Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 12 February 1778
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir
Mt Airy [Md.] Feby 12th 1778

In my Last I informed you, of Mr Henry’s Purchase of my Estate in King & Queen; He is very anxious as well as Myself, to have the proper Titles made to Him, in order to his Payment of the Purchase Money. I directed Mr Hill to call upon Mr Wythe to draw the proper Conveyance between you and Me, according to your Directions to Me, conveyed in a Letter of yours some time last Fall. Mr Hill has neglected to answer Me on that Head until the last Post; He writes, that on Application to Mr Wythe & my Uncle Dandridge, He was answered, that either could do It, if they had the Papers that passed between you and Mr Black, that the Transaction was of such long Standing, that they had forgot the Purport of the writeings. Thus the Matter rests. you will much oblige Me Sir if the Importance of your Business will, permit, and you can recollect where the Papers were deposited, by informing Me as early as convenient of the Place. I set off for Williams[bur]g assoon as the Weather will permit, and you will please to direct to Me in Williamsburg, that I may get the Matter settled when I am down. We have now the deepest Snow on the Ground, We have had this Winter.
I intended to have sent you by this Post the last Virginia Paper, which contain’d a List of Laws passed the last Session, but by some Accident I have mislaid It. I will endeavour to give you the Heads of the most important from Memory. They have passed a good many Laws, as one had a right to Expect from a three Month setting, and have acted much more to the Satisfaction of their Constituents then They did last Session: the Law for the Draught of single Men, is the only one that I have seen at Length and Which I inclose for your Perusal. This Law has been

of much Service to the Clergy in general, and to some particular Wemen who might have kept the hated Epithet of old Maid, the young Men finding a Wife to be much easier & cheaper got, then a Substitute, are alludeing the Law by marrying—the Draught is over in most Counties, and will take Place in Fairfax next Monday. A Bill for laying an assesment on Lands, Negroes, Salaries, Annuities, Horses, Cattle, Plate Money &c. A Bill for sequestring all British Property, and enabling those who are indebted to British Subjects to pay their Debts, and directing the Process of Suits in which they are concerned. A Bill for appointing a high Court of Chancery, whereof Mr Pendleton, Wythe, and R. C. Nicholas are Judges with a Salary of £500 per Annum. The Judges of the General Court, I am afraid I do not recollect them all, Mr Joseph Jones, Tom Lee, Tomson Mason, John Blair, Paul Carrington are the Gentlemen as well as I recollect. you will I doubt not agree with me that these two Courts are filled with great Propriety.
I must now beg of you to present my Love to my Mother, who I hope got to Camp before the Bad Weather set in, and without any Accident. as Nelly writes by this Post, it will be needless for Me to repeat, that we are all well, and join with the greatest Sincerety in wishing you both, Health and every Happiness in this World, and that in particular I subscribe Myself your most Affecte

J. P. Custis

P.S. I forgot to mention a Law for clothing the Troops belonging to Virginia in the Contl Service, which is so arbitrary, that nothing but the Situation of the Army could justify, the Law went through both Houses in one Day, and the Commisarys dispatchd to the different Ports, who made seizure of every thing necessary for the Army. This and the Draught shew that our Government is well establish’d in the Minds of the People.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir,
[Valley Forge, 12 February 1778]

The good People of the State of Pennsylvania living in the vicinity of Philadelphia & near the Delaware River having sufferd much by the Enemy carrying off their property without allowing them any Compensation, thereby distressing the Inhabitants—supplying their own Army & enabling them to protract the cruel & unjust war that they are now waging against these States—And whereas by recent intelligence I have reason to expect that they intend making another grand Forage into this Country, it is of the utmost Consequence that the Horses Cattle Sheep and Provender within Fifteen or Twenty miles west of the River Delaware between the Schuylkil and the Brandywine be immediately removed, to prevent the Enemy from receiving any benefit therefrom, as well as to supply the present Emergencies of the American Army.
I do therefore Authorise impower & Command you forthwith to take Carry off & secure all such Horses as are suitable for Cavalry or for Draft and all Cattle & Sheep fit for Slaughter together with every kind of Forage that may be found in possession of any of the Inhabitants within the Aforesaid Limits Causing Certificates to be given to each

person for the number value & quantity of the horses Cattle Sheep & Provender so taken.
Informing them that notice will be given to the holders of such Certificates by the Commissaries & Quarter master General when & where they may Apply for Payment that they may not be disappointed in calling for their money.
All Officers civil and military, Commissaries, Quarter masters &ca, are hereby Orderd to obey and assist you in this necessary business.
All the Provinder on the Islands between Philadelphia and Chester which may be difficult of Access or too hazardous to attempt carrying off, you will immediately Cause to be destroyed, giving Direction, to the Officer or Officers to whom this Duty is assign’d, to take an account of the Quantity together with the Owners Names, as far as the nature of the Service will admit. Given under my hand at head Quarters this 12th day of Feby 1778.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 12 February 1778
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

Pike [land] Township [Chester County, Pa.] 12th Febr. 1778
Sir
May it please Your Excellency

I enclose You a Letter just now rec’d from Govr Clinton as I dont Care to give a Discharge to the Person alluded to without your Approbation The Other Soldier meant is in Coll Cortlandts Regiment and Brother to the Bearer—I would only Beg leave to add that Colonel R. Livingstons Iron Works are of Great Public Utility. I have the Honour to be with the Greatest Resspect Your Excellencies most Obt Humble Servant

Henry B: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 12 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 12th Feby 1778

The Congress, so long ago as the 30th November last, directed me to have an enquiry into the Causes of the losses of Fort Mifflin upon the Delaware, and Fort Montgomery upon Hudsons River—The peculiar Situation of the Army has hindered me from attending to this matter before this time.
As most of the principal Officers, up the North River, were immediately concerned in the defence of Fort Montgomery, or eventually so, by being very near it, there cannot, in my opinion, be a sufficient number, proper to compose a Court, found upon the Spot. It is therefore my intention to send three at least from this Army, and it is my wish that you should be one, and act as president upon the occasion, if your health will permit you to attend. I shall therefore be glad to hear from you upon the subject, that I may either proceed to fill up the Commission for you, or appoint another, if your health should not be sufficiently established to go thro’ the Business.
It is my wish to have this enquiry carried on, not only in obedience to the Resolve of Congress, but for other reasons which I need not explain

to you. It is besides impatiently expected by the Gentlemen in the State of New York, who are in hopes that some beneficial Consequences will result from it—You are particularly well acquainted with many circumstances relating to the Situation of matters in that quarter, and therefore more capable of conducting the enquiry than any other Officer. I shall only add one Reason more to induce you to strain a point upon this occasion, which is, that the scarcity of General Officers is already so great, that supposing one as proper as yourself, I could not spare him without injury to the Service. I shall expect an answer by return of the Express and am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 12 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 12th Feby 1778

I have the honor of yours of the 7th instant, which is fully answered by mine of the 10th.
When the Winter Quarters of the Army were arranged, it was agreed between Genl Armstrong and myself, that the Militia of this State should cover the Country between the Schuylkill and Delaware, in order to prevent the incursions of small parties of the Enemy, and to cut off the intercourse between the City and Country.
The number of Militia, fixed upon for this purpose, were one thousand, which Genl Armstrong promised should be regularly kept up. Upon the appointment of Genl Lacey, Genl Potter, who had been long from home, gave up the command to him. As I have not the pleasure of knowing Genl Lacey, I will not undertake to say whether the little that has been done since Genl Potters departure has been owing to any want of activity in him, or whether he has not been furnished with the stipulated number of men, but this is a fact, that they have by some means or other dwindled away to nothing, and there are no guards within twenty Miles of the City on the East Side of Schuylkill, except a few patrols of Light Horse, who being unsupported by Foot, dare not go near the enemy’s lines. Owing to this, the intercourse of all the country, between Schuylkill and Delaware, is as open and uninterrupted as ever it was, and must continue so, unless a sufficient number of Militia are immediately ordered out. The continental Troops, much worn down with the fatigues of the Campaign—building themselves

houses and fortifying their Camp, are unable to perform more duty than they have to do on this side of the River, especially as many of them cannot leave their Quarters for want of Cloathing.
I hope from this state of facts that you will immediately order out at least the number of Men stipulated by Genl Armstrong; and if possible, some hundreds more, for the purpose of forming the most advanced Guards, as we find the continental Troops (especially those who are not Natives) are very apt to desert from the pickets. I have the Honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing the above I have recd a letter from Genl Lacey dated at Warwick in Bucks Country, in which he informs me that his Numbers are reduced to between 60 and 100.


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

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday Feby 13th 1778.
Elk—Ervine Elbridge.

After orders Feby 13th
Lieutt Ebenezer Smith of Coll Wigglesworth’s Regiment is appointed to do the duty of Pay-Master in the Regiment ’till the return of Thomas Smart Pay-Master of the same.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Haskell, 13 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Haskell, Henry

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge Feby 13th 1778

I am informed, that you have been since September last, absent from your regiment, on a furlough given you by General Gates; which must be supposed to have expired before this; I have to desire you will, without fail, immediately join your regiment. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 13 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lacey, John Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 13th Feby 1778

I have yours of the 11th informing me of the reduced State of your Militia. I have wrote to the president on the Subject, and have let him know that unless the number of Men (one thousand) which Genl Armstrong promised should be kept up, are regularly and constantly in the feild, it will be impossible to cover the Country on the other side of Schuylkill.
Except such proof can be obtained against John Dennis as will amount to a conviction you had better discharge him at once, many of these people are sent to the provost Guard and after laying a considerable time are at length discharged for want of Evidence. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 13 February 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 13th febry 1778.

