Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 20 January 1778
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Pa.] Jany 20th 78

I am to inform your Excellency of an action, which happened this morning, between a party of the enemy’s dragoons, & my troop of horse.
They were near two hundd in number, & by a very circuitous route endeavoured to surprize me, in quarters. About day break, they appeared, we were immediately alarm’d, & manned the doors & windows. The contest was very warm; the British dragoons trusting to their vast superiority in number, attempted to force their way into the house. In this they were baffled by the bravery of my men. After having left two killed & four wounded they desisted & sheered off. We are trying to intercept them. Col. Stevens has pushed a party of infantry, to rea[c]h their rear. So well directed was the opposition, that we drove them from the stables & saved every horse. We have got the arms, some cloaks &c. of their wounded. The only damage I at present know of is slight wound received by Lt Lindsay. I am apprehensive about the patroles.
The enterprize was certainly daring, tho’ the issue of it very ignominious. I had not a soldier for each window. I have the honor to be with most perfect respect your Excellencys most Obt Hb. Servt

Heny Lee jr


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 20 January 1778
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
[Pa.] Jany 20th 78.

We have at length ascertained the real loss of this day’s action. Four privates belonging to the square patrole were taken, I am told they made brave resistance, & that some of them were badly wounded. The Quarter-master-sergeant who imprudently ran from our quarters prior to the commencement of the skirmish was also taken. The loss sustained stands thus:
Taken one sergeant. four privates. four horses.
wounded. One Lieutenant. Two privates.
By what we can learn from the people of Darby the enemy loss is as follows.
wounded One commissioned officer, One sergeant, Three privates.
dead. Three ditto.
Several horses disabled, one left dead on the road. I am much distressed with the fate of the patrole, especially for one poor fellow. He had been taken by the enemy during the last campaign, prospect of certain famine compelled him to enlist among them. Love of country urged him to desert. He enlisted with me. His youth, innocence, courage & fidelity has endeared him to me. I am convinced he will be discovered, & consequently must be hung. When we consider the cruelty exercised by British troops upon the unfortunate, I cannot view his conduct as criminal. My respect for his virtue & duty as his Captain has induced me to mention this matter. Could any possible mode of releif be devised, it would afford me true joy.
Capt. Nichols would be happy if he could be indulged with a flag to wait on Commodore Hammond. He thinks with this indulgence he

could certainly negotiate the exchange for Capt. Travis. By the same opportunity I could convey necessarys to my faithful soldiers. Yours sincerely

Heny Lee jr


Title: From George Washington to Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 20 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

My dear Lee,
Valley forge Jany 20th 1778

Altho I have given you my thanks in the general Orders of this day for the late instance of your gallant behaviour I cannot resist the Inclination I feel to repeat them again in this manner. I needed no fresh proof of your merit, to bear you in remembrance—I waited only for the proper time and season to shew it—these I hope are not far off. I shall also think of & will reward the merit of Lindsay when an opening presents as far as I can consistently & shall not forget the corporal whom you have recommended to my notice. Offer my sincere thanks to the whole of your gallant party and assure them that no one felt pleasure more sensibly, or rejoiced more sincerely for yours & their escape than Yr Affectionate

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 20 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My Dr Sir
Head Qrs Valley forge Jany 20th 1778

By the inclosed Copies of Two Resolutions of Congress you will perceive

that they have restored Genl Arnold to the rank he claims in the line of General Officers, and have directed me to grant him a Commission for that purpose. This I have done, and he will receive it by the conveyance by which this goes.
From your peculiar situation, and being one of the Officers within the operation of the Resolves, I have been induced to communicate the matter to you. I am too sensible, my Dear Sir, of your disposition to justice and generosity—of your wishes to see every man in the possession of his rightful claim not to be convinced that you will chearfully acquiesce in a measure calculated for that end. In the instance before us, General Arnold is restored to a violated right, and the restitution, I hope, will be considered by every Gentleman concerned, as I am sure it will by you, as an act of necessary justice.
May I hope that you are recovered of your wound, and if you are not that you will be soon? There is none who wishes more sincerely for this event than I do—or who will receive the information with more pleasure. I request that you will write me upon the Subject, and let your account be favourable and pleasing. As soon as your situation will permit, I shall be happy to see you, it being my earnest wish to have your services the ensuing Campaign. In hope of this, I have set you down in an arrange[ment] now under consideration.
I have nothing new, that is interesting, or agreable in the military line to inform you of. The Enemy still remain in possession of philadelphia, and are secured by a strong chain of Redoubts with Intrenchments of communication from Schuylkill to Delaware. We are posted on the West side of the Former, about Twenty miles from the City, and with much pains & industry the Troops are tolerably well covered in Huts. We are to regret that we are not more comfortably quartered but circumstances would not admit of it. Had we retired to the Towns in the interior parts of the state, a large tract of fertile Country would have been exposed to ravage & ruin, & we should have distressed in a peculiar manner the virtuous Citizens from philadelphia who had fled thither for refuge. I am Dr Sir with great esteem & regard Yr Affectionate & Obedt Servt

Go: W—gt⟨-⟩n


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 20 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 20th Jany 1778

I have the honor of your several favors of the 9. 12th 13th 14th and 15th instants. I am pleased to find that your legislature have fixed a price circumscribing the avarice of your farmers, who like their neighbours are endeavouring to take every advantage of the necessities of the Army. I have mentioned to Mr Commissary Blaine what you say respecting Wilsons not having employed a sufficient Number of Mills in his district. He will write to him and order him to extend his Business. I have also desired him to direct his Deputies in the Monmouth district to purchase up that produce first which lays nearest the Coast. I am in hopes that by the activity of Genl Ellis, who I am much pleased to find has superseded Newcomb, the Trade carried on from Jersey to Philada will be put a stop to.
When I fixed the Head Quarters of the Army at Morris Town last winter, I found Capt. Kennedy there, who I considered as a State prisoner, but judging it improper that he should remain there, and finding that it would be more agreeable to him to remove to his own Farm, I agreed that he should go thither and took a parole from him, stipulating to the best of my memory, as I have not the parole by me, that he should remain quietly there. I considered him then as I do now a State prisoner, and therefore do not think I have any right to interfere in the Matter.
I am sorry that Troup has found means to escape to the Enemy, especially as he has confessed by an account published by himself that he was in Jersey upon a villainous design when taken. When you sent him down to me I ordered a Court Martial to try him, but no sufficient evidence appeared to the Court to convict him. He lay in our provost Guard and was marched backwards and forward till he was naked and almost eaten up with Filth and Vermin. Mr Boudinot taking compassion upon his sufferings desired I would deliver him up to him, engaging either to detain him as a prisoner or to set him at liberty upon his taking the Oaths to the State which he offered to do. I was induced to permit this, as I saw no chance of bringing him to a final tryal, and he was perishing by inches. In what manner he made his Escape I do not know.
I hope as you have got notice of a design against you, that you will be able to counter plot your Enemies and that they may fall into the snare which they intend for you. I am with the highest Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt.

P.S. I am making proper use of the hints given in yours of the 9th.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 20 January 1778
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

My General
[Trenton, N.J., 20 January 1778]

I have received your orders dated 14th Jany respecting quarters at Fleming Town—previous to removing from hence I was desirous of informing myself whether this place might not be made suitable for us, but every one agrees that neither forage nor any other necessaries can be had in sufficient quantities for our use—on this account I am obliged to give Your Excellency notice that the Cavalry cannot otherwise be reestablished than by distributing it among the different houses in the rear of Penny Town—8 miles distant from hence—for my own part I intend to remain at Trenton with a detachment from the whole Corps which cannot be very considerable because the men that I keep with me must be well armed and this is not the case with many—I hope in time to procure a sufficiency of forage to subsist 120 horse, if Your Excellency approves of this Step I will remain, otherwise receive new orders—I am exceedingly uneasy at not being able to establish with equal facility the proper measures for regulating the Cavalry—I am employed in composing a Set of Regulations which I intend to send to you in a little time—if they are approved, I will have them printed and distributed among the Officers—it is almost needless to mention to you that I experience great difficulty in remedying different abuses—Two Dragoons of Moylens Regiment were wanting in respect to their Officer call’d Tassi, who arrested them and conducted them to his Quarters; one of them attempting to come to me, the Officer seized the Sentry’s Sword and gave the Dragoon two blows, which have maimed him—I have arrested the Officer for his Passion—and particularly because he used the Sentinels Sword—and I have imprisoned the two Dragoons. As I have reason to complain of the ill-will of the rest of the Officers, I cannot but praise those of Blands Regiment who conduct themselves with the greatest propriety.
I would entreat Your Excellency to permit me to propose to Capt. Craig the Command of the Lance-men, he might be replaced by some other Officer as for instance by Capt. Smith—There are many things here of which the Cavalry are in want, but the Workmen raise the prices too much, I do not think it would be amiss to have them rated

by the Magistrates—the articles which I allude to are Leather breeches &ca &ca the Inhabitants would willingly furnish us, but they complain that they have not received any money for the last years Receipts; on this account we cannot expect much willingness in them to serve us. We have not gained much by changing our Quarters; in Camp the Cavalry received Rum from time to time—here we have none—I hope my General, that when you give orders for furnishing the infantry with means for making themselves merry, you will not leave the Cavalry in the dumps.
We are in want of Arms, and the Fusils which Your Excellency order’d for us, are not yet arrived—You will pardon me my General for giving you so much trouble, in consideration of its arising from my anxiety to do my Duty—I have sent Captain Howard to relieve Capt. Craig, he is of the same Regiment. Assuring you of my Respects I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obedt humble Servt

Sign’d. C. Pulaski

The Letter which Your Excellency was so kind as to write me, did not reach me ’till yesterday—The men of the Navy behave themselves very ill—it will be impossible to prevent disputes between the Sailors and Dragoons, unless an express order is given to their Commanding Officer to agree with me upon proper measures, and to order his Subalterns in his absence to do all that the good of the Service shall require—there is a House adjacent to a spacious Stable, the Seamen ought to give it up, in order that the Dragoons may be near their Horses.

