Title: General Orders, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Totowa Monday November 6th 1780
                            Parole Prussia
                            Countersign Plenty, Peace
                            Watchword Look up

                        For the Day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Huntington
                        Lieutenant Colonel commandant
                        Butler
                        Lieutenant Colonel Holdridge
                        Major T. L. Moore
                        Brigade Major Pettingal
                        The Honorable the Board of war having called for a Return of all officers holding military rank who are not
                            adopted by or considered as belonging to any State in order that means may be fallen upon to make good the depreciation of
                            their former pay—A Return of all those who come under the above description is to be made to the Adjutant General by the
                            1st day of December next; but as some Officers who are interested in the foregoing may be at too great a distance to send
                            in their names by the above time, they are requested to do it as soon as possible afterwards, not exceeding the 1st day of
                            January next.
                        The General has just received information that Colonel Odgen and Captain Dayton who were in Elizabeth Town,
                            were taken last night in their beds by the Enemy. A convincing proof that they have the most minute intelligence of every
                            thing that passes in that place and that it is dangerous for an officer (except with a guard or under sanction of a flag)
                            to remain there during the night; He has assured the Officers in General Orders that if any of them are taken out of the
                            line of their duty and by their own imprudence that their Exchanges shall be postponed while there is an officer
                            remaining in Captivity of their rank. He again repeats this in most solemn terms, with this further declaration that
                            whenever they are exchanged, they shall be arrested and a full investigation had into the circumstances of their capture.
                            The General means this as a caution to the army, not as a reflection upon the present conduct of Colonel Ogden who he has
                            reason to believe was in the execution of business by proper authority: He is yet uninformed of the reason of Captain
                            Dayton’s being at Elizabeth town.
                        It is with infinite regret the General is obliged once more to take notice of the disorderly conduct of the
                            soldiers arising in a great measure from the abuse of Passes: the whole country is overspread with straggling soldiers
                            with the most frivolous pretences, under which they commit every species of robbery and plunder. In a ride he took the
                            other day he found soldiers as low as Aquakanung bridge on both sides the river and as far as he has ever yet gone round
                            the environs of camp the roads and farmhouses are full of them. To remedy these evils and to have the army ready for any
                            sudden emergency the General does in most express and positive Terms forbid all but General Officers, and Officers
                            commanding Regiments to grant Passes; and not more than eight from a regiment are to be given by the latter in a day, and
                            those only to Soldiers of orderly conduct.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                            Dr Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 6th Novemr 1780

                        The moment I recd yours of the 3d I gave orders to Genl Heath to detach the remaining three Regiments
                            of the York Brigade to Albany there to put themselves under the command of Brig. Genl Clinton who has orders to
                            dispose of them as circumstances may require—should you receive any information that they are not necessary above, you
                            will be pleased to communicate it to Generall Heath, that their march may be countermanded.
                        Your Excellency will perceive by the inclosed to Genl schuyler, under flying seal, that I have given
                            discretionary powers to seize and secure a certain person, should it, upon further investigation of circumstances appear
                            necessary. I am with the highest Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obt and hble Ser.


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novembr 6th 1780

                        From the advices which I have this day received from the Governor and General Schuyler, I have directed
                            General Heath to detach the remainder of the New York Brigade or such part as he can conveniently spare to Albany you will
                            dispose of them as there may be occasion.
                        From some circumstances there is reason to apprehend Treachery in the Northern Quarter. I have therefore
                            desired General Schuyler to consult with you and upon a further investigation if it should appear necessary to secure a
                            certain person, you are to concert measures for having him apprehended suddenly and sent down the Country under a proper
                            guard. You need not be cautioned against lisping the most distant hint of this business. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt
                            Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Should you receive intelligence that the enemy have gone off before the Troops reach Albany you
                                will take the speediest method of meeting and Countermanding them.


Title: From George Washington to John Cochran, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Cochran, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 6th Novemr 1780

                        I have thrown my sentiments, upon the subject of the representation made by yourself and other Gentlemen of
                            the Hospital, into the form of a letter to Congress. If you can reconcile my plan to your own feelings, you will be
                            pleased to seal and forward the letter by Docr Craik. If not, you will return it to me again, that I may transmit as much
                            only as relates to the Regimental Surgeons. I am, &c.


Title: From George Washington to Moses Hazen, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters Precaness 6th Novemr 1780

                        I have recd your favr of the 28th Ulto respecting the Canadian Prisoners— I have a letter from Major
                            Reid complaining— that in a Return of the Officers of your Regt made by you to the Board of War, you have made a false
                            return of the date of his Commission, which he alledges ought to be in June 1777. This is a matter of which I am
                            altogether ignorant; but as Major Reid has made a representation to me upon the subject, I am under the necessity of
                            calling upon you to know the reason of the difference between his claim and your return. I am, &c.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novr 6th 1780.

                        By advices just received from Governor Clinton and General Schuyler it appears that the enemy are in very
                            considerable force upon the Lake, and seem to threaten the distruction of the Northern Frontier. You will therefore be
                            pleased immediately to detach the remainder of the New York Brigade, or as great a part as you can conveniently spare to
                            Albany with direction to the eldest Officer to take his orders there from Brigr Genl Clinton. I am Dear Sir Your most
                            Obedt servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Should you receive any Certain intelligence from the Govr, Genl Clinton, or Genl Schuyler that the
                                enemy have gone off you need not send up the Troops.

                            Go: W


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My Dear Marquis
                            Head Quarters 6th Nov 1780.

                        As you are in a fixed Camp, you can make your trial & punishment as summary as need be— and where the
                            latter can be inflicted legally it is to be preferred—I therefore advise you, to Order a Court Martial to be convened
                            immediately for the trial of the Culprits— and if they are condemnedto have one or two of the
                            greatest offenders immediately executed.
                        The measures you are about to pursue to stop this licentious spirit, I much approve & wish you to carry
                            them into execution— I shall put something in Orders to day respecting passes &c. I am very sincerely Yr Affectionate
                            Servt,

                            Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Laurens, 6 November 1780
From: Laurens, John
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General.
                            Philadelphia 6th November 1780

                        Riveted to head quarters by my attachment to Your Excellency and the patronage with which you have been
                            pleased to honor me, nothing but the approaching critical junction of southern affairs and the expectation of my
                            countrymen could induce me to sollicit a farther leave of absence in case of my exchange—I profess myself too much a
                            continentalist to be affected by local interests—but I indulge a hope that my acquaintance with the country and connexions
                            as a southern man may enable me to be of some ability in the new theatre of the war—and the present season of tranquility
                            here, appears too favorable an opportunity to be overlooked—these motives which I submit to Your Excellency, prompt me to
                            entreat your permission to join the southern army for the ensuing Campaign—if they are sanctioned by your answer, nothing
                            will detain me in this city but your commands—however remote from Your Excellency I shall invariably be warned by those
                            sentiments of gratitude and veneration which you alone have inspired—and be on all occasions ambitious to prove myself
                            Your Excellencys faithful Aid.

