Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 7 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

            Sir,
            Head Quarters [Fishkill] October 7th 1778

          Your letter of yesterday reached me in the night—Your observations on the probable intentions of the enemy are forcible—The capture or destruction of the French fleet appears to be the most important object they can have on the continent; and it is very possible they may have it in contemplation, though the time they have lost since they have had the superiority at sea and the advanced season of the year are strong arguments against it—Our present disposition was formed on the possibility of such an event—at the same time, that it does not lose sight of the security of the North River, or the concentration of our force to repel any attempt upon the army. Though it may not be probable that the enemy have at present any design against either of these—it would be imprudent to offer them a temptation by diminishing our strength in a considerable detachment so far Eastward as to be out of supporting distance. If they were able to possess themselves of the Highland passes and interrupt the navigation of the River, the consequences on the score of subsistence would be terrible as well to the fleet as the army. It is supposed the enemy have lost all hopes of effecting any thing material against these states, and this supposition is upheld by powerful reasons; but after all, the truth of it depends so much upon the contingencies of naval operations and European politics, that it would be very unwise to let it essentially influence our military arrangements.
          I am taking measures for having all the roads leading towards Boston put in repair, for the more convenient marching of the several columns, in case a movement further Eastward should become necessary—You will therefore be pleased to send a proper fatigue party on the lower route leading from Danbury to Hartford—so that the column which may march thence may not interfere, with the others, by falling into the same road so long as it can be avoided. The column nearest to that, will proceed by New Millford, Woodbury

            and Waterbury to Farmington—The repairs are only to be extended through the rough country.
          You will also send a Quarter Master forward to observe the good halting places at proper stages. His report you will communicate to me. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 7 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

            sir
            Head Qrs near Fredericksburg Octor 7th 1778

          On the 23d & 30th of May, I did myself the Honor to transmit to your Excellency Returns of the Troops of Virginia. By the conveyance now offered me by Colo. Wood, I inclose Another, comprehending their state on the 30th Ulto. Your Excellency and the Honorable Assembly which I am informed is about to sit, will perceive from this, how far deficient the Troops are, in the Quota assigned the state. Their present amount would not be great, supposing every man mentioned in the Return were in the Field; but a large deduction is to be made from it, on account of the columns of Sick. It is highly probable, that many under this description, particularly that of Sick absent, are actually dead—others unfit for service—and that several who have recovered, have deserted. Besides this, I find by a Return which I have just obtained, that there are Seven Hundred and Ninety Six, Drafts and Others, whose term of service will expire in the course of the ensuing Winter.
          I thought it expedient to advise your Excellency of the above facts, that you and the Assembly may adopt such measures, for providing Recruits or Drafts for the next Campaign, as may be judged proper. What these measures will be, will be with you and the Assembly to determine; but I will take the liberty to suggest it, as my opinion, that it will be well for the States in general, to give the raising of Men the earliest consideration; and to pursue such speedy and vigorous means, as will place our Army upon a respectable footing. I have been exerting myself to have the Drafts inlisted and the old Soldiers reengaged—who are on the point of being discharged, for the usual bounty allowed by Congress; but my attempts as yet have been without any, or, with but very inconsiderable success. Besides the Continental

            bounty I have offered the Virginians, in this predicament, on the part of the State, a further bounty of Twenty Dollars ⅌ Man, the ballance remaining in my hands of the Money deposited by their Delegates in Congress last Spring, being sufficient for the purpose; but this has proved no temptation.
          If deficiencies and the expiration of the service of Troops in the course of the Winter, were peculiar to Virginia, I should not be so much concerned, though that I confess would be a circumstance of no small mortification; but when I know that they are not, that the Enemy are still with us, in respectable, I may add, formidable force; and that another Campaign may take place, I feel very much interested in our pursuing measures that will make us equal to all events—and the establishing of our Independence. I can not say with precision, that we shall have occasion the next year to employ a large Army, as the designs of the Enemy and their future system of conduct are entirely unknown; but from their remaining so long—and the approach of Winter, it would seem, though there have been flattering appearances to the contrary, that they do not mean to leave the Continent. But, be this as it may, it will be wise in the States, to provide for every contingency—and we may reasonably conclude, if they determine to try the event of Another Campaign, that they will act with vigor; and by concentering the force they now have, independent of any other aid or augmentation, they may make it a very serious, and a very important one. From these considerations, I am induced to hope, that we shall not relax on our part, but on the contrary, that we shall use every prudent and practicable exertion, to put ourselves in a good posture of defence. If this is done, we shall be prepared for War—and if Britain should relinquish her ideas of conquest and withdraw her Armies, it will be easy to cease our efforts—and to disband our Levies.
          I would also inform your Excellency, that the Virginia Regiments, in the Continental line, have lately undergone a reform and are now reduced to Eleven. This measure, the Committee of Arrangement appointed by Congress, deemed it expedient to adopt, as some of them were not larger than a Company or two, in point of Effectives. There may be many other matters respecting the Virginia Troops, in which you may wish satisfaction, and which do not occur to me at this time. If there are, I must take the liberty of referring you to Colo. Wood, who will be able to give the fullest information. I have the Honor to be with the greatest esteem & respect yr Excellency’s <illegible>.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 7 October 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Fredericksburgh, Octo: 7th 1778

          I have communi[ca]ted to Colo: Harrisson my sentiments on the Subject of General Starks letter respecting the post at Fort Edward.

          Permit me to Suggest to Your Excellency that If an Attempt should be made On Canada either the ensuing winter or Spring that It will be necessary as early as possible to provide boards In the Vicinity of Fort Ann for the purpose of building Storehouses at Skensborough to receive a Magazine of provisions and other Stores, Shelter for the Men that are to Guard them, and for boats to Send on Supplies when the Army shall be In Canada, near Fort Ann is an exceeding good Sawmill belonging to the public which I believe requires very Little If any repair, near It is a good Blockhouse erected to Cover the Mill which will afford Comfortable Shelter for fifty men, Warners regiment which I understand is at Fort Edward might give a detatchment to Guard the Mill and Aid the Workmen, there are Also two other Mills about Six miles South of Fort Ann—belonging to Jones and Huffnagle these might Also be set to work If your Excellency thinks proper that any or all of them should be Employed Colo: Lewis ought to be advised of It the Soonest possible, If orders are given him on this head and I am Informed of It I will give him some advice that may expedite the Business.
          The Legislature of this State is Convened at Poughkipsie and many of my friends are there, I Intreat Permission to pass a few days at that place. I have the honor to be with perfect respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

            Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 7 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

            Dear Sir.
            Head Quarters Fish kill 7th Otbr 1778

          I have received your two letters of yesterdays date, one of them last night, inclosing the accounts of the deserters, the other this morning.

          In your next I would wish you to be as particular as your information will admit of respecting the number of flat bottom boats—the number of transports, and vessels of force in the river, as well as their exact situation. We should know all these things without any doubt or uncertainty because we may do it without exposing the observers to any great danger. I am Sir &c.

            G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 7 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

            My Lord.
            Head Quarters [Fishkill] 7th October 1778.

          By an act of Congress dated the 30th Ulto Genl Pulaskis Corps and all the Continental troops in the vicinity of Philadelphia are ordered to Princeton there to wait my orders or those of the Commanding Officer in Jersey—I leave it to Your Lordship to give them such instructions for their government as may appear to you most proper. I am Your Lordships most obedt Servt

            Go: Washington

            p.s. Such Detachments of Corps as may be there—you will order to join them, as soon as the Service they are on will admit—and to be properly conducted.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 7 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Aquakanock [N.J.] 7th Octobr 1778 Eleven oClo. a.m.

          I have received your Excellency’s letter of the 5th. As to the report “of the Brittish fleet of Men of war having Sailed in quest of the french fleet,” I belive there [is] Nothing in it, for I saw a Certain person Yesterday who must have known it, had it been so, and would have Mentioned it; as he was desireous of telling me every Circumstance that has lately happend Among the rest he informed me, that an Expedition has taken place against Egg harbour, Some frigates and Small Armed Vessels with some troops from Staten Island under the Command of Courtland Skinner are Sailed for that place; Also that the Ship or frigate on board of which Genl Robertson and others have taken their passage, had a Number of Vessels under Convoy but that out Sailing some of them she left them, one of which a large transport is taken, having on board some person of Consequence, which Shagreens them much. the Sailing of these two fleets might have deceived the Sailor’s. and account for the two fleets lately seen on the Coast. however I am much Surprizd at Major Howels Silence. ’tis possible this Egg Harbour Expedition might have engrossed his Attention. A Gentleman I have this Moment seen, assures me that all was queit at Eggharbour on Sunday last. Genl Maxwell has sent two Messengers to Major Howell for Intelligence, I have now desired him to send Capt. Forman (who is well acquainted in that Country) to go to Middletown Naversink &c. and get all the Intelligence he can and immediately to return.
          I wrote your Excellency Yesterday that the Enemy Continued forageing about four Miles Easterly from this place all day on the 5th and in the Evening retired to their former Station near the New Bridge. where they have Continued very quiet ever Since. there was

            some fireing of Cannon—about Eight this morning in New York Bay Near the Narrows the Meaning of it I cannot guess. I take the Oppertunity of Sending this by Col. Craig who is going immediately to head Quarters. and Am your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

            Stirling,

          p.s. Major Washington is arrived with Moylens Regt I shall Keep him in this Quarter & will send all the other little detachments of Horse to Genl Woodford.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 7 October 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Fredricksburg Octr 7th 1778

          In Obedience to your Orders of the 2nd from Fish Kill, I sent Lieut. Colo. Williams with a Proper Detatchment to Repair the Road to Litchfield.
          Quarter Master Alexander has just Returned & makes the following Report of the Road & Encamping Grounds viz.
          1st days March from Genl St Clair Quarters to Talmans & Soles, Bridges 12 Miles
          2nd To Preston 10 Miles (very Stony Road)
          3rd To Mount Tom 8 Miles Hilly & Stony

          4th thro’ Litchfield to Waterbury 11. Miles the first six Miles good the Last five between Litchfield and Waterbury but Midling. I am Your Excellencies most Obt Hume Sert

            Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to John Beatty, 8 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Beatty, John

            sir—
            Fish kill 8th Otbr 1778.

