Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 21 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

Sir,
Middlebrook Mar. 21st—79
With this Letter you will receive Fifty Guineas for S—— C——r, which you will cause to be delivered as soon as possible, with an earnest exhortation to use them with all possible ĩconomy, as I find it very difficult to obtain hard money.

I wish C—— could fall upon some more direct channel by which his Letters could be conveyed, as the efficacy of his communications is lost in the circuitous rout. if he could fall upon a method of conveying his Letters to Genl Maxwell at Elizabeth town, or to Colo. Shreive at Newark, they would come to me with more dispatch, & of consequence render his corrispondance more valuable.
As all great movements, and the fountain of all intelligence must originate at, & proceed from the head Quarters of the enemy’s Army, C—— had better reside at New York—mix with—and put on the airs of a Tory to cover his real character, & avoid suspicion—In all his communications he should be careful in distinguishing matters of fact, from matters of report. Reports and actions should be compared before conclusions are drawn, to prevent as much as possible, deception—Particular attention is to be paid to the arrival, & departure of all Fleets—and to the alterations in the cantonments of the Troops and their respective movements with the destination of them, if to be come at, and before it is too late to profit by the knowledge. All reinforcements, whether of whole Corps—detachments—or recruits (for the purpose of filling their regiments) to be carefully marked, & the numbers—description—&ca properly designated. All detachments and the strength & destination of them to be scrutinized with an eye equally attentive. The temper & expectation of the Tories & refugees is worthy of consideration, as much may be gathered from their expectations & prospects—for this purpose an intimacy with some well informed Refugee may be political & advantageous. highly so will it be, to contract an acquaintance with a person in the Naval department, who may either be engaged in the business of providing Transports for the imbarkation of Troops, or in victualling of them. Many other things will occur upon reflection with out an inumeration of them; I shall therefore only add my wishes that the whole may be placed on such a footing as to answer the end most effectually, & that I am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. I wish, merely for curiosity, and that I may be prepared with sufficient knowledge for any future favourable contingency, to know the depth of Water through Hell gate? the largest Ship of War that has ever passed it? & the largest that can pass it?

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 22 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Brodhead, Daniel

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 22d March 1779.
My last to you was on the 5th instant, a Copy of which I now inclose; also Copies of mine of the 31st January 15th Feby and 5th March to General McIntosh, lest any accident shou⟨ld⟩ have happened to the originals.
I have directed Colo. Rawlins with his Corps consisting of three Companies to march from Fort Frederick in Maryland, where he is guarding the British prisoners, to Fort Pitt, as soon as he is releived by a guard of Militia. Upon his arrival, you are to detach him with his own Corps, and as many as will make up one hundred (should his Companies be short of that number) to take post at Kittanning and immediately throw up a stockade Fort for the security of Convoys: When this is accomplished, a small Garrison is to be left there, and the remainder are to proceed to Venango and establish another post of the same kind, for the same purpose. The party to go provided with proper tools from Fort Pitt, and Colo. Rawlins be directed to make choice of good peices of Ground, and by all means to use every precaution against a surprize at either of his posts.
Colo. Gibson is to be ordered to hold himself ready to join you with his force when matters are ripe for execution. But he is to keep his intended removal from Tuscarawas a profound secret, and when he receives his orders to march, let it be as sudden as possible: Because whenever the evacuation of the post at Tuscarawas takes place, it will plainly discover that our designs are up the River, and not against Detroit by that Route. perhaps it may be better to direct him to be in the most perfect readiness to march with his whole Garrison and Stores without acquainting him with the design, lest it should transpire too soon, but in this matter, your own judgment and knowledge of Gibsons prudence must govern.
I cannot with precision say what posts along the Ohio must be kept up for quietting the fears of the people. This must be left to your own judgment. From what I have heard, Fort McIntosh is a better and more extensive cover than Fort Pitt to the Frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and attended with advantages in intercepting Indian parties which the o⟨ther⟩ has not, but which of the two to prefer, if both cannot be held, is left to you to determine. The Fort at Weeling I am told is essential, could we spare men to garrison it. But I fear an attempt to leave too many posts occupied in your Rear, would weaken the Body with which you move up the River so much, that it would not answer the purposes expected from it. I can only therefore give you this general direction, to leave no more posts than are absolutely necessary to secure the communication, and no more men at them, than a⟨re⟩ absolutely necessary to defend them. The Garrisons of these small posts should consist of the Independent Companies, that your larger Corps may be kept as compleat and compact as possible. Should the Companies not be fully sufficient for the purpose, you are to call in Militia to their assistance. But let not this be done if it can be avoided. Should the emergency of the case require it, let their number be as small as possible.
Hasten the Water Craft by all means, that you may not have them to wait for when other matters are ready.
Neither the Indians or any other persons are to know your destination, untill your movement points out the probable quarter. Engage at a proper Season as many Warriors as you can to accompany you, and at all events procure good Guides who know the way from the head of the Navigation of Alleghany to the nearest Indian Towns and to Niagara. After you have moved let it remain a secret as long as possible to which you are going.
You are to inform me with precision and by a careful Express when you will be ready to begin your movement from Fort Pitt—when you can be at Kittanning—when at Venango—when at the head of Navigation—how far it is from thence to the nearest Indian Towns, and when you can reach them. In making your estimate of the times, you are to calculate upon moving as light as possible, and with only a few peices of the lightest Artillery. These are necessary for me to know with as much accuracy as possible, that the plan of co-operation, upon which much depends, may be perfectly formed.
I would wish you to pacify and cultivate the friendship of the Western Indians by all the means in your power. When you are ready to move and your probable destination can be no longer concealed, contrive ways to inform them that you are going to meet a large force to fall upon and destroy the whole Country of the Six Nations, and that if they do in the mean time give the least disturbance to the Frontiers, that whole Force will be turned against them, and that we will never rest till we have cut them off from the face of the Earth.
There is one point upon which I will take the liberty of dropping you a caution, tho’ perhaps it may have already struck you. It is the policy and propriety of ⟨not interes⟩ting yourself in the dispute subsisting between the States of Pennsylvania and Virginia on account of their Boundaries. I would wish you to recommend unanimity for the present to all parties, and if they endeavour to make you an umpire in their Affairs, I would wave it, as not coming properly before me in my military Capacity.
This impartial line of conduct will command the respect of both parties, whereas a contrary one would constantly produce discontent and ill will in those disappointed by the decision. I am Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Burke, 22 March 1779
From: Burke, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Philadelphia march 22d 1779.
When I had the pleasure of Seeing you in this City, I had a little Conversation with you on the Subject of reinlisting Such of the North Carolina Troops and levies whose time of Service might be nearly expired. My Collegues and myself wrote to the State on the Same Subject The assembly thereupon resolved that “three hundred dollars per man be given to each Soldier who Shall reinlist for one year or more in the North Carolina Continental Service.” The delegates are authorised to act accordingly, and we are unwilling to take any measures without previously Consulting you lest we Should Contravene Some general Orders by you given under the late regulations for recruiting the army. We are inclined to give the State bounty, in addition to the Continental, to all who Shall inlist during the war. we deem Soldiers obtained on Such Terms better worth the agregated bounty than Soldiers inlisted for one year are worth the State bounty. and indeed Sir we are disposed to do every thing in favor of the Soldiers, deeming them the most useful, the most Suffering, and most important order of our fellow Citizens—my Collegues Concur with me in requesting your advice on this Subject as soon as possible and in assuring you we Shall Cooperate with you with the greatest chearfulness.
I beg leave Sir to offer you my best wishes and to present my most respectful Compliments to your Lady. I have the honor to be Sir with the greatest respect and Esteem Your very obt Svt
Tho. Burke


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 22 March 1779
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp Reading [Redding, Conn.] March 22nd 1779.
I have this moment received the Inclosed Letter, by which your Excellency will see the disposition of the Enemy on Long Island. They have for a long time past been building Flatt-Boats at the East-End, under the direction of Sir William Erskine, who still continues there.
Sir Henry Clinton having Join’d the Detachment makes it appear more probable that they are meditating a serious push on the Eastern Sea-Coast of this state. There are about 300 men from the two Connecticut Brigades, now at N: London, as your Excellency has been before informed—These can make but a feble resistance to the force which the Enemy can bring to act against them—I therefore wish your instructions respecting the matter, as soon as possible.
I have Detachments from my Division at Horse Neck, Stamford Norwalk & Fairfield, sufficient to protect the Country from the ravages of small parties from Long Island.
The Enemy came out of Huntington the other Day, with a number of Gallies & Armed Vessels to take two small Privateers of ours from Horse Neck—They Landed but were drove off withe the [loss] of a few men killed. I am in haste Your Excellencys Most Ob. hb. Servt
Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 22 March 1779
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Powhatan [Va.] March 22d 1779
I received Your Excellencys Instructions Respecting the recrutes this day, and shall Set out Tomorrow morning for Williamsburg in order to receive The Govrs farther Instructions, I cannot but Observe to You That I am fearfull it will not be in my power to git them to Camp So soon as Your Excy Expects, Owing to the inattention respecting the Clothing without Which (by an Act of our Assembly) they are not to March out of the State, I have (previous to the Rect of Your Excellencys orders,) been urging That every thing should be put in the Greatest readiness, but am now exceedingly fearfull this Will be a means of a Considerable delay, However from what has already been don it is to be hoped that this will not be the case, and For what respects my duty You may be assurd That not one Hour Shall be Miss Spent I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant
Chs Scott


