Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 23 October 1780
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York, October 23d 1780.

                  I have received Your Letter of the 16th Instant, inclosing Copies
                     of an Extract of a Letter from the Earl Cornwallis to Lieutenant Colonel
                     Nesbitt Balfour, and of a Letter from Lord Rawdon to Major Rugely.
                  I must always consider an Extract from a Letter as a partial, and
                     not always a candid Description of a Correspondence. But admitting the
                     Authenticity of these papers, I am to suppose that Lieutenant General the Earl
                     Cornwallis had determined to punish with a just Severity certain Persons, who,
                     after subscribing to and taking a Test Oath of Allegiance & Service to
                     His Majesty, had committed Crimes in Violation of such Test Oath so taken and
                     subscribed to by them. And it seems to me both natural and proper that Loyal
                     Subjects, who have been injured and oppressed on Account of their Zeal for the
                     King’s Service Should receive Compensation in such Cases by a Discrimination
                     between them and the avowed Enemies to the British Government.
                  I perceive no Reason why a Militia Man who has joined the King’s
                     Army, and is afterwards taken in that of the Enemy, should be discriminated
                     from other Deserters. I need not point out to you, Sir, the rights the Laws of
                     Arms give over such Offenders. And this will serve as the only necessary Remark
                     I have occasion to make on what is called a Letter from Lord Rawdon, which
                     concerns only Deserters. For the Stile or Terms in which it may be written he
                     is in the first Instance answerable only to the Kings Lieutenant General
                     Commanding in the Southern District, finally to me.
                  It has been my invariable Line of Conduct always to soften so far
                     as possible, never to aggravate the Rigours of War. Such has been, also, the
                     Desire of every General Officer in His Majesty’s Service acting in this unhappy
                     War. But Proper Punishments upon guilty Persons may become sometimes necessary.
                     By guilty Persons I profess to mean those who shall have been convicted upon
                     the clearest Grounds, and justest Principles of real
                     not supposed crimes. A Conduct so founded leaves me
                     in no Apprehension of becoming involved in any disagreeable Consequences.
                  I desire to conclude this Subject by informing You; Sir, that I
                     esteem myself accountable for my public Conduct to His Majesty the King, to my
                     Country, and my own Conscience. The latter being a principal Mover of all my
                     Actions will, I flatter myself, approve me to His Majesty and the Government I
                     serve, consequently to the World. The King’s General Officers serving on
                     Expeditions, or in different Districts under me, act from my Orders; and I will
                     observe respecting them generally, as I did in a late Letter particularly
                     concerning Lord Cornwallis’s Conduct, such as his Lordship would assuredly
                     govern himself by towards the Conspirators at Charles Town, that I am well
                     acquainted with the Humanity of the General and other Officers of the King’s
                     Army, & cannot entertain the least Apprehension that they will Stain the lustre of the King’s Arms by Acts of Cruelty; they are incapable of straining the Laws to take away the Lives or Liberties of the Innocent. If any forced
                     Construction be put upon the Laws it will be in favor of accused Persons and every Plea their Friends can offer for them
                     will be humanely heard & respected.
                  I will imagine this Letter may be considered as a full Answer to
                     the Subjects your Letter of the 16th treats of; both as it relates to them in
                     the present Instance, or in any future One. I am, Sir, Your humble Servant

                     H. Clinton


Title: From George Washington to John Mauritius Goetschius, 23 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Goetschius, John Mauritius

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 23d October
                     1780

                  I am informed that you have one Dudley under your Guard. I should
                     be glad that you would send him up to me and let me know what particular
                     charges you have against him. He shall be returned after I have questioned him
                     on some matters. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to John Gooch, 23 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Gooch, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Prekaness 23d Octobr
                     1780

                  In answer to yours of the 11th: I can only inform you that a
                     Certificate is absolutely necessary from Genl Cornel, (then Coll Cornel) of the
                     time of your appointment and of the time at which he gave you notice that the
                     Regiment could not be compleated, is necessary to enable you to draw your
                     pay—When you have obtained that and produce Vouchers of your having drawn no
                     pay during the time, I will issue a Warrant for the Amount. I am Sir Yr most
                     obt Servt

                     G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 23 October 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia October 23. 1780

                  Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed two Letters from
                     the Chevalier du Buyson (who was one of the Baron de Kalbs Aids; made Prisoner
                     with him and now on Parole) desiring Leave to return to Europe, together with
                     the Copy of an Act of Congress of the 21. Instant, referring his Request to
                     your Excellency, to act thereon as you shall think proper.
                  I have also the Honor to transmit you enclosed the Proceedings of
                     a Board of General Officers respecting Major André published by Order of
                     Congress. And am with every Sentiment of Respect your Excellency’s most
                     obedint humble Servant

                     Sam. Huntington President

                     P.S. Your Excellencys Despatches of the 16. & 17.
                        Instant have been received.

                   Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Annaps Sept 21st 1780

                     I had the honour of writing to Your Excellency as soon as I
                        arrived at Hillsborough Informing you of the Death of the Baron and of my
                        being bound to Philidelphia & Expected at that time to have been their by
                        this but the continuall Pains of my brest the wound, in my Arms and Fever
                        allow me but A few hours in a Day to traval and as I fear I Shall be
                        Detained too long in the Road I beg leave to lay before Your Excellency my
                        Present situation.
                     After the Death of the Baron the British Doctor having
                        Declared the impossibility of my recovering my health in this Country Lord
                        Cornwallis Immedeately Granted me leave to go to Congress to
                           Lollicut my Exchange and Nominated Lt Col. Hamilton
                        for that Purpose if that Gentleman or some other is not found I shall be
                        Obliged to Deliver myself Up at New York by the first of November.
                     As the Exchange of Lt Col. Hamilton cannot take place it being
                        so hurtfull to the states and as my health is much impaired by my wound and
                        not like to mend Very soon in this Country—I must beg Your Excellency to
                        Authorize Genl Washington to Exchange me as soon as possible that I may not
                        be Obliged to  Go to York but may have the Priviledge of
                        Returning to my Country.
                     I have the Honour to be with Great Respect—Your Excellencys
                        most Obedient and Very Hume Servant—

                        Le Chv. Dubuysson

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Philada Octob. 17th 1780

                     Notwithstanding the many obligations I am already under to
                        your Excellency, I still must request your further Indulgence and beg you
                        to lay before Congress, my being one of the last Prisoners that in case
                        exchange should take place it will not extent so far as me, and my present
                        Situation being the most disagreable and my health being greatly impair’d
                        besides the last request of my Respectd Friend the Baron, that I should
                        transact some particular Business in France for his Children, I therefore
                        could wish that Congress would obtain leave for me to goe to France untill I
                        am exchanged. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your
                        Excellencys Most Obedient & very Humble Servant.

                        Le Chv. Dubuysson


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 23 October 1780
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Trenton 23d October 1780

                  I am just honoured with your Excellency’s Favour of the 18th
                     Instant, which shall be laid before the Legislature without Loss of time. I
                     hope your Excellencys reasonings upon the Subject of our Embarrassments may
                     have the weight they justly deserve, & happily prevent our longer
                     continuing under those Delusions which have hitherto made the Independence of
                     America a contested Point. I have often been chagrin’d at the Propagation of
                     the mischievous Doctrine that the Enemy had given over all Idea of Conquest. I
                     am confident they never had more sanguine Expectations of it, than at present;
                     and perhaps never entertained the Idea upon better grounds. I do not by this
                     Observation mean to insinuate that I am in the least apprehensive of the
                     Probability & scarcely of the Possibility of such an Event, in Case the
                     States make such Exertions as the Situation of our affairs requires; but upon
                     the Supposition that we continue to prosecute the War agreeably to the System
                     hitherto pursued. For as such Conduct on our part will undoubtedly induce them
                     to protract the Dispute, & as the War by that means will soon become
                     the measuring of the length of our respective Purses, instead of that of our
                     swords, I am convinced from the state of our Commerce, & the number of
                     our intestine Enemies, that the final Establishment of our Liberty principally
                     depends upon such Exertions as will compel them to a speedy Peace—I have the
                     honour to be with the greatest Esteem Dear Sir your Excellency’s most humble
                     & most Obedient Servant

