Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters Middle Brook April 19 1779

I am to thank you for your two favours of the 3d and 8th with their inclosures—I am happy to find, that you agree with me in preferring the route by Susquehannah.
In prosecuting the consideration of the Indian expedition and upon a still nearer view of our force and supplies, a doubt arises respecting the best manner of employing the troops now on the Northern frontier—whether to let them penetrate on the left flank of the enemy by way of the Mohock River or to make them form a junction, by way of Otsege lake with the main body at Tioga, Oswegy or some other convenient place on the upper part of the Susquehannah.
The arguments for operating on the first plan are these—The troops going different ways will distract and perplex the enemy and keep awake different jealousies, and the body by the Mohock River will create an advantageous diversion in favour of the main body. It will also give cover and protection to the Northwestern frontier, against which, if the enemy find they are not able to oppose the advances of our main body, they may think it adviseable to direct their force to retaliate the damage we are doing to their settlements—By advancing too, in different directions, into the Indian country, the business of destroying their settlements can be carried on with more expedition and efficacy.
On the other hand, it may be said, that by dividing our force we diminish the confidence with which our operations might otherwise be carried on, and expose either party to the greater danger of a defeat from the collective force of the enemy—that the body moving by the Mohock River must either move with so much caution as to afford less effectual aid to the main body, or by operating with gre⟨ater⟩ boldness and celerity, must expose itself imminently to the hazard of being cut off, and that the distance the two bodies will be from each other and the obstacles to a free communication of intelligence, will make it infinitely difficult so to regulate their movements, as to produce a proper co-operation—which is essential to make the one useful to the other. The scarcity of provisions in the Northern district is an additional reason for carrying the expedition wholly by way of Susquahanna, where the necessary supplies can be most easily furnished; and the general exp⟨ence⟩ of acting in one body will be less than that of acting in two different quarters.
By the inclosed letter to Gener⟨al⟩ Clinton left open for your perusal, you will perceive that I have directed him to have the several corps mentioned therein held in readiness to assemble by the 12th of ⟨May⟩ at Conajoharie—with a sufficient numb⟨er of⟩ batteaus and carriages for their transpo⟨rtation;⟩ also to have a large supply of provisio⟨ns, laid⟩ up at Fort Schuyler, either for the use ⟨of these⟩ troops, should they move by the Mohock ⟨River⟩ or should they go the other way, for the m⟨ore effectual⟩ support of the garrison of Fort Schuyler—You will see what further directions, I have given him, and that I have referred him to you for advice and assistance. The rendesvous at Conajoharie will point both ways.
I shall be much obliged to you for your opinion on the two plans I have suggested—I really find myself in a good deal of hesitation which to prefer.
You will observe that agreeable to your ideas for the security of the Northern frontier I have applied to governor Clinton for a body of militia, to relieve the detachments on Hudsons River.
I have no map of the kind you mention, and shall thank you for the one you so obligingly offer.
Permit me to assure you, My Dear Sir, that I extremely regret your continuance in the army still remains undecided. It will afford me the truest pleasure, if your affair should ultimately take such a turn as will enable me to avail myself of your assistance and the public to derive the benefit of your future services in the field.
A further reason also may be this—I shall not be able, without risking the main army in a manner that, could not be justified, to spare hence a sufficient number of Continental troops to Compose the main body intirely—I have therefore called upon the State of Pensylvania for an aid of 600 militia—to be employed on the expedition. If she should not be able to furnish them, either the main body must be weaker than could be wished, or it must be strengthened by the addition of the troops from the Northward. With the greatest esteem & regard I am D. Sir Yr Most Obedt servant.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Cortlandt, Philip Van

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 19th April 1779.

I have directed Colo. Malcom to move down to Easton with his Regt and open and repair the Road from thence across to Wyoming, but as his force is too weak to make the necessary progress, I must desire you to move immediately down with your Regiment also, and assist him in the execution of the Work. I have lately in a general Order directed the Officers to divest themselves of all superfluous Baggage, and as your Regiment will probably go upon Service very soon, I would recommend it to you to leave whatever will not be absolutely necessary for the Campaign at the place of your present cantonment, with directions to be removed from thence to such places as the owners may choose. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.
P.S. Your Regiment will not return again from Wyoming but will proceed upon the operations of the Campaign from thence. Lieut. Colo. Weissenfelds will succeed to the Regt late Livingstons with the Rank of Lt Colonel Commandant and Lt Colo. Regnier will join yours. Be pleased therefore to direct Colo. Weissenfelds to join the other and I will order Lt Colo. Regnier down to you.


Title: General Orders, 20 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Tuesday April 20th 1779.
Parole Hampshire—C. Signs Helmont. Herk.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 20th Apl 1779

I have your favr of . I have, in obedience to the Resolve of Congress, ordered a Court Martial to sit at this place on the 1st May, to try you on the 1st 2d 3d and 5th Charges exhibited against you by the Council of the State of Pennsylvania. It would have given me great pleasure to have endulged you with a Court at Philada but such is the weak state of the line in respect to General and Feild Officers, that it would have been impossible without intirely divesting the Army of Officers of that Rank. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 20 April 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 20th April 1779

I have the Honor of transmitting to Your Excellency, herewith enclosed, Copies of two Acts of Congress of the 19th Inst., One for accepting the Resignation of Major General Schuyler, the other granting to a Colonel, when commanding a Brigade, Six extra-Rations. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant
John Jay Presdt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 20 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 20th April 1779

I am favoured with Your Excelleny of the 18th with papers Orders &ca and the Instructions in Your Letter I shall carefully note.
I inclose You a bundle of letters for Mr Rutherford one of which from his Brother I think worthey Your perusal. When You have looked over it; I shall be much obliged to You to put a Seal on it and Deliver it to General Sinclear. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell


Title: From George Washington to George Measam, 20 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Measam, George

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 20th April 1779.

I have your favr of the 30th March. What I have principally in command at present is to desire you to forward on to Fishkill with the greatest expedition all the Shirts—Overalls—Hunting Shirts—Shoes and Stockings that are either at Boston, Springfeild or any other place to the Eastward. The above Articles are much wanted just now and as they are the only kind that will be in demand between this and the fall, I must request that the transportation of every other kind may be postponed untill they are forwarded—Be pleased to give your deputy at Fishkill orders to inform me when any quantities of the above Articles arrive there, that I may know how to order a proper disposition of them—I have directed this to Mess[r]s Otis and Henley in case you should have left Boston and desire that they will follow the above directions should that have happened. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from George Measam, 20 April 1779
From: Measam, George
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Boston April 20th 1779.

On the 30th Ultimo I did myself the Honor of writing your Excellency fully and particularly the state of Cloathing in the hands of the several Agents here, since which two Vessels have arrived at Newberry from Bilboa with about 4600 Blankets: I am pressing all in my power to have them brought round to this Port and forwarded to the Store at Springfield without loss of time, but I find some difference, between Mister Bradford the Agent for Shipping here, and Mister Tracy the owner of the Ships, concerning the Freight; but Mister Tracy has promised me the Blankets shall not be stoped on that acct; I also learn that the Navy Board here expect to take what they want of them as they did of the last parcel that arrived; of about 1400 that arrived but 418 could be obtained for the Army. They equip the Frigates Crews with them; and I learn they engage the men for the Voyage or Cruse only, and at the end of the Cruse they take the Blankets to themselves payg a low price for them, which doubtless causes a long consumption of this article; it is not for me to determin on the properiety or impropriety of this mode, but I feel for the Army that have suffered, and think it my Duty to represent this matter to your Excellency. If the several Purssers were furnished with a set of Blankets for their Ships Crews and obliged to keep them from Voyage to Voyage it would perhaps, be a saving, except in case of death, in which they, perhaps, burry the dead. I shall wait your Excellency’s Order for the disposition of the Blankets, which may very easily be obtained before they can be got to Springfield; and as Summer is coming on and a probability of the Men being neglegent of this Article in hot weather, perhaps you may think proper to order a great part of them to be lodged at the Store in Springfield till the fall, as it is also probable the Army will be short of Blankets the insuing winter as they were the last. Colonel Hazen’s Regiment with an order from General Putnam met some of the Cloathing that set off last, at Springfield, have drawn 162 Blankets 888 pr Hose and 940 Shirts & has sent Major Torry here with a return, for the remainder of his small Cloathing, which General Heath has backed for Otis & Henly to complete; they being as he says, ordered back, from all public Stores, and want their complement for the summer.
I expected to have been on the Road before this, with the Cloathing that is now ready, as I advised your Excellency in my last, but I have not been able to get teams from the Qr Master; while the roads were bad he pleaded the impossibility of their getting through, and the want of money, which I believe was the cause of the impediment; he now has money, but says he cannot procure them for less then four dollars ⅌ Mile; and if he gives i⟨n⟩ there will be no end to their rising the price; I have urged him to Petition the Council on this subject to prevent the Army suffering and further injury to the service; it is now before a Committee of both Houses, and I hope some means will be taken to obtain the teams. I intend not to leave this untill I see the Cloathing now ready, set off—I fear the Army will want shirts, the Agents have no linen, nor, say they, have they the proper Orders from the board of War, or means to purchase. I hope this matter will not be neglected, but I fear it will if your Excellency does not take notice of it, altho’ I have advised the Board that Otis & Henley have worked up all the Shirt linen; they have also done the same, but no answers have been given, and the number of shirts are exceedingly short of the number wanted, as I advised your Excellency in my last. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most humble Servant
Geo. Measam


Title: From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 20 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council

   Gentlemen
Head Quarters Middle Brook: 20th April 1779.

