Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 February 1781
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor 7 Feby 1781

                        In pursuance of Your Excellency’s instructions to me, dated the 7th ulto, I proceeded to the States of
                            Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, and delivered the dispatches with which I was charged, to the
                            Governors and to the President to whom they were addressed.
                        The legislatures of Connecticut and Rhode Island unfortunately were not sitting. The Governor of the former
                            State, by having the powers of the assembly in its recess respecting the exigencies of the war delegated to him, jointly
                            with a certain council, supposed that it would be unnecessary to call the legislature on the matter of my mission, and
                            that his council would be competent to do every thing necessary on the occasion; for which purpose he proposed to call
                            them together the next day after I had the honor of conversing with him, which was on the 11th ult.
                        Governor Trumbull fully coincided in sentiment with me in respect to the gratuity of the three half johannes,
                            in preference to any pay in paper money, as a matter that would be more effecacious to quiet the minds of the troops and
                            render them happy in this exigence; and also in a measure which the New England States could execute with as much ease
                            under present circumstances as the three months real pay in paper. He was clearly of opinion, that to attempt to obtain
                            both the gratuity and three months pay, would be to attempt more than could be performed, consistent with their present
                            exertions in order to put their finances on a tolerable footing. The Governor pledged himself to exert his utmost interest
                            to have the gratuity and deficiency of clothing given to the troops immediately, and requested me to impress on the
                            Governors, and official gentlemen in the other States, the necessity and propriety of New England adopting similar
                            measures. I believe the Governor religiously performed his part, and I am happy to believe, I did not fail in mine.
                        At Lebanon, I saw His Grace, the Duke de Lazun, who pressed me to write an account of the revolt of the
                            Pennsylvania line to General Count de Rochambeau. This I intended to have done when I should have reached Providence, as a
                            matter which I presumed would be agreeable to Your Excellency’s sentiments. It was only anticipating it a few hours,
                            therefore in conformity to the Duke’s sollicitations, I wrote to His Excellency General Rochambeau the
                            Letter marked No. 1.
                        Governor Greene, of Rhode Island, immediately called the Legislature of that State to meet him at Greenwich
                            the 18th ulto.
                        I was more happy in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to find the Assemblies of those States convened. To them
                            I represented in the strongest terms I was capable, the distresses of the Army in general—of the troops of their lines in
                            particular—and of the probable means that would conciliate the affection of the soldiers and render them quiet and happy.
                            I take the libery to annex, in paper No. 2, a summary of the arguments which I urged to those assemblies as far as they
                            applied to their troops, and these were the principal arguments which I urged to the States respectively.
                        Massachusetts were pleased to adopt the measures proposed, as appears by their acts contained in the paper
                            No. 3. New Hampshire also adopted the measures as far as the circumstances of their troops required. That is, they agreed
                            immediately to grant a gratuity of twenty four silver dollars per man to their soldiers inlisted for the war, and coats
                            sufficient to complete their line.
                        The State of Rhode Island thought proper to adopt a different mode, as appears by a copy of their proceedings
                            hereunto annexed (No. 4) and certified by the Secretary of that State. But I hope, is their quantity of hard money will be
                            as much as that of the other States, the effects will be equally good.
                        The Council of Connecticut determined upon nothing final, but appeared to intend to follow the example of
                            Massachusetts. They were to meet at Hartford the 5 instant on this business. The Governor informed me he had but little
                            doubt that they would adopt similar measures to Massachusetts; but if they should decline he would immediately call the
                            Legislature, when he presumed the matter would be made certain.
                        I have the pleasure to assure Your Excellency that all ranks of people, as well unofficial as official, from
                            the private farmer, up to the Governor, in the four States through which I passed appear perfectly well principled in in
                            the contest and fully determined to make every sacrifice of property and personal ease to ensure a happy termination to
                            the war. The universal sentiment was, That the Army ought to be supported, and should be supported, at every reasonable
                            expence.
                        The business of obtaining recruits for their battalions proceeds with great vigor and spirit— for three years
                            only indeed—but the prejudice or sentiments of the recruits, who generally are the farmers sons of the country are against
                            engaging for an indefinite period of time. I believe it would be easier to engage the recruits from New England for seven
                            years than for the undefined term, for the war.
                        I hope I have executed this business agreeably to Your Excellency’s ideas, and if so, a line of approbation
                            would render me happy. Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

                            H. Knox.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Lebanon 11 Jany 1781.

                            I proposed to myself when I should arrive at Providence to either repair in person to Newport, or by
                                letter inform your Excellency of a very disagreeable event which has happened in the American Army in New Jersey. But
                                his Grace the Duke De Lazun thinks it will be best that I should write at this place, and he will forward it by the
                                conveyance of his military posts.
                            The non commissioned officers and privates of the Pennsylvania line, cantoned in the vicinity of Morris
                                Town, formed a most dangerous mutiny, which soon became so general as to defy all force which the officers were
                                capable of opposing. The officers in the first stages of the mutiny did every thing possible for men to do, and some
                                of them were killed and wounded in the exertions of their duty—but all in vain. The revolted troops seized upon the
                                artillery of the line, six pieces, broke open the magazine, plundered it of the ammunition and marched from their
                                quarters in regular military order.
                            The mutineers gave out they would march to Philadelphia to obtain a redress of their grievances, which
                                they termed to be Improper detention after expiration of the time for which they were engaged, and arrears of pay and
                                clothing.
                            This unhappy affair happened on the night of the 1 Inst., and on the night of the 4th which was the last
                                account His Excellency Gen. Washington had recieved of them when I left Head Quarters, they had halted at Princeton,
                                about 36 miles from the place they marched from. The position they have assumed is critical, it being in the vicinity
                                of the enemy, who will not fail to take every possible advantage of their situation. There being but few regular
                                continental troops in Jersey except the Pennsylvania line, force cannot be opposed to them with success. Lenitive
                                measures only will answer, and the circumstances are so urgent that they must be applied inmmediately or there will be
                                danger of the enemy’s tampering with the revolted troops, who however have been uniform in their declaration, that
                                they would oppose the enemy to the utmost of their power.
                            This was the State of the case when I left Head Quarters on the evening of the
                                instant. His Excellency General Washington will doubtless inform your Excellency of  affair
                                in detail, as soon as he shall be able to form a tolerable conjecture of its issue.
                            I am upon extremely urgent business to the four New England States which deprives me of the honor of
                                paying my respects to Your Excellency at present. On my return to Camp, which will be in 14 or 15 days, I propose to
                                have that happiness. I have the honor to be, with profound respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble
                                sServ.

                                (signed) H. Knox

                     Enclosure

                                Boston, 16 Jany 1781.

                            An honorable gentleman of the house having requested the grievances of the Massachusetts troops to be
                                stated specifically, I shall endeavour to do it with as much accuracy as the materials I am possessed of will admit.
                            The non commissioned officers and soldiers of Massachusetts, in common with the troops of the Other
                                States, labor under a total want of pay for a year past—want of coats—that is, equal in number to two thirds of the
                                men in the field—and want of provision.
                            In addition to these things, they have another grievance, peculiar to themselves and which adds extreme
                                bitterness to the rest. They complain that the bounties which were given them as an inducement to enter the service
                                were deducted from their depreciation of pay. And until the measure shall be repealed no peace or contentment can be
                                expected in the Massachusetts line.
                            The revolt of the Pennsylvania line may possibly infuse new ideas and induce them to extend their
                                expectations further. From the critical situation of the revolted troops, it is probable that policy will dictate a
                                compliance with their own terms; and from circumstances it is probable that part of those terms will be a new bounty,
                                by way of a donative, which was expected would be equal to three half johannes. This being the case, the faithful
                                troops who are posted at West Point and its dependencies will, as their hardships are in some capital instances
                                similar, expect similar gratifications with respect to this donative.
                            This method appears much preferable to advancing any thing on the scale of pay to the troops; because
                                hard money, advanced pay in this exigence involves a kind of necessity of continuing the pay in specie, which probably
                                the Country will be unable to do. Any paper money given at present  perhaps be unequal to the
                                expectations of  soldiery, and might interfere with the arrangements of Congress.
                            The Massachusetts line will expect in spring to be well clothed, and better paid and
                                fed in future—and, what will render supreme satisfaction, they hope and expect that the
                                    act deducting the bounties from the depreciation of pay will be repealed; and that in future
                                all payments and contracts be made in such money as has a known value throughout the world, or in
                                the currency of these States of equal value.
                            The above is a summary of what I had the honor last evening of mentioning to the Legislature on this
                                subject. I have the honor &ca

                                (Signed) H. Knox

                                Copy.