                     Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to John Mathews, 23 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Mathews, John

                     My Dear Sir,
                     Hd Qr Passaic falls Oct 23d
                     1780

                  I have received your letter of the 14th and shall with the
                     greatest pleasure apply to Sir Henry Clinton for the permission you wish for
                     Mrs Matthews, the moment the Board of War make their application for the
                     vessel. As I have heard nothing concerning this from them, I presume it is not
                     done, and before it is, the other request would be premature. I shall be happy
                     if any thing on my part can promote your wishes in an article so interesting to
                     yourself and family; and of this I beg you to assure Mrs Matthews with my
                     respects.
                  Your Southern affairs wear a most disagreeable aspect and prove
                     more and more the necessity of renouncing that feeble system, which has brought
                     this Country to so perplexing a crisis. If there were any hope of our councils
                     assuming that complexion, which the exigency demands, the progress of the enemy
                     at this period would seem to me an advantage rather than an evil; for they have
                     not a stamina of force sufficient for such extensive conquests, and by
                     spreading themselves out, as they are now doing, they will render themselves
                     vulnerable every where. But I see no chance of the change we stand in need of,
                     and therefore, I fear they will realize their acquisitions.
                  You have your wish in the officer appointed to the Southern
                     command. I think I am giving you a General; but what can a General do, without
                     men, without arms, without cloathing, without stores, without provisions?
                  Lees Corps will also go to the Southward. I believe it will be
                     found very useful. The corps itself is an excellent one and the officer at the
                     head of it has great resources of genius. With the truest regard and attachment
                     I have the honor to be D. Sir Your most obedt st

                     Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Phillips, 23 October 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York October 23d 1780

                  When I was last at Elizabeth Town at the meeting with Major
                     General Lincoln I desired Major Skinner to mention to Your Excellency my wishes
                     that Brigadier General Spaecht and DeGall might have liberty of going into New
                     York in order for their being exchanged, requesting at the same time that, if
                     Your Excellency should be inclined to accquiesce in the measure as proposed by
                     me, you would transmit an order to the American Commanding Officer at Albemarle
                     Barracks to permit those Officers setting out.
                  Lest any accident should have prevented Major Skinner from
                     mentioning this circumstance to you, I now do myself the honour to propose to
                     you, Sir, the exhchange of the two Brigadiers above named on the part of His
                     Excellency General Sir Henry Clinton; If this proposition meets with your
                     concurrence and that, in consequence, orders are dispatched to admit of
                     Brigadiers General Spaecht and De Gall going to New York, upon their arrival at
                     Elizabeth Town they may be finally exchanged against any two of the three
                     Brigadiers Thompson, Waterbury or Irvine.
                  The Season being as advanced I should take it as a particular
                     favour if you, Sir, will please to send your orders immediately to Virginia as
                     the Brigadiers are both ill and one very aged. They will be permitted in course
                     to bring the Office of their suite and attendants. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s
                     most obed. humble Servant

                     W. Phillips


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 23 October 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New port October 23d 1780

                  Since the 16th inst., the Frigate waits only for a fresh
                     Northerly wind, it is not come as yet. The person and the Packetts were ready
                     by the 14th. I do not doubt but the imbarkation from Newyork of the 16th that
                     your Excellency mentions in your Letter of the 18th, has its destination for
                     the South. It is most certain that if they are bound for this place, they play
                     at blindman’s buff, for the since 4 Days, the foggs are so thick that one
                     cannot see ten yards before him.
                  I received five days ago an intelligence (brought by a ship) from
                     new London, I did not chuse to send it to Your Excellency untill I had received
                     the confirmation of it. That piece of news seems in all its circumstances to be
                     confirmated by a vessel arrived from Fayal, one of the Acores Islands, at Boston. They say that a Frigate arrived at St
                     Kitt’s, between the 15th and 20th of August, had taken shelter there with four
                     Transports, which are all that remains of a fleet of sixty sail, going to the
                     East and West Indies, under the convoy of two frigates, which fleet has been
                     all taken, these five excepted by a french and a spanish fleet joined together,
                     between the Acores and Madeira. I would wish that
                     the same thing had happened to the Cork fleet. I am with respect sir your
                     Excellencys Most obedient humble servant

                     Le Cte de Rochambeau

                     PS I beg of your Excellency to allow me to make my
                        compliments to the Marquis de La Fayette.


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 23 October 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Philadelphia Oct. 23d 1780

                  It is with the Greatest satisfaction I Acquaint you that the Plan
                     of Arrangement for the Army, which Your Excellency sent to Congress has been
                     Agreed to Yesterday without any Alteration.
                  The granting half pay for life to the Reduced Officers has met
                     with some Opposition, but the Proposition has not only passed; but it was
                     Resolved immidiately after, to extend these Advantages to all the Officers in
                     the Service.
                  In the Minutes which Col. Hamilton has delivered me by Your
                     Excellencys Orders I find that the four Regiments of Cavalry, or rather Legions
                     were thus fixed.
                   4 Troops mounted dragoons  60 men each 2404 Compys dismounted or Chasseurs 60 m.
                        each240 Total480 Gen. Sullivan & Col. Bland have told me that this is
                     Altered in Your Excellencys letter & that there are to be4 Troops mounted dragoons60 men each2402 Compys Chasseurs60 men each120360
                  Your Excellency will allow me to make him a short Observation on
                     the Sub. division of this Cavalry without altering the Totality of the foot or
                     Horsemen.
                  Cavalry especially when two deep is not very terrible in their
                     Attacks in front and least so when Against Infantry, The Attacks of the Cavalry
                     when they Intend to break a line, are generally made by Troops, or squadrons,
                     either in Column, or in Echiquier. The deeper they
                     are the Surer they are to break thru.
                  If then a Regiment was divided into Six Troops instead of four
                     the object would be better assured. There is another reason which has
                     determined The King of Prussia to divide his Light Horse, or Hussars, into six
                     Companys, forming these Squadrons: the Cavalry after an attack is generally in
                     disorder, they must then be rallied by the sound of the Trumpet. When they are
                     divided into their squadrons right, left, & Centre, only Show how the
                     men are to rally, which is not so easy when they are divided into four Troops,
                     When three squadrons are in Order of Battle the Signals show whether the Right,
                     left, or Centre squadron is to charge, which often meets with difficulty when
                     the Cavalry is divided into four squadrons, or Troops, & this is the
                     Reason why in Several European Services, an odd number has been adopted for the
                     Manœvres of the Light Horse.
                   Besides our Regiments of Cavalry will have, I believe, as those
                     of Infantry, three Field Officers Each of them will then Command a squadron,
                     which will consist of two Companies, wherefore I propose that Each Regiment of
                     Cavalry may be divided into three squadrons Each squadron into Two Companys of
                     40 men each, which will then make 80 men for a Squadron, The Companys of
                     Chasseurs ought likewise to consist of 50 men Rank & file, & be
                     three in number and attach’d in all cases to the 1st, 2d & 3d Squadrons
                     of the Regiment and as it often happens that the squadrons are seperated from
                     one another, each Company of Chasseurs ought to be always attach’d to its
                     squadron, as well to Support it in its Manœuvres, as to guard it in its
                     Quarters.
                  As by this subdivision the Totality will not suffer a great
                     alteration I believe it will not alter the General Plan, I will therefore
                     mention it to no One but Your Excellency, and it is in Your Power to Order this
                     Sudivision if You think proper.
                  I am not very happy in the Arrangement of my department, the Plan
                     relative thereto which Your Excellency delivered to the Committee which were in
                     Camp, After having been a little altered, by them was sent to Congress, they
                     Refered it to the Board of War, who after having Altered it sent it back to
                     Congress, who thought Proper to refer it to a Committee of three, who made New
                     Alterations. Now it has been so much Altered it does not in the least resemble
                     itself.
                  No Intimation was Officially given me of it & very
                     Accidentally I saw a printed Copy, I have the Honor to transmit one to Your
                     Excellency.
                  The monthly Addition of, from 5, to 8 dollars to the Pay of
                     Officers of such Merit as those whom Your Excellency has Chosan for the
                     Inspectorship, appears to me so very mean, that I will not take it upon myself
                     to make them such a Proposition, The Ancient Majors of Brigade who in the first
                     Institution were taken from the line of Lieutenants, as Ensigns, had an
                     Addition to their pay of 24 dollrs pr mo., how then can Eight dollars be
                     proposed to a Colonel for discharging so Important & so Painfull a
                     Function, I am Endeavouring to find how much the Mustering departments has cost
                     the States, I am sure the addition I ask for the Officers of the Inspectorship
                     will not amount to an 8th part of it.
                  Several Resolutions in this Arrangement are Contradictory to One
                     another, & others not sufficiently clear, I am therefore determined to
                     Present a Memorial to Congress, to have the Inspectors Department Established
                     on the footing proposed by Your Excellency without any
                     Alterations. If Congress desire that I should continue in
                     the Office, I flatter myself they will have a regard for my Representation.
                  I have the Honor to Congratulate Your Excellency on the News from
                     the Southern. And am with the Greatest Respect Your
                     Excellencies Most Obdt Hbe Serv.

