—are not apt to stray like horses cannot be abused by riding—and are in little danger of being stolen.
                  Officers in general are most fond of horse teams for their own baggage; and the plan of the department supposes that such will be furnished: but at that time ox-teams were not thought of.
                  By the plan, only one four horse waggon is allowed to a major or brigadier general: but this allowance is inadequate to their wants; & few have been contented with it.  Perhaps a two horse open waggon, in addition to the covered one, might accommodate them.  Such a light, open waggon would carry all their bulky articles; and when the army is encamped, will be exceedingly convenient for transporting their wood, forage and provisions.  On a march a linen cover might be thrown over it to preserve the baggage.
                  Brigade Majors are intitled each to a two–horse waggon.  When this regulation was made, they were of the rank of field officers: at present they are captains and subalterns.
                  On the following page is an estimate of the waggons to which the officers with the main army are either intitled, or which seem proper for their accommodation.
                  An Estimate of Officers baggage waggons with the main army for the campaign 1782.4-horse close-covered waggons2-horse ditto or tumbrils4-horse linen covered waggons2-horse dittoFor the Commander in Chief, family & guard8-61Quarter-Master Genl Deputy, & family2--1Commissary genl of forage1---Waggon-master-general1---Deputy paymaster general1---Director General of the Hospitals1---Chief Physician to the army-1--Surgeons of the general hospital attending the army-1--& their medicines and dressing-1--Judge Advocate-1--Commissary of Prisoners-1--Field Post Master-1--Clothier-General1---Field Commissary of Military Stores-1--Inspector General & his family2--1Adjutant Genl & family2--14 Inspectors-4--8 Brigade Inspectors-8--6 Major-Generals6--66 Brigadier Generals6--6Officers of 22 regts of infantry (State Lines)66---do Officers of 1 do do regts of infantry (Hazens)3---do Officers of 1 do regts of Light Infantry3---do Officers of 2 do regts of Artillery6---do Officers of 1 do regts of Cavalry & their dragoons3 -5-do Officers of the corps of Engineers, sappers and miners 2 - --Total number of carriages114191116 4 2 4 2Number of horses necessary for the teams above enumerated 456 38 44 32Total 570
                  What number and kinds of carriages shall be allowed of those mentioned in the foregoing estimate, and with what teams they shall be drawn, I beg leave to submit to the determination of the Commander in Chief.
                  General Knox’s estimate of horses for the artillery is as follows, viz.
                  30pieces of various sizes, averaged at 4 horses each12030tumbrils for the above, each 3 horses902travelling forges for the park, 4 horses86Amunition waggons for the brigades, 4 horses 24242Brought over 570Total number of draught horses812
                  The number of horses with the army is so small compared with their number at the time the Horse–Yard was fixed, that such a seperate establishment now seem hardly necessary.  By committing the teams to inlisted waggoners, it is to be hoped they will be preserved: if course there will be but few worn-down horses to be sent to the yard, & few recruits received to be distributed from thence.  The care of the yard may therefore be committed to the waggon master general.
                  It has been customary to have a superintendant of the roads, to direct the necessary repairs: The good condition of the roads particularly concerns the waggon master general; and to him the direction of the repairs may be left.
                  The waggon master general will be able to perform these two services without difficulty.  To answer extra calls he must have spare teams, with two or three spare conductors.  As there will be between four and five hundred teams with the army, a number of supernumerary drivers must be provided, at the rate of at least one to every fifteen teams: otherwise sickness and accidents will occasion frequent demands of drivers from the line.  These supernumerary drivers, with the two or three conductors, overseen continually by the waggon master general, will be sufficient to take care of all public horses & oxen received at the yard, and to make all the ordinary repairs of the roads.  If any drivers attached to teams fall sick, they may resort to the waggon master general, who will have them properly taken care of, and supply their places from the supernumeraries.
                  In the year 77, & since, the inferiour staff of the army very commonly rode public horses; and for two or three years past, officers of every rank have done the same.  By this practice the states have sustained many losses.  Could officer intitled to ride be furnished with so much pay as would enable them to purchase their horses, the mischief would be remedied.  If this cannot be done, I conceive it would be eligible to convey the property in public horses to the officers possessed of them, & to whom they are necessary; their value, at our appraisement, to be charged to the account of their pay; and no officer, in the line or staff, considered as intitled to a public riding horse gratis. At present, besides the mischief above mentioned, this manner of using public horses produces great inequalities among officers having equal rights.  They who purchase their own horses lose the benefit of retaining the purchase money for other uses, & run all the common risques attending horses in the army.  From these inconveniencies the others are exempted.
                  These arrangements are in like manner submitted to the consideration and correction of the Commander in Chief.

