Title: Ménonville—Washington Memorandum, 8 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            New Windsor 8th May 1781

                        Having received the answer his Excellency honored me with for the second time, I think I have no more now to
                            do, but to continue my journey to Philadelphia, when furnished with the letter his Excellency has offered me, to introduce
                            me to his Excellency the President of the Congress.
                        I think when arrived there, I’ll follow closely the intentions of his Excellency, (which is a special part of
                            my orders) if I can obtain from the Congress, to assemble together at Philadela, as much of Supplies of flour &
                            Corn, as they can conveniently provide for & a small part of these articles at Trenton.
                        2ly If they are able, to assemble somewhat of the same kind on Connecticut River, above what is destined,
                            & must now be deposited in these parts for the use of the American Army.
                        3dly To provide the french Army with live Cattle, from the Eastern States in genl.
                        4thly To get for the use of the French forces the supply of the salt meat they can find, in every part of the
                            United States.
                        5thly To supply the French Army, if possible, with some Teams, chiefly from Pensylvania.
                        I am moreover waiting for further orders from his Excellency, if she has some to give me,
                            in my journey.
                        Answer
                        In remarking upon the 1st head General Washington would wish Colo. Menonville to observe that he does not
                            think Philadelphia ought to be made the immediate general deposit of the Flour &ca of
                            Virginia & Maryland but of Pensylvania & Delaware only—He mentioned that place
                            as being ultimately preferable supposing an operation in this quarter, to any in Jersey as the provision can be brought
                            from thence to Trenton by an easy & Cheap water transportation In the meantime he repeats his first recommendation
                            of permitting the flour & Corn of Virginia & Maryland particularly to remain within those States untill
                            the plan of Campaign is more fully determined upon.
                        General Washington approves of the intentions of Colo. Menonville contained in the 2d 3d 4th & 5th
                            heads—And he will be happy in furnishing him with Letters for the President of Congress whenever the weather & his
                            own inclination will permit him to prosecute his journey to Philadelphia

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 8 May 1781
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Redding 8th May 1781

                        I have the Honor of your Excellency’s Letter by Capt. Walker. The Detachment at Danbury shall march as soon
                            as the Quarter Master has provided Teams for transporting the Provisions from Danbury, which I hope will not exceed two or
                            three Days. the prisoners which cannot be tried before they march will be sent with them to Fishkill.
                        inclos’d are the Proceedings of a Court Martial against, Beardsly, Collier and Towner, the two former as fit
                            Subjects to be made public Examples as any in this Region, and the other a bad Man who I fear will never be better—I shall
                            send them on with the Guard.
                        I shall make no Delay in joining the Army on my return from the Eastward I hope it will not exceed the first
                            of June before I am at Camp. I am Dr General with great Esteem your most Obedt Servt