Title: General Orders, 23 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Tuesday March 23rd 1779.
Parole Harkimer—C. Signs Gideon—Fontenoy—

The Commander in Chief directs that the following ration be delivered to the Army until further orders.
25 ounces of beef, or 18 ounces of Pork—
16 ounces of bread or flour.
1 gill of spirits occasionally—
The usual quantity of soap and candles.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Zebulon Butler, 23–28 March 1779
From: Butler, Zebulon
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency
Garrison Wyoming [Pa.]March 23rd[-28] 1779
When I was first Ordered to the Command of this Post it was from the Board of war and Soon After recd Acct from Colo. Hartley that he Command’d at Sunsbury and Wyoming I Made my Returns to him as Belonging to his Command Repeatedly Representing the Necessity of more Men at this Post—A Part of Colo. Hartleys Regt as Youll Se by Inclosd Return are at this post, I Conclude Colo. Hartley has Made returns to your Excellency of the Troops on Susqueh. on the forth of Janry Last I Recd A Letter from Genll Hand Informing that your Excellency had be[en] Pleased to order him to the Command of A Boddy of Troops Assembled at Menisinck to Defend that Fronteer with the Genll Direction of the Troops on the Susquehannah and then Asking my Opinion of the Practicabellity of A Winters Campaine and the State of this post which I Gave him as Accurately as I Could which I Suppose your Excellency has Recd—As Genll Hand Mention’d in his Second Letter he Should Forward it to Your Excellency. After Receiving Genll Hands Letter, and Supposing A winters Campaign would Not be Attemtd and Making Returns to him of the Provision, Barrocks &c. Which was Sufficient for three Hundred Troops more than we had, I Proposed to the Genll Whether he would Not think it proper to Send two Hundred men hear for Winter Quarters Genll Hands Answer was that my Post was So Remote that his Instruction gave him A Genll Direction only in Case of A Coopperation of Troops be Judgd Avisible and therefore the Particular Disposition of the Troops Distind for the Defence of this Quarter did Not Depend on him—and Ive Lately Understood from the Board of Warr that Your Excellency Has the Sole Drection of Ordering the Destnation of Troops on the fronteers I Would Beg Leave to Propose to your Excellency whiather after your Knowledge of the Situation of this Post as youll know by the Iclosd Returns (and the Distance from this to the Enemy and the Land and Warter Carriages to their Country, as I Suppose Your Excellency, has from the Returns from me to Genll Hand) Not think Necessesary to Send more Troops to this Place Immediately, the Late Action is on the 21st Inst. their Appeared A Large Boddy of Indians and Tories Advancing to the Flatts on the West Side Susquehh to A Blockhouse Oppisite to the Fort they Had taken one Old man who was back in the Woods, the Men at the Block House Consisted of Sarjt and Twelve, who Advancd to meet them Exchanging many Shotts, but finding the Enemy too Many for them, Retreated to the Block House the Enemy Immediately went to Collecting Horses and Cattle I Orderd an officer and twenty five Men to Cross the River to Idevour to Prevent their taking off Cattle if Possible they Advancd Upon the Enemy Drove them off the Flatts Near one Mile to A Wood where they Discoverd two Large Boddies of Enemy Supposed to be Upwards of two Hundred Which Made it prudent for our men to Retreat to the Blockhouse they Retreated Sloly fiering on the Enemy Who Advancd on them but our got Safe to the Block House the Enemy Immediately pursued their Design, to Collect Horses and Cattle and Notwithstanding our Men Advancd and kept A Continual fier on them—they Colleted and took Away Sixty Head of Horn Cattle 20 Horses Burnt five Barnes part full of Hay and Grain and ten Dwelling Houses thay had Been Left by our people, and Shooting A Number of Sheep and Hoggs and Notwithstanding our Scurmishing Continued Briskly for two And A half Hours We had no man killed Taken or Wounded Except the Old man first Mentioned tho A Considerable part of the Men Ingaged have Shots throught their Clothg Hatts &c. Mr Pettigrew A Brave officer of Colo. Hartleys Regt had his Ramrod Shot out of his hand and the Enemy have Not Left us Yet, We Discoverd their Fiers Last Night on the Side of the Mountain But few Miles Distance—Relying on Your Excellencys Wisdom and Strict Attention to the Publick Good of the United States Can only Say I have the Honour to be Your Excellencys Most Obt Humbe Servt
Zebn Butler
Sr What has Happened Just as I finishd this Letter as Above being About one OClock in the Afternoon, A body of Enemy were Discoverd on this Side the River Advancing towards the fort—they Surrounded it on all Sides fiering Verry Briskly While Some others were Collecting Horses and Cattle I Sent out About forty men with A Small peice Which drove them back to A Wood over A Marsh Where they Made A Stand the Scurmishing held till Sunset, in which time the Enemy Carried off Fifty one Head of Horn Cattle and ten horses Burnt three Barnes partley full of Grain and hay and two Houses—we Lost no Men Killed or Taken—had two Wounded but tis thought Not Mortally, this Evening the Enemy Retired.
24th & 25 Verry Heavy Snow fell and we heard not much from the Enemy.

26th we Discoverd Large smokes Rise About four Down the River on the Other Side where we had A Guard kept att A Blockhouse to Guard A Mill.
27th Two men from the Mill Guard Informs All is well Except three Barnes and two Houses Burnt Partley full of hay and Grain—at the Time they were Burning our People Discoverd Numbers of the Enemy, But None has been Seen this day Yet—I Have Sent this Same Acct to the Board of Warr and Genll Hand.
28. March at Evening No Enemy Discovered Sinc the Above Acct thier Smokes or at Least Some Large Smokes appear at A Littel Distanc in the Mountains. I am Your Excellyencies Most Obt Humbl. Servt

Zebn Butler


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 23 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Middlebrook] 23d March 1779
For the more speedy assembling of the Militia upon an emergency, I have agreed with the Feild Officers in this and the next County to erect Beacons upon the most conspicuous Hills, the firing of which shall be signals for them to repair to their different Alarm Posts—You will be pleased to have one erected upon the Mountain in the Rear of Pluckemin, upon the place that shall seem most visible from the adjacent Country. The Beacons are proposed to [be] built of Logs in the form of a Pyramid, 16 or 18 feet square at the Base, and about 20 feet in height, the inner part to be filled with Brush—Should there be occasion to fire it you shall have proper notice.
Be pleased to send me one of the Copies of the last Arrangement of the Ordnance department. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. As The inclosed Resolve of Congress includes the Artillery I have transmitted to you, and request you to order Returns to be made agreeable thereto.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 23 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clair, Arthur St.

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Middlebrook] 23d March 1779
For the more speedy assembling of the Militia upon an emergency I have agreed with the Feild Officers in this and the next County to erect Beacons upon the most conspicuous Hills, the firing of which is to be the signals for the⟨m⟩ to repair to their different alarm posts. You will be pleased therefore to order a party from your division consisting of an Officer and 24 Men with Axes and four days provision to be ready tomorrow Morning at 8 OClock to proceed to a remarkable Hill near princetown to erect a Beacon there. One Burrel will attend as a Guide. The Beacon is to be constructed of Logs in form of a Pyramid 16 or 18 feet square at Bottom and 18 or 20 feet high. The inner part to be filled with Brush. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 March 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia 23rd March 1779
I am this moment Honored with your’s of the 16th Containing the Affidavits & Extract of a letter from Govr Levingston, the Enclosed Naritive of Mr Archer will shew you something of the Nature of the Complaint—I hope it will [not] be persuming too much on your Excellency’s good nature to Recapitulate the Circumstances which Immediately relate to myself.
some time in January—at an early hour in the morning a dirty looking fellow came abrubtly into my Chamber whilst I was in bed—I was disturbed by some high words between Mr Wright & him—upon enquiring the cause Mr Wright replied that that fellow said he had a Warrant for him—I asked upon whose Complaint—& desired the person to shew it, he peremptoraly refused, I Ordered him out of my Chamber which he also refused to Comply with—Mr Wright was directed to give him in Charge of my Quarter Guard until he would produce his Authority—(here it may not be Improper to mention that a day or two before this a Certain Arrowsmith a Notorious Spy & Caitiff was detected & Confined by me in the Center of the Camp—with a pass from a Justice Van Norstrandt in his possession) some time in the Afternoon Mr Van Nest Informed me that the Constable (as he called him) wanted to spake to me—I could not at that time attend to him having Gentlemen on particular buisness round me—I was again Applied to for liberty for him to go home & to return again in the Morning which was granted on Mr Van Nests Surity.
the next morning the person who I had Confined the day before came to my Quarters & told me that he was Concious of being very remiss in not shewing his Authority when demanded by myself & Mr Wright—that he would now shew it to me—upon perusal I found it to be a Warrant for taking Major Fishbourn and Mr Wright, (“perhaps it would not be any breach of Decorum or Violation of the Articles of War had the Civil Magistrate wrote to me & demanded them to be given up”) I told the Constable that he was at Liberty—& that if in place of being exceedingly rude & Insolent—he had shewed his Authority Yesterday he might have executed it without any Demur—as he might now.
We remained at Mr Van Nests for many days after—I frequently seen the same person about the House, & the young Gentlemen wished & were ready & Willing to Attend the Civil Authority at anytime when called on—but I never heared a Single hint further on the Occation until now.
I once had the Honor to Act in a Judicial as well as a Legislative Capacity & as such I should have thought it my duty—when an Unknown person should take upon him to enter & make a Disturbance in my Chamber by saying he had a Warrant for a Gentleman then in my room—to ask him for his Authority for so doing—& upon Refusal I shou’d Certainly have Ordered him into Custody until he produced it I believe that His Excellency Govr Levingston Would have done the same without thinking it the least Violation of Civil Authority.
I have as high an Idea of Civil Liberty as Govr Levingston or any Other Gentleman—and have gone as far in the Support of it, & the rights of Mankind as most men in my Station—I therefore am but too tenderly hurt at the least Imputation of having diviated from that Principle—& am well Convinced that when Govr Levingston will Condecend to view—(as he will do) with an Impartial eye the facts herein Contained—he will not think that my Conduct had the least tendancy to Violate the Civil Authority.
But Circumstanced as I then was, as an Officer in charge of a Detatched post—would I not have been highly Criminal to have suffered an Unknown person Assuming Civil Or Military Authority to enter my Quarters & Inspect the Approaches to the Camp—to pass without an examination—& when called upon for his Authority should refuse to shew it—was it not my Indispensible duty to confine him—when not only the lives of the Troops under my Immediate Command—but the safety of the Army in General in a great degree depended on my care and Vigilance.
Is an Officer of Rank for doing his duty—a duty for which he was subject to Military punishment for neglect of—is he for doing that duty to be draged from publick Service to Answer a Charge that would not have lain agaist a private Citizen—even in a Country in full possession Of peace & where the laws alone bear Sway.
When I took upon me the Character of a Soldier I did not expect to be deprived the right of a Citizen—& on the present Charge I only acted as a free denizen would, or ought to have done—the Constable upon shewing his Authority was Immediately Released with free liberty to execute his Warrant.
Major Fishbourn will Attend the proceess to be Issued against him at the time mentioned—I have buisness of a publick Nature that will Necessarily detain me here unless your Excellency has Occation for my Services in the field—or that any day After the first of April may not Answer the Intentions of Govr Levingston equally well. Interim I am Your Excellency’s Most Obt & very Hume Sert
Anty Wayne


