Title: To George Washington from Fielding Lewis, Sr., 24 April 1781
From: Lewis, Fielding, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            April the 24th 1781

                        My bad state of health has confined me within doors ever since last October and at times reduced very low I
                            am something better this week past and am yet hopefull that good weather and exercise may give me some relief; the old
                            Lady has been very ill, is now out of danger and will soon be able to leave her room, my family are well, Betsy will
                            shortly enter into the marriage State with Mr Chas Carter second Son to Mr Edward Carter who appears to be a prudent young
                            Man with whom I hope she will be as happy as the times, and this world will admitt to us poor mortals. Your Neice Fanny
                            Washington was married to Colo. Ball about a fortnight since and has removed to his Seat below the Town, your other
                            relations are well, except Colo. J. Washington who I fear is far gone in a consumption and cannot last much longer.
                        Our State affairs go on as usual, as bad as possible, altho’ we have the Enemy among us, yet there is not
                            that Spirit which prevailed at the beginning of our contest with Great Britain owing in my opinion to the ignorance of our
                            Assembly in making Laws that has only served to involve us in debt more than any other State without making any provision
                            for our defence, the Militia are without arms, and yet much harrassed by being so frequently called on, and when on duty
                            are of very little service, no provisions salted last fall for the use of the army, therefore every planter &
                            Farmer are obliged to deliver up one tenth part of all his Cattle to Commissioners, which Cattle are to be fatned at the
                            expence of the State for the use of the army, this regulation is much censured as the provisions will cost the State near
                            double the money it could have been purchased for in the fall the extrodinary expence of Provisions, Pastures, Cow keepers
                            & Cowkeepers Servants, Commissioners &a beside other abuses I think will at least double the expence,
                            besides these Commissioners will abuse their trust by taking such part of a mans stock that will be most prejudicial to
                            him if they should be found in better order than the others, such as young cows with Calf or young Steers. Our taxes are
                            laid in such a manner that some Countys pay very little, and others full proportion owing to the ignorance or villany of
                            the Assessors by which means some Estates must be ruined in those Countys which are fully assessed when the others will
                            become rich; most of the Money Laws appear to me to be calculated for the destruction of the large Estates in Lands
                            & Negro’s and reducing the owners to poverty, in this County Mr Page pays upwards of four thousand pounds this
                            year Tax on his House, my Dwelling house & offices will cost me upwards of two thousand five hundred pounds, these
                            kind of taxes must destroy all improvement the Interest of the money wch good buildings cost, is a heavy tax considering
                            the principal is waisting daily, yet this tax would not be so grevious was it generally the same, but so far from being
                            general most Countys have not laid a shilling tax on buildings, and I am informed that the whole assessment of Rockingham
                            County amounts to only about Six Thousand pounds wch I suppose is not one thirtieth part of its value. our late Assembly
                            has made paper money a legal tender for old debts pound for pound which will enable all those that chuse to take the
                            advantage of the law, to pay a debt of a Thousand pounds with about eight pounds; (Patrick Henry the promoter of this Law
                            it’s reported) in short injustice, luxury, and extravagancy has arrived to so great a pitch in this State that I shall not
                            be surprized if the all wise providence permits our Enemy to chastise us for our sins. As Expresses are frequently passing
                            to you I expect your information is better than I can give you, the Enemys privateers are troblesome on the Rivers, no
                            person that lives on the banks of Potomack can have any certainty of not being taken out of his bed before Morning, most
                            people have removed their furniture, and many familys are gone into the forrest where places could be got, Colo. J.
                            Washington has removed to his Son in Laws Mr W. Washingtons near Popes Creek I expect he has given you better information
                            about the matter than I am able; our distress is truly alarming no arms to defend ourselves, Taxes high, no price for
                            Corn, Wheat, Flower, or Tobacco equal to the depretiation of our Money, and all kinds of imported Goods so high that none
                            can afford to buy except the Tradesmen and speculators; Gentlemen of fortune much distressed where the taxes have been
                            laid according to the intention of the Assembly, and those Countys which have been favoured don’t feel them, in short
                            those that were needy and had little or nothing to support them, are now the best able to live, they give greater prices
                            at Sales than any other people, dress better & I beleive keep as good tables. Our Money will pass only in the
                            State occasioned by our Assemblys not having provided proper funds for its redemption, even our proportion of Continental
                            Money alltho’ the States are security for its redemption will not pass out of the State. Our new Assembly will meet next
                            Month, but I have little expectation that we shall be benefitted by their wisdom; I have generally been mistaken in my
                            speculations, yet I would make one more if it was practicable, that is, to sell all my property in Virginia and purchase
                            in some of the northern States; for I can clearly foresee that we shall be so much more burthened with debt than our
                            neighbouring northern Brethren, that it will be in their power hereafter to purchase our Estates on their own terms, or we
                            must, pay the debt perhaps at one hundreth part of the sum due, perhaps a thousandth part. Mr Lewis & Betsy joins
                            me in our loves to you & Yr Lady I am Dear Sir your most affectionate Humble Servant

                            Fielding Lewis

                            It’s reported that Genl Phillips is moving up James River with his Ships, the Inhabitants of Richmond
                                are removing the public Stores from thence, and their private property, so that the place of our Assemblys meeting
                                will probably be changed either to Alexandria, or this place.


Title: From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 24 April 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 24th 1781

                        I am commanded by His Excellency to forward the enclosed Letters from Genl Heath and Major Reese, and to
                            inform you, that he is utterly averse to a military impress, except on great occasions, and when no other expedients can
                            be devised to answer the end proposed. Because he apprehends it may tends to irritate the minds and alienate the
                            affections of the well disposed people from the Army, unless there is the greatest apparent necessity for the measure—And
                            because a frequent repetition of Military coercion, will prevent, in some degree, its efficacy in cases where no other
                            choice or alternative is left—The General hopes, on the present occasion, by a great effort of your Department, the
                            Provisions in question, may be transported the few Miles, from their present deposits to the Army, without having recourse
                            to coercive Measures. He suggests also, whether it will not be practicable, to have some of the Teams hired for the
                            Campaign, brought in, to perform such kind of services in the neighbourhood of the Army, as the grass will soon begin to
                            afford a partial subsistance for them.
                        His Excellency presents his Compliments to you, and requests the favor of your Company at dinner to day. I
                            have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Servt

                            D. Humphrys Aide De Camp

                             P.S. If there is no other possible way of getting the Provisions at, and in the Vicinity of Fishkill, to
                                the Troops, the General will order it to be done by an impress of Teams.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 24 April 1781
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            In Council Philada April 24th 1781

