Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners, 26 March 1780
From: Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Morris Town 26th of March 1780

          In addition to the official report of our proceedings at Amboy, which your Excellency will perc[e]ive have terminated in the manner you expected, we have the honor to give you an account of the steps we took, in consequence of the second part of your instructions, relative to a private conversation. But before we enter upon this, we think it our duty to inform you, that we have every reason to be persuaded, Sir Henry Clinton has no power to treat of the subject of prisoners on national ground; and that he will of course avoid an exchange altogether, whatever immediate interest he may have in it, rather than go into a measure of this nature. The more effectually to try the temper of the enemy on this head we endeavoured by methods which could not be drawn into consequence to impress The British Commissioners with a belief, that we should give them very great advantages in a present exchange, if a Cartel could be framed on our principles to provide durably for the relief of prisoners—We found by the determined manner in which they rejected the proposition under whatever shape it came that they not only had no authority to accept and could obtain none, but that their policy and feelings were strongly opposed to the idea.
          After having made the fullest experiment of the intentions of The British Commissioners, and being convinced that we must otherwise separate without doing anything, and after having put an end to the commission, we proposed agreeable to your instructions, a private conference on the terms of a particular exchange, to be submitted to the two Commanders in Chief. This was readily agreed to by The Gentlemen on the other side.
          We thought it adviseable previous to any thing else to sound their intentions with respect to a settlement of accounts; and gave them to understand that in whole or in part, it would necessarily be connected with the exchange of any considerable portion of The Convention troops. They did not think it expedient to evade the subject entirely; but we easily discovered they were not a little averse to doing any thing material on this article.
          The first point taken up was to class the different descriptions of prisoners, the unexceptionable—those totally objected to—and the

doubtful, whose cases demanded further inquiry. Your Excellency will find the result in the inclosed returns No. 1 and 2.
          We next agreed upon a distribution of The Convention troops. No. 3. will show in what manner the first and second divisions were disposed—no arrangement was made of the third, as the exchange could not reach it.
          We then entered upon a discussion of the mode of exchange—In this we were so unfortunate as to differ. The British Gentlemen made the proposals contained in No. 4; and in return we offered them the plan No. 5. The principal difference between us was, that we insisted upon ultimately comprehending all the prisoners of war in the exchange; and they wished to postpone all whose specific ranks and situations were not at the time ascertained to a future and remote discussion. This would have thrown into their hands two or three hundred private men more than they were entitled to by the spirit of the original proposals, and we should have remaining on ours a number of characters in whose liberation, they were little if at all interested. Our proposition appeared to us equitable and we did not think ourselves at liberty to depart from it; they would not recede from their’s and in consequence of the disagreement declined proceeding in the conference. We urged in vain that as it was merely private and not final, the not being able to unite in one point was no reason for discontinuing a conversation, which would at any rate be so far useful that it would serve to enlighten both parties on the sentiments of each other and might eventually produce a compromise. They persisted in declining it, saying that it could answer no purpose unless there was a perfect agreement in every stage.
          The conversation under the form first assumed ended here; but we afterwards fell into a sort of confidential explanation on the subject of accounts. The Gentlemen declared it to be their opinion that nothing formal or of any great extent would ever be done in this matter. The objection went not only to an actual settlement or payment, but to an acknowlegement of debt or stipulation for a future settlement—Among other motives against it, they seemed to apprehend, that any such step would be an implied justification of the suspension of the treaty of Saratoga. They observed however that a particular sum without declaring its object might be advanced in provision or specie. But we could not get them to go further in this idea than to make the following offers—of £25000 Currency if the exchange were made to extend to one half of the second division—of £20.000 Sterling if to the whole of the second division, but without in this last instance giving us credit in a future exchange for the balance of prisoners in our favour. In either case if the amount was paid in provisions, they were to be delivered under pretence of being designed for the convention troops, and the debts

of our officers for board &c. were to be settled, and deducted from the stipulated sum. We assured them, we were persuaded these offers would not be accepted but that they would be mentioned to your Excellency. We ventured also to give it as our opinion, that if they would advance £20.000 Sterling on condition of exchanging one half of the second division, it might possibly be accepted—But this they thought would by no means answer.
          By the best calculations we are able to make, which cannot be entirely accurate as there are ranks not defined—according to our proposals No. 5 the enemy would receive about 1000—rank and file, according to their No. 4 about 1200—on the principle of advancing £25000 Currency about the same number, on that of £20.000 Stg to comprehend the two divisions 1600—Your Excellency will judge how far either of the enemy’s proposals is admissible or whether any medium can be devised.
          We beg leave to observe that we think it improbable the enemy will at this time be brought to more favourable terms. They appeared to have come to their ultimatum. General Philips is no doubt anxious to be exchanged, and has probably no inconsiderable influence in the measures now taken; but he seems to make it a point of delicacy and honor, as he stands at the head of the second division, not to be exchanged without including at least one half of the division in the same advantage. The scruple is natural and may be sincere. But notwithstanding this and though it should be determined to accede to either of the present propositions, we should imagine it would not be inexpedient just to attempt a compromise at some intermediate point.
          We were under an absolute necessity of comprehending the Southern prisoners as the enemy would listen to nothing without it; but we have done it in such a manner by limiting the operation to a known period, as will make no material difference in the number of privates to be given in exchange. We imagine this difference will not exceed an hundred; and as we know on every other account, your Excellency interests yourself as much in their release as in that of the prisoners in this quarter, we flatter ourselves you will not disapprove what has been done respecting them.
          In the course of conversation it was mentioned by General Philips that as The Commission was at an end, it would be necessary to obtain General Clinton’s concurrence to whatever might be finally concerted; and for this purpose he thought a flag vessel with a passport from us would be the most expeditious & eligible mode. He also expressed a wish to be permitted to go himself to Sir Henry, which he said would be of importance in any case, essential if a question of money should be involved. We promised to impart his request.

          We are bound to inform Your Excellency that there was a reciprocal pledge of honor that no part of these conversations should become matter of official record or publication; and we have entire confidence that this communication will never appear in any form inconsistent with our engagements. We have the honor to be With perfect respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt & humble servants

            Ar. St Clair Mr GlEd. Carrington Lt Colo. ArtilleryAlex. Hamilton Lt Col.

            P.S. We omitted mentioning that the mode talked of for conducting any further transactions on these subjects, was by letter between the Commanding Officers—by an interview between the two Commissaries of prisoners or others without the formality of a regular commission.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dr Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris-town Mar. 26th 1780

          I have, by this conveyance, written to Congress on the defects of the New System for supplyg the Army.
          I shall thank you for the News and politic’s of the Town. particularly on the Subject of finance (wch I think evy one ought to support) & the prevailing sentiment respecting our Southern Affairs—The currt opinion of sensible men, on the propriety and practicability of affording further succour to Genl Lincoln from this Army—under the present circumstances of it, & other matters—is what I wish much to learn—the situation of our affairs in South Carola impresses me with many fears on acct of Charles Town & with deep concern at the effect which the loss of it may produce on the minds of People in that quarter.
          It is my earnest wish that to the Sentiments of others you would add those of your own—in full & explicit terms. I shall I believe, ask this of the other Genl Officers—Mrs Green gave us the pleasure of her company yesterday & is well. I am.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town March 26 1780

          I beg leave to inform Congress, that from the importance of the subject and the difficulties we have experienced in our provision and Forage supplies, I have been induced in the course of a few days past, with the assistance of the Quarter Master General and the Commissary Generals of Provision & forage to make an Estimate of the quantity of each of these Articles, which would be necessary under our circumstances, for Thirty Thousand Men for Twelve Months. From a view of our past expenditures and supposing our means of transportation will be nearly the same they have been, it appears that Two Hundred Thousand Barrels of flour & Forty Millions of pounds of meat would be requisite to be provided—and a much greater quantity of Hay & Grain forage, as will be seen by the inclosed Estimate, than Congress have been pleased

to require of the States, by their Resolution of the 25th of last month. I should have deemed a communication essential in the case of any specific requisition, which should have seemed too short in the supplies required, lest the States, after providing for the quantities called for, might have permitted the remaining the surplus of provisions to be exported, and from thence placed the subsistence of the Army on too precarious a footing. In the present one however, the communication appears the more essential, as, besides the inconvenience suggested & admitting it should never happen, the Act makes no certain provision for obtaining any Supplies beyond those required by it, although they should prove deficient. With all deference I would take the liberty to observe, that it appears to me, we cannot be too secure & guarded with respect to our supplies of provision & forage, as a failure in either would involve the most distressing consequences—and therefore that our requisitions should be full and ample in the first instance; and also, even where this is the case, that there should reside a power either in the Commissary General or in one or more persons appointed by Congress or in the Superintending agents to be nominated by the States to provide for contingencies. Upon the present occasion this power seems to me indispensible, as the Supplies requested by the Resolution of the 25th of February appear to be so materially deficient, and it may be absolutely necessary in many cases, both for the sake of public economy and because the Articles of supply may not be procurable elsewhere or at least not in due time or without great difficulty, to obtain large quantities of provision & Forage in a State, after it has actually furnished the quota required of it in the General Assessment. If this should not be allowable the public service may & will certainly suffer—and yet under the present arrangement of the business in this State, which, as I am informed, has undertaken to furnish it’s quota agreeable to the requisition, there is no provision which authorises it’s own Superintendent or Contractors to go farther than this, while the Law prohibits the Staff in the Continental line from purchasing any article of provision or Forage on public account, under a severe penalty; which System may be adopted by Others. With respect to the article of Hay for instance—the quantity heretofore purchased in this State, and which was essential for the army, has been more than double what is apportioned on it by the Act of the 25th of February; and should circumstances make as great an Expenditure material in future, and the State should be capable of affording a supply—the public interest would certainly require that it should be procured, in preference to drawing it from another, supposing it could be done. The propriety, and indeed necessity of the measure holds equally with respect to Other Articles and to every State. I do not mean to convey an Idea, that it is not necessary in our

