Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 28 December 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Middle brook [N.J.] Decer 28: 1778

I had the honor of Writing to your Excellency the 25th. I sent the letter to McHenry to forward. there is Nothing New in this Quarter; the Severity of the Weather seems to have Stoped the Chanels of Intelligence. The distress of the Army for want of forrage had Come to the last Extremity, indeed the very existance of it depended on an immediate relief, and however disagreable the Measure, Necessity has Obliged me to grant a Warrant to impress forrage from farmers round us, for a temporary releif untill some Can be brought in from a greater distance. I have wrote fully on this Subject to General Greene, who is fully Sensible of the Measure, but unless other Measure’s are taken to get in Indian Corn from those Counties remarkable for growing it the distress will soon be greater than ever, and without remedy, we shall have no such rescource to go to. Monmouth, Burlington, & Glouster Counties yeild Abundance of that Grain and the farmers I am perswaded might be induced to bring it in were they properly Applyed to.
The Hutting has gone on as well as the weather would Admit of and although it has been Cold in Extreme the Army is in great health and good Spirits.
Lady Stirling Joins in her best respects to your Excellency & Mrs Washington with your Excellencys Most Obt Humble Servt

    Stirling,

No papers from New York Since those sent on the 25th. I wish your Excellency would be so good as to order two or three sets of the Philadelphia papers to be sent forward I shall not be Able otherwise to get the New York papers.


Title: General Orders, 29 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J., Tuesday] December 29th [17]78.
    Parole Cato—C. Signs Camden Campbell—

All officers, intitled to keep horses, who will send them to a distance from camp, where they may have a better supply of Forage than in Camp shall have the expence paid by the Forage Master General.
The many positive orders relative to the preservation of the Inhabitants’ fences and Property renders it painful to the Commander in Chief at this Post to repeat them; but the frequent complaints which are daily exhibited to him of the wanton destruction of inclosures, made by the soldiers, compells him to urge officers of all ranks to search out and bring to severe and immediate punishment every soldier who shall presume to burn or otherwise destroy rails or any part of the Farmers inclosures—Honor and Humanity dictate that we should carefully preserve the property of our fellow Citizens.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

    Dr sir
    Philadelphia Decr the 29th 1778

I received Your favor of the 18th Instant and am sorry for the accident that has happened to Mr McDowell. Whether his Barn was destroyed through design or otherwise—does not alter the injury as to him—and he seems equally intitled to reparation in either case. I do not know, however, that I am authorised to direct it to be made, and therefore shall be under the necessity of submitting the matter to Congress for their decision and discretion. This I am the more inclined to do, that they may settle some principle, by which relief may be given to Others, if any such there are or may be, in similar circumstances. I am Dr sir with very great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servant

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 29 December 1778
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir,
    Pokeepsie [N.Y.] December 29th 1778

After the Loss of the Forts in the Highlands it became necessary to detach a Part of the Army on the West Side of the River which joined by a Part of the Militia were under my immediate Command. The River being the Bounds between the different purchasing Commissaries none could be found to supply the Troops in Consequence whereof we were reduced to the Necessity of taking from the Inhabitants the necessary Supplies of Flour and Cattle which were delivered to the issuing Commissaries who passed their Receipts to the Owners. Similar Measures were taken by the Quarter Masters to obtain Forage. Different Applications have been made to have those Accounts settled but hitherto without Effect. The purchasing Commissaries upon the new Establishment in this Department esteem it improper to discharge Debts contracted previous to their coming into Office and those who have resigned or are displaced will give no Satisfaction to the Claimants.
I have been much embarrassed by repeated Applications on the Subject from the Persons to whom the Money is due and wrote at different Times to Congress on the Occasion with no Effect. I am therefore obliged to apply to your Excellency and if no other Method can be adopted for the Settlement of those Accounts to request that you would be pleased to lay them before Congress and urge their Order for Payment.
  I am just informed that General Rheidisel is now at the Wallkill a Settlement about fourteen Miles West of New Winsor and proposes

    taking up his Winter Quarters in that Vicinity in a Part of it peopled principally by his own Countrymen. This Gentleman’s Conduct and Conversation on his March has been very exceptionable (if I am rightly inform<mutilated> there are already too many disaffected <mutilated> Neighbourhood their Number will probably be increased if a Person lately so high in Command in the British Service (who will consequently carry with him a dangerous Influence) is permitted to remain among them. I submit therefore the Propriety of ordering him to join his Corps or of removing him to some Place where he will have less Opportunity to do Mischief, and am Sir with the highest Esteem and Respect your Excellency’s most obedt servt

  Geo. Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 29 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

    Philada 29 Decemr 1778

This will be accompanied by a letter from Congress, which will inform you, that a certain expedition, after a full consideration of all circumstances has been laid aside—I am sorry however for the delay it has occasioned you by remaining so long undecided.
I am persuaded My Dear Marquis, there is no need of fresh proofs to convince you either of my affection for you personally or of the high opinion I entertain of your military talents and merit—Yet as you are on the point of returning to your native country, I cannot forbear indulging my friendship by adding to the many honorable testimonies you have received from Congress, the inclosed letter from myself to our minister at your court—I have there endeavoured to give him an idea of the value this country sets upon you; and the interest I take in your happiness cannot but make me desire you may be equally dear to your own.
Adieu my Dear Marquis, My best wishes will ever attend you—May you have a safe and agreeable passage and a happy meeting with your friends! Yrs.


Title: General Orders, 30 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J., Wednesday] Decr 30th 1778.
    Parole Daun—C. Signs Dee Dennis—

Coll Beauford is appointed to visit & superintend the Hospitals in Jersey—He will apply at the Orderly-Office tomorrow for instructions.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Waldegrave Archer, 30 December 1778
From: Archer, Henry Waldegrave
To: Washington, George

    Sr,
    General Wayne’s Quarters Mill Stone [N.J.]30th Decemr 1778

I take the liberty of informing you, of my intention of entering into the American Army, & becoming a citizen of the United States. Though a native of England, I feel myself quite attached to America, & firmly pursuaded, that I have brought hither dispositions entirely consonant to her welfare.
From infancy I considered myself a member of the British Empire at large, including the colonies of North America. Warped by no blind partiality, or local attachment, while their union with the parent state subsisted, I wished equally for the happiness of the whole; upon their division, my predilection was strong for that part, where the free principles of the ancient constitution were likely to be most vigorous, & lasting. Upon the first rise of the dissentions between them, dissentions, that reflect as much honor on one side, as infamy on the other; from my own observation of things, confirmed by the opinion & conversation of those whom I most esteemed, I decided that the opposition of the Americans was sanctified by justice as well as recommended by sound policy; in the progress, I admired the wisdom with which this opposition was conducted, applauded the firmness with which it was supported, & rejoice at the success with which it has been attended.
  Ambitious of military fame, & of military distinction, it was not consistent with my notion, to engage in the service of the King of

    Great Britain, where the former of these was not to be acquired at all, as even valor in the support of tyranny & injustice is reproachful, nor the latter but by great interest, & the too frequent sacrifice of virtuous principles; nor is it by any means eligible for me to defer entering into his service till the war with America is ended, for besides the loss of time, & delay of preferment, there are other discouragements. From the degeneracy of the people, the corruption of their Representatives, & the wickedness of those in power, there is too much reason to believe that the army will before a distant period become the devoted instruments of despotic sway, & like the disgraceful pretorian bands ready to sell their services to those who are most ready to supply their debaucheries with the greatest luxury, & profusion, & favor their rapaciousness & violence.
On the contrary in the service of the united states, I shall during the present contest bear arms in a cause my conscience approves, & which reflects honor on its humblest supporters, & where there is reason to believe should my services be required in future it will be on the side of justice, liberty, & Glory, & where in short the disciplined Soldier & free Citizen are not incompatible.
I cannot indeed boast of being much qualified to render my services either welcome, or important, but thus far I can promise that the small qualifications I do possess, or may acquire, shall be exerted to the utmost on every occasion.
The particular line I wish to serve in, is the Cavalry, & Major Lee’s Corps I prefer to all others.
  Your Excellency will have the goodness to pardon me for troubling you with this letter, & permit me to hope <for> your countenance, & approbation of my choice, which will entirely govern my determination. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most hble Sert

  Henry Archer


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 30 December 1778
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Quarters of the Artillery Pluckemin [N.J.] 30th Decr 1778.

I beg pardon for troubling your Excellency with the inclosd, which, if you think proper I request the favor of your sending to Congress.
I am decided in my intentions of leaving so ineligible a situation as I have been in all the past Campaign. I wish to continue in the service of my Country untill the present contest is at an end. But I find it an indispensable duty owing to myself not to do it under such circumstances as shall reflect dishonor on me.
At present it is in the power of any malicious person to prosecute me, even, perhaps, to conviction, for performing what they might call acts of Supererogation, and what your Excellency and every other rational, just man might think a necessary and proper Service.
I hope your Excellency will think with me That it is absolutely necesary for me to Know the Ground on which I Stand. I am with every sentiment of respect and attachment Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

  H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 30 December 1778
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Quarters of the Artillery Pluckemin [N.J.]30 Dec. 1778.