                            Saml H. Parsons

                     Enclosure

                                May 7th 81

                            A Genll Court Martial held at Danbury by order of Major Genll Parsons Colo. Gray President
                            Members Capt. Comstolk Capt. Converse Lieut. Potter Lt Taylor Lt Gorham Lt DeForrest Capt. Hill Capt.
                                Dustin Lieut. Kimberly Lt Starr Lt Sanderson Ensn Cole.
                            1 May.
                            The Court Proceded to the Tryal of Doctr Nathaniel Towner upon the following Charges Viz, having recived
                                a Commission to serve in the Brittish Army against these United States and for Enlisting Insticing and perswading Sundry
                                Persons Inhabitants of this State to Join the Army—whereupon it is declared that Considering the Condition and the
                                Military preparation of this State Sd Towner is and was a Spy Employed by the sd Brittish Army Against this State in
                                particular.
                            The Prisoner Pleads not Guilty. Joseph Hawley being sworn do testify that sd Towner at sundry times
                                within one Month told me he had a warrant for a Commission to serve in the Brittish Army and at Sundry times
                                indeavoured to perswade me to Inlist into the Continental Army and then to go to Hors Neck and get a parole from the
                                Enemy and if there was any of the Dam’d Rebels I wanted to have kild or taken to perswade them to go down to dreseston as thier was a party of DeLanceys Corps lay thier and could have them killed or taken as I
                                pleased—near the same time sd Towner advised me to hire two or three pair of oxen and go down to Hors Neck after salt
                                and one finch would go and give the Enemy notice and they might all be taken  and illegible I only pay the
                                traveling expence and have the money for the oxen—sd Towner asked me if I wanted any Money and
                                throwed down about Eight pounds which he said was the true grit it being Counterfit—Sd Towner said
                                in a few days he would be with his ruffles over his hands and a  long sword by his side with a Good Care and
                                he would be Dam’d if he would not kill women & Children.
                            Questioned by the Court hath not Sd Towner at sundry times asked you to desert & go to the Enemy
                                Answer Yes & said I could have greater Encouragement if I would go to the Enemy. Question did not Sd Towner
                                inform you that he had secreted a person who was carrying despatches from Canady to New
                                York and back again—Answer Yes.
                            Question did not sd Towner say he could & would inform you some future time
                                of the plans & designs of the Tories. Answer Yes Question did not sd Towner say if you would desert he would
                                furnish you with provision and Money what you wanted Answer Yes—Question hath not sd Towner furnished you with
                                provision since you have Deserted. Answer Yes—Question hath not sd Towner told you that if he could git eight men more
                                he should have a Major’s Commission in the Brittish Army. Answer Yes—Question did not sd Towner in the Month of April
                                say he had inlisted two men and Convey’d them to Long Island Answer—that he had conveyed two men to Long
                                Island—Question did sd Towner tell you thier Names Answer Yes one which was Rennolds from Roxbury according to the
                                best of my memory—Question hath not doctor Towner Showed you a paper which he said was his Instructions and have not you
                                sign’d it Answer he show’d me a paper which was to take the  bennyfit of the last proclimation and I signed
                                it. Question have not all the facts you have related hapened since the first of last March. Answer Yes according to
                                the best of my memory—Question did sd Towner appear to be in Liquor when he was in Conversation with & Urged
                                you to go to the Enemy Answer he was some times but for the most part he appeared to be sober especially one Night when
                                he was at my house almost all Night & urged  me strenously to go to the Enemy—Questioned by
                                the Prisoner what was the persons Name that I said I secreted carrying dispatches from Canady to New York &
                                back a Gain & what time was it that I said I secreted him Answer the persons name was
                                    illegible Fruley the time I cannot recollect.
                            Questioned by the Court did not sd Towner tell you in what manner sd Fruley did secret
                                & Carry the dispatches Answer Yes—Questioned by the Prisoner do you know any men that have Inlisted with me
                                Answer No other way than you have told me which was that you had inlisted John Kimberly Jeremiah
                                Platt & Samll Smith—Questioned by the Prisoner did you know of John Kimberlys Going to the Enemy before he
                                went Answer he gave me some hints & I supected he was going but did not know sertain—Question where did you
                                put of the Money you had of me Answer at Roxbury one forty shilling bill Connect. Money—Question when was it that I
                                was at your house a Night and Urged you to go to the Enemy, & who was present at that time. Answer soon after
                                you had done Doctoring my Child & according to the best of my memory Elijah Hamblin was present And that
                                Towner said he was the boy that would pay the  Guines if I would ingage. a few
                                Nights after Towner and one Wm Nichols was at his house to whome sd Towner showed a Proclimation
                                & indeavoured to convince him he was in the army—Questioned by the Court hath not sd Towner secreted &
                                furnished you with provision since you deserted Answer he told me where I could be secreted & he furnished me
                                with provisions.
                            John McCoy being sworn & Questioned by the Court hath not Doctr Towner told you he had a Majrs
                                Commission in the Brittish Army & would give you a Non Commissioned Officers berth if you would Inlist with
                                him—Answer Yes but whether it was a Commission or a Warrant for a Commission I dont recollect —Question
                                are not you a Deserter from the Brittish Army Answer Yes—Question hath not Doctr Towner ingaged to git you a pardon if
                                you would ingage with him and desert Answer Yes at sundry times—Question hath not Doctr Towner many times within the
                                space of one Year past  but more ispecially since you Engaged in the Continental Army Urged Advised & perswaded
                                you to Inlist in the Brittish Army & desert to them. Answer Yes and told me where to git horses to take to Long
                                Island one of which was to be taken from Lt Warner one from Elijha Hamblin & one from John
                                Bostwick—Question have not you deserted and he secreted & protected you knowing you to be a Deserter. Answer
                                yes—Question hath he not since you Deserted been contriving means to git you of either to Long Island or Canady Answer
                                Yes—Question hath he not since you deserted told you of a Number of persons that hath inlisted and signed Sir Henry
                                Clintons Proclimation. Answer Yes—fourteen but mentioned no names except Samll Smith who he said had the proclimation
                                & the mens Names and that sd Smith was to be his Lieut.—Question hath he ever informed you of his Conveying
                                one Rennolds to Long Island. Answer Yes.
                            Sd The witness further testifies that one of the Finches & Caleb Lobden came to
                                Lt David Smith & took Sd Towner away. Towner told me to go and stay at his house that night and he would be
                                back in the Morning & tel me some thing that would please me accordingly he came back & informed me he
                                had been a helping away Rennolds & Show’d me money which he said he had for doing it—Question hath not Doctr
                                Towner given you Counterfit Money. Answer Yes three forty shilling bills & two twentys sd Towner told me he
                                would not give the Money into my hands but put it out of the window where I took it and I passed one twenty Shilling
                                bill and tryed to pass a forty which would not pass & I then burnd the rest—Question to Hawley & McCoy
                                when was it that you Deserted. Answer April the twelvth—Questioned by the Prisoner did you ever see me have any
                                Commission Answer No—Question was I in Liquor at the times when I offered you to git you a pardon if you would desert.
                                Answer at some times you appeared to be in Liquor & some times I am Sertain you was not in Liquor—Question
                                hath not you & Joseph Hawley come to me at sundry times and told me you did intend to desert for you were
                                hardly Used. Answer Yes—Questioned by the Court did not sd Towner before you said anything to him
                                a bout deserting ask you if you intended to stay in our Army after such bad Usage Answer Yes & I told him I did
                                not intend to stay in the Army after such Usage—Questioned by the Prisoner what time was it that I asked you if you
                                intended to stay in the Army after such bad Usage Answer three or four days before I deserted—Questioned by the Court
                                did not Doctr Towner tell you that after he had setled his book Acts he would go to the Enemy with you. Answer yes.
                            Elisha Hamblin being sworn saith that Doctr Towner never told him he had a Commission or a Warrant for a
                                Commision but that he intended to cruse in the Sound & that two men had inlisted Jeremiah Platt & Samll
                                Smith—Questioned by the Court did you ever know of Doctr Towners enticing & perswading persons to go to the
                                Enemy Answer yes he hath urged me to go to the Enemy at sundry times—The Witness further says that Doctr Towner told
                                him he had Hawley & McCoy under his thumb by God and that they were in the woods & four other men
                                & if he would go and see them he would pay him for his day and that sd Towner at Abner Luises by a particular signal brought Hawley & McCoy to him from the woods—my self Wm Nichols & Joseph
                                Hawley being at Joseph Hawleys house sd Towner showed us several Proclimation, and said he had one at home worth all
                                of them sd Towner advised me to git one yok of  oxen and he would git two yock and go to Hors Neck where the oxen would
                                be taken and the Money sent back for the oxen to us.
                            Questioned by the Court did sd Towner tell you who he intended to cruse in the sound for Answer sd Towner
                                said he should Cruse in boats under the protection of Brittish Ships—Questioned by the Prisoner whose names were those
                                proclimations put out in Answer I dont know but supposd them to be from New York & have no doubt but they were
                                from New York.
                            Deacon Camp being sworn Questioned by the Prisoner what is the common report of the  Comeet of Joseph Hawley & McCoy respecting thier truth & Virasity Answer as for
                                Hawley I know nothing but he is a man of truth and of Caractor of McCoy I am not acquainted with.
                            Lt David Smiths Evidence. Questioned by the prisoner what is the common fame and Caractor of Joseph
                                Hawley with respect to his Truth & Verasity: Answer I know nothing but it is illegible on winsday or thursday before sd Towner was taken he  told me  that Elisha
                                Hamblin  told him Joseph Hawley & McCoy Samuel Smith & him Self was to be
                                taken up on  Saterday night & that Hawley & McCoy were upon some illegible then on fryday afternoon he told me they had beenat illegible and illegiblemade illegiblehe said he would suffer them to
                                come into his house but gave them a illegible of illegible & told them that they could git Vituals at  illegible and directed them a secret illegible that they must take to go to the place after they went from the house illegible& Hamblin followed them & went
                                to sd  Leillegible with illegible said they give them Vituals & Drink after they illegible some time
                                the sd Towner & Hamblin went illegible Joseph Hawley & McCoy in the Night to Hamblins house
                                     he then left them & told me that Hamblin was to conduct Hawley & McCoy over the
                                river the same day sd Towner  told me if I had not got some  cartillegibleagas that he wanted
                                to git  some hounds he told me the men he wanted to make  them which was that he had
                                two guns in his house and  was determined not to be taken for he was as old as the Devil—McCoy being again
                                called before the Court says that illegible ruby came from the Northward & laged at Mr illegible in the morning he came to Doctr Towners sd illegible & illegible went together, illegible uby returned in a bout ten days at which time I laged with illegible at Towners illegible next morning &  some days after Towner told me illegible suffear’d illegibleruby had been to New York & was then going to the Northward—the prisoner throws himself opon the Mercy of the Court—The Court after
                                Considering the charges & the Evidence for and against the prisoner are of the oppinion that he is Guilty and
                                do Sentence him to Suffer Death and more than two thirds of the court agreeing illegible

                                Ebenr Gray President

                     Enclosure

                                May 7th 1781

                            A Genll Court Martial Held by order of Major Genll Parson for the Tryal of such prisoners as shall be
                                brought before them Colo. Saml B. Webb President.
                            Capt. Comstok Capt. Converse Capt. Potter Lt Taylor Lt Gorham Lt Deforrest Capt. Hill Capt. Dustin Lt
                                Kimberly Lt Starr Lt Sanderson Ensn Cole.
                            Thomas Langley Collyer is Commited to Guard for Corrisponding and giving or attempting to give
                                inteligence to the Enemy—The Prisoner pleads Not Guilty to the Charge—I James Darby being sworn do testify that the
                                letter now before the Court Signd by the name of Thomas Langly Colleyer was found on me when taken & that sd
                                Colleyer gave me that letter to carry to Long Island & that Colleyer advised me in my present situation to go
                                to the Enemy & sd Colleyer desired me to cut out the name which I did & that I the sd Darby was
                                Verbally to inform Colo. Ludlow the same particulars Contained in the letter.
                            The Prisoner pleads in his defence that he never advised sd Darby to go to the Enemy  that he
                                wrote the letter onely in part that he never wrote to Colo. Ludlow before & said that he had no use in writing
                                the Letter—The Prisoner throws himself upon the Mercy of the Court.
                            The Court after Considering the Evidence and Circumstances are of opponion that the Prisoner is Guilty of
                                a Breach of the 19th Article 10th Section of the Articles of War—& do therefore Sentence him to Suffer Death more than two thirds of the Court Agreing therein.

                                Saml B. Webb Presdt

                     Enclosure

                                May 7th 1781

                            A Genll Court Martial held at Danbury by Order of Major Genll Parsons for the Tryal of such Pr-isoners as
                                shall be brought before the Colo. Gray President.
                            Members Capt. Comstock Capt. Converse Lieut. Patton Lt Taylor Lt Gorham Lt De Forrest Capt. Hill Capt.
                                Dustin Lieut. Kimberley Lt Starr Lt Sanderson Ensn Cole
                            The Court proceeded upon the Tryal of Bennet Beardsley upon the following Charges.
                            1st that he is Guilty of Inlisting & forewarding Recruits to the British Army.
                            2nd That he is guilty of harbouring & concealing Emesaries sent out by the Enemy for dangerous
                                purposes, and directing and aiding Disaffected persons in thier way to and from the Enemy.
                            3rd That he is an Agent of the Enemy within this state and imployed to forward dispatches of the Enemy to
                                and from Canady to New York and from time to time has concealed the Coming of such Dispatches & forwarded them
                                on thier Rout.
                            4th That in General he has been very active in supporting & forwarding the Measures of the Enemy
                                within this state & thereupon the sd Beardsley is and has for a long time been an Agent &  by the Enemy.