present circumstances to make specific requisitions of supplies in these instances, of the states; or that a System could be, or should be formed on any principle of apportionment—to oblige any One to furnish in this way—more than it’s proportion; but only that there should be a power somewhere, through which the public may avail themslves of the resources occasionally, of which each State may be capable. And indeed, as it may be unnecessa⟨ry⟩ and impossible in many instances to use th⟨e⟩ supplies apportioned on particular States, for the local operations of the Army—it seems [to] me, that there should be occasional sales of the articles laid up, particularly of Forage, whenever it shall appear from the circumstances of the War that they will not be wanted.
          To the observations I have taken the liberty to make, I would beg leave to add, from the frequent occasions we are under, of bringing supplies from the Eastward, it appears essential that there should be a quantity of Hay provided in the Massachusetts’ State, probably about Two thousand Five Hundred Tons & from Two Thousand five hundred to Three Thousand Tons in Connecticut, as without a supply the Cattle employed in the business of transportation, will be supported with more difficulty & more expensively. The quantity called for from Rhode Island, from the present face of Military affairs, it seems probable will greatly exceed the Demand we shall have for it.
          The Commissary General is of opinion, that it will be necessary for Nine Thousand Bushells of Salt to be deposited in Connecticut, more than is mentioned in the Resolution, as it is from thence that we must receive a great proportion of the Salt-provision he lays up; and likewise that he apprehends the quantity to be provided in the Southern States to [be] short by Five thousand Bushells. As the places from whence we draw supplies must depend on the abilities of the Individual States to afford them and on the local situation of the Army, it is difficult to frame any fixed and certain System in the case—and it will be found necessary according to these—I am persuaded in many instances, almost wholly to govern our conduct. For should we operate on the North River we must receive from the States of New York & Connecticut, infinitely greater quantities of Forage & flour than what are contained in the Act of requisition. I will only take the liberty to subjoin on this occasion, that the Quarter Master General—Commissary General and Forage Master General are now at philadelphia on business of their respective departments, and that they will be able, if it should be the pleasure of Congress—to satisfy them in many particulars with respect to the subjects of my Letters, and which cannot be so well detailed.
          The Estimate above is made on a number, which greatly exceeds that of our arm bearing Men; but it is considerably short of the Levies required by Congress including the force we at present have, and when we

take into view the Officers, Staff, Artificers, the Numerous dependents on & connected with the Army—the Contingent and occasional Drafts of Militia we may stand in need of, it will be found to be sufficiently low.
          There is another matter to which I would solicit the attention of Congress & could wish they would recommend it to the consideration of the States—It is their providing by some means, that Green pasturage may be had for the Horses of the Army on Marches and in Camp, before the season for dry Hay comes on, in some easy & summary way. The necessity of pasturage is evident & yet we have found great difficulty in obtaining it, and without the States take the matter up and make provision for it, I fear the service will suffer greatly, and that there will be besides constant complaints and Law-suits against the Officers in the Staff and other line of the Army. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, 26 March 1780
From: Lewis, Fielding
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            26th March 1780.

          At the request of my Friend Mr James Hunter I inclose You a Letter for Mr Fras Gallibert a French Mercht Prisoner at New York desireing it may be forwarded to him. I informed You in my last of my bad state of health since which I am much mended, a little warm weather I think will compleat the cure, the rest of my family are well except my Son George who has never been well since his illness when in the Army,

frequently complaining of Rhumatick pains, he left this with his wife last Fryday to settle in Frederick. I have given him my Plantation on the River where he intends to build, one of the Lotts of Mercers Land which You bought joins him on which there is a quantity of Rail timber which article I fear he may want in a few Years if You incline to sell it I shall be glad to purchase, or I would make an exchange with You, giving my part of Waugh plated Lands for so much of what You bought of Mercers Estate as You shall judge of equal value.
          We have no late advices from Charles Town but are under great apprehensions for its safety. I hope Genl Woodford with the Virginia Troops will be there in time to assist tho’ I think they were slow in their march that way; will not the Irish demands of a free Trade opperate to our advantage? I think we must have peace soon We all join in our Loves to you & your Lady I am Dr Sir Yr Affectionate

            Fielding Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Edward Antill, 27 March 1780
From: Antill, Edward
To: Washington, George

            May it please Your Excellency
            Flatt Bush [N.Y.] March 27th 80

          Assur’d, this will be delivered You, by Mr Bradford now Exchang’d: I could not in Justice to myself, & Family, forego so good an oppertunity, to mention my Situation to You Sir; particularly as it is to escape the prying Eye, of Impertinent Curiosity.
          Once more, in Anxious Expectation, of a Change, in our unfortunate Situation; we have waited the Result of the Commissioners meeting at Amboy: The Breaking off, that Negotiation (as we are inform’d) without Effect, has thrown a Damp upon our Spirits, and in a peculiar manner Affects me. It is perhaps, Unworthy a Soldier to Complain, as he is to Lay his Account, in Similar Difficulties, upon his becoming one: but, when He daily Sees, an affectionate & delicate wife, and four Small Children, heretofore Tenderly brought Up; driven from their Native Home, and encountring every difficulty of Poverty, & Distress, on his Account; it Calls up, in him, the feelings of an Humane Husband, and a Tender, & affectionate father: It would be unpolite, to detain Your Excellency, with a Detail of personal Sufferings; But appealing to your well known Tender feelings, & Humanity, I most Earnestly Request: you will endeavour my Exchange, on the Ground of my peculiar Situation: as I know of but one, of my Rank before me in Turn, and he a Single Man. Or that you would be graciously pleased, to order a Reasonable provision to be made, for my Wife, & Family in our lines, where I would Send them, (being Unable any Longer to Support them Here) and then, if we are to Continue Prisoners, Let England, Hallifax or Prison Ships, be our Doom I hope the Same Love of my Country, that dro⟨ve⟩ my Sword, will Support me with a Manly fortitude, thr’o Every Scene of Accumulated Distress.
          With a Wish for a line from Col: Harrison in Return to this by Any officer Coming in who could bring it I have the Honor to be your Excellencies most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

            Edwd Antill


Title: To George Washington from Mary Auchmuty, 27 March 1780
From: Auchmuty, Mary
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York March 27th 1780

          The Goodness and humanity that has ever marked Your Excellency’s Character induces me to take a liberty of addressing you on a Subject the particular circumstances of which I have hopes will plead my excuse for this trouble.
          I have a son who was unfortunately taken prisoner at Stony point, he is now at Lancaster—My going to England is fixed; and I propose imbarking early in the next Month—Your Excellency’s feelings of tenderness will better enable you to conceive then I can describe the anxiety I must feel at the thoughts of leaving this Country without seeing my son—I take therefore the Liberty of requesting Your Excellency will have the goodness to grant him permission to come into New York on parole, even for a few days—I Sir for this kindness can only return you the tribute of thanks, which I shall do most sincerely.
          I hope your Excellency will excuse the liberty I have taken in

inclosing a few lines for my son. I have the honor to be Sir with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most humble Servant

            Mary Auchmuty


Title: Council of War, 27 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            [Morristown, 27 March 1780]

          At a Council of War held at Head Quarters Morris Town the 27th day of March 1780.

