Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 6 January 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston Jany 6th 1778

I have been honored with yours of the 17th and 20th Ultimo. It gave me pain to find myself censured by your Excellency for not attending to your orders in the inoculating the Recruits before they were sent on to join the Army. If I have misapprehended your Excellency’s orders, I hope you will excuse such my mistake: But after you had been pleased repeatedly by Letter to order me to hurry on the Recruits of the Army without detaining them to go through Inoculation here when it could be done with great convenience at Peekskill and in its vicinity; and the Legislature had put a stop to inoculation in this quarter, I thought I was pursuing my duty in pushing them on. I have applied to the Council for their advice as to the most proper, and safe place for opening an inoculating Hospital, as there are none at present, and the Law severe against them to which they will pay immediate attention. I have also mentioned to them the compleating their several Regiments &c. agreeable to your Letter.
I have taken the liberty to enclose a Resolve of Council lately sent to me, as it is intended to ascertain the true, State of the several Regiments raised by this State, I beg leave to request your Excellency’s order to the Adjutant General to take the necessary steps for its being carried into execution as soon as conveniently may be by those Regiments who are serving in the Army with you, and that when compleatd the papers may be sent here.
A valuable Cargo of Ordnance and Stores have lately arrived here from Martinique, among which are seventeen peices of Cannon, a number of Granades, Shot, Flints Musket Ball, Fire Arms, pick axes, Spades, a quantity of powder, Slow-match &c. they are now unloading.
General Burgoyne has this day sent an express to Rhode Island for the Transports to come round immediately. Congress have sent me a Resolve, directing that His Accounts of Subsistance be settled by a refund of provisions of equal Quantity and quality, or in Gold or Silver. General Burgoyne talks of refunding part of the Beef & Flour; if he can effect it, particular care will be taken to survey the provisions if any should be brought round in the Transports, which I have observed to him. If provisions should not be repaid, at least in part, I fear our Magazines will be in a most exhausted State in this Department.
I am fully sensible that the longer the Troops are delayed here the

later the reinforcement who may be releived by them in great Britain will arrive in America; But if our Magazines of provisions should be exhausted and new-England should happen to be the Seat of War, or in part, so the want of provisions may be productive of disagreeable consequences.
I have sounded what your Excellency observed with respect to General Hamilton, General Burgoyne informs me that he never heard General Hamilton hint any such desire, but whether he should be exchanged or not, he must go to England as his Regiment is one of those under the Convention, and he is a General Officer only in America. I shall again sound the matter with General Hamilton with all due Caution. I have the Honor to be with great respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient, Humble Servant,

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 6 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

Sir
Head Qrs [Valley Forge] January 6th 1778

I have received your Letter of the 4th Inst. When you reflect how lately you Joined the Army—What indulgencies you have had, and how long you were at & in the Neighbourhood of your Home, after your Appointment, you cannot be surprized, that I disapproved your Application for a Furlough and with some degree of displeasure.
It has been a custom with several Officers to resign of late when Furloughs could not be granted them consistently with the good & demands of the service. This practice you seem to wish to pursue; I therefore inform you, However anxious I might have been before for your continuance in the Army, that if you can obtain liberty from Congress to resign, to whom it will be necessary to apply, that you will meet with no difficulty with me. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Trenton and Mercer County Magistrates, 6 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Gentlemen
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] Jany 6th 1778

I received your Letter of the 2d Instant pointing out the many inconveniencies that will attend Trenton & its Neighbourhood by Quartering the Light Horse there. Before this Step was determin’d on I made Enquiry of the Forage master Genl, who reported that plenty of Forage &Ca could be got convenient to the Town—my desire of adding in some degree to the Security of that Neighbourhood & the Public Property thereabouts was also an inducement to it, which, by your

Letter I observe you are of opinion, will have a contrary Effect, but in this I am satisfied you will find yourselves deceiv’d particularly when they will be aided by a Body of Infantry on that side Deleware, which probably may be the Case after some little time. My duty obliges me to Quarter the Horse in such places as can afford them the necessary Supplies during the Winter, & where they may at same time give some Cover to the Country.
If upon trial, Trenton is found not to answer these Intentions, such Change must take place as will most probably answer this purpose I am Gentlemen Your mo. Obed. servt.


Title: From George Washington to an Unknown Person, 6 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Unknown

Sir
[Valley Forge] 6th January 1778

I recd yours of the 20th decemr inclosing a letter from Colo. Marbury’s Freind to Majr Molleson. It was immediately forwarded and I hope will have the desired effect. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Martha Washington, 6 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Martha
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Martha Washington, c.6 Jan. 1778. James Craik wrote GW on this date: “I get the favour of Mrs Washington to Send this under Cover to you.”


Title: To George Washington from the General Officers, 7 January 1778
From: General Officers
To: Washington, George

Camp [Valley Forge]Janry 7th, 1778.
May it please your Excellency

The Officers of the Army being fixed to this particular Camp, are not in a Situation to procure many Articles, wch would be very necessary for them; And being informed that in the Vessell taken from the Enemy by Genl Smalwood there were a number of such Articles, which would be of more Utility to the Officers than to any other part of the Community; & being apprehensive that if they should be transported to Lancaster, or any other remote part, they may be squandered away, or improperly distributed among such Branches of the Army, as will lea[s]t contribute to the Good of the Service. Confiding therefore in your Excellency’s Benevolence & paternal Care, we humbly beg that they may be ordered to the Neighborhood of this Camp, or otherwise disposed of as to your Excellency shall seem fit. Wch Instance of your Favor will add to the many Obligations already conferred upon your very Obdt humble Servants.

            Wm Maxwell
            J. M. Varnum

            H. Knox
            G. Weedon

            Lachn McIntosh
            Chs Scott

            Jno. Paterson
            Enoch Poor


Title: To George Washington from Major Peter Scull, 7 January 1778
From: Scull, Peter
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Reading [Pa.] 7th January 1778.

I had this day the honor of receiving your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th Instant.
Imprest with the warmest sentiments of Gratitude & attachment, I return you thanks for the polite & obliging manner in which you are pleased to answer my late application. At the time I made the Request I was conscious, Sir, that there was some impropriety in doing it, but that or inevitable distress was the alternative. I am not possessed of an independent fortune & what little I have is much impair’d by my Continuance in the Army. The Officer’s pay on the present establishment when compared to the advanced prices of every Article of Life, your Excellency must know is by no means adequate to support them in a Character suitable to their Rank; & as I could not think of retaining a commission, unless my circumstances would allow me to do that; the reason of my desiring to leave the service is obvious.
I ask your Excellency’s indulgence for having been thus minute with respect to the situation of my private Fortune. I have been more explicit on that head to shew that my Conduct has not proceeded from any sinister Views, but altogether from motives of Oeconomy.
As your Excellency has mentioned that some new regulations in the army are about to take place, & are pleased to intimate a wish that my resignation may be postponed. I shall most chearfully consent to it, & I beg leave to add that if I can then serve my Country & your Excellency with honor in the military Line, it will be the extent of my ambition to do it.
It affords me unspeakable satisfaction to find that my former conduct has merited your Excellency’s approbation & I return my most grateful acknowledgements for the favorable manner in which it is mentioned. I am Sir with Gratitude & respect Your Excellency’s Most obliged & most Obedt Servt

P. Scull


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 7 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir:
Valley Forge, January 7, 1778.

Learning that the Captured Brig contains a great quantity and variety, of officers baggage; and necessaries proper for them; many articles of which from the length of time I have been in the service and difficulty of procuring them at first, I stand much in need of, I shall be obliged to you for sending me, if to be had, the things contained in the

Inclosed memm. I will pay the appraised value, or come in as a common purchaser at a public auction as shall be thought best. With sincere esteem and regard I am, etc.