I have, in obedience to a Resolve of Congress of the 3d instant, directed a Court Martial to be held at this Camp on the 1st May next for the trial of Major General Arnold on the 1st 2d 3d and 5th Charges exhibited against him by the supreme executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.
You will therefore be pleased to furnish the Court at the above time with the proper evidence in support of the Charges. I have the honor to be with great Respect Gent. Your most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth or Royal Flint, 20 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Flint, Royal,Wadsworth, Jeremiah

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 20th April 1779

Since my orders of the 2d March, directing the establishment of Magazines of provision upon the Susquehannah for three thousand Men, I find there is a probability that the number may be increased to four thousand five hundred—I therefore desire that you may take the most speedy measures to inform Colo. Blaine, or whoever may have the superintendance of the formation of those Magazines of this increase—This additional quantity to be, if possible, procured by the time that the first was ordered to be ready.
I am exceedingly anxious to know what forwardness the Susquehannah Magazines are in, and if you have not lately received Returns from thence, I must desire you to send an Express immediately, who may carry this additional order, and bring back the Return of what is actually deposited upon the River, and what will certainly be there by the stipulated time—I again request you to make as accurate a monthly Return or Report as you possibly can of the quantities of provision in the hands of your respective deputies, specifying the places of deposit. You may also by way of Remark, furnish me with an account of what their different prospects may be, in their several districts. I am Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 April 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton [N.J.] April 21st 1779

I have this moment receivd a Letter from Col. Mitchel, informing me of the Minister of France haveing postpond his visit to Camp. On my arrival at Philadelphia I shall wait upon the Minister; and will indeavor to learn the precise time he sets out; and give your Excellency the earliest information.
By several Letters I have receivd on the Road I find the preparations for the Indian expedition will be defeated; unless we can get a better supply of cash. Horses is not to be had without the money in hand; and we cannot get a supply to execute the orders given. It is impossible for us to make Brick without Straw. Neither will it be in our power to put the Army in motion at the Time your Excellency has fixt unless we are better supported with the needful. However nothing shall be wanting on my part. The business and preparations are in great forwardness and nothing will be wanting depending upon us; but Horses and not these if cash can be had equal to our wants; but without it nothing is to be done.
I intend to lay the matter before a committee of Congress and advertize them of the consequences. On the one hand your Excellency is pressing to have your Orders executed faithfully and punctually; and on the other the means necessary for the purpose, are delayd and with held. I conceive my situation to be very disagreeable. I am held responsible without the power to perform. I am with great respect & regard Your Excellency Most Obedient humble Serv.
Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 21 April 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 21 April 1779

Accept my Thanks for the long & friendly Letter of the 14 Inst. which I have had the Pleasure of recieving from you. It was for many Reasons grateful to me—I value the Esteem of the wise and virtuous, and had wished to know the particulars of Transactions, respecting which only vague and unsatisfactory Reports, had come to my Knowledge. Delicacy forbid my breaking the Subject to you when here—I was sure of your Politeness, but not certain of a more than usual Degree of Confidence. The latter has now become manifest, and permit me to assure you it shall be mutual.
The Impression attempted to be made, has not taken—It passed without a single Remark. Your Friends thought it merited nothing but Silence and Neglect. The same Reason enduced me to take no Notice of it in my Answer.
I have perused the several Papers with which you favored me. The Delicacy, Candor & Temper diffused thro’ your Letters, form a strong Contrast to the Evasions & Design observable in some others—Gratitude ought to have attached a certain Gentleman to the Friend who raised him. a spurious Ambition however, has it seems made him your Enemy. This is not uncommon. To the Dishonor of human nature, the History of Mankind has many Pages filled with similar Instances; and we have little Reason to expect that the Annals of the present, or future Times, will present us with fewer Characters of this Class. On the contrary there is Reason to expect they will multiply in the Course of this Revolution. Seasons of general Heat Tumult and Fermentation, favor the Production & Growth of some great Virtues, and of many great and little Vices. Which will predominate, is a Question which Events not yet produced, nor now to be discerned can alone determine. What Parties and Factions will arise, to what objects be directed, what Sacrifices they will require, and who will be the Victims, are Matters beyond the Sphere of human Prevision. New modes of Government not generally understood, nor in certain Instances approved—want of Moderation and Information in the People—want of Abilities & Rectitude in some of their Rulers—a wide Field open for the Operations of ambition—more raised from low Degrees to high Stations, and rendered giddy by Elevation, and the Extent of their Views—Laws dictated by the Spirit of the Times, not the Spirit of Justice and liberal Policy—Latitude in Principles as well as Commerce—Fluctuation in manners, and public Counsels—Suspension of Education—Indifference to Religion, and moral Obligations &c. &c.: are Circumstances that portend Evils which much Prudence vigor and Circumspection are necessary to prevent or controul. To me there appears Reason to expect a long Storm, and difficult Navigation. Calm Repose and the Sweets of undisturbed Retirement, appear more distant than a Peace with Britain. It gives me Pleasure however to reflect, that the Period is approaching when we shall become Citizens of a better ordered State; and the spending a few troublesome Years of our Eternity in doing good to this and future Generations is not to be avoided or regretted. Things will come Right, and these States will be great and flourishing. The Dissolution of our Governments threw us into a political Chaos. Time wisdom and Perseverance will reduce it into Form, and give it Strength Order and Harmony. In this work you are (in the Stile of one of your Professions) a master builder, and God grant that you may long continue a free and accepted one.
Thus my dear Sir! I have endulged myself in thinking loud in your Hearing—it would be an Hybernicism to say in your Sight tho in one Sense more true. It is more than probable that I shall frequently do the like. Your Letter shall be my Apology—and the Pleasure resulting from Converse with those we esteem, my motive. I am Dear Sir with perfect Esteem & Regard Your most obedt Servt
John Jay


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Legislature, 21 April 1779
From: Massachusetts Legislature
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Council Chamber Boston April 21st 1779

The General Assembly have had under their Consideration Your Letter to the President of the Council dated at Middle-Brook the Twenty fourth of March last & they have directed me to Inform Your Excellency that this State will at all times Chearfully afford every Assistance in their Power by Drafts from their Militia, as they have frequently done during the present Contest, in Co-operation with the United States, to frustrate the Designs of their Common Enemy; And that they Apprehend, that over & above the Men they may raise for filling up their Quota of the Continental Army & the Men they are Engaged to Supply for the defence of the State of Rhode Island as well as for Guarding & protecting the Continental Stores lodged in this State there could be drawn from the Militia of this State under their present Circumstances Two Thousand Men rank & File by the first of June for three or four Months One Thousand of which on Account of their Contiguity might be rendezvoused at Co’os by that Time if seasonably called for to Act for the same term And in Case the Exigencies of the Times should render it necessary, they doubt not a larger Number could be obtained. In the Name & behalf of the General Assembly I am, With every Sentiment of Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble Servt
Jer: Powell Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 21 April 1779
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fairfield [Conn.] April 21st 1779

Agreeable to your Excellency’s Instructions I have forwarded the Vial delivd me & the directions for C——’s future Conduct. In Answer to which he wrote, but as I wished to see him to communicate many things, I appointed an Interview at Brook Haven on Long Island, where I met C—— on the 16th instant, & was detained on the Island ’till this morning by a violent Storm & contrary Winds.
In addition to What C—— informs, by the enclosed, he has given me some memorandums. You may perceive in the close of his 2d Letter, No. 10, he mentions something respecting the Transports lately arrived at N.Y. from Rhode Island. He assures me that the business of their mission is a profound secret, & that by diligent attention & Enquiry, he finds they are taking on board the remaining baggage of the Troops now at Rhode Island. The Conjecture among them is that they intend to evacuate that post, & by their taking their baggage from N.Y. they cannot be returning there.
He thinks there never has been such a prospect of peace as at present. Betts are now laying 2 to 1 that there will be a peace in less than 2 months from this. Many of those who have been particularly active against us are selling off their Estates. Genl Delancey & Mister MacAdams in particular have proposed their Estates for sale; neither of them in want of money. In England, Government take up Money at most enormous Interests, from 10 to 14 pr Ct.
The Troops at the E. End of Long Island are ordered to supply themselves with forage for 14 Days, & by the begining of next month it is tho’t they will move westward. Most of the flat boats have moved thro’ South bay for N.Y.
In addition to the 20 Guineas acknowledged to have been recd by C——, in the enclosed, I have handed him 30 more. He informs that his Expences are necessarily great, but whenever your Excellency may wish him to discontinue his present Correspondence, he will most chearfully quit the employment, as he proposes no advantages to himself from the Undertaking.
I have urged by Letter & verbally the plan of forwarding Letters by some shorter route to Hd Qrs—C—— wishes, as much as your Excellency, to hit on some more speedy mode of Conveyance, but finds such a Step difficult & dangerous. That same Brown at Bergen, whom Your Excellency mentioned to me, C—— informs is now in provost on suspicion of having given information of the late movement of the Enemy to Elisabeth Town. If he should soon get released, C—— thinks he would be a very proper man for the business. He will in the mean time pay the greatest attention to the proposal. He says a Man may be engaged to reside on Staten Island (if he can be supported) who will receive his dispatches & forward them at all times—In this Case some Person must be appointed to go across with a boat to an appointed place. I must now relate an Anecdote respecting the Vial which I forwarded C—— Much pleased with the curious Ink or Stain, & after making some Experiments with the same, he was set down to answer my letter which accompanied it. He had finished the enclosed when very suddenly two Persons broke into the Room (his private apartment)—The Consideration of having several Officers quartered in the next Chamber, added to his constant fear of detection & its certain Consequences made him rationally conclude that he was suspected, & that those Steps were taken by sd Officers for discovery. Startled by so sudden & violent an obtrusion, he sprang from his seat, snatched up his papers, overset his Table, & broke his Vial—This step so totally discomposed him that he knew not who they were, or even to which Sex they belonged—for in fact they were two Ladies who, living in the house with him, entered his Chamber in this way on purpose to surprise him—Such an excessive fright & so great a turbulence of passions so wrought on poor C—— that he has hardly been in tolerable health since. The above Relation I had from his own mouth. He is much pleased with the Ink, & wishes, if any more can be spared, to have a little sent him. By this he thinks he could frequently communicate intelligence by Persons permited to pass the Lines.
Some pieces of useful intelligence respecting the movemt of the Enemy in their late intended Expedition to Nw London; & which I have reason to believe in a great measure defeated their intentions, have been communicated by C——. There are some Men on this side the Sound who conduct most villanously towards the Inhabitants of Long Island, by lying on the Roads & robbing the Inhabitants as they pass. C—— was the other day robbed of all his money near Huntington, & was glad to escape with his life. I know the Names of several, some of whom under sanction of Commissions for cruizing in the Sound, land on L. Island & plunder the Inhabitants promiscuously.
I have now put the Correspondence with C—— on such a footing that any letters he may forward by the old Conveyance will be sent to Capt. Grenell of this place, on whom I can most implicitly depend—He will forward them to Genl Putnam agreeable to instruction—Any directions which your Excellency may wish to Communicate to C——you will please to forward to me as usual, no other Person being appointed in this Qr with whom he would be willing to Correspond.
The Bearer having some business to transact & wishing to see his friends, will return in 4 or 5 Days, when your Excellency’s Commds & in particularly the abovementioned Ink, may be forwarded with safety. I am, with profound Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedt Hble Servt
Benja. Tallmadge
P.S. I shall join the Regt immediately.


