Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 5 August 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Office of Finance 5 Augst 1782

                  I received your Letter of the thirtieth of July late in the Evening of Friday the second Instant.  The Ideas which in Conversation with you I endeavoured to impress were, that I should at all Events fulfil my Part of the Contracts entered into for feeding your Army, That I had constantly attended to the claims of the Contractors.  That I should continue to do so, and that I beleived I had in many Instances been in Advance to them.  On Saturday Morning I desired the comptroller to make out a State of these Accounts, which State I have received this Morning, and now enclose—Copies.  Your Excellency will perceive from the State Number One, of the Accounts of the Contractors for West Point, that I have for a Considerable Part of the Time been Considerably in Advance to them, instead of their being one Month in advance to me.  Besides which it is to be observed, that the Amount stated for Provisions, they received out of the public Stores is entirely as they themselves have Stated it, and that the Accounts not being as yet settled I ought not to have paid perhaps so much as I have done, because certainly there is no Way to secure the public Interest, but by with holding Money until Accounts be adjusted.  And this Sir leads me to an Observation, which applies fully to the whole of this Business.  When I contracted to pay monthly it was well understood, that I should pay what appeared to be due for the preceding Month.  Now until the Account be settled at the Treasury, there is in Fact nothing due which I can take Notice of as such.  Supposing the Accounts & Vouchers to be all kept and delivered with that Accuracy and Simplicity which they ought, it is probable that they would get settled in the Course of a Week.  Supposing then the greatest Dispatch which can reasonably be expected in transmitting & settling the Accts paying and remitting the Money, &ca the Contractors could not have expected any thing else than to have been two Months in Advance.  And if they do not keep and transmit their Accounts and Vouchers with due Regularity they ought to have expected a Still longer Detention, especially if I were disposed to comply only with the Letter of my agreements, But tho’ I neither have done, nor will do any Thing, which could be construed into taking an undue advantage, I think myself not only justifiable, but I think and will contend, that it is my duty to take Care, that there be always such an arrearage, as will make the Public perfectly Safe.  I do not examine Accounts, and therefore if I would take the meer assertion of any Man, or Set of Men, the Consequences might be most pernicious.  With Respect to the Contractors for the Moving Army whose account is contained in the Enclosure number two, I confess that I was deficient, one Hundred Dollars, in the Payments for April & May, but when it is recollected, that the Advances stipulated for were under the Ideas then entertained, that the whole Army would take the Field on the first day of may, and expend (at the rate of only eighteen Thousand Rations per Day) sixty Thousand Dollars Monthly, and when it is further recollected, that nothing like this has happened, it will then appear, that I have more than complied with what they had any Right to expect, and that if they had prepared as they ought to have done, Funds equal to the Supply of between two and three Months Pay, nay, if they had prepared Funds equal to the expected Supply of only one Month, they have never yet been in a Situation when the Deficiences of the Public (had the Public been defective) could have injured the Army.  And now Sir, if you examine the Account number two, you will see, that they have received quite as much, as they had any Right to expect previous to a Settlement of their Accounts, And indeed you will see by the enclosed note from Mr Swanwick, that they have received even more than is Stated in that account.  But as these Various contractors have as I am informed lately joined Stocks & Contracts,  I have made a Short State in the Paper Number three, of the Issues according to their Accounts, and of the Payments made from which it will appear, that there are not four thousand Dollars due for the Month of June and that if a Credit is given for Provisions, purchased of the State of Connecticut, the Public are at least four thousand Dollars in Advance.  They say that there are forty thousand Dollars due for the Issues in July, but the Accounts are not yet even presented, notwithstanding which, I shall pay them a considerable Sum this Week.
                  I should not however do Justice, were I not to Observe that the Contractors for West Point have made considerable Advances for the Purpose of Cloathing the Officers, which Cloathing they were paid for in Notes of the Pay Master General due on the first of August—I owe them yet on those Notes between nineteen and twenty thousand Dollars—If I had asked Indulgence in the Situation to which the Demand for those Notes, and the Delays of the States had reduced me, I might, I think, have expected it, but I have asked none, & I am thoroughly perswaded, that the Contractors were intimidated by the Apprehension, that those Notes would break me, and thereby prevented from applying as they ought to have done, their own Money and Credit—I do myself the Honor to enclose Sir, the Copy of a Letter to me from the Comptroller, to which I will pray that your Excellency will enable me to make the proper Answer.  With sincere Friendship & Esteem I am my Dear Sir Your most obedient & humble Servant

                     Robt Morris

                Enclosure

                     Sir

                        Comptroller’s Office August 1st 1782

                     The Contractors for victualing the moving Army, as also those for victualing the Garrison of West Point and its Dependencies, have rendered their Accounts for the Months of May and June.  They inform me that the Contract of Francis & Slough for supplying the Posts in New Jersey, having with your Consent been dissolved on the first of May, these Posts have been since that Time, supplied by the Contractors for the moving Army, but besides this, I find the last mentioned Contractors charge for supplying the Posts of Peekskill and the Connecticut Hutts on the North River, which were before reckoned a Part of the Dependencies of West Point, and victualed under that Contract at half a Ninetieth part of a Dollar ⅌ Ration, less than is allowed to the Contractors for the moving Army.  As this Difference of Price will amount to something considerable on the whole, and as the West Point Contract still subsists, I conceive it to be necessary that I should be informed by what Authority or Agreement the Alteration took place; If it has been done by the Orders of his Excellency the Commander in chief, I request that I may be furnished with an Official Copy of such Orders, that the Officers of the Treasury may be justified in admitting the Charge.  The Contractors for West Point give credit in these Accounts for a quantity of provisions received of Colo. Charles Stewart, the late Commissary General of Issues to which they have affixed certain Prices, but as there are no Kind of Vouchers whatever to ascertain either the Quantities received, or the Prices Stipulated (excepting the word of the Contractors which we are not authorized to admit as sufficient Evidence on such Occasions) I am doubtful whether a final Settlement can be made until the necessary Documents are obtained.  I mention these Matters to you that if you think proper you may give such Directions as will tend to Remove the Difficulties.  I am with the greatest Respect Sir your most obedient humble Servt

                        James Milligan

                Enclosure

                           3 August 1782

                     Issues for the moving Army and West Point according to the Accounts from the Treasury but as many of these are not yet settled it is to be presumed that if there be Errors, they are in Favor of the Public.

                     1782West Point.   January28.448.53/90February25.549.46March23.776.15April23.535.63May16.677.62June17.182.8135.169.67deduct for defective Vouchersin Accts of Jany & Feby1.003.62134.166.5/90Moving Army—May21.901.63/90June23.960.7 /9045.861.70/90180.027.75Paid Contractors for WestPoint at sundry Times131.118.23Paid Contractors forMoving Army45.088.30 176.206.53Due to the Contractors3.821.22

                     They have received from the State of Connecticut for Acct of the Public 800 Bbls Provisions which may be estimd at 15 Dlls. per Bbl.—but say only 10 Dlls., this will make the Public in Advance above 4.000 Dolls.—There is due to the Contractors for their Issues in July they say 40.000 Dolls. but their Accounts are not yet come down.

                     3 August 1782

                     Messrs Tench Francis, Comfort Sands & Co. Thomas Lowry, Oliver Phelps, Timothy Edwards, & Walter Livingston—Contractors for supplying the moving Army, their Account Current, on Contract Commencing the 1st May 1782 with the United States.
                     Extract from the Contract dated the 6th April 1782.  The said Superintendant of Finance agrees to pay out of the Monies of the United States to the said Contractors on the twentieth Instant, Sixteen Thousand Dollars and on the fifteenth day of may next fourteen thousand dollars which said Sums are to be deducted out of the Rations Issued in the Month of May, and the Balance due for Rations Issued in that Month shall be paid the first day of June next, and what may after become due for Rations issued by Virtue of this Agreement in Regular Monthly Payments to the first day of January next.
                     Dr.1782Dollars90thDollars90thApril22To Treasurer for a Warrt ofthis date in their Favor16000May16thTo Jno. Swanwick for theirOrder drawn the 8th of Mayin favor of John Wilson5000"To ditto for their Order drawn the4th Inst. in favor of Jno. Wilson       200029thTo Treasurer for a Warrt ofthis date in their favor690029900Their receipts of Money exceeded theirIssues of Provisions for theMonth of May7998.   27June12thTo Jno. Swanwick for a Warrtthis day their favor                    1000" "To ditto for their order in favorof Levi Hollingsworth                    23614thTo Treasurer for Warrt of this datein favor of Capn Thomas Kenney           752.   30Their Issues of Provisions exceededthe monies received by themfor the mo: of June                    13973.40. 423960  7.4July4thTo Treasurer for a Warrt drawn    3d inst. in their favor100018To Ditto for Do drawn this day do500027To ditto for do drawn the 25th do700August 2To ditto for do drawn this day do 5000(July 1)Their Issues of Provisions(should their Accounts on Examinationprove to be right) exceed theAmt paid to them the sum of2273.40Dollars13973.  40Cr.Dollars90thDollars90thBy their own Account of Issues in theMo. of May presented at the Treasurythe 4th July and not yet liquidated21901.  63Their Receipts of Monies exceeded theirIssues of Provisions by their own Accts7998.  27       29900By their own Account of Issues in theMonth of June presented at the Treasurythe 4th July and not yet Liquidated23960  7.423960  7.4Their Issues of Provisions exceededtheir Receipts of Monies in the Mo.
  of June as above13973.  40.4