Title: General Orders, 24 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Wednesday March 24th 1779.
Parole Euphrates—C. Signs Darby. Cork—

The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolution—
March 16th 1779.

Resolved, “That all Warrant-Officers on the civil staff of the Army be put on the same footing with commissioned officers in respect to arrests, trials and punishment.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Burke, 24 March 1779
From: Burke, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia march 24th 1779
The Governor of South Carolina has pressed the Governor of Virginia for an aid of Cavalry, and the latter has recommended to the Several Counties of his State which lie contiguous to Carolina to raise Corps of Volunteer Cavalry in order to march to the aid of the Southern army and has transmitted his proceedings to Congress. the affair is Comprehended in a Business referred to A Committee of which I have the honor to be a member, and I am directed to ask you Sir if Colonel Blands or any other Cavalry of the regular army can be Spared to that department The Committee are willing to report that The Volunteers be Countermanded if any other aid of that kind can be afforded, but are unwilling to leave the Southern army without So Necessary an appointment. the report on this particular will be Suspended until we are favored with your answer. I therefore beg leave to request it as early as may be Convenient. I have the honor to be with perfect respect and Esteem Your most obd. hum. Sert
Thos Burke
P.S: the Inclosed letters came under cover to my Collegues. I beg leave to Submit them to you to be disposed of as you Judge best.


Title: To George Washington from Maria Farmer, 24 March 1779
From: Farmer, Maria
To: Washington, George

New Brunswick [N.J.] March 24 1779
I hope your Excellency will excuse the freedom I have taken, in asking your premission to go to New york & return, It is near four years sence I Left it, Some of My property I brought with me, which have had the Miss fortune to Loose.
The expencive Living for so Long a time, makes it necessary for me to try if I can get possession, of my houses in New York, (which being a Widdow) I have some hopes of obtaing, if I have your Excellency promession to go.
Being in an ill state of health & not able to travel a Lone, must beg your Excellancy indulgenc to take my Daughter in Law Mrs Jasper Farmar with me, I am with much respect your Excellencey very humble Servent
Maria farmer


Title: To George Washington from James Gray, 24 March 1779
From: Gray, James
To: Washington, George

Hon’d Sir
Albany March 24th 1779
With this you will receive my Return for Jan’y—as I think it verry probable it would be as satisfactory, and servicable for your Excellency, If instead of these Monthly Returns, I forwarded a Monthly Return Only of the stores on hand in the Northern department, which might be done at an early day, as I have Order’d all my Assissts. at the Middle of each Month to make me A Return of what stores they have on hand. I shall be greatly Oblig’d by knowing your Excellencys mind respecting what I have now Mention’d. I am Hon’d Sir With the greatest Respect, and Esteem, Your Most Obedt And Verry Hble Servt
James Gray


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 March 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Camp—Middle Brook—March 24th 1779
I wrote Your Excellency the 24th Feby, pointing out the necessity as well as utility for Enlisting Waggoners dureing the War. I have received a Resolution of Congress upon that subject, Dated the 16th of this instant.
The Resolve directs Your Excellency to take the necessary measures for carrying it into execution. As the Object is important, I wish to receive your instructions upon the business as early as possible.
But before I take any steps to carry the Resolution into execution, I shall beg leave to remark two things, which will require an amend-ment before there will be the least prospect of its answering the valueable purposes intended by it.
1st The wages of Waggoners are now stated by this Resolve at £10. pr Month. There cannot be for this pay, a single man engag’d. I recommended in my Letter of the 24th Feby to allow all such as engag’d in the Waggon service dureing the War, the same wages as people could be engag’d upon for Annual service—with such perquisites as are given to those who enlist dureing the War; and I am persuaded, these are the only conditions upon which they can be induc’d to enlist. In the fluctuating state of our money, people will not engage for any long time, unless the conditions of their pay is left to be govern’d by the state of the Currency. To attempt therefore to enlist men upon the pay stated in the Resolution will only incur a fruitless expence; and produce nothing but distress and disappointment to the Department.
2d Should the money appreciate to its original value, or any thing near it, the wages that are now stated in the Resolve, would be much higher than the value of their services, or the conditions upon which others could be engag’d. This would reduce us to the necessity of dismissing them before the period of time arriv’d for which they enlisted, or else of continueing them on pay at higher rates than others might be employ’d upon.
If near a sufficient number of Waggoners could once be engag’d for the War, we could regulate the terms of pay in a great measure as we pleas’d; but while we are oblig’d to engage people upon the Spur of occasion, they will always take advantage of the public necessity to demand unreasonable wages.
If Your Excellency should see the Resolution in the same point of Light in which it appears to me, I could wish you to recommend to Congress an alteration of the condition, to those which I first recommended in my Letter before recited.
These are the only terms from which we can hope for success, and it will be a folly to ground our expectations upon any thing short of them.
There is another part of the Resolve which I shall observe upon; That is—the appointing a Muster Master and Pay Master. The employment of Waggoners is so various, and generally so detach’d, that it will be impossible to have them Muster’d and paid in the way directed, without appointing as many Deputies as there is Divisions of the Army, with which the Waggoners may happen to serve. This expence I conceive will be both useless and unnecessary. The mode which we have hitherto pursued, is, to have all the Waggoners Names Register’d in the Waggon Master General’s Office, and the time and conditions upon which they were enlisted.
The Abstracts for payments are made out by the Waggon Conductors, and presented at the Waggon Master General’s Office for inspection, and if found right, He gives an Order to the Quarter Master’s Office upon the Abstract for payment. In the Quarter Master’s Office, the Abstracts undergo another examination by the Auditor of accounts, who compares them with the former Abstract, and passes them for payment, if found just.
I am now endeavouring to form Blank-Weekly-Returns for the Waggon Department, which I think will put this business upon the most regular and perfect footing of any that can be adopted.
Returns may be made from the Waggon Master General’s Office to the War Office and I should suppose Him a better Judge of the necessary qualifications of a Waggoner than any other Person who could be appointed for the purpose; and consiquently, more capable of Mustering, or passing the Waggoners as fit for service.
I submit the whole to Your Excellency’s consideration, and shall wait for further directions upon the matter. I am With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant.
Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 24 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hand, Edward

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 24 March 1779
I am favd with yours of the 20th with the inclosures to which it refers.
As soon as the weather will admit, I intend the German Battalion—Armands and Schotts Corps shall move over to Wyoming to take post there, and as Spencers Regiment will remain some time behind them, as a cover to the part of the Country in which you now are, and to wait for a detachment from the North River which is to be incorporated with it, I think they may as well move immediately up to Mahocomac, and erect a small Stockade including the Church you mention, (if Coles fort in its present situation is not sufficient) this may afterwards serve for the Militia to throw themselves into, and be a security to our Convoys should the Continental Forces be all drawn away. For this reason it will be unnecessary for any others than Spencers Regiment to move up, unless you shall think the post too much advanced for so small a body untill there can be some slight inclosed work thrown up—Or unless it will be as convenient for the other Corps to proceed from thence to Wyoming as from where they now are, which is the case by the Maps; if there is no natural impediment and a way opened.