Title: General Orders, 22 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

        Head-Quarters Middle-Brookthursday April 22nd 1779.
Parole Granicus—C. Signs Gray. Gor.

At the General Court Martial whereof Lieutt Coll Harmar is President, David Essex of the 6th Virginia Regiment was on the 14th instant tried for, “Letting four prisoners escape out of the Guard House” and acquitted. The General approves the sentence of Acquittal & orders said Essex reliev’d from confinement.
At the same Court Daniel Daily of the 4th Regimt of Light-Dragoons was tried for, “Desertion”—found guilty and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back, but on account of circumstances the Court are induced to unanimously recommend him to His Excellency, the Commander in Chief’s clemency. The General approves the sentence but in compliance with the above recommendation is pleased to pardon said Daily and order him released from confinement.
William Zimmerman Serjeant, Linch Gray Private, Thomas Barney Private, Joseph Garthon Private, Richard Fisher Farrier, Philip Lankford Private and John Garner Private all belonging to the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons, were tried at the same Court for “Commiting sundry robberies on the good people of the United States”—The court having considered the whole matter are of opinion that Serjeant Zimmerman is guilty of robbing a house in the State of New-Jersey of money in company with others and sentence him to be reduced to the ranks and to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back—They find Linch Gray guilty of a like crime and sentence him to receive the same punishment—They are of opinion that Joseph Garthon is guilty of robbing two houses one in the State of New-York and the other in the State of Pennsylvania in company with others of money, and sentence him to receive two hundred lashes on his bare back, one hundred for each crime. They find Richard Fisher guilty of robbing a house in the State of New-Jersey, of money, in company with other persons & sentence him to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back.
The Court are of opinion that Philip Lankford is guilty of robbing two houses in the State of New-Jersey of money and other articles, in company with others and sentence him to receive two hundred lashes on his bare back; one hundred for each crime—They also find John Garner guilty of the like crime and sentence him to receive the same punishment as Lankford; the aforesaid crimes being breaches of the 21st Article 13th section of the articles of war.
The Commander in Chief confirms the forementioned sentences as far as one hundred lashes and orders them put in execution tomorrow morning 11 oClock.
At the same court Commissary Lewes was tried for “embezzling and selling public stores (without a proper order”).
The Court are of opinion that the charge against Commissary Lewes is not supported and they do acquit him of it. The General joins in opinion with the court, that the charge of embezzling and selling public stores without a proper order, is unsupported, but it appears clearly both from the testimony, and Mr Lewes’s own acknowledgment that he has purchased the rations of rum from the Artificers and sold them again for his own emolument and therefore in order to discourage this scandalous and pernicious kind of traffic, recommends that Mr Lewes may be dismissed from his office.
At a division General Court Martial held in the Maryland line by order of Major General Baron De-Kalb—Lieutenant Colonel Adams President, Thomas Hall of the 7th Maryland Regiment and James Farrel of the 4th—were tried on the 15th instant, “On suspicion of intended desertion”—found guilty & sentenced to suffer Death. At the same Court Henry McManus of the 6th Maryland regiment was tried for, “Deserting to the enemy and attempting to carry off several soldiers with him.”
He claimed the benefit of the Commander in Chiefs Proclamation. The Court are unanimously of opinion that he is guilty of a breach of the 1st Article 6th section of the Articles of war and do sentence him to suffer Death.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief confirms the sentences of death—Hall and Farrel to the atrocious crime of attempted desertion added that of mutiny and McManus not only deserted himself but became a Pilot and Leader to others in the same crime, and was on a design of robbery when taken, therefore not intitled to the benefit of the Commander in Chiefs late proclamation: These men are to be hanged tomorrow morning 11 ôclock in the field near the new Provost at which time and place John Williams of the 1st Maryland Regiment and Richard Hollowell of the 9th Pennsylvania Regiment now under sentence of death are to be executed.
Grayson’s, Gist’s and Thruston’s additional regiments are to be incorporated and for the present to be under the command of Colonel Gist.


Title: Proclamation to Deserters, 22 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

[Middle Brook, 22 April 1779]

Whereas by my proclamation dated the 10th day of last month, a Pardon was offered to all deserters from the army dispersed in different parts of these States, who should rejoin their respective corps by the first of May next; and Whereas from the shortness of the term limited for its operation, the offer of grace therein contained, has not had sufficient time to circulate as extensively as was necessary to answer fully the benevolent purpose for which it was designed—it is therefore thought proper to extend it to a further period; and I do hereby extend it accordingly to the first day of July next. Given at Head Quarters Middle Brook April 22d 1779.


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 22 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell

Dear Sir,
Camp at Middlebrook April 22d 1779

I have just received your favor of the 30th Ulto, which is the only letter I recollect to have had from you these many Months.
Thinking that Jack Custis and his Manager Posey, would have more leizure on their hands than might fall to your lot, I desired the former sometime ago to ease you of as much trouble as he could on my acct; but to advice with, & consult you in whatever he did relative to my business—As he has left that part of the Country I must request the favor of you to give Mr Posey such directions as you think best for the completion of my affairs on York River. The inclosed letter to him (left open for your perusal) is to this effect. Davenports reason for not carrying the Tob[acc]o to the Warehouse is truely excellent—and yet if one had a mind to be ill natured it might be asked why he would prize Tobacco that he thought unfit for Market? He & Hill has, I believe divided the profits of my Estate on York River tolerably well betwn them for the devil of any thing do I get; but why need I dwell upon or trouble myself much about trifles, when to speak within bounds, ten thousand pounds will not compensate the losses I might have avoided by being at home, & attending a little to my own concerns—I am now receiving a Shilling in the pound in discharge of Bonds which ought to have been paid me, & would have been realized before I left Virginia, but for my indulgences to the debtors.
We have nothing new or important in this quarter except the imbarkation of Nine Regiments at New York; but for what service they are destined is uncertain, though generally believed to be for Georgia.
It is most devoutly to be wished that the several States would adopt some vigorous measures for the purpose of giving credit to the paper currency and punishment of speculators, forestallers and others who are preying upon the vitals of this great Country and putting every thing to the utmost hazard—Alas what is virtue come to—what a miserable change has four years produced in the temper & dispositions of the Sons of America! It really shocks me to think of it!
My best respects and good wishes are offered to all our friends & with sincere truth I am Dr Sir Yr most Affecte Ser.
Go: W——n.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 22 April 1779
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

sir
philad. 22 april 1779

i Receive just now your excellency’s letter and Conformably to your orders i have the honour to propose major mernan for the expedition on susquehanna. i write to him to take your further orders for that Country. i have the honour to be with great Respect your excellency’s the most obedient and very humble servant
Duportail


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 22d April 1779.