                                    I Jonas Birdsey do testify that in Jany or Febury  to the best  of my memory i saw two men taken now      they said was Willard & Parker from the state of Vermont at Beardsleys that I saw those
                                persons at sundry times at Beardsleys house where they remain’d a bout four  Days I was
                                supported by sd Beardsley that the two men  way & by information left thier  in
                                the Care of sd Beardsley—some days after sd Willard & Parker went a way I saw one Hains
                                Gerry Beeman from the State of Vermont at Beardsleys house. Sd Beardsley  my inquiring informed
                                me that sd Willard & Parker  for to purchase the land he had in the state of Vermont
                                my Nabours informed me that thier  was frequently   Men from the State of Vermont & Williams
                                Town at sd Beardsleys house & thier business was to all appearance of a Secret Nature & unknown.
                            Questioned by the Court hath not Beardsleys  favor been that he has for a long time
                                been very active in supporting & forwarding the measures of the Enemy within this state. Answer yes—I further
                                testify that some times in the corse of the winter past he heard sd Beardsley say that by the
                                Proclimation that any man that could  so many men he Could have Lieut. Colo.
                                Commission & by God he    rase double the Number and  according to the least of my  memery the Number was Seventy or Eighty men.
                            Questioned by the Court where was Beardsley the summer & fall of seventy seven Answer I
                                understood he was in Manchester with his family in the state of Vermont.
                            I Samuel Hurd being sworn do testify that I saw one willard from the state of Vermont at Beardsleys some
                                time the last of December sd Willard was down in the Country for four Weeks & was frequently at Beardsley
                                & I saw them riding together at sundry times he then went away & within a bout a Month  or six weeks Willard returned with sd Parker to Beardsleys house—Sd Willard & Parker Got thier
                                Cloaths done up under pretence of going to Boston to trade & after staying at Beardsleys about a Week they set
                                out from Beardsleys on horseback & Beardsley on foot to go to Fairfield they went throug the east part of
                                North Fairfield sd Beardsley was gon two or three days at which time he returned with Willards & Parkers
                                horses & lef them in keeping with Mr John Brister & Joseph Brister in New
                                a bout three Weeks after one Wm Drew and, one Holliband from the State of Vermont came to Beardsleys & as they
                                was going past my house to the Northward from Beardsleys he Drew appeared to be very shy & would not admit me
                                to come near enough to shake hands with.
                            I further testify that to appearances none of those persons that come to Beardsleys had
                                any apparent business or any business that was possibly known—Questioned by the Court was it not the Genll Oppinion
                                of the Inhabitants that those persons above mentioned from the state of Vermont that came to Beardsleys were upon
                                    some
                                place  in Combination with the Enemy. Answer: Yes & two of the
                                authority gave me a particular Charge to keep a good look out over that  the witness further says that a day after Mr Blackleach searched Mr Beardsleys house for 10  goods me if he had not had good friends sd Blackleach would have found a part of a bag of things which upon
                                informedi am sd Beardsley removed.
                            Questioned by the Prisoner had you any personal knowledge of my keeping any person secreted at my house. Answer No.James Man being sworn to testify that October inst the first of my living near Beardsley.Questioned by the Court hath not a Number of strangers frequented Beardsleys house from this State of
                                Vermont since Last December Answer one Willard & Parker & Drew returned a second timewith one Hollibend & a Saterday Night before sd Beardsley was taken one Fishlen Hollibend of Williams
                                Town came at Beardsleys house & the Night before sd Beardsley was taken thier was two strangers came to
                                Beardsleys & stayed that night—the sunday nights before Beardsley was taken he went away Southward towards the
                                Sea Side & the evening following he returned from the Northward—on Saturday night in Conversation with
                                Beardsley respecting the movements of the Enemy which was that the British had got into Virginia & that the
                                Enemy had come over the lake & that Genll Allyn had a Commission from the King of Great Brittan to be Govener of
                                the state of Vermont & had had it four more than six Months or that he would  arming of  sd Allyn
                                had such a Commission.
                            I Joseph Hurd being sworn do testify that sd Beardsly frequently declared he always had been a always ment to be a true friend to
                                King George &  he hoped the glorious day would arrive when the tories might triumph over the Rablls as much as
                                the Rebels had done over them & that he was sertain the day would come—not long before he was taken in
                                Conversation sd Beardsley asked me what I should think if he were to tell me thier were a packet Constantly going
                                through the Country from Long Island to Cannady and more than that he knew thier was a packet Constantly passing
                                & Repassing from Long Island through the state of Vermont & said he did not git his Knowledge from a
                                broad but had it at hand & that Genll Allyn had a Commission from the King to be Goviner of the state of Vermont
                                & that he had known it for more than six Months & that sd Allyn was to give up the state of Vermont to
                                the Brittish for his Commission & that sd Beardsley sayed he intended to burn  the town of Bennington but that
                                they had got a stronger protection than thier own strength that is they had got protection from
                                Canady which would prevent his Burning it sd Beardsley hath been prosicuted in the state of Vermont for his unfriendly
                                behavior & he run a way from that place & left a part of his interest. Goviner Clintton got offered a
                                reward to me if I would bring him back & said if I did he should not git a way again the Witness further says
                                that it is the Gena Correction of sd Beardsley that he hath for a long time bin Every active in
                                forwarding & assisting the Enemies of this state in thier scheams & plans. Beardsley said this spring
                                he had been the means of making Great many target & intended to make as many as he Could.
                            I Joseph Moss being sworn do testify that Bennit Beardsley rode up to my house as I was feeding a Couple
                                of fat hogs he asked me what I were a going to do with them at that time of the year I replyed I was a going to pay
                                taxes with them sd Beardsley then turnd his horse a bout and said that taxation & papery we
                                must fight against this hapened some time last Febury a few days after Beardsley came to my house a gain and showe’d me
                                a Staff & said it came from his friend & that we were a bringing in papery and
                                should be slaves and said he was one that was called a tory & he surely was one & was a true friend to
                                King Gorge & set a bout one minute & said smilling a friend to Gorge Washington.
                            I Michael Booth being sworn do testify that about the 20th of Febury I was at Beardsleys & he said
                                he had Communication to Long Island with the Brittish Army & hinted that he was promised a Commission in the
                                Brittish Army of a Lt Col.  & could have it any day—the 24th sd Beardsley told me
                                fully his plan and the Communication he kept to carry on the intelligence & to Inlist soldiers for the Brittish
                                Service & that he would intersept the actts & designs of yur Army as much as possible & that
                                he had supplied the Enemy with provision and was still Collecting provision for that purpose that he
                                had harboured & secreted large Numbers of men who were passing to & from the Enemy Constantly as spyes
                                to Carry Intelligence & said he then had in his house two men who he had Inlisted into
                                the Brittish services

                                 men I saw &
                                concillegiblesed with thier Names wereBillegible & Beardsley who told
                                im themselves they were inlisting sd Beardsley to serve in the Brittish Army and on about the 27th of the same Month
                                the two men  a bove mentioned with sixteen more were sent by Beardsley to go to Long Island They attempted to
                                cut out a Vessel but were prevented by the guards & one of the party was taken prissiner.
                                they attempted the vessel the second time and were again prevented the third time  thirteen of them susseded in getting
                                of which was in Capt. Barlowes Boat which Boat he said was sold to them &
                                Beardsley told me that before this he had ordered down others to Long Island part of which had been secreted in his
                                house & that Hains Gerry Beeman late of Colo. Warners Regt was in Confederacy with Beardsley & did act
                                as spys a Gainst Genll Gates in Beman & Beardsley told me themselves that Beardsley in Febury had
                                harboured & secreted a spy with dispatches from Sir Henry Clinton to the state of Vermont & on his
                                return to Sir Henry Clinton between the Eighth & Sixteenth of March & sd Beardsley said the dispaches
                                contained a free pardon for the whole state of Vermont & that the barer of the dispaches was one
                                Rose by name. Sd Beardsley said at a nother time he would tell me more respecting the matter
                                & said He had sent three hundred men to Long Island part of which were inlisted to serve in the Brittish Army
                                Sd Beardsley told me he received Brittish pay and showed me a sum of hard money which he said he had for his services
                                & that he kept up a line of Connection from New York to Canady & Beardsley further told me that
                                Willard & Parker went from his house to Long Island to git inteligence & that thier horses were left
                                in his Cair.
                            The Court after Considering the Evidence & the Circumstances are of opinion that the Prisoner is
                                Guilty and do sentence him to Suffer Death more than two thirds of the Court Agreing
                                therein.