                     Steuben Maj. General


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 23 October 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Pines Bridge Octo. 23rd 1780

                  I had the honor, a few days ago, to receive Your Excellency’s
                     favor of the 17th inst. & last night that of the 20th came to hand. I
                     am this day obliged to attend Col. Sheldon’s Tryal at West Point, nevertheless
                     Cu. shall be immediately notified of the Questions which Your Excellency wishes to have
                     resolved. I have moreover stated the same Points to Lt Col. Jameson, who still
                     remains on the Lines, that he may obtain a Solution of the same thro’ another
                     Channel. He will write Your Excellency specially on the matter very soon. With
                     respect to the Intelligence we have lately been able to Collect in this
                     Quarter, the enclosed from Lieut. Col. Jameson will give it in brief.
                  Agreeable to your Excellency’s Directions I send enclosed the
                     five Pieces of Gold heretofore mentioned. Any Instructions which Your
                     Execellency may have for me had better pass thro’ Genl Heath’s hands at
                     Present, as I expect to be detained at West Point some time. I have the Honor
                     to be, with great Regard, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

                     Benja. Tallmadge

                     P.S. I should be glad if Your Excellency would send me a
                        little more of the Stain as Cu has wrote to
                        that purport—B.T.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wooster, 23 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wooster, Thomas

                     Sir
                     Hd Qrs near Passaic Falls Octr 23d 1780

                  I have just received your Letter of the 29th Ult. and have to
                     inform you; that at the same time I am greatly obliged by the favorable
                     sentiments of me, you are pleased to express and the tender of personal services
                     you make: I do not find myself at liberty to accept the Offer, in the way you
                     propose, without deviating from the line of conduct I have long since adopted.
                  After declining several proposals of the same kind, from Gentlemen
                     in nearly the same situation, it would be impossible to apologize to them for
                     giving a preference to a posterior application—Besides the reason is much more
                     forcible, at this period than it formerly has been, for appointing Gentlemen
                     from the line of the Army (if I should have occasion to augment my Family)—Because by the reduction of the Army in contemplation, many valuable Officers
                     now in service, will be totally unprovided for—Your candor & justice will
                     acknowledge the first attention ought to be paid to these.
                  I entreat you therefore to believe that there is nothing personal
                     in the objection; but on the contrary you may rest assured, the memory of Your
                     gallant Father; and your own reputation will always entitle you to every mark
                     of consideration and esteem from Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servt

                     G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Denning, 24 October 1780
From: Denning, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Treasury Office 24th October
                     1780

                  James Duane Esqr. & myself left the city of Philadalphia
                     in July last on our way to the State of New York, we passed thro’ several posts
                     where magazines for the Army were Established, particularly Pitts Town
                     & Hacketts Town, we were shocked to see the unpardonable negligence of
                     the persons who had the care of those posts, while we lamented the want of
                     flour in the Army, and even should the article of flour Escape total loss by
                     hogs &c. it must come to our brave Troops in a condition almost unfit
                     to use, wet, mouldy, musty & rotten, it was easy to conceive that if the
                     flour was housed every danger of this kind would be avoided and there were
                     barns in the vicinity & even publick Store Houses, but houses for the
                     Gentlemen in the department could occupy a large House at Pitts Town while the
                     flour for the Army must lay exposed to the weather & to
                     perrish, I conceived it my duty to enquire into the cause of
                     this destruction; as a Commissioner of the Treasury my Oath of Office made it
                     indispensibly so, and Mr Duanes earnest solicitation was another inducement. I
                     therefore called for the person at Pitts Town who had the flour in charge, or
                     rather who had the care of the post, he was a youth by the name of Dunham his
                     inexperience perhaps was the cause of making very trifling replys to questions
                     of great public importance, in short no Satisfaction could be obtained from him
                     but that he did the best he could, how an officer having the care of the
                     provisions for an Army could reconcile to himself to delegate that care to an
                     inexperienced Lad was hard for Mr Duane and myself to determine, but so it
                     was—We passed on to Hacketts Town, where there was every appearence of neglect
                     & destruction, the barrells of flour tumbled indiscriminately about,
                        heads out, hoops off, the casks open & flour
                     wasting, in short no man could pass it by who had the public interest or the
                     supply of the Army at heart, Soon I again inquired and was
                     informed by the person who appeared to have the care, that he had repeatedly
                     wrote to the Issuing Commissary for Guards & assistance but could
                     obtain none, and insisted that he was very ill used by him, these were his
                     expressions, a Cooper was present who informed me that he was convinced in the
                     State the flour then was it must all be ruined in case of rain—this was in the
                     evening and Mr Duane & my self were detained all the next day by the rain
                     in which this flour lay in the State I have mentioned and Mr J. Stewart of
                     Hacketts Town has assured me since, that the casks were many of them half
                     buried in the manure of the Cowyard, in which it lay, and he has sent me an
                     affidavit proving this fact which is enclosed. I do not know Colo. Stewart nor could I have taken
                     the steps I did of representing these facts to Congress with a design to injure
                     any innocent person, some must be guilty of inattention & neglect, on
                     them the blame with its force should fall. the reason of my writing this to
                     your Excellency is that Colo. Blaine informed me that Mr Stewart is busily
                     engaged in collecting proofs of the innocence of his Deputies, then to try them
                     and charge me with a malicious report to Congress. I am fortunate Sir if this
                     is his design of having the Testimony of Mr Duane who was a witness to the
                     facts represented to Congress and Mr Stewart of Hacketts Town assures me that
                     he can procure affidavits of facts that will be very essential in case Mr
                     Stewart means to defend his department against the truths I have asserted, And
                     that the deputy of Hacketts Town actually sold flour for damaged that was so
                     good that his and other Families made good Bread of it. The difficulties of
                     procuring supplies for the Army is great, if after they are procured they are
                     wantonly distroyed by negligence or otherwise, every honest man must allow that
                     those whose duty it is to inquire into those abuses should be vigilent in doing
                     so, Mr Stewart may be a very good Man, but it is a duty he ows the publick to
                     see that his deputies do their duty, and not when an inquiry is made to fly in
                     the face of the facts to Justify their conduct, and he should recollect that
                     there are other posts in as bad a condition as those complained of. Colo.
                     Bedlow of New Windsor informs me that the flour at that place has
                        mutilated line have faltered on what
                     should have been preserved good and wholesome for the brave Men who are
                     contending for the liberties of Mankind. The Post at Chester
                     in the State of New York was in the same condition—all this coniandd. I lament the weakness of human nature that none have
                     been honest or firm enough to prevent this devastation by a proper
                     representation long ago. I do not however offer these as charges now. my object
                     was not Mr Stewart or his deputies, but his department, and by the resolution
                     of Congress, which passed on my letter, and which has been published. I have my
                     hopes that those employed in that important department will be stimulated to
                     their duty in future. I remain with Every sentiment of Respect Your
                     Excellencys most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