As there is much preparation to make, and many matters to arrange, in the Ordnance Department in order to take the field the next campaign with advantage, I take the liberty to lay before your Excellency the situation in which I am, and beg, if you think proper, that you would lay the same before the Honorable Congress for their consideration.
Some time last May I did myself the honor to represent to your Excellency the State of the Ordnance Department, and my utter inability to perform the duties required, and expected, from me. The Resolutions which the Honorable Congress were pleased to pass the 11th of last February, investing the Commissary of Military Stores with the sole charge of all preparations of ordnance and military stores for the field, deprived me, as Head of the Ordnance Department, of any direction of the Department, except in a certain degree in the field. My reputation is at stake, and I am answerable that the numerous species of Stores for the Artillery, &ca are properly prepared, and that there are ample supplies of each species; and yet, by the Resolves, the sole direction of these Stores is given to a man, not under my direction, and whose reputation can be but in a small degree affected by their being improperly or ignorantly prepared. Perhaps there is scarcely such another instance in the world. I am the amenable and ostensible person to my Country that their Artillery is in good order—and yet, by the Resolves, I have not the least direction of a single thing in the Department, except in the instance above-mentioned.
At the same time I gave your Excellency the State of Affairs, I gave you some alteration of the Resolves, which I humbly conceived to be for the good of the Department; and asked the favor of you to transmit them to the Honorable Congress for their approbation or disapprobation.
During the course of the past Campaign I have repeatedly, on an emergency, found myself at a loss to know where to send for Stores, by reason of not having the Returns of all the Departments; the Commissaries not conceiving themselves obligated to send me Returns, even on my sending for them. I have a request for a Return to the principal Commissary uncomplied with at this moment, although I sent the Letter above two months ago; and at present I am totally ignorant of what is doing in the Ordnance Department in Pennsylvania.
  In military matters it is a preposterous arrangement where the Principal of a Department has not the sole direction of every thing in it, otherwise it is impossible he should be accountable. It is absolutely

    necessary that the Head of every Department should be accountable to the Board of War, or any other Body that Congress may think proper.
This is the proper season for preparation, and with the utmost exertions we shall find it short enough to the opening of the next Campaign. If I am to continue at the head of the Ordnance Department I humbly request that I may be invested with the power incidental to the Office, That all Artificers—Directors of Laboratories—Commissaries—Conductors—Clerks—&ca in the Department may be put immediately under my direction, and myself accountable to such persons, besides the Commander in Chief, as the Honorable Congress may think proper.
I ask for no emoluments for myself—I ask only for such powers as are necessary to the Office in which I am. My inducement in doing this is to promote the public service, and that my Country may know to whom to look for the performance of the duties appertaining to the Ordnance Department. Should I be thought by the Honorable Congress to be unequal to the trust, I beg the service may not be impeded on my account, and that some other person, more properly qualified, may be placed in my stead. I shall say nothing as to the length or nature of my services. Such as they were, they were performed with an ardent zeal and good intention; which, should Congress think proper to decline my further services, will, I hope, entitle me to an honorable dismission by that respectable Body.
If the Department shall be placed on such a footing as the line of my duty may be clearly marked I shall be happy still to act.
At present I am totally at a loss how to give a single direction for the Department next Campaign.
I therefore most earnestly request that the matter may as soon as possible be put in such a line as best to promote the public good. I am, with the greatest respect and attachment, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

  H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 30 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

    Dear Sir,
    [Philadelphia, 30 Dec. 1778]

Mrs Washington and I, will wait on you and Mrs Morris at dinner, on Monday next, with great pleasure.

  If in pursuing the bent of my own inclination, I was happy enough to pay such attention as was pleasing to you at Valley forge, it was more than the time or the place gave me any reason to hope; and the favourable light in which they are mentioned by you cannot but be pleasing to—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 30 December 1778
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir.
    Fish Kill [N.Y.] December 30th 1778

The difficulties attending my journey, from Stormy Weather and bad roads, have rendered it impossible for me to travel quick, but I have met with some distress with my baggage and that of my family from want of regularity and authority over the Waggoners for carrying the Baggage—Colonel Hay has very obligingly promised me all assistance to Sussex Court House, and from thence, I understand, it will depend on Your Excellencys orders for the further means of my going on, and I am to request You will have the goodness, Sir, to give me your signed orders as may procure me the aid of the different Provinces as I am to pass through them—Your respectable and authoritative name will assuredly serve every purpose I can desire—I had proposed to pursue my route by Sussex Court House to Easton and Bethlem, but I am at your direction, Sir, and shall proceed as you may send a route for me.
I forward this letter by my Aid de Camp Mr Noble who will return to Sussex Court House with Your Excellencys further directions for me.
I have had the honor of addressing several letters to you, Sir, lately, one in particular by Lieutenant Campbell; I shall be much obliged to you for an Answer, and if the having an interview with Your Excellency might promote any good to the Troops of Convention, I shall with much pleasure wait on you, otherwise I will not request to occasion the trouble which my visit must give you, nor interrupt the business you must, in course, have at the close of a Campaign.
I enclose Major General McDougals letter by which I am permitted to send my Aid de Camp to your Excellency’s Head Quarters. I am Sir with much personal respect your Excellencys most obedient humble Servant

  W. Phillips


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 30 December 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir,
    Camp Middle Brook [N.J.] Decemr 30th 1778

  When I waited on you the other Evening, before your departure to Philadelphia, I found you too much engaged to impart my Sentiments on two Subjects, which I have ever had in view to mention at the close of the Campaign—There are Circumstances in my present Situation, which have long wounded my Feelings, & have become so injurious, that they must I fear force me (tho’ with Reluctance) to quit

    the Service—The Injury in the first Instance rests with Congress and the Members therein from our State to remedy—the other it’s in your Power to Redress, but may more properly become the Subject of another Ltr, as I am fully persuaded of your Disposition to act with Propriety in every Instance, & do justice to every Individual.
My Motives & Complaints have hitherto been suppressed, from an Impression that our Affairs wou’d not justify my deserting the Service of my Country, but now our Prospects are better, & our Liberty & Independance I hope established on a pretty sure Basis, An Officer who has faithfully served three years to effect this, may with a good Grace Resign his Commission, when he suffers unmeritted Indignity & Neglect.
I have Served the Continent upwards of two years as a Brigadier, the only General Officer from our State, which has had in the Field almost during that Time, a Major & two Brigadier Generals Commands, and I appeal to you & the Public, if her Officers in general Have not meritd as much from the Continent as the Officers of any other State? yet they have been most shamefully neglected, & Her Troops in some Instances have suffered for want of that Attention which woud have been more naturally render’d by Officers immediately from the State—this must be consider’d not only as a Reflection on the Officers in the Maryland Line, but on the State, as it must be infer’d her Natives in point of Capacity & Merit, are either inadequate to the Command, or are thought to be so by her Members in Congress—tho the Presumption is scarcely admissible in either Instance, upon a Retrospective View of sundry Appointments, & some few Promotions which have taken Place.
Allow me to suggest, that Colo. Gist who has been an equal Time in service, & has distinguish’d himself as a Gallant Officer, has not been less neglected.
The Partial & rapid Promotion of Foreigners, whether from Motives of Policy or misconception, have been at least inconsiderate and disgusting to every honest American (over whose Heads they have been promoted) who have & must still bear the brunt in this Contest.
  I never did nor never shall address Congress or my Country, on the Subject of Promotion, there is a Delicacy which forbids this, in the Breast of every Man of Modesty & true Merit—tho we are told that a little Attention & Adulation have made no small Advances even in the Continental Line of Promotion—yet I coud never entertain a Sentiment so derogatory to the distinguish’d Merit and known Sense, of so venerable and respectable a Body as Congress. and Heaven forbid that an American Officer shou’d ever descend so low, as to commence Courtier to obtain his just Views—a Character which the true Soldier

    must ever hold in the utmost contempt. I have the Honour to remain with sincere Regard Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Sert

  W. Smallwood


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 30 December 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Middle Brook [N.J.] Decemr 30th 1778

  My last Dispatches to you were Yesterday Evening. I now inclose you what have come to me since. Other Intelligence which I have received from N. York Staten Island and Eliz. Town in general agree that about a Fortnight ago a Fleet began to assemble at the Watering Place off Staten Island. What the Intention of this Fleet was, I have not yet been able to learn with Accuracy. Some of my Accounts have called them Transports preparing to take Troops on Board, others say they were Ships loading with Lumber for the West Indias, others say that some of them were going to Ireland, and others that they were preparing Births and watering them to take Troops on Board. I have Intelligence that during the late Storms and violent Winds twelve Ships have gone on Shore upon Long-Island, two others were so cut down with the Ice that they foundered in the Bay and every Soul perished. Six slipt or cut their Cables and were oblidged to go to Sea What have become of the rest I know not, but the Ice in the Bay must be so strong that I guess they are also in Distress. The Accounts I have been able to get out of N. York assure me that they are in the greatest Distress for Flour, Bread has not been delivered the Troops for this Fortnight. They have some Rice given to them which it is said dissatisfies them much. The Emerald Frigate appointed Convoy to this Fleet tis said has yet rode out this Storm and Weather. They have at N. York been long in Expectation of a Cork-Fleet, and another from England with Flour, neither of which have yet arrived. what gives them great Uneasiness it is the common report in N. York that one or both of these Fleets have been mett with by the Count De Estaing. They say he is gone to the West Indias and that Admiral Byron sailed from Rhode Island the 12. Instant for the same Climate. If this is true we shall soon hear of some grand Event from that Quarter and I hope the Count may be so far a Head of them as to effect great Purposes before the others arrive. The blocked up Situation of the british Navy in America must afford great opportunities to our Criussiurs and

    Vessals that are designed to carry Provisions to different Parts of the Continent and it should be immediately improved.
The Army here is in as good Order as You could wish or expect from all Circumstances considered they shall be ready for any Exploit. The one I hinted to you shall be defered till I hear further from You or till the Weather makes it more practicable.
It may be necessary to have a large Quantity of Cannon Ball cast for the Use of the Army and Navy of the States. I can have this done if Orders are given for it in proper time. two or three Furnaces are so far under my Command, that I can have I believe every Necessary provided during next Summer while you, Sir, are in the Vicinity of Congress and the Board of War. it will be best that you make the proper Representations. With the utmost Respect and Affection I am Your Excellencies Most humble Servant

  Stirling,


Title: General Orders, 31 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J., Thursday] Decr 31st 1778
    Parole Edward—C. Signs Edom Eske—

The Tents and Markees which are public property are to be delivered in to the Quarter-Master General’s Store as soon as the Officers and men are hutted; Likewise the tools which were delivered out for the purpose of building huts.
The Regimental Pay-Masters will make out returns of the Blankets wanting in their respective Regiments early tomorrow morning and deliver them to the Brigade Majors, who are to digest them into Brigade returns and deliver them in at Orderly time tomorrow.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 31 December 1778
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from the Board of War, c.31 Dec. 1778. On 1 Jan. 1779 GW wrote Brig. Gen. William Smallwood: “The inclosed was addressed to me by the Board of War at the request of Mr Rutherford.”


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 31 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Flower, Benjamin

    Sir
    Philada 31st Decemr 1778.

  I am favd with yours of this date. I wish I was sufficiently acquainted with Circumstances, to enable me to give you such a Certificate as would fully answer your purposes: but when you reflect that little or

    no part of the conduct of your Office has come under my immediate Notice, you must see the impropriety of my undertaking to vouch for the regular discharge of your duty or to affix an adequate salary or Commn to the transaction of a Business of which I am by no means a competent Judge. If I am not mistaken your department has been newly arranged and put upon a different and more extensive footing than it was when you received your Commn at Morris Town. As You have been since chiefly under the direction and Controul of the Board of War and Ordnance, they must of course be the best Judges of your Merits as an Officer, and of the proper compensation for your trouble—risque of disbursing large sums of public Money, and the expences necessarily attendant upon your Business.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 31 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

    Sir,
    Philadelphia Decr 31st 1778

I had the honor of addressing Congress some time since on the subject of General Du Portail and the Gentlemen with him—He informs me that his affair has not yet been decided and is extremely anxious that it should be in some way or other—He assigns many powerfull reasons to show that it is very interesting to him, if he is not to continue in our service, to return to france as speedily as possible.
He also informs me, that he has reason to think, in the consideration of his affair—the retaining him in service and the adopting the plan proposed in his memoir are united—and the decision of the one suspended on that of the other; and has therefore requested me to represent to Congress that he should be happy they could be considered seperately; and if his services abstractedly from the project proposed by him are deemed necessary, it will be agreeable to him to remain in the Country.
  I have already taken the liberty to offer my sentiments on the propriety of engaging these Gentlemen to continue in the service—It really appears to me that they will be essentially necessary to our future

    operations whether defensive or offensive; and it cannot therefore but give me pleasure, if it shall be consistent with the views of Congress to retain them and to give every encouragement which they may reasonably expect. I have the honor to be With the greatest esteem and respect Your Excellencys Most Obet Servant

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 31 December 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 31st Decmr 1778

  I a few hours ago received Your Excellencys favour of the 26th Inst. with a letter accompanying it to Sir Henry Clinton that and the Letter to Coll Butler was immediately sent forward I inclose to Your Excely two New York Papers of the 26th & 30th Inst. Was I supply’d with some Pennsylvania & the Jersey Papers to send into New York I could have a constant supply in return. I have likewise <inc>losed two Letters from Major Howell <mutilated>lmost came together.
  Yo<u ma>y depend upon it they have had a verry severe stroke in New York Bay; it is strongly reported that upwards of 20 Vessels is lost on Statten Island and Long Island. They talk strongly at New York that some of their Troops has landed in Georgia &Ca. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

  Wm Maxwell


Title: To George Washington from Israel Putnam, 31 December 1778
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Israel Putnam, 31 Dec. 1778. On 18 Jan. 1779 GW wrote to Putnam acknowledging receipt of “your favor dated thro’ mistake the 31st Inst.,” a letter that included observations on the affairs of Capt. William Smith Scudder. An extract copy of Putnam’s letter to GW, correctly dated 31 Dec. 1778, reads: “P.S. I have inclosed Govr Clintons Ansr to mine on Capt. Scudders affairs & should be Glad of Your further Directions” (DNA: RG 267, Records of the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture: Revolutionary War Prize Case Files, 1776–1786). Congress read Putnam’s letter on 9 Jan. 1779 (JCC, 13:43).


Title: General Orders, 1 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 1st 1779.
    Parole Happy—C. Signs New Year.

The Brigade Commissaries are to deliver their Hides and Tallow to the Commissary of Hides at Bound-Brook, at least once a week, taking his receipt for the same, and the Commissary of Hides will issue upon the order of the Commandant of Brigades what number of hides may be necessary to exchange for shoes for the use of their respective Brigades; provided that demand does not exceed the number delivered in.

  The Officer of the day will in the tour of his duty pay a particular attention to the order of the camp & forbid Tippling-Houses within its’ Vicinity: No person is permitted to sell liquor except such as are capable of giving decent entertainment to passengers or specially authorized upon penalty of forfeiting their liquors, which will be appropriated for the use of the Army.
No soldier is to be out of his quarters after dark; no person is to entertain them after that time under any pretence.
Lieutenant William Bruce and Ensign Samuel Hanson both of the 1st Maryland Regiment are appointed the 1st, Adjutant from the 6th day of June and the 2nd Quarter-Master from the 1st of October 1778—to said Regiment.


Title: To George Washington from the Marquis de Brétigney, 1 January 1779
From: Brétigney, Charles François Sevelinges, marquis de
To: Washington, George

    My General.
    Philadelphia [1 January 1779]

I have the honor of presenting to Your Excellency the summary of my plan for raising a french Corps.
I submit it intirely to Your Decision, and it is only in consequence of your intire approbation, that I shall permit myself to take any measures on this subject.
I have the most violent desire of serving under your orders, and my only means of repairing the misfortunes which I have suffered—is to be able to merit Your Excellencys Esteem. I am respectfully My General Your Excellencys most obedt hble Servt

  De Bretigny


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 1 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hand, Edward

    sir
    Philadelphia January 1st 1779

Since I arrived here, I received Your favor of the 17th Ulto.
I am sorry the Country about Minisincks or within supporting distance could not afford forage sufficient to subsist Count pulaski’s Horse. Matters respecting them and their Quarters are arranged before this. As to the German batallion—should any pressing circumstances arise to make it essential, you may call it from Easton.
With respect to an expedition against the Indian and Tory settlements, which you mention, their reduction is to be wished; Yet it appears to me, that great difficulties and expence must attend it; and, that nothing will justify it’s being undertaken, but the fairest prospects—indeed a certainty of success. These, from the idea I have of the Country—from the sentiments of Others—from the precarious supplies of provender necessary for the Horses to be employed—which would consequently place the support of the troops on a very doubtful & hazardous footing—do not present themselves—and, without taking any consideration of the opposition on the part of the Enemy—of the harrassing of Your Men—and of many other difficulties which occur always in Winter enterprizes—more especially where the common benefits of shelter cannot be received, induce me for the present to be against the measure; You may nevertheless inform yourself by the best inquiries as to the facility and the means of attempting it—and transmit me your advices upon the subject. I am sir with regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt sevt

  Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 2 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] January 2nd 1779.
    Parole Francis—C. Signs Ferro. Field.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 2 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Bayley, Jacob

    Sir
    Philada 2d January 1779

  I recd your favr of the 8th Decemr at this place, from whence I shall return again to Middle Brook in a few days. New and more powerful

    reasons have occurred for laying aside the expedition at this time, than when I wrote you last. I therefore again desire that you will desist from making further preparations and not go beyond the orders which have been given you by The Quarter Master and Commy General for the establishment of Magazines. You will be pleased to take the greatest care of the Stores that have been laid up, because altho’ present circumstances forbid an expedition, yet some future events may induce us to take it up. If you follow the directions given to you by The Quarter Master and Commy General and myself for the establishment and situation of the Magazines you will be fu<lly> justified and need not take any notice of the opinion of others. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 2 January 1779
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Albany [N.Y.] January 2d 177[9]

By a Letter received last week from the Commanding Officer at Fort Schuyler, I am informed that a certain William Johnston an Indian of the Six nations had been at the Oneida Castle endeavouring to persuade that friendly Tribe to forsake our Interest, and join them—An Officer and party were immediately dispatched to apprehend him; but they returned the next day unsuccesfull—he having fled previous to their arrival. However the Oneida Chiefs came to the fort shortly after, and informed the Commanding Officer, of the Nature of Johnston’s Embassy togather with their Answer which I have enclosed for your Excellency’s farther information.
The Letter also informs that about seventeen Indians who have fled from Aquaga have made application in Genl Schuyler’s Name for Provision—after consulting the Genl and receiving his Assent, I ordered them to be supplyed in small quantities untill I receive Your Excellency’s Orders respecting them.
  In my last Letter of the 28th of December, I informed Your Excellency that the Department was very ill supplied with Amunition, as you will see by the Return which I enclosed—A speedy supply will be

    very acceptable as it is much wanted. I have the Honour to be Sir Your most obedient humbl. Servant

    James Clinton B. Genl

    P.S. Two Companies consisting of about one hundred Men of Col. Gansvoorts Regt under the comd of Majr Cochran will ma[r]ch to Saratoga tom<orrow>.


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 2 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

    Dear Sir,
    Phila. Jany 2d 1779.

Your Letter of the 12th of last Month from Williamsburg is got safe to hand, & I am obliged to you for the Deed which you have got from the Secretary’s Office in Richmond & purposed bringing to Lund Washington.
You say I shall be surprized at the slow progress made by your Assembly in the passage of the Bills through both Houses. I really am not, nor shall I, I believe, be again surprized at any thing; for it appears to me that idleness & dissipation seems to have taken such fast hold of every body that I shall not be at all surprized if their should be a general wreck of every thing.
From my former knowledge of Finnie, & what you said (when at Camp) of his conduct respecting a Contract for Corn, I could not help mentioning the matter to the Quarter master genl, who wishes to know the precise circumstances of the case, that he may take measures accordingly. If my memory has not failed me, you said that Finnie agreed to give Mr Geo: Webb 40/ a Barl for some certain quantity, or all that he could purchase, and that Webb immediately sent, or rode up York River himself & purchased the Corn at 25 or 30/ a Barl. If this is a fact, and If I recollect right you spoke of it without reserve, it is such a violent imposition upon the public, & such a proof of his indolence—to say no worse of it—and unfitness for such a place, of trust, as to remove him from Office. I would not have you say more of him than you know can be proved, lest it should recoil. I think you Mentioned some other circumstance relative to a contract of Finnies with Mr Braxton. let me hear from you by the first Post on this Subject—My love to Nelly & the Children—Your Mother will, I expect, write to you, as she is with me here, & well.


Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 2 January 1779
From: Fitzhugh, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Rousby Hall Maryland Janry 2d 1779.

  I had the Honor to recieve Your very kind Letter of The 25th Ulto, & am Infinitely Oblig’d to you, As both Mrs Fitzhugh & myself Are, for your friendly Sympathy on the Captivity of Our Son; She was a Good Deal Hurt on the first Advice recd, Nor is it to be wonder’d at, Considering the Various Reports respecting that Unfortunate Affair;

    Sometimes we heard that Our son was Dangerously Wounded, at Other times, but Slightly, And at Length that He was Unhurt, which last Happily Proving to be the Case, Has made His Mother Tolerably Easy, Tho she Still Entertains Disagreeable Apprehensions, of the Prisoners being Remov’d from the Continent, Previous to an Exchange takeing Place, However, As He has an Ample Credit Shou’d He Enjoy the Blessing of Health, He Cannot recieve Great Injury from his Imprisonment, And I Still look forward with the Pleasing Hope, of His being Releas’d in time to begin the next Campaign.
I have not yet Heard the Issue of General Clintions Proposition to Congress for an Exchange of Prisoners, But Wish it may have been such, As that Honorable Body, Cou’d with Prudence & propriety Accede to.
By a Vessell from the West Indias We have Advice That the Count D. Estaings Squadron is Ariv’d at Martinico, & there Met with Five Ships of the Line, & a Provision Fleet from France, If this Shou’d be true, Our Allies may Strike a Capitol Blow in the West Indias, Notwithstanding the Strong Detachment Sent from N. york. Indeed that may prove an Addition, to some Important Acquisition.
  Your Excellencys Letter to Our General Assembly Respecting the Rank of Officers in the Maryland Troops, was Under Consideration of the last Session & the Presedent of the Senate & Speaker of the House of Delegates, were Derected to Transmit to you the Result. This Proceeding Gave me much Concern from Apprehensions of its producing Great Discontent in the Maryland Line, & in my Oppinion is a flat Contradiction, both to the Letter & Sperrit of the Resolve of Apl 1777: The Letter was Clear respecting Ranks, & to me Appear’d Inclusive of Grade. Indeed, my knowledge in Terms Military, has become so Rusty, That I am at a Loss for any Matereal Distinction betwixt Rank & Grade, & with regard to the Sperrit of the Resolve, It is as obvious, from the Cause of its Being, which was, the Resignation of more than Thirty Officers who thought themselves Injur’d by the Irregular Promotion of Others: The Legislature being thus Embarrass’d, & not Competant to the Business, Proposed to Submit the Decission to your Excellency, to which the Officers Agree’d, & took up their Commissions, Looking forward to your Determination, But from Our Logicians of the Law They must now Understand, That Precedency Has Swallow<ed> up Rank, & Put Grade to Flight. As you will See by the Explanation Transmited to you, I am Heartily Sorry for this Transaction, As I fear it will be Attended with Disagreeable Consequences—Perhaps the Resignation of Many Valuable Officers. The Personal Solicitude of One of your Colonels Ex Pacte, I believe had much weight with the Legislature in this Affair.

  I was In Virginia in October last & Intended to do myself the Honor to Visit your Lady at Mont Vernon, But was Unhappely Depriv’d of that Pleasure, By Geting Wet, & becomeing Unwell on my Journey; I hope She is now with you, & that Each Enjoys Perfect Health.
Provission of all Kinds in this State, has Rais’d to a most Exorbitant Price, Wheat £3 ⅌ Bushl very Scarce, Indian Corn from £7.10 to £10 ⅌ Barrl Plenty, Pork £12.10 to £15 ⅌Ct & Beef £10 to £12.10 ⅌Ct Flour £10 to £12.10 ⅌Ct; This has a Disagreeable Appearance, & I fear will be Attended with Evil Consequences. But I can See no Remedy, so long as Speculateing, Forestalling, & Engrossing, Prevail; We have Severe Laws against these Practices, But they remain as a Dead Letter for want of Due Execution; I cannot forbear Suspecting, That the Enemy Have Emmissaries Amongst us, Who are Playing this Game, As there are Many Strangers & Others, who were Suppos’d to be of very Little worth, & some Suspected Characters, who of Late have Speculated in Provession &c. From Fifty to One Hundred Thousand Pounds. I wish my Suspicions may be Groundless, but I Cannot Help Entertaining Such.
I Beg your Excuse, for the Liberty of Inclosing to you, a Letter for Colo. Tilghman. Mrs Fitzhugh Joins in Affectionate Wishes & Complts to you & your Lady. I Have The Honor to be with sincere Affection & Regard Your Excellencys Most Obedt & Obliged Hle Servt

  Willm Fitzhugh


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 2 January 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 2d Jany 1779

  I have nothing to Inform Your Excellency of since my last, only that Lieut. Campbell of the Convention Troops is co[m]e out, and I have sent an Officer with him. I have got a London paper from him which I inclose of the 6th Octr wherein their is a passage that mentions Coll

    Houseker, and which I thought proper you should be acquainted with. I am your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

  Wm Maxwell


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 2 January 1779
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Major General Philip Schuyler, 2 Jan. 1779. On 18 Jan., GW wrote Schuyler: “I have had the pleasure of receiving your favs. of the 1st and 2d instants with their several inclosures.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

    My Lord
    Philada 2d January 1779

I am favd with yours of the 30th Ulto. I thank you for the intelligence it contains.
I shall communicate that part of your letter respecting Cannon Ball to the Board of War and Ordnance, and if they have not already made Contracts for a sufficient quantity, they may, if they think proper, make their proposals known to the Managers of the Works under your Lordships direction. I return your Lordship the Compliments of the Season and am My Lord Your most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Beatty, 3 January 1779
From: Beatty, John
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 3d Jany 1779

  On my arrival at this place with a View of Negociating the Exchange of a Number of Marine Prisoners: I am prohibited by the Commanding Officer at this post of conducting my Business in the usual manner, but am informed that previous to my sending in any Prisoners, it is necessary that I should have a particular and Special Order from Your Excellency for that purpose—As this mode of proceedure was intirely New and for which I had received no Warrant or Instructions; I took the Liberty of asking General Maxwell whether the Order implied in it the Exchange of Prisoners or was meant only to prevent the too frequent passing of private Persons and by which an intercourse was kept up with the Enemy. He replied, the prohibition was General and that he could by no means admit of Prisoners going in as

    hitherto upon my pass, but that it was necessary I should have Your Excellency’s Special Order.
As a Number of Prisoners are now on their way from Phila. for New York, and the General has refused them Quarters in this place I am to request your Excellencys immediate Instructions in this case Setting forth the Line of Conduct I am in future to pursue. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt and most Humble Servt

    Jno. Beatty

P.S. The necessitous call of the Prisoners at N. York for an immediate Supply of Provisions for their support urges me to apply for Your Excellencys Passport for that purpose.


Title: To George Washington from James Duane, 3 January 1779
From: Duane, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Sunday 3d [January 1779] 8 P.M.

When I have the Honour of seeing your Excellency I will explain the objection made in Congress to the plan for establishing the Department of Inspector General. It holds up the Idea too strongly of seperate Departments which, as they have been conducted, imply an Independence of the Commander in Cheif, & are in other respects productive of Inconvenience & Expence. And it assigns too high a Rank to the assistant Inspector General in the opinion of some of the members of Congress. That we may know your Excellency’s Opinion on these points & particularly whether there is a necessity for the Rank recommended, are the principal motives for the Reference.
The enclosd Dispatches from the Commisy Prisoners require immediate Attention.
If it will be convenient I shall be glad to spend a few minutes with you at any Time you shall appoint after four oClock. I have the Honour to be—with the utmost Respect Sir your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

  Jas Duane


Title: To George Washington from George Measam, 3 January 1779
From: Measam, George
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Springfield [N.J.] Janry 3d 1779.

Your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Ulto I had the Honor to receive, but not ’till the 31st.
I now inclose a Return of the Cloathing on hand, by which your Excellency will see the particular number of overalls in store, including some that are on the road from Boston of which I have an Invoice.
I really am deficient in Comprehension whether your Excellency means I shall keep a proportion of the Shirts, Shoes, and hats, in this Store to answer any order you may give for the Troops on this side the north River, or send a proportion to Fish Kill for that purpose, agreeable to the tenor of your former Letter. But as the Troops on this side the north river are at present nearer Fish Kill than this place, & anxious to do what the service most requires and your Excellency wishes to have done, I think to send on all the Shirts, Shoes, Watch Coats, Mittens, Hats and Hose now in Store, part to Fish Kill; and part to the other side the North River Consigned to your Excellency’s order as heretofore: And so soon as this is done, I purpose going to Boston to hasten on as many overalls, hose, Shirts, and Shoes to this Store as I can get, to be ready for any order your Excellency may give, my Assistant here (a Mr Sheldon of Connecticut) will answer every purpose with the Instructions I shall give him, untill I can return; having not yet been there, I want much to go, to have better knowledge of my business, and to know what quantity of these articles can be provided by the several Agents and persons imployed by the Board of War, and to regulate better, the manner of sending on the Cloathing; for they come on by one, two, and three teams at a time, and some of them more than a fortnight on the road, and the Conductor in this case keeps not with the Teams.
  I should be glad to know (if it pleased your Excellency) what number of overalls will be wanting, that I may if possible get them provided a new, for those that are now in the store are made in uniformity to

    the Coats, and if they are taken a way, perhaps the same Colours cannot be procured; presuming your Excellency means woolen overalls I purpose hastening on to this Store as many as can be made untill further orders from your Excellency.
Mister Fletcher writes me, that, the Blankets your Excellency advised me were arrived at Boston from France, the Board of Ware there made use of ten Bales of them, the other four I have Issued to the Troops at Hartford: about ten or eleven Hhds of french Cloathing Still to come on from Boston, all that have come to my hand I sent off, the last of them under Conduct of David Allen set off the other day for Middle Brook; about ten days before that, I sent to the Store at Fish Kill, upwards of two thousand pr shoes with orders to my Assistants there to advise your Excellency of it so soon as they should arrive. Permit me, heartily to wish your Excellency a happy and Glorious new year. I have the Honor to be Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most humble Servt

  Geo. Measam


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 3 January 1779
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Middle Brook [N.J.] January 3rd 177[9]

I have had the honor of receiveing your Excellency’s of the 1st Instant.
  the very great Change in the weather has so rotted the Ice that I must give up all thoughts of proposed enterprize for the present. Yesterday Afternoon arrived here Mr Noble Aid de Camp to General Phillips with a letter to your Excellency which Doctor McHenry will now enclose, he was very desireous of either going on to Philadelphia or Staying here ’till your Excellency’s return; But on Assureing him that the letter was already fully Answered by the two letters from your Excellency which I deliverd him, and by the directions I should give, that he is determined to return to Sussex Court house I have Just now furnished him with the Necessary papers, and he sets out this Afternoon in Company with Leiutenant Campbell, who returned from New York Yesterday Evening. the latter Confirms that great damage has been done to the Shiping at New York and in the Bay; he has also accidently explained to me, some Matters I did not rightly understand in one of the English papers I sent your Excellency, On the Laird of McCloed’s Men being orderd to embark for the East Indies they refused

    Mutiny’d and retired to Arthurs Seat a hill near Edenburg, General Ougton the Commander in Cheif in Scotland was Compelled to treat with them and give them their own terms, that they should go to the Islands of Jersey & Guernsey and receive all their Arerages of pay & Bounty Money as promised them. this is his Story, but I belive they refused to Come to America.
the Roads had with the frost got very good and forage Came in very well, but I am Afraid the Change of weather will break them up again for some time. the troops are Cheifly hutted except Smallwoods. the Dr will now enclose an English paper of October 7th—I have no York One’s at present. I am your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

  Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 3 January 1779
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Genl
    Windsor [Va.] 3d Jany 1779

  When I obtain’d your Excellencys permission to come to Virginia I had no doubt but the business that brought me in, would by this time have been compleated, & that I should have been able to comply with your Excellencys request, & my own inclinations, to return to my Duty in the army—but it will necessarily detain me some considerable time longer; for which I hope I shall have your further indulgence, when I assure you that nothing but an Affair of the greatest consequence to my Famely could induce me to take the liberty to Trespass upon your

    Excellencys goodness in permitting me to leave the Army so early in the Fall—I will not presume upon your time by entering into a particular detail of the business that I am employd in, but only to Assure you I will use the greatest industry in my power to put Affairs into such a way as will enable me to Join the Army—I fear it will not be posible to do so till the last of Feby.
A line from your Excellency, or one of the Gentlemen of the Famely will relieve me from great anxiety—as there is nothing I wish more to avoid then incurring your dissapprobation of my conduct as an Officer—& on the other Hand, my peculiar situation, as to my private concerns, demand my attention at least for the time I have mention’d.
We have nothing new here: The business of our Assembly has no doubt been transmitted to you before this—I fear their quota of Men will not be raised by the Mode they have directed.
I have the pleasure to inform you Colo. Lewis & all our Friends in Fredbg is well. Wishing your Excellency a happy new Year & many of them—I am with much respect & esteem, Your Excellencys Most Obedt humble Servt

  Wm Woodford.


Title: General Orders, 4 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 4th 1779.
    Parole Hiram—C. Signs Hermon. Henly.

  The commanding Officers of Brigades are to make report of their huts and how far completed as soon as possible.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 4 January 1779
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Baskinridge [N.J.] Janry 4th 1779

Nothing but that indisposition with which I have been confined for upwards of four Months, could have excused me from waiting on your Excellency e’er now, and welcoming you once More to New Jersey, a State so much indebted to your former residence here, for its present safety & Happiness.

  Permit me Sir, while I am sensible of your aversion to any unnecessary parade or Ostentation, to enclose you a few Lines wrote in the fulness of a Ladies gratitude.
I have two Motives in doing this, one to gratify a beloved Sister’s Vanity, in laying before you this small effusion of her poetical Genius—the other & principal one, to assure your Excellency, that while a few envious Characters are vainly & impotently striving to cast a Shade on your publick Services, the great Majority, among whom are the good and Worthy, are with gratitude doing you that Justice those Services so loudly demand from them, and that the Ladies, are emulous to be reckoned among this Number.
As my Health is rather increasing, I hope soon to be favoured with paying you a Visit at Head Quarters, in the mean Time Mrs Boudinot joins me in the most respectfull Compliments to Mrs Washington, who we are happy to hear is like to make another winter Visit to New Jersey. Am with great respect and the most sincere Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble Servt

  Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McNutt, 4 January 1779
From: McNutt, Alexander
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    January 4th 1779

I beg leave to lay before Your Excellency Copies of Such papers as I have presented to the Right Honourable the Congress, hope it will appear Evident that the People of Nova Scotia are only waiting for Directions from your Excellency what measures to take, for which purpose your Excellency Shall be furnished with a true State of that Colony in a very Short time after my arrival there, provided I be Empowered to give the Boat or Vessel a Protection or Some assureance that they will not be Molested by the United States—I hope your Excellency will See the utility of the Measure so as to recomend it to Congress—I have the Honor to be with due respect, Sir your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

  Alexr McNutt


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 4 January 1779
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Middle Brook [N.J.] January 4 1779 2 oClock P.M.

I had the Honor of writing to you Yesterday by Express, I have since received a Letter from Captn Burrowes by which he informs me of the sailing of a Fleet on the 29th consisting he says of 27 Ships 13 Brigs and Snows, and 13 Sloops and Schooners, in all 53 Sail, but the Messenger who brought me that Letter says that after the writing that Letter, more Vessels of various Siezes came down so as to increase the Number to above one hundred Sail, under the Convoy of one sixty four Gun Ship and two Frigates.
  3 oClock P.M. I have this Moment received the inclosed Letter from General Maxwell, If it should prove true that Count Estaing has taken the Cork Fleet, it will be an Event of the utmost Consequence. Distress may have put some of them to the Necessity of going to Sea with a short Allowance, and I suspect this last Fleet has pushed off so suddenly on this Account. A certain Captain Murray lately come from thence on his Parole, confirms their being in the greatest Distress on Account of the Want of Flour. In his Parole are these remarkable Words, “And a Subject to the United States of America.” This Parole was taken by Admiral Gambier and has given Disgust to the Commandant at N. York. On further Conversation with Captain Murray I find that two Fleets have sailed about the 29th and 30th the one to the We<st> Indies empty, he says, the other to Great Brittain wi<th> Invalids &c. This Accounts for the Addition which the Messenger gives to Burrowes Accounts. I can’t find from him that any Troops are embarked in either of these Fleets except the Invalids &c. The Sh<ip> of the Line, Convoy to the first Fleet before ment<ioned> he says is the Monmouth of 74 Guns, under Jury Masts going to England; he is going to Philadelphia tomorrow and I have desired him to wait on

    your Excellency to give you further Particulars—I have received some N. York News Papers this Afternoon which I now inclose.
They have at Staten Island been under terrible Apprehentions of our attacking them. they may now sleep secure till another Froast alarms their Fears—I know of Nothing more to add than that I am Your Excellencies most assured Humble Servant

  Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, 4 January 1779
From: Wigglesworth, Edward
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Providence [R.I.] 4 Jany 1779.

  I am exceeding loth to trouble your Excelency on so trifling a Subject, as a matter of rank, when Affairs of much greater moment, must necessarily call for your Attention, but in Justice to myself as an Officer, think I ought to enquire into the Affair—Your Excellency may remember, that some time in either the month of Feby or March last, a Board of Genl Officers was order’d to determine the Rank of the

    Field Officers in the Massachusetts Line, I was by them arrangd as fourth Col. & I think ’twas recommended, if not order’d, that as the Regts were not rank’d before, they should take Rank from their Commanding Officers. Since which I’m inform’d a second Board of Genl Officers have been call’d to determine the same—The Committee for arranging the Army have call’d the Regt under my Command the eleventh, from which I think I may with reason conclude, I am the eleventh Col., which I am far from thinking to be my right.
How to reconcile the different Judgements of the two Boards of Officers, when they consisted in a considerable part, of the same members, I’m totally at a Loss—and shall esteem it a great favour, if your Excellency can inform me whither my Rank is so materially alter’d or not—should it be the Case, I must for that reason, as well as for the very great disproportion between our pay & expences, beg your Excellency will be pleas’d to permit me to resign my Command in the Army—Nothing but Necessity could induce me to leave a Service in other respects far from being disagreable to Your Excellencys most devoted & very Humble Servant

  Edwd Wigglesworth Col.