                            John Laurens


Title: From George Washington to Abner Nash, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Nash, Abner

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls Novr 6th 1780

                        I had the honor Yesterday to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 6th of Octobr, and am extremely obliged
                            to you for the intelligence contained in it.
                        It is of so great importance that the earliest and best intelligence of all the great movements &
                            designs of the Enemy, as well as of the situation of our own affairs, should be obtained, that I must entreat you will be
                            so good as to favor me with such communications as may have any influence on our Military Arrangements &
                            Operations.
                        While I sincerely lament the distressed & exhausted situation of the Southern States I cannot but
                            hope the Enemy have committed themselves so far as to be made to repent of their temerity; especially since I have
                            received information of a more recent date than your Letter, of the success of the Militia against Col. Ferguson: this I
                            flatter myself will give a better aspect to your affairs, and will awaken more extensively that spirit of bravery
                            & enterprise which displayed itself so conspicuously on the occasion.
                        The Enemy seem again to have adopted the same system of policy they have before prosecuted with but too much
                            success, of making Detachments to the Southward; at a time when our Army is greatly reduced by the expiration of the
                            service of the Levies who were raised for the Campaign only—besides the Detachment under Genl Leslie, which has landed in
                            Virginia—It is reported Another embarkation is taking place at N. York. But I have great confidence in the exertion of the
                            Southern States, when their all is at Stake, and in the abilities of General Greene to call forth and apply the resources
                            of the Country in the best & most effectual manner to its defence. Major General the Baron Steuben, who accompanies him,
                            possesses the most distinguished military talents, & has render’d signal service to this Army as Inspector Genl.
                            Major Lee has also marched to join the southern Army with his Legion. The Arrival of a reinforcement in New York nearly
                            equal to the late detachment, And the incursion of a large force (of which I have just received intelligence) from Canada
                            on the Northern & Western Frontier of the State of New York where great devastation has already been committed,
                            will I fear render it impossible to make any farther Detachments from this Army to the Southward. I have the honor to be
                            with great esteem & respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 6 November 1780
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                            Philada 6 Novemb. 1780

                        Cap. Stoddart has communicated to me the sentence of the court martial on Dr Sharp & your
                            Excellencies opinion thereon, by which I find I have unwittingly run counter to some of your orders, possibly, not only
                            against the spirit, but often against the letter thereof, owing, I assure you, to my being unacquainted with such orders
                            as you may think requisite for the good government of the army.
                        Permit me to represent to you the inconvenience I labour under from the remoteness of my situation, which
                            prevents my knowing what orders you issue respecting the conduct of officers in general. My only guide is the resolves of
                            Congress, and, occasionally, particular directions from the Board of war, where these fail I am governed by such
                            principles of discipline as I have imbibed from long practice, but as it is requisite, for the good of the service,
                            uniformity should run though the whole, it would give me particular satisfaction if I could, through some of the Gentlemen
                            in Col. Scammels office, receive copies of such orders as your Excellency has, or may hereafter issue for the good
                            government of the army in general.
                        Nations that have long supported standing armies may be supposed to have formed laws for the government
                            thereof, founded on reason and experience; and it is to be presumed the similitude of laws, customs & manners
                            between the Americans & Brittish render those of the latter best adapted to the former, but localities and
                            peculiar circumstances may require deviations therefrom, which it is the duty of every officer to adhere to strictly,
                            & I assure you I shall not be deficient in this point, but where those do not guide me I suppose I shall not be
                            deficient if I follow the latter.
                        As to the particular case of Dr Sharp, had he, instead of an absolute refusal, informed me, in writing or
                            verbally, that he could not receive any men into the hospital in consequence of orders from Dr Shippen, I should have
                            applied to the Doctor, & I presume received such information as would have prevented all further trouble, but I
                            was unacquainted with the Directors orders ’till the time of trial, except a report that he had given Directions no
                            Invalid should be received into the hospital; an exclusion I conceived unjustifiable.
                        I hope a desire of being properly instructed & of acting right will be a sufficient appology for the
                            trouble I give your Excellency, & that you will permit me to assure you I am respectfully Sr Your most obedient
                            Servant

                            Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.


Title: From Timothy Pickering to Alexander Hamilton, 6 November 1780
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                            Dr Sir
                            Camp Novr 6. 1780. Morning

                        I beg you will inform the General that the day he called at my quarters I sent a gentleman to the state to
                            see what boats were there. I also directed him to go to Dobbs’s ferry to search for any that might be in that
                            neighbourhood. The same day I went to Dodds, & found the boats wanted some, & the carriage many repairs. I
                            ordered six more hands to work on them (for Colo. Baldwin had sent but three with an officer on my previous order) who
                            were sent up the next day. I have an expectation that the whole may be repaired by this evening: but I will again see
                            them, and on my return this evening or to-morrow morning inform you.
                        Yesterday the messenger returned from the state. He found one boat there, but a good deal
                            shattered. He proceeded to Dobbs’s ferry, where Captain Alden, who commands at the block-house, shewed him two that were
                            fit for service. He found pieces of two others which had been destroyed by the inhabitants. If his Excellency
                                woud chuse these two should be brought to the army I will order carriages to be prepared
                            immediately; Otherwise I would send them to King’s ferry. I am yr very obedt sert

                            T. Pickering Q.M.G.

                            P.S. There are sixty good oars at Dodds.


Title: From George Washington to James Randolph Reid, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Reid, James Randolph

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 6th Novemr 1780

                        In consequence of your letter of the 3d I have written to Colo. Hazen and desired him to let me know how it
                            happens that his Return of the date of your Commission differs from that which you alledge to be the time at which you
                            were intitled to your Majority. I am, &c.


Title: From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 6 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip John

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Precaness 6th Novemr 1780.

                        Your favr of the 31st ulto and 1st instant was this day forwarded to me by His Excellency Governor
                            Clinton. I immediately ordered Genl Heath to detach the three remaining Regiments of the York Brigade, if he could
                            conveniently spare them all, to Albany, where they will receive further orders from Brigadier Genl Clinton. Should any
                            intelligence which you may receive make it unnecessary for these troops to advance, you will communicate it to Genl
                            Heath.
                        I confess, all circumstances and previous infirmations considered, that matters in a certain quarter carry
                            a very suspicious face. Should it appear, upon a further investigation, that there are good grounds for present
                            suspicions, you will concert measures with Brig. Genl Clinton, (to whom I have written upon the subject without
                            mentioning names) to seize and secure, with as much secrecy and as suddenly as possible, the person in question, with his
                            papers— You know how very delicate a Business this is, and I therefore trust to your prudence in the execution of it.
                            Nothing but the most palpable proofs ought to warrant the seizure of his person— but a variety of means may be fallen upon
                            to circumvent and defeat their plans, when you have a regular force to depend upon. I shall not order down Gansevoorts
                            Regt while there appears occasion for them.
                        Colo. Hamilton went to Philada the day before Yesterday, but will be back the latter end of this Week,
                            when he returns, I will communicate what you desire to him. .


Title: To George Washington from John Vanderhovan, 6 November 1780
From: Vanderhovan, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Elizabethtown Novembr 6th 1780

                        at the Request of Collenel Ogden I Came to this place Saturday night But to Greate Disopointment I found
                            Collenel Ogden was taken of Just Bifore I arrived this accident of his is Intierly Owing to the trechery of Mr Able
                            Hatfield which is allowed to Go from this place to Statens Iland and Countenanced By the officers hear as he protends to
                            Bring them Intelegance which he applyes to Genneral Skinner for who puts the words into his mouth that he is to tell them
                            when he Returns this I Have Been an Eye witness to and theirefore Cannot Be Deceved in Him, he was on Statens Iland and at
                            Heaid Quarters With Major Delancy on thirsday Last Came over on friday night with Mr Cornelius Hatfield who took Collenel
                            Ogden to my Sertain Knolledg and he must have Concealed Him and his party all Day Saturday and Given them Intilegance wheare
                            Ogden and Dayton Lay that night, thus you Se the profideous trechery of that famuly Uncase it Self.
                        Sir, I Reicd your Excellencys note and with it five Guineas as an Eicknolledgment as Mr Hendricks Says in his
                            Letter to me which is the first and only Compenciation that Ever I Reivcd for three years faithful Servitude in which time
                            I Have Spared no pains nor Exspence to Serve my Cuntry at the Exspence of My whole fortain and Rest of my Life I have had
                            two men to assist me Mr Abraham Banker and my Brother During that time and of Consequence mus pay theire Exspence when I
                            Send them on Business which I Could not obtain without them and it is imposable for me or any One Else to keep Such
                            Company as we must Do to Render our Selves Capabel to Do your Exellency Service without Being at a Greate Exspence.
                        I am Sir Excedingly Surprised at a Letter Sent mr Hendricks of 3 november in which is a perticular Request to
                            Know the troop and perticular Corps that Compose the troops in the imbarcation of 16th of Last month as Havave Sent your
                            Excellency the Exact account of all the troops Imbarked under the Command of Genneral Lesley and theire Convoy which was
                            the Infentry and Granidears two Campanies of Genl Robertsons New Levs and two of Genl Skinners
                            with one of Col. Roger Morrises and one of Col. fanning the whole amount to near five thowsand they ware Joined By By Some
                            of Arberthnots fleet at the Hook which makes theire Convoy Uncertain to Us Hear, the troops that arrived in the fleet Do
                            not amount to more then three thowsand men or theireabouts, as to the works on york Island that is near the town I Have
                            Indeavoured to Give your Excellency as well as I Could the Description of them, as to Brooklinfort I Depended on Mr Banker
                            for the Draft of it But was Dasopointed By his Being taken Very Sick But I took a Look at It the Evening Before I Left
                            york and fond it to Be a Larg Secair work and not near finished and no Bum proof.

