Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 28 December 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Camp at the Cheraws on the east side of Pedee Decemr 28th 1780.

                        In my last dispatches of the 7th Instant I informed your Excellency of my arrival at Camp, and of the
                            condition and situation of the Army. I was apprehensive on my first arrival, that the Country around Charlotte was too
                            much exhausted to afford subsistance for the Army at that place for any considerable time. Upon a little further enquiry I
                            was fully convinced, and immediately dispatched Col. Kosciuszko to look out a position on the Pedee, that would afford a
                            healthy camp and provisions in plenty. His report was favourable, and I immediately put the Army under marching orders;
                            but the excessive rains which continued eleven days prevented our marching ’till the 20th Inst. We arrived here the 26th,
                            having performed the march with incredible difficulty through a barren country with waggons and horses altogether unfit
                            for service. The probability that my taking this position would discourage the enemy from attempting to possess themselves
                            of Cross creek which would have given them the command of the greatest part of the provisions in the lower country, was
                            another inducement to come to this place. It is also a camp of repose, and no One ever wanted one more, the troops having
                            totally lost their discipline.
                        Before I left Charlotte I detached 300 of our best troops and Lt Colonel Washington’s Regiment of Light
                            Dragoons under the command of Genl Morgan with orders to take a position on the south side of the Catawba, near the fork
                            of Broad river, where he was to be joined by 300 Volunteers under Genl Davidson and 4 or 500 S. Carolina and Georgia
                            Militia under the command of Colonel Clark and Colonel Few. With this party he is either to
                                act upon the offensive or defensive as occasion may warrant. This will
                            streighten the enemy in their limit and prevent their drawing supplies from the upper Country. It will also give spirits
                            to the Inhabitants of that quarter and enable them to form a number of small magazines in the rear of the troops, (which
                            Genl Morgan has particularly in charge) that we may have something to subsist on should we be able to advance hereafter in
                            force.
                        Lord Cornwallis continues in the same position that he was when I wrote before; and Genl Leslie arrived off
                            Charlestown bar the 14th. But whither he has landed any of his troops I am not informed. The troops mentioned to have
                            arrived in my former letter were only some recruits that came in with provision Vessels, not exceeding 4 or 500, Men.
                        General Gates left the Army the 10th and Genl Smallwood the 19th Inst. The latter is gone to Maryland with a
                            view of forwarding the troops & supplies from that State, and to settle the matter with Congress respecting his
                            right of promotion; being determined not to submit to the command of the Baron de Steuben who is still in Virginia very
                            usefully employed in forming and forwarding the Troops from that State.
                        I have been obliged to send Major Neilson’s corps of horse and Col. Armand’s Legion to
                            Virginia, both being unfit for duty for want of clothing and other equipment and the difficulty of
                            subsisting of them much greater here than there. Before my arrival Genl Gates made an attempt to employ part of Col.
                            Armand’s Legion and fifteen of them deserted on the march from Hillsborough to Charlotte, which obliged him to recall them.
                            I wish your Excellency’s directions respecting this Corps as they are totally deranged, and cannot be fit for service for
                            some time.
                        Two slight skirmishes have been fought with the enemy since my last one by a party under Col. Marian up the
                            Santie, and the other by Coll Few near Ninety six—about 20 or thirty were killed and wounded on each side.
                        I will not pain your Excellency with further accounts of the wants and sufferings of this Army. But I am
                                not without great apprehension of entire desolution unless the Commissary and Quarter Master’s
                            departments can be rendered more competent to the demands of the service. Nor is the Clothing and hospital departments
                            upon a better footing. Not a shilling in the pay Chest nor a prospect of any for months to come. This is really making
                            bricks without straw. I am with sentiments of the highest respect and esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble
                            Servant.

                            Nath. Greene

                            P.S. This moment accounts have been received that Genl Leslie landed his troops at Charlestown on the
                                21st Inst. and on the 24th was at Monk’s corner on his way to Nelson’s ferry.
                            The Cherokee indians have murdered a number of the Inhabitants on the Frontiers of N. Carolina—It is said
                                the Militia have marched against their lower Towns.

                            N.G.


Title: To George Washington from Bernard Hubley, Jr., 28 December 1780
From: Hubley, Bernard, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Block House at Dobbs’s Ferry Decer 28th, 1780

                        The 21st Instant, in the Evening, a Schooner, under the sanction of a Flag, came to Anchor, partly opposite
                            the Block House, the Commander of the Vessel, having his Instructions, from Governor Robison, to carry a few Families,
                            residing at Sinksink, to New York, in the Morning, of the 22d, he proceeded on his way, up the River, as far, as I could
                            learn to where Captn Wells, Commander, of the Guard Boats, was station’d; on the 25th, about 2, or 3, OClock, P.M. the
                            Schooner, on her passage to New York, arrived here, with the Two Families, on Board, a Guard, was sent along, by Captn
                            Wells, in order, to protect them; the Officer, Commanding the Escort, inform’d me, that Col. Humphreys was with Captn
                            Wells, & purpos’d calling at the Post, in the Evening, likewise that he, (Col. Humphreys), was desirous, I would
                            send a small party of Men, a board of the Vessel, (for the purpose,) to remain till Morning, Col. Humphreys, with Captn
                            Wells, arrived here, about the dusk of Evening, (their stay whilst here was short,) they gave me to understand they were
                            going down the River, & would return to this Post, some time in the Night, or at the breaking of day, (Our
                            conversation chiefly tended upon Flags, going & coming, from one party, to the other, & as I have no
                            Instructions concerning them, Col. Humphreys, said, that he would acquaint your Excellency, thereof, when returned to Head
                            Quarters,) before their departure from this, we concluded the watch word should be success, the Wind being very high all
                            Night, & succeeding day.
                        Provisions pretty scarce a board of the Vessel, & Passengers, sickly; made me withdraw the Guard, on
                            the 27th, in the Morning, & gave the Commander of the Vessel, leave to proceed on his way to
                            New York, a few hours after, I sent word to one Captn Blanch, a Resident, at Gloster, to dispatch a party of his Men, down
                            the River, Side, as far as would seem prudent, & endeavour to find out whether Col. Humphreys & party,
                            with Boats, or any of them, was to be heard of, but the Messenger, who I dispatch’d with the Letter, return’d with it,
                            acquainted me, that he was inform’d Captn Blanch, had set out in the Morning upon a Scout for two days, No account of Col.
                            Humphreys, & Party, as yet, I am under apprehension they are either lost, or made Prisoners, of War; Col:
                            Humphreys, had with him, Two Whale Boats, & one Barge, those that went with him, are Captn Wells, Lieut. Hart,
                            Ensign Gelss, Mr Buchanan, Mr McQuire, Twenty Four Non Commisd Officers, & Privates, and one
                            Servant, belonging to Col: Humphry. I Am Dear General Your most Obedient Humble Servt

                            Berd Hubley Captn Commandg


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 28 December 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia December 28-29 1780

                        The enclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 24th Instant will inform your Excellency of the Measures they
                            have adopted in Consequence of your Letter of the 15th Instant. I have the Honor to be with very great regard your
                            Excellency’s most obedt & most humble Servant

                            Sam. Huntington President

                            P.S. Decmbr 29 I have the Honour to Transmit your Excellency the Extract of a letter this moment
                                receivd from Genl Greene with the agreable Intelligence of the Success of Genl Sumpter & Lt Col. Washington
                                Containd in the enclsd dispatches. I am ut Supra

                            S. H.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, Jr., 28 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas, Jr.