P.S. I shall refer you to another Letter of mine written since the above, but still wish for the articles in the Inclosed List.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 7 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 7th Jany 1778

The inclosed to Govr Johnston, on the subject of compleating and Cloathing the Troops of Maryland, is left open for your inspection. After reading, be pleased to seal and transmit it to the Governor with the Returns for which I have referred him to you.
The Officers in this Camp are anxious to come in for a share of the Baggage taken in the prize Brig. That justice may be done to all, I propose that the whole shall be sent here, opened, inventoried, and every Officer have a proportion, provided there be sufficient, but if there should not be enough for all to have a full proportion, the Officers of your division who were the Captors ought I think to have a preference. That they may not imagine that any injustice is intended towards them, by having the whole brought here, I would have you inform them that my principal Motive for bringing them is to secure them and I would have you send an Officer from each of your Regiments to assist in opening and taking an account of the Goods, and after that is done drawing a proportion for your Division. The Arms, Tents, and other Stores should be sent back into the Country, from whence they may be removed to a place of perfect safety. If there are any Soldiers Shoes and Stockings, I suppose some of them may be immediately necessary for your Troops, but I beg you may detain as few of the Shoes as possible as they are much wanted here and we have no great probability of getting them, whereas I imagine you will have a better chance of procuring them in the part of the Country where you are.
Whether these Goods will be sold by Auction or delivered to the Officers at a moderate appraisement I do not yet know, but I think the latter will be best as bidding upon each other will raise the price and of consequence tend to depreciate our Money. Neither do I know, what Congress will deem a compensation to the Captors.
We are in the greatest want of Blocks and Falls to raise the Bridge over Schuylkill, the Timber is all cut and ready to put up. Inclosed you

have a list of such things as are wanting. and if the Brig which you have taken will afford them, I beg they may be immediately sent off. We expected them from Bordentown, but we have been disappointed, and the Work stands still.
There are some small matters which I want particularly for my own use, I have mentioned them in a private letter to you. I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Joseph Spencer, 7 January 1778
From: Spencer, Joseph
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
State of Rhode IslandProvidence Jany 7th 1778

The strength of the Land Force of the Enemy at Rhode Island, remains much as it has been, for several Months past; they have Fortifyed Latterly Considerably, and Especially, near New Port; I have obtaind a Return of four Regiments, in October last, which I Enclose adding the other two Hession, and the 22nd Brittish Regiments, together with the Grenadiers, and Light Infantry of the 54th and the Artillery men, they will make in the whole, by the best Accounts I can Obtain 3,600; There has Generally been about Six ships, and Frigates of Force, belonging to the Enemy, Round the Channel of Rhode Island, through the summer and fall Past: there is a large number lately Arrived there of Transports, at least a Hundred, and in the whole now there, upwards of 20 ships, Frigates, and sloops of War; Eight or nine of which of the line; Lord Howe came there Last saturday: they have lately been sounding in the Channel near Warwick Neck and we hear of some other preparations, that Indicate some designs against us—our Army has been about 2,400 strong, Including Officers, and Invalids, at a Medium from May, to this time, without regard to those Raised in October for the design’d Expedition, Concerning which, Colo. Sherburne has Doubtless, long time since given your Excellency a particular Account, We have had great

difficulty here, of late, relative to provisions for the Army, Occasioned by the Resignation of the late Commissary General, and his Ceasing to Act before the Commissary of Issues arrived, to receive the Provisions, and supply, but I hope that difficulty is now over; as the Commissary has lately Come, and received the Stores. this Trouble in the Commissary-Department, besides giving me other Trouble, Obliged me, to run in Debt Largely, for the support of the Army, for Fresh Beef Especially, Cash has also been very scarce here lately, owing Chiefly I suppose, to the Exorbitancy of the prices: given for the Articles Necessary, to support the Army, the prices of Carting, being one Dollar, ⅌ Mild, ⅌ Ton, hay 50, or 60, Dollars, ⅌ Ton, wood 14 Dollars, ⅌ Cord, and other things Generally in proportion; till of Late I Could obtain Cash from this, and the Adjacent States, to answer the Necessaties of the Army, but their Treasuries are now drean’d of Cash, so that no great supplies, Can be obtain’d from them, I was directed by Resolve of Congress July 17th, to apply to Ebezr Hancock Esqr. Dy Pay Master General of the Eastern Department, for Cash to supply this Army, and Imediately after I recd the advice thereof, from Congress, I applyed Accordingly, to Mr Hancock; but he never to this time, has let me have but about 20,000 Dollars, I have been Encouraged by Mr Hancock to depend upon him for Cash, and his disappointing of me, has been the Occasion of great Trouble to me, I have lately made a Representation of these Matters to Congress, but have recd no answer yet; I have took the liberty, freely, to acknowledge to Congress that the Embarrassments attending this army, Requires an abler Commander than I pretend to be, and one in the bloom of life, have Accordingly, desired that such a one may be ordered to relieve me, and that after a proper time, to settle the affairs, relative, to my Command, I may have leave to resign my office in the Army. I am with great respect and Esteem your Excelly most Obedt hble Servt

Jos. Spencer


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier Generals John Glover and Ebenezer Learned, 8 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John,Learned, Ebenezer

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 8th Jany 1778

As the short time we have to lay in Winter Quarters ought to be spent in training the Men, and endeavouring to bring them into the Feild in a more regular manner than they have hitherto been, I must desire that you will join your Brigade as soon as possible, in order to effect this Measure. I have another reason, which is, that so many of the Brigadiers and Colonels Commandant, who have been long absent from their Families, have been under the necessity of going home to look into their private Affairs, that there are scar[c]e Officers sufficient to do the Camp Duties, much less to make a proper arrangement should the Enemy move out against us.
I desire you will bring on all detachments from your Brigade that may have been left at any of the posts which they have been at during

the last Campaign, or that may have recovered in the Hospitals. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 8 January 1778
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] Jany 8. 1778.

The cares & fatigues of the campaign are, I hope, so far over, as to admit of your perusing the following lines without interruption, & of writing me an answer however short, as I am desirous of knowing the state of your Excellency’s health, after all the many hardships & difficulties you have been called to pass through. I have been told that they have worn you greatly, but I flatter myself that the account is much aggravated. Wish I could contribute more effectually to your relief & comfort; but the most I can do, is to pray that your strength may be as your day. Had every one, who appeared warm for the cause of liberty at the commencement of the quarrel, been as truly patriotic & vigorous as yourself, humanly speaking the enemy would not have had a foot of ground all through the united States. Indeed they have nothing whereof they can boast; & I cannot but pronounce our affairs, all things consider’d, in a better situation than they were this day twelve-month. I have betaken myself to winter quarters—would that you had as good—go but little to Boston, & know not the prevailing topick of conversation: but I trust that the different States will strain every nerve, that you may be so strength’ned as to have it in your power with the common blessing of God, to dislodge the enemy from N. York or Philadelphia, or both one after another. Govr Tryon seems to have lost his temper, & to have got mad, by which I am led to suspect that he begins to give up all hope of B’s succeeding. May it come to his turn shortly to ship himself off for Europe. He has been the subtlest tool that ministry have had in that class of agents. The others did not want for inclination, but their zeal overset them for want of knowledge. Govr Hutchinson, I apprehend, despairs of seeing the cowardly Americans subdued. In a letter of his, designed for a relation in this neighbourhood, taken

on board a prize, he commends the person for staying, wishes he had done the same, he always loved the country & the like. The gentleman who informed me of it, said the contents were such, you would scarce believe that Hutchinson wrote it, but by knowing the hand.
By the express that went from Boston the 30th of Oct. for France with the news of Burgoyne’s surrender I wrote to Dr Fothergill—mention’d that I had not lost my amor patriœ—wished that the matter might be speedily concluded, by a dissolution of parliament, declaring the British colonies independent, & a commercial alliance—said, that we could never Love more as relations, we might as allies; that I was persuaded, upon that plan G.B. would in ten or fifteen years reap as great, if not greater advantages from the Continent than they had ever done; that there was no judging what ministry would do, as they were guided neither by policy nor reason: but if they meant to send over more troops to harass us, it was not to be thought that we should continually submit to it, some methods must be taken to bring the war nearer to St James’s: that such a plan was in contemplation; & that under cover of a foreign fleet of men of war a body of troops with a north west wind might visit some of the British dominions in a month. I meant that Dr Fothergill should circulate the letter; & discoverd what had been wrote to Ld Dartmouth, Ld North, & Sr Francis Bernard by one & another warning against the measures that were afterwards adopted.
I am ready to conjecture, that if an apprehension of a European war does not oblige G.B. to confine her attention to Self & West Indies, might have added & East, (indeed I view that event as almost certain) they will abandon the scheme of subduing the country, but will attempt to regain the possession of Boston, in hopes that having our capital cities they shall thereby oblige us at length to renounce our Independency & return back to the state of 1763; whereas I would sooner hazard our existence than do it. Nature has evidently designed independency for this Continent; & it is better now that the sword is drawn to fight on till that is established, than to leave an opening for a more dreadful & bloody war to be carried on by posterity.
How far it may consist with your Excellency’s plan to direct that some thousands of the N. England troops should be collected in the neighbourhood of Boston to defend the town in case of an attack, or to be ready for transportation in case of a war in Europe is known only to yourself: but I wish that we may be fully provided against a surprise, by having all in readiness for action, & the beacons properly fixed to alarm the counntry. The last year, we proceeded so far in the cautionary line as to get the Boston Beacon prepared, orders were given as to others, but for want of persons to see to the execution of orders, I believe they have never been complied with.