                     Enclosure

                                Commonwealth of Massachusetts In the House of Representatives
                                Jany 16 1781.

                            Whereas, by a resolve of the General Court of this State, on Jany 7 1780, the committee appointed to
                                settle with the Massachusetts line of the army, and determine the sums due to the soldiers of the said line, were
                                directed to make deductions on account of bounties received by any of the soldiers, from the town for which they were
                                engaged, or from any individual, and whereas it now appears that it was not the design and intention of many of the
                                towns of this State that such bounties should operate to the reduction of the pay of the soldiers who received them,
                                or that they should in any respect be accountable therefor in future.
                            Therefore resolved.
                            That the said resolve of the 7 day of Jany 1780 be so far reconsidered, as that the committee who are
                                appointed to settle the soldier accounts, and determine the sums due to them, be, and hereby are empowered and
                                directed, in the next adjustment of such accounts, to carry to the credit of each soldier (who now is or shall be
                                engaged for three years or during the war) all such stoppages or deductions as were made in consequence of the resolve
                                above mentioned; and to all other soldiers, or their heirs, from whom such deduction has been made, as soon as the
                                circumstances of the Commonwealth will admit, in such way as the General Court shall hereafter determine.
                            Resolved,
                            That there be allowed and paid, out of the public treasury of this Commonwealth, to each non commissioned
                                officer and private soldier of the Massachusetts line of the army of the United States who were engaged to serve
                                during the war, on or before the second day of December last, the sum of Twenty four dollars in
                                silver, or gold equivalent thereto, as a gratuity to such non commissioned officers and private soldiers, and as a
                                testimony of the sense this Commonwealth entertains of their faithful services. And that a sum sufficient for this
                                purpose be immediately sent forward to the army, there to be paid into the hands of such non commissioned officers and
                                privates, by such person or persons as the General Court may appoint for that purpose.
                            Resolved,
                            That Eben. Wales Esq. and Amasa Davis be directed to procure, by contract of otherwise, fifteen hundred
                                coats; and (as soon as may be) send them forward to the army, for the use of such non commissioned officers and
                                privates of the Massachusetts line as are not sufficiently provided with clothing, there to be distributed by such
                                person or persons as the General Court may appoint for that purpose. And that the said Eben. Wales Esq. and Capt.
                                Amasa Davis lay the account of their expenditures before the General Court for allowance and payment, and shall
                                receive such consideration for the said service as the General Court shall think to be reasonable—and that the amount
                                of the said costs be carried to the account of the United States. Sent up for concurrence,

                                Caleb Davis, Speaker

                                        In Senate Jany 16 1781.

                                        Read and concurred,

                                        Jereh Powell, President

                                        Approved,

                                        John Hancock

                                        True Copy Attest

                                        John Avery Secy

                                Copy

                     Enclosure

                                State of Rhode Island &ca

                                    January 1781

                            The General Assembly, at the session especially called and held in January A.D. 1781, ordered six
                                thousand pounds lawful money, in silver and gold, to be issued from the treasury of this State, in part for making up
                                depreciation to the officers and soldiers belonging to this State, in the service during the war. That what of said
                                monies already are or shall be in the general treasury, by the first day of February next, be delivered to Col. Israel
                                Angell, to the full amount of one quarter part of the depreciation money due the non commissioned officers and
                                soldiers as aforesaid, to be paid to them by Colonel Agnell, in proportion to the sums respectively due to each.
                            That one years interest be allowed on the sums found due to each on account of depreciation up to January
                                1780. And that for the payment of the remianing sum due for depreciation, and said interest up to August 1780, a
                                committee is appointed to sett off to each so much land and buildings within this State as shall be equal in value, in
                                hard money, to the sums respectively due each officer and each non commissioned officer and private as
                                aforesaid—giving to each a title to such lands, &ca in fee simple.
                            At a former session the General Assembly appropriated a debt due to the State of Seventy five thousand
                                pounds, old continental currency, to the payment of part of the depreciation money due as aforesaid, for which Col.
                                Angell had an order, of which part hath been paid. And at the abovementioned session, the Assembly ordered the balance
                                to be paid to Col. Angell out of the general treasury, for the purpose aforesaid.

                                Witness

                                 (signed) William Mumford D. Secy

                                Copy


Title: From George Washington to Officers Commanding the New Jersey Troops, 7 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Officers Commanding the New Jersey Troops

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Febry 7th 1781

                        After posting a Captains Command at the entrance of Smiths Clove—and another at Pompton or Ringwood as you
                            shall judge most expedient, to protect the Country, secure the stores & cover the Communication—You will march the
                            remainder of the Jersey Troops to Morris Town, & dispose of them in the Huts, lately occupied by the
                            Pennsylvanians. The Garrison of the Block-House at Dobb’s Ferry will be relieved by the Troops under Majr Genl Heath,
                            & join their respective Regts.
                        I should think it advisable for the two Commands; which are to be left in the vicinity of your present
                            Cantonment, to be entire Companies of about 40 Men each under their own Officers—to be relieved once a fortnight or as
                            often as You think proper. I prefer this, on several accounts to Detachment.
                        Notwithstanding Your Troops at Morris Town these Commands will be so far distant from the Enemy, very great
                            viligence will be necessary to prevent the possibility of a surprise, and to detect and apprehend such Emissaries from the
                            Enemy. Or disaffected Persons, as may be induced from the situation to lurk about the Posts or attempt any thing inimical
                            in those parts of the Country. I am Sir


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 7 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Feby 7th 1781

                        I am much obliged to you for the agreeable intelligence contained in your letter of the 29th of January. I
                            hope the confirmation will have enabled Mr Des–touches to take advantage of the event, in a manner as advancive of his own
                            glory, as of the good of the service. I impatiently wait further advices.
                        By the last accounts from Virginia which come down to the 20th Arnold had reimbarked from West—Over the place
                            mentioned in my former letter, descended the River to Smithfield, relanded there and marched to Portsmouth. Here it was
                            expected he would fortify. There have been some skirmishes but to little effect on either side. The enemy on their march
                            showed their usual avidity for plunder. If Mr Destouches should have acquired a superiority which would make it prudent to
                            act, Your Excellency may think this detachment an object.
                        I am informed in a manner I credit, though not officially, that Maryland has acceded to the confederation and
                            that Virginia has relinquished her claim to a large tract of territory, west of Ohio, in favour of The United States. Both
                            these events will have an important influence on our affairs. With the truest respect and attachment I am Sir Yr most
                            Obed. servt

                            Go: Washington

                            Your letters of the 20th & 26th reached me the same day with the above the 3d instant—I expect to
                                have the pleasure (nothing extraordinary intervening) of setting out from this place about the 15th on a visit to Your
                                Excellency and the army.