I had the honour of writing to your Excellency by Messenger Barry under the 8th Inst.

Inclosed with this Your Excellency will be pleased to receive An Act of Congress of the 9th for restraining Malconduct in Continental Officers Civil & Military & for correcting an abuse in the Civil Line in appointing Supernumeraries. I have the honour to be with great Re[gar]d.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Morgan Lewis, 13 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Morgan

Sir,
[Valley Forge, 13 February 1778]

I have been informed there is a considerable number of pack saddles among the stores taken from General Burgoyne’s army; I am to desire you will send me immediately a return of them, and indeed a general return of all the stores in your department. Such of the pack saddles as may want it, you will have repaired without loss of time. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Francis Murray, 13 February 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Murray, Francis

Letter not found: to Maj. Francis Murray, c.13 Feb. 1778. Ephraim Blaine wrote Murray from Pawling’s Ford, Pa., on 13 Feb.: “Inclos’d you have a few lines from His Excellency Genl Washington requesting your Exertion in obliging those people who are not disposed to thrash their Grain, to an immediate Complyance—your general Acquaintance with the Inhabitants of Bucks County will be a great Advantage, tis his Excellencys desire that all the Flour and Wheat contigious to the Enemys lines should be mov’d to places of safety” (Ephraim Blaine Papers, DLC: Peter Force Collection). Murray was captured a short time later, apparently before he could reply (see Murray to GW, this date).


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 13 February 1778
From: Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council Lancaster [Pa.] February 13th 1778

Your Excellency’s letter of the tenth instant is now before us. Council have too much reason to fear that the act for compleating our quota of troops will not be effectual and therefore hope that the General Assembly at their meeting on the eighteenth instant will give immediate attention to this great object, which we are sensible is of the highest importance and deserves the first attention.
Colonel Francis Johnston being in a state of health that induced him

to decline accepting the office to which he was appointed by the act of Assembly respecting cloathing, Council have appointed Mr Jacob S. Howell to act in his stead; he is now in this borough, and is exerting himself to get the cloathing forwarded to camp: About four hundred suits and a like number of shoes are nearly ready and will be forwarded in a few days—However unwilling this Council may be to incumber your Excellency with business of this kind on common occasions, they are happy in the opportunity which your letter affords of requesting your Excellency’s attention and care in supplying the wants of the five regiments you mention out of the cloathing which shall first come to hand; and, if it is not sufficient, to assure them that more will be forwarded as expeditiously as they can be made up—this business is now in a proper line for dispatch, and will be carefully attended to. The cloathing mentioned by Colonel Lutterloh as being at Reading, we suppose, is such, as hath been collected under the ordinance of the late Council of safety, and directed to be delivered to the Clothier General; orders have been repeated to the Gentlemen in whose care they are to send them forward immediately, as they are not made up as we understand. I have the honor to be with much respect Your Excellencys very hum. servant

Tho. Wharton jun. Prest


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 13 February 1778
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
West Point [N.Y.] 13th Feby 1778

Your Favours of the 15th & 25th of Janry which I am now to acknowledge, came to hand nearly the same time after the former had been delay’d a fortnight in the Post Office.
The Boats which I mentioned in my Letter of the 25th of Octr (& of which your Excellency desires more particular information) with the

addition of seven or eight others in Wapping & Esopus Creeks were Immediately put in repair—Timber was procur’d & Preparations made for Constructing several Others, but for want of Boards, (which could not be procured at any rate) they have not been compleated, excepting two large Scows, which are nearly finish’d—Four Gun Boats, each mounting a Thirty two Pounder in the Bow, are in good forwardness at Poughkeepsie, Others are Order’d at Albany, in what State they are I am unable to inform. the Timber for two floating Batteries is cut but the work not yet begun.
It was not untill lately, that I accidentally met with the resolve of Congress of the 5th of Novr directing Genl Gates to construct such works as will secure the Navigation of Hudsons River, investing him personally with ample powers for that purpose, inabling him to call for aid & assistance ⟨from⟩ the Eastern & Middle States—Since Genl Gates’ removal to the new board of War, & your Excellencys Letter of the 2d Decr urging the necessity of erecting those Fortifications to defend the North River, during the season, when the Enemy can offer no interruptions, I have (tho without any of the advantages, which would have resulted from the beforemention’d Resolve) most assiduously applyed myself to the Collecting Materials, & have steadily endeavour’d to carry into execution, your Orders & the resolves of Congress, as far as the Late ho⟨ur⟩ on which I came to the Knowledge of them, & the few men intrusted to my Command, would possibly admit—in order to effect this, at my request the Legislative bo⟨dy⟩ of this State, have appointed a Committee, to affix the Places & manner of Securing the river, & to afford some assistance in expediting the Work—the State of affairs is now at this Post, you will please to Observe, as follows.
The Chain & necessary Anchors, are contracted for, to be compleated by the first of April, and from the Intelligence I have received there is reason to beleive they will be finish’d by that Time.
Parts of the Boom, intended to have been Used at Fort Montgomery, sufficient for this place are remaining, some of the Iron is exceeding bad, this I hope to have replaced with good Iron soon; the Chevaux de Frize will be compleated by the time the River will admit sinking them. the Batteries near the Water, & the Fort to cover them, are laid out the latter is within the Walls six hundred Yards around, twenty one feet base fourteen feet high, the Talis two inches to the foot. this I fear is too large to be compleated by the time expected. Govr Clinton, & the Committee have agreed to this plan, and nothing on my Part shall be wanting to compleat it in the best & most expeditious manner.
Barracks for the Artificers, & Huts for about three hundred men are compleated. & Barracks for about the same number are nearly Covered, a road to the river has been made, with great difficulty: the Timber

for the Fort & Batteries is now preparing, there are no Sods in this vicinity, which renders it necessary to build with Fascines, Timber & Earth.
I think my indispensible duty to the Publick, & justice to my own Character compel me to point out in the most explicit manner, some of the embarisments, we now experience, & the greater difficulties we have reason to fear, in carrying on the works, which if not speedily remov’d, will render their completion almost impracticable.
The first & greatest, as almost all others, result from it, is the want of monies, in the Quarter Masters Department, thro which channel a very great Part of the Materials, for the Works must be furnish’d. Supplying Cash to the Quarter Master here, has already been so long delay’d, that the Publick Credit is totally lost, very little more is to be expected on the publick Faith; and the private Credit of the Quarter Master, has been so long tried, I am certain little more can be procured that Way.
The Private Character of the Quarter Master suffers exceedingly from his not being able to replace the Monies he has already borrow’d; I believe four hundred thousand Dollars will not be sufficient to pay off the Arrears already incurred in that Department.
The Pay of the Artificers is nearly seven Months in Arrear, they are dayly deserting, & scarcely a week passes but the remainder refuse to labour in Service and unless they can be paid, I fear we shall not be able to retain them many Days.
The great call for Teams to transport provisions Salt & other supplies to the Southern Army, together with the scarcity of Forage, renders it impossible to supply the Cattle, Horses &c. necessary to carry ⟨on⟩ the Works. At present we have neither Teams or Forage, nor can any be procured without Money.
The number of Men in this Department, will appear by the return herewith transmitted to your Excellency. Meigs’ Regt except those under innoculation, with the small Pox, is at the White Plains, and untill Barracks can be fitted for their reception, I have thought best to continue them there to cover the Country from the incursions of the Enemy—Dubois’ Regiment are unfit to be order’d on duty, not one Blanket in the Regiment—very few have either a Shoe or a Shirt—& most of them have neither Stockings Breeches or Overalls; several Companies of Inlisted Artificers, are in the same situation & unable to work in the field—several Hundred Men are render’d useless merely for want of necessary apparel—As no clothing is permitted to be Stoped at the Post—as the men are not paid off, as, altho’ they were paid, the Cloaths could not be procured; as the evil still increases—in this situation, I must entreat your Excellency to Order Cloathing & blankets to this place, as soon as possible.

The Winter has been such, as has made the Passage on & over the River, exceeding Difficult, nothing can be brought from above or below this Post by Water; which has considerably retarded the Works, this still continues, but I hope will soon be removed.
I am happy fully to coincide, with your Excellency in Oppinion, as to the injustice of exchanging those Officers, who may fall into our hands, for such of ours as have been recently captured, in prejudice to those who have suffer’d the rigors of a severe Captivity—you will give me leave to assure you I never have made but one single exchange, & the particular, suffering sickly condition of that Officer was my Only Motive for it—who was also one of the Oldest Prisoners, at that time in the Enemies hands—nor did I mean to follow the example, which had been long before set, by exchanging, many of the Officers, taken at Fort Washington, & since while those taken antecedently on Long Island, still remain in Captivity, as I apprehended it was intirely contrary, to your Excellencys Oppinion.
What particular Pow’rs Govr Trumbull has been invested with on this Subject, I know not—tho I suppose the frequent exchanges he has made, has been by [your] Excellencys Approbation.
I am this instant favour’d, by Yours of the 6th of Febry respecting the stopping at this Post, the supplies of Cattle destined for the use of the Army under your immediate Command—your Informant must have labour’d under a great mistake, by Adding that it was, by my direction, I believe a few Cattle have be[en] retain’d by some of the Commissary Department at this place, when no salt⟨ed⟩ provisions were on the spot—but in future ⟨mutilated⟩ will take care these Gentlemen shall not retain any supplies, designed for the Southern Army.
What Quantities of salted provisions, are on hand I am not able to inform, as I have had no returns, but in my Journey to the Eastward, shall make it my business, to become acquainted with these Matters, & will transmit to you, the best intelligence I can Obtain—in the mean time, the appointment of Col. Champion, (who is perfectly well acquainted with the Business) for purchasing Cattle, will I make no doubt, soon afford a competent supply, & relieve us speedily from any apprehensions of the Armys suffering, for want of provisions in future.
Genl Parsons, has return’d to Camp some time since, & takes upon himself the Command to morrow, when I shall set out for Connecticut. I am, Dear General with great esteem Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Israel Putnam

I mentioned that the Legislature of this State, have appointed a Committee to advice proper Measures for defending the River & assist in

carrying them into execution—in ⟨mutilated⟩ report they give it, as their Oppinion ⟨mutilated⟩ 5000 Troops ought to be furnish’d for ⟨mutilated⟩ defence of this Post—I wish to know your Excellencys sentiments on the Matter, & if you should Judge the measure necessary, from whence they are to be supplied—the Mortification of being left to defend an important Post, without a sufficient force your Excellency can better conceive than I can express, altho it is what I have once experienced.