Be pleased to let me know how far the place of your present Cantonment, and how far Rochester is from Mahocomac? and also how far it is from Middle Brook to Mahocomac—what kind of Road—and which is the best Route?
I wish to be informed of the distances from Chemung and Ononaquaga to Niagara? which is the easiest and best Route across, and which would lead most directly to the principal settlements of the Six Nations, especially the Senecas—By your account the Canedessaga Castle is about 60 Miles from Chemung. Be pleased to inquire how far it is from Canedessaga to Chenessie a capital Seneca Village and whether they both lye on the Route from Chemung to Niagara?
What time did the Women, who were brought down by the foraging party, say the Indians threatned to fall upon them.
When the party—sent to reconnoitre the Road from Mahocomac to Chemung returns be pleased to examine them very accurately, and give me their informations as speedily as possible. If the Country is favorable for a march it may prove a valuable discovery.
You will immediately send down a Quarter Master or some proper person to Head Quarters with a Return of the Arms and what articles are wanting in the Quarter Masters and Cloathiers departments. Let the Returns be exact and for no more than are really necessary, as you should not be encumbered with any thing superfluous. A number of Kegs for the transportation of Flour and other Stores are making.
If you will give an order to the officer who comes down for the Arms &ca or to any of the Regimental pay Masters who may be coming down for Money to receive the Sum advanced to Pulaski’s Corps, it shall be paid to them.
Both the persons apprehended by you come I think under the denomination of Spies. perhaps by holding this Idea up to them strongly, and threatning them with the consequences except they confess, something material may be got out of them by examining them apart, especially if they are going with a message from New York to Niagara. If they were only straglers upon their own Business they cannot possibly be acquainted with any thing material. Do you think they might be kept and used as Guides, if they were told that instant death would be the certain consequence of treachery. You must not trust them out of confinement.
Inclosed you have a Resolve of Congress of the 15th instant which includes Spencers, Armands and Schotts Corps, be pleased to communicate it to them, and direct them to make the Returns called for.
Should you accompany Mrs Hand to Lancaster, I must insist upon your punctual Return within the time you mention, as the season will be considerably advanced by that time. I shall be glad, indeed it is expedient that I should see you at Head Quarters in your way to Lancaster, as from thence it will be found necessary for you to proceed to Wyoming. The sooner you set out the better (after putting every thing in a proper train) as the Season will render it very inconvenient for an Officer who is to bear a principal share in the intended expedition to be absent—It is with surprize I observe in your Returns so many Men absent on Furlough from Spencers and the German Regiment. Let them be immediately recalled, and inform me how it happens that the present total of Armands Corps is only 73 and by the last Return 91 and no reason assigned for the difference.
The Money of the two emissions called out of circulation is exchanged and sent back by the Express. I am Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 24 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

dear sir.
Head quarters [Middlebrook] March the 24th 1779
A few days ago I received Your favor of the 10th Instant. It gives me much concern that there have been so many difficulties, respecting the Cloathing of the Connecticut Troops—and that they still exist in some degree. I heartily wish they had obtained their supplies through the ordinary channel, which would have been the case, if there had not been the most pressing applications to prevent it—or at least to establish another fund for the occasion; and as it was not done in the first instance, that the expedients mentioned in my Letter of the 19th of Novr—repeated by Colo. Sherman on the 14th of January had been adopted and carried into execution. At this time I cannot think myself authorised to grant an Order for Cloathing for more of Your Brigade than Colo. Swifts Regiment, which you will find inclosed for 188 Coats—243 Waistcoats and 123 pair of Breeches to be procured if you judge them really essential. Their situation, from your Return, differs from the rest—and seems to justify a discrimination in their behalf—not liable to objection, as their draft for that quantity was in February 1778. It has been otherwise with the rest; and were they now to be permitted to return the Cloaths they have had in use through the fall and Winter—and which they received by the choice and at the particular instance of some of their Officers, and to obtain New ones, it would lead to extensive consequences and produce, at least, great discontents and murmuring—not to say public injury—matters, which I am sure, you wish to avoid. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obed. servant
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 24 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook March the 24: 1779
I have been honoured, in due order, with Your Excellency’s several Favors of the 15. 17 & 19 Instant with the Papers to which they refer.
I shall direct the earliest Returns to be made, that circumstances will admit, of the Officers—Soldiers &c., who are the Objects of the Act of the 15th—and will transmit them to the Board of War. Captain Greene’s case shall also have my attention—and his release be effected among the first Officers, if an exchange is agreed on—and there shall be no objections on the part of the Enemy.
With respect to the Act of the 16th for inlisting Waggoners, I beg leave to observe that the Quarter Master General is decided in his opinion, that it is too limited to produce the salutary and beneficial consequences intended by it. A copy of his Letter, upon the occasion, I take the liberty to inclose, as his reasonings are full and founded in his own experience. It is an interesting point—and I am persuaded it will receive an early determination. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s most Obed. servant
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 24 March 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 24th March 1779
I have the Honor of acknowledging the Receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 20th Inst., with the Memorial enclosed with it—On the 15th I had the Honor of transmitting to You by Major Talmage an Act of Congress of that day for the releif of such of the Troops of the United States as are not included in the Quotas assessed on the different States—This Act I hope has reached your Excellency & will remove the Grievance complained of by the Memorialists.
Herewith enclosed are copies of two Acts of Congress—one of the 20th Inst., recommending to the several States to appoint the first Thursday in May next to be a day of Fasting, Humiliation and prayer—The other of the 23rd Inst., is “an Ordinance for regulating the Cloathing Department for the Armies of the United States”—Congress have directed the Board of War to report the Salaries proper to be allowed the Officers of this Department—& when ascertained shall be immediately transmitted. I have the Honor to be &ca.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 24 March 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadilphia 24th March 1779
Inclosed is an Act of Congress of this day authorizing the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the Northern Department to order Supplies of Provision to the Oneidas & the other friendly Indians whose Necessities may require it, & directing the Commissaries in that Department to obey such Orders.
Altho’ this Act may not require your immediate Interposition, yet as every circumstance that may have an Influence on military Operations ought (in my Opinion) to be made known to your Excellency, I think it my duty to transmit it, and the more so since all the Departments have been expressly declared to be under your Direction. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & Hble Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Procter, 24 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Procter, Thomas

Sir.
Head Quarters Middlebrook 24th March 1779.
Your letter of the 14th instant with its several inclosures, was regularly received.
I shall apply the whole to the purpose for which they were required. I am sir Your most hble serv.
G. W——n
P.S. you will be pleased to call upon the board of war for a resolve of Congress of the 15th Int. relating to the corps of Infantry Artillery mdash;and make your returns agreeably to the resolve.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 24 March 1779
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Lund Washington, 24 March 1779. GW wrote Lund Washington on 3 April: “Your letter of the 24th Ulto reached me yesterday.”


Title: General Orders, 25 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook thursday March 25th 1779.
Parole Annapolis—C. Signs Athol Axcel.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Butler, 25 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, William

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 25 March 1779.
I have to request that you would call at Head Quarters on your return to your regiment; and that you will come as soon as you can possibly make it convenient after the receipt of this letter. I am sir your
G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from John Cochran, 25 March 1779
From: Cochran, John
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Manor of Livingston [N.Y.] March 25th 1779
I should not trouble your Excellency at this time, but am under Apprehensions that, my Absence may be attributed more to a Neglect of Duty, than any real Cause. When I came to this Place, on my Way from Boston to Head Quarters, I found Mrs Cochran so dangerously ill that I could not possibly leave her, but at the utmost risk of her Life, and am sorry to say that, her Circumstances are such that I cannot justify myself in abandoning her at present. I hope, as the Weather grows more mild, she will recover, so that I may be Able to join the Army; but if my immediate Attendance cannot be dispensed with, I shall be reduced to the disagreeable Necessity of resigning my Commission, which would give me much Pain, for as I have already bore a share in the Contest thus far, I should be sorry to retire, until we see the End of it.
As I would not trouble your Excellency heretofore, I wrote to Doctor McHenry to acquaint you of the Reasons of my being delayed; my Silence on that Head, I flatter myself will not be construed into a Want of respect. You will oblige me infinitely in ordering o⟨ne⟩ of the Gentlemen of your Family to favor me with a Line. I am, with best Compliments to Mrs Washington Dear sir your Affectionate and very humble servant
John Cochran


Title: To George Washington from Marianne Camasse Deux-Ponts, 25 March 1779
From: Deux-Ponts, Marianne Camasse
To: Washington, George

Sir
Forbach [France] the 25th of March 1779
Suffer, my General, that I recommend to your kindness and to your protection, Mr De Fontevieux, my relation, who passed a year since into America, and who was then particularly recommended to you by the good and obliging Mr Franklin. He made the last campaign with your army attached to the corps commanded by Mr De la Rouerie, in quality of first lieutenant of dragoons—He there acquired the approbation of his chief and of the Marquis De la fayette, who, in consequence of the good testimonies which he had of his conduct, requested of you my General, the commission of Captain for him, at the moment of his embarkation to return to France. Permit me to join my solicitations to those of this charming protector of my young relation to obtain this rank of Captain which is the object of his wishes and mine because it will furnish him more occasions of distinguishing himself and of spilling his blood, for the justest of causes and the most interesting to humanity. The love of this cause, of its brave defenders and of the hero, who guides their valour, determined me to second the love of glory of Mr De Fontevieux, which will very soon become at home the love of country; If as I hope Sir you ⟨d⟩eign to grant your good will and obtain him that of Congress, which I dare entreat you to ask without delay, as well in your own name as in that of the person, who renders the most perfect devotion to your sublime virtues and to those of your wise legislators. Mr Franklin may attest to you this truth as well as the zeal the attachment to your interests of which I have made profession since the first moment of your quarrels.
Receive Sir the homage of my admiration and of all the very distinguished sentiments with which I have the honor to be My General, Your most humble & Most Obedt servt
Contsse De Forbachwidow and dowager of the late Duke des deuxponts