                        I am desired by the Supreme Executive Council, to transmit to your Excellency, the inclosed Memorial from the
                            Officers of Colonel Proctors Artillery. They importunately press for an answer, but the Council have declined it, untill
                            they could be favoured with your advice and opinion. The Officers have this day intimated that if not redressed they
                            propose to resign we can not approve the intimation and we hope they are not serious in their intentions but it is
                            probable it may retard their march for which they are now nearly prepared, Cloathing having been provided for all the
                            Line and pecuniary demands on the state satisfied, with a liberality unequall’d by any other state in the Union.
                        We also take the opportunity to inform your Excellency that Colonel Blaine’s representations some time ago of
                            orders having been given by this Board to stop provision going to the Army was founded in a mistake. Our steady and
                            invariable orders to the superintendant of Purchases being to forward by every means in his power the supplies agreeable
                            to requisition nor have these orders ever intermitted generally. The only instance was in the case of the purshasing Agent
                            of this City who at the Time when the Treasury was exhausted by large advances to the Officers and Men for cloathing and
                            other heavy demands and the Convention Troops returned to us as five thousand souls daily expected, was cautioned with
                            respect to his Contracts least he should promise which our Treasury would not enable us to perform, but the other
                            purchasers were not interrupted in any respect.
                        We have also been favoured thro’ Congress with Colonel Broadheads representation to your Excellency of the
                            state of his Garrison at Fort Pitt; with respect to beef your Excellency must recollect that this was not among the
                            articles required last year of this state, proper measures were however taken to procure it, and actually purchased in the
                            adjoining Counties of Virginia for which salt was sent up from hence but some obstruction was raised to their passing out
                            of the state which occasioned the disappointment of the Garrison. We have reason to think this has been exaggerated but as
                            soon as it was known to us, we provided money and employed a person to go up and purchase Cattle wherever they could be
                            found. As to flour and whiskey we can assure your Excellency from the best authority that there has been no want of these
                            articles whenever the Mills could go that there is aplenty now and has been for some considerable time.
                        It is difficult for your Excellency to form a competent Judgment of the difficulties and embarrassments with
                            which the procuring supplies is attended. The confidence of the People in paper money is so shaken, that the produce of
                            the country is furnished to the Commissioners with much reluctance, and even of this money we have but a very incompetent
                            sum, when compared with the amount, and value of the supplies. Credit may be said to be at an end, the innumerable
                            certificates granted by the Quarter Master, and Commissarys department, and by the authority of the state having
                            extinguished all confidence in them. Under all these difficulties and with a sincere desire to serve our Country we
                            chearfully devote our whole time and best sources at a great sacrifice of private interest. When our well meant endeavours
                            are successful, and give satisfaction, we are happy; when it is otherwise, none can regret it more than we do ourselves,
                            and in such case we are under necessity to claim a portion of the same candour upon which publick characters in all
                            departments both civil and military, have from the peculiar situation of America been obliged to depend. As your
                            Excellency by the general orders quoted in the address made by the Legislature of New York to their Constituents seems in
                            some degree apprized of some of our embarrassments, we are perswaded you will do us the Justice to believe us seriously
                            and earnestly engaged under many difficulties, and some opposition to procure every supply in our power, and any
                            insinuations to the Contrary by the commissaries or their deputies, are equally unjust and injurious. A remark which has
                            been drawn from us by a hasty letter at Colonel Blaines, couched in terms which may prejudice, but can never serve the
                            publick business, while conducted by persons possessing any proportion of that spirit which has distinguished the People
                            of America in the present Controversy.
                        With assurances to your Excellency, of leaving nothing omitted within the reach of our abilities, to relieve
                            the publick distresses, and of the most perfect Respect and Esteem. I have the honour to be Your Excellencys Most obedient
                            and very humble servant

                            Jos: ReedPresident

                     Enclosure

                                April 19th 1781

                            To His Excellency the President and Supreme Executive Council of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania.
                            The Memorial and Petition of the Officers of the Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery.
                            Looking up to you as the Guardians and protectors of our rights, and being persuaded that while we are
                                contending in the field for the common cause of America, you will not suffer our rights as Citizens of this State to
                                be given to Officers belonging to other States—And therefore beg leave to lay our case before you.
                            It is with pain we observe an attempt made to thrust into our Regiment, two Officers from the State of
                                Massachusetts, which if permitted to take place will deprive us of our rank and Regimental promotion. And we observe
                                this has been done without even asking your approbation or Concurance in the Matter.
                            When such disregard to your Authority is thus early shewn what may you, or we, expect in a future day,
                                should our Regiment of Artillery be commanded by Officers which you will have no Control over as Citizens of this
                                State, and where Connections and domestic concerns, in their own respective States, must call their attention from the
                                interest of the Regiment.
                            We think that the promoting Benjamin Eustis, a Captain from the State of Massachusetts, to a Majority in
                                our Regiment is extreamly partial. His promotion in the line of Artillery being the only instance which has happened
                                During the War. But should it be urg’d that the Officers ought to rise in the line of Artillery without respect to
                                States: we answer, that we know of no Authority for such Mode of promotion, either by any preceding instance, General
                                Order, Recomendation or Resolve of Congress: but on the contrary Congress Resolved,
                            September 16th 1776—That the Appointment of all Officers, and the filling up of Vacancies (except General
                                Officers) be left to the Government of the Several States &c.
                            November 24th 1778—Whereas it will be for the benefit of the Service that some rule for promotion be
                                established—Therefore Resolved, that in all future promotions Officers rise Regimentally to the rank of Captains
                                & thence in the line of the State to the rank of Colonel, except in case where preference may be given on
                                Account of distinguished Merit. October 3d 1780—Resolved—That the several States furnish the following Quotas Vizt—Pennsylvania Six Regiments of Infantry, one of Artillery &c.
                            Also the confederation of the United-States,
                            Article 7th When land forces are raised by any State for the common defence, all Officers of, or under
                                the rank of Colonel, shall be Appointed by the Legislature of each State respectively by whom such forces shall be
                                raised, or in such manner as such State shall direct, and all Vacancies shall be filled up by the State which first
                                made the Appointment—Article 9th—each State shall appoint the Regimental Officers—Article 13th—And the Articles of
                                this Confederation Shall be inviolably observed by every State,
                                &c.
                            We are confident the mode of rising to promotion in the whole line of Artillery will be extreamly
                                disagreable to the Officers in General, and prejudicial to the Service—Such promotion will force Officers out of the
                                Regiment of one State, into the Regiment of a distant State, draging them from their families and
                                    connections and this consequence will follow, that Many Valuable Officers where circumstances
                                will not admit of such transferrence, must resign their Commission—For our part we disapprove of, and
                                protest against the mode of rising to promotion in the line of Artillery: and think we are intitled to rise in our own
                                Regiment only.
                            The transferring of Captain Simonds to our Regiment, is without example; and the impropriety of admiting him
                                will no doubt appear conspicuous to you.
                            We are happy in having it in our power to lay our Complaints before the Council, and have the greatest
                                confidence in their strict attention to the rights of their troops, and readiness to redress real
                                grievances, and prevent arbitrary impositions; and therefore request that the Officers of the Regiment may be promoted
                                to the Vacancies that now are, or may in future happen, agreable to the established Rules above
                                mentioned. We are with every sentiment of respect and esteem Gentlemen your Obedient Servants

                                    Thos Procter Col.

                                    Worsley Emes Captain

                                    Tho. Forrest Lt Coll

                                    James McClure Capt. Lieut.

                                    James Smith Capt. Lt

                                    Wm Power Capt. Lieutt

                                    Andrew Porter Captain

                                    Jno. B. Webster 1st Lieut.

                                    Fras Procter Captain

                                    Thomas Douglass Captn Lt.

                                    P. Duffey Captain

                                    John Stricker Capt. Lt

                                    Isaac Craig Capt.

                                    Jno. Bryce Captain

                                    Joseph Ashton 1st Lieut.

                                    Robert McConnell Capt. Lt

                                    Samuel Story 1st Lieut.

                                    Jesse Crosby Capt. Lt

                                    Ezekiel Howell Lt

                                    Matt. McGuire Capt. Lt

                                    Wm Ferguson Capt.

                                    Charles Turnbull Capt.

                                    Saml Doty 1 Lt

                                    Robt Parker Lt


Title: To George Washington from Matthias-Alexis, chevalier de La Rochefermoy, 24 April 1781
From: La Rochefermoy, Matthias-Alexis, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                            Son Excellence
                            à Boston Ce 24 avril 1781.