Title: To George Washington from Roger Alden, 8 February 1781
From: Alden, Roger
To: Washington, George

                                c.8 February 1781

                        Since I have had the Honour of serving in the Army under Your Excellency’s command, my satisfaction has been
                            equal to my appointments. Such is my present situation, that a regard to my future Happiness, now impels me to ask a
                            Dismission.
                        To a Mind, not flattered by Success, nor depressed with Misfortunes, the small concerns of others may appear
                            trifling—this would make a particular detail of my feelings, and circumstances, disgusting.
                        Was I possessed of a fortune to bear the Expences—A Constitution to endure the fatigues, and an Heart to
                            withstand the Temptations, incident to the Life of a Soldier, perhaps my Vanity is so great, that it might induce me to
                            give my Ambition the Appearance of Patriotism—but I cannot do such Violence to my feelings, as to sacrifice my Happiness
                            to my Pride, or make a shew of Principles, which are not the Sentiments of my Heart.
                        Neither my Character or Influence is so important or necessary, that my Country will need my services, or the
                            Army require my Continuance. It is mortifying to quit an employment, to which a person is attached from Principle and
                            Affection, when it cannot be done with reputation. Tho my present determinations may be censurable, yet I hope all my past
                            conduct is not liable to the same Imputation. If not, a single mark of your Excellency’s Approbation, would do me more
                            Honour, and afford me more Satisfaction, than all the Distinctions and Emoluments my Country can give—but as I have no
                            Merit to boast, I have no favours or rewards to ask.
                        If my Request can be granted, it will be very acceptable, & acknowledged with Gratitude by Your
                            Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

                            R. Alden
                            Capn 2d Connect. Regt


Title: From George Washington to Roger Alden, 8 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Alden, Roger

                             8 February 1781

                        At the pressing request & solicitation of Roger Alden Esqr. Capt. in the 2nd Connect. Regt I am
                            induced to grant him a discharge from the Army of the United States. At the same time I think it but justice to his merit
                            to Certify, that so far as his service has been within the compass of my knowledge it has met with my entire approbation;
                            and that from what I have heard and known he has on all occasions supported the character of a Gentleman, and valuable
                            Officer. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters New Windsor, this 8th Day of Feby 1781.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 8 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Febry 8 1781

                        I have been duly honored with Your Excellency’s favor of the 31st of January. I have also conversed with your
                            Brother, on the temper & disposition of the Troops of New York, and from his representation, am led to expect the
                            discontents among them, which were so happily suppressed, will not revive again.
                        With respect to the mode your Excellency recommends for employing the Invalids of the New York line, I have
                            the honor to observe, that altho the forming these Men into a Compy under Supernumerary Officers Might be attended with
                            some good consequences, Yet I conceive (besides being contrary to the spirit of the late establishment of the Army, by
                            which  all Independt Corps are reduced); it would not, on every consideration, be an eligible
                            Measure.
                        If the Men are proper subjects for the Corps of Invalids they are not to be discharged on any pretext
                            whatever. If they are so entirely useless as to be discharged, and are reenlisted by any Recruiting Officer; by the
                            pointed orders on that subject, he will inevitably incur the loss of all the expence & bounty paid to such
                            Recruits. I will only add, that from long experience, I have almost invariably found Independent Corps to be such an
                            imposition upon, & Moth to the Public, that I cannot consent to give any countenance to the revival of them. I have the
                            honor to be With great esteem & respect Your Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 8 February 1781
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                            dear general
                            philadelphia 8 febr. 1781

                        i arrived yesterday here and i am informed that an express is setting off immediately for head quarters.
                            so i will have only time enough to write a word. please your excellency to Receive my most sincere thancks for your favour of exchanging me. i am not able to express my
                            gratitude of it and my happiness for Coming again under your orders.
                        Although i am much impatient to see your excellency i must beg leave to stay some time in philadelphia being
                            in great need of many things which i Cannot get but there. yet as i am told that you are to set off incessantly for
                            newport, in Case your excellency had any Reasons to desire my attendance, i beg you to be persuaded that i will execute
                            his orders whatever with the greatest pleasure.
                        permit me, sir, to congratulate you upon the late fortunate events in south Carolina and the great share that
                            Colonel washington your newew has in it. indeed i did not expect such things having been witness of the deplorable
                            situation of our affairs in that quarter.
                        i take the liberty to inclose in your pacquet many letters given to me for marquis de la fayette and others.
                            if the express allows me, i shall do myself the honour to write to the marquis and to Colonel gouvion, but i am afraid i
                            will have not time enough.
                        please your excellency to permit me to present my Respects to Mrs Washington and my Compliments to my friend
                            Colonel hamilton and the other gentlemen of your family now with you. i have the honour to be with the greatest Respect
                            and attachmt your excellency’s the most humbl. and obedient servant

                            Duportail

                            i will wait here for the orders of your excellency’s.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 8 February 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point, Feb. 8. 1781.

                        I have been honored with your’s of the 6th—have ordered Major Throop with his Detachment to join their
                            respective Corps; have also desired Major Bauman to give notice to General Knox previous to his trying the proposed
                            experiments in Gunnery.
                        Capt. Welles was some time since directed by your Excellency to take the command of the guard Boats with a
                            company of light Infantry from the Connecticut line; the company was composed of detachments from the respective regiments
                            of the line. If your Excellency should think proper to continue Capt. Welles on that command, and it should be thought
                            most eligible to have the command composed of light Infantry, I will direct his own company to relieve those who are from
                            different regiments; or if you would have a company of battalion men assigned to the boats it shall be done: they shall,
                            in such case, be placed under the command of Capt. Welles, or otherwise, as you may direct. Probably, Capt. Welles may
                            wish not to be separated from the light Infantry.
                        The returns of the men who have not had the small-pox will be delivered with this. The number is greater than
                            I apprehended. I wish they had all safely passed through that disagreeable distemper. I do not know that they will be
                            greatly exposed here; it may, however, be the case in the course of the movements of a Campaign—but the difficulty of
                            obtaining a proper place at this time, and the almost total deficiency of suitable hospital Stores, are much against its
                            being done with convenience and comfort to the Patients. If we could obtain a few boards, some of the Huts which were
                            partly built by Colonel Hazen’s regiment near the north Redoubt, might be made tolerable; but this will not furnish the
                            necessary Stores—I submit the whole to your Excellency.
                        Some observations were made by you in a former letter respecting an alteration in the present arrangement of
                            the regiments in the Massachusetts brigades. From what I can gather from those with whom I have conversed, I think it
                            will be proper, if consistent with your pleasure, to make a new arrangement when the troops quit their quarters to go into
                            the field; for as the principle, upon which your Excellency formed the brigades, is changed by altering the number of the
                            regiments, the arrangement is not now strictly military, and will be viewed as novel by strangers who observe it. If an
                            alteration should take place at this time, I believe, eight of the ten regiments would have to change their quarters, which
                            would be attended with some inconvenience. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most
                            obedient servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 8 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weare, Meshech

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 8 February 1781

                        I have received the Letter which you did me the favor to write on the 20th Ulto and am pleased to find the
                            State of New Hampshire is determined to make such exertions in favor of its Troops. If this spirit is not suffered to
                            relax, we may expect the happiest consequences from it—Justice on the part of the Country will produce satisfaction in
                            the Army; and contentment there will promote the recruiting service more effectually than any bounty or encouragement. It
                            is of such infinite consequence, that the Regiments should be compleated before the opening of the Campaign that I cannot
                            forbear to continue to recommend it in the strongest terms.
                        Should the Army be complete on the present establishment, the force will be but moderate; as there are so
                            many Men belonging to one State, who are in the service of another, and consequently credited to both. this is the case
                            with the Men you Mention, in the Regts of Col. Jackson &c. None of these Men are by the Resolution of Congress to
                            join the Regiments of their own State, except such as were in the Independent Corps, which have been reduced. I am With
                            the greatest esteem Sir Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 9 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Friday February 9th 1781
                            Parole.
                            Countersigns

                        The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolutions vizt.
                        In Congress January 12th 1781.
                        Congress took into their consideration the report of the board of War of December 8 whereupon.
                        Resolved that from and after the first day of August last the Pay and Appointments of the Officers in the
                            department of Commissary General of Military Stores be as follows; the Sums hereafter mentioned to be paid in bills of the
                            New Emissions and all monies received in bills of the old emissions since the said first day of August to be accounted for
                            according to the table of depreciation as fixed by the Board of Treasury.