Trenton. 20th Jany 1778
The Person whom I sent to examine Flemingtown reports to me, that two Regiments may be quarter’d there and in its neighborhood—Baylors and Moylens Regiments will be placed there—Blands and Sheldons in Penny Town and its vicinity—I remain at Trenton with the Detachment that I have chosen and which I have been exercising in the mean time—I hope that we shall be furnished with Fusils and Pistols—there is a Merchant here who is desirous of contracting to furnish us with these Articles—if the Cavalry should be augmented I hope soon to receive your orders, that the Officers may take their measures accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General George Weedon, 20 January 1778
From: Weedon, George
To: Washington, George

Valley Forge, 20th January 1778

The Brigadiers and officers commanding Brigades in the Virginia line, having met in Consiquence of your Excellency’s directions of the 18th Instant to determine on Some fix’d system as a line to go by in the dismission of those Virginia Troops, whose time of Enlistment will shortly expire: Report as follows, Viz.
They give it as their opinion; that the men whose time of service, is nearly out, shall be regularly discharg’d by their respective Brigadiers, or Colonels Commanding Brigades in squads of 20 or 25 each as their time expires: and to be by a Commission’d Officer march’d in an orderly manner to their State; taking care that a sufficient number of Officers remain to Command those who have re-enlisted with the Army. Previous to this, the Brigadiers and Officers Commanding Brigades will direct in Brigade orders, Returns to be made to them of all those who are thus circumstanc’d: Certified by the officer who Recruited them; or ascertain’d by Certificates produc’d by the men who Claims a discharge, or to the best of our Judgment. We are also of opinion that their pay should be drawn, and the men paid up to the day of their dismission: and would therefore beg leave to suggest it to your Excellency whether steps should not be immediately taken for that purpose. Several men in the 9th Regiment whose times are out, cannot leave Camp for want of their Pay.

G. Weedon B. Gen.


Title: General Orders, 21 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

EdentonEaston. Edinburgh.
Head-Quarters V. Forge Jany 21st 78.

The Commander in Chief approves the report made by the Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades in the Virginia Line and orders that the men whose term of service is expired be discharged and

march’d home by proper Officers in the manner there directed; The Brigadiers &c. are also to see that the Arms & Accoutrements of such men are return’d in the first instance to themselves in Order that the Arms & discharges may correspond, and by them to the Commissary of Military-Stores whose receipt is to be taken for what is delivered; All blankets are to be stoped and other Articles belonging to the Publick.
The Brigadiers &c. will cause proper care to be taken of the first and see that the latter is delivered in to the hands of the Qr Master General and other proper officers.
Notwithstanding the pointed & frequent orders which have issued to have all deserters reported to Head-Quarters it is by indirect & casual information, that this knowledge comes to the General, (except in the general returns) which are exceedingly irregular—He therefore in peremptory terms now calls upon the Brigadiers to see or know that the rolls of their several Regiments are call’d over agreeable to former orders, and that all deserters (specifying the Regiment & Company they belong to) are reported by them to the Major General of the day, who is to present the whole in one view to the Commander in Chief when he comes from his Tour of duty—The Brigadiers are also requested to use every possible to apprehend deserters of their respective Brigades; This order will not be dispensed with.
The General also in positive terms declares that he will have a general return of the Army delivered in to him every monday at orderly-time[.] The Adjutant General is therefore to pay particular attention to this matter and consider himself responsible for the performance unless he arrests every Delinquent who causes the failure: In the next Mondays return, the officers in the Virginia Line are to ascertain the number of men whose term of service will expire shortly.
It being impossible for the Surgeons of the Flying-Hospital to make effectual provision for the sick out of Camp, unless they are sent to the places by them appointed and furnish’d for the purpose; All officers and regimental surgeons when any of their Corps are proper subjects for the Hospital are therefore immediately to apply to the Chief Surgeon of the Flying Hospital present in Camp and take his direction where to send their sick: A contrary practice has been attended with great inconvenience to the sick and probably occasioned the Death of several men; many having been sent to Hospitals already crouded with patients, or to places where no provision had been made for the sick, and in order that the sick, which shall from time to time remain in Camp, as well as others before they are sent to Hospitals may be properly taken care of; the Director General of the Hospitals is, as soon as possible to furnish the Regimental Surgeons with Medicine Chests supplied with such Medicines as are necessary for the sick in Camp—

When Flags go to the Enemys lines all officers are possitively forbiden to go with them unless they receive proper orders therefor.
At a General Court-Martial whereof Coll Clark was President held January 19th Lieutenant McGibbons of 4th North-Carolina Battalion tried for embezzling or misapplying the money with which he was intrusted for inlisting men into the service, also for taking bribes to discharge inlisted soldiers from the service was unanimously acquitted of the charges.
At the same Court held January 15th Captn Joshua Brown of Coll Bigelow’s Regiment tried for suffering two prisoners to escape from the Provost-Guard was unanimously acquitted of the charges exhibited against him—The Commander in Chief approves the sentences and orders them to be immediately released from their Arrests.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Dear Sir
Head Qrs Valley Forge 21st January 1778

I wrote to you the 15th desiring you to have the Arms in Massachusets and New Hampshire collected and a Return made to me as soon as possible. I find by letters from General Heath that Arms have lately arrived in several Vessels from France, I beg they may be immediately sent to the different Arsenals and put in order. We shall want a considerable number in the Spring when the Levies come into the Feild, and I therefore think that advantage should be taken of this season of the year when the Roads are hard, to bring part of them forward to the Magazines on this side of Delaware. I do not know what number to order precisely, but you can form a pretty good Judgment, upon comparing the quantities that are already in the Magazines here with the

number of Recruits that the Middle and southern States will probably send into the Feild. It is true that many of the reduced Regiments have their old Arms, but when you consider the customary waste and the destruction made by the Militia, who I suppose we shall be under the necessity of calling out, we ought to have a magazine of new Arms equal to the Levies, that there may not be any delays or difficulties on that account—I am &c.

P.S. Upon considering the usefulness of travelling forges more fully since you went away I think it proper that each Brigade should be furnished with one instead of each division.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 January 1778
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Springfield [Mass.] 21 Jany 1778

I wrote your Excellency from Poughkeepsie, that as it was not probable the Train of Artillery at Albany would be wanted in Pennsylvania this winter it had better rest at present in Albany, and when the river opened in the Spring to be transported by water to New Windsor, and from thence across the country; also, that there was a report it had been, or was about to be, sent to New England. Governor Clinton was of the same opinion with me, that the transportation by water would save much expence and trouble, both of which would be prodigiously increased by their being sent to New England. But I have since found that 15 six pounders—10 four pounders, and two 8 inch Howitzers, are at Farmington about 10 miles from Hartford, with part of two Companies of Artillery; and that Nixon’s Regiment were hourly expected there as a Guard by Genl Gates’s order.
As Genl Gates might have had some particular operation in view by ordering the Cannon to that place, I thought it would not be proper to order them to Pennsylvania immediately, but directed that they should have every thing in readiness to march by the 15 of February. I pitch’d upon that time, because as soon as the Spring opens the roads from Connecticut to Hudson’s River over the mountains will be impracticable, and as by that time I might expect to have your Excellency’s directions on this subject.
I shall put things here in the best train in my power, and forward every other part of my commission with the utmost expedition. I am, with the utmost respect and attachment, Your Excellency’s most obt hume servt

H. Knox B.G. Artillery


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 21 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 21st January 1778

I this day recd yours of the 18th by Lieutenant Gamble who has brought down 463 Coat ready cut out. I could have wished that had not been done, as I intended to have had them made up in a new fashion which I think will save Cloth—be made up quicker and cheaper and yet be more warm and convenient to the Soldier. I desire that all the

remainder of the Virginia Goods may be immediately sent on in the State which you receive them, as soon as they arrive at Lancaster. I will send you a Coat of the new fashion as soon as one can be made up, and I think it will be deemed most convenient and useful to dress the whole Army in the same manner.
The Officer who had the charge of the Convoy of Cloathing from Boston left them at Fish kill contrary to Genl Heaths express order, he makes some trifling excuse, that the Waggons would not come any farther. I have sent up an Express with orders to have it brought immediately forward.
I shall give directions to have some agreement made with the Taylors for their extra pay when working at their trade. Now we are fixed I am of opinion that we can have any quantity of Cloathing made up in the Regiments provided all the materials are sent with them. If the Taylors are drawn from the Army and sent to a distance, they will most certainly find means of going off, and the Service will lose so many Men. Besides we cannot at this time spare the Men from Camp.
I beg you will exert yourself in procuring Shoes, it is evident that any quantities may be got by contracting to pay for them in Hides. The price fixed by the General Officers is 4d. ⅌ lb. for Hides and Shoes at 10 / ⅌ pair. with this the Shoemakers are content, and several of the Brigadiers have made contracts accordingly. I am &c.

P.S. Lieut. Gamble returns to bring down the remainder of the Goods. He informs me that he desired you not to cut up the Cloth, as it was intended to be made up different from the usual method I cannot therefore tell why it was done.