I received yesterday evening your letter of the 21st.
At this time I could have wished there had been no obstructions in the way of completing our Indian preparations—I would imagine however, that your personal representation to a committee of Congress, on the subject of your letter, will procure an immediate and necessary supply of money; which you think is the only thing wanted on the present occasion.
But Should this application fail, and in order to prevent further delay, I inclose you a letter to Congress, with a blank date, pressing the supply. But I would not have this communicated unless your own application should not operate agreeable to the intention. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 22 April 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 22 1779

I waited upon the Minister of France this morning; and find he sets out for Camp on Tuesday next. He has recoverd a tolerable share of health, and seems in perfect good humour. It is said he has been detaind by Congress for some days past; but on what account is a matter of speculation.
There is a report secretly whisperd about Town that there has some overtures of Peace been made by Great Britain through Don Juan to the Minister of France; and by him to the Congress; but not in an official line; and it is said the conditions are such as are totally inadmissable. The fishery to be wholly given up to Great Britain. From the best information I can get. I think there is some foundation for the Report; and that in consequence of it; there is a strange and unaccountable tardiness laid hold of the Minds of the Members of Congress. Every preparation and public exertion seems to be discouragd and embarassed.
I sup’ed with Governor Read last Night; and he threw out several hints of the kind; which I find confirmd by others to day.
I have laid my business before Congress; and requested a special Committee may be appointed to hear me; or that I may be heard before Congress. I expect an answer every moment; and have set down to write in the meantime.
I am fully convinced that it will be totally out of my power to procure the necessary Horses for the Indian expedition or to put the Army in motion by the time your Excellency has fix’t without a very large supply of cash; which we have but a poor prospect of geting. The Boats and Stores I beleive will be in readiness seasonably.
I am more and more convinc’d there is measures taken to render the business of the quarter masters Department odious in the Eyes of the people; and if I have not some satisfaction from the Committee of Congress respecting the matter, I shall beg leave to quit the Department. I think I shall leave it upon as good a footing as is possible to put it under the present difficulties.
I am informd General Lincolns Leg is likely to render him incapable of holding his command to the Southward. Should that be the case; and I leave the Department I am now in; I should be happy to obtain it. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Sert
Nathl Greene


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 22 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 22d April 1779

I have recd your letters of the 20th and that of to day with the several papers to which they refer.
The information in the last is of a very interesting Nature. To have the knowledge of the embarkation of the troops and their destination early ascertained, as it is of so much consequence, will engage your strictest attention. You will transmit what further intelligence you gain on this subject.
I shall expect your Brigade in a state of the utmost preparation and in perfect readiness to march by or before the 10th next Month. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 22 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Elizth Town [N.J.] 22d April [1779]

I had intiligence Yesterday evening & that by two ways Viz. New Ark and Statten Island, by which Accounts the Enemy seems to be in much commotion at both places more especialy the later, I expect to have the whole of it to morrow night if I do not get it sooner. What I heard is that there is a large number of Transports gone of[f] some out of the Hook; and some up the Sound supposed to be for Rhode-Island to bring the Troops & stores from there that they have been moving some heavy Cannon to Long Island and puting Stores on board the Vessels at night these last two articles does not seem to be so well supported as the other, further Statten Island to be evacuated in a few days; General Leslie to have 9 Regiments and to embarke and sail in a few days it’s thought either for Georgia or the West Indias. this is all I have heard at present. Last night between 12 and one oclock the Enemy in a Boat or two came into the Sound between us & the Island; and let them drift down the opposite shore as far as the old point, and then fired away at our Guard; it was returned smartly and notice sent me I dispatched the Light Horse to every place I thought suspitious least the Enemy should land in some other place under the deception of that Gasconade; they thought proper to sheere off in a short time after they had vented some abusive language. I did not even Beat a Drum which was I suppose what they wanted. They heard the firing at New Ark and was very alert, I sent them notice to be on their guard but it was Anticipated by the firing I have been Much disapointed in geting late papers but there is nothing in them. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 22 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 22d April 1779

since I wrote Your Excellency this morning, I have further intiligence, that I think may be depended on; that seven of the nine Regts I mentioned, are alrrady embarked with all their Baggage; the two others is expected to embark immediately. The Transports lyeth in the North River. Query whether they may not have intensions of pushing up the North River. A further circumstance worthy of Consideration. The people that alarmed us last night, or at least commanded them, was our old Villains from this place; Viz. Cornelius Hatfield & Capt. Lusee and some others of the same gang, who left N. York yesterday in a whale Boat, and passed our Flag-Boat that was returning, after taking over General Thompson. Some thing may be conjectured from this manuvre; we may reasonably expect them this night again, in which case, we may conjecture that they intend to make us calous to surprises here, that they may more easily effect one; or while they are making those faints here, they intend to make a surpriz up the North River, or some other place.
I thought it my duty to inform Your Excellency of these circumstances as soon as possable that You might take Your Measures accordingly and am Your Excellency Most Obedt Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell
N.B. This accompanys the four last New York Papers.


Title: General Orders, 23 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

        Head-Quarters Middle-BrookFriday April 23rd 1779.
Parole Oppelen—C. Signs Ommen—Ormond.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 23 April 1779
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Sr
Charlotteville [Va.] April 23d 1779

Not untill now has it been in my power to Acquaint Your Excellency that I received your Commands to take Charge of this post on the 27th Ultimo, wherein as I was referred by Yr Excellency to the Governor and Council of this State, who were Authorized by Congress to take upon them the General Superintendancy of the Officer Commanding here & to grant him their Assistance if necessary, I immediately repaird to Wmsburgh & laid your letter before that Board; by whom I was informed that they had written to Congress on the Subject, & declined the Management of the affairs respecting this post, but nevertheless promised me every assistance in their power, shd any Sinister occasion render it necessary to call in, the Military aid of this Country. With this Answer I immediately return’d home, and as soon as I could adjust a few private affairs and Pack up my Baggage, Set out for this place where I arrived the 15th inst. but had previous to my setting off from home given directions to the Dy Qr Mr Genl the Dy Commy Genl and the Director Genl of the Hospitals in this district, to repair here, to receive such orders as might be found necessary for Arranging and putting into some order their respective departments which seem’d from the Resolution of the Congress and the Sentiments of the Gor & Council to want some alterations. I waited some days in hopes that my Summons wd have been Complied with but finding it otherwise, and instead of personal attendance that I received a letter from Col: Aylett Dy C.G.P: wherein he tells me, “that he does not consider himself as Subject in his own person to the Command of any officer, commanding at any particular post or place in this state because his is an office of General Duty” And another from Col: Finnie excusing himself from immediate attendance on account of an expectation he had of receiving a Large Supply of money & some other Business he had on hand. The Affairs of the post requiring as I conceived after visiting & examining them some immediate Salutary arrangements; I took the Liberty of Commiting the Charge of those two departments to Capt. Rice & Mr Tate who I found Acting under those Gentn as far as concerned this post untill the pleasure of Congress shd be known, the first as Dy Qr Mr G. the second as D.C.G.P. and the Hospital department to Dr George Gilmer who resides at this place and appears to me fully Competent to the business. I have given those Gentn full instructions with regard to the management of their several departments & immediately informed the Govr & Council of the steps I have taken; hoping that through them my conduct might be represented to the Congress. I find the Garrison in a very feeble state scarcely exceeding two Hundred Men Badly armed, worse clothed & scarcely at all disciplined. And indeed, fully convinced am I of the necessity there was shd any force become necessary at any time, Of the precaution I took in requesting the Gor & Council to Arm the Militia of the Several Counties adjacent & give them orders to hold themselves in readiness at the Shortest warning in case of necessity. I shall be as carefull as possible (in giving directions for Supplying this post) that provisions and forage may be drawn as much as possible out of the line of Communication from whence our Armies are Supplied. and that water Carriage in the Upper parts of James River shall be instituted & used as much as possible that there may be as small a Consumption of forage as this post will allow. I am Happy to find the Situation of the Barracks much more Comfortable and the Officers & Soldiers in Genl of the Convention troops much better satisfied, than formerly, there being a plentifull supply of water, at present a sufficient Quantity of wholesome Provision, and the Barracks tight & comfortable. Majr Genl Phillips I have found from his letters apparently disposed to pacific Measures, & to lend his aid in keeping good order & regularity, and except in a few matters of punctilio, which as long as they do not affect, the Honor & true Interests of the United states, I shall pass over as ⟨ligh⟩tly as possible, I beleive will do tolerably well. I shall enclose Yr Excellency returns from the Several departments belonging to this post if they can be got ready before this goes, for yr Satisfaction. I have the Honor to be with the most perfect esteem & respect Yr Excy’s Most obedt & very Humb. Set
Theok Bland
P.S. I had Inadvertently neglected in the letter to Acquaint yr Excelly, that I had with the advice and the Approbation of the Council, orderd a Serjt & ten or twelve Lt Dragoons from my Regt at Winchester to do duty at this post which from the Extent of the limits, the excessive weakness of the Garrison, and the Lax discipline that has been introduced there hitherto by having nothing but Militia at first, and now very little more than two Hundred Raw Recruits, seemd to me absolutely necessary, altho I am not insensible how Illy they can be spared from the Regt, as well as how much they may be wantg at Camp. Yr Excelly will be pleased if this Step is not agreeable to you to acquaint me with yr pleasure on that head, and if they shd be recalled how their place may be supplied.


Title: To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 23 April 1779
From: Board of General Officers
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bound Brook [N.J.] 23d April 1779.

We the Subscribers met agreable to the General orders of Yesterday to settle the dispute of rank between Majors, Mentges, Murray & Nicholls, and took into consideration the principles on which the Arrangement was made at White-Plains, by the Committee of Congress assisted by B.G. Wayne; We are fully convinc’d That the arrangement then made was just, and we can see no reason why it should be alter’d.
A promotion or an appoin[t]ment of Major Nicholls, to be a Lieut. Colonel appears by the certificate sign’d P. Scull to have been made by Mr President Reed. We know of no circumstance which ought to induce this extraordinary promotion, or do we conceive that President Reed had any right to make it.
It is our opinion that the Arrangement ought to stand as made at White-Plains Vizt
Mentges
Murray
Nicholls
We also took into consideration a dispute of rank between Colonels Stewart and Craig & are of opinion That the appointment of Colonel Stewart on the 17th of June 1777 was valid, as the State in the first instance had the right of appointment. Colonel Craig’s Commission as Colonel is dated 1 Augt following. We are therefore of opinion that Stewart ought to be senior to Craig.