Should an expedition against any of the British European dominions be undertaken, a manifesto should be printed to be dispersed among the people, setting forth the reasons for it, & containing a scheme for the recovery & securing of their liberties. Can’t but believe, that such a scheme may be formed as would make the inhabitants more than neutrals, even active friends. The lower order of Irish who have none of the benefits of government, think that we are right in fighting for our liberties & that they ought to follow our example. Vast numbers of Scotch are must disgusted that they are prevented choosing their own ministers, & have them imposed upon them by presentation. A large body of English are nearly tired out with working for placemen, pensioners, & whole armies of ministerial dependants.
What I have wrote will amuse you, shall be pleased should it divert you. Would explain myself more fully could I be sure that this would get safe to your hands. But though I have not heard of any posts being taken of late, yet the enemy may project the taking of the mail by some of their scouting parties: & should it be so & they succeed, I would not they should pick out enough from my letter to provide against & ward off an unexpected blow.
If the power of Britain must be destroyed or America be lost, let the first go for it; she has had her day.
I have been told that it was in contemplation among some of the delegates a little before Genl Lee was taken, to exalt him to the supreme command of the army, & that it was first projected by a Virginian, you most probably know if there was any foundation for the report. Shall be glad to be acquainted with it, if so: for this I shall admire that special providence that let him fall into the hands of the enemy: indeed I have never thought very hard of it; & have been well pleased that the enemy have had the opportunity of learning that we can maintain the war without the presence of Genl Lee. All has been orderd for the best by infinite Wisdom, & I rely upon the divine power & goodness for getting well through the contest, & hope your Excellency will live to see & enjoy the comforts of it accompanied with the honour of having been used as the instrument in the hand of God from first to last, for the salvation of the United States. Mrs Gordon joins me in best wishes. I am with much esteem your Excellency’s sincere friend & most humble servant

William Gordon

Respects to all friends around & with you that I have the pleasure of knowing.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 8 January 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston Jany 8. 1778

From several peices of Intelligence which we have lately received, I think there are some grounds to apprehend that the Enemy are removing some of their Troops from philadelphia to New York, and from thence to Newport. Whether these movements are for the security of those places, or with further design is matter of conjecture. It has long been my Sentiment that the great Sea-port Towns are there object; and I think they must be convinced that they can never penetrate far into the Country. If I am not mistaken in my conjecture, I think Boston will be their next object, which they will attempt by Two landings, the one at providence, the other some where not far from this place. Lord Howe is now at Rhode Island with the greater part of the Men of War, and it is said with near 150 Sail of Transports.
Should New England happen to be the Seat of War another Campaign, I fear our Magazines of provisions will not be Stored with that plenty which we could wish—Flour in particular must be sent from some other Quarter, and in large Quantities, as the Troops here will soon exhaust our present Stock.
Enclosed is a sketch of some matters related by a person who lately escaped from New-York. As he appeared to be very honest & intelligent I thought it might be worthy of some notice. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Most Obed. Servant

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 8 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Qrs [Valley Forge] January 8th 1778

I am directed by the Board of War to acquaint you, that they have received undoubted information, that a Captain Dick and a number of American Officers are confined in Dungeons in England.
It is not known with whom this injurious and unwarrantable treatment originated, nor by what authority it is continued; but it is expected that you will interest yourself to have it redressed. The Board cannot but feel the wrong, and, however painful it may be to retaliate, they are determined to treat an equal number of your Officers of the like rank, with the same degree of rigor, as long as It shall remain.
Your Favor of the 21st Ulto in answer to mine of the 28th of November, was duly received.

Before I conclude, I would mention my concern that your last Flag was fired upon. From the inquiries I have made upon the subject, the accident appears to have happened from your messengers approaching by an indirect road and omitting to give the customary Signal in time. I am Sir with due respect Yr Most Obedt Servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 8 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 8th Jany 1778.

I desire you will immediately detatch a proper Officer from your Brigade with orders to bring forward all the Men that may have been left upon command at the posts where the Brigade has been stationed, and who have recovered in the different Hospitals to which they have been sent—If any of the Men left at the Elaboratories have become expert at the Business and therefore useful in preparing Ammunition and Military Stores against the next Campaign, I would wish they may remain, but all the others who are fit for duty are to be brought on without delay. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 8 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Richard Peters, 8 Jan. 1778. GW wrote Peters on 24–25 Jan.: “I have recd your favr of the 8th instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Samuel Blachley Webb, 8 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Webb, Samuel Blachley

Sir.
Valley Forge Jany 8th 1778

I was this Evening favored with your Letter of the 29th Ulto. I had heard before of your unfortunate expedition & captivity, and not without concern.
It would give me pleasure to render you any services in my power, but it is impossible for me to comply with your request, without violating the principles of Justice and incurring a charge of partiality.
You are sensible, that we have several officers now in captivity with the Enemy of your Rank and of Lieut. Colo. Campbell’s Rank, who have been in this unhappy situation much longer than you: some taken when General Thomson was defeated at the Three Rivers early in 1775

—Others at Long Island in August following—Others at Fort Washington and a further number at the Battle of German Town. These gentlemen would surely exclaim loudly against my conduct and with reason, were any distinctions to be made by my concurrence or authority to their prejudice. So far as Exchanges have depended on me, or as they may rest with me, they have been and ever will be conducted on one principle, to wit, to release those first, who were first captured, as far as circumstances of Rank would apply. There is no other rule by which equal and impartial justice can be done.
I know there have been some Exchanges contrary to this rule, but they were not made with my privity, consent or approbation. In a word, you may rest assured whenever circumstances put it in my power to effect your Exchange & that of all the Officers and privates, under the Restrictions I have mentioned, there shall not be a moment’s delay on my part, but on other terms, or in a different order, you will find on reflection, I can never do it. Suppose yourself for an Instant an Officer taken at any of the above periods, you would consider it an injury—a wrong—an act of high injustice done you, If one captured the 10th of December last of your Rank was exchanged before you. Perhaps on your return, you may have interest enough with your Acquaintances to obtain your release on parole, but you cannot do this on a principle of having an Officer sent in on the like indulgence, the Objections to an Enlargement on parole out of due course in such case being the same as to an Exchange. I am Dr Sir Your most obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 9 January 1778
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

May it please You[r] Excellency
Lebanon Lancaster County [Pa.]9th Jany 1778

Upon my return from the south Branch of Potomack where I made Contracts for a Considerable Quantity of pork, I received orders from

the Board of War to seize every Kind of provisions and spiritous liquors necessary for the Army, have been in this County and Berks this ten days & hope to procure six hundred head of Fatt cattle and a Considerable Quantity of Whisky, but Forestallers are giving great prices and Stealing it off daily, I sincearly wish one or two examples cou’d be made of them, shall use every precation to discover and seize such of their purchases as I can Meet with, which is Necessary for the Army.
Have engaged large Quantities of Flour, and as the Legislative Authority of this State have advanced the pay of Waggons & teams have no reason to doubt a plentiful supply of that Article, have inform’d the Board of War the approaching scarcity of beef and requested them to adopt such Measures as to them might seem proper to Keep up a supply for your Excellency’s Army so soon as I load some Waggons with Whisky, and forward two droves of cattle shall return to camp—am with Much respect, your Excellency’s Most Obdt & Most Hble Servt

Eph. Blaine D.C.G.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 9 January 1778
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] Jany 9. 1778

Monsr Le Baron De Steuben beg’d that I would make him the bearer of a few letters to some of my friends. Being in Boston the last week, learning that he had the best of recommendations, had been by some means neglected so as not to meet with the civilities that might justly be expected, & that he felt strongly the disappointment of the expectations he had formed of the manners of the people in this quarter, & knowing the heart of a stranger, I got introduc’d to him, endeavourd in the best manner I could to soothe his painful sensations, & desired the honour of his company to dinner; & yesterday I was favour’d with it. As to what I could gather from conversation of his military abilities, did I think myself a judge, I should not venture to give my opinion, recollecting that I am writing to your Excellency: but I could not but think with him, when he said the war must be finished speedily, the prolongation of it would be our ruin, & that we must hazard the lives of a thousand or two of men that the close of it may be hastened. He is evidently the Gentleman, & a person of good understanding; but it is needless for me to enlarge on these matters as You will perceive them in a very short time. I wrote you a long letter yesterday by the post in

which were several things designed to alarm the enemy, should they by any means come across it. Wishing you the happiness of driving the enemy out of the United States before the close of April, & commending you to the special protection of heaven I remain with much esteem your Excellency’s sincere friend

William Gordon


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 9 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 9th Jany 1778

I have your favs. of the 17th and 25th of Decemr. At the time of your writing, Genl Burgoyne could not have recd my letters, which were dated the 17th and 20th of December.
Colo. Webb wrote to me himself upon the subject of his Exchange, to which I have given him an answer.
I beg you will carefully forward the inclosed Letters to Brigadiers Glover and Learned. They contain orders for them to join their respective Brigades, with which, they are much wanted.
I am glad to hear that considerable quantities of Cloathing have been purchased on the general account of the Continent, and I hope these supplies, in aid of what each State will furnish for its particular Troops, will relieve the Army from the extreme distress which they have been in for covering.
Be pleased to deliver the inclosed Letter to Baron Stuben who I imagine waits at Boston for my answer. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 9 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge January 9th 1778