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 25 March 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Roxbury [Mass.] march 25. 1779.
I take the Liberty to do myself the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Letter which I have just received from Colo. Armand who has express’d a great inclination, if agreable to you, to have Major Daniel Lyman my eldest Aide de Camp advanced to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of his regiment, which is now vacant.
I should with much reluctance part with Major Lyman from my family, but, if this request of Colonel Armand’s should meet your Excellencys approbation, I would by no means object to his leaving me when his own honor by the promotion, and the cause of our Country by his Services I think would be equally benefitted. The decision is with your Excellency.
With respect to Major Lyman, I would beg Leave to observe, that upon the first commencement of hostilitys in 1775 he left his Studys at Yale College in Connecticut & march’d a volunteer to Cambridge under Captn Arnold, now Major General Arnold, from Cambridge he went as a Lieutenant under the same officer who was then a Colonel, to St John’s on Lake Champlain—The Campaign of 1776, (after having finish’d his Academic Studys) he went a Volunteer to Newyork, where, he was appointed by your Excellency a Brigade Major. In 1777 He was appointed in Colo. Lee’s Regt Commissioned and Arranged Senior Captain, where he did duty untill the beginning of the Year 1778, when, from the strongest recommendations, I appointed him one of my Aids de Camp; since which time he has had the rank & pay of a Major in the Army—While he has acted under my observation & direction I have found him an attentive, diligent, capable & active officer. I will only add that his connexions are respectable. Should your Excellency wish for any further information, it is in the power of the Adjt General to give it. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servant
W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Sir.
Head Quarters—Middlebrook 25th March 1779.
I was favored with the receipt of your letter of the 17th int.
If you have any knowledge of the country which lays between Niagara and our settlements I shall be obliged by your deliniating with as much exactness as you are able the different Indian villiages—the best routes which lead to them—their names—the nature of the country whether hilly or swampy—the waters—and such obstruction⟨s⟩ as may be in the way. You will distinguish between what you know from actual observation and what you may have drawn from the accounts and observation of others. take no noti⟨ce⟩ of my having made these enquiries.
You will be pleased to gra⟨nt⟩ a flag in the present instance fo⟨r⟩ the flour & beef for the use of th⟨e⟩ State prisoners in the hands of th⟨e⟩ enemy. But mention t⟨o⟩ Mr Boudinot as the business is of a State nature it may in future b⟨e⟩ most eligible to obtain permission from the governor, which when o⟨btained⟩ will be sufficient for you to grant a Flag ⟨on⟩.
        I hope your intercourse ⟨with⟩ New York is not totally at an end⟨. I have⟩ heard nothing from thence for a long w⟨hile,⟩ nor from you since the 17th. Have yo⟨u⟩ not yet learned what Fleet that is ⟨that⟩ appeared off the Hook last week? fr⟨om⟩ whence & the contents? & what the Enemy appear to be abt in the City?
The express who takes this letter carries the Commissions for the officer⟨s⟩ of your Brigade. I am
G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters Middle Brook March 25, 79
I duly received your favour of the 20th instant—Mr H—— has just delivered me that of the 22d—The letter and inclosures referred to in it have not yet come to hand.
I have had a good deal of conversation with Mr H—— He appears to be a sensible man capable of rendering important service; if he is sincerely disposed to do it—From what you say—I am led to hope he is; but nevertheless, if he is really in the confidence of the enemy; as he himself believes to be the case, it will be prudent to trust him with caution and to watch his conduct with a jealous eye.

I always think it necessary to be very circumspect with double spies. Their situation in a manner obliges them to trim a good deal in order to keep well with both sides; and the less they have it in their power to do us mischief, the better; especially if we consider that the enemy can purchase their fidelity at a higher price than we can. It is best to keep them in a way of knowing as little of our true circumstances as possible; and in order that they may really deceive the enemy in their reports, to endeavour in the first place to deceive them—I would recommend, that the same rule should be observed in making use of Mr H—— who notwithstanding the most plausible appearances may possibly be more in earnest with the enemy than with us—By doing this we run the less risk and may derive essential benefit. He is gone on to Philadelphia.
Inclosed is a copy of a resolve of Congress of the 15th; which so far as it affects the troops under your command you will be pleased to assist me in executing as speedily as possible. With real regard & esteem I am D. Sir Your most Obedt servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 25 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters Middle Brook March 25, 1779
I have been duly favoured with your obliging letters of the 1st and 8th instant with their inclosures. Your answers to the several queries stated in mine of the 11th of february are very satisfactory, and so far as my information through other channels extends, it corresponds in most particulars with what you communicate—If the main body to be employed on the expedition were to proceed by way of the Mohock River, the route and plan you have marked out would be preferable to any other. The reasons for which you recommend the principal operation to be carried on this way are weighty; but there are some considerations, which upon the whole, determine me to send the main body by way of the Susquehannah. This plan, I think, will save both time and expence; give greater security to the troops and make the success more certain—I hope too it will not be less effectual.
I agree with you that the Seneca settlements ought to be the capital object—But the rout by the Mohock River appears rather circuitous for the purpose. It enters at one extremity very remote from the principal point of attack. The difficulty and expence of conveying the troops and the necessary supplies would be increased not only from the greater extent to be traversed, but from the greater diversity of land and water carriage. I find also from a comparison of intelligence that the navigation up the Mohock river and through wood creek would be more slow and troublesome than up the Susquehannah. A greater number of posts of communication must be established which would diminish the operating force So much the more. But the chief objection I have to the measure is, that I should be under no small apprehension from the enemy’s force in Canada. It is true we are endeavouring by demonstrations of an expedition into that province to induce them to keep their force at home—and with a view to this, as well as the jealousies which have been given on the side of Lake Champlain—I have been trying to create others by the way of Co’os; Though I hope these expedients will have the effect intended we cannot sufficiently rely upon their success. The enemy’s intelligence of our resources and movements may be such as to apprize them of our real design. In that case should they send a detachment towards Oswego—to cooperate with the indians and their garrisons on the lakes; we should be in a very delicate situation. By uniting to oppose our progress in the first instance we should have to encounter a force perhaps too formidable: or which is more to be dreaded should they suffer us to proceed, till we had passed the Onondaga River and then fall down into our rear, we should be in danger of being intercepted—our communication cut off—no convoys, if we stood in need of them could follow—If we should turn back to dislodge the party in our rear it would occasion delay and as soon as we resumed our march forward they would resume their position, and oblige us either to repeat the same retrogradation, or advance and risk the consequences. To advance we ought calculate upon the possibility of a defeat and a defeat under these circumstances would be ruin.
The route by Susquehanna appears to be more direct—more easy and expeditious and much more secure. very little is to be apprehended for our retreat in any event that may happen. The result of my inquiries in several ways is—that there is a very praticable navigation for boats of 8 or ten tons burthen, all the way from Sunbury to Tioga about 140 Miles (interrupted with only three or four rapids) and for smaller boats as far as Shemung about 18 Miles beyond Tioga on the Cayuga branch, and for canoes ten miles above that—That the distance from Shemung to the heart of the Seneca settlements is not above 60 or 70 miles through an open and travelled country very susceptible of the passage of a body of troops, with Artillery and stores. In order to be certain of the navigation of the river at all times, in its driest and shollowest state as well as in the season of its greatest depth—instead of boats of the size abovementioned, I have directed boats to be constructed of only three or four tons burthen. You will perceive that if my information be good you have misunderstood the navigation of Susquehannah, an unfavourable opinion of which, seems to have concurred in determining your preference to the other route.
The supply of a body of troops going this way will be much easier and cheaper than by the Mohock River. The flour for their use will be as it were on the spot; whereas in the latter case from the scarcity on the North River and Eastward, all the flour consumed in the expedition, must be replaced by a long land transportation from the Southward. The additional expence and trouble of this would be very considerable; which though secondary is a powerful motive for sending the main body by the Susquehannah.
The plan, I have in contemplation to divide the force into three parts, the principal one consistg of about 300[0 Men] to go by way of Susquehannah and penetrate immedeately into the Seneca settlements—another of about 1000, composed chiefly of the New York Regiments to enter the Indian country on the left by the Mohawk River—and the other of about 500 to attack them on the right by way of the Ohio and Allegeny River—These three bodies to cooperate as punctually as circumstances will permit. The main body and the one by Ohio, may easily form a junction in the Seneca Country. The other must move with caution and secure itself as it goes. These different attacks will distract and terrify the Indians, and I hope facilitate our project. It is also to be hoped in their confusion, they may neglect in some places to remove the Old men women & Children and that these will fall into our hands. If they attempt to defend their country, we may gain some decisive advantage, if not we must content ourselves with distressing them as much as possible, by destroying their villages and this year’s crop. The places of rendesvous for the different corps will be Wyoming—the Mohawk river (perhaps the German flats) & Pitsburgh.
With respect to an attempt to surprise the Onondaga and Cayuga tribes, in the way you first suggested, it would hardly suit—with the force to be employed according to the present plan in that quarter—and though a thing of this kind would be very desireable, I should be cautious of risking much upon it—or making arrangements for it that would be attended with extra expence or trouble. Unless by small parties and in a sudden way, I should esteem it difficult to effect a surprise upon an enemy so vigilant and desultory as the Indians. But I very much approve your project for surprising the Onondaga capital village by a party from Fort Schuyler. It has a good prospect of success will be of great importance if it does succeed and not much is put to the hazard in the attempt—I shall be obliged to you to take measures accordingly.
Every day’s experience exhibits our finances in a more unpromising light and inforces the necessity of œconomy in our public expenditures. The enormous amount of preparations that cannot be avoided discourages me from adding to it by any scheme the execution of which is contingent and apparently remote. Though much attached to the idea of extending our preparations for operating to the Northward beyond the limits of our immediate views, I find it indispensible to contract them to this standard—I must therefore, with great reluctance, request that no expence may be in future incurred not essential to the execution of the present plan. On a supposition, that the providing plank for the 20 Gun ship will be far advanced before this comes to hand—I shall make this an exception & let it be completed.
I shall be much obliged to you to endeavour to ascertain the distance from Fort Schuyler, or any other given point on the Mohawk River to the Chenissio—Conasadago—Onondago and other castles—also the distance by land from the German flats to those castles & to Niagara—whether there be any practicable route—what sort of an one it is—and the nature of the country, through which it passes. With the truest esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt.
P.S. I fully agree with you in the necessity of supplying the friendly indians with provisions; and wish it to be done unless contradicted by Congress—In consequence of your information that a body of indians were collecting as if with design to fall upon the Northern frontier, as I had it not in my power to spare a further reinforcemt of troops—I transmitted copies of the letters to Governor Clinton, that he might endeavour to afford such assistance as he thought practicable & necessary.