                            drawing

                            in the bottom right-hand corner: Brooklin fort is a Larg. Squair work unfinished, perced for 38 Guns
                            But has only 14 mounted and no Cannins.
                        Sir you will please to Exscuse the uncorect Sceitch of the works and my not Answering your Request More fully
                            as I only Reced it twenty four Hours Before I Set offor this place to Meet Collenl Ogden, But your Excellency may Depend
                            an having a trew draft and an Exact account the first Safe Oppertunity, I have thaught Something of trying to Se your
                            Excellency By Some Method or other and have mentioned it to Capt. Hendricks and Shall Leave it Intirety to his Management
                            and advice Genneral Clinton was to Cross to Jemaca Long Island Last Saturday to take his winter Quarters or at Least for A
                            month theire Has Been Some move of a forragin party But Seem to Be done and no altercations But the wagons of the Genneraly: and his Baggag is moovd
                        pray Sir Exscuse the Blots and Imperfections of This Epistal as I am not provided with pen & ink or
                            paper fit to make any writing with I have the Honner to Be Sir with the Greatest Respect and Esteem your Excelencies Most
                            Obediant Humel Sert

                            John Vanderhovan


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

                            Head Quarters Totowa Tuesday November 7th 1780
                            Parole Hingham
                            Countersigns N.
                            Watchword Caution P.

                        For the day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Glover
                        Lieutenant Colonel commandant
                        Hubley
                        Lieutenant Colonel Whiting
                        Major Wiley
                        Brigade Major Moore
                        At the General court martial of the Line whereof Colonel Bailey is President the 30th of October last Major
                            Thomas Barnes of the 12th Massachusett’s regiment was tried on the Resolve of Congress of December 6th 1779 respecting
                            absent officers, he being charged with "Overstaying his furlough from the 2nd day of January last."
                        The Court on consideration are of opinion that Major Barnes having been indulged with a furlough and not
                            joining his regiment at the Expiration thereof, has been properly notified agreeable to the Resolve of Congress of
                            December 6th 1779 and that he has neglected to join his regiment agreeable to such notification and do sentence that he be
                            Cashiered.
                        The Commander in Chief confirms the opinion of the Court and orders it carried into execution.


Title: From George Washington to Judah Alden, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Alden, Judah

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters Novr 7th 1780

                        I have received your Letter of the 5th by the Sergt who conducted the deserter to this place.
                        The idea of an Enemy’s sending a flag by a post of the adverse party into what they call their own lines, is
                            very preposterous & inadmissible—I would not advise that any flag of truce be permitted to go beyond your Post for any
                            purpose whatever.
                        However desirable it might be to intercept the provisions which are forwarded to the Enemy on the East side
                            of the River, I cannot consent you should run the hazard of detaching any of your Garrison for fear the Enemy should have
                            intelligence by their Emissaries, & form an Ambuscade for the party; or seize the opportunity of their absence &
                            possess themselves of the Post—On the contrary, I must recommend Your utmost vigilance and attention to prevent the
                            possibility of a surprize. I am &c.

                            Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Babcock, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Babcock, Henry

                            Sir
                            Head Qurs Passaick Falls Novr 7th 1780

                        I have received your favour of the 24th. of October and have to observe on the subject that the plan suggested
                            for paying and supplying the Army, and prosecuting the War with vigor, would undoubtedly be eligible if practicable. How
                            far this is, or is not the case, I cannot take upon myself to determine.
                        Should the scheme in contemplation be carried into execution; Whether it would be most advantageous to have
                            the Plate coined and thrown into circulation, or made the basis of a Bank to support our credit might be made a question.
                            But that this aid (if well disposed of) with other vigorous and decisive measures for drawing out the resources of the
                            Country, would have a powerful influence in retrieving our affairs, disconcerting those of the Enemy and inducing them to
                            wish for a peace does not admit of a single doubt. The adoption of the Plan spoken of by you might give a credit to the
                            public virtue of this Country at Foreign Courts that would be attended with important advantages to us. I am, Sir

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                            Gentlemen
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls 7th Novemr 1780

                        I am honored with yours of the 31st ulto in consequence of which I yesterday issued a General Order of which
                            the inclosed is a Copy. I was induced to give so considerable an extent of time to the operation of the order, because
                            many of the Officers who are the objects of it, are at a distance from the Main Army.
                        I shall be obliged by your care of the inclosed for Major Genl Greene, Colo. Armand and Major Lee—Should they
                            have left Philada be pleased to forward them to the Southward—by Express. I would wish that to General Greene to reach him
                            as speedily as possible as it contains a Certificate of Genl du portail’s exchange and a passport for him to return by
                            land. You will also be pleased to forward the letter for Colo. Wood with dispatch. It contains an order to send forward a
                            number of the officers of Convention who have been exchanged at a late meeting of the respective Commissaries—We have at
                            length liberated all our privates in New york and all our officers upon Long Island, except Brig. Irvine—nine Colonels—one
                            Captain and thirty nine Lieutenants. I have the honor to be


Title: To George Washington from John Glover, 7 November 1780
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Totawa Bridge 7 Novr 1780

                        It appeared if I recollect right by the Minutes laid before the Board of Officers, by your Excellency a few
                            days ago, that the Enemies force has been reduc’d about 1500 Since the 6th Septr. How much our army has weakened since
                            that period, I do not pretend to determin; but should Imagin, from discharges, desertions, Deaths, & other
                            Casualties; (Including Major Lees Corps gone to the Southward,) about Six Hundred; if this is the case, and the six Months
                            mens times are so near Expir’d; when the Massachusetts Lines only, will loom near 4,000 Men—its my Opinion no Troops can
                            be spared from this to reinforce the Southern army.
                        If the Hampshire, Massachusetts, & New York Lines, be Sufficient to Garison West-Point & its
                            Dependancies, I should recommend, Connecticutt, Jersey, & Pennsylvania Lines to be Cantoon’d in the Jersies.
                        The Continental Soldiers are almost naked, many of them falling sick with colds, bad Coughs, and Rheumatick
                            Complaints, this with the saving that will be made in the wair of Tents, I think is an argument to
                            Induce us to take Winter Quarters early. The last Campaign every thing Suffered by Keeping the Field so long, our
                            Expectations were then Different, which fully Justified the Measure. With Difidence I am Sir your Excellencies most Obedt
                            Humle servt

                            Jno. Glover B. General


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 7 November 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West point November 7 1780