                        Jai lhonneur de vous faire Part de mon arrivée avec mon fils qui est dans L’armée de Monsieur Le Compte De
                            larrochambeau, nous Sommes dans Le moment d’attaquer nos ennemis, donnés moy La Satisfaction d’etre à même de pouvoir vous
                            témoigner ainsy qu’au Congré & à ma Patrie, L’occasion en Qualité d’encien officier Général Sous vos ordres de
                            Soutenir & La Gloire de Lamerique & D’un officier Connu qui n’a d’autre desir que d’etre Sous vos ordres.
                            J’ause me Flatter d’avance que Votre Excellence Voudra en qualité d’ancien millitaire m’honorer & minserer dans La
                            Premiere de vos entreprises, n’etant desiréux que de Soutenir L’honneur que Je me Suis Fait du premier moment ou J’ai eu
                            L’honneur d’entrer dans Le Service De mon Roy & Des états unis De L’amérique Sous vos ordres Croyant avoir remply
                            mes missions en qualité d’un officier digne de votre Estime.
                        Votre Excellence doit etre persuadé que je n’ai traversé Les mers que dans L’intention D’accomplir La Gloire
                            que Je me Suis acquie au Service De mon roy & au Service de L’amérique Sous vos ordres & mon absence de
                            ce continant n’auroit pas été aussy Longue Si Je n’eusse été occupé à Servir sous Les ordres De
                            Monsieur Le Compte D’Estaing & marquis De Bouillé Général De La martinique dans Leurs entreprise aux isles Du
                            vent. Jai L’honneur Detre avec respect Son Excellence Votre Trés humble & obéissant Serviteur

                            d’erochefermoy

                            Jai Lhonneur de remettre cy inclus à votre Excellence La Copie de La Lettre du General Schuyw que
                                J’avois perdu, que je devois vous Remettre Sans cet accident & qui ma été renvoyé aprés dix huit mois a La
                                martinique avec mes Papiers, qui consernoit La retraite de triconderage

                            à Boston ches Monsieur adolphe Negautiant Ce 24 avril 1781. Lieu ou Je Suis arrivé Le 18. De Ce
                            mois.


Title: To George Washington from William Shepard, 24 April 1781
From: Shepard, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                            Springfield April 24th 1781

                        I received your Excellencys favor of the 23d Ult. respecting—Mr Collens—and this Department; mark’d well the
                            contence—made preperations immediately to send Collens to the Navy Board, the Night preceeding the Day he were to go he
                            broak goal, made his escape & has not ben heard of since; the Goaler advertised him, & I sent the Crime,
                            Sentence &c. to be Publish’d, for Example.
                        have Receiv’d a request from the Board of War to Inspect this Department and to make such alterations as
                            should best serve the Public, at least Curtail the unnecessary Public expence—with an order on the officer of the
                            Department to give the Necessary assistance to better regulate the Wretched situation of this Post—(could wish to be Quit
                            of so deficult a Task) but in obedeance shall do all in my Powers to have the Department Move to better eoconemy then at
                            Present: Stock is greatly wanting for the Harnesmakers befor much can be expected from them. and Money even for the whole,
                            before the several branches can go on to advantage as here before.
                        Sr by the Bearer of this have sent on 93 Recruits which compleets from the County’s of Bristol, Worcester
                            Hampshire, and Bearkshire about 510 in the whole.
                        The Recruits that come in now are much better then at first, and find the Towns in genl are much ingagd to
                                complete their Quota—shall not neglect any Measures in my Power to Expedite the engageing and
                            forwarding good Troops—have (by application, obtaind, authority from genl Lincoln) “Deschargd a Number, reporting the
                            same—& the Reasons—and have Reason to hope the most of the Recruits will soon be on. I am Sr
                            with the greatest Esteem your Excellencys most obedient Humbe Servt

                            Wm Shepard


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 24 April 1781
From: Stevens, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            Fishkill April 24th 1781

                        In Obedience to Your Excellency’s Directions of the 21st Instant, I have requested the Agent of Massachusetts
                            State to furnish us the first and third Weeks in each month with one hundred & forty Beef Cattle to be delivered
                            at this place in two equal Droves the one at the first and the other the Middle of the Weeks, also Ninety head every two
                            weeks from the Agent for Connecticut to be delivered at the first of the second and fourth Weeks in each Month, and fifty
                            head as often from the Agent for New Hampshire to be delivered at the Middle of the same Weeks appointed for those from
                            Connecticut. This Demand averages upwards of Eighteen Cattle per day, which I expect will answer our present Issues.
                            Should they increase I shall be careful to augment the same. In the Calculation of which I have not been governed intirely
                            by the proportion fixed by Congress for those States, but have made a considerable Allowance for Salt meat furnished by
                            Connecticut, and a small Allowance on the same Account for Massachusetts, but as New Hampshire lies more remote, I expect
                            it will be most convenient and less expensive for them to answer the
                        Requisitions, on them for Beef, before it is slaughtered.
                        In as much as it has not been the immediate duty of our Department to call on, or make Arrangements amongst
                            the Agents of the several States, and I therefore nearly ignorant what Directions have been given by the Purchasing
                            Department, I have to desire Your Excellency will correct and excuse any Errors I may be guilty of in the Management of
                            those Matters—I have the Honor to be with due Respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servt

                            N. Stevens D.C.G. Issues

                            P.S. I inclose your Excellency my weekly return.


Title: To George Washington from Heman Swift, 24 April 1781
From: Swift, Heman
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Wethersfield 24th April 1781

                        I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s favor of the 16th Inst:, am unable to inform
                            you of the number of Recruits which are at Danbury (if there be any at that place), there are none at the other places of
                            Rendezvous, we have constantly sent them on to Camp as fast as they could be collected, excepting those who have been
                            mustered out, which of late has been near one fourth part of those presented.
                        By an Act of the Assembly qualifying the Militia Colonels as Muster Masters to their several Regiments the
                            bussiness has been much impeded, as they frequently muster men who afterwards are mustered out by us being unfit for
                            Service, and will (I fear) in the result occasion this State to fall greatly short of its Quota.
                        A dispute likewise between the several Towns in the State respecting their claims to the Men now in the Field
                            has occassion’d much delay in furnishing the recruits, but those Claims being now determined there remains no excuse for
                            future neglect. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your Excellency’s, most Obt hume Servant

                            Heman Swift


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 24 April 1781
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New Port (Rhode Island) Apl 24th 1781

                        I had the Honor of writing to Your Excellency on the 20th instt from Fairfield, immediately after which I set
                            out for this Place, where I arrived on the 22d—after Communicating my business to Count Chatellaux, I waited on their
                            Excellencys the Count De Rochambeau & the Chevalr Destouches, with Your Excellency’s Letter. I feel myself under
                            great Obligations to Your Excellency for the very favorable Introduction therein Contained, and the many marks of polite
                            attention which I have, in consequence thereof, recd from the Commanders in Chief of the French Army & Navy at
                            this Place, from Count Chatellaux in particular to whom I am much indebted for his Civilities, as well as from other
                            officers of Distinction in the French Army.
                        I had the Honor at the same time, of laying before their Excellencys several Drafts of the Enemies Works at
                            Lloyd’s Neck, & Fort Slongo on Tredwell’s banks, all which, so well comparing with each
                            other, & being taken by Men of good judgment & observation, I have reason to believe were very accurate. I
                            am happy to observe the most ready disposition in their Excellencys the Count De Rochambeau & the Chevalr
                            Destouches to annoy the Enemy by every means in their Power; but the present disposition of the smaller Ships of force,
                            belonging to the Squadron at this Port, The Frigates being absent on particular Services, render it impossible to put the
                            Plan proposed in Execution at this time. The Count De Rochambeau will undoubtedly take notice of this matter in his
                            Dispatches to Your Excellency. Possibly at some future Period, Circumstances may make the attempt more favorable. I have
                            the Honor to be, with the most profound Respect, your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

                            Benja. Tallmadge


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Carleton, 25 April 1781
From: Carleton, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            War Office April 25 1781

                        The board do themselves the honor to transmit your Excellency, copy of a Letter of the 24th Instant from Mr
                            Udny Hay on the propriety of exchanging a quantity of Salt on the North River for Shad, and to request (should it appear
                            expedient) that your Excellency will be pleased to take such order in the matter, as may be most conducive to the Interest
                            of the United States. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s Most obed. Hble Servt

                            (by order) Jos: Carleton Secy

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,
                                Philada April 24 1781

                            In the absence of the Comy Genl (the expectation of whose arrival has prevented me writing you before) I
                                am induced to request you will take into consideration the propriety of procuring a quantity of Shad on the north
                                river by an exchange for Salt, of which latter article there is now a large Stock in that quarter belonging to the
                                public, and may I believe be exchanged on tolerably reasonable terms; The information I recd lately from the Comr in
                                Chief of the very scanty supply of beef then in the Magazine, and the little probability there was of obtaining an
                                adequate Supply in future, at least for a considerable time, are strong motives for influencing me to give you this
                                intelligence and for requesting as speedy an answer as possible on the Subject, as the season for that Fishery will
                                soon be over. I have the honor to be &c.