            PresentThe Commander in Chief

              Major Generals

              Brigadier Generals

              St Clair

              Clinton

              DeKalb

              Maxwell

              Knox

              Hand

              Gist

          The Commander in Chief states to The Council, that by his latest advices from South Carolina Sir Henry Clinton was arrived there with the force under his command and about the beginning of this month was advanced as far as Stono-ferry, having remained more than twenty days nearly in the same position—That the detachment which went with him from New York was estimated at about 6000—that it is unknown, whether he drew any reinforcement from Savannah, or whether the detachment suffered any considerable loss, in the Storms to which it was exposed during the voyage, a circumstance denied by the enemy. That however there is good intelligence of their having lost their cavalry and every reason to believe that the whole or the greatest part of their waggon-horses experienced a like fate—probably many waggons and boats were also lost, which must necessarily be at least a temporary check to their operations—That by late accounts from New York, there is an appearance of additional succours going from that place, though these accounts still require confirmation.
          That General Lincoln’s force the beginning of January last consisted of about one thousand infantry and five hundred cavalry comprehending the Regiment in march under Col. Washington Continental troops, besides the militia of the Town and other militia called for from the Country and expected—since which Brigadier General Hogan had arrived with the North Carolina regiments of about four hundred men; and the Virginia troops under General Woodford about one thousand in number were within three hundred and eighty miles of Charles Town the 11th instant. That General Lincoln’s disposition seems to be to garrison Charles Town with the greatest part of his force, and leave the cavalry with such infantry as may occasionally collect to them to cover the country and harass the enemy’s communications.
          That the naval force with which the enemy sailed from New York upon the Southern expedition consisted of five sail of the line (one of which has foundered on the passage) one fifty-gun ship two 44s and a 20, with a few small armed vessels; besides which they may have been joined by the vigilant of 24 heavy cannon and some armed vessels, which were already in that quarter—That Charles-Town harbour was defended by four Continental frigates, two state ships to be armed with heavy cannon and some other armed vessels making in the whole fourteen, exclusive of gallies, supposed to be a sufficient security to the harbour.
          The Commander in Chief takes occasion to observe, that notwithstanding the hopes which seem to be entertained of an effectual defence much is to be apprehended for the event of the siege, as the loss of Charles Town and its garrison would probably involve the most calamitous consequences to the whole state of South Carolina, and even perhaps beyond it.

          His Excellency further states that our operating force at ⟨this Post⟩ amounts to about 7000 rank and file⟨, thirteen⟩ hundred of whom will have completed ⟨their⟩ term of service the last of May—at the Highlands about 2600 including twelve hundred whose services will expire at the same period and at Danbury about 800, including three hundred of the same description—besides which are two small broken regiments of dragoons & Lee’s corps. That not less from the embarrassments in the Quarter Master’s and Commissary’s departments than from the season it will be impracticable for some time to put the army in motion if it were necessary.
          That the enemy’s present operating force at New York and its dependencies is estimated at Eleven thousand rank and file, the whole of which by several concurring accounts has been said to be some time preparing for a movement.
          His Excellency having thus given the Council a general view of affairs, as well to the Southward as here requests their opinion in writing with their reasons whether any further force can at this time be spared from the army here to reinforce that in South Carolina, whether it will be adviseable to make such a detachment and to what amount; also in case a detachment should be made, what disposition ought to take place of the remaining force.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 27 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

            Dr Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris-town 27 Ma[rch] 1780.

          If through the Channel you mentioned to me the other day, or any other, you could speedily ascertain the following points you would render an essential service to the Public & to me a favr.
          Whether Transports under Convoy of one or more Men of War hath lately arrived at New York from Georgia, or So. Carolina?
          Whether any Troops are under orders for Imbarkation? or whether from report, or appearances, things point that way?
          In a word, from a full & comparative view of all circumstances, whether the preparations said to be making at New York, & on Staten Island, indicate a movement in this quarter or look more like a reinforcement to the Southern Army?
          Whether the Troops appear to be Assembling to any point on York Island or Staten Island—or towards the hither end of long Island? In short whether any change has taken place from their Winter Cantonment that looks like a general movement.
          Whether Horses and Waggons are getting in readiness? Whether Transports are fitting for Horses? &ca. If not, nor nothing indicates an embarkation, and appearances nevertheless bespeak some enterprize whither does it point? what is the object or the conjectural object of the en[e]my?


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 27 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

            Sir,
            Head Quarters [Morristown] 27th of March 1780

          Notwithstanding the occasion we should have for your services in this quarter should any active operations commence, the critical situation of Charles Town and the importance of that place induce me to wish you were there. I am doubtful whether you can arrive in time; but I have submitted the matter to Congress to determine according to the advices they have received. The letter to them is inclosed, which after reading you will be pleased to deliver to The President. Should you go to the Southward I request you will favour me with a detail as frequently as circumstances will permit of the military operations in that quarter; and I entreat you to believe that I shall at all times take great pleasure in hearing of your success and glory. I have the honor to be with great consideration and esteem Sir Yr most Obedt & humble servant.


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

            Sir
            Providence 27th March 1780

          I have the Honor to Inclose the return your Excellency last call’d on me for, Also the proceedings of A Court Martial held by Order of General Cornell The proceedings have been laid before The Governor. He Took the Advice of His Council as to the propriety of his Acting in the Mater, They were of Opinion he had no right to Act, and recommended my Sending the proceedings to your Excellency—I have been very Severe in punishment for Stealing but almost to no purpose, There has hardly been a weeks Interval, during the winter, but more or less have

been Detected in Stealing, Breaking in to Shops, & Stores—I greatly fear they will not be Broke of the detestable practice unless Capital punishment Takes place—The one whose Trial I have Sent has been Several Times Severely whipt for Stealing, to no purpose in reclaiming him, Should it be your Excellencys Opinion to punish Capitally for Such a crime as his I think him as proper a Subject as can be—I Anxtiously wish to know your Excellency’s Determination in the Matter.
          I Should be very happy (if consistant) my Regt was Called from the State to join the Army, as I am very confident They wou’d be of more Service to the public when carried from their acquaintance and Conections than Among them, and the view of Stealing wou’d be less prevalent as I am very Sure the wicked Inhabitants Incourages them in vices of the kind. I am with the Greatest respect your Excellency’s Most Obt Humle Servt

            C. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 March 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

              Dear General,
              Roxbury [Mass.] march 27. 1780

            I have been honor’d with yours of the 2d Inst. respecting Capt. Cartwright & beg your Excellency to accept my thanks for your determination respecting him.
            A Resolve of the General Assembly of this State of which the enclosed is Copy, was sent to me the 24th Inst. I am endeavoring to detain three Commission’d Officers and one Serjeant from each Regt belonging to the Massachusetts Line for the purpose express’d in the resolve, but, as your Excellencys orders required the Officers to join their respective Corps by the first of April, which is nearly arrived, I apprehend the number proposed will not now be found in the State. If your Excellency should approve the measure, will it not be expedient to have the number mentioned immediately compleated or increased, by Sending a number of Officers from West point? As the Companies are very weak, I beg leave to submit to your Excellency whether a number of Officers will not be more essentially employed on this than on any other Service at this time; If your Excellency should approve of it, I would request a signification of your pleasure to Major General Howe on the subject

as soon as may be convenient. The plan which I have proposed in consequence of the Resolve, is to have the recruiting officers dispersed through out the State and assiduously apply themselves to recruiting: the Premium given by the State is very generous; & will be an inducement to exertion. the recruits as soon as muster’d to be sent to Boston, Worcester, or Springfield as may be nearest or most convenient. A Commission’d Officer, one of the three retain’d, beginning with one from the eldest Regiment to march from Boston every monday with such recruits, Soldiers whose furlough’s are out, and deserters, as may be found at that rendezvous, with wch the Officer is to proceed to Worcester & Springfield, & having collected those from the last mentioned places, to West point, & deliver the recruits &c. to the Corps to which they respectively belong—Any other mode shall be adopted which your Excellency may think proper to direct. there are at present two impediments in the way of successfully recruiting—One is the want of money for the Continental bounty—the other, Cloathing for the recruits. There is in the hands of Mr Depy paymaster General Hancock, a small sum of public money. Colo. Crane, who has enlisted upwards of thirty men, is applying to me to obtain from Mr Hancock a sum to pay the Continental bounty to those men. I have informed him that upon his presenting a list of the mens names and a certificate that they have not received their Continental bounty, I will desire Mr Hancock to advance the sum necessary, but that I have no right to order it.
            As to Cloathing the recruits immediately upon their enlisting, or before they march through the Country, your Excellency is sensible that nothing will have a greater tendency to please the recruits, or more induce others to inlist—indeed, Colo. Crane informes me that some of the recruits are so destitute of Cloathing that they actually suffer in the Barracks. this, will tend to wound the Service at a stage of the recruiting when every thing should conspire to promote it. Shoes, Hose, & Shirts can be obtain’d from the State Store, but Coats, Vests, Breeches, Blankets & Hatts, cannot. I request your Excellencys opinion & direction on the several matters before mentioned.
            A ship, prize to the Dean frigate arrived at Boston a few days since with between 4 & 500 puncheons of Rum, & on the 23d Inst. a ship prize to the Aurora of Marblehead arrived at that Port laden with 1600 barrels Flour, 1400 blls Beef & Pork & some dry goods. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servt

              W. Heath

            The Ship carried into Marblehead is one of a fleet of Victuallers bound to New york.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Morris Town 27th March 1780

          In the present situation of Southern affairs much will no doubt depend on the having an able Engineer in that Quarter. I have a very good opinion of the Gentleman now there in this line, but the confidence

I have in General Du Portails abilities makes me think his presence would be of the greatest utility. Though we may sensibly feel the want of him here should any active operation commence; yet upon the whole I should be willing to spare him were there a probability of his arriving in time. I have no doubt from the season and from every other circumstance that General Clinton will press the enterprise with all the vigor and dispatch in his power; but the loss of his horses may necessarily retard his progress. I beg leave to submit to Congress the propriety of sending General Du Portail, which they will be best able to determine from the general complexion of the advices they have received. As he is in Philadelphia their orders immediately to him will prevent delay. In case of his going it will be of course necessary to bear his expences and furnish him with the means of expedition, and it were to be wished he may receive his orders as soon as possible. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Yr Excellencys Most Obet & hum. servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Justices of Morris County, New Jersey, 27 March 1780
From: Justices of Morris County, New Jersey
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Morris Town 27th March 1780

          Your Excellency was pleased to say, in a letter to us dated at Morris Town Jany 20th 1780 that you would direct the Qur Mr Genl to examine the damages which the troops have done to the prison and Courthouse at this place and to have it repaired far as circumstances would permit.
          We beg leave to inform your Excellency that no such repairs have been made, that the House is so damaged as that it is rendered in a great Measure Useless and that the Qu. Mr at this post declines giveing us any Assistance towards refiting it without an Order for the purpose.
          Will Your Excellency be pleased therefore to signify your pleasure on the subject to him or the present Q[u]arter Master Genl.
          In behalf of the Justices of the County of Morris—I have the Honour

to be with the highest Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obed. & Very Hbe Ser.