Title: General Orders, 26 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook friday March 26th 1779.
Parole Barcelona—C. Signs Barca. Bender.

At a Brigade General Court Martial, Fish-Kill Septr 29th 78, Lieutenant Colonel Smith President, Lieutenant Philip Shrouder & Ensign Henry Magg of the German Battalion were tried for, “Behaving in a cowardly manner at the battle of Germantown by leaving their regiment in time of Action and not joining it ’till the Action was over.” The court having considered the evidences are of opinion that Lieutenant Shrouder is not guilty of the charge he having acted in the line of his duty as Quarter-Master in carrying off the wounded: The Court having considered the evidences are of opinion that Ensign Magg is guilty of the charge and do sentence him to be cashiered.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the aforegoing opinions of the court and orders that Lieutt Shrouder be released from his arrest and that the sentence against Ensign Magg take place immediately.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 26 March 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from the Board of War, 26 March. GW wrote the Board of War on 29 March: “I have the honor to receive your favours of the 25th and 26th with the Commissions mentioned for the Connecticut Officers.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

dear sir.
Head Quarters Middle Brook March 26th: 1779.
I have been favoured with Your Letter of the 11th Instant—and I am also to acknowledge the receipt of the one that came by Mr Holker.
When I wrote you on the 29th of October and the 6th of November—Congress seemed to apprehend that an Attack might be made on Boston—and indeed it was the opinion of many. This consideration—as your services in such case might have been very essential there—and that of the Campaign’s approaching towards a conclusion, occasioned me not to point out any particular line of conduct for you; but it was my intention against the opening of the ensuing one, to write you respecting your future employment. This I should have done before, but my constant attention to business, while in philadelphia and since my return in arranging and carrying into execution, what were there the subjects of deliberation, has prevented me from making an earlier communication on this head. I am now to request—that you will prepare for setting out for the Army about the first of May, by which time I shall inform you more particularly of your command—unless events or appearances should cast up in the interim, to render your stay where you now are material and necessary. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Your Most Obedt servant
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 26 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Sir.
Head qrs Middle Brook March the 26. 1779
When I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 11th Instant, I transmitted some intelligence I had just received from General Maxwell, respecting Admiral Gambier’s preparing to sail from New York—and suggesting New London to be the Object of the expedition. How far events may justify this suggestion, I cannot determine; however, by advices which came to hand this Evening, from a Correspondent from whom I have my best intelligence, I am informed that 16 Transports—with a flat bottom boat each, and a Sloop of War of 16 Guns & 5 or 6 strong privateers went up the Sound a few days ago—with a view of joining the Scorpion & Thames of 20 Guns. The advices also say—that the Admiral in a 64 with a sloop of War sailed from the Hook about the same time, with a pilot acquainted with Long Island and the Sound—that the supposed design of the expedition is to take the Frigates at New London—and that their determination now is to plunder and distress the Coast. There are accounts besides these—that Troops have been drawing towards the East end of the Island—and some flat bottom boats building under the direction of Sir William Erskine. It is added that General Clinton is gone there himself. General Putnam is apprized of these movements—but it will be impossible for us to prevent their descents in many instances.
I transmit your Excellency three New York papers and have the Honor to be with the greatest respect and esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt sert
Geo: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer and William Fitzhugh, 26 March 1779
From: Jenifer, Daniel of St. Thomas,Fitzhugh, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[Annapolis] Maryland March 26th 1779.
By request of the General Assembly of this State, We have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the enclosed resolution respecting rank and Grade.
We have also enclosed a Resolution allowing half pay during life to such of our officers as shall remain in the Service during the War; this probably may prevent resignations. That health & happiness, may always attend your Excellency is the sincere wish of Your affectionate Friends and obedient Servants
Dan. of St Thos Jenifer P. S.Willm Fitzhugh Speaker H: D.


Title: To George Washington from the Maryland Council, 26 March 1779
From: Maryland Council
To: Washington, George

Sir.
In Council Annapolis 26th March 1779.
We have the Honor to inclose you two Resolutions of the General Assembly passed yesterday, before their Adjournment, and hope that our Parts of the Rifle and German Battalions may be incorporated without Inconvenience or Difficulty. The Merits and Services of many of the Officers, we have no Doubt, will make any Instances of ours, to place them in the same advantagious Situation as others, unnecessary.
The Resolution of Congress, on the Subject of Recruiting the Army, did not reach us, ‘til Tuesday Evening; the Assembly are desirous of strengthening the Army all they can, and our Opinion coincides with theirs, that the most probable Measure for Success will be the distributing recruiting Parties, under proper Officers, through different Parts of the State; a good many Deserters may, by that Method, be certainly got and secured, and new Men may be expected to inlist. If the Public Stock of Cloathing is such as that the Recruiting Parties might have sufficient to dress the Recruits, immediately on their inlisting, we doubt not, it would have the wished Effect.
We hope Sir! that the Situation of the Army may permit you to spare Recruiting Parties, agreeable to the Desire of the Assembly; we shall, with great Chearfulness, promote the Business all in our Power and, we flatter ourselves, not without Success. We are with the highest Regard and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servants
Th. Johnson


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 26 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 26 March 1779
I must request the Board to give orders to have a considerable number of Cartridges made up with Buck Shott and Ball, indeed it might not be amiss to have all from this time made up in that manner.
I wish to be informed what number of Hunting Shirts are on hand and where they are lodged—There are none among the Cloathing in Camp—and but 500 in the Store at Fishkill. If there are any more, they must be either at Boston, Philada or Springfeild, from which places I have seen no late general Return. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Procter, 26 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Procter, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 26th March 1779
Upon a revisal of the Return of the Names and Ranks of the Officers of your Regt I find it intitled “the Pennsylvania State Regt of Artillery.” I shall therefore be glad to know whether the Regiment has by any late Resolve of Congress been returned to the Service of the State, or whether you only meant to distinguish it by that name from the others—I wish to be precisely informed upon this point, because if you again belong to the State, I cannot with any propriety undertake to interfere with or take the Rank of the Officers into consideration. I am &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 26 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 26 March 1779.
I lately recd, from Colo. Proctor, a Return of the Names and Ranks of the Officers of his Regiment, which I called for in order to endeavour to settle the relative Rank of the line of Artillery—I observe that Colo. Proctor stiles his Regt “The pennsylvania State Regt of Artillery.” from whence I am led to imagine that the Regiment may have been, by some late act of Congress, returned to the particular service of the State. I shall be glad to be informed precisely upon this point, because if it is again a State Regt I do not look upon my self at liberty to interfere with it, or to take the arrangement of the Rank of its Officers into consideration. I have the honor &.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 27 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Camp at Middlebrook March 27th 1779.
This letter will be delivered to you by Mr Mason, Son to George Mason Esqr. of Virginia, a Gentn of fortune and influence in that State—a zealous & able Supporter of the liberties of this Country—and a particular friend of mine.
The young Gentlemans bad health induces him to try some other clime, probably the Air of Montpelier, while inclination may lead him to Paris, in which case, I take the liberty of recommending him to your friendly countenance & civilities. give me leave at the same time to assure you, that with the greatest esteem & regard I have the honr to be Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 27 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Marquis,
Camp at Middlebrook Mar. 27th 1779.
Mr Mason who will have the honor of presenting this letter to you is the Son of a Gentn of family fortune and influence in the state of Virginia—one who is a warm & zealous supporter of the rights of Mankind—and a particular friend of mine.
Want of health induces the young Gentn to travel, to see how far this blessing will be restored by a change of climate—to Montpelier, most probably, he will shape his course but as inclination may induce him to visit Paris or some other parts of France within the limits of your walks I shall without further apology take the liberty of recommending him to your notice & civilities.
I wrote you very fully on the 10th Instt & committed the letter to Captn Mcqueen of So. Carolina an acquaintance of yours—I wish it safe to hand & with every sentiment of the most perfect regard & Affection I have the honor to be Yrs &ca
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Mason, 27 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, George