Title: To George Washington from Major Jacob Morris, 21 January 1778
From: Morris, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
Princeton [N.J.] January 21st 1778

Major Williams who will deliver your Excellency this packet, handed me the inclosed papers from my Frie[n]d Genl Lee this morning. His being in some measure relieved from his confinement is an event upon which I most sincerely congratulate your Excellency.
As I shall wait your Excellency’s instructions how to proceed with regard to the several applications contained in the Genls Letters; the honour of a few lines from Head Quarters, as speedily as possible on that subject, will make me very happy.
Those letters directed to myself and such other papers which are inclosed, as shall be thought proper, I must submit to your Excellency’s pleasure to return with the answer to this—I remain with great respect Your Excellencys most obedient humble Servant

Jacob Morris


Title: To George Washington from Prisoners in Philadelphia, 21 January 1778
From: Prisoners in Philadelphia
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia goal January 21/st 1778

When we presume to address your Excellency be Assured it Cannot Arise from a trival affair humanity is the subject which we wish to dwell on & when that Amiable Quality is mentioned who can doubt that M/rs Gray is the Lady who amply has display’d that part of the grand scenery of Life which Shee was born for & which will Ever be indiliably impress/d in the Obliged Hearts.

If individuals Confind in this place seperately Could relate Consively the tributes of thanks due for Each particular favour sheets of Paper must your Excel/ read to know what this Lady has done but not to intrude on your Excellencys Precious moments give us Leive to say shee has done all that mortal well Could do in Providing Every necessary in her Power and liberty at her own Cost for the Prisoners—We remain your Excel/lc most Obedient Humble Serv/ts.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 22 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge Jany 22d 1778

I have your favor of the 6th and 8th Instants. I particularly alluded to Henley’s, Lees, and Jacksons Regiments when I expressed my surprize, that they had not been innoculated, as they had lain so long in Boston. I hope that very strict attention will be paid to that matter against the next Campaign: We find upon a scrutiny there are upwards of Two thousand Men to be innoculated in Camp at this time.
I have given the adjutant Genl the resolve of your Council, but he tells me that he does not think it will be in the powers of the Colonels to make such a return as is called for. Few of them have their Papers with them, and some of these who were at Ticonderoga lost them. In my next I shall be able to inform you whether it can be done. Some little time past I sent the President of the Council an exact return of such of their Troops as are under my immediate Command for their Government in compleating their Levies.
You will I suppose before this time have rec’d orders from Congress respecting the delaying the embarkation of Genl Burgoyne and his Army till the Convention is ratifyed by Great Britain. By this Step Genl Burgoyne will more than probable look upon himself as released from

all former Ties, and consequently at liberty to make use of any means to effect an escape. I would therefore have you increase the vigilance and if necessary the strength of your Guards. All Magazines of arms shou⟨ld⟩ be removed from Boston and its neighbourhood, for if any attempt is made, it must be by first seizing upon arms to force their way.
I cannot think with you, that the operations of the next Campaign will be against New England, except the Enemy are much more strongly reinforced than I think they have any chance of being, They know the unanimity and Spirit of the people too well to attempt it by detachment, and should they send a considerable Body from Philadelphia they must either remain beseiged in the Town, which would be ignominious, or risque a defeat should they come into the Field with inconsiderable Numbers. The Troops, which went back from Philadelphia to New York, were I believe only intended for the security of that City. The Garrison was so small after the reinforcement had been sent to General Howe that the Inhabitants complained much of their being abandoned, and the Troops were returned to quiet them. This being merely matter of opinion, it should not relax your endeavours to perfect the necessary defences of the Harbour, and to fix upon signals which may at all times alarm the Country upon any sudden invasion.
If any good Sealing Wax is to be procured in Boston be pleased to direct a dozen pound to be purchased for me and send on at different times as opportunities offer. I am Dr Sr Your most Obet Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 22 January 1778
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir
Continental Navy BoardBorden Town [N.J.] 22d Jany 1778

The Bearer Captn Alexander late Commander of the Frigate Delaware, is well informed of the Situation of the Shipping at Philadelphia, & is of opinion that with a little Assistance the Enemy might be annoyed greatly in their Trade & Shipping whilst the River continues full of Ice—he is desirous of communicating his Sentiments on the Subject to your Excellency—The few naval Officers here, are very anxious to do som thing against the Enemy whilst the present Opportunity

offers. I have the Honour to be Your Excellencys most obedient humble servant

Fras Hopkinson


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 22 January 1778
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dr Sr
Wmsburg [Va.] 22d January 1778

On my return to Congress I found the speakers Letter informing me my resignation was accepted by the House of Delegates and that I might as soon as I pleased return home which I did after staying abt a week to put the Business we had been sent upon to Camp in a proper train—the Issue of which I had then every reason to expect wod be according to the wishes of the Army but what the event has been I have not yet been informed—many reasons pressed me to retire from Congress and if I felt a concern it was only that in case I continued I might possibly be of some use in obstructing or endeavouring at least to prevent the mischevous consequences of those base Acts and machinations that are but too prevalent among some people, and which it is the Duty of every good Man to resent and suppress—I knew not so much of these matters before I went to Camp as I discovered there, and after my return; for it was on my return only that I had the first intimation given me of the conduct and language of a certain popular pensylvanian lately appointed to the New Board of War—of the disposition and Temper of another Gentleman of that Board whose Name the fortunate events of last fall, hath greatly exalted, I had before heard—But whatever may be the design of these Men, and however artfully conducted I have no doubt but in the end it will redound to their own disgrace—You stand too high in the public opinion to be easily reached by their attempts and the same equal and disinterested Conduct, the same labour and attention, which you have manifested in the public Service from the first of the Contest, will shield and protect you from the shafts of Envy and malevolence—There may be instances, and these your good sense will point out to you, which require your Notice and the public welfare may be injured if passed over in silence, but in all other respects such petty Larceny attacks as these may be called deserve, as they will ever meet with, your Contempt. Two thousand men are ordered to be drafted to fill up our Battalions, and five thousand

Volunteers raised to join you, and serve for six months, also a state Battalion in the room of Mathews’s taken by the Enemy, and the Counties whose draughts were deficient the last fall are ordered to make them good besides their proportion of the new levy. Col. Braxton has a Letter of the 17th last month from Capt. Chamberlaine in one of the French Islands informing him that 6000 French Troops were there in the pay of Spain, that abt the like number were daily expected—that the Spaniards had at Hispaniola abt 10,000 men & 12 Ships of the line, and it was imagined by some they meditated an attack upon Jamaica—Mr Chamberlaine maybe as I suspect he is equally sanguine with Mr Bingham. Every exertion is made use of to get a supply of provisions for the Army. We are this day to choose a Deligate to Congress to serve from 10th of May to 11th Augt as R. H. Lee was chosen only to that time, and as some thin[k] he ought not to be longer continued as he will then have served three years, it is uncertain wh. he will be chosen. Mr Mercer is the other Gentleman proposed. I am sorry to hear it is probable the Enemy have got possession of Mr Pleasants portmantue as there were Letters of Col. Harrisons to you and myself in it, and containing some things I shod wish them not to know.
Having left my chair with Greentree in the City to be sold, and not having been able yet to provide myself with such a one as wod suit me, I am obliged to make use of your Carriage untill I do—I shall send it to Mt Vernon as soon after I am provided as lies in my power. As I am pretty confident I could rely on Col. Bannister and Mr Harvie respecting the conduct and Secrecy of any Business I shod mention to them, it may perhaps be in my power to be usefull to my Country by Communications to them of any matter you may think necessary and which you may Conceive to have been neglected or not duly attended to—In this, or any other matters wherein I may possibly be usefull pray exercise your pleasure with freedom, with Compliments to your worthy Family I am Dr Sr Yr aff. hum. Servt

Jos: Jones

P.S. The Letters you delivered the Com: were called for by Congress—being in my possession they were by order of Congress delivered—how the Members got informed the Letters were in our custody I know not unless from Mr G——y as he and myself were the only persons of the Com: in Town and I never mentd them to any person—but he as a Member of the Com. wanted them to be referred to in the Report & of course produced.


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 22 January 1778
From: Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council Lancaster [Pa.] January 22d 1778

Your Excellency’s letter of the nineteenth Instant has been laid before the council.
My letter to you of the fifteenth Instant, by Mr James Davidson, who was delayed a day or two unexpectedly contains a state of the business relating to cloathing—it is only necessary to add that General Wayne, as I understand, had employed Mr Zantzinger of this borough, to procure him a quantity of cloathing previous to the late recommendation of congress; that the Clothier General has paid a part of his bill, and no doubt will settle with him for the remainder, as it is a contract made before this state was directed to supply its troops with cloathing. General Wayne has been with council within a few days.
You may depend that, as the troops of pennsylvania were always well cloathed while under the immediate care of the state, attention to this important supply will be given by the council so as to prevent any future just complaint.
The reduced condition of the regiments of pennsylvania is to us unaccountable: It however only remains to do the best we can to make them more formidable. Council would have been pleased to have seen in the return the state of the commissioned Officers.
Inclosed is a transcript of the law which your Excellency requested might be sent you; and also extracts from the supply law which were struck off seperate from the law itself; as the printers could not possibly get thro the whole in time to furnish the commissioners of congress now on their way to camp. I have the Honor to be with great respect Your Excelleys Obedient Servant

Tho. Wharton jun. Prest

One of the Waggon drivers, who came out with the cloathing for the Prisoners of War, having passed, in this borough, a six dollar counterfeit bill, in the likeness of a Continental bill, was arrested and searched this afternoon. Five other bills of the same kind were found upon him. some circumstances occurred which rendered several others of the party strongly suspected and they were all searched, except the officers, and several bills of the same kind found upon three others of them; Whereupon the magistrates have committed them to Goal. The enclosed letter was also found upon one of the serjeants.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Walter Stewart, 22 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stewart, Walter