                                Udny Hay D.C.G. Purchases


Title: From George Washington to Isaac Craig, 25 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Craig, Isaac

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 25th April 1781

                        I have recd your favr of the 15th—The present State of Colo. procters Regt does not admit of your Company’s
                            being made up to its full complement, but I have, by this conveyance desired Genl St Clair to let you have as many Men as
                            will put you on a level with the others. This is all that can now be done—I have already desired the Board of War to send
                            six artificers to Fort Pitt, you may avail upon them with this letter and ask three or four more, if they can be spared.
                        I would wish the inclosed for General Clarke and Colo. Brodhead to reach them as speedily as possible; you
                            will be pleased to take charge of them yourself, if you do not meet with a good opportunity previous to the time you
                            intend setting out. I am &a.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 25 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West point April 25th 1781

                        Colonel Scammell, returned with me the last evening from Head-Quarters, I find by some expressions, his great
                            desire to serve in the Light Infantry this Campaign, he observed that no Field Officer during the war, had been taken from
                            the New Hampshire Line to serve in that Corps, I sincerely wish if agreable to your Excellency, and it can be effected
                            with out inconvenience, that Colonel Scammell may be gratified. If Lt Colonel Barber has not already returned to the Light
                            Infantry, I think it probable he may consent to give up in favor of Colonel Scammell. I have the honor to be with the
                            highest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 25 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point, April 25 1781

                        The Assistant paymaster-general has informed me that 240000 dollars, new emission, is sent to the pay-office
                            by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to pay the troops of their line. The Committee from the army now at Boston lately
                            informed me by letter that they had agreed with the Common-wealth on a complete settlement for the last years pay—and that
                            in case any money arrived at the pay-office, it should be received for the present year. The troops belonging to the
                            Common wealth, both officers and men are in extreme want of money. I request that orders may issue for their relief, as
                            soon as your Excellency may think it convenient. The musters are made for January, February and March. April is nearly
                            gone—and if your Excellency thinks proper that the troops should receive four months pay, the rolls can be completed in a
                            few days for the present month. The wants and distresses of the troops are too well known to your Excellency to need my
                            mentioning them.
                        I forward two deserters from Arnold’s corps—they report the capture of the frigate Confederacy. I have the
                            honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath

                            P.S. Colo. Hughes, D.Q.M. at Fish kill has just applied for twenty men for the season,
                                to be employed at New burgh as Colliers. This represents
                                the necessity of the measure being adopted, and that the want of money in the
                                Quartermasters department allows of no other expedient. It is a great pity that  men procured
                                for recruiting the army, and on most exorbitant bounties, should be made
                                colliers, and put on every kind of service instead of being drilled and formed soldiers. I wish your Excellency’s
                                opinion in the case.

                            WH


Title: From George Washington to Hugh Hughes, 25 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hughes, Hugh

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 25th 1781

                        I enclose you a Warrant for impressing of Teams on the present important occasion—but if there is any other
                            means in Your power of forwarding the Provisions, I would not have military coercion made use of—if this is the only
                            alternative now left to prevent the Army from starving, let the measure be carried into execution immediately with the
                            utmost prudence & precaution. I am Sir Your Most Obedient Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 25th April 1781

                        Since my letter of the 14th to your Excellency on the subject of an immediate supply of provision for Fort
                            Pitt, I have received the following intelligence, thro’ a good Channel, which makes the measures I then recommended more
                            indespensably necessary—"Colonel Conolly with his corps to proceed to Quebec as soon as possible, to be joined in Canada
                            by Sir John Johnson with a number of Tories and Indians said to amount to three thousand. His Route is to be by Buck Island—Lake Ontario and Vinango and his object is Fort Pitt
                            and all the adjacent posts. Conolly takes with him a number of Commissions for persons now residing at Pittsburg and
                            several hundred men at that place have agreed to join to make prisoners of Colo. Brodhead and all friends to America. His
                            (Conolly’s) great influence in that Country will, it is said, enable him to prevail upon the Indians and inhabitants to
                            assist the British in any measure" The latter part of this intelligence agrees exactly with a discovery which Colo.
                            Brodhead has lately made of a correspondence between persons at Fort Pitt and the Commandant of Detroit. Some of whom have
                            been seized by him. I have immediately transmitted the above to Colo. Brodhead and have directed him to secure or remove
                            every suspected person in the Vicinity of his post—The security of the Frontier of the State of Pennsylvania so
                            immediately depends upon the support of Fort Pitt, that I think the Executive cannot fail, upon a representation being
                            made to them, of taking measures to afford the proper succours, while the thing is practicable—upon the first appearance
                            of an enemy, the communication between the post and the settlements below will be intirely interrupted. I have the honor
                            to be &a.

   the number must be exagerated.


Title: From George Washington to John Carlile, 25 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Carlile, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 25 1781

                        You will furnish a prudent discreet officer & 20 Men to impress Teams for the transportation of the
                            salted Provisions at & in the vicinity of Fishkill—The Officer will take directions from Colo. Hughes the Dep. Qr
                            Mastr Genl of the State. I am Sir Your Hble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 25 April 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh April 25 1781.

                        On the 21st inst. I wrote to the leading Justice (Mr Burt) in Warwick relative to the procuring teams to
                            transport the flour from that place to New Windsor: but have received no answer: and am now apprehensive that my
                            application will be fruitless. And the supply on hand (as appears by the commissary’s return this day received) is so
                            trifling, I dare not wait any longer my request for an impress warrant, and a party of Vanheer’s dragoons to execute it. I
                            would send an intelligent express or two with the dragoons, with orders to use military coercion only in case the justices
                            impress fails, or that they refuse to interfere at all.
                        There are 200 barrels of flour at Ringwood, to remove which the like means with those above mentioned will be
                            requisite.
                        I know these measures are as painful to your Excellency, as the necessity which occasions them: and were it
                            possible at present to substitute other means, I would not fail to do it: but every prospect is become hopeless. Even the
                            partial and of certificates receivable in taxes I almost despair of. I learn from Genl Wolcott
                            that the committee to whom my letter on the subject was referred, had made no report when he left Congress a few days
                            since. In that letter I represented the peculiar distresses of this state, which being deprived of all means of obtaining
                                money, required certificates to enable the people to pay their taxes.
                        In the same letter I intimated the necessity of selling some provisions to raise money to forward on the
                            residue, as had formerly been done, particularly, in the case of live stock. Since my return from Philadelphia I have been
                            obliged to give an order for that purpose to Colo. Hughes. A copy of the order I immediately transmitted to the president
                            of Congress; another I beg leave to inclose to your Excellency. At Richmond (as Colo. Hughes informed me) the people
                            refused to transport provisions, ’till part of the money was paid on taking up the load, and the residue assured to them
                            on the delivery.
                        In my letter to Congress on this occasion, I observed that this mode of selling some articles to defray the
                            expences of transporting the rest, was a wretched way of doing business—that I should be happy could I be excused from
                            continuing it—that the measure was the more painful, as the army would want the very provisions that were thus sold;
                            & that I thus early apprized Congress of the fact, that if the orders I had given were disapproved, they might be
                            speedily revoked, before much mischief could ensue.
                        In the same letter (which was dated the 21st inst.) I added what is contained in the inclosed extract from
                            it. I beg your Excellency’s pardon for troubling you with it: but to express to Congress those sentiments, I thought was a
                            duty I owed to myself, to your Excellency, & to my country The declaration which closes the extract was equally
                            frank and sincere. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedt servant

                            T. Pickering Q.M.G.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Newburgh April 17th 81

                            I have stated in a Letter to Congress the impossibility of forwarding provisions without selling part of
                                them to raise money for the purpose, unless the latter were furnish’d from the public Treasury. No Answer or direction
                                has been given as yet: in the mean time to prevent a failure of Supplies to the Army so much of the provisions must be
                                sold from time to time as shall be indispensibly necessary to effect the transportation or forwarding of the Residue.
                                But this is a measure so liable to abuses, I wish to avoid it as far as possible and when gone into, that it may be
                                with great Caution. Let the Sales be open free from privacy or Concealment; and in every Case a Certificate given by
                                the purchaser of the Quality, Quantity & Price of the Article purchased, the place where & of whom:
                                such Certificates to accompany the accounts of the Assistants by whom such sales shall be made. If any other precautions
                                occur to you, which shall tend to prevent abuses in these Transactions, and the Department from consequent Reproach, I
                                    request you to adopt them. The mode you suggest of having every article sold previously
                                    appraised I think a very good one. I am sir &c.

                                Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.

                     Enclosure

                                    21 April 1781

                            Extract of a letter from T. Pickering Q.M.G. to the
                            President of Congress, dated April 21. 1781.
                            "I do not mean to be continually wounding the ears of Congress with tales of public poverty and distress.
                                These already are but too well known; and till there is some prospect of relief, I shall not think it necessary to
                                repeat them. Permit me, sir, only to say, once for all, That if camp equipage, forage, and other supplies in my
                                department shall fail—if transportation shall cease—if the necessary officers, artificers, watermen &
                                labourers shall abandon the service—in a word, if the business of the department shall absolutely stop—the blame I
                                hope will not be thrown on me. If any other man can, without money, carry on the extensive business of this
                                department, I wish most sincerely he would take my place. I confess myself incapable of doing it."

                     Enclosure

                                    24 April 1781

                            Extract of a letter from Robert Nessbitt, superintendant of the magazines at Warwick &c. to T.
                                Pickering Q.M.G. dated April 24th 1781, and recd the 25th at 11 o’clock at night.
                            "Your favour of the 21st I received by express. I am sensible that Mr Anderson (Assistant quarter master
                                at Sussex Court House) will do all in his power to send the stores on to New Windsor, but I fear that the waggoners
                                will not be prevailed on to go through: and I am well convinced that ’Squire Burt will find it a hard matter to oblige
                                the teams in his neighbourhood to turn out."


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 25 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de,Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New port, April 25th 1781

                        Major Tallmadge has delivered us the Letter of the 8th instant that your Excellency has favored us with. We
                            have conjointly with him examined the plan of Loed’s neck fort, and he has given us all the intelligences which his zeal
                            and sagacity which he has shewn in several actions, have procured him. By his report, it appears that there are 750. men
                            garrisoned in that itshmus; that the fort is good, and well defended by abattisses, has a covered way palissaded, that the
                            garrison is the greatest part of it barracked between the palissadoes and the fort, and that there are some refugies in
                            the houses Scattered in the Peninsula. The result of all these intelligences, is, that it seems impossible, departing from
                            here, to surprise them; that thirty Leagues of navigation, specially in the Sound cannot be made
                            without giving the alarm, that even supposing that the Troops could Land at the given place, in the night, at three miles
                            distance from the fort, and without being discovered, we must not presume, that going thro’ a country occupied by
                            refugies, they could arrive at the fort before the garrison, that is barracked on the glacis, behind the Palissadoes had
                            entered into it, unless their negligence be extremely great and they be all overcome by sleep; that it seems the Surprising
                            such a post can only be undertaken by a departure from a place on the continent where the passage by sea is very short,
                            and having a previous knowledge that there is a momentaneous Lethargic negligence among them. moreover, your Excellency is
                            acquainted with our naval strength at present. All the Armed frigates are out on different destinations; We have here the
                            romulus a careening, will not be ready these 15. days, and the Gentille that cannot be armed before the return of the
                            Cutter’s crew which we expect the Germione will bring back from Philadelphy. At that time, your Excellency will be a
                            better judge than We, of the Possibility of making an attempt on that post, and your Excellency’s orders shall be attended
                            to by us, with all possible zeal. We are with respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient most
                            humble servants

                            le cte de Rochambeau
                            Déstouches


Title: From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 25 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 25th April 1781

                        I have recd your favors of the 6th and 15th. I am sorry to find from the last, that unavoidable obstacles
                            have been thrown in the way of the march of the 1st division of the line at the time you expected. I can only recommend to
                            you to get them off as soon as possible and in as good temper as possible. It is essential that General Greene should be
                            regularly advised of the motions of those troops, you will therefore be pleased, if you have not already opened a
                            correspondence with him, to inform him from time to time of every circumstance relating to them.
                        Captn Craig of Colo. procter’s Regt of artillery, who is stationed at Fort Pitt, has applied to me to have his
                            Company compleated—That cannot be done in the present state of the Regt but you will be pleased to consult the commanding
                            officer of it, and let Captn Craig have as many Men as will put his Company on a level with the others.
                        I imagine Colo. Harrison’s Regiment—Colo. procters—a detachment with the Marquis and a strong Maryland
                            Company lately gone from hence will be sufficient to work the Artillery that General Greene will usually carry into the
                            field with him. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 25 April 1781
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Chesterfield, 10 miles from Petersburg on the Road to the Court House April 25th 1781.

                        On the 24th I reconnoitre’d the Enemys Fleet when they lay opposite Westover and consisted of Thirteen Topsail
                            Vessels and 23 flat bottom’d boats, I judged their number to be about 2500 which corresponded
                            with the information received soon after from a Serjeant deserter who said there were 3,000. The Fleet of the enemy soon
                            came to sail and stood at the River toward City point, which kept me still in Suspence on which side they would debark, I
                            therefore ordered the Militia under the Command of General Muhlenberg to move up as high as the vicinity of Blandford and
                            that Evening the Enemy landed their whole force at City point, which fully evinced that their first Object was
                            Petersburg—being Obliged to send large detachments to the neck of land—between James and Appamatox Rivers. I had not more
                            than one thousand men left to oppose the Enemys advance—In this critical situation, there were many reasons against
                            risking a total defeat, the loss of arms was a principle one, and on the other hand, to retire without some show of
                            resistance, would have intimidated the Inhabitants and encouraged the Enemy to further incursions, this last consideration
                            determined me to defend the place as far as our inferiority of numbers would permit—I made choice of Blandford for the
                            plan of Defense and the Bridge of Pocohuntas for our retreat, the Troops were disposed accordingly and past the night
                            under Arms.
                        The morning of the 25th I was inform’d that the Enemy was within three miles of our advanced post and that
                            Eleven flat bottomd boats were at the same time moving up Appamattox River Towards noon they came in Sight form’d and
                            displayd to their left, but it was near 3 o’Clock before the firing commenc’d, which continued from post to post, till
                            past five, when the superiour number of the Enemy and a want of Ammunition Obliged me to order a Retreat and the Bridge to
                            be taken up which was executed in the greatest order notwithstanding the fire of the Enemys Cannon & Musketry—the
                            troops with the same good order retreated to this place where they are just incamp’d.
                        I am not yet able to ascertain our loss, but believe it not great—I do not think the Enemy took a Single
                            prisoner—the Enemys loss I can form no judgment of.
                        General Muhlenburg merits my particular acknowledgements for the good disposition he made and the great
                            Gallantry with which he Excecuted it—Indeed the Gallant conduct of all the Officers and the particular good behaviour of
                            the men must I am persuaded attract the admiration of the Enemy.
                        I have the pleasure to say, that our Troops disported the ground with the Enemy Inch by Inch &
                            executed their manouvres with great exactness.
                        General Weedons Brigade is posted on both sides James River at Osburns.
                        With General Muhlenburgs Brigade I shall March Six miles above Chesterfd Co. Ho. in which position I shall be
                            able to cover Richmond to form a  with the Marquis or with General Weedon
                            according to circumstances. with great esteem & respect I am Dear General your very humble
                            servt

                             Steuben Maj. Genl

                            P.S. So soon as I get to my new position I shall detach 100 Cavalry & 200 Infantry on the other
                                side Appamatox to harass the Enemy.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 25 April 1781
From: Stevens, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            Fishkill 25th April 1781

                        I would inform your Excellency, in obedience to your
                        directions of this day, that we have about

                                 2,300

                                Bushels of salt at West-Point & posts in its

                                 Vicinity

                                100

                                ditto at Ringwood and about

                                2,600

                                ditto at Clavarack, also about

                                    9,000

                                ditto is and will be due by the first of next

                                    14,000

                                July from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New

                                Jersey States, in compareing their deliveries

                                (that I have knowledge of) with the

                                requisitions laid on them by Congress. I have

                                the honour to be, with due respect, your

                                Excellenies mos. Obt servt

                            N. Stevens D.C.G. Issues


Title: To George Washington from John Dudley Townes, 25 April 1781
From: Townes, John Dudley
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia Apl 25th 1781

                        I am Just arriv’d in the flag of truce from CharlsTown—and from a propper sence of your Excellency’s known
                            candure and impartiallity, I am induc’d to trouble you with a few lines relative to my present Situation—which has hither
                            too been Very disagreeable By the ajudication of a Courtmartial which was ordered (on me) while in Captivity to which Genl
                            Moultrie declin’d giving his sanction to—I am sentenced to be Casher’d It would be useless for me to represent to you my
                            feelings on this head—as your Excellency must Certainly Concieve them to be great—after serveing four of five years in the
                            armey to be dismis’d in a manner for Other peoples faults—the proceedings for my trial has been
                            transmitted to Genl Green—But on Account of the present milatary Opperations in that Quarter, It will be impossible for
                            him to decide the matter immediately—Genl Moultrie gave me Leave to take my passage for Philadelphia to have the matter
                            Laid before your Excellency and It was my wish and the advice of the Officers who were my friends. I am therefore to beg
                            your Excellency will (unfurnished as I am with the proceedings of the Courtmartial) have them sent for by the first
                            dispatches to the suthern armey for your decision or Grant me a knew trial—in the latter Cace I have some affidavits to
                            produce which by particular Circumstances I was prevented from exhibiting before the Other Court—there was three Charges the
                            two first were intirely unsupported—and the Latter not in so Criminal a light. A Light as to reserve the Censure I have
                            recievd Considering the unjust provication given me in a public Compy—Genl Moultrie by refuseing to Confirme the
                            sentence appears to be of the same Oppinion—he even waited on Genl Scott to have the matter dropt. By my defence which I
                            hear send your Excellency you may form some Judgment of the whole affair—I Beg leave to add that the Officers of the Regt
                            to which I Belong to—Many field and other Officers requested by a memorial to Genl Scott to have the matter dropt such
                            were their sentiments on the affair—that prov’d unavailing which determind me to have the matter Laid before you. I intend
                            to Head Quarters in a few days when I am sensible of Justice which alone I ask. I am your Excellencys most Obdt and Very
                            Humble

                            John Townes Lut. 7th Virga Rgt


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 26 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                            Gentlemen,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 26h April 1781.

                        I received a representation, see General Knox’s letter of 23d of April of which the inclosed is a Copy, from
                            General Knox, upon his being informed that the Board had directed the Military Stores at Fishkill to be delivered over to
                            the Dy Qr Mr—and Mr Rud’dock and his Assistants to be dismissed—General Knox has so fully pointed out the utility and
                            indeed necessity of keeping up such a post as that at Fishkill, that I have advised a suspension of the execution of the
                            order untill I can hear from you upon the subject—I will only add, that if such a post is necessary, Mr Ruddock and the
                            assistants are necessary also, more especially as General Knox informs me there are not more persons now employed in the
                            department in the field than the business requires. I shall be glad of a speedy answer, that I may direct the final
                            determination of the Board, whatever it may be, to be carried into execution. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 26 April 1781
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Boston April 26 1781

                        I was the last evening honored with your Excellencys favor of the 21st.
                        Mr C. informs me that his frind will have the honor of calling on your Excellency immediately on his  and will digest or agree on a plan for future
                            operations.
                        The General Court have repealed their order directing the Levis raised in the three eastern counties to
                            remain there untill your pleasure should be known respecting them—Major Darby, who lives in one of those counties is gone
                            to urge them forward The recruits are daily arriving to the several randezvous and are marched on as soon as they arrive.
                            The prospect that we shall raise most of the men voted is yet flattering. I have the honor to be with the highest esteem
                            your Excellencys most obedient & most humble servant

                            B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 26 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport April 26th 1781.

                        The New-york Gazette has published a Supposed intercepted Letter wrote, as it says by your Excellency to Mr
                            Land Washington, and in which is this Paragraph. "It is very unlikely, I say it to you in confidence that the French fleet
                            and detachment did not undertake this present expedition at the time I proposed it. The destruction of Arnold’s corps
                            would have been unavoidable, and over before the British squadron could have put to sea: Instead of this, they have sent
                            the small squadron that took the Romulus and some other vessels, But as I had foreseen it, it could do nothing at
                            Portsmouth, without the help of some Land Troops."
                        If really this Letter has been wrote by Your Excellency, I shall beg Leave to observe, that the result of
                            this reflexion should seem to be, that We have had here the choice of two expeditions proposed, and that We have preferred
                            the Least to a more considerable undertaking which your Excellency desired. If this was the case, I should beg of your
                            Excellency to call to mind that the Battle of Line ship and the two Frigates went out of Newport on the 9th February on a
                            demand made by Congress and the State of Virginia to the Chevalier Destouches; that your Excellency’s Letter with the plan
                            for the going out of the Whole fleet with a detachment of 10’00. Frenchmen aboard which detachment was to
                            act conjointly with that of The Marquis de La Fayette, bears date of the 15. Febry, and that I only received it on the
                            19th; that having given an instant communication of it to the Chevalier Destouches, I had the honor on the 20th to send
                            his answer to your Excellency: That no Later than the day after the gale of Wind which weakened the British fleet towards
                            the end of January, by their Loss of the Culloden I have offered of the Land forces all that could possibly be transported
                            by the navy, and have not ceased to do it since. I shall not mention to your Excellency the reasons that have delayed the
                            departure of the Chevalier Destouches’s Squadron, because those he gave to your Excellency don’t fall under my cognisance;
                            I only have made mention of these facts to call to your Excellency’s mind these epochas which I beg you’d verify in your
                            Correspondence, that your Excellency may be entirely persuaded, that there will never be the least delay, in what concerns
                            the Land and the small french corps which I command, for the possible execution of your Excellency’s orders, as soon as I
                            shall receive them. On this occasion, I beg of your Excellency that you’d consider that as I have no orders to give to the
                            navy I believe it would be suitable that your Excellency should write in direct manner to the Chevalier Destouches when
                            you will make a proposal of an Expedition for his Squadron, sending it to me under open cover, If your Excellency desires
                            that I should Sollicit it; as I have observed that it would please him better, if the plans in which he may be interested
                            were adressed to him in a direct manner, your Excellency knows very well that every one is jealous of his command. as to
                            what is of my resort, I hope that your Excellency is fully persuaded that the King having put me under your orders, I
                            shall always follow them with as much exactness as any General Officer of your Excellency’s army, being bound to do so as
                            much by my inclination as my duty.
                        Your Excellency’s Letter of the 22d inst. I received yesterday. The going of the British fleet at New york
                            shows how much they stand in need of repair, will probably delay the embarkation announced by Mr Clinton, and will give us
                            time to take all our measures to be ready for a movement towards the North-river, as soon as Your Excellency will look on
                            it as necessary. Our naval engagement has at Least been productive of a real good in delaying the offensive operations to
                            the Southward, and if Vigorous means do not arrive here in the mean time, I hope at Least to be ready to march towards the
                            Later end of may, upon my receiving your Excellency’s orders. as to this post here, I must beg of our Excellency to
                            appoint a General officer of your army to take the command of it and keep it with a corps of American militia; Whether the
                            fleet be yet obliged to remain here, or it puts to sea, because in both cases, I Look on this harbour
                            as very important for the King’s Squadrons. If your Excellency approves of this idea, would it not be usefull that the
                            General appointed to that command should come a little time before your Excellency orders my movement to take a Local
                            knowledge of the post.
                        I beg of your Excellency to give me answer to all the points, with all the candor which distinguishes your
                            Character, that I may prepare every thing before hand, for the speediest execution of all your orders. I am with respect and
                            very great personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

                            le cte de rochambeau

                            Your Excellencys Letter for Mr Laurens is ready to go to france from New bury, with a duplicate of my
                                dispatches, per occasion of a Brig of 20 guns going to Amsterdam, without cruizing at all, by the way of the Orkneys.
                            The first convoy that is announced to us, has put to sea at the end of January, at soonest, how could it
                                be possible that the Gazette of St Kitt’s of the 1st of March, could have had intelligence of its being taken,
                                considering the round aboutways it must have gone thro’, before it could arrive there.


Title: To George Washington from Ezra Stiles, 26 April 1781
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Yale College April 26th 1781.

                        As a Testimony of their most affectionate Respect, the President and Fellows of this University have this day
                            unanimously conferred upon your Excellency the Degree of the Doctorate in Laws; of which I am now in their Name to ask
                            your Acceptance. We cannot add to the Accumulation of Glory which shines around the Name of Washington, and which none but
                            himself thinks unmerited. But we are ambitious of the Honor of enrolling his Name in our Registers and Archives, among
                            those, whose Literary Merit entitles them to the highest academical Dignities. The diploma cannot be
                            prepared and authenticated till the next meeting of the Senatus Academicus, when it will be duly transmitted to you. With
                            the highest Respect for the Patriot, the Warrior, and the Civilian, I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedient
                            Very humble Servant

                            Ezra Stiles President


Title: General Orders, 27 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Friday April 27th 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        Congress having been pleased to set apart and appoint Thursday the 3d of May next for fasting humiliation and
                            prayer the General enjoins a strict obedience to it in the Army and calls upon the Chaplains thereof to prepare discourses
                            suitable to the occasion.
                        All duties of Fatigue are to cease on that day.


Title: From George Washington to Lewis Garanger, 27 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Garanger, Lewis

                             27 April 1781

                        Monsieur Lewis Garanger Capt. of Bombardiers in the Army of France entered the American service with the Rank
                            of Captain in the Army of the United States in December 1778—from which time he has waited an opportunity of being
                            employed in the particular line of his profession, but none having occurred he has requested and obtained liberty to
                            return to France.
                        Capt. Garanger has ever been extremely sollicitous to render himself servicable and has upon several
                            occasions behaved with address and bravery as appears by the Certificates of Major Genl Howe and Colonel Armand Marquis de
                            Rouerie under whom he immediately served at those times. Given at Head Quarters at New Windsor State of New York the 27th
                            day of April 1781.

                            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1781
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            De Peysters Point April 27th 1781

                        I imagine your Excellency has been informed that in consequence of the resolution of Congress for granting
                            commissions to Aide De Camps appointed under the former establishment, I have obtained one of Lieutenant Colonel in the
                            army of the United States, bearing rank since the 1st of March 1777.
                        It is become necessary to me to apply to your Excellency to know in what manner you foresee you will be able
                            to employ me in the ensuing campaign. I am ready to enter into activity whenever you think proper, though I am not anxious
                            to do it ’till the army takes the field, as before that period I perceive no object.
                        Unconnected as I am with any regiment, I can have no other command than in a light corps, and I flatter
                            myself my pretensions to this are good.
                        Your Excellency knows I have been in actual service since the beginning of 76—I began in the line and had I
                            continued there, I ought in justice to have been more advanced in rank than I now am. I believe my conduct in the
                            different capacities in which I have acted has appeared to the officers of the army in general such as to merit their
                            confidence and esteem; and I cannot suppose them to be so ungenerous as not to see me with pleasure put into a situation
                            still to exercise the disposition I have always had of being useful to the United States....I mention these things only to
                            show that I do not apprehend, the same difficulties can exist in my case (which is peculiar) that have opposed the
                            appointment to commands of some other officers not belonging to what is called the line.
                        Though the light infantry is chiefly formed—yet being detached to the Southward I take it for granted there
                            will be a van guard by detachment formed for this army. I have the honor to be Very respectfully Yr Excellency’s Most
                            Obedient servt

                            A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                            Dear Sir,
                            New Windsor 27th Apl 1781

                        Your letter of this date has not a little embarrassed me—You must remember the ferment in the Pennsylvania
                            line the last Campaign occasioned by the appointment of Major McPhearson, and you know the uneasiness which at this moment
                            exists among the Eastern Officers on Account of the commands conferred upon Colo. Jemat and Major Galvan although it was the
                            result of absolute necessity of which i see vary little prospect from present appearances— Should circumstances admit of the formation of another advanced Corps it can be but small and must be composed almost entirely of Eastern troops, and to add to the
                            discontents of the Officers of those lines by the further appointment of an Officer of your Rank to the command of it or
                            in it, would, I am certain, involve me in a difficulty of a very disagreeable & delicate nature, and might perhaps
                            lead to consequences more serious than it is easy to imagine—While I adhere firmly to the right of making such
                            appointments as you request, I am at the same time obliged to reflect that it will not do to push that right too far, more
                            especially in a service like ours—and at a time so critical as the present.
                        I am convinced that no officer can with justice dispute your merit and abilities—The opposition heretofore
                            made has not been for want of those qualifications in the Gentlemen who are and have been the
                            objects of discontent—The Officers of the line contend, without having reference to particular persons, that it is a
                            hardship and reflection upon them to introduce Brevet Officers into commands (of some permanency) in which there are more
                            opportunities of distinguishing themselves than in the line of the Army at large—and with the men they have had the
                            trouble to discipline and prepare for the field.
                        My principal concern arises from an apprehension that you will impute my refusal of your request to other
                            motives than these I have expressed, but I beg you to be assured I am only influenced by the reasons which I have
                            mentioned. I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 27 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 27th 1781

                        The Quarter Master informs that  Teams with flour will probably be at New Windsor by tomorrow night, and
                            suggests whether it will not be adviseable to have flat-bottomed Boats ready for the transportation of it; as sail Boats
                            may be delayed by the adversity of Wind or Tide.
                        The Commissary of Prisoners reports that there are several Prisoners of War, sent on as recruits from the
                            State of Massachusetts. I had flattered myself this intollerable imposition had been sufficiently guarded against—but
                            since it has happened again, we must prevent the evil from proceeding any farther by confining those who are evidently
                            under this description, untill they can be delivered over to the Commissary of Prisoners, or otherwise properly disposed
                            of—And I must request you, as being the first Officer of that State, to have the names of these men, and the Towns
                            & Classes by which they were procured, immediately returned to the State. And that the
                            most effectual measures may be suggested and enforced for supplying the deficiency of men, which will be occasioned by
                            this measure.
                        Colonel Tupper is to releive Colonel Vose immediately, of which you will be pleased to advice the
                            Former—Colo. Tupper will call at Head Quarters previous to his departure. No other Field Officer with the Light Corps is
                            to be relieved at present. I am Dear Sir With great regard Your Most Obed. Servant

                             Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 27 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West point April 27. 1781.

                        I have mentioned to some of the principal officers of the Massachusetts line the receiving but three months
                            pay at this instant, viz. for January, February and March, out of the monies sent on by their
                            Commonwealth, and the fourth month a short time hence: but I find their distresses so great and their debts so
                            accumulated, that it is not possible for them to do with less than the four months. The distresses of the army were so
                            great the last summer, that Congress resolved two months pay should be immediatley advanced to
                            them; but not a farthing has yet been received.
                        The Commonwealth of Massachusetts by uncommon taxes, I am just informed have determined to relieve their own
                            troops. The troops, I find, expect it—and it will tend to create uneasiness both in the army and at home if they do not. I
                            therefore request, that as soon as the April muster can be completed four months pay may be drawn. The men have been
                            relieved by their gratuity-money—but the officers suffer beyond description. I have the honor to be with the greatest
                            respect Your Excellencys Most obedient servant,

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 27 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 27th April 1781

                        There was never any regular formation of the department of Geographer to the Army, but to the best of my
                            recollection Mr Erskine’s pay was to have been four dollars per day and that of his Assistants two dollars per day—Chain
                            Bearers half a dollar per day and an allowance for the contingent expences of travelling when out of reach of the Magazine
                            of the Army and for the purchase of the Instruments and the necessaries of office. I see, in the heads of a plan which Mr
                            Erskine has drawn up for the Committee of Arrangement last summer, he mentions that three dollars per day were to have
                            been allowed to some of his principal Assistants. I therefore make no doubt but it was to have been so, and that it may
                            have escaped my Memory. If any charge of that nature is made in his Account—it is to be allowed.
                        I do not remember that any allowance was to be made for saddle Horses for Mr Erskine’s personal use, except
                            finding them forage—The department was to be supplied with a Waggon & Horses—I mention this, because Mr de Witt
                            tells me Mr Erskine has made a charge to the public of a saddle Horse of his own which died while he was in the service. I
                            am &a.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 27 April 1781
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Lebanon 27th April 1781

                        Returng yesterday, from a Journey Eastward as far as Boston on which I had been employed for a Fortnight, I
                            found your Excellencys Letter of the 16th waiting for me, with a Proposal for my joining your Family in Capacity of a
                            Secretary—as your Excellency must e’er this begin to wonder at my Silence, I think it my Duty to make an imediate
                            acknowlegement of the Recipt of your Letter, altho I have not yet had Time to consider its Contents—or decide on the
                            Proposal. The Idea is so new & unexpected—and my other Engagements (exclusive of my Family, private Business
                            & domestic Concerns) are such as will render it very difficult for me to make a Compliance to your Excellencys
                            Request ’tho at same Time I have to confess, that it will give me great Pain, if on full Consideration, I shall find
                            myself obliged to make a Refusal; as my Inclination would lead me to fulfil your every Wish—& be assured Sir!—my
                            ambition would be highly gratified by so near an admission to the Person & Confidence of General Washington.
                        Congress have intrusted to my Care the Settlement of my late Brother’s Commissary accounts—in these affairs I
                            have been busily engaged & have almost closed (so far as I shall go) all the accounts of the four N.E. States
                            & N. York—& have expected to go on to the Jersies & Pensylvania in the Course of this Summer—I
                            shall be much at a Loss to leave these matters unfinished both on account of the Public, & that of my Brothers
                            private Estate—which in some Respects is held in close Connexion with the Public Settlements—perhaps also Congress may
                            think it not well for me to leave this Business in its present Stage.
                        On the whole I must beg your Excellencys Permission for a short Time to consult my own mind & those
                            of my Friends on this Subject—& in the mean Time suffer me to suggest that your Excellency wil be pleased to turn
                            your mind on some other Person who may eventually be called to this Service—some others I can readily conceive may be
                            found who will perform it with greater abilities but no one I dare say will accept whose chearfull Readiness &
                            utmost Endeavours to fulfill your Excellencys Wishes will be greater (if Circumstances shall permit) than mine. With
                            highest Sentiments of Respect & Esteem—I am most Gratefully D. Genl Your most Obedient & humble Servant

                            Jona. Trumbull Junr


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 27 April 1781
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear Sir
                            Lebanon 27th April 1781

                        I have the Honor of your Letter of the 7th instant respecting Camp Equipage for the se of the Troops of this
                            State—I am very sensible of the Importance of this Requisition & shall attend to it with particular
                            Consideration—Our Genl Assembly will meet soon—when your Letter with One from the Q.M. Genl shall be laid before
                            them—& hope Measures will be by then taken to make  necessary Preparations for the
                            Fulfillment of your Excellency’s Wishes. With every Sentiment of Respect and Esteem—I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient humble
                            Servant

                            Jonth. Trumbull


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 28 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 28th April 1781.

                        The necessity of getting forward what Flour is upon the communication urges me to a measure which I would not
                            wish to adopt could it be avoided. It is, to make use of a part of a sum of Money sent to the pay master General by the
                            State of Massachusetts purposely for the payment of the troops of that line. You will in consequence of this receive a
                            Warrant for 9000 Dollars of the new emission, which, that it may be applied solely for the purposes for which it is
                            intended, you will keep in your own hands, and inform the Deputies at Sussex—Ringwood and Warwick that they may give the
                            owners of Teams an assurance of being paid their freight immediately upon the delivery of the Flour here. Should there be
                            any quantity at Trenton, and Colo. Neilsen should be under difficulties respecting the transportation of it, you may spare
                            him a part of the money, under strict injunctions to apply it solely to the present emergency. If your deputies can agree
                            for part payment in Money it will be so much the better; as it will make the only sum which there is any chance of getting
                            hold of, go so much the farther. You will, for obvious reasons, keep intirely to yourself from what fund this money is
                            drawn. And as this will be but a temporary relief, you will endeavour, in the mean time, to make arrangements for bringing
                            forward our future supplies without the disagreeable expedient of impress.
                        I think you may now order in part of the Ox teams from Connecticut, as pasture will be good by the time they
                            can arrive, and care should be taken that they come laden with provision or some kind of Stores. There were particularly
                            40 Hhds of Rum at Hartford—I also think it will now be proper to distribute the Flour from Trenton on the sussex and
                            Morris Roads. That from Morris may come safely to Kings ferry, which will shorten transportation and impose part of the
                            Burthen upon a district which has not lately been harrassed. I am Dear Sir yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Be pleased to make me a Return of the number of Tents of the last Campaign which will be of
                                service this, and how the old ones are disposed of.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 28 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport April 28th 1781

                        I have the honor to send to your Excellency a Letter which I write to the Ch. de La Luzerne concerning some
                            propositions from Congress for the Supplying the French corps with provisions. This Letter will be followed by Mr De
                            Menonville, first Deputy Adjutant General who shall receive your Excellency’s orders, as he passes thro’ New Windsor, that
                            none of these operations may cross those which are necessary for the Supplying your Excellency’s army. I am with respect
                            and personal attachment Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble servant

                            le cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 29 April 1781
From: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            dear general
                            newport april 29 1781

                        I take the liberty to recommend to your excellency the colonel Menonville, one of the adjudants general, a
                            gentleman of great learning and capacity, and my peculiar friend for a long time past your excellency is already
                            acquainted with the subject of his errand, by a letter of Count de Rochambeau. I was always convinced that nothing good
                            can be done in this country, but under the direction and the influences of your excellency; but there is no occasion where
                            his concurrence may be more necessary. we must consider the french forces as apart of your armie, and consequently be
                            carefull that every member be submitted to the head if great britain reaps some benefit by acting individually and by
                            herself, we must compensate that advantage by acting always strongly united.
                        all the intelligence that we receive from westindies agree in the expectation of a large proportion, both of
                            land and naval force. the operations in those countries are, no doubt, but the prologue of a drama which is to be
                            performed here; for that we must prepare for great events. if your excellency knows my zeal for the
                            common welfare, and my attachment for his persn , he shall believe that I will not, that I cannot deceive him by groundless
                            hopes. may heaven grant me to see your excellency crowned with new Laurels, and those leaves crowned with the
                                never fading flowers of glorious and ever lasting peace. I have the honor to be dear general your
                            most humble and obedient servant

                            le M. de chastellux