            Benjn Hallsey


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, 27 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Knyphausen, Wilhelm von

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 27th March 1780.

          After the breaking up of the Commission at Amboy, Mr pintard continued within our lines for the purpose of settling his Accounts with the present Commissary General of prisoners who is shortly going out of Office. He yesterday informed me that previous to his leaving Amboy, a parole had been required of him limiting his stay to the 30th Inst. a period too short to accomplish the purpose above mentioned—I have directed him to remain till the Business is finished, but to satisfy his scruples arising from the limitation of his parole, I have thought proper to inform Your Excellency that his continuance is by my direction—At the same time I am persuaded, on considering the matter you will agree with me in opinion, that there was an irregularity in requiring a parole of this nature from a Gentleman acting in a public capacity for us in your lines. Mr pintard was sent in by me in January 1777 in character of an Agent for prisoners, and though not formally recognized as such, he was permitted to stay in New York and execute the Office in which he has acted ever since. He cannot therefore be properly subject to a restriction of the kind which has been imposed. I have the honor to be with great Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt.


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

            Head-Quarters Morristown Tuesday March 28th 1780
            Parole Kalender—  C. Signs Kinsman. Kidnap—


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 28 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

            Dr Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morristown 28th March 1780

          I have to acknowlege your favor of the 6th of this month, and that of the 20th containing a duplicate of the former.
          In a letter to the Board of Admiralty of the 15th I communicated my sentiments respecting the subject of your letter. I observed to the Board “with respect to the troops, that, from the detatchment lately sent to the Southward, and the great diminution of our force besides, occasioned by the daily expiration of the mens inlistments, it appears to me, that

none can be spared from the army consistently with prudence or policy. But should the board finally determine on the proposed enterprise and the troops be essential to its success,” I further observed, “that under the circumstances of the army I have stated, I should not think myself authorised to send them without the concurrence and direction of Congress.”
          This will shew you the footing on which I found myself obliged to place the business. As to the second point, should the enterprise be undertaken so far as my concurrence may be considered as necessary, I shall have no objection to your going on the command.
          With regard to a leave of absence from the army during the ensuing summer should it be found inexpedient to go into the proposed enterprise and under the representation of your health, you have my permission, tho’ it was my wish and expectation to see you in the field but provided your views extend to a voyage leave for this purpose must be obtained from the Congress, as I have in no instance whatsoever ventured to grant a furlough to any place not within the United States. I hope you will find the experiments you propose to answer your expectations, and that you may soon experience a situation for actual service.
          Let me congratulate you on the late happy event. Mrs Washington joins me in presenting her wishes for Mrs Arnold on the occasion. I am Dr Sir, with great regard, your Obt & hble sert.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 March 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia 28th March 1780

          I got into Town on Saturday Night, but too late to do any business. On Sunday nothing was to be done. Yesterday I had a conference with a Committee of Congress. The public is insolvent to all intents and purposes. The treasury is without money, and the Congress are without credit. There seems to be so many difficulties laid in the way of settleing accounts, that people begin to be afraid to extend their credit who are in Office. I can see no opening through which the supplies for taking the field can be obtained.
          The best people in Congress think the new system for drawing supplies from the States, will be found totally incompetent to the business. There is a new arrangment of the Quarter Masters Department made by Mifflin and others; and now under consideration before Congress for adoption. The scheme is too complex, and tedious, for such heavy and pressing demands as are frequently made upon the Department. I am told it is to be confirmed without alteration. General Schuyler and others think it will starve the Army in ten days. Some parts of it are the very alterations and plans I was mentioning to your Excellency. It adds greatly to your Excellencys load of business, and reduces the duties of the Quarter Master General to almost nothing. The Board of War are to appoint all Officers except those serving with the Army. All payments with the Army are to be drawn in detail by warrants, and pass your Excellencys hands.
          General Schuyler & others consider it as a plan of Mifflins, to injure your Excellencys operation. Mr Shearman and Mifflin are in close league in the business. I am now fully convi⟨nc⟩ed of the reallity of what I suggested to your Excellency before I came away.
          I shall take no hasty step in the business of the Department, as I think my self in a disagreeable situation.
          There is no arrivals for several days, nor news of any kind in town. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Servant

            Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to William Greene, 28 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, William

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 28th March 1780

          I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 8th of this month.
          I would observe with respect to the request to station one of the regiments for the ensuing campaign in the State of Rhode Island, that at this time, it is impossible to give your Excellency any decisive answer. Whether it will, or will not be in our power, or whether it will be necessary, depends so much on the application the enemy may make of their force, the state of our own strength as opposed to theirs, and other considerations of a contingent nature, that you will perceive nothing certain can be promised on the subject.
          I am persuaded of the exertions of your State, and that no means which it has, will be left untried to forward the views of Congress in recruiting the army to its full complement; and I would wish your Excellency to believe, that whatever application is made of the troops under my command, can only have the general good for its object. I have the honor to be with great regard your Excellency’s most obt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 28 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 28th March 1780

          I received your letter of the 2d informing me of your arrival at Roxbury.
          It is very essential that every thing in our power, not inconsistent with the establishments of Congress, or the States, should be done that can in any ways facilitate the recruiting service. I am of your opinion, that if clothing could be procured on the spot for such of the State quota as inlist, it would be a circumstance very much in favor of the business. But I would not wish to give any directions on this subject, as I presume every thing proper on the occasion will be done by the State in consequence of the requisition of Congress.
          I have been induced to direct the clothier general to make out an

order on Otis & Henley, in favor of Col. Crane, for clothing for such soldiers as he may inlist. But this cannot be extended further, and was only taken up, because the artillery are dependent solely on the Continent for their supplies. I am Dr Sir Your obt & hble sert

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 28 March 1780 [letter not found]
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. Jedediah Huntington, 28 March 1780. GW wrote Huntington on 29 March acknowledging “yours of yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 28 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town March 28th 1780

          I have the Honor to transmit Your Excellency the Extract of a Letter of the 23d Instant, which I received to day from Colo. Vanschaick. This will inform Your Excellency, that the Indians have lately made Two incursions on our Frontiers & taken Five of the Inhabitants of Tryon County & killed one & captured a Guard of Thirteen Militia posted at Skeensborough.
          I wish I had no other intelligence of a disagreable nature to communicate to Your Excellency, but, according to a Letter of the 20th Instant, which just came to hand from the Honourable Mr Bowen, Deputy Governor of Rhode Island, I am informed, that there has been an engagement between the Spanish Squadron which was off Gibralter & a British fleet, in which the former suffered very capitally. For Your Excellency’s more particular information with respect to this unlucky event, I beg leave to refer You to the Inclosure No. 2, an Extract from Mr Bowen’s Letter, which contains the whole & only intelligence I have received on the subject. It appears by the account that the combat, though very unequal on the part of His Catholic Majesty’s Squadron,

had been maintained by them with great obstinacy and with considerable loss to the Enemy.
          Your Excellency’s dispatches of the 23d have duly come to hand. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington

            P.S. I have received an Account which mentions that there are some Transports fitting & preparing at New York, as if they were to receive Troops. From the measures I have taken I hope in a day or two to obtain more particular & satisfactory information on the subject.
            I inclose Your Excellency Rivington’s papers of the 22 & 25 Instant. By the former You will find General Robertson arrived at New York on the 21st in character of Governor—and that we may conclude nothing extraordinary had happened at the Southward about the 11th of the Month.
            There is a point on which I would wish to obtain the sentiments and direction of Congress, as without them, I am like to be under some embarrassment with respect to it. I find that the States of Rhode-Island, Connecticut & Jersey—the Only Three from which I have heard upon the subject of Levies (except New York which has none to raise) have, for making up theirs, adopted the mode of voluntary inlistments for the War, under certain pecuniary bounties; Viz. Rhode Island 300—Connecticut 300—Jersey 1000 Dollars “in addition to & exclusive of the Continental bounty” as it is variously expressed; and the last Two have requested Officers to be sent from the Army on the recruiting service. I wish to know whether there is any Continental pecuniary bounty in such cases & what it is (for I would beg leave to observe, that I shall continue to give a bounty of Two Hundred Dollars to the Old Soldiers who will reengage for the War previous to or on the expiration of their Inlistments unless I am directed to the contrary, if any can be prevailed on to do it for this sum only) And if there is a Continental bounty, whether it is to be exclusive of what the States give and to be advanced by Warrants on the Military Chest; or inclusive, and to be passed to the Credit of the States respectively for whose quota the Recruits are inlisted as was directed on a similar occasion by the Act of the 9 of March last. It will also be necessary for Congress to determine, in case a Continental bounty is allowed, whether it is to extend as well to Men whose services will expire in the course of a few months, who may be reinlisted by the States by Officers sent to the Army for the purpose, which is part of the System meant to be pursued by some, as well as to those who may be engaged in the State. I also wish to know, whether the Officers who may go on the Recruiting service in consequence of

requisitions from the different Governments, are to have a bounty & what from the United States⟨;⟩ or are to look only to their own States for a provision & allowance in the case. These points appear to me essential to be determined—and I would take the liberty to request that Congress will be pleased to satisfy me with respect to them, as soon as they shall judge it convenient.

              Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 28 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

            Dr Sir,
            Hd Qs Morris-town [28]th March 1780

          This will be delivered to you by Brigadier General Du Portail, Chief Engineer; a Gentleman of whose abilities and merit I have the

highest opinion and who, if he arrives in time will be of essential utility to you. The delay that will probably attend General Clinton’s operations in consequence of the losses he has suffered on the voyage, makes me hope—his assistance will not come too late; and the critical situation of your affairs induces me to part with him, though in case of any active operations here I should sensibly feel the want of him. From the experience I have had of this Gentleman, I recommend him to your particular confidence—You will find him able in the branch he professes; of a clear and comprehensive judgment of extensive military science, and of great zeal assiduity and bravery; in short I am persuaded you will find him a most valuable acquisition and will avail yourself effectually of his services—You cannot employ him too much on every important occasion.
          Every appearance indicates that the enemy will make a most vigorous effort to the Southward—My intelligence from New York announces a further embarkation. The moment it is ascertained, I shall advise you of it, and of the corps that compose the detachment. I am with the warmest wishes for your success and with the truest esteem and regard Dr Sir Your most Obedient.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 28 March 1780
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Middletown [Conn.] 28th March 1780

          As your Excellencys Letter of the 8th instant did not reach my hands until yesterday, it renderd my appearance at the trial of Doctor shippen on the 14th impossible. I will obey your order by Sending the six Officers to Springfield from the Cavalry to Sit on the trial of Mr Tychner—the only prospect I have of getting Cloathing for the 4th Regiment is the promise of the Clothier General. I have sent Captain Pike near two months past on that business, but have not Since heard from him, as to the Accoutrements I followed the instructions of your Excellency,

in applying to the D.Q.M. Genl. I know that without these necessary Articles as well as some New Arms, these two Regiments Cannot take the field—Mrs Moylan has had the misfortune to be deliverd of a dead Child, which has Kept me in this town of Late more than I otherwise shoud be as her Situation requires my every Attention, I hope it will Sufficiently excuse my abscence from Colchester I hear from thence every day—the horses are in very good order shoud Mrs Moylans health & Circumstances require it, I will be much obliged by your Excellencys giveing me a Liberty to accompany her into the Jerseys in April or May, if I shoud find it detrimental to the Service, I shall not make use of it. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most obliged H. St

            Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 28 March 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Washington, George

            My Dear General
            Philadelphia 28th March 1780

          The propositions I made to Congress respecting the formation of the Army, of which I had the honor of transmitting your Excellency a Copy, remain yet on their Table without any decision thereon; they have however set aside the Report of the Board of War on a Motion for reducing the Batallions, as you will perceive by the resolve annexed, so that all reduction or incorporation is now out of the question & for next Campaign the Regiments in the Line will be Augmented more or less by the respective States; what is to be done with the Additional Regiments & the Cavalry, Congress cannot or will not decide, tho’ I am rather led

to believe, their delay in this matter, proceeds from the grand cause of all our misfortunes—the bad State of our Finances, which will not allow the recruiting of men or purchasing of Horses.
          I observed to you my Dear General in my last that every Wheel of the Machine seemed stopped, of the truth of this observation I become more & more convinced & must confess, that to me our Situation appears very critical. The late resolves respecting the Money, tho’ attended with all the success that can be wished, cannot make any immediate alteration for the better, some Months must elapse before its good Effects will be felt & during this time we are disabled from doing any thing, whilst at this very moment the greatest exertions are necessary.
          My Anxiety for our southern Affairs I cannot help saying is considerably increased by the last accounts, which seem to anounce a determination of General Lincoln to Defend Charles Town with all his Force, this to me appears to be playing a hardy Game.
          Another Danger which Threatens us & which is much to be dreaded is the declared Division between Virginia & Pensilvania, the latter State having actually passed a Law for the raising 1500 Men to defend their pretended Rights. All these things offer but a Dull prospect, renderd still more dull by the Cabals & Factions which reign among us—the Civil Departments of the Army, at a time when their whole attention should be taken up in providing for the approaching Campaign, are in such a state of Dissatisfaction & confusion that I am very apprehensive they will make things still worse than they are.
          You will perhaps think my Dr General that I am in Anxiety for things which are out of my Sphere but when you Consider that all my Happiness depends on our Success you will not blame me for the Interest I take in the Cause, the same motives make me apprehensive that the necessary Arrangements will never be firmly establishd ⟨w⟩ithout your personal Assistance & I submit to you my Dr General whether your presence is not absolutely necessary at Congress in the present critical situation of our Affairs—Your Right to the confidence both of Congress & the People is too well founded not to command the greatest attention to every thing you propose—the time is precious & the prospect before us threatning; your presence will animate our Councils as it does our Armies—my Attachment to the Cause & the respectfull confidence I have in your person induces me to express in the Strongest terms the desire I have to see you here. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obedt & very humble Servant

            steuben.

            P:S: The disagreable situation our Army has been in & the badness of the Roads have induced me to persuade the Minister to defer his Visit

to Camp he has not yet fixed his departure—and I submit to your Excellency whether in our present situation a Visit on your part would not answer a better end.


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

            Head-Quarters Morristown Wednesday March 29th 1780.
            Parole Loquacious—  C. Signs—Lustre—Lucid—

          Lieutenant Col. Ford will take charge of the 2nd Maryland regiment ’till further orders.
          The General or other officer of the day is to give the Parole and Countersigns to all guards or cause it to be done by the Brigade Major, that the omissions and mistakes which have happened of late may be avoided in future.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 29 March 1780
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp Near Morris Town March 29th 1780

          In Complyance with Your Excellencys Request of Yesterday—I beg leave to Offer my Sentiments Upon the Propositions then made by Your Excellency in Council.
          From A Comparitive View of our Strength in this Quarter, and at the Posts Upon, & Contiguous to Hudsons River, with that of the Enemy in New York and its Dependencies—I am Clearly of Opinion, that Prudence and good Policy would Dictate that No diminution of our Numbers Should at present take Place.
          It Appears clear to me, that the Detachment of the Enemy which embarked in New York Under the Command of Genl Clinton, must have Sustained No Small Loss as well of men as of the Necessary Millitary Appointments, by the Several Severe Storms that Imediately followed them And their Army be thereby Considerably Enfeabled, that Under these Circumstances Should the N. Carolina & Virginia Troops Join Genl Lincolns Army previous to any decisive Operations in that Quarter; Our Army there with the Assistance of the Millitia will be Sufficiently Strong to Prevent any Considerable Mischiefs.
          I am Also of Opinion that were this Army (Under the Immediate Command of Your Excellency) So Circumstanced in Point of Numbers as to Admit its Reduction by A Considerable Detachment for the Southern Army—And the Quarter Masters Appointments for the Removal thereof be in the Most perfect readiness—That it Could not from the Length of Distance the Advanced Season of the Year, & Unavoidable Impediments of Weather &c. possibly Reinforce Genl Lincolns Army in season to Counteract the Enemys Operations.
          Should Your Excellency however find it Expedient to Detach a Part of this Army to Succour that to the South; the Disposition of the Remaining Part, Must be Influenced by the Movements of the Enemy, And Regulated by Circumstances. I am Your Excellencys Humble Servant

            James Clinton B. Gl

            P:S: The Proceedings of the Division Court Martial whereof Lt Coll Huntington was Prest have not yet been Published in Orders by the Adjt Genl perhaps they have been forgot.

              J.C.


Title: To George Washington from William Ellery, 29 March 1780
From: Ellery, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia March 29th 1780

          I received a letter from Govr Greene by the last post informing me, that the General Assembly of the State of Rhode-Island &c., which I have the honor to represent in Congress, had passed a resolve at their Session held on the fourth monday of last month, for raising eight hundred and ten men including those already raised in Col. Greene’s and Col. Angel’s regiments, that he had at the request of the Genl Assembly written to your excellency, desiring that one of those regiments might be stationed in the State the ensueing campaign, and expressing his wishes that, if I should find it necessary, I would also address you on this occasion.
          I know not what arguments he hath urged on this subject; if I did I am sensible that I could not add a new one nor enforce what he hath said; but as I esteem his desires as commands, your excellency will give me leave to suggest such reasons as voluntarily offer themselves to my mind. These are—the exhausted and exposed state of our republic—the vigorous exertions it is making to complete its continental battalions which will draw off a large number of its men, and the great injury and expence which must accrue from keeping up a body of militia for its protection and defence. These considerations are obvious and appear to me to be important. I hope your Excellency will view them in the same light, and be induced to comply with the request of the legislature; in expectation whereof and with the highest sentiments of respect, I am Yr Excellency’s most obedt Servt

            William Ellery

            P.S. Your Excellency hath doubtless heard of Mr Adams’s arrival in Spain. He writes from thence, that the Court of Madrid were disposed to receive a minister from these States, to acknowledge our independency and enter into treaties with us.

              W.E.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Mordecai Gist, 29 March 1780
From: Gist, Mordecai
To: Washington, George

            [29 March 1780]

          from a view of the operating force of our Army here, I am Induc’d to believe it would be inconsistent with the public good to detach any part of it to the Southward at this present time, and altho the Situation of General Lincoln and the safety of those States require Immediate Assistance, Yet a reinforcement from this pla⟨ce⟩ wou’d arrive too late for the Defence of Charles Town and enable the Enemy at N. York in the mean time to act Offensively.
          if on the reduction of Charles Town General Clinto⟨n⟩ should be Instructed to Garrison the post, to leave shipping for the Security of the Harbour, and return with the remg force to carry on the operations of the Campaig⟨n⟩ here—the present peculiar situation of our Garrison at W. point, and his superiority of Numbers wou’d ad⟨d⟩ the Chance in his favor, for a double conquest.
          it Appears that 2800 Men must be dischargd from the Army by the last of May, and that the respective sta⟨tes⟩ have adopted no other Measures than voluntary enlistments to compleat their several quota’s from whence we may Judge that not more than ⅓d of the number voted for, will be sent to the Field this Campaign; this will produce a reinforcement of about 3000 men exclusive of Virginia, & add only 200 to our present force; Our Army will then consist of about 10,800, from which the Staff department must in some measure be supplied, and provided a detachment of 2000 shoud be sent to the Southward, and the Recruits as mentiond not arrive before the 1st July, our whole effective force

would not exceed 5800 for the month of June. while that of the Enemy, (allowing 3000 to Garrison Charles Town) wou’d be upwards of 14,000 strong—and if at this juncture a diversion should be made by Butler and his savages on our Western Frontiers, our force with the Militia might be found inadequate, to counteract their designs.
          if the State of Virginia raises ⅓ of her deficiency it will amount to 1300 Men, which added to the Regular Troops already in that State will make a reinforcement, equal to any that could prudently be sent from this place, and save a Number of Men, that are generally lost on long and tedious Marches.
          until the Number of the Enemys intended embarkation can be Assertained I think no offensiv⟨e⟩ operations on our part can be effected.

            M: Gist B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 29 March 1780
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town 29th March 1780

          Having Agreable to your Excy’s desire considered the present situation of our Forces as well in South Carolina as elsewhere, with as much Attention as I am capable of—I beg leave to Offer it as my Opinion that detaching any part of the Troops now assembled in this quarter, Before the Views of the Enemy at New York can be penetrated, would be impropper.
          1st. Because no movement from this place at the present day can influence the fate of Charlestown.
          2dly Because if Charlestown with the force in it should fall, the Troops under the Commd of Genl Woodford (which in my opinion cant get into the Town) when joined to the Cavalry under Genl Moultrie’s Direction, will form a Body Sufficient to countenance the Assembling of the Militia of the Country, with such other Succours as Virginia & N. Carolina may be Able to draw forth, and in a Great measure to prevent the Enemy from distressing the Country by detachments, which are the Only Advantages that could be derived from a Detachment made at this time.
          3dly. Because the probable loss of Men on so long a march, & from their Arival in that Southern Climate in the Sickly season, would be

Attended with many bad consequences, add to this the Uncertainty of Obtaining an immediate supply of Provisions & other stores for any considerable Body of Troops on the March.
          4thly. Because it would prevent your Excy from making any advantage of the Situation of the Enemy, should they expose themselves by diminishing their present strength at New York in a considerable degree.
          5thly. Because our detaching largely would probably, instead of inducing the Enemy to follow the example determine them to continue their force here, which would Give them too great a superiority in this Quarter, where more dangerous consequences might Arise to us from their Operations than could follow even the reduction of Charlestown.
          Your Excy will also please to Observe that as the season in which the heat suspends every Military Operation in S. Carolina must arive before the effects of a detachment from this Army could be felt there, no bad consequences can Arise from waiting further intelligence from the Southward, & Observing the motions of the Enemy at N. York a little longer.
          A Body of men leaving this place in June or July may get to S. Carolina in time to act as Early as if they were to March immediately moreover should the Enemy (admiting them in Possession of Charlestown & N. York) having drawn our force to the Southward, & contenting themselves with leaving a Garrison in Charlestown, return suddenly with a considerable force, the consequences would be Alarming. I have the Honour to be Sir with much respect your Excy most Obedt and most Hble Servt

            Edwd Hand


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 29 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 29th March 1780

          I am pleased to hear by yours of yesterday of your arrival at Springfield. I have long wished and expected it. Governor Trumbull in his letter by you, requests that a number of commissioned and non commissioned officers may be immediately sent to Connecticut to assist in the business of recruiting: he mentions 50 or 60 if they can be spared. From my idea of the State of the several regiments in respect to officers present, that number would nearly include the whole upon the ground. That, none however, of the little time between this and the opening of the campaign may be lost, you will be pleased to inquire forthwith what

further number of Captains and Subs., and good non-commissioned officers inlisted for the war, can be spared from the division, and let them be directed to proceed to the Governor and take his instructions. I imagine there are many officers yet in Connecticut upon furlough, who may perhaps request to remain there to recruit; but I think they had best be called in and others sent upon that service as they return, because if an officer goes to a part of the Country in which he is acquainted, to recruit, he has an opportunity in some degree of visiting his friends at the same time.
          You are probably informed of the encouragements given by the late law to recruiting officers. I would wish you to acquaint those who encline to go upon that service that I am not authorised to allow any thing seperate from the provision made by the State as the requisition of Congress of the 9th of February makes none but leaves the mode to the States. I think it necessary that this matter should be clearly understood by the officers previous to their departure, lest they should afterwards complain, that they went out in obedience to orders and were unavoidably drawn into considerable expences in consequence. I am Dr Sir Your obt & hble ⟨servt⟩

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 29 March 1780
From: Kalb, Johann
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Springfield [N.J.] March 29th 1780.

          Considering the Subject your Excellency have been pleased to lay before the Council of yesterday, our forces in all the parts of the United states compared with those of the Enemy, the Situation on both Sides and on our back Settlements with Several other Circumstances.

          It is my opinion that no Troops can be spared to be Sent to S. Carolina from this Army, it might be attended with many inconveniencies without producing any good effect.
          The length of time a march of 900 Miles would require, the losses the Troops must of necessity Suffer by desertion and Sickness, and in all probability they could not arrive but at the Season When the Armies go into Quarters in that Climat, and after the Enemies must, either have failed in their attempt, be repulsed from, or possessed of Charlestown. for if they do not Succeed between this time and the begining of July they will not be able to carry their point, because it is to be hoped that Gl Lincoln will have obtained the necessary reinforcement, from the adjacent States. On the other hand the Enemies might come back to New York, collect all their forces there to Strike a Blow on the North River which might prove more fatal to the Confederation then any operation to the Southward. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble servant

            The Baron de Kalb


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 29 March 1780
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            29th March 1780

          I have carefully considered the Propositions made yesterday by Your Excellency, to the Council of General Officers; and am clearly of opinion that no Troops should be sent from this Armey (in its present condition) to the support of Charles Town; for two reasons 1st. If we should spare a number of Troops for that purpose they would arive there too late to answer the end proposed; 2dly. Should any Troops be taken from this Armey, it would render it too weak to stop the progress of the Enemy, now at New York from penetrateing into the Country, or going up the North River, both of which they thraten, and very probable one of which they will attemp, which I look upon to be of great consequence to these States, should they not be checked. I would recommend that the Virginia, and North Carolina States be directed to put their Militia in the most perfect order, and to march immediately, a good Body of those the most adjacent to Charles Town, to joyn those Troops we may have there, left out of the Lines to straiten and harrass the Enemy, while they may be carrying on the Siege. A short time must shew to Your Excellency whether, or not, the Enemy means to reinforce to the Southward; should they adopt the former and reinforce, and the different States strengthen Your Excellency’s hands, by sending You their full quotas of Troops early, You may be able to meditate and put in practise some stroke against them here, whilst their Troops are absent.
          I am creditably informed that had Your Excellency Troops to spare at present to send to the Southward, the season for carrying on operations in that Country would be over, before the troops could arive there by land; therefore I am against sending Troops from here to the Southward, at present, on every principle. I am Sir with the utmost Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