                     Tim: Pickering
                     Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 February 1782
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                     Philadelphia Feby 16. 1782

                  The pay & Subsistence of divers officers in the quarter master generals department being deemed inadequate to their services, & no provision made for some necessary officers, the following view of the present appointments and of those proposed, is respectfully presented to the consideration of the Commander in Chief.

                     chart

                  The condition of the Southern States compelling the army there to draw its supplies from distant places, & the forage department being consequently exposed to extraordinary expences in making their collections, it seems reasonable that some allowances should be made on that account in addition to their pay.  What this should be, General Greene, or the General officer commanding there from his knowledge of the circumstances which occasion such extraordinary expence, can from time to time determine.
                  Colonel Carringtons observations on this point, and the above proposed alterations of the pay subsistence of the officers in his department appear to be just.  A copy of this letter on the Subject is herewith presented.

                     Tim: Pickering
                     Q.M.G.

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Philadelphia Feb. 16. 1782

                     The Establishment & organization of the Quarter Master Generals Department for the Southern Army being made by General Greene after he took the command there, the necessities of the service would not admit of an Arrangement of the pay & emoluments of the different Characters to be employed, previous to their entering on duty, as we were too remote from Congress or yourself; for the necessary steps to be taken to that end.  Confident that adequate pays & emoluments would be allowed, on the same principles & in the same proportions, with respect to similar duties, in the Main Army, as are fixed in the other departments, the business was taken up, & has been carried on hitherto.  I wish to make use of this opportunity of our meeting to have the pay & emoluments of the department fixed; that the person concerned may no longer be on an uncertainty, as to their footing.  The purchasing Commissary Generals department for that army was arranged by Congress, in the first instance, & the pay established.  I apprehend the Deputy for that Army in your department, will have his pay bearing the same proportion to yours, as that of the Deputy Commissary General of Purchases bears to the Commissary Generals, as the respective comparative duties rest on the same principles.  And as the heads of the different branches of the department there, are unconnected in actual duty with those in similar employments with the main army, I apprehend that their pay should be fixed with a view to the real services rendered, rather than by a comparison of ranks.
                     As the nature of the service there leads the Executive Staff Officers into more extensive & diffusive Operations than those with the Main Army are subjected to, they, of consequence, are exposed to greater & more frequent expences.  these are circumstances which I beg leave to recommend to your consideration in the adjustment of their Allowance.  I have the Honor to be with much respect Yr Most Obt Servt

                        Ed. Carrington
                        Lt Colo. Art: & D. Q.M.G.S.D.


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Mersereau, 17 February 1782
From: Mersereau, Joshua
To: Washington, George

                     Ross Hall, Near Brunswick Feby 17 1782

                  The barer Mr Raddy, is a gentleman from Ireland Who Will do himself the Honour to Deliver This at my request.  Should he be able to give your Excellency any Satisfactory accts it will give me Pleasure, he is strongly recommended to me, as a Sincere Friend to our Cause.
                  The British Cruisers are gone to the Chesipeek, & Deliware, to Cruse for our vessels; I hope Prudent Measures will be taken to Prevent them falling in the enemies hands.
                  Capt. Dickey Who Commanded a wale Boat from Brunswick, Unfortunately fell into the Enemies hands, on Long Island Where he went, to take a ransomer, of a Vessel, Who Went in on Parole, after being taken by Dickey as I am informed and refus’d Coming out—he is Closely Confind in Provost Goal & has been a long time, for being a great Rebble; his family Suffers—at home as well as himselef, in that loathsom Goal—Which the Dictates of Humanity Forbids—beg the interposition of your Excelency Either to have him Exchangd, or a proper Person Confind, in like maner for him till he Shall be releas’d. I have the Honr to be With Every Sentyment of Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hum. Servt