          When at Fredericksburg I expected you would have laid before me a detail state of the wants and condition of the prisoners with the enemy the better to enable me to represent their case and real sufferings to Congress. As I cannot proceed in this matter without the paper refered to you will be pleased to transmit it as soon as possible. If sent to Gen. Maxwel he will take charge of it to me. I am &c.

            G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 8 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

            Dear Sir
            Fishkill 8th October 1778.

          I recd yours of yesterday inclosing a letter from General Nixon and a deposition respecting the abuse of several inhabitants of this State by some Officers of the Army. I shall immediately order the Officers to be secured untill Civil process shall issue against them.
          A flag Boat was standing up the River yesterday, with directions to proceed as far as Fishkill landing to take off the family and effects of Mr Cuyler of Albany. I understood from Mr Cuyler, when he went into New York himself, that his family and effects were not to be permitted to go down untill he had cleared up some matters respecting the exchange of himself and Major Lush. I therefore ordered the Boat to be stopped below West point. If it is proper that Mr Cuylers effects should be sent to him, be pleased to direct them to be carried from Fishkill to the Boat below West point, as there are many good Reasons why the persons on board of her should not have an opportunity of coming further up and viewing the Works.
          I send you by the Express a number of packets directed for your Excellency—the House of Assembly, and the different Officers of Government. They came out yesterday by a flag and contain a Manifesto and proclamation, by the British Commissioners, of a very extraordinary nature. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Regard Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

            p.s. Be pleased to write a line to Genl Putnam if the Boat is to return with Mr Cuylers effects, that he may take off the Guard. I shall

              return to Fredericksburg this Afternoon, if the Weather is good, at which place I shall be happy to receive your favr.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 8 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Kalb, Johann

            Sir,
            Head Qrs [Fishkill] Octr 8th 1778

          As I am removing Head Quarters from this place, it may not be unnecessary to inform you, that the former directions given you respecting the objects of your division and the conduct you are to observe with regard to the Highland-posts still continue in force.
          The Quarter Master here has represented to me that the present

            position of your troops so near the road causes a consumption of the forage, which is absolutely necessary for the use of the teams employed in public transportation; This is an inconvenience I should wish might be avoided, and I would therefore have you to remove your division a little distance from the communication, so as not however to lose sight of other objects—It may not be amiss to consult Col: Hay on this point. I am Sir Your most Obedt sert.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 8 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

            Dear sir.
            Head Quarters Fish kill 8th Otbr 1778.

          An outrage has been committed on some inhabitants of this State, by a Lieut. Henderson—Marshal—B. Ball and an Ensign Smith, as appears from the deposition in the hands of the bearer of this letter. As these officers are in your command, you will be pleased to direct them under immediate confinement; and to remain so till the civil power can take up the matter. Henderson and Ball I beleive are of the Pennsylvania line, and they can inform you of the others. I am D. Sir your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

          p.s. I inclose you two letters on the subject, one from Govr Clinton, the other Gen. Nixons, which you will be pleased to return.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 8 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

            Sir—
            Fish kill 8 Otbr 1778.

          I can have no objection to such of the officers of Col. Poors Regiment as are supernumerary returning to their homes—The officers may settle among themselves who a[r]e to go but you will determine upon the number necessary to continue with the Regiment.

          p.s. I could wish you to attend to the quantity of provision in garrison—that it may be at all times adequate to its support in case of investment.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 8 October 1778
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Fort Clinton [West Point, N.Y.] Ocr 8 1778

          Inclosed are the Weekly returns—Two Sentences of a General Court Martial, and a letter I received last Night from Mr Smith at Haverstraw.
          It is in my opinion very necessary to have a good Officer, at Kings ferry—And as there are Troops at fishKill, perhaps Your Excellency might approve of ordering Capt. Santford with his party, to the ferry.
          I beg leave to refer your Excellency to Col. Hay, for a Character of the Artificer officers: as they are in the Q. Ms. departt. I most respectfully am Your Excellencys most obedt Servant

            W. Malcom


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 October 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Acquackinac [N.J.] 8th Octr 1778

          I have to inform your Excellency that last evening I recd a Letter from Major Howell dated the 4th Inst. says that on the 1st Inst. a Fleet of four Ships & eight Brigs Schooners & Sloops sailed to the Southward, designed as they imagined for Egg harbour; Several Signal Guns was heard on the 3d in the Morning and they were again seen off—Same day two Ships went in & one the day before. I wish he had been a little more explicite where the three Vessels went into but I suppose it was into N. york. and what sort of sized Ships was in the Fleet, I suppose they were all small as Coll Dayton writes me by same conveyance, that I may Ashure your Excellency that the English Fleet had not left Sandy Hook three days ago. The Major says further that it is reported that a General Albemarl is arived at N. york. Two Deserters from the 2d Battn Light Infantry at the new bridge this moment came in, says that the 42 & 15th Regts on the Forraging party was to set off this morning to go to N. york there to Embarque for Hallifax that 9 or 10 Regts was to embarque in a few days for the W. Indias that prev[i]ous to that the Granadiers & Light Infantry would Joyn their Corps they say it is thought that the Forrag’g party is finished or nearly so. I am your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servt

            Wm Maxwell


Title: To George Washington from Otis & Andrews, 8 October 1778
From: Otis & Andrews
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Boston Octr 8th 1778

          Your Excellencys orders of 27th in favr of Colo. Baylors Regt shall be complied with as far as possible, tho haveing but a small quantity of white Cloth on hand & very little to be purchased, fear we shall not get sufficient for the demand, The Cloaks shall be immediately finished, & the articles for your Excellency & family procured.
          Clothing proper for Officers we have none of upon hand, haveing avoided any purchases for want of proper authority, Doubtless we could supply them with many articles, But unless we are directed to liquidate the price agreeable to resolve of Congress, we see not how a body of men who cry Justly & loudly for redress can be helped by our purrchases.
          We shall be happy in executeing your Excellen[c]ys orders, & are With the highest sentiments of Esteem & Respect Your Most obedt & Very Humble Sert

            Otis & Andrews


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 8 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

            Dear Sir
            Fishkill 8th October 1778

          I shall remove this afternoon to Fredericksburg to which place be pleased to address any future intelligence. If the enemy should make any move up the river of a serious nature, you are immediately to call upon Baron de Kalb who will remain here untill the designs of the Enemy are more fully known.
          I would recommend it to you always to keep a sufficiency of Boats ready to throw over your force to West point, and not depend upon contingencies. You should also establish some other mode of obtaining intelligence from below than by means of your guard Boats. If

            they should fall into the hands of the enemy, they will be upon you, before you have time to make the least preparation. I would therefore advise you to fix small guards upon the points to give signals by firing of Guns, or lighting fires of the approach of an enemy. Between them and the Boats you cannot fail of Notice by night or day. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Stark, 8 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stark, John

            Sir
            Fishkill 8th October 1778.