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 28th Decemr 1780

                        Mrs Bainbridge the Wife of Peter Bainbridge has laid before me some papers respecting the proceedings of
                            Capt. Eggleston of Colo. Lees Legion, on the case of their son Peter Bainbridge which carry the face of a most
                            extraordinary and unwarrantable kind of conduct—But as it is impossible to decide ex parte I have by the inclosed referred
                            the Matter to Major General Greene commanding the southern Army, and I shall be much obliged to you to procure
                            authenticated Copies of the inclosed papers or any other that you may find necessary and transmit them to General
                            Greene—with my letter—This is a matter which I would wish to have fully investigated, not only as it concerns the rights
                            of a Citizen, but because Capt. Eggleston may, if innocent, have an opportunity of acquitting himself of so gross a
                            charge, or, if guilty, meet the punishment of which such conduct is deserving. The Motives by which I am actuated, will I
                            am sure be a sufficient excuse for the trouble which I am giving you. I have the Honor to be with great Regard Dr Sir Yr
                            most obt Servt


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 28 December 1780
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Trenton 28. Dec. 1780

                        The Act of Congress of the 4th of November mentioned in your Excellencys Letter of the 10th Instant was laid
                            before our Assembly before the Receipt of your Letter, & orders have been given to our Superintendent of Purchases
                            in Consequence of it. But the Supplies, for want of money go on very slowly.
                        Mr Durham our Superintendant; is, by the Act appointing him, to follow your Excellency’s directions, as also
                            those of the Commissary General respecting the places for despositing the Supplies.
                        As the 12th Section of the Act for preventing the illicit Trade affects officers under your Command, I do my
                            self the honour to transmit the Law; that in case it be thought necessary, orders may be given
                            accordingly.
                        By numerous reports but not by any direct proof, I have reason to think that the Flag boats at Elizabeth Town are most scandalously perverted to the purpose of Trade
                            & importing into our Lines the most dangerous Characters. I am with great Esteem & respect Dr Sir your
                            Excellencys most humble Ser

                            Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 28 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor 28th Decr 1780

                        Previous to the receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 19th Instt (which only came to my hands this day) I
                            had been honored with the resolve of Congress of the 12th proceeding.
                        In consequence, a detachment belonging neither to the Troops of Pensylvania or Connecticut—Nor Citizens of
                            either, were ordered to relieve the Garrison at Wyoming.
                        The places for the depositing of Provision pointed out by my letter of the 10th Insttwas consequent of the
                            resolve of Congress of the 4th Ulto—they were the best that my Judgment at that time, or now, can fix. and I can assure you
                            that, in determining upon them, I had no regard to the views or interests of any particular States. I am with very great
                            respect Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

                            G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from John Rutledge, 28 December 1780
From: Rutledge, John
To: Washington, George

                            Dr Sir,
                            Cheraws, on Pedee-River,in So. Carolina Decr 28th 1780

                        I received your Excellency’s Letter, of Sept 12th, about the latter End of October, &, should, ‘ere
                            now, have transmitted to you, an Account of the several Matters which you desired to know, if I could have obtained an
                            authentick one, but, I have never been able to procure much Information, even of the Enemy’s force & Posts, as I
                            conceived to be so, till lately—That I communicated to General Green, who, I doubt not, made you acquainted wth it.
                            Enclosed is a State of their Strength, & Posts, at present, & an Answer to the several Questions presented
                            by your Letter.
                        I presume your Excellency will receive from Genl Green, by this opportunity, a Return of the Troops under his
                            Command—It is, therefore, unnecessary for me to say any Thing on that Head; but, I cannot avoid lamenting, that they are
                            so few, & that I do not see the Probability of their being, soon, much increased.
                        I am sorry that Circumstances have not admitted of your debarking to the Southward, any force from the main
                            Army, or, from the Troops of his most Christian Majesty, & I fear, that the Effects of the Enemy’s possessing the
                            two Southern most States much longer, will be altogether ruinous to many Individuals, (Some of whom are already reduced to
                            the greatest Misery & distress) & injurious to the common Cause—Several, whose Characters, were much
                            respected, have declared them to be British Subjects—many others will soon follow their Example, unless we speedily
                            receive considerable Aid—The unfortunate Affair near Camden, the Want of Support, ever since, (for there has not been a
                            Continental Soldier in the State, since that Defeat, till within these three days,) the little Prospect of any, &
                            the Representation made, by the Enemy, of the Inability or Unwillingness of the other States to send any powerful
                                aid, have chagrined, & made unfavourable Impositions on, many who were formerly our good
                            Friends.
                        Some of the staunch Inhabitants of Charlestown have been lately sent to St Augustine, & others are to
                            follow—The Enemy have hanged many People, who, from Fear, or, the Impracticability of removing, had received Protections,
                            or given Paroles, &, from Attachment to, had afterwards taken part with, Us—They have burnt a great Number of
                            Houses, & turned many Women, formerly of good Fortune, with their Children, (whom their Husbands or Parents, from
                            an Unwillingness to join the Enemy,had left,) almost naked into the Wood—In short, they soon determined to break the
                            Spirit of every Man, if they can, or to ruin him. Their Cruelties, & the distresses of the People, are, indeed,
                            beyond Description. I entreat your Excellency, therefore, seriously to consider the unhappy State of South Carolina
                            & Georgia, & I rely on your Humanity, & on your Knowledge of their Importance to the Union, for
                            such speedy & effectual Support, as may compel the Enemy to evacuate every part of these Countries.
                        I have pressed the Governor, & Sevl Members of the Legislature, of No Carolina, to raise its
                            Complement of Continental Troops, according to the last Requisition of Congress, & the present Arrangement of the
                            Army, & I am certain, that Virginia & No Carolina might, with proper Exertions, soon bring five thousand
                            such Troops into the Field; But, I fear, that No Carolina will presevere in her old Plan, of draughting Militia for that
                            service, & am persuaded, that no other Recommendation or Influence, than yours, will prevail on Virginia, to
                            relinquish the same System, & to raise a respectable Number of Troops for the War. I am with great Esteem
                            & Regard Dr Sir yr most obedt Servt