                     Joshua Mersereau


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                     My dear Sir
                     Philada 18th Feby 1782

                  I have received your favor of the 9th of December from the Round O, inclosing the Copy of your letter of the same date to Congress.  I regret that your plan for the surprise of the port of Dorchester did not take full effect.The maneuvre was a masterly one, and, at least, answered the purpose of dislodging the enemy, which was a great point gained.
                  The Count de Rochambeau has transmitted me a Copy of your letter to him of the 27th of December and a Copy of his answer.  Under present circumstances, he could not do more than advance the Legion of Lauzun towards you, to be ready to support you in case of need—There are many reasons which operate against moving the whole or a detachment of the Main Body of the French Army from their present position, at this moment, unless the enemy had really received such a reinforcement as would enable them again to penetrate the Country.  The principal one is, that those troops will be so essentially necessary to the great operation of the Campaign, that it would be impolitic to dissipate them; or to march them in a body either Northward or Southward before we hear from Europe.
                  I am in hopes that a detachment of about four hundred Virginia Continental Troops are, before this upon their march from Cumberland Court House.  I have twice written in the most express terms to Colo. Febiger to put them in motion, and Colo. Carrington tells me they were nearly ready when he left Virginia.  A detachment of Armands Cavalry will march from Charlotteville as soon as Colo. Ternant arrives there.
                  I approve of paying a proper regard to all intelligence received of the intentions of an enemy, and taking measures to prepare accordingly: but I am inclined to think you will find that of the troops from Ireland premature, or, that if they do come out, it will not be so soon as you expected.  A Frigate has just arrived at New York from England.  She was dispatched immediately after the news of Cornwallis’s surrender.  I have seen the New York prints, and no mention is made of any reinforcement having sailed for America.  A circumstance which, had it happened, I think would not have been omitted at this time, when the Loyalists are desponding and looking upon themselves as lost and unsupported.  The reinforcement from New York, as I before acquainted you, was not more than six or seven hundred Men.
                  The King’s Spirit at the opening of the British Parliament is firm and manifests a determination to continue the War,altho’ there is no appearance of his having made any Alliances.  This I hope will prove to the States the necessity of complying with the requisitions upon them for Men & supplies.  Every argument that I could invent, to induce them to it has been made use of by me in two sets of Circular letters.
                  No part of the intelligence brought by the Frigate has yet transpired.  It is no doubt of consequence.  If any alteration is to be made in the disposition of the force remaining in America, it must soon become visible—Unitll we hear from the Court of France we can only be making general preparations.Men are the most material of all, and I cannot say that the means of obtaining them, so far as I have yet heard, are efficacious—I am with warmest Esteem My dear Sir Yr most obt and hble servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 18 February 1782
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Norwich Feby 18. 1782

                  The Assembly of this State finished their Session the Day before yesterday.  the Minds of the members were deeply impressed with the Necessity of completing their Quota of Troops in Season.  They have ordered the delinquent Towns to raise, for the War, for three years, or one year, the number they are respectively deficient, by the first of April next—if not done by the fifth of that Month, the commanding Officers of the Militia Regiments are to make a peremptory Draft of the Men deficient, from the Towns or Classes, who are to serve to the first of December next—The Towns or Classes are responsible for their Recruits, & in Case of Desertion, or their being mustered out, their Places are to be forthwith supplied by Inlistment or Detachment.  The Assembly have ordered Execution against the Towns which were deficient last year.
                  The Law is perhaps as good as could be expected but there is much to apprehend from the want of Energy in the Execution—this Government has not the Coercion requisite in War.
                  The People, as far as I can learn, would grant more ample Supplies to Mr Morris than their Representative have done—as to the Payment which is to be made the 1st of April,  I do not think any considerable Part of the Tax will be received before June or July, nor the Proceeds of the Provisions much earlier because we have not Merchants who are able to pay the Cash for them immediately.
                  The Ballance of Wages due the Connecticut Line for 1780 is funded by Taxes payable in 1786 & 1787 with Interest yearly—that of 1781 & of retained Rations from April 1 1780 remain to be adjusted by the Committee of Settlement.  I am, with the greatest Esteem, Your Excellencys most obedient Servant