                     The several Sums drawn in favor of the Contractors for supplying the Moving Army as above enumerated agree with the several debits to their account in the Treasury Books.  Their Accts for Issues in the Month of May & for the Month of June have not been yet liquidated at the Treasury.  The Above Account is therefore subject to alteration.
                     Joseph Nourse Register
                     Registers office the 3d Augst 1782

                     3 August 1782

                     Messrs Comfort Sands & Co. Contractors for West Point and its Dependencies, their account current with the United States.
                     Note.  By the Contract, the Superintendant of Finance was bound to advance 2666 60/90 Dollars to the Contractors immediately on signing the Contract, which Sum Payment was to be deducted out of the Supplies for the Month of January—they were to be paid in regular monthly Payments till the 1st September, after which the first succeeding payment to be made on the 1st November for the preceeding Months of September and October—and the last payment being for November and December to be made on the 1st January 1783.
                     Dr.1781December6To Treasurer for a Warrant intheir favor of this Date2666.6020Amount of Provisions and Stores receivedby them as appears by their Account27847.6128Treasurer for a Warrant in theirfavor of this Date1000.
1782JanyJohn Swanwick DoDo2000.
     28TreasurerDoDo10000.30John SwanwickDoDo3333.3046847.61Their receipts of Money and Provisionsexceed the Amount of their Issuesin the Month of January7626.7Feby1To William Duer for sundry Articles ofprovisions delivered by him for which they arecharged in the Treasury Books on theSettlement of said Duer’s account 1214.7814To Treasurer for a Warrant intheir favor of this Date1333.3027To DoDoDo6600.
28To Comfort Sands & Co. their a/c defective Vouchers forthe amount thereof on the Settlement of their a/c ofIssues in the Treasury Books for the Monthsof January and February1003.62Their receipt of money provisions &c exceeded the amount27778. 7of their Issues in the month of February2228.51March4  To Treasurer for a warrant in theirfavor of this Date13000.
12thDoDoDo3000.19thDoDoDo2000.21stDoDoDo4000.26thDoDoDo5000.31March, the provisions received not being at thattime credited (8 May) for a balance due them 1622.3430850.85Their rects of Monies and provisions exceedthe Amount of their Issues in the Month of March7074.70April2To Treasurer for a Warrant intheir Favor of this Date5000.8thDoDoDo5000.12thDoDoDo5000.17thDoDoDo 5000.27074.70Their Receipts of Monies and provisions exceeded theirAccount of Issues for the Month of April                3539. 7 May14To Treasurer for a warrant intheir favor of this Date                               4000.21
  " John Swanwick    DoDo 500.Their own Account of Issues in the Month ofMay exceeds the Monies received by them 8638.5516677.621782June  4To Treasurer for a warrant in theirfavor of this Date 4000.11Do                    DoDo10000.Their account of Issues in this Month exceedthe monies received by them11820.6325820.63July 5 To Treasurer for a warrant in theirfavor of this Date 4000.12 Do                     DoDo4000.Should their account of Issues in the month of April andthose for the Months of May and June prove, on examinationto be correct, the ballance to the 30 June will be3820.6311820.63Cr.1782Jany31By amount of their Issues thisMonth including Hospital Stores presentedat the Treasury 19th Februay28440.53
1781 Decem. 10 & 20 Amount of Stores and Payments madeby them for which they Debit the United States in theirAccount of provisions received being public property772.8129221.44Their receipt of money and provisions exceeded theamount of their Issues17626.1746847.611782Feby28By amount of their Issues this monthincluding Hospl Stores presentedat the Treasury 15th March25549.46Their receipt of money, provisions &c. exceededthe amount of their Issues2228.5127778. 7March31By amount of their Issues this month includingHospl Stores presented at the Treasury 19th April23776.15Their receipt of money and provisions exceeded theamount of their Issues7074.7030850.85April30By amount of their own account of Issues forthis month presented 17th May not yet liquidated atthe Treasury including Hospital Stores23535.63Their receipt of Money and provisions exceeded theamount of their Issues3539. 727074.70May31By amount of their own account of Issues inthe month of May presented at the Treasury 4th July,not yet liquidated there, including Hospital Stores16677.62Their Issues of Provisions in the month of May exceededthe Receipts of money as on the other side             8638.55June30By amount of their own account of Issues inthis Month presented at the Treasury 4th July notyet liquidated there, including Hospl Stores17182. 825820.63Their Issues of provisions in the Month of June exceedsthe acct of Money as above11820.63

                     Messrs Sands & Co. are charged in the Treasury Books with the Monies as herein Stated by Warrants of the Honble Superintendant of Finance on the Treasurer, or Mr John Swanwick.  They are credited in the said Books for their Issues in the Months of January, February and March.  The Amount charged to them the 20th December 1781 in this State for Provisions received by them (being public property) and their Issues to the Troops in the Months of April, May and June, are taken from their Accounts lately rendered, and now under examination by the Clerks of the Treasury; and subject to Alteration, from Errors or otherwise, as may be discovered.
                     Register’s Office

                            Joseph Nourse  Regr
                        3d August 1782

                Enclosure

                           6 August 1782

                     These are to Certify whom it may Concern that on the 25th day of July 1782, I delivered to Thos Lowry Esqr. on behalf of the Contractor for the Moving Army a draft on myself for fifteen hundred Dollars Specie for which the Said Lowry was paid by W.C. Houston Esqr. Receiver of Continental Taxes for the State of New Jersey.  Witness my hand Augt 6th 1782

                        J. Swanwick


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Sheldon, 5 August 1782
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New town August 5th 1782

                  Agreeable to Your Excellencys Orders of the 28 Ulto I have marched my Regiment to this place, where We arrived this day, previous to our march I collected all The Sick men of my Regiment & except one or two Instances Of very greate Inability, have brought on the whole.  I Have used my utmost exertions to complete & accoutre My Regiment & if I would have received Levies, engaged for a few months, I suppose the Regiment might Have been much stronger, but I have received no Recruits For a Period shorter than three Years or dureing the War.  I have with me at this place my two field Officers, Surgeon & Mate 4 Captains, 9 Subalterns & 277 Non-Commissd Officers & Privats,  Of the Soldiers 138 are mounted, And the whole of the mounted part of the Regiment I Presume about 132 are fit for Service, The two Lt, Infantry Companies consist of 121 non Commissd Officers & privats of which about 108 are fit for duty.  The sick and Invaleeds amount to about 20. & the remainder of the Regiment with me are Servants to Officers.
                  From the State of our finances, I have been Able to procure but little new Saddle furniture but from Repairing the Old, I presume the Regiment will not be Wanting in those Articles—Of Muskets & Pistols we have A supply, & of Swords we have the number necessary, But many of them are very bad. The Baron De Stuben, At our last Inspection, gave me some Encouragement that We should receive a Supply from Philadelphia.  I could Wish this matter might be attended to—The Camp Equipage of The Regiment was delivered over to the Quarter Master at the close of Last Campaign, & of Course we have non on hand, I am happy to say My Regiment is well Clad except the Articles of Cloaks, & Blankets & Shoes the former of which we have received none of Blankets but very Few and of shoes we are much in want.  I most earnestly request Your Excellency to order this very necessary part of our Cloathing Issued To us, if it can possibly be procured as I am confident without it My Soldiers must suffer exceedingly.  The Horses of the Regiment Are generally in good order, except those which have lately returned From the Express duty in the Jerseys; This disagreeable service has Ruined a number of Horses of the Regiment & if I am still to relieve Those Stages as heretofore, I shall esteem it a Detail for so many Horses from service for the Campaign I could wish some other Mode of preforming this duty might be divised.
                  I have sent by this Conveyance to the Quarter Master at Fish Kills, for horse shoes for the Regiment many of my Horses Being much in want of shewing, & no possibility of getting a supply In this state.  Prehaps Your Excellencys Orders will be necessary To get them.
                  I shall continue in this place or its Vicinity until I receive Your Excellencys Orders to move, unless forrage should Fail us in which Casse most probably I shall move towards Redding.  I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obt and most humble servt

                     Elisha Sheldon Col. 2d Reg. L.D.


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Sheldon, 5 August 1782
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Town August 5th 1782

                  On my Arrival at this place, I found a person by the name of Thomas Smith, said to be a Captain of a Whale boat at Loyds neck, & lately taken Prisoner by Captain Jones of Stamford.  This Mr Smith says he had Permission from Capt. Jones to come to this place, and return to Stamford, from whence he expected soon to return to Long Island.  The Prisoner had none of those Credentials to show, & indeed if he had, I could not have supposed myself justifiable in suffering a Man of his Character to go at liberty under Capt. Jones’s Passport, for which reason I have confined him at this place—The Intercourse between some parts of this State and Loyds neck has become so common both by Flaggs and private intercourse, That there seems to be a very good understanding between the People of both sides.  Your Excellency’s directions to stop all Communication between this as well as other states and the Enemy, has been an additional reason with me to detain Mr Smith, till I could hear from your Excellency on that head. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obt Hume Servt

                     Elisha Sheldon Colo. 2d L.D.


Title: To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 5 August 1782
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     West Point Augst 5th 82

                  I this minute had Information of a Brother of mine Arriving at Dobbs’s ferry in a flag, with the Permission of General Patterson, I have taken the Liberty of going to see Him, which I hope will not prove disagreeable to Yr Excellency.  I am With Every Sentiment of Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt servant

                     Walter Stewart Colo.

                     I shall call on Genl Heath in my way to Inform Him of my Going—I am as above

                     Wr Stewart


Title: To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 5 August 1782
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Robinson House Augst 5th 1782

                  This day at Noon I had the Honor of Informing Your Excellency, that a Brother of mine had arriv’d at Dobbs’s ferry from New York.  By a Letter I receiv’d this Moment from Him I think He wishes to become an Inhabitant of the United States—Your Excellency will much oblige me by Informing me of the moves I must pursue to Gain this Wish for End.
                  In the Mean time I must Request Your Excellency will permit Him to come up to Major Genl Heaths Quarters, where I will put him under the care of Genl Howe.
                  I shall thank Your Excellency for An Ansr as soon as Convenient As You must be sensible of my Impatience on the Subject—I am With Every Idea of Respect & Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obedt Hhble servt

                     Walter Stewart
                     Colo.


Title: General Orders, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters, Newburgh, Tuesday, August 6th 1782
                     Parole Westpoint,
                     Countersigns New Windsor,
                  Fishkill
                  Lieutenant Boss of the corps of Invalids tried by the general courtmartial of which Colonel Putnam is president; "for behaving disrespectfully to Colonel Nicola and on many occasions unbecoming a gentleman and for disposing of public flour for his private use" is acquitted and released from his arrest.
                  A return of the number of men now serving in the different state regiments who are engaged for this Campaign only, to be given in at the Orderly office without delay.
                  The General Courtmartial of which Colonel Putnam is president will meet at Westpoint tomorrow morning 9 oclock for the trial of such prisoners as may be brought before them.
                  The Commander in chief desires that the soldiers confined in the provost guard who have not yet had their trials may be brought before a Courtmartial with as much expedition as the nature of their cases will admit.
                  The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolves.
                  By the United States in Congress assembled July 23d 1782.
                  Resolved, that in conducting the business of the general hospital; there shall be an invariable standard of prices established, by which the Apothecary shall be charged with every article he shall issue the standard to be established by the medical board, or such person or persons as they shall appoint, which shall only be considered as a certain ratio, whereby to keep the accounts but that, in the settlement of all accounts in that department, all deficient articles, not issued or returned shall be accounted for at such real value as shall be estimated by the Medical Board, and approved of by the secretary at war.
                  An account shall be taken as soon as possible, of all the Medicines, instruments, and property, in the Apothecary’s department belonging to the public, in the hands of the apothecary, the Deputies, Assistants, and Mates, the Surgeon of hospitals and Surgeons of regiments, for which they shall severally be charged at the standard value as ascertained by the board as aforesaid, and for all they may hereafter receive; but to account for deficiences at the real value, to be estimated as aforesaid.
                  The Apothecary shall be accountable for all articles in his department to the Purveyor throughout the states, untill they come into the hands of the prescribers.  And all Deputies, assistants and Mates, shall make returns, and be accountable to the Apothecary for the Medicines, instruments, and other property belonging to the public in the department, now in their hands, and of such as they may hereafter be possessed of.
                  The Apothecary shall make up his accounts at the expiration of every year, and settle them as soon after as possible, and before the expiration of six months.  He shall at the same time make out two returns for the director of the hospital, one specifying what has been receiv’d and issued, and the amount of what remains on hand; the other exhibiting a particular amount of the value of the medicines and other public property, each prescriber has received within the year.
                  All losses which may happen by the events of war, and other circumstances unavoidable, shall be borne by the public.  In cases of losses by fraud or neglect in any Deputy, Assistant or mate, the Apothecary shall not be accountable for such losses, provided the delinquent be convicted thereof before a Courtmartial appointed to try the same.
                  The hospital prescribers shall be supplied, upon their own application, with Medicines, and instrumts necessary for the sick and wounded under their care.
                  Every regimental surgeon shall receive yearly, from the apothecary a supply of medicins to such amount, by the above standard as the medical board shall judge necessary.
                  Every prescribing Surgeon or Physician either in hospital, or with the army, shall be supplied by the Apothecary with such a set of capital instruments as the medical board shall judge necessary; and shall be accountable for all losses in the medicins and instruments not arising from the events of war, and other circumstances unavoidable.  Duplicates of all returns made by the Apothecary to the director, shall be lodged in the war office.
                  That in the army of the united States, excepting the southern army, at present under the command of Major General Green, the offices of assistant Purveyor, and Assistant Apothecary, and the stores keepers under the Purveyor and Apothecary (except one storekeeper under the purveyor) to keep a store near the army, and all clerks, except two to the purveyor, shall be hereafter discontinued.
                  That all surgeons of the hospital shall take rank after the Director of the hospital, Deputy Director, & Physician to the army, in the following order viz Those surgeons of the hospital who have been either deputy director, Physican general, Surgeon general, chief Physician or Surgeon to the hospital or army, shall take rank next to the above mentioned officers; and their relative rank to each other shall be accordingly to the date of their respective appointments to either of the above offices.
                  That all such as were regimental surgeons, when appointed senior Physician or surgeon to the hospital, shall take rank with such senior Physicians and surgeons, agreeable to the date of their first appointment whether to the regiment or Hospital.
                  All surgeons the date of whose first appointments either to regiments, or hospital, shall have been on the same day shall decide their rank by lot.
                  That for the more convenient subsistance of the officers of the hospital department, they be allowed, including their former allowance of rations and forage, as follows.
                  Director of the hospital, four rations per day for himself and servants, forage for two horses and twenty five dollars per month subsistance.
                  Deputy Director and Physician each three rations a day for himself and servants, forage for two horses and twenty dollars pr month subsistance.
                  Hospital Surgeons, each two rations a day, for himself and servant, forage for two horses, and fifteen dollars per month subsistance.
                  Deputy purveyor, and Deputy apothecary each one ration a day and forage for one horse, and ten dollars per month subsistance.
                  Hospital Mates each one ration a day and five dollars per month subsistence.
                  Stewards each one ration a day & five dollars per month subsistence.
                  Ward masters, each one ration a day and three dollars per month subsistence.
                  That the above allowance of rations forage and subsistance to the officers of the hospital department, over and above what they severally were entitled to, at the time of passing this act shall be charged to them respectively, as advances in part of their monthly pay.
                  That in future, the pay and allowance of the purveyor and Apothecary be the same each as that of a hospital surgeon.
                  That none of the aforesaid officers or other persons, employed in any of the hospitals, be entitled to rations, forage or subsistence when on furlough.
                  That the regulation respecting officers servants, contained in the act of Congress of 11 March 1780 shall not be construed to extend to the hospital department.
                  For fatigue tomorrow the 2d Massachusetts regiment.


Title: To George Washington from John Cochran, 6 August 1782
From: Cochran, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Fishkill August 6th 1782

                  Being called on last spring to form an Estimate of Medicines, Instruments, Stores &c. for the Hospitals of the United States, for one year, I presented the same to the Secretary at War on the 6th of May last, and enforced the Compliance with my Requisition, in the strongest Terms, but more particular the immediate supply of Doctor Craik’s Estimate for the Field, (which was included in the general one) a very small part of which has yet been furnished, which will reduce us to very great Difficulties, if some effectual means should not be fallen on to give us a sufficient supply, not being provided for the most triffling Incidents.
                  The Articles now most in Demand, both for the Hospitals & the Field service, are Bed Cases, Pillow Cases, Shirts, Sheets, Blankets, Old Linnen, Lint, Tea, Bandages, Thread, Pins, Ointments, Some few Articles of Medicine to make up the general assortment & a small Sum of money to purchase Vegitables; for the Sick & wounded & to defray Sundry incidental Charges.
                  The Hospital now opening at Colonel Jackson’s Huts, is destitute of Bed Cases, Pillow Cases, Sheets, Blankets and some Articles of Furniture.
                  I cannot learn by any late Regulations, in what manner the Regimental Sick are to be supplied with Stores, tho’ a scheme has been recommended for that Purpose some time ago & the sick are suffering.
                  The above is submitted to your Excellency’s Consideration, while I have the Honor to be with respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedient and very hble servant

                     John Cochran
                     D.M.H.


Title: To George Washington from Christian Febiger, 6 August 1782
From: Febiger, Christian
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Cumbd old Court house August 6th 1782

                  In the Absence of General Muhlenberg, (whose ill state of Health obligd him to go to the Springs) Your Excellency will permit me to acknowledge the Receipt of both yours Favours of the 22nd ultimo.
                  I have written to Captn Irish the Comissary of military for a Duplicate of the Return mentiond and shall on Receipt transmitt it.
                  The Executive are takeing Measures to putt in Execution a Law passd the last Session of Assembly for recruiting the Virginia Lin;, But I am fearfull it will be very slow in its Operations.  I shall in the Generals Absence from time to time inform your Excellency of its Success.
                  on the 16th ultimo and the 1st instant I wrote the Secretary of War, representing the Situation of the Troops at this Post, particularly pointing out our destressfull Situation for want of Medicines & Cloathing, of the former we are totally destitute and the latter almost literally so.
                  You’ll please to permitt my solliciting your Excellencys Interference to procure as a Supply of those Articles.
                  The men that are here are well arm’d, and the moment we receive Cloathing can be putt on March whenever your Excellency shall please to direct it.  I have the honor to be with the greatest Veneration & Respect Your Excellencys Most obedient and most humble Servant

                     Christian Febiger


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                     My Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augst 6 1782

                  In my last Letter of the 7th of July, in which I acknowledged your several favors of the 22d of April & 19th of May, I mentioned my expectation of soon meeting the Count de Rochambeau in Philadelphia, and my intention of writing you from that place in case any thing of moment should turn up in the mean while—But as our hopes, that public Dispatches would have arrived from France before our meeting, have been disappointed, I can only inform you that matters now rest in the same scituation as described in my former Letters, except with regard to the Negociations, which are said to be carrying on by the belligerent Powers in Europe.
                  Indeed I hardly know what to think or believe of the disposition of the Court of Britain—Certain it is the New Administration have made Overtures of Peace to the several Nations at War, apparently with a design to detach some one or other of them from the general combination—but not having succeeded in their efforts for a seperate negociation, how far the necessity of Affairs may carry them in their wishes for a general Pacification upon admissable terms, I cannot undertake to determine—From the former infatuation, duplicity, and perverse system of British Policy, I confess, I am induced to doubt every thing—to suspect every thing—otherwise, I should suppose, from the subsequent extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton & Admiral Digby to me dated the 2d instant, that the prospects of negociation for a general Peace would be very favorable.
                  "We are acquainted, Sir, by authority that Negociations for a general Peace have already commenced at Paris, and that Mr Grenville is invested with full Powers to treat with all parties at War, and is now at Paris in the execution of his Commission.  And we are likewise, Sir, further made acquainted, that His Majesty, in order to remove all obstacles to that Peace which he so ardently wishes to restore, has commanded his Ministers to direct Mr Grenville, that the Independency of the Thirteen Provinces should be proposed by him, in the first instance, instead of making it a condition of a general Treaty; however not without the highest Confidence, that the Loyalists shall be restored to their Possessions, or a full compensation made them for whatever Confiscations may have taken place."—These communications they say had just arrived by a Packet—They further add that Mr Laurens was enlarged from all engagements, and that Transports were prepared for conveying all American Prisoners to this Country to be exchanged here—Whatever the real intention of the Enemy may be, I think the strictest attention and exertion which have ever been practiced on our part, instead of being diminished, ought to be increased thereby—Jealousy & precaution, at least, can do no harm, too much confidence & supineness may be pernicious in the extream.
                  There having been a vague report that a small embarkation of Cavalry & Infantry was to take place at New York, to relieve part of Garrison of Charlestown, I have made use of the occasion to desire the Secretary at War, to put Armands Legion immediately in motion to join you & have requested he will use his endeavours to have the means afforded to facilitate & expedite the movement.
                  A Mail has lately been intercepted by the Enemy between Philadelphia and Trenton, in which, I am informed there were Letters from you to me, these by the time of their capture were probably of the same date as your Dispatches to Congress, wherein the Correspondence between Genll Leslie & yourself was enclosed; I mention these circumstances, that you may forward Duplicates in case you should judge it necessary.
                  You will, I imagine, have heard before this reaches you, of the arrival of Mr Vaudreuil with a Fleet of 13 Ships of the Line on this Coast—I can give you no particulars, as I have no official Account of his arrival.
                  The Army of the Count de Rochambeau having, as I advised you in my last, marched towards the Northward; at our meeting in Philadelphia, it was concluded (upon a consideration of all circumstances) that this Corps should proceed to join the Army on the Hudson—they were at Baltimore by the last intelligence from that quarter.
                  Since the receipt of the Letters from the Commissioners, Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby; I have seen a New York Paper of the 3d in which, is a speach of Genll Conway’s & some other Articles which appear to be designed to propose Independence to America on certain conditions not admissable; viz. that the Legislatures of America should be totally Independant of the Parliament of Great Britain, but that the King of England should have the same kind of supremacy here as in Ireland, I have not information sufficient to determine whether this is the species of Independence alluded to in the Letter of the Commissioners or not—I wish my suspicions, however, may be ill founded.  Wishing you all the success & happiness you can desire yourself, I am, my Dear Sir, With the highest sentiments of regard & esteem, Your most Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 6 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands, August 6. 1782.

                  Major Keith has been relieved from the lines, and is ordered in arrest on the enclosed charges, which are submitted to your excellency.  He will soon be brought to trial unless you think proper to order otherwise.
                  A considerable number of soldiers in every regiment I am informed, are destitute of cartridge boxes, which will render them in a great measure unfit for real service, should the regiments be ordered to march.
                  The 3d Massachusetts brigade is in great want of a conductor of military stores.  The brigades are now so strong that it is very difficult if possible for the brigade-quartermasters to do both duties.
                  The enclosed from major Smith was received yesterday.  If your excellency has no objection, captain Benton shall be relieved.  Captain Dorence declines being appointed to the superintendency of the hospital, and wishes, if an opportunity offers, a command at some post where his duty will be more military.  I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, your excellency’s most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath

                Enclosure

                     Dear General

                        Camp Connecticut Line Augt 4th 1782

                     The bearer Capt. Dorrance of the 5th C. Regt was wounded sometime past, is still lame, which renders him incapable of field duty—he is Nevertheless Anxious to continue in the Army, and wishes if possible to be Appointed to some station’d Command.  I beg leave to recommend him to the General for such a Command should there be an Opportunity.
                     Captain Benton of the 5th C. Regt has been employed as Superintendant of the Hospital at New Windsor for twelve months past, in consequence of which the Accounts and affairs of his Company have suffer’d and he is much wanted to attend to them—if the General could Judge it expedient, I should be much Obligd to him to order Capt. Benton relieved.I am dear General Your most humble Servt

                        D. Smith Major Comdg 5th Regt

                Enclosure

                        Sir,
                        Highlands August 5. 1782

                     You are ordered in arrest for unmilitary and unofficerlike conduct in the following particulars, vizt.
                     l. For ordering serjeant Bennet and twelve men from the 8th Massachusetts regiment on the 23d ultimo, to march from West point, without the orders or knowledge of the commandant.
                     2. For instructing serjeant Bennet to take directions from mr Brown, a trader, respecting the guarding of stores to West point; which stores it is said, were contraband, and were attempted to be conveyed to West point contrary to the laws of the state; and by such misapplication of the guard, reflecting dishonor on the army.
                     You will consider yourself in arrest accordingly until you are brought to trial or released by proper authority.


Title: From George Washington to William Irvine, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Irvine, William

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 6th Augst 1782

                  I have to acknowlege the Receipt of your two Letters of the 1st & 11th of July—the former containg the plan of a proposed Expedition, of which you mention your being solicited to take the Command, & covering a Copy of your Letter to the Secretary at War on that proposition—I have not given you my Ideas on this Expedition, as the plan, if adopted, must probably have began its Execution, before my Letter would have reached you—If attempted, I have only to give you my good Wishes for its Success.
                  I lament the failure of the former Expedition—and am particularly affected with the disastrous fate of Colo. Crawford—no other than the extremest Tortures which could be inflicted by the Savages could, I think, have been expected, by those who were unhappy eno’ to fall into their Hands, especially under the present Exasperation of their Minds, for the Treatment given their Moravian friends.  For this reason, no person should at this Time, suffer himself to fall alive into the Hands of the Indians.With great Regard & Esteem I am sir Your most Obedient & humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 6 August 1782
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia 6th Augt 1782

                  The furlough that you was so obliging as to give Mr Lewis Morris at my request being about to expire & the present prospects affording little probability so useful to the public in the field as in his present station I am induced to ask from your Excellency a continuance of it.
                  The arrival of the fleet has set the invention of our politicians to work about the proper mode of employing it among other schemes the Council of this State have instructed their delegates to press an attempt upon Bermuda to secure their commerce from the injury the privateers of that Iland do them—I have by direction of Congress conferred with the minister of france on that subject & in consequence of the report I shall make I presume your Excellency will shortly hear more of it—Tho  I can not help thinking that if the British do not send a superior fleet to this coast many more important objects invite our attempts—The prospect of a peace daily Grows Stronger  Mr Jay is gone to paris in consequence of a request from Doctr Franklin.  The Spaniards have transferred the seat of their separate negotiation with us also to paris having given the Marquis De Arunda their ambasadour plenipotentiary powers to treat with us—Whether Rodneys success will make any alteration in this wish—that England manifests for peace I can not say—Russia (who secretly wishes to continue the war) earnestly presses a separate peace between England & Holland to render the match more equal—It is so long since we have had any thing particular from Europe that I am unable to give that minute information which, I shall always find a pleasure in communicating to Your Excellency—I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem Your Excellencys &c.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 August 1782
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia August 6. 1782.

                  The prices at which forage would be furnished thro’ the agent of the state of New-York (as appears by the papers transmitted me by Colonels Lutterloh & Hughes) being much higher than the cash prices, Mr Morris has refused his assent to either of the modes proposed.  Instead thereof he has put into my hands a number of his draughts, which will be negociated with the receivers of the public taxes in the several states eastward of Pensylvania; and he encourages me to expect that this may be done from time to time, in such manner as to enable me to keep up a regular supply of forage.
                  Mr Morris is under so many embarrassments, thro the failures in the collection of taxes, he wishes that as little expence as possible may be incurred in the procuring of wood for fuel, by employing soldiers to cut it, as far as shall by any means consist with the service; and in this he expects the less difficulty or inconvenience will arise, as the campaign will probably be inactive.  Such part of the transportation as must be done on hire, the draughts Mr Morris has and will put into my hands, will enable me to accomplish.
                  I shall leave town by the close of the present week.  I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedt servant

                     Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to George Reid, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Reid, George

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 6th Augst 1782

                  I have received your Letter of the 3d instant.
                  Comparing the Resolution of Congress of 18th of Octo. 81 with that of the 10th of Augst 1776 to which it refers, it would seem that the Canadian Refugees as well as volunteers, are included in that resolution under which the Commissaries have stopped Issuing their Rations—General Schuyler however, is best able to give you Information on this point, as the makg provision for store people, has been originally committed to his Direction—Hard as it may appear, that those poor Refugees, who have been driven from their Country for their Adherence to our Cause, should be denied the small pittance of provisions for their Subsistance; yet it is not in my power to contravene direct Resolutions of Congress.
                  If the Militia should be called into Service (of which I know nothing at present) they must probably be supplied with provisions, so long as in actual Service, by the Contractors, unless the State should provide for them, which I have no Expectation will be the Case.
                  Genl Stark has had no orders from me to take Command at the Northward, nor have I any Intimations from him of his Intentions—I am Sir Your Most hume Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Walter Stewart, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Stewart, Walter

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 6th Augst 1782

                  I have received your two favors of Yesterday respecting your Brother, who you suppose, wishes to become an Inhabitant of the united States.
                  I know you are sensible of the Delicacy of Situation in which I am placed—you are equally sensible of the impropriety of the Channel thro which your Brother has presented himself for our admittance:  At the same Time, I trust, you are persuaded of the full Disposition I have to oblige you in every thing I can consistent with my Duty, and you cannot be insensible that it is necessary for me to observe general Rules in Cases of this Nature.
                  I have therefore to desire, that you will, previous to his comg out, either to do it yourself, or take Means to obtain from your Brother, the particular Views & Intentions with which he comes to this Country, with the Reasons for his coming thro’ the Channel of N. York—also the Mode by which he obtains permission from the Enemy to pass among us.  Upon Information of which, if satisfactory, no Difficulty will be opposed to his coming out.
                  Altho I have no particular Reasons to suspect your Brother of any evil Intentions, yet tis necessary on all Occasions, to be guarded against the least Apprehension of Imposition.
                  The mode of his becomg a Resident will not depend on me—his Application must, I suppose, be made to the Executive of the State, where he means to become an Inhabitant. I am With much Regard Dear Sir Your most Obedient Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Villefranche de Genton, Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters, Augt 6. 1782

                  I was informed by Genll Paterson that the place assigned by Majr Genll Knox & others for erecting the Magazine, was in your opinion very unfit for the purpose; if this is the case, I wish you to point out some other place on West Point, and give your reasons in writing as soon as possible, why you prefer it to the place first mentioned.  I am sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                     Go:Washington


Title: From George Washington to Seth Warner, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Warner, Seth

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters. 6th Augst 1782

                  Your Letter of the 16th June last reached me but a few Days ago, containing Intelligence from Canada similar to what I have received from that Quarter, thro various other Channels—As I am desirous to obtain every Information of the Motions & probable Designs of the Enemy that can be collected; I am obliged to you for your Attention in this Respect.
                  I am very sorry for the Situation of the prisoners who have been carried into Canada—some Circumstances which took place last Spring respectg a general Exchange, in which my Wishes were much disappointed prevent at present my being able to give them any Relief—I hope however that the Time is not far distant when their Exchange may be effected on proper principles. Wishing you a Restoration of Health & Usefullness—I am Sr Your most Obedt Servt


Title: From George Washington to Marinus Willett, 6 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Willett, Marinus

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 6th Augst 1782

                  I have received your two Letters of the 9th & 21st of July—the first of which reached me but last Evening by the Hand of Mr Ten Eyck.
                  On the Subject of the Indians, I am at a Loss what to reply to you; the matter has been often under the Deliberation of Congress, at times much more favorable for conciliating the affections of that people, but, either the Means for carrying the Measure you mention into execution, have not been in their power, or the Measure itself has not been tho’t proper to be adopted—At the present time, I am persuaded, that the finances of the united States are not competent to the Object, in the Extent in which you view it.  In the meantime, it may be well to make the best we can of the favorable disposition of the tribe now under our immediate protection, but it is not in my power to give you the Means: the Subject shall be mentioned to the Secretary at War; to whom your Ideas shall be communicated, with my full Approbation of your Sentiments.
                  Not considering it to be within my province to give Directions for the Issue of cloathing to your three Years state Troops, I will transmit your Letter & Return to the Secretary at War, under whose Direction all Issues of Cloathing are to be made, and desire him to give Instructions respecting that Subject—With much Regard I am Sir Your most hume Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 7 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Wednesday August 7th 1782.
                     Parole Winchester.
                     Countersigns York. Lancaster.

                  Honorary Badges of distinction are to be conferred on the veteran Non commissioned officers and soldiers of the army, who have served more than three years with bravery, fidelity and good conduct, for this purpose a narrow piece of white cloath of an angular form is to be fixed to the left arm on the uniform Coats.  Non commissioned officers and soldiers who have served with equal reputation more than six years are to be distinguished by two pieces of cloth set on parallel to each other in a simular form—should any who are not entitled to these honors have the insolence to assume the badges of them they shall be severely punished.  On the other hand it is expected those gallant men who are thus designated will on all occasions be treated with particular confidence and consideration.
                  The General ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth, or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding.  Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward.  Before this favour can be conferred on any man, the particular fact, or facts, on which it is to be grounded must be set forth to the Commander in chief accompanied with certificates from the Commanding officers of the regiment and brigade to which the Candadate for reward belonged, or other incontestable proofs, and upon granting it, the name and regiment of the person with the action so certified are to be enrolled in the book of merrit which will be kept at the orderly office.  Men who have merited this last distinction to be suffered to pass all guards and sentinals which officers are permitted to do.
                  The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all. This order is also to have retrospect to the earliest stages of the war, and to be considered as a permanent one.
                  A surgeon from the 2d Connecticutt and a mate from the 3d Massachusetts Brigades to march with Major Ashleys command tomorrow.
                  The 6th Massachusetts regiment will give the guards and fatigue parties on the east side of the river for seven days commencing tomorrow.
                  For fatigue tomorrow at West point &ca the 10th Massachusetts regiment.
                  A captain from the 10th Massachusetts regiment will attend the court martial of which Colonel Putnam is president, as a member tomorrow.


Title: To George Washington from William Colfax, 7 August 1782
From: Colfax, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                      7th Augt 1782

                  It was impossible to render the accts Your Excellency demanded of me, sooner than I have—not a moments time has been lost in having them coppied and made ready to be presented, since the order was received.
                  I have not, till now, account’d for the money I recd of your Excellency in Virginia—therefore, deem’d it necessary to go into the matter more fully than was expressed in the order—and have accounted for all public monies entrusted to me; as they were received.
                  I was never directed to keep an acct of the draughts on the quarter masters store; (nor did Gibbs before me) in future, that order shall be implicity complied with.
                  Since Your Excellency’s arrival at this place, I have endeavoured to retrench the general expenditures of your house-hold.  In some respects, I have succeeded; but there yet appears to be too great a consumption of beef—and I dont know how this imposition can be remided, without I put the servants upon an allowance, which I have had in contemplation.  They have declared they would take every advantage of the Steward? it is impossible he should be every where, and they may find opportunities enough to carry these threats into execution.
                  I am informed there are Portmanteau’s in store at Morristown, if they are large and such as will answer, I will have one forwarded by the earliest opportunity.
                  After comparing accts I find I am in arrears a small sum—whether this has been occasioned by inattention, in not recording all charges, or some mistake when I have recd money; I am not able to determine—this loss, however, would be aleviated, if my conduct met with Your Excellency’s approbation.  I have the honor to be, With respect, Your Excellency’s Obedt servant

                     W. Colfax


Title: From George Washington to Adam-Philippe, comte de Custine, 7 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Custine, Adam-Philippe, comte de

                     Sir,
                     Head Qrs Newburgh 7th Augt 1782

                  Mrs Washington, in a letter which I have just receivd from her, expresses her sensibility at your polite attention in calling upon her at Mount Vernon—she informs me also of the obligation you have laid me under, in a present of eligant China—which as the product of your own Estate, I shall consider as of inestimable value knowing, as I do, the favourable Sentiments which accompanied it.  I have the honr to be Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Ser.

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Glover, 7 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Glover, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters August 7th 1782

                  By the last Post I had the pleasure to acquaint you with the determination of Congress permitting you to retire from the Army agreably to your request.
                  As the Servants, public Waggons &c. allowed you whilst in the Army will now no longer be necessary. I have to desire you to order them on to the Army as soon as possible.  I am Sir Your most Obedt humble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 7 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Augt 7th 1782

                  Your favor of yesterday has been duly received—I think it proper that the trial of Major Keith should commence as soon as possible—The affair of the Cartridge Boxes, together with the appointment of a Conductor to the 3d Masstts Brigade, have been referred to Genll Knox.
                  If Capt. Dorence is unfit for the Duty of the Field, it would be best for him to relieve Capt. Benton at the Hospitals, as I know of no stationary Command he can be appointed to; however, if it is very disagreeable to Capt. Dorence, I wish you to conduct as you think best.  I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From David Humphreys to Hugh Hughes, 7 August 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Hughes, Hugh

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augst 7th 1782

                  I enclose you a Letter from Colo. Swift respecting the expence incurred by keeping his Waggon Horses throughout the Winter; on the subject of which I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you it is his pleasure; that ways & means may be devised, if possible for the payment of this expence before the Horses, are returned in; but in case you are not able to pay the Money that you adjust the account & cause the payment to be secured in the most speedy & effectual manner in your power.  I am Sir &c.

                     Dd Humphrys


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 7 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Dear Sir,
                     Head-Quarters, Newburgh 7th August 1782

                  I have just now recd a Letter from Doctor Cochran, of which the enclosed is a Copy, giving, as you may observe, a Detail of his Wants.  You are too sensible of the Importance of having Hospitals supplied with every Necessary to need a single Argument of mine to recommend his Request to your Attention.  I have the Honor to be &c. &c.


Title: To George Washington from John Moylan, 7 August 1782
From: Moylan, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir.
                     Philada 7th Augst 1782

                  I was honored with your Letter of the 3d Instt at a moment that I was Conferring with Colonel Tilghman on the Subject of its Contents.  to him I beg leave to refer your Excellency for Such particular Information of the present State of the Department, as his Immediate Departure will not allow me time to Enter here into a Detail of—your Letter shall be Instantly layed before the Superintendant of Finance, & Every Endeavour of mine added to it’s Weight, that may Enable me to Comply wth your Wishes—tho such is at present my Situation with Regard to Engagemts I have Allready Entered into, that I much apprehend for the success of any application I may make for fresh Supplies.  Whatever be the result I Shall not fail to Communicate to your Excellency in Course.  I have to Lament that the means of Conveyance have not kept pace with the Exertions Used since my Arrival in this City to make up Deficiencies—which, when Enquired into, will I am Confidant, fully Justify my Conduct from any neglect—This observation will not appear alltogether unnecessary when your Excelly is Informed that to the want of the means of transporting them, is solely owing to the Delay of the Remainder of the Hunting Frocks, which have been for some Weeks past in Readiness to forward on to the Army. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Yr Excellency’s most obedient servant

                     John Moylan
                     Clor genl


Title: From George Washington to John Price Posey, 7 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Posey, John Price

                     Sir,
                     Head Qrs Newburgh 7th Augt 1782

                  With a mixture of surprize, concern, & even horror; have I heard of your treatment of the deceased Mr Custis; in the abuse, & misapplication of the Estate which he had committed—with much confidence I am sure, & I believe personal regard to your management.
                  If what I have heard, or the half of it be true, you must not only be lost to the feelings of virtue, honor & common honesty—but you must have suffered an unwarrantable thirst of gain to lead you into errors which are so pregnant with folly & indiscretion, as to render you a mark for every mans arrow to level at.  Can you suppose Sir, that a Manager, can dissipate his Employers Estate with impunity?  That there are not Laws in every free Country by which Justice is to be obtained?  or, that the Heirs of Mr Custis will not find friends who will pursue you, to the end of the Earth in order to come at it?  If you do, you are proceeding upon exceedingly mistaken principles.  but, for a moment only let us suppose that you have taken the advantage of an unsuspecting friend—for such I am sure Mr Custis was to you.  &, that you have acted so covertly, as to elude the Law; do you believe that in the hours of cool reflection—in the moment perhaps, when you shall find that ill gotten pelf can no longer avail you; that your conscience will not smite you severely for such complicated inequity as arises not only from acts of injustice, but the horrors of ingratitude; in abusing the confidence of a man who supposed you incapable of deceiving him, who was willing, & I believe did, in a great degree, commit his whole property to your care?
                  But this by the by, I do not mean to put this matter upon the footing of Conscience.  Conscience, must have been kicked out of doors before you could have proceeded to the length of selling another Mans Negros for your own emolument and this too after having applyed the greatest part, or the whole of the profits of his Estate to your own benefit.  Conscience again seldom Comes to a Mans aid while he is in the zenith of health, & revelling in pomp & luxury upon ill gotten spoils—it is generally the last act of his life & comes too late to be of much service to others here, or to himself hereafter.  But Sir, the footing I expect to see you put this matter upon, is, to settle without delay, such Accts with the Administrator of Mr Custis’s Estate, whose duty it is to have it done, as you can support by authentic vouchers.  That you will show by what authority you have sold any of his Negros, & to what purposes the money has been applied.  & lastly, what Crops you have made what Stocks you have raisd and how they have been disposed of.  A settlement of this kind, altho’ it should appear by it that you have applied the greatest part, or even the whole of the money arising fm the sales of them to your own purposes, will be the next best thing to never having committed the wrong—How far Mr Dandridge, as an Administrator, may chuse to push matters, I cannot undertake (never having heard from him on the subject) to say.  but this you may rely on, that this affair shall be most critically investigated, & probed to the bottom; let the trouble & cost of doing it be what it may—as a Man therefore who wishes for your own sake as well as that of an injurd family to see you act properly, I advise, & warn you of the consequences of a contrary conduct being Sir Yr Most Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From David Humphreys to Heman Swift, 7 August 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Swift, Heman

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augst 7 1782

                  In reply to your favor of yesterday, I have to inform you; I am directed by the Commander in Chief to write to the D.Q.M. that ways & means may be devised by him if possible for payment of the expence of forage furnished your Waggon Horses the last Winter; and in case he is not able to pay the Money, that he should adjust the account & cause the payment to be secured in the most speedy & effectual manner in his power.  This is all the Genl can do on the subject—I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                     Dd Humphrys A.D.C.


Title: General Orders, 8 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh August 8th 1782
                     Parole Providence
                     Countersigns Bristol
                  Greenwich
                  The Inspector of Music will see that exact uniformity in the different beats prevail throughout the army.  the signals of the drum as pointed out in the regulations are to be continually made use of and pointedly attended to—the Drum and fife majors of the several corps composing this army will every day assemble to receive the instructions of the inspecter of music at such convenient time and place as he shall point out—this order to continue in force untill the inspector of music shall report them perfect in their duties.
                  To keep the horses and teams in perfect condition for service through the Campaign is an object of great consequence; as on this single circumstance not only the supplys and movements but even the success of any army may depend.  The Waggon master general and all the Conductors must be answerable that the cattle meet with good usage, that they are not worn down by excessive fatigue, if it can be avoided, that they are not driven in the heat of the day, when the labour assigned can be performed early in the morning or at night; and that their is the gratest care bestowed in furnishing them with a plenty of good forage.
                  Major Cogswell Waggon Master General will make a weekly representation to the Quartermaster generals or acting Qr Master with the army, who will report to Head Quarters, the number, condition, casualties, employment and station of all the teams of the army; and also a return of the waggoners and drivers under his direction.
                  For Fatigue tomorrow the 5th Massachusetts regt.


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 8 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 8th Augst 1782

                  In your last Conversation with me on the Subject of Resigning your Commisn as Brigr Genl you concluded to take the Matter into further Consideration, & to inform me of your Resolutions.
                  The Army is now on the point of takg the field; in which Case it becomes necessary for me to form my Arrangement for the Several Commands—supposing therefore that you have had Time to bring your Mind to a Conclusion—I have to request that you will be pleased to communicate to me, as soon as possible, your final Determination; whether you mean to continue in Service or not.
                  For your Satisfaction, I have to inform you that Brigr Genl McIntosh has declared his Intention to continue in Service—& B. Genl Moultrie had not signified, a few Days ago, any Resolutions to resign.  I am &c.

                     G.W.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 8 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Augt 8th 1782

                  I have been favored with your Letter of this date.  It is my opinion that Major Porter be bro’t to a Court Martial immediately, as I have no idea of an officer being absent, in the manner he has, without being made a public example of.  Whatever Shoes are wanted for the use of the Men, over the number assigned them, may be drawn for & charged to their respective Accounts.
                  I am much obliged by your mentioning the state of the Roads between Robinson’s Farm & Peeks Kill, and I wish you to order immediate repairs to them, as they will be used in the course of a few days.  The Sergeants you mention for the use of the Rendezvous at Springfield, may be detached, when ever you think necessary—I am Dr Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 8 August 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Philada August 8th 1782

                  Having occasion to Answer a letter lately received from a Mr Creeden in New York, I beg leave to trouble You with the care of sending it in by such opportunity as may first occur.
                  I am preparing Money for the Contractors their demands so immediately on the back of the Pay Master Generals Notes due the 1st Inst. press me closely. I am most truely Dear Sir Your affectionate hble servt

                     R. Morris


Title: From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 8 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

                     Dr Sir
                     Head Quarters 8th Augst 1782

                  The Army under my Immediate Command, is on the point of takg the field—Your Services will be necssary—You will therefore be pleased to repair to this Department as soon as possible where a Command will be allotted to you.I am &c.

                     G.W.


Title: General Orders, 9 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Friday August 9th 1782
                     Parole Jersey
                     Countersigns Trenton, Princetown

                  The acting Quartermaster with the army will have a sufficient number of Espontoons made to furnish each platoon officer who has never received one.
                  Commandants of corps will make returns of that deficiency immediately—The general expects those officers who have once been supplied will keep themselves equipp’d with that useful and ornamental Weapon.
                  For Fatigue at Westpoint tomorrow 7th Massachusetts regiment.
                  The regiment which is on garrison duty, will in future furnish the orderly serjeants for the Courtmartial on West point.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 9 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands August 9. 1782

                  I was yesterday honored with yours of the 7th—Major Keith has requested that his trial may not commence until general Paterson returns, which will probably be eight or ten days.
                  I believe captain Dorrence will decline superintending the general hospital.  I have desired general Huntington to ascertain the matter fully.  I have the honor to be, With the greatest respect, Your excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Hugh Hughes, 9 August 1782
From: Hughes, Hugh
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                      c.9 August 1782

                  Sensible that the Foregoing does not fully answer the Description of what your Excellency was pleased to order, I must beg Leave to mention the Reasons why that Order has not been complied with, and a partial Return exhibited, which are, that all the Brigade Returns were not yesterday, sent to the Quarter Master General’s Office, and that Colonel Humphrys, signified it was your Excellency’s Request to see what I have now the Honour of presenting, till a completer could be made.  With the greatest Respect & Esteem, I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most Obedient

                     Hugh Hughes
                     D.Q.M. for the State of New York


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 9 August 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir.
                     Office of Finance, 9th Augst 1782.

                  I had the Honor to receive your Excellency’s Favor of the Fifth Instant, last Evening.  I beg Leave to refer, for a State of Matters between the public & the Contractors, to mine of the Fifth Instant.  I should long since have appointed the Officer you mention, could I have got a proper Person.  I had applied to General Cornell, and he had (in a manner) undertaken, but afterwards declined.  Colo. Tilgman will give your Excellency an Account of some Conversation, with him on the Subject.  I wait to hear from you or him, or both, before I go into an Appointment.  I pray you Sir, to beleive that I am, with the greatest Esteem & Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & humble Servant

                     Robt Morris


Title: General Orders, 10 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Saturday 10th August 1782
                     Parole Hudson.
                     Countersigns Hackensack
                  Passaic
                  Commanding officers of the several state lines which compose this army will cause descriptive Lists of all the men who have deserted from the regiments of their lines since the commencement of 1777 to be made out, so as to designate the deserters as accurately as can be done, at this time, noting particularly the places they belong’d to, towns they enlisted for and the time they deserted—these lists are to be by them transmitted to the Governors of the states with such further particular information as may be necessary for recovering those men—The general will also use his influence with the Executives of those states that effectual measures may be taken for reclaiming the Deserters within their limitts—Duplicates of the descriptive lists must be lodged at the orderly office.
                  The attendence now given by the Adjutant general having superseded the necessity of a Deputy for this Army, leaves Captn Haskell at liberty to attend solely to the duties of the Garrison of Westpoint as formerly.


Title: From George Washington to François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 10 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de

                     My dear Chevr
                     Head Qrs Newburgh 10th Augt 1782

                  I love & thank you for the Sentiments contained in your letter of the 5th—I look forward with pleasure, to the Epocha which will place us as conveniently in one camp, as we are congenial in our sentiments—I shall embrace you when it happens with the warmth of perfect friendship.
                  My time, during my Winter residence in Philadelphia, was unusually (for me) divide between parties of pleasure, & parties of business——The first, nearly of a sameness, at all times & places in this infant Country—is easily conceived; At least, is too unimportant for description—The Second was only deversified by perplexities, & could afford no entertainment—convinc’d of these things myself & knowing that your intelligence with respect to foreign Affairs was better and more interesting than mine, I had no Subject to address you Upon; thus then do I account for my silence.
                  My time, since I joined the Army in this quarter, has been occupied principally, in providing for disciplining, & preparing under many embarrassments, the Troops for the Field—Cramped as we have been, & now are for the want of Money, Every thing moves slowly; but as this is no new case I am not discouraged by it.
                  The enemy talk loudly, & very confidently of Peace, but whether they are in earnest, or whether it is to amuse and while away the time ’till they can prepare for a more vigorous prosecution of the War, time will evince—certain it is, the refugees at New York are violently convulsed by a Letter Which, e’re this you will have seen published from Sir Guy Carleton & Adml Digby to me, upon the subject of a general pacification & acknowledgement of the Independency of this Country.
                  Adieu my dear Chevalier—a sincere esteem & regard bids me assure You, that with sentiments of pure affection, I am Yrs &c.

                      signed, Gro Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Greene, 10 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, William

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters, 10th August 1782

                  The Regiment raised by your State being principally composed of Men whose Time of Service will expire with the Campaign, you will probably very soon begin to think of some Method of recruiting it.  I am informed by Colonel Olney that many of these Men could now be engaged for three Years or the War for a much smaller Bounty; than they can be raised for in the State—Of this, it appears to me, there cannot be a Doubt, for long Experience has proved that Soldiers are more ready to inlist while in the Field than when at Home.  And in this Way, besides a very considerable Expence, we shall save the Time & Trouble of raising & training the Recruits, prevent the Detriment that may be sustained by the Weakness of the Corps during that Period.  These Reasons induce me to second the Application of Colo. Olney, & earnestly wish it Success; and that Major Olney, who goes to Rhode Island for the Purpose, may be enabled to carry it into Execution.  I have the Honor to be, With great Respect, Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 10th Augst 1782.

                  Your Excellency will permit me to introduce to your particular Notice & Attention M. Genl D. Choissny, who will have the Honor to present this Letter.
                  As an Officer old in Command, & eminent for his Services, he has the Honor to be placed at the Head of the Troops destined for the Expedition proposed by the Marquis de Vaudreuil against Penobscot, provided that Enterprize should be attempted.
                  Any Civilities which your Excellency shall be pleased to shew him, will be no more than his Merits demand—and will be most gratefully accepted by Your Excellencys Most Obedient & Most humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 10 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 10th Augst 1782

                  Your Excellency will be informed by B. Genl De Choisey, who does me the Honor to be the Bearer of this, that the Marquis De Vaudruiel, with a fleet of his most Christian Majesty’s Ships of War, may be soon expected in the Harbour of Boston.
                  By a Correspondence which has passed between the Marquis & the Count de Rochambeau (a Copy of which I have been favored with by the latter) I am informed that the french Admiral has it in Contemplation to strike a Coup de Maine upon the port of Penobscot, while his Ships are to continue in your neighbourhood, requesting the Opinion of the Count upon the practicability of the Enterprize.  It appears also from the same Correspondence that the french General has given  a partial, yet pretty plain disapprobation of the Attempt; and has referred him to my Opinion on the subject; which the Count de Rochambeau, in his Letter to me, particularly requests me to communicate to the Marquis on his Arrival.
                  However desirable the Object may be, to dispossess the Enemy from that troublesome post, yet under present Circumstances & with present prospects, I have not judged the Attempt to be adviseable; and have given the french Admiral my Opinion decidedly against it.  My particular Sentiments & Reasons on the Subject, will be conveyed to you in the Copy of my Letter to the Marquis, which I do myself the Honor to inclose to your Excellency, for your own Observation, & that of the Executive of your State.
                  If notwithstandg my Sentiments & present Appearances, other & more favorable Circumstances should turn up, or prospects should so alter, as to make the Attempt appear practicable in the Judgment of the french Admiral and General de Choisey, as also in the Opinion of your Excellency & your Executive, I have no Doubt but that your State will afford every Assistance in the most expeditious manner, in Men, Artillery Military Stores &c. that may be found necessary to carry the Operation into Effect—The Distance of the Army from Boston, with other Circumstances, will render it impossible to give any timely Aid from this Quarter.  I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most humbl Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Philippe-André-Joseph de Létombe, 10 August 1782
From: Létombe, Philippe-André-Joseph de
To: Washington, George

                        Mon Général,
                     A Boston le 10e août 1782
                     J’ai l’honneur de prévénir Votre excellence: que l’armée navale, aux ordres de Mr le Marquis de Vaudreuil, a mouillé, ce matin, à Nantasket, elle est composée de 13. vaisseaux de Ligne dont 4. de 80. Canons et les autres de 74. trois fregates et un Cutter, on attend le Vaisseau le sceptre de 74. et 2. frégates aux ordres de Ms de la Peyrouse, qui ont été détachés, pour une expédition particuliere.  l’armée a intercepté, dans Sa route, un convoy de 8. transports, Sous l’escorte du chatam, qui étoit déstinée pour la Jamaique, comme il étoit un peu tard lors que ce Convoy a été apperçu, on n’a pu prendre que 6. transports, dont un chargé de mâtures, le reste S’est Sauvé à la faveur de la nuit.
                     la frégate l’Amazone, qui avoit eu ordre de S’approcher de la baye de cheesapeak, a eu un combat trés vif avec la frégate angloise la st catharina; dès le commencement du combat la frégate françoise a été démâtée de Ses deux arieres mâtes, et ayant Son capitaine tué et tous les officiers blessés, à l’exception d’un Seul garde marine, fut obligée de Se rendre; elle étoit prise lorsque l’escadre a paru, dés que le capitaine angloise la apperçuë, il a fait retirer tous les anglois qui étoient déjà à bord de l’amazone, il a même poussé la cruauté jusqu’à faire enlever la caisse et les outils de chirurgie, et, pour comble d’inhumanité, il avoit envoyé un canot et six hommes pour mettre le feu à cette frégate, qu’il étoit obligé d’abandonner, l’équipage, S’en étoit obligé d’abandonner, l’equipage, s’en étant apperçu, a tué cinq des incendiaires et mis le Sixième aux fers l’exprés qui remettra ma lettre à Votre excellence a des dépeches pour l’armée françoise et doit raporter les reponses, comme je ne Sais point encore où est laditte armée, Je supplie Vôtre excellence de vouloir bien donner Ses ordres pour faire conduire cet exprés par la voye la plus Sure, à Sa destination.  Je suis avec respect Mon général Votre trés humble et trés obéissant Serviteur.

                  TranslationSirBoston 10th August 1782
                     I have the honor to inform your Excellency that the naval Army, under the orders of Messr the Marquis de Vaudreuil, Anchor’d this Morning in Nantasket Road—It is composed of 13 ships of the Line, of which 4 are of 80 Guns & the others of 74 Guns—three frigates and a Cutter—The Scepter of 74 Guns and two frigates under the orders of Mr de la Peyrouse, are expected, they having been detached on a particular expedition—this fleet on its passage intercepted a fleet of 8 Transports, Convoyed by the Chatam, bound for Jamaica—It being late when they fell in with this fleet only Six of the Transports were taken one of which was laden with Masting—the others escaped under favor of the Night—The Amazon frigate who had orders to approach Chesepeak had a very smart Action with the Santa Catherina an English frigate—the Amazon having in the beginning of the Action lost her Main and Mizen Mast & having the Captain killed and all the Officers wounded Except one Garde Marine (Midshipman) was obliged to strike—but the Squadron appearing in Sight the English were obliged to withdraw the Men they had already put on board the Amazon, they were so cruel as to carry off the surgeons Chest & Instruments and to compleat their inhumanity sent a boat with Six Men to set fire to the frigate they were obliged to abandon—but the Crew discovering them killed five of the Incendiaries and secured the Sixth in Irons.
                     The Express who will hand this to your Excellency is charged with dispatches for the french Army and is to bring back Answers—as I am yet unacquainted where the Army is, I will be much obliged to your Excellency to direct him the shortest and safest Rout.I am with respect.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 10 August 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                  Dear General,

                     War-Office August 10th 1782

                  There are a number of foreign Officers, prisoners of War, who are not now in service—and who wish exceedingly to be exchanged. that they may return to Europe, where they mean to seek farther employ.
                  We have every inducement to wish their exchange—It is a piece of justice due to them—as well as to Ourselves—for they must be paid until we can procure their release.
                  If their exchange can be effected, partially, consistent with justice to other prisoners—it would be a happy circumstance indeed.
                  I wish to know whether the Surgeons, and Hospital Officers are held as prisoners of War.
                  Your Excellency’s letter of the 5th instant has been received—the subject of it is reported to Congress.  I have the honor to be, with perfect respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant

                     B: Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 10 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augt 10th 1782

                  I find it very important from a variety of considerations, to have the most difinite & regular information of the state of the Enemy at New York, which can possibly be obtained; particularly with regard to the Naval Force which now is in that Harbour, or shall be there in the course of the Summer or Autumn; as the communications which have formerly been made under your auspices, have been very much interrupted since I went to the Southward last Campaign; I wish you without delay to open again, or at least to renew effectually, the channel of Intelligence through the C—s or any other Friends you can rely upon, in such a manner, as to keep me continually and precisely advised of every thing of consequence that passes within the Enemy’s Lines.
                  I do not repeat what I have often said of the general & particular species of Intelligence which alone can be interesting & necessary, because you are well acquainted with my Ideas on that subject; but I think it expedient to inform you explicitly, that the great object of which I desire to be perfectly ascertained at this period is, "the number of Ships of War & Armed Vessels now in the harbour of New York, together with the names, Rates, & condition of the Ships &c."—this will be usefull for the moment, but it is essentially necessary also that this information should be kept up, without intermission, for which purpose every fluctuation in the State & numbers of the Fleet, every arrival & departure of Ships of War, Transports &c., should be exactly observed and reported; And I must request your Correspondents may be impressed with the necessity of acquiring their information from actual observation & the best possible sources of knowledge, instead of relying at all on vague reports & the misinformation of others:  I know your correspondents, have heretofore, in general, been well informed, and that the only great difficulty has been in the circuitous route of communication, for which no other remedy can be applied but the greatest diligence & dispatch, let that be attended to, let me hear from you soon & often on these points, & believe me to be, With great regard & esteem Sir Your most Obedient Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil, 10 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Vaudreuil, Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 10th August 1782

                  I have the Honor to address you, at the particular Request, and in Consequence of a Letter which I have just received from His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, inclosing to me the Copy of a Correspondence between him & you relative to the Operations of the Fleet under your Command on the Coasts of N. America—Wherein you mention to him a Wish, that while you Fleet should remain in the Neighbourhood of Boston, you might be enabled to make a Stroke at the Enemy’s Post of Penobscot—and in the Discussion of which Point the Count de Rochambeau has referred you to my Opinion upon that Enterprize.
                  While I applaud, Sir, the generous Disposition declared in your Intentions for our Assistance, Candor requires me to be very explicit upon the Subject—I am obliged therefore to say that it is my decided Opinion, that, considering the Hazards that will attend the Enterprize, the Object is by no Means equal to the Risque that will attend the Attempt.
                  Among many Reasons, which influence my Mind in forming this Opinion, The great & very principal one appears from your own Letter to Count de Rochambeau—you mention to him that you expect immediately to be followed into these Seas by a superior British Fleet—Admitting this event to take place, & that your Fleet should have proceeded to Penobscot (which is near one hundred Leagues from Boston,) ( the only secure Harbour which you will find upon all those Eastern Shores) which lies almost at the Bottom of a deep Bay, it appears to me that your Fleet will be placed in the greatest Hazard of being totally destroyed; for in that Situation they will be completely embayed and a brisk So. Westerly Wind, which will be most favorable for the British Fleet from New York and which would bring them into the Bay in a short Time, would be directly opposed to your Escape—so that was you to receive the earliest Intelligence of the Enemy’s Fleet leaving New York, under such Circumstances, yet you could not avail yourself of the Information, and at the same Time would be placed in a position where no Harbour or Fortification could give you any protection or Shelter.
                  Was this Argument of Danger to His most Christian Majesty’s Ships not sufficient to govern your Mind, I could mention that the Time that must be employed on this Attempt, will probably be much greater than you seem to apprehend.  A Month is as short as I should estimate, taking together all the necessary preparations & little cross Events that must probably interpose; for I have not an Idea of the Object being to be attained by a Coup de Main; as I am lately informed by good Intelligence that the Fort is the most regularly constructed & best finished of any in America, is well situated, & garrisoned by the 74th Regiment, consisting of 800 Men, which will require a regular Siege, to be conducted by cautious Approaches, a considerable Addition of Men to the Number of Troops which are on Board your Fleet, with their necessary Cannon & Mortars, Stores &c. the whole of which in all probability, was the Siege to be undertaken, and your Fleet obliged to make a sudden Departure, must all be sacrificed, as their Retreat by Land (as has been heretofore experienced) would be almost totally impossible and impracticable, to be effected through a Country which is as yet a mere Wilderness of large Extent, & difficult passage.
                  Even supposing the best, that the Attempt should succeed and the Object be gained, I am much in Doubt, whether, without a naval Force, to be maintained on those Coasts we should be able to retain the Post; as it would ever be subject to a renewed Attempt from the Enemy, in case we should keep up a Garrison there; or in Case of Evacuation, they might at any Time repossess the post, and continue the same Annoyance that they now give us.
                  Under these Considerations (without giving you any further Trouble) it is my decided Opinion that the Object in Contemplation is not of Importance sufficient to justify the Hazards and Risques, which must probably be encountered in the Attempt to obtain it.
                  While I offer you this Opinion, Sir, I beg you will esteem it as coming from a Heart not only candid, but at the same Time penetrated with a Sense of the highest Gratitude to you for the noble Offer of your Assistance, which it is our Misfortune, that, under present Circumstances, we are not able to avail ourselves of.
                  After giving you the foregoing Opinion upon present Appearances, I have only to add that in Case Circumstances should turn up so differently to our present Ideas, that you should, with the Advice of General De Choissy, think the Attempt practicable, I can only refer you to the State of Massachusetts for such Aid in Men, Cannon, Mortars & Stores, as you shall judge necessary, it being the only practicable Mode in which I can co-operate with your Designs; and this Recommendation shall be most cheerfully given.
                  The Chevalier de la Luzerne has requested me to esbablish a regular Chain of Communication between my Head-Quarters & Boston, for the purpose of giving you the earliest Intelligence of every minute Circumstance that may occur respecting the Arrival or Operations of the British Fleet at New-York; and for the purpose of free Intercourse with you on any other Circumstances that may turn up.  You may depend, Sir, that this Establishment shall be immediately formed; and that every Service I can possibly render you in this, or in any other Way in my power, shall be most cheerfully afforded.  With the purest Sentiments of Respect & Esteem I have the Honor to be &c. &c. &c.

                     G.W.