            Wm Maxwell


Title: To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 29 March 1780
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp near Morris Town March 29th 1780

          After reflecting upon the several Matters that your Excellency was pleased to lay before the Council Yesterday, my Opinion in general is that, at present no Detachment can with propriety be made from this Army. for which Opinion my Reasons are That our operating Force, if all collected to a Point, is inferior to that of the Ennemy in New York and its Dependencies; and that from the Expiration of the Term of Service for which part of the Troops are engaged, it will be reduced to about two thirds of it in a short time.
          That it is not probable our Force can be collected to a Point, unless the Ennemy should attempt the Posts in the Highlands, as it will be necessary, for the succeeding Campaign at least, to have a considerable Garrison in these Posts, both to compleat the Works, and to secure them against a Coup de Main in their present State.
          That the present Garrison will be so much reduced from the same Cause as the Army in general, as well as the Detachment at Danbury, that it will probably be necessary to add the whole of that Detachment to it; in which Case our remaining Force will be little more than one half of the Ennemies: It is however to be hoped that we shall receive an Accession of Strength by Recruits from the Different States; but I do not think there is to expect they will exceed four Thousand Men, which, including the Garrison as I have stated it, will not make the whole Army equal to that of the Ennemy; But as they also have various Posts which they must occupy, but which from their insular situation and the strength of their Fortifications may not require a greater number of Men than our Posts on the North River, it may be allowed that the acting Armies on both sides will be pretty nearly equal. The Command of the Water however, and the Ease with which they can make Descents in various Places gives them an Advantage over Us, but which is perhaps ballanced by the Aid that can be occasionally drawn from the Militia; But should the Ennemies Operations begin early, the calling out the Militia interferes so much with the Business of Husbandry that it will be difficult to get any considerable Number together, so that on the whole the Ballance appears in their Favour. to which may be added that it is not improbable there may be Occasion to send some Troops to the Frontiers.
          That it is certain no Detachment that can be now made, will have any influence upon the Fate of Charles Town; nor, should the loss of that Place draw after it, as I much fear it will, the submission of a considerable Part of Carolina, is their a probability of its reaching General Woodford time enough to enable him to keep his Ground in that Country—for I

suppose it will be the immediate Object of the Ennemy, if they succeed at Charles Town, to expell the remaining continental Troops from the State; erect proper Posts for the security of their Conquest; and establish a civil Government; which, from the great Numbers of disaffected Persons, who certainly will not join General Woodford, but probably take part against him, it will not be in his Power to prevent. There is however considerable Strength in North Carolina, and tolerable Disposition, of which he will avail himself, and with the Assistance of Virginia he may be enabled to keep footing there; and secure that State. Should General Lincoln however be fortunate enough to repell the Ennemy from before Charles Town, General Woodford will join him, and from the Spirit that will be diffused by that Event, if immediate Advantage is taken of it, such Numbers of Militia may be added to his Army as to put it in his Power to act offensively in Georgia.
          Should any considerable Detachment be made from the Army at New York it appears to me more iligible to collect our Force, and attempt the Reduction of that Place than to make similar Detachments. The Ease and Expedition with which their Troops are conveyed by Water renders it impossible to counteract them by long land Marches, in which we are almost certain to add the loss of a great Number of Men to the Misfortune of arriving too late. besides that it is in the Power of the Ennemy by a sudden and unexpected Return to gain great Advantages on the very Country they had before left, and it has often astonished me that this kind of Manœuvre has not been practiced by them.
          The Reduction of New York would, in a great Measure, counterballance the loss of Charles Town, and even of Carolina, and give great Reputation and Lustre to the Arms of America: it is however an arduous Undertaking and will require great Preparation, and a very considerable Army, and it is very doubtful with me whether the State of our Magazines de Guerre et de Bouche will admit its being attempted. should that be found to be the Case I am clearly of Opinion that We also should detach to the Southwards.
          The Strength of that Detachment will be regulated in a great Measure by that made by the Ennemy. for I think it will always be necessary to have, in this Quarter a sufficient Body of Troops to keep their remaining Force in Check at least; else in endeavouring to secure more than our Force is adequate to, we possibly miscarry in both.
          The Disposition of the remaining Troops, after the Detachment is made, depends upon so many Contingencies, that an Opinion cannot be formed upon it with precision. But as the chief Objects will then be to restrain the Ennemy and cover the Country from their Inroads such Posts must be taken as promise best to answer these Purposes; but the great Difficulty is that our Force must necessarily be divided—part in

Jersey and part in New York, which may give them an Opportunity to act offensively against either, it will therefore be indispensable that they occupy fortified Camps, that part at least that may be posted east of the North River. In Jersey a flying Detachment, to which Militia might be added as occasion should require, wou⟨ld⟩ perhaps answer every Purpose.
          This is all that has occurred to me upon the Subjects, and is with great Deference submitted to your Excellencys consideration. I have the honour to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

            Ar. St Clair


Title: General Orders, 30 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown thursday March 30th 1780.
            Parole Lyric—  C. Signs—Music—Mirth.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 30 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

            Dr Sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town March 30: 1780

          From the diminution of our force at the Highlands by the expiration of the service of many of the Troops & which will become still greater from the same cause, and the possibility that the Enemy may attempt to enterprize something against the posts there—I have determined to bring the New-Hampshire Brigade from Danbury to reinforce you—The inclosed Letter to the Commanding Officer there, You will perceive, is for this purpose which you will be pleased to seal & transmit after you have made proper arrangements for quartering them. If there are Barracks & Covering sufficient on this side the River at West point, for One of the Massachusetts Brigades stationed on the Other—it appears to me that it will be best to remove it & for the New Hampshire to occupy the Quarters they leave. This however is an arrangement of the propriety of which You will finally decide yourself as circumstances may seem to require.

          I am exceedingly pained to find that such a spirit for resigning seems to have taken place in the Massachusetts line. Not less than twelve Officers, Captains, Lieuts. & Ensigns have left it in this way, since the 1st of January—Two thirds of them in the course of a few days past—& I have now before me Four or five applications more for the same purpose I trust that this conduct will be better considered of and that there will be no more resignations. Besides the injury which must arise to the service from the practice—the Officers who pursue it will illy requite the measures, which it is said, the State have lately adopted for their relief.
          I have received Your Favors of the 25 & 27 Instant. If the proposed Exchange of Regiments between Majors Maxwell & Ballard is agreeable to themselves and to the Officers of the respective Regiments—I dont know that there can be any objection to it. The exchange however should be the effect of such an agreement or it may become a subject of some trouble hereafter. I am Dr sir, with great regard Yr Most Obedt st

            G.W.

            P.S. I am extremely anxious to have the New Hampshire Troops at the Highland posts—as soon as it can be done—and request You will have the place for their reception & accomodation ready for them as soon as circumstances will admit.


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

            The effectiveness of an army rests in large measure on the quality of its officers. GW recognized this truth. He held that only gentlemen should serve as officers, insisted that officers not fraternize with their men, and consistently encouraged officers to study to improve their martial skills. Major General Steuben’s military manual, which GW carefully reviewed during its creation, served as a primer for officers as well as a source for uniform standards and practices across the Continental army (see GW to Steuben, 26 Feb. 1779, and n.1 to that document, and 11 March 1779; see also Steuben, Regulations[Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben]. Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States. Philadelphia, 1779.).

            GW’s concern over officer resignations arose early in the war. His initial worries centered on high-ranking generals whose services he valued or whose departure promised military or political complications or awkward investigations. “The Retirement of a general Officer, possessing the Confidence of his Country & the Army; at so critical a Period, appears to me to be big with fatal Consequences both to the Publick Cause, & his own Reputation,” GW informed Brig. Gen. John Thomas in a letter written at Cambridge, Mass., on 23 July 1775, only weeks after he had assumed command. Upset over his relative rank among brigadier generals, Thomas agreed to remain with the service only after Congress assigned precedence to his commission. Rank disputes and hurt feelings often motivated resignation threats and resignations. Both posed problems for GW and consumed his time and energy.
            An unusually elongated resignation case involved Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, who believed himself burdened with insubordinate troops and then mistreated by Congress. He finally resigned in spring 1779 (see Schuyler to GW, 22 Nov. 1775, 5–7 and 13 Jan., 6 Aug., 9 and 16 Sept. 1776, 25 Jan. and 3 April 1779; and GW to Schuyler, 5 Dec. 1775, 16 and 18 Jan. 1776, and 18 Jan. 1779; see also John Jay to GW, 20 April 1779). The departure of Maj. Gen. Artemas Ward, who balked at leaving his home in Boston, pleased GW (see Ward to GW, 22 March, 23 and 30 June, and 4 Aug. 1776; and GW to Ward, 13 May 1776; see also GW to Charles Lee, 9 May 1776). Brig. Gen. John Glover’s intimation to resign, however, troubled GW, who observed to his wavering subordinate from Morristown on 26 April 1777 that “the resignation of officers, who stepped early forward and led the people into the great cause” empowered the British and Loyalists, who “count upon the resignation of every officer of rank at this time, as a distrust of, and desertion from the cause, and rejoice accordingly” (see also Glover to GW, 27 Jan. and 29 March 1778, and 28 Jan., 2 and 26 April 1779; and GW to Glover, 18 Feb. 1778, and 25 Feb. and 11 March 1779). Glover remained in the army until July 1782. GW also persuaded Col. Theodorick Bland to delay his resignation, noting in a letter written at Whitemarsh, Pa., on 8 Nov. 1777 that “the private Concerns of every Officer in the Army will suffer in a greater or lesser degree by his Absence, which must have been expected as a matter of course, at their first Acceptance of their Commissions” (see also Bland to GW, same date).
            As the war proceeded, GW lamented the detrimental consequences of officer resignations. He wrote North Carolina governor Richard Caswell from Valley Forge, Pa., on 25 Dec. 1777: “A spirit of resigning their Commissions, whether resulting from necessary causes or feigned ones I cannot determine, has been but too prevalent in the Army of late. I have discountenanced it as much as possible, especially where the