          I have been favd with yours of the 31st Augt and 7th 15th and 28th Septemr. The subject of Mrs McNeils petition comes under the notice of the Qr Mr General. General Mifflin, who was in that Office at the time the grievance complained of was committed, has lately had one million of dollars put into his hands for the purpose of discharging all old demands, and I see that Colonel Hughes is appointed to adjust and settle all those in the State of New York. To him therefore Mrs McNeil must apply—The proceedings of the Court Martial held at Schohara never came to hand. The inclosed paper, which appears by the indorsement to have contained the proceedings, was all that you sent.
          The Qr Master should make a reasonable compensation to those persons who take up shot or any Stores from the North River and deliver them to him.
          I have laid your several complaints against Colo. Lewis before the Qr Mr General. Colo. Lewis has sent down a vindication of his conduct and desires a proper enquiry, which the Qr Mr General must make.
          I would not have you build Barracks at Fort Edward. The troops now there may winter at Saratogha where are good Barracks for 300 Men. If there should be a necessity of keeping a small command at Fort Edward, a Hut or two may be easily erected for that purpose. If Colo. Butler undertakes the Unadilla expedition I hope he may have success. I am glad to hear of the blow struck by the Oneida Indians upon the Rear of Brants Party. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 8 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Aquakanoc [N.J.] Octobr 8th 1778

          I wrote your Excellency Yesterday by Colonel Craig, General Maxwell now sends you the Intelligence he has Just received from Major Howell I hope to have something more explicit from thence tomorrow as two Messengers besides an Officer have been sent for every particular that has lately happened with regard to the Sailing of Ships. I am afraid the Major has not kept a good look out as he Mentions Nothing of the fleet which Sailed under Convoy of the Ship General Robertson &c. went in. the two deserters which Came in this Morng say it is now publicly talked of that the ten Regts are to go to the West Indies, they say that they are Already Compleated by drafts from other Regts without allowing prisoners with us to be estimated as part of their Strenght, and that thier Respective Granadier & light Infantry Companies are to Join their Regts.
          Two deserters of the 40th are this Moment Come in from Staten Island, they say their Incampment is in Sight of the light House, that all the Ships of the Line lay near the hook Yesterday except Ad: Byron’s Ship a 90 Gun lays out side the hook. Ad: Parker Comds in the Bay & about the Narrows, that the fleet was extreemly Sickly some Ships of the line not haveing 50 Men fit for duty, they Call the disorder the black Scurvy; the Spirit of desertion is Universal in their Army Since it has been publickly known that the ten Regts are going to the West Indies, theirs is one of them, that their Officers Baggage is on board the transports that they have all been Measured for linnen Vests & drawers which are all made but not delivered out, they Confirm that these Regiments are all Compleated by drafts from others, that they expect to Sail in a few days. I am your Excellency’s Most Obt Humble Servt

            Stirling,


Title: General Orders, 9 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Friday Octr 9th 1778.
            Parole BenningtonC. Signs Bolton Berks—

          Particular Brigade returns to be made to the orderly Office on Monday next agreeable to a form which will be given by the Adjutant General. Regimental Returns to be delivered in the same day by the Brigade Majors containing every Article of Cloathing in Possession of the non commissioned Officers and soldiers discriminating the good and serviceable from the bad and unserviceable; These returns are to be as exact & complete as possible.
          All Commissaries and Clothiers in and near the Army to make returns on the same day & in the same manner of all the Cloathing and Materials for Cloathing in their hands—respectively—distinguishing State from Continental Cloathing, and if any Quarter Masters have Cloathing of any kind in their possession they are to do the same.
          Mr Kemper will take particular Care to communicate this order to the Commissaries and Cloathiers—and the Quarter Master General to his Assistants and Deputies.


Title: To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 9 October 1778
From: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Boston Road 9th Octob: 1778.

          The Letter which Your Excellency did me the honor to write the 5th of this month—was sent down to me last night at 8 OClock by the

            care of Major General Heath—I recognised in the intelligence which you were so kind as to give me and the speed with which it came, the interest which you take in all that regards the Kings Squadron—and I confess to you, that however persuaded I am that the great motives of common interest are sufficient to ensure your condescending attention to every thing—I dare hope that your Sentiments for a nation which reveres and loves you will make such multiplied cares appear less troublesome to you—if the Gratitude of a simple individual could be counted for any thing—I would entreat you to accept the sincere hommage of it.
          The Sailing of the whole English Fleet, if it took place ten days previous to the date of your Excellencys Letter—is a measure which appears to me might have been dictated by the motive of concealing the separation of the two Squadrons of Admiral Biron and Admiral Gambier—and leaving me in the dark as to the number of Vessels in each—it is certain that if the division has been equal, I shall at least be as strong as either of the Moieties and it may happen that the Court of London has ordered this division so positively as to deprive their Admirals of any other means of concealing it, than executing it at Sea.
          I wait with the greatest expectation the particulars which will certainly be transmitted to Your Excellency relative to their departure—they are of the greatest importance—they will determine the part I am to take—the number and kind of troops embarked, on board armed Ships, or transports—the species of the latter—the quantity of Water, Provision—Artillery—Passengers for Europe, Jamaica or Barbadoes—every thing of this kind may throw in light—and altho these different means are often employed to deceive, it is nevertheless useful to know them all—because the union of several presumptions become a kind of proof—The Winds which have been very favorable several days past, to come from New York or New port—would have seconded the impatience of the English, if their project is to attack us—if they hazard it, we shall be indebted to you for all the final preparatives, which will put us in condition to receive them, the best in our power. I have the honor to be with as much attachment as respect Sir Your Excellys.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 9 October 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Danbury [Conn.] 9th October 1778.

          At five yesterday evening, I had the honour to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 7th: Inclosed is the proceedings of a General

            Court Martial held upon two Men, suspected to be Spies; they are sent to Your Excellency under the care of Brigade Major Marshall, who has a quantity of Counterfeit Money to deliver to Your Excellency, that was found upon the delinquents. The Prisoner, Farnsworth, is recommended by the Court Martial, as he seems the most penitent, and best inclined to make discoveries, both in regard to the Makers, and Dispersers, of Counterfeit Money; and of the State, Condition, and intended movements of The Enemy.
          I also inclose Your Excellency a Letter I this moment received from Genl Scott, in which is a Letter to me from the Earl of Balcarras, and one for Colonel Magaw. Your Excellency will also find in the packet, the Examination of Samuel Goldsmith, of Marblehead, who lately escaped from the Enemy; if his account of the Sickness raging in Admiral Byron’s Fleet, is true, I cannot think them in Condition for much Enterprize; nor will the Enemy be able to evacuate New York this Fall, unless they leave their Sick to the care of The United States. A counterfeit Bill, of each denomination, is sent to the Legislatures of the Four Eastern States; if Your Excellency thinks proper to forward the rest to Treasurer Hilligas, he may be directed to do the same to all the other States. I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

            Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Major Richard Howell, 9 October 1778
From: Howell, Richard
To: Washington, George

            Tinton falls [N.J.] 9th Octr—78.

          Your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th last has reach’d me and I am alarm’d at the supposition of my Inattention to Duty—Your Excellency may rest assur’d that I am every Day in person at black-point & nothing can escape my Notice—The report you mention is false & the heavy Ships are now in View off the Neversinks. The princess Royal of 90 With a flag, two 80s & a 74. The rest of the fleet are seen in the Narrows about to heave down—By a Spy I sent last Evning, I am assur’d that Admiral Biron is now at New York, and an Officer of the fleet assur’d him that the fleet would sail as soon as possible perhaps in a Day or two suppos’d to design for Boston. I have already sent Intelligence of the fleet destin’d for Eggharbour & by two Topsail Vessels coming in I Imagine they are on their return—There is no reinforcement as yet arriv’d at the Hook as I was inform’d but they are expected dayly—As to parties of Observation, alas! I have but thirty men insufficient to Guard our little post & am unable to detach a party on so dangerous a command, but oblig’d to expose my person every Day alone—By every appearance I am to expect a Vizit & will have the reputation of engaging them with 30 men only. I have made good Connexions and believe I shall be master of every Intelligence so as to communicate it speedily to your Excellency—rest assur’d I cannot be so wanting in respect to your Excellency & regard to my Honor, as not to be vigelant to the outmost. I am yr Excellency’s very humble Servt

            Rd Howell

          Note there are but 4 ships fallen down as yet & two transports, which appear to be watring the others.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 9 October 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Philadelphia] 9th Octr [1778]

          I had the honor of writing to Your Excellency the 2nd Instant by Ross, since which Your Excellency’s several favors of the 29th Ulto & 3d Inst. with the several papers refer’d to have been duly presented to Congress—the former is committed to the Board of War—I have communicated the Extract from Count d’Estaings’ letter to Monsr Girard—Congress have no objection to granting leave of absence to the Marquis of Vienne.
          I have at present only to transmit an Act of Congress of the 2nd Instant for continuing the present Embargo for preventing engrossing provisions, and for other purposes therein mentioned, which Act will accompany this. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Fielding Lewis, 9 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Fielding, Lewis

          Letter not found: to Fielding Lewis, c.9 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Benjamin Lincoln on 9 Oct.: “If you should go thro Alexa., you will also pass Fredg—I have therefore given you a Letter to a Brother in law of mine in that Town.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

            Dear Sir,
            Fredericksburg Oct. 9th 78

          I am sorry I happened to miss you yesterday. I waited till two Oclock p.m. in expectation of your arrival, and then divided my family upon difft roads—but all of us escaped your Tract. conceiving that this might happen, I left a few introductory Letters (for you to some of the first Gentlemen in Carolina) with Baron Kalb, and would now inclose you others to my friends in Virga if I knew what rout you would take—But, uncertain of this, & perswaded you will not go out of yr way or stay long enough in Virga, to avail yourself of any civilities, I am certain my Country men would wish to shew you, I have declined troubling you with more than one to Mrs Washington; who will be happy in seeing, & shewing you every mark of esteem if you should go by the way of Alexandria.
          I most sincerely wish you the most perfect recovery of your Leg—a pleasant journey—and an agreeable & honorable Command. I shall always be glad to hear from you being with evy Sentiment of regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

            Go: Washington

          p.s. If you should go thro Alexa., you will also pass Fredg—I have therefore given you a Letter to a Brother in law of mine in that Town.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 9 October 1778
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp [Fredericksburg] 9th octor 1778.