Dear Sir,
Camp at Middlebrook March 27th 1779.
By some interruption of the last Weeks Mail your favor of the 8th did not reach my hands till last Night—Under cover of this Mr Mason (if he should not have Sailed, &) to whom I heartily wish a perfect restoration of health, will receive two letters; one of them to the Marqs de la Fayette & the other to Doctr Franklin; in furnishing which I am happy, as I wish for instances in which I can testify the sincerity of my regard for you.
Our Commissary of Prisoners hath been invariably, & pointedly instructed to exchange those Officers first who were first captivated, as far as rank will apply; and I have every reason to believe he has obeyed the order; as I have refused a great many applications for irregular exchanges in consequence—and I did it because I would not depart from my principle, & thereby incur the charge of partiality—It sometimes happens, that Officers later in captivity than others, have been exchanged before them; but it is in cases where the rank of the Enemys Officers in our possession, do not apply to the latter—There is a prospect now I think of a general exchange taking place, which will be very pleasing to the parties and their connexions, and will be a mean of relieving much distress to individuals—though it may not, circumstanced as we are at this time, be advantageous to us, considered in a national & political point of view. partial exchanges have, for sometime past, been discontinued by the Enemy.
Though it is not in my power to devote much time to private correspondences, owing to the multiplicity of public letters (and other business) I have to read, write, & transact; yet I can with great truth assure you, that it would afford me very singular pleasure to be favoured at all times with your sentiments in a leizure hour, upon public matters of general concernment as well as those which more immediately respect yr own State (if proper conveyances wd render prudent a free communication)—I am particularly desirous of it at this time, because I view things very differently, I fear, from what people in general do who seem to think the contest is at an end; and to make money, and get places, the only things now remaining to do—I have seen without dispondency (even for a moment) the hours which America have stiled her gloomy ones, but I have beheld no day since the commencement of hostilities that I have thought her liberties in such emiment danger as at present—Friends and foes seem now to combine to pull down the goodly fabric we have hitherto been raising at the expence of so much time, blood, and treasure—and unless the bodies politick will exert themselves to bring things back to first principles—correct abuses—& punish our internal foes, inevitable ruin must follow. Indeed we seem to be verging so fast to destruction, that I am filled with sensations to which I have been a stranger till within these three Months—Our Enemys behold with exultation & joy how effectually we labour for their benefit; & from being in a state of absolute dispair, & on the point of evacuating America, are now on tiptoe—nothing therefore in my Judgment can save us but a total reformation in our own conduct, or some decisive turn to affairs in Europe—The former alas!—to our shame be it spoken! is less likely to happen than the latter, as it is now consistent with the views of the Speculators—variant tribes of money makers—& stock jobbers of all denominations to continue the War for their own private emolument, without considering that their avarice, & thirst for gain must plunge every thing (including themselves) in one common ruin.
Were I to indulge my present feelings, & give a loose to that freedom of expression which my unreserved friendship for you would prompt me to, I should say a great deal on this subject—but letters are liable to so many accidents, and the sentiments of men in Office sought after by the enemy with so much avidity, and besides conveying useful knowledge (if they get into their hands) for the superstructure of their plans, is often perverted to the worst of purposes, that I shall be somewhat reserved, notwithstanding this Letter goes by a private hand to Mount Vernon—I cannot refrain lamenting however in the most poignant terms, the fatal policy too prevalent in most of the states, of imploying their ablest men at home in posts of honor or profit; till the great national Interests are fixed upon a solid basis—To me it appears no unjust Simile to compare the affairs of this great continent to the Mechanism of a Clock, each State representing some one or other of the smaller parts of it, which they are endeavouring to put in fine order without considering how useless & unavailing the labour, unless the great wheel, or spring which is to set the whole in motion, is also well attended to & kept in good order—I allude to no particular state nor do I mean to cast reflections upon any one of them—Nor ought I, it may be said, to do so upon their representatives, but as it is a fact too notorious to be concealed, that C—— is rent by party—that much business of a trifling nature & personal concernment withdraws their attention from matters of great national moment at this critical period—When it is also known that idleness and dissipation takes place of close attention and application, no man who wishes well to the liberties of his Country & desires to see its rights established, can avoid crying out where are our Men of abilities? why do they not come forth to save their Country? let this voice my dear Sir call upon you—Jefferson & others—do not from a mistaken opinion that we are about to set down under our own Vine and our own fig tree. let our hitherto noble struggle end in ignominy—believe me when I tell you there is danger of it—I have pretty good reasons for thinking, that Administration a little while ago had resolved to give the matter up, and negotiate a peace with us upon almost any terms, but I shall be much mistaken if they do not Now from the present state of our Currency—dissentions—& other Circumstances, push matters to the utmost extremity—nothing I am sure will prevent it but the interposition of Spain & their disappointed hopes from Russia.
I thank you most cordially for your kind offer of rendering me Services—I shall without reserve as heretofore, call upon you whenever instances occur that may require it, being with the sincerest regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte H: Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 March 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 27th March 1779
I have got a large asortment of papers from New York so late down as Thursday.
The Enemy is pluming themselves much upon a Victory obtained over our Troops in Georgia on the 4th March. Notwithstanding I have my fears about the Matter I hope the information may prove to be false, the acct is not sufficiently authenticated in my opi⟨nion⟩ from any of their Officers. Should our Troops suffer themselves to be serounded a second time in their own country it will look a little extra ordinary. I have no other news than what is in the papers. I am Your Excellencys Most Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell
N.B. they say Martinque is attacted.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 27 March 1779
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Richard Peters, 27 March 1779. GW wrote Peters on 2 April: “I have been honored with yours of the 27th March.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 27 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 27 March 1779
I last evening recd your favors of the 22d instant with the several peices of intelligence they contained. Under the present uncertainty of the Enemy’s intentions it is impossible to determine upon drawing a force to any particular point. New London, tho’ the most probable, may not be the real object—and should it be so, it is too far distant to derive any further support from you than what it draws from the detachment already there—From Sir Henry Clintons going to the East End of Long Island I should suppose the plan, whatever it may be, is nearly ripe, if it has not been executed before this time. I would therefore advise that a respectable reinforcement of Militia should be thrown into New London, and all the remainder in that Vicinity held in readiness to assemble upon signals to be previously agreed on. If I am not mistaken proper signals, by means of Beacons or some other Methods are already instituted in the New England States for the more speedy assembling their Militia upon an emergency but if there are not, I would have you recommen⟨d⟩ it with[ou]t a moments loss of time.
I can devise no better plan at prese⟨nt⟩ for the general security of the Coast than the foregoing. To cover every place effectually is impossible, and to attend particularly to any one, except it be of the utmost importance, wo⟨uld⟩ be giving the enemy that advantage which they would always gain by making diversions in favour of their real object. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Burke, 28 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Burke, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 28th March 1779.
I am favd with yours of the 24th inst. If Congress should be of opinion that either Baylors or Blands Regiments of Dragoons in their present situation would render any essential service to the southward, I should have no objection to one of them being ordered thither. The time of the Service of most of the Men of Blands expired last Winter, and I fear very few have been reinlisted—They may perhaps have about 80 Men fit for duty, but they are not yet clad for the next Campaign, nor could they possibly move without new Cloathing—Baylor has about 140 Men, but they are very weak in Horses, owing to the misfortune they met with last fall: But if Congress are determined not to fill up the Regiments of Cavalry Baylors dismounted Men might be furnished with some of Blands spare Horses. I cannot undertake to Say whether the Cloathing of this Regiment has yet reached them, if it has not, it will be necessary before they can move. Your Committee will be able to judge from the foregoing State whether either of those Regiments circumstanced as they are, will be worth sending to the Southward, and will make application to Congress accordingly—Should the Volunteer Horse be preferred, I would have you recommend it to the Governor of Virginia to get them off with as little delay as possible, and not suffer them to wait to be accoutered in the most regular and uniform manner.
I do not think myself at liberty to send either of the letters put under cover to me into New York before they receive the approbation of Congress—That from Mr Eustace proposes an interview with Colo. Campbell which I shall not think myself at liberty to grant without the sanction of Congress—and that from Mr Iredell invites a Gentlemen to come into the State of North Carolina by land, who from the proceedings of the Assembly plainly appears to be a dis-affected person. I for the above reasons return you the letters. I have the Honor &.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Donald Campbell, 28 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Campbell, Donald

Sir.
Head Qrs [Middlebrook] 28 March 1779.
It gives me real concern, that any officer under my command, should, have so far mistaken the spirit of his orders, as to infringe those privileges, to which every gentleman under your description is intitled.
But—Before my receiving your letter of the 10th Inst.—and previous to any knowlege of the transaction I had accepted Mr Conways resignation and he retired from the army.
However, I have taken measures to procure a restitution of the goods; but as the success is uncertain, Mr Conway being removed from my jurisdiction, you will be pleased to furnish me with the amount of the articles which he seized—that I may direct the money to be transmitted, lest any circumstances should put it out of my power to regain them. I am Sir &.
G.[W.]