Title: General Orders, 14 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V-Forge Saturday Feby 14th 1778.
FinlandFairfax. Fish.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 14 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir,
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] February 14th 1778

I am favoured with yours of the 9th instant inclosing the proceedings of a general Court Martial held by your order.
It is a defect in our martial law, from which we often find great inconvenience, that the power of appointing General Courts Martial is too limited. I do not find it can be legally exercised by any officer, except the Commander in chief or the commanding general in any particular state. This circumstance would make it improper for me to ratify the sentence against Murray, did the nature of his crime require it; and if it was thought inexpedient to let him pass unpunished, I should be under the necessity of ordering another court for his trial. But as there are some mitigating considerations, which you mention, it may perhaps be as well to remit the present sentence, without proceeding any further in the affair. I leave it to your judgment, either, with my approbation to do this, or to make use of the inclosed order, to bring the offender to a second trial.
Had the constitution of the court been intirely regular, I do not

conceive I could with propriety, alter the capital punishment into a corporal one. The right of mitigating only extend in my opinion, to lessening the degree of punishment, in the same species, prescribed; and does not emply any authority to change the nature or quality of it altogether. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 14 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Valley Forge February the 14: 1778

I do myself the honor of transmitting you a Letter from the Committee of Congress, now here. These Gentlemen have represented the distress of the Army for want of provision so fully and in so just a light, that I shall forbear to trouble you with further observations upon the subject. I shall only observe, that if the picture they have drawn is imperfect, it is because the colourings are not sufficiently strong. It does not exceed our real situation. From your zeal & earnest wishes to promote the service, I am firmly convinced we shall have every relief in your power to give. I should have troubled you before on this interesting and alarming business—had I not supposed Congress the proper Body to have been informed, and that the means of relief should be under their direction. not to mention our distresses the last Campaign and that we were supplied from hand to mouth and frequently not at all, from the day Mr Trumbull left the Commissary department, This is the second time in the course of the present year, that we have been on the point of a dissolution, and I know not whether the melancholy event may not take place.
The subject of Horses too is so fully explained by the Committee that it is needless for me to enlarge on that head. The advantages derived from a respectable Cavalry will strike you at once, and I have the most entire confidence that you will with pleasure afford any aid in your Power to promote our views in this instance. I have the Honor to be with great esteem & regard Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 14 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

Sir,
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 14th February 1778.

I have received your Letter of the 10th Inst. with a Schedule of expences for clothing and equipping the Cavalry—and have submitted them to the consideration of the Committee of Congress—these Gentlemen will by no means consent to a Plan which appears to them so extraordinarily expensive; as each Colonel has undertaken to provide for his own Regiment, and the Lance men are to be draughted, the men who compose this Company must take their chance for Clothing &ca With the rest of the Dragoons.
You are at liberty to raise as many Recruits as may be wanted, provided it can be done upon the Terms allowed by the Continent—that is twenty Dollars bounty, to men engaging for three years or during the war—but I do not approve of your giving encouragement to Volunteers as the trouble which they occasion generally overbalances their Service.
With respect to the depositions in favor of Mr Zelienski, as the whole proceeding is exparte, I can take no notice of it, and must refer you to what I said on the subject in my last Letter—Among the articles of Charge alluded to above that of the Sheep Skin Saddle [is] particularly extravagant, perhaps this may be owing to the Lining—you will be so good as to inform me at what rate you can contract for the Tree of the Saddle alone. the Skin Covers may be procured from the public Butchers without being an article of additional expence.
Inclosed is a Letter for Commodore Hazelwood, which forward—I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 14 February 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Camp Valley Forge Feb. [14] 1778.

After combating with all the elements and contending with every disappointment and misfortune I have so far completed the bridge

that little remains but what may be done in two or three days after the plank is ready and the weather will permit. It will be of no use to keep the carpenters longer at the bridge until the weather is favourable and the plank is prepared. The erecting and securing the bridge I was determined to complete before I requested your Excellency to grant me leave of absence from the army; but the unusual inclemency of the weather forces me to leave it in its present situation, and beg leave of absence. This I am under the necessity of doing and though my reasons may be new, they are perhaps not of the less weight. I have been most faithfully serving the public four years without paying the least attention to my private interest. My losses in the service have been great and repeated, for which I am not likely to receive the least satisfaction. Since I left Boston I have been principally in a separate department where I have had all the expense but none of the profits allowed to commanders in a separate post. Congress have allowed me fifteen eight pences per day. This would almost purchase two bowls of grog for the support of myself and family. And when with the other general officers I presented a memorial for a reasonable allowance, Congress told us in general orders, or rather desired your Excellency to tell us, that they meant to do us justice from the first of January last, but that they would not meddle with any thing antecedent to that time. Perhaps the same rules of justice were not in force last year as may be this. Possibly some persons more disposed to speak evil of dignities than myself might say that the adopting a new rule in future is full evidence of their being conscious of the injustice of the former regulations and proves that they have discovered an injury which they refuse to redress. During the present contest I have lived principally on my own private fortune, which though not large was once amply sufficient for myself; but will not much longer afford me a sufficient fund for supply unless I pay more attention to it than I have been able to do for some years past. I find it therefore absolutely necessary therefore to visit my family to give the necessary directions respecting the management of my affairs in my absence. I know that some others may complain of the same usage and plead the same necessity in some degree, but none of them have been exposed to equal loss and expense; whatever may be their feelings I have only been taught to feel and judge for myself. I wish not to complain for others nor have I an inclination that my own complaints or necessities should be made public or become a foundation for complaints in others. It is enough for me to know that the fund which has supported me in the army will no longer do it unless I have an opportunity of regulating those domestic concerns which may afford me that subsistence which my services in the field will not. I think I shall need no arguments to persuade those Americans with whom I am acquainted

that I have ever exerted myself in behalf of my country, but I cannot consent to become a pensioner and depend for subsistence on the will of persons whose favours are largely showered on those who have done least and who treat with contempt those men who have endured every fatigue and despised every danger to secure the liberties of their country. I shall endeavour if my business will permit me to return to the army by the commencement of the campaign if not there are others, who have plentifully shared the favours of Congress who may supply my place till my return, or forever if thought best for the interest of America.
I beg your Excellency’s answer as soon as may be. and have the honour to be with the most sincere wishes for your Excellency’s success and happiness, your most obedient servant

Jno. Sullivan.


Title: General Orders, 15 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Sunday Feby 15th 1778.
Gibralter—Greene. Glover.

As the public teams are now employed and the troops are in immediate want of straw, the Commander in Chief anxious to have them furnished with every necessary to make them comfortable, desires the Brigadiers and officers commanding Brigades each to send out a party properly officered to procure straw and impress waggons to haul it to camp where they will deliver it to their respective Brigade Quarter-Masters who are to make an equal distribution thereof to the several Regiments according to their numbers present.
The General officers are desired to meet at General Sullivan’s quarters tomorrow morning ten ôClock to take into consideration and determine upon the Memorial of the Captains in the Pennsylvania Line against the promotion of Michael Ryan Esqr. to the Majority of a Regiment likewise to settle the rank of Captain Grier.

The Court Martial whereof Coll Wigglesworth is President is dissolved and another ordered to sit tomorrow at ten oClock in the forenoon at the Bake-House for the trial of prisoners brought before them—A Captain from each Brigade to attend as Members—Coll Cortlandt President.
Abstracts for the month of december’s pay, not yet sent in to the Pay-Master General are to be sent to him for examination so as to be ready for payment as soon as the money arrives.
Pay-Rolls immediately to be made out & presented for the month’s extraordinary pay mentioned in the orders of 3rd of January, given as a reward for the virtuous patience and Zeal of the troops under the Inconveniencies of their present situation; to comprehend all the officers & men in camp on 29th of december, the time the resolution was passed and such as may have since joined the army to the date of the Pay-Rolls—This however is not meant to be final or to exclude those who may hereafter assert a reasonable claim to the benefit of the resolve—Difficulties having arisen as to the construction of it which have been submitted to Congress, and it is not to be doubted they will give a liberal explanation.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Caswell, 15 February 1778
From: Caswell, Richard
To: Washington, George

sir
No. Carolina New Bern 15th Feb. 1778.