I yesterday Evening had the honor to receive your favor of the 5th Instant with its Inclosures.
The power Congress have been pleased to vest me with for appointing Aids de Camp, I shall use with œconomy, and I will not appoint

more at any time, than shall be necessary & essential to advance the public interest. Any future appointments that may be material, will be made out of the line of the Army, if circumstances will allow it. In general this has been the case.
The proceedings of Congress for the detention of Genl Burgoyne and Army, or rather suspending their embarkation till the convention of Saratoga is explicitly ratified and notified by the Court of Britain, shall remain secret here, till they are duly announced by Congress. This procedure when known to the General will chagrine him much; For I learn by a Letter from Genl Heath, that the refusal to let his troops embark at Rhode Island, or in the Sound had given him some uneasiness.
I have nothing of importance to communicate and have only to add, that I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington

P.S. The great diversity of Opinions prevailing as to the Operations which the Resolves of the 30th Ulto & 1 Instant should have, which give a months Extra pay, makes it necessary for me to request Congress to describe with certainty and precision the persons whom they intended should be the particular Objects of their benevolence. Without this I am certain, I shall not be able to execute the Resolves according to their intention and in a manner that will be agreable to the Army.
If such Officers and men, as were in Camp when the Resolves were passed and who continue the whole winter are the only Objects to be benefitted, It is urged, that many who have discharged their duty with fidelity—who have experienced a severe campaign to that time or till a few days before—who may be now out of Camp, and yet be here in the course of the Winter will be excluded. For Example All Officers and men on furlough, though they should have been long from their Homes before, perhaps much longer in many instances than many who remain, & whose private and family necessities oblige ’em to be absent. Those who have fallen sick from their services & who are in Hospitals or the Country—Detachments on command, these would be excluded. Such discriminations, I believe, will give great disgust and uneasiness. It is difficult in cases of this nature to draw a proper line of distinction and impossible to do it in such a way as to give satisfaction. I do not mean to enlarge upon the subject, my only wish is to have it precisely ascertained, who are to be included & paid, and who are not under the Resolves, that I may not on the one hand act contrary to public intention—and on the other give cause of complaint and perhaps do wrong to Individuals.
Knowing the difficulty of drawing a proper line and the disgust and

murmurings that ever attend discriminations, were I to advise upon the subject, Only such Officers and Men should be excluded, since Extra pay has been determined on, as are absent from Camp without regular authority, or such as may abuse Indulgencies regularly obtained. It has been observed by some and perhaps with propriety, that there are Officers & men now in Camp or who may be shortly in, who have no superior claim to merit—whose affairs are not so pressing, or who have already had indulgencies—or who from their being nearer their Friends & connections have had Opportunities of seeing them frequently—of ordering their concerns and visiting their Homes, Once, twice or perhaps oftner in the Campaign, whilst they who were more remote were precluded from any of these advantages & were constantly on duty. These considerations will have their weight in the scale of disgust with the parties interested. For my part, tho the Resolves were founded in principles of generosity—were intended to reward merit and promote the service, from the difficulties attending the execution, I wish they had never been made, especially as I believe, Officers and Men would in a little time have become tolerably well reconciled to their Quarters. I have the Honor to be with great respect, Sir Your Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 9 January 1778
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Scotts-farm [Pa.] Jany 9th 78

In compliance with your Excellency’s orders received by Lieutenant Lindsay, I have been engaged in acquainting myself with the roads which communicate with the left of the army. Being a stranger in that quarter, it has taken some time to be informed accurately, which is the occasion of this late report.
Near the ten mile stone, below the Buck-tavern, the gulph mill road takes out from the Lancaster road. It affords a convenient route directly thro’ the gulph to the left of the camp.
Near the eight mile stone, another road distinguished by the name of Roberts’s road leaves the Lancaster-road, & falls into the gulph mill road near Roberts’s mill. Above the Buck tavern, one mile & a half, the

Hartford road joins the Lancaster road. At this latter place, a party posted, with directions to patrole down the Lancaster-road, as far as Roberts’s road, appears to be the most eligible mode, that the situation of the country affords for the purpose of security on that quarter. The distance from support will be rather far, which admits of the possibility of the patroles being cut off, & therefore points out an imperfection in the plan If a post of infantry was established at the gulph-mill, (where a body of troops might be commodiously quartered, it would completely secure the left of the army,) tho’ an accident should befal the patrole of horse, & would be an additional security to the post at Radnormeeting. Intelligence from the city mentions, that there is no talk of any movement shortly. With perfect respect

Heny Le⟨e jr⟩


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 9 January 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morris Town [N.J.] 9 Jany 1778

I have directed the Bearer to take your advice respecting the part he is to act to counterplot the Designs of the Enemy. They want excedingly to know what Troops are stationd in this State, & to establish a line of Communication by Land—Should you advise Morseiles to aid in settling their Posts, & he is trusty enough to communicate it to us when established, we might by that means procure their Intelligence—But I chuse not to give him any directions about it—I am Your Excellency’s most humble St

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to James Lovell, 9 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lovell, James

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 9th Jany 1778.

In consequence of your Letter of the 31. of last month, I dispatched a Gentleman well acquainted with the ground and Inhabitants in the vicinity where the Journals of Congress were said to be deposited, in order to make inquiry concerning them—he found them, without difficulty—and they will be sent forward to York under the Escort of Colonel Hartleys Regiment—The Search for the Types was not attended with equal Success, all that could be discover’d respecting them was, that the person who had possession of the papers said he suspected the Types were concealed in some more interior part of the Country—but he could not speak with any degree of certainty or precision upon the Subject. I am with great Esteem &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 9 January 1778
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton [N.J.] 9 Januar. 1778.

I arrived here yesterday with the Cavalry where I expeted to have found forage Sufficient to Subsist the Cavalry at least for a few days, my Brigade forage master had been informed by Colo. Biddle that Such provision was made & that he would have nothing more to do then Issue the same but So farr to the Contrary there was not a Load of Hay in Town, with the greatest dificulty we have been enabled to put our heads under cover, I applied to the Civil majistrates for directions relative to the forming a magazine, in the mean while the Horses must Subsist. I am therefore obliged to divide them in Several Squads & Send them out about Two miles in the rear of the Town, untill the necessary provision both for forage & Quarters Can be made, It will be impossible for me to Quarter the Cavalry in this place unless the Gally men are removed, but they Say, they have an order from the governor & Concil to remain here & having prior possession, think they are intitled to hold it, I wait your Excellencys positive order in what manner to proceed & if in this Case, I must execute my first orders, It will be necessary the Gallymen Should receive orders to evacuate the Town, I have the Honor to assure your Excelly that the Cavalry is in want of

every article. It must be exercised & taught the Service from the Colo. to the private—Colo. Kolatch is a man of great merit & desves the Charge of master of Exercise he’s an officer worthy of research & exclusive of a thorough Knowledge of his abilities request his being imployed by your Excelly. I can recommend him & assure your Excelly will never have reason to repent your confidence in him, if this proposal Should be agreable to your Excelly, the Sooner I am informed the better as he will be of infinite Service to the Cavalry this winter in Quarters.
I have met with an armourer who lives at Eastown, he undertakes to furnish me with pikes, pistols Carbines &c. if your Excelly approves of him the Qr Mr General will take your orders on that head.
There are Some excellent horses in this Country and as Colo. Luterloh has recieved orders to press all horses fit for the Service he may procure a number here but this must not be delayed, as I am informed many persons buy them for the use of the enemy. I am with respect Your Exceleny were hamble and obed. Servant

C. Pulaski Gnl


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 9 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 9 Jan. 1778. Lund Washington wrote GW on 28 Jan.: “Yours of the 9th Inst. came to hand yesterday.”


Title: General Orders, 10 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Jany 10th 1778.
BostonCambridge—Medford.