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 28 March 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 28th March 1779
I have the Honour to send your Excellency the inclosed Letter from The Major of The British 62d Regiment of Foot, as His Regiment are prisoners in Virginia, it is not improbable but Your Excellency may Grant his request, when I assure you Sir, that his Conduct here, has been, not only irreproachable, but perfectly praise worthy. the particular circumstances of his Lady, & Family, will I am persuaded excite Your Wonted Generosity Towards Them. I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedint Humble Servant
Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 28 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Sir
Head qrs Middle Brook March 28th 1779.
I do myself the Honor of transmitting to Your Excellency—Two of Rivington’s papers of the 24th and 25th, which I received last night. I fear from the accounts contained in the last of them, though I doubt not but that they are highly coloured, that our people have suffered in the affair, mentioned to have happened in the Southern quarter on the 4th Instant.
Since my Letter of the 26th I have obtained no further advices respecting Sir Henry Clinton and the Vessels gone up the Sound. I have the Honor to be with the most perfect esteem & respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 28 March 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 28 March 1779
The less is written on the Subject about which the Bearer will confer with you, doubtless the better—It may be proper however for me to inform you—that I have known him well for many Years. In my Opinion he is an honest man, and firmly attached to the American Cause from the Commencement of the present Troubles. I have seen his Conduct in several Instances directed by generous Sentiments of Honor, and a liberal Pride—He by no means wants Sagacity or Experience in the Ways of Men—His Circumstances as to Property are good, rather easy than otherwise. I am dear Sir with great Esteem & personal Regard Your most obedt Servant
John Jay


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Lamb, 28 March 1779
From: Lamb, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Southington [Conn.] 28th March 1779
I am favor’d with, Your Excellency’s Circular Letter, of the 4th Instant; which did not reach my Hands, ’till this Day; or I should have done myself the honor, of Answering it sooner.
As to the relative rank of myself, with respect, to the other Colonels of Artillery; I believe no dispute, can possibly arise, but between Colonel Crane, and me; What his pretentions are, I know not; But I beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that, I found my claim of seniority, on the Commission, I received from the Continental Congress, appointing me, a Captain of Artillery; which bears date 30th June 1775; And is, I conceive, one of the earliest, Commissions, granted by that respectable body, And by a Resolve of theirs, subsequent, thereto, it is determined (if I am not misinformd) that all Officers, in the Continental Army, shall Rank, agreable to the dates of their Commissions, receiv’d from Congress, and not from those granted by their respective States, though of an earlier date; On this ground, I mean to rest my claim, not doubting, but the Board of Officers, whom your Excellency may think proper to appoint, will do me strict justice.
In respect to the relative rank, of the Regiments of Artillery; I have always supposed that Colonel Harrisson’s, would rank the first, because it was ordered to be raised, before either of the others; As to the claim of Colonel Crane’s Regiment (as the first) I think it is not justly founded; being informed, that the principle, on which they ground their right, is that most of the Old Officers, that were in the Regiment, formerly Commanded by General Knox, are now in Crane’s; And that it is still the same Regiment, and has undergone, no other change, but, that of having another Officer, to Command it; On this principle, the Regiment, I have the honor of Commanding, may with equal propriety, claim the right of seniority; as many Officers, that were in General Knox’s Regiment, are in mine, also; It clearly appears to me, that, on the 31st December 1775 (the day on which the Men’s time of Inlistment, expired) that the Regiment, then under the Command of Genl Knox, was totally annihilated, and existed no longer, as a Regiment; This will more fully appear, from the Resolve of Congress, for raising three Regiments of Continental Artillery; in which nothing is mentioned, respecting, that Regiment; from which, it is evident, that, Congress, did not consider it, as a Regiment, after the date abovementioned; or some Proviso, would have appear’d in the Resolve, in regard to filling it up, by new Inlistments. On the whole, I am of opinion, that, as Colonel Crane’s Regiment, and mine, were both ordered to be raised, on the same Day, neither of them can claim priority; And that, the justest, and most eligible mode, to determine it, will be by Lot; which I shall readily consent to, should it meet your Excellency’s approbation.
I should wish to be possess’d, of a Copy, of Colo. Crane’s claim; and to be present, when the matter, is under the consideration of the board, if the Service will admit of it.
I have inclosed the Commission, on which I found my Right, to Lt Colo. Stevens (of my Regiment) who will produce it, to the Board of Officers, when they may think proper, to order it. I have the honor to be, with the greatest Respect, your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant
John Lamb


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 28th March 1779
I received your favors of the 26th and 27th Inst. with the several new-york papers.

The directions of the board of war relative to the French commissary of prisoners is to be complyed with as far as possible. There is I believe a resolve of Congress in the hands of Mr Beatty for the supplying the French prisoners with the enemy—but as I cannot, at this instant, have recourse to it—I do not therefore know the precise mode which it has pointed out. In the mean time, and to prevent their suffering by a delay, should the provisions be required, your commissary will take a receipt, from the deputy commissary of prisoners at your post, who is to charge the supply, or supplies to its proper account.
Should the mode of furnishing the French prisoners be otherwise directed in the resolve of Congress I shall give you notice.
I have had a letter from Col. Shreve complaining that the detached state of his regiment, now employed in covering both flanks of the brigade, prevents him from paying a proper attention to its discipline, and that the duty by this means falls heavier on his regiment, than on the others, having besides this his own post to secure by proper guards.
If there is a disproportion in the duty I would wish to see it removed and Col. Shreves Regiment employed at New Ark.
The propriety of keeping corps compact will at once occur to yourself. This is one reas⟨on⟩ why it may be most advantageous to draw only such guards from Col. Shreve as may be placed, on a line between you and him—which will still keep his regiment together as much as the nature of the service admits. I am sir &c.
G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 28 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 28th March 1779
I yesterday Evening was favd with yours of the 21st instant with the several inclosures to which it refers.
—— is gone to Philada and will call upon me in his way back. In my last I took the liberty to drop you a hint upon the subject of the danger of our putting too much confidence in persons undertaking the Office of double Spies. The person alluded to in the present instance appears very sensible, and we should; on that account, be more than commonly guarded untill he has given full proofs of his attachment—The letter directed to Genl Haldimand was evidently intended to fall into our Hands. The manner of contriving that, and some other circumstances, make me suspicious that he is as much in the interest of the enemy as in ours. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 28 March 1779
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Camp Reading [Redding, Conn.] 28 March. 1779
By the return of Major Humphrys from New London I am just informed, of the situation of matters in that quarter, & the apprehensions, the inhabitants are under of an immediate attack upon the Fortifications & shipping in the Harbour.
On Sunday last, a fleet of twenty eight sail of transports appeared off Fishers Island, standing from the Eastward, under convoy of a 50 Gun Ship, and in the Gale of Wind on monday, fourteen of them were stranded on Gardeners Island, in such a manner as gives but little prospect of their being got off—This account is given by Captain Conckling of the Privateer Sloop Eagle, who saw & counted them on tuesday, who also captured a Schooner of the same fleet, which with seven other sails was standing into Sagg Harbour, the remaining six, have not been heard of, since the Storm—The prisoners inform that the abovementioned, were light transports bound from New Port to Sagg Harbour, the object unknown to them—But as there are neither forage, fuel, or provisions there, it is almost certain, the troops at that place were to embark on Board of it—The Renown came to anchor the 24th Inst. of[f] New London Harbour, within three miles off the light House, so as not only effectually to block up a Frigate & two 20 Gun Ships in that Harbour, But also to prevent the two Frigates in Connecticut River from being got out, whether a more serious design, is not formed against them your Excellency will determine for yourself, & in that case whether the disaster their fleet has met with, will only retard or entirely frustrate it.
The arrival of Sir Harry Clinton at the East end of the Island, the appearance of this fleet, the news that another had entered the Sound by the way of Hell Gate, & the concurring accounts from all quarters that the Enemy were preparing to make a descent on the Coast, induced the Inhabitants to prevail on General Parsons (who was returning by my order to Camp) to reassume the Command there, untill he could hear from me, & also to solicit that a reinforcement might be sent if possible.
From Lieut. Col. Sherman who is on the advanced Lines, I have likewise intelligence that Worms’ Yagers have embarked, that 61 Sail of Transports lie of[f] White Stone Ferry, & that the inhabitants on Long Island report the Enemy are forming an expedition against New London.
By a Letter from Lt Col. Gray this Moment recd, I learn that thirty Sail passed the Harbour of Norwalk Yesterday, standing to the Easward, And Major Alden, who arriv’d last evening from Fairfield mentions, that there were a large number of Shipping under the Long Island Shore, as far as the eye could reach.
We have also a report that a large fleet has been seen on the South Side of Long Island, said by the Enemy to contain a reinforcement from England, but by some of our friends, to be the fleet from Georgia, on its Return to New York.
In this situation of affairs, I thought it my duty, to dispatch another Express, And so I hope to receive Your Excellencys Commands by the former before this shall reach you, Yet I think in such a critical conjuncture, your directions cannot be too explicit, & I must accordingly most earnestly desire to be inform’d by the return of this bearer, Whether you would have the Troops remain in their present position, or advanced to the Sea Coast, Whether you would have the Detachment at New London withdrawn, continued in their present situation, or reinforced—And in general what plan of operation you would wish me to pursue—For you may rest assured I shall ever receive your Orders with pleasure & execute them with fidelity.
Since my last Hazen’s Regt has march’d, as has also the first Division of Poors Brigade—The Roads have been & still continue so impassable, that the remainder have not yet moved from this ground. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Israel Putnam


Title: General Orders, 29 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Monday March 29th 1779.
Parole Eppingen—C. Signs Embuin Ems.

At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Hall was President—Henrich Lily and Henrich Winkler Dragoons in the Marechausie Corps were tried for, “Consulting a plot to desert to the enemy and carry with them two horses the property of Captain Von Heer[”] and acquitted.
The General approves the sentence and orders them to be released.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 29 March 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 29 March 1779.
I am sorry to find by yours of the 20th that you have met with so many delays and disappointments in the prosecution of your plan for taking a survey of the Delaware. Altho’ I am anxious to see you in Camp, I shall be very unwilling to recall you while there is the least prospect of your rendering any service; I must therefore desire you to point out to that public Body before which you may have your affair, ⟨the Di⟩sadvantage of your remaining so long in Philada and to request them to enable you to execute your Business immediately, or if that cannot be done in a short time to permit you to return to the Army, where the preparations for the ensuing Campaign call for your attendance. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.