                     Jed. Huntington


Title: From George Washington to John Laurens, 18 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, John

                     My Dear Laurens
                     Philadelphia Feby 18th 1782

                  I have had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 19th of Decr and also the Report of the judicious & successful Movement of General Greene, by which he compelled the Enemy to abandon their Out Posts—This brilliant Manoeuvre is another proof of the singular abilities, that officer possesses.
                  Since my last Dispatches from So. Carolina, I have been informed, via Virginia, of the intelligence Genl Greene has received that a reinforcement was expected from Ireland, of the application he had made in consequence to the Count du Rochambeau & the resolution the Count had taken of detaching the Legion of Lauzun to his aid—I hope this force, together with the Corps of Armand will give such a decided superiority of Cavalry, as will prevent the Enemy from reoccupying & ravaging the Country again, should the whole Reinforcement from Ireland arrive and I must confess, I cannot entirely rely upon it, as I have not heard the intelligence from any other quarter, altho a Frigate has just arrived at New York with the King of England’s speech, & Dispatches from Administration.  Nothing however has transpired, except the Speech, from the complexion of which, no decisive opinion can be formed.
                  But I think a little time will disclose what the Enemys intentions are, (should they still persist in the prosecution of the War) whether they mean to occupy the two great Posts of New York & Charles Town, or concentre the whole of their force together.  In the former case, Reinforcements may undoubtedly be expected, and I know of nothing which can be opposed to them with such a prospect of success as the Corps you have proposed should be levied in Carolina.
                  To make the Campaign decisive is our great object.  I wish that the States might be impressed with the necessity of taking their measures accordingly, & that the war might not be procrastinated by want of exertion on our part—Believe me, My Dear Laurens, I am convinced, under all circumstances, of your unbounded zeal in the service of your Country—That success may ever attend you in the pursuit of personal glory & public felicity is the earnest wish of Your Affecte friend & Hble Servant.

                     P.S.  The Gentlemen of the family request their affectionate Regards may be presented to you.


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 18 February 1782
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia Feby 18th 1782

                  The Enemy at New York being desirous to Exchange Military for Naval Prisoners of War. I have taken the Liberty to inclose Copies of the Naval Commissary’s Letters to me on that Subject. to which I have returned no Answer. I am Sir Your Mo. Obt and Mo. Hume Servt

                     Abm Skinner
                     Comy Gen. Pris.

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        New York 15th Jany 1782

                     I am directed by His Excellency rear Admiral Digby Commander in Chief &ca to acquaint you, that a Number of French Soldiers have been taken in the Bonnetta Sloop of War. from Virginia bound for the west Indies and brought in to this Port. and to know from you if you will give British Soldiers in Exchange for them which will in that case be negociated by Mr Loring.  I am sir Your Most Ob. Hume servt

                        David Sproat
                        Commy General for Naval prisrs

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        New York 25th Jany 1782

                     Motives of humanity have induced the Commanders of His Majesty’s Fleets on this Coast from time to time to permit a greater Number of the American Naval prisoners to be sent out to you than the British Seamen you, or your Deputies had to send in return, which makes the difference in Account at this time upwards of Seven hundred Men.
                     The same principle which has been so bountifully extended to the Americans, actuates His Excellency Rear Admiral Digby to feel for the distressed Situation of the British Subjects prisoners with you at this inclement season—Therefore he has been pleased to direct me to offer to discount with you Five hundred of that Number in Exchange for an equal Number of Soldiers now in your hands—reserving the remainder of your Debt, for the releasement of such seamen as may be in different Goals in America.
                     This proposal being equitable I hope you will loose no time in laying it before his Excellency General Washington or Congress in Order to enable you to send me an Answer.  I am Sir Your Mo. Obt hume servt

                        David Sproat
                        Commissy General
                        for Naval Prisoners


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 18 February 1782
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Phila. Feby 18th 1782

                  At a late meeting with the British Commissary, I have effected the Exchange of Sundry Officers as per the inclosed No. 1 and 2.
                  I proceeded to Negociate this Business agreable to your Excellencys Instructions of the 5th Decembr last “Rank for Rank as far as they woud apply and then by Composition,” but the Enemy Solicitous for the Release of Lord Cornwallis refuse to Exchange the whole of our Officers without reserving a certain Number of them, equal to the Value of His Lordship as the inclosed proposal No. 3.
                  I shall thank you Sr for your instructions whether I am to assent to this proposal and thereby Exchange our Officers by Composition leaving a reservation of Officers for the Future Release of Lord Cornwallis.  I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Mo. Obt Hume Servt

                     Abm Skinner
                     Com. Gen. pris.