                                Commissary General

                                100

                                dollars per month

                                3

                                rations per day

                                 of military stores

                                Deputy Commissary general

                                80

                                ditto

                                2

                                ditto

                                Commissaries

                                70

                                ditto

                                2

                                ditto

                                Deputy Commissaries

                                55

                                ditto

                                2

                                ditto

                                Conductors

                                45

                                ditto

                                1

                                ditto

                                Clerks

                                40

                                ditto

                                1

                                ditto

                        No rations in addition to the number abovementioned are to be allowed for servants.
                        That the officers and men of the regiment of artillery artificers have the same pay from and after the said
                            first day of August in bills of the new emissions by the regulations of the department made by Congress on the 11th day of
                            February 1778 and that they draw the number of rations then directed.
                        That the appointments of the field commissary of military stores and his subordinate officers be as follows
                            from and after the first day of August last the pay to be received in bills of the new Emissions vizt.

                                Field Commissary

                                90

                                dollars per month

                                2

                                rations per day

                                 (servants included)

                                Deputy Field Commissary

                                70

                                ditto

                                2

                                ditto

                                Conductor

                                45

                                ditto

                                1

                                ditto

                                Clerk

                                40

                                ditto

                                1

                                ditto

                        That the commanding officer of artillery for his extra services in the affairs of the ordnance department
                            receive forty dollars per month in addition to his pay as an officer in the line in bills of the new Emissions, from and
                            after the first day of August last.
                        That the surveyor of ordnance for defraying his expences in the exercise of his office be allowed from and
                            after the first day of August last forty dollars ⅌ month in bills of the new emissions besides his appointment as a field
                            officer of artillery.
                        Resolved: That the additional pay of Aids de camp Adjutants and regimental Quartermasters agreeably to the act
                            of the 27 of May 1778 be considered as fixed in specie and that the same from and after the 18th day of August last be
                            drawn in bills of the new Emissions.
                        That the pay of regimental paymaster and Clothier in addition to his pay as an officer in the line be thirty
                            dollars ⅌ month in bills of the new emissions and that the several States in making up the depreciation to such officers
                            from the times of their respective Appointments calculate upon the additional Pay as being thirty dollars ⅌ month in
                            specie.


Title: To George Washington from James Starr, 9 February 1781
From: Starr, James
To: Washington, George

                                1781 2d mo. 9th

                                General Washington to James Starr

                                Dr

                                1781 2d mo. 9th

                                To a pair boots

                                3.10

                                To a pair moroco Slippers

                                     1.05

                                £4.15

                        N.B. as the above Charge is the Lowest I make Such work for in Specie Expect to be paid in that only.

                            J— S.


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 9 February 1781
From: Diriks, Jacob Gerhard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia February 9th 1781.

                        Having been informed by Major General Sullivan that the arrangement of the Partizan Corps and Colonel Hazen’s
                            Regiment was left to your Excell: I therefore take the liberty to write and represent to your Excellency, that it is now
                            upwards of four Years since I first entered into the Service of the United States as a Captain in the 9th Regiment of the
                            Pensylvania Line; joyned the army and was in the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. I was from my Infancy instructed in the
                            art of artillery, and for that Reason was taken out of the Infantry, and had the honor to be appointed first Captain in
                            Col. Proctors Regiment. I recruited my Company, but unfortunately I accepted the office of D.Q.M.G. with rank of Lt
                            Colonel in Lord sterlings Division which was offered to me by General Mifflin, and not being then acquainted with the
                            arangement of the army of these States wherein I then was a stranger I thought that my Rank in the Line went on as is
                            Usual in my Country in Similar Cases, and in the year 1778 I found my Self left out of the line in the then new
                            arrangement, to Comfort my self in this unexpected disappointment I served as a volunteer in the Expedition against Rhode
                            Island, and was rewarded with Brevet Commission of a Lieut. Colonel at the time when Governors Trumbull &
                            Livingston proposed to the Hon: Congress a Plan of Negociating a loan in Holland the place of my nativity, and to write
                            letters of thanks to the Baron van der Capellen a Member of the States General for his attachment to America, and I
                            being intimate with the Baron was desired to Carry and I did accordingly Carry their Letters to holland, and returned with
                            satisfactory answers, on my return from holland I applied to the Hon: Congress to be put in actual Military service again,
                            but could not be employed to my wishes—I now address my self to Your Excellency in hopes that you will be pleased to take
                            my Case into Consideration and to place me agreable To my Rank in Command in Coll: Hazen’s Regiment or in such other
                            Military Capacity as your Excellency shall think proper; for it would be very disagreable to me to retire with half pay at
                            a time when there is a prospect of having an opportunity of displaying my talents in the art of war to which I was brought
                            up; I humbly beg your Excellency to grant a favorabel answer to this my request, and have the honor to be with the
                            greatest Esteem Your Excellency Most Humb: and obedt Servant

                            J. Diriks
                            Lt Colonel


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 9 February 1781
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Camp Guilford Court House Feb. 9th 1781.