The issuing Commissary is hereby authorized to furnish the Generals and other Officers of the Army with small proportionable Quantities of spirit upon their orders whenever it can be spared; of which he is to keep a regular Account and settle with them for it at a reasonable price.
All the tin Cannisters that have been issued to the Troops are to be return’d forthwith to the Commissary of military stores who is to enter the number received of each Corps or Brigade.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Thomas Conway, 10 January 1778
From: Conway, Thomas
To: Washington, George

sir
At Benjamin Bartholomew’s [Pa.]10th January 1778

I remain in a state of inaction untill such time as your Excellency Will think fitt to employ me. I understand that your aversion to me is owing to the Letter I Wrote to general Gates. I have made you a candid answer upon that subject, and such an answer as must satisfy you and every man of a Liberal Disposition. there is not a subaltern in europe but What will Write to his friends and acquaintances and mentionn freely his opinion of the Generals and of the army; but I never heard that the Least notice Was taken of these Letters. must such an odious and tyrannical inquisition beginn in this country? must it be introduc’d by the commander in chief of this army rais’d for the Defence of Liberty, it can not be, and I am satisfy’d you never had such thoughts.
supposing you, sir, to be What I am sure you Do not mean nor Wish to be, supposing you to be an absolute, King, yet it Would be more Generous, more to your Glory and interest, to Despise the Vile reports of any officious sycophant, than to gratify your resentment against any officer concern’d in such reports.
I Do not pretend, sir, to be a consummate General but as an old sailor Knows more of a shipp than admirals who have never been at sea, Long experience and constant practice made me think that I could in some Measure be a helping hand in putting your army upon a Better footing, and in correcting the many abuses of Which no one is more sensible than you are.
I can not Believe, sir, neither Does any officer in your army believe that the objection to my appointment originates from any Body Living but from you. for since three foreign officers who did not serve here, or else Where as Long as I Did, have been promoted Without Difficulty, I have and every one has reason to conclude that my promotion would have been as acceptable had you seam’d to give it the Least countenance.
but, the two receptions you honour’d me with, when I paid you my respects, the Dissatisfaction you testify’d as the resolves of congress, were more than sufficient to incense the officers and to encourage them to

an opposition. your Dispositions towards me, sir, have been clear, and the very Behaviour of some Gentlemen of your family did not permitt me nor any one else to entertain the Least Doubt of them.
I have told you, sir, and have the honour to repeat to you that I do not wish to Give you or any officer in the army the Least uneasiness. since you will not accept of my services, since you can not bear the sight of me in your camp, I am very readdy to goe Where ever congress thinks proper and even to france. and I solemnly Declare that far from resenting the undeserv’d rebuke I met with from you, I shall Do every thing in my power to serve this cause. these are the true sentiments with Which I remain sir your Excellency’s Most obedt humble Servant

Ths Conway


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 10 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Letter not found: to James Mease, 10 Jan. 1778. Mease wrote GW on 18 Jan. 1778: “I had the honor of your Excellency’s favor of the 10 Inst. respecting the materials sent by the state of Virginia for the use of the troops.”


Title: To George Washington from the Officers of General Smallwood’s Division, 10 January 1778
From: Officers of General Smallwood’s Division
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Wilmington D[el.] Jany 10th 1778

General Smallwood having laid before us a letter, wherein your Excellency makes a proposition of rendering the distribution of the prize taken by his division more diffusive than we expected, we beg leave to address your Excellency on the subject—to claim an exclusive right to the prize—to assert it by several concise observations—to support it by precedents—and to obviate by facts the necessity or propriety of a more general distribution.
We claim the prize because we were the captors and altho’ it was obtained without much fighting, if danger was the criterion which wou’d fix the right in cases of this sort, it wou’d not injure our claim unless battle was the only cause which cou’d produce that effect. We had to combat every other difficulty.
If a participation of this prize shou’d be extended to that part of the army encamped at the Valley-forge, the troops which are doing duty in Georgia, or the opposite extreme of the united States, wou’d suffer an

injury were not they also considered, for our division tho’ not so far distant, is as actually seperated from the grand army as these troops are.
We beg leave to observe to your Excellency that the proposition is altogether new, altho’ there have been many instances of the like nature, however we mention one only which is so very much in point, that we conceive it to be wholly conclusive. Colonel Foreman with a detatchment of continental troops and militia, last year made a most valuable prize on the Jersey-coast, and altho this division were then defending the State, we received no benefit from it; neither did we ever come in for a part of the numerous acquisitions of this sort, because, as we supposed we had been unfortunate adventurers.
Perhaps, premature accounts of the goods taken in the Brig may have influenced the officers of your camp, but their anxiety to come in for a share of our finery will be lessened, when we observe, that we have been directed by a supposition that there wou’d be about four changes of linnen and hose for each commissioned Officer, and have restricted them to that number. The quantity of cloth cloaths wou’d be almost contemptible if considered as a supply for the whole division, & those articles which are ornimental to an officer would be still more incompetant to that purpose.
But this will be sufficiently authentic when we inform your Excellency that the officers baggage of one Regiment and part of three others only was contained in the Vessel.
The prize, if divisible among the whole army will be lost, if confined to our division will be beneficial; and when your Excellency takes a retrospective view of the transactions of the Campeign, we hope you will not be of opinion, that we need, or deserve it less than the rest of the army, if we do not, we flatter ourselves we shall have leave to enjoy what we conceive to be our private property, if we do, we are willing to bestow it on those who have submited to greater sufferings, and acquired more merit.
But as we are strongly impressed with an idea from what may be collected from this and another letter of your Excellency’s that it cannot be your own opinion, that the second object of the present war shou’d be violated in this instance, so we are fully satisfied you will not permit an unjust anxiety in our brother officers (in coveting that to which they have not even a pretence of title) to persuade you to what we conceive to be an injustice.
However shou’d your Excellency, or rather your officers still be of opinion that a general distribution thor’ the whole of the army ought, and must take place (in which case we hope that no part of it will be excluded, where ever employed, or however distant from the Schuylkill) we must submit to it; and as in that case, we are certain that there will

not be above a shirt to eight officers, rather than attend the scramble, we will give up our shares to those gentlemen, who are so extremely anxious to share a part. We are your Excellency’s most humble Servants

David Hall Jr; Coll Commt of the 1st M:B:
Jno. Gunby Colo.
Nat. Ramsey Lt Colo. 3d M.B.
Thos Woolford Lt Colo. 2d M.B.
Benjamin Ford Lt Colo.
John Taylor Major
  Danl J. Adams Major
Thos Smyth Major
James R. Reid Major
John E. Howard, Major
Joseph Vaughan Major


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 10 January 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Wilmington [Del.] January 10th 1778

I received your Favors of the 7th Inst., & am peculiarly embarrassed, by a Proposition, which I am induced to think you did not mean to extend to an absolute order, as in that Instance you wou’d have been more pointed & precise, & must beg your excuse for not complying wth it, till the following Considerations were submitted, & your further Direction taken.
I am persu[a]ded it wou’d be the wish & Desire of every Officer here, to furnish the Officers at large, in the Continental Army with a Proportion of the Prize Goods, if there were a Quantity sufficient to afford a distribution, but it cannot be supposed that the Baggage, in part of 4 Regiments, will yield that General distribution, or that it will even furnish the Officers of 10 Regiments here.
The Officers viewing the insufficiency are much dissatisfied on the proposed Removal, & tho not possessed with the Resolutions of Congress heretofore made respecting the allowance to Captors in cases similar, yet they will most chearfully acquiesce to them, even shou’d they direct a general distribution, tho this they believe has been unprecedented in most, if not in every Instance, & wou’d not a Removal subject great Waste.
The Goods are mostly Inventoried & sorted into Lots of 4 Shirts, 4 pr Stokgs, 4 Stocks & 1 Handf ⅌ Officer & its not ascertained, but even doubted, that they will yield that Proportion, & the Officers thro me, beg Leave to suggest that no Division in the Army has been more harrassed, or perhaps want Cloathing so much as the Officers of this Division.
In case of Alarm the Division Waggons are sufficient to remove what Goods remain, which are held ready to move at a minutes Warning, the Arms Tents & heavy Stores being already sent to Foggs Man. Meetg House.
The Soldiers Cloathing was distributed two Days before I received your Ltr & falls infinitely short of their Necessary Cloathing.
The Sale of Officers Restriction or Lot of Goods, was to have begun this Morng at 8 Oclock, but is postponed ’till your Pleasure is further known.
Most of the Articles you wrote for can be had, and good of the kind, which shall be forwarded to you as soon as Colo. Biddle sends me a cover’d Waggon wch I directed him to send down Tomorrow.
The Brig is carried up to Newport, is not in the least damaged—I

have sent for such Blocks & Takles &c., as you ordered, if any they shall be immediately forwarded, I shou’d be glad to be favored with your Direction respecting the Sale of her, £3,000 was offered when a Ground in the River, now she is removed & at no great risque, she will sell for more.
I have inclosed you a List of Goods taken out of a Vessel stranded near Reedy Island, which have been taken in large Quantities by particular Persons in N. C. County, & exclusive of the inclosed List, large Quantities out of the same Vessell have been carried over to Jersy, I have had an Officer and a Detatchment out two Days in pursuit of such of those Articles as are essentially necessary for the Army, instructing him to direct the Persons having them to make application & their claims will be considered & to Inventory & Store such of these Articles securely, as he may meet with ’till further Orders, concerning which shall be glad of your Instructions, have just heard the Officer has fallen in with Sundry Parcells of the Goods.
Shou’d be glad to be favored wth the New or latest Articles of War, as our Cts Martial in particular Instances, are at a loss for want of them, & also such Resolutions of Congress as Respect Captures; your determination & Orders, I hope will be forwarded by return of this Express, which shall be strickly complied with. I have the Honor to be Yr Excellys most Obedt Hble Sert

W. Smallwood

P.S. the Intrenching Tools have not yet been sent which prevent the works being carried on briskly. I wou’d be extremely glad of there being forwarded.