Dear sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 22d Jany 1778

I have been favourd with yours of the 18th. I should have answerd you by return of your Officer but he ommitted to call upon me. I spoke to Mr Blaine Commy of purchases respecting the insufficiency of his Deputies. He promised to go over himself or send a proper person to assist you and to keep them to their duty.
I am amazed at the report you make of the quantity of provision that goes daily into Philadelphia from the County of Bucks. I must beg you to look into this matter and endeavour to find out whether it proceeds from the remissness of our Guards or whether any of our Officers connive at it. This latter has been hinted to me.
I am told that Genll Lacey who succeeds Genll Potter is an Active Officer and well acquainted with all the roads of that Country, if any particular mode of cutting off this pernicious intercourse strikes you, be pleased to communicate it to him, The property taken, with the horses & Carraiges that transport it, should be seized without distinction, and if any of the persons are proper objects to make examples of, it must be done, They have had sufficient warnings and cannot therefore plead ignorance in excuse of their Crime. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt servant

G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Hoskins Stone, 22 January 1778
From: Stone, John Hoskins
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Baltimore [Md.]Jany 22nd 1778

Having no field officer to my Regiment who can do duty myself & the Lt Colo. (Forrest) being wounded and the Major having resigned it will be some time before either of us will be fit to take command, and being very anxious to compleat and put my Regiment in the best order against the ensueing Campaign—by the consent and desire of Lt Colo. Smith I take the liberty to beg of your Excellency to permit Colo. Smith to take command in my Regiment untill either myself or the Lt Colo. are fit for the field—this will keep the Regiment properly together and will be very agreeable to all that Corps as Colo. Smith has served with them, the 4th M. Regt which Colo. Smith commands in at present being small and having three field officers with it cannot be any inconvenience to that Regt the officers for the most part of my Regiment are very young, it wou’d therefore be the more necessary that an officer of some experience shou’d command them—wishing Your Excellency all health honor and happiness I am with great respect Yr Very obt Hum. Sert

J. H. Stone


Title: General Orders, 23 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday Jany 23rd 1778.
Ganges—Groton Goshen.

The General Officers and Officers commanding Brigades will meet tomorrow morning at ten ôClock at Genl Sullivan’s quarters for the purpose mention’d in general orders 20th instant.

Serjeant Howe is appointed Provost-Marshal P.T. vice Captain Snag who has resigned.
The Brigadiers and officers commanding Brigades are immediately to make returns of the Deficiency of Bayonets in their respective brigades to the Adjutant General.
As several Farmers have complain’d that notwithstanding the Certificates granted by the Commissary General of Forage, of their having furnish’d the quotas of Forage assign’d them further demands have been made upon them so as to deprive them of what was reserved for the use of their own Families—The General strictly forbids such unjust proceedings and desires that more respect may be paid to the Forage Master General’s Certificate for the future.
At a General Court-Martial whereof Coll Clark was President Jany 20th Lt Coll Linley & Major Bailey tried for non attendance on the grand-parade in proper time; the former when Field Officer and the latter when Brigade Major of the day, found guilty of the Charge exhibited against them, being a breach of Article 5th Section 18th of the Articles of War and sentenced to be publickly reprimanded in General orders. The General approves the sentence and is surprized that he is under the disagreeable necessity of reprimanding officers for a breach of duty so well known and which ought to be performed with the greatest punctuality; And as exact discipline and the strictest obedience to orders is the soul of an Army and foundation of success, whilst the contrary may be productive of the most fatal consequences, He flatters himself that every officer in future (as in honor and duty bound) will be emulous to pay the strictest attention to orders and prove exemplary to the soldiery.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 23 January 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
York Town [Pa.] January 23rd 1778.

The Letter of 4th Instant, which I had the Honour to receive from

Your Excellency, has relieved me from unspeakable Uneasiness. I now Anticipate the Pleasure it will give you, when you discover that what has been conveyed to you for an Extract of General Conway’s Letter to me, was not an Information, which friendly Motives induced a Man of Honour to give, that injured Virtue might be “fore-armed against Secret Enemies.[”] That paragraph, which Your Excellency has condescended to transcribe, is Spurious.
I cannot avoid Sketching out to Your Excellency the History of General Conway’s Letter, from the time that it came to my Hands, by Lieutenant Colonel Troup, my Aid-de-Camp, to whom General Conway delivered it at Reading, on the 11th of October, to this time, as far as it affected me, and the Officers in my Family.
That Letter Contained very judicious Remarks upon that Want of Discipline, which has often Alarmed Your Excellency, and I believe, all observing Patriots. The Reasons which, in his Judgment, deprived us of the Success we could reasonably expect, were methodically explained by him; but, neither the “Weakness” of any of our Generals, nor “bad Councellors” were mentioned, and Consequently, cannot be assigned, or imagined as Part of those Reasons, to which General Conway attributed some of our Losses.
He wrote to me as a candid Observer; as other Officers in every Service freely write to each other, for Obtaining better Intelligence than that of the News Papers; and that Freedom renders such Letters, thus far, confidential in some Measure. The Judgement of the Person who receives them, points out to him, according to Time and Circumstances, the Propriety, or Impropriety attending their being Communicated, when no particular Injunction of Secrecy was requested.
Particular Actions, rather than Persons were blamed, but with Impartiality; and I am convinced that he did not aim at lessening in my Opinion the Merit of any Person. His Letter was perfectly harmless, however, now that various Reports have been circulated concerning its Contents, they ought not to be Submitted to the Solemn Inspection of even those who Stand most high in the Public Esteem. Anxiety and Jealousy would arise in the Breasts of very respectable Officers, who, rendered Sensible of Faults, which Inexperience, and that alone, may have led them into, would be unnecessarily disgusted, if they perceived a Probability of such Errours being recorded. Honour forbids it—and Patriotism demands that I should return the Letter into the Hands of the Writer. I will do it; but, at the same time, I declare that the Paragraph, conveyed to Your Excellency, as a genuine Part of it, was in Words, as well as in Substance, a wicked Forgery.
About the Beginning of Decemr, I was informed that Letter had occasioned an Explanation between Your Excellency and that Gentleman. Not knowing, whether the whole Letter, or a Part of it had been

Stealingly copied, but fearing Malice had altered its original Texture, I own, Sir, that a Dread of the Mischiefs which might attend the Forgery I suspected would be made, put me, for some Time, in a most painful Situation.
When I communicated to the Officers in my Family, the Intelligence I had received, they all entreated me to rescue their Characters from the Suspicions they justly conceived themselves liable to, until the guilty Person should be known. To facilitate the Discovery, I wrote Your Excellency; but, unable to learn, whether General Conway’s Letter had been transmitted to You, by a Member of Congress, or a Gentleman in the Army, I was afraid much time would be lost in the Course of the Inquiry, and that the States might receive some Capital Injury from the Infidelity of the Person, who, I thought, had Stolen a Copy of the Obnoxious Letter—Was it not probable that the Secrets of the Army might be obtained, and betrayed thro’ the same Means to the Enemy? For this Reason, Sir, not doubting the Congress would most Cheerfully concur with You in tracing out the Criminal, I wrote to the President, & inclosed to him a Copy of my Letter to Your Excellency.
About the Time I was forwarding those Letters, Brigr Genl Wilkinson returned to Albany. I informed him of the Treachery which had been Committed, but, I concealed from him the Measures I was persuing, to unmask the Author. Wilkinson answered he was assured it never would come to light, & endeavoured to fix my Suspicions on Lieut. Colonel Troup, who, said he, “might have incautiously Conversed on the Substance of General Conway’s Letter with Colonel Hamilton, whom you had Sent, not long before, to Albany.” I did not listen to this Insinuation against Your Aid-de Camp, and mine.
Would Your Excellency’s prediction, relative to General Conway, had not been inserted in Your Letter, which came to me, unsealed, through the Channel of Congress. I hope always to find that Gentleman a firm, and constant Friend to America; I never wrote to him in my Life, but to Satisfy his doubts Concerning the Exposure of his private Letter, nor had any Sort of intimacy, nor hardly the Smallest acquaintance with him, before our Meeting in this Town. With Great Respect I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 23 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 23 Jan. 1778. On 10 Feb., GW wrote Gates: “I received a letter from you of the 23d January on the subject of Cloathing said to be collected in this State for the use of the Pennsylva Troops, and delivered out to the Army in general.” The only extant letter from Gates to GW of this date concerns Maj. Gen. Thomas Conway, not clothing.


Title: From George Washington to William Gordon, 23 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gordon, William

[Valley Forge, 23 January 1778]

I HAVE attended to your information and remark, on the supposed intention of placing General L——, at the head of the army: whether a serious design of that kind had ever entered into the head of a member of C—— or not, I never was at the trouble of enquiring. I am told a scheme of that kind is now on foot by some, in behalf of another gentleman—but whether true or false, whether serious, or merely to try the pulse, I neither know nor care; neither interested nor ambitious views led me into the service—I did not solicit the command, but accepted it after much entreaty, with all that diffidence which a conscious want of ability and experience equal to the discharge of so important a trust, must naturally create in a mind not quite devoid of thought; and after I did engage, pursued the great line of my duty, and the object in view (as far as my judgement could direct) as pointedly as the

needle to the pole. So soon then as the public gets dissatisfied with my services, or a person is found better qualified to answer her expectation, I shall quit the helm with as much satisfaction, and retire to a private station with as much content, as ever the wearied pilgrim felt upon his safe arrival in the Holy-land, or haven of hope; and shall wish most devoutly, that those who come after may meet with more prosperous gales than I have done, and less difficulty. If the expectation of the public has not been answered by my endeavours, I have more reasons than one to regret it; but at present shall only add, that a day may come when the public cause is no longer to be benefited by a concealment of our circumstances; and till that period arrives, I shall not be among the first to disclose such truths as may injure it.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 23 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lacey, John Jr.

Sir
Hd Qrs [Valley Forge] Jany 23d 1778.

I received your favor dated the 21st Instant & must request that you will exert yourself to fulfill the intention of keeping a body of Troops in the Country where you are posted. Protecting the Inhabitants is one of the ends designed, and preventing supplies and intercourse with the Enemy is the other, this, perhaps with the utmost vigilance cannot be totally effected, But I must intreat you to take every step, that may render it possible. As to the reduction of your Numbers; I wish you to make timely application to the President of your State to keep up the necessary force under your Command.
I am well informed that many Persons, under pretence of furnishing the Inhabitants of German Town and near the Enemy’s Lines afford immense supplies to the Philadelphia Markets—a conduct highly prejudicial to us and contrary to every order. It is therefore become proper to make an example of some guilty one, that the rest may be sensible of a like Fate should they persist. This I am determined to put into execution, & request you when a suitable object falls into your hands, that you will send him here, with the witnesses, or let me know his name when you shall have a power to try, & if found guilty, to execute. this you’ll be pleas’d to make known to the people that they may again have warning.
Your want of Whiskey I cannot remedy—we are in the same situation here & nothing effectual can be done, untill the arrival of the committee of Congress, whom we expect every day—I am yrs &

G. W——n

P.s. you will strive to suffer no More Provision to go in to German Town but what is absolutely necessary for its Inhabitants.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 23 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 23d Jany 1778

As I have not recd any answer to mine of the 13th instant, I am at a loss how to give you further directions respecting the Sale or distribution of the Symetry’s Cargo. My reason for putting a stop to it was upon seeing what was certainly a very inequitable mode, upon several accounts, of conducting the Business as appeared by a plan drawn up by the Feild Officers. In the first place, the Staff were in a great measure excluded from purchasing, and as a credit of four or five Months was to be allowed, the Soldiers and non commissioned Officers must of course have waited till the expiration of the Credit, before they could receive their dividend. Besides, by the Death, Resignation, or dismission of an Officer, if great care was not taken, the debt would be lost. For this reason, whether the Goods are disposed of by open sale, or delivered out at a valuation, the Officer who purchases more than the amount of his share should immediately pay the surplus. If these matters are put upon a proper and equitable footing, I have no objection to the sale or distribution’s going on. I would only desire that the person who acts as Vendue Master may not make a final distribution of the money arising from the Sale, untill the determination of Congress is known respecting the property.
Inclosed you have a letter for Mr Read president of the Delaware State upon the Subject of filling up their Regiment. I have desired him to call upon you for an exact Return of their present Strength, that he may know what number of levies are wanting to compleat them. Be pleased to forward the letter to him with the Return, and continue to press him on this Subject.
The Enemy made an attempt to surprize Capt. Lee a few days ago, in

which they failed, but upon their return they took two Waggons, which were said to be coming from Wilmington. This makes me apprehensive that they might have been those which Colo. Moylan informed me you were sending up with some things for me. I shall be happy to find it otherwise.
A few days ago I recd a very polite letter, from Docr Boyes of the 15th Regt British, requesting me to return him some valuable medical manuscripts taken in the Brig Symetry. He says they are packed in a neat kind of portable library and consist of Docr Cullens lectures on the institutions of Medicine 18 Volumes. Cullens lectures on the practice of Medicine 39 or 40 Volumes. Monroes anatomical lectures 8 Volumes and Docr Black on Chemistry 9 Volumes. The whole in octavo. If they can be found, I beg that they may be sent up to me, that I may return them to the Doctor. I have no other view in doing this than shewing our Enemies that we do not war against the Sciences. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Wilson, 23 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wilson, James

Dear sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 23d Jany 1778

I have received your favor of the 11th Instant. Captain Smith obtain’d leave of Absence some time ago, & I understand is gone to Baltimore. If upon your Writing to him, he will return to Carlile, he has my permission to remain with you a short time, for the Settlement of your Business. I am Dear Sir your mo. Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 24 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters at the V. Forge Jany 24th 1778.
HaverstrawHampton Harlem.

Three days provision to be issued to the troops on Mondays & four days provision on Thirsdays ’till further orders.


Title: From George Washington to John Clark, Jr., 24 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clark, John Jr.

Dear Sir
Valley Forge Jany 24th 1778

I have been favored with yours of the 13 Inst. I hope you will determine without delay, whether you will accept the appointment of auditor, and if you do, that you will repair as soon as you possibly can to the Army to enter upon the duties of it. An office of this nature has been long thought expedient, and for want of it, I am persuaded the Public have suffered greatly as well as many individuals. There is a great number of accounts such as recruiting &c. now to be taken up and adjusted. I doubt not but your Powers will be defined—This will be exceedingly material that you may meet no impediment when you enter upon the business. I am much obliged by your polite tender of services—and am Dr Sr Your most Obet Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 24 January 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [York, Pa.] January 24th 1778

By the enclosed Papers your Excellency will see the Designs of Congress in forming the Plan of an Irruption into Canada. Their political Motives for appointing the Officers to conduct the Expedition need not be mentioned, as your Excellency must be struck with the Propriety of the Measure. The Board have carefully avoided weakning the Army under your immediate Command, as they well know the Situation of it; but if you could spare Hazen’s Regiment or even that Part of it, which is composed of Canadians their Services would be exceedingly acceptable & should you think you can possibly do it, I am to request you will give Directions for their immediate March to Albany. Hartley’s Regt, it is hoped is replaced & a Number of N. Carolina & Virginia Troops equal to the No. of Hazen’s have this Day left this Place. Should your Excellency think any Steps are wanting or any Directions omitted, which may be necessary upon this important Enterprize, the Board will be happy on this, as well as every other Occasion, to recieve your Opinion & Advice. The Letter to the Marquis de Fayette is enclosed

for your Perusal & I am to request your Delivery of it with your Permission to him to leave his present Command in the Grand Army. I am, Sir, your Excelly’s &c.

H.G. Presdt B. War


Title: To George Washington from David Grier, 24 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Grier, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Grier, 24 Jan. 1778. In his letter to GW of 19 Mar., Grier referred to “my letter of the 24th January in which I mentioned the Injustice done me as to Rank by some mistake or inadvertance of the Board of General Officers.”


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Spencer, 24 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Spencer, Joseph

Dear sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 24th Januy 1778

Your Favor of the 7th Inst. has this day come to my hand inclosing a

Return of the force of the Enemy at Rhode Island—I have for some time understood that Lord Howe sail’d for Rhode Island with more than 100 Transports in order to Winter there which must be those mention’d by you—I am concern’d to find that the want of Money in that Department has put you to so many inconveniencies, & that the Prices of the necessary Articles there, have become so exceedingly high, which must be the Source of infinite difficulties. This proceeds from the great depreciation of our Currency and the avarice of the people and not from a real scarcity of many Essential Articles. I hope the Tax recommended by Congress will be collected in the several States, and that our Money will become more valuable. Nothing will place it on a more respectable footing than lessening the Quantity. I am Sir Your most Obed. servt

G. Washington


Title: Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman to Major General Stirling, 24 January 1778
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 24th. Jany 1778

As His Excellency is very busy in preparing matters to lay before the Committee of Congress and Board of War, he commands me to acknowledge your Lordships favor of this day, inclosing a very melancholy letter from Colo. Spencer.
The want of cloathing is a thing which is much to be regretted but not remedied just at this time. A considerable quantity upon public account ought to have been here by this time, but thro’ the negligence of the officer who had it in charge it was left at Fishkill. The General has sent an Express to bring that forward. The State of Pennsylvania have collected a large parcel of Cloathing for their Troops, for which Genl. Wayne went up to Lancaster a fortnight ago, and as the whole of Colo. Spencers Brigade except his own Regiment are Pennsylvanians, they will come in for part of that cloathing when it arrives from Lancaster. The Waggons were called in from the Brigades that an exact arrangement of them might be made, and that a more effectual mode of forraging might be fallen upon, (by appropriating a particular number of Waggons to that use) than had hitherto been practised. I should think, my Lord, if the Commissaries of Forage were ordered to bring in a load or two of Straw with each Brigade of Waggons, that the men might constantly have enough for Beds. I hope you will evade the attack of the Gout that has threatned you. And am my Lord yr. most obt. Servt.

T. Tilghman


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 24 January 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp Valley Forge Jany 24th 177[8]

I do myself the Honor to Inclose your Excellency the Result of The General officers Respecting the Market which I hope will meet your Excellencys approbation. I was Desired to mention to your Excellency that The people at Germantown have Large Quantities of Leather in ⟨Fuls⟩ which they are Daily taking out & Carrying to Philadelphia for Sale. Some of which Tis Said our Commy General of Hides in his Great Wisdom Sent there to be Tanned—perhaps a Strong party being Sent there might Secure it for the use of the Army.
The officers Complain that they have no Kettles for Boiling the oil & Soap agreable to yr Excellys orders.
They also want to know whether the Brigadiers & officers Commanding Brigades may appoint Serjeants or Soldiers to Inspect the Boiling & what pay they are to Draw & from whom for their Trouble. Dr General I have the honor to be with much Respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 24th Jany 1778

I am honored with yours of the 14th instant and am much obliged for your promised attention to the compleating of your Regiments, and I hope your exertions will be attended with the desired success. I am also to thank you for your care in providing cloathing for your Troops—If the Coats should not be cut out before this reaches you, instead of the usual Regimental Coat, I would recommend a garment of the pattern of the Sailors for Jacket—This sets close to the body, and by buttoning double over the breast, adds much to the warmth of the Soldier—There may be a small Cape and Cuff of a different Colour to distinguish the Corps. I have consulted most of the Officers of the Army, and they all seem to think that this kind of Coat will be much the best, at least till we can fall upon means of procuring full supplies of compleat uniforms—We cannot spare Taylors to go from hence, therefore if you cannot get all the Cloaths readily made up, I think you had

better send part of the Cloth here, with all kinds of necessary trimmings, and the Regimental Taylors will soon make them up under the inspection of their officers—As the Overall is much preferable to Breeches, I would recommend as many of them as possible.
The Transports that lately arrived at Rhode Island went from Philadelphia. They were empty, and were taken away by Ld Howe to secure them during the Winter, as the Port of Philadelphia was so crouded, that had any part of the Fleet taken fire, the whole would have been consumed.
Nothing has been wanting upon my part to procure the release of our Prisoners upon just and equitable terms—Congress are fully possessed of all the Letters that have ever passed between General Howe and myself upon the subject of exchange, and they have been pleased to approve of the Steps I have, from time to time, taken. If they should think it most conducive to the General Good to settle this unhappy dispute, upon his terms, I shall, most chearfully, acquiesce, for nothing can be more distressing to me than to receive daily applications from the Friends of those in Captivity, and not have it in my power to afford them any Redress—I have the honor to be with the greatest Regard Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Young, 24 January 1778
From: Young, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lancaster [Pa.] 24th January 1778.

Mr Mease being much Indisposed, has directed me to acquaint your Excellency of the Arrival of a quantity of Linens, Cloths &c. from Virginia at this place, They were long detain’d at the Susquehannah, & with much risque and difficulty, were brought over on Sleds, Thursday last, The chief of the goods from which in unloading, were greatly injur’d by being wet; Indeed their situation is beyond description bad, the Linens particularly were all under water, and many of the Woolens, and before their getting to Lancaster were so frozen that to this time we are not enabled with safety to do any thing with them, as by the least

Opening or removal they crack like burnt paper, we are preparing a large building with a Stove to receive them this day, & Mr Mease would be happy to know your pleasure respecting the piece goods, as he Conceives it cannot be Elligible, to send to Camp such a quantity of Linens and Cloths that might so soon be manufactur’d here, when their situation will admitt; the Blankets, Shoes, and Hosiery, would have been sent on before, but could not procure Teams, are promis’d them Monday next, when they will be sent together with some Shirts &c. to Mr Kemper. In behalf of Mr Mease. I have the Honor to be—Your Excellencys most Obt Hble Servt

Cha. Young


Title: General Orders, 25 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters at the V. Forge Sunday Jany 25th 1778.
Indostan—Ireland. India.

At a Brigade Court-Martial whereof Lt Coll Ballard was President Jany 10th Captn Zane of 13th Virginia Regt tried for acting in a cowardly manner when sent on a scouting party 12th December last by ordering his men to retreat when he had a considerable advantage over the Enemy, found guilty & sentenc’d to be discharged from the service. The Commander in Chief approves the sentence & orders it to take place immediately.
No Officer is subject to be tried by a Brigade Court Martial unless he consents thereto which is to be noted in the proceedings of the Court.
As it is necessary the Muster Rolls should be accurately made in one form the officers are to make them out agreeable to the forms given them for that purpose by the Mustering Officers.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Clement Biddle, 25 January 1778
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Moorhall [Pa.] 25 Jan. 1778.

On a Review of the Waggon horses belonging to the united States and those impressed or on hire in service with the Army, such numbers

have been found unfit for Service that the Army will not only suffer for want of an immediate Supply of Provision, & forage but those horses belonging to the States now will be unfit for Service on the Opening of the Campaign—A number of private Teams have been discharged, from their unfitness for service, to replace which and to secure an immediate supply of Forage, I beg leave to propose to his Excellency the Commander in Chief that a request be made to the Legislative Council of this State to order at least one hundred & fifty waggons with four horses each to be furnished by the different Counties agreable to the law passed for that purpose & that I may be informed of the places they can most conveniently rendezvous at, that I may give the necessary directions for them to be loaded with Forage & proceed to Camp to continue in Foraging for such Term as the Council shall direct & until relieved by an equal number actualy arrived in Camp, that no failure may happen in the necessary supplies of Forage—without this Aid the Army must suffer greatly as the different applications for waggons have faild & no Time should be lost in procuring the number requested—For the relief of the horses (the property of the States) now employ’d with the Army a large number will also be wanted which the Qur Mr Genl will point out.
The necessity of an immediate application to the Legislative Council is humbly submitted to his Excellency by His mo: obed. sert

C.B. C.G.F.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel La Radière, 25 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: La Radière, Louis-Guillaume-Servais des Hayes de

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 25th Jany 1778

I have your favr of the 13th instant. As the majority of the Council were for erecting the new works upon West Point in preference to the place upon which Fort Clinton was built, I desire that they may be carried on with all dispatch. If we remain much longer disputing about the proper place, we shall lose the Winter, which is the only time that we have to make preparations for the reception of the Enemy. I am afraid if you leave the Works to come down here, that matters will not go on properly in your absence, for I should imagine that the Eye of the Engineer is constantly wanting over Men not used to such Business. I have not yet seen Genl Duportail, but whatever he lays before me for

my decision, I shall endeavour to determine with impartiality. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 January 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 25th Jany 1778

The 22d Inst. I had the honour of writing to your Excellency by Lieut. Colo. duplessis whose assurances induces me to beleive he has travelled as expeditiously as any of our post Riders.
Inclosed your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of yesterday relative to the Legal distribution of prize Money arising from Captures made on the Water by detachments from the Army, & in a seperate Packet six Copies of Extracts from the Journals of Congress ordered by the said Act to be transmitted to your Excellency & Genl Smallwood. I have the honour to be &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 25 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Dear sir
[Valley Forge, 25 January 1778]

I was yesterday favor’d with your Letter of 13th Instant inclosing a return of those taken from Colo. Webbs & Ellis’s Regiments.
I begin to be very apprehensive that the Season will entirely pass away, before any thing material will be done for the defence of Hudsons river—You are well acquainted with the great necessity there is for having the Works there finished as soon as possible, & I most earnestly desire that the strictest attention may be paid to every matter which may contribute to finishing & putting them in a respectable State before the spring.
I wish you had not waited for returns of the Militia to furnish me with a state of the troops in that Quarter—& if you do not get them in, before you receive this, you will please let me have an Accurate return of the Continental troops alone, it being absolutely necessary that I should know the strength of your command as soon as possible.
I congratulate you on the success of your two little parties against the Enemy—which I dare say will prevent their making so extensive Excursions for some time at least[.] One circumstance however I cannot avoid taking notice of—that Our Officers who have been but a very short time in the Enemy’s hands reap the advantages of any Captures which happen to be made by us—this must not be practis’d in future, as it is the height of Injustice, & will (if continued) draw upon us the just censure of the Officers who have been for a long time suffering all the Rigors of a Severe Captivity—The proper mode of proceeding is, to deliver them into the Hands of the Commissary of Prisoners, who must be best acquainted with the propriety of complying with the Claims of our Officers in their hands.
I shall represent your Situation in the Money way to the Paymaster Genl & order such measures to be taken as may relieve you I am Sir Your Most Obedt Sert

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 25 January 1778
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

Lancaster [Pa.] Jany 25th 1778
May it please your Excellency

Inclosed I have the Honour of transmitting an Order sent to me from the Board of War which Last Night I executed. the Gent. are now in Town Prisoners. they are treated with all the Dellicacey their Situation will admit of ⟨&⟩ their Behaivour on the Occasion has been unexceptionable. I should be happy to receive your Excellency orders concerning them.
Inclosed I also send a Letter from Doctor Beaumont who does not immagine that he is alluded to in the Order. Your Excellency’s Commands shall be with Pleasure Receiv’d By Your ever devoted S⟨ervant⟩

Wm S. Smith ⟨Lieut. Col.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Major Thomas Smyth, Jr., 25 January 1778
From: Smyth, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Wilmington [Del.] Jany 25th 1778.

The Confusion of the Business of the 5 Maryld Regt which I now command obliges me to lay before your Excellency a State of it.
In April last about one hundred and twenty men from the different

Companies of the Regiment were sent to Camp under the Command of Captains Henry and Cosden, the remainder of the Regt were station’d in Sussex, on Delaware—as there was no Muster Master in that place, there was one appointed for the particular purpose of mustering our Regiment, but he never attempted to muster us ’till the first of Septr and we being just then order’d to Camp he did not complete the Muster, but left the Muster Rolls in the Paymasters hands in a very incomplete and incorrect State, where they now lay with the pay Rolls made out from them as do the pay Rolls for every Month since—since our Arrival at Camp we have been musterd by Mr Horton regularly every month, but, on a Supposition that the Muster Rolls taken before his were good, he has taken no Acct of Casualties preceding the 1st Septr.
The men with Captains Henry and Cosden were never muster’d at all ’till they join’d the Regiment at Camp, where they were return’d to their respective Companies, and muster’d monthly with them so that there is no Account of Casualties among them before they joind the Regiment at Camp—for this reason, and as the Muster of part of the Regiment in Maryland is incorrect and quite insufficient there have been a Variety of Casualties in the Regiment not justly asscertain’d; consequently the pay Rolls must be incorrect for we have not that Test for them which is necessary.
The pay Master of the 5 Maryld Regt has receiv’d a large Sum of Money which he has distributed to the Regiment from time to time and unless some Method can be had by which proper pay Rolls can be made out, he will not be able to settle with the Regiment or properly account for the money he has receiv’d—the only means by which I concieve this can be done is to have a general Muster of the Regiment taken from its Formation to the present Time by which all the Casualties that have happen’d in it will appear, for this the Pay Master has applied thro’ Mr Horton to the Muster Master Genl but he has refused to have it done, this obliges me to trouble your Excellency as I am convinced it is the only way to relieve the Affairs of the Regiment from their present state of Confusion and Irregularity. If from the State I have given your Excellency of our Situation, you should think the proposed measure, proper, I hope you will be pleased to order the Muster Master Genl to have this Genl Muster taken I beg your Excellency’s pardon for the trouble I have given you and am Sir with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

Thomas Smyth


Title: General Orders, 26 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarter’s [Valley Forge] Monday January 26th 1778.
LexingtonLincoln Louden.

A board of General Officers having recommended that a Sutler be appointed in each Brigade—whose liquors shall be inspected by two officers appointed by the Brigadier for that purpose and those liquors sold under such restrictions as shall be thought reasonable. The Commander in Chief is pleased to approve of the above recommendation & to order that such Brigade Sutlers be appointed, and liquors sold at the following prices and under the following regulations—Peach brandy by the quart at 7/6; by the Pint 4/—by the Gill 1/3—Whiskey and Apple brandy at 6/ pr quart—3/6 pr pint and 1/ by the gill—Cyder at 1/3 by the quart—Strong beer 2/6 by the quart—Common beer 1/ by the quart—Vinegar 2/6 by the quart—Any Sutler who shall be convicted before a Brigade Court-Martial of having demanded more than the above rates, or of having adulterated his liquors or made use of deficient Measures shall forfeit any quantity of his liquors not exceeding 30 gallons or the value thereof at the foregoing rates—The fourth part of the liquor or the value thereof, so forfeited, to be applied to the benefit of the Informer and the remainder, if liquor to be put into the hands of a person appointed by the Brigadier who shall deliver it out to the non commissioned officers and Privates of the Brigade at one gill pr man, pr day; if money, the same to be laid out in liquors or necessaries for the non commission’d officers and privates of the brigade and distributed in due and equal proportion.
The brigade sutler is also at liberty to sell leaf tobacco at 4/ pr pound; Pigtail at one dollar pr pound and hard soap at 2/ pr pound; but no other articles rated for the public market shall be sold by him or any person acting under him on any pretence whatever.
Lieutenant Sugars of the German Battn tried by a brigade Court-Martial for challenging Lt Laudermilk of the same Battalion is found guilty of a breach of 7th Section of the Articles of War and therefore sentenced to be cashiered.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence but in consideration of the recommendation of the Court is pleased to restore him to his rank, hoping at the same time that His Lenity in this and some

other particular Instances will not be construed into his giving countenance to a practice, not only directly repugnant to our own Articles of War but discouraged by all Military Nations as subversive of good order, discipline and harmony.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 26 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Valley Forge January 26th 1778

I this Evening received a Letter from Lt Colo. Smith at Lancaster, advising me of the confinement of the British Officers who were going with Cloathing and medicine for the prisoners in our hands. This measure I consider as rather unfortunate, as they came out by my permission and in consequence of a Stipulation between myself and Genl Howe. The Officers are a Hessian & British Regimental Quarter Master and a Doctor & Two mates. They had passports signed by one of my Aids who met them at our most advanced post and were attended by a Captain & Lieutenant of our Army. Mr Boudinot I am persuaded was mistaken in his representation respecting Genl How’s forbidding any more provisions being sent in by Water, as the only information he had was derived from a postscript in a Letter from him to me. “Viz. a Sloop with flour has been received yesterday Evening for the use of the prisoners here, but I am to desire, that no more flags of Truce may be sent by Water, either up or down the River without leave being previously obtained.” As to Cloathing, I have no doubt but General Howe has denied us the liberty of purchasing. This is now a subject of difference between us, and the design of our insisting that he shall victual his Troops in our hands by a certain day is to oblige him to consent to that measure—But it should not in my Opinion prevent him sending Cloaths to the prisoners, especially as he had obtained my consent for the same so long ago, as the last day of November, in consideration of his Assurances to permit a Commissary of Our’s to go into Philadelphia with Necessaries for our people in his hands. Matters being thus circumstanced

and the conclusion of your Letter to Colo. Smith directing the Officers to be secured till farther orders, either from the Board of War or from me, I have written to him to release and permit them to pursue their route. I have the Honor to be Sir yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 26 January 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Camp, G. Rodman’s, Warwick, Jany. 26, 1778.

I have received your Excellency’s favor of the 23d inst. My numbers are reduced so low, that I thought it most prudent to move my Camp a few miles back into the country, till I received a fresh supply of men.
I received a letter from the President and Council, dated the 9th inst. advising me of seven classes being called out, and forty Light horse from Philadelphia and Bucks counties, to be sent me by the Lieutenant—none of them have yet joined me; nor have I received any account of them.
I have taken every measure in my power to stop the intercourse between the country and city. No person has yet fallen into my hands, against whom sufficient proof can be had. The intercourse is chiefly carried on by women. An accident happened in camp the 24, inst. A number of cartridges were consumed in consequence of a spark blowing from the fire into an open box, where the armorer was engaged in assorting some that were damaged. About six thousand cartridges (chiefly damaged ones) were destroyed—some tents and cartridge boxes consumed, and five men badly burnt.
The enemy’s Horse were as far as Germantown this day. They have

advanced their sentries to the 3d mile stone, on the Germantown road. I have the honor to be &c.

J. Lacey.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 26 January 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morris Town [N.J.] 26 January 1778.

I am honoured with two Letters from your Excellency, both of the 20th Instant.
I observe that your Excellency calls Collo. Ellis, General which I mention, least having occasion to write to him, you might make the same Mistake—Collo. Ellis superceded General Newcomb in the Command, but not in the Commission!
I am far from blaming your Excellency for any measures that have been taken with respect to Mr Troup; but I think that as he was not finally tried by the military, Mr Boudinot ought to have delivered him up to the civil Authority of this State. What Man of Sense who knew him could make any Dependance upon the Oath of such a Villain?
I am obliged to your Excellency for your kind wishes for my preservation against the Machinations of our Enemies. I hope we are both under the Guardianship of a Protector who will not suffer us to fall a sacrifice to their insidious Designs—Since I wrote you last, I have detected them in offering a Bribe to assassinate me.
John & Baker Hendricks, & John Meeker are bound in Recognizance to appear at the next Court of Oyer & Terminer for the County of Essex. As they are not committed, they are not charged with any thing in particular, but will be tried for whatever shall then appear against them. The truth is, the popular clamour was so loud against

them, that the Council of Safety could neither in Prudence nor Justice refrain from causing them to be apprehended. It appear’d upon their Examination that they had really been employed as Spies; & that there was the greatest reason to think they had faithfully discharged their Trust. It also appeared that they had carried to the Enemy greater Quantities of Provision, than were necessary to disguise their design in going to the Island. To favour them therefore as much as possible on the one hand in Consideration of their being employed by the military; & to allay on the other hand the public Resentment against them, which was excited by Acts, abstractedly considered, highly criminal, the Council thought it most adviseable to adopt the above measure, with which they appeared perfectly satisfied; & considered as conducive to their personal Security against the Indignation of the Populace—The Matter standing thus, I find myself unhappy in not being able to oblige your Excellency in putting a Stop to the Prosecution. There is no Power in this State to grant a nola Prosequi; nor any Authority to pardon till after Conviction: But what can be done to gratify your Inclination, shall most chearfully be done, which is to interest myself in their Pardon, in case they should be convicted for any thing done in Consequence of the Passports you mention. Upon this Sir, you may therefore depend.
With one of the Forage masters who intends to make his Progress thro’ Bergan County for the purpose of purchasing grain, the Council have directed an active Magistrate to attend him to execute the Law throughout his march; & have ordered Major Goetschius commanding a Company of rangers in those parts, to attend the Magistrate, & enforce his warrants by the last, (& sometimes the first) reason of Kings. This I hope, if executed with Spirit, will be a convincing, I am confident it will be the only prevailing, reason, with the incorrigable, Tories of that County, who are daily supplying the Enemy, with wheat & some of them I am told at 3/ a Bushel hard money.
The British troops on Staten Island, make frequent Inquiries about what Number of ours will this Winter be stationed in this State.
As our assembly will meet the second Wednesday of Next Month; if your Excellency can suggest any hints respecting the Army, in which this State can promote the general Interest, consistent with the Duty it owes to itself, I shall take a particular Pleasure in recommending them to the House.
I have been particular to Lord Stirling concerning an Accident which has happened to Morss, since I directed M——to wait upon you, of which his Lrdship will acquaint you—I am with Great Respect your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 26 January 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear sir,
Wilmington [Del.] January 26th 1778

I hope your Excellency will excuse the Delay in not answering your favors of the 12th & 13th Inst. before.
I have been so pester’d this 10 Days past, that I need not tell, for you will readily perceive I am scarce yet in my proper Senses, nor do I believe I shall ever get clear of the Echo of Rank in the Line, of the Staff, Furlough, Recruiting, Resignation, Desertion, disaffection, pass into Philada &c. &c. &c.—but perseverance may, & I trust will bring things to their proper Tone—I will not intrude on your Time, nor risque rendering you uneasy by Recapitulation, I woud only remark, that my refusing Furloughs, & Liberty of Officers going upon the Recruiting Service, has already, & will part some Officers who perhaps the Corps will sustain no great loss in—& upwards of 50 Soldiers upon the same Principle have run Home, & well they might from the example &c.—It wou’d give me great Concern was this defection to be attributed to real suffering but I am fully persuaded the Idea of Home, absorbs every other, & tho this is not assigned, yet it is I believe in fact the true Reason of their stealing away in this shameful Manner, I have detached Parties & taken some, & have wrote to Maryland to have the rest taken & forwarded, but Examples must be made or the Service is at an end. they pretend it’s the want of Cloaths & Provision, that prompts them to take these Steps, but it’s practised by such who have received and are the best Clad, & upon the whole they have been well served with Provision