                     Wm Denning


Title: To George Washington from John Mauritius Goetschius, 24 October 1780
From: Goetschius, John Mauritius
To: Washington, George

                     Hakensack Oct. 24. 1780

                  your Excellencies letter I have received Concerning Dadly
                        Dudley. The Infamous raskle last night made his Escape
                     together with him the Sarjeant of the Guard Said Dadly was ordered by the
                     civill Magistrates to my care untill Court which was to be opened this day he
                     was Guilty of Several robberies committed on the Inhabitants of this Country. I
                     am very sorry of his escape. The sarjeant was a stranger to me
                     out other Countries had allways behaved well. I suppose they
                     are both gone to the Ennimie. I have parties out Perhaps they will take them
                     yet.
                  Nothing more at present on that head. I further Inform your
                     Excellencie that I have account from New York that there is a Manouvre of the
                     Ennimie up the north river. the Ennimie was Embarked and was to Sail yesterday
                     up the north river. I yet now have an account that they are Sailed yesterday
                     but the Latter I Cannot Confirm becaus the— Informer is no trusty messenger.
                     The truth of it I will Soon Know. I am in all respects your Excellencies Most
                     Obedient Subject with Submission and Obedience of all your Excellencies orders.

                     J.M. Goetschius Major 8th Regiment


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 24 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Prekaness 24th October 1780

                  In one of my former, I barely acknowledged the receipt of your
                     favor of the 19th. Business prevented my going fully into it. I wish it was in
                     my power to give a satisfactory answer to the representation made by Doctor
                     McKnight in behalf of the Gentlemen of the Hospital, on the subject of
                     Cloathing. They are not the only sufferers—There are a great number of officers
                     of the line, who have never derived any benefit from particular States or from
                     the public. I have repeatedly remonstrated upon the hardship of their
                     situations, but I have heard of no competent provision being made. If there are
                     any small matters in the Store at Newburgh proper for Officers, I have no
                     objection to their being delivered out, in due proportions, to those who have
                     derived no State benefits and do not expect any this winter. The officers of
                     Lambs Artillery—and Hazens—Livingstons and Spencer’s Regiments will draw a few
                     yards of Cloth and three or four shirts each from hence, for which an
                     allowance must be made, should there be any goods at Newburgh.
                  I must refer Colp. Campbells application to Congress. There is a
                     Resolve passed in June last which seems to preclude those, who are not in
                     actual service, from drawing Rations, but directs the value to be paid in
                     Money.
                  If the Officers of Colo. Sheldons Regt are of opinion that the
                     execution of one of the Dragoons has been a sufficient example, I have no
                     objection to granting a pardon to the other.
                  I find among Arnolds papers the proceedings of two Courts Martial
                     against Loveberry—Ackerly and Weeks, all capitally convicted for coming out as
                     Spies. Be pleased to say whether the person detained in the provost is either
                     of the foregoing. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 24 October 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Westpoint October 24th 1780.

                  The last Evening I was honored with yours of the 21st 21st and
                     22d Instant to which I shall duly attend.
                  The Minister of France passed by the Peeks kill Road yesterday
                     before I was honored with your letter or heard of his approach.
                  The Enemy did not come out as was expected, and Colo. Hazen has
                     returned. I shall appoint a Court of Enquiry for Lieut. Colonel Varick
                     &c. and facilitate Mr Garangers trying experiments in Gunnery when he
                     arrives.
                  A deserter from the Brittish Artillery came to this post to day he
                     left New york last Saturday, says it was reported there that General Clinton had
                     gone with the Troops which lately Sailed their destination variously
                     conjectured—that General Kniphausen Commands—that the Troops which lately
                     arrived at New York were said to be only recruits—102 of which were for the Six
                     Companies of Artillery—that the Cork fleet had arrived &c.
                  It was my intention on my first arrival to have represented to
                     your Excellency that there is at Providence in the State of Rhode-island a
                     large quantity of ammunition and Ordnance Stores. I think too many to be
                     trusted at that place, and are not altogether so well secured as they should be
                     if their present Repositories are to be considered as permanent: I submit it to
                     your Excellency. I cannot but express my anxiety at the prospect we at present
                     have of proper supplies for this important post, we but just obtain a daily
                     supply of Provisions, when the magazines should contain a supply for an
                     emergency. One long storm, or spell of severe weather would drive us on the
                     verge of want. I cannot yet learn from what quarter permanent supplies are to
                     be drawn. A large quantity of Salted meat and Flour should be in magazines
                     before winter. I cannot learn that any preparations are making in this vicinity
                     for putting up the former. Would it not be much the best and least expensive to
                     have the Beef killed and Salted as near the Post as possible? it would Save a
                     great expence in transportation, and be within our Reach. I request to know on
                     whom I am to call or depend for supplies of every kind, not only for present
                     use, but to Replenish the magazines. When I am ascertain’d of this no exertions
                     of mine shall be wanting to secure them if possible in Season and I shall avoid
                     troubling your Excellency with complaints on that head unless necessity compels
                     me. I have written to his Excellency Governor Clinton and Colonel Hay on the
                     subject—have requested the assistance and support of the former, and exertions
                     of the later. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your
                     Excellency’s most obedient Servant

                     W. Heath

                     P.S. I am just informed that a number of prisoners made
                        their escape from the provost at Fish Kill the last night by digging upwards
                        of 20 feet under ground.

                     W.H.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 24 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Prackness Octr 24th 1780.

                  I am informed that the State have recently called upon you to
                     repair to Congress, so soon as you have obtained permission to leave the Army.
                     I think your presence there, at this juncture, while all the arrangements for
                     the next Campaign are before them, would be of so much utility, that I cannot
                     but take the liberty to urge your immediate compliance with the pleasure of the
                     State. It appears to me, you can in no way at this time, so essentially serve
                     the public as by going there—the moment is singularly critical; and the
                     determinations depending must have the greatest influence upon our future
                     affairs. I am With the greatest esteem & regard Dear Sir Your Most
                     Obedient Humble Servant.

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 24 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Prackness Octr 24th 1780

                  I have been successively honored with your letters of the 13th
                     16th and 19th of Octobr. I think the change you have made respecting Lauzun’s
                     cavalry will be an advantageous one.
                  Since my last, we have accounts both by way of Statia and New
                     York that the Combined fleets consisting of thirty sail of the line off Cape
                     Finisterre, fell in with an outward bound fleet and took fifty odd sail of
                     them, among which were five East India men; the rest were for the West Indies. This is an important article, and has all the marks of
                     authenticity.
                  I have just received another account from New York that a part of
                     the Cork fleet has been taken; but this though probable enough wants
                     confirmation. I have the honor to be With great esteem and attachment Your
                     Excellencys Most Obedient Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S. The fleet in New York harbour is said to consist of the
                        Sandwich of 90 and three of 74—Two seventy fours went with the fleet to the
                        Southward.