                        Since I wrote your Excellency by Major Giles, Lord Cornwallis has been constantly in pursuit of the Light
                            Infantry and the prisoners, and is now between the shallow ford upon the Yadkin and Salem, one of the Moravian towns; and
                            still pushing into the country with great rapidity.
                        The moment I was informed of the movements of Lord Cornwallis I put the army in motion on Pedee and left it
                            under the command of Brigr Genl Huger, and set out to join the Light Infantry in order to Collect the Militia and
                            embarrass the enemy till we could effect a junction of our forces.
                        General Morgan after the defeat of Tarlton had very judiciously made forced marches up into the Country and
                            happily crossed the Catawba the evening before a great rain, which prevented the enemy from following him for several
                            days, during which time the prisoners were got over the Yadkin and on their march for Dan river, which I hope they have
                            passed and are in Virginia.
                        On my arrival at the Lt Infantry camp I found them at Sherards ford on the Catawba. The enemy were a little
                            lower down the river at McCowen’s ford, and the river still so high that they could not cross. We made
                            the best disposition we could to stop them when the river should fall. But the fords were so numerous, and our force so
                            small that we could not effect it. Genl Davidson who had great Influence among the Mecklenberg & Roan Militia, had
                            made up of all the arguments in his power to get the Militia into the field, but with out effect. They had been so much in
                            service and their families so distressed that they were loth to leave home even on the most pressing occasions.
                        The enemy crossed at McCowen’s ford where Genl Davidson was posted with the greatest part of The Militia who
                            fell by the first discharge. The enemy made good their landing and the Militia retreated. A place of rendezvous was
                            appointed for the Militia to collect at, who were posted at the different fords up and down the river above 30 Miles. Part
                            of them halted at Mrs Tauences about seven miles short of the place of rendezvous,
                            and were over taken by Tarlton & dispersed I waited that night at the place appointed for the Militia to collect
                            at untill morning, but not a man appeared. The light Infantry continued their march to Salisbury and crossed the Yadkin.
                            But before we got over all the baggage and stores the enemy were at our heels. A pretty smart skirmish happened between a
                            party of our riflemen and the advance of the enemy, near the ford. We had secured all the boats, and the river was so
                            high that the enemy could not follow us.
                        Heavy rains, deep cracks, bad roads, poor horses and broken harness as well as delays for want of provisions
                            prevented our forming a junction as early as I Expected, and fearing that the river might fall so as to be fordable, I
                            ordered the army to file off to this place when part of them arrived last evening, the rest I hope will be in this night.
                        The enemy finding they could not cross the trading ford, marched up to the shallow ford where they passed the
                            night before last, and are within 25 or thirty miles of this place.
                        As soon as I arrived at the Lt Infantry camp I wrote letters to all the Militia Officers over the mountains
                            and in the upper Country to embody their men and join the Army as early as possible. But very few have joined us, and
                            those principally without arms or ammunition. We have no provisions but what we recieve from our daily collections. Under
                            these circumstances, I called a council who unanimously advised to avoid an action and to retire beyond the Roanoke
                            immediately. A copy of the proceedings I have the honor to enclose.
                        I had previously ordered all the flour and heavy baggage to be removed to Prince Edward Court House; and
                            informed Govr Nash of our situation. I have formed a light Army composed of the cavalry of the 1. & 3d Regts and
                            the Legion amounting to 240, a detachment of 280 Infantry under Lt Col. Howard, the Infantry of Lt Col. Lee’s Legion and
                            60 Brigr Rifle Men making in the whole 700 Men, which will be ordered with the Militia to harrass the enemy in their
                            advance check their progress and if possible give us an opportunity to retire without a general action.
                        The force under Lord Cornwallis consists of between 2500 and 3000 troops including near 1300 Dragoons and
                            their mounted Infantry. They have deployed their waggons, and are compleatly equipped as Light Infantry.
                        I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter from Lt Col. Lee, extracts of two letters from Genl Marian and
                            a copy of a letter from a well informed Gentleman respecting the operations at Wilmington.
                        General Morgan is so un well that he has left the Army.
                        The enemy since the action of the 17. ult. have pursued him upwards of 200 Miles. He was obliged to leave the
                            wounded the Arms, waggons and carriages of the artillery taken in the action, but I hope they have not fallen into the
                            hands of the enemy.
                        I have ordered Genl Marian to cross the Santee river and Genl Sumter to collect the Militia in the upper part
                            of So. Carolina. Genl Pickens has orders to take command of the men in arms in the rear of the enemy.
                        I have wrote Mr Henry the late Govr of Virginia to collect if possible, fourteen or 1600 Volunteers to aid
                            us, should the enemy attempt to persue us upward the Dan river.
                        I had the satisfaction to recieve your Excellency’s despatches of the 27th of Decr 2d and 9th Inst. a few
                            days since. I have the honor to be With sentiments of the highest esteem and respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient
                            Humble Servant

                            Nath. Greene


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

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Feby 9th 1781

                        Under the particular circumstances mentioned in your Letter of the 7th Inst. I shall not hesitate to grant a
                            discharge to Capt. Smart, upon the conditions therein proposed—Altho I would not have it by any Means, considered as a
                            precedent to deviate from the fixed rule of discharges.
                        The answer given to Sergt Lurvey’s Petition in Novr last, was, that a transferrence
                            could not be made from One Corps to another without the consent of the Commanding Officer of each, in which case under
                            certain circumstances it might be done; No encouragement of a discharge was hinted—In his Petition to you he sollicits a
                            discharge upon procuring at his own expence a good able bodied American born Man in his room—this proposal may be complied
                            with: but the idea which the Non Commissioned Officers, and Soldiers of our Army seem frequently to entertain, that by
                            doing their duty faithfully, and refusing to enter into the service of the Enemy, they have
                            merited their dismission from ours; is exceedingly erroneous. Upon this principle, all our Troops, who shall at any time
                            be taken Prisoners, after their exchange may claim their discharge.
                        All new appointments are to be made by the States—While the Regiments were extremely weak, before the
                            reformation of the Army, it was not necessary that the vacancies should be filled, but upon the present Establishment, it
                            will be expedient to have the Corps of Officers kept complete.
                        I shall speak to the Commissary Genl of Prisoners, respecting those at Fish-Kill. I am Dear Sir With great
                            consideration Your Most Obed. Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 9 February 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            Westpoint, Feb. 9. 1781.

                        I have been honored with your’s of the 5. instant, respecting the staff Department. Am happy to find the
                            measures I had adopted, have in so many instances received your approbation, as expressed in your sentiments—Am sorry,
                            that in one instance, I should be so unfortunate as to be thought erroneous by your Excellency. And as it is not only a
                            laudable wish, but an incumbent duty to vindicate our conduct and intentions when they are thought reprehensible, in a
                            proper manner, I pray you will be pleased to allow me to observe, that my order of the 13th January was not issued upon
                            any diffidence of the integrity or veracity of the staff Department, nor was it my design to deprive them of any powers
                            granted them, of drawing orders on their own returns, neither did I delegate to Colonel Hazen a power to alter, or refuse
                            countersigning any order they presented: My motive was nearly tantamount to the idea expressed in the last paragraph of
                            your letter, in case, upon investigation, the power of giving orders for provisions, &c. should appear too much
                            diffused; and as Colonel Hazens quarters were situated in the midst of the several departments, and he had signified that he
                            had no objection to the trouble that would naturally be occasioned thereby. My order was issued solely with a view to
                            regularity; that if there should be a scantiness of provisions or stores on hand, as was at that time unfortunately the
                            case, there might be an equal issue to the several departments and troops at the Post, which would not probably be the
                            case if the power of drawing was vested in many, as he who first heard of the arrival of provisions might send and draw a
                            greater proportion than the quantity in store would afford to others, though not more than intitled to; which might be
                            represented if the draughts passed through one hand. My only motive has been to seek the public good; and I pray you will
                            be assured, that such it will still be; and in the present case, as nearly conformable to your pleasure signified in your
                            letter, as I can pursue it. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 9 February 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia February 9. 1781

                        Your Excellency will receive enclosed, a Resolve of Congress of the 5th Instant, directing that the Thanks of
                            Congress be given to Major General Parsons and the Officers & Men under his Command, for the judicious
                            Arrangement, spirited & military Conduct displayed by them in the successful Enterprize against the Enemy’s Post
                            at Morrissania.
                        The Transmission of this Resolve, through a Multiplicity of Business, hath accidentally been delayed until
                            the Proceedings on this Subject appear in the public Papers, which I must beg your Excellency to excuse. I have the Honor
                            to be with very high Respect & Esteem your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 9th Feby 81

                        I have received the report of your proceedings in compliance with my instructions to you of the 7th Ulto all
                            of which have my intire approbation and merit my warmest acknowledgements for the zeal and judgment so conspicuous in
                            them. The result of your applications, I hope will be as satisfactory as it will be beneficial to the troops. The states
                            whose determinations you report have done themselves honor by their liberality, and by their ready attention to the
                            objects of your mission. I doubt not Connecticut will be not less generous or less attentive. Accept the assurances of the
                            esteem and friendship with which I am Dr Sir Your obedient ser.