Title: General Orders, 5 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 5th 1779.
    Parole IretonC. Signs Iller Ill.

As passing over Rye and Wheat Fields will prove very prejudicial to the inhabitants and ruin their crops, all officers are called upon to prevent as far as possible such pernicious practices and bring to condign punishment such as transgress.


Title: To George Washington from John Grizzage Frazer, 5 January 1779
From: Frazer, John Grizzage
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Bordeaux [France] January 5th 1779

I wrote to you the 20th Ulto, and inclosed you the King of Great Britains Speach, to his parliament, when they met Novr 26th.
  And as the Vessell is still here waiting for a Convoy; I take the

    liberty of writing you a second Letter, informing you that the Debates in parliament are much in favour of us; In the House of Lords we have Thirty Five Members against the present Ministry, and their measures, which is more than we have ever had.
The Minority in the House of Commons Increaseth Rapidly—both the Houses L. & C. Condem the English Commissioners proclamation which they had published in America, Vizt Lord Carlisle &c.
Genl Clinton has ask’d for reinforcemts but the King, & his Friends acknowledge they cannot send him any, all they have to spare must go else where.
I have seen Letters, and News papers from England down as late as Decr 22d 1778 which mention all what I have wrote you, and further that Admiral Kepple was Impeached, by Admiral, Sir Hugh Paliscer for some misconduct in the affair with the French Fleet, off Ushant, the 27th July last, and is to be tried by a Court-Martial the 7th Inst.—his Brother Genl Kepple has resign’d all his posts; & places &c. under the Crown in Consequence of it, They seem to bid fair for a civil War among themselves (God speed it I pray) Genl Howe has said in parliament that America never can be conquered while the present Administration rule, & Genl Borgoyne is ordered to return to America as a prisioner upon parole, to The Honbl. Congress &c. In short every General & Admiral, or commanding officer in any department whatsoever, since the Commencement of the War with America, are Disgusted, and complain exceedingly of Administration, I purpose returning at all events to my Native Soil next spring, and hope to arive before The Campaign opens, if their shou’d be any which I do not think there will.
  I have procured since my Arival in Europe One of the best Founders, in Europe he was brought up at Carron the great Iron Works in Scotland, and has for this Nine Years been Foreman in the <feist> Works in Sweden I got him from Stockholm and he is now with me<.> If the Publick in General, or the Sta<te> of Virginia, does not want him, and you have any Iron mines upon any Land of yours, I shou’d be glad to be concerned with you in a Furnace, in any way you think proper.
The expence will be very trifling this Man Casts Cannon, Iron Stills, Potts &c. &c.
I hope your Excellency has enjoyed a good state of Health, with all the Fatigue, I have the Honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, yr Mo. obt & Mo. Hbl. Servt

  Jno. G. Frazer


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 5 January 1779
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Fish Kill [N.Y.] 5th Jany 1779.

Necessity I hope will plead my excuse for troubling you with the following narrative, and at same time for requesting your Excellencies order thereanent.
In the Month of Septr—76 I was ordered by General Gates to purchase a quantity of Forage &c. &c. from the inhabitants on the borders of Lake Champlain, for the use of the Garrison at Tyconderoga which he then commanded; In consequence of which I distributed sundry advertisements offering a stipulated price for each article I wanted to purchase, and promised at same time that as soon as they were delivered on board boats to be sent for the purpose of receiving them they should be at the public risque; Amongst others I purchased from Mr William Gilliland who made objections to Delivering his Crop on board the batteaux as he had neither a sufficiency of Cattle or men to do it with that dispatch which would be necessary, saying at same time it would be easy for me to do it with the Soldiers who must necessarily come down with the Batteaux that were to receive it, from my former acquaintance with Mr Gilliland I was induced to promise him every Assistance in my power without making any deduction therefore in the price of what he sold me, at same time told him it was probable that boats would soon be sent to receive his Crops.
  Some little time after this Mr Gilliland was sent up a Prisoner to Crown Point, abut twenty six Miles from where he lived, by General

    Arnold under the suspicion of his being disaffected to the American States, and soon after that the Generals fleet was defeated which rendered it impossible for me to gett Mr Gillilands Crop, neither was it thought safe to send for it even after the Enemy retired from the Upper part of the Lake, as it was very uncertain but they had Cruisers out.
  In the Winter following Mr Gilliland demanded payment for his Crop, which I positively refused, as no part thereof had been delivered, nay some part thereof was never reaped; but that he might have no occasion to complain of any injustice from me, gave him a certifi cate declaring the nature of the agreement to be nearly as above described (the Copy of which was lost on the retreat from Ty., otherwise should have enclosed it with this.) This he presented to the Commissioners of accompts at Albany who were, and still are of opinion, that he had no right to his demand, in consequence of which refusal from them he has lately arrested me, as has his Brother in law Mr John Wa<tson> whose claim is nearly upon the same principle; I have given bail for five thousand Pounds, and am determind (if I have your Excellencies approbation) to stand trial.
  As in this matter I was meerly an agent for the public, and cannot be interested therein <only> from a desire of doing them justice, there cannot be a doubt of my being admitted as a Wittness to explain the intention of the agreement.
  I have related the whole Transaction to the Attorney General of this State who is of opinion that Mr Gillilands claim cannot be supp<orted>.
I would not have troubled your Excellency on this occasion, but as the Transaction was long before the present Qr Master General’s appointment, am of opinion he would not chuse to give any order thereanent.
As there are several Materials which I ought to provide (if the Fort at West point is determined to be compleated next summer) must request (if not improper) Your Excellency will lett me know your intentions on that head.
I was lately in Albany where I made strict enquiry for a couple of the best bear Skins but could not procure them. I have the Honour to be with the utmost respect and esteem, Your Excellencies, much oblidged most obedt and very humble Servant,

  Udny Hay


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 5–10 January 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

    dear General
    Boston 5th[–10] january 1779

in my dificult situation, at Such a distance from you, I am oblig’d to take a determination by Myself and this I hope will meet with your approbation—you Remember that in making full allowances for deliberations, the answer from Congress was to Reach me before the 15th of last month, and I have long waïted Since without ever hearing from them—Nay, many gentlemen from philadelphia, where, congress believe I am gone long ago, and do’nt Retain any idea of my being here—tho’ my affairs Call me home, private interests would however induce me to waït for your excellencys letter, for the decision of Congress about that exchange in Case I was taken, and for the last determinations Concerning the plans of the next Campaign.
but I think the importance of the dispatches I am the Bearer off, the uncertainty and improbability of Receiving any others here, the advantage my giving intelligences at versaïlles may be for both nations, the inconvenience of detaining the fine fregatte on board of which I go, and the danger of loosing all the men who desert very fast are So important Reasons, as oblige me not to delay any longer—I the more am of that opinion that Congress having Resolv’d to send about this time three fast Sailing vessels to france, and the Marine Committee having promis’d me to give the dispatches to Such officers as I would Reccommend, it is a very good way of forwarding theyr letters, and sending Such ones as your excellency will be pleas’d to write me—I beg you would Send Copies of them by the Several vessels.
to hear from you, my most Respected friend, will be one of the greatest happiness I may feel—the longer letters you’ll write the more Bless’d with Satisfaction I Schall think myself—I hope you will not Refuse me that pleasure as often as you Can—I hope you will ever preserve that affection which I do Return by the most tenderest Sentiments.

  how happy, My dear General, I would be to Come next Spring, principally as it might yet be propos’d I Need not to Say—Your first letters will let me know what I am to depend upon on that head, and I flatter myself the first from me will Confirm you that I am At liberty and that most certainly I intend to Come next Campaign.
My health is now in the best Situation, and I would not Rembember I ever was Sick, was it not for the Marks of friendship you gave me on that occasion—my good doctor has attended me with his usual Care and tenderness—he will See me on board, and then Return to hd quarters—but the charge of your friend was intrust’d to him till I was on the fregatte—I have met with the most kind hospitality in this city; and drinking water excepted the doctor has done every thing he Could to live happy. he dances, and Sings at the assemblies most charmingly.
the Gentlemen who I hope will go to france have orders to Go to head quarters, and I flatter myself, my dear general, that you will write me by them—I beg you would let the bearer of this Cptne la Coloombe know that I do Reccommend him to your excellency for the Commission of Major.
be So kind, my dear General, as to present my best Respects to your lady, and the gentlemen of your family. I hope you will quietly enjoy the pleasure of being with Mrs Washington, without any disturbance from the ennemy till I join you again; I also hope you will approuve of my Sailing, which indeed was urg’d by necessity after waïting So long.
farewell, my most beloved General, it is not without emotion I tell you this last adieu before So long a Seperation. do’nt forget an absent friend and believe me for ever and ever with the highest Respect and tenderest affection der General Your most obed. Serv. and affectionate friend

    lafayette

    on board of the Alliance 10th january 1779
I oppen again my letter, My dear General, to let you know that I am not yet gone, but if the wind proves fair I Schall Sail to morrow—nothing from philadelphia—nothing from hd quarters—So that every body as well as myself is of opinion that I would be wrong to waït any longer—I hope I am Right and I hope to hear Soon from you—adieu; my dear and for ever belov’d friend, adieu.


Title: To George Washington from John Morgan, 5 January 1779
From: Morgan, John
To: Washington, George

    Philadelphia Janry 5. 1779.

Doctor Morgan presents his most respectful Compliments to his Excellency General Washington, and informs him that a Committee appointed by Congress to examine into the State of the Hospitals under his Direction, and into his Conduct, in the Discharge of Duty, meets this Evening at 7. OClock.
It is recommended to Him to apply to his Excellency for a few Lines, respecting his Attention to the Discharge of his Duty, and Obedience to the Generals orders.
  On this Examination will probably depend a Sentence of Congress, whether he is to be considered as a Delinquent unworthy of public Confidence; (which to a generous mind, conscious of meriting a different Treatment is worse than Death,) or whether he is to be restored to the good Opinion of his Country-Men of which he has been deprived for two Years past, by a cruel Determination hastily adopted

    on general Clamors & misplaced Censures, without examining into the State of facts.
Relying on the Generals Justice & Humanity; & appealing to his Excellency, for the Integrity & uprightness of his Conduct His Diligence & Fidelity, in executing the Commands of the General and Congress, as far as in him lay, on Acct of the defective Constitution of the Army, in its infant State; he flatters Himself Genl Washington will be pleased to favour him with a few Lines, to enable him the more effectually to vindicate his Conduct against groundless charges and Imputations, wch will be ever remembered with the most grateful Esteem by his Excellencys most Obedient, & very Humble Servt

    John Morgan

The following are some of the principal Points, on which the Committee propose to inquire into Dr Morgan’s Conduct, this Evening viz.
whether the Genl Hospital at Cambridge was well taken care of by him.
whether Dr Morgan shewed Himself attentive to the Sick & wounded, when received into the Genl Hospital.
His Management in respect to System & Oeconomy of His Diligence in collecting Medicines & other Stores at Boston, on the Evacuation of that City; & whether he therein complied with the Generals orders.
Of His Diligence in preserving the Stores from falling into the hands of the Enemy at the Evacuation of N. York.
Of the Contagion which broke out in the flying Camp towards the Close of the Year 1776 in the Jerseys.
Whether the Resolves of Congress Oct. 9th Dr Morgans being fixed on the East Side of the North River; & Dr Shippens appointment to take charge of the Hospitals in the Jerseys, by that resolve, and getting possession of the Hospital Stores at Newark clashed with Dr Morgans Exertions to take Care of the Troops in the Jerseys.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 5 January 1779
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Camp at Reading [Conn.] 5 Jany 1779

I have just been favoured with yours of the 20th and 26th Ulto have noticed the contents, and shall regulate matters accordingly.
  Nothing new has happened since I had the honor to address you on the subject of the disturbances in General Huntingtons Brigade, which I am happy to inform you has not been repeated, or attended with any farther ill consequences. The Prisoners, who were confined as being the chief instigators & ringleaders in the meeting, are still under the Provost-Guard; Tho if we may judge of their new disposition, by the Petition they have presented to me, (a copy of which is inclosed) there is little reason to doubt of their being truly sensible, of the enormity of their crime, & fully resolved to atone for it, by a reverse of conduct, should they obtain a pardon. The subject is exceedingly delicate, and after the just representation, which I gave, of the circumstances, in my last; I wished to avail myself of your Excellency’s opinion, whether pardon or punishment was most likely to produce the desired effect: for to me there seems, scarcely to be a middle way, in the present case, between capital punishment, and absolute remis<sion>.
I am fully sensible, there are many things to be taken into consideration; on the one hand, the dangerous example, of suffering such proceedings to pass with impunity; or the other, the particular circumstances & character of the Prisoners, most of whom I am well informed, are sober, spirited, ambitious Young fellows of good families & educations, who have signalized themselves in action, & acquired the best reputations as Soldiers—I shall do nothing rashly in the affair, nor take my ultimate resolution, untill I have heard from you, or consulted the Field Officers of the Regiments, to which they belong.
I learn, from Long Island, that there is a considerable Detachment, of the <mutilated> gone to the East end of it, by <mutilated> 1500 to 3000, said to be under the command of Sir William Erskine, their object unknown, conjectured by some to be an attempt to procure Stock & forage—by others to make a descent on the main. I am with the greatest esteem your very humble Servt

  Israel Putnam


Title: From George Washington to John Morgan, 6 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, John

    Sir
    Philada 6th January 1779.

So much time hath elapsed since the several transactions, upon which you require my opinion, happened, and having none of my papers of that day to refer to, I am obliged to trust to my memory alone, which I fear will enable me to give but very imperfect answers to the queries contained in your letter of the  instant.
The Hospitals at Cambridge being stationary, and in a Country full of every necessary for the use of the patients, were well provided, and I imagine well attended, as I do not remember that any complaints were made upon that head. There were then, as there have been since, contentions between the Hospital and Regimental Surgeons respecting the line of their dutys, by which the service hath ever suffered more or less.
No fault I beleive ever was, nor could be found with the Oeconomy of the Hospitals during your Directorship. Things in the first stage of the War were plentyful and cheap, and I am inclined to think that you contributed as much as lay in your power to provide at the lowest Rates. What were the expenditures in your time I do not know.
I very well remember, that when the Army marched from Boston to New York, you remained behind, by my order, to collect Medicines, and that you were a considerable time employed in that service: But I will not undertake to say what quantity or of what kind the Medicines were that you procured.
  The Troops, while they remained in the City of New York, and while they were incamped near Haarlem, were exceedingly sickly and died fast: But I cannot pretend to assign the precise Cause or Causes. I beleive much may be attributed to the rawness of the troops, unused to a Camp life, want of necessaries and the extreme fatigue they were obliged to undergo during the Heat of the Summer. There were mutual Complaints, between the Hospital and Regimental Surgeons, of each other, the former alledging an intention in the latter to thwart their measures by not sending their men regularly to the Hospitals, the latter asserting that they could obtain neither Medicines nor

    Stores for the sick in Regiments and that they suffered when at the Hospital. During this time, I beleive, the seeds of those disorders and distempers were sown, which broke out with so much Violence later in the fall—When the Army was under the necessity of removing from York Island to the White plains, and part of it from thence to New Jersey, we were peculiarly distressed for want of the means of transportation, by which the sick undoubtedly suffered in their removal. I do not recollect that you were charged with personal inattention or want of activity, but the clamours were loud against the department in general, and the miserable condition of the sick in all quarters a fact too well known and remembered. Whether this was owing to a too contracted medical System or to any other unavoidable causes you I imagine will be able to point out to the Committee of Congress appointed to give you a hearing.
The Resolve of Congress appointing Docr shippen and yourself Directors in separate departments occasioned a disagreement between you, I think particularly as to the disposal of the Hospital Stores. I remember that I was obliged, for the good of the Service, to interpose in some manner, but without reference to my papers, I will not undertake to say what orders I was under the necessity of giving. I have understood that this clashing between Docr shippen and yourself was no small Cause of the Calamities that befell the sick in 1776.
I can with truth acquit you of any disobedience or neglect of my general Orders at any time, on the contrary, you always appeared ready to execute them, and frequently furnished me with directions to be given in orders for the better accommodation of the sick.
I have every reason to think that you exerted yourself in the removal of the Hospital Stores from N. York in 1776 and I well remember the fact of your remaining in the City among the last that stayed. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 6 January 1779
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Sussex in the Jerseys January 6th 1779

I have received at this place your letter dated from Philadelphia of December the 25th for which and allowing Lieutenant Campbell going to New York I return you, Sir, my very sincere thanks.
  I lament from the bottom of my heart at there being so little likelyhood of an Exchange of Prisoners of War, the cause of humanity is

    deeply interested in it, and the injury both sides receives should urge the real and good intentions of all parties to endeavour at procuring a mutual release of Officers and Soldiers who by an unlucky chance of War are seperated from their friends and Country.
I can not help being of the opinion that the methods already adopted have failed from want of explanation, and the Commissioners who have met may possibly have been over tenacious of punctilio and forgot that in treating of an Exchange of Prisoners they were to consult the feelings of humanity and not those of pride however well founded on either side, and that a number of articles in strict form might be passed over for the advantage of a common good.
I view the resolves of the American Congress for suffering exchanges upon a general plan as perfectly leading to real advantage, but the locality and particularity of the Troops of Convention assuredly requires a modulation of that resolve which the Commissioners have not perhaps attended to—In a number of Prisoners of War made at large it is very easy to exchange them upon a general plan and each Officer returns to his Corps or Regiment but the Troops of Convention are differently circumstanced, for the Corps and Regiments being actualy included in the situation of the Officers; these latter being exchanged have no place to resort to and their Military stations would be as effectualy lost as now when they are under the restriction of a Convention, and it becomes, therefore, of unavoidable necessity that to promote or suffer an exchange some method must be fallen upon to release whole Corps Officers and Men—This might be done by an Exchange of all the American Officers who are Prisoners of War for their value in Officers and Men of the Troops of Convention, and for the rest to remain untill a second opportunity should such arrive or to be released by ransom paying a stipulated sum in specie for each rank as might be agreed on by persons chosen for the purpose on both sides.
I realy imagine that a conversation on this subject might lead to a favourable conclusion, and so far is certain that a mere conversation need nor can lead to nothing unless the American Congress on the one part and Sir Henry Clinton on the other should permit a Negociation to take place after such conversation had passed.
  I freely offer myself to you, Sir, on the occasion and will meet any Officer sent by your Excellency and talk over with him this matter so very interesting to us all: as this will not be treaty or negociation I wave every punctilio about rank in your Officer and wish to meet as Gentleman and Gentleman, and if we have the good fortune to throw any lights on what may be judged the intentions of the American Congress and of Sir Henry Clinton, it may result into a meeting

    of Commissioners who having their path smoothed it will probably make their interview of Effect.
I am well aware, Sir, that you cannot enter into my views without the previous consent of the Congress and I request to leave you at full liberty of making this correspondence known to them to whom I should address myself without hesitation did I not suppose your Excellency to be the proper channel in a Military matter.
I will own to you, Sir, a very strong desire of visiting New York and I enclose you a letter for the President of the American Congress and will request if you think it proper that you will allow the Deputy Adjutant General to the Troops of Convention to deliver it to the President.
I shall pursue my route to Bethlem and there wait the return of the Deputy Adjutant General who will have the honor of delivering this letter to your Excellency. I have the honor to be Sir, with great personal respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient and mos[t] humble Servant

  W. Phillips


Title: General Orders, 7 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 7th 1779.
    Parole LysanderC. Signs Lubon. Lue.

The Clothier General is immediately to deliver out to the respective regiments any deficiencies of the proportion of clothing allowed at Frederick’s burgh: When that is completed, the commanding officers of Brigades are to make returns in to the Orderly-Office of whatever then will be deficient.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 7 January 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

    dear General
    on board of the alliance 7th january 1779

This letter will be delivered to your excellency by Mister Nevill my aid de Camp whom I beg you to favor with a leave of absence for joining me in france—Besides the affection I have for that gentleman, I also think his voyage may forward the public good as he will be intrusted with those dispatches Congress are going to Send—may I beg you, my dear general, to hurry theyr expedition, and let us hear Soon from you upon public Business—the necessity of not loosing time is very obvious. I also intreat your friendship Not to forget writing to me, and if you grant the leave I Sollicit for Mister Nevill his arrival with letters from you will make me extremely happy. that gentleman’s father wanted him to Cross over with me but there was no Room in the fregatte and I engag’d those I Could dispose off. with the highest Respect I have the honor to be Your excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant

  lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

    Sir
    Philada 7 January 1779

I am favd with yours of the 31st Decemr inclosing two letters from Major Howell.
To prevent a too frequent intercourse by Flag Boats I lately wrote to the Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and pointed out the inconveniences of people’s coming almost daily with permissions from them to go into New York, which occasioned the Officer commanding at Elizabeth Town to send a Flag with each individual, by which means a constant current of intelligence was kept up. I proposed to the Governors of the above mentioned States that a Flag Boat should go the first of every Month only (except in particular cases or with public dispatches) from Eliza. town to Staten Island, and that therefore when applications were made for papers they should inform those who obtained them, that it would be needless to go to Eliza. Town at any other time than the first of the Month, as they would be obliged to wait. They have acceded to this and you will therefore be free’d in future from the constant applications to furnish Flags.
I have sent you by this conveyance the several late News papers to exchange for those of New York. I shall continue to send them to you as they come to my hands, to answer the same purpose. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 7 January 1779
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    War Office [Philadelphia] January 7 1779

The Board beg Leave to remind your Excellency of the large Number of Mittens on Hand & as the Canada Expedition is not likely to go on, to ask your Opinion, whether they should be still kept in Store or issued to the Troops at Camp.
  The Ranks are so much weakned & there are so many Abuses committed by Officers taking Soldiers for Servants that the Board are about reporting to Congress a Resolution that every Officer instead of a Servant shall be allowed Subsistance Money equal to the Pay & Rations of a Soldier & on this Allowance being made any Officer taking

    a Soldier as a Servant shall be subject to be cashiered. Field Officers to be allowed Subsistance for two Servants. Previous to this being done we shall be happy in having your Excellency’s Opinion upon the Subject & if you think that this Measure is not eligible we beg Leave to suggest the Mode of limiting the Number of Soldiers who shall be employed out of each Company Troop or Regiment for at present it seems entirely at large & a great Proportion of the Soldiers returned on Command is made up of those who are employed as Servants. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect your very obed. Servt

    Richard PetersOn Behalf of the Board

The Number of Horses for which Subsistance is to be allowed to Officers of the Dragoons has never yet (as we have heard) been settled & we should be glad of your Excellency’s Opinion on this Matter & what Regulations should be made therein.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 7 January 1779
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir,
    Camp Middlebrook [N.J.] 7th January 1779.

Yesterday I recieved your favour dated the 1st Inst., and in pursuance of your Order have directed Lieut. Hugoe of the fifth Maryland Regiment to repair to, and take Command of the Soldiers in the Shoe Factory at New Ark, and have given him proper Instructions for this purpose, he Marches down Twenty of the Nine Months Men, who have inlisted in that Regiment, as they are altogether from the Eastern Shore, he has orders to dismiss them at Christiana Bridge, and their furloughs require them to rendezvous at New Ark on the 10th of April, in order to March under him (or such other officer as may be ordered on that duty) to join their Regiment. Those of the other Regiments who have or may inlist will be detached in a similar way.
  The great want of shoes when in Wilmington last Winter, the improbability of procuring the Necessary supplies by the modes prescribed, induced me to address you on the Subject of establishing a factory under the Superintendancy of Mr Rutherford, which you dissented to; I wrote you, and had experienced, that shoes were not to be procured, by the common mode of bartering Hides, and those recd in that way, were small and very indifferent, these Circumstances induced me to call upon the Officers of the Division, who jointly with myself agreed to establish the Factory at our own risque, to pay Mr Rutherford Eighty dollars ⅌ month, and Account with the

    Continent for the Hides, Rations &c. to Average the Price of the shoes thereon, and deduct out of the officers and Soldiers pay the averaged Price for the Quantity recieved by them respectively, and by bartering the Hides of the Division for leather, and drawing out thirty three, mostly of our sorriest men to execute the work we got amply supplied with very good shoes, the first supplies of which after all Contingent expences at the highest Calculation were defrayed, averaged Twenty five Shillings ⅌ pair, but the later supplies we judged must come much lower, as the Implements and Contingencies of the Establishment in the first instance, were accounted for on the distribution of the first Thousand pair delivered—The Maryland Troops for this six or seven months have not recieved any shoes from this Factory, nor have I been informed by whose direction it has been carried on, tho’ I supposed it was by order of the Board of War, for which reason I declined withdrawing the men, and was glad the Public had taken on itself the charge and Management of this Establishment which I conceived wou’d be very usefull to the Army at large—nor do I know that the inclosed Representation is just or unjust or against whom it is levelled—I can only answer for my own Innocence, but I will not undertake to answer for some of our Genius’s in the Maryland line, who in other instances, have not acted less inconsistant, and strange, (particularly in Attempting and Advertiseing the sale of Doctr Boyces’s Manuscripts, when they were conscious both your Honor, and mine stood pledged for their delivery) tho’ if they have infused such Notions into the Soldiers heads, it is descending lower than I could have imagined, ’its a Circumstance I never heard of before—I would observe that the wages of the Soldiers in the factory, are lower than are Allowed by the Continent to other Artificers, this tho’ they were fond of Accepting at the first establishment, may now be an objection which will rest with the Board to remedy.
I had yesterday, before I received yours, wrote Mr Rutherford to forward what Shoes he had on hand to spare, As the Division by their March over the Mountains in the Snow, and in getting Boards, and Timber, are almost barefoot, this I was induced to do from an intimation, that Colo. Ramsey recd from him, that the Board of War had directed him to supply us, and I apprehended they could have no Objection to such a partial supply in this instance, as the Factory work has been and is altogether executed by the Soldiery of this Division. I remain with great regard Your most Obedient & very Hble Servant

  W. Smallwood


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Oliver Spencer, 7 January 1779
From: Spencer, Oliver
To: Washington, George

    May it please your Excellency
    Minisink [N.Y.]Jany 7th 1779

When I engaged more Immediately in the Service of my Country, the latter end of the year 1776 and beginning of 1777, it was a time when our Expectations of reducing the enemy, and Gaining our grand Point, were languid and Small. at this Difficult Period, it become every Honest man and friend to his Country, to exert himself in it’s favour to the Utmost of his Abilities. Since the above recited Period, it has pleased the Almighty to interpose in our favour, and by a Series of Successes, we have now a fair prospect before us of reaping the Happy fruits of our labours, Independence and Peace. and next to the welfare of our Country, no doubt we Should Esteem the Wellbeing, Comfort and Support of our friends and Families. mine, which is numerous and helpless, has Suffered much thro’ my Absents Since the Commencement of the present war, and must probably Still Suffer more if the War Continues, and I Shou’d also Continue in the Service: therefore, as it is probable that on Arranging the Army, there will be a number of Supernumerary Officers: I could wish (for no other reason than the above, and an Utter aversion to a resignation,) it might be my lot to be one. and yet if I am Honored with a continuence in the Service, I Shall endeavour to Serve with patience, Steadiness & Integrity.
  it is with the greatest pleasure and Satisfaction, I reflect on the Honors conferred on me, in Serving my Country in the Station I’m in, under So worthy and Illustrious a Commander, as your Excellency, and hope my past endeavours to Serve with that Fidelity and firmness, that becomes an Officer, and Soldier, has Merited your Excellency’s, and Consequently my Country’s Approbation. that your Excellency may remain at the Head, as long as it is Necessary to keep Up an Army, and in a Confirmed State of Health, and Soundness of Constitution, may Continue long to See, and enjoy the fruits of your

    Toil & labour with pleasure & Satisfaction, is the Sincere Desire of your Excellency’s Most Obedient, Most Devoted Servant

  Oliver Spencer