I had the Honor of receiving your Excellencys Favors of the 25th & 29. December last, the former advising of the recet of A Resolve of the General Assembly of this State respecting resignations of Officers of the Troops raised here, the latter inclosing a Return of the No. Carolina Regiments in the Grand Army.
I am really much concerned to find those Regiments so exceedingly short of their Complement of Men, and beg leave to Assure you Sir, that every Attention shall be paid and such Measures adopted as may be in my power to make them more respectable and as nearly complete as possible.
The distresses of the Soldiery for want of Cloathing are truly Alarming and the feelings of every Man of the least Sensibility must be wounded on receiving the information of their unhappy circumstances—since I was favoured with your Excellencys Account of their Sufferings I have been happy in purchasing for our Troops about 4000 Yards of Woolen Cloth, 300 Blankets, 1500 Yards of Ozenbrigs, some Shoes & Stockings, I have also purchased a Considerable quantity of

Tanned Leather and Deerskins all which will be sent on to the Clotherr General so soon as I can procure Waggons, considerable quantities of Salt & Salted provisions have been also purchased under my directions which are forwarding to Southquay in Virginia from whence they will be haled over to Suffolk about 16 Miles and so forwarded by Colo. Aylett in the best and most expeditious manner in his power.
I take the Liberty of inclosing a Gazette of the 13. Inst. containing the only News here, except a Report of a revolution in Canada which wants confirmation. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

Rd Caswell


Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, 15 February 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew

Letter not found: to Bartholomew Dandridge, 15 Feb. 1778. In his letter to GW of 12 April 1778, Dandridge referred to “Your favor of the 15th of Feby.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Head Quarters Spring field Meeting House [Pa.]Feb. 15. 1778.

We are in want of some of the Deputy Q. M. Generals to conduct the business of that department—please to send us one—I receivd two Letters from Col. Biddle—he has got but few Waggons—The Inhabitants conceal them the Col. complains bitterly of the disaffection of the people—I sent out a great number of small parties to collect the Cattle Horses &c. &c. yesterday but the collection was inconsiderable, the Country is very much draind—The Inhabitants cry out and beset me from all quarters—but like Pharoh I harden my heart—Two men were taken up carrying provisions into the Enemy yesterday morning—I gave them an hundred each by way of Example—I have sent of[f] all the Cattle Sheep and Horses—I will send on the forage and all further collections that may be made as fast as possible—I determin to forage the Country very bare—nothing shall be left unattempted.
As Provision will be scarse especially of the meat kind, if the Commisaries could purchase a quantity of Sugar—the troops with Wheat

  might make a fermity—a diet that would contribute to their health—be palatable and nourishing to the troops—I think it would be a very good substitute for meat—and not much more expensive if any.
Lt. Col. Ballard was out on the forageing business yesterday down about Darby and got intelligence of the Enemies Bridge being removd and that it was with difficulty they relevd their Guards being some hours about it—He solicited a party to attempt the Guard—upon his earnest entreaty I granted his request—Inclosed is his report—by which you will see the attempt was unsuccessful.
I hope the Committee of Congress wont loos Sight of Col. Cox—there is no man will serve their purpose better—Your Excellency may remember I mentiond Mr Lott for that department please to name him to the Committee—I am with great respect your Excellencies most Obedient Servant

Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence Meeting House [Pa.]Feb. 15. [1778] 8 oClock [P.M.]

Col. Biddle is here and informs me there is but a poor prospect of geting Waggons I wish all those at Camp that can be spard from the ordinary duties of the Camp, may be forwarded to us as fast as posible—We have a great number of small parties out collecting to day of Cattle, Horses, and carriages—their success has not been reported this evening, but I am afraid there will be nothing considerable as the Country appears much draind—Hay is the plentifulest article that there is in the Country—Sixty or Seventy tons may be had in this neighbourhood.
If your Excellency thinks proper as soon as the Bridge is passable I would recommend a forage in Bucks County and in the meantime have forageing parties up about Reding—General Wayne thinks it advisable to destroy all the forage upon the Jersey Shore—Col. Butler will undertake it and cross the River from Chester I shall wait your Excellencies instructions respecting the matter—To morrow we shall mount a press party on Horses to press Waggons the back of Brandywine—The Inhabitants hereabouts if they have any Waggons or Harness they conceal them—I am with great respect Your Excellencies most Obedient Servant

Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lettis Hooper, Jr., Nathaniel Falconer, and Jonathan Mifflin, Jr., 15 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hooper, Robert Lettis Jr.,Falconer, Nathaniel,Mifflin, Jonathan Jr.

Gentlemen.
Head Qrs Valley Forge February 15: 1778

I this Minute received your Favor of the 14th Instant with its several Inclosures.
I am constrained to inform you, that the situation of the Army is most critical and alarming for want of provision of the meat kind. Many of the Troops for four days and some longer have not drawn the smallest supplies of this Article. This being the case, it is needless to add to convince you of their distress. They have been on the point of dispersing and without the earliest relief, no address or authority will be sufficient to keep them long together. Their patience and endurance are great, but the demands of nature must be satisfied. I must therefore Gentlemen in the most urgent terms request & entreat your immediate & most active exertions to procure and forward to Camp, as expeditiously as possible, all the provision of the meat kind which it may be in your power to obtain. I would not have you wait till you collect a large Quantity, but wish you to send on Supplies as fast as you can get them. The troops must have instant relief or we shall have reason to apprehend the worst consequences. I need not mention to you the necessity of secrecy in an affair of such delicacy—Your own prudence and discretion will point it out. I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P.S. The state of Forage is the same with that of provision, and a Supply as materially wanted. Without it and very speedily, we shall have not a Horse left.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 15 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
Valley-forge Feby 15th 1778.

Your Letter of the 2d Ulto from Chantilly, inclosing Lieutt Colo. Frazers orders for the management of the Granadiers & light Infantry in an action, & upon a March, came to my hands in the course of last Month & merits my thanks, as it may be of use to such Corps, one of which (consisting of light Infantry) we are now forming.

The Enemy are governed by no principles that ought to actuate honest Men—no wonder then that forgery should be amongst their other crimes—I have seen a Letter published in a hand-bill at New York, and extracts of it republished in the Philadelphia Paper, said to be from me to Mrs Washington, not one word of which did I ever write—those contained in the Pamphlet you speak of are, I presume, equally genuine, & perhaps wrote by the same author—I should be glad however to see & examine the texture of them if a favourable oppertunity to send them should present.
Lord Cornwallis has certainly imbark’d for England, but with what view, is not so easy to determine—he was eye witness a few days before his departure to a scene not a little disgraceful to the pride of British valour, in their Manœuvre to Chesnut hill & precipitate return, after boasting their intentions of driving us beyond the Mountains.
I am very glad to find that the Assembly of Virginia have taken matters up so spiritedly—but wish, instead of attempting to raise so many Volunteers they had resolved at all adventur⟨es⟩ to compleat their Regiments by Drafting—If all the States would do this, & fall upon ways & means to supply their Troops with comfortable Cloathing upon moderate terms, & Congress would make the Commissions of Officers of some value to them, every thing would probably, go well making at the sametime some reform in the different departments of the army, nothing ever standing in greater need of it than the Quarter master’s and Commissary’s as no Army ever suffered more by their neglects. the consequence of their neglect is much to be dreaded. I am Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Monday Feby 16th 1778.
Hartford—Huntington Humpton.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 16 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear, Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge February 16th 1778

It is with great reluctance, I trouble you on a subject, which does not properly fall within your province; but it is a subject that occasions me more distress, than I have felt, since the commencement of the war; and which loudly demands the most zealous exertions of every person of weight and authority, who is interested in the success of our affairs—I mean the present dreadful situation of the army for want of provisions and the miserable prospects before us, with respect to futurity. It is more alarming, than you will probably conceive, for to form a just idea, it were necessary to be on the spot. For some days past, there has been little less, than a famine in camp. A part of the army has been a

week, without any kind of flesh & the rest three or four days. Naked and starving as they are, we cannot eno⟨ugh⟩ admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery, that they have not been, ere this, excited by their sufferings, to a general mutiny and dispersion. Strong symptoms however of discontent have appeared in particular instances; and nothing but the most active effort⟨s⟩ every where, can long avert so shocking a catastrophe.
Our present sufferings are not all. There is no foundation laid for any adequate relief hereafter. All the magazines provided in the States of New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware & Maryland, and all the immediate additional supplies they seem capable of affording, will not be sufficient to support the army more than a month longer, if so long. Very little has been done to the Eastward and as little to the Southward; and whatever we have a right to expect from those quarters must necessarily be very remote, and is indeed more precarious, than could be wished. When the forementioned supplies are exhausted, what a terrible crisis must ensue, unless all the energy of the Continent is exerted to provide a timely remedy?
Impressed with this idea, I am on my part putting every engine to work, that I can possibly think of, to prevent the fatal consequences, we have so great reason to apprehend. I am calling upon all those, whose stations and influence enable them to contribute their aid upon so important an occasion, and from your well known zeal, I expect every thing within the compass of your power, and that the abilities and resources of the state over which you preside, will admit. I am sensible of the disadvantages it labours under, from having been so long the scene of war, and that it must be exceedingly drained by the great demands to which it has been subject, But though you may not be able to contribute materially to our relief, you can perhaps do something towards it; and any assistance, however trifling in itself, will be of great moment, at so critical a juncture, and will conduce to keeping the army together, ’till the Commissary’s department can be put upon a better footing, and effectual measures concerted to secure a permanent and competent supply. What methods you can take, you will be the best judge of; but if you can devise any means to procure a quantity of cattle or other kind of flesh, for the use of this army, to be at camp in the course of a month, you will render a most essential service to the common cause. I have the honor to be with very great esteem & Respect Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: To George Washington from William Duer, 16 February 1778
From: Duer, William
To: Washington, George

sir,
Reading [Pa.] Feby 16th 177[8]

I esteem it my Duty to inform you that a certain Mr John Biddle has lately gone into the Enemy, who has an Exact Draft of your Camp; before he went in he told a Person confidentially that he could put the Enemy in a Way of investing it in such a Manner as to cut off your Communication with the Country, and thereby prevent the Supply of Provisions &ca—How far this can be Effected your Excellency best knows; but what has occasion’d ⟨mutilated⟩ make a Strong Impression on my Mind is a Declaration of Major Genl Sinclair to a Freind (who some Time ago communicated it to me) that in his Opinion such an Event might happen unless two Bridges were thrown a cross the Schuylkill in order to facilitate the Retreat of the Army, if the Enemy were to make this Attempt.
As I am a Stranger to the Geography of the Country, it would ⟨mutilated⟩ impertinent in me to add any Reflections of my own: I ha⟨ve⟩ therefore contented myself with communicating this Matter and doubt not your Excellency will pay that Attention to it which you shall think it deserves. I am with great Respect, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Hble servt

Wm Duer.

P.S.: This Mr Biddle has been for a considerable Time Employd as a Depy Surveyor in the Proprietor’s Service, and is an Excellent Draftsman.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Fitzgerald, 16 February 1778
From: Fitzgerald, John
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
York [Pa.] 16th Feby 1778

I make no doubt but you will be surpriz’d to have a Letter of this date from me at this pla⟨ce.⟩
I was detain’d Nine days on the other side Susquehan⟨ah⟩ for an oppy of crossing it & when I did it was not without great difficulty & some danger.
Upon my arrival here on Saturday after noon, I waited upon Mr Laurens, who (then being much engag’d) asked me to Breakfast next Morning giving me to understand that he had something of Consequence to say to me In the Morng he asked me “if you had ever seen the much talk’d of Letter from Genl Conway to Genl Gates” I answer’d I was certain that you never had, unless, since my departure from Camp—He then said it was now in the Hands of Mr Roberdeau, who (to his knowledge) shew’d it to some & he had reason to believe, to a great many, & that though the Paragraph Quoted by Colonel Wilkinson was not set down Verbatim, yet that in Substance it contain’d that & ten times more. Upon this I determin’d to demand it from Mr Roberdeau in order to let you have a Copy of it. As this Gentleman always Spends Sunday in the most ostensible Acts of public & private Devotion I deferr’d waiting on him ’till this morning when after a short introduction I let him into the intention of my Visit. He assur’d me that he had shewn the Letter only to two, the President & another & gave me his Honor that he had deliver’d it to a french Gentleman by an order from Genl Conway which was sent back after he had crossed Susquehanah—he was full of his Assurances that the Letter did not contain the Paragraph alluded to which gave him infinite Satisfaction, as he entertain’d the highest respect both for you & Genl Gates—he added however that had the Letter remain’d in his possession, he should not have thought himself at Liberty to let a Copy be taken without the consent of the Gentleman who intrusted him with it I told him that as he had pledged his Honor about the delivery of it, I thought it unnecessary to say any more upon that subject—but that I should have thought it my duty to have taken the most effectual means of Procuring a Copy had the Original remain’d in his hands.
I then return’d to Mr Laurens who, (notwithstanding this Gentlemans acknowledged Piety) did not give full credit to his assertions about the delivery of the Letter Mr Laurens then gave me an extract which he had taken from it, which I take the Liberty of inclosing to you the

whole of that Letter I understand was couched in terms of the most bitter Invective of which this is a small Sample.
I inclose you this Abstract rather for your private Information, than with an expectation of its answering any other purpose at this time—As I am of Opinion that the Gentlemen who have been most active in this dirty Business, are by this time heartily Sick of it, & plainly perceive that the Fabric which they were endeavoring to Rear was likely to fall upon their own Heads Mr Laurens’s Sentiments upon the whole of this matter were exceedingly just & deliver’d with the greatest Candor.
I hope your Excellency will excuse the Liberty I have taken upon this occasion & if I have gone too far, that you will impute it to the true Motive.
I sincerely congratulate you upon Mrs Washington’s safe arrival at Camp, be pleas’d to offer my most respectfull Complimts to her.
I shall sett out from this tomorrow by way of Baltimore & am Dear sir with most unfeign’d respect & attachment Your mo. Obed. servant

John Fitzgerald

P.s. I write in so cold a Room that I could scarcely finish.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 16 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 16 Feby 1778.

I have received your Letter of yesterday and have given instructions to the Quarter Master to supply your demand of Waggons, by sending forward as many as can be spared from the Camp and pressed in the neighborhood—however I would not have your exertions abated, by a Reliance on Success in this quarter.
As it is impossible to secure the Hay on the Jersey Shore, for our own use it is certainly advisable to destroy it that the Enemy may derive no

benefit from it; and the sooner Colonel Butler effects this business the better—An Express has been sent to Colonel Cox on the subject you mention. I am with great regard Sir Yr most obed. Serv.

G. W——n

P.S. If there is any good reason to believe that the Inhabitants have Carriages & with hold them, make severe examples of a few to deter others—our present wants will justifie any measures you can take.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 16 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hollingsworth, Henry

Sir,
[Valley Forge, 16 February 1778]

I am under the painful necessity of informing you that the situation of the army is most critical and alarming for want of provision, especially of the meat kind. The troops have not had supplies of the latter for four days and many of them have been much longer without. I have sent Captain Lee to forward, from the Head of Elk & Dover, all the provisions, that may be at either of those places, as expeditiously as possible, and I must entreat you Sir to give all the assistance in your power, to promote this very important and interesting work. I am Sir Your most Obdt ser.

G.W.

I need not mention to you the delicacy of this Subject and the propriety of Secrecy.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 16 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Sir,
Camp, Valley Forge Feby 16th 1778

I do myself the honor of transmitting you the inclosed Letter from a Committee of Congress, now here. These Gentlemen have represented the distress of the Army for want of provision so fully, and in so just a light, that I shall forbear to trouble you with many observations upon the subject. I shall only add, if the picture they have drawn is imperfect, it is because the colouring is not sufficiently strong. It does not exceed our real situation, nor will it be easy to give you an adequate idea of it.
The only public stores of the meat kind that I can hear of in your State, lie at the Head of Elk. I have sent an active Officer there to day, and I hope with the assistance of Mr Hollingsworth, who resides there, that in the course of a few days they will be transported to Camp: But, should this be the case, the quantity is so small that it will afford but a very short and temporary relief, nor can I find from the most minute inquiry, that the Magazines of this kind, when drawn together and aided by the supplies of Cattle the Commissary expects to get, will be more than sufficient to support the Army longer than this Month. After, our prospect of support from him seems to be at an end, or at least it will be extremely precarious.
From this view of matters and foreseeing the fatal and alarming consequences that will necessarily attend a dissolution or dispersion of the Army, I must take the liberty of solliciting your good Offices, and to request your exertions to prevent, as far as possible, so melancholy a catastrophe, by having forwarded to Camp All the provisions of the Meat kind that maybe in your power. I know not what resources Maryland may have in this instance, but perhaps through your means and influence, we may derive no inconsiderable Supplies. Not to mention our distresses during the active part of the last Campaign, and that our operations were then much retarded; This is the second time in the present year, that we have been on the verge of a dissolution on this account.
I am sensible, Sir, I have addressed you upon a Subject out of your province, But I am assured, your zeal for the service and wishes to promote it, where possible, will indulge me with an apology—especially when I add that my application is the result of the most painful and

pressing necessity. I have the Honor to be with great esteem & regard Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 16 February 1778
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Boston February 16th 1778

I receiv’d your Excellencys two Letters one of the 15th and the other of the 21 ultimo. I have given your Excellencys directions about the arms: There are in this Town and the Magazines at Springfield between 6 & 7000 new arms, I dont know the precise number but beleive it to be somewhere thereabouts, I propose to send on to Pensylvania 4000, the others will be scarcely sufficient to arm the recruits which may be rais’d in this and the neighbouring states. The arms taken at the northward are at Albany, except one thousand which are sent to Springfield to be repaird. I suppose the intended expedition will require all that remain at that place in order to arm the militia and voluntiers.
I have not yet receiv’d your Excellencys directions concerning the Artillery at Farmington in Connecticut which are guarded by Nixons continental Regiment of Genl Nixons brigade—nor the directions of the Board of War with respect to purchasing any Stores which may be wanted for the next Campaign. We have by no means lead or flints sufficient for next Campaign and if I should not receive directions before I leave this place I shall give orders to purchase all that is here even tho’ the price is very high.
There are 63 pieces of Cannon 4 Pounders in this Town and some Mortars. some of the Mortars are sent on and the others will soon follow with the Cannon.
The Legislature of this State are willing to do every thing in their power to fill the Army. It appears to me that a decisive resolve of Congress, that every State should draft a certain number of Men by some

day in March free of expence to the Continent, and admit of no alternative, will be the only proper measure that can be adopted. It is certain the money will not induce people to enter the service—there must be some other excitement to their duty.
I gave orders to Captain Pancoast of the Artificers at Allen-Town to make twelve travelling Forges, which will be more than he can accomplish before I shall return, when I will give him orders to make the number mention’d by your Excellency.
I am very sorry to inform your Excellency that the price of Work is so high in New England that the Artificers at Springfield whose times expire the 1st of March spurn at the high Wages offerd by me—Vizt—thirty Dollars ⅌r Month—One suit of Cloaths bounty—and one suit ⅌ Annum & the usual rations—As the necesity is great I am afraid I shall be oblig’d to offer them besides the above pay and Cloaths one & half ration and a jill or half pint of Rum ⅌ Day, but I shall be very careful not to incur any expence which is not absolutely necesary—I am with the highest degree of respect your Excellencys most obedient Humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir,
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] Feby 16 1778