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 9 February 1781
From: Pettit, Charles
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 9th February 1781

                        I was honored with the receipt of Your Excellency’s letter of the 2d instant some days ago, and immediatly
                            put forward the business recommended, which I am informed will be completed today, and the express-rider who has it in
                            charge will return with all possible dispatch. By him you will also receive the spurs, hair-powder and blacking ball, of
                            which I shall inclose a bill.
                        As your Excellency was pleased to mention fashionable spurs, I took some pains to
                            enquire, amongst the Gentlemen of fashion, for the reigning taste of the day, but with less success than I expected, as I
                            could not find any standard for it, nor that their ideas agreed with each other. I found, however, that the late
                            prevailing mode of connecting the strap & spur by a chain, was generally rejected; and that a plain spur was most
                            generally approved; I therefore sought for the best plain pattern I could find ready made, the time not admitting of
                            getting a pair made by a new direction. The price fixed was 1100 dollars old money or an equivalent in new emissions at
                            75, which is the established exchange, but in silver I found ten dollars would be accepted, I therefore paid it in silver,
                            as the difference exceeded the received opinion of the real depreciation of paper money, which is about 100 of old money
                            for one in silver, or 100 in new money for 75 in specie; but as the law now stands actual purchases of specie cannot be
                            made without loss of reputation. Bills of exchange now sell at 75 old or one dollar new money for 5 livres; or 5/6 to 6/.
                            specie for 5 livres 5 sous. I take the liberty of mentioning these particulars for Your Excellency’s information as to the
                            real state of paper money.
                        The money arising from the Bills of exchange Your Excellency was pleased to send to me in February last year
                            was actually appropriated to the public use in March, and I urged it as an argument for obtaining certificates of equal
                            dates, but could not prevail to obtain them of an earlier date than the time of applying at the Office in Virginia. I have
                            the honor to be with the most perfect respect Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servant

                            Cha. Pettit

                            Cash advanced by C. Pettit

                                    Mr Mayer’s Bill for 6th of supr fine hair powder

                                     0.18.0

                                    10 balls of blacking

                                         1. 0.0

                                    New emissions of paper

                                    £ 1.18.0

                            Also for one pair of spurs 10 dollars in silver 3.15.


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

                            Sir
                            Newburgh Feby 9. 1781.

                        Last evening I received the inclosed letter from Colo. Lutterloh, which I think it my duty to lay before your
                            Excellency. It describes a practise not new: but which I hoped to remedy by positive injunctions to the state agents to
                            deliver none except to the order of the Commissary of Forage, who has repeatedly written to the agents to that effect. The
                            abuse however continues; and in some cases the agents may care little about it, as a few miles transportation may be saved
                            by such irregular deliveries. The evils arising from them are too obvious to need reciting.
                        The supplies obtained in particular cases in the improper manner above mentioned, are not confined to forage:
                            provisions are obtained in the like way, either by stopping what the agents are sending in, or by sending teams to the
                            agents. For the latter purpose the Commissary for the Park has been repeatedly importunate to get teams assigned him. And
                            this, in times of scarcity, when the magazine is empty, or contains but ordinary provisions, particularly flour, one corps
                            may be amply supplied with the best provision, while the rest of the army is on short allowance of provision of the worst
                            kind, or starving.
                        The bearer has brought me a letter from Mr Humphrys, expressing your Excellency’s wishes that the present
                            season may be improved for hauling the raft logs to the river: I am happy to inform you, Sir, that this business has been
                            attended to diligently—that some time since I directed the quarter master here to get the country teams impressed for that
                            service; that these with the few public teams which could be so employed have been engaged in that business, and that all
                            the logs are hauled from the woods & swamps into the road, and near one third of them to the bank of the river. I
                            have the honour to be with great respect your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

                            T. Pickering Q.M.G.

                            P.S. I was honoured with your excellency’s letter relative to the remounting the dragoons.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir;
                                Beknaps house Febry 8, 1781

                            Mr Woodhull. Asst State Agt for Orange County, informed me to day, that he hade ordered Nine Loads of Hay
                                to be Carried to New Windsor, for the Use of the Horses at Headquarter according to my orders. But coming allong Six
                                Loads were Stopped by General Knoxes Aids—Major Shaw was with me on Monday last, and told me, he hade stopped, Three
                                Loads for the Use of General Knoxes horses. I stated to him the Impropriety of Stopping any Forage on the Road which
                                was directed to other Places or Persons, he promised Me than Not to do it again, and I gave him an order on the Asstd
                                State Agent—to Supply General Knoxes horses with Six Tuns of Hay; and that the Major was to Sent Some Persons to apply
                                for the Hay, and have it directed to General Knoxes quarters. After having taken all these Steps to make a regular
                                Supply and being persuaded that 3 Loads of Hay could not be Consumed Since Monday. I was Surprised to find that the Hay
                                Directed to Head quarters is stopped again. The present Mode in Stopping Forage at any persons Will and
                                    pleasure is the greatest Irregularity, and as I am Not Used to any Such Irregular Proceedings, should be
                                very glad if you would be pleased to apply for an Article in General Orders That No persons belonging to the Army
                                should on any Account Stop or order to be Stopped any Forage coming along the Roads. It is impossible to make any
                                proper Regulations without it, & you Know what trouble it is to get Forage from the State Agents, and the said
                                Agents can never make me a proper Return alledgeing that they could Not get Receipts from Those who Stopped the
                                forage. I have the honour to be with due Respect Sir your most obdt

                                H.E. Lutterloh
                                C. Comissary of forage


Title: To George Washington from William Sharpe, 9 February 1781
From: Sharpe, William
To: Washington, George

                                c.9 February 1781

                        Winsborrough is about 45 miles from Cambden nearly in a line from Cambden to ninety-six.
                        The cross roads where Lord Cornwallis detached Lieut. Colo. Tarleton to beat up Morgans quarters is near the
                            head of Fishing Creek & about 20 miles west of Winsborrough.
                        Grindels ford on packelet where Genl Morgan had encamped several days is about 30 miles distant, and a little
                            to the west of south from the cross roads and about a mile below the junction of Lawsons fork with the north fork of
                            packelet.
                        The Cowpens is about 15 miles from Grindels ford—on the high lands between packelet and broad river at the
                            sources of Buck Creek, of packelet & Luck Creek, of Broad River and within 3 miles of the
                            boundary line between No. and So. Carolina.
                        The Cowpens is about 25 miles distant and a little to the east of South from Kings Mountain.
                        From Genl Greene’s head quarters to the Cowpens, at least 120 miles—So. Wt direction.

                            Wm Sharpe

                            Genl Morgans Camp near Cain Creek is about eight miles west of Kings Mountain.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Van Rensselaer, 9 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Van Rensselaer, Philip

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters N. Windsor 9th Feby 1781

                        I have recd your favr of the 1st instant inclosing your January return. If the late Commy of Hides retains
                            the leather which he has upon hand, by the direction of the Cloathier General, it may be for some particular purpose, and
                            therefore I would not wish to order it to be delivered to you, lest it should interfere with some arrangements in the
                            Cloathing department—I should think you might obtain dressed leather, from the tanners, for raw Hides, by making the
                            usual allowance. I am Sir Yr &c.