Title: General Orders, 11 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters V. Forge Jany 11th 1778.

At a General Court Martial held 3rd instant in Lord Stirling’s division, whereof Lt Coll Brearly was President, John Rea Quarter-Master in 6th Pennsylvania Regiment charged with fraudulent Practices in said Regiment, ordering Lieutt Gibbons in the Provost, and behavior unbecoming the character of an Officer or a Gentlemen—was tried—and by the unanimous opinion of the Court was found guilty of a breach of 21st Article of 14th section of the articles of War and sentenced to be discharged from the service.
At the same Court held 6th instant, was tried Lieutt Hays of 12th Pennsylvania Regt charged with breaking open officers Chests at Bethlehem & ungentlemanlike behaviour. The Court unanimously acquit him of the first charge, but find him guilty of a breach of 5th Article of 18th Section of the articles of War & sentence him to be dismissed from the service.
The Commander in Chief approves both these sentences & orders them to be carried into execution accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to Captain George Lewis, 11 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, George

Dear George,
Valley Forge Jany 11th 1778

I am sorry to find by your Letter to Mr Harrison that you still continue indisposed. If the state of your health requires leave of absence, I shall not object to your visiting your friends in Virginia to recover it. You will take this in your way as I shall want to see you before you go.
I wish you to have every part, & parcel of my Baggage removed from New Town to this place. I do not know in whose care, & possession it is; but am satisfied I ought to have a good deal there. among other things a Bed. end Irons Plates⟨—Dishes—& Kitchen Utensils—however, be it what it will let the whole come—pay, or bring an Acct. of the expenses attending the Storage &c; and hire or Express proper waggons for bringing these things. I am Yr. most affect.

Go. Washington⟩


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 11 January 1778
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Greaham park [Pa.] Januy 11th 1778

yesterday morning the enemy cam out with about 50 hors and 200 of there Greens, and took four men prisnirs at the Goley post—the

last week I have Spent in Visiting the difrent posts I find there is a smart Tread Carrided on Between the Cuntry and the City Som officers have given general passes too there faverits to send there sarvant with what Nessecereys they please in to the City in Consequence of these passes waggans loaded with flower fouls &c. go into the City if Gentlemen do these things it will not be in my power to stop markiting nor will we be able to suppley our selves for the people Keep all they have to sper to sell it for hard money.
I Reques the favour of your Excelanciy to send me enstructtions in a perticular maner how I shall Act—and you may be Assured I will Act agrable to your orders and endavour to make others do the same—I think it is Nessecerey to have some Parson appointed to purchas Beef and Pork and flower in this County and Bucks it would be leikwise Nessecerey to have some of your Proclmations in Regard of the People threshing there wheat sent this way. I am your Execlanceys Most obedant Humble servant

Ja’s Potter


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 12 January 1778
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] Jany 12. 1778.

I was a stranger to the subjects of the present letter when I wrote last week, or should have mentioned them considering their importance. Mr Hancock reports that your Excellency designs quitting the command of the army. I hope he has no good foundation for what he says. I should dread your doing it, did I believe it probable, for I apprehend the cause would suffer amazingly by it, & that the continent would find it exceedingly difficult to unite so universally in any other gentleman. The conduct of multitudes has been such, that was not the cause to suffer I should not wonder were many gentlemen to withdraw themselves from the service of the publick, but there is no leaving the guilty to be punished for their misbehaviour without endangering the cause. I trust if at any time you have had thoughts of quitting you have for the good of the whole laid aside all such intention. I am not so mistaken in Mr Hancock as the generality, & therefore can easily suppose, if he has any particular end to answer that he will propogate such a report upon the slightest foundation: but shall be glad to have it under your Excellency’s

hand that you have no thoughts of a resignation, & in the strongest terms, that I may strangle the report instantly.
I have further to acquaint you, that an officer of rank & character among the enemy, inform’d a friend of mine in private free conversation, that the silver bullets flew plentifully at Tyconderoga, that ten thousand guineas was a strong temptation, that had not Gates been sent to command they had succeeded, that he was an honest man, that he had been tried alias tempted, that he believed Schuyler was not sorry that his house & buildings were burnt—the officer declared upon his honour that there was bribery & treachery. At present I can neither tell you my informer, nor the name of the officer, but shall probably have liberty for both when the enemy are gone. You know my informer well, & would believe him readily. I write to your Excellency with the utmost confidence, & leave it with your prudence to make what use you please of the letter. Your most affectionate friend & humble servant

William Gordon


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge January 12th 1778

As I do not recollect with precision, whether any or what Resolutions have been made by Congress respecting Captures by the Army or Detachments of It, and not having all their proceedings with me, with which I have been honored from time to time, to assist my inquiries upon the subject, I must take the liberty to request, that they will determine and favor me with their decisions upon the following points.
First, what articles captured are to be considered as public property?
Secondly, Whether articles captured by parties or Detachments, not determined public property, are to be distributed or sold for the benefit of the Army at large, or are to be considered as the sole & exclusive right of the Captors?
Thirdly, If in general instances, Such articles as are taken and which are not considered public property, are determined to be the sole &

exclusive right of the Captors, are Stationary Detachments, who from their situation have much more than a common chance of making prizes to be considered upon the same footing?
Fourthly, If there is to be a distinction between Stationary & Other detachments, and the former are denied an exclusive right to the Captures they make, what proportion of the Articles are they to have?
I have been induced to state the above Questions on account of some difficulties, that have arisen, respecting the prize taken by the Detachment at Wilmington under Genl Smallwood, that the same may be determined, and certain principles established to govern in like and future cases. In the instance of this prize, As the baggage taken, from Genl Smallwoods and the Officers representation, will be but inconsiderable, when divided among themselves, I have consented that they shall have it at a just appraisement & distribution, and have directed him to have the whole and the value properly inventoried, that such order may be made respecting the latter, as the decisions of Congress may justifye and point out. I have also directed a Sale of the Brig, as I understand some Offers have been made for her, and as her situation may be considered hazardous & precarious.
Besides the Brig taken at Wilmington, A vessel has stranded at Reedy Island with Goods on board. It is said a Quantity of Rum—some Bales of Cloth—a number of Hats and some other articles, (all wanted by the Army) have been taken out of her by the Militia, particularly those of Kent County. These General Smallwood is endeavouring to find, that they may be of public benefit. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 12 January 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morris Town [N.J.] 12th January 1778.

I am the more chagrined at the want of provisions, to which I am informed your Army is reduced, as I believe it is partly owing to the boundless Avarice of some of our Farmers, who would rather see us ingulphed in eternal Bondage, than sell their produce at a reasonable price. This however is now remedied by our late act for regulating the price of provisions, which wants nothing but vigorous Commissaries to carry it into Execution.
I observe, that when we are exposed to the greatest Extremities, by the neglect of those, whose proper business it is to provide for the troops, the civil Magistrate is pressed by the Congress and the War-Office to cure the mischief: and then Necessity is urged as an argument for adopting illegal measures, to extricate us out of the Calamities, in which we are involved by the mismanagement of others. But Gentlemen do not consider what an unreasonable burden they impose on the civil department, when, in republican States, founded in Liberty, and in which the People, being just emerged from tyranny, are extremely jealous of the least violation of their Rights, they make those kinds of requisitions. Necessity, say these Gentlemen, hath no Law—but that can hardly be predicated of a necessity, which there was no necessity for introducing; and which did every particular Department faithfully discharge its Duty, would never be introduced.
I am informed, Sir, that there are great Quantities of Grain in the county of Monmouth, in places much exposed to the Enemy, and which the Owners will the readier part with on that account. The purchasing this would be doubly advantageous, by supplying ourselves, and keeping it from the Enemy. From Shrewsbury Middletown point & Amboy, I believe, New York receives considerable Supplies; and it is not in our power to secure by our Militia, those places from that infamous traffic. I have the honour to be, with great respect, Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Potter, 12 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Potter, James

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] Jany 12th 1778

I have duly receiv’d your favor of yesterday & Observe the Pernicious tendency which may arise from a Continuation of Intercourse between the City & Country—in order to prevent which, you are hereby instructed to take the most immediate & Coercive Measures—I should gladly Know, who the Officers are who act so directly contrary to my inclination, & express Commands, in granting passes for taking Provision into the City.
I must repeat my desire that you will adopt the most rigorous Means (if nothing less will do) to put a Stop to this practice—in the execution of which you shall receive every necessary support from me.
The Comissary of Purchases will in a few days go over to the Counties of Bucks & Burlington for the purpose of Purchasing Beef & Pork from those who will agree to take Continental Currency, from the others, there will be a necessity to take these Articles where it is known they can be spared, allowing a reasonable price for them—it is unnecessary to request your assistance in this matter as I know you will afford every Aid in your Power.
The Bearer will deliver you some of my Proclamations which you will have distributed as you See proper. I am Sir Your mo. Obed. serv.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Rush, 12 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Rush, Benjamin

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 12th Jany 1778

I have been favd with yours of the 26th December. Soon after the Rect I had an opportunity of communicating the substance of it, and one from Govr Livingston on the same subject, to the Director General.
It is to be regretted, that a department for which such ample provision has been made, and on which so much depends, should yet be inadequate to the ends proposed. If the present medical Establishment is, as you say, a bad one, no time ought to be lost, in amending it, and those Gentlemen, who have had an opportunity of trying it for a twelvemonth, are certainly best able to point out the defects.
From the peculiarity of our circumstances, we cannot expect to be as well furnished with the necessary apparatus of an Hospital as we ought to be, but still I beleive, we might do much better, if more order and discipline was observed by the patients. Upon hearing of the many irregularities committed by them, I have lately ordered a discreet Feild Officer to visit the principal Hospitals and endeavour to establish a proper discipline.
Among the many necessary reforms in the military line, I suppose that of the regulation of the Hospitals will be considered. I shall always be ready to contribute all in my power, towards rendering the situation, of those unhappy people who are under the necessity of becoming the inhabitants of them, as comfortable as possible. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 12 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 12th Jany 1778.

I am favd with yours of the 10th: My order to you to have the Baggage removed to this place was founded upon information that there was a much greater quantity than there turns out, but as it proves otherwise you were right in detaining it, till you represented the matter to me—I wish the Gentlemen who drew up and signed the representation had attended more closely to my letter. They would have found nothing in it tending to rob them of their right whatever that might prove to be. I did not even pretend to determine the matter. The Officers of this part of the Army who are suffering from cold, want of Houses & every other convenience, only wanted an opportunity of furnishing themselves with many articles of which most of them stand in as much need as the Gentlemen of your division who are in comfortable Quarters possibly can do. These they meant to pay for, so that if the whole Value had been adjudged to the Captors, the amount would have been ready for them. I am sorry that the Gentlemen in the Course of their representation have been led into some very unmerited Reflections upon the Officers of this part of the Army, by supposing, that an unjust anxiety in them to possess those things to which they have not even a pretence of title as they say would prompt them to persuade me to do an act of injustice. I hope upon a Review of the Matter they will acquit them of any such intention.
I desire you will communicate as much of this letter to them as respects their Representation, and assure them that as I never did, so I never shall shew an undue partiality to one part of the Army in preference to another. But that still upon the most dispassionate View I cannot think their reasonings in favr of an exclusive Right altogether admissable.
There were some Resolves of Congress passed at the commencement of this dispute, for setling the mode of disposing of prizes, but as I have not those Resolves by me, I cannot precisely determine what they are. I have wrote to Congress and stated the present Case as you will see by my Letter sent thro yr hands to Congress wch you will please to seal & forward by express and desired their determination, which will serve for a Guide in future. In the mean time the Baggage may be exactly inventoried and delivered out to the Officers of the division at a just appraisement, and an exact account kept of the Amount, that the distribution may be made, when the determination of Congress is known, in whatever way they may direct. What are properly called military Stores, may remain as they at present are. As for the Brig, I think she ought to be sold as speedily as possible to the highest Bidder; she

will bring more now, when there is chance of running her out, than she will do in the Spring, when the River will be full of Ships of War. Besides if a detatchment from the Enemy should oblige you to move your post, she will be inevitably lost. By this mode of proceeding the Captors will have justice done them, whether they shall be intitled to the whole or part of the prize in question.
As I imagine the Vessel at Reedy Island was taken by private adventurers, all we can do, is to purchase the property suitable for and wanted by the Army from the Captors at a reasonable price. I would therefore have them secured for the public and receipts given to those who appear to you to have the right, expressing the quantity and quality of the Goods, that they may apply to the Commissaries and Cloathier General for payment of the Articles in their respective departments. If Waggons can be got below, they should be immediately moving towards the Army.
I send you the Articles of War with some amendments since the first edition.
The intrenching Tools were ordered long ago and I thought had gone, but I have again ordered the Qr Mr General to do it and you may depend upon having them directly.


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 12 January 1778
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Trenton [N.J.]Jany 12. 1778

At the Request of Colo. Sheldon, who sets out this morning for Fishkills to forward the accoutring those of his Regt in that Departmt, I write this—Am to inform that we want a considerable number of Horses to complete the Regt, to the procuring & disciplining of which we should be glad to attend, as soon as your Excellency’s pleasure can be known.
I am, as Commanding Officer of the Regt in Duty bound to inform of our present State in these Qrs & what we have further to expect. In the first place we have not stables for ¼ part of our horses, & for more than ⅔ds of the time since we have been in Town, we have had no hay at all. Add to this that the Men of the Navy are so quarter’d thro’ the Town that it is with the greatest Difficulty our men can get Covering from the weather, & at best must be billeted among the Jacks scattered thro’ the Town.
Finding our situation so very inconvenient we are this Day to quarter our Troops as well as we can on the Farmers within 6 or 8 miles Distance till something further can be done. Our Regt is to repair to a place about 6 miles from this called Maidenhead—In fine I give it as my opinion that it will be impossible to accommodate & supply the whole of the Cavalry at this place, in a shorter time than 6 weeks or two months, which is the opinion of the other Commanding Officers of Regts—The whole of our forage must be bro’t from a great Distance, & a considerable part from over the Delaware, Transportation over which in a short time will be too precarious to depend on. For my own part, I had much rather march the Regt back to Camp & forage as before for ourselves, than starve our horses in this manner; as I am confident we should be better prepared for the next Campaign in that Case, than what I at present expect.
Your Excellency’s special & speedy Directions in the premises to Genl Polaski, or the Commanding Officers of Regts in this Qr will much conduce to the publick weal & oblige, your most obdt Servt

Benja. Tallmadge


Title: General Orders, 13 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters V. Forge Jany 13th 1778.

The Honorable the Congress having been pleased to call Coll Pickering to a seat at the Board of War, have appointed Coll Scammell, Adjutant General in his Room who is to be obeyed and respected as such.
At a General Court Martial of which Coll Swift was President, held 5th instant Captn Powell of 3rd Virginia Regiment charged with “insulting Lieutt Davis when on his guard and arresting him upon a groundless Foundation”—was tried and acquitted of the first charge; but found guilty of the second & sentenced therefor to ask Pardon of Lieutt Davis in Presence of the officers of his Regiment—The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to be executed tomorrow morning at roll-calling.
At the same Court held 6th instant Captain Flagg charged with “neglect of duty 1st in suffering the Marquis de la Fayette, when Major Genl of the day to come in the night to the center of his Picquet, without being stopped or challenged; 2nd for permitting his sentries to have fires in his sight” was tried and acquitted by the unanimous opinion of the court. The Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
At the same Court held 7th instant Captn Laird, charged with “Neglect of duty, in suffering the Major General of the day to surprize him at his picquet in the night”—was tried & found guilty and sentenced to be dismissed from the service.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
Lieutt Ziegler appeared before the same Court charged with “striking and wounding inhumanely with his sword James Quin a soldier belonging to 7th Pennsylvania Regiment of which Wound he died”—Lieutt Siegler confessed the fact but justified it by being in the line of his duty.
“The Court having considered the Evidence are of Opinion that Lieutt Sieglers Justification is sufficient and do acquit him of the charge exhibited against him”—The Commander in Chief approves the sentence. The numerous instances of the peaceable inhabitants being plundered & grossly abused by the soldiery, demand the severest examples. They have in general orders been repeatedly caution’d against the commission of those crimes and assured that no Mercy should be shewn to the offenders. Justice to the sufferers and a regard to the cause we are engaged in (which is essentially injured by such practices) rendered this necessary. At the same time The General desires that such offenders may be corrected with coolness; and that when the case does

not require an immediate example officers would confine and bring them to a regular trial.
At the same Court-Martial held 8th inst. Ensign Washburn of Coll Bigelow’s Regt charg’d with “Leaving his picquet and going to a house at some distance”—was tried and found guilty; but on account of the circumstances of the case the Court sentenc’d him to be reprimanded by the Coll of the regiment he belongs to in presence of the officers of the regt.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to be executed tomorrow morning at roll-calling: But cautions all officers on guard to avoid the like inattention to duty; as a repetition of the offence will not again meet with the same clemency.
At a general court martial held 10th instant whereof Coll Olney was president—Lieutt Joseph Fish of Coll Durkee’s regiment charged with “squandering away public stores”—was tried and found guilty and sentenced to return the stores so squandered away (being a firelock) into the public store; to forfeit all his pay, and to be dismiss’d from the service. The Commander in Chief approves the sentence; but upon the recommendation of the court remits that part of it which respects the forfeiture of pay. The Court Martial of which Coll Swift is President is dissolved.
A General Court-Martial is to sit tomorrow at ten ôClock in the forenoon, at the Bake-House for the trial of all prisoners which shall be brought before them—Coll Clark is appointed President of this Court—A Captain from each Brigade (excepting Woodfords, Learned’s & McIntosh’s) will constitute the members of the Court.
Officers who command guards are to give the Counter-sign to the picquets as soon as it is dark.
The Commander in Chief is surpriz’d to hear that the butchers have extorted money from the soldiers for the plucks of beef.
The Commissaries are therefore directed to issue the head & pluck together at eight pounds, and the Quarter Masters are to see that the different Companies draw it in turn.
The flying-hospital huts are to be fifteen feet wide & 25 feet long, in the clear and the story at least nine feet high—to be covered with boards or shingles only, without any dirt. a Window made on each side and a chimney at one end—Two such hospitals are to be made for each brigade in their rear, as near the center as may be; and if the ground admits of it not more than three, nor less than one hundred yards from it.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 13 January 1778
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

sir
York Town [Pa.] January the 13th 177[8]