                Enclosure

                           9 February 1782

                     Exchange of American Officers for British Rank for Rankmade at New York Feby 9th 1782.
                     AmericanBritishBrigr Genl McIntoshforBrigr Gen. O’HaraLieutt Colo. Archd LytleLt Colonel Abercromby

                     We do hereby ratify and Confirm the above.
                     Josa LoringBrit. Com. Gen. pris.
Abm SkinnerCom. Genl pris.

                        Not transcribed is "An Exchange of an equivalent of American Officers and Privates prisoners of War for Lieutenant General Burgoyne," 9 Feb. 1782.

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        New York 12th Feby 1782

                     As you have not been able to give me any sufficient reason for refusing to Exchange Lord Cornwallis, I am directed to make a reservation of the highest in Rank of your Officers prisoners, equal to the Value of His Lordship. Vizt.
                     1Brigadier General2007Colonels7002Lieutts Colonels1441044
                     I am with due respect Sir Your Mo. Obt & Mo. Hum. servt
                     Josa LoringCom. Gen. Pris.
                     Memo:  Mr Loring assured me on receiving his Letter (of wh the above is a Copy) that he wou’d very willingly assent to the Exchange of all our Officers prisoners (Rank for Rank and by Composition) provided we woud for the present Waiver the Exchange of the above mentioned Ranks.

                        Abm Skinner


Title: General Orders, 19 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Philadelphia Tuesday. Feb. 19. 82.
                     Parole
                     C. Signs

                  At a general Court Martial held at Philadelphia February the 18. 1782 by order of the Commander in Chief—William English Soldier in the New Hampshire Line was Tryed for Deserting from the New Hamshire Line re-inlisting in the Pennsyl. Line, defrauding the States, & Perjury, found guilty and sentenced to suffer Death—The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 19 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada 19th February 1782

                  I received your favor of the 9th instant in due time, accompanied by a very particular Return of the Cantonment and strength of the enemy, for which I am obliged.
                  I directed the releif of the whole Garrison of Wyoming upon a supposition, from the tenor of your former letter, that the Men as well as Officers were anxious to be releived, but if you think that making a change of Officers only will answer the purpose, I shall be satisfied.
                  It now becomes extremely essential to us to know what advices the enemy have lately received from Europe—whether any change is to be made in the disposition of their force—& whether they expect any and what reinforcements and how soon—In short, every motion ought to be minutely attended to, as from them we may form a judgment of their intentions the approaching Campaign—You will be good enough to attend to the foregoing and communicate intelligence to me as often as possible—I am Dear Sir Yr most obt servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 19 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 19th Feby 1782