The Baron deKalb M.G.
W. Smallwood B.G.
H. Knox, B.G. Artillery
Wm Woodford B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Royal Flint, 23 April 1779
From: Flint, Royal
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Camp Rariton [N.J.] April 23: 1779

Colonel Beatty, the Comisary General of Prisoners, mentioned to me yesterday; that there were several hundred head of cattle grazing in the pastures about Amboy. He observed that the inhabitants of the adjacent towns were driving their stock cattle to that place to take advantage of the early grass in that neighborhood. As such a collection of cattle, near the seaside, in so defenceless a situation may be an object for the enemy, I thought it my duty to acquaint your Excellency with that circumstance. I am your Excellencys most obt Sert
Royal Flint


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 23 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Middle brook April [23 1779]

In one of your former letters; you intimate, that a free communication of Sentiments will not be displeasing to you. If under this sanction, I should step beyond the line you would wish to draw—and suggest ideas or ask questions which are improper to be answered—you have only to pass them by, in silence. I wish you to be convinced, that I do not desire to pry into measures the knowledge of which is not necessary for my government as an executive officer, or the premature discovery of which, might be prejudicial to plans in contemplation.
After premising this—I beg leave to ask—what are the reasons for keeping the Continental frigates in port? If it is because hands can not be obtained to man them, on the present encouragement, some other plan ought to be adopted to make them useful. Had not Congress better lend them to Commanders of known bravery & capacity for a limited term, at the expiration of which, the Vessels, if not taken or lost to revert to the States—they & their crews in the mean time enjoying the exclusive benefit of all captures they make, but acting either singly or conjointly, under the direction of Congress? If this or a similar plan could be fallen upon—comprehending the whole number under some common head—a man of ability and authority, commissioned to act as Commodore or Admiral—I think great advantages would result from it. I am not sure but at this moment—by such a collection of the Naval force we have—all the British armed Vessels and transports at Georgia might be taken or destroyed and their Troops ruined. Upon the present system our ships are not only very expensive & totally useless in port; but sometimes require a land force to protect them, as happened lately at New london.
The rumour of the Camp is that Monsieur Gerard is about to return to France: some speak confidently of its taking place—If this be a fact, the motives doubtless are powerful, as it will open a wide field for speculation, and give our enemies, whether with, or without real cause, at least a handle for misrepresentation & triumph.
Will Congress suffer the Bermudian vessels, which are said to have arrived in Delaware & Chesapeak bay to exchange their Salt for Flour, as is reported to be their intention? Will they not rather order them to depart immediately? Indulging them with a supply of provisions at this time will be injurious to us in two respects—it will deprive us of what we really stand in need of, for ourselves and will contribute to the support of that swarm of Privateers, which resort to Bermudas, whence they infest our Coast and in a manner annihilate our trade. Besides these considerations, by with-holding a supply, we throw many additional mouths upon the enemy’s Magazines, and increase proportionably their distress. They will not and cannot let their people starve.
In the last place, though first in importance I shall ask—is there any thing doing, or that can be done to restore the credit of our currency? The depreciation of it is got to so alarming a point—that a waggon load of money will scarcely purchase a waggon load of provision.
I repeat what I before observed, that I do not wish for your reply to more of these matters than you can touch with strict propriety. Very truely I am Dr Sir Yr most Obedt & Affecte Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 23 April 1779
From: Johnson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Annapolis [Md.] 23d April 1779.

I had the pleasure of receiving last Sunday your Favor of the eighth Instant most of the Maryland Officers sent hither on the recruiting Service have since been with me and received the Money they desired some of them have sanguine Hopes of Success—I saw Colo. Rawlings on Friday; from Conversation with him I collected that he had upwards of 100 Men and I heard Yesterday he enlisted several in his Way to Fort Frederick he was furnished with Money whilst here. I am sincerely sorry that we are so often obliged to take up your Attention in the very disagreeable Business of adjusting Claims and Difficulties amongst our Quota of Troops I am apprehensive that any Settlement of Rank will still leave much Dissatisfaction amongst our Officers but I believe our Assembly will never touch the Subject again.
Some of the Officers have told me that just before they came away they saw the Revd Mr Wilmer at Genl Smallwood’s Quarters—that he was lately from New York and brought a very particular Account of the Enemy’s Strength that they understood he designed into New York again—In the first of these ⟨Times⟩ Mr Wilmer was not thought a Whigg he aftwds strongly avowed whiggish principles; when it became necessary under our Law to take an Oath of Allegiance to the State he did not conform because as I understood he had an Estate in England—the 31st of July last he obtained permission from me “to go from Baltimore or either of the Innletts in this State to France or any of the Islands in the West Indies not under the Dominion of the Crown of Great Britain” I have since heard that he applied at our Lines for Leave to pass to New York that it was refused and that he notwithstanding got in of the Truth of this I am not certain having it only from Report I have been thus particular to guard you against too much Confidence in Mr Wilmer unless you should have the most decisive Evidence of his Attachments he is sensible active and I believe little acquainted with Fear and of Course if he goes in and out of New York as he pleases may be very useful or very dangerous. I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most obedt & most hble Servt
Th. Johnson


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 23 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 23d April 1779

Some operations of the army which are in contemplation, will oblige me before the 10th of next month to withdraw Gen: Maxwells brigade from its present position; and it will not be in my power to replace it by other troops—I shall also be obliged to recal the detachment from Monmouth.
I have thought it necessary to give your Excellency this early notice, that you may take such measures in consequence as you shall judge expedient to give security to those parts of the country which these troops are now posted to cover. With the greatest respect and esteem I have the honor to be, your Excellency’s most obt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 23 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 23d April 1779

After reading the inclosed be pleased to seal and send it forward to Reading by Express—I have recd another letter from General Maxwell of a later date than that enclosed to General Putnam, in which he says that seven of the nine Regiments were embarked with all their Baggage and the other two expected to embark immediately. The transports lye in the North River—I do not think, from the embarkation of Baggage and Stores and some other circumstances, that they have any intent of operating up the River, but I think it prudent to make you acquainted with all movements and appearances below. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 April 1779
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp Redding [Conn.] 23d Apl 1779

I have the Honor of your Excellency’s Letters of the 12th, 17th & 19th Inst. I have in Consequence of your Directions to Put this Division of the Troops in Perfect Readiness to march by the 10th of May next, orderd the Detachments made from the Division to New London and other Places remote from Camp to join the Division immediately and hope Nothing will prevent the Troops being ready to march by the Time your Excellency has orderd.
The Returns of Arms & Accoutrements wanting I hope to have returned to Morrow & will immediately forward it.
The Enemy continue Part of their Force at the East End of Long Island, but seem to be preparing to remove Westward.
The inclosd Letter of itself will give little Light, but may possibly tend to some good Purpose in Connection with other Information your Excellency may be possesd of.
I have Reasons which have great Weight to induce me to decline any Command in the Army the ensuing Campaign, but the Situation of the Troops at present is such that I am Apprehensive some ill Effects will follow my Resignation at this particular Time. I shall continue in my Command until the Season is so far advancd as my Example can have no Influence to induce my Officers to decline Service which too many of them already wish to be freed from. as I am determined my Country shall never, justly, accuse me of injuring her Rights or pursuing Measures tending to her Destruction; I hope therefore if I should at a more advancd Season of the Campaign seek a Dismission I shall not on that Account be esteemd more criminal than by pursuing my Intentions at an earlier Period. I am with the greatest Esteem yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt
Saml H. Parsons


Title: From George Washington to John Price Posey, 23 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Posey, John Price

Sir
[Middlebrook] 23d Apl 1779.

You will oblige me by lending your aid to bring my business under the care of Mr Hill & Davenport to a close. in doing this I wish you to be governed entirely by the advice & direction of Colo. Bassett.
I would have every thing belonging to me (& not taken by Mr Custis) disposed of & the money remitted to Mr Lund Washington for my use. I am Yr sincere friend & obt Servt
G. W——n.


Title: To George Washington from Meshech Weare, 23 April 1779
From: Weare, Meshech
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New Hampshire, Hampton falls April 23rd 1779.

I am honoured with the receipt of your Excellency’s Favour of the 24th of March, wherein you desire to be informed, what Force of well Arm’d Militia, Rank and File, may be drawn from this State by the first of June, for three or four Months, if the measure should be found expedient. I am Sir scarce able to give an Answer that may be depended on—The People in this State have with great Spirit and chearfulness exerted themselves upon all emergencies for the common Defence, notwithstanding their own private Affairs by that means suffered very greatly, and I doubt not but the same Spirit still remains, but then the number of Our Men are greatly lessened, we have lost a great many Men in the War, we are now called upon to fill up our quota of Men in the Continental Army, and we have but few Men remaining among us who can be spared to go into the War, unless such who if they engage must of course neglect their Husbandry Affairs, which are peculiarly necessary to be attended to, in this Time of great Scarcity. However I believe upon a special Requisition, the People would exert themselves, and that four or five Hundred Men might be raised for the Time you mention, or perhaps more, if the Occasion was pressing: near one half of which would be near Cohoss, and the whole might take that Rout without difficulty. I have the Honor to be, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant
Meshech Weare


Title: General Orders, 24 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

        Head-Quarters Middle-BrookSaturday April 24th 1779.
Parole Fairford—C. Signs Florida Flix—

The General Court Martial whereof Lieutt Colonel Harmar is President is dissolved.
The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolutions.