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 24 October 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia, Oct. 24th 1780

                  Mr de Pontiere, a French Gentleman of merit, arrived with me in
                     this Country. Congress appointed him a Captain of Horse at York Town in
                     February 1778. About that same time the late Col. Pulavski raised his Legion,
                     & at my recommendation Capt. Pontiere was one of the first Officers
                     employed in it. All the accounts I have had of this Officer ever since he has
                     been in the Service, have concurred to represent him as brave, careful
                     & attentive to all his Duties. He never was needlessly absent from his
                     Corps & distinguished himself on Several Occasions. His Legion having
                     been utterly destroyed, he is now absolutely unemployed, tho’ he has a great
                     desire to continue in the service. I cannot help recommending him strongly to
                     Your Excellency. The new arrangement of our Cavalry, to which will be joined
                     Companies of Chasseurs, will perhaps offer an Opportunity of employing him. If
                     not, I believe he is one of those foreign Officers whom Congress wish to See
                     employed in Col. Hazen’s Regiment. I beg you will please to grant your
                     protection to this Officer. He certainly deserves it, & his Conduct
                     entitles him not to be forgot in the new Arrangement. I am with great respect,
                     sir Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

                     Steuben
                     Maj: General


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 24 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Prekaness 24th October 1780

                  I have received your favor of yesterday. Inclosed you have 5
                     Guineas to replace those sent to me.
                  I send by the Bearer a Phial with a small quantity of the stain,
                     of which I have but little. I have nothing further to give you in charge than
                     what was contained in my last. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Marinus Willett, 24 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Willett, Marinus

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Prekaness 24th October 1780

                  I have received your favr of the 18th Congress have it in
                     contemplation to reduce the number of Regiments, but the mode or terms in which
                     the reformed officers are to go out are not yet fixed—It will give me great
                     pleasure to see an officer of your merit retained in service, but your
                     determination to submit cheerfully to any regulations which may be deemed
                     necessary for the public good, is very laudable, and the surest mark of a
                     disinterested, virtuous Citizen. I have not heard anything of the formation of
                     a Legion. Col. Hazens Regiment is the only one of independent Corps of Infantry
                     which Congress propose keeping up. I am with great Esteem Sir Yr most obt Servt


Title: General Orders, 25 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Totowa Wednesday October 25th 1780
                     Parole Washington
                     Countersigns Greene Fayette
                     Watchword

                  For the day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     PatersonColonel GreatonLieutenant Colonel FernaldMajor ThroppBrigade Major Woodbridge


Title: To George Washington from James Irvine, 25 October 1780
From: Irvine, James
To: Washington, George

                     Copy
                     Sir
                     October 25th 1780

                  After due acknowledgments for your Excellency’s attention to our
                     wants at every period of our unhappy captivity, more particularly at the
                     present time when through your interposition a very considerable number of the
                     officers and (all) the privates here are led to expect speedy liberation, We
                     cannot conceal the emotions we have severely felt on hearing that Congress have
                     resolved on the Exchange of brigadier general Du Portail and lieutenant colonel
                     Laurens both lately captured in Charles Town, in preference to officers here of
                     the same rank much longer in Captivity, and in principle injurious to the
                     whole: But we leave your excellency to judge of our sensations when we are
                     informed from undoubted authority that the insisting on the exchange of those
                     gentlemen at this time will totally retard the
                     humane purpose of relief which your excellency and we have so much at heart. It
                     is foreign to the ideas of the british commander in chief that brigr general Du
                     Portail or lieut: col: Laurens should be the subject of the negotiation now
                     about to take place, they not having been involved in the original proposal, of
                     the present Plan.
                  We therefore most earnestly request your Excellency to remove an
                     objection which if insisted on will be ruinous in its consequences to numbers
                     here.
                  We hope the length of our Captivity and sufferings doled to the
                     partiality of the principle reprobated and objected to, will apologize for this
                     hasty address. We have the honor to be. &ca

                     Signed James Irvine B: Genl
                     R: Magaw . Col:
                     L: Marbury Col:
                     J: Ely. Col:
                     W: Allison Col.
                     J: McClaghery Lt Col:
                     E: Tillard Major
                     A: Giles Major


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 25 October 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Richmond Octo. 25 1780

                  I take the liberty of inclosing to you Letters from Genl Hamilton
                     for New York. On some representations received by Colo. Towles that an
                     indudgence to Governor Hamilton and his companions to go to New York on parole
                     would produce the happiest effect on the situation of our Officers in Long
                     Island we have given him, Majr Hay & some of the same Party at
                     Winchester leave to go there on Parole: The two former go by water, the latter
                     by land.
                  By this express I hand on from Genl Gates to Congress
                     intelligence of the capture of Augusta in Georgia with considerable quantities
                     of Goods; and information which carries a fair appearance of the taking of
                     George Town in So. Carolina by a party of ours, and that an army of 6000 French
                     or Spaniards had landed at Sunbury. This is the more credited as Cornwallis
                     retreated from Charlotte on the 12th inst. with great Marks of precipitation.

                     Since my last to you informing you of the appearance of an
                     enemy’s fleet, they have landed 800 men in the Neighbourhood of Portsmouth
                     & some more on the Bay Side of Princess Anne. One thousand Infantry
                     & one hundred Cavalry landed at New Ports news in the morning of the
                     23d and immediately took possession of Hampton—the Horse were preceeding up
                     the Road. Such a Corps as Major Lee’s would be of infinite value to us; next to
                     a Naval force, horse seems to be most capable of protecting a Country so
                     intersected by waters. I am with the most sincere esteem Your Excellency’s Most
                     obedt & most humble sert

                            Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 25 October 1780
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Light Camp 25 October
                     1780

                  My friend got safe into Newyork. He was before Sir Henry Clinton
                     & has passed all the forms of the garrison. He accidentally met Col.
                     Arnold in the street which has paved a natural way for further acquaintance.
                     The party entertain high hopes of success; I fear their patience will be
                     exhausted; therefore am of opinion it ought to be expressed on their minds at
                     every meeting. I informed Mr Baldwin, that I was under orders to march south:
                     that I would see him tomorrow & send on some
                     officer from you who should transact the business on your Excellencys part in
                     case of my departure. I also promised him ten or twelve guineas. I was induced
                     to do this, because I apprehended he would fail in his assiduity unless he
                     received some part of his promised reward. On hearing from your Excelly, I shall
                     be able tomorrow to ascertain with Mr Baldwin the next interview, the time, the
                     place & the person—The time and place I will communicate to my
                     successor.
                  Should I leave this army, I entreat your Excellencys attention to
                     my sergeant, and should be happy he could be sent on to me.
                  I beg leave to thank your Excellency for the confidence and
                     friendship you have been pleased to give me since I became a soldier. I flatter
                     myself I shall enjoy a continuation of it, tho absent, & that I shall be
                     called on to perform any services private or public you may wish to execute,
                     convenient to my local situation, & not superior to my ability or station. I
                     sincerely pray for your health, happiness, & success. May you never
                     again experience a second base desertion, & may you live to put an end
                     to a war, which you have hitherto conducted happily admidst many and so
                     great difficultys. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect & most sincere esteem your
                     Excellency’s most ob. h. Servt

                     Henry Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Peabody, 25 October 1780
From: Peabody, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Genl
                     Morristown October 25th 1780 8 ck P.M.

                  I have the Honr to inclose Your Excellency a Philadelphia paper
                     of Yesterday Containing some very favorable intelligence from the southward.
                  Sensible Your Excellency must feel great Anxiety on account of
                     the deranged & Distressd Situation of our affairs in that Quarter, and
                     esteeming it of vast importance that Your Excellency should have the earliest
                     advice of every interesting occurrence, have dispatched an Express for that
                     purpose—I most Sincerely Congratulate Your Excellency on the happy occasion And
                     ardently hope it may be succeeded by a series of similar Events till our
                     affairs shall be more than reinstated in the Southern States.
                  I take the liberty to add, it is my present intention to wait on
                     your Excellency at Head Quarters some day Next week. With the most entire
                     Consideration of Esteem, I have the Honr to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt and
                     Very Humble Servt

                     Nathl Peabody

                     P.S. it is reported here that a Certain Mr Ross of Virginia
                        has lately been apprehended for inlisting Soldiers for the British
                        Service—that he had in his possession a Commission of Brigadier Genl for
                        himself and Blank Commissions for the officers of his intended Brigade—but I
                        am uncertain how this account Comes So can Say nothing of its
                        authenticity—There are various accts in private letters which speak some
                        what more particularly of our Success at the Southward than what is
                        published.

                     N.P.