          You may remember, I informed you this morning, I had Sent Col. Putnam to inspect the roads to Farmington; and directed him to cause Such routs be mended from this, throˆ the Severals Towns you mentioned, to that Town, as he on inspection should Judge most eligible for the march of the Army. I beg leave to inclose his report on this Subject, handed to me by the Bearer, who returns to the Party at work, between this and New milford. your excellency will please to give directions on the points the Col. mentions. Col. Hale from my Division with an Hundred men, had the Roads & Bridges from this to New milford assigned him. a like number from General Lincoln’s, had that from New Milford to Farmington, which I conclude is under

            the Command of Major Groversnor. I have the Honor to be your Excellency’s Humble Servant

            Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Rufus Putnam, 9 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

            Sir
            Head Quarters [Fredericksburg] 9th October 1778

          I have perused your Report of this day to Genl McDougall.
          You will continue your examination of the different roads, and reconnoitre the most convenient halting places on each—allowing the interval of an easy days march from one to the other—and make a report of the whole to me, that I may be enabled to regulate the different routes.
          The Road towards Litchfield appears from your account of it to be wo<rth> attention—and Col. Hale should be directed to proceed on it accordingly. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 9 October 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

          Fredericksburg, 9 October 1778. “I do myself the honor to Communicate my sentiments on the subject of the different routs by which an army may penetrate into Canada from these States, and on the preparations requisite to be made in the quarter from whence an Army would march.” Schuyler favors the Lake Champlain route rather the routes by way of Lake Ontario to the west or Coos, Vt., to the east, because he thinks that it is the only one by which an American army in Canada could be adequately supplied with the provisions needed to sustain it. Flour could be drawn from Albany, Tryon, Ulster, and Dutchess counties in New York while ample means of transportation could be obtained in Albany and Tryon counties, the western Massachusetts counties, and the New Hampshire Grants. If a Canadian expedition was launched in the winter, Schuyler says, the troops and their supplies could move rapidly across frozen Lake Champlain without fear of the enemy’s naval force, and if during the winter the Americans also could establish a defensive position at Île aux Noix or elsewhere on the approaches to St. Jean, Canada, they could bring up supplies by bateaux during the warm months.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 9 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Bedford [N.Y.] October 9th 1778 1 oClock

          I this moment Recd Your Excellencys favor of Yesterdays date. the Contents shall be particularly observed. Last night about 10 oClock I Was informd by A country man from Near the Enemy lines that they Wear going off from their Incampment about Phillaps’s hous and as He understood imbarking. Since which I recd a letter From Colo. Armand who Seams to be Very shure that they are going off his letter You have inclosd.
          Capt. Walls and Six men that I had posted on the other Side of the River for the purpose of Watching the Motions of the Fleet and the enemys imbarcation, Returnd to my Quarters this Morning, with

            Seven Sailors, prisoners, among them I find one intelligt Fellow, who informs me that Birons fleat Saild about Seven or Eight days ago in quest of the French Fleet that was Said to be Hovering about the Co[a]st. and that he is very Certain that no troops Wear on board, but that there Saild at the Same time about forty Victuling ships for Cork. he says that he knows nothing of any troops imbarking Ither at Kings Bridg or York. the Reason of all the Transports except four Being orderd down he also Knows nothing of. Capt. Walls informs me when he left the other Side of the River, there was lying off Phillaps’s hous one Man of War a Galley and three Large Transports with about twenty or 25 flat Bottom Boats all of which was giting Under way this morning Except the Man of war and Stood down the River, but he was two far to discover whether they had troops on board. the Capt. Will return to his post again this Night I have given him orders to let me have the Earliest Intelligence possable of any Movement and in the fullest manner. I have orderd Colo. Armand Capt. Dandridg and an officer from Majr Lees Corps to Reconnoiter the enemys Camp from Right to left, and Discover if possable, their intentions. Colos. Sheldon and Graham is gon in quest of Leavensworth who I have not Yet heard any thing of Since Last weak. I am almost Certain he Murst be taken, and if so have given the Necessary instructions Rispecting intillegence to those Gentlemen. I have been extreamly unfortunate in Laying this train for intelligence and have taken Unweried pains to effect it. But as Yet to no purpose.
          an officer from Colo. Gists Corps Sent to my Camp Yesterday three Hessions Prisonirs taken from one of thier Picquits. those togather with the two Taken by Colo. Parker and the Seven by Walls Shall be Sent up Tomorrow. Inclosd Your Excellency will Riceive the proceedings of a Court martial if the Sentance meets Your Excellencys approbation I Should be proud It may be executed in my Camp. I think it would Have a good effect as the Horsman was one of those that Deserted from my Camp when below the plains. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott

          since writing the above I recd Two Packets by a Flag one for Your Excellency and the other for Govr Trumbull Which Send by Express.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 9 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Aquakanoc [N.J.] Octobr 9: 1778 at Noon

          I wrote your Excellency yesterday by one of the fixed Expresses returning to Camp from Philadelphia. soon after which I received yours of the 6th and in order to answer it more fully I rode down to Second River to Converse with Colonel Dayton and the Gentlemen who have more particularly watched the Enemy’s forage boats in their way thro’ New Ark Bay. As to the Sort of forage, they have taken in Short every Sort they Could find, Hay which they have Cheifly packed in Bundles very firm, Indian Corn with Stocks & all, wheat and Rye both threshed & in the Sheaf, they have Gleaned every thing of the kind. three or four large Ships lay for some days at the hither end of the kills, the forage boats were observed to go along side of these, Unload & return to Hackensack R. others went thro’ the Kills unloaded & returned

            to their busyness of getting more forrage, near one hundred Sail of Vessels from 20 tun to 80 tun have been employed in this way, but I belive they are almost done, few have returned the two last days. one of the Vessels burnt in the Bay by our people, was fitted for the Sea, had 60 puncheons of water on Board, Stalls for 32 horses and was going to take in her hay. I am induced to belive their troops will leave this State very soon, the 15th & another Regiment moved of[f] Yesterday morning, their Second line—Composed of two Brigades, and two Batas. of the 71st are not this morning on the ground they lately Occupied, the Granadr light Infantry and the 57th Regt keep their possition near the New Bridge. An Intelligent man who frequently Crosses the Bay to New York, say’s he has lately had reason to Observe a more than Usual appearance of Industry in fitting out the Transports, but as they lay in different Squads and many of them at a distance from his tract he Could not Judge the Numbers, he thinks several hundreds.
          A Number of proclamations by the Commissioners at New York dated 3d I find have sent out thro’ Eliza: Town for Congress & the Legislature of this State and the Officers of the Army, had I known of it Sooner they should not have been dispersed without the leave of Congress or your Excellency however I belive they will do no Manner of harm, it fully proves & Acknowledges they had no power to do any thing finally but to grant pardons; they have granted these and will not stay to see who will be Intitled to them, they grant no new Inducement to any man to become of their party, and threaten Vengance with a ruined power, which never Could take it, when in its fullest Vigour. In the frantic Ravings of dispair I belive they will do all the Mischeif they Can.
          I have Just received two letters from Govr Livingston—rather than give them by Extract, I shall enclose the original, in Consequence of the present appearances of the Enemy’s going out of this State, I have desired General Winds to order the two Classes mentioned to be held in readiness to march at a Moments Warning, but not to move untill further Order. I am much pleased with the Govrs good humour in wishing me a Safe delivery, I shall ever think it a very Lucky one, If it ends in the manner I have now some hopes it will. I am with Sincere Respect & Esteem your Excellency’s Most Humble Servt

            Stirling,

          4 oClo. I have received your Excellency’s letter of the 7th. I have already informed you that Count Poulasky is gone down to Eggharbour, I have sent such orders to Princetown as If there be occasion the troops fit for Service there may march to the Same place, otherwise all fit to march will come up to Springfeild from whence I shall send them to their Respective Regiments as soon as the duty here will admit.

            Major Monro is Just Come in from Hackensack he thinks there is very little alteration in the Scituation of the Enemy.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentn
            Head Quarters Fredericksburg 10th October 1778

          The Committee of Arrangement having determined to annex the Regiment late Pattons to Colo. Hartleys, it will be proper to put them in the same Uniform. I have therefore desired Capt. Prowell the commanding Officer to send an Officer to Philada with an exact return of the Regiment, and the Cloathing wanting. Be pleased to give an order to the Cloathier General to have them made up after the same fashion of Hartley’s and as speedily as possible as the Men are in extreme want. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Fletcher, 10 October 1778
From: Fletcher, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Springfield [Mass.] Octor 10th 1778

          I have duely received your Excellencys Esteemed favr 24th Septemr Informing me of Mr Measoms appointment, also a letter from the Honble board War pr Major Nicholas whom they have sent to Inspect

            the conductg the Cloathing to the Army I shall do everything in my Power for the Public Service in Conjuntion with those two Gentn. The Chief of the imported Cloathing is arrived here and a few days will Compleat the remainder.
          We are now Repacking 100 Casks which I have recd without Invoices, the Cloathing is of fine Quallity, quite fresh and in good order free from Moth or damage the Coates consists of only two sorts blue turned up with red and brown turned up with red the Waistcoats and Breeches are all white.
          We have here a fine new Store for the Receiption of this Cloathing attended with many more advantages than could be Obtained any where Else—As I shall be called to Boston to forward on all the Cloathing w’h Messrs Otis & Andrews are preparing also what may at any time arrive from Europe I should be glad if its agreable to your Excelly that Mr Measam might be Continued here.
          I have given every Charge to the D.Q.M. to be vigilent in procuring Teams and to the Clerks in their attendance of the Store and that it be well guarded.
          The shoes, Stockings and part of the blanketts goes on this day. I remain with great Respect Your Excellys most Obedt Servt

            Samuel Fletcher


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 10 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

            Sir
            Head Quarters Fredericksburg 10th Octobr 1778.

          I recd yours of yesterday by Majr Marshall who delivered the prisoners Farnsworth and Blair to the provost.
          The Crime of passing counterfeit Bills of Credit, by which our currency has been extremely depreciated, added to the strong suspicion of their being both Spies, will render it necessary to have them executed according to their Sentences. I shall direct a sensible Clergyman to get as ample a confession as possible from them.
          Congress having constantly given direction in all matters respecting the prisoners of the Convention, I would recommend it to you to lay Lord Balcarres’s letters to yourself and Colo. Magaw before them. It is evident that if he is remanded to Massachusetts, Colo. Magaw will be immediately recalled. I am with Respect Sir your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 10 October 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 10 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Gates on 11 Oct.: “Your favour of yesterday was handed me in the afternoon.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 10 October 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Dear sir—
            Philadelphia 10th October 1778.

          An accident which has very seldom happened to me in the course of thirty Years business, has deprived me of the honor of making an earlier & puts it out of my power even now of making a more proper acknowledgement of three of Your Excellency’s favors which I remember to have been indebted for antecedent to the receipt of this of the 3d Inst. which now lies before me. those, in removing my Desks & their Contents from one part of the House to a more convenient, I have mislaid among my private Papers, & after as much search at different times & particularly this Morning as the fleeting & pressing moments which I dare to borrow from public attentions have permitted me to make, remain undiscovered, although I am sure they are safe in a wrong class.
          I recollect however & shall never forget a new obligation which in one of them Your Excellency was pleased to lay on me by a very kind notice of my Sons behavior at Rhode Island & that you had returned the Gold which I sent to Head Quarters by Jones & also the Letters of Governor Johnstone Mister Oswald & Mister Manning.
          In the present circumstances of Great Britain, rendred deplorable by the waste of another Campaign on this Continent; by the loss of Dominique in the West Indies & of a great Marine battle at her own door, it is exceedingly difficult to determine what will be her next step, although I do not think it is, to see the only measures remaining for her salvation.
          With respect to south Carolina, I cannot yet treat the Idea of an attack, as altogether chimerical, I am well warranted to say the British Administration held that State & Georgia in reserve, for a stroke of necessity which might at any time be made with success & they well know the immense value of those States & great things may be done

            by drawing their forces to one point—they may indeed have stayed a day too late. be that as it will, I have fully advertised my Countrymen, & if the alarm shall prove to have been unnecessarily sounded, their intermediate exertions towards a defence will do them no real injury.
          Congress have ordered the proceedings of the Court Martial on Major General St Clair to be printed, & have appointed Friday the 16th for considering & determining on those of the Court on Major General Lee.
          I have nothing further to offer at present Sir, but the repeated assurances of being with the highest sense of Respect & Obligation Your Excellency’s Most obedient & Most humble servant

            Henry Laurens.


Title: To George Washington from George Measam, 10 October 1778
From: Measam, George
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Springfield [Mass.] 10th Oct. 1778

          Since I had the honor to write to your Excelcy the 4th Instant from Hartford I hastened to this place to forward on to your Excellency’s order the Shoes, Hose and Blankets from this place. Col: Smith the D.Q. Mr General was promised Waggons yesterday, but they could not be obtained; this day without fail I believe will set off all the Shoes (about 7000) in Store, the Hose and Blankets so soon after as Waggons can be procured: But I think it my Duty to inform your Excellency that there is no Blankets left at Boston of that parcel intrusted to the Care of Mr Fletcher in case your Excellency intends any part of them for the Troops at Providence. And that the acct Major Nichols the Bearer of this Letter brings from Boston is, that Otis & Andrews are not likely to obtain the quantity of Hats or Shoes; unless the Board of War has provided them else where I fear the Troops will suffer for the latter, and the pride of the Soldier hurt for the former. It wou’d grieve me to Issue these Cloathing (so good in quality as most of them appear to be) without Hats or Caps. Colonel Meggs can

            inform your Excellency how a parcel of handsom Caps may be procured; he mentitioned it to me, but as it was not my duty to emply the person and judging from what your Excellcy told me, that the Board of War had ordered a Sufficient quantity I asked him no further particulars: In this your Excellency will do as the disappointments may happen and to you shall seem most proper.
          Mr Fletcher from Boston is now here but purposes to return in a Day or two; with respect to his Duty not interfearing with the instructions your Excellency was pleased to give me, he says, that agreeable to the Instructions he has received by his appointment and directions from the Board of War he conceives it to be, to receive at Boston &ca all the Cloathing as it may arrive from Europe, and to forward them on to the place of Deposit, for Instance at Springfield as the Board of War and your Excellency shall direct; to be appropriated by the Commissary or Cloathier General as your Excellency shall direct.
          Major Bigelow of Hartford acquaints me he will forward to your Excellency the remainder of the Shoes, Hose and Blankets procured by him, but they were not arrived when I left Hartford tho’ daily expected: those he sent off last monday I hope are arrived safe. I think it also my duty to mention to your Excellency that some of the Troops have received from Otis and Andrews, and others, part of their Cloathing for this year, perhaps some of them the whole; that if your Excellency should be pleased to order the whole army to be Cloathed with those regular Suits it shou’d be mentioned to them that the surplus is on acct of the next year’s Cloathing & that they have regard as such: To come at the truth of this, or near it, in a reasonable time, with submission to your Excellency I judge the only way is to trust to the honor of the Officers, keeping the accts of, or the Colonels & officers Commanding the several Regiments and Corps; for they have received them from so many hands not connected with one another that it must be a work of time to come at it in any other manner. This done, your Excellency will please to give your orders Regimentally as I took the Liberty to mention in my last, and the Cloathing shall be Packed and delivered to the Bearer of the order accordingly; which will prevent the necessity of their being repacked and consequently Stored. Besides as the army occupies a great extent of ground they may by this method go the shortest safe road to the respective Regiments.
          I forgot to mention in the proper place, that I have not been able to obtain from Major Bigelow an acct of the particulars he has procured.
          By the acct that Major Nichols brings of the number Messrs Otis & Andrews can furnish I judge there may be near 30,000 Suits including what is here, Hats excepted, But I hear not, of any preparations for the Cavelry.

          A number of shoes I believe may be procured in the same manner as the Caps by Colonel Meggs are said may be.
          Invoice of the Shoes, Hose and Blankets shall go by the several Conductors; I believe by this Brigade will soon go the Hose and Shoes.
          I have this Instant recd your Excellency’s Letter of yesterday, all the Shoes, most of the Blankets and Hose will set off this eveng & tomorrow if the heavy rains does not prevent which is now great. In my last I meant not to delay the preparing the Uniforms, many of them are now ready, and the other shall with all possible dispaich in the manner as your Excellency has directed. But I judge by this letter your Excellency does not mean they shall come without further orders. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt Humble Sert

            Geo. Measam

          p.s. I cannot yet learn there is any Drummers Cloaths among the french Uniforms nor any distinction for non-Commissiond Officers of any kind. If time would permit Otis & Andrews might be ordered to provide them.
          As I passed by Danbury there were in the Quarter mr Store several parcels of Cloathing Some for Colonels Bradley’s[,] Chs Webb’s, Willis’s, Brewer’s and another unknown; among which are shoes and other very good Articles. The D. Qr Mr Genl of that post informed me those for Bradley’s & C. Webb’s had been in his Store these twelve months. I Believe the Massachusets troops are not in want of Choes, one of their Board of war told me they sent them, I think in august last, about ten thousand pairs, besides the donations from their respective townships. And their Commissry had several thousands by him when I was at Camp last.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 10 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

            Dr Sir—
            Head Quarters Fredericksburg 10th Otbr 1778

          I received yours of yesterdays date with its several inclosures this morning.
          I really begin to have my fears respecting the safety of Captn

            Leavensworth—I wish his zeal may not have carried him too far into the enemy’s tract.
          The sentance of death passed by the Court on Elisha Smith of Colo. Sheldons Regiment seems sufficiently clear and well founded—you will therefore be pleased to direct his execution agreeable to your own desire and the tenor of his warrant which is inclosed—The example being made where the opportunity to desert is greatest, may have a good tendency in checking so pernicious a practice.
          It will be necessary to make some change in the relay of expresshorsemen—some of those on this duty have been very irregular and faulty in its discharge—Let it be the business of an Officer to put such on this service as are steady, sober, and attentive—He will also place them in a more direct line between this and Bedford, as I have removed from Fishkill to my old quarters. I am Sir your most Obt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 10 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Near Bedford [N.Y.] October 10th 17<78>