                        I was honored with yours of the 5th a few hours since that of the 31st Ultimo, not ’til this moment where the
                            latter has been I cannot tell. it’s delay has been the cause of my troubling you more than once on one subject.
                        I shall take immediate measures for the security of Colo. Koseiuszko’s chest: it shall be
                            lodged at my own quarters.
                        Preparations are making for taking up the chain. at present we are obliged to tend it to prevent it’s sinking.
                            Should a severe snow storm take place, it may be it’s fate.
                        I am happy to hear that flour is soon to come on for our Relief, and most heartily thank your Excellency for
                            your kind assurances that we shall constantly have a part of what you obtain. Our situation is peculiar. the surrounding
                            mountains do not afford that Relief which those find, whose situation is in a fertile soil, and among wealthy farmers.
                            indeed the Troops being entirely destitute of money prevents their buying vegetables if they are to be found, and the
                            scantiness of their ration forbids any ability to barter. I Request to be informed whether there is any prospect of the
                            Troops soon receiving the two months pay promised by Congress, for which they have been for some time impatiently waiting.
                        The ill clad, and Ragged state of the Troops, and great complaints on that account, also constrain me to
                            represent their situation to your Excellency. There are many Recruits who have been enlisted many months since for the war
                            who have not yet received their Cloathing. this, most materially wounds the service. If there are any quantities of
                            Cloathing in the public stores which are to be distributed to the several state Clothiers, I would request the proportion
                            of them that will fall to the Troops at this post, as soon as your Excellency may think it convenient and proper as many of
                            the men engaged for the war will soon be unfit for duty, unless some articles of Cloathing can be issued to them. At the
                            request of the Cloathier General I have forbidden the state Cloathiers issuing any articles (except shoes) until the
                            distribution is made, but beg such distribution may be made as soon as circumstances will admit. I will write to the
                            Eastern States and urge the necessity of their forwarding their respective quota’s of supplies before the difficult season
                            sets in, but I am pretty certain that under present circumstances, a competent supply of Flour for this post only, cannot
                            be obtained from this State, and I am sorry to hear that large quantities of wheat, and Flour are purchased up all over
                            the State to be sent to the Eastward, and it has been hinted to me by one who knew, that some of it was intended to be sent
                            from america. To allow this will certainly be ill policy, since it every day grows apparent that if the war continues,
                            America will become more and more the seat of it.
                        I have executed George Baker one of the Criminals he was charged with being concerned in a conspiracy to
                            spike the Cannon at Fort Schuyler in September last, and intending to desert to the Enemy, and inducing others to desert.
                            he was found guilty of the two latter. The other Culprits under sentence, I believe I shall pardon. I have the honor to be
                            with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

                            W. Heath

                            P.S. I have just sent for Colo. Koseiuszko’s chest. it was left without a Lock. Mrs Warren Says upon
                                the detection of Arnold, she burnt the plans, lest their being found with her should raise a suspicion to her
                                disadvantage. I shall order a further enquiry into the matter.

                            W.H.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 7 November 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West point November 7 1780

                        Mr Reynolds of Murderers Creek, now here left albany on saturday last about 4 oClock PM. He says the Enemy
                            crossed Lake George last thursday, supposed to be about 800. upon which the detachment stationed at Fort Edward abandoned
                            that place and retreated to Saratoga, where Colonel Gansevoort’s regiment was.
                        The militia of Albany marched up on Saturday. they turned out with great spirit. General Schuyler had written
                            to General Tenbroek on friday Evening, that Colonel Allen was ready at the Grants with 800 men, and it was supposed the
                            Enemy would meet with a warm reception; but, that the prospect of provisions in that part of the Country, are distressing.
                            that it was with great difficulty Mr Lush, one of the States Agents assistants, could procure two days provisions for the
                            Troops that were at Saratoga.
                        This shews my dear General, pretty plainly, that nothing is to be expected for this post from that quarter.
                            Mr Reynolds further informs me that there is not a barrell of salted meat putting up at Albany, or any other place in the
                            State that he knows of. These reports encrease my concern and every hour convinces me that uncommon and the most vigorous
                            exertions are immediately necessary to prevent that which, as matters are now dragging on, may be easily, and pretty
                            certainly conjectured. The Country is every where full of provisions. I have the honor to be With every sentiment of
                            respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most obedient Servt

                            W.Heath

                            P.S. Yours of the 6th this moment came to hand. If I could fully rely on the intelligence brought by Mr
                                Reynolds I should hope that Gansevoorts Regiment and the Militia would be sufficient to check and defeat the Enemy,
                                but lest they should not I have ordered the 1st & 5th New York Regiments to embark with all possible
                                expedition & proceed to Albany. The 2d Regiment I have detained here at present they are hutted near the
                                Redoubts, and their number is inconsiderable, and our duty so great that it will be difficult to spare them. The
                                Garrison here will be weak after the york troops are gone, and are much scattered on cutting wood and other duties,
                                & by the absence of the light Infantry.

                            W.H.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novembr 7th 1780

                        I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 1st Inst. and am happy to find that my appointment of
                            Major General Greene, to the command of the Southern Army, meets the approbation of Congress.
                        Congress having been pleased, by their Act of the 21st ulto, to authorise me to direct a mode for
                            compleating, recruiting and supplying the partizan Corps to be commanded by Colo. Armand and Major Lee; I beg leave to
                            suggest the propriety of incorporating the remainder of the men of Count Pulaski’s legion, and so many of the Officers as
                            there are Vacancies for, into Colo. Armands Corps, and should there be still a deficiency, that he should be furnished with
                            money and allowed to recruit in the States at large; Major Lee to be furnished with Money also, and allowed the same
                            Liberty in order to compleat his Corps to the new establishment. The purchase of horses should, I think, be left to the
                            commanding Officers of the Corps, because, they being interested in the matter, will be careful to purchase none but such
                            as are able and in every respect qualified for the service, where as, we have always found that when the business has been
                            intrusted to public Agents, they have made a job of the matter, and have furnished horses not fit for common
                            hacks—Congress, may if they please, limit the prices to a generous allowance in specie or an equivalent in the circulating
                            Medium—The Board of War and Cloathier Genl should be directed to procure regular and full supplies, annually, of the
                            Cloathing allowed to both Officers and men, and of the Arms and accoutrements for the Horse and foot. Upon this plan, I am
                            of opinion that both Corps may be quickly compleated, and constantly kept upon a respectable footing.
                        I do not find any notice taken of the Engineering department, (which includes the Corps of Sappers and
                            Miners), in the establishment of the Army, by the Resolves of the 3d and 21st ulto. The Gentlemen of that department are
                            somewhat uneasy, at seeing no mention made of them in the general establishment, and altho’ I do not imagine that it was
                            the intent of Congress to abolish so necessary and valuable a Military Branch, I could wish, for the satisfaction of the
                            Gentlemen in it, that there might be something more explicit, especially as several of them are Foreigners of distinction,
                            who say that it will have an odd appearance abroad, to see an American Military establishment of which they are part, but
                            not publicly acknowledged.
                        By letters from Governor Clinton I find that the enemy have gone off for the present from the Mohawk River,
                            after totally destroying the Country as low down as Schoharie, Those upon the Northern quarter had repassed Lake George,
                            and were again proceeding towards St Johns, but Suddenly returned with a reinforcement, and were, by accounts from Genl
                            Schuyler of the 1st instt: assembled in so considerable a force at Ticonderoga, that I have thought proper to send up the
                            remainder of the New York Brigade, from West-Point to Albany, that they may be ready to act as circumstances may require.
                            The destruction of the Grain upon the Western Frontier of the State of New York is likely to be attended with the most
                            allarming consequences, in Respect to the formation of Magazines upon the North River. We had prospects of establishing a
                            very considerable Magazine of Flour in that quarter, previous to the late incursion—The settlement of Schoharie only would
                            have delivered 88,000 Bushels of Grain, but that fine district is now totally destroyed. I should view this calamity with
                            less concern, did I see that the least prospect of obtaining the necessary supplies of flour from the States of
                            Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, previous to the interruption of transportation by frost and bad roads. This is a
                            matter to which I beg leave to call the most immediate and serious attention of Congress, as without their intervention
                            with those States, and urging, nay insisting upon their furnishing a supply in time to have it brought into the State of
                            Jersey by the latter end of this month, I foresee the distressed situation to which the Troops must be reduced in their
                            Winter Cantonments, more especially those in the vicinity of West-Point, and who will be the greatest part of the Army in
                            this quarter. I have repeatedly written myself to those States, but have received nothing but promises, which I cannot
                            find, from the Commissary, have been complied with. some of the Troops in Garrison at West-Point have
                            been lately six days without bread, and were at length obliged to break in upon a small reserve which with much
                            difficulty, I had obtained and ordered to be kept in each work, in case of sudden investiture. I cannot learn that we have
                            at this late period one thousand Barrels of flour between this place and Philadelphia.
                        While our Army is experiencing almost daily want, that of the enemy at New York is deriving ample supplies
                            from a trade with the adjacent States of New York—New Jersey and Connecticut, which has, by degrees, become so common,
                            that it is hardly thought a Crime, It is true there are in those States, Laws imposing a penalty upon this criminal
                            commerce, but it is either so light or so little attended to, that it does not prevent the practice. The Marketts of New
                            York are so well supplied, that a great number of mouths, which would otherwise be fed from the public Magazines, are now
                            supported upon the fresh Meats and flour of the Country, by which means, the enemy have been often enabled to bear the
                            disappointments of the arrival of their provision Fleets, without much inconvenience, and if report be true, they would,
                            at this very time, experience distress, for want of their long expected Irish Fleet, if the resources of the Country were
                            effectually cut off from them. This cannot be done by military measures alone, except in case of Blockade or Seige, and
                            much less will it be in my power to do it, with our Army, in the weak state it is verging to.
                        I believe that most nations make it capital for their subjects to furnish their enemy’s with provisions and
                            Military Stores during a War, was this done by the several States, and the laws put rigidly in execution in a few
                            instances, the practice would be stopped—Without something of the kind, the enemy will, while they have a species of Money
                            of superior value to ours, find little difficulty of making up the losses which they every now and then meet with at sea,
                            and which would very much embarrass their operations, had they no immediate mode of making good the deficiency.
                        I have the pleasure to inform Congress, that at the late meeting of the respective Commissaries, the exchanges
                            of about one hundred and forty of our Officers and all our privates in New York, amounting to 476, were effected, Among
                            the former are Major General Lincoln. Brigr Generals Thompson, Waterbury and Du Portail and Lt Colo. Laurens. Sir Henry
                            Clinton having made a proposal of exchanging a further number of the Convention Officers, without attaching Men to them, I
                            have acceded to it; by which we shall liberate all our Officers in this quarter, except one Brigr General (Irvine) Nine
                            Colonels—one Captain—and thirty nine Lieutenants. An offer is made by Sir Henry Clinton to exchange all those for a
                            division of the Convention Troops, by Composition, where Rank will not apply—to this I have refused to accede except
                            Lieut. General Burgoyne is made an object. If they will agree to this, he alone will liberate nearly the whole of them.
                            They have further proposed a general exchange of the Convention Troops, Officers and men, for our prisoners of War to the
                            Southward. I have not thought proper to enter at all upon the business of southern prisoners, because I have but a very
                            imperfect state of them, and because I perceive, by the powers granted to Major General Greene, that he is at Liberty to
                            negociate the exchanges of prisoners in that quarter.
                        I have no further certain accounts of the embarkation mentioned in mine of the 4th inst. but I have still
                            reason to think that such a measure is in contemplation. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your
                            Excellencys Most Obedt humbe servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I have Just received the inclosed extract from Genl Heath it is the latest account from the
                                Northward and serves to show the small dependence which ought to be placed upon provisions from that quarter.