In Congress April 14th 1779.
“Whereas Congress on the 21st day of August last did resolve, that when any persons are desirous of going within the enemy’s lines they shall apply to the executive Power of the State to which they belong; and if the said executive power approve the motives and characters of the persons applying and shall be of opinion (especially at so critical conjunctures as the present) that no danger will ensue by granting such permission that they recommend them to the officer commanding the troops next the enemy, who upon such recommendation may at his discretion permit the persons to go in”—For the better execution of the said resolution,
Resolved, That any officer who shall permit a person to go within the enemy’s lines without such recommendation or the orders of the Commander in Chief, or the Commander of a separate department and shall thereof be duly convicted before a Court-Martial shall thereby forfeit his Commission.
In Congress 19th of April 1779.
Resolved, That whensoever a Colonel in the Army of the United States shall command a Brigade of the troops of these States in the absence of a Brigadier he shall be permitted to draw six rations in addition to the one he draws as Colonel in consideration of the extra expence he is subjected to by such command.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Connor, 24 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Connor, Morgan

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 24th April 1779.

I have your favr of the 15th instant stating your claim of superior Rank to Lieut. Colo. Hubley. Should you have any thing further to urge be pleased to let me have it as soon as possible, if not, I shall look upon your letter of the above date sufficient to lay before a Board of Officers in support of your claim.
It will give me great pleasure to hear that you have a prospect of the re-establishment of your health after your long illness, being Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Royal Flint, 24 April 1779
From: Flint, Royal
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Camp Rariton [N.J.] April 24: 1779.

Since making a report, to your Excellency, on the 20th instant, I have received some advice of consequence; which is herewith communicated. The letters, from which the inclosed extracts are taken, were wrote before my transmittal of your Excellencys last orders. Some information, which particularly relates to those directions, is expected to day or tomorrow. I cannot entertain a doubt, but the number of troops, last proposed, to be employed in the expedition from Susquehannah, may be subsisted, while on that enterprize. I am your Excellency most obt & hbl. Srvt
Royal Flint A.C.G.P.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Dear Sir
Middle brook Aprl 24th 79

Your letter of the 22d came to my hands about 9 O’clock this day. I thank you for the information contained. After the Minister has actually set out, I should be glad to be informed of it by express and (if the knowledge can be obtained readily) to be informed of his Stages, & the hour he may be expected in Camp.
I am sorry for the difficulties you have to encounter in the department of Quarter Master, especially as I have been in some degree instrumental in bringing you into it. Under these circumstances I cannot undertake to give advice, or even to hazard an opinion on the measures best for you to adopt—Your own judgment must direct. if it points to a resignation of your present Office, & your inclination leads you to the Southward, my wishes shall accompany it; and if the appointment of a successor to General Lincoln is left to me, I shall not hesitate in prefering you to this command, but I have little expectation of being consulted on the occasion—with truth & sincerity—I am Dr Sir Yrs &ca
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 April 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 24th 1779

Your Excellencys favor of the 22d was deliverd me this afternoon.
I am happy to find you have wrote so fully to Congress upon the disagreeable consequences that may follow from starveing the quarter Masters Department at this critical season. I wish it may have the desird effect and rouse their attention; but I must confess I am afraid the stupor is so great that nothing can alarm their fears or promote a spirit of industry. I had but very little prospect from my own application of obtaining the necessary supplies of Cash. What additional influence your Excellencys Letter will give to my reasons and respresentation, time only can manifest.
The treasury appears to be hard prest on every side; and the demands at this Time are infinitely greater than is in their power to satisfy with the greatest exertions upon the present plan of strikeing Money. The truth of the affair is; there has been a great degree of Negligence and want of timely attention to prepare seasonably for the present demands. When I was in Town in the Winter I reported to the Treasury Board what I thought would be absolutely necessary for the quarter Masters department to the 2d of March. Not one half of which have we been able to get altho every thing has been urged to induce them to satisfy our wants.
On my arrival here I laid your Excellencys Letter respecting Waggoners before a Committee of Congress. They immediately confirmd it by a Resolution; notwithstanding they had been hammering upon the business for almost two Months off and on; and finally had put it (before the receipt of your Letter) upon a very restrictive plan.

The business of financeing is in a poor way. There is no plan formd or scheme digested for mending our Money. There is a thousand projects on foot; but none appear to be taken up on a practical footing.
There is complaints and murmurings in Congress against the people of this State and the people of the State complain against the proceedings of Congress. It is said days and Weeks together are spent upon the most triffleing disputes in the World; and those generally of a personal Nature. What will be the issue of this policy I know not.
I have wrote Circular Letters to all the Deputies in my Department on the East side of the Susquehannah; to enlist as many Waggoners as they possibly can by the middle of next Month; and to have all the public Teams forwarded so as to be in Camp by that Time. I expect our Waggon Horses will fall short; as our Agents have but a scanty supply of money. However I will do the best I can.
I wish to know whether I must increase the Number of Pack Horses. Orders has been given for 1000; but General Sullivan thinks near 500 more will be wanted. It dont appear so to me; but I am not a good judge of the business.
The Board of War are out of Lead; and I fear the Ammunition will not be ready timely. This is only conjectural.
I wrote Your Excellency before that the Minister of France sets out for Camp on Tuesday next. Don Juan will accompany him.
There is a French Ship just arrivd from the West Indies; but I cant learn that She brings any thing new.
I intended to have set out for Camp to morrow; but I believe I shall not be ready until Monday in the forenoon.
I have desird Congress to give me leave to resign as I apprehended a loss of Reputation if I continued in the business. They are not disposd to grant my request at all. But unless they change the system or publish their approbation upon the present. I shall not remain long in the business. I will not sacrifice my Reputation for any consideration what ever. I am willing to serve the public; but I think I have a right to choose that way of performing the serv[i]ce which will be most honorable to my self. I should be willing to serve in the Department I am in, for a proper consideration; if I could serve without loss of Reputation; but not without.
I beleive it has been a received opinion that I was so very fond of the emoluments of the quarter Masters office; that nothing but absolute necessity would induce me to quit it. I will not deny but that the profits is flattering to my fortune but not less humileateing to my Military pride; and he who has entertaind such Sentiments is a stranger to my feelings.
While I had a prospect of pleaseing your Excellency, the Army, and the Congress the service was agreeable; but if a combination of circumstances changes those prospects. Nothing shall induce me to continue in the business; even if the profits is made five times as large as they are.
There is a great difference between being raisd to an Office and decending to one; which is my case. There is also a great difference betwext serving where you have a fair prospect of honor and laurels, and where you have no prospect of either let you discharge your duty ever so well. No body ever heard of a quarter Master in History as such or in relateing any brilliant Action.
I engagd in this business as well out of compasion to your Excellency as from a regard to the public. I thought your task too great to be commander in chief and quarter master at the sametime. Money was not my motive. For you may remember I offerd to serve a year unconnected with the Accounts with out any additional pay to that which I had as a Major General. However this proposition was rejected as inadmissable. Then I told the Committee I would serve upon the same terms that Mr Cox and Mr Pettit could be engagd upon; and I have nothing more now; altho I have a double share of duty, and held responsible for all failures.
Before I came into the Department your Excellency was obligd often to stand quarter master. However capable the principal was of doing his duty, he was hardly ever with you. The Line and the Staff were at War with each other. The Country had been plunderd in a way that would now breed a kind of civil War between the Staff and the Inhabitants—The manner of my engageing in this business; and your Excellencys declaration to the Committee of Congress that you could stand quarter master no longer, are circumstances which I wish may not be forgotten as I may have ocasion at some future day to appeal to your Excellency for my own justification.
One thing I can say with truth and senserity that I have conducted the business with as much prudence and oeconemy as if my private fortune had been answerable for the disbursements. And I believe your Excellency will do me the justice to say the Department has coopperated with your measures as far as circumstances were to be governd by me; and this you had reason to apprehend would not have been the case had I not taken the direction of the business. And here in justice to my Colleagues I shall mention that I think them entitled to your Excellencys personal esteem from the warmth of their wishes and a desire to promote your ease and convenience.
I am more acquainted with Mr Pettits Mode of doing business than I am with Mr Coxes; but I think the public under great obligations to the former for his method, and oeconemy. I am with the most perfect esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Sert
Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 24 April 1779
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Trenton [N.J.] 24 April 1779

I received your Excellency’s favour of yesterday’s date, respecting your intentions of removing the Troops from Elizabeth Town & Monmouth; and am obliged to you for your seasonable intimation of that step, to enable me to provide for the security of those parts of the Country, by detachments from our Militia.
The contents of your Excellency’s confidential Letter shall remain a profound secret with me. I am with the greatest Esteem & affection Dear Sir your Excellency’s most humble Sr.
Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 24 April 1779
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