                  Yesterdays Post brought me your two Letters of the 8th & 13th Instant with a note from General Pattersons inclosed.
                  The operation of the resolve for furnishing an extra Ration to certain Officers, ceases under the new System, the inclosed regulation of the Secretary at War will shew what number of Rations an Officer of every Rank is entitled to—with respect to allowing an additional Subsistence to the Officers who command on the Lines, and at Kings ferry, it does not lay with me to give any Orders on this matter, but I am of opinion, that to comply with the request would be attended with bad consequences as it would open a door to continual application of this nature from every Officer who may be detached from his Corps & as to the burthen falling unequally, this may easily be prevented by relieving from time to time the Officers who command at such Posts.
                  Colo. Pickering informs me he has written for the returns of Cattle Kept by the French Army, & will forward them as soon as they arrive.
                  As the Auditors have ceased to act, their Certificates must be dispensed with, and those of the Regimental Paymasters & Deputy Pay Mr Genl, must be sufficient to entitle an Officer to his Discharge.
                  I am fully of opinion with you that a Brigade Court Martial has no right to deviate from the Law of the State, nor ought Gilchrist to be dischargd till he has served the full time prescribed by that Law.
                  With respect to the Rhode Island Hutts, if you are of Opinion that they will not be wanting when the recruits come in, I think the proprietor might be permitted to take them at the appraisement, for I should suppose that a scarcity of Wood in their Environs will render them useless for any future Cantonment.
                  I thank you for your attention in removing the Arms to Fishkill, they were, I believe, orderd on by the Secy at War & intended to be Stored in the vicinity of West Point.  I have acquainted General Knox of their arrival & he will give the necessary directions in that matter—I am pleased also with what you have done respecting the laying up of Magazines for the Posts in the Northern District, how so essential a provision came to be neglected in the Contract I can not say, it was a matter I mentioned as necessary at the time the Contracts were forming.
                  I have conferred with Mr Morris on that part of your Letter respecting the Officers Rations & he will write you very fully on the Subject by this Opportunity.
                  I believe I omitted to inform you that Major Porter had not the leave of Congress to go to Europe.
                  Inclosed is a Resolve of Congress relative to the Massachusetts Cloathing you will naturally susspend the distribution of it till the determination of the State is known.  with great regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 19 February 1782
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Fish Kill Feby 19th 1782.

                  I am honored with Your Excellency’s agreeable Favour of the 13th instant, covering seven of Mr Morris’s Notes, amounting to five hundred Dollars, of which I shall make an equal Distribution—proportioned to the Times of Service of the respective Writers who have or now are serving.
                  I am sorry to observe to Your Excellency, that my own Necessities will absolutely oblige me to appropriate a small Proportion of the Sum transmitted, to my own Use, to make a Compensation, in Part, for my Quarters and to replace a Sum of Money which I have borrowed to pay for Fire Wood & Forage, of which Articles I have not as yet been able to obtain a Supply from the Quarter Master for more than about three Weeks: I have his Promise of reimbursment only.
                  I shall be happy in making the Supply of Money to the Writers, as large as possible, and for that Reason shall retain as small a Share as I conveniently can.
                  I have taken Care to leave proper Blanks at the Close of every Volume for the Indesces & shall observe Your Excellency’s Directions with Respect to the general one, altho I think I fully comprehend your Wishes in the Matter.
                  I thank Your Excellency for the List of Presidts of Congress; this I had furnished myself with long since from the Letters & Resolutions in my Charge & the Public Prints; And should be happy, if I had the same Means so fully in my Power with Respect to the Names of the Governors; I shall however make the Drafts as complete as possible and index those Letters doubly, under the Titles of their States & the respective Surnames which I have Knowledge of.
                  As soon as I return to my Quarters I shall transmit the Date of the General Orders last recorded probably an Opportunity will offer of sending it by this Weeks Post, or It will be as early as possibly thereafter.
                  I shall be happy in your Arrival in this Quarter and have the Honor to be, with the most respectful & affectionate Sentiments, Your Excellencys most Obed. Hble Servt

                     Richd Varick


Title: To George Washington from Horatio Gates, 20 February 1782
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      20th February 1782

                  Upon Your Excellencys return to Philadelphia, Colonel Tilghman acquainted Mr Clajon, that you had wrote to me in Virginia—as I have not received any acknowledgement of the Receipt of either of my Letters to Your Excellency of the 22th of May, & 7th of October Last, I should be wanting to myself not to acquaint you therewith;  The Season has been such, that we have not received any Letters or papers from Philadelphia, since the Second of January, and the approach of Summer renders it my Duty to declare to Your Excellency my readiness to Obey your Commands—By want of That Money, which alone is Current, I am Riveted to my Farm—Or, I should have been in Philadelphia this Winter, to have Demanded that Justice which, I now almost Despair of Obtaining.
                  Most Sincerely do I Congratulate Your Excellency upon the Glorious Capture of Earl Cornwallis, & His whole Army; & pray that it may prove a Happy Prelude to another Great Event, which, (If not already Finished) may Determine the War. with Great Respect I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

                     Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 20 February 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     Sir,
                     Philada 20th Feby 1782