                                 Ebenr Gray President


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 8 May 1781
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            War Office May 8th 1781

                        The Board have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th Ulto inclosing a Representation from
                            Genl Knox against breaking up the Post at Fishkill: These Reasons appear to be Sufficient to induce a Repeal of our Order
                            on that Subject & are very different from the Ideas we had of the Matter from Representations made to us; by which
                            it seemed to be evident that the Post, if kept up might be superintended by officers detached from the Army, both of the
                            Line & in the Department of Field Commissary, who it was Suggested would have been sufficient for the Purpose of a
                            temporary Laboratory or other Branch of the Military Stores Departments, without making it a Permanent Post &
                            keeping up a Train of Additional officers; & especially as the present Sett were not favorably Spoken of; Mr
                            Ruddock particularly being mentioned as very much addicted to Drink. By some Mistake it was neglected to write both to
                            your Excellency & Genl Knox on this Subject. We only meant to save Public Expence & get rid of useless
                            officers having no Idea of unnecessary Alterations. And as both your Excellency & General Knox are of Opinion that
                            the Post & its officers are necessary, we readily Agree that both should continue. We have the honor to be with
                            the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s very obedient Servts

                            Richard Peters
                            By order

                     Enclosure

                                At a Board of War May 7. 1781

                                    Present

                                    Mr Peters

                                    Col Grayson

                            His Excellency the Commander in chief having represented to the Board the necessity of continuing the
                                post and officers at Fishkill, which by a former Order of this Board was directed to be broken up as a fixed post and
                                the officer discharged.
                            Agreed.
                            That the former Order of this Board for delivery of the Military Stores at Fishkill to the Quarter Master
                                and for discharging from the Service Mr Ruddock, Commissary, and the officers—employed under him at that place be
                                updated, and the Post—be continued and the officers remain in the Service of the—United States, any former Order of
                                this Board to the Contrary notwithstanding.
                            Extract from the Minutes for Joseph Carleton Secy

                                Nn: Jones


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 8 May 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Newport, May the 8th 1781 10 P.M.

                        I this moment received a billet from the Consul of France at Boston in the following words "The frigate La Concorde is arrived at Boston; Sunday at night, after a passage of 42. days; The Commodore
                            De Barras is on board with the Viscount de Rochambeau" I expect they will arrive here to morrow and your Excellency may
                            well think that I wait for them with great impatience. I believe it will be necessary as soon as we have received our
                            Dispatches that we should have a conference with your Excellency; By the next express, I shall inform you of it. your
                            Excellency may, however fix upon the place for our meeting. The Commodore is above sixty years of age, a particular friend
                            of Count D’Estaing, he commanded his van-guard when he forced the entry of this harbour. I am with respect and personal
                            attachment, Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

                            le cte de Rochambeau

                            I beg of your Excellency to send a copy of this Letter, to the Chevalier De La Luzerne, if you have an
                                opportunity.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 8 May 1781
From: Stevens, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            Fish kill May 8th 1781

                        I would inform Your Excellency that Judge Wynkoop had procured Fifty four Barrels of Shad the 5th Instant
                            which I have ordered brought to Fish kill Landing and proportionably distributed amongst the Troops at New Windsor, West
                            Point &ca together with what Mr Morrell may have procured, except the sixteen Barrels that went to Albany.
                        I have no knowledge of Salt meat, Cattle or Rum being on the Way from the New England States, and in Case I
                            have no Returns from their Agents (which I wrote to by Your Excellency’s Direction, the 22d Ulto respecting Beef Cattle)
                            by tomorrow’s Post, I shall renew my Application by an Express, notwithstanding I am convinced they must have received my
                            former ones, soon after they were wrote, considering the Conveyance by which they were sent.
                        I inclose my weekly Return & have the Honor to be with due Respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient
                            Servant,

                            N. Stevens D.C.G.I.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 9 May 1781
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Chatham May 9th 1781

                        I have received your Excellency’s letter of the 1st Instt and shall do every thing in my power to comply
                            fully with the requisition contained in it, altho’ I have of late experienced much greater difficulty in gaining good
                            intelligence from the other side than formerly. I am in daily expectation of having an interview with the person mentioned
                            lately, when I have effected which, I hope to be able to communicate many interesting and important matters.
                        I have just received accounts that the British fleet consisting of ten ships of the line, and containing
                            between three & four thousand troops, sailed yesterday, but am not entirely satisfied with respect to their
                            destination—This comes from a person in whom I do not place the most implicit confidence, and I have my doubts whether
                            they have so great a number of ships or troops as he reports. I hope they have it not in their power to injure the French
                            at Rhode Island; should the fleet at that place be unguarded, I would suspect that there was their object. They have
                            industriously given out that they are going to Wilmington, which causes me to suspect that they are steering another
                            course.
                        I have now at this place prisoners of war Majr De Meibom & Ensign De Meibom of the Brunswick troops
                            who were lately taken from Long Island by a party of men from New Brunswick—As they had been lately released from a long
                            captivity are very desirous of going in upon parole and since Colonel Ogden & Capt. Dayton were indulged by the
                            enemy I should be much obliged to your Excellency to permit me to shew them the like indulgence.
                        Inclosed are the proceedings of a court martial upon Simon Kent a soldier in the first Jersey Regiment who is
                            a deserter and a great thief & who, I believe, justly deserves death; but as he is the son of a good whig who begs
                            that we would only spare his life, perhaps if your Excellency could order him on board a frigate, it might answer as good
                            a purpose as to execute him he is so great a villain that I am confident he never will be of any service in the army.
                        At the request of Colo. Stewart Comy General, a party was last week sent to guard the
                            stores at Sussex court house—The number of men now on detachment amounts to 494 from the two Regts
                            which makes it difficult to relieve our guards. If our men were relieved from Sidman’s &
                            Pompton it would strengthen us considerably. I am your Excellencys most Obedient & vry Hbl. Servant

                            Elias Dayton


Title: From George Washington to John Glover, 9 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 9th 1781

                        As some of the Recruits begin to arrive, & more may be daily expected, & as the season for
                            opening the Campaign is fast approaching; it behoves every Officer, particularly every one of high rank, to be with the
                            Troops of his Command at this Moment to organize, discipline, & prepare them for the field—I shall expect
                            therefore, that you will commence your return to the Army, as soon as it is possible to be done, after the receipt of this
                            Letter—I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Ebenezer Hazard, 9 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hazard, Ebenezer

                            SirHead Quarters New Windsor 9th May 1781

                        I have received your favor of the 24th of April. Immediately after the accident happened to the post in the
                            Clove, I changed the Route and he now travels by the way of Warwick to Morris Town, which is but a few Miles further
                            about, and upon a Road which is as safe as any in this part of the Country can be.
                        It would be impossible for me, was the occasion ever so urgent, to send escorts of Horse with the Mails as
                            you propose. In the first place, I have not the Horse, and if I had, I could not find them subsistence. It is with
                            difficulty I keep two orderly Dragoons at Head Quarters. I am sir Your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 9 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                        Dear sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 9th 1781