                            J: Rutledge

                     Enclosure

                                    c.28 December 1780

                            There is still in N. Carolina, a large Number of Cattle & Hogs—& a considerable Quantity
                                of Corn & Rice—but, the latter is, at present, wholly in the Enemy’s power, &, it will be
                                impracticable to lay up any great Magazines, of the other Articles, untill we possess more
                                of the Country than we now do—Measures are, however, taking for procuring all the Corn & Hogs & Cattle
                                on Pedee, & its Vicinity, (which will afford so much Supply)—& for salting the Meat—Transportation
                                from Cheraw, by Water, to George-Town, is easy, unless prevented by the Enemy—I have written
                                 to the Governor of No. Carolina, to have a large Quantity of Meat salted in that state, which may be done, as there is
                                a great deal of salt there, from whoever, indeed, we must be supplied with that Article.
                            The Enemy’s Posts, & Strength, in Geo. & So Carolina, are At Augusta—in Georgia—on
                                Savannah River 150 Miles from Savannah—150 Regrs under Col. Brown—& some Militia—2 Forts Ninety Six—50 Miles
                                from Augusta—200 Regrs—Col. Cruger—some Militia—2 Forts & 2 redoubts
                                Little River—15 Miles from Ninety Six—60 Regrs & 150 Militia—Cunningham Bozlers ferry on Brd River—45
                                Miles from Lil. River—500 Regrs—Tarlton & McArthur Winnisborough—22 Miles from B: ferry—8 or 900
                                Regrs—Cornwallis—& some Militia of  Camden—40 Miles from Winisboro—500 Regrs—Ld
                                Rawdon—5 redoubts—These Posts are all in the same Direction, extending from East to West, thro’ the
                                Country—George-Town—80 Regrs 70 Militia—Redoubt Nielson’s Ferry, on Santee River—60 Miles fom
                                C.Town—300 Regrs Majr McLaureth. of the Numbers in C: Town & Savannah we have no exact
                                Accounts, but it is beleived, that they are very small—They keep about 60 Men at Fort Moultrie—They are repairing our
                                old Lines, at the Back of the Town, &, it is said, intend to raise some Redoubts, in front of those Lines,
                                & one near abt where the Bridge crossed the Canal.
                            General Leslie arrived in C: Town, the 14 Instant, with the Troops which were in Virginia supposed about
                                2000—They were on the 24th Instant, at Monks Corner on their way to Nielsons-ferry, except about 500, who were said to
                                be gone to George-Town—The Enemy have Posts of Militia, at the Consaneds , Landing ferry, the high
                                Hills of Santee, & Several other Posts of the Country, but those are of little Consequence—I do not apprehend
                                they could possibly bring into the Field more than 1000 or 1200 of the Country People, unless some unfavourable Turn
                                in our Affairs, shd take place— Blow wd deprive  even of these
                                Troops may be debarked at Bulls, Stone, or Edistoe, Inlet— or Port Royal—the latter seems most eligible, as the Troops,
                                in landing, wd probably receive the least , from the Enemy—I cannot at present, give the Names
                                of persons who might be depended on, for their Opinion, & Advice, Circumstances may have occasioned a Change in
                                the Sentiments of several, whom I thought well affected, but, doubtless, if a French Fleet shd appear on our Coast, they
                                will find many Friends, on any part of it—A Capt. Janish, who commands the So Carolina, a Vessell of
                                War in the Service of this State, is daily expected at Some Post to the Eastward, or Northward—He wd be of infinite
                                service, in an Expedn to the Southward—being a staunch Friend—a Man of Influence—is well acquainted with Port Royal
                                Bar—has lived many Years at Beaufort, & could pilot Vessells over that Bar, better than any Man I
                                know—Commodore Gillen, who is on Board of the So Carolina, wd also be of great service, in such an
                                Expedition—I believe there are two or 3 Coasting Pilots, at Philada, whom I recommended that Congress shd retain, for this service—Mr Bee, one of our delegates or Mr Mathews, can inform your Excellency, if
                                those Pilots are there—& when Gillen & Janish arrive,—They
                                (Gillen & Janish) could advise the best plan for debarking Troops, & give
                                any satsifaction which might be required on that Point.
                            If such an Expedition should be resolved on, it wd be well to apprize Me, of it, in Time, by a Courier over
                                Land, that every necessary Preparation in our power, might be made, to co-operate in, or facilitate it.


Title: From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 28 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 28th Decemr 1780

                        You will be pleased to put a Captain with a full Company in readiness to march to Wyoming to relieve the
                            Garrison at present there. If you have not already sent up to Newburg for the Cloathing of the Brigade, you will do it
                            immediately and by the time the Cloathing gets down and the Men are ready, I will forward orders for the Captain who is to
                            go upon the command—You will let me know the name of the Officer appointed. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 28 December 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Richmond , December 28th 1780

                        The more difficult it becomes to recruit our Armies, the more it becomes necessary to redress the Abuses that
                            tend to the diminution of our Battalions.
                        By Your Excellency’s direction, a Number of those Abuses, such as Small Detachments, Standing Guards
                            &c., have been laid aside in the Northern Army; but here those faults against Military Order Still Subsist,
                            & are carried to a greater Excess in the Virginia Line than in any other.
                        While this State has but a handful of Troops in the Field, the Country Swarms with Officers &
                            Soldiers, who under different Pretences, never join their Colors, & draw all the while their pay &
                            Rations, commit Excesses thro’ the Country, & render no Kind of Services.
                        Since the Virginia line has been detached to the southward, it has had no regular formation, nay, I can Even
                            Say it had never had any Since I have been on the Continent. For Your Excellency may well remember, that at Valley Forge,
                            the Brigades of Genls Woodford & Scott were only a Number of Officers & Soldiers thrown confusedly
                            together without any distinction of Regiment or Company.
                        Hence proceeds the Evil which threatens the ruin of each Military Corps—The Officers do not take care to
                            preserve and keep together their soldiers, & the soldiers scarce know the Officer who commands them.
                        This neglect on the part of the Officers increased on the Troops Coming to Virginia—The greatest part of them
                            went on furlow to their respective homes, & those who remained with the Troops, gave furlows without discretion to
                            the Non Commissioned Officers & Soldiers.
                        A great Number of Discharges were given to Men whose Times were not expired, others under pretence of
                            Sickness to Men who could Still have been of Service.
                        Every Officer thought himself Entitled to dispose of the Men as he pleased & Several were discharged
                            even before they had arrived at the Army. A paper Signed by any Officer, would authorize a Recruit that had received an
                            Enormous bounty, to return unmolested home. These & other abuses of the like kind, have reduced in the Space of
                            four months, the three thousand Eighteen months men that had been raised by the state, to about a Third their number
                            amounting now to scarce a Thousand.
                        The three thousand Men which the State have now raised, will no doubt meet with the Same fate, if the most
                            efficacious measures are not taken to prevent it.
                        Wherefore I have proposed to the Government here, the following Arrangement:
                        The general Rendezvous for the Troops of Virginia to be fixed at Chesterfield Court House, where Colo. Davies
                            is to take command.
                        The other Rendezvous where the Recruits are to repair immediately from the Counties, to be fixed by the
                            Legislature wherever they Shall think proper, there being however to be no more than six or Eight such places, that the
                            Officers may not be too scattered.
                        At each place of Rendezvous to be a Captain, two Subalterns & four Serjeants, the Captains to receive
                            their Instructions in writing, wherein will be particularly expressed the age, size &c., of the Recruits he is to
                            receive.
                        Those recruits to be delivered by a person having authority from the County Lieutenant, with a description in
                            writing as follows:
                        1. The name of the recruit
                        2. His age
                        3. His Size
                        4. His Trade
                        5. The place of his birth
                        6. His place of residence
                        7. If drafted or enlisted
                        8. The time of his draft or enlistment
                        9. The Bounty he has received
                        And as the State has determined to Supply the recruits with certain Articles of Cloathing, those Articles
                            which the recruits shall bring with them to the rendezvous, are also to be specified here, & the whole signed by
                            the persons who shall deliver the recruits.
                        When the Officer has accepted the Recruit, he is to give Duplicate receipts to the person who delivers him,
                            one of these receipts to be a Voucher to the County for having delivered the Man, the other to be Sent by the County
                            Lieutenant to the Governor of the state.
                        From those particular places of Rendezvous, the Captain is to send the Men properly Officered to the general
                            Rendezvous at Chesterfield, where they are to be armed, Equipped, & Sent by Detachments to the Army.
                        Colo. Davies is to be furnished by Government with the Number each County is to furnish, that he may inform
                            them from time to Time what progress they make in compleating the Quotas assigned them.
                        By means of this Arrangement I hope that good Order will be introduced in the Collection of the Recruits,
                            & that the Case will no longer be as formerly, when neither Government could know how many Men had been delivered,
                            nor the General how many had been received.
                        But there is another Precaution to be taken, which requires the interposition of the Authority of Congress,
                            & a positive Order from your Excellency, I mean the restraining the authority which every Officer now has or seems
                            to have, of granting Discharges to Non Commissioned Officers and soldiers. In Services where the Regiments are the
                            Colonel’s property, this Authority may well be given to him, his own Interest will prevent him from being too easy on this
                            Subject. But as the Case is quite different in our Army, I Submit it to Your Excellency whether it would not be proper to
                            allow that right only to the General Officers commanding in the Divisions and Brigades.
                        It is the Same with furloughs: Almost every Man who obtains one, is a Man lost to his Regiment.
                        Every Officer thinks he has a right to grant furlows & as there is no prescribed form for passes,
                            any Scrap of paper, with the Signature of an Officer at bottom, authorizes a Soldier to absent himself from his Regiment
                            & wander about the country as he thinks proper.
                        Passes of this kind may very easily be, and have too often been Counterfeited by Deserters, I would therefore
                            propose to have forms of passes printed, as well as forms of discharges, as it is practised in almost every Service in
                            Europe.
                        I could wish that a General Order might determine what Officers are authorized to grant discharges &
                            even furlows, that those Officers might receive a certain Number of printed Copies, & that every other pass or
                            discharge might be declared of no Validity.
                        I could wish also that it should be published in the Several States as well as at the Army, that every Soldier
                            coming from the Army, either on furlow or discharged if he Stays a Week in a place without producing his discharge or pass
                            to the Magistrate shall be punished as a Deserter, & that if the Magistrate shall find that the discharge or pass is not
                            according to the prescribed form, he Shall cause the Bearer to be Secured, & Send the pass or discharge to the
                            Governor who will transmit it to the general Officer commanding in the Department, that the Officer who gave it may be
                            called to account.
                        This method of giving printed passes & discharges has been adopted in this State, I inclose to Your
                            Excellency, copies of the models I am getting printed for this purpose. I am with the greatest respect Sir Your Excellency’s
                            most obedient and most humble servant

                            Steuben

                     Enclosure

                                    c.28 December 1780

                            Form of a Discharge
                            Whereas the Bearer A.B., a  in the  Virginia Regiment of , Capt. J.L.’s Company
                                enlisted/drafted for the County of  has served during  Year, and the Time for which he was enlisted/drafted is
                                now expired: This is to certify that his Regiment and I the undersigned Major/Brigadier General, have granted him his
                                full discharge, and that he has behaved during the Time of his Service, as a brave and faithful soldier. In faith
                                whereof we have signed the present Certificate.
                            Given at  this  day of  in the Year of our Lord 178 and of our Independence the

                                    N.N.

                                    W.W.

                                    R.S.

                                    Colo. Commder

                                    Major

                                    Captain

                                    Lt Colo.

                                     Virg. Rt

                            Approved

                                    Registered in the

                                    N.L.

                                    Books of the Regt

                                    Major/

                                    General

                                     T.V. Adjut.

                                    Brigadr

                     Enclosure

                            Form of a PassWhereas the Bearer A. B. a  in the th Virginia Regiment of , Capt. K.L.’s Company or Troop,
                                has requested a furlough for the purpose of ———; The present Pass has been granted to him for  Days
                                from the date hereof. All Civil and Military Officers are requested to let the Said A.B. pass and repass, on his Way
                                to  and back again to his Regiment, without any hindrance or molestation, he behaving as becometh. The present
                                Pass to be valid no farther than the above mentioned place, and no longer than till the  day of  178.
                            Given under my hand, at , this  day of  in the year of our Lord 178, and of our Independence
                                the.

                                (Signed) N.N.
                                 Commandant
                                of the  Virginia Regt.

                                Registered in the Books of the Regt J.W. Adjut.

                     Enclosure

                                    c.28 December 1780

                            Remarks
                            There are still existing in the Army so many Abuses, absolutely contrary to the Military constitution;
                                that without a speedy Stop is put to them, it will be impossible ever to Establish any Order or Discipline among the
                                Troops.
                            I would therefore propose the following Regulations, submitting to his Excellency the Commander in Chief
                                to distinguish such as may be published under his own Authority in General Orders, & such as will require the
                                Sanction & Authority of the Committee of Congress now in Camp.
                            First—Every Officer or Soldier who Acts contrary to the Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the
                                Army establish’d by Congress, shall be tried and punished for Disobedience of Orders.
                            2nd Every Officer who absents himself from his Regiment without Leave shall be tried and punished; if he
                                remains absent three Weeks, he shall be ordered to Join by a Notification in General Orders And in the Public
                                Newspapers—& in case of his absence three Weeks afterwards such Notification shall be repeated &
                                should he not return in three Weeks from the last Notification, he shall by the Sentence of a Court Martiall be
                                Cashiered & rendered incapable of ever holding a Commission in the Army of the United States.
                            3d—Every Officer on Furlough who remains absent Ten days longer than the Time allowed him, shall be tried
                                by a Court Martial & in case of his being by Sickness or any other Cause detained from his Regiment Six Weeks
                                above the time allowed in his Furlough, he shall inform the Commanding officer of the Regiment of the Reasons that
                                prevent his returning, in Default of such information, he shall be notified, tried & punished, agreeable to the
                                2d Article.
                            4th It being permitted for the Ease & Convenience of the Generals & other Officers of the Army, to take
                                servants from Regiments—many abuses have resulted therefrom—to remedy which the following Regulations are to take
                                place for the future.
                            Each Major General is permitted to take from the Division he Commands four Men.
                            Each Brigadier General Three Men.
                            Each Colonel or Lieut. Colo. Commandant two Men.
                            Each Lt Colonel or Major one Man & a second Man who is to be exempted from ordinary Duty but to
                                turn out in Time of Action.
                            Each Captain two Men to be exempted from ordinary Duty only.
                            Each Subaltern, one Man who is to Mount Guard with the Officer he serves.
                            Those Generals and other Officers who are not attached to any particular Division or Brigade, to take
                                their Servants from the Line, agreable to the above proportion.
                            No Officer in a Civil Department shall be permitted to take a Soldier from any Regiment to serve him—nor
                                is any Colonel or commanding Officer to Suffer a Soldier of their Regt to be detained by any such Officer—those who
                                may be permitted to have Servants from the Line, are to apply to the Quarter Master General who will take them from
                                the Regiments & distribute them to whom he thinks proper.
                            5th—Great Quantities of Arms & Ammunition have been distroyed, by being in the possession of Men
                                who do not use them in time of Action to prevent this for the future—No Arms, Accoutrements or Ammunition is to be
                                deliverd to those under the following discripton Vizt General & Staff Officers Waiters, Waggoners, Camp Coulour
                                Men, & all who do not bear Arms in time of Action—Such of those as have Arms are immediately to Deliver them
                                up to their Captains who will deliver them to the Conductor that they may be returned to the Field Commissary.
                            6th—The abolition of standing Guard tho’ of great consequence to the order and Discipline of the Army,
                                has not yet taken place—the Soldiers on these Guards being seperated from their Regts are often employed as
                                servants—they become ignorant of the Service, Loose & destroy their Arms and Cloathing—therefore
                            For the Future no standing Guard Shall be permitted to any General or other Officer, on any pretense
                                whatsoever—Those Guards which cannot be relieved every 24 hours, must be relieved at least every three days, for which
                                the Inspectors & Majors of Brigade, are to be answerable—all Guards or Piquets for more than three days, shall
                                be called Detachments.
                            7th The Multiplicity of small Guard for the Stores & Baggage of the Army being unnecessary
                                & diminishing the strength of the Regiments, it will be necessary to repeat the Order given at Smiths Clove
                                the 25th June relative to this Object—it should therefore be ordered that
                            The Order given at Smiths Clove the 25th June last, relative to the Guards usually furnished for the
                                Quarter Master & other stores, is to be carried into Execution with the greatest rigor,
                                & is to be regarded as a standing order.
                            8th It being very improper & hurtfull to the service, that Guard should be sent too far from the
                                Corps to which they belong, it is ordered
                            That the General Officers shall have their Guard from the Divisions and Brigades to which they belong
                                & those who have no Division or Brigade, shall be furnished with a Guard from the Line, by Detail from the
                                Adjutant General.
                            No General shall take his Guard above Ten Miles from Camp, without the Express leave of the Commander in
                                Chief.
                            9th Nothing being more Disgracefull to the service, or dangerous for the Army then for the advanced Posts
                                to be surprized by the Enemy, it is necessary that every possible precaution should be taken to prevent an Accident so
                                dishonorable to the Officer who commands at such Post—and as the Instructions given in the Chapter on the service of
                                the Guards in the Regulations is not full & explicit enough, it is thought necessary to add the following
                                Article.
                            As soon as an Officer commandg a Detatchment, arrives at the Post he is to Occupy, he must endeavour to
                                procure some Inhabitant, on whom he can Depend, to shew him all the Roads, footpaths, & other avenues, leading
                                to the Post, these he must himself reconnoitre, and then determine the Number of Guards necessary for his security, as
                                well in front, as on the flanks & in the Rear of the Post, he must then divide his Detatchment into three
                                parts, one of which must be allways on Guard, another act as Reserve Picquet & the Third be off duty. The part
                                destined for Guard, must be divided into as many Guards, as the Officer may think Necessary, allways observing that
                                the Guards are so proportioned, that one third of each Guard may allways be on Sentry at once.
                            These Guards must be posted at 3 or 400 paces from the Main Post & the Centinels form a Chain
                                round it, they must be within sight of each other during the Day and within Call during the Night.
                            The Commanding Officer having himself posted these Guard & Centinels & well instructed
                                the Officers and Serjeants in their Duty, will fix on the Place where he means to defend himself in case of Attack—as
                                a House—a Heighth, or behind some Bridge or Fence, which he will strengthen as much as possible, by an Abbatis, Ditch
                                or anything his Genius may direct him for that purpose.
                            The Reserve Piquets, are on no Account to stir from the Main post or take off their Accoutrements, but
                                must be ready to parrade under Arms, at any moment of the Day or Night; tho’ during the Day they may be permitted to
                                lay down & sleep—every man must have his Haversack under his head, & if the Post is dangerous his Arms
                                in his hands.
                            The Reserve will furnish a Guard of a Serjeant and from 6 to 12 Men, to furnish from 2 to 4 Centinels,
                                around the House or wherever they are posted—to give notice of all that approach, or of any Alarm, one of these
                                Sentries must allways be before the Arms.
                            That part of the detatchment off Duty may undress and repose themselves they must Cook for the Guards
                                & Piquets & fetch the Wood & Water necessary for the Post—but they must not do this before
                                Roll Call in the Morning, when the Commanding Officer receives the Reports of all the Guards—If the Post is near the
                                Enemy this part of the Detatchment must not undress during the Night.
                            As Guards form a Chain of Sentinels round the Post, no soldier must pass the Chain, without a
                                NonCommissioned Officer, nor any Stranger be permitted to enter without being conducted to and examin’d by the
                                Commanding Officer.
                            After Roll Call in the Evening, no Soldier must be permitted to go more than 40 paces from the Place of
                                Arms—the Officers it is expected always remain with their men.
                            As soon as a Centinel perceives the Enemy, he must fire his piece, to Alarm the other Guards &
                                the Main Body—the Guards immediately parrade & follow the Rules prescribed in the Regulations. The Piquet
                                parrades immediately, & the other part joins it as fast as they can get ready.
                            The Commanding Officer will immediately detatch one third of the Piquet, with orders to March towards the
                                Guard attacked & lay in Ambuscade behind some house, Barn, or in a Wood on the Road leading from them to the
                                Main Post, & when the Guard attacked retreats in, followed by the Enemy, they must fall in the Rear of the
                                Enemy & keep up a Scattered fire—this Manoeuvre especially in the Night, will not fail to discourage the Enemy
                                & Cause a failure of their Enterprize.
                            The Guards are in every respect to observe the Rules laid down in the Regulations.
                            The part on Guard is to be relieved by the part off Duty, & the relieved Guard takes the Reserve
                                piquet.
                            No part of the Service is more important, nor more neglected than that of Guards—notwithstanding the
                                Duties are so particularly described in the Regulations—It is very seldom a Guard turns out for a General Officer or
                                Officer of the Day, & even when they turn out, they are seldom or ever Drawn up in the order
                                prescribed—therefore for the Future the Generals & Field officers of the Day, are ordered to pay the greatest
                                attention that the service of the Guards is performed strictly conformable to the Regulations—for which purpose they
                                must Visit the Guards and Centinels at different hours & Arrest or Confine any Officer or Noncommissioned
                                Officer whose Guard is not already parraded in order at his arrival.
                            A Guard which is surprized by an Officer of the Day, may with the same Facility be surprized by the Enemy
                                if the Centinel before the Guard house is not sufficient, the officer must place others who can see round the Environs
                                of the Post and give Notice of all that Approach.
                            For the most Effectual preservation of the Arms, Accoutrements and Amunition—each Regiment shall be
                                charged with the arms &c. now in their possession, agreeable to the Return made at the last Inspection,
                                & for the future none of those Articles shall be drawn from the Field Commissary but by Returns signed by the
                                Inspector of the Division, or in his absence by the Major of Brigade doing his Duty And the Inspector & Major
                                of Brigade will pay the Strictest Attention that the Regulations with respect to this object are strictly
                                carried into execution, examining and comparing the Regimental Returns as with those of the Conductors.
                            In the Returns of the Army a great number of Men are reckoned, who have been sick, or otherwise absent a
                                long time, without any account of their having been sent to their Regiments.
                            Orders must be given to the officers superintending the Hospitals, to send their Returns regularly every
                                month, & the Majors of Brigade must take an extract account of those of their Brigade returned in the several
                                Hospitals, to compare with the Returns at the Inspection.
                            For those men who are sick in the Country at private houses, Certificate must be produced, every two
                                Months, signed by a Justice of the Peace, & without such Certificate, the Men must no longer be returned, tho’
                                the Regt may Keep an account of them, that they may be reclaimed if every they are found.
                            The Army even at this day, is more reduced, by a considerable number of Men being permitted to retire on
                                furlough & extra service, I would therefore recommend the following Regulations.
                            That after the 1st of May until the Campaign closes, no officer shall have leave of
                                absence, for more than 8 Days unless by permission from the Commander in Chief, or officer commanding at a separate
                                Post; & that no noncommissioned officer or Soldier be furloughd during the abovesaid time, unless by his
                                Major General or Officer commanding at a separate post, and that for only six days on the most special account—That
                                during the Army’s continuance in winter Quarters, not more than Six men of an hundred be absent on
                                furlough at the same time; these to have leave of absence from the Officer commanding the Regiment to which they
                                belong.
                            That every Officer, noncommissoned & Soldier now on furlough, or on the recruiting service, be
                                ordered to join their respective Corps, against the first of June the Commanding officers of Regiments to be answerable
                                that they be notified of the order.
                            Notwithstanding the General order lately issued, respecting men on extra service many are still
                                improperly absent; it is therefore ordered, that they join against the first of June; the commanding officers of the
                                Regt to which they respectively belong, to be answerable that they are notified of the order—It is also ordered that
                                for the future, none be suffered to go on such employ, except by order of the Commander in Chief, officer Commanding
                                at a separate Post or the Quarter Master General.

                                SteubenMaj: Genl


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

                            Head Quarters New Windsor for Friday December 29th 1780
                            Parole.
                            Countersigns

                        The Quarter Master General will make an immediate and exact return of all the public Boats on this part of
                            the river describing the kind and size and how they are employed—He will arrange them under four heads vizt
                            Good—Bad—Indifferent and Irrepairable.
                        He will also as soon as possible make a similar return of all the public Boats at Albany and its
                            dependencies.


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Brodhead, 29 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Brodhead, Daniel

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 29th Decemr 1780

                        The State of Virginia have determined to undertake an expedition, which I have ever had in view, and which I
                            wished to carry into execution by a Continental force—but you are sufficiently acquainted with the situation of our
                            Affairs, both as to Men and supplies, to know that it has been impossible to attempt it—It is the reduction of the Post of
                            Detroit—His Excellency Governor Jefferson informs me that he thinks they shall be able, with the Aid of some Artillery and
                            Stores already at Fort Pitt, to accomplish this most desirable object, and that should they even fail of carrying their
                            point much good will result from creating a diversion and giving the enemy employ in their own Country—The Artillery and
                            Stores required by Governor Jefferson are
                        4 field pieces
                        1600 Balls suited to them.
                        1 Howitzer. 8 Inch
                        300 shells suited to it
                        2 Royals.
                        Grape shot
                        necessary implements and furniture for the above
                        500 Spades
                        200 pick Axes
                        1 travelling forge
                        some Boats, should the State not have enough prepared
                         in time
                        some ship Carpenters tools.
                        Colo. Clarke who is to command the expedition will probably be the Bearer of this himself, and you will
                            deliver to him on his order at such time as he shall require them, all, or as many of the foregoing Articles as you have
                            it in your power to furnish. You will likewise direct the Officers with Company of Artillery to be ready to move when
                            Colo. Clark shall call for them, and as it is my wish to give the enterprize every aid which our small force can afford,
                            you will be pleased to form such a detachment as you can safely spare from your own and Gibsons Regiment and put it under
                            the command of Colo. Clark also. I should suppose that this detachment cannot be made more than a command for a Capt. or
                            Major at most—You know the necessity of confining it to a Continental Officer of inferior Rank to Colo. Clark.
                        Your good sense will, I am convinced, make you view this matter in its true light. The inability of the
                            Continent to undertake the reduction of Detriot, which, while it continues in possession of the enemy, will be a constant
                            source of trouble to the whole Western frontier, has of necessity imposed the task upon the State of Virginia, and of
                            consequence makes it expedient to confer the command upon an officer of the State. This being the case, I do not think the
                            charge of the enterprize could have been committed to better hands than Colo. Clarks. I have not the pleasure of knowing
                            the Gentleman, but, independant of the proofs which he has given of his activity and address, the unbounded confidence
                            which I am told the Western people repose in him, is a matter of vast importance, as I imagine a considerable part of his
                            force will consist of Volunteers and Militia, who are not to be governed by military laws, but must be held by the ties of
                            confidence and affection to their leader.
                        I shall conclude with recommending to you, in general, to give every countenance and assistance to this
                            enterprize, should no circumstances intervene to prevent its execution—One thing you may rest assured of, & that
                            is, that while offensive operations are going forwd against Detroit & the Indians in Alliance with the British in
                            that quarter that your Posts with small Garrisons in them and proper vigilance, will be perfectly secure. for this reason
                            & the expedition’s depending upon the supplies here reqd I shall expect a punctual compliance with the order and
                            am with great esteem & Regard Dr Sir, Yr Most Obt Servt

                            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Zebulon Butler, 29 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, Zebulon

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 29th Decemr 1780

                        The Honble the Congress having, in order to remove all cause of jealousy and discontent between the States of
                            Pennsylvania and Connecticut, directed me to withdraw the present Garrison of Wyoming and to replace them with troops from
                            the Continental Army not belonging to the line of Pennsylvania or Connecticut or Citizens of either of the said States, I
                            have for that purpose ordered Capt. Mitchell of the Jersey line to relieve you—You will therefore upon his arrival deliver
                            up the post to him and march immediately with all the Men at present under your command and join the Army in the
                            neighbourhood of this place. I am well aware of the difficulty which there will be of bringing away the Men of Ransoms
                            Company, but I trust and shall expect that you will exert yourself to do it effectually, because if they remain behind in
                            any numbers, it will seem like an intention to elude the Resolve above recited.
                        You will, before you march, give Capt. Mitchell—every necessary information respecting the situation of the
                            Country, and make him acquainted with those characters upon whom he can depend for advice and intelligence in case of an
                            incursion of the Enemy. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Mary Dagworthy, 29 December 1780
From: Dagworthy, Mary
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Trenton Decr 29th 1780

                        By order of the Ladies of the Committee I inform your Excellency they have delivered to Col. Neilson D.Q.M.
                            of this State Three hund and Eighty pair of Stockings to be forwarded by him to your Excellency and disposed of as you
                            shall judge proper for the benefit of the Continental Soldiers. I am your Excellency’s Huml. Sert

                            M. Dagworthy


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 29 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Garrison West Point Decr 29th 1780

                        The enclosed from Colonel Wesson & Capn Bonnell of Colonel Spencers regiment, were handed to me
                            yesterday. I wish to know your Excellencys opinion concerning them.
                        Our situation grows every day more alarming with respect to provisions especially Flour; we had not the last
                            evening one days allowance of the latter, at the Post. A small quantity it is said has arrived at Fish Kill Landing but
                            the Boatmen decline comeing further down the river lest their Vessells should get frozen in here—we were obliged yesterday
                            morning to break the ice from the Shore how it is this morning have not heard.
                        Colonel Hay in his last to me of the 21st instt observes—"Every exertion is makeing to collect flour, but the
                            excessive badness of the roads is an almost insuperable bar to our getting any to the army"—If it could not be got to the
                            river which was then free of ice, how are we to expect it brought here a much greater distance. I beg leave to submit to
                            your Excellency, the necessity of the Q.M. Generals immediately calling on his Assistants for uncommon exertions in
                            forwarding provisions from Ringwood, and every other Quarter, from whence they are to come; and that measures adequate to
                            our necessities, and for the security of the Post, may be adopted for the transportation of any quantities of provisions
                            that are collected, before the roads are rendered worse than they are at present; and not only the river in general but
                            even the Ferries become impassible. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient
                            Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From James Bonnel to William Heath, 27 December 1780
From: Bonnel, James
To: Heath, William

                            Kind General
                            Stony Point 27 Decr 1780

                        In consequence of the new establishment of the Army Colo: Spencer’s Officers are all Dearrainged and are to
                            retire from Service the first day of January Ensuing; There present Situation is truly deploreable Occationed by a number
                            of unhapy Occurrencies which has ben Peculiarly misfortunate to the army since the Revolution Viz: the Depreciation of our
                            Currency. the Scarcity and Exhorbitant price of the Necessaries of life, and the long time which has Elapsed since we have
                            received any Pay.
                        Several of us have more than Two Hundred Miles to travel to our respective Homes and not a single Farthing to
                            bear our Expences, besides being considerably Indebted to the good People of this place.
                        If we could have an order to draw provision at this post for ourselves and waiters till pay arrives at the
                            Office (which we are Assured will be in a short time) we can Discharge our Several accounts and Travel home in credit.
                        If wee Cannot wee must Disgrace ourselves and Country by beging on the Road.
                        I therfore at the Request and in Behalf of the Officers of the Regiment beg the Indulgence for the Above
                            mentioned purpose. I am sir with Exhalted Sentiments of respect your most Obdt hume Servt

                            James Bonnel Capt. Comdt Colo: Spencers Rgt

                     Enclosure

                                Dear General
                                Westpoint Decr 28th 1780

                            To disburden the Army of a Servant, who is rendered incapable of duty, by a Wound I have had the
                                Misfortune to Receive; and supposing that none would be content, that I should Command a Regiment, and not perform my
                                share of Millitary duty; I was induced to Retire upon the present Arrangement—But as my Wound Renders me unable to
                                follow any Business in private Life, whereby I can support myself; I could heartily wish to continue in service, of
                                some kind or other, which may entitle me to the full pay of my Commission—Half Pay I was undoubtedly entitled to
                                before the present Arrangement; and if my past Services have any Merit, or, if by any thing further, I can do my
                                Country good, I could wish to do it, and be continued upon full pay during the present War. I am Dr General With
                                sentiments of Esteem Your Most Obedient and very Humble Servant

                                J. Wesson


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 29 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Garrison West Point Decr 29th 1780

                        The receipt of the enclosed papers, which this moment came to hand, compels me again to take up my pen, and
                            trouble your Excellency on a subject, on which the very existance of these Posts depend. I therefore trust you will excuse
                            the repetition. I submit to your Excellency what expectations are to be found, from the spirit & complexion of
                            the papers.
                        If the Q.M. General wants any number of men, to effect bringing forward the provisions, they shall be
                            immediately sent upon his nameing the number, but I do most earnestly intreat that some regular & effectual mode
                            may be immediately adopted for our relief, and matters not left in the way they appear to be in at present, it is very
                            evident if they do, the army must very soon starve or disperse. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your
                            Excellencys most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                                Dr Sir
                                Fishkill Sunday 27 Decr 1780

                            I Recd a Line from you a few minutes ago requesting a Craft might be sent to N. Winsor to transport a
                                Number of Barrels of flour to the garrison at west point. I have endeavoured to procure a Conveyance but totally
                                unaccessable all the crafts employ’d with us (excepting one) are now laid up, & this one is up the river
                                waiting the arivel of flour from back the country should it not arive soon, I am Doubtfull wether (if this weather
                                Continues longer than the Day) if it will at all—I wish you woud make trial to prevail on Mr White
                                to take some remains of Clothing of Mr Clarke & britt Commasarys now at your post for the
                                Line of Conneticut the Latter of the Line of Massachusets with the flour you mention’d to be at Newwnsor we have a
                                Quantity of flour at Mr Kitteltas Mill I know not how it can be transported—we have two small Boats Could hands be
                                procured to man them I some thing think they might answer purpose of Collecting Small parcells of flour & I
                                will be much Oblig’d to you if any men can be spared from your side to Consult Majr Platt on the Subjt of Collecting
                                the flower and having it sent to the fort with what is at Mr Kitteltas this place &
                                Newwinsor will amount to near one hundred Barrels Consider the Circumstances of the troops now wanting provision
                                & Our want of hands to Supply them I Dred the Consequences pray let me hear from you as soon as possible might
                                I advise I should think the Sending Batteau & hands from the fort & not trust to
                                chances of conveyances only most eligible. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obt Sert

                                J. Fisher D.Q.M.

                                Sir Capt. Mitchell Says that no craft can be procured here to carry the flour down the River he
                                    wishes to have your Directions about the Matter. yours

                                P. Anspach

                     Enclosure

                                Decr 28—80

                            Let battews be Manned to carry what flour they can down to West point the fatigue Men may be employ’d
                                if there are no Battew men but there ought in each Battew to be one Man acquainted with the River if there be no
                                battews let Capt. Mitchell write to Genl Heath & send the Letter by express to Newwinsor & if there
                                be no express boat there let the express proceede by Land to West point to desire Genl Heath to send up boats for the
                                flour.

                                T. Pickering Q.M.G.

                     Enclosure

                                Dear Sir
                                Fishkill 28th Decr 1780

                            Mr Fisher informs me you are Starving for want of Flour, and that there is a quantity at Fishkill
                                Landing, Kittletas’s Mills and New Windsor—Mr Werd Commsy there has about 30. or 40. bbls—all the sloops lately in
                                public employ, have laid up for the Winter, except one that is up the river, and momently expected
                                down.
                            Can’t you send Batteaux for the flour in this quarter, if you cannot I do not know how you will get it.
                            We are half the time destitute of flour at this post, having no more than four, Four-Horse Teams, at the
                                Post, and the justices cannot get the People to turn out with their Waggons so much are they disgusted at their ill
                                usage from the public, by withholding payment, for past and present services.
                            If Flour is to be transported from this post, and its Neighborhood, then must be an Impress Warrant for
                                Teams, & Soldiers to Collect them; a most disagreeable task to preform. I am Sir your Huble Servt

                                Jno. Keese D.Q.M.

                                Copy


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Lewis, 29 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Joseph

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 29th Decr 1780

                        I have received your favr of the 23d Inst. If my memory serves me, the act of the State, to which you refer,
                            pointed out a certain period, during which, all provision taken by the Soldiers from the Inhabitants should be paid for
                            upon my Certificate, or that of persons empowered by me—Mr Condict was kind enough to collect all the accounts which he
                            could hear of and which came within the term of the law, and Colo. Dayton certified them by my order—There may be still a
                            vast number of claimants on the score of plunder, but I shall not think myself authorised to go further into the matter,
                            unless I am required so to do by the Legislature. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 29 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 29th Decemr 1780

                        I have recd yours by Lieut. Cook. I have had reference to the Resolves of Congress of the 24th Novemr 1778
                            and 22d May 1779 (Copies of which I enclose you) which make provision for the readmission of prisoners into their
                            respective lines, provided their States think proper to reappoint them, or if they do not, allowing them the pay and
                            priviledges of supernumeraries. The modes are clearly pointed out by the Resolves—It lays with the State therefore to
                            determine the business of the Gentlemen to whom you refer. There can be no vacancies in the line of Captains at present,
                            to which Rank they both say they are intitled—They must therefore wait upon half pay, till Vacancies happen for them, if
                            the State thinks proper to admit them—This I suppose, if it takes place, will create difficulties as usual among the other
                            Officers, and clearly shews the ill consequences, not to say injustice, of superseding Officers during their Captivity. I
                            am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 29 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 29th Decemr 1780

                        I have recd your favr of the 21st. Had I the power, I have not the means of supplying the officers with
                            Blankets, as we shall with difficulty make up a sufficiency for the Soldiers.
                        Inclosed you have the instructions for the officer who is to go to Wyoming—You will be pleased to fill up the
                            Blanks left for his name and deliver them to him, with the letter for Colo. Zebulon Butler, who commands at Wyoming.
                        There are not at present Coats enough to make a general distribution. I have therefore directed the Cloathier
                            to send down only seventy now, which I intend for the Company going to Wyoming—You will take care that they have as full a
                            supply of every kind of Cloathing as possible before they march—the remainder of the troops will have frequent
                            opportunities of drawing, while, from their remote situation, they will be excluded. I am &a.

                            P.S. You will shortly receive from Colo. Miles Dy Qr Mr Gl in Philada two hundred soldiers shirts,
                                being part of the production of the subscription of the Ladies of Penn. and Jersey—Upon their arrival you will
                                distribute them among the most needy, or by Lot, as you and the feild officers may judge best.


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 29 December 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Richmond, Decr 29th 1780

                        I received Yesterday Your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th inst. I am Exceedingly obliged to you for the
                            intelligence it contains; I wish it may prove only a report, however, whatever may be the Case, I beg your Excellency will
                            be So kind as soon as any thing is confirmed, to give me notice of it immediately.
                        I have not yet heard that Congress have done any thing towards amending their resolution respecting my
                            Departments; I have written this Day to the Board of War on this subject, & hope Shortly to hear that this matter
                            is arranged for the best. I am with the greatest respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant

                            Steuben


Title: From George Washington to Job Sumner, 29 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Sumner, Job

                            sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 29th Decemr 1780

                        I have received yours of the 23d. Before I can satisfy you on the point which you have submitted to my
                            determination, you must inform me at what time you were appointed a Captain in the line of Massachusetts, and whether you
                            were in the first instance appointed to that Rank, or whether you rose to it from a lower Grade—Because you may possibly
                            be intitled to rank in the Army at large from the date of your Brevet Commission in July 1776, and in the line of
                            Massachusetts from a later time. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Mitchell, 30 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Mitchell, Alexander

                             30 December 1780

                        To Captain Alexander Mitchell of the Jersey Regiment
                        You will march as soon as possible with the Company under your command, by the most convenient Route, to
                            Wyoming upon Susquehanna, and upon your arrival there deliver the inclosed to Colo. Zebulon Butler, which contains an
                            order to deliver up the post to you and to join the Army with the Men at present in garrison there.
                        You will as soon as possible not only make yourself acquainted with the Country in the vicinity of your post,
                            but with inhabitants in different parts on whom you can depend, and who will give you the earliest intelligence of the
                            approach of an Enemy—The principal design of stationing you at Wyoming is to afford cover and protection to the Country in
                            case of an incursion of the Savages, which you will do as far as your force will admit—But you will take especial care
                            never to be drawn so far from your post as to leave it in such a condition, that the Enemy may in your absence possess
                            themselves of it.
                        In case any thing material happens you will endeavour to give me the earliest notice of it. And if you
                            receive any intelligence of the approach of the enemy, you will communicate it to the Inhabitants upon the River—that they
                            may prepare themselves. Given at Head Quarters at New Windsor this 30th day of Decemr 1780.


Title: To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 30 December 1780
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

                            Jersey-Camp, 30th Decr 1780

                        Your Excellency’s favor of the 28th came to hand last evening.
                        Captain Alexander Mitchell of the 1st Regiment is the Officer appointed to the command.
                        I would beg leave to mention to Your Excellency that a small supply of money will be highly necessary,
                            especially for the Officers of the detachment.
                        A Deputy of our State-Clothier’s Set out for Newburgh on the 23d instant to receive the Clothing of the
                            Brigade. I am with the most perfect respect Your Excellencys Very hum. servt

                            I. Shreve Col. Comdt


Title: General Orders, 31 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Sunday December 31st 1780
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        The new arrangement of the Army pursuant to the Resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October and
                            published in General Orders of the 1st of November following is to take place tomorrow. The General orders a jill of Rum
                            to be delivered to each of the soldiers who remain in service upon the occasion.
                        Returns to be made to the Adjutant General immediately of the Ranks which the regiments now bear in their
                            respective lines. The Officers commanding each with the names and dates of Commissions or appointments of them and the
                            other field Officers—Captains—Subs.—and Staff.similar returns to be made by the regiments of Artillery.
                        If from particular circumstances the arrangement of any State line or regiment of artillery is yet incomplete
                            the General desires that not a moment may be lost in finishing it that he may be enabled to make the Returns required by
                            Congress.
                        The General has little doubt that in the formation of the new regiments of Infantry proper care has been
                            taken to bring those of each line as near as possible to a level—If this has not been attended to He now directs it.
                        He persuades himself that it is totally unnecessary to signify that no retiring officer is at liberty to take
                            with him his waiter being a soldier or inlisted at the public expence—but lest through inadvertency such a thing should be
                            attempted it is hereby strictly forbidden.
                        The General expects that the order of the 16th of November last respecting the Arms Accoutrements &ca
                            that were in the hands of the Levies and other disbanded soldiers has been pointedly attended to should it prove otherwise
                            the officers who commanded the former corps though they now retire will not be exonerated but remain equally liable and
                            most assuredly will be called upon to settle these accounts.
                        A Field Officer from the Pennsylvania Line to relieve Colonel Spencer in the superintendency of the Hospitals
                            in New Jersey. He will receive the standing instructions from Colonel Spencer.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 31 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dr Sir,
                            New Windsor 31st Decr 1780

                        I have not Brigaded the Troops in this day’s orders, because I was uncertain whether the Regiments of
                            Massachusetts bay take their numbers from the Rank & Seniority of the Colonels—or from the former number of the
                            Regiments—please to satisfy me in this point, by giving me the list of the Colonels, & number of the Regiments
                            they respectively command. I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Israel Shreve, 31 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 31st Decemr 1780

                        I had sent off instructions for Capt. Mitchell previous to the rect of yours of yesterday—leaving a Blank for
                            his name.
                        I would with great pleasure supply him and the other Officers with Money, before they march, was it in my
                            power, but the Military Chest is and has been sometime empty. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to John Stark, 31 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Stark, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 31st Decemr 1780

                        I have recd your favr of the 30th. By a Resolve of Congress of the 18th Inst. Copy of which I enclose, I find
                            that you had made application to them for liberty to retire for the reestablishment of your health. The propriety of this
                            measure, they have been pleased to refer to me, and as I shall signify my approbation, I have no objection to your setting
                            out as soon as your Health will admit—The term of absence, if they chuse to limit it, will depend upon Congress. I am Sir
                            Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington