Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 24 November 1781
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                     dear general
                     philad. 24 9br 1781

                  I heard with great Concern the domestique misfortune which your Excellency had lately, and in the apprehension that sad event will Retard your arrival here, I take the Resolution to write to you.
                  I beg your Excellency to Receive my most sincere thanks for the letters of Recommendation which you have been so good as to give me for Congress.  they have obtained to me the succes of my demands.  one thing notwithstandg is wanting yet to my satisfaction.  I wish that your Excellency be pleased, instead of the Certificate which you gave to me, to give me a letter for the marquis of segur Minister of war.  that form of Recommendation appears to me now and to some persons which I consulted more convenient to the Circumstances which I am in.  therefore I intreat your excellency if you have no objection to it to favour me with that letter.  if you wish to see me again in this Country, it is, perhaps, necessary to mention it, because the Court Could Claim my services at home or send me in another part of the world.  if your excellency is so good as to grant me the favour which I beg the Cher de la luzerne has been pleased to permit me to send me the letter immediately.
                  permit me, my dear general in taking leave of you, to present to you my wishes for your health in my absence.  would to god that I come back with fleet and troops for some important expedition under your orders and direction.  We must all expect succes and glory.  I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect and attachement your exellecy’s the most obedient and humble servant

                     Duportail

                     permit me dear general to present the assurances of my Respect to Mrs Washington.


Title: To George Washington from John Hanson, 24 November 1781
From: Hanson, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia 24th Nov. 1781.

                  I have the honor of enclosing your Excellency copies of two Acts of Congress of the 16th and 22d instant, which being intended merely for your information and sufficiently explicit on their respective subjects, will require no comment.
                  Your Excellency’s favours of the 4th, 6th and 15th instant have been received and laid before Congress.  I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient & very humble Servant

                     John Hanson Presidt


Title: To George Washington from David Ross, Jr., 24 November 1781
From: Ross, David, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Virginia York 24th Novr 1781

                  I had the honor of writing to you on the 22d instant—since then the British merchants at this place have requested me to procure from you a short notification, that they will be allowed to carry away Tobacco under sanction of a Flag in payment for the goods they have furnished to the Army agreable to the Certificates which I have granted to them—They conceive it will not be in their power to engage Vessells unless they have such paper of publick Authority to produce.
                  Your Excellency will be pleased to do in this what may be proper.
                  I Have upon my hands just now a small cargo of Tobacco which came down too late for the French Fleet, to save the expence ofeturning it to the Warehouse and at the same time to accomodate the remaining paroled prisoners with Passage, I have agreed to pay this Tobacco to the Merchants in part—A Passport will be wanted by return of this express agreable to the enclosed memorandum.  I Have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your most Obedient Servant

                     David Ross C.A.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 25 November 1781
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Saratoga Novem 25th 1781

                  After acknowledging the Honour of your very friendly and polite Letter dated "before york 5 Octr," give me leave most sincerely to congratulate you on our late signal Success over the British Arms under Lord Cornwallis which has afforded me unspeakable Satisfaction not only on account of the additional Laurels it has gain’d to your Excellency in particular and the Army in general, but because it has also dispersed the black Clouds of Adversity which hung lowering over our Country, and exhibits a bright Prospect of a Peaceful hereafter.  But while I rejoice in the Occasion that subjected so many of our Enemies to our Power, I cannot but lament the great loss of Prisoners which will or I fear already has taken place;  I beg leave to lay before your Excellency the Situation of those sent to this Country—The Barracks for their Reception were scarcely adequate to half their Number, and the Staff Department entirely unprovided with Axes or Tools of any kind for the building of more; add to this the Weather growing cold, and the Guards which were of Militia not attended with sufficient Discipline and Care, the Prisoners are so dispersed that of those sent to Winchester not more than Eight hundred could be Paraded a few days ago.  On hearing this disagreable Account I have ordered them all to be call’d in but as the Barracks are built in a Tory Settlement five Miles above Winchester, and a Chain of Tories Extending thence along the Frontiers of Maryland & Pennsylvania who would rather assist than prevent their Escape, I fear the Order will not be attended with the wish’d for Success, especially as many of them have been already seen passing the Potomack in hunting shirts and other Dresses of Disguise.  I shall visit them to morrow to see how Many of them are together, and give the best orders for their future Security our Circumstances will admit.
                  The Governor of this State has sent Nelson’s Corps of Horse to act as Guards to the Prisoners, but the Inhabitants refuse furnishing either them or the Prisoners with Provisions under our present Regulations.  They are uneasy at not being paid in hard Money for their Property as they conceive the People of other States are, and indeed are arming and threaten to oppose the Laws with Force.
                  My Health tho by no mean perfectly reestablished is sufficiently repaired to permit me to attend to any Directions you may think proper to honour me with in this Quarter, and I beg leave to assure your Excellency that I am never happier than in serving my Country in the Prosecution of your Orders.  I have just recd a Letter from the Senr British Officer prisoner at Winchester which I take the Liberty of inclosing.  I have the Honour to be your Excellency’s Most Obt humb. Servt

                     Danl Morgan

                     N.B.  There are a Number of Soldiers straggling thro the Country who were Prisoners at Chas town and elsewhere, some of them escaped from Confinement, and others deserted after listing into the British Service.  They have never been apprehended, because they were never considered as Deserters, your Excellency’s Directions would I think be attended with an advantageous effect.

                     D.M.

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Wynchester 22d Novr 1781

                     It is with sorrow, I am obligd to inform You, that the British & Anspach Troops, Prisoners of War at this place, by the Capitulation of York Town, have not been supplied with their Ration of Flour for seven days.
                     It is needless for me to paint to Genl Morgan the distresses of the Soldiers, on this account, Your feelings and the knowledge of the Matter, we are well assur’d, will order us immediate relief, if in your Power, if not, the Officers in general look to You, Sir, for an opportunity of conveying their remonstance to His Excellency Genl Washington.  I have the Honor to be, Sir, with the greatest Respect your Humle Servt

                        Samuel Graham
                        Captain 76th regt
                        Senior British Officer
                        at Wynchester


Title: To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 26 November 1781
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Taylors Ferry Novr 26th 1781

                  On the 22d instant I arrived at Williamsbourough in North Carolina to which place I had gone in advance of the Troops (leaving them to be conducted from Petersburgh by General Wayne) in order to settle the Route it would be proper to persue and take the necessary measures for provisions.
                  A report had prevailed, for a day or two, that the Enemy had evacuated Wilmington, and there I received such information respecting it as left no manner of doubt of the fact, which happened on the 14th instant.  Two large ships which lay in the Mouth of Cape Fear River having taken the Garrison on board, which no doubt are gone to Charles Town.  This circumstance leaves me at liberty to take the most direct way to join General Greene, which I shall do with as much expedition as possible by Salisbury, Charlotte & Cambden, which tho not absolutely the nearest Route is nevertheless, from the best information I have been able to procure much the easiest, and most plentiful, and by following which, time will be gained.  As the Evacuation would have taken place at all events it is fortunate for the Troops that it happened so early, as they would have been exposed to much difficulty in a march thro a very barren Country, intersected by many Rivers that are not fordable—Whether I should reckon it fortunate for myself or not I am not so certain, but I am always satisfied with what produces any advantage to my Country and an other State being freed from the power of the Enemy is a circumstance of no little importance at this Juncture.  It has also freed me from an uneasiness that hung upon my mind—that I might probably find them so posted as not to have it in my power to dislodge them, and be reduced to the alternative of an uncertain Assault or that of leaving them unmolested.
                  Since I sat down to write a Letter has come to hand from Colonel Febiger by which I am informed that I can expect no part of the Virginia Troops, as they are not in a condition to be marched at present.  It also contains the Copy of a Letter or Memorial from the Officers to him, on their being made acquainted with the Orders I had sent for immediately marching to this place all the Men that were equipp’d, which I take the Liberty to inclose.  It is too true that they have reason to complain, but it pains me that they should take such means, and such an occasion to express them, and was much surprised to see Colonel Poseys name to the Memorial.  I have wrote to Colonel Febiger and taken no notice of the receipt of his Letter, desiring him to halt the Detachment I had ordered untill the whole can be got in readiness to March together, as it is now too late for them to join me, and from a change of circumstances in North Carolina not so necessary.  With every Sentiment of Respect and Esteem I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

                     Ar. St Clair

                Enclosure

                     Dr Colonel

                        Cumberland old Courthouse Novr 17th 1781

                     The Officers at this Station understanding, a Detachemt is shortly to march from here to the Southward, beg Leave previous to such a Step being putt in Execution to lay before you their Incapacity for undertaking such an Expedition circumstancd as they are at present.
                     You are truly sensible, we are destitute of Cash (and it may with equal propriety be said, we have had none some for two and some for three Years past, except some Small Sums of State Monney, which from its depreciated State, was of very little Account for advantage) either to discharge our little Debts here or to subsist us on so long a March, not to mention, that Sickness and other Contingencies may, when to the Southward, reduce an Officer without monney to assist him, to the most deplorable State of Despondency.  we are equally destitute of Cloathing, haveing barely sufficient to support us against the Inclemencys of a Winter Campaign—nor has each Officer a Blankett.  It may be said, that a part of us will receive £20.00 worth of Cloathing.  The part, who are priviledgd to receive that are much the fewest, who will be destind to march with the Detachement it being granted to only such as were in the Trenches during the Siege of York. and even those (the cloathing now arrivd) receive not more than £14.0.0 Va Curry and that Summer Cloathing not one Yard of Cloth being in the Assortment, so that but very few of the Officers, who are to march with this Detachement will receive any Benefit from the Supply.  These Circumstances being strictly considered, every humane, feeling person must necessarily suppose, that it would be the greatest Imprudence in us to throw away our Lives and possibly risque our Reputation on so precarious an Event.  We wish to render our Country every Service in our power, we have done it; though, with the Loss of health and Fortune and are still agreed and ready to march on the shortest Notice to any the most distant part for her Relief and Advantage, if supplied in any suitable Manner;  But we cannot in Justice to ourselves, under such Circumstances yield the same Submission and pursue the same Scheme now, when there is not the same Necessity as heretofor; But must observe to our Rulers, how ungenerously, nay how inhumanly they have treated us.  Lett them cast their Eyes on our Sister States to the northward of us and see how amply, they have provided for those brave Officers and Men, who have fought their Battles and indured with perseverance the inumerable hardships attending on the military profession—Then lett them draw a Line, by which they will see, that the Ballance of ill Usage and Neglect has fallen with unmercifull Weight on the shoulders of the Officers of the Virga continental Line in a many fold proportion to that of the Sufferings of Officers in any other State in the Union.
                     Permitt us therefore Dr Colol to make this single Observation to you an Observation we are sensible must give you pain, and which no Officer, that Knows Colonel Febiger would willingly do, That  and are unanimously resolv’d (unless redressd) to resign our Commissions rather than march to so great a Distance and so unhealthy a Climate in the Situation and under the Circumstances we now are.  we must have our Pay that in such monney, as will not only purchase us necessarys here, but where we are going, which the paper of this State will not do, scarce worth the carrying here and worth less to the south.  It gives us sincere Joy, when we think our Independence is so firmly fixd, that we could retire without doing any essential Injury to our Country, and that the Consciousness of haveing well done our Duty will chear us in our Solitudes and render to the Citizen that heartfelt Satisfaction, which he experiencd, whilst in the Army fighting for the Liberties of his Country.  We return you every mark of our Acknowledgements and Thankfullness for the obliging manner in which you have at all Times attempted to have Justice done us and the only Regrett we shall feel, when obligd to quitt the Service, will be, that we have left the Gentleman and Officer, whom we would at all Times willingly serve under.  Accept therefore Dr Colol our warmest Wishes for your health and happiness and believe us to be with sincere Regards Your most obedient Servants—Signd in Behalf of the Officers at the Station

                        Thomas Posey Lt Colo. 4th Va Regt
                        John Paulson Major 5th Va Regt
                        Saml Finley Major 1st Va Regt
                        Alexr Parker Capt. 2nd Va Regt
                        Joseph Scott Capt. 1st Va Regt


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Durie, 27 November 1781
From: Durie, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 27th November 1781

                  I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that on consulting with Lt Governor Jamieson for the removal of the sick Prisoners of War from Gloucester; the mode prescribed in your Letter to him was adopted.  In consequence thereof 350 Privates marched from thence for Toddsbridge the 9th instant, and on the 10th & 14th about 300 embark’d in boats and proceeded up the River, for the same place.
                  These only were in a State of removal, and the remainder between 7 & 800 were judged unadvisable at this Juncture to be removed, by the Surgeon & Field Inspector of the British Hospitals, and afterwards confirm’d by the Surgeons of the French Army, who were requested on this occasion by General Lincoln to examine them. they also reported they would not be in a condition to march or transport by Water for two or three months.
                  From these representations I tho’t it unnecessary to interfere any further, and my presence there no longer requisite.
                  The removal of the Prisoners, and the number still at Gloucester I did myself the honor to inform Governor Neilson, and requested, when a sufficient number recover’d, to cause the expence of a Guard, he would order a proper escort to convey them to Fredericksburgh, where Genl Wedon would provide the means to furnish and forward them to their Respective Regiments or Corps; and agreable to your Excellency’s orders I furnish’d him a Copy of the destination of the Prisoners.
                  From the 7th instant until the time I left Yorktown, the number of deaths among the Enemy’s Sick, amounted to ten daily, and very frequently more.  A State of them as reported to me I should present at this time, but thro’ mistake lodg’d them with other Papers of the Department coming forwards as soon as they arrive I will furnish a Copy for the more particular satisfaction of your Excellency.
                  The Blank passports left in my charge was completed on the 4th instant for a Sloop and Schooner transporting to New York, Seventeen Officers of the Queens Rangers and Legions, relanded from the Andrew; and the Officers of Colo. Hamiltons Corps for Charles Town.
                  There are still a number of Merchants and other Characters, followers of the British Army remaining at York Town, from not disposing of their Goods and the difficulty of procuring Vessels to transport them.  I advised them to make application to His Excellency Govr Neilson for a passport when they could obtain Vessels, producing Copy of their Paroles which would procure his permission.
                  The Prisoners that were taken on the 14 & 16th instant, with those left by Colonel Cortlandt at Williamsburgh, I requested Colo. Mentzes to remove such as could be marched under a sufficient Guard (which he inform’d me could be procured) to Hanover Courthouse, of this I also advised Governor Neilson and the necessity of a Guard to convey them from thence to Fredericksburgh.
                  This is a brief detail of my Proceedings at York Town, which I hope may meet with the approbation of your Excellency.  With sentiments of the highest Respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Mo. Obed. & Mo. Hum. Servt

                     Thomas Durie
                     Dy Com. Prisrs


Title: To George Washington from William Moore, 27 November 1781
From: Moore, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philada Novr 27. 1781.

                  Our cordial acknowledgments are ever due to Your Excellency, for the great and disinterested service you have rendered our common country; but, on this occasion, we approach you with peculiar pleasure, and can only regret, that the common language of congratulation will too imperfectly convey our gratefull sense of the late eminent display of your military virtues, in the capture of a British General and his whole army.  We are at a loss which most to admire, the wisdom of the plan; or the skill and gallantry of the execution, and are too sensible of the important consequences flowing from this great event, to wish to restrain the effusion of gratitude to your Excellency, to our brave and generous allies, and to our gallant countrymen, thus led by their beloved General to victory and glory.
                  Our prayers shall ever be, that Heaven may distinguish you with its choicest blessings, as the best reward of such great and glorious services.

                     In Council
                     Wm MoorePresident


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 28 November 1781
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia Novr 28th 1781

                  I am instructed by the Committee, appointed to consider the establishment of the army, and to confer thereon with your Excellency, the Secretary of War, and the Superintendant of Finance, to request your aid on this Subject, at 11 oClock on Saturday morning in the Committee room of Congress.
                  It is impossible to specify all the particulars of this enquiry; I shall therefore suggest to your Excellency the most obvious points in it only.
                  1st  What number of infantry, cavalry, & artillery will be equall to offensive operations?
                  2d  What number of commission’d, and staff officers are there above the Complement of 25,000 rank & file?
                  3d  How many commissiond, and staff officers will be necessary for 10,000 rank & file?
                  4th  What will be the amount of their pay, subsistence, and emoluments &ca?
                  5th  Of what number does the present army consist?
                  6th  What is the number of men in the different lines?
                  7th  Cou’d a reduction of the Officers be made with propriety?
                  8th  Upon what revenue can the United States count with a reasonable prospect of success?
                  9th  Is it proper, that Congress shou’d engage any bounty?10th  By what day shou’d the men be requir’d to be in the Field?
                  11th  If a reduction of officers shou’d be ordered, by what time cou’d it be accomplished, & upon what principles?
                  12th  What wou’d be the amount of the 1/2 pay of the officers for 10,000 Rank & file?
                  The preceeding points, tho’ not in the whole relative to Yyr Excellencys functions, are not withstanding submitted to yr consideration, that you may have a general view of the matter on which the Committee propose to confer.  I have the honor to be with great esteem Yr Excellencys Most obt & hble Serv

                     Danl Carroll, Chm of the Comtee


Title: To George Washington from John Hanson, 28 November 1781
From: Hanson, John
To: Washington, George

                            General Washington
                            28 November 1781

                  Congress Sir at all times happy in Seeing your Excellency, feel particular pleasure in your presence at this time, after the Glorious Success of the Allied Arms in Virginia—It is their fixed purpose, to draw every advantage from it, by Exhorting the states in the Strongest terms, to the most vigorous and timely Exertions.  A Committee has Accordingly been appointed, to State the requisitions necessary to be made for the establishment of the Army, and are instructed to confer with you upon that Subject.  It is therefore the Expectation of Congress, that your Excellency would remain for Some time in Philadelphia, that they may avail themselves of your aid in this important Business; and, that you may enjoy a respite from the fatigues of War, as far as is Consistent With the service.


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 28 November 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     Mr President,
                      28 November 1781

                  I feel very sensibly, the favourable declaration of Congress expressed by your Excellency—This fresh proof of their approbation, cannot fail of making a deep impression upon me—and my study shall be to deserve a continuance of it.
                  It is with peculiar pleasure I hear that it is the fixed purpose of Congress to exhort the States to the most vigorous, & timely exertions—A compliance on their parts will, I perswade myself, be productive of the most happy consequences.
                  I shall yield a ready obedience to the expectation of Congress, and give every assistance in my power to their Committee—I am obliged by the goodness of Congress in making my personal ease & convenience a  part of their concern—Should the Service require my attendance with the Army upon the North River, or elsewhere, I shall repair to whatever place my duty calls with the same pleasure that I remain in this City.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 28 November 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 28th Novemr 1781.

                  Your several Favors of the 9th—12th—& 17th—instt, with their Inclosures are received.
                  The Disposition of the Troops for Winter Quarters, I think is well arranged—The New Hampshire Regiments, as they are already on the Ground, had best remain at the Northward, for the Protection of that Frontier—Hazens have already performed a long Tour of March & Duty; and it may seem hard to send them still so much further—and the New Hampshire Regts—I should suppose fully equal to the Purpose of guarding the Northern Frontier during the Winter.
                  I have conversed with Mr Morris on the Subject of your Want of Flour—he seems surprized at the Circumstance; as he had supposed that a sufficient Quantity had been procured by his Engagement with the State Agent of N.York for 5,000 Barrels, & some other Purchases ordered to be made by himself—He will take Care for your better Supply.
                  Money is an Article of greater Difficulty.  I am very sensible of the Distress of the Army and shall do all in my power, while I remain in this Town, to obtain them a Sum—but the Financier at present gives me but small Encouragement.
                  The Success of Colo. Willet at the Northward, does him great Honor; and I hope it will be attended with very good Consequences.  With great Regard & Esteem I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient and humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 28 November 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip John

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia: 28th Novemr 1781

                  I have the Pleasure to acknowlege your two favors of the 2d & 15th instant—and to thank you most cordially for Your very polite & affectionate Congratulations.
                  Our Success in Virginia, happily effected with little Loss of Time & Blood, cannot fail, if properly pursued, to procure us very extensive good Consequences.  my great Fear is what you mention—all my Powers will be exerted this Winter to prevent so great an Evil—and to stimulate the States to vigorous Preparations for another Campaign.
                  I am very sorry to hear the Account you give of the Temper of the governing Powers of Vermont.  I had no Idea but the Terms offered them by Congress would have been readily accepted—& that all would have been quiet with them—I hope their Delusion will be removed.
                  I most heartily congratulate you my Dear Sir on the Success of Colo. Willet—& on the Repulse of the Enemy from your Frontier—the Reception they have met this Campaign, I hope will teach them a needfull Lesson—& prevent their future infesting your Quiet.  I am &ca

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, 29 November 1781
From: Muhlenberg, Frederick Augustus Conrad
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      In Assembly Nov. 29th 1781.

                  The Representatives of the Freemen of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, wish to express their sincere Joy on Your Excellency’s arrival in this City.
                  The very great Events that have lately taken place in Virginia under Your Command, have fully justified the Expectations formed by Your Country of Your Abilities and Patriotism—to add to her Esteem for You was impossible.
                  Humbly depending on the protection of Providence, we entertain the strongest hopes, that Your distinguished Qualities—The Wise and generous exertions of our Illustrious Ally—the glorious Behaviour of His Forces, and the gallantry and good Conduct of the American Armies, will bring the present Contest, to such a conclusion as will establish the Freedom Independence and Prosperity of the United States on a Permanent foundation.
                  That amidst the public Happiness, to which You have so eminently contributed, and the grateful Praises and Affections which You have so well deserved, You may enjoy every private Felicity, is one of the first and warmest Wishes of our Hearts.

                     Signed by the Order of the House
                     Fredk A. Muhlenberg Speaker


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 30 November 1781
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York Novr 30th 1781.

                  Having occasion to remit Two Thousand Pounds Sterling in Specie to the British Officers at Frederick Town, and Winchester, I am to request a Passport for a Deputy Paymaster to proceed thither by land with the above Sum, who, after the delivery thereof will return to this Place.  I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

                     H. Clinton


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 30 November 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     sir
                     Phila. 30th Novemr 1781

                  Your Excellencys several Favors of the 10th 13th & 24th instant with their Inclosures were handed me while on the Road to this Town, which has prevented my Reply before the present Moment.
                  While I Congratulate your Excellency on your Appointment to fill the most important Seat in the United States—I take the same Opportunity to thank you with great Sincerity for the very polite Maniere in which you are pleased to tender me the Advantages of your Correspondence.  As a mutual free Communication cannot fail to be attended with great Satisfaction to me, & will undoubtedly be productive of very usefull Consequnces to the public Cause—your Excellency may be assured I shall pay every particular Attention to this Correspondence.
                  I sincerely Accord to your Excellency’s Sentiment that Our public Affairs at present assume a promising Aspect—but suffer me to begin the Freedom of our Correspondence, by Observing to your Excellency, that upon our future vigorous Improvement of the present favorable Moment, depend the happy Consequences which we now promise ourselves as the Result of all the successfull Events of the last Campaign.  I am &c.

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 30 November 1781
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     SirSecond street opposite the Quaker meeting house Novr 30th 1781

                  As soon as I can suppose you to be a little at leisure from business and visits, I shall, with much pleasure, wait on you, to pay you my respects and congratulate you on the success you have most deservedly been blest with.  I hope nothing in the perusal of this letter will add a care to the many that employ your mind; but as there is a satisfaction in speaking where one can be conceived and understood, I divulge to you the secret of my own situation; because I would wish to tell it to somebody, and as I do not want to make it public, I may not have a fairer oppertunity.
                  It is seven Years, this day, since I arrived in America, and tho’ I consider them as the most honorary time of my life, they have nevertheless been the most inconvenient and even distressing.  From an anxiety to support, as far as laid in my power, the reputation of the Cause of America, as well as the Cause itself, I declined the customary profits which authors are entitled to, and I have always continued to do so; yet I never thought, (if I thought at all on the matter) but that as I dealt generously and honorably by America, she would deal the same by me.  But I have experienced the contrary—And it gives me much concern, not only on account of the inconvenience it has occasioned to me, but because it unpleasantly lessens my opinion of the Character of a Country which once appeared so fair, and it hurts my mind to see her so cold and inattentive to matters which affects her reputation.
                  Almost every body knows, not only in this Country but in Europe that I have been of service to her, and as far as the interest of the heart could carry a Man I have shared with her in the worst of her fortunes, yet so confined has been my private circumstances that for one summer I was obliged to hire myself as a common Clerk to Owen Biddle of this City for my support; but this and many others of the like nature I have always endeavored to conceal, because to expose them would only serve to entail on her the reproach of being ungrateful, and might start an Ill opinion of her honor and generosity in other Countries, especially as there are pens enough abroad to spread and aggravate it.
                  Unfortunately for me I knew the situation of Silas Deane when no other person knew it, and with an honesty, for which I ought to have been thanked, endeavored to prevent his fraud taking place.  He has himself proved my opinion right, and the warmest of his advocates now very candidly acknowlege their deception.
                  While it was every body’s fate to suffer I chearfully suffered with them, but tho’ the object of the Country is now nearly established and her circumstances rising into prosperity I feel myself left in a very unpleasant situation.  Yet I am totally at a loss what to attribute it to; for where ever I go I find respect and every body I meet treats me with friendship, all join in censuring the neglect and throwing blame on each other, so that their civility disarms me as much as their conduct distresses me.  But in this situation I cannot go on, and as I have no inclination to differ with the Country or to tell the story of her neglect.  It is my design to get to Europe, either to France or Holland.  I have literary fame, and I am sure I cannot experience worse fortune than I have here.  Besides a person who understood the affairs of America, and was capable and disposed to do her a kindness might under her considerable service, in Europe, where her situation is but imperfectly understood and much misrepresented, by the publications which have appeared on that side the water, and tho she has not behaved to me with any proportionate return of friendship, my wish for her prosperity is no ways abated, and I shall be very happy to see her character as fair as her Cause.  Yet after all there is something peculiarly hard that the Country which ought to have been to me a home has scarcely afforded me an Asylum.
                  In thus speaking to your Excellency, I know I disclose myself to one who can sympathize with me, for I have often cast a thought at your difficult situation to smooth over the unpleasantness of my own.
                  I have begun some remarks on the Abbe Raynal’s History of the Revolution.  In several places he is mistaken, and in others injudicious and sometimes cynical; I believe I shall publish it in America but my principal view is to republish it in Europe both in French and English.  Please, Sir, to make my respectful Compts to your Lady, and accept to yourself the best wishes of your Obedt Humble servant

                     Thomas Paine


Title: From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 30 November 1781
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 30th Novemr 1781

                  I have received your Favor of the 14th instant, and am very sorry to observe the Difficulties & Impediments which have attended the march of the Troops under your Command—they are such as I feared—but such as I trust the Resources of your Genius will surmount.
                  The Returns you inclosed, I was sorry to see so small—the Deficiency in Numbers, must be made up in the Vigor of your Operations—Your prospects against Wilmington, I think are not unpromising, on the Ground you mention—tho’ there is no accounting for the Events of War—If your Attempt should fail, whatever may be the Censures of the People at the Moment of the Event, yet I doubt not, that your Character will eventually obtain that Justice which I flatter myself your Conduct will ever merit—an Instance of which you have already had in the Course of this War.
                  Inclosed you will find Extracts from the Resolutions of Congress on the Occasion of our late Success in Virginia;  I transmit them to you, to be communicated to the Troops under your Command, that they may know the Sense in which Congress are pleased to estimate their late Services.
                  Colo. Febigers Return of Virginia Troops appear to me very extraordinary—I fear that a Dislike to the southern Service or some other Reasons have operated to lessen their Numbers beyond what ought to be.  I wish you Sir to write to him in the most pressing manner, to bring on every Man engaged for a permanent Term, and who is possibly able to march—& let him know that no Excuse can possibly be admitted for unnecessary Detentions.  Wishing you Health, Happiness & Success I am, with much Esteem & Regard Dear Sir Your most Obedient Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 30 November 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Alexander, William Lord Stirling

                     My Lord
                     Philadelphia 30th November 1781

                  I have had the pleasure to receive your Lordships Favor of the 20th inclosing your Correspondence with Colo. St Ledger.
                  I thank you my Lord most sincerely for your Congratulations on the late Success in Virginia—an Event which, if properly improved by the States, I should hope might be attended with the happy Consequences you are pleased to enumerate.  My Fear is that from an Over-rating this Success, a Spirit of Relaxation will take place in our Measures; which, should it be the Case, will prove very prejudicial to our future Operations or Negociations—and may serve to protract a War already too long continued.
                  I am exceedingly pleased my Lord to find, that the military Operations in the Northern District under your Direction, have been attended with such happy Success, the Consequences I think cannot fail to be very important.  With Sentiments of high Esteem & Regard I am My Lord Your most Obedient and most humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Thomson, 30 November 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Thomson, Charles

                     Sir,
                     30th Novr 1781

                  Inclosed is the substance, if not the express words of my reply in Congress, to their obliging declaration.  I am—with much esteem & respect—Sir Yr Most obt Ser.

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 1 December 1781
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                            dear general

                                c.1 December 1781

                        Before I Sett off for france, I think it my Duty to propose to your Excellency Some Regulations concerning
                            the Corps of Engineers.
                        I hope, first of all, that Colel Laumoy will be Soon exchanged, & I wish it exceedingly for the good
                            of the Service, & also because, having a Rank Superior to the other Engineers, there will be no difficulties about
                            the Command, wich might otherwise probably be productive of Some Trouble. I Entreat therefore, your Excellency to be So
                            good as to employ him at your Army when he is exchanged. If by Some unlucky chance, that I can not foresee his Exchange
                            Should tarry long, I think that Colel Cambray would be the Officer best qualified to have the Command of that Corps.
                        I ought to Say a word, to your Excellency, of Mr De Vibert who is exchanged. He is the oldest Lt Colel in the
                            Corps, & Should naturally take the Command where ever Colel Laumoy were not. I can not Say any thing
                            disadvantagous of him. By what I heard from paul Jones, under whose command he happenned to be for Some Time, he appears
                            to be a very brave Man. But having not had the necessary Instructions to make an Engineer, and having been deprived, by
                            his long Captivité and his Voyages by See of the Opportunities of practising in his proffession of
                            Engineer, I think it would not be So proper to employ him in your Army but rather to Send him to Albany or fort pitt with
                            the Troops wich are actually in those parts.
                        I have also to propose to your Excellency Some arrangements concerning the Sapers & Miners. The Board
                            of War, at the Time that they were first done, thought proper to make Some Alterations to the Regulations, I had had the
                            honour to propose to your Excellency, & you had been pleased to approve. Some of these have been unlucky. One
                            Article amongst the Rest occasions much Trouble, because by it the Sapers & Miners are always to be under the
                                Command of one Engineer, whatever by the Difference between their Rank. This is what I take the
                            Liberty to propose to your Excellency instead of that. That besides the commanding Officer of the Corps an other Superior
                            Officer be appointed by your Excellency to have the immediate Command of these Companies, and that none but these two
                            Officers have any Command over them. I insert here the new Article of Regulation wich I think would answer the purpose.
                            & if your Excellency approves of it, I pray that you would be pleased to have it published in the General Order.
                            This I think will be Sufficient. I pray your Excellency, also to appoint to the Direct Command of the Companies of Sapers
                            & Miners the Officer who will command the Engineers in my absence at your Army.
                        Article of Regulations
                        When the Companies of Sapers & Miners or part of them will be in a place from where the Commandt of
                            the Corps of Engineers or the Officer of Engineer appointed to command those Companies will be Absent, the Eldest Officer
                            of Sapers & Miners Shall take his orders from the Commanding Officer of the Troops with wich they are. If there is
                            any of the Engineers in the Same place he will have the right to ask, for the works, Such number of the Sapers &
                            Miners as he Shall think proper, & on the Works he will give the Directions to the Sapers & Miners as to
                            the other Troops, but will have no other particular Command upon them unless he is the Senior Officer of the whole and
                            Command it according to the General Rules of the Service.
                        I take the Liberty to recommand these Companies to your Excellency. I hope that next Campaign they will be
                            more usefull that lately, for the ennemy will not perhaps always Surrender before we have an Opportunity to make use of
                            them. I am with the greatest Respect Dear General Your Excellency’s obedient & Most Humble Servant

                            Duportail Mj. general Commer of the Corps
                            of the engineers, Sappers and miners


Title: To George Washington from William Irvine, 2 December 1781
From: Irvine, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Fort Pitt Decr 2d 1781

                        At the time Congress directed me to repair to this place I took for granted your Excellency would have
                            information thereof, through different channils, and knowing how very particularly you were at that moment engaged, I did
                            not think proper to give unnecessary trouble; this I flatter myself will excuse me with your Excellency for not writing
                            sooner. Previous to my arrival, Col: Gibson had received your letter, directing him to take the Command, which was
                            acquiesced by Col: Broadhead, and things went on in the usual Channel, except that the dispute occasioned Col: Gibsons
                            intended Expedition against Sanduskey being laid aside, and perhaps it also prevented many other necessary arrangements—The examination of evidences on the Charges against Col: Broadhead are still taking, and I am informed will continue some
                            weeks. Agreeable to my Orders from Congress to retain no more Officers here than sufficient for the Men, I have made the
                            following Arrangements—Reformed the remains of the late 8th Pennsylvania Regiment into two Companies and call them a
                            Detachment from Penna Line to be Commanded by Lt Colonel Byard; Baron Stuben had some time ago directed Col. Gibson to
                            Reform his Regiment also into two Companies, retaining with him the Staff of the Regt and to send all the Supernumerary
                            Officers down into Virginia. The Reformation was so made, but the Officers were so distressed for want of Cloathing
                            & other necessarys that they were not able to proce’d, however they are now making exertions and I hope will soon
                            set out. I have Ordered the Supernumerary Officers of the Pennsylvania line to repair forth with to their proper Regiments
                            in the Line—The whole of the Troops here are thrown into four Companies. I have been trying to Economise, but every thing
                            is in so wretched a state that there is very little in my power. I never saw Troops cut so truly a deplorable, and at the
                            same time despicable a figure. Indeed when I arrived no man would believe from their appearance that they were Soldiers,
                            nay it would be difficult to determine whether they were White Men, though they do not yet come up to my wishes they are
                            some better.
                        As it does not rest with me to decide on the propriety or impropriety of any persons conduct, shall only make
                            a few general observations—The Consumption of publick Stores in my opinion have been enormous, particularly Military
                            Stores, and I fear the reasons given for it will not be justifiable Viz. that the Militia would all fly
                            if they had not powder & Lead given them not only when in service, but also to keep in their Houses—it is true the
                            County Lieutenants and others who are called sponsible Men have promised to be accountable but I am certain that not an
                            ounce can ever be again collected. I find by the Returns that near 2000 Lb. Powder & 4000 L. Lead has been Issued
                            to the Militia since the dispute commenced between Colonels Broadhead & Gibson, chiefly by orders of the former, beside
                            Arms Accoutrements &ca and not a Man called into Actual Service—The Magazine is nearly exhausted, there is not Now as
                            much remaining as has been Issued since the 1st of last September.
                        I presume your Excellency has been informed by the Governor of Virginia or General Clarke of the failure of
                            his Expedition, but least that should not be the case, I will relate all the particulars that have come to my knowledge—Captain Craig with the Detachment of Artillery under him, returned here the 26th instant, he got up with much difficulty
                            and great fatigue to the Men (being fourty days on the way) occasioned by the lowness of the River, he was obliged to throw
                            away his Gun Carriages but brought his pieces & best Stores safe, he left General Clarke at the Rapids, And says
                            the General was not able to prosecute his intended plan of operation for want of Men being able to collect in the whole
                            only about 750 and the Buffaloe Meat was all rotten—and adds the General is apprehensive of a Visit from Detroit
                            & is not without fears the settlement will be obliged to brake up—unless reinforcements soon Arrive from
                            Virginia—The Indians have been so numerous in that Country that all the Inhabitants have been obliged to keep close in
                            Forts & the General could not venture out to fight them.
                        A Colonel Lochrey Lieutenant of Westmoreland County in Pennsylvania, with about 100 Men in all composed of
                            Volunteers & a Company Raised by Penna for the defence of said County followed General Clarke, Who tis said
                            Ordered Lochrey to Join him at the Mouth of Miami up which River it had previously been agreed on to proceed. But General
                            Clarke having changed his plan, left a small party at Miami with directions to Lochrey to proceed on to the falls after
                            him with the main body—Sundry accounts agree that this party, and all Lochreys to a man were
                                waylaid by Indians & Regulars (for it is asserted they had Artillery)
                            and all killed or taken, no man however escaped either to Join General Clarke or Return home. When
                            Captain Craig left the General he could not be persuaded but that Lochrey with his party had returned home.
                        These misfortunes throw the people of this Country into the greatest consternation and
                            almost despair, particularly Westmoreland County. Lochreys party being all the best men of the frontier, at present they
                            talk of flying early in Spring to the Eastern side of the Mountain, and are dayly flocking to me to enquire what support
                            they may expect.
                        I think there is but too much reason to fear that General Clarke & Colonel Gibsons Expeditions
                            falling through will greatly incourage the Savages to fall on the Country with double fury or perhaps
                            the British from Detroit to Visit this Post, which, instead of being in a tolerable State of defence is in fact
                                nothing but a heap of ruins. I need not inform Your Excellency that it is at best a bad situation
                            for defence—I have been Viewing all the ground in the Vicinity & find none equal for a Post to
                            the Mouth of Shirtus Creek about four miles down the River. this was pointed out to me by Captain Hutchins before I left
                            Philadelphia, who says there is no place equal to it any where within fourty miles of Fort Pitt.
                        I think it best calculated on many Accounts, first the Ground is such that works may be constructed to
                            contain any number of Men you please from 50 to 1000. It is by nature almost inaccessable on three sides, and on the
                            fourth no Commanding ground within 3000 yards, secondly as it would effectually cover the Settlement on Shirtus Creek the
                            necessity for keeping a Post at Fort McIntosh will of course cease—in case of making that the Main Post Fort Pitt should
                            be demolished, all except the North Bastion on which a Strong Blockhouse should be built, a small party in it would as
                            effectually keep up the communication with the Settlements on Monengahela as the whole Garrison now does for the necessary
                            Detachments to McIntosh Wheeling &ca, so divides the Troops that no one place can ever be hild without a large
                            body of Troops indeed—I do not like Fort McIntosh being kept a Post in the present situation of things.
                        If the Enemy from Detroit should take into their heads to make us a Visit, that would be an excellent place
                            for them to take by surprize, from whence they could send out Indians and other Partizans & lay the whole Country
                            waste, before we could dislodge them—We have (I think Folly) too much of our Stores there. I have been making efforts to
                            bring up the greater part, but though it is almost incredible yet tis true that of all the public Boats built here not a
                            single one was there to be found when I came here, except one Barge & one Flat—I expect two Boats up loaded this
                            day—It is I believe universally agreed that the only way to keep Indians from harrassing the Country is to Visit them.
                            But we find by experience that, Burning their empty Towns has not the desired effect, they can soon build others, they must
                            be followed up & Beatten, or the British who they draw support from totally drove out of their Country. I believe
                            if Detroit was demolished it would be a good Step towards giving some at least temporary ease to this Country, it would
                            take at least a whole Summer to rebuild & establish themselves—for though we should succeed in Reducing Detroit,
                            I do not think there is the smallest probability of our being able to hold it, it is too remote from Supplies. I have been
                            endeavouring to form some estimates from such information as I can collect. I really think that the Reduction of Detroit
                            would not cost much more, nor take many more Men than it will take to cover and protect the Country, by Acting on the
                            defensive—If I am well informed, it would take seven or eight hundred Regular Troops, & about a thousand Militia,
                            which number could pretty easily be obtained for that purpose, as it appears to be a favorite scheme over all this
                            Country—The principle difficulty would be to get Provision & Stores transported, as to taking a heavy train of
                            Artillery I fear it would not only be impracticable but an incumbrance; two Field pieces some Howitz and perhaps a Mortar—I do not think especially under present circumstances that it would be possible to carry on an Expedition in such a manner
                            as to promise success by a Regular Seige. I would therefore propose to make every appearance of setting down before the
                            place as if to reduce it by regular approaches, as soon as I found the Enemy fully impressed with this Idea, attempt it at
                            once by assualt.
                        I mean to write Congress for leave to go down the Country in January, to return in March if they make a point
                            I should continue here. I can scarcely think they will wish me to remain with four Companies of Men. The powers of calling
                            out the Militia of this Country is more Ideal than real especially till the lines between Virginia & Pennsylvania
                            are determined & run actually. Neither Civil nor Military Law will take place till then—Whether I am to be continued here or not, I am pretty certain it might be of use
                            for me to go down in order the better to concert measures proper to be taken either with Your Excellency, or Congress, for
                            as matters now Stand, it is clear to me this Country must be given up. The Militia however promise pretty fair, &
                            I have had no ground for differing with them yet—There is no Provision laid in nor is there even sufficient from day to
                            day—The Contract made by Mr Morris for supplying this Post has not been fulfilled on the part of the Contractors, in any
                            tolerable degree, nor would the Contract answer here if even complied with, however as I must write particularly to the
                            Board of War on this Subject, and exceedd a moderate bounds for a letter, I fear I have already tired and taken up too
                            much of Your Excellencys time. I have the honour to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient & Most Humble Servant

                            Wm Irvine


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 2 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            sir
                            Phila. 2d Decemr 1781

                        I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favr of the 10th ulto—and am much obliged by your kind Condolence
                            on the very heavy Loss which Mrs Washington & myself have suffered in the Death of the amiable youth Mr Custis.
                        I arrived in this Town on the 27th ulto where, at the Request of Congress, I expect to remain some Weeks.
                        I am glad to find that your Troops begin to find themselves accomodated & hope that your Winter
                            Quarters will prove very agreeable to yourself & the Gentlemen of your Army. With very great Regard &
                            Esteem I am Your Excellency’s &c.

                            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to John Dickinson, 3 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, John

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 3d December 1781.

                        I am informed by the Director General, that there will be a necessity of establishing a temporary Hospital at
                            Wilmington, for the accommodation of a number of Soldiers returning from Virginia, whose cases will not admit of their
                            being brought further at this advanced season. Doctor Latimer, the Bearer, is appointed to establish this Hospital, and I
                            must request the favor of your Excellency to furnish him with the proper powers & means to procure a Building or
                            Buildings suitable for the purpose, and Carriages for the transportation of the patients from the Head of Elk.
                        Your Excellency must be sensible that from the nature of the business upon which I have taken the liberty to
                            trouble you, its execution can admit of no delay without endangering the loss of many brave and good Men. I have the honor
                            to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedt and humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 3 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 3d Decemr 1781

                        I do myself the honor to acquaint your Excellency, that proposals have been made by the British Commissary of
                            prisoners, for the exchange of the residue of our Officers taken at Charlestown, for part of those lately taken at York in
                            Virginia. Before I enter upon this Business, I should wish to be informed whether Congress have any objections to the
                            exchange of Lieutenant Genl Earl Cornwallis. Altho’ the British have no Officer of equal rank in their possession, yet, as
                            we must procure the release of our three Brigadiers and several full Colonels by composition, it will, I presume be
                            expected and demanded that Lord Cornwallis shall be set against them.
                        I shall be glad of the determination of Congress upon this matter as soon as convenient. Mr Skinner is
                            waiting his instructions from me, which I cannot compleat before I am favored with an answer to this. I have the honor to
                            be with the highest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt and hble servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 3 December 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear GeneralHead quarters, Highlands, December 3. 1781.

                        I have been honored with yours of the 15th instant.
                        In mine of the 17th I mentioned that the board of war had desired me not to issue the clothing until your
                            Excellency’s directions were given. I have not heard a word from them on the subject since. The troops are in a most
                            distressed situation. I have directed each regiment to prepare a work-shop for its taylors, and the materials are now
                            arriving. I find from the naked state of the troops, the few taylors in the respective regiments, and the late season,
                            that it will be impossible to get the clothing all made up before spring, without some further aid. I therefore beg leave
                            to submit to your Excellency’s consideration, whether it is not adviseable to obtain the aid of the taylors of the
                            country. If Mr Morris can pay them, or assure them payment in a short time, I apprehend the deputy-clothier may procure a
                            number, and the service be promoted.
                        The nakedness and distress of the New Hampshire regiments in particular are so great, that unless I receive
                            some instructions in a day or two I am determined to order those regiments clothes from the british clothing which has
                            been dyed—and trust the necessity of their case will plead my justification.
                        By the ordinance of clothing, the troops are to receive one cloth vest annually. There are in the Store a
                            number of vests made of a poor coarse sleazy baize, which will wear but a few weeks. Are these to be issued and considered
                            as the cloth vest, or are they to remain in Store and cloth vests made? To issue them as the
                            cloth vests seems but an imposition on those soldiers who receive them, if considered as their annual allowance. I have
                            the honor to be With the highest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                             W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Barent Jacob, 3 December 1781
From: Jacob, Barent
To: Washington, George

                            May it please Your ExcellencyLancaster December the 3d 1781

                        Imploring your Excellency’s Pardon for the Freedom I take to trouble your Excellency with my Distresses,
                            being just informd that my Son in Law Levy Reuben a Citizen of Baltimore, and a poor Man on his Way to Philadelphia was
                            taken by our Ennemys and is a prisoner on Board the Jersey-Prison-Ship at New York since the Month of October, he left a
                            helpless and distressed Wife and Two Children at Baltimore—It is in Your Excellencys Power to relieve the Distressed, and
                            as your Feelings and Humanity for Mankind in general is too well known, I make no Doubt that your Excellency will
                            endeavour to have this poor Man relieved from his Captivity, and that the Lord may forever reward you for your Charity and
                            Continue his Blessings towards your Health and prosperity is the Prayer of Your Excellency’s most
                            obedient and very humble Servt

                            Barent Jacob


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 3 December 1781
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

                            Dr Sir
                            Annapolis 3d Der 1781.

                        I have placed my resignation in the hands of one of the electors but he omitted forwarding it to Congress at
                            the usual time. I now take the liberty to send it to your Excellency as the lateness of the resignation makes it rather
                            improper on my own account for it to go to Congress from myself.
                        I make no doubt but your Excellency when here suggested such measures as you saw necessary to be adopted at
                            this period of our affairs. We shall endeavour at several things this session, but I fear there will be very powerful
                            objections to the most essential. The supply bill for the current year, and a bill for filling up our regiments to their
                            quota are among these. I know very well the necessity of accomplishing the latter, but at the same time, I could wish
                            you, if your Excellency can spare it a moments leisure, to give me a few of your thoughts. Let me assure you these will
                            have infinite weight; much more than if they were official; and may do more than all our reasonings. I hope Mrs Washington
                            will find herself more agreeably situated than she was last winter. I fear if she is confined to New london that the
                            almost total want of exercise and company will be very unfavorable to her present situation. Doctor Craik is on some
                            business at this place, and we are both of the same opinion. I pray your Excellency to present her my sincere respects,
                            and to believe me with the greatest veneration and esteem Your Excellencys ob. St

                            James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Matthias Ogden, 3 December 1781
From: Ogden, Matthias
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Elizth Town Decr 3rd 1781

                        I am happy to inform your Excellency that I have been successful in my negotiations, & soon expect
                            the most favourable consequence.
                        I intend soon to have the honor to wait on your Excellency; I have several plans to propose which if they
                            meet with aprobation will need particular direction.
                        In consequence of a plan concerted between Capn Dayton & myself, one Parcell, who was second in
                            command of a Gang of Picarooners which had of late much infested this part of the Country; was influenced, to conduct from
                                Stratten Island on the night of the first Inst. as many of his Corps as possible; (had it not been
                            for an accident, there would have been twenty) four out of seven which came, were taken, & one other was killed by
                            a party of inhabitants residing in & near this place, under command of Capt. Dayton.
                        Owing to information received from this Parcell one Oliver a notorious Villian & chief of the gang
                            was on the same night seized at Rhaway (where he had been ten days concealed without a party;) as was also their Gun boat.
                        I think from all circumstances, & it is also the wish of the People here that he should be considered
                            & treated as a spy, & beg if your Excellency sees proper that a court of enquiry may be ordered, as soon as
                            possible as there is danger of his making his escape.
                        This affair will I doubt not add much to the peace & security of this neighbourhood & will in
                            a great measure, check the illicit trade, which was much protectd & encouraged by these Villians.
                            I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedt humble servt

                            M. Ogden


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 4 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 4th Decemr 1781.

                        I take the liberty to enclose to Congress Copy of a letter which I have lately received from Major General
                            Greene, on the subject of the promotion of Colo. Williams of the Maryland line to the Rank of Brigadier.
                        If it is necessary to add any thing to the recommendation of General Greene—I can assure Congress, that
                            Colo. Williams, as an Officer of merit, has ever stood high in my estimation—and that it is my opinion—that his long
                            services, military abilities and good conduct justly intitle him to the promotion mentioned, provided Congress should
                            think proper, at this time, to fill the vacancy.
                        I also inclose an application from Capt. Provaux of the 2d south Carolina Regt, for liberty to go to Cape
                            Francois. I have never undertaken to permit an Officer to go off the Continent without obtaining the approbation of
                            Congress. I shall therefore be glad of their opinion upon the present case. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most
                            obt and very hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 4 December 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear GeneralHead quarters, Highlands December 4th 1781.

                        The inclosed letters from general Bailey and Mr Adams, were handed me a few days since by captain Edgar, the
                            person refered to in those letters. Captain Edgar’s want of money has induced him not to think of proceeding farther
                            southward. He is for the present gone to Albany, where he has several friends. He informs me, that there is undoubtedly a
                            plan of union maturing between the british government in Canada, and some of the leading men of Vermont, which, it was
                            said, would take place in the course of five months from the beginning of September— That a colonel Thomas Johnson, who
                            belongs to the Grants and is a prisoner at Montreal, has interested himself in the matter with views of discovering their
                            designs— that if his exchange can be effected, he will discover the whole plan. Captain Edgar apprehends the enemy will be
                            permitted to take some advantages in Vermont, which will give them foot-hold when a peace takes place— and that their
                            movement over the lakes this fall had a view to the same plan; but by the measures which were adopted, they were defeated—
                            That major-general Reidesel actually went up lake Champlain, although he did not take the command— that the enemy’s force
                            was about 2200 men— that they took with them a number of 9 and 6 pound cannon— that they have a number of small batteaux
                            and canoes, which cannot be designed for the lakes, but for some of the rivers. How far the capture of earl Cornwallis and
                            his army may operate upon them to change their plan, is uncertain. They have been flattering themselves that the earl
                            would effect great things in the south. General Reidesel is to command at Montreal.
                        I believe the bulk of the people on the Grant are as warmly attached to the american cause as any of the
                            inhabitants of the thirteen states, but at the same time I believe there are some designing men among them. Your
                            Excellency can best determine what use, or whether any can be made of these hints.
                        Captain Edgar represents lieutenant colonel Stacey, several officers, and a number of soldiers, who are in
                            captivity in Canada, to be in a most wretched situation: I beg leave, therefore, to submit to your Excellency some
                            measures being taken to effect their exchange and the exchange of colonel Johnson; by which means the suspected plan may
                            be developed. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                            W. Heath

                            P.S. The state of New York are impatient to have a settlement of the forage confirmed in West Chester
                                county by the allied army. I some time since wrote your Excellency, that Congress had directed me to take measures to
                                have the quantity ascertained, which obliged me to request your orders to the quarter masters to favor me with returns
                                of the number of horses, cattle, &c. which were kept by the allied army while in said county— Your Excellency
                                was pleased to inform me those officers should be directed to forward such returns; as I have not received them, I
                                request the officers may be desired to forward them as soon as may be convenient.
                            Apprehending that Guilford and Branford, pointed out by governor Trumbull for the winter quarters of
                                colonel Sheldon’s regiment, were so near the Sound as would render their situation either exposed to surprise, or tend
                                to prevent the horses getting properly recruited; Upon a representation, the governor and council have been pleased to
                                order preparations to be made for them at the societies of Worthington, Kensington, New Britain, Westfield and
                                Middleton, and the towns of Farmington and Middleton; where I believe they will be well provided for. I have the honor
                                to be— as before,

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                                Sr
                                Newbury Novr 10th 1781

                            The Bearer Capt. John Edgar Lately made his Escape from Montreal In Canada with Inteligence he received
                                from one Colo. Thomas Johnson who was a Prisner to the Enemy in Canada but Since Returned on Parole, to Coos, and
                                Colo. Stacy and Lt Holdan now in Captivity in Montreal, the Inteligence I dare
                                not Commit to writing but refer you to Mr Edgar who May Doubtless be depended upon, as Colo. Johnson told me tho, he
                                Could not Devulge any Matters Since he Gave his Parole yet he could Speak freely while at Montreal and in a few Days I
                                would See a Person who would Inform of Matters of Importance to the United State, accordingly Mr Edgar arived, and
                                have Informed me what Desired him to Inform your Honr— all is Peace in our Quarter I am your Honrs Most obedient
                                Humble Sert

                                Jacob Bayly


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Carroll, 5 December 1781
From: Carroll, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia Decr 5th 1781

                        The Committee have instructed me to submit to Yr Excellencys consideration, the enclosd propositions relative
                            to the army, on which they desire to confer with you in the Committee room of Congress, at half hour after ten oClock to
                            morrow morning if convenient. I have the Honor to be with great respect, & esteem, Yr Excellencys most Obt
                            & very hble Servt

                            Danl Carroll


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Durie, 5 December 1781
From: Durie, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Elizabeth Town 5 December 1781

                        I am sorry to communicate to your Excellency, that by accounts received last evening from New York, the Lord
                            Mulgrave Flag Ship, is cast away on Squan beach near Sandy Hook, tho’ fortunately none of the Officers
                            or Crew injured. another report since, "say’s from her not taking in a sufficient quantity of ballast she is drove by the
                            extreme heavy winds, off the Coast, and will be obliged to make for Savannah in Georgia."
                        I enclose for your Excellency’s perusal, the New York Papers of the 28th Utimo & the 1st and
                            3rd instant. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Very Hum. Servt

                            Thomas Durie
                            Dy Com. Prisrs


Title: To George Washington from John Hanson, 5 December 1781
From: Hanson, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia, December 5th 1781.

                        I am directed by Congress to inform your Excellency that you proceed to the exchange of Officers that are on
                            parole; for an equal number of our Officers who are Prisoners of War, Rank for Rank; and where that will not apply to
                            proceed by composition, as far as the enemy will agree, without exchanging Lieutenant Genl Earl Cornwallis. I have the
                            honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s Obedient & very humble Servt

                            John Hanson Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1781
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear General
                            Philadelphia Decr 5 1781

                        By the appointment of General Duportail to the office of Major General, I see that General Knox is greatly
                            hurt—Congress now make a difficulty in giving him the same rank—I have reason to believe that one line from your
                            Excellency would remove every objection—and be a means of retaining in service an officer, who if not now promoted, will
                            be lost to us—I have the honor to be with every sentiment of esteem your Excelly most obedient & humbl servant

                            B: Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 December 1781
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            My dear GeneralWar Office December 5. 1781.

                        In order that the British Prisoners may be kept with more safety than they have been by the Militia and to
                            correct that spirit of desertion which has taken place to a very great degree since the Capture of Cornwallis they are to
                            be removed from their present Cantonments to Lancaster where there are good Barracks picketted in.
                        I have to request that your Excellency will order one of the Continental Regiments to be cantonned in
                            Lancaster during the Winter to serve as a Guard to the Prisoners there—Their Cloathing shall follow them as soon as I can
                            obtain a Return of their Numbers. I have the Honour to be my dear General with the highest Esteem Yr Excellys most obedt
                            Servant

                            B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 5 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Skinner, Abraham

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 5th Decemr 1781.

                        You will proceed immediately to Elizabeth Town, and, agreeable to Mr Lorings proposal, endeavour to effect
                            the exchanges of such of our Officers as remain unreleased, for part of the British and Foreign lately taken at York in
                            Virginia.
                        Where a similarity of Rank will not apply, you will proceed, as usual, upon the modes of composition—with
                            this reserve only, that you are, in as delicate a manner as possible, to wave the exchange of Lord Cornwallis for the
                            present. Should the British Commissary refuse to enter upon the Business on account of the detention of Lord Cornwallis,
                            you will report to me, without loss of time.
                        General O’Hara, you will observe, is returned as a Brigadier only, when I am pretty confident, that he has
                            been announced in the New York papers as a Major General, by Sir Henry Clintons appointment. You will make the proper
                            enquiry into this matter.
                        There are sundry Officers and privates remaining prisoners in Canada, whose release I wish to effect, and for
                            which purpose I some time ago wrote to General Haldemin, proposing to him to send them to New York, that they might be
                            exchanged from thence—but I have received no answer. I would wish you to endeavour to fall upon some means of having them
                            included in the present business.
                        You will find among the prisoners of York and Gloucester. a number of persons who come under no military
                            description, but who are, by the capitulation, subjects of exchange. You may set them against any persons of the Class of
                            Citizens who may be in the hands of the enemy, or against our marine prisoners. I am Sir your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 6 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 6th Decemr 1781.

                        I am induced to mention a subject which has already occasioned many discussions. The situation of those Men
                            ought to be attended to, who, by the chance of War, are subjected to the authority of your Sovereign or mine. It is much
                            to be wished that all difficulties in Exchanges be obviated—the expences of maintaining prisoners liquidated—and
                            solid arrangements made to provide for them in future.
                        From a sincere desire to accomplish these objects, I will, upon receiving your Excellency’s approbation of
                            the plan, appoint Brigadier General Knox and Gouverneur Morris Esqr, on the part of the United States, to meet
                            Commissioner,s properly authorised by you, either at Elizabeth Town—upon Staten Island, or at any other place which may be
                            deemed mutually convenient.
                        You will find inclosed a passport for a Gentleman to proceed to Frederick Town and Winchester agreeable to
                            your Excellency’s request of the 30th of November. I have the honor to be with due Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient
                            and humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Moses Hazen, 6 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

                            Sir
                            Philada 6th Decemr 1781.

                        The destination of your Regiment for the Winter will be Lancaster in this State. You will therefore order it
                            to march thither by the shortest Route from the place where this may reach you. If it should be from Christiana Bridge or
                            Wilmington you will probably find Flour Waggons returning which will transport your Baggage upon easy terms unless you
                            have a sufficiency of public Waggons with you. You will upon your arrival at Lancaster, untill you receive more
                            particular orders, mount the necessary Guard over the prisoners of War.
                        You will either come forward to this place yourself or send one of your Officers with accurate Returns of the
                            Strength of the Regt that the secretary at War may from them give you a compleat supply of Cloathing, which I have the
                            pleasure to inform you we have now in our power to distribute to the brave and deserving soldiers. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from John Craig, 7 December 1781
From: Craig, John
To: Washington, George

                        May it Pleas Your Excellency

                            Fort Pitt 7th Decemr 1781

                        I adressed A Letter to Your Excellency Dated at Philadelphia 15th of April informing Your Excellency of my
                            being Ordered there by General Clarke for Ordnance Stores; after finishing that Business I Returned as
                            Expeditiously as Possible, and arrived at this Post with the Stores 24th of June, in hopes of finding the General Readey
                            to Prosceed with A Formidable Army on his Intended Enterprize, but to My great Mortification, found that his whole Force
                            did not Amount to five Hundreds fifty men, his Boats were not finished, A Considerable Quantity of Flour was Provided,
                            Beef Could not be Purchased with Paper Money, the General almost Dispearing of doing any thing of
                            Importance, but Still Determined to Attempt Something—he Ordered me instead of Seven Peices that were first intended to
                            take only three viz. our Royal Howitzer one Six Pd and one three Pd; with Propper Apperatus and
                            Amunition—on the 29th of July we Embarked, and Proceeded to Wheeling, where we Expected A Considerable Number of the
                            Militia would have joined us, we found only Eighteen Collected there, and the greater Part of those with us Determined to
                            go no further, Suspicious of being Carried too great a Distance from thier Famileys—the General Assured them he would
                            take them no farther than the Miami, and that he would Return with them before the Winter, but notwithstanding all his
                            Adress Several Parties Marched off—after waiting four days for the Westmoreland Militi. (our Numbers Decreasing every
                            hour) we Prosceeded to Middle Island, Soon after our arrival there, the General was informed by Express of Colonel
                            Lochereys arrival at Wheeling, with one Hundred & Eighteen of the Westmoreland Militi., and that he waited there
                            for Provisions Amunition and Boats, the General sent him Back A suply, togather with Instructions to follow us to the
                            Miami; within August 10th left Middle Island and without Halting at Miami Arrived at the Great Falls on the 18th, Our
                            little Army much Reduced Several Boat Crews of Militi. having Deserted—here it was Expected Seven Hundred of the
                            Kentuckey Militi. would have joined us, together with Part of two State Regiments, we were Still disapointed—it appeared
                            that not more than three Hundred & fifty Could be Raised and not Certain of that Number, also not Possible to
                            Assemble them in less time than one Month—the State Troops did not amount to one Hundred & fifty Men Almost
                            Naked—and they together with those we Carried with us one half were Sick—in this Situation were we untill the latter End
                            of Sept.—an expedition therefore Either up the Wabash or Miami became Impracticable—the General, finding that nothing
                            Offensive Could be done this Season Determined to Strengthen A Small irregular Fort Built the Presceeding Sumer at the
                            Falls, and Erect an other at the Mouth of Kentuckey, in Order to Secure the Provisions and Facilate the Opperations of an
                            Other Campaign—the Militi. were Called for this Duty—the Season being thus Advanced, and nothing further to be done in
                            which my Assistance became Necessary, I Applyed to General Clarke for Permission to Return with my Company and Guns to
                            this Place, which he with Reluctance Granted—I was informed it was impossible to March Artillery by
                            Land to Fort Pitt—I was therefore under the Necessity of Rebuilding an Old Boat to Carrey them, (the new Boats being too
                            Small) in which I was Employed till the 12th of Octr—on the 13th I Embarked and in Order to Conceal my Intentions from the
                            Enemy Sett off in the Night—in A few days by fresh Tracks on the Indian Shore I was Convinced the Enemy had Discovered
                            me—it then became Necessary to make as Formidable an appearence as Possible—my Force amounted to Eighty four men
                            (including A Party of Militi. that were Returning Home) on Board Seven Boats in one of which I had a three Pdr Mounted two
                            of my Boats were much incumbered with Sick and two Famileys that were Returning to Monongahala Settlement—I kept as
                            Strong A Party on the Virginia Shore as I Could Spare from working the Boats. I Ordered three Spies one half mile in Front
                            of the Boats one of Which was to keep the Bank of the River one at forty Yards distant the other fifty Yards further
                            moving Parelell and keeping Each other in View; and if Possible Discover any Ambuscade or Party of the Enemy that might be
                            Waiting for me, and in Order to Deceive the Enemy with Respect to My Strength or at least Lead them to believe my Party
                            was the Advance Part of An Army they had Expected up the Miami; I Fiered A Morning and Evning Gun and
                            at Night made as many Fiers as might Induce them to Believe my Force Amounted to five Hundred—this Stratagem had the
                            intended Effect it Prevented Small Partys from Anoying me and also the spies who had first Discovered
                            me, I imagined went up to they  to inform them of an Army Coming up the Miami—I was Confirmed in
                            this by their Tracti not being seen above that River, and on Considering that the Enemy on hearing
                            Cannon Fiered, would Conclude they were intended for their Countrey. Carreying Artillery to Fort Pitt against the Current
                            would appear to them verey improbible—after Passing Miami I moved as Expeditiously and as Silently as
                            Possible, untill I Reached  Sioto after which I was convinced the Enemy had not Pursued me but had
                            waited at some advantagous Place up the Miami—by this time my men were much Fatigued and Short of Provisions having taken
                            on Board only thirty days Flour it at the Falls Depending on the Hunting for Beef, which Brought in an insufficent Suply the near aproach of Winter Prevented my killing for that Purpose, but Continued my March
                            with unremiting Deligence, and Arrived at this Post (with the Loss of three men Drowned & one
                            Killed by Accident) on the 28th of November my Men almost Fatigued to Death having Rowed 705 Miles
                            against A Rappid Current—I Beg Your Excellencys Pardon for this Trespass of Your Patience—and Permit
                            me to Subscribe myself Your Excellencys Devoted Obedt Servt

                            J. Craig


Title: To George Washington from William Moore, 7 December 1781
From: Moore, William,Ewing, John
To: Washington, George

                            SirUniversity of Pennsylvania December the 7th 1781.

                        The Trustees and Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, deeply impressed with a sense of the many
                            important services you have rendered to America, happy in the protection which this seminary of learning, in common with
                            others, has obtained by your exertions, and elated with the pleasing prospect of the progress of science and the
                            establishment of peace and Independence, beg leave to testify their participation of the general joy that is felt by all
                            the friends of their country, on the capture of Lord Cornwallis and his army. Penetrated with the most lively sentiments
                            of gratitude to Heaven for the preservation of your important life, they feel an additional pleasure in the reflection,
                            that it has pleased the Most High, who superintends and directs the Counsels of States and Princes, to accomplish this
                            glorious event under the immediate auspices of Your Excellency, in conjunction with the United Counsels and forces of
                            America & France; an event which must tend to humble the pride of Britain, while it cements the union and
                            strengthens the affection of the confederate nations, and encircles with unfading glory the head of that Magnanimous
                            Prince, to whom we are so much indebted, and which will transmit to posterity with honor, the names of his intrepid
                            officers, particularly the Counts De Grasse and Rochambeau, who with distinguished wisdom alacrity, zeal and abilities,
                            have seconded the Wishes of their sovereign by uniting their exertions in the execution of Your Excellencys well concerted
                            and judicious plan.
                         By order, and in behalf of the Board of Trustees

                            Wm Moore President

                            In behalf of the Faculty

                            John Ewing Provost