                        You will be pleased to proceed immediately to the several Eastern States, with the dispatches, addressed to
                            the Governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts Bay and the President of New Hampshire, on the subject of
                            supplies for the Army. The present critical and alarming situation of our Troops and Garrisons for the want of provision,
                            is (from the nature of your command) so perfectly known to you: and your personal influence with the New England States is
                            so considerable, that I could not hesitate to commit to you, a Negociation: on the success of
                            which, the very existance of the Army depends.
                        The great objects of your attention and mission are 1st an immediate supply of Beef Cattle. 2ndly the
                            transportation of all the salted provisions, in the western parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts and 3rdly the
                            establishment of a regular, systematic effectual Plan, for feeding
                            the Army through the Campaign. Unless the two former are effected, the Garrison of Fort Schuyler must inevitably, that of
                            West point may probably fall, and the whole Army be disbanded—without the latter, the same
                            perplexing wants, irregularities and distress, which we have so often experienced will incessantly occur, with eventual
                            far greater evils, if not final ruin.
                        With regard to the particular mode of obtaining, and transporting supplies, I will not presume to dictate—but
                            something must now be attempted on the spurr of the occasion—and I would suggest, whether it would not be expedient, for a
                            Committee from the several States (consisting of a few active sensible men) to meet at some convenient place, in order to
                            make out upon a uniform and great scale, all the arrangments respecting supplies and transportation for the Campaign—in
                            the mean time, to avoid the impending dissolution of the Army: the States must individually comply precisely with the
                            requisitions of the Quarter Master and Commissary upon them.
                        As the salted provision, which has been put up for the Public in the Eastern States, (except in the western
                            parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts) cannot at present be transported to the Army. You will obtain accurate official Returns of the quantity that has been procured in the respective States, at
                            what places and in whose charge it actually is—And if it should not all be collected and lodged in the Deposits that have
                            been pointed out: you will urge this immediately to be done, and that the provision should be repacked, stored and taken
                            care of, in such a manner as to prevent the hazard of its being tainted or lost by the approaching hot season.
                        I omit entering into the detail of particulars, which it may be necessary to state to the respective
                            Executives (or Legislatures, if sitting) to enforce the present requisition: because you are as well acquainted with the
                            circumstances of our distress, the prospects before us, and the only resources from whence we can derive relief, as it is
                            possible for you to be—Previous to your departure, you will obtain from the Quarter Master General and Commissary with the
                            army the proper Estimates of supplies and transportation to be required of the several States, together with all the light
                            and information, concerning their Departments, which may be requisite to transact the business committed to you.
                        After having delivered the Dispatches with which you are charged, and made such farther representation as you
                            may judge necessary: You will not cease your applications and importunities, untill you are informed officially whether
                            effectual measures are or will be taken to prevent the Army from starving and disbanding—what supplies in general and
                            particularly of Beef Cattle may certainly be depended upon, to be delivered at fixed regular
                            periods (monthly, or weekly) at the Army during the whole Campaign. When you shall have seen this business put upon the
                            surest footing, and in the best train of execution (which you will endeavour to have effected as early as possible) you
                            will be pleased to report to me without delay, the success of your proceedings.
                        I heartily wish you success and a pleasant Journey: And am Dear sir, With great esteem Yr Obedient and most
                            Humble servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I wish attention may be paid, to learn what quantity of Rum is in Store at what Places, &
                                in what manner it may be forwarded—In transportation, the arrangement should be made with the States, so as to have
                                the Articles brought entirely thro to the Army without having them stoped on the Road—You will also be pleased to urge
                                the forwarding of the summer Cloathing.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to François-Louis-Arthur Thibaut, comte de Ménonville, 9 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Ménonville, François-Louis-Arthur Thibaut, comte de

                            New Windsor 9th May 1781

                        As there is a great deficiency of such kind of artillery as Colo. Menonville applies for, at
                            the disposal of General Washington, he has it not in his power to do more, than to communicate the
                            wishes of His Excell’y Count de Rochambeau (as they are expressed by Colo. Menonville) to Congress; from
                            where he is perswaded Eight or ten pieces of the cannon said to be imported for the 70 Gun ship at Portsmouth may be had if
                            they are actually arrived & Congress should despair of fitting that Vessel for Sea—In the mean time, it lies with
                            the Count de Rochambeau (if he wishes to avoid delay) to make application to an individual state for
                            the number of Guns he may want for the defences of Rhode Island; & as far as it is in General
                            Washingtons power to facilitate the loan of them, he will tho’ candor obliges him to add, that sometime ago he made an
                            ineffectual application himself to the State of Massachusetts for some of the Guns belonging to the Somerset Man of War
                            (which stranded on Cape Cod) when they were much wanted to render the Post at Westpoint more defensible.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 May 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh May 9. 1781.

                        I have just received from Colo. Hughes a letter of which the inclosed is an extract. Mr Pomeroy (the bearer
                            of it, brother to the D.Q.M.) informs me that the towns who were called on early in March to send forward their salted
                            meat, got themselves excused by the government, under pretence that the roads were impassable, promising to turn out when
                            the roads were good. But when called upon, the beginning of April, for this purpose, they said they had no forage; and
                            that excuse continues; so that even the offer of payment is unavailing. Yet probably none of these people are without corn
                            and oats, which with the grass would well support their teams.
                        There seems to be no alternative (and such people deserve no other) than to send one party to the towns
                            toward the sound, and another from Colo. Hazens regt to the towns eastward of Fishkill. Lists of those towns are inclosed.
                            The average distance from Fishkill of the towns towards the sound is I believe from 60 to 70. miles—The others about 40 to
                            50.—Mr Pomeroy will either return with a guard to the towns toward the sound, or precede the guard, & advertise
                            the selectmen of their coming; which may perhaps sooner put them in motion—One of Colo. Hughes’s
                            people may proceed with the guard from Fishkill.
                        The foregoing thoughts have occurred to me, & I beg leave to submit them to your Excellency’s
                            determination—Mr Pomeroy says the selectmen promised to send forward or start their provisions by the middle of next
                            week: but this will be as the people please. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most
                            obedt servt

                            T. Pickering Q.M.G.

                            Towards the SoundNorth eastward or back of FishkillStanford16 BarrelsNew Millford72 BarrelsNorwalk80 doNewfairfield38 dittoFairfield70 doWashington40 dittoStratford271 doLitchfield108 dittoNew Haven300Torrington56 dittoWoodbury142Harwinton30 dittoOn hand May 8, 1781879Cornwall30 dittoKent43 dittoNew Town89 doSharon30 dittoRidgefield (say)50 doSalisbury46 dittoReading (say)20 doCanaan38 dittoTotal1038Norfolk18 dittoNew Hartford55 dittoGoshn56 dittoTotal660On hand in March last, part forwarded but great part behind.

                     Enclosure

                                    8 May 1781

                            Extract of a letter from Colo. Hughes dated at Danbury Conn. 8 May 1781
                            "Here I have been ever since Sunday morning” (unless whilst I went to Reading to see Genl Parsons) begging
                                and intreating of these callow W—s to turn out their teams, but to no purpose neither for pay nor civil impress,
                                till I sent out the Bayonet which has just now got them to loading that is a few I am in hopes that the whole of what
                                is here will move on to morrow which is 160 Barrels—Capt. Clarke will give them pay table notes for the
                                transportation—I have ordered them to Fishkill landing as there was not a sufficient guard to go to Peekskill neither
                                could they be collected so as to go in Brigades for want of forage here and on the road.
                            Mr Pomeroy the bearer of this has met with the same difficulty in other towns as I have here, on which
                                account I have advised him to apply for a party at Head quarters, as General Parsons has not more force than is
                                absolutely requisite for other purposes.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Stewart, 9 May 1781
From: Stewart, Charles
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New Windsor 9th May 1781

                        On examining the state of the Magazines here I find that unless the most strenuous exertions are made to
                            collect and forward to Camp the supplies mentioned in Mr Stevens’s report to your Excellency of the 24th of April last the
                            Army must be greatly distressed in a few days—There is not more than two days supply on hand and the only prospect of
                            present releif is from the Western Towns in the State of Connecticut as there is not a Barrel of meat in any of the
                            magazines in the State of Jersey.
                        To support the Army after this month it will require five thousand pounds of fresh
                            Beef per day from each of the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts Bay—Two thousand from New
                            Hampshire and one thousand from Rhode Island during the month of June—and seven thousand pounds ⅌ day from the State of Massachusetts Bay—four thousand from
                            Connecticut four thousand from New Hampshire and two thousand from Rhode Island during the month of July, and the like quantity at
                            least to be continued during the Campaign. The regular delivery of fat Cattle agreeably to the foregoing Estimate will
                            require the particular attention of the respective State Agents, and I am of opinion that sending on the Cattle in droves
                            weekly from each State to Camp would be most eligible and the surest way to support the Troops. I am with the greatest
                            Respect Your Excellency’s most obt servt