(I believe better than the grand Army) they were stinted 5 Days owing to Mr Huggins’s inattention, who has really in many Instances been tardy, & subjected me to take upon me his Duty, otherways they must have suffered, during the five Days they were only stint’d for Meat, & I went in Person & acquainted them with the Reason, & saw they had plenty of Bread & some Rum, & no Desertion happened during that Time, nor for some Days after.
In reply to that part of yours of the 12th Ins., respecting the hasty & intemperate Representation of the Field Officers & the unmerited Reflection thrown out by them against the Gentlemen above, I used every Argument of dissuasion, urging the Impropriety of such an Address, & the Reflection it wou’d convey, not only on their Candor, but on their Understanding, for they either cou’d, or wou’d not understand your Ltr but it was all in vain, Petulancy seemed to be the ruling Principle, in the Line, & with the Staff, but your Ltrs have had an extraordinary Effect; they have cut deep, & I am sensible the Field Officers have most sincerely regreted their Indiscretion, but they have had a different Tendency on the Staff, I must in justice to the Field Officers observe, that when I pointed out the Impropriety of precluding the Staff from purchasing in the first Instance, except of such Articles as were purely military (of which there would be a Scarcity) and which I judged the Staff might better do without, than the Officers in the Line, and assigning the Staff the distributable Lotts of Goods in the same Degree with the Officers. They readily agreed to it, and tho they had hastily the Evening before, fell into Regulations, and appointed a Day for conducting the Sale, which I then urged were exceptionable, & again urged the Same the next Morning, they seemed disposed to make any Alterations which might be deemed just & necessary, upon which I sent for the Doctors, who had abruptly resign’d the Evening before without assigning their Reasons or stating their Objections to me, and inform’d them of what had passed with the Field Officers, urged the Impropriety of their Conduct and recommended to them to withdraw their Resignations, attend their Duty & state their Objections, and they should have their due weight—which they have rejected, except in the Instance of continuing in their Duty, which I informed them I should make a point of exacting, till their Resignations were properly accepted—Not to mention their Resignations which cannot be justified upon any Principle, I understand they have made a premature Representation of the Matter to Doctor Cochran, a Copy of which I should be glad to be favoured with, for I must necessarily urge the Cavalier Conduct of those Gentlemen is highly unjustifiable and reprehensible; I ever have and shall make it my particular Duty to hear, and as far as it may be consistant, redress the Complaints & Injuries of every Class of Men under my command, and had those Gentlemen pursued the proper Line, you would

not have been made uneasy on this Occasion, nor would they or any part of the Staff, I am persuaded, have been injured, for the Bubble by the Field Officers was rather held up against the Rank, they contended for, than their Share on the Distribution, and the Sale was put off before I rec’d your Letter of the 13th upon what has been premised above, except the Sale of the Brig which hath been regularly condemned and Sold for £4000 reserving two of her Guns for the Use of the Captors—I should in this have transmitted agreeable to your Requisition of the 13th an Inventory of the Baggage & Stores, but some of the Officers, at first, on the Duty of Sorting the Baggage had neglected to take an Inventory of what they looked over, which made it necessary to employ two other Officers since that Time to assort & Inventory the Whole, and altho’ I am persuaded those two Officers have lost no Time in the Business, it is not yet quite compleated, owing I believe to the Multiplicity of small trifling Articles in the Cargo, when it is done, I shall take the earliest Opportunity of forwarding it to you, I shall submit your Observations for conducting the Sale, which I think very just & equitable, to the Consideration of the Field Officers, but I suggest there would be an Impropriety in commencing the Sale before the Resolutions of Congress were obtained, to point out what Degrees, and in what Proportion, the Staff comes in for a Dividend or right of purchase, They contend to purchase upon the full Amount of their pay, without any Limitation or Restriction, on the other Hand the Field Officers contend, that as the Staff are neither actually engaged nor subjected to the Toil and Risque generally attending Captures of this Nature, they have not the Same Right in Equity to purchase upon the full Amount of their pay, which they conceive to be very high, and in some Instances upon this principle might enable them to disfurnish the Officers and Soldiers, by purchasing more than might be necessary, and of such Articles as are purely military, and now much wanted in the Line, and in the Instances of Division & Brigade Quarter Masters, Commissaries Regimental Surgeons &c. would in this & similar Cases place them in a more advantageous and desireable Light than Colonels Lt Colonels and the Degrees of Rank below, which they cannot well digest—I have forwarded the Letter to Mr Reed and the Return as directed, he and Genl Rodney have been here a Week in which Time I have taken every Opportunity of urging the Necessity and pressing them on the Subject of turning out the Militia and they have set out on that Business—I have enclosed you Copies of some papers received from Govr Johnson respecting two Artillery Companies march’d here Returns of which you have also inclosed—I should be glad to be favored with your Orders concerning them, they have been trained both to the Musquet & Cannon, and as we are weak from the naked State of our Soldiery, have, and shall employ them as both, they are very well clad and fine

Fellows—The Waggons taken were not those destined for you, yours not yet being sent from hence—The Manuscripts and Books applied for by Docr Boyes shall be search’d for and forwarded—I have sent you by the Express some Thread Silk & Twist which were found in sorting the Brigs Cargo a Day or two ago, none of the Shops had any of the above Articles—I must now beg your Excellency’s Excuse for not forwarding such of the Articles you wrote for as the Prize afforded, and hope you’ll attribute it to the hurry I have been in, and the Desire I have of chusing with my own Hands such as are the best in Quality, which shall be sent in a Day or two I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most Obedt Hble Sevt

W. Smallwood


Title: General Orders, 27 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Valley-Forge Tuesday Jany 27th 1778.
KensingtonKingston Kimbolton.

Any Articles to be sent in to our prisoners in Philadelphia must be left with the Commissary of prisoners friday evening next—Paper to be issued by the Quarter-Master General in the following proportions 2 quire to each Brigadier or officer commanding a brigade—1 to each Brigade Major and six to each Regiment.
Ammunition to be drawn immediately to complete the troops to forty rounds pr man which is to be deposited in the hands of the Brigade Quarter Masters to be ready when called for.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Thomas Conway, 27 January 1778
From: Conway, Thomas
To: Washington, George

sir
yorcktown [Pa.] the 27th january 1778.

General Gates Deliver’d to me the Letter which I had Directed to him Last october, and of Which I had Kept no Copy. I find With great

satisfaction that the paragraph so much spoke of Does not exist in said Letter nor anything Like it. The Letter was communicated before my arrival to several members of congress, and as soon as I receiv’d it, I Deliver’d it to three other members who have perus’d it. as this calumny had gain’d ground, and was spread through the army, I mean’t to have the Letter publish’d with the certificate of General gates, but Was prevented by president Laurens and some other members whom I had consulted on the subject, and who Were of opinion that such a measure would inform the ennemy of a misunderstanding prevailing among the generals of the american army. therefore, sir, I must Depend upon your justice, candour, and Generosity for putting a stopp to this forgery. I am a Victim to calumny these two months pass’d and perhaps Longer. I met with a reception from your excellency such as I never met with before from any General During the course of thirty years in a very respectable army. your mind has been embitter’d and prejudic’d against me; now that you are undeceiv’d, I hope that your resentment will fall upon the authors of the forgery. I Do not Know what prediction you have made concerning me in one of your Letters, neither Do I Desire ever to Learn it: if it is a Disagreeable one, I wish it may not be accomplish’d; although I am no prophet, I can foretell that your virtues will acquire new Lustre and shine in a greater Light, if you guard against flattery and Calumny, which have too often Led a stray the Best of men. I am With Much respect sir your Excellency’s Most obedt humble servant

Ths Conway

if your Excellency thinks proper to honour me with an answer I wish you Would be so Kind as to inclose it to president Laurens.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Valley forge January 27th 1778

Your Two Letters of the 24th Instant came to hand. Before The receipt of the first, I had written to you upon the subject contained in it, in consequence of your Letter to the commanding Officer at Lancaster, which had been transmitted to me. As that will inform you fully respecting the British Officers and Cloathing, I will not trouble you with a repetition of the matter. I must observe, however, that the number of Officers & Men who came out does not appear to me so very extraordinary, considering the various duties they have to perform, and the amount of waggons & necessaries they have in charge. The Officers are under parole and the party unarmed. nor will the state of this Army admit large Escorts to be detached, and if it were much more respectable, I should apprehend Two Officers sufficient to attend the Flag. I should have been happy, if the Officers and Cloathing had not been seized, as it destroys that confidence which should ever be had in passports and involves consequences of a delicate & interesting nature. In answer to the last clause of your Letter respecting the detention of the Cloathing, I refer you to my Letter of yesterday, by which you will perceive that there is a particular agreement between General Howe & myself, under the sanction of which they came out.
I am much obliged by your polite request of my Opinion & advice on the Expedition to Canada and Other Occasions. In the present instance, as I neither know the extent of the Objects in view—nor the means to be employed to effect them, It is not in my power to pass any Judgement upon the subject. I can only sincerely wish that success may attend it, both as it may be advancive of the public good and on account of the personal Honor of the Marquis de la Fayette, for whom I have a very particular esteem and regard. Your Letter was delivered him in a little time after it came to my hands, and he proposes to set out for York Town to morrow.
Agreable to your request I shall order Hazens Regiment to march from Wilmington to this place, from whence it will immediately proceed towards Albany. As some particular purpose seems to be intended by desiring this Regiment, I am induced to part with it, notwithstanding our force will illy bear the smallest diminution. I am Sir yr most Obedt servt

Go: Washington