Title: General Orders, 26 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Totowa Thursday October 26th 1780
                     Parole Luzerne
                     Countersigns Rochambeau, Ternay.
                     Watchword

                  For the day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     WayneColonel NixonLieutenant Colonel PetersMajor KnappBrigade Major Oliver


Title: To George Washington from John Ely, 26 October 1780
From: Ely, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Flatt Bush Octobr 26th 1780

                  I Beg leave to address your Excellency on a Subject in which to
                     repeat Greavences or to Complain were I the sole Object would put me severely
                     to the Blush.
                  I ever Esteemed it an Honour that I early Ingaged in Opposeing
                     the Unjust measures of Britain, and that I have ever been active in the service
                     of my Country Since Lexington Battle Untill the Unfortunate 10th of December
                     1777 at which time I was made prisoner of war to the British.
                  My Interest and all was Situated In and Contiguous to the Sound
                     between Long Island and the main. I had been for five years before this
                     Contest, Purchaseing a Small Island known by the name of Duck Island on which
                     two Hospitals were Built at my Private Expence which has long since been
                     Pilliged and Plundered.
                  What adds to my Misfortune the man to whom I had Rented my Small
                     Plantation being a Refugee from this Island and Thretened by  friend to Goverment has been long since obliged to Quit from
                     his Exposed Situation by which my large Family Consisting of a Wife and Seven
                     Children are Exceedingly Distressed and Unhappy.
                  I therefor beg your Excellencys kiend Interposition in Behalf of
                     them and my Self that I might be Liberated either by Exchange or Parole in Such
                     a Manner Agreable to your Wisdom as will be least Onearous
                     to the Hetes or Injurious to my Brother Prisoners in
                     Captivity. I have the Honnour to be with the most Perfect Confidents and with
                     the Greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient and Very Humble
                     Servant
                  John Ely Colonel of the

                     Second Connectcutt State
                     Battalion


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 26 October 1780
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

                     My Dear Sir
                     Jamaica Plain Octr 26. 1780

                  I congratulate your Excellency with the utmost sincerity upon the
                     late discovery of Arnolds treachery. This is the second time, that Heaven has
                     prevented the enemy’s ruining us by secret attempts. While the baseness
                     & villainy of individuals, who had been greatly confided in, must tend
                     to discourage, the special remarkable interpositions of Providence preventing
                     the execution of their wicked plans must hearten you beyond measure.
                  Our public affairs have been strangely neglected; but the
                     sentiments of people appear to be altering, & I am in hopes that some
                     effectual measures will be taken to procure a sufficient standing army
                     & to provide for & pay the same properly, that so our cause may
                     not be lost for want of it. Dtr Cooper in his sermon yesterday upon occasion of
                     the election, failed not to take notice of it to the General Court. The
                        prints will inform you that Mr Hancock is governor. The
                     Lt Governor will be chosen by the General Court, as no one had the majority of
                     the peoples votes. Mr Bowdoin will most probably be elected, & I am not
                     without expectation that he will accept. This State I can’t but suppose will
                     act much better for the common cause than has been the case of late. Reforms
                     must take place, or we have small ground for promising ourselves either a
                     speedy or honorable peace. Your Excellency has not met with due support,
                     answerable to the engagements the United States have laid themselves under to
                     you, but the greater has been your patriotism in continuing to serve them. Your
                     firmness, perseverance & influence have kept us from ruin. The time is
                     coming, I flatter myself, when You will have an army together early enough to
                     begin the campaign with offensive operations. What
                     discoveries to our hurt the enemy may have made by the capture of the mail, it
                     is impossible I should conjecture; but considering the season of the year there
                     may be an opportunity of preventing the greatness of the injury that might be
                     occasioned by it otherwise.
                  Our friend Col. Sears is labouring to convince persons, that our
                     plans must be changed, & that we must pursue a different line of
                     conduct, do we mean to be successful. What he says & the letters he
                     communicates have weight with several: but others will not see, &
                     pretend that there is no danger, even tho’ the enemy should take West Point;
                     for then we should rouze. It is strange how weakly some men
                     will argue, & yet we cannot impute their talk to bad intentions. Would
                     your Excellency favour me with a free letter, setting forth the state &
                     sufferings of the army, the number it should consist of, what should be done to
                     make them comfortable, & the eminent danger of neglecting or delaying
                     to do it, which I might communicate to friends in & out of the General
                     Court, it would I am persuaded answer a good end. The esteem the public have
                     for & the confidence they place in you, would impel them to exertions:
                     but the letters wrote in an official way are not so known out of doors, by the
                     people at large, as should be: & it is too much the case, that the
                     people within have their own selfish views & study to ease or serve
                     their electors rather than the common cause. Besides a private letter in the
                     way of friendship might have a different cast & be viewed in another
                     light than a public one, & therefore have the greater weight. Many
                     suppose that persons declare their mind more fully in the former than the
                     latter. I am desirous of promoting the public good, & therefore have
                     wrote as above, & not from any doubt of the truth of the
                     representations made by other gentlemen in the army. Their names give weight to
                     their private informations: your Excellency’s would add greatly. Mrs Gordon
                     joins in wishing you all desirable blessings, & in praying to be
                     remembered to your Lady. Your Excellency’s sincere Friend & most humble
                     Servant

                     William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 26 October 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     West Point October 26th 1780 —

                  I was yesterday honored with yours of the 24th instant to which I
                     shall attend. The officers of Colonel Sheldon’s regiment having solicited a
                     pardon for Greene the Culprit, I granted it. The two prisoners under sentence
                     of death whom I mentioned in a former letter are William Burtis and Reuben
                     Weeks taken at or near the lines; they have been a long time confined and
                     sentenced.
                  besides those I have two others under sentence of death since I
                     came here one for deserting several times, and the other intending to desert
                     from the Garrison of Fort Schuyler and inducing others to desert &c.
                     Some of them I think ought to suffer, but whether it will be adviseable to
                     execute the whole (as multiplied punishments destroy the intention of them by
                     becoming too familiar) I submit to your Excellency. Probably the proceedings of
                     the Court on Burtis may be at Head quarters. The names of Loveberry &
                     Ackerly are not among the Prisoners Confined here. I have the honor to be, With
                     the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 26 October 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia October 26. 1780

                  Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed the Copy of an Act
                     of Congress of the 21 Instant, which makes some Alteration in the late
                     Arrangement of the Army, conformable to the Sentiments expressed in your Letter
                     of the 11th Instant; and directs the Mode of appointing the Officers for the
                     Regiments which are to be raised during the War by the respective States; the
                     Officers who shall be reduced, as well as those who continue in the Service,
                     are entitled to half Pay during Life.
                  You will also be informed by the enclosed Copy of an Act of
                     Congress of the 23 Instant, they have been pleased to appoint Brigadier
                     Parsons a Major-General. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect your
                     Excellecy’s most obedient humble servant

                     Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 26 October 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Richmond October 26th 1780.

                  The Executive of this State think it expedient and necessary that
                     under our present circumstances the prisoners of war under the Convention of
                     Saratoga be removed from their present situation. Many circumstances have led
                     to this necessity. It will be utterly impracticable as long as they remain with
                     us to prevent the hostile army now in this State from being reinforced by
                     numerous desertions from this corps; and this expectation may be one among the
                     probable causes of this movement of the enemy. Should moreover a rescue of them
                     be attempted the extensive disaffection, which has been lately discovered and
                     almost total want of arms in the hands of our good people, render the success
                     of such an enterprize by no means desperate. The fear of this & of the
                     dangerous convulsions to which such an attempt would expose us, diverts the
                     attention of a very considerable part of our militia from an opposition to the
                     invading enemy. An order has therefore been this day issued to Colo. Wood to
                     take immediate measures for their removal, and every aid has been and will be
                     given him for transporting, guarding and subsisting them on the road which our
                     powers can accomplish. Notice hereof is sent by the present conveyance to his
                     Excellency Governour Lee; on whose part I doubt not necessary preparations for
                     their reception will be made. I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem
                     & respect Your Excellency’s Most obedt & most humble sert

                     Th: Jefferson


Title: From George Washington to Nathaniel Peabody, 26 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Peabody, Nathaniel

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 26th October 1780

                  I am exceedingly obliged by the very agreeable and important
                     intelligence communicated in yours of last Evening. This
                     plan, if rightly improved, may give a total change to
                     Southern Affairs.
                  I am glad to hear that your health is as far mended as to make
                     you think of going abroad—It will give one great pleasure to see you at Head
                     Quarters—I am with great Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Pray, 26 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Pray, John

                     Thursday 26th October 1780

                  General Washington presents his Compliments & thanks for
                     Capt. Pray—and accepts with much pleasure the Present of Oysters which he has
                     been so good as to send him this Day.