Title: General Orders, 10 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Saturday February 10th 1781.
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        The Honorable the Congress have been please to pass the following Resolutions.
                        In Congress January 17th 1781.
                        Congress proceeded to the election of a Paymaster general of the army and the ballots being taken.
                        Mr John Pierce was elected.
                        Whereas by the Plan for conducting the hospital department passed in Congress the 30th day of September last
                            no proper establishment is provided for the officers of the medical Staff after their dismission from public service which
                            considering the Custom of other nations and the late provision made for the officers of the army after the conclusion of
                            the war, they appear to have a just claim to; for remedy whereof and also for amending several parts of the abovementioned
                            Plan.
                        Resolved That all officers in the hospital department and medical Staff hereafter mentioned who shall
                            continue in the service to the end of the war or be reduced before that time as supernumeraries shall be entitled to and
                            receive during life in lieu of half pay the following allowance, vizt.
                        The Director of the Hospital, equal to the half pay of a Lieutenant Colonel.
                        Chief Physician, and Surgeons of the army and hospital and hospital Physicians and Surgeons, purveyor,
                            apothecary and regimental surgeons each equal to the half pay of a captain.
                        That there be allowed to the Purveyor apothecary and Assistant purveyors each forage for one horse.
                        That the Power given in the beforementioned Plan to the Chief Physician and surgeon of the army to remove
                            regimental surgeons and mates, in case of absence without leave shall in future extend no farther than the power of
                            suspension untill such delinquent shall be reported to a proper officer for bringing him to trial by a court martial.
                        That the Apothecary may deliver medicines instruments and dressings and other articles of his department to
                            the Hospitals on orders in writing from a Physician and Surgeon having the care of any particular hospital, where the
                            director or one of the chief Physicians and surgeons shall not be present to give the same.
                        That the power given to the director and Chief hospital Physicians with respect to the appointment of matrons
                            nurses and other persons necessary for the regular management of the hospitals, be extended to each of the Physicians and
                            surgeons of the hospitals, in the absence of the director and chief physicians and Surgeons.
                        In Congress January 26th 1781.
                        Resolved That the Allowance of five dollars ⅌ month to the officers of the army for each retained ration
                            granted by an Act of Congress of the 12th of August last shall commence on the first day of August 1780.
                        That the additional pay of Aids de camp Adjutants and regimental Quarter masters as mentioned in the Act of
                            Congress of the 12th of this instant be drawn in bills of the new emission from and after the first day of August last
                            instead of the 18th day of the same month as mentioned in the above resolutions.


Title: To George Washington from William Colfax, 10 February 1781
From: Colfax, William
To: Washington, George

                            10th Feby 81

                        I address your Excellency in the behalf of Mr Lee, Mr Lord, Mr Avery & myself, officers of the late
                            1st Connt regiment. Rather than troble Your Excellency on a subject, of all others the most disagreeable, we had concluded
                            to receive and bear a grievance, tho’ too intolerable? But on a second view, and relying on Your Excellency’s disposition
                            to administer justice, we deemed it our duty as well as interest, to lay our grievancies before you and pray a redress.
                        By the New arrangement of the line, we are materially injured in our rank, and have reason to believe that
                            Genl Parsons did not explain to Your Excellency the principles on which he proceeded in this business: otherwise it would
                            not met with approbation. In this new list of officers the Lieutenants are all returned from their appointments as 2d
                            Lieutenants without having any respect to their Commissions of 1st Lieutenants: which we plainly see will opperate very
                            partially & to our prejudice? The promotion must consequently be lenial from a certain time: not from the
                            establishment of the regiments in 1777, nor from any other known period. The subaltern rank, which was thought to be
                            settled three years since, will be thrown into confusion, and new boards of Officers must sit to determine new Claims. We
                            shall be superceded by twenty five Officers who have considered themselves junior to us for three years, if the present
                            plan is carried into execution without they refer back to our first appointments, which we neither expect or wish, as it
                            would displace many Captains & derange the whole line. Your Excellency is our only source of redress, and all we
                            ask is, that the subaltern rank may remain as settled in 1778, or that, if an alteration must be made, the inquiry may be
                            carried back to the formation of the regiments. I am in behalf of myself & others Your Excellency’s Most Obed.
                            servant

                            Wm Colfax


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 10 February 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West point Feb. 10. 1781.

                        I have been honored with yours of the 7th and have sent orders to Capt. Welles to relieve the Garrison of the
                            Block house at Dobbs ferry, agreeable to your directions. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your
                            Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath

                            P.S. I am this moment honored with yours of the 9th to which I shall shortly attend.

                            W. H.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            (Private)
                            Sir,
                            Give at Head Quarters February 10th 1781

                        In the conference between the Count de Rochambeau and myself, it was agreed, that if by the aid of our
                            allies, we can have a naval superiority, through the next campaign, and an army of thirty thousand men (or double the
                            force of the enemy and its dependencies) early enough in the season to operate in that quarter, we ought to prefer it to
                            every other object, as the most important and decisive; and applications have been made to the Court of France in this
                            spirit, which it is to be hoped will produce the desired effect.
                        It is therefore incumbent upon us to make every necessary preparation on our part for the seige of New York,
                            as far as our funds and means render practicable. Applications have also been made to The Court of France for a large
                            supply of powder, arms, heavy cannon, and several other essential articles in your department. But as we cannot ascertain
                            the extent of the success, these applications will meet with, and as they only go to such articles as are less within
                            the compass of our own internal means, we ought not to neglect any exertion in our power for procuring within ourselves
                            those things of which we shall stand in need.
                        I give you this communication of what is in prospect, that you may take your measures accordingly, by making
                            such estimates and demands and other arrangements, as may appear to you best calculated to produce what we want. And you
                            may rely upon all the assistance and support it will be in my power to give.
                        In your calculations you will estimate the force on our side at about twenty thousand men; the remainder with
                            a proper seige and field apparatus are to be supposed to be furnishd by our allies. You are well acquainted with New-York
                            and its defences; and you can therefore judge of the means requisite for its reduction by a seige.
                        The General idea of the plan of operation is this (if we are able to procure the force we count upon) to make
                            two attacks one against the works on York Island, and the other against the works of Brooklyn on Long Island. The latter
                            will probably be conducted by our allies. Ulterior operations must depend on circumstances.
                        If we should find ourselves unable to undertake this more capital expedition; and if we have means equal to
                            it, we shall attempt, as a secondary object the reduction of Charles Town, Savannah Penobscot &c. may successively
                            come into contemplation. Your dispositions will have reference to these different objects; though indeed a preparation for
                            the principal one will substantially comprehend every lesser.
                        These instructions would have been earlier given to you; but for the commotions in the army, which suspended
                            my attention.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor February 10th 1781

                        Mr De Granger has represented to me that his delay in executing the experiments prescribed to him proceeded
                            from the want of the materials requisite for making them, the composition and preparation of which, he wishes to undertake
                            himself, as the justness of his experiments depends upon the goodness of his materials and the accuracy with which they
                            are prepared, and as his reputation and Military existance in this country depend on the success of those experiments— He
                            declares himself willing and desirous to execute them as soon as these materials are ready. As what he requires is not
                            unreasonable, I am to desire you will immediately have him furnished with the ingredients he asks, and afford him the
                            assistance necessary to prepare them as speedily as possible—After we have gone so far it will have an air of
                            disingenuity not to give him a fair and decisive trial: if his pretensions are just we may employ him usefully and in a
                            manner that will not interfere with the corps of Artillery; if they are not good, we can reject his application and put an
                            end to all trouble. I am with great regard Sir Your Most Obed. servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 10 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            My Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Febry 10th 1781