I had the honor of writing to you a day or two ago, and transmitting a letter from the committee of Congress now at Camp, containing a representation of the present alarming distresses of the army for want of provisions: They press upon us with such increasing violence, and threaten such fatal consequences, unless the most vigorous measure be persued to effect an immediate remedy, that I have thought proper to send Mr Tilghman, in case any accident should have happen’d to those letters, to give you a just picture of our situation, and, with your aid and concurrence to take the most effectual methods for procuring us a speedy, though temporary relief, from the magazines which have been established in your state. I have the honor to be With much esteem & Respect Sir Yr most Obedt servt

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 16 February 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

sir
Trenton [N.J.] 16 Feby 1778

I have received your Excellency’s Favour of the 14th instant, this day; & that of the 4th a few days since.
It would give me pleasure to consent to let three troops of Jersey horse enter into the continental Service till the opening of the next Campaign, as it would not only give me an Opportunity of obliging your Excellency, but would be of Service to the Troops in acquiring

skill & experience, which they would afterwards introduce into our other Squadrons. But from our present Situation, I think we could not spare more than one.
With your request of the 14th I shall comply as far as possible, & endeavour to procure to morrow a Resolution of both houses to authorize the President & Council of Safety to impress Waggons for a limited time. But these Sir, are very temporary Expedients. It is impossible for this State to cure the Blunders of those whose Business it is to provide the Army, and considering what New Jersey has sufferd by the war, I am pretty certain it cannot hold out an other year if the rest will not furnish their proportionable share of Provisions. And for my own part, tho’ I would rather spend the remainder of my days in a wigwam at lake Erie than be the most splendid Vassel of any arbitrary Prince on Earth, I am so discouraged by our public mismanagement, & the additional load of Business thrown upon me by the Villainy of those who pursue nothing but accumulating Fortunes to the ruin of their Country, that I almost sink under it. I do not say this Sir to discourage you from applying to me at any time for any thing that is in my power to do, assuring you that it always gives me particular pleasure to contribute in the least to alleviate that Burden of yours to which mine does not deserve to be compared.
I shall pursue the Plan pointed out by the Committee of Congress for procuring horses—I am with the greatest Esteem your Excellencys most humble Serv.

Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Montgomerie, 16 February 1778 [letter not found]
From: Montgomerie, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Montgomerie, 16 Feb. 1778. On 28 Feb., GW wrote to Montgomerie: “I yesterday received your favor of the 16th Instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 16 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dr sr
Hd Qrs Valley Forge Feby 16 1778

The distress of this army for want of provisions is perhaps beyond any thing you can conceive; and unless we strain every nerve to procure immediate relief, a general mutiny and dispersion is to be dreaded. Our nearest Magazines are at Dover and the Hd of Elk; and it is absolutely necessary, by a vigorous effort, to push on all the provisions at those places, for the present subsistence of the Troops. I have intrusted this important business to the zealous activity of Capt. Lee, whom I have

impowerd to impress the number of Waggons requisite for the purpose. He will probably stand in need of some assistants, acquainted with the neighbouring Country, to facilitate & dispatch the business. I imagine you can furnish him with proper persons for the purpose, Officers in the Maryland & Delaware Troops. Every aid you can possibly afford him is demanded by the exigency of the occasion. I am Dr sr Yrs &c.

G. W——n

P.s. I do not know in what manner, the troops under your Command have been hitherto supplied with provisions, but as you are in an abundant Country, I should imagine you might furnish yourself from the resources of it, without the help of the magazines above mentioned, no part of which can, without detriment, be spared from the use of this Camp.


Title: General Orders, 17 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Tuesday Feby 17th 1778.
Ipswich—Inman. Isabel.

At a division Court Martial (Feby 13th 1778.) whereof Lieutt Coll Sprout was president, Lieutt Austin Alden of Coll Brewer’s Regiment, tried for behaving in many instances unbecoming the Character of an officer and gentleman, 1st in taking Jack Brown’s allowance of Whisky and drinking it and then refusing to pay for it—2nd In messing, frequently drinking & sleeping with the soldiers—3rdly—For writing Petitions for the soldiers and taking pay for the same.
The Court are unanimously of opinion that the prisoner is guilty of the whole & do sentence him to be discharged from the service—The Commander in Chief approves the aforegoing sentence & orders him to be discharg’d immediately and that his Commission be taken from him by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment.


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 17 February 1778
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Hon’d Sir
Mt Vernon Feby 17th 1778

The bad Weather has detain’d Me at this Place untill this Day. I shall now begin my Journey as the Weather appears more favourable. I did Myself the Pleasure to write you on the 12th inst. and inclosed you our Draught, Law, and every Article of News worth communicateing. I should not have troubled you so soon again, if the Post had carried my Letter, but through some Accident neither Post has rode this Week—I am just informed of an Opportunity to Camp by Capt. Brooks, a Son of Benn Brooks of Malborough, who was shot through the Head at the Battle of Germantown. He is a Lad of good Character, and wishs much to distinguish Himself in the military Line.
I am much disappointed by the Post this Week, as I have never heard from Mamma since She left Baltimore. I hope She arrived long ago at Camp, with out any Accident, and enjoys her Health. I should have wrote to Her, by this Opportunity, but as my time is short and I have nothing meterial to communicate, She will excuse my takeing this Method to inform Her that We continue well, and that her Grand Children continue to improve every day—Nelly joins Me in Love to Her and Self and believe Me Hond Sir yr most affecte

J. P. Custis


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 February 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence Meeting House [Pa.] Feb. 17 1778

I sent on to Camp yesterday near fifty Head of Cattle—I wish it had been in my power to have sent more, but the Inhabitants have taken the alarm, and conceal their stock in such a manner that it is very difficult finding any—they have done the same with their Waggons and Harness—Our poor fellows are obligd to search all the Woods and swamps after them—and often without success—I have given orders to give no receipts for every thing they find conceald, and to notify the people accordingly.
Col. Harmer is gone with a party on the back of the forks of the Brandywine a little above the rout of the enemy—General Wayne is gone to Willmington in order to cross over into the Jerseys, but if the ice wont permit him to pass, he is to make a large circuit, and come in by the way of Goshen—Col. Spencer is gone to the Township of Goshen to rendevous at the Meeting House to collect Cattle &so—I shall continue here until the impressd Waggons and all those from Camp are loaded—but I am afraid there will be but few—to what our wants demands, & what might be Loaded here with Hay—Grain there is but little to be got.
The business I am upon is very disagreeable, but I should be happy in executeing of it if our success was equal to our wants. The teams that come into Camp, that are not for the ordinary duties of it—should never be sufferd to continue there all neght, if it can possibly be avoided—if they can only get a few miles into the Country they can get forage for their Cattle—the transportation has become one of the most difficult parts of the business of forageing—for forage is really plentier than teams.
We have collected a considerable number of Horses, but the Officers in spight of every thing I can say to them, will bring in many that are unfit for our purpose—All such we shall notify the Inhabitants to come and take again—The Whigs here are afraid to give any information respecting the Tories for fear when we are gone they will be carried prisoners into Philadelphia.

I am afraid we have lost one of our small parties that was sent out to collect Cattle from Springfield meeting House, the party was sent from Col. Sheppards division, commanded by one Ramsdel (an exceeding good Officer Col. Sheppard sais) and consisted of twenty odd men—they went out day before yesterday morning and have never returnd—How they could have fallen into the Enemies hands I cant immagin, for I have never heard of their being out—I think the Officer must have got lost, and fallen in with the Enemies Piquet at the ferry before he knew where he was—or else his men must have made him a prisoner and carried him into the enemy—which I dont think improbable, for most of his party were Virgina Convicts—If the Enemy had been out and attacked him its ten to one but some of the party might have got off—Its possible the Soldiers might kill the Offcer and go in themselves but by what means he or his party has fallen into the Enemies hands I am not able to conjecture, but I am well convinced they have, by their not returning and by an account I have from the City of such a party being marched through it the evening of the day they went out the Intelligencer sais there was no Officer with the men which makes me apprehend foul play—but its all conjecture.
Col. Ballards report did not prove true there was not a man of his men kild, five were slightly wounded—He kild one Hessian and mortally wounded another—two of his men on their march deserted.
The Enemy are geting ready for a grand forage some where, the Inhabitants thinks from many circumstances, they ⟨inte⟩nded it on this side, but I immagin they will ⟨alt⟩er their plan now if they designed it before—I have no doubt of Bucks County being their object.
We have burnt all the Hay upon Tinecum Island and the other little Islands about it the quantity was very considerable—We got a number of very good Horses from off the Islands. I am with great regard your Excellencies most Obedient and very Humble Servt

N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 17 February 1778
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Feby 17 [1778]

I have the honour to reply in answer to your Letter just received That Mr Blain has been with Me and he fixed 150 Waggons as a Sufficient Number for his Department, and I wrote directly to Mr Young to forward that Number. Mr Blain also gave Me the places where the Waggons should be loated with Flower, Porck & Salt. & I desired Mr Young that the Waggons must be loated.
This Letter I got this Moment from Lancaster. That pleases me not, as it Seams Uncertain when those Waggons shall come. I have the honour to be with great Respects your Excell. Most obe. hbl. Sert

Lutterloh.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 17 February 1778
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Morris Town [N.J.] 17th Feby 1778.

Doctor mcKnight, who attended me in my Illness, having asserted to me with great confidence that my Constitution had received So great a Shock, it was in Vain for me to think, of returning to the Army till the opening of the Campaign; was the reason of my removing so far from Camp, to a place of Safety.
I think he was mistaken; for my Health is now perfectly restored; but I cannot say the same of my Strength, every experiment I make to

assertain it, convinces me of the want of it: I have not yet Ventured on Horse back.
But notwithstanding, I hope soon to be fit for duty. If in the mean time, there should be a pressing call for me in the Army, I will repair to it, whenever your Excellency pleases to Signify it.
The Letter to Governor Livingston fell into my Hands, at the desire of Doctor Burnet, owing to the Governors absence. I did not grant the Flag, as Colonels Delancey and Laurence, were in the Power of the Enemy, and I was perswaded, they would make their Election; however unjust it might be, or disagreeable to us. I think the conduct of Governor Trumbul very extraordinary and Partial; as those Prisoners were taken by Continental Troops; and the Gentlemen proposed to be exchanged for them, were captivated, but last Autumn.
It is said that General Howe has at length proposed Such a General exchange of Prisoners, as meets your excellency’s approbation. If so, I beg leave to mention the Case, of Captain Van Duyck of Colonel Lashers Battalion. He being a heavy fat man, became so fatigued in the retreat from the City of newyork, that he could not retire with that corps, and secreted himself in the Cedars between the City and Harlem. Finding no prospect of escape, He concealed himself in the City, where he remained till the Negro, who brought him victuals betrayed him; after the Fire of that devoted City. He was then confined in the Provost Guard; and charged with being concerned in setting the City on Fire; and has Since remained confined, notwithstanding he hath repeatedly prayed for a trial, on that charge, but in Vain. As he has done nothing, in consistent with the Character of a prisoner, and was in the Service of the Continent, Does not Justice to him, and the Public reputation Demand his exchange? He complains, that he has been particularly neglected, while others who were taken after him, have been exchanged. The Enemy I know are much exasperated against him, because the Granadier Company and other Corps, used to exercise in his Tenis Court, and inclosures. May I beg of your excellency, to give the Commissary of Prisoners some Instructions relative to this unhappy man.
I do not learn, that any effectual measures are taken, to fill up the regiments. This will embarass us next campaign, with our old difficulties. It is very surprising, that this country cannot be taught experience, neither from the Practice of Ages, nor their own Sufferings. All the Civilized Nations in Europe, exert every Nerve, to recruit their army, early in winter, when they are at Warr; to discipline their Soldiers for the Campaign. But America Send her recruits to her Army by Fifties, when the Enemy is at our beards; and wonder the invader is not defeated; without considering, that she has not furnished us with the means to

do it, for men are not Soldiers. I am Sir, with great truth and regard, Your obedient Humble Servant

Alexr McDougall

sir, Just at my finishing the above, I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 12th instant. The wishes you are pleased to express, that I should be of the Court of enquirey, on the loss of Fort Montgomery, and the scarcity of General officers, have determined me to Endeavor, to attend that Court; altho courts of enquirey, are against my Judgment. In the present case, its a very dis-agreeable business to me. The State of New-york in particular, and the Public in General are very sore, at the loss of that Post. If the Court acquit the officers; the Public will probably ascribe it, to a partiality to them. If, on the other hand, we find them Delinquents, and a Court Martial should be ordered to try the matter, who may not Probe the Evidence; and acquit the officers; we shall be charged with injustice; so that whatever may be our determination, we are sure of Censure. For these reasons, I wish it may be a Court martial. If, its the design of Congress, that the enquiry should go to the General, as well as the particular command of the Posts, in the High Lands; so far as the Former may relate to the Latter, the Commission for holding the Court, Should comprehend it.
As I apprehend, the origin, or Authority of the Court, will be independant of the department on Hudsons river, the Commission should empower Some person, not connected with it, to appoint the necessary officers for the Court; for reasons too obvious to mention. I was directed by the Marquis Delafayette, to inform your Excellency; if my health would not permit me, to go with him into canada, in order, that Baron DeKalb might be appointed to that Service.
The State of my strength is such, that I cannot flatter myself, that my attempting it, this Season of the year; would be advancive of the Public Service; or my own reputation. I must therefore decline it.
But independant of these considerations, if I were in a Condition to go on that service, I am advertised of the intention rather too late: The first intimation I have had of it, was to day from the Marquis; and he informs me, the Troops begin their march the Twentieth instant from Albany. I have the Honor to be, sir, your very obedient, and very Humble Servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 17 February 1778
From: Wharton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lancaster [Pa.] 17th Febuy 1778.

I had the honour to write to your Excellency on the 13th Inst. & have since recd your favour of the 12th.
It is with some concern, that I find you obliged to remind Council of the stipulation made by Genl Armstrong. You may [be] assured that on the  day of  last orders were sent out for the immediate march of two Classes of the Militia of York, Cumberland & Northampton Counties; & a Class of Northumberland conditionally. The three first, tho’ subs[t]itutes are layed aside, Will probably produce 1500 men. Their arrival has been, I am sensible, too late, for which several reasons may be assigned. The order to the Lieut. of Northampton, tho’ sent by a careful man, was strangely delayed, till he had left home for this Town; tho’ a duplicate was sent to Genl Potter to forward from his Camp. The very uncommonly broken weather, & the difficulty of passing the susquehanna, threw continued Obstacles in the way of the Militia drawn out of York & Cumberland. some of these were actually weather-bound in Lancaster during weather that forbid all progress. Besides, the inroads of the Indian Enemy prevented the whole detatchment from Northumberland, & part of Cumberland from marching at all. To these obstructions, I beg leave with great regret to mention another, which Council contemplated before Genl Armstrong acquainted us of the necessity of continuing the Militia in service. This is, sir, a great & growing disgust, that is lately become general throughout the Counties to serve in conjunction with the regular Troops. They complain, that because some among them, perhaps the hirelings employed as substitutes, have by flagrant misconduct, shewn themselves defective & cowardly, a general undistinguished Censure is cast, & this too in the grossest Terms on the whole of the Militia, by too many of the continental officers & privates. It seems to me, that some Gentln

expect too much of untried Militia, drawn out by succession for two months at most. But however the fact may be, your Excellency will see, that this mode of treating new soldiers, to whom experience would afford instruction, is not adapted to improve them in the Military Character. On the other hand it weakens the exertions of America in the Common Cause, & must produce many of the mischeifs derived to the Royal Army by the idle debates between the natives of the Empire & their German Auxilliries. This, however, is but a part of the Evil rising from this source. In the open Country, where the Militia are strongest, it produces altercation, recrimination & feud. The sourness among the people, shews itself dayly in Quarrels; & perhaps the dreadful event that lately took place at the Sign of the Compass, on the road from hence to Head-Quarters, may be ultimately a sprout of this root. Three of the Country people, accused as principals in this melancholly business, have been arrested by the Justices & are now in goal here, but their examination is not yet finished; so that I am not able to be positive. It is grievous to remark on this irksome subject, before I leave it, that another officer will be needed for the recruiting service instead of Mr Hammond of the 11th Battalion.
Instructions are made out for the Gentlemen, sent up by yr Exy for the recruiting business, & they will issue forth without delay. But four More seem necessary for Philada County & two for Bucks, after distributing the officers already selected. Inclosed I send Copies of these Instructions, with blanks for the names of such as you may appoint. This, I beg yr Excellency, to refer to your secretary, because it will save the Officers to be appointed to this service the trouble of a journey hither & back again.
The cloathing mentioned in my last amounting to upwards of three hundred coats & vests; about two hundred pair of Leathern breeches upwards of eighty Overalls &c. are now putting up they will be directed for 3rd, 6th, 9th & 12th Pennsa. Battalions—the 13th Pennsa. Battalion I hope will be otherwise supplied—the remainder of the cloathing is making up as fast as possible.


Title: General Orders, 18 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Wednesday Feby 18th 1778.
Kent.Knox. Kemper.

At a brigade Court Martial whereof Lt Coll Beauford was president (Feby 16th) Lieutt John Rust of 10th Virginia Regiment, tried at the request of Lieutt Broadwater for abusively aggravating said Broadwater to strike him, for getting drunk, playing Cards and beating Captn Lard on the sabbath day whilst he the said Captn Lard was under arrest and found guilty of a breach of 21 st Article 14th section of the Articles of war, also of a breach of General Orders—and sentenced to be discharged from the service—But as Lieutt Rust has formerly borne the character of a good officer, the court are pleased to recommend him to the consideration of His Excellency General Washington to have him reinstated in his rank.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence, but is concern’d he cannot reinstate Lt Rust in compliance with the recommendation of the Court founded upon his former good Character as an Officer. His behavior in the several instances alledged was so flagrant & scandalous

that the General thinks his continuance in the service would be a disgrace to it and as one part of the charge against him was gaming, that alone would exclude him from all Indulgence—a Vice of so pernicious a nature that it never will escape the severest punishment with His approbation.
The orders of yesterday with respect to the late Lieutt Austin Alden’s Commission being taken from him is meant to be applied in all cases where officers are cashiered or discharged from the service by sentence of a Court Martial.
The General officers are desired to meet at General Sullivan’s quarters tomorrow morning ten ôClock for the same purpose as requested in orders 15th instant: The Captains in the Pennsylvania line who presented the Memorial therein mentioned, likewise the Majors who have been promoted in that line since the Commencement of the year 1777, are desired to give their attendance at the time and place mentioned.


Title: Proclamation on Cattle, 18 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters Valley Forge February 18th 1778

To the Inhabitants of New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia.
Friends, Countrymen and Fellow Citizens! After three Campaigns, during which, the brave Subjects of these States have contended, not unsuccessfully, with one of the most powerful Kingdoms upon Earth,

we now find ourselves, at least, upon a level with our opponents; and there is the best reason to believe, that efforts, adequate to the abilities of this Country, would enable us speedily to conclude the war, and to secure the invaluable blessings of Peace, Liberty and safety. With this view, it is in contemplation, at the opening of the next Campaign, to assemble a force sufficient, not barely to cover the Country from a repetition of those depredations, which it hath already suffered, but also to operate offensively, and strike some decisive blow.
In the prosecution of this object, it is to be feared, that so large an Army may suffer for the want of Provisions. The distance, between this and the Eastern States, from whence considerable supplies of Flesh have been hitherto drawn, will necessarily render those supplies extremely precarious. And unless the virtuous yeomanry of the States of New Jersey, Pensylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia will exert themselves to prepare Cattle, for the use of the Army, during the Months of May, June and July next, great difficulties may arise in the course of the Campaign. It is therefore recommended to the Inhabitants of those States, to put up and feed, immediately, as many of their Stock Cattle, as they can spare, so as that they may be driven to this Army, within that Period. A bountiful price will be given, and the Proprietors may assure themselves, that they will render a most essential service to the illustrious cause of their Country, and contribute in a great degree to shorten this bloody contest. But should there be any, so insensible to the common interest, as not to exert themselves, upon these generous principles; the private interest of those, whose situation makes them liable to become immediate subjects to the Enemies incursions, should prompt them, at least to a measure, which is calculated to save their property from plunder, their families from insult, and their persons from abuse, hopeless confinement—or perhaps a violent death.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 18 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 18th February 1778.

In a Letter of the 17th Ulto from Major General Riedesel after setting forth that a certain number of British Officers prisoners of War

had been exchanged for an equal number of Officers in the Continental Army, at the request of Genl Burgoyne, he complains that upon application to you for the exchange of a proportionable number of German Officers likewise prisoners of War you answered no exchange of the German Troops could be entered upon without an express order from Congress; he observes farther that the Officers of Genl Burgoynes and Genl Philipps’s Families being part of the Convention Troops have been exchanged and he requests that a similar indulgence may be extended to the Officers of his Suite, representing it as a hardship that the Troops of the two Nations should not be treated exactly alike.
You will be so good Sir as to inform me whether any particular reasons have determined you to make a distinction in the respects abovementioned between the British and German Officers, that I may know what kind of answer to give Genl Riedesel. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 18 February 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 18 Feb. 1778. On 23 Feb., GW wrote Gates: “I am honoured with your two favours of the 14th and 18th instant.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Glover, 18 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 18th Feby 1778

I am favoured with yours of the 27th of last month.
Since from the circumstances you represent, your continuance where you are, may be for some time necessary, I cannot but acquiesce in it, while that necessity continues; but I must hope, you will not delay a moment to Join your Brigade, when the exigency, which now detains you from it, ceases. Your presence, as that of every other General Officer, will be essentially requisite, to aid me in carrying into execution, many important new arrangements, which, there is a prospect, will take place, for the reformation and better establishment of the Army.
Excuse me sir, if I hesitate to give my concurrence to the desire you express, of quitting the Army. I have too high an opinion of your value, as an Officer to do any thing, that may contribute to your relinquishing that Character. My earnest wish is, that you may continue in it—The spirit of resigning, which is now become almost epidemical is truly painful and alarming—This spirit, prevailing among many of the best

Officers, from various inducements, if persisted in, must deeply wound the common cause—You cannot but be convinced, the situation of the Army is such, that it can ill bear the loss of good Officers; and such would do well to Consider how much they put to the hazard, by doing any thing to weaken the sinews of our contest, at so critical a time. I am persuaded, if these Ideas were properly realized, they would endure great inconveniences and make great sacrifices, rather than with draw their services. I am fully sensib⟨le⟩ of the disadvantages Officers have hitherto laboured und⟨er⟩ from the insufficiency of their appointments; but measures have been, and I flatter myself, others, still more effectual, will be, taken, to remedy this evil. I am impress⟨ing⟩ the necessity of it by every argument in my power, and you may assure yourself that no endeavour of mine will be ommitted to remove so Just a cause of Complaint. I am with great regard Dear sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence Meeting House [Pa.] Feb. 18. 1778

I wrote your Excellency yesterday that I was afraid we had lost one of our small parties, but they came in a few minutes after I sent the Letter off—Has there been any great desertions from Camp, or any report of prisoners made on the other side of the Schuylkill—I am perswaded, there was some of our prisoners paraded for some purpose—If there has been no report of any being lately taken they have paraded some of our prisoners from the Goals to make the Inhabitants believe they had taken a considerable part of the party that attackt their Piquet.
The time for which I came out expires to Night, but as the forageing business has been greatly obstructed for want of Waggons it will be necessary for me to continue a few days longer—I wish to know your Excellencies pleasure respecting the matter, that I may govern my self accordingly.
I am told by the Inhabitants that one Mr James that lives a few miles from this place, has enlisted near an hundred men from this County—There has gone fifteen from the town of Goshen—This Corps is for Cavalry—most of them have found means to get Horses—these are the reports of the Whigs here.
I am perswaded there has been too little attention paid to the branding the Continental Horses—brands would prevent their being

Stole or exchanged—but the Waggon Masters and Waggoners must be stricktly forbid exchangeing the branded Horses for others—only for a temporary releif—both parties often suffers by the exchange—the Country man often has his branded Horse taken from him, and the Waggoner sells the other or sends it away by some of his comrades—after a few days service—Indeed I think if every Horse that belongs to the Continental teams that fails upon the road, and others pressed to supply their places were immediately branded and paid for, the Continent would be subject to less expence than they now are, and the Inhabitants receive less injury. One of the Waggon Masters told me there was forty or fifty teams expected in to this Neighbourhood from Camp last Night—I am very glad of it—as few are to be got about here. I am your Excellencies most obedient Servant.

Nat⟨h. Greene⟩


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 18 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 18th February 1778.

I have received your two favors of yesterday and to day—there has been no considerable desertion from this camp to my knowledge within a few days past, nor have the Enemy made any number of Prisoners on the other side of Schuylkil; the persons said to have been paraded in the city, were perhaps defenceless Inhabitants that have been seized upon by the traiterous parties who style themselves Royal Refugies.
If you have any prospect of making it worth the while I would by all means have you continue foraging a few days longer. If the matters alleged against Mr James are founded in truth, and he is within reach he ought immediately to be secured.

Your observations with respect to the branding Continental Horses are exceedingly just; but the proper arrangements and regulations in that department can only take place when there shall be an active and intelligent head to it—I am Sir Your most obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 18 February 1778
From: Hollingsworth, Henry
To: Washington, George

pleas your Excelleny
Head of Elk [Md.] 18 Feby 1778

your favr I recd pr Capt. Lee am Sorry to Read it contents, I have Just retund from a tower down the Penensilo on a purchas for the Army for a department which Gen. Gates and the Honble Board of War has done me the Honnour to appoint me to, I then set out two trusty Hands to seek out Cattle and Pork & requested them to informe me of the number of Cattle fit for Imediate use, and fit for fating in their District I have now Sent my Brother Mr Thomas Hollingsworth, who is well acquainted with that part of the State; and also with Capt. Lee, having been with him as a Guide and assistant, while on Duty in this Neighbourhood, as a purchaser, to those two Gentlemen with the Captain to purchase and bring forward all the Cattle fit for use, and pork not already purchased in the Penensilo, this chose to do rather than go my self as I can rely on his allacrity and as my Leaving home at this time would both Ingure the purchase hear, and delay the forwarding provisions to your Camp I shall be in the Greatest want of Cash Imediately which I am Sorry to trowble your Excellency with nor would I was it not for my presing nesessety, and fearing that both my Credit as a purchaser and the purchase must suffer unless a sum adequate to the purchase which is Large, be sent me Imediately I am Imbouldend by your Goodness Dear Sir thus to trowble you and to assure you that Every Nerve shall be E[x]erted for the Sarvice by your Excellencys Most Obedt Humb. Servt

H. Hollingsworth


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 18 February 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 18th febry 1778.

Since I had the honour of transmitting to your Excellency, papers collected as Evidence, by the Committee appointed to enquire into

the Causes of the Loss of Tyconderoga & Mount Independence, those Members of the Committee who had the papers in hand for Inspection & arrangement & from whom I received them, have informed me there were Several which they had not intended to have troubled Your Excellency with—particularly a long anonymous Letter.
Inclosed herein Your Excellency will be pleased to receive & to add to the former a Narrative of transactions &ca at the Said Posts, confirmed by the affidavit of Capt. Jesse Leavenworth. I have the honour to be With great R.