                            Charles Stewart Commy Genl Issues


Title: To George Washington from Zebulon Butler, 10 May 1781
From: Butler, Zebulon
To: Washington, George

                        May it Please your Excellency

                            Camp Highlands 10. May 1781

                        Agreeabel to your Request I Send Inclosed A Return of the men of Capt. Spauldings Company Left at Wyoming
                            with the number of Weomen and Children belonging to their Families as to their Circumstances I can only Say they Live in
                            Hutts nigh the Fort and no Dependance for Subsistance only the Mans Labour the men have ben in Service near five years and
                            would Wish to be Discharged. I am your Excellencies Most Obt Humble Servt

                            Zebn Butler

                            A Return of Souldiers Left at Wyoming Belonging to Capt.
                             Spauldings Company and their Familys—May 10. 1781

                                Mens Names No. Women No. Children

                             Serj. Thos Neal F. Masted 1 1
                             Serj. Fradrick Eveland 1 5
                             Serj. John Ryon 1 4
                             Corpl Benja. Cole 1 3
                             Nathl Willms 1 1
                             Richard Woodcock 1 5
                             Moses Brown 1 3
                             Asael Burnham 1 6
                             Isaac Benjamin 1 1
                             John Platner 1 4
                             Nathl Evens  1 5

                             11 38


Title: To George Washington from Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 10 May 1781
From: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur
                                A Newport Le 10 Mai 1781

                            Votre Excellênce sera informée incessament par M. Le Comte De Barras lui même, de sa nomination au
                                commandement de L’Escadre du Roi, et de son arrivée a Boston. Le soin de deffendre les côtes d’Amerique ne pouvoit
                                être confié a un officier plus distingué, et je m’honorerai de conduire sous lui l’avant garde des
                                mêmes forces, dont Jai eû precedement le commandement en chef. J’ose croire que le tems pendant le quel elles ont ete
                                    sous ma direction ne sera pas regardé comme tout a fait perdû, pour L’avantage de la cause
                                commune. ce sera toujours L’Epoque la plus precieuse de ma vie par les temoignages honorables d’approbation que le
                                congrés des Etats unis, et votre Excellence ont bien voulû donner a mon zele.
                            Je suis avec respect, Monsieur de Votre Excellênce Le Tres humble et Tres obeissant Serviteur

                                Destouches

                        TranslationSirNewport 10th May 1781.
                            Your Excellency will be informed by the Count de Barras himself of his appointment to the Command of the
                                Squadron of the King and of his arrival at Boston. The care of defending the Coasts of America cannot be intrusted to
                                a more distinguished Officer, and I shall have the honor to conduct under him the Advance Guard of the same forces of
                                which I just before had the Command in Chief. I dare beleive that the time while they were under my direction will not
                                be looked upon as mispent in the common cause. It will always be esteemed the most valuable Epoch of my life, on
                                account of the honorable Testimonies of approbation which the Congress of the U. S. and your Excellency have been
                                pleased to bestow upon my Zeal. I am with Respect yrs &a

                                des Touche.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 10th 1781

                        Under the present circumstances of transportation from Connecticut, I should advise, that Mr Pomeroy should
                            be sent immediately back to the several Towns, to announce the distresses of the Army for the want of that provision, the
                            certainty of payment for the transportation, and the approach of a military force to carry into execution the impress of
                            the Civil Majestrate—While this is doing, the Parties from Danbury & Hazens Regt may be detached (to be employed
                            in the manner you propose) for that purpose.
                        It will be best to use great prudence in the execution of this business, which has become indispensably
                            necessary, and to send to the nearest Towns first—before this measure can have its operation in the remoter parts, I hope
                            Government will take the matter up with energy; in consequence of the representation of Major Gen. Heath, who sets out
                            tomorrow for the Eastern States, to settle with them the Arrangement of transportation & supplies for the
                            Campaign. He will require all the information that may be necessary from Your Department & that of the Commissy,
                            on these subjects, previous to his Journey. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh May 10. 1781.

                        I am informed that about 60 barrels of shad came down yesterday from Esopus. As this article of provisions is
                            for an immediate supply, I beg leave to suggest the expediency of bringing down daily all that are caught. Two or three
                            pettiaugers may be employed in this service; and with the wind as it is to day, they may run from Esopus to West Point in
                            five or six hours; and if the wind be adverse, they can get down in two tides. If this mode be adopted, the immense
                            expence of salt & barrels, & the great loss of time in putting up the shad will be saved. If three
                            quarters of a bushel of salt be allowed for salting one barrel of shad, then the salt for the 60 barrels already brought
                            down was worth 270 hard dollars, for it sells currently at six hard dollars a bushel, & will probably grow dearer
                            soon. Should 600 barrels be caught during the season, the salt thus consumed will be worth 2700 hard dollars. To this are
                            to be added the price of half the bbls (for probably half will be lost) 300 dollars, and the price of packing, of the cost
                            of which I am ignorant, but it will be considerable. But in the way here proposed all these expences will be saved
                            & the troops receive daily an agreeable supply of fresh provisions, as a change with
                            their salt meat.
                        I cannot account for my not hearing from Mr Anderson A.D.Q.M. at Sussex Court House relative to the
                            transportation of flour. I am just sending off two officers of my department to hire, & if the offer of pay fails
                            to impress, teams to bring forward any flour that may have arrived at Warwick since the last impress;
                            and all the provisions from Ringwood, where, by Mr Stevens’s return recd last evening, there appears to be 90 barrels of
                            beef, of which I never heard before. The officers I now send will have orders to use military coercion
                            conditionally, agreeable to your Excellencys directions of the 25th ulto. I have the honour to be very respectfully your
                            Excellency’s most obedt servt

                            T. Pickering Q.M.G.


Title: From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 10 May 1781
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dear SirHead Quarters 10th May 1781

                        His Excellency very much approves your plan of bringing down the shad daily—only taking care to give each
                            Cargo as much salt as will secure them against a passage longer than the common calculation.
                        The Magazine at West point is in a more deplorable condition for want of a covering of Boards. The last Storm
                            has damaged the Ammunition considerably and now the Water has found its way in, very little Rain will be hurtful. It will
                            take about 200 Boards to cover the Magazine. If they cannot be procured by any other means the General will grant an
                            impress. You will be pleased to see as soon as possible what can be done in it. I am Yr most obt Servt

                            Tench Tilghman A.D.C.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 10 May 1781
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia May 10th 1781

                        I do myself the honor to enclose you an Act of the United States, appointing Thomas Hutchins Geographer to
                            the southern Army with the same pay and emoluments as are allowed to the Geographer to the main army.
                        Mr Hutchins is a native of New Jersey and was many years in the English service where he held the rank of
                            Captain and Engineer; But having suffered considerably for his attachment to the American Cause he, in the begining of the
                            last year made his escape from England & got to France; from whence he brought a letter from
                            Doctr Franklin stating his sufferings & recommending him to the favorable notice of Congress as a good Officer and
                            excellent Engineer.
                        Mr Hutchins is desirous of knowing the pay & emoluments allowed to the Geographer to the main army,
                            and as I do not recollect any resolution of Congress fixing them I take the liberty of applying to you and should be much
                            obliged for information on the subject. I am with great respect Sir Your most obedient and most humble
                            servt

                            Chas Thomson


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 10 May 1781
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            sir
                            Hartford 10th May 1781

                        In my Letter of 27th ulto I was obliged to leave Your Excellency undecided on the Proposal you was pleased to
                            make me in yours of the 16th.
                        I have now the Honor to inform that I have determined to accept the Offer—provided your Excellency can
                            dispence with a Delay which unavoidable Appointments of Public Business will occasion—these Appointments, made previous to
                            your Excellencys Call with the necessary Preperations for joining—will take my Time to the first Part of June—If this
                            Delay is admissible your Excellency will be so good as to inform me, & in the Mean Time I shall be takg my
                            Arrangements to attend your Commands as early as possible. With every Sentiment of Respect—I have the Honor to be Your
                            Excellencys most Obedient & Obliged humble Servant

                            Jona. Trumbull Junr


Title: General Orders, 11 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Friday May 11th 1781
                            Parole.
                            Countersigns.