                  Since my letter to your Excellency of the 18th Instt I have been honored with the public & secret Resolves of Congress of the same date, the first empowering me to appoint Commissioners for the purposes therein mentioned, the last prohibiting the exchange of Lieutt General Lord Cornwallis by composition—which is the only mode by which he can be exchanged, except for a Civil Character, we having no Military Grade answerable to his.
                  I find my self so exceedingly embarrassed by the operation of the Secret Resolve, that I hope Congress will excuse me for pointing out the difficulties in which it involves me personally, and the manner in which it affects—as I conceive—the public good.
                  By the public Resolve all former restrictions are taken off and I am at liberty to go into a general exchange without limitation—when it therefore shall be found that Lord Cornwallis is still detained, those officers of ours (particularly our full Colonels most of whom can only be exchanged on composition) who will be sufferers on that account will naturally apply to me for the Reasons—I must either submit to their opinions on a conduct so apparently strange, or to justify myself must be under the necessity of betraying a secret vote of Congress.
                  In order more clearly to point out the manner in which the secret Resolve, if adhered to, will operate against the public interest, I must beg leave to request the attention of Congress to a short recital of the reasons which induced me at this particular time to propose a meeting of Commissioners to the British Commander in chief.
                  On my return from Virginia the Superintendant of Finance informed me, that the Subsistance of the Prisoners of War had now become so serious a matter that there was an absolute necessity of endeavouring to obtain payment of the Money already due to us upon that account, and at all events to fix upon some certain & regular mode of payment for their Maintainance in future.
                  In order to effect these, he advised My Making proposition to Sir Henry Clinton to appoint Commissioners not only to liquidate the accounts of prisoners but to endeavour, by the establishment of a permanent Cartel, (a Matter which we have never yet been able to obtain) to adjust a number of points relative to the exchanges & accomodation of Prisoners & for want of which individuals, as well subjects of the United States as those of Great Britain, are daily suffering—Sir Henry Clinton (after several letters had passed upon the subject) acceeded to the proposition in the most extensive sense—Commissioners were named—and I only waited for the authority of Congress to enable me to invest the Commissioners on our part with proper powers—This, by the public resolve of the 18th, is amply granted, but by the subsequent secret resolve in a manner done away—The powers of our Commissioners can only have reference to the public resolve—and whatever stipulations are entered into will be, upon a confidence, that no further obstructions will be thrown in the way—The exchange of Lord Cornwallis (as heretofore) would be one of the first things demanded, & should that be rejected, as it must be, the enemy would not only have it in their power to tax us with breach of faith, but they might recede in turn from any part of their argeements, and it is to be feared that they would pitch upon that respecting the payment of the maintainance of their Prisoners, as it will be a weighty matter to them, and one which they can evade with less inconvenience than almost any other, as we have a very great number of theirs to support and they few of ours—In addition to what I have said, I have only further to remark that the Gentlemen who have been named by me to execute the Commission, have objections to going upon it, except they can meet those from the British on fair and open terms.  This can only be done, either by withdrawing the secret vote entirely, or by adhering publicly to the resolution of detaining Lord Cornwallis, and trying what can be effected under such circumstances.  The last would remove my personal scruples (if it should not be deemed a violation of the Capitulation) but I fear, as I before mentioned, that the general interest would suffer by the measure.  We never can expect that such a Cartel as will be really beneficial to us will be acceded to while an officer of Lord Cornwallis’ high rank and Family influence is excepted, or indeed while a power is reserved or implied of being able to deprive of the right of exchange any other officer who may hereafter, as a Prisoner of War became intitled to the advantages of a stipulation of such a nature as a Cartel.
                  I ever with diffidence enter into discussions of the above kind, and I am now more than commonly apprehensive that my conduct may appear reprehensible, as Congress have been pleased, upon several late applications, to adhere to their former opinions respecting Lord Cornwallis.  Had I not foreseen new difficulties arising from restricting his Exchange, I should have deemed myself as inexcusable in further controverting the will of Congress, as I should have been had I remained silent when I thought my voice might have conduced to the general good.  That that has been my only motive for taking up so much of your time I beg you will believe as sincerely as that I am with the utmost respect Yr Excellys Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington