Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 4 March 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            War Office [Philadelphia] March 4. 1780

          We beg to apologize for omitting the Acknowledgment of your Excellency’s Favour of the 8th of Feby relative to the Ordnance & Stores to be lodged at Fort Pitt. Immediately on reciept of that Letter Orders were given for the provision of the Articles which are now ready to proceed when the roads will admitt.
          If any offensive Operations are intended in that Quarter we wish to be favoured with the earliest Intelligence of them. We have directed a retrenchment in the Quarter Master’s Department of a vast Number of hired Horses which have been kept at a most enormous Expence in Berkley Virginia. It will therefore be necessary to have the Information requested that if any Enterprize is intended Orders may be given for providing Horses as well as other necessary Matters in due Season. From the Intelligence recieved from Genl Schuyler relative to Indian Affairs it should seem that the Savages are disposed for Peace. But it may notwithstanding be proper to prepare for War as they are artful & perfidious. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem & Respect Your very obedt Servants

            Richard PetersBy order


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 4 March 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear sir
            Robi[n]sons House [West Point, N.Y.] 4th March 1780

          I wish for your Excellency’s instruction as to the inclos’d Ac[coun]t, which I should be glad you could return me by Express. The claim has merit, the officer from Every account I have had (and that Reputable) did in an Extraordinary manner Exert him self, & serve the cause, and was at an Extraordinary Expence & in my opinion ought to have his Acct Allow’d I am Dear sir most Respec[t]fully your Excellency’s Obt hum. servt

            Robt Howe


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 4 March 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear sir
            Highlands [N.Y.] 4th march 1780

          I have this moment heard from —— an Extract of whose letter I send you, and also a Copy of one written to him sign’d as you will find by perusing it, the original of which I have receiv’d but must return to —— as he desires to have it again. I Earnestly wish the news respecting the British Fleet may be true, nor do I wholly discredit it, as I have had the Same intelligence from several hands. As he Expects his Emissary up again, and as your Excellency may wish Certain answers to be made to their enquiries, now sent which may not suggest them selves to me, I send by express that I may hear from you in time, and also to give you the Earliest information of the objects of their Enquiry, as it may give some Idea of their designs, & govern your measures to counteract them. I have written to —— to be informd particularly what was the contents of his letter to them,

and expressive of surprise that he had not sent a Copy, tho’ I doubt not the omission was unintentional, but the check was necessary that it might not be repeated. I found & find, things here in a situation not Satisfactory; our supply of Provision not above ten or twelve days forward, and the situation of the Roads very obstructive to the transportation, Every possible Efforts & Exertions have been, and shall be made, & I hope success will crown our Endeavours. pointed orders have been written and Reiterated to Commissaries of Every sort, and I am Encouraged to think with good Effect, The states, have Exerted themselv[e]s in a manner spirited & Patriotic, and Colo. Hay deserves for his Conduct more than I can Express. Our number of Effectives at present are under two thousand, too small by many, for so important a Post, the Discipline in Cantonments (according to Custom) not so Exact or strict as it ought to be, and as it shall be, before long, for I am attending to it, from the Individual to the Aggregate, I need not mention to your Excellency that this last Paragraph is for no Eye but yours I shall do my self the Honour to write to your Excellency more fully in a few days, at present I shall not to detain the Express. The Engineers have orders to Report what they want and they will have every assistence in my power. A Fatigue has been already order’d, and are at work at West point. depend upon my Every Effort as my Duty my Ambition and inclination Combine to impell me. With Every wish for your happiness I have the Honour to be with the Greatest Respect Dear sir your Excellency’s affectionate & most obt servt

            Robt Howe


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 4 March 1780
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            My Dear General,
            Chas Town [S.C.] March 4th 1780.

          Sir Harry seems to be collecting his force on James Island, and is there throwing up some works—one among the ruins of Fort Johnson, another a little to the westward of it—it is said that he is also throwing up a Bomb-battery opposite the Town; drawing his principal force to this Island, hawling his Gallies, and other armed vessels, of small draught of water, near the mouth of Wappoo, collecting a number of boats there, indicate that an attempt on the southerly part of the Town by boats will be made—It is pretty evident that he means to introduce his ships into the Harbour, which I find he may effect with more safety than I once supposed he could, for Our frigates, which it was thought could lye before the Bar, so as to command the entrance of it, appear to draw too much water for this purpose, and cannot anchor wt. safety nearer to it than three miles, and there they are liable to be annoyed from the shore, and the channel is so narrow that they cannot anchor in line of Battle—it is the opinion of all the Captains of the ships that they can render more essential services by lying abreast and acting in conjunction with Fort Moultrie than by taking any other post.
          General Hogan’s arrival last night gives great happiness and spirit to the Garrison, for we were before, and are now much too weak—we have but very little support from the Country Militia of this State—there are but about two hundred of them in Town, and it will be with difficulty that they will be brought into it—notwithstanding the exertions of the executive the spirit with which they are conducting themselves Your Excellency will

learn by the enclosed Proclamation—The southern part of the State is exposed to the immediate incursions of the enemy, and to the depredations of the Tories—This at present keeps a number of men in that part in arms, to protect their families and property which they say cannot be removed—in the middle part of the Country most of the inhabitants are disaffected, and a few days since were in arms, and killed a number of People—this forbids any troops being drawn from that part of the Country. force must be sent into it—the frontiers of the State are obliged to arm to restrain the savages, and for the defence of themselves and the upper part of Georgia—the eastern shore are left for the defence of Georgetown and the sea-coast.
          Governor Caswell has in the most pointed terms ordered on the whole of the late draughts of three thousand; about one third of them are arrived, and he has directed two thousand more to embody near the bounds of the Northerly part of this Sta⟨te⟩ to act in either State as circumstances may require—I was in hopes General Scott would have been here before now—but I cannot learn that he has yet left Petersburgh.
          Our Works are constantly going on, and matters every day grow better—the people are recovering their Spirits, and have now high expectations. I have the honor to be, My Dear General, with the highest respect, Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

            B: Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 4 March 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York March 4th 1780

          I have the honour to receive Your Excellency’s letter signifying that you have appointed Commissioners on your part to meet ours and propose the 9th Instant for that purpose.
          I feel extremely happy at this Event on a publick Account, in commiseration of a Number of distressed Individuals on both Sides, and I most Sincerely hope the Negotiation may be attended with Success.

          I am extremely obliged to you, Sir, for your personal attention to me which, indeed, you have been so good as to shew me upon all occasions. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great personal Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

            W. Phillips


Title: General Orders, 5 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown sunday March 5th 1780
            Parole Ireland—  C. Signs Ogle. Ormond—


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 5 March 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Passy [France] March 5, 1780

          I received but lately the Letter your Excellen[c]y did me the honour of writing to me in Recommendation of the Marquis de la Fayette. His Modesty detain’d it long in his own Hands. We became acquainted however, from the time of his Arrival at

Paris, and his Zeal for the Honour of our Country, his Activity in our Affairs here, and his firm Attachment to our Cause, and to you, impress’d me with the same Regard & Esteem for him that your Excellency’s Letter would have done, had it been immediately delivered to me.
          Should Peace arrive after another Campaign or two, and afford us a little Leisure, I should be happy to see your Excellency in Europe, and to accompany you, if my Age & Strength would permit, in visiting some of its ancient and most famous Kingdoms. You would on this Side the Sea, enjoy the great Reputation you have acquir’d, pure and free from those little Shades that the Jealousy and Envy of a Man’s Countrymen & Cotemporaries are ever endeavouring to cast over living Merit. Here you would know, and enjoy, what Posterity will say of Washington. For a 1000 Leagues have nearly the same Effect with 1000 Years. The feeble Voice of those groveling Passions cannot extend so far either in Time or Distance. At present I enjoy that Pleasure for you: as I frequently hear the old Generals of this martial Country, (who study the Maps of America, and mark upon them all your Operations) speak with sincere Approbation & great Applause of your Conduct, and join in giving you the Character of one of the greatest Captains of the Age.
          I must soon quit the Scene, but you may live to see our Country flourish, as it will amazingly and rapidly after the War is over. Like a Field of young Indian Corn, which long Fair weather & Sunshine had enfeebled and discolour’d, and which in that weak State, by a Thunder Gust of violent Wind, Hail & Rain seem’d to be threatend with absolute Destruction; yet the Storm being past, it recovers fresh Verdure, shoots up with double Vigour, and delights the Eye not of its Owner only, but of every observing Traveller.
          The best Wishes that can be form’d for your Health Honour and Happiness, ever attend you, from Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

            B.F.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Sir
            Head Quarters [Morristown] March 5th 1780

          I had the honor to receive by last nights Post Your Excellencys favor of the 10th Ulto—I am not certain I ever heard that Colo. Clarke had meditated an expedition against Detroit but I have thought it probable enough that he might turn his views that way. The reduction of this Post would be a matter very interesting from it’s situat[i]on—and consequent importance to the tranquility of the Western Country. I have long wished to effect it, but hithe[r]to unhappily our force and means at the Westward have not appeared sufficient to authorise an attempt. These are now from the expiration of the enlistments of many of the Men stationed at Fort Pitt, more incompetent than they were, and I have no prospect of directing an Enterprise to be undertaken. Your Excellency will henc⟨e⟩ be able to determin on the measures bes⟨t⟩ for Colo. Clarke to persue. I have thought the Icy season when the Enemys Ships and other armed Vessels are confined in the Harbour would be the most eligible time to attempt the Post if th⟨e⟩ preperations and Provisions necessary for such an opperation could be then mad⟨e,⟩ as the Garrison would not only be precluded from a retreat but if it were happily to be reduced, it would also invol⟨ve⟩ the loss of the Vessels—an event of great moment. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Obt Servant

            G.W.

            P.S. If the Expedition against Detroit is undertaken—& I am advised of the time—it may possibly be in my power to favor it in some degree—by directing a movement of part of the Troops at Fort pitt—by way of diversion.
            I beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that besides the Men in the Regiments and Corps of which You have had Returns—There are 52 Non-Commissioned Officers & privates belonging to the State in the partizan Corps commanded by Major Lee.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 5 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

            My Lord (private)
            Morris-town March 5th 1780

          I have read the orders wch you had framed for your division—they are certainly good, but in substance except in a very few instans. are very explicitly enjoined by the regulations; & have been reiterated at different periods in the general orders antecedent to the promulgation of the established “regulations for the order & discipline of the Troops”; & since, in many particular ones by a reference to them; as your Lordship may perceive by recurring to the orderly book.
          At our last interview I slightly touched on this subject, but I shall embrace the present occasion to repeat more fully, that orders, unless they are followed by close attention to the performance of them, are of little avail—They are read by some—only heard of by others—and inaccurately attended to by all whilst, by a few, they are totally disregarded—and this will for ever be the case till the principal Officers of the army begin the work of reformation by a close inspection into the police—the conduct of the Officers & men under their respective commands. and will endeavr to restore public œconomy, & saving. than wch nothing can bettr suit our prest Circums.
          Example whether it be good or bad has a powerful influence— & the higher in Rank the Officer is who sets it, the more striking it is—hence, and from all military experience it has been found necessary, for Officers, of every denomination to inspect narrowly the conduct of such parts of the Army & Corps as are committed to their care—without this the regulations “for the order & discipline of the Troops”—established by the highest authority & wch are short simple & easy in the perform[anc]e and the General orders will be little attended to—of course neglect of discipline—want of order—irregularity—waste, abuse, & embezzlement of public property insensibly creep in it is idle to

Suppose under a descripn like this the ground for wch none I believe will deny that a division—Briga⟨de,⟩ or Regimental Order, will have greater weight than those of Congress or the G⟨eneral;⟩ but if the Persons issuing them would devote, as duty indispensably requires, a reasonable portion of their time to a personal & close insp⟨ec⟩tion into the affairs of their respective commands would frequently parade their Regiments. & compare the actual strength of them, their Arms, accoutrements & Cloaths, with the returns; & have the deficiencies (if any there be) satisfactorily accounted for & provided, agreeably to the establishment of the army—would see that the regulations, the general orders & their own, were carried into execution where practicable, or report the causes of failure when they cannot. That all returns are made in due form—in proper time—& correctly comparing one return with another in order to prevent mistakes, correct abuses, and do justice to the public—and that in visiting such parts of the line, & such particular Corps as are entrusted to their care praize is bestowed on the deserving—reprehension, & (where necessary) punishment on the negligent, the good effect would be almost instantaneously felt—frequent visits & inspection into matters of this kind would produce more real good in one Month than volumes of the best digested orders that the wit of man can devise wd accomplish in Seven years.
          Were it not for the infinity of perplexing business that is refered to, & comes before me from every quarter—the multiplicity of Letters & papers I have to read and consider, many of which originate in the want of application & due attention being given by the Genl Officers to their respective commands, which brings a variety of applications to head Qrs that ought to be settled in the respective lines I shd devote much more of my time to the Military parts of my duty. unhappily while necessity with-holds me from these attentions want of being sufficiently impressed with its importance or some other cause operates with equal force on others; & the few rides I am able to make to the Camp—& the hours wch I can devote to the business of the line; never fail producing mortifying proofs of inattention & relaxation of discipline. The Country in all my excursions I find spread over with Soldiers, notwithstanding the pointed orders which have been Issued to restrain them & to discountenance a practice wch has been found pregnant of desertion, Robbery,

& even murders—& is totally repugnant to every principle of discipline & the Rules laid down for our governmt.
          This My Lord is a free & friendly representn of facts. your letter drew it from me to you at this time; but I shall take occasion so soon as the Genl Officers Assemble to require in explicit terms from them a conduct conformable to these sentimts in future. for without it there is no possibility in the present perplexity of Affairs & the divided attention I am obliged to give to numberless object⟨s⟩ wch press upon me to move the Military Machine with any degree of propriety without their assistance—with much esteem & regard I am Yr Lordships most Obedt Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 6 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentlemen
            Head Quarters Morris Town 6th March 1780.

          I have been honored with yours of the 28th ulto. It gives me great pleasure to find by your letter and by one which I recd a few days ago from Mr Lovell that we have favorable account⟨s⟩ from France on the subject of supplies of Cloathing and other stores—I have directed the Adj⟨t⟩ General to call for an exact return of the drum⟨s⟩ and fifes wanting which shall be transmitted to the Board as soon as they are brought in.
          General Knox informs me that the Hessian swords which were at Albany were ordered down to Fishkill with an intention to deliver them out to the non Commd Officers of the Artillery and Infantry, but that on their arrival they were found stripped of their mountings, which having been brass, had been taken off to cast into Gun Mountings and for other purposes—He says they may be remounted again with Iron, and that he will order part of them to be fitted up again. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 6 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Flower, Benjamin

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris town 6th March 1780.

          I have recd yours of the 25th Feby inclosing the Returns of part of the Regiment of Artillery Artificers—It is to be regretted that the original inlistments had not been clearly expressive of the term of service—separate Rolls should have been kept, distinguishing those for three years from those for the War—To obviate the difficulties which were likely to arise from this vague kind of inlistment; Congress passed a Resolve that all Men who had been inlisted for the War—or for three years or during the War previous to the 23d January 1779 should be intitled to a fresh Bounty of 100 dollars upon renewing their inlistments for the War—The greater part of the soldiers who had been under the beforementioned circumstances reinlisted upon these terms, and I think you had better try the same experiment upon such

of your people as come under the above description—and inform me whether you have any success.
          The making such provision for your Corps as is made by the State for the troops of her line is a matter which lays intirely with the Legislature and in which I cannot with propriety interfere. I am Sir yr &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 March 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Morris Town March 6th 1780.

          Inclosed I send your Excellency a copy of my last letter to Congress, to which they have given no answer and which necessarily involves very important consequences.
          The affairs of the Quarter Master’s Department are so intimately connected with the operations of the Army: and the security, support and movements of the latter so dependant on the former, that I think it my duty to give your Excellency the earliest information of every change and embarrassment in it which may affect the service. This measure is necessary not only for the public welfare but for my own justification.
          Altho’ I esteem it a peculiar misfortune to be reduced to the necessity of taking steps tending to my own justification, yet when I have not that support which was promissed me by the Committee of Congress when I engaged in the duties of the Office, and which was and still is necessary to the order and management of the business, I have nothing left but to point out the causes of the failure. And I trust when my conduct comes to be fully understood and the business of the department striped of vulgar prejudices and private enmity, it will be found to have been both prudently and honestly conducted. I shall not enter into a justification of all the detail of the business. I know it is

too extensive for the wisdom of an Angel to guard against every imposition. I am not chargeable for such evils where the misfortune originates in the plan of the War and the state of the finances. Tho’ I cannot pretend to be responsible for the fidelity discretion and prudence of every agent employed in the lesser branches of business yet I presume the much greater part of every order are men of integrity and some of them are the first characters for business upon the Continent. One thing I will venture to affirm with confidence which is that every exertion has been made by all the Agents to promote the service in general and to fulfill your Excellency’s orders in particular as far as the means in their hands or their personal credit or influence could be extended for the purpose.
          The crisis is now fast approaching when there will be a general stagnation of business as some of the Deputies have already left the department and others preparing to follow their example. Some have advertised to stop all purchases on the public account for want of money to fulfill the contracts, others will be reduced by necessity to do the like. Transportation cannot be kept up for want of money to pay those employed in that service, and even those teams which serve with the Brigades begin to refuse further service unless they are paid for the past. Thus we seem to be threatned with distress and ruin on every side. I shall continue to give every aid to the business in my power, but it must sink under it’s own weight unless it is better supported than it has been for months past. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servt

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6–8 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

              Sir,
              Head Quarters Morris Town March 6th[–8] 1780

            I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letters of the 21st & 22d Ulto—I thank you for the communication you have been pleased to give me, with respect to the Fleet and embarkation at the Havannah—and I am in hopes we shall hear of the Spaniards having made a successful stroke against one or both of the places you have mentioned. as to the Enemy’s Fleet supposed to be bound to the Southward—from the violent & constant storms that prevailed for several days after their departure

from New York, I still think they must have been a good deal deranged and injured.
            With respect to Capt. Greene & the other Hostages given at the Cedars—It cannot be in my power to do more than to endeavour to effect their exchange. This will be attempted as it constantly has been; but it will rest with the Enemy to consent to it or not, as they may think proper. Hitherto the latter has been their choice—and if they persevere in it—the Hostages I should suppose must be bound by their engagements. It seems to me that this must be the case in every instance of Parole—& in the present the engagements appear to be obligatory upon the officers in a very peculiar manner, as the indulgence of Parole was granted after the Treaty was set aside, for the performance of which they had been given as a security.
            I find myself under the necessity of transmitting to Your Excellency the copy of a letter I received Yesterday from the Quarter Master General, pointing out afresh the distresses of his department. As Your Excellency I presume, has received the original letter of the 16th Ulto to which he alludes—I have not inclosed a copy of it. I do not know what can or will be done to give relief; but from all I hear and all I see—things really appear to me in this department to be in a very alarming train—and to threaten the most interesting and fatal consequences. The inclosure No. 2 (a copy of a letter of the 24th ulto from Colo. Biddle to the Quar⟨ter⟩ Master Genl) will shew too how we are, and are like to be distressed on account of forage. In consequence of this representation, I prevailed on Colo. Biddle as the most eligible plan that occur’d to me, to wait on the assembly at Trenton and to lay our difficulties & apprehensions on this head before them but what they will or can do I can not determine. I am very apprehensive that we shall experience great difficulties for want of proper supplies.

            March 8th
            Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 29th of Feby have been duly received. General Irvine at present, is at home on Furlough, which circumstance of itself would prevent an immediate attention being paid to his claim of rank; but if this was not the case, it appears to me for reasons I shall take the liberty to state on a future occasion, that it will be impossible for me to settle it—and that Congress themselves will be only competent to it.

            It is very sincerely to be wished that the States may furnish the several articles of supplies required of them. It will be very interesting for them to do it, and in such a manner that the army may not either be reduced to a situation of want—or our operations be cramped or prohibited by an apprehension of it. I shall take the earliest occasion, after it is in my power, to inform the respective States of the places that appear to me the most proper for the supplies to be deposited at. It will be necessary to consult the Quartr Master Genl & Commissary Genl upon the subject, the latter of whom is now absent from Camp on business at the Eastward. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most obet servant

              Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 6 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von

            D. Sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town March 6 1780

          On saturday I received the Honor of Your obliging Favor of the 23d Ulto and was extremely sorry to find that your indisposition still continued; before this I hope you are perfectly recovered.
          Returns of the Troops have been transmitted to all the States, except those of North and South Carolina & Georgia, which have no Troops in this Quarter, and so particular as to enable them to form a tolerable good Judgement of the deficiency of Men they are to provide. I was more fortunate in obtaining them than I at first apprehended.
          The number of Men in the Field, would certainly be the proper criterion by which to determine the quantity of arms necessary to have in reserve; but this depending on Levies it cannot be known with precision. I should hope however with You, that the quantity you have mentioned and which I am happy to find in our Magazines will be fully competent to every contingent demand. Unless we experience some unlucky stroke of fortune, they certainly will. As to the large Muskets without Bayonets—they would without doubt answer much better in a Garrison than in the Field; however as there must be at present a large proportion of Supernumerary Arms at West point from the expiration of the Mens inlistments, who composed a part of the Garrison—I think it will be as well, at any rate at this time, to defer sending any of them there. Indeed I would never wish to have more Arms at any of the posts than may be really necessary including a small reserve for fear of accidents—and besides these considerations—as the Troops of the Garrison are not always stationary, these arms might not answer all the purposes you at first intended.
          With respect to the Artillery—there is a Gentleman now doing the duty of Inspector in that line—and most of the Independent Corps, forming a part of the Brigades, fall under the Common Inspections. The point as to the Cavalry is the most

difficult, as they act in such a sparse—divided manner; but we must aim at the best system and regulations we can for their Government. The system which was in contemplation in the fall, I have not with me—and being much occupied when I read it—I would chuse to give the subject a little more consideration and another perusal. The Establishment in May 1778 fixed the number of Men and Horses, of which a Regiment of Cavalry should consist; but from the service of the Men expiring and other causes—I believe there are none that have their complement of either. And from the immoderate price of Horses owing to the depreciation of the money—it is really difficult to know what is best to advise with respect to the filling them.
          You must certainly have every assistance that may be requisite for prosecuting the important and interesting business of your department—and when You return we will endeavour to provide for every deficiency and submit such additional arrangements as appear necessary to the determination of Congress, who I am persuaded will adopt with the greatest chearfulness, whatever may be thought essential.
          It is so long since the annexing of the Mustering department to that of the Inspection was proposed, that You seem to have forgot it entirely. You will recollect on my mentioning the subject, that the matter was laid before a full Board of General Officers at West point, in consequence of a Letter I had received from a Committee of Congress—and that it was the unanimous opinion the Two Offices might be united and that You found on consulting the Sub-Inspectors—the junction would be agreable to them. It was in consequence of this information that I wrote to Congress the union of the Offices might be effected. They have since directed it to take place by a late Resolution—and me to arrange it—and report the plan. This I have hitherto deferred doing from a desire of consulting You upon the occas⟨ion⟩.
          I am happy in the information about Cloathing &c. which You mention—and I sincere⟨ly⟩ hope they will arrive. It will be a fresh manifestation, and in a very interesting point, of His Christian Majesty’s affection towards us.
          Count D’Estaing has experienced many vicissitudes of fortune. In this last affair She seemed at first to be much against him in separating him from his Squadron; but she appears in the conclusion to have made him amends in the capture of the

Two Ships of War. I feel great pleasure from the event—and I trust the Count has arrived safe with the prizes in port; and that he is perfectly recovered of all his wounds.
          I thank You for your promise of communicating the time of the Minister’s departure—and request you will present me to him with the most respectful attachment. I have the Honor to be with great regard & esteem Dr sir Yr Most Obed. st

            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Cleves Symmes, 6 March 1780
From: Symmes, John Cleves
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Morris Town, March the 6th 1780.

          The grand Jurors for the County of Morris have requested me to inform Your Excellency, that, “they feel in the most sensible manner the distresses which the Army must experience from the depreciation of the Money without any other addition—are deeply wounded at an Information that there were some persons who were so lost to the duty they owe to brave men suffering and exposing themselves for their Country; so lost to every humane, generous, and benevolent feeling of the heart, as to take the advantage which the late scarcity of food in the Army

presented them with, to extort from the poor soldiers the most extravagant prices for provision.”
          I am also requested by the Grand jurors, to desire Your Excellency, to direct (in General orders) that those of the Soldiers who have been thus shamefully and Unreasonably treated, or can give information on the subject, do make their complaints in form before the Grand jury, or some Majestrate of the County, that those extortioners may be proceeded against according to law, or pointed out by the public as Unconscionable men. I have the honor to be sir, with esteem, your Excellencies most respectful humble servant.

            John Cleves Symmes.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Bernard Ward, 6 March 1780
From: Ward, Bernard
To: Washington, George

            6th March 1780.

          Permit me to lay before Your Excellency, that after being taken prisoner at Fort Washington, & remaining on Captivity Two Years & six Months, before my being exchanged—In the Interim, I married, & just as the Exchange of Prisoners commenced, My Wife was confined to her Chamber with a virulent Small Pox, In which Situation I was obliged to leave her, I therefore beg your Excellency to favor me with a Flag to the Enemy in Order to bring her into Pennsylva with her necessaries of Cloathing, Liberaries, &c. which will greatly add to the Happiness of Your Excellency’s most faithful & Obedient humble Servant

            Bernard Ward


Title: General Orders, 7 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday March 7th 1780.
            Parole Parliament—  C. Signs Public Physic.

          All General and Staff officers of every denomination serving with the Army & all officers of Cavalry are to make, to the Quarter Master General as soon as possible, accurate returns of all public property belonging to his department, particularly Marques, Horseman’s and common tents and of all public horses not in the dragoon and waggon service—All officers east of the river Potowmack are to pay strict obedience to this order.
          At the request of Captain Van Dyck a Court of Enquiry is to sit tomorrow at Col. Spencer’s quarters, who is appointed President of the same, to enquire into the conduct of Captn Van-Dyck respecting the death of a Negro man, soldier in Capt. Bernard’s Company, Col. Wylly’s regiment who was killed on the night of the 14th day of January last; Each of the Pennsylvania and Maryland brigades will furnish a Captain who are to sit as members.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Cilley, Jr., 7 March 1780
From: Cilley, Joseph Jr.
To: Washington, George

            Camp near Danbury [Conn.]March 7th 1780
            May it Please your Excellency

          I have had the Honour of receiving yr Favours of the 15th 19th & 22d Ult. the two last came to Hand Yesterday. In consequence of the first I immediately remited the Return call’d for—notwithstanding a Similar one then lay at West-Point the receipt of which Colo. Brooks acknowledges Prior to yr Excellency requisition.
          Inclosed I now Send a Duplicate of the former least that might be miscarried a Copy of which I have this Instant Dispatch’d to the state of N. Hampshire agreeable to your Direction.
          I assure yr Excellency I will use every Precaution in my Power to avoid being Surprised altho our Numbers are Small, & will soon be more so as You will Perceive by the Inclosed Return.
          I have likewise recd a letter from Genl Howe in which He Informes He expects to have Occasion Soon to call two Hundred; or two Hundred & fifty Men into Command which with the Men now Detatch’d & other Daily Duty Must leave us very weak. With the greatest Esteem I have the Honour to Remain yr Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

            Jos. Cilley Colo. Commdg G. Poors Brigade


Title: To George Washington from Major Thomas Cogswell, 7 March 1780
From: Cogswell, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Highlands [N.Y.] March 7th 1780

          by a resolve of the General Assembly of the state of Massatt. Bay of the 26 November 79—I received an appointment of Lt Col. in the 15th Masstt. Regt and have been considered Mustered & obeyed in Sd Regt as such, (and have now the command of the same in the absence of Col. Bigelow and expect to continue in it till the return of Majr Maxwell now on Furlough) but by a Subsequent resolve of Sd State another person is appointed to the same; Vacancy, by which I am excluded, for me to return immediately and Do duty as Majr in the 1st Mastt. Regt will hurt my feelings greatly—& as it is now almost five years since I have had any time to turn my attention to my private affairs, and having sum publick business to settle that will Shortly call me to the State of Mastt. Bay—I would request your leave of absence for to arrange them, and in the meantime there may sumthing turn up for me that will be more favourable then the present object I pledg my Honour that I would not wish to stay any Unreasonable time but will return when ever cald upon by your Excellency for to conduct as circumstances may require, the bearer will wait your answer. I am sir yours—Sincerely—

            Thomas Cogswell


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners, 7 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners

            [Morristown, 7 March 1780]

          Whereas a proposition hath been made and acceded to for a meeting of Commissioners at Amboy on Thursday the 9th instant for the purpose of settling a General Cartel.
          In order to carry the said proposition into effect and to make the most liberal permanent and extensive provision for the exchange and accomodation of prisoners of War.
          You Major General St Clair and Lieutenant Colonels Carrington and Hamilton in virtue of full powers to me given by The Honorable the Congress of the United States are hereby appointed and authorised to meet such Commissioners of suitable Rank as shall come duly authorised on the part of His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton or His Excellency Lieutenant General Knyphausen in virtue of powers from His Britannic Majesty at the time and place above mentioned and at any time and place afterwards to which it may be thought proper to adjourn—with them to treat—confer—determine and conclude upon a General Cartel for the exchange and accommodation of prisoners of War including the Troops of the Convention of Saratoga and all matters whatsoever which may be properly contained therein on principles of justice humanity and mutual advantage and agreeable to the custom and practice of War among civilized Nations.
          For all which this shall be your Warrant and your engagements being interchanged shall be ratified and confirmed by me. Given under my Hand and Seal at my Head Quarters at Morris Town this 7th day of March 1780

            Go: Washington
            By His Excellency’s CommandRob: H: Harrison: secretary


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Peter Gansevoort, 7 March 1780
From: Gansevoort, Peter
To: Washington, George

            sr
            Albany 7th March 1780

          It is with great Concern I inform you that Genl Clinton has intimated to me in a Letter that your Excellency is displeased with my long absence give me leave to assure your Excellency that nothing but my indisposition has prevented me from joining the Regiment which I have the Honor to command, since my return from the Seneca Country whence I was sent on Command by General Sullivan, The Certificate which I have the Honor to enclose will manifest the Assertion to which I beg to refer your Excellency, General Clinton also informs me that by the last Return of the Brigade Inspector it appears that four Men of my Regiment are returned as servants with me, This must be a Mistake as I never had more then Two servants from the Regiment, there are two others of my Regiment in this City who ware left here by permission of General Clinton, But as Lieut. Colo. Willett informs me that he has demanded an Enquiry respecting that return, and as I flatter myself that this Matter has been set in its true light, I shall say no more on that subject, I beg leave however to add that I entered the service in the summer of 1775, continued in it since, and have never been charged with absenting myself from the Regiment to which I have belonged and believe Sir that I should not have been absent at this Time if I had been able to have discharged my Duty in the Field, permit me to beg your Excellency Indulgence with leave of absence untill my Health shall be so far re-established as that I may be capable of doing the Duty incident to my office. I am with every Sentiment of Duty & Respect Your Excellencys Very Hum. servant

            Peter Gansevoort


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 March 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Morris Town March 7th 1780.

          Inclosed are returns of articles wanted for the use of Colo. Sheldon’s & Moylan’s Regiments of Dragoons which have been demanded of Mr Hubbard the Deputy Quarter Master General of the State of Connecticut who has written to me for instructions in the business. Will your Excellency please to give order in the matter. The Swords Pistols and Cartouch boxes, I should suppose ought to be provided by the ordinance department. Indeed the Board of War once gave me a hint that the whole provision for the horse belonged to that Department; but would not give any directions in the matter or provide any means by which they might be furnished.
          If there is any way that they could be supplied without our assistance, I should be glad of it, as our means are far less than the demands upon us.
          I wish for an answer as soon as convenient, as I am desirous of answering Mr Hubbard by this post. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 7 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 7th March 1780

          I have successively received your several favors of the 17th February; two of the 28th; and two dated the 4th instant.
          From the representation of the Court of Enquiry in your letter of the 28th, and till a favorable change in its objects, I am

induced to authorise you to direct Col. Hay D.Q.M.G. to augment the number of express riders to the exigencies of the day. He is to make me forthwith a return of the number he may find requisite to call into service on this occasion; and injoined the strictest œconomy, not only as it is the pleasure of Congress, but because it is absolutely necessary in our affairs.
          Inclosed you will find observations on some of the questions transmitted in yours of the 4th. You will be pleased to fill up what I have left open, in such a manner as will answer our purposes and at the same time suit the character which the writer bears with the enemy.
          You have herewith, the account of expences incurred by Ensn Sloan returned; on which you may order payment deducting only the officers subsistence as noted on the back of the account.


Title: To George Washington from Major Daniel Putnam, 7 March 1780
From: Putnam, Daniel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Pomfret [Conn.] March 7th 1780

          General Putnam has been honor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th of January, and is happy in being able to inform you that he is much better, and flatters himself that the approaching season of warm weather will give him the perfect use of his limbs again. He desires me to return your Excellency his best thanks for your kind wishes, and has some hopes that he will be able to join the Army before the close of the next Campaign.
          The Aids-de-Camp of Major Generals not in the Line of the Army, are so situated, as reduces me to the necessity of asking a discharge from the service. The probability that General Putnam will not be able to take the field again, and that there will be no service for me; makes me the more solicitous for obtaining this request; and I should be happy if your Excellency would be so obliging as to send me one by the bearer. I have the Honor to be, with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt hume Servt

            D: Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 7 March 1780
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia March 7th 1780

          I arrived on sunday but did not take my seat In Congress until this Morning as I deemed It prudent previously to adress them

on the subject of their appointment of the 21st January which I did by letter Copy whereof I have the honor to Inclose for Your Excellency’s perusal. I believe there is a determination not to Accept of any Services I may be able to render them In the line In which I have offered them, many here affect not to see the propriety of the distinction I have drawn, but I shall be satisfyed If the Candid and Ingenous, who are not Always a majority In or out of doors, shall discover that It is not one, without a diffirence.
          The measure I proposed to Gen: Greene the moment before I parted with him I learnt on my arrival had Already been decided upon as unnecessary, and I was Confidentially advised that It would be In vain to urge It, I must therefore forbear however Strongly Impressed with Its Importance.
          I do not advise you of the Intelligence from Carolina as Gen: Lincoln will probably be more full on the Subject than I can be. The Minister has a letter from an agent In which he Informs the former that part of the british were destined pour les Antille.
          I believe It will be necessary for Gen: Greene to adress Congress very pointedly on the Subject of the waggoners as I find a disposition In many to have them drawn from the Army the reasons why they should not, If Even the Army would after all be suff[i]ciently in force, will be Obvious to him, and I wish him to Adduce them fully, to Corroborate what I shall deliver on the subject before his letter arrives.
          Our Finances are Compleatly deranged, a Committee of the whole have had them under Consideration for some time before my arrival, they have been on the business to day, without making any progress. It seems a paradox that the whole should be more Incompetent than a part but I am so perfectly persuaded of It, that I shall strive to get It referred to a few. I have thrown together my Ideas on the subject how they will be accepted I must leave to time tho I beli[e]ve some good would result If they were adopted.
          Be so Good as to Intreat Your Lady to Accept of my best respects and to believe that I am most sincerely with those sentiments of Affection & Esteem which afford An Ingenous mind the most Sensible of all satisfactions Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Hu[mbl]e Servt

            Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to John Cleves Symmes, 7 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Symmes, John Cleves

            sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town March 7th 178⟨0⟩

          I have been honoured with Your Favor of the 6th Instant. The part the Grand Jury of this County are desirous of taking, in the matter that makes the subject of Your Letter, does great credit to their justice & their zeal. At the same time, it appears to me, that it may be best not to issue the Order they request, as it might produce many trivial complaints by the Soldiery—and have a tendency to excite in them, however guarded and descriptive the order might be of the persons, the Objects of the Jury’s request, a less respectful regard for the Inhabitants and their property, than I wish them to possess. In this view I have declined issuing It. If however there are any particular persons, who the Jury have good grounds to believe were guilty of immoderate exactions from the Soldiery in their late distress—and they think proper to communicate their names—I will direct measures to be taken to obtain the Witnesses to the facts, if they belong to the Army. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt st

            G.W.