                        The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to make the following Appointment.
                        By the United States in Congress Assembled March 3d 1781
                        Ordered
                        That doctor James Craik chief hospital physician and surgeon be and he is hereby appointed Chief physician
                            and surgeon of the Army in the room of doctor J Cochran elected Director of the Hospital.
                        The Companies of Light Infantry with Major General the Marquis de la Fayette are to be completed from their
                            respective regiments so far as the deficiencies are known.
                        The men formerly belonging to these companies (who were absent when they marched) or others of a similar
                            description to be sent, on this service. these men to be marched under the direction of the officers who are going to join
                            the Light Infantry.
                        The Quarter Master General will apply for such fatigue parties as are necessary to repair the road to Sussex
                            Courthouse.
                        At a General Court Martial whereof Lieutenant Colonel De Hart was president, held in the Jersey Camp the 2d
                            of May 1781 Simon Kent soldier in the first Jersey regiment was tried for repeated Desertion found Guilty and sentenced to
                            suffer Death.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence but in consequence of the recommendation of Colonel Dayton is
                            pleased to pardon the Criminal and to direct that he be transferred to one of the Continental Ships of War at
                            Philadelphia.


Title: To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 11 May 1781
From: Barras, Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur
                                Newport. Le 11 May 1781.

                            J’ay L’honneur de faire part a votre excélence de m’on arrivée a Boston le six de Ce mois sur la fregatte
                                la Concorde Le Roy m’ayant Destiné au Commandement de son éscadre et forces navales dans Ces mers.
                            je me suis rendu hier icy, monsieur Le Comte de Rochambeau m’a communiqué la lettre
                                qu’il à l’honneur d’écrire a votre excélence pour lui demander une Entrevüe dés qu’il recevra votre reponse nous nous
                                Comformerons a ce que vous lui manderz, et suis Tres empressé d’avoir l’honneur de faire
                                connoissance avec vous et de vous assurer que Je n’ay rien tant a Coeur que de me rendre utille au Service du Roy et a
                                Celui des Etats unis de L’amerique ses alliés.
                            Je Suis avec Respect Monsieur de Votre excélence Le Tres humble et tres obeissant
                                serviteur

                                Barras

                        TranslationSirNewport 11th May 1781.
                            I have the honor to announce to your Excellency my arrival at Boston the 6th of this month on the Frigate
                                Concord. The King having appointed me to the command of his Squadron and Naval forces in these Seas.
                            I arrived here yesterday. The Count de Rochambeau has communicated to me the letter which he had the
                                honor to write to your Excellency requesting an interview. When he shall receive your answer, we will conform to what
                                you Shall direct.
                            I am very impatient to have the honor of making an acquaintance with you and to assure you that I have
                                nothing so much at heart as to render service to the King and to the United States. I am &a

                                Barras.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 11 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 11th May 1781

                        I last night recd your favr of the 9th. The intelligence you communicate is interesting and what you will be
                            pleased either to confirm or contradict as speedily as possible and with as much precision as you can as to the number of
                            ships of War—Troops and destination—The number of ships of the line mentioned by your informant must be false except the
                            enemy have received a reinforcement.
                        I have given orders to the Commy of prisoners to permit Majr and Ensign de Meibom to return to New York upon
                            parole.
                        Upon your recommendation I have pardonned Kent and have directed him to be transferred to one of the
                            Continental ships of War as you desire.
                        It is ever disagreeable to me to detach Corps if it can be avoided, but from the nature of our service so
                            many small posts and Guards are necessary that the evil must be submitted to. The Adjt Genl makes weekly complaints to me
                            that he cannot obtain a return of your line, which must be owing to the neglect of the commanding officer. If your health
                            does not permit you to attend to this matter yourself, you will make a point with the next in command to have the returns
                            regularly forwarded upon pain of being called to a disagreeable account for a non compliance.
                        You will be pleased to have Mr Adam the Dy Commy of prisoners arrested and brought to trial at Morris Town
                            upon the following Charges.
                        1st For receiving from Isaac Frazee a Gratuity for promoting the Exchange of his Brother John Frazee.
                        2d For purchasing or being concerned in conveying from persons within the Enemy’s lines British
                            Goods—contrary to the Laws of the State of New Jersey and against the spirit of repeated General Orders.
                        Mr Isaac Frazee must be summoned to support the 1st Charge and Mr Matthias Halstead the 2d. I am Dear Sir yr
                            most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Durie, 11 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Durie, Thomas

                        Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 11th May 1781.

                        I have given orders to have Mr Adam the Dy Commy of Prisoner’s at Elizabeth Town arrested and brought to
                            trial upon some charges of mal conduct which have been exhibited against him to Congress. You will therefore proceed to
                            Elizabeth Town and remain there untill the matter shall be determined, or untill Mr skinners return from Philada. You will
                            permit Major de Meibom and Ensign de Meibom who are at Chatham to return to New York upon parole, till exchanged or called
                            for.
                        You will be pleased to take care of the letters for Genl Robertson—Genl Reidesel and Colo. Dayton. The two
                            first you will send by a Flag. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 11 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                        Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 11th 1781

                        I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency, the Extract of a Letter from Col. Dayton, which is just
                            received—As this is the first Information, I thought proper to communicate it, altho, from the
                            circumstances of the Wind & Weather at the time the fleet is said to have sailed as well as from the number of
                            Ships of the Line (of which there were not so many at New York,) and strength of the Detachment it does not carry the
                            strongest marks of credibility—if founded on fact, it will undoubtedly be soon confirmed, thro’ other Channels, of which I
                            shall not fail to advise Congress. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Sir Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I have recd your Excellencys favor of the first Inst. proper steps have been taken to bring Mr
                                Adam the Dep. Com. of Prisoners to account.


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Adolph von Riedesel, 11 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Riedesel, Friedrich Adolph von

                        Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 11th May 1781

                        I have been honored with your favor of April without particular date. You must either have been misinformed
                            as to the letters which passed from General Phillips to me of the 23d of December and from me to Sir Henry Clinton on the
                            25th of January in answer or you must have misunderstood them. I therefore inclose you Copies of them. You will observe
                            that I acceded only to the exchanges of the British officers particularly named in General Phillips’s letter. I refused his
                            proposal of permitting an indeterminate number of British or German Officers to be sent to New York, at the discretion of
                            Brigr Genl Hamilton.
                        Some time after, proposals for a further exchange bearing date the 3d of March, and in which are included the
                            German Officers whose names you mention, were communicated to me by my Commissary General of prisoners, to which I did not
                            think proper to accede, as I conceived the Exchange of Lieutenant General Burgoyne was unreasonably delayed. My answer and
                            instructions upon this head have been communicated at large to Mr Loring by Mr Skinner.
                        Were I inclined to partiality in favor of the British Officers, I have it not in my power, to exercise it, as
                            the choice of the objects of Exchange does not lie with me.
                        At your particular request, I have given orders to have Major and Ensign de Meibom sent into New York upon
                            parole. I have the honor to be with due Respect Sir Your most obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 11 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor 11th May 1781

                        I have this instant received a Letter from Colo. Dayton, (an officer of intelligence in the American army,
                            near Elizabeth town) which contain the inclosed paragraph.
                        His informant must, I conceive, have magnified the enemy’s force, both in ships of the line, and in the
                            strength of the detachment—nor do I conceive that the fleet could have sailed on the 8th, as he mentions, on account of
                            the wind & weather—Still less am I disposed to believe, that New port is the object of this armament—but as
                            intelligence through another channel pointed to that Epoch for the sailing of the Fleet, I have not delayed a moment in
                            giving the information, as I received it—& shall thank your Excellency for handing it to the Admiral. With great
                            esteem and respect, and much personal attachment. I have the honor to be yr Excellency’s most Obt & Hble Serv.

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 5th & 7th.

                            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 11 May 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport May 11th 1781

                        My son is arrived the day before Yesterday, and Commodore De Barras yesternight. I have decyphered my
                            dispatches and the Commodore’s orders were not to open his, till the 15th of May, at his arrival in rhode island. But I
                            have seen enough by mine to perceive that it is indispensable that we should have a conference with your Excellency as
                            soon as possible. I wait for your answer to my first Letter, that I may know the place and the time fixed by your
                            Excellency. I have the honor to repeat that I believe, the soonest will be best. We must not hope for the Chr De La
                            Luzerne, tho’ I think it would be very usefull, but I shall bring the Chr De Chatellus. I am with respect and personal
                            attachment, Sir, your Excellency’s Most obedient Most humble servant

                            le cte de rochambeau

                            P.S. I beg of your Excellency to forward to the Ch. de La Luzerne, with speed, the inclosed Letter.