                        I have been duly favored with your Letters of the 7th 17th & 25th of Janry. The distractions in one
                            part of the Army, and distresses in the other, have engaged me so far as to prevent my acknowledging them until the
                            present time.
                        In addition to the perplexities occasioned in the first instance, by the revolt of the Pennsylvania Line—the
                            subsequent arrangements for quelling the Insurgents, if ultimately necessary—the critical situation of our most important
                            Posts on account of the scarcity of supplies of every kind—the danger of detaching from these slender Garrisons, while the
                            River continued open—the preparation of the Enemy to take advantage of the emergency—the accumulated distresses of the
                            Army for want of Money, Cloathing, and Provision—the impossibility of marching the Troops, however good their disposition,
                            under these circumstances to suppress the Mutiny—the uncertainty how far the defection might extend, if not checked in
                            time—the necessity of hazarding every thing, to effect this by force, should matters be carried to extremity and of
                            calling forth; or creating resources for the occasion—These, and many other interesting objects of consideration, had
                            formed such a complication of difficulties and embarrassments, as occupied every moment of my time and attention.
                        I had scarcely obviated these difficulties and embarrassments, as far as practicable; and prepared as large a
                            Detachment to march from these Posts as could be spared—when I learnt the affair of the Pennsylvanians was settled by the
                            interposition of the Civil Authority of the State; and that the terms granted (which possibly the alarming circumstances
                            that dictated, might justify) had been productive of similar disturbances in the Jersey Brigade—the growing evil admitted
                            no delay—Major General Howe was immediately ordered to march a body of Troops, reduce the Mutineers to submission, and
                            execute on the spot some of the principal Instigators; this he happily effected—which has restored discipline to the Army;
                            Indeed the Detachment employed on this service has merited & obtained the highest applause.
                        Nothing can revive the spirit of discontent among any of the Troops, which, where ever it has appeared, seems
                            now to be extinguished, upon a prospect of having justice done, but a reiteration of the sufferings which have been
                            endured almost beyond human patience. I am happy to find by your Letter, as well as the representation of General Knox,
                            that the Eastern States are awakened, by the late tremenduous Crisis, to greater exertions than have hitherto been made:
                            these efforts must never be relaxed. Combined with innumerable other pressing inducements, the dissolution of the
                            Pennsylvania Line, urges the prosecution of the recruiting service, with unremitting & even redoubled ardor. No
                            Measures should be left unessayed, no stimulus untried, to have our Battalions compleated before the commencement of the
                            Campaign.
                        I shall order an Officer to Great Barrington to take charge of the Recruits of Berkshire County.
                        Congress, upon General Greene’s being sent to take command of the Southern Army, authorised him to make
                            exchanges in that Department. No general exchang has yet taken place; when ever it shall, the Gentlemen whose names you
                            have transmitted, and others of the same discription, will undoubtedly be included in it—I request you to be persuaded,
                            that I shall take a pleasure in promoting every measure, which justice & good will warrant to give relief to our
                            Countrymen in Captivity. I am My Dear Sir With great attachment & esteem Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


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

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Sunday February 11th 1781

                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        The Commissary of forage having represented that frequent irregularities are committed by stopping forage in
                            the road which prevents an equal distribution and gives a full supply to the horses of some while those of others are
                            starving—The General in the most positive manner forbids the like liberties in future as totally unmilitary and
                            disorderly.
                        If any conceive their horses neglected and do not obtain a remedy by applying to the Commissary of forage
                            they may then represent the matter to Head Quarters, and everything will be done which the scantiness of our magazines
                            will permit.
                        At a General court Martial of the line held at West Point by order of Major General Heath January 30th 1781—Colonel M. Jackson President.
                        Mr Joseph Bass clothier for the state of New Hampshire was tried on the following charges vizt.
                        First, Refusing to deliver a quantity of blankets at the request of the officer commanding and the Paymasters
                            of the New Hampshire line at their encampment (which was sent there by the state for that purpose) and obliging the teams
                            to carry them five miles in front of the brigade, before he would receive them, for the convenience of delivering them at
                            his quarters which obliged the men to transport the blankets back to their Encampment on their backs at a time when their
                            duty was very hard and destitute of flour to the prejudice of the service and principles of humanity.
                        Secondly, Insulting and abusing (without provocation) his superior officer contrary to the rules and
                            regulations of the army of the United States.
                        Thirdly With a partial and unequal distribution of cloathing sent from the state of New Hampshire to the
                            Officers of that line.
                        The court having considered Mr Bass’s case, are of opinion that there was nothing improper in his conduct relative to
                            the first charge.
                        They do acquit him of the second: They are of opinion with respect to the third charge that although Mr Bass
                            delivered cloathing to an Officer which in a subsequent distribution of the cloathing sent from the State appears to have
                            been more than some others could receive yet it appears it was done with a view to oblige him as he was about leaving camp
                            and not intentionally that he should have a larger proportion than others; They do not conceive any other part of Mr
                            Bass’s conduct, respecting this charge can be considered partial or improper.
                        The Commander in Chief confirms the opinion of the Court—Mr Bass is released from Arrest.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 11 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 11th Feby 1781.

                        The new arrangements of all the Massachusetts Regiments have been delivered in, agreeable to General Orders,
                            but they are not accompanied by the Returns of the names and Ranks of the retiring Officers. As these are equally
                            essential you will be pleased to call for them immediately, and send them up to me as soon as they come in, that I may
                            transmit them to the Board of War, at the same time that I transmit the new arrangement of the line.
                        Inclosed you have the Court Martial upon Oliver Richards of Colo. Sprouts Regimt which was found among the
                            Office papers, upon assorting them. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I have recd your favors of the 8th 9th and 10th. I will have a further conversation with Doctr
                                Cochran upon the subject of innoculation—it will depend upon being able to procure proper and seperate covering.


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Thayer Olney, 11 February 1781
From: Olney, Stephen Thayer
To: Washington, George

                            May it Please Your Excellency
                            Quarters February 11th 1781

                        There is a dispute of rank between Captain Allen and myself, our pretentions were delivered to Colonel
                            Harrison (last April) who informed Colonel Angell he would present them to your Excellency for determination, to which we
                            the disputants cheerfully Consented, but from the multiplicity of more important business which soon after Occurd.I
                            immagine they were not laid before your Excellency, I am therefore under the necessity of requesting (if it is Your
                            Excellencys Pleasure) the matter may be determined by said Pretentions. I am your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant.

                            Stephen Olney Capt.
                            of the Rhode Island Regt

                     Enclosure

                                Dr Colonel
                                Quarters near Morris Town May 15th 1780

                            As you say it is necessary in Settling the Rank between Capt. Allen and myself, that my Pretensions be
                                given in to Colo. Harrison that he may Present them to His Excellency, who will Determine the same, or Appoint a Board
                                of Officers for that Purpose.
                            If it is consistent with His Excellency’s Pleasure, nothing would aford me more sattisfaction then his
                                Decision of the Matter—My Rank from time to time has been as follows— I engaged in the army A.D. 1775 May 8th with
                                the rank and Commission of Ensign—The 19th of September following was promoted to a first Lieutenant, in which Sphere
                                I acted till the first of february A.D. 1777—when the time for which the Troops were engaged expired; I received pay
                                and subsistence of a first Lieutenant to the 13th, and Returned to the State of Rhode Island who had on the Eleventh
                                appointed me a Captain (as pr arrangement from the Board of War) and my Commission was dated to the 1st of January,
                                to fill a vacancy that then happened.
                            It would be far from me to give any trouble on this Subject, if I conceived the Resolve Captain Allen
                                aludes to had any Reference to my rank. I never Resigned my Commission, or had it Revok’d—have ever since the Said 8th
                                day of May A.D. 1775 Drawn pay as an Officer, had as many appointments by State or Congress as Captain Allen, all of
                                which are Equal, or prior to his.
                            Other Officers belonging to the State of Rhode Island went home the same Campaign on or before the time
                                for which the troops were Engaged expired and Previous to their accepting any appointments, who was not in the least
                                injured thereby; as they were never left out of the arrangement by the State—I think it very strange as Captain Allen
                                knew of the said Resolve, more then one year past he has never disputed my takeing rank of him before, am apt to
                                believe he thought of it as I do.
                            I should have had no more right to considered my self out of Service the eleven days in February
                                1777—then Captain Allen If I had accepted the late Colo. Hitchcoks offer (as he did) of a Lieutenancy to serve the
                                Campaign of 1777 under some then our inferior officers whom Colo. Hitchcok had arranged as Captains and who I thought
                                never ought to Command either of us. Had Colo. Hitchcok appointed me a Captain or fill’d his Captancys with my
                                Superior Officers beyond a doubt I should have accepted.
                            This Sr haveing Stated my pretentions I accept your favor of forwarding them to Head Quarters and Submit
                                the same to their candid Judgment for Determination. I am Sr, with Respect your most obedient Humble Sevent

                                Stephen Olney