Title: General Orders, 8 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown wednesday March 8th 1780.
            Parole Price—  C. Signs Civil Liberty.

          From the great scarcity of forage & difficulty of obtaining the necessary supplies, the General calls for a strict attention to the order of the 8th day of December last for sending away from Camp as many horses as possible.
          When hay cannot be issued and the supplies of grain will admit of it, eight quarts of grain are to be issued daily for each horse and when hay is issued, four quarts.
          All officers drawing forage from the Magazine or Brigade Forage Masters are to make returns of the number of horses which they actually have in camp and draw for them only; and the Commissary General of Forage is to pay the utmost attention to

having the forage distributed to the riding and waggon horses with the utmost equality during the present scarcity.
          All the great roads leading thro’ camp are to be cleared and repaired immediately by the brigades thro’ or near which they pass; and care is to be taken to have free communications opened from one brigade to another thro’out both lines of the army.
          The hot season approaching all possible attention is to be paid to cleanliness in the interior and environs of camp; Sinks are to be dug without delay—Every fair day the windows and doors of all the huts should be kept open the greatest part of the day, and the beding straw and bunks frequently aired.
          All officers on parade duty are to pay a strict attention to the performance of the honors due to the General & Field officers agreeable to the established regulations.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentlemen
            Head Quarters Morris Town 8th March 1780.

          Inclosed you have Returns of Arms and Accoutrements wanting by the 2d and 4th Regiments of Light Dragoons—The Articles of sadlery could, I beleive, have been procured in Connecticut, but the Dy Qr Mr General there did not think himself at liberty to proceed in the Business, without a special order, and therefore transmitted the Returns to the Quarter Master General for his direction—who, being also at a loss in the matter, put them into my hands. The Board may perhaps have been already taking measures for the equipment of the Cavalry for the next Campaign, and I therefore thought it best to consult them before I gave any order in the matter—Should the Board not have made provision of the Articles called for, I imagine

Mr Hubbard, the Dy Qr Mr Gl at Harford, can as readily and more conveniently than any other supply the Sadlery—The Commy General of military Stores will I suppose have directions to supply such Articles as fall within his department—There are pistols in the Magazine, but the Horsemens swords must be made, as there are none proper for the purpose on hand, that I know of—You will be pleased to take into consideration the advanced state of the season, which calls for an early determination upon the premises.
          From a letter which I recd from Major Tallmadge, at present commanding Officer of the 2d Regt of Dragoons, dated 20th Feby I am fearful that no orders have yet been issued for providing Cloathing for that Regt The following is an extract from the Majors letter “We have recd a letter from the Board of War informing that they have requested your Excellency to furnish Colo. Sheldon with an order on Mess[r]s Otis and Henley in Boston for the Cloathing necessary for his Regt.⟨”⟩ I have never recd any such directions from the Board—on the contrary, if they will refer to my letter of the 15th January in answer to one of the 21st Decemr by Capt. Edgar on the subject of Cloathing for that Regt I advised the Board to give Otis and Henley orders to make up Cloathing for a full Regt as the overplus if any might be applied by the Cloathier to the other Corps of Horse—Having heard nothing since, I concluded the order had been given.
          Should there have been any misapprehension the Board will perceive the necessity of giving an immediate order to have the Cloaths procured, the approach of the season for operation not only demands it, but the whole Regt is returned unfit for duty for want of Cloaths. I have the honor &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dr Sir.
            Head Quarters Morristown 8th March 1780

          I have received your letter of the 6th of this month, covering a copy of one of the 16th of February to Congress, on the subject of your department.
          That your representation may want no efficacy which it can receive on my part, I shall take the first opportunity to transmit the Congress your letter to me which accompanied it; As also that of Col. Biddles to you of the 24th, and what ⟨h⟩as been done in consequence. The embarrassments and evils you have stated, as crouding and accumulating in your department, are truely alarming: but how far the condition of our finances may put it in the power of Congress to remove or lessen them, I cannot pretend to say. Heretofore, you have uniformly and successfully

used your abilities and exertions to forward the service; and I have no doubt, that under the most critical circumstances these will continue to be employed. I am &c.

            G. W——


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 8 March 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Morristown. March 8th 1780.

          I have never had any general, or particular order from your Excellency for providing in the Quarter Master’s Department for the ensuing campaign; either with respect to the number of Troops to be provided for, or the places where they are to be employed. Is it not necessary for me to have your Excellency’s order on the subject that the provision may in some sort corrispond with the demand; and that whatever supplies are provided, they may be directed at such time and places as the service may require?
          Whatever instructions you may think proper to give on this head, shall be carried into execution as far as the miserable state of our finance will admit. I am, with great respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant.

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 8–12 March 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            [Morristown, 8–12 March 1780]

          Remarks on the Resolution of Congress of the 25th February 1780—requiring each State to furnish certain species of supplies for the support of the Army.
          The measure seems to be calculated, more for the convenience of each state, than for the accommodation of the service. The aggregate quantity ordered, tho’ far short of the demands of the army, is proportioned on the states, in such a manner, that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to draw it into use: and this

difficulty will increase, as the scene of action may change, from one extreme of the Continent to another.
          Land Transportation is such a heavy and expensive branch of business, that more regard should be paid to this subject, in the first purchase of all heavy articles, than even to the prices of the articles themselves—for were such to be given in some states, and to be transported to the place of consumption, at the expence of the Continent, the public had better purchase them at double the price, near the place of consumption.
          It is impossible to foresee what direction the war may take, or in what state the future operations may be; therefore I conceive it cannot be consistent, either with policy, or œconomy, to form great Magazines, especially of meat. It has been found by past experience, that great magazines, are objects of the Enemies attention, and must either be laid up in the very interior parts of the Country, which will greatly increase the expence of transportation, or there must be a sufficient force detached from the army to cover them—the latter divides the force, and cramps the operations of a Campaign.
          I believe it to be a much safer mode of the two, to depend, as far as possible, upon the resources of the Country, in the hands of the people, while the war is carried on upon the defensive plan, provided the influence of interest is properly aided by the powers of Government, for drawing forth such supplies as the emergencies of the service may require. I mean this in a more particular manner, to respect Forage, and Meat Magazines.
          With respect to forage, there can be no rule of proportion adhered to. the consumption must always be drawn, principally from the neighbourhood where the army operates, particularly of green and hay-forage. It is true that Grain may be brought from a great distance, and necessity obliges it; but the waste and expence of transportation, commonly costs the public twice as much as that which is purchased in the neighbourhood of Camp, at the most extravagant rate. The present mode, it appears to me, will be ultimately more expensive to the public, as well as infinitely more precarious, with respect to the supplies of the army.
          The politics of some of the states, for these two years past, have been leading to such restrictions, on the ways and means,

necessary for the subsistance, and movement of an army, that it has been with the utmost difficulty, as well as with an accumulation of expence, that it has been supported. And while this sentiment is cherished by the different Legislatures, the difficulty will increase, until the desire of accommodating military motions, to civil convenience, either disbands the army, or lays the necessity of exerting a greater military force, than is consistant with the Interest of the two.
          The principles of war, or the circumstances of an army, seem not to be perfectly understood by the different Legislatures. The Inhabitants of every Country, where the seat of war is, must be subject, from the nature of the service, to many calamities and losses. This is a tax which depends on time and chance, that the people must agree to pay for the common benefit resulting from a military force. To attempt to repair every one’s damages, would swell the expenditure beyond the wealth and resources of the most opulent states. And to lead the inhabitants into a belief, that there are wanton depredations committed on their property, which might be avoided by a proper application of the supplies provided by the different states—serves but to sour their tempers, without producing any possible advantage—or to oppose the power of the Magistrate to the necessities of an Army, only tend to increase the difficulty of the business, and to destroy that good understanding, which is essential for the advantage of both.
          The present System, if it may be called one, is too crude and undigested to be carried into execution. There is no particular mode recommended to the differnt states for furnishing their proportion of supplies. They are directed generally to furnish so much and at such places as your Excellency shall order within the state, but there is no plan of delivery, nor penalty on failure—the prices being fixed, and every state attentive to it’s own particular interest, they will wish to provide the articles at such seasons, as will be most favourable to the people; and as there is nothing ordered to the contrary, if we may judge by the past, of the future, this will be their policy: from which, your Excellency may easily conceive, that at some seasons, there will be a great redundency of articles, while at others, we are left quite destitute of support. There is no plan for furnishing the deficiency of supplies that may be required from particular

military movements; nor even for furnishing the common and ordinary demands of service, should they rise superior to the proportion fixed for each state to supply. On the contrary, some of the states are preparing prohibitary Laws against any other provision, than what is made, agreable to the requisition of Congress, tho’ the resources of those states might yield the support necessary for the emergencies of service. Will not this involve, in it’s consequences, the dissolution of the army, should the other states fail to procure their proportion of supplies, or the place of consumption be unfavourable for transporting the same seasonably for it’s relief?
          I observe the resolution of Congress directs the particular states to make their deposits of supplies, at such places as your Excellency shall order. But I see no plan, or mode to forward them from the place at which they are deposited, to the different branches of the army. Neither can I conceive, that one state will be willingly made Carriers of supplies furnished in another. From this source, there will arise numerous difficulties, delays and embarrassments to the service—not to say any thing worse.
          I apprehend the system, on its present footing, constituted merely on a state establishment, will be found to be too local for the support of the Army, and will multiply the Agents for the management of the business, instead of reducing them— as the Continent must have almost as many Agents for conveying the supplies for the Army from the different Magazines, as would be necessary to do the whole business—especially, if the places of deposit should be numerous, which I expect will be insisted upon for the convenience of the states.
          I foresee your Excellency will be involved in many disputes with the different states, as well on the places of deposits as the time for making the same. Each state will think it a hardship, if they have not the liberty of making the deposits favorable to their own interest, both as to time and place; and the difficulty of settling these points with them, will be in proportion as they shall adhere to their particular interests.
          I confess, I cannot foresee what plan your Excellency can adopt for directing the deposits, that will not involve either the State, or the Continent in very great additional expences.
          Suppose your Excellency should make your requisition to every state for their proportion of supplies, and the seat of war

should be confined to any one particular state, which from it’s position should be unfavorable for drawing support from the different states, of what use will the Magazines be, or in what way is the army to be supported? How will your Excellency regulate the proportion of Beef to be drove to the places of deposit? If it is killed, how is it to be transported to camp? And if it is kept alive how is it to be subsisted, and at whose expence?
          How are Magazines to be disposed of, that become useless from the change of the seat of war, and who are to appoint the Agents for taking charge of the Magazines, either for conveying them to camp, or for keeping them from plunder or waste?
          How is the business to be negociated between the state and the Continent with respect to the quantity and quality of each species directed to be deposited?
          All this business seems generally to be left to your Excellency’s arrangement. This will hold you responsible for the œconomy and order of the business; and not only for the œconomy and order, but if the plan is adopted by your approbation, it will hold you responsible for the support of the army.
          There may be many lurking principles, which are now not adverted to in the plan, which may be found to operate different in practice, from what is expected in theory. The plan appears to me to be fundamentally wrong in it’s first principles. The person who has a general superintendance of the business under the state establishment, Should also be a Continental Agent; and if possible, the interest of the two so coupled, that the aid of the state may be improved most to the advantage of the Continent. This person should have full liberty to draw forth such additional supplies from the State in which he acts, as the resources of the same will admit, and the emergencies of service may require. This Agent should be a[p]pointed by the Continent first, and then approved by the state, otherwise, He will be too local in his views to accommodate his conduct to the demands of the army. It is necessary also, that this person should have the confidence of the State, that it may give him such authority and support, as the duties of his Office may require in executing the same. I will venture to pronounce, that the plan will fail in execution, unless it is improved upon, in this way.
          From the present system, I can foresee many emoluments will

result to particular states, at the expence of the Continental interest; but as this is a matter out of my province to remark upon, I shall forbear.
          If I had time, I could descend to many particulars to point out the defects of the present scheme for supporting the Army; but I think enough has been said to shew that it is too crude at present to risque such important consequences, as depend on its execution.
          I do not mean to reject the plan altogether, but to improve upon it in some way, that the supplies of each state may be directed, like little Rivulets, into one common channel for the support of the army at large. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant.

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from William Greene, 8 March 1780
From: Greene, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Warwick State Rhode Island &c. March 8th 1780

          I have the Pleasure to inform you that The General Assembly at their Sessions held on the fourth Monday of last Month, In consequence of a late Resolution of Congress apportioning to the United States their Several Quotas of Men for the Ensuing Campaign did pass a resolve that this State shall Raise their Quota agreable to said Resolution which is Eight Hundred and Ten Men including those already Raised in Colonel Greenes and Angels Regiments, and for their encouragement to ingage in the Service during the War they are to receive three Hundred Dollars as a Bounty from this State in Addition to that given by the United States and their wages to be made equal with Silver reckoning them to be the same as they ware at the

commencment of the War. In consequence of which I am requested by said Assembly to apply to your Excellency for One of those Regiments to be Stationed within this State the Ensuing Campaign, And when you consider the former and Present Exertions of this State to compleat the number of Men apportioned to them considering the smallness of it and likewise its expos’d Situation and that this Propotion is much larger then what have heretofore been Called upon by Congress to Raise in former Campaigns, I flatter my self you will think this request reasonable. I am with very great Esteem your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servt

            W. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 8 March 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Highlands [N.Y.] 8th of March 1780

          Your Excellency’s Favour of the 2d Inst: directed to Genl Heath, or Officer commandg at this Post I have just receiv’d—the Contents of which shall be punctually observ’d.
          Our Party on the Lines took an Ensign of Delancy’s, by Name Vincent I have ordered him to be reported to the Commissary of Prisoners, & sent him upon Parole to such Place as Col. Hay shall point out—A Copy of the Parole I herewith transmit.
          The Remissness in Duty (too prevalent here) & so absolutely necessary to be corrected, has induced me to arrest some Officers who are now under Trial by a General Court Martial; & I flatter myself the strict Discipline I began with, & am determined to keep up, is allready attended with good Effect.
          I have ordered Reports from the Commissaries of ev’ry Sort in

this Department—those Reports I have as yet receiv’d tho’ not so favourable as I could wish, remove in some Degree the Fear of immediate Want; if the Roads will admit of bringing up the Provision, which I hope they soon will.
          Application has been made to the Executive of ev’ry State near this, & all other Methods pursued to guard against a Scarcity, that Prudence & Law point out, & should it happen, it will not be for Want of my ev’ry Effort to prevent it.
          I wish the Season wou’d admit of our having a Party of Horse on our Lines, to counteract those the Enemy have on theirs—they would be essentially serviceable.
          I should be much obliged by any News Papers of late Date, that may have arriv’d at Head Quarters, when your Excellency is done with them. I am Dear Sir with the greatest Respect your Excellency’s most obedient Humble Serv⟨ant⟩

            Robert Howe

            P.S. A court martial orderd to try an Officer for absenting himself a considerable time from his Guard in time of Night, the officer was by the court unanimously found Guilty, and only sentenced to be Reprimanded As the punishment appeard to me by no means adequate to the Offence, and as strictness was requisite here, I publish’d an order of which I transmit Your Excellency a Copy, and which will I hope meet your approbation. I should not have troubled your Excellency upon this Occasion but that I hear, the Officer had Complained of its Severity, and therefore that in case you might hear of it from him, or any Body Else, that you might have the whole before you. I have the pl⟨e⟩asure to think indeed I know that the army here approve of the order & the whole of my Conduct R⟨e⟩specting it.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 8 March 1780
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir—
            Trenton [N.J.] 8th March 1780

          I must apologize to your Excellency for this Application; the Singularity of which I hope will be the more excusable from the particular Regard which the most respectable part of our Citizens have for the unfortunate Person in whose behalf it is made.
          The Enemy in the Month of December last, offered us the following Exchange of Prisoners,

              Collo. Hendrickson
              for
              Collo. Billop

              Liut. Collo. Reynolds

              Lt Collo. Simco

              Capt. Fitzrandolph

              Capt. Pitcairne

              Liut. Jackson

              Liut. Campbell

              John Leshier

              ——

          As our Chief object was to procure the Release of Capt. Fitzrandolph who is an excellent Partizan, and of Leshier who had then been above four months in Irons; and firmly believing that Pitcairne was a Prisoner to this State, & thus at our disposal, and that from the high Estimation in which Simco was held by

the Enemy it was a most favourable opportunity to procure the Liberation of Fitzrandolph & Leshier (for the latter of whom we were to send in any Private) we readily agreed to the proposal. But in the Interval of time between our acceeding to the Proposition & the Execution of the Terms I was alarmed to hear that Pitcairn was a Prisoner to the United States & consequently not exchangeable by New Jersey. To alleviate however my Anxiety on that occasion I was at the same time informed that Collo. Beaty had given Assurances to the Commissary of Prisoners for this State that there was a probability of obtaining your Excellency’s consent for sending him in for Fitzrandolph; & to the best of my Recollection, our Commissary was not to part with the rest of those who were to be released by us without being sufficiently ascertained of that fact. Those prisoners have however been exchanged, & all those who were to be released by the Enemy have been accordingly discharged by them except Fitzrandolph, whom, to my great mortification, I am now told they are determined not to set at Liberty for any other Prisoner than Pitcairn. If therefore your Excellency can with Propriety consent to exchange Pitcairn for Randolph, it will be the means of procuring the Liberty of a very brave, a very honest, & a very useful man, & who, from the caprice or Malignity of the Enemy, is so circumstanced as to have no Prospect of being redeemed from Captivity upon any other Terms. If on the contrary it cannot be done consistent with established Practice, I doubt not Mr Fitzrandolph will, with his usual Fortitude, resign himself to his Fate; & your Excellency excuse my Importunity which solely originates from my Attachment to experienced Merit and my Feelings for a Man, who on Account of that Merit, has suffered a long Imprisonment embittered with all that Rigour & Severity for which our Enemies have so justly rendered themselves infamous—I have the honour to be with great Esteem Dear Sir your Excellencys most humble & most obedient Servant

            Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 8 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 8th March 1780.

          I have recd your favs. of the 23d and 24th Feby with the several inclosures to which they refer—I am exceedingly concerned to see by the letters which have passed between Governor Trumbull and you, and by the Returns, the ill condition of the 2d and 4th Regiments of Cavalry in respect to Cloathing—Arms and Accoutrements. I understood that application had been made for the former directly to the Board of War, and I was in hopes that it had been provided. I shall be glad to know what prospect your Regiment has of being supplied, and have wrote to Major Tallmadge on the same subject respecting Sheldons. Genl Greene yesterday laid before me a Return of Arms and Accoutrements wanting in both Regiments—This Return had been delivered to Mr Hubbard the Dy Qr Mr Genl in Connecticut, but he not knowing whether he was authorised to procure the several Articles transmitted the estimate to the Qr Mr Genl, who put it into my hands—I have some reason to beleive that the Board of War have been making provision for the Cavalry, I have therefore forwarded the Re⟨turn⟩ to them, and shall take their order for the method of procuring what they cannot supply.
          A Court Martial is to be held on the 15th April next at Springfeild for the trial of Mr Tychnor, Dy Commy of purchases at Coos, on sundry Charges brought agt him by Colo. Hazen. I have directed the Commanding Officer at Danbury to furnish a Feild Officer for president and six Captains and Subs—Six Captains and Subs are to be furnished from the two Regiments of Cav⟨al⟩ry—You will therefore be pleased to order that number

upon that duty, and direct them to be punctual in their attendance at the time.
          Doctor Shippen has summoned you as a Witness upon his trial which is to be held at this place upon the 14th Inst. After leaving proper directions with the next Officer in command you will repair hither. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 8 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,
            Head Quarters Morris Town March 8th 1780

          I have received your favor[s] of the 20th and 26th Feby Inclosed you will find an acceptance of Capt. Shethars Resignation, which ought of right to have been indorsed upon his Commission—I shall be glad to be informed whether the interposition of the Civil authority in regard to granting and extending furloughs is confined to the State of Jersey, because I would take occasion to mention the matter to the Governors of the States where such proceedings have happened—I forwarded Mr Campbells letter to him.
          I have never received any directions from the Board of War to call upon otis & Henly for a supply of Cloathing for the 2d Regt of Cavalry—on the contrary—I wrote to the Board on the 15th Jany last in consequence of Capt. Edgars application, and a[d]vised them to give orders to Otis & Henly to have cloathing made up for a full regiment—telling them at the same time,

that if the Regiment should not be recruited to its complement, the overplus cloathing might be kept or delivered to some other Corps—having heard nothing since—I concluded the matter had been done—but I shall upon your letter, write immediately to the Board that if there has been any misapprehension, they may take occasion to give their orders without delay—C. Seniors letter of the 27th Feby transmitted to me by Lt Brewster came safely to hand. I am Dr Sir Your most obet servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 8 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Van Schaick, Goose

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 8th March 1780.

          I have been favd with yours of the 15th and 26th ulto the first enclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial agt Capt. Lieut. Young, the last a return of your Regiment.
          I find myself under the necessity of disapproving the sentence agt Capt. Lt Young, on account of the irregular constitution of the Court—The power of ordering Genl Courts Martial is only vested in the Commander in Chief or a General Officer commanding in any State—And If I am not mistaken, Major Graham the president of the Court was at the same time commanding Officer of the Garrison which is contrary to one of the Articles of War—Indeed, From the whole face of the proceedings, I am of opinion that this matter had better be accommodated than brought before another Court, as the arrest was principally founded on transactions which happened in liquor and which ought never to have been brought before the public—The charge of neglect of duty does not seem to be at all supported— But as you must from your situation be more fully acquainted

with circumstances than I am, I will grant an order for holding a General Court Martial if you think the service requires it.
          I shall, as soon as the season and circumstances will admit, releive your Regiment from their present duty. I am &c. I return the proceedings of the Court.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 8 March 1780
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Petersburg [Va.] 8th March 1780

          My last to your Excellency was from Fredericksburg the 8th Feby. you will no doubt be surprized that we should be near a Month in geting so short a distance, but you may be assured it was not posible to get the artilery & baggage on one Day sooner, & if it had not been for the assistance we recd from the Gentlemen upon the Road, they would not have reached this till the Earth was settled.
          The Day I arrived here I recd a letter from Genl Lincoln (a coppy inclosed), this determined me to leave my Artilery, stores & baggage to follow on. the Troops march’d this morning—I took on a few Waggons to carry our Tents, as I could not think it prudent to expose the men upon so long a march. The Artilery &c. will leave this in a few Days, Escorted by 140 Men of Colo. Bufords Regiment which is all of that corps who can be march’d at present, about 300 of them will be left, & I see no probability of their being equip’d for a march in any short time—the Colo. is now at williamsburg upon that business. Genl Scott is here at present, but will go on without the men in a few Days.
          The Board of War of Virginia have advised me by letter that about 600 of the state Troops would march in about two Weeks

to the aid of carolina (includeing two Troops of Dragoons) & requested I would give the necessary orders to the Qr Master & commissary for their accomodation I have accordinly done so, but I fear they will not be ready to move so soon as the Board expected.
          The Officers of Government being upon the move to Richmond, & the Govr being absent I was not able to lay before them a state of the Virginia line, I left it with one of the members to be taken up when a council could be got.
          Genl Muhlenberg & the officers not arranged to go on to the South, will be now without imployment till the meeting of the assembly, unless your Excellency or the Executive of the State should think proper to imploy them upon the recruiting Service, or in collecting the drafts of last year, of which I suppose there must be five or six hundred in the different counties, for want of proper methods being taken to collect them—exclusive of these there is a number of deserters & the Furlough’d Men I mentioned to your Excellency in my last.
          I am sorry to inform your Excellency that our numbers are much reduced by desertion & sickness together with the Furlough’d Men allready mention’d—another thing is the Men who have been all along Muster’d & return’d for the war—a number of these have produced certificates from the officers who inlisted them that their time was expired—I have taken the useal method of submitting these cases to the further consideration of a board of officers, in most instances they have Judged them entitled to a discharge, & where it has been otherways, desertion was the consequence, not only of the Man in question, but he has generly carried off others with him, this mischief will continue, & a general dislike to the Southern Service will I fear reduce us still more—Colo. Cabell has through mistake carried off the Return I had made out to inclose your Excellency, it shall be forwarded in my next—many applications have been made to me to receive Resignations, but I have refer’d them to the Honble the board of war—one or two officers have left us without any application, these I have sent after, & reported their conduct to the board allso.
          Colo. Davies having declined the Office of Sub Inspector, I have appointed Lieut. Colo. Cabell agreeable to your Excellencies instructions.

          We have sustain’d great loss in our Tents & other camp Equipage, owing in some measure to the inclemency of the weather upon our marc⟨h⟩ but I am sorry to say it has been for want of that attention in the officers, which their Duty ought to have dictated to them.
          I have done every thing in my power to prevent this & other injuries to the Service, but I am concern’d to think that I shall not be able to render that service to the publick that was expected from us, or give so good an acct as I could wish of the publick stores with which my detachment was furnish’d.
          I have inclosed the approbation of the Govr & council of the state to the Board of war of Mr Washingtons appointment, & have given it out in orders accordingly.
          We have an account from New-bern that 1500 of the Enemy took post upon Johns Island the 13th or 14th of Feby & that their main body was expected to opperate against Charles Town every Day. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect & attachment Your Excellencies most Obedt humble Servt

            Wm Woodford


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 9 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Bayley, Jacob

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 9th March 1780

          The severity of the Season having prevented the persons concerned from attending the Court Martial which was appointed to be held at this place the 20th January last, I have, for the conveniency of the parties ordered a Court to sit the 15th April next at Springfeild—You being charged by Mr Isaac Tichenor Dy Commy of purchases “With suffering a quantity of Beef at Coos to take damage thro’ your inattention and neglect—and contrary to your engagements and duty” You are desired to attend at the time and place before mentioned prepared to answer the said charge. I am Sir yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Cilley, Jr., 9 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Cilley, Joseph Jr.

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 9th March 1780

          A General Court Martial is to be held at Springfeild on the 15th April next for the trial of Mr Isaac Tichenor Dy Commy of purchases at Coos on sundry Charges exhibited against him by Colonel Hazen, and for the trial of Jacob Bailey Esqr. Dy Qr Mr Genl at Coos on a charge of neglect of duty exhibited against him by Mr Tichenor. After going thro’ the before mentioned trials, part of the Members of the same Court are to form a Court of enquiry to enquire into the Issues of provisions made by Mr Matthew Lynes Dy Commy of Issues at Coos during the fall and Winter of 1778 and previous to Colo. Hazens arrival there in 1779. You are to appoint a Feild Officer as president of the Court and six Captains and Subs from the Brigade under your command—The remaining six are to be furnished from the 2d and 4th Regs. of Dragoons. Inclosed you will find powers for holding the Court Martial and Court of enquiry and Copies of the Charges agt Mr Tichenor and Bailey which you will be pleased to deliver to the Gentleman who may be appointed president—You have also inclosed a survey held upon the provision at Coos, which may serve to throw some light upon the matters which may be brought before the Court.

          The parties are furnished with the Charges and summoned to attend with their Witnesses and Vouchers. You will desire the Officers from your Brigade to be punctual in their attendance at the time The proceedings of the Court Martial and the Result of the Court of Enquiry are to be transmitted to me. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Connolly, 9 March 1780
From: Connolly, John
To: Washington, George

            May it please Your Excellency
            Germantown 9th March 1780.

          I did myself the Honour of addressing Your Excellency some time ago, requesting permission to go into New York for thirty days in order to arrange my own personal affairs—The Board of War to which I applied for this indulgence was disposed to acquiesce with my request, had it not been esteemed the peculiar prerogative of your Excellency—I hope therefore that your Excellency will be disposed to believe Nothing but pressing necessity could urge me to repeat my solicitation so hastily; & that I shall be favored with thirty days absense on Parole, agreeable to my former petition. I am with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most Obedit & most humble servant.

            Jno. Connolly


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 9th March 1780.

          I recd your favr of yesterday requesting some general or particular orders for the necessary provision in the Quarter Master’s department for the ensuing Campaign—Under present circumstances, any directions, which I can give, must be of the former kind, and after furnishing you with the number of Men which Congress have thought fit to require for the number year, I must leave it to your judgment to determine what will be necessary to equip them, so far as they depend upon you. Inclosed you will find the quota of troops required from each State, which is to include those already in the feild—whether of Artillery—Horse—additional Regiments or the troops of particular States—And tho’ they may not perhaps be all levied, yet, in forming estimates, we ought to make the full number the Rule of calculation. We are at present to suppose that all those demanded of Virginia North and south Carolina and Georgia will act to the southward and are to be provided for separately—The enemy may transfer the War more generally to the southward,

but as that is a matter of great uncertainty, I do not know that we are authorised to make a greater provision in that quarter, than for the number of Men that seem just now designated for that service.
          The position and operation of the remainder will depend so much upon future circumstances, that I can give you no other directions at present than to be making the best preparations in your power of Camp equipage—Carriages &ca for the number of Men destined for the main Army which will be composed of the troops from Maryland to New Hampshire inclusively—The position of this Body, should the enemy remain in considerable force at New York, we may reasonably suppose will be much the same that it was the last Campaign, and as that, under present appearances, is most probable, I think you may be drawing the Stores of your department to this quarter and towards the North River as soon as the state of the Roads and the forwardness of your preparations will admit Giving me notice before you make any considerable collection—Should our Allies determine upon a joint operation by sea and land agt New York they must necessarily give us previous notice and in that case we must change our plan from the defensive to the offensive—I do not know that we can now take any measures towards the latter event, more than giving orders to have all the Craft upon the North River and in the sound overhawled and put in repair as soon as the Weather will admit of such Work—From the foregoing, and from your own intimate knowledge of the situation of our affairs, you will perceive that I cannot give you more particular directions for your conduct. I sincerely wish that your embarrassments were fewer, but I am convinced that you will exert yourself to the utmost—Should any intelligences come to my knowledge which will enable me to give you more particular or perfect information, you may be assured that I shall immediately communicate them to you. I am &ca

            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 9 March 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia March 9. 1780

          Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed an Act of Congress of the 8th Instant, recommending to the States of Virginia, North, and South Carolina to have in readiness to act as the Operations of the Campaign shall require a Body of five thousand Militia, or State Troops over and above their Quotas of Continental; and to be called into actual Service whenever the Commanding Officer in the southern Department shall deem it necessary.
          your Excellency will also observe the discretionary Directions given to make such Detachment from the Troops under your immediate Command as their Strength and Circumstances will permit to reinforce the southern Army.
          You have also enclosed an Act of the 6th Instant requesting the Exertions of Virginia and the two Carolinas in filling up their Battallions &c.
          It were much to be desired we could obtain a more accurate Knowledge of the number and Strength of the Enemy to the Southward and their intended Operations. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect your Excy’s hble servt

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

            Dr Sir.
            Head Quarters Morristown 9th. March 1780

          The general officers at this time absent from the army, and those who claim the indulgence of a furlough, are distressing to me, and injurious to the service, and makes me hope, that the state of your health is so far altered for the better as to admit of your joining the army in this quarter. I would wish you to be here as soon as possible, but if circumstances do not correspond with your immediate attendance, in this case, by the beginning of the next month at furthest. If however your health is not in a condition to put this in practice, you will be pleased to take occasion to inform me. I am, Dr Sir Your obt & hble sert

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Juan de Miralles, 9 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Miralles, Don Juan de

            Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown 9th March 1780

          I have received a report from New-York, that one of the transports which sailed from this place with the armament on the 26th of Decembr Ult., after a succession of severe weather, and on being seperated from the fleet, had opened her orders which it is said directed her to rendezvous at Tybee—but finding this either impracticable or too hazardous she returned to New-York.
          I would observe to you on this report, that it does not come with sufficient authenticity to give it any certain determination. My desire, however to send you every thing that may have a tendency to throw light on the designs or destination of the fleet is my reason for the present communication. I wish to have it in my power to advise you of something more interesting. with great regard I have the honor to be your obt sert

            G.W.


Title: General Orders, 10 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown friday March 10th 1780.

          The Main Guard will be relieved tomorrow by Detail from the Line.
          The returns called for by the order of the 6th instant are to include all continental property received from the Quarter Master General’s department, not specified in the returns made by the Brigade Quarter Masters.
          As a multiplicity of business in the Adjutant General’s office renders it extremely difficult for him to attend at the Orderly-Office every day, the acting brigade Major of the day therefore after the duty of the grand parade is over, will attend at the Adjutant General’s Office in Morristown to take the general orders which he is to communicate at the place appointed to the other Brigade Majors and officers intitled to receive them; This duty to be performed daily ’till further orders, except on saturday when the Adjutant General will attend in person.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 10 March 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            War Office [Philadelphia] March 10. 1780

          The Board have been duly honored with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 26 Ulto. The Court Martial which is the Subject of it, was ordered by Virtue of the Authority given them in the Inclosed Resolution of Congress, which they would have Transmitted, had they not taken it for granted, that you were regularly furnished with all the Resolutions of Congress relating to the Army.
          The Board have notwithstanding the express Authority given them for the purpose, been averse to the exercise of it, but in cases of Necessity; & when a General Officer was stationed here, they never intermeddled in the Business. But Colo. Nicola who now has the Permanent Command at this Post, representing that he did not consider himself authorized to call a General Court Martial, to save the time which would have been consumed in the Circuity of calling upon your Excellency for the order, they Issued it, & that with more satisfaction as by the terms of the Resolution, the Proceedings were to be submitted to your Consideration.
          It is to be lamented that there had not been more Propriety in the proceedings of this Court, as one of the Offenders particularly (Capt. Parke) is guilty of Practices which should be speedily punished. There is a Necessity however for a Court Martial in Another Case, which will be ordered, & the Prisoner may be tried over again if the witnesses can be again collected. As to the Crime of Forgery mentioned in his case, The Board consider it as mere redundancy which in point of Law will not Vitiate the Decision, The Fraud being sufficient (in their Opinion) to ground the Determination, of the Court Martial, upon. But they do not undertake to decide on this Matter; as the Determination lies with Your Excellency, to whom they only submit this observation, lest Parke on a second Tryal may escape for want of Evidence, & therefore they have taken the Liberty to send back the Proceedings in the case, that if Your Excellency should on reconsideration agree in Opinion with them, the sentence may be confirmed. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your very obed. Servants

            Richard PetersBy Order