              applications were by Men of merit and in some such instances have peremptorily refused to grant ’em. The practice is of pernicious tendency and must have an unhappy influence on the service.” Resignations in the Virginia line particularly disturbed GW. At Valley Forge, he wrote Col. Charles Lewis of the 14th Virginia Regiment on 21 March 1778, urging him to “consider the fatal consequences that must necessarily attend so many resignations.” GW added in his unsuccessful plea to dissuade Lewis from leaving: “Officers wishing to retire have frequently observed, that there would be enough left, and therefore that the want of their services could not be material. Those who reason thus pay themselves but an ill compliment, as they evidently confess, that others possess more virtue” and “more attachment to the great and common cause.”
            GW implored Congress to better compensate officers in order to stem the tide of departures. “Day after day, and hour after hour produces resignations,” he wrote Henry Laurens, president of Congress, from Valley Forge on 30 April 1778 (first letter). If only “bad officers” left, the occurrence “would be of little or no consequence,” but it pained GW to see those “materially wanted” officers resign due to “the distresses of their family.” Congress sought to address GW’s appeal with a pension measure, but its lack of taxing authority and chaotic finances severely limited its ability to provide officers with tangible security in either the short or long term (see GW to Laurens, 18 May 1778, and General Orders, same date). The states offered some support, and GW applauded Pennsylvania officials when he wrote Joseph Reed, president of that state’s Supreme Executive Council, from Middlebrook, N.J., on 12 Dec. 1778. In this letter, GW observed that “it is a fact too notorious to be denied, that Officers cannot live in the Army under present circumstances, whilst they see others enriching themselves by an infinity of ways. These are severe tests of public virtue.”
            Resignations tended to slow in the summer and fall months of active campaigning and accelerate during the winter lull. Lt. Col. Aaron Burr was among the officers who resigned during the winter encampment at Middlebrook. Citing his impaired “health and constitution” from “excessive heat and occasional fatigues” during prior months in the field, Burr requested unpaid leave when he wrote GW from Elizabeth, N.J., on 24 Oct. 1778. GW dismissed Burr’s suggestion as “not customary” and “unjust” in his reply written at Fredericksburg, N.Y., on 26 Oct., leading Burr to submit his resignation four months later (see Burr to GW, 25 Feb. 1779, and GW to Burr, 3 April 1779). A late resignation letter in spring 1779 from Lt. Col. Samuel Smith prompted GW’s testy response from Middlebrook on 29 May. He lamented such actions “at the opening of a campaign” because that period was “a crisis in which

good officers might render the most essential services, by their example and continuance in the army.”
            Neither GW’s exhortations and appeals nor his personal example of never taking a furlough served to quiet the persistent and powerful current of officer griping. Resignations continued until the war’s close, and GW dealt with them as best he could while pursuing his primary aims of defeating the British and securing independence for the United States. The volume of resignations during late winter and early spring 1780 exceeded the typical flow, prompting GW’s pointed comments in a letter of 30 March to Maj. Gen. Robert Howe on the “spirit for resigning” among officers in the Massachusetts line.
            Most of the resignation letters dated between 10 March and 10 May 1780 have not received editorial treatment. A list of these omitted items follows: Ensign Henry Burley to GW, 10 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 31468); Col. Matthias Ogden to GW, 10 March, regarding Capt. Jacob Pratt (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 4028); Capt. William Warner to GW, 12 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93 manuscript file no. 2245); Ensign Daniel Brown to GW, 16 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2395); Lt. Silas Chadbourn (Chadbourne) to GW, 16 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2403); Lt. William Hasty to GW, 16 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2368); Lt. Jonathan Libby to GW, 16 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2374); Col. Gamaliel Bradford to GW, 18 March, regarding Capt. Isaiah Stetson (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2319); Lt. Stephen Carter to GW, 20 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2404); Capt. Abijah Savage to [GW], 21 March, regarding Lt. John Smith (ADS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 18079); Ensign Nathaniel Bettes (Betts) to GW, 23 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2409); GW to Capt. Amos Emerson, 24 March (Df, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW); Capt. John Holden to GW, 24 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2362); Lt. Roger (Rodger) Wadsworth to GW, 25 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 752), and Lt. Col. Jonathan Johnson to GW, 7 April, regarding Wadsworth (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 764); Col. Henry Jackson to GW, 26 March, regarding Ensign Ebenezer Leland (LS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2281); Lt. Col. Ebenezer Huntington to GW, 29 March, regarding Ensign Jehoshaphat Starr (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 661); Lt. Col. Pierre Regnier to GW, 29 March (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 7444; see also GW’s certificate regarding Regnier, undated draft in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing and Varick transcript, dated 29 March, both DLC:GW); Lt. Samuel Heacock (Hickok) to GW, 3 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file

no. 730; see also Maj. Ames Walbridge to GW, same date, LS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 702); Savage to [GW], 3 April, regarding Lt. Ephraim Cary (ADS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 18083); Lt. Solomon Fenton to GW, docketed 4 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 704; see also Maj. Ames Walbridge to GW, docketed 4 April, LS, same file); Lt. Zadock Howe to GW, 4 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 20185; see also Savage’s certificate regarding Howe, 21 March, in DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 18081); Col. Philip Van Cortlandt to [GW], 4 April, regarding Lt. Gilbert J. Livingston (ADS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 7453); Brig. Gen. Henry Knox to GW, 6 April, regarding Capt. Stephen Buckland (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 18352); Ensign Josiah Buck and Capt. Ichabod Hinckley to GW, both docketed 9 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 700); Lt. Joseph Washburn to GW, 9 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2246); Maj. Wills Clift to GW, 10 April, regarding Lt. Theophilus Woodbridge (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 715); Capt. Lt. Ebenezer Field to GW, 12 April (LS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2356); Capt. John Wright to GW, 12 April (LS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2237); Col. Oliver Spencer to GW, 13 April, regarding Capt. James Brodrick (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 18285); Capt. Lt. Adam Fish to GW, 14 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2355); Savage to GW, 17 April, regarding Lt. Josiah Brown and Lt. Jesse Peck (LS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 1); Lt. Hugh Mulloy to GW, docketed 18 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2379); Savage to GW, 18 April, regarding Lt. Ebenezer Stanton (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 18077); Ensign Caleb King to GW, 20 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2272); Lt. Samuel Sanford to GW, 20 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 20173); Lt. Edward S. Coleman to GW, 22 April (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 737); Lt. Col. David Fithian Sill to GW, 25 April, regarding Ensign Joseph Fellows (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 723); Johnson to GW, 30 April, regarding Lt. Jasper Mead (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 731); Lt. Col. Elijah Vose to GW, 30 April, regarding Lt. Oliver Hunt (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2288); Col. Michael Jackson to GW, 2 May, regarding Capt. James Bancroft (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2389); Ensign William Baker to GW, 3 May (ALS, DNA: RG 93, manuscript file no. 2407).
            The six letters that follow provide a sample of officer resignation correspondence from this period of the war.


Title: I. From Captain John Francis, 15 March 1780
From: Francis, John
To: Washington, George

              Sir
              West point [N.Y.] March 15th 1780.

            From the ruinous situation of the Interests of my Brother the late Colonel Francis, in which my own is deeply concerned, induces me to request your Exc’llency to grant me a discharge from the service; Nothing but the distress of my Family would have ever induced me to quit the service of my Country; in which I have been engaged ever since the War began, & have endeavoured to do Justice to every appointment I have been honored with. I am with every sentiment of respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient hble Servt

              John Francis, Capt. 11th Massachusetts Regiment


Title: II. From Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett, 18 March 1780
From: Willett, Marinus
To: Washington, George

              Camp near Morristown [Jockey Hollow] 18th March 1780

            Lieut. Tapp’s situation being such, as renders it extreamly difficult for him to continue in the service, agreeable to the forgoing representation made by himse⟨lf⟩ he has my Consent to resign his Commission if it is agreeable to your Excellency. And I do Certify, that there are no Accounts in the Regimen⟨t⟩ against him of a public Nature to my knowledge.

              M. Willett Lieut. Colo.