          I am informd by one of my Observers that about forty Sail of Vessils wear in the Sound Yesterday evening a little above Stanford Standing To the eastward the weather was So hazey that He Could not discover whether they wear Ships of War or not, or whether there was any troops on Board. the badness of the weather has as Yet prevented A more particular Discovery. But as I have an officer on long Island in disguise I make no doubt he will Bring the Particulars. I recd a letter from Capt. Leavensworth last night who informs me that he Could make no farther Discoverys in York than that the enemy was making every possable preparation for a move but could not learn with certainty where, upon which he went over to long Island to make what discoverys he Could there, whilst their Designs might be discoverd in York, he returnd from the Island Yesterday Leaving a Subbalton behind to forward any thing that Should turn up. this is the officer that I alude to on long Island. the Capt. farther informs me that the Refugees has proposd to Genl Clinton that He should Leave two Ships of War and plenty of Millatary stores and they will Keep a Garrison in York and Defend it to the last ext[r]emety—he does not Know <as> Yet

            what they got for answer, but is informd that they have an answer in Writing, which the officer He left on the Island will if possable Procure & Forward to me. the Capt. goes this Night (if the weather will permit him) to meet one of his runners From York. on his return I hope to be able to give Your Excellency Some Certainty of their Design.
          In order that Your Excellencys letter of the 8th Inst. Respecting the frequent Surprizes Should have its Desierd Effect, I gave Colo. Sheldon a Sight of it. he Communicated the Contents to the field officers, all of whom are very unhappy that they Should be thaught To deserve Your Excellencys Displeasure. pardon me Sir when I tell Your Excellency that those Gentn are not Blaemable in this matter. I know of my Own knowledg that they have taken oncommon pains In giving orders to their officers, allways to avoid Surprize. I can Say with propriety that Since that Regt Has been with me, no officers Could be more Vigulent than those three Gentlemen, nor no persons more Determind to have the Cause of the late Surprize Particularly Inquier’d into. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott


Title: General Orders, 11 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Sunday Octr 11th 1778.
            Parole Amiens—C. Signs Abington Acton.

          The following summary of the duties of the Marechausie Corps commanded by Captn V. Heer is published for the Information of the Army at large—The General hopes that the Institution, by putting men on their Guard will operate more in preventing than punishing Crimes.
          While the Army is encamped the Officers of this Corps are to patrole the Camp and it’s neighborhood for the purpose of apprehending Deserters, Marauders[,] Drunkards, Rioters and Straglers under which last denomination are included all soldiers who are found beyond the nearest Picquets in front and on the Flanks and beyond the distance of one mile estimated from the Center of the Encampment, in the rear; They are also to apprehend all other soldiers that may be detected in a Violation of General orders.
          All Countrymen and Strangers whose Appearance or Manners excite Suspicion of their being Spies, and are not furnished with Passes either from some General Officer, the Quarter Master General or the Commissaries General of Provision or Forage. The Officers of this Corps are directed not to apprehend any Offender who may be within the Encampment of his own Regiment, as it is expected that the Regimental Quarter-Guard will in that Case secure the Offender.

          Captain Van Heer is to keep an exact List of all licensed Sutlers and confine any follower of the Army who may presume to suttle without proper leave. Every newly-appointed Sutler is therefore to signify his Appointment to Captain V. Heer and produce a proper Certificate thereof.
          On a day of march this Corps with the Provost Guard is to remain on the old ground ’till the Columns and Baggage have moved off, in order to secure all such soldiers as have loitered in Camp and the officers are to see that the soldiers and Women who march with the baggage do not transgress the General Orders made for their Government; They will likewise secure all straglers on the march treating in this light all soldiers absent from their Platoons without a Non Commissioned Officer to conduct them. On a day of battle the Marechausie will be posted in the Rear of the Second Line or Reserve in order to secure Fugitives.
          The Commander in Chief strictly forbids all persons whatever to do or say anything that may tend to impede the Officers of this Corps in the Execution of their duty; On the contrary, He requires that they may be respected and assisted, as good order and discipline will be much promoted by the full Exercise of their office.
          If any offender attempts to escape or presumes to make any resistance he will incur double punishment and all persons belonging to the Army are required to succour any part of the Marechausie Corps that may be opposed in the Prosecution of their duty.
          The Captain of the Marechausie will have the usual Provost Guard drawn from the line near him and under his Direction for the Security of Prisoners—He is every morning to deliver a written report of the Persons committed the preceding day and the charges against them to the Adjutant General who will have proper Courts-Martial held for their trial; This is to be considered as a standing order and as such to be published in the different Parts of the Army—The Adjutants of Regiments are to have it frequently read to the men, that by being reminded of what is prohibited and the Certainty of punishment they may avoid the one and the other.
          No Officers except those who have authority to do it are to send men from Camp, lest they should expose such men to punishment and subject themselves to trial for disobedience of Orders.
          In Consideration of the nature of their duty, Regimental Pay-Masters are to be included in the List of those Officers who are intitled to keep a horse and draw Forage.
          The Commanding Officers of Regiments are requested to send to the Auditors Office the Names of their respective Pay-Masters.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 11 October 1778
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Philadelphia 11th Octr 1778

          The want of News agreable or entertaining, with Indisposition, will I hope apologize to your Excellency for my long Silence. The third Instant I was inform’d that the Enemy meditated an Attack on little Egg Harbor, where there were several Privateers and fifteen or twenty Sail other Vessells, with a considerable Quantity of European and West India Goods. Coll Procters Regiment was ordered to march imediately for the Defence of the Place, & next day I sent one hundred Militia to reinforce him, Col. Procter reachd the Neighbourhood of Egg Harbor the 7th, where he was join’d by only fifty Militia, altho’ they had been order’d out four days before. This Force was not sufficient to oppose the Enemy, who appeared with a Frigate, two sloops two row-Gallies and Six flatt bottom Boats, & landed about five hundred Men; burnt all the Houses, Eight or Ten Vessells & did considerable other damage. fortunately most of the valuable Goods, and part of the Vessells were removed to the Forks, thirty Miles above, and were saved.
          About this time Count Polaski’s Legion and some Militia arrived, when the Enemy thought proper to embark, the last Account from them, was the 9th when they were making towards great Egg-Harbor, with design as was supposed, to destroy that Place: Count Polaski’s Corps, Col. Procters Regiment, with some Militia were watching their Motions.
          I have no News to add worth Notice, with the highest Respect & Esteem, I have the Honor to be Dear General, Your Excellency’s most obedient, Humble Servant

            B. Arnold


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentn
            Head Quarters, near Fredericksburg Octob. 11th 1778

          The Incessant and pressing applications of the Officers—and their real distress for Cloathing, obliges me to repeat my wishes to the Board

            to obtain the earliest direction of Congress for relieving their wants. They are in a very disagreable situation in this respect, and, unless some mode can be adopted for speedily supplying them, Many will be obliged involuntarily to quit the service—or if this should not be the case, we shall be involved in perpetual complaints and the most painful applications.
          I do not recollect, when the Army was first appointed, that there was any engagement on the part of the public, that the Officers should be provided with Cloathing, through their means, nor has there been any explicit declaration since, that I remember, for the purpose; but the measure has become indispensably necessary, and without the intervention of public aid, they never can be supplied; for their pay, if the Articles proper could be found in a private way, from the enormous & exorbitant prices now exacted for every thing, would prove wholly incompetent to the end. There is however a Resolution of Congress of the 22d of November last, which points to a provision, through the public means—and those of the States, individually taken. This has encouraged the Officers to look for Supplies in the manner there professed—and their not being able to obtain ’em, makes them more uneasy perhaps, than if the Resolution had never passed. I have written to Messieurs Otis & Andrews to make a Return of the Cloth &c. in their hands proper for Officers—and also to advise me what quantities might be procured, in case the Board should direct a purchase. This appears to be the only practicable expedient at this time from which relief can be drawn, and if it is to be adopted, the Agents cannot be too soon ordered to carry it into execution. I really wish to be informed by the Board, by the first Opportunity, whether the Officers may expect Supplies through the public Stores, that I may be able to answer them decisively upon the point, when they apply. As matters now stand, I am in a very aukward & irksome situation.
          Since it is evident, that the Officers cannot provide themselves with Cloathing and that there is a necessity for the intervention of public aid, I would submit it to the Board, whether it may not be proper for them to form an Estimate of Cloathing, proportioned to the number of Officers in the Army, for the consideration of Congress—and to obtain their sanction for importing the same, if they approve the plan. This measure, it seems to me, is the only one that can ensure relief in future, and it appears the more eligible, as the loss to the public will be infinitely less, than if they procure the Articles in the Country, supposing that it could be done. Besides this consideration, the Officers then might be properly uniformed—and all placed on a just and equal footing.
          If the Board should be authorised to direct an immediate purchase

            of Cloathing for the Officers, I will take the liberty to suggest, that it may not be improper for them, to enjoin on the part of the Cloathier, a strict compliance with the Resolution of Congress which I have mentioned, in the sale. The Officers say, that hitherto it has not had the necessary and generous operation intended by Congress; but on the contrary, in the few instances, in which they have been able to furnish themselves with Articles from the public Stores, that they have done it, at the current exorbitant prices. Indeed there are many matters in the Department, which require a more perfect and explicit arrangement than has ever been made; and at present, there is such a clashing of Office & of Officers, that it is difficult to determine, how or with whom business is to be transacted. I have the Honor to be with great respect and esteem Gentn Your Most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 11 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fredericksburgh Octr 11th 1778

          Your favour of yesterday was handed me in the afternoon—I thank you for the communication of Major Gray’s letter. I have received a correspondent account from another quarter, with only this difference, that there is said to have been forty instead of twenty five sail in the Sound. I am assured by the Gentlemen who are charged with procuring intelligence in the Jerseys, that the English fleet were within the hook the seventh instant.
          I doubt not your division is held in readiness to march at any moment—I expect soon some interesting and decisive intelligence which

            will possibly determine whether any of the troops ought to move immediately Eastward. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington

          p.s. You will please fo[r]ward the inclosed by express.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Bartholomew von Heer, 11 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heer, Bartholomew von

            [Fredericksburg, 11 October 1778]

          The principal Duty of the Corps under your command—while the Army is encamped—is to patrole the Camp and its environs, for the purpose of apprehending Deserters, Marauders, Drunkards, Rioters, Stragglers, and all other Soldiers that may be found violating general orders—likewise all Countrymen or Strangers that may be found near the pickets or in camp, without passes either from the Quarter master General, the Commissaries General of Forage and Provisions, or some General Officer—and are unable to give a good account of themselves—or from their appearance and manners give room to suspect they are Spies—Even persons who are furnished with passes as required above are to be secured if their stay in camp exceeds a reasonable time for the transaction of their business—and is accompanied by any suspicious circumstances—but in all these cases, the character

            of the party, and such authentic credentials as he may be possessed of, are to be attended to—As it is impossible to make General Rules which will apply to every particular case that may occur, much must be left to your own discretion—but you will always remember that you are as carefully to avoid laying innocent free Citizens under any unnecessary restraint and inconvenience, on the one hand—as risking any mischief to the Army from ill-placed lenity on the other.
          For the purposes abovementioned, your Corps is to be distributed into a convenient number of parties, with an officer appointed to each—to patrole the Camp and its vicinity in front and rear, for a certain distance beyond the pickets, according to the situation of the Enemy—at different hours by day and sometimes at night; carefully avoiding any fixed time for making the rounds; that they may be as unforeseen as possible.
          As the booths of unlicensed Sutlers—are great Sources of disorder and Riot, you are to confine all such as have not proper permission to suttle agreeable to General Orders of [16 April 1778].
          For your direction in this point, it will be necessary for you to keep a regular list of the licensed Sutlers—You are likewise when the Army arrives at a new encamping ground, to give notice to such housekeepers as sell liquors—either to obtain the Quarter master Generals license—or discontinue the Sale of their Liquor—and in case of their neglect—to seize and report it to the Commissary General.
          On a day of march you are to remain on the ground, with the prevost guard—’till the Columns and baggage have moved off—in order to bring on all soldiers that have loitered in Camp—During the march, you are to patrole on the flanks and in the rear of the Columns, and take up all Stragglers; under which description are included all Soldiers absent from their platoons—without a Non-commissioned Offi cer to conduct them—You are likewise to pay attention to the Column of baggage—and take up whatever men and women may be found transgressing the general orders, for the regulation of the baggage on the march.
          On a day of action, you are to post yourself in the rear of the second line or reserve—and to send patroles on the roads to the right and left—in order to rally and collect all fugitives—’till a superior officer arrives to take command of them.
          You are not to omit having a Copy of General Orders each day—and it will be proper that you should take extracts at the orderly Office; of all former standing orders, that may serve more minutely to point out the offences which fall under your cognisance.
          You are not to apprehend any offenders that are within the encampment of their own Regiment—as they in that case will be within

            the Jurisdiction of their own Quarter Guard—but all offenders that may be found in the encampment of a Regiment to which they do not belong—or in the purlieus of Camp out of the reach of their own quarter guards—fall under your notice.
          The persons you apprehend, are not to be ill treated by words or actions—unless they attempt to escape, or make resistance—in which case should your own force prove inadequate, you are authorised to call for assistance from the troops nearest you—but other wise they are to be conducted peaceably and committed to the prevost Guard which will be quartered near you for this purpose, and be under your command.
          You are every morning to deliver in a written Report of the prisoners confined the preceding day—with the charges against them—to the Adjutant General; and you are to consider yourself as being under his immediate command.
          The Executioners &ca are to remain with the prevost Guard—and a detachment of the Marechaussé will attend the prisoner to the Place of Punishment. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters this 11th Day of Octr 1778.

          p.s. In order that it may be clearly understood who are Stragglers from Camp—You will remember that all Soldiers found beyond the nearest Pickets in front & on the Flanks; & beyond the extent of one mile estimated from the Center of the Encampmt in the Rear—without furloughs in the usual form, or proper passes—are to be treated as such.
          Mem. Names of Strangers to be taken.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 11 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters [Fredericksburg] 11th October 1778

          I am glad to find by yours of yesterday that Capt. Leavensworth is safe. I hope that the Officer left behind will bring something material. I did not mean to reflect on Colo. Shelden or his Feild Officers, or the Officers of that Regiment in particular for negligence while upon commd. I only wished that the Feild Officers in general would point out to the Subalterns, who usually go upon patrols, the necessity of being constantly on Horseback or in a situation to mount immediately. From the nature of the duty they are upon, they should never take up Quarters at any place—Explain this matter to Colo. Shelden and his Officers and set them right. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 11 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Near Bedford [N.Y.] 11th October 1778. 2 oClock

          Late last night I recd a letter from Colo. Gist informing me that the enemy wear leaving their Post Near Phillaps’s hous, and that he was

            told by a Country man from York that he Saw the troops imbarking when he Came away. I recd two letters from Colo. Armand one of Yesterdays and the other of this days date which for Your Better Information I enclose them to Your Excellency. I have given orders to Colo. Armand to Take post on Some Conveniant Hites in the Neighbourhood of Kings Bridg and not Suffer any person to go On York Island untill my Farther orders. except Such Persons as he may have Occasion to Send for information. I hourly expect a Very Particular Acct of this matter From Capt. Dandridg. a party from Lees Corps Sets Out this moment in order to make what Discoverys they Can. You Shall hear from me again So soon As any thing farther Comes to hand. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 11 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Aquakanoc [N.J.] Octobr 11th 1778—9 oClo. p.m.

          I wrote your Excellency at three oClock this day, I have Since received the enclosed letters and Intelligence from Colonel Dayton whom I on the 9th desired to go to Elizabeth Town for the purpose of getting Intelligence. Ad: Keppel Certainly makes the best of it, he does not pretend to say a Word of the loss of the french, it is Clear he had no Choice left but to return to Port[.] The Letter from Dr Caldwel in answer to one I wrote him Yesterday; shews the State forrage &c. in his district, his fears for the Shores are Just; my troops are placed in Such possition as can best afford them protection in Case of Need, but till the Enemy move off from their present possition, I cannot Justify myself in divideing them more than they are at present, I shall further explain this hereafter; I must do General Winds the Justice to say that he has on this Occasion behaved with great Merrit. I am your Excellencys Most Humble Servt

            Stirling

            As I have not been able to keep Copies of my letters without looseing I must request the favour of your Excellency to order them to be preserved.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 11 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Fredericksburg 11th Octob. 1778

          I have just recd advice that on the evening of the 9th about forty sail of Vessels were seen off Stamford standing to the Eastward. The weather was then, and has been since, so thick, that it could not be discovered whether they had troops on Board or how many of them were ships of War. It is more than probable that they are intended for Newport. You will therefore endeavour if they put in there to learn their design. By my last accounts from Jersey the enemy were still foraging in Bergen. They had attempted nothing offensive since the surprise of Baylors Regt. I am &c.

          p.s. The report of the Men of War having sailed from the Hook was premature, they were there upon the 7th.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 11 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Fredericksburg 11th Octo: 1778

          I am honored with yours of the 9th—inclosing a resolution of your legislature—directing two Companies of Colo. Enos’s Regiment to be stationed at Greenwich. I cannot but express my fears that they will be in danger, except they act as a kind of Patroll.
          The Light Corps of the Army under General Scott affords as much cover to that part of the Country as it is possible for me to give in our present situation. It is so near to Kingsbridge, at which the Enemy keep a very considerable force, that to post a body of troops there, out of supporting distance, would be an invitation to the Enemy to come out—and certain destruction to the men. Strong Patrols from the advanced Corps go as far down as they can, consistent with safety, and prevent the Enemy from doing more than taking off some forrage or Cattle, if they fall in their way—this is an inconvenience that those who lay near the Enemy’s Lines must, from the nature of things, unavoidably submit to.
          From every information the Enemy are upon the eve of some

            general and important move. Many think that they mean to evacuate New York totally. If they do this, the most likely place of operation, if they remain upon the Continent, will be against Boston for the purpose of destroying the French Fleet in that harbour. To be prepared to throw in the most timely assistance, should such an event take place, was the reason of my withdrawing the Army from the White Plains, and taking the present position. The expediency of this move naturally exposed the Southwest quarter of your state somewhat more than when we lay lower down. But I am in hopes that the inhabitants have not suffered much from the ravages of the Enemy, as our advanced Corps have been very alert, and have kept them pretty much within bounds, except when they came out in great force. I have the honor to be with the highest Esteem your Excellency’s most Obedient

            George Washington


Title: General Orders, 12 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Monday Octr 12th 1778.
            Parole Tartary—C. Signs Titus Turènne.