Your kind letter of recommendation, I had the honor to deliver to His Excellency the President, who laid it before congress in my absence. since which, they have appointed me an Auditor with Mr Clarkson to settle & adjust the accounts of the main Army—whether I am equal to the task assigned me, or not, I cannot presume to say; but shou’d I accept The appointment, I flatter myself under your good patronage I shall be able to acquit myself in the duties of my station with honor, my utmost exertions shall be tried to give general satisfaction & to discharge the trust reposed in me with integrity & impartiallity—As I made no application for the appointment, & it being without the line of promotion, I hope ’twill give no offense to others whose abilities might have given them reason to have expected it.
I have wrote Major General Greene, informing him of it, & beg’d permission to resign my Commission as an Aid de Camp, I fully intended serving him in that capacity while it was convenient for the benefit of my Health, & consistent with my station in life, & at present ’tis inconsistent with either—therefore hope you will permit me to retire—& accept this as my resignation—And beg leave to assure you, that any time you may think I can render you a service, either in the civil or military line, I shall be happy to obey your commands—I can at present

assume no merit to myself from my service, but shall ascribe the success of all my enterprises now & hereafter to your good patronage, with that of the Gentleman to whom I’ve acted as an Aid, I sincerely thank you for all favors, but in A particular manner, for your Letter to the president; which with General Greenes without any solicitation on my part, have procured me what I did not expect.
I formed a plan, by which I flatter myself you will hereafter get constant Intelligence, if pursued; at present, I submit it to your consideration, shou’d you think it calculated to answer the purpose for which ’tis intended, I shall be happy in having recommended so useful a measure, this with other things in General Greenes Letter, I beg leave to refer you to, I shall be happy to receive a line in answer when you think proper—at present, be pleased to accept my best wishes, & may you when in conflict be shielded from the unjust arms of your Enemies is the fervent prayer of Your Excellencys Most Obedt and Most devoted Humble servt

Jno. Clark Junior


Title: To George Washington from Elbridge Gerry, 13 January 1778
From: Gerry, Elbridge
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
York [Pa.] 13th of Jany 1778

I have waited some time, in Expectation of informing You with the Sense of Congress on the several Subjects mentioned in your agreable Favour of the 25th Decr; but am not yet fully able to answer my Purpose.
a Committee is appointed from Congress & the Board of War, who in Concert with your Excellency have full Powers to form & execute a Plan for reducing the Number of Batalions now in the Service; to recommend the necessary Appointments of General officers; to determine on the necessary Reinforcements for the Cavalry, Artillery, & Infantry, & report their Opinions on the best Mode of obtaining the same; to remove from office any officers of the civil Departments of the Army for Negligence, Incompetency, or Fraud, & appoint others untill the Sense of Congress can be known; to report the necessary Alterations to be made in the Regulations of these Departments; to remove all just Causes of Complaint relative to rank, confining it as nearly as may be to the military Line; & for other purposes mentioned in their

Commission. the Members are Messs. Fulsom, Dana, General Reid, & Harvey from Congress; & Generals Gates & Mifflin & Colo. pickering from the Board of War. I sincerely wish that Despatch may be made in this Business, & that the first Thing may be to consider of the necessary Reinforcements, that Measures may be immediately pursued to obtain them, the Mentioning of this is however unnecessary to your Excellency. The Resolutions for allowing hereafter to Officers, the Cost of their Retained Rations, & for enabling your Excellency to encrease the Number of your Aids, I find by your Letters to Congress are at Hand; & the proposals of allowing to Officers who shall continue in the Service to the End of the War, & where regiments shall then be reduced, half pay for a limited Time; of enabling Officers after the War to sell their Commissions under proper Regulations, & of giving to the Widows of such officers as shall hereafter loose their Lives in the Service, pensions whilst they remain in a State of Widowhood, are now before Congress. the first has been largely debated, & I am apprehensive that it will meet with a negative; there are many weighty Arguments against it, such as the Infant State of the Country, it’s Aversion to placement & pensioners whereby G. Britain is likely to loose her Liberty, the Equality of the Officers & Soldiers of some States before the War, & the bad Effect that such provision would have on the Minds of the latter; but I must confess that none of these weigh so much in my Mind, as the Necessity of making a Commission so valuable that a Dismission will not only be disgraceful to an officer, but injurious to his Interest. this will introduce that Subordination to civil Authority which is necessary to produce an internal Security to Liberty; And to the high Officers of the military Department, such authority as to enable them to establish Discipline, without which an Army can be neither vigorous, nor successful.
Colo. Wilkinson is appointed Secretary to the Board of War, which I hope, he will accept, that the just Causes of Complaint arising from his hasty promotion may be removed: should he refuse, I think Congress will be justified in taking effectual Measures to remedy the evils resulting therefrom.
General Heath is directed to procure & send to your Excellency one thousand bell Tents, to prevent in future the Danger arising from heavy Rains at the critical Moment of an Engagement with the Enemy. Is it not necessary that Measures should be taken by Congress or your Excellency for further providing against this Evil, by appropriating, a Drummer, Fifer, or some other Officer in each Company to carry a Bell Tent for the same, in Times of Action when the Baggage Waggons are ordered to leave the Army: that whether advancing or retreating, the Soldiers may never be in Danger of having their Muskets & Ammunition

rendered useless from the Want of this Article? I remain sir in Haste, but with much Esteem & Respect, your Excellency’s very hum. serv.

E. Gerry


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 January 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Boston January 13. 1778

This will be handed to your Excellency by Mr Francis, a french Merchant belonging to the House from which we have received our ample Supply of Ordnance, Ordnance Stores, Fire Arms &c. He is come over to secure his Remittances, and will I am confident receive that respect

from our Countrymen that his assistance afforded at a time of need justly merit.
Part of the Cannon and Stores which arrived at Portsmouth are brought here, and will be forwarded to the Arsenals, as soon as money arrives to defrey the expence of transportation.
General Hamilton has been sounded on the matter of his Exchange—he appears inclined, and observed, that he would see Genl Burgoyne, and converse him on the Subject and acquaint me further: If the latter does not discourage it I rather think it will be effected. As soon as I am ascertained I will do my self the honor to acquaint your Excellency. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Obedient Hble Servt

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 13 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge22 Miles from Philada 13th Jany 1778

I had the pleasure of receiving your favs. of the 2d and 3d of Novemr by Genl McIntosh who arrived very opportunely to take the command of the North Carolina Brigade, which had wanted a Brigadier very much since the Fall of Genl Nash.
The account you give of the numbers of Indians in the Southern Tribes far exceeds any thing that I had an Idea of, and it therefore behoves us the more to cultivate their friendship. But I hope that as the means which our oppressors have hitherto used to stir up the Savages against us have been rendered fruitless, that they may in the like manner

be disappointed in future thro’ the activity and address of our Agents and the Generosity of the public who must purchase their neutrality, at least.
It would, in my opinion, be in vain to apply to the States of North Carolina and Virginia to allow the Officers of south Carolina and Georgia to recruit among them, as It has been found upon tryal that those States cannot furnish their own quota of Continental Troops. If the Enemy should make any disposition towards a southern expedition, a detatchment from the continental Army and a Body of Militia from the neighbouring States will undoubtedly be ordered to your assistance.
You will, long before this reaches you, have had the satisfaction of knowing that Congress have conferred that Rank upon you which you claimed as your due, and which you complained had been unjustly detained from you. I imagine, from the time at which your promotion took place, that it has been in consequence of your own representation to Mr Hancock of the 2d of June.
Military operations seem to be at an end for the Winter. Sir William Howe is fixed in Philada and we have, by dint of labour and exposing the Troops to the utmost severity of the Season rather than give up the Country to the ravages of the Enemy, established a post at this place, where the Men are scarcely now covered in log Huts, having hitherto lived in Tents and such temporary shelters as they could make up. The want of Cloathing added to the Rigor of the Season has occasioned them to suffer such hardships as will not be credited but by those who have been spectators. I am &ca.