Sr
Minisink [N.Y.] April 24 1779

I was Honor’d with your letter by Capt. Kiersley the 21 Instant; The Preceeding day a body of Indians burnt the Fort at Lackaway & several houses on that Road—And Continue to Infest this Settlement—Yesterday they burnt a house & carried off four Inhabitants within five Miles of our Quarters, but we cannot get a Light of them altho’ we have been constantly Scouting in detatch’d partys to the distance of 40 Miles—Had not this been our Situation I could have march’d the Hour I received Your Excellencys orders.
The Whole will be collected this Night & in the morning Shall march at all events—Inclosed is a Return of the Stores—As I am not directed to leave a Guard for them I imagine Col. Spencer has made no report—Considering their Value, the impracticability of removing them And the disstress of the Inhabitants. I Presume to leave a Sub: & 20 men—and have Collected the Stores to the most defencible place—When this party is relieved or orderd by your Excellency—a boat which carries our baggage can Tra[n]sport them to Eastown in less than 30 hours.
Under Such Circumstances I hope Your Excellency will approve of my departing in this Instance from orders.
I intended to have left Capt. Kiersleys Company, but he proposes to leave the Service at Eastown, and I am under the Necessity of Appropriating an Officer to take care of his men—whom to prevent future Contention I take along with the Regiment—If they had been left it might have been Sufferted as a design to Keep them from the Corps they are orderd to Join.
I thank your Excellency for the Alternatives offer’d me, As Now Good Officers of my Late Regt are dissmiss’d by Congress, & Several others for that reason (most particularly) have determin’d to retire—my prospect with the New Model’d Corps is discouraging—And I therefore Choice to retire also—I nevertheless am by no means Tir’d of the Service, Nor do I intend to Avail myself of Such an Opportunity to drop the Cause of my Country by engaging in Schemes of Trade for my own advantadge.
I have wrote to Col. Spencer & hope that he will relieve me at Eastown—but it may be he will expect your Excellencys positive orders—but he only lives about 20 Miles from Head Quarters at Mendhem.
There are too few officers for the duty, I wish Your Excellency would order Mr Stagg, who is with the Adjt General, to Join at Eastown.
I inclose a Return of the Regt with, a Copy of Arrangement & my remarks for your information—The dissmissd officers do not seem willing to join again directly And I do not think my self at liberty to Urge Much, because Col. Spencer perhaps would Wish to make his own choice. I most respectfully am Your Excellencys Most obdt Servant
W. Malcom


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 24 April 1779
From: Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council Philadelphia April 24th 1779

Your Excellencys letter of the twentieth Instant has been laid before the Board informing us that a Court Martial will be held at camp on the first of May next for “the Trial of General Arnold on the first second third and fifth charges exhibited against him by this Board.”
We apprehend there must have been some mistake in the mode of transmitting this business to your Excellency as we never exhibited any other charge against General Arnold to Congress than that of appropriating the publick waggons of the state to private uses, and that only that he might remain to answer. Nor do we think it by any means consistent with the duty we owe the state to be considered in the light of parties as thereby we may establish a principle under which we must submit silently to injuries and insults or follow military Courts into any part of the Country wherever the service may require the army to be.
The light in which we have ever considered ourselves and which we would wish to be considered by your Excellency is as a publick body the Representation of the Freemen of Pennsylvania expressing our opinion of General Arnolds conduct founded upon facts disclosed to us and arising from our own knowledge, asking nothing of Congress but that he should not continue to command in this state. The history of this Country affords many instances of this proceeding in the cases of oppressive Governors, and it is a right which we hold independant of and unaccountable to any other power. No one doubts the right of a publick body to praise, and this shews strongly they have a power to censure, it only operating as an opinion unaccompanied with any punishment. In the present instance General Arnold refused to give any explanation of his conduct tho civilly requested, or ever offered to disprove the facts alledged, of course we were obliged to exercise our Judgments upon the evidence and proofs we had. We perfectly approve the trial at the same time, being of opinion that General Arnolds conduct deserves some military reprehension and we doubt not the Officers of the army will impartially weigh the duty they owe the country as well as the person charged, and if the facts are proved let the palliating circumstances, if there are any, operate in the sentence not on the nature of the Transaction. Such is the dependance of the army upon the transportation of this state, and such the feelings of the people upon this sort of duty that should the Court treat it as a light and trivial matter, and found an opinion upon any other ground than the innocence of the charge, we fear it will not be practicable to draw forth waggons in future, be the emergency what it may, and will have very bad consequences.
We could have wished your Excellency had appointed a later day or we could have had earlier notice—your letter is dated the twentieth Instant and was not received till the twenty second, and considering the distance of some of the witnesses we fear it will not be possible to give them notice much less to procure their attendance, and we presume no exparte testimony ought to be received by the Court. Our view of the matter was, and it was so considered by the joint Committees that we should transmit the papers to your Excellency, & inform you of the names of the witnesses to prove the several points—that then your Excellency, either by your own authority or that of Congress would have procured the attendance of the Witnesses. Two Officers of Congress not in any respect under our controul are material witnesses of which we informed Congress requesting they might not proceed to Carolina till their testimony could be had. No notice was taken of it, and they set off about a week ago, and as we have reason to think with a view to be absent till the trial is over. Colonel Fitzgerald who is also a material witness we suppose is in Virginia. As substantial Justice, not a mere formality will be undoubtedly your Excellencys object on this occasion we submit to your Judgment whether a competent time for the attendance of these witnesses at least who are within reach, and the adjustment of some previous points will not make a farther day necessary. These points are, at whose expence and by whose procurement are the Witnesses to be had—and whether the service will not admit of the setting of the Court at some nearer place than camp, if that cannot be, we must rely upon your Excellency to give some directions for the accommodation of the persons who may attend in behalf of the prosecution. As the idea expressed in your Excellencys letter does not correspond with the resolve of Congress transmitted to us and differs from that entertained by the Joint committee of Congress Council & Assembly in which it was expressly declared that this Board was not to be considered as a party we trust the proceedings in the business will conform to this Idea, otherwise, besides the inconvenience above mentioned we shall be liable to a charge of inconsistency not well founded. We are sir with every sentiment of respect and regard Your Excellencys most obedient & very humble servant
Jos: Reed Presidt
P.S. By the time this will reach your Excellency there will remain but three days, so that we shall be glad to have as early an answer as possible, for we beg leave to assure you that no other delay is sought but what is necessary to proceed to business with effect.


Title: To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 24 April 1779
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany April 24th 1779

On the 21st Instant I received two Letters from Mr Deane, Copies whereof I have the Honor to inclose to your Excellency.
Some Oneidas, Tuscaroras and an Onondaga Sachem now in Town inform me that the Cayugas mean thro’ the Oneidas to beg peace of us—Should that really be the Intention of their Journey to Oneida, the Commissioners will be at a Loss how to act, until either your Excellency’s Sentiments or those of Congress are obtained—I wish therefore that they should be furnished with Instructions for their Direction, should the Cayugas or any other of the hostile Tribes propose Terms of peace.
I am informed the Batteaux to convey the Troops intended for the Enterprize against Onondaga reached Fort Schuyler on Sunday last, If so, I believe Colonel Van Schaick will probably have reached the place of his Destination as last Night.
Information has been received here that a few people have been killed and others made prisoners in Tryon County and some Settlements destroyed: that a Body of about four hundred from Canada had been discovered near Stony Arabia—If this Account is true the Settlement will be destroyed before the Troops and Militia marched to its Relief can reach it. I am Dear Sir most affectionately & sincerely Your Excellency’s obedient humble Servant,
Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 24 April 1779
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alixandria [Va.] Apl 24th 1779

Immediatly on the Rect of Your Excellys Instructions I repard to Williamsburg for the Govr⟨s⟩ Further instructions, which was nothing more than that the Cloths should be ready at any place that I chose to appoint by the 20th of this instant, upon which I orderd through the publick prints and Several Exp[r]esses, that the Men Should be Randezvousd at this place the 20th and those on the South side of Rappohannack at Fredbg the 25th Inst. I my self reached this the 21st and To my great asstonishment found not one rag of Cloths nor a Single man, I shall Leave the Necessary instructions for this post and return To Fredricksburg in order to put those troops that may be Colected there, in motion and Forward a letter to the Govr Respecting the inattention of the County Lieutenants in this part of the State, and Desier that the Cloths m[a]y be Hurryed up. I have had no letter from the Govr But have reasons to believe that the Clothing Will not be ready for a Considerable time perhaps two months in that Case I wish to have Your Excys farther instr[u]ctions Indeed I can say and I think with some degree of propriety that the Clothing will not be ready time enough to render the men of any use this Campaign, I wish I may be mistaken in this mater, but am fearfull I Shall not. Your Excy may rest assurd, However Ruinous this Business may be to me that what ever respects my own duty has been and Shall be don with all possable Expedition. I am Your Excy Obt Servt
Chs Scott


Title: General Orders, 25 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Sunday April 25th 1779.
Parole Pampeluna—C. Signs Pago Pisa.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 25 April 1779
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

        Dear Sir.
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] 25th April 1779

I have had the Honor of receiving your Excellency’s Letters of the 9th & 17th Instant. In consequence of the Latter I have ordered 100 Men to the northern Frontier to relieve the Detachments of Genl James Clinton’s Brigade now in that Quarter—The Officer who is to command these Men is ordered to observe such Directions as he shall receive from Genl Schuyler (to whom I have written on the Subject) as from his knowledge of the Country he will be able to make the best Disposition of this small force. The Militia in that Quarter have also my Orders to hold them selves in the most perfect Readiness; but it being a new Country they are weak and having been once in the Power of the Enemy under Genl Burgoyne are not much to be depended on.
I formerly mentioned to your Excellency that I imagined this State might be able to raise one thousand Men for the frontier Service. The Legislature soon after accordingly provided for the embodying of that number by Drafts from the Militia; but at the same Time directed that a Proportion of them should be applied towards filling up the continental Battalions raised under the direction of this State, if a Requisition should be made for this Purpose by Congress. The Militia Officers are now employed in making the Drafts in their respective Regiments & I have Reason to believe they will soon be compleated & a greater part of them by voluntary Inlistments. Those which are to join the continental Regiments will be immediately delivered over to them—the remainder will be upwards of four hundred & commanded by a Lieutenant Colo. and Major I will order them to join the Troops now on the Frontiers & to such Passes as are best calculated to cover the Country from the Incursions of the Enemy until I shall hear further from your Excellency You will readily perceive, Sir, that without knowing the Rendesvouz of the different Parties who are to be employed in the Operations to the Westward and the Routes they are respectively to take it will be impossible for me to make the proper Disposition of the Force that may be left in their Absence, for the Protection of the frontier Inhabitants as some Parts will be rendered perfectly secure by the Movements of our Troops whilst others will be more exposed Your Excellency’s Orders therefore on this Subject will be necessary. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant
Geo: Clinton
P.S. Since writing the above I have received a Letter from Genl Ten Broeck with the enclosed Copy of a Letter from Mr Fonda. The disagreeable Intelligence it contains will I fear tend to retard the raising of the Drafts from the Militia as it will disconcert the Measures taken for that Purpose.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 25 April 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence [R.I.] 25th April 1779:

Yesterday evening the Bearer put into my Hands Your Excellencys Letters of the 12th, and 17th Instant; I shall immediately Order General Glovers Brigade to be in readyness to March at the shortest Notice; unfortunately for our Safety, your Excellency is as much deceived, as I am disappointed, in the Numbers expected to be rais’d for the defence of this State; Neither Providence, Massachusetts, nor Connecticut, will for many Months to come, raise any Number of Men adequate to the purpose of Defending this State alone; the inclosed, General Return, will shew Your Excellency the Exact Force now upon the Ground. General Sullivans requisition to This, and the Neighbouring States, for a reinforcement of State Troops, or Militia, are, as well as mine, since his Departure, quite uncomply’d with. Connecticut has not done anything, Massachusetts has just Voted one Regiment, to be rais’d for one Year; this State have order’d their Regiment of Artillery, and The Two State Regiments to be embodied; but when these three will make five hundred Men, instead of 1500, Their proper Quota, is as uncertain, as the probability of that Event is remote; Nevertheless whatever Your Excellencys Orders may be, they shall be punctually Obeyed; at the same time Sir Duty bids me to represent the true State of Our Affairs here, & submit it intirely to your Wisdom; how the Troops are to be disposed of to the best advantage for our General defence; my Zeal for the Future happyness of this Country will not Suffer me to close this Letter, without mentioning a few things respecting the plan of Attack Your Excellency has in View; This I do not with any Design of Damping the Ardour, with which the intended Conquest ought to be pursued, but as a Caution, which may contribute towards preventing very great misfortunes from befalling us, at this most Critical period of the War. From Albany to Osswego is 350 Miles, the Carrying places included; From Osswego to Niagara, is 180 Miles over Lake Ontario; From Fort Stanwix, to Niagara, we have not a Single post, or Magazine; & The Enemy have Three, Deck’d Vessells, mounted with Cannon upon the Lake; but I will suppose every Obstacle surmounted, & our Army Invests Niagara; General Haldimand will infallibly be apprized of the Route our Troops are taking long before they reach Oneida; and it is as certain, He will take his measures accordingly, so as to be ready, either to raise the Siege of Niagara, or to take post at Osswego; in either Case, should our Army unfortunately fail in reducing Niagara, Their Situation will be truly deplorable—with Sentiments of great respect I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Servt
Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 25 April 1779
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
April 25 1779

The Regiment is now Twelve Miles on its March to Eastown—Colonel Spencer is arrived and will take Command there—Major Pawling does not Serve—he came to our Quarters a few days ago, but the face of the Arrangement determin’d him to adhere to his resignation—the Desbanded Officers are Also left us this morning—which is a real loss to the Service—The Men of the Regiment are unhappy by thus being taken from Officers whom they loved, and in a body have petitiond me to request your Excellency that if nothing else can happen to th[e]ir wishes, they may be drafted to the regiments of their respective States—I hope I do not offend your Excellency by complying with my promise. I expect to reach Eastown on Tuesday. With respect I am Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt
W. Malcom


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 25 April 1779
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War-Office [Philadelphia] April 25. 1779.

yours of the 22d inst. came to hand yesterday evening. I immediately sent orders to the Clothier General to send on to camp without delay all the shirts, over-alls & blankets in his possession, reserving only so many as were necessary to answer the orders given for supplying Colo. Proctors & Colo. Hartley’s regiments. The Clothier General informs me there will then remain but about 150 blankets & very few shirts, to be sent to camp. Sometime since Colo. Mitchell at our request purchased 1700 blankets, which we were told were at Baltimore, & to be brought on as soon as possible. I had more than once inquired of Colo. Mitchell concerning them: he expected their arrival daily. Yesterday I sent again; & he now informs me they were ordered to be sent from Williamsburg to the Head of Elk, from whence he has given orders to have them transported hither as quick as possible. Should they fortunately arrive in the course of next week, not a moment shall be lost in forwarding enough to answer the present exigency.
I see no prospect of collecting the large quantity of shoes mentioned in your Excellency’s letter. On the 16th of March Mr Henry had more than 3000 pairs at Lancaster: I know not of any material issues to lessen that quantity, at least none equal the supplies he must have had coming in. On the 24th of March Mr Rutherford returned 1231 pr on hand. He has since told Mr Mease he had 1600 pairs: and as he informed me lately that the Maryland troops were fully supplied, I presume he has that number yet. This however can be ascertained by inquiring of the Maryland Clothier. Mr Ewing gives no encouragement to expect any from him this week. Upon the whole I believe your Excellency may depend on 4500 pairs of shoes being collected and packed in season for the purpose mentioned: no endeavours shall be wanting to increase the number. Mr Mease has just inclosed me a letter he recd last Friday from Henry Guest of Brunswick informing that he had a quantity of excellent large shoes ready to be delivered, provided the price offered were “in proportion to other matters.” Mr Mease writes by this express to Mr Kemper to buy these shoes immediately: he conjectures there may be 1000 pairs of them.
I am happy to inform your Excellency that Otis & Henley have 7000 frocks (hunting shirts I suppose) ready made & 20,000 pairs of over-alls, besides other cloathing, & nothing but the badness of the roads (on the 1st of April, the date of their letter) prevented their coming on. I have the honour to be, with great respect, your most obedt servant
Tim: PickeringIn behalf of the board


Title: General Orders, 26 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Monday April 26th 1779.
Parole Queen of France—C. Signs Ranger. Warren.

The Commander in Chief has the pleasure to inform the Army that the Continental Frigates, Queen of France, Warren & Ranger have captured the british ship Jason of 20 Guns—the Ship Maria of 16 Guns—the Brigantines Patriot, Frederick, Bachelor, and John and the Schooners Hibernia & Chance bound from New-York to Georgia with large quantities of goods, stores, provisions &c. with four field and twenty commissioned officers.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 26 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

D. Sir
Head Qrs—Middlebrook 26 April 1779

I find myself under a necessity of postponing your trial to a later period, than that for which I notified your attendance—I send you this information in a hurry lest you should set out before it might arrive if delayed to an hour of more leisure—In a future letter I shall communicate my reasons and inform you of the time which shall be finally appoin⟨ted⟩. I am Dr Sir Your most Obed. ser⟨vt⟩.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 26 April 1779
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sr
Charlestown [N.H.] 26th April 1779

I mentioned in my Last Letter to your Excelency that I would Transmit the Inteligence that Should be Brot, from Canada by Capt. Travisie, who has returned but the two Indians that went with him and Proceeded amongst the Inhabetants are not returned, So that no inteligence is yet obtained by that Party. Since the Snow has been gone I have Sent Seven men Into Canada who are to Tarry near Quebeck untill Some arivals of Shiping when two of them are to return the others to Tarry untill the 25th of May, unless they make Some Meterial Discovery before that Time.
Colo. Hazen has advanced thus far northward, I am Sorry Flower has not been laid up I cannot Say where the Fault lys.
the Representation of the Quentity to be had here will hold good, Ten Days after I returned from Head Quarters I wrote to mr Cylor that one Hundred thousand Dollars would be wanted to furnish the Magazine at Coos and Desired it might be Immediately Sent to his Purchaseing Commisary, for that Purpose in about one month 15000 Dollars were Sent I waited on Promises untill the first of December when agreeable to your Excelencys and Mr Commisary Flints Direction to me I informed Mr Flint of the Deficiency and informed that if thier was not a Supply of money Sent by the first of January, the ⟨wheat⟩ would be undoubtedly Carried to market, no money of Consequence was Sent not enough Even to Pay of the former Purchases to this Time, no money now to Purchase, which has obliged Colo. Hazin To advance Eleaven thousand Dollars to the Purchaseing Commisary here by which means I hope there will be Enough Flower Provided for the Regt Six weeks, not less than forty Tons of Flower has been Transported from Coos to the Sea ports about Sixteen Hundred bushels has been Stored but all Expended tho, I have not Taken any from the Publick Store for the Servise of the road Partys to Canada or any other Servise, I am much rejoyced that Colo. Hazen is ordered to Coos the Season will not admit to Proceed further till the middle of may I Shall be Happy to Do Every thing to assist him in the Execution of your Excelencys orders and in Every thing whereby the Publick is Served, if a Campaign is Carried on against Canada I believe one thousand men might be raised on this River and Towns adjacent for that Servise. I am your Excelencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Jacob Bayley
P.S. I have Had no Care of the Stores Since the first of Decr at which time they were Delivered by the Purchaseing Commisary to the Issuing Commisar[y]s from albany neither have I had the Handling of any money from Purchaseing Commisary.