Title: General Orders, 27 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Totowa Friday October 27 1780
                     Parole Essex
                     Countersigns G; W.
                     Watchword Expert

                  For the day TomorrowBirgadier General
                     HuntingtonColonel ChambersLieutenant Colonel MellenMajor WileyBrigade Major AshleyLieutenant Colonel Badlam is appointed member of the general
                     court marial whereof Colonel Bailey is President vice Lieutenant Colonel Vose
                     indisposed.
                  The General has the pleasure to congratulate the army on an
                     important advantage lately obtained in North Carolina over a corps of 1400 men,
                     British troops and new Levies commanded by Colonel Ferguson The militia of the
                     neighbouring country under Colonels Williams Shelby, and others having
                     assembled to the amount of 3000 men detached 1600 of their number on horseback
                     to fall in with Ferguson’s party on its march to Charlotte; they came up with
                     them at a place called King’s mountain advantageously posted and gave them a
                     total defeat; in which Colonel Ferguson with 150 of his men were killed—800
                     made prisoners and 1500 stand of arms taken. On our part the loss was
                     inconsiderable. We have only to regret that the brave Colonel Williams was
                     mortally wounded.
                  This advantage will in all probability have a very happy
                     influence upon the successive operations in that quarter. It is a proof of the
                     spirit and resources of the country.


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Greene, 27 October 1780
From: Greene, Christopher
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      Newport 27th Octr 1780

                  Your Excellency’s letter of the 21st I received This Day and
                     Observe the Levies in my Regiment are not to join the Army—I wish for
                     Instructions how they are to get their pay, as well as for those for The War
                     and the Officers. We are exceedingly bare of Cloaths both Officers and Soldiers
                     my Lt Col. has wrote to the Cloathier Genl how our Situation in that respect is
                     and Sent him a return of our wants, Should we be order’d to join the Army it
                     would be Almost impossible to march without it—I beg the favour of your
                     Excellency to Order a Supply—Mr Reynolds, Agent Cloather here, can supply the
                     Soldiers if he has Orders for it, he very lately informed me he had Cloathing
                     on hand. As the Officers have not received pay for a very considerable time,
                     they are not able to purchase Cloathing If they could be Supplied from The
                     Stores on Acct it would be very Agreeable.
                  By Captain Tew of Col. Angells Regt lately from the Army I was
                     informed that Congress had in contemplation the Reducing the Regiments of the
                     Army to a less number, and that the State of Rhode-Island wou’d have but one.
                     If that is or Should be done, I Suppose there must be Some Officers out of
                     Command. Such of my Officers as are likely to be in that Situation wish to have
                     early Notice of it that They may Arrange their affairs for private Business.
                  The Time of The Massachusetts Militia will expire in a very few
                     Days. they will not be able to make the work at Butts Hill defensible before
                     they go of as many of my Regt as are left after making the Necessary
                     Detachments for Guards will work there as long as the Weather will Admit.
                  I Should be very much pleased if your Excellency could Consistant
                     with the good of the Service Order me to the Southward with Genl Greene—I have
                     no other motive in Asking that favour than having a better oppertunity of
                     Serving my Country than I probably can have here—It is not from any Dislike I
                     have to the French Troops but the reverse. I have been Treated with the
                     greatest Respect and Politeness By them from the Commander in Chief and all
                     under him—Should it be my lot to remain here I wish to have your Excellencies
                     Orders for the Rule of my Conduct in the Command.
                  A Flag Arrived here this Day from Admiral Arburthnot with Ninty
                     Six prisoners That were Taken in the Privateer Ship Washington they left
                     Arburthnots fleet consisting of Nine Ships of the Line one forty gun ships and
                     Two Frigates of Blow Island they are in Sight of here at Anchor Lt Page of the
                     Privateer Says each Ship has a Company of Soldiers on Board and that they are
                     to be joind by four Ships more of the Line the Day after tomorrow There Design
                     is he says to get Stock from the Vinyard. I am your Excellencys most Obt Humle
                     Servt

                     C. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 27 October 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Newport 8br 27th 1780

                  I have the honour to send to Your Excellency a draught of our
                     position that is pretty well taken of. The English fleet comes again to day to
                     see us, we can see thirteen Square sails, at anchor between Block-island and
                     Point Judith. I think that they will get into Gardner’s bay, by the first North
                     wind. Our Admiral waits only for a fresh North-East wind to send of the Person
                     that you know. The Weather is exceeding fine, and it pains me much for that
                     very reason. I am with respect sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient most humble
                     servant

                     le Cte de Rochambeau


Title: General Orders, 28 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Totowa Saturday October 28th 1780
                     Parole Morocco
                     Countersigns May Moore
                     Watchword Mark.

                  For the day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     IrvineColonel M. JacksonLieutenant Colonel BassetMajor AlexanderBrigade Major Darby


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 28 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters near Passaic Octr 28th
                     1780

                  I have been favoured with your Letter of the 24th Inst. and thank
                     you for the representation you make of the Ammunition and Ordnance Stores at
                     Providence—I will give directions to Colonel Greene for their further security.
                  While I feel the full force of all your observations respecting
                     the necessity of having permanent supplies laid in for the Posts in the
                     Highlands—I have to lament the inefficacy of our past measures, and the
                     disagreeable prospects before us. Col. Blane can give you more particular
                     information; As it is the business of the Commissary General, to point out the
                     places of deposit to the state Agents, and to make all the arrangements in the
                     Department, but not having the power, or the Means, to make any purchases
                     himself; the supplies must be very inadequate and precarious, unless the States
                     will furnish the quotas they are called upon for, with more punctuality and
                     dispatch, than has hitherto been the case.
                  The plan you suggest of having the salted provisions put up as
                     near the spot as possible, would certainly be eligible—but at present seems
                     impracticable, while the Army is barely subsisted from day to day—I cannot but
                     hope, however, that the Legislatures (most of which are now sitting) will take
                     immediate and effectual means to have the necessary Magazines laid in for the
                     Winter.
                  I have appointed Brigadier General Clinton to take the command
                     Albany, who will proceed thither accordingly. I am Dear Sir With great esteem
                     & regard Your Most Obedient and Very Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Johann Christoph Koehler, 28 October 1780
From: Koehler, Johann Christoph
To: Washington, George

                     May it Please your Excellency
                     Rutland 28th Octr 1780

                  I did myself the Honour to write to your Excellency a Letter in
                     March last wherein I took the Liberty to Inform you that I had the Misfortune
                     to be taken on my Passage to Georgia on the 7th of April 1779 and Brought up to
                     this Place, where I Have Remain’d ever Since.
                  A Little Before my Departure from New York, I sent a Petition to
                     the Prince of Hesse Cassels requesting the favour of Him to Permit me to Quit
                     the Service & to Return Home being now an old Man of Sixty One years of
                     age, & above Forty Two years in the Service.
                  The Cause of my Troubling your Excellency with this Letter at
                     Present, is to Implore your goodness in granting me Permission to go into New
                     York on Parole along with Lieut. Studenrath who is my Nephew and Taken with me
                     at the Same time, as I am much afraid of the winter, having Suffer’d so much by
                     the Severity of last years.
                  Your Excellencys kind Complyance to the above request will alwise
                     be faithfully acknowledg’d by Your Excellencys Most Obedient & Very
                     Humble Servt