Title: To George Washington from William Malcom, 7 November 1780
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany novr 7 1780

                        I return’d from the mohawk River on Saturday last—Colonel Wesenfels is gone forward, to Fort Scuyler, His own
                            letter which goes by this Opportunity will best inform your Excellency concerning his Situation & circumstances—I
                            have with very great difficulty provided Provisions for the garrison to the first of January, but the triffling delays
                            which at present keep Two Garrisons Subsisting on the same Stock will diminish in a proportion which will give General
                            Clinton some trouble to make up.
                        The foolish alarms which hath been made for these ten days past on the Northern Frontiers hath also created a
                            tax on our Stores which we cannot well afford,—and that is not the only ill Consequence—Notwithstanding all, it is a fact
                            that the Enemy have not been one mile from the Carrying place at Ticonderoga—and it is not the Opinion of many people here
                            that they will Attempt another Incursion this fall—Scouting partys are on the Communication between the flatts &
                            fort Scuyler but nothing to face Wesenfels—who left Schenectady last Wedensday—& I have furnished him with 60 odd
                            barrells of flour & beeff for two months—The Company of the Train got here Yesterday & in order that they
                            may overtake Wesenfels I pushd them instantly forward—Genl Clinton is gone up to Saratoga to Confer with General Scuyler,
                            on Some Subjects which at present make us uneasy—General Clinton informs me that your Excellency is displeased because a
                            Quantity of arms hath been Issued out to the Militia—I know not how this matter is but it is true that not one Muskett
                            hath been deliverd by my order. I have the Honor to be with the Greatest respect your Excellencys mo. Ob. & very
                            H. Servt

                            W. Malcom


Title: From George Washington to Robert Carter Nicholas, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Nicholas, Robert Carter

                            Dear Sir,
                            Hd Qrs Pasaic Falls Novr 7th 1780.

                        As I am perswaded that the letters, of which the inclosed are copies, never reached your hands, I take the
                            liberty of forwarding a duplicate of the last, & triplicate of the first—with the Inclosures it refers to.
                        Since mine of March to you, I have been favoured with a third letter from our good friend Colo. Fairfax,
                            copy of which I also send; and should be happy in knowing that you had accepted the appointment he mentions—in ordr that
                            I might direct all his Papers to be carefully packed up, & sent to you.
                        I hope—I trust—that no act of Legislation in the State of Virginia has affected, or can affect, the property
                            of this Gentn otherwise than in common with that of every good, & well disposed Citizen of America—It is a well
                            known fact that his departure for England was not only antecedent to the present rupture with Great Britain, but before
                            there was the most distant prospect of a serious dispute with that Country—and if it is necessary to adduce proof of his
                            attachment to the interests of America since his residence there and of the aid he has given to many of our distressed
                            Countrymen in that Kingdm abundant instances may be produd not only by the Gentn alluded to in his letter of Decr 5th 1779
                            but by others that are known to me. & on whm justice to Colo. Fairfax will make it necessary to call, if occasion
                            should require the facts to be ascertained.
                        About the time of my writing to you in March last I communicated the contents of Colo.
                            Fairfax’s Letter of the 3d of Augt 1778 to Colo. Lewis—and received for answer, that the bad state of
                            his health would render it impossible for him to discharge the trust Colo. Fairfax wished to repose in you or him in a
                            manner agreeable to himself & therefore could not think of engaging in it if you (to whom I informed him I had
                            written) should decline it, but he recommended in case of yr refusal Mr Frans Whiting (the former manager of Colls Henry
                            & William Fitzhughs Estate) as a person most likely, in his opinion, to discharge the trust with punctuality. My
                            best respects attend your Lady & family—& with great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt
                            Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 7 November 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Bedford Novr 7th 1780

                        Enclosed are two Letters on private intelligence. I expect in a day or two to have a more perfect account of
                            the situation of the Enemy, & their late Embarkation. I have had no certain Accounts from New York, via Kingsbridge, since my Return from Head Quarters. I have however recd a second hand report, that the Troops said to have lately embarked at N.Y. have actually sailed,
                            & that it consisted nearly of the Corps mentioned in Col. Jameson’s Letter to Your Excellency. There are Reports
                            from the same authority, that another Detachment of Recruits, supposed to be about 2000 men, with some of the Cork fleet,
                            have arrived within a few Days, at N.York—this is but Report—C—’s next Letter will be more particular.
                        With Respect to the information contained in Lt Brewster’s letter, I would observe, that the Place at which
                            the hay is said to be collected is about nine miles from the Sound, & southeast from Setauket, alias Brookhaven—the Detachment of Refugees, mentioned in C—’s letter, to be posted at Mr
                            Smith’s house, is about 8 miles beyond Corum, where the hay lies, & the same Course further on—They are about 40
                            in number. If your Excellency wishes to have the hay destroyed, or the Corps taken, I don’t doubt of its practicability,
                            & with abut 40 or 50 of our dismounted Dragoons, I would undertake it. I have the Honor to be, with Great Regard,
                            your Excellency’s most Obedt. Servt

                            Benja. Tallmadge

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                 5 November 1780

                            Unfortunately at this time I cannot favour you with any News from New York that is
                                certain or Meterial—Contrary to my expectations Austin Roe was preventd from visiting
                                    New York by an unforeseen accident. Disappointing you ever give me pain but is Some releafe When Consious have done all that I Could—We have a report from New York that their long expectd
                                Cork Fleet (Which is their Sole dependence) is Taken. I do assure you I think thers Some truth in it—The Garrison at
                                Loyds Neck Consists of Coll. Ludloes Regmt a Smaller Number of the Jersey Volunteirs and Some of Wentworth Volunteers
                                the Whole doth not amount to more than 200 Men, The Works remain the Same as When Sent you the draught. This have
                                taken panes to obtain from the best authority and as Such I think you may depend on—and think you may attack them to
                                advantage Thers about 150 Refugees built a block House on Jesse Arthurs farme, and are Said to be Strongly Posted, and
                                much on their Guard I think theirs better prospects to attack L. Neck. Thers about 40 Refugees at William Smith farme
                                at South They have formed a Stockiade almost round his House. They can be taken at any time The Woods are so near that
                                you may cover yourselves and Watch them a Whole day undiscoverd—I am Sorry to observe That your
                                Commissiond Whale boats make more a Point to Serve themselves than our Country
                                or to hurt the Enemy, Their Cruzes are Chiefly to this Island Well freighted with articles that are
                                much Wanted here for which they Barter for Goods and returne and their voige voyage is up Capt.
                                    Barlow Capt. Walker an Englishman from N. Haven Capt. Thompson a Shoe Maker
                                from East Haven. Was here Last Week With Shoes Cheape Leather Buike Candles Tallow and many other
                                    articles, At the East end of this Island are handed over drovs of Sheep, Chease
                                 and all kinds of Produce for Which they receive Goods and Some Cash Robert Latham at Sag
                                Harbour Should be anihilated for being a factor, and the support and Storekeeper for Such an infernal
                                Trade as well as Some others I have certain assurance of obtaning Some Intelligence from New York
                                this Week There fore have directd Caleb Brewster to Come again on the 10
                                Instant When hope to heare from you I till then remain your

                                Saml Culper

                     Enclosure

                                Dear Sir
                                Fairfield Novr 6th 1780

                            I proceeded from this place on the 3d & Returned this Afternoon, the time Appointed to go over
                                again is on the 10th Instant.
                            There is three Hundred Tons of Hay at Coram Collected from South Hold: Southhampton &
                                East:Hampton, & Staked at Coram, which is Expected soon to be Carried away by the Enemy, at New York. Should
                                be Glad if you would Inform me as Quick is possible—whether you would have me go & Destroy it or not—I Can do
                                it without Interfering with my other Business—Tis Reported in New York that the Cork Fleet is taken, &
                                Generally believed there Am sir in Haste  Every Red Mark &
                                Frendship Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

                                Caleb Brewster


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls Novr 7th 1780

                        Since my return from Hartford I have made particular enquiry reflecting the Canadians who addressed a
                            Petition to me while at that place; upon this investigation it appears that the Persons in question after being exchanged
                            by the Enemy as Prisoners of War; were retaken in the Gulph of St Lawrence by some of our Cruizers, and ought to be
                            detained as Prisoners until duly exchanged.
                        I shall give directions to Mr Skinner Commissy Genl of Prisoners to take proper charge of them. I am Sir with
                            great esteem & regard your Most Obedt Hble Servt

                            Go. Washington


Title: Washington’s Summary of General Officer’s Opinions, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                                c.7 November 1780

                        Summary of the Opinion’s of the Generl officers on the three following points laid before them in a Council
                            of war held at 31st of October 1780.
                        First—On the propriety of sending further reinforcements to our Southern army.
                        Secondly—On the proper places for winter Cantoning
                            the army. &
                        Thirdly—at what time it would be most advisable to
                            retire to them.

                        Majr Genl Lord Stirling. Is clear in opinion that no further succour can be afforded to the Southern Army
                            from this. Thinks a position near our last Winters Cantonment (a little back or to the right of it) the most eligable.
                            & advices our retiring to it by the middle of Novr.
                        Majr Generl St Clair—Is clearly against reinforcing the Southern Army. Advises a middle Station in Jersey,
                            such an one as to be within a few hours March of the New Ark Mountain—and that we should go into Winter Quarters about the
                            middle of November.
                        Majr Genl The Marqs De la Fayette. Is for combining a detachment of 400 light Infantry with Duke de Lauzens
                            legion & sending them (except the Horse) by water—The French Troops to commence their march by the middle of
                            Novemr—He advices the Pensa. Troops to be Cantoned at the Barracks near Morristown & the rest of the army on the
                            No. River contiguous to West point. And that we do not quit the Field till the first of December.
                        Majr Genl Howe. Thinks this Army can afford no further detachment to the Southward—That our winter position
                            should neither be too far off, nor too near the enemy. That it should be contiguous to our important
                            Posts & capital objects—That it should be contiguous to our Supplies of Flour &ca—but
                            has not said where this desirable place shall be. Nor has he said when we ought to retire to winter quarters but upon the
                            whole seems to be of opinion it should be soon.
                        Brigr Genl Knox. Is against any further Detachment to the Southern Army. recommends a Position for the Main
                            Army betwn N: Windsor & Chester—nearest the former—abt 200 men at Kingwood—300 at Morristown—a Corps East of
                                Hudson River left of Peekskill hollow near Crompond to Support 4 or 5 Block Houses on Croton
                            River.  Submits the propriety of adopting another measure to wit calling in Militia or Levies to enable
                            us to take  a Position near Morristown with 5000 Men after garrisoning West point
                            fully. In that case he thinks we might go to Qrs immediately—other wise to prevent Incursions of the enemy we
                            are to keep the field as long as we can.
                        Brigr Genl Glover. Is of opinion that no more men can be spared from this Army for the Southern Service.
                            Thinks if Massachusetts N: Hampshire & N: York lines are sufficient for Wt Point & its dependencies. that
                            Connectt Pensylva & N: Jerseys should be Cantoned in the Jerseys. Is for going into winter Qrs soon.
                        Brigr Genl Wayne—is against Detaching unless part of the French Troops at Rhode Island can be brought to this
                            Army. Is for securg West point effectually—& covering the Country & Communication between that &
                            Philadelphia—is for going into Winter Quarters immediately.
                        Brigadr Genl Hand—Is against detaching from this Army unless the Auxiliary Troops could be drawn to our Aid.
                            thinks West point ought to be well secured, and the remainder of the Troops posted somewhere about black river with
                            redoubts for their security—Is for quitting the field by the 10th of Novr.
                        Brigadr Genl Huntington—Is rather in favr of detaching to the Southern Army. Thinks winter Qrs ought to be at,
                            or within a days March of Westpoint—except a Post in the Jerseys—and is for going into them soon.
                        Brigadr Genl Irvine—Does not think it expedient to detach more men from this Army. Conceives it necessary
                            that West pt should be sufficiently secured and the residue of the Troops take a position some where near the Delaware.


Title: Washington’s Summary of General Officers’ Opinions, 7 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                                c.7 November 1780

                        The Sum of the whole is
                        That no detachm’ts should be made from this army.
                        That West point and its Dependencies should be particularly attended to.
                        That we ought to be in Winter Qrs by the middle of November at furthest.


Title: To George Washington from James Wilkinson, 7 November 1780
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Perackeness , Nov. 7th 1780

                        I have the honor to inclose your Excellency an exact report of the Clothing in my Possession & in the
                            Hands of the Agent Clothiers, to whom I have wrote intreating their exertions to push forward the several Articles in
                            their Hands to New Burgh, & I have directed them to represent the exigency to their respective executive Powers
                            & require the Transport necessary for the occasion—Genl Heath has promised me to Interest himself to get on the
                            Clothing in the Hands of Otis & Henly—As it is probable every Continental purchase which can be made in
                            Philadelphia as well as the articles now on Hand there will go to the Southward we must not calculate on any assistance from that Quarter—I have not been able to obtain any information from either of the Sub.
                            Clothiers, but the Massachusetts & New Hampshire and at my request Major Genl Heath has been placed to direct them
                            to cease further Issues until the general distribution is directed, before which time I flatter myself
                            I shall be able, with the pointed representations of Genl St Clair & Wayne, to induce the Legislature of
                            Pensylvania to adapt immediate Measures for supplying their Line—When your Excellency orders the general distribution to
                            commence, I beg that it may directed on Acct of the year 81, which will answer the
                                valueable purposes of method & regularity and enable me to settle & close the
                            Accts of my department for the present Year. And I have the honor to be with the highest  your
                            Excellencys Obliged, Obedient and most Hble Servant

                            J. Wilkinson Clo. General


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

                            Head Quarters Totowa Wednesday November 8th 1780
                            Parole Chatham
                            Countersigns Cork,
                            Dee:
                            Watchword Defiance

                        For the Day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Paterson
                        Lieutenant Colonel commandant
                        Smith
                        Lieutenant Colonel Mentges
                        Major Alexander
                        Brigade Major Van Laer
                        Such of the Prisoners lately exchanged as belong to the Troops now at the Southward are to be attached to the
                            Park untill the arrival of Captain Brown’s Company of Artillery from Fort Schuyler, when they may proceed with it to their
                            respective Corps. The commanding officer at the Park will cause a Return of the clothing wanting by those men to be made
                            to the Adjutant General.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 8 November 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Poughkeepsie Novr 8th 1780

                        I have received your Excellency’s favor of the 6h Instant. The last accounts from the Northwd are of the 3d
                            which have been transmitted. If from further Intelligence it should appear unnecessary for the Troops, ordered up, to
                            proceed. I will immediately inform Genl Heath of it.
                        This will be handed to your Excellency by Capt. Molton of Warner’s Regt. As he is an intelligent Man, has
                            been stationed to the Northwd and may be acquainted with the Measures lately pursued on the Grants he will perhaps be able
                            to give your Excellency some Information of those Matters. Your Excellency’s Letter giving the Deficiency of the Quota of
                            Troops of this State is also come to hand & will be duly attended to. I have the honor to be with great Respect
                            & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

                            Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 8 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters 8th November 1780

                        I have the pleasure to announce to you, your Exchange for Brigadier General de Gaull of the Convention Troops.
                            Inclosed you have a Certificate of the same, and Sir Henry Clintons passport for your return to Philada. I need not
                            tell you how happy I shall be to see you again with the Army. I am with very great Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 8 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

                            Dear Sir,
                            Hd Qrs Passaic Falls 8th Novr 1780

                        I have now the pleasure to congratulate you, Mrs Fitzhugh and the Cornet, on his exchange. It was compleated
                            a few days ago, and the Commissary of Prisoners will forward the certificate or promulgation of it.
                        The favourable prospect which at one stage of the campaign was held up to view, has vanished like the morning
                            dew; leaving scarce a trace behind it but the recollection of past distresses on the score of Provision, the want of wch
                            continues to threaten us.
                        Our accts from the Southward are vague & uncertain, but agreeable. If it be true, that a body of
                            French or Spanish Troops have landed in South Carolina it may end in the total destruction of Cornwallis’ Army—another
                            Embarkation is talked of at New York—but this also is a matter of suggestion—not certainty as to Numbrs.
                        It is devoutly to be wished that the late resolves of Congress for regulating the Army, & compleating
                            the Regiments for the War, may receive all the energetic force of the respective States. Certain I am, that if this
                            measure had been adopted four, or even three years ago, that we might, at this time have been sitting under our vines &
                            fig trees in the full enjoyment of Peace & Independence. To attain which, tho’ the delay of the measure is unfortunate,
                            it does not make it too late, but more necessary to enter upon it vigorously at this late hour.
                        An Army for the War—proper Magazines—and sufficient powers in Congress for all the purposes of War, will soon put an end to it—but the expensive, and ruinous system we were pursuing, was
                            more than the funds of any Nation upon Earth could bear, and served to increase the hopes of the enemy in proportion as
                            the minds of our own people were depressed, by a boundless prospect of expence, which was encreasing, as it rolled on,
                            like a snow ball.
                        My best respects attend Mrs Fitzhugh—& Compliments to your Son—With much esteem and Affection I am—Dr
                            Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 8 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls Novr 8th 1780

                        I am favored with your Letter of the 31st of October, & am pleased to find your appointment so
                            agreeable to the views and wishes of Congress.
                        So fully sensible have I long been of the distressed situation not only of the Army in this quarter; but also
                            at the Southward, and of all our great departments, from the embarrassed state of our finances,
                            that it has been not only a constant subject of representation, in the strongest terms to Congress, and the States
                            individually; but particularly so to the Minister of France at our last interview. And that a foreign loan was absolutely
                            necessary to retreive our Affairs. My ideas therefore must have been exceedingly misapprehended by him, or his, by the
                            Baron Steuben.
                        I entirely approve of your plan for forming a flying Army. And in addition to this (if the Enemy should
                            continue to harrass those parts of Virginia that are intersected with large navigable Rivers) I would recommend the
                            building a number of flat bottomed Boats of as large a construction as can be conveniently transported on Carriages—this I
                            conceive might be of great utility by furnishing the means to take advantage of the Enemy’s situation, in crossing those
                            Rivers which would be otherwise impassable. I have also written to Governor Jefferson on the subject.
                        If a spirit of Patriotism or even of true policy animates the Merchants and men of Property in the Southern
                            States a subscription may be attended with success—at least the experiment can do no injury.
                        General Knox has received directions to send forward the Company of Artillery—An Order will be given for the
                            thousand stand of Arms.
                        Since writing the above I have received your favor of the 3rd Instant.
                        Lieut. Colonel Laurens will have heard of his exchange before this time, and is at liberty to go to the
                            Southward if he thinks proper.
                        With respect to the power, Congress have invested you with to make exchanges—I should suppose it regarded the
                            Prisoners taken in the Southern Department, on the usual principles, with out involving the Convention Troops, or any
                            further Northward—A pretty extensive exchange has just taken place in this quarter.
                        It will be impossible from the non arrival of the french Arms, and the scarcity in the eastern States, to
                            furnish those requested by you. Nor do I think the Legion of the Duke Lazune can be detached from the french Army. The
                            fleet of Arbuthnot which still blocks that of France, in the harbor of New Port, effectually prevents the execution of the
                            other plan.
                        Our last advices from the Northward mention another incursion of the Enemy from Canada in greater force—in
                            consequence of which the remainder of the York Brigade is ordered thither.
                        There are reports that an Embarkation is about to be made at New York. But the accounts are vague and
                            contradictory, and the fact not yet ascertained.
                        I have to request you will be pleased to send by a flag of truce the enclosed Letter to Brigadier General Du
                            Portail who is exchanged. I am Dear Sir With great rigard & esteem Your Most Obedient & very Hble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 8 November 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            sir,
                            Philada November 8. 1780

                        Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, the Copy of an Act of Congress of the 3. Instant, expressing
                            the high Sense they entertain of the virtuous & patriotic Conduct of John Pualding Paulding,
                            David Williams & Isaac Van wert, and granting to each of them a Pension of two hundred Dollars during Life, with a
                            silver Medal to be delivered to each of them by your Excellency, so soon as they can be procured by the Board of War.
                        I have also enclosed three other Copies of the above mentioned Act of Congress, which you will please to
                            transmit to those three worthy Militia Men above named. I have the Honor to be &c. &c.

                            S. H.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls 8th November 1780

                        I have been honored with your Excellencys favors of the 22d 25th and 26th ulto. We have already had reports
                            that the Enemy left Portsmouth precipitately a few days after landing. I shall be happy to hear it confirmed, as well as
                            the cause to which their hurry is attributed—that of the appearance of a French or Spanish Fleet upon the Coast of
                            Carolina. Should this account be premature, and should they establish a post in Virginia, I think it will be good policy
                            to remove the troops of Convention to a greater distance from them. General Phillips has applied for Passports for a Flag
                            Vessel to proceed to James River, as heretofore, with Cloathing and other necessaries for those troops. This will be
                            granted, and should they be removed from Charlotteville, your Excellency will be pleased upon the arrival of the Vessel in James
                            River to give directions for her to proceed to the most convenient place of debarkation, relatively to where the troops
                            may be.
                        I am glad to hear that you have permitted Govr Hamilton and Major Hayes to go to New York—while they remain
                            there upon parole, they will be less capable of concerting mischief than in Virginia, and it will deprive the enemy of a
                            pretext for complaining that they are treated with rigor.
                        Another embarkation is said to be preparing at New York, and I think it a very probable circumstance
                            considering the situation of the enemy’s affairs in South Carolina, and ours in this. They are well acquainted with the
                            expiration of the times of the better half of our Army, the latter end of December, and they know they may safely detach,
                            equal to the number we disband, from this time to the Month of May or June next, which is as soon as we generally get our
                            recruits into the Field. Should the enemy continue in the lower parts of Virginia, they will have every advantage by being
                            able to move up and down the Rivers in small parties, while it will be out of our power to molest them for want of the
                            means of suddenly transporting ourselves across those Rivers to come at them. This might be in a very great degree
                            obviated and they kept in check, if we had a number (say ) Flat
                            Boats upon travelling carriages attending the Army collected to watch their motions. We could then move across from River
                            to River with more rapidity than they could go down one and up another, and none of their detachments would be ever secure
                            by having the Water between them and us—Major Genl Greene is perfectly acquainted with the kind of Boats I have mentioned,
                            and with the mode of fixing them. He will give the proper directions for having them constructed, should your Excellency
                            approve the plan—New Castle I think, from its situation, would be a good and safe place to build the Boats. I have the
                            honor to be


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 November 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Light Camp November the 8th 1780

                        Here is a letter from Mercereau which says very little, and the little which is said in it I don’t take to be
                            true—But thought I had better send his scroll to head Quarters—I have sent him word that there was no monney for such
                            intelligences as these.
                        Captain Ogden told me that one of our Jersay spies had lately writen to you—I have directed him to go to head
                            quarters and report of some thing Relating to a letter from Arnold—The circumstance which Ogden mentions of Sir Henry
                            going to Long island with his Baggage seems to indicate a speedy embarkation under the Commander in chief.
                        From what I have been able to ascertain, (whatever may be said By the ennemy) it seems that the surprise of
                            Staten island would have been Compleat.
                        if a friendly fleet has Really been seen to the South ward I am inclin’d to Believe they are the Spaniards
                            who had been directed to attak Pensacola. With the most Respectfull and affectionate sentiments I have the honor to be, My
                            dear General Yours

                            Lafayette

                            P.S. The inclos’d came from Mercereau. L.f.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 8 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            My dear Sir;
                            Hd Qrs Passaic Falls 8th Novr 1780

                        I have now the pleasure to congratulate you upon your exchange. The certificate of it will be transmitted to
                            you by the Commissary of Prisoners—Majr Bailey and Jackson are also exchanged.
                        I do not mean by this notice to hasten your return to the Army, for that alas! is upon the eve of its annual dissolution & consequently of the Enemys advantages—I am of opinion that your
                            influence, and exertion in procuring the State’s quota of Troops for the War—providing funds for the subsistence of
                            them—Magazines—&ca will be of infinite more importance in your own State this winter than it can be to become a
                            mere spectator, or fellow sufferer of hunger & cold (from a scantiness of Provision and Cloathing) which I expect
                            the small remains of our Army will have to encounter in a very short time—and more than probably to contend with them
                            during the winter.
                        But at the same time I give this as an opinion I leave you at full liberty to pursue the best of your
                            inclination and Judgment—being very sincerely Dr Sir Yr Affecte & Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Allyne Otis, 8 November 1780
From: Otis, Samuel Allyne,Henley, David
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Boston Novr 8th 1780

                        We did ourselves the honor of addressing your Excellency 25th Ulto, since when have obtained the
                            interposition of our Governmt, in forwarding about forty Waggons with blanketts overals &c., agreeably to return
                            then exhibited.
                        We shall lose no time in forwarding her quantities altho tis impossible to ascertin how great, with
                            precision, being so dependent upon contingencies—Of Blanketts overalls & Vests presume there will be an ample
                            supply, But have materials at most for only two thousand Coats.
                        Permit us to observe there are Eighty Waggon load of Clothing at Springfield, which has remained over the
                            Summer for Transportation—In vain do we exert, if there can be no energy given to the Quartermasters
                            department.
                        Nothing will give us greater pleasure than being able to answer expectation, being very respectfully Your
                            Excellencys Most obedient Huml. Sevts

                            Otis & Henley


Title: From George Washington to James Wood, 8 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wood, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls 8th Novemr 1780

                        The inclosed contains a Return of a number of the Officers of the Convention troops, British and German,
                            whose exchanges have been agreed upon at a late meeting of the respective Commissaries of Prisoners. You will therefore be
                            pleased to permit them to come immediately forward to Elizabeth town by the Route prescribed to Brigr Genl Spetch
                            and de Gall. I am, &c.

                             For the inclosed Return, see the Returns in Mr Skinners letter of the 7th November 1780 numbered
                                5. 6. 10.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste de Gouvion, 9 November 1780
From: Gouvion, Jean-Baptiste de
To: Washington, George

                            Totawa Bridge November 9th 1780

                        in the Construction of the works at Dobbs’s fery I have So much experienced the utility of the few men now
                            composing the Corps of Sappers and miners, and in this moment they are So usefull at West point, that I can’t but regret
                            that the Officers had no other encouragement but the Continental Bounty to propose to the men willing to inlist themselves
                            in the Corps and that they have been in the impossibility of filling up the companies.
                        the only Way to have the three companies complete is to include them in the quota of three different States
                            Such as massachusets Bay, Connecticut and pennsilvania, I propose those three States because the greatest part of the men
                            now composing the corps Belongs to them. the officers and men of each company ought to be intitled to all the Benefits to
                            which the troops of that State are intitled; the companies Should consist of the Same number of officers and men
                            determined by a former resolution of the honourable congress.
                        the Soldiers who have been drafted from the different Regts of the massachusset Bay, connecticut and
                            pennsilvania lines into the Corps of Sappers ought to be Keept in it and make part of the companies, those Drafted from
                            the Regts of the other States ought to Stay in the companies as Supernumeranies, and included as absent on command in the
                            Returns of the regts they Belong to. it Should be injurious to the good of the Service to order those men to their regts
                            because having acquired Some instruction they can be of more utility in the Corps of Sappers than anywhere else.
                        J. Gouvion

                            Lt Col. of Engrs


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 9 November 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Bedford Novr 9th 1780

                        At the particular Request of Capt. Hunter of this Place, I have set down to write Your
                            Excellency a Line. He desires me to inform Your Excellency that he feels himself very unhappy under the supposed Censure
                            of General Washington, whose favorable opinion he think he has not justly forfeited. When at Head Quarters, soon after
                            Arnold’s Desertion, he was not a little mortified in being refused a Passport thro’ the Army. Tho’ the situation of our
                            affairs was very critical at that Juncture, Yet he fears a suspicion of his Character was the reason of any Indifference
                            which was shown him at Head Quarters. He begs Not to have his own word taken as the Criterion of his Conduct, but desires
                            that those who have been particularly knowing to his Conduct, may speak for him. Genl McDougall in particular, he says, is
                            well acquainted with his Proceedings, as well as other Officers who have Commanded on the Lines. To this Account of him,
                            he begs to refer Your Excellency for information. On the whole Capt. Hunter begs that he may not incur
                            the Displeasure of the Commander in Chief on bare suspicion, or false information, especially as the only Reward he seeks
                            for his Labours, is the approbation of honest Men, & his own heart.
                        I write this at the very particular Instance of Capt. Hunter who wishes to hear whether
                            his suspicions are justly grounded or not. I have the Honor to be, With great Regard, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

                            Benja. Tallmadge

                            P.S. Your Excellency will undoubtedly remember the Character of one George
                                Howel, so often mentioned by C—. His Character has been so notorious, that I have long expected he would have
                                been taken up. I wrote Col. Wadsworth, some time ago some particulars of his Conduct, that he might watch him, since
                                which he has been taken up by the supreme Authority of Rhode Island. Col. Wadsworth has requested me to beg Your
                                Excellency to favor Governor Green or Cook with such information respecting H——l as can be given without bringing
                                the Author of the Information to light. I am aware that this cannot be used as positive
                                Proof against the Man, however it may serve as Collateral Evidence, & will corroborate other suspicions.

                            B.T.