Title: From George Washington to John Sullivan, 11 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

                            Dear Sir,
                            New Windsor 11th May 1781

                        Not Having seen, or heard, of any resolve of Congress for establishing the principles of promotion in the
                            army, I am apprehensive that the Report of the Committee who had this matter under consideration is now sleeping in
                                Congress. this, & a recent instance in the Pensylvania Regiment of Artillery, in proof of
                            the absolute necessity of adopting some mode by which the whole Army may be
                            bound and a stop thereby be put to those disputes which keep it in a continual state of destraction
                            & discontent, are the reasons for my troubling you again on this subject & praying, that some decision may
                            be come to by Congress. It is much easier to avoid disagreements than to remove discontts—and I again declare, that If my
                            differing in sentiment from the opins. of the Comee on some points has been the occasion of delay; I would, rather than
                            have the matter lie over a moment, yield a free assent to all their propositions; for any principle is better than none. I
                            also wish, though this is more a matter of private than public consideration that the business could be taken up on acct
                            of Mr Tilghman, whose appt seems to depd upon it for if there are men in the army deserving the Comn proposed for him, he
                            is one of them—This Gentn came out a Captn of one of the light Infy Companies of Phi. and served in the flying Camp in
                            1776—In August of the same year he joined my family & has been in every action in which the main army was
                            concerned—He has been a zealous servant & slave to the public, & a faithful assistant to me for near five
                            years, great part of which time he refused to receive pay. Honor & gratitude, Interests me in his favor, &
                            makes me sollicitous to obtain his Commission. His modesty & love of concord, placed the date of his expected Comn
                            at the first of April 1777, because he would not take rank of Hamilton & Mead, who were declared aids in Orders
                            (which he did not choose to be) before that period, altho he had joined my family and did all the duties of one from the
                            first of Septr preceeding.
                        My public letters to Congress will have informed you of the situation of the army, and I have no scruple in
                            giving it as my decided opn that unless capital change takes place soon it will be impossible for me to maintain our
                            Posts, & keep the army from dispersing.
                        The Resolution of Congress to appoint Ministers of—war—foreign affairs—& finance—gave, as far as I
                            was able to learn the Sentiments of men in and out of the army universal satisfaction. Postponing of the 1st, delaying the
                            2d, & disagreeing about the 3d—has had the direct contrary effect and I can venture to assure you, not from random
                            guess, or vague information, that the want of an able financier & a proper plan for the dispositions of foreign
                            loans will be a greater bar to the obtaining them, than perhaps Congress are aware of. I could say more on this subject
                            were I at liberty—but I shall only add that there is not, in my opinion a moment to be lost in placing such a character as
                            the world conceives an opinion of, at the head of your finances that he may, as soon as possible, enter upon the duties of
                            his office. I am; with very great esteem & regard—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Warren, 11 May 1781
From: Warren, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            Sir

                                11 May 1781

                        I am compell’d from the distressed Sittuation of my family to solicit of Your Excellency a discharge from the
                            Service; It is with reluctance I quit a Service in which I have been deeply engagd in at the risque of life from the
                            Commencment Of hostilities; It has been the heigth of my ambition at all times to discharge the trust reposed in me with
                            fidelity. & nothing but the tender calls of a Helpless family could have inducd me at this time to make the request
                            I have done. I am Yr Excellencys most humble & devoted Servant

                            Benjamin Warren


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Booth, 12 May 1781
From: Booth, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            Stratford in Connecticut May 12th 1781

                        To his Excellency General Washington
                        After serveing my Country six years in the glorious cause of Liberty, am at length Reduced to the Necessity
                            of Solissiting your Excellencies permission to Retire, a distressed family now calls me from the field. Being almost
                            destitute of any the Necessaries of Life to support them, by Reason of sickness which they have experienced all the last
                            Campaign and is still continuing upon them, so that it calls upon me by every seacred tie of humanity to Releive their
                                distressess as much as lyes in my power which I Cannot do whilst in service, as I am greatly
                            Reducd by the continuance of the war so that I am not able to furnish myself with cloathing & Other Necessaries
                            that are decent and needfull whilst in service Neither can I do it without my pay which is Remaining due Being destitute
                            of Parants to give me or my family any Assistance I have also devoted up the best part of my days with Cheerfulness, in
                            the service of my Country, which has very much hurt my constitution and much deminished my private intrest.
                        Under those distressing Circumstances which I have mentioned I have the greatest Reason to think your
                            Excellency will be pleased to grant me permission to Retire from service.
                        I wish your Excellency and Army under your Command and all our Allies every possible success in the several
                            departments which they Command, and hope soon to see Amarican independance established To her upon such lasting
                            foundations that no power can destroy. I am with every Respect your Excellencies most Obedient and
                            Hume Servt

                            Nathl Booth Ensn
                            3d Connct Regt


Title: To George Washington from Armand-Charles-Augustin de La Croix, duc de Castries, 12 May 1781
From: Castries, Armand-Charles-Augustin de La Croix, duc de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            to New-port 12 May 1781

                        I take the liberty to recommand to your excellency’s care the inclosd letters. they are of the utmost
                            importance for the public & the Marquis in particular; I beg your excellency would be pleas’d to forward them to
                            chevalier de la Luzerne, by a very safe opportunity: if there was at head quarter’s any of the marquis servants, I think
                            it would be safer & quicker, to sent him to philadelphia, if there is not one, I would be much oblig’d to your
                            excellency, for sending those dispatches by an other express to chevalier de la Luzerne who will forward them to the
                            Marquis.
                        I have the honour of sending to your excellency, portsmouth map, which you desir’d, I want to make an
                            apologie for the delay. I am with great respect your excellency’s the most obedient humble Servant.

                            Castries de Charlus.


Title: To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 12 May 1781
From: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            dear general
                            Newport May 12 1781

                        your excellency is persuaded I hope, that I cannot forget any word
                            that was dropt from your mouth. I know very well how you labour under the scarcity of provisions, and it was on that
                            account that I was the first to propose that colonel Menonville might be directed your excellency, previous to any
                            aplication to congress. I was sensible that every aplication of that kind should rather  your
                            measure than promote ours. this shall be avoided by the message of the colonel, who shall act only by
                            your directions—he is full of gratitude for your good and kind reception, and of admiration for your person.
                        as my zeal for your country and my attachment for your excellency knows no limits, I hazard, dear general, a
                            step that may be conceived as a transgression, acting but an under part in the french armie. but I rely on the secrecy of
                            your excellency, as one of his numerous virtues. I determine accordingly to acquaint you with the news that I have got by
                            private letters, which deserve as much confidence as the very dispatches of the country the convoy that
                            we expect will carry but a very indifferent reinforcement; and rather recruits than reinforcements but the deficiency in
                            troops is made up by a considerable assistance in money to be aplied only to the support of your armie. a large fleet of
                            26 ships of the line sailed from brest, march 22, bound for west indies.  ship will seperate from
                            the fleet and make their way to east indies under commander  6 ships of the
                            line were ready to sail with
                            , their destination unknown. upon the large fleet seven or eight thousand land forces are
                            embarked, but the greatest part recruits and only one batallion of  of
                            thousand men and the new levies Regiment of  at 1500.
                        a conferience with your excellency is on foot. I will follow the
                            at hartford, and I wish that this conferience be more  to the publick wellfare
                            than the last. I should be glad to have some private conversation with your excellency; but we must avoid giving
                                suspicion of a peculiar impression. I foresee that your excellency shall
                                find a great inclination to march on north river, and a great dislike for advancing any further and
                            particularly beyond the bay. I speak of men that you know. the admiral is a good plain dealing
                            gentleman who shall rise no dificulty.
                        I entreat your excellency to burn this letter that I write in a hurry and to excuse my bad
                            style. I have the honor to be dear general your most humble and obedient servant

                            le che. de chastellux

                            dont you think that newport should be preserved by a small body of french troops
                                    assisted by the militia? I think that the last  should not do. this is
                                a point that is to be  at hartford.