                     Johann Christoph Koehler      Colonel of the Hessian Troops


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 28 October 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Light Camp October the 28th 1780

                  if I have properly understood your letter you had not an
                     immediate occasion for me, and the matters you wanted to talk of with me are
                     not to be so soon put in execution as to Require my going this day to head
                     quarters—I have therefore differd the Moving of my troops and that of my person
                     till to morrow—if on the Contrary there was the Least occasion for my going to
                     head quarters I Beg you will please to let me know it that I may immediately go
                     there.
                  inclos’d I have the honor to send you Arnold’s second
                     proclamation which in point of impudence exceeds all his former works. if Lee goes from me I will Apply for some dragoons from
                     other Corps—the difference made By his presence in my security is equal to the
                     doubling of piquets and patroles—I wish Congress would give him a corps of two
                     hundred horse and three hundred foot—Was an other commission necessary I would
                     give it to him Because the poor fellow cannot help having abilities superior to
                     his Rank—he will, I think, be very useful to the Southward.
                  inclos’d are two letters for Rhode island which I have Receiv’d
                     from philadelphia—The Minister has told me that one of his letters to Count de
                     Rochambeau had been an immense Number of days along the Road, and that he has
                     found one of his letter to me from Rhode island in I don’t know whose hands at
                     hartfort—I think the Best way is to keep those letters for the expresses or
                     when pressing to send expresses for them—if an express goes to morrow I will
                     send to Count de Rochambeau a project for a Contract of flour which I will show
                     to you Before I seal my dispatch.
                  Adieu, my dear General, with the highest Respect and tenderest
                     affection I have the honor to be Yours

                     Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from William Ledyard, 28 October 1780
From: Ledyard, William
To: Washington, George

                     May it please Your Excellency
                     New London 28th Octr 1780 8 oclock P.M.

                  This Morning appeared of this Harbour (Standing into Gardiners
                     Bay) a Fleet of Ships—but the weather being very thick, was not able to count
                     more than ten Sail, though I was inform’d by a Boatman that arrived here, that
                     he counted last evening to the South Eastward of Fishers Island thirteen Sail
                     which appeard to be large Ships, by the Appearence of these Ships & the
                     Signal Guns they have fired Suppose it to be Arbuthnots Fleet returnd
                     again—Should have sent my Boat for the purpose of reconitering them this day if
                     the weather had been proper—shall write his Excellency General Rochambeau as
                     Soon as I can get the Necessary information of their Numbers & Strength
                     and if any thing material  will inform Your Excellency. I have the Honor to be
                     Your Excellency’s Most Obt Servant

                     Wm Ledyard Lt Colo. Commandr


Title: To George Washington from Joshua Mersereau, 28 October 1780
From: Mersereau, Joshua
To: Washington, George

                      28 October 1780

                  If it be your Excellencys Pleasure that Col. Kolhler, With his
                     Nephew, Luit. Stodinrath, go to N. york on Parole, to remain till an exchange
                     on Parole, or otherwise, can be expected—It will greatly oblidge this old
                     gentleman who proposes to Quit the service, as he is inferm and thincks another
                     winter here will kill him.
                  Should your Excellency thinck proper to permit him to go, he
                     Earnestly begs your Excellencys goodness, to Permit his Nephew, to Accompany
                     him; he dotes, on him, & thinks he cant be happy without Mr Studenrath.
                  I would not have troubled your Excellency on this Subject, but
                     thinck it an act of Humanity, in his peculiar situation, and may tend to answer
                     some good Purposes, your Excellencys Direction, shall be the rule for my
                     Conduct.I have the Honr to be, with Perfect Esteem, your Excellencys Faithfull—and Most Obdt Hume Servt

                     Joshua Mersereay
                     D.C.G. Priss.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Stoddert, 28 October 1780
From: Stoddert, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     War Office Octo. 28,
                     1780

                  The board have at length the honor to inclose the commissions for
                     Col. Jacksons regt. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Yr
                     Excellency’s Most Obedt & Most humble servt

                     Ben Stoddert Secy


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 28 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters near passaic Falls 28th Octobr 1780

                  I am to request your Excellency to direct the salt Beef mentioned
                     in your letter of the 31st August, and concerning which I wrote to you from
                        Hartford, to be forwarded with as much expedition as
                     possible to Fishkill landing, by the upper route, as that by Crompond has
                     become dangerous, from the incursions of the Enemy’s Refugee Corps—I am the
                     more anxious to have this parcel of salt provision brought speedily to the
                     North River, as I see no other, on which I can depend, for furnishing a Winter
                     supply of the important Garrison of Fort schuyler, and if it is not got up to
                     that post in the month of November, it will be extremely difficult afterwards,
                     from the badness of the Road.
                  Although the season is already arrived when the Magazines of salt
                     Meat, for the ensuing Winter and Campaign, should be laid in, I cannot learn
                     that the Commissary General has been enabled to put up a single Barrel—so far
                     from it, it is with difficulty the troops, in any quarters are subsisted upon
                     fresh Meat from day to day. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect and
                     Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 29 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Totowa Sunday October 29th 1780
                     Parole Armenia
                     Countersigns AvonArgos
                     Watchword Arms

                  For the day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     GloverColonel BradleyLieutenant Colonel LittlefieldMajor TudorBrigade Major PettingalEnsign John Humphrey of the 6th Pennsylvania regiment is
                     appointed Adjutant to the same vice Lieutenant Herbert resigned from the first
                     instant.
                  The grand parade is altered to the field near the Artificers.
                  The Honorable the Congress have been pleased by their Act of the
                     23d Instant to promote Brigadier General Parsons to the rank of Major General
                     in the Continental Army.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 29 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George,Van Cortlandt, Philip

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Prackness Octr 29th
                     1780

                  I have the honor to transmit your Excellency the proceedings of
                     the Court Martial upon Joshua Smith; by which you will perceive out of four
                     charges exhibited against him the Jurisdiction of the Court was only found
                     competent to one; of which they have acquitted him for want of sufficient
                     evidence. As he was brought out of your State into this for trial, I have
                     thought proper to send him back to West Point. I think it necessary to inform
                     you, that he will be shortly released from confinement unless the Civil
                     Authority should interpose to demand him. I have the honor to be with the
                     greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S. When you have considered the Proceedings you will
                        please to return them.

                     Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 29 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Prackness Octr 29th 1780

                  I have sent Joshua Smith to West Point to be confined there till
                     further Orders, unless the Civil Authority should in the mean time demand him,
                     in which case you will be pleased to deliver him up. I am with great esteem
                     Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S. I would not wish Smith’s Confinement to be rigorous
                        only secure.
                     Be so good as to forward the inclosed Letter to the Governor
                        or in his absence to the Lt Governor.

                     Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 29 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters near passaic Falls 29th October 1780

                  I have been honored with Your Excellency’s favors of the 19th 23d
                     and 26th Instants. The intelligence from the southward is most agreeable and
                     important, and may, in its consequences, give a happy change to the face of
                     Affairs in that quarter.
                  In regard to the application made by Colo. de Buysson to
                     Congress, and which they have been pleased to refer to me, I beg leave to lay
                     before them a Copy of my letter of the 10th instant, which was in answer to a
                     similar application made directly to me. In consequence of my advice, he wrote
                     to Sir Henry Clinton, but I cannot say whether he has granted him an extension
                     of his parole to Europe, without that, Congress will readily perceive it does
                     not lay with them, or with me, to indulge him in his request. Neither can he be
                     immediately exchanged, without doing an act of injustice to many Officers of
                     his Rank, who have been much longer in Captivity.
                  I am exceedingly happy to find that Congress have been pleased,
                     by their Act of the 21st, to adopt the amendments which I took the liberty to
                     propose in my letter of the 11th. I cannot but hope that the reformed officers
                     will be content with the generous provision made for them.
                  Colo. Donald Campbell, who was continued in his former pay and
                     Rank by a Resolve of the 13th Feby 1777, has continued to draw Rations also,
                     ’till lately, when, the Commy of Issues to the Northward has been in doubt
                     whether he was not precluded from drawing Rations by the Resolves of the 10th
                     of March and 12th June last. The case having been referred to me, I would wish
                     to know the sense and pleasures of Congress upon the subject.
                  In the inclosed York paper of the 25th: Your Excellency will find
                     a proclamation of Arnolds addressed particularly to the Officers &
                     Soldiers of the Continental Army. This unparalled piece of assurance has, if
                     possible, added to the detestation in which they before held him. I have the
                     honor to be with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington