Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 13 January 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

dear general
[c.13 January 1778]

I Schall make use in this particular instance of the liberty you gave me of telling freely every idea of mine which could strike me as not being useless to a better order of things.
There were two gentlemen, same rank, same duty to perform, and same neglect of it who have been arrested the same day by me—as I went in the night around the piquets I found them in fault, and I gave an account of it the next day to your excellency—you answered that I was much in wrong not to have had them relieved and arrested immediately—I objected that it was then very late for such a changement,

and that I did not know which was the rule in this army, but that the gentlemen should be arrested in that very moment—the last answer of your excellency has been, “they are to have a court martial, and you must give notice of it to the adjudant general”—therefore major nevill made two letters in order to arrest them, one for having been surprised in his post and the other, for the same cause and allowing his centrys to have fires which he could see in standing before the picquet. I give you my word of honor that there was not any exageration.
now I See in the orders the less guilty punished in a manner, much too severe indeed, and dismised from the service (it is among all the delicate minds deprived of his honor) when he was only to be severely reprimanded, and kept for some time under arrest—but it can be attributed to a very severe discipline.
what must I think of the same court when they unanimously acquit (it is to say that my accusation is not trüe) the officer who joins to the same fault, entirely the same, this of allowing his centrys to have fire in his own sight—for in every service being surprised or being found in the middle of his picquet without any challenging or stopping centry, as major nevil riding before me found him, is entirely the same thing—and mjor nevil riding before me when I was busy to make a centry pull off his fire, can swear that such was the case with that officer—he can do more than swearing, for he can give his word of honor—and I think that idea honor is the same in every country but the prejugées are not the same thing—for giving publickly the best of such a dispute (for here it becomes a trial for both parties) to an officer of the last military stage against one of the first, schould be looked on as an affront to the rank, and acquitting a man whom one other man accuses, looked upon as an affront to the person—it is the same in poland for count de pulaski was much affronted of the decision of a court martial entirely acquitting Colonel molens—however as I know the english costoms I am nothing else but surprised to see such a partiality in a court martial.
your excellency will certainly approuve my not arresting any officer for being brought before a court martial, for any neglect of duty, but when they will be robbers, or cowards, or when they will assassinate, in all when the[y] will deserve being cashiered or put to death.
give me leave, to tell your excellency how I am adverse to court martials—I know it is the english costom, and I believe it is a very bad one—it comes from theyr love of lawers, speakers, and of that black apparate of sentences, and judgements—but such is not the american temper, and I think this new army must pick up the good institutions, and leave the bad ones where ever they may be—in france an officer is arrested by his superior, who gives notice of it to the commanding officer, and then he is punished enough in being deprived of going out

of his room in time of peace, of doing his duty in time of war—no body knows of it but his comrades—when the fault is greater he is confined in a common room for prisonner officers and this is much more shamefull—notice of it is immediately given to the general officer who commands there—that goes too to the Kings minister who is to be reimplaced here by the commander in chief—in time of war it goes to the general in chief.
Soldiers are punished the same or next day by order of proper officers, and the right of punishing is proportionate to theyr ranks.
but when Both officers and soldiers have done something which deserves A more severe punishement, when theyr honor, or theyr life, or theyr liberty for more than a very short time is concerned, then a court martial meets, and the sentence is known—how will you let an unhappy soldier be confined several weeks, with men who are to be hanged, with spies, with the most horrid sort of people, and in the same time be lost for the duty, when they deserve only some lashes—then almost no proportion in the punishements.
how is it possible to carry a gentleman before a parcel of dreadful judges at the same place where an officer of the same rank has been just now cashiered, for a trifling neglect of his duty, for, I suppose, speaking to his next neighbour in a maneuvre, for going into a house to speack to a pretty girl, when the army is on his march and thousand other things—how is it possible to bring to the certainty of being cashiered, or dishonored, a young lad, who has made a considerable fault because he had a light head, a too great vivacity, when that young man would be perhaps in some years the best officer of the army, if he had been friendly reprimanded and arrested for some time, without any dishonor.
the law is alwaïs severe, and bring with it an eternal Shamefull mark—when the judges are partial as in this occasion, it is much worse, because they have the same inconveniences as law itself.
in court martials men are judged by theyr inferiors—how ⟨mutilated⟩ to discipline I do’nt want to say—the publication exposes men to ⟨mutilated⟩ despised by the least soldier—when men have been before a court martial they schould be or acquitted or dismissed—what do you think can be produced by the half conndemnation of a general officer—what necessity for all the soldiers, all the officers, to know that general maxwell has been prevented from doing [h]is duty by his being drunk. Where is the man who will not laugh at him if he is told by him you are a drunkard and is it right to ridicule a man repectable by his rank, because he drank two or three gills of rum.
there are my reasons against court martials, when there is not some considerable fault to punish—according to my affair I am sorry in seeing the less guilty being the only one punished however, I shall send to

court martials but for such a crimes, that there will be for the judges no way of indulgence and partiality. With the most tender respect I am Your excellency’s the most obedient servant

The mquis de lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel La Radière, 13 January 1778
From: La Radière, Louis-Guillaume-Servais des Hayes de
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir.
fiskill [N.Y.] 13 January 1778

A council called for fixing the place to be fortifyed on Hudson’s River has decided Last night that west point is the best place—this post is on the west Shore of the Nort River over against fort Constution Six mile Higher than fort Montgomery 8 mile below New Windsor. we will bar the River with a chain. this Council was called at my request. I have read before these gentlemen a Memorial Shewing the reasons for fortifying the Hill upon which the fort Clinton was in preference to west point. we were but two in the opinion for fortifying fort Clinton, and Seven four west point. we begin at present to provide all. If I can Spair time in two or three weeks I will rid to the Head quarter and give to your Excellency a Larger account of the Future Situation of this River when a fort will be constructed.
I make gal Du portail acquainted with the first reasons—for which I would have the fort Clinton repared, and with a little busïness which requests your decision. I am with the greatest respect Hoed Sir of your Excellency The most obedient and most humble Servant

La Radiere Colonel des Ingenieurs


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 13 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 13th Jany 1778.

This will be deliver’d to you by the Chevalier de Mauduit du Plessis, who was among the first French Officers that joined the Army of the United States—the gallant Conduct of this young Gentleman at Brandywine, German Town, and his distinguished Services at Fort Mercer, where he united the Offices of Engineer and Commandant of Artillery, entitle him to the particular notice of Congress—he made several judicious alterations in the works at Red bank—shew’d great good Conduct during the action in which the Hessians were repulsed—and was spoken of in consequence in terms of the highest applause by the Commanding Officer of the Post—after the evacuation was determined upon, he became the means of saving some valuable Artillery and Stores, and chearfully undertook as Volunteer the hazardous operation of blowing up the Magazine &ca without the apparatus usually provided upon such occasions—I must farther add in Mr Duplessis favour that he possesses a degree of Modesty not always found in men who have performed brilliant actions—It is with pleasure therefore that I recommend it to Congress to grant him a Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, a Reward due to his merit and which will not have the inconvenience of occasioning any dissatisfaction in the Corps to which he belongs—As some particular Circumstances have prevented Mr Duplessis waiting upon Congress sooner, I hope there will be no difficulty in antedating the Brevet, so that the Recompense may more immediately follow the Services which he has done—at the same time that there may not be any uneasiness on the part of Mr Fleury whom Congress has been pleased to reward in the same way, and as their times of Service are nearly equal in France, I would propose that Mr Duplessis Brevet should bear the same date, vizt the 26th November—I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


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

Dear Sir
Head Qrs Highlands [N.Y.] 13th Jany 1778

I am favd with yours of the 27th Ulto, and am happy to find that Your Excellency is Convinced, my Conduct has not been such as Represented by Col: Drake—I have ever paid the Utmost attention to the Protection of the Inhabitants; and am Vain enough to think, that they Conceive the Army to be as good Neighbours, as Col: Drake.
General Parsons has not Yet Return’d, Tho is soon expected; and till he arrives, I shall be forwarding the works as fast as possible.
I am sorry ’Tis not in my power to send you a Return of the Troops in this Department at present, some of the Militia sent by Govr Trumbull to cover the Frontiers of his State, being posted at and near the Sawpitts renders it Impossible—I shall however send to the officers to make an exact one Immediately, which I will Transmit Your Excellency before I leave this post.
Some of our parties of late have been pretty successfull: on new Years Night Col: Butler bro’t off four non commissiond Officers from below Fort Independance—The next day, the Enemy Detachd a party of thirty from Emericks Chassuers, under Lt Althouse (a Hessian Officer) to surprize a Small Militia Guard, posted at Wrights Mills; The Guard had Intelligence of their approach and made a Secure Retreat Althouse finding himself disappointed in his Object, endeavoured to Return without Delay—but a party of 17 Boat men from Tarry Town, under Capt: Buchanan, had Information of them, and (with an Equal number of Militia) Marchd to Intercept them—The partys met at Young’s when a skirmish ensued; the Enemy gave way, & fought on the Retreat several miles—our party pursued them, killd & Capturd the whole except two—our only loss was Capt. Buchanan & one man Wounded. In the mean time I had the Alarm, and Detachd several party’s different Routs, to Intercept them if Possible—One of 28 men Marchd Tucky Hoe Road, to Sawmill River, where they fell in with Capt. Barnes, a Subb. & 30, who came out as a Covering party for Althouse—and Tho’ our numbers were Inferior yet, after exchanging two or three Rounds, Capt. Barnes Surrenderd himself and party prisoners—Notwithstanding we were Continually Harrassing them, Yet this is the first party they have ever Trusted out of their Lines.
I wrote your Excellency some time sinse in which I mention’d, that the place agreed upon to Obstruct the navigation of Hudsons River, was at West Point—Previous to that, I had been with Governor Clinton, his Brother the French Engineer and several others, to view that place, it was the Opinion of all except the Frenchman, that it was the best, and only effectual on the River—he could not prefer any other

place, but thought it was nec[e]ssary to take more time to examine the ground &c., and it was near a month before we could have his opinion—which he at Length gave in Favor of Fort Clinton—This being Contrary to the Sentiments, & expectation of every Genl Officer, I was advisd to wait on the Council & assembly of this state, for a final Determination—They at my Request appointed a Committee for that purpose who have been this three days Reconnoitering the River; and have now Unanimously Determin’d in favor of W: Point.
I have directed the Engineers to Lay out the Fort Immediately—but he seemes greatly disgusted, that every thing does not go as he thinks proper, even if Contrary to the Judgment of every other person—In short he is an excellent paper Engineer, and I think it would be as well for us if he was employd wholly in that way—I am Confident if Congress could have found Business for him, with them, our Works, would have been as well Constructed & much more forward than they now are.
Genl Clinton & Col. had left New Windsor for a Day only, and because an Officer on Col: Duboys’s Quartr Guard did not make his Report to him, he Arrested him—The officer was totally Ignorant, of his Assuming the Command and even if he had known it, being on the Qr Guard of a Regt his Report should be made to the Officer Commanding the Regt.
The Quarters Masters Department is entirely out of Cash, & is 200,000 Dollars in Debt, If it has not a supply the works cannot be Carried on, with any expedition. I am Dr sir Your Mot Obedt Servt

Israel Putnam

P.S. The Inclosd is a Return of the Prisoners taken with Col: Webb.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 13 Jany 1778

Since writing to you this morning on the subject of the prize Brig Symetry, the Regulations of the Feild Officers of the division for conducting the Sale and disposing of the Cargo was laid before me with a letter from the Regimental Surgeons and Mates to Docr Cochran. These Gentlemen feel themselves so much hurt by the discrimination made by these Regulations between them and the Officers of the Division that they have sent in their Resignations.
As the common Guardian of the Rights of every Man in this Army I am constrained to interfere in this matter and to say that by the regulations a manifest injury is intended not only to the Gentlemen in the medical line, but to the whole Staff, who, provided the prize should be adjudged the sole property of the Captors, (a matter in my opinion not easily to be reconciled on principles of equity or reason) have undoubtedly as good a right to become purchasers in the first instance and to all other priviledges as any officers in the division.
For these Reasons therefore I desire that you will not proceed to a Sale or Distribution of any of the Articles except the Vessel till you have my further directions, and that you will as early as possible transmit me an inventory of the Baggage and Stores.
The letter to Congress is nevertheless to go on and you will please to forward it as speedily as possible.


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 14 January 1778
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir
Mount Vernon Jany 14th 1778

I am really ashamed of my long Silence: which has been owing altogether to the Want of Meterials worthy of communicating to you, the same Cause still subsists; but the Fear of your imputing my Silence to the Want of regard & respect; compels Me at present, to intrude a few Lines upon that short Moment, you are allowed by the Multiplicity of your Business, to devote to Freindship, and Society.
I am happy in informing you of the safe Delivery of my dear Nelly of a fine Daughter, both She and the Child are well—Nelly desires to be remember’d to you, in the most Affectionate Manner, and sincerely wishs you every Success.
I have lately disposed of my Estate in King & Queen, to a Mr Henry on the Eastern Shore for 5500£ ready Money; I do not think the Price so great as I had a right to expect, six Thousand Pounds was the sum I had fixt upon, but as Mr Henry’s was the only offer (excepting old Black’s) that was made to Me, I by the advice of Uncle Bassett accepted of It. I was induced to do It on another Account, the Assembly has laid an Assesment of 10/ on every Hundred pounds worth of Property in the State: The assesment of that House & Land would probably have been much higher than I have sold It for, and very Expensive as I could not live there, I therefore thought it best to sell immediately, and having

no immediate Occasion for the money, have diposited It in the Continental Loan Office where it will be useful both to my Country and Myself.
The Proceedings of our Assembly are kept more secret than the Congress. I have heard of Nothing certain but the Assesment, tho I beleive they have voted an indiscriminate Draught, of all single Men to fill up our regiments, so as to take the Feild early in the Spring, and that They have agreed to the Confederacy as proposed by Congress: Commissioners are appointed to meet others from Maryland, to settle the Jurisdiction of the Bay and Potowmack, viz. Colo. Mason Toms Lee & Mr Henry—This is all that I know of their Proceedings They did not break up for the Holy days and are still Sitting. They will I hope do a great Deal of Good, in this long Session.
I am afraid I shall not have the Pleasure of escorting Mamma to Camp, as She Proposes to set off so soon, Nelly will not be in such a Situation as I could leave Her, and My Toe is not recovered from an ugly Frost Bit I got some Time ago I will however do myself that Pleasure as soon as it is in my Power. I must now conclude with intreating you to beleive Me Yr most Affecte

J. P. Custis


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 14 January 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 14th Jany 1778.

Since the date of my last the 5th Inst. I have been honoured by the receipt of Your Excellency’s Several Letters of the 2d 4th 5th & 9th all which, together with Copy of a Letter to Major Genl Gates have been in course reported to Congress—a Sealed packet under Your Excellency’s direction to Genl Gates, I forwarded to day to Reading where I expect it will meet the Genl.
Your Excellency will find in the present Cover the under-mentioned Acts of Congress.
of the 8th Inst. Report of a Committee on the Convention of Saratoga, confirmed by Resolves of Congress, for suspending the embarkation of Lt Genl Burgoyne & his Troops.
6th Directing Genl Heath to order 1000 Bell Tents to be sent to the Army under Your Excellency’s Command.
13th for repeating the requisition to Genl Sr Wm Howe for passports for Vessels to transport Fuel & provision to Boston for the subsistence of Genl Burgoynes Army &ca.
10th for appointing a Committee of four Members of Congress & three Members of the Board of War, to concert with Your Excellency measures for the benefit of the Army &ca.
14th Accepting the offers of Service by Baron Stuben as a Volunteer in Your Excellency’s Army & inviting him to repair to Head Quarters.
I likewise inclose Copy of a Letter from Baron Stuben to Congress

together with Copies of three Letters recommendatory, in favour of that Officer.
The injunction of secrecy on the proceedings of Congress upon the Convention of Saratoga, is understood to be taken off, by an order for transmitting the report of the Committee & Subsequent Resolves to the Several States & one Copy through Genl Heath to Genl Burgoyne I find also the Subject is no longer treated with reserve.
In Consequence of your Excellency’s recommendation of Majr Clarke, Congress appointed him the 10th Inst. one of the Auditors of public Accounts in the Camp which I hope will be acceptable to him. I have the honour to be with the most respectful attachment &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 14 January 1778
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Manor of Livingston [N.Y.] 14th Jany 17[78]

I am honoured with your Excellency’s favour of the 27th Decr Inst. And am greatly obliged by your favourable mention of my brother. In my recommendation of him I was influenced more by my hope of rendering him further useful to his country, than by any partial desire of serving him, without having the most distant wish of engaging your Excellency in any promiss that might lead to a preferrence to which he is not justly entitled. since neither his interest or honor renders his continuance in the army necessary: his fortune puting him above the first, & the reputation he has already acquired together with your Excellency’s approbation fully satisfying the last. That I may not however seem to have been without warrant in my recommendation of him, I take the liberty to enclose your Excellency an extract from a Letter to him written under Genl Arnolds direction, by a gent: of his family, he being unable to hold the pen himself—After a warm recommendation of his conduct both in Camp, & the field, & giving him & his regiment a full share of the honour of the battle of the 19th Sepr, In which Genl Arnold not being present writes only from the report of those who

were. He adds—“On the 7th of Octr the conduct of your corps fell more immediately under the inspection of Genl Arnold. He thinks it but justice to you & them to observe that great part of our success on that day was owing to the gallant part they acted in storming the enimys works & the alertness and good order they observed in the pursuit.” I did not in my Letter to your Excellency allude to the dispute between Coll Courtland & Livingston having never interested myself further therein, than to endeavour to prevail with my brother to yeild up that preference to which I conceived Coll Courtlands seniority entitled him tho’ it might be in some measure superseded by the resolutions of Congress. But I ask your Excellencys pardon for permiting any thing of a private nature to trespass long upon that time which you generously devote to the publick, & will proceed to one of more general concern in which also, as an individual I am deeply interested. I mean the defence of this State, & the erection of works on Hudson river—I have seen your Excellency’s Letter on that subject to Govr Clinton—I wish the delicate situation in which he stands would have permitted him to have been more explicit in his answer which he has also communicated to me—This I conceive the general permission which your Excellency has given me to write my sentiments fully and the attention with which you have honoured my letters together with the losses which thro’ mismanagement I have already sustained in some measure intitle me to be.
The military arrangement in this department is far from being satisfactory. The Offices of Comy Quartermaster &c. are generally unsupplied with money. publick credit is stretched beyond all reasonable bounds, certificates which are the only cash of these several offices, have lost their credit, from ⟨the⟩ uncertain⟨ty⟩ & difficulty that attends their payment, & force alone affords a scanty supply to the army. This renders it impossible to lay up magazines, opens a wide door for frauds, and is attended with the most mischievous effects upon husbandry & the temper of the people—I learn by a Letter from Mr Lee the demands of the southern army—no great quantity of Cattle are raised in this State, except in the county of West Chester from whence the enemy draw considerable supplies, tho’ nothing would be easier than to cover it from their depredations & to supply our army at Peeks Kill from it. Flour may be procured when the Commissaries are properly supplied with money & their whole attention turned to the business of their department—It would be happy for us if those engaged in the civil departments of the army were bound by an oath not to engage in trade—But I am wandering from my Subject. Your Excellency is fully impressed with the importance of fortifying Hudsons river, the want of men & money must make this work go on heavily, or indeed by leaving

it unfinished waste what shall be expended. You will see the necessity of pressing Congress for supplies of both, more especialy of the last—I would submit it to your Excellency whether it would not [be] more adviseable to select a body of the ablest men out of the several regiments at Peeks Kill, to carry on the works, allowing them additional pay as a compensation for their labour & the wear of their cloaths, than to work in the ordinary way—Might not the troops stationed at Albany also be drawn down to that post, or part of them at least.
Your Excellency is not ignorant of the extent of Genl Putnams capacity, & diligence, & how well soever these may qualify him for the management of this work & most important command—the prejudices to which his imprudent Lenity to the disaffected, & too great intercourse with the enimy have given rise have greatly injured his influence—How far the loss of fort Montgomerry and the subsequent ravages of the enimy are to be imputed to him, I will not venture to say, as this will necessarily be determined by a court of inquiry whose determinations I would not anticipate—Unfortunately for him the current of popular opinions in this, & the neighbouring States, & as far as I can learn in the troops under his command, runs strongly against him. For my own part I respect his bravery, & former services, & sincerely lament that his patriotizm, will not suffer him to take that repose to which his advanced age & past services, justly entitle him. Your Excellency sees the necessity of spirit & activity in this department, of an officer who in a fertile genius can find resources against the multiplied wants of this situation. Cannon should be procured & the forges set at work in making a chain—12 or 14 12 pounders may be obtained at Salisbury fornace—Carriages shd be prepared. In short Sir unless we make use of the present moment, the well affected will be unwilling to remain in this State next Summer.
Having drawn this out to a most unreasonable length, I must thro’ fear of trespassing upon your ⟨mutilated⟩ defer some other matters upon which I propose writing to your Excellency—In the mean while I flatter myself that your Excellency will not only excuse but consider the freedom with which this is written as a new proof of the confidence I have ever found myself inclined to repose in your Excellency, & which you have so frequently encouraged, as to persuade me that I run no other hazard of speaking freely of men & measures, than that of some times trying your Excellencys patience.
We have various accs. of their being in great dread of an unwelcome visit at New York during this winter. I suppose their apprehentions will be some what allayed by the arrival of the 71st & three Hessian regiments which have lately got in from Philadelphia. I have the honor

to be With the greatest respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Obt Hum: Servt

Robt R. Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Palfrey, 14 January 1778
From: Palfrey, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
York Town [Pa.] 14 Jany 1778

The Committee of Congress who are appointed to attend at the Camp on Business will acquaint your Excellency with the Reason of my Detention here—Give me leave to assure you I have not been idle—

I have the pleasure to acquaint you two Auditors are now appointed, and I flatter myself the Accounts of the Army will soon be properly adjusted. Mr Clarkson is a Gentleman well acquainted with Business, and Major Clark is very Sensible and Active.
A Supply of Cash could not be got ready ’till the beginning of next Week, and the Treasury Board desire me to stay and see it forwarded—Indeed I should not meet a hearty welcome at Camp without it. I fear the supply will not be adequate to the demands but I am promis’d that more shall speedily follow.
The Congress have been pleas’d to Order that Mr Trumbull shall take the Peek’s Kill Department under his direction, and that my Deputy shall pay the Troops up to the 31st of December last. It is necessary they should have the earliest intelligence of this, therefore I must pray the favor of your Excellency to order the inclos’d to be forwarded, either by the first Express or by the Post. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most obedt Servant

Wm Palfrey


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Potter, 14 January 1778
From: Potter, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Graham park [Pa.] Januy 14th 1778

I Recived your favor of the 12th Instant I will do every thing in my Power to put a stop to Carring provision into the City the passes that have been Given I have sent you enclosed a Copey of one of them which has passed Mrs Larrans Sarvant in with Sundrey waggan-Loads if I am not wrong Informed.
I would Inform your Excellency that there is a quenty of Buckskin and Britches in Germentown and the⟨y⟩ send som of the Britches to the City for seal there is a Number Stock an Lomes there, Querey would it

not be Better to move these Lomes to some place of safty where they Might be imployed for us.
the Councal has appointed Col. Lancey to be a Brigadier and to Releve me I hope to see your excellency on mondey nixt, this day Baron de Bose maid his Escap from the City, he has Been unfortunat in falling in to the hands of the enemy he is now Safe and will present these Lines to you. I am your Excely Most obedant Humble Servant

Ja’s Potter


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

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 14th January 1778

Your Letter of the 9th Instant was deliver’d to me yesterday—and I immediately acquainted the Forage Master General with such parts of it as related to his Department—if proper Magazines for the Subsistence of the Cavalry cannot be formed at Trenton, this is an insurmountable obstacle to their quartering there, and they must of necessity be removed to Flemingtown or some other convenient place in that neighborhood—where the proper supplies can be obtained—but if the only objection to Trenton be a little difficulty that may at first occur in procuring the most desirable Quarters for the Officers and men, I would not have any time lost in seeking farther—the Barracks and the Town together will certainly furnish ample Quarters for the Galleymen and the Cavalry—the latter may with more propriety be billeted on the Inhabitants in order to have their horses immediately under their eye.
As so much has been said of the Character and abilities of Mr Crovatch,

I have no objection to his being engaged in the Capacity of Exercise Master for a few Months—at the same time I must caution you against a fondness for introducing foreigners into the Service, their ignorance of the Language of the Country and of the genius and manners of the people, frequently occasion difficulties and disgusts which we should not run the risque of, unless it be in favour of extraordinary Talents and good qualities—I shall give orders to the Quarter Master to employ the Armourer at Easton for the Service of the Cavalry, provided he has not been previously engaged in any other way by the Commissary of Military Stores.
I must postpone any decision with respect to the horses, until the arrival of the Committee of Congress—as I am in daily expectation of those Gentlemen, I hope you will not be long kept in Suspense—if you can in the mean time, engage the Owners to keep their horses on the Spot, you will take every proper Step for that purpose—I have no objection to your making Trial of the Abilities of Mr Betkin as Brigade Major for the present—it will soon be discover’d whether he is equal to the Office—I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 14 January 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Camp near Valley Forge Jany 14th 78

As Genl Weedon and I have consulted together with regard to the Arrangement of the Army &c., I would not wish to trouble Your Excellency with reading over the same thing a second time—I approve of every thing he has wrote on that head and refer you to his letter, with this addition, That our light Corps be augmented to at least, One thousand men, Half of which should be Riflemen and the other half Musqueteers, All chosen men, and under the command of Officers of known Bravery, without paying any Attention to Seniority or States. One hundred horsemen of the same Stamp should be annex’d to, and do duty with this Corps. As much is to be expected of these troops the greatest Care should be taken in the choice of the Officers.
Instead of printed Furloughs, I would recommend Regimental Seals for furloughs, discharges, &c. This would prevent any deception.

In order to prevent the Soldiers selling their Cloths I could wish the Buttons might be number’d with the Regiment they belong to—I have the honor to be Your Excellencys obt Servt

Chs Scott


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

Letter not found: to Maj. Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 Jan. 1778. John Laurens docketed Tallmadge’s letter to GW of 12 Jan.: “answd 14th Ref. for particulars to C[olone]l Pulaski.”


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 January 1778
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

Sr
Hartford [Conn.] Janry 14th A.D. 1778

I am Honored with your Letters of the 15th & 29th Ultimo The Genl Assembly of this State convened at this place the 8th Instant the Latter of yours came to hand on the 10th and was Laid before them The Deficiencies in our Regimts will meet the attention it’s Importance demands Expediency and Necessity require Early and vigorous meas[ur]es Should be adopted to compleat them to their full compliment not only from this but also from the other States. Our unremitting Foes will Strain every nerve in the manner you mention It is Ardently to be wished that every necessary preparation be made to Strike a home blow before they can be reinforced Such a Stroke would give the Best relief to the Sufferings of the army For them I have very tender feelings Att the Same time Sir I feel most cordially for the Weight & burdens Lying on your Excellency—The matter of Innoculating will be attended to—It Affords me pleasure to find our Exertions to relieve the Distresses of our Soldiers for cloathing hath met wth So much Success—Perticular attention will be given on that head in future—The Time is come when they will claim a new Suit By my last you was informed of our Sending Collo. Jos: Trumbull to purchase cloathing at the Eastward He found that Messrs Otis and Androus within a few Days before his coming to Boston recd a commission from Mr Mease and Instructions from Congress and from him to purchase all the cloathing in that part of the world for the Immediate use of the Continental army wth all possible dispatch with them he agreed not to interfere or attempt purchasing and that Govr Trumbull Should write them requesting a quantity Such as their Proportion of men in the army and Engage to Get them made and transported to the army and Deliver them to Mr

Mease or dispose of them to our troops by order of your Excellency taking proper rects therfor on which they would Deliver him the goods—I Did accordingly to Expedite the business—and the Cloathing is come to hand Such as is fit for Immediate use Viz. Blankets Stockings Shoes Shirts hats caps &ca will be Sent on to your head Quarters with all convenient dispatch—Those that are to be made up will be put into hands of Taylors—I have thot it best that officers from each Regimt might have orders to take care of the Matter and that the head workman Should be put under oath to see the Same faithfully Executed Brigr Genl Parsons is now at this place with whome I Shall consult for the better Effecting it—I fancy there are a number of Taylors who are Soldiers in the army might be Employed in this business—In Consequence I have to request your Direction and orders that this cloathing may be Delivered to the Soldiers of this State with advice of the best mode of Doing it—A Genl Excha. of Prisoners is Expected to take place this winter—a thing very desirable and Doubt not your Endeavors for it On this head a Letter is Addresed to the Honble Congress Shewing the opinion of this State that it is better to comply with Genll Hows unreasonable demands than Suffer our Distressed Soldiers to remain in their miserable and perishing Scituation without hope of Relief—That this Delay of Exchange hath an unhappy Influence to prevent Inlistments into the Continentall army none can Doubt—Enclosed is Copy of a Letter from Govr Cook Dated the 10th Instt which is tho’t best to Communicate.
Wishing you the compliments of the Season—Your health & Support under the burdens of your Important Command and Success in Every future Enterprize with wisdom and Protection from above I am Sr with Great Esteem and Regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and very Humble Servt

Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 15 January 1778
From: Craig, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
German Town [Pa.] 15th Janry 78

I have thought it my duty to forward to Head Quarters a Certain Hofman Lowrey—that has under the character of beeing one of my horseman robd a number of Poor people—Takes provisions from the poor and Sel’s it for hard money to others. This man and two others have kept up this trade for some time past. I have Delay’d sendg him in expectation of takeing the others It is not in my power to Discharge the duty of an Officer on this post at present. The Militia run away on the Least alarm And the Country people keep going to Markett constantly.

Genl Potter with his Militia Talk very Largely at a Distance. I have been very much Exposed for some time past.
The enemy will make a push in the Country very Shortly. And I expect to be left alone with what few horse I have—one Compy of Rifle men Together with what horse I have will be of much more service on this post than All the Militia—I am with the Greatest regard and esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obt servt

Chs Craig


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Ellis, 15 January 1778
From: Ellis, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Haddonfield [N.J.] Jany 15 1778

As I was appointed by Governor Livingston, to the Command of General Newcomb’s Brigade, I thought it my duty to acquaint Your Exellency with the State of the Militia under my Command—There is about five hundred at this time out in Service, wch has in general proved a sufficient force to prevent any trade or Intercourse between this country & the city of Philada—But we have not in other respects been as serviceable to the States, as we might, had we been provided with means for that purpose—we are at present destitute of Ammunition, & my application to our Governor for a supply, hath not yet had the desired effect—Had we been possessed of a couple of field pieces, several of the Enemies Vessels must inevitably have fallen into our hands, more than has—& we should have been able to have covered & saved the Guns of the State Fleet, on board the wrecks, wch the Enemy now have in part destroyed—Have received orders from His Exellency Govr Livingston to remove all Stock in the Co[unt]ys of Burlington, Gloster & Salem, to some distance from the Shore Should be happy in executing those orders, but at this season of the year, find it will be attended with the greatest difficulty on account of Provender—we labour under many inconveniences in consequence of having no officers in the staff department & If your Exellency would condescend to point out a mode to remove any, or all those difficulties, wch at present obstruct our usefulness, it should be gratefully received, & strictly attended to by Your Exellency’s most obdt hbble Servt

Jos: Ellis


Title: To George Washington from Archibald Kennedy, 15 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Kennedy, Archibald Jr.
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from Archibald Kennedy, Jr., 15 Jan. 1778. GW wrote Kennedy on 20 Jan. 1778: “I received yours of the 15th last Evening.”


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 15 January 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morris Town [N.J.] 15th Janry 1778

From Intelligence which I believe may be relied on, great Quantities of Provisions are carried into Philadelphia by the way of Coopers Ferry. I have given the stricktest orders against suffering this infamous Practice, both to the civil & military officers, in those parts. But I fear Sir, that

without your Interference, it will not be suppressed. I have the Honor to be with great Respect your Excellency’s most humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from the Rhode Island Council of War, 15 January 1778
From: Rhode Island Council of War
To: Washington, George

State of Rhode-Island &c.In Council of War. Providence January 15th 1778.
Sir.

We had the Honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 29th Ultimo, inclosing a return of the Rhode Island Regiments; it gives us very sensible Pain, when we consider the deficiency in our Battalions, and how impracticable it is for us at present to remedy it. We have ever esteemed it of the highest and most important consequence to have the Continental Battalions compleat, for which Purpose we have exerted our utmost abilities in order to effect it, but the Measures have proved abortive. The Reason is obvious, for in Decr 1776 the Enemy took possession of about one Third part of our little State, with a very strong Naval and Land force, fixed themselves in the center of our Country, which obliged us immediately to take measures for securing that Part which remained in our Possession, for which Purpose, two Regiments of Infantry and one Regiment of Artillery were by the General Assembly Voted to be raised to serve 15 Months, in order to give some respite to the Militia. In January last a Committee from the four New England States convened here, in order to point out some effectual Measures for preventing the Enemys making further progress in the New England States, and recommended to their several Legislatures that it was absolutely necessary that a Body of Six Thousand Men should be kept up for that Purpose, for so long Time as the Enemy should remain in Possession of Rhode-Island; none of the New England States furnished the Quota assigned them save New Hampshire a few Months; which obliged us great part of the Time since that Period to call forth one half part of all the fencible Men in the State; at Times when we thought ourselves in less danger a Quarter part, which entirely prevented the filling our Continental-Battalions, and altho’ the Enemy were in force at Rhode-Island, we were by our repeated exertions enabled to furnish near One Thousand Men for our Continental Battalions.

The Militia have been called forth to serve for short Periods in order that their Husbandry might not be quite neglected, which obliged us to make frequent Payments to them, and other demands for the support of Government, exhausted our Treasury in such a manner that we were not able to purchase Vessels & Cargoes in the neighbouring States to send to foreign Markets for Cloths—Our Manufactories being very small, and our own Ports intirely shut up, has made it extreme difficult, for to procure the necessary Cloathing for our Battalions.
We have taken the greatest pains, and the utmost diligence has been used in order to procure Cloathing—And we were able Yesterday to send forward One Thousand pair of Stockings, Three Hundred & Two Shirts, Fifty Coats, One Hundred pair of Breeches, Four Hundred & Seventy Three pair of Shoes, & Seventy Two Hatts for the use of our Two Battalions.
The Enemy are still very formidable at Rhode-Island Lord Howe with Nine Sail of the Line, Twenty Frigates & Sloops of War, with One Hundred & Eighty Transports are in the Harbor of Newport and the Narragenset-Bay. We have intelligence that a Body of their best Men are selected out for some Expedition—that we are daily in expectation of being Attacked, and are in a miserable Condition for defence. We think we have been rather neglected when so considerable a part of the Enemy are in possession of part of our State & our Continental Battalions called away.
By the failure of the late intended Expedition against Rhode-Island the General who commands here hath so far lost the confidence of the People, that but little can be expected from his future Services in this State.
We shall at all Times chearfully contribute to the utmost of our Abilities in the general defence of the United States, & should be very happy if it was in our power to immediately fill up our Continental Battalions. We have sent forward this Day by Lt Chapin of Col. Sherburnes Regiment Eight recruits well Cloathed.
We have appointed in each Town within this State one or more Persons for the purpose of recruiting and apprehending Deserters whereby the Body has become so numerous, that it is needless to trouble your Excellency with a list of the Names, any concern respecting thereto addressed to the Council of War will be strictly attended to. We are with great Esteem & Respect your Excellency’s most Obedt hble Servts

Signed in behalf of the Council of WarNichs Cooke


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Walter Stewart, 15 January 1778
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

Sir
Two Miles from Graham Park [Pa.] Jany 15th 1778

I Arriv’d with my party at this place last Night, but have been Oblig’d to halt this day as well for to get my men provisions as to Consult with General Potter Col. Stewart &ca Concerning the manner in which we should proceed in driving off the Stock between the Enemy’s Lines and the River Delaware. We have Concluded it is not worth while beginning nearer to Philada than Eight Miles, as the Country below that is quite Exhausted. the Number of Malitia I shall have from Genl Potter will be about Two Hundred which Imagine only necessary for the two first days, as the distance we shall then be from Town will not require a greater Force than that I brought with me.
I shall Inform your Excellency from time to time of our Proceedings & have the Honour to be with great respect Yr Excellencys Most Obedt Hhble servt.


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

Head Quarters V. Forge Friday Jany 16th 1778.
ArlingtonAlbany—Andover.

A Flag will soon go to the Enemies Lines, those Persons who have any things to send to our Prisoners there must have them at the Commissary Genl of Prisoner’s Quarters by next saturday afternoon.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 16 January 1778
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] 16th January 1778

I was Honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th December inclosing a Return of Colonels Livingston & Cortlandt’s Regiments

some Days since—The Contents whereof I have communicated to the Legislature of this State now sitting at this Place & have most earnestly recommended them to their immediate Consideration. I have the Honor to be with the most perfect Regard & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

Geo. Clinton

P.S. I am informed by Genl Putnam that the West Point is the Place fixt on for fortifying in the Highlands which I believe to be the best for the Purpose.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, 16 January 1778
From: Hay, Ann Hawkes
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Camp Valley ForgeJanuary 16th 1778

The disagreable Situation to which I am reduced by the Ravages of the British Troops, will I hope sufficiently apologize for my troubling your Excellency with this Memorial to inform you, that I was appointed a Deputy Commissary under the late Commissary Trumbull and acted in that Department till he resigned, with his Resignation my appointment ceased of Course, being at a Distance from the Army and having no Knowledge or Acquaintance with the present Commissary, I was not continued in Office by him nor did I make any application to him for that Purpose, living in a part of the Country which was in Danger of being invaded, and having the command of a Regiment of Militia, I thought I might better serve my Country by remaining there than by seeking a Post which might call me from my Regiment and leave that part of the Country exposed—I therefore remained there till the Enimy landed at Kings Ferry on the 12th of October last—when having no Force sufficient to make head against them, and not receiving any support from the Army stationed at Peeks Kill, I was oblidged to retire before the British Troops, who Immediately set fire to, and consumed my House, Barn, Stables, Hay, Grain, and Flax with a Number of Valuable Articles which were in the House.
This Misfortune has reduced my Family to such a disagreable Situation as lays me under a Necessity of intreating your Excellency’s influence in procuring me some Post in the Commissary’s or some other Department, whereby I may be enabled to provide for my Family and do the most Essential Service to my Country. I am with great Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt Humble servt

A. Hawkes Hay


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Nourse, 16 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Nourse, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Joseph Nourse, 16 Jan. 1778. GW wrote Richard Peters on 24–25 Jan. that he had received a letter “of Mr Nourse of the 16th.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Sir
Valley forge January 16 1778

Three days ago I received your favor of the 2⟨9th⟩ Ulto. I had heard before of Colo. Webbs misfortune through various channels and by Letter from himself; and hav⟨ing⟩ written to him fully upon his request to be exchan⟨ged,⟩ it is unnecessa[r]y to enlarge upon the subject. I shall therefore briefly observe, that I could not consent to it, without doing injury to the Officers who have been much longer in captivity, and subjecting myself to a charge of injustice and partiality.
I am sorry to find you have thoughts of leaving the Army. I hope you will consider the matter well and the consequences which such a procedure may involve. Besides the loss of your own services, the example might have a disagreable influence on other Officers. The discontent prevailing in the Army from various causes has become but too prevalent, and I fear unless some measures can be adopted to render the situation of the Officers more comfortable than what it has been for some time past, that it will increase. The depreciation of our Money—the difficulty of procu⟨ring⟩ necessaries and the exorbitant prices they are oblig⟨ed⟩ to pay for ’em, when they can be had, are among ⟨the⟩ causes of disatisfaction. Whatever your determination may be, I am persuaded you will not remain a⟨n⟩ idle Spectator, or be wanting in your exertions to promo⟨te⟩ the Cause. If you persevere in your wishes to ⟨r⟩etire, you must apply to Congress, as they only can give you permission.
I wrote some days ago to Govr Trumbul ⟨r⟩especting the deficiency in the Quotas of men which ⟨o⟩ught to be furnished by the States, and of the necessity ⟨of fi⟩lling them. From the polite and obligeing attenti⟨on⟩ which the State of Connecticut have ever had to my representations and their earnest desire to promote the service, I am encouraged to hope, that they will pursue every measure in their power that will contribute to that end. While you are ⟨at⟩ Hartford you will do well to throw your weig⟨ht in⟩to the Scale, being persuaded that our Success⟨es the⟩ next Campaign will depend much upon o⟨ur ea⟩rly operations, and on our taking the Field with ⟨a⟩ respectable force. I am Dr Sir with esteem & regard Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 16 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 16 Jan. 1778. In a letter to GW of 18 Feb., Lund Washington refers to “your Letter of the 16th of jany.”


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

Head-Quarters V. Forge Saturday Jany 17. 1778.
BuckinghamBoston. Brentwood.

Thomas Bradford Esquire is appointed Deputy Commissary General of Prisoners. His Quarters are at Mr David Havard’s the next house to the Marquis de-la-Fayettes.
The Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades are to meet this evening at Genl Varnum’s Quarters to consult and agree upon proper & speedy measures to exchange raw-hides for shoes; They will as soon as possible critically review & examine into the State and condition of the Arms in their respective Brigades; get those out of repair put in order as soon as possible and consult upon the most speedy method of procuring a sufficient number of proper sized Bayonets to supply the deficiency thereof: The General desires that they will likewise agree upon the most proper and speedy measure to have all the Officers in their Brigades furnish’d with half Pikes agreeable to the General Order of the 22nd of December last.


Title: From George Washington to Bartrem Galbraith, 17 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Galbraith, Bartrem

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 17th Jany 1778

Mr William Smith, is employed in the Continental Service as Deputy Waggon Master—Josiah Kittara as Waggon Conductor—Wm Smith Junior as Sub Conductor—and Thomas Edwards and Amos Evans as Waggoners—the Certificates of their being attached to the Continental Army in these Capacities will be deliver’d to you by Mr Wm Smith who goes in behalf of the rest—and as it cannot be the intention of the Legislature to treat persons of this description in the light of Delinquents—I have no doubt that upon receipt of this you will acquit them from the Fines to which they have hitherto been consider’d as subject under the Militia-Act—I am Sir Your humble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thaddeus Kosciuszko, 17 January 1778
From: Kosciuszko, Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Andrzej Bonawentura
To: Washington, George

Sir
albany 17 Janury 1778

I begin my Letter to beg your Protection for me and my Country man Mr Zielinski if his side is right as he informed me; But if it is not, tell him Sir that he had better return to his Country, than make confusion to me and others, I should be very sorry to see him Conduct bad in this Country.
I beg more of your favour Sir to have me always under your Command and believe my Sincere attachement to you and that I am Sir with respect your Most Humble Serve⟨nt⟩

Thad: Kosciuszko


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 17 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 17th Jany [1778]

I have received your favor of this morning containing an extract of a Letter written by Colonel Ramsey on behalf of the Field Officers at Wilmington—their Apology Sir is sufficient to do away every thing disagreeable that has past on the subject, and to induce me to attribute their incautious expressions to the causes which they mention.
You will communicate this to the Gentlemen by the first convenient opportunity and believe me to be Dr Sir Your most obedt Servt.


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

Connecticutt—Concord. Conway.
Head-Quarters V. Forge Sunday Jany 18. 1778.

At a Brigade Court-Martial held 12th instant whereof Lt Coll Harmer was President, Ensign Foster of 6th Pennsylvania Regiment having been found guilty of challenging Captn Cruise and behaving unbecoming

the Character of an Officer and a Gentleman was sentenced to be discharged from the service.
The Commander in Chief in Conformity to the Articles of War approves the above sentence, but in consideration of Circumstances is pleased to restore Ensign Foster to his former Rank; At the same time He is sorry to observe that the dispute between the parties arose from a cause and was conducted in a manner that does neither of them much honor.
As the Army is now in all probability stationary for the remainder of the winter it is necessary that the departments for supplying it with Provision & Forage should be put upon such a footing that as few delays and difficulties as possible may happen; In order to do this more effectually the most exact arrangment and disposition should be made of all the Waggons and horses employ’d in the service: The Commander in Chief therefore orders that all private Waggons and horses annexed either to Regiments or employed by Brigade Commissaries shall be delivered up on Monday and Tuesday next to the Quarter Master General at the Field next beyond the Adjutant General’s Office—Those belonging to the first line on Monday and those belonging to the second line and the Artillery on Tuesday; and on Wednesday and Thirsday next all the Waggons and horses the property of the United-States annexed to the different Regiments or employ’d by the Commissaries of Brigades are also to be delivered up to the Quarter-Master General at the place and in the manner above directed; The whole to be then arranged and appropriated in such manner as the Quarter-Master and Forage Master General shall judge best calculated to supply the Army with Forage and Fuel and to perform other Camp Duties. A sufficient number of Waggons will be immediately returned to the Brigades for the service of the Camp while a more compleat Arrangment is making.
It having been represented by the Qr Master-General that a great number of saddle horses have been drawn at different times by Officers, Quarter Masters Commissaries and Waggon-Masters for various services and never returned; The Commander in Chief expressly orders that such be return’d to the Quarter-Master General upon the day and at the place before mentioned, when he will allow such to retain them as appear to have a real necessity from their occupations, for their service.
A General Council of the Brigadier Generals and Officers commanding Brigades, in Obedience to yesterday’s orders have reported as follows.
1st That the Commissaries of the respective Brigades retain their hides, subject to the disposal of the Brigadier giving an account from time to time to the Commissary of hides.

That the Brigadiers for the present exigency send an Officer from each Brigade into the Country to exchange hides for shoes; Hide @ 4ds. pr pound for Shoes at 10/ pr pair; that the expence be defrayed by a draught upon the Quarter Master-General—That the Commanding Officers of Regiments give receipts to their respective Brigadiers who will deliver the same to the Clothier General.
Second. That those Brigades which are furnish’d with Armourers & Tools have the Bayonets made in the Brigades; and that those who cannot procure Armourers & Tools purchase Bayonets from the Country Artificers in the best manner possible.
Third, That the Quarter Master General be directed to cause Espontons or Pikes made for the Officers, the Staff six feet and one half in length, and one inch and a quarter diameter in the largest part and that the iron part be one foot long.
The Commander in Chief accepts & approves the above Report and orders it to take place in every respect.
At a division Court Martial 15th instant whereof Lt Coll Ballard was President Captn Lamberth of 14th Virginia Regt tryed for stealing a hat from Captn Allis was found guilty and unanimously sentenced to be cashiered, & deemed scandalous in an officer to associate with him in future, and that his Crime, Name, Place of Abode and punishment be publish’d in and about Camp and in the News Papers of every State, particularly the State he belongs to, and that he pay Captn Ellis thirty dollars for the hat he stole of him, also the expences of the witnesses against him, and the expences of an express sent for the Witnesses which shall be paid before he is released from his confinement.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately.


Title: Circular to Brigadiers of the Virginia Line, 18 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Brigadiers of the Virginia Line

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

As the time of service of part of the Virginia Troops has already expired, and many more will shortly petition for discharges upon the same claim; It will be necessary for the Brigadiers, and Commandants in that Line, to meet, and come to some determination with respect to the mode of doing it. I have therefore to request that you will take such steps, and precaution, as will put it out of the Power of any man to obtain dismission, who is not justly entitled to it, & that you will look forward to the number of Troops that will remain, and the officers necessary to Command them. I am Sir Your most Obet hum. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Ellis, 18 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Ellis, Joseph

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 18th Jany 1778

I am glad to hear, by yours of the 15th instant, that you have been appointed to the Command of the Brigade late Newcombs. From the Character given of you by Genl Green, I have every reason to expect that nothing will be wanting on your part to excite a proper spirit among the people, and to give the most effectual opposition to any parties of the Enemy who may attempt to ravage your Coast. If the State has no Ammunition belonging to it, you must send an Officer to me, with an account of the Quantity wanting, and I will supply you. I think when the Army came from Morris Town, we left two Iron four pounders there belonging to Jersey. You will therefore send an Officer to inquire for them and to bring them down to you if he finds them there. But lest they should have been removed I inclose you an order on the Commissary of Military Stores at Allen Town in Northampton County for two Iron four pounders with fixed Ammunition for them. You should inquire what is done with the light Iron Guns that were removed from Red Bank, if you can find any of them that will suit you, you had better get two of them fitted up and only send for the fixed Ammunition to suit them from Allen Town. this will save much trouble.
Altho it will be inconvenient to the Inhabitants of Burlington, Gloucester and Salem to remove their Stock back, I would still have you do it as effectually as possible, or the Enemy will certainly make a sweep of them one day or another. What are proper for Beef the Commissaries

will take off their hands and for the others I should think it would be in the power of every farmer to carry back some forrage for them.
I have nothing to do with the appointment of the Staff in the Militia more than of any other Officers, and therefore cannot interfere. I should suppose you had better yourself appoint persons who are suitable and get them confirmed by the Governor. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Fleury, 18–20 January 1778
From: Fleury, François-Louis Teissèdre de
To: Washington, George

Burlington [N.J., 18–] 20. January 1778.

Observations Made at Cooper’s ferry. the 18. january. 1778.
situation of the River.
The River Delaware which is frozen at trenton, is not such opposite to philadelphia; the Current being very free, the ferry boat goes & Comes back every day. (that i have seen myself). But the boats Can not Land in any other place, than the wharf of kings-point, & the two of Cooper’s ferry. all the Remainder of the shore is incumbred with ice, half floating, half fasten’d to the shore, in such manner, that neither boats, nor men Can Land.
Batterys.
the nearest place, to the enemy fleet, is king’s point. twenty eight bigg trade ships lay together, Below, the windmill iland, & opposite to the old fort, about 1000 yards from the jersey shore. as the king’s point’s wharf is very narrow, only one eighteen poundr Can be placed upon; but two others, can be advantageously in the shore twenty yards behind.
the both parapets, by taking Caution, to have fascines & gabions Ready, can be done canon move, in one night.
one mortar, or howyzt, to throw Carcasses, or shells, would be more useful; if they were possible to be had.
N.B. the Canon of the galleys is on shore, near burdentown, & the Commodore haselwood has told me, that he has send above trenton two field eighteen pdr Carriages.

Coll ellys, who Commands the militia at hadden field, think that he Could, defend the batery in time of ice, as it is now, with his militiamen.
if the enemy would attempt to attack the battery by landing, & that we think not, to can Repulse them; it would be easy to Caray back the guns & secure them, to the other side of Cooper’s creek; by taking the bridge way. (it is only of boards.)
one big brick house which Lays close by the wharf, Could successfully defend the battery against Landing storm.
fire boats.
two kinds of fire Boats may be employed. the first, would be Loaden, with tuns powder; & burst in the midle of the fleet. they could be surely directed, by one strong Racket filled with particular Composition, & fasten’d in the very midle of the head of the boat, to give him direction & velocity. one mast sunk in the stern of the boat, horisontaly under the water, & to which one sail would be circularly bound, would hinder the Current to Drive it out the way.
the head of the boat, armed with a strong sharp point of iron, would Remain fixed in the enemy’s ship, till its bursting up.
N.B. the expences will be small. every flat bottom boat answer the purpose. the Commodore haselwood offers to help me by his knowledge, in their Construction, & Rectify my ideas. he promises to come at trenton, where we Could try, by one boat, before executing by several.
the galleys have salpeter, & powder; i can make the Composition; & one turner will do the moule under our direction. besides i suppose that the park of artillery has some quick maches already done.
2d kind of fire Boats.
that second kind is not to be used so soon. the nord est wind blows very often, & very hard in the month of february & march, & according to the instructions that i have Received of the ferrymen several boats, filled with tar & other Combustibles, Could be Leoded in the night, over the barr, between Cooper’s ferry, & philadelphia, & after, the wind, & tide, would surely Drive them streigth to the wharf of t[h]e cyty, where the ships lay.
if his excellency aproves the above setences; i begg to send me, positive orders. the commodore will be glad to Receive the same, & we will work friendly & cordyally, together; nor day nor night will be spared from our part to justify the truth of his excellency.

L. fleury


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 18 January 1778
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 18 January 1778

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter of the 8th Instant respecting Captain Dick and a number of American Officers said to be confined in Dungeons in England.
It is a Circumstance perfectly new to me, and I shall transmit your Representation relative to Captain Dick &ca to England with my first Dispatches. I am with due respect Sir, your most obedt Servant

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 18 January 1778
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] 18 Jany 1778.

I have consulted with his Excellency Governor Clinton on the best mode of transporting the Cannon from Albany to Pennsylvania. He agrees with me that they will remain perfectly Safe at Albany untill next Spring; and when the ice shall break up in the river, which will be some time in March, to have them brought down by water to New Windsor; and thence across the Country to Pennsylvania. I have heard they were to be sent to Springfield; but that would create great difficulty, put us to the extra expence of two hundred miles of land carriages and the uncertainty of geting them in any seasonable time by reason of the excessive bad roads between Connecticut and Hudsons River.
I have therefore written to Genl Lincoln at Albany desiring the Cannon may be stopped there for the present. I have also written to him, and Major Stevens who commands the Artillery there to have all the small arms which cannot with the utmost certainty be repaired in Albany to be sent immediately to Springfield, where I shall give directions concerning them. I shall be happy to receive a line from your Excellency on this subject directed to me at Boston.

The Governor and Council here are exceedingly alarmed at the defenceless state of the River. Genl Gates was invested with certain powers by Congress which are now of no service. No measures or plan has been produced for its defence, and without some exertions nothing will be done. I am, Sir, with the utmost respect and attachment, your Excellency’s most obedient servant

H. Knox B.G. Artilly.


Title: To George Washington from James Mease, 18 January 1778
From: Mease, James
To: Washington, George

sir,
Lancaster [Pa.] Jany 18 1778

I had the honor of your Excellency’s favor of the 10 Inst. respecting the materials sent by the state of Virginia for the use of the troops nothing was left here that had come forward except about 1500 Ells of cloth which I had put into the taylors hands immediatly but As it will be some considerable time before they could be all made here owing to the scarcity of hands as well as that the Council of this state having seized all that Cloth wh. had been taken by your Excellency’s order from Jos. Carson, have employ’d a number of them with it I have thought proper to deliver Lieut. Gambell 463 Coats cut out, with all the materials requisite for making them up, in order that they may be made at Camp. Your Excellency will please to direct whose hands they shall be delivered into, that they maybe answerable for them. There are a Quantity of materials at Fishkill on the way from Boston wh. have been expecting all this week but I beleive they cannot be got over the North River. when they arrive a great many more hands could be employ’d than I

can get here. there was but six taylors could be found amongst the New England troops that are here which are set to work. If 50 or 100 could be collected from the Army it would Expedite the working up of the Clothing very much. If your Excellency should approve of this measure I should be glad to be directed how much to pay the men for their work. I am of opinion the same number of men will do twice the work here that they can do at Camp on Account of the conveniency wh. arises from being in a town where supplies of little necessary Articles may be had occaisionally There are Amongst the things at Fish kill about 2000 pr shoes & I hope the Hide department will shortly produce them in considerable numbers. The moment the rest of the Articles from Virginia arrive here they shall be pushd forward to Head Quarters but it has been impossible this whole week past for even footmen to get over susquehanah. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obdt & most Humble servt

James Mease


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant William Patterson, 18 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Patterson, William

Sir
[Valley Forge] Jany 18. 1778

General Knyphaussen having obtained a passport for Quarter Master Major Kitz to go to Fredericksburg in Virginia with a Serjeant & Servant and a Waggon with Cloathing and Necessaries for the Hessian Officers at that place, In order that the same may be safely conveyed, and that no irregularities may attend the execution of this Business, you are to proceed with all convenient expedition with the said Quarter Master, Major Kitz with the Cloaths & necessaries he has in charge, by the most direct route to Fredericksburg, or to such other place or places as the Hessian Officers may be at. After he shall have executed his business, you are to return with him, & to make report of your arrival when you come within the Neighbourhood of this Camp, that such further orders may be given respecting him as may be necessary.

You are to receive of the Pay Master General Two Hundred Dollars, out of which you are to defray your own expences, and you are to keep an exact account of the same & to take proper vouchers, that an Account may be settled and adjusted on your return. Given &c.

Go: W——gton


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Walter Stewart, 18 January 1778
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

Sir
Smithfield [Pa.] January 18th 1778

I had the Honour of Addressing your Excellency from Horsham Township by Captain Gibbs; the day After we began our Operations in a streight line from the Old York Road, to the River Delaware, and the different Party’s with the Comissarys are Arriv’d this Evening as high as this place; am Sorry to Inform your Excellency few Stock are to be Collected below this, both the Malitia and Philadelphia having been for some time supplied therefrom, the Comissary’s however Inform me, we are now getting into the Country where they are plenty and to be spar’d.
The manner in which things go on in this part the Country surprises

me very much, I can Assure your Excellency not less Flour than is Sufficient to maintain Eight or Ten Thousand men goes daily to Philadelphia, Carried in by Single Persons, Waggons, Horses &ca, the Quantitys of other Provisions are great, last Wednesday Night Col. Miller of the Malitia Informs me Twelve Head of Cattle, Cover’d by a Small Party of Arm’d Country men were carried in one drove, and scarcely a day passes but a Number gets into that place by the different roads on this side of Schuylkill; Were these Articles taken in for the use of the Poor Inhabitants I should think nothing of it, but from all I can learn, tis a traffick, and make no doubt the British Army receive the greatest Benefits of any persons therefrom; it is past a doubt that while this Trade is Carried on the different Craftsmen who would be of Infinite Service to the Army live at Ease, but should a Total stop take place, make no doubt many of them would remove themselves, into a Country where they could live equally Comfortable or more so than they do at this present time.
The distance from hence to the Northern And Eastern boundary’s of Bucks Coun⟨ty⟩ are very Extensive, the Number of Comissary’s sent but four or five, they in General Stupid good for Nothing fellows, so that I can at present see no end to this disagreeable peice of duty, could wish your Excellency would send for the Comissa⟨ry⟩ of Purchases, and order him to send a few Active Clever fellows to Collect the Cattle &ca, as I can assure your Excellency the officers who are with me, Instead of protecting the Comissarys, are Comissary’s themselves, and fear they may Commit many blunders from their Ignoran⟨ce⟩ of the service.
Mr Chandler who set off yesterday for Money which he told Col. Chas Stewart he expected at Camp by this time, might bring a few of his assistants with him.
The Malitia who are station’d here, leave this post on Monday their times being Expir’d, and I dont learn from Col. Miller who Commands them that he expect any shortly to take his place; in this case I shall only have my Small Party to observe the Enemy & protect the Comissarys, which will make their duty hard at this Season of the year, as they march’d even the Officers without a Second Shirt, one of the officers goes for Shirts and Stockings for the ⟨mutilated⟩ole. by him I trouble your Excellency ⟨mutilated⟩ this, and at his return hope for Your ⟨fu⟩rther Commands.
I can hear as yet nothing particular from Philada to be depended on, but that they are all in quietness. I have the Honour to be Yr Excellencys Most Obedt Hhble Servant

Walter Stewart Col. 13th P. Regt


Title: General Orders, 19 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Monday Jany 19th 1778.
DunkirkDurham. Dublin.

At a Brigade Court-Martial held 7th instant whereof Major Ryan was President; Francis Morris a soldier in 1st Pennsylvania Regiment tried for repeated desertions was found guilty and unanimously sentenced to suffer death—in such manner as shall be order’d by the Commander in Chief—His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
Provisions to be issued to the Troops up to next thirsday inclusive: Detachments sent upon Command, from the time of their marching no Provisions are to be drawn for them by the Regimental Quarter Masters ’till they return—The Brigade Majors will attend daily at the Adjt Genls quarters precisely at 12 oClock.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 19 January 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston Jany 19th 1778

Since writing on yesterday, Genl Burgoyne has sent his packet of Letters for examination. I observe he has enclosed several Copies of Letters which have passed between us. All these Copies, and others I have some time since transmitted to Congress. It would not do for me to object to General Burgoyne’s sending them to General Howe, for obvious reasons, and I am assured your Excellency’s determination respecting both them and the other Letters will be most proper.
Your Excellency will observe that he is laying great stress upon the payment of his Accounts in Solid Coin, and views it as an infraction on the Convention. If the Transports should arrive which I think will be soon, he has pointed to Sir William Howe his present intention. I am so happy as to be specially instructed by Congress in regard to my Conduct; and shall most invariably pursue it. The Commissary has charged the provisions at the same price at which our own Troops are supplied.

General Burgoyne supposes his Solid Coin to be worth Three times so much as our own Currency, But what an opinion must he have of the Authority of These States to suppose that his money would be received at any higher rate than our own, in publick payment, such payment would at once be depreciating our Currency with a witness—I have frequently informed them that it is trifling to mention what some sordid Individuals would give in the exchange of money, since they do it with great secrecy at their peril, and if detected would be severely punished.
I have taken the liberty of enclosing two or three Copies of Letters which have passed between Genl Burgoyne & myself, which are not among his Copies—I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 19 January 1778
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 19th Janry 1778.

I enclose you an Extract of a Letter from Mr Boudinot to Mr Fergusson the Commissary of Prisoners at this Place, signifying to him that it is expected, that after the 1st Day of February next, we supply all Prisoners with you, West of New Jersey, with every Kind of Provisions sent out from our Lines. and that he has it positively in Charge not to suffer our Agents to purchase any Provisions for them in the Country after that Day.
The Distance at which most of the Prisoners are from hence (many of them from 300 to 400 Miles)—their dispersed Situation through so great an Extent of Country, and many other very obvious Difficulties, demonstrate the Impracticability of such a Mode of Supply. To insist upon it would be to deprive the Prisoners of the only Means of Subsistence, or, in other Words, to destroy by Famine those who might, with a Cruelty less Savage, have been put to Death on the Spot, in the first moment of their Capture.
Mr Boudinot does not mention by whom this Measure is threatened to be adopted: But it is so repugnant to the Rules of War in all civilized Nations, and so marked with Inhumanity, that I cannot persuade myself it has been derived from your Advice; and I am unwilling to suspect that even the present Rulers of this Country, are so entirely lost to all Sense of Honor, and to all Feelings of Humanity, as to pass an Edict for the deliberate Destruction of those whom the Chance of War has thrown into their Hands.
It is alledged by Mr Boudinot, that the Prohibition he mentions, is become absolutely necessary, as it is rather unequal to suffer our Agents to purchase every Kind of Provision at their pleasure among you, whilst your Agent is refused the Priviledge of purchasing necessary Clothing with us.
How subtil and disingenuous is this Argument? Provision, or the Means of Existence, can only, from the Nature of Things, be supplied by Agents or Commissaries on the Spot. Clothing can be provided at a distance, and sent in to our respective prisoners. The one is a Demand of daily Necessity, indispensable, and immediate: The other is but occasionally requisite; and a short Delay in the Supply, can never be fatal, rarely injurious. Upon these Principles the Prisoners on both Sides have been hitherto subsisted; nor can there be an honorable Reason for any Innovation.
The Allowance of Provisions to prisoners here is continued according to an established Regulation, explained in a former Letter: It is specified in a Paper which I enclose. But, exclusive of this Allowance the Men are permitted to receive such additional Refreshments as you may

at any Time think proper to send, and our Markets are always open to them. I cannot therefore apprehend that the unjustifiable Measure communicated by Mr Boudinot to Mr Fergusson, will be pursued: on the contrary I expect that not only the Prisoners to the Westward, but those to the Eastward of New Jersey, will still be supplied with Provisions, in the usual Manner.
It was some Surprize to me Yesterday to be informed that you would permit only one Quarter Master to pass with the Clothing for the British Prisoners. Although one Person for a similar purpose on your part, is undoubtedly sufficient (all the Prisoners I have in this Province being within the Town of Philadelphia) yet the Necessity of my employing a greater Number is obvious, from the divided State of our unfortunate Men in your possession: And as it can’t be alledged that the Quarter Masters I lately ordered on that Service, encroached upon the Spirit of the Agreement subsisting between us, I must hope you will not, on any future Occasions, refuse a pass for an adequate Number of my Officers; assuring you that no unworthy Advantages shall be taken in consequence of your Compliance. With due Respect I am Sir Your most obedt Servant

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 19 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Robert Morris, 19 Jan. 1778. On 10 Feb. 1778 GW wrote Morris: “Your favor of the 19th Ulto by Colo. Armand came to my hands a few days ago.”


Title: From George Washington to George Read, 19 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Read, George

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 19th Jany 1778.

I am in hopes that the legislature of your State have fallen upon some mode to fill up the Battalion allotted to it, against the ensuing

Campaign. If they have not, I beg leave to remind you how short the time is from hence, to that, in which we ought to be in the Feild. The Advantages, that will arise from our being able to begin our operations before the Enemy are reinforced, are too obvious to need recapitulating, and I have therefore wrote, in the most pressing manner, to every State, to endeavour to send their Quota of Men as nearly compleat and as early as possible.
The Regiment of your State is at present with Genl Smallwood at Wilmington, and you will therefore be pleased to apply to him for a Return, from which you will see the deficiency in point of Numbers. If you should not have already adopted some mode of raising your men, I think you will find it in vain to attempt to do it by any other means than those of drafting. I am told that the State of pennsylvania have passed a law to draft their men. I have not seen it, but I am convinced if the practice was universal that the people would not complain.
It has been recommended, by Congress, to every State to cloath their own quota of Troops as far as they may be able, and make it a continental Charge. I am certain that, with proper exertions, it may be done by the middle and northern States very nearly by their own internal manufacture; but lest that should not be sufficient, the continental Agents will continue to import and to purchase from private Adventurers all kinds of Goods proper for the use of the Army. Considering the many impediments that lay in the way of foreign importations we ought to put as little dependance as possible upon that source, especially for the Articles of Shoes and Stockings of which there is the greatest consumption and for the want of a regular supply of which our Soldiers suffer amazingly.
I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as convenient upon the above subjects and have the honor to be Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Rhode Island Council of War, 19 January 1778
From: Rhode Island Council of War
To: Washington, George

State of Rhode Island &c. Providence January 19th 1778.
Sir.

Since we had the Honor of addressing your Excellency by Mr Thompson, we received your favor of the 2d instant enclosing a proposition of Genl Varnum’s for raising a Battalion of Negroes. We in our Letter of the 15th current, of wh. we send a Duplicate, have fully represented our present circumstances and the many difficulties we Labor under in respect to our filling up the Continental Battalions. In addition thereto will observe that we have now in the States service within this Government, Two Battalions of Infantry and a Regiment of Artillery who are enlisted to serve until the 16th March next; And the Genl Assembly have ordered 2 Battn of Infantry & a Regiment of Artillery to be immediately raised to serve until the 16th Day of March 1779 so that we have raised and kept in the Field more than the proportion of Men Assigned us by Congress. The Genl Assembly of this State are to convene themselves on the 2d Monday of February next when your Letters will be Laid before them.
And their determination respecting the same will be immediately transmitted to your Excellency. I am Sir in behalf of the Council Your Excellency’s most Obed. Sert

Nichs Cooke


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 19 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 19th Jany 1778

I have the pleasure of observing, by a publication in Dunlaps paper, that before the adjournment of the Assembly of this State, they had, among other wholesome laws, enacted one “for filling the quota of Troops to be raised in this State.”
As you may, perhaps, be ignorant of the reduced condition of your Regiments, I have thought proper to inclose you a Return, by which you will see how very deficient they are at present, as to the number required by the allottment. You will also perceive, by a note at the Bottom of the Return, how destitute the men in the feild are in point of Cloathing.
I had sent out Officers from every Regiment to procure Cloathing for their men, and they were collecting considerable quantities, when Colo. Bayard and Mr Young, a deputation from the Assembly, waited upon me, and desired me to call in the Officers, informing me, that they had appointed Commissioners in every County to purchase necessaries for the Army, which would be a mode more agreeable to the inhabitants, than if done in the military way. What these Commissioners have done I do not know, but no Cloathing has yet come to the Army thro’ their hands. Genl Wayne informed me that he understood

it was collected and stored at Lancaster, and he went up about ten days ago to enquire into the matter.
It being recommended to every State to procure what cloathing they can for their own Troops, I trust yours will not be backward. From the quantity of raw materials and the number of workmen among your people, who being principled against Arms, remain at home and manufacture, I should suppose you have it more in your power to cover your Troops well than any other State.
The Continent will continue to import, and to purchase on the general account, what they can. I am therefore in hopes, that the exertions of the States, aided by foreign importations, will contribute to cloath our Troops more comfortably and plentifully than they have heretofore been. But as there are so many impediments in the way of the latter kind of supply, I could wish that no great dependance may be put upon it, but that we may rely principally upon our internal Manufacture.
I shall be glad to be favd with a Copy of the law for raising your quota of Men, and have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 20 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters V. Forge Tuesday Jany 20th 1778.
FinlandFarnham. Fairfield.

The General Officers commanding Brigades are desir’d to meet at General Sullivan’s Quarters tomorrow morning at ten ôClock in order

to consider of the expediency of opening a public Market in camp; They are to take into consideration the proper Places and days of holding markets the regulations and guards necessary to preserve good order. The prices proper to be offered upon each article; in the settlement of which they should endeavor to consult some of the most intelligent Country-men; Some plans that have been proposed will be laid before them at the time of meeting—A report of their proceedings to be sent in to the Commander in Chief as soon as possible.
The Commander in Chief returns his warmest thanks to Captn Lee & Officers & men of his Troop for the Victory which by their superior Bravery and Address they gain’d over a party of the Enemys dragoons, who trusting in their numbers—and concealing their march by a circuitous road attempted to surprize them in their quarters; He has the satisfaction of informing the Army that Captn Lee’s Vigilance baffled the Enemy’s designs by judiciously posting his men in his quarters, although he had not a sufficient number to allow one for each window, he obliged the party consisting of two hundred, disgracefully to retire after repeated but fruitless attempts to force their way into the house, leaving two killed and four wounded without receiving any other damage on his part than having his Lieutenant Mr Lindsay slightly wounded unless any of his out-patroles should have been unfortunately surrounded and taken which is not yet known.
The General positively forbids the burning of the Farmers Fences; He enjoins it upon all Officers to use their endeavours to prevent it & bring to severe punishment all those who shall offend herein.
A General Court Martial whereof Coll Craige is appointed President is to sit at the President’s Marqui to try such Prisoners as shall be bro’t before them, belonging to Lord Stirlings & General Wayne’s Divisions—Major Church a Captn & two subalterns from each Brigade in those divisions will compose the Court.
The Commander in Chief is informed that Captain Lee and Lieutt Lindsey had but a Corporal & four men to assist them in the manly Opposition against the British Light Horse—Major Jameson was accidently there & justly merits his Share of the Praises due to this brave little party.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benedict Arnold, 20 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Arnold, Benedict

Dr Sir
Head Qrs Valley Forge Jany [20] 1778

Inclosed you will receive a Commission, by which you will find, that you are restored to the rank you claim in the line of the Army. This I transmit by direction of Congress and in pursuance of their Resolution of the 29th of November. The situation of my papers & the want of Blank Commissions prevented me doing it before.
May I venture to ask whether you are upon your Legs again—and if you are not, may I flatter myself that you will be soon? There is none who wishes more sincerely for this event than I do, or who will receive the information with more pleasure. I shall expect a favourable account upon the subject. And as soon as your situation will permit, I request that you will repair to this Army, It being my earnest wish to have your services the ensuing Campaign. In hopes of this, I have set you down in an Arrangement now under consideration, and for a Command which, I trust will be agreable to yourself & of great advantage to the public.
I have nothing of importance to inform you of in the Military line, that is new or interesting. The Enemy still remain in possession of philadelphia and have secured themselves by a strong chain of Redoubts, with Intrenchments of communication from Schuylkill to Delaware. We on our part have taken post on the West side of the former about Twenty miles from the City, and with much ⟨p⟩ains & industry have got the Troops tolerably well covered in Huts. We have to regret that we are not in more comfortable Quarters, but these could not be found unless we had retired to the Towns in the more interior part of the State; The consequen⟨ces⟩ of which would have been distress to the virtuous Citizens of philadelphia who had fled thither for protection, & the exposure of a considerable tract of fertile Country to ravage & ruin. I am Dr Sir with great esteem & reg⟨ard⟩ Yr Most Obedt servant

Go: W—g—t⟨-⟩


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 20 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 20th Jany 1778

I recd yours of the 13th instant last Evening, and have immediately written to Govr Livingston upon the Subject. I make no doubt but the prosecution will be immediately stopped upon my representation of the matter in its true light, and of my pointing out the impossibility of getting persons to undertake this kind of Business in future if they are not protected by us.


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 20 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Qrs [Valley Forge] January the 20th 1778

Your Letter of the 8th Inst. inclosing Lieut. Eyres representation was duly received. I am not at liberty to contradict the facts which he has related; but I am inclined to think from his own state, that his conduct has not been so discreet, as it should have been: and that if he experienced a severer treatment than had been usually imposed upon Officers, prisoners with us, it proceeded in some measure at least from that cause. But were not this the case, If the insults and incivilities Mr Eyre

complains of having suffer’d, were ever so unprovoked by him, though I wish not to justify them, yet I cannot forbear observing, that they are not to be wonder’d at, since the accounts generally received of the treatment of our Officers in your hands are replete with instances of the most flagrant indignities and even Cruelties. Americans have the feelings of Sympathy, as well as Other men—A series of injuries may exhaust their patience—and it is natural that the Sufferings of their Friends in captivity should at length irritate them into resentment and to acts of retaliation. If you suppose Mr Eyre’s representation to be just, and that he escaped from a rigorous confinement, under no obligation of parole, I cannot conceive upon what principle you still consider him my prisoner; But if you are of a different opinion I shall expect some Gentleman of ours in your possession, who was taken in a similar character in return for him. He was reported to me, at the time of his capture, as a Volunteer, in which light I still view him.
The Officer you mention, did not attend the flag of truce with my knowledge or consent. His conduct was reprehensible, and I hope an instance of the sort will not happen again.
Mr James Bayard was taken prisoner near the Swedes ford, the day your Army crossed the Schuylkill. He had just returned from College, and had no rank in or connection with the Army. He is not to be considered as a prisoner of War, but as a Citizen, and as such his Friends will propose an exchange for him. I am Sir with due respect Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 20 January 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

dear general
    The twenty [January 1778] a half past one.

I have recieved just now a letter from general connway who is gone on to york town, and mullens his aid de camp who is not a wit, lets me know that his going there is in consequence of two repeated letters from general gates, and miflin—that same man thinks that there are some projects to send Connway to Canada—they will laugh in france when they’l hear that he is choosen upon such a commission out of the same army where I am, principally as he is an irishman, and when the project schould be to show to the frenchmen of that country a man of theyr nation who by his rank in france could inspire them with some confidence—but I mention that only as a remark of theyr folly, sir I do not entertain myself any idea of leaving your army neither my virginian division, but I would not loose a moment to wraït Your excellency ⟨of that journey⟩ towards congress which means perhaps some much worse scheme against yourself or your army.
our making fashines goes very slow—we are obliged to take alwaïs the same men—we want axes and when I ask some, five or six are sent for the whole wing—no spirits to be issued to the men—there have been too complaints for provisions principally in general waine’s division, I am about to inquire if they are right, and in that case who is

guilty for those fatigue partys being not supplied—however we’l do as fast as circumstances may permit. with the most tenderest affection I have the honor to be Your excellency’s the most obedient servant

The marquis de Lafayette

I am told that mullens is to be lieutenant colonel, if it is so, as that the same commission ⟨was done⟩ for messieurs de fleury and du plessis who are on every respect so much out of the line of mullens who being by his birth of the lowest rank, and not so long ago a private soldier, I hope that these gentlemen are to be at least brigadier generals.