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 12 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

            Dear Sir,
            Fredericksburg in the State of New-York—Octr 12th 1778.

          I have now—at your request—given my full consent to the Sale of the Lands wch I hold in right of Dower in a Tract in the County of York—to a Water Grist Mill thereon—To Lotts in the City of Williamsburg—and others in James Town—As also to your Renting, or otherwise disposing, of the other Dower Lands & Slaves which I am possessed of in the County of King William upon the terms which have been specifically agreed & subscribed to. But I should think myself wanting in that friendship & regard which I have ever professed for, and endeavoured to evince towards you, were I to withhold my advice from you with respect to the disposal of them.
          A Moments reflection must convince you of two things. first, that Lands are of permanent Value, that there is scarce a possibility of their

            falling in price, but almost a moral certainty of their rising exceedingly in value. and secondly that our paper currency is fluctuating, that it has depreciated considerably, and that no human foresight can, with precision, tell how low it may get, as the rise or fall of it depends upon contingencies which the utmost stretch of human sagacity can neither foresee, nor prevent. These positions being granted, and no one can gainsay the justice of them; it follows, that by parting from your Lands you give a certainty for an uncertainty; because it is not the nominal price—It is not ten—fifteen—or twenty pounds an Acre, but the relative value of this sum to specie, or something of substantial worth, that is to constitute a good price—The inference therefore I mean to draw, and the advice I shall give in consequence of it, is this, that you do not convert the Lands you now hold into Cash faster than your present Contract with the Alexanders, and a certain prospect of again vesting it in other Lands more convenient, requires of you—This will be treading upon sure ground. it will enable you to discharge Contracts already entered into—and in effect, exchange Land for Land; for it is a matter of Moonshine to you considered in that point of view simply how much the money depreciates if you can discharge one pound with another, and get Land of equal value to that you sell. But far different from this, is the case of those, who sell for Cash, & keep that Cash by them, put it to Interest, or receive it in annual payments; for in either of these cases, if our currency should unfortunately continue to depreciate in the manner it has done in the course of the last two years, a pound may not in the space of two years more, be worth a Shilling, the difference of which becomes a clear loss to the possessor; and evinces in a clear point of view the force & efficacy of my advice to you to pay debts, and vest it in something that will retain its primitive value; or rather in your case, not to part with that thing of value for money, unless it be with a view to the investing it in something of equal value; and it accts at the sametime for the principle upon which I act, with respect to my own Interest in the Dower Lands; for I should be wanting to my self, and guilty of an inexcusable act of remission, and criminal injustice to your Mother, not to secure an equivalent for her releasement of Dower; and this might be the case of a nominal Sum, that had no relative value to the thing in question; and which, eventually, might be a means of giving away the Estate; for it is not the number of pounds but the worth and what those pounds will fetch, that is to stamp the value of them. Four hundred pounds in paper Dollars now is, and I suppose at the time of parting with this Dower, may be worth one hundred pounds in Specie; but two years hence, one hundred pounds in Specie may be worth, and will fetch, one thousand pounds of Paper; it cannot be reasonable or just therefore to expect that I, or your mother (if she should be the Survivor) should loose this, when no person I believe,

            will undertake to give it as an opinion, that the Value of the Dower will decrease, but the direct contrary, as Lands are increasing in their price every day—This, if you will follow the advice here given, cannot be the case with you, let money depreciate as it will, because with a pound you pay a pound in discharge of a purchase already made, and for those to be made, you can regulate your Sales by your purchases.
          It may be said that our money will recover a proper tone again, and in that case it would be an advantage to turn Lands &ca into Cash for the benefit of the rise—In answer to this I shall only observe, that this is a Lottery—that it may, or may not happen—that if it should happen, you have lost nothing—if it should not, you have saved your Estate, which in the other case might have been sunk—Hence it appears that you may play a good and sure game, so far as it relates to yourself—and as far as it respects me, the advantage is wholly on your side; for instance, if the difference between Specie and paper at this time is as four to one, and next year is eight to one, it makes no difference to you, because the presumption is, that Tobacco, Corn, and other produce will rise in proportion to the fall of the money, & fetch in quantity, what it lacks in quality; But on the other hand, if the Interest was to be fixed at the present difference of 4 to 1, & should hereafter become as one to one, that is equal, I should get four times as much as I am content to receive, & you would loose it; from hence, as before, you may gain & cannot loose; while I get the simple value of the Estate, & can neither gain or loose; which is all I aim at by fixing the value of the Dower in Specie, to be discharged in any money currt in the Country at the time of Payment, at the prevailing exchange, or difference between Specie & Paper.
          It may possibly be said that this is setting up a destinction between Specie and Paper, and will contribute to its depreciation; I ask if their is a Man in the United States that does not make a distinction when 4 to 1 is the difference, and whether it is in the power of an Individual to check this evil when Congress, & the several Assemblys are found unequal to the task. Not to require, or contract for the actual payment in Specie, but to keep this as much out of sight as possible in common cases that are to have an immediate operation, is all that can be expected; but in a bargain that may exist for twenty years, there should be something to insure mutual advantage—which advantage, tho every man can judge of in the transactions of a day, no one can do it when it is to be extended to years, under the present fluctuating State of our Paper Bills of Credit.
          My design in being thus particular with you, is to answer two purposes—first, to shew my Ideas of the impropriety of parting with your own Lands faster than you can vest the money in other Lands (comprehending those already purchased) And Secondly, to evince to you the

            propriety of my own conduct, in securing to my self, & your Mother, the intrinsic value—neither more nor less—of the Dower Estate—I have only one piece of advice more to give, & that is, to aim rather at the Exchange, than Sale of your Lands; & I think among those Gentlemen mentioned in a former Letter, you may find Chapmen. I am with very sincere regard Yr Affecte friend & Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 12 October 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Head Quarters Boston 12th October 1778

          I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 29th Ulto per Brigr Genl Portail, and since, with that of the 4th Instant—The

            General has been taking a survey of the different Works every day since his arrival here, but has not as yet taken a plan. I shall pay strict attention to the injunctions of your Excellency’s Letter respecting the works.
          I beleive the intelligence communicated by Mr Colvill in general may be depended upon: I find by a late Rhode Island News paper that Admiral Byron in the Princess Royal of 90 Guns and the Cullodon of 74 had arrived there in 15 days from Hallifax and that they had sailed again for New York, and by a person lately from Halifax we have confirmation of the arrival of the Scotch Troops at that place.
          Several Letters have of late passed thro’ my hands from General Pigot, Prescott &c. in one, the former writes General Phillips that he has resigned the Command to General Prescott, but he believes his (Gen. Phillips’s) old friend will soon be appointed to the Command of that place. I have since been able to find that the old friend hinted by General Pigot is Lord Cornwallis.
          General Pigot & Lord Howe are gone home, the latter is to be Vice Admiral of the Red.
          A considerable quantity of Cloathing has gone on since my last.
          Provisions are daily arriving for the french Fleet &c. The Count & General Bouganvillee and some of the Officers have just been with me to view the Works—they appear to be much pleased. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant

            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McWhorter, 12 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McWhorter, Alexander

            Sir.
            Head Qrs Fredericksburg 12th Otbr 1778

          There are now under sentance of death, in the provost, a Farnsworth and Blair, convicted of being spies from the enemy, and of publishing

            counterfeit Continental currency. It is hardly to be doubted but that these unfortunate men are acquainted with many facts respecting the enemys affairs, and their intentions which we have not been able to bring them to acknowlege. Besides the humanity of affording them the benefit of your profession, it may in the conduct of a man of sense answer another valuable purpose—And While it serves to prepare them for the other world, it will naturally lead to the intelligence we want in your inquiries into the condition of their spiritual concerns. You will therefore be pleased to take the charge of this matter upon yourself, and when you have collected in the course of your attendance such information as they can give you will transmit the whole to me. I am Sir &c.

            G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 12 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

            Sir.
            Head Quarters [Fredericksburg] 12th October 1778

          I have received your Letter of yesterdays date and its several inclosures. No such act of Congress exists as that on which Capt. Carter founds his claim for forage—By Genl Orders published about a twelve month since Captains of Artillery commanding two pieces—or commandg Regiments destitute of field Officers—-were allowed forage—

            the reason in the latter case is obvious—in the former it is drawn from the necessity that might occur in time of action, of posting the pieces at some distance from each other—but besides that the reason on which the privilege is founded, does not subsist in Garrison.
          the General Order is not so inflexible as to prevent the operation of orders issued in a detached post, and dictated by particular circumstances—but they are to be regarded as the Rule of Conduct for Officers of Duty there—I therefore approve the decision of the Court. I am Sir &.

          p.s. You are constantly to keep two weeks provision for two thousand men—at your post—an A. Commissary went to you yesterday in order to consult with you upon the means of completing that quantity for the present and keeping it constantly supplied.
          The Sentences given in the Case of Pendleton & Painter are confirmed.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 12 October 1778
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Octobr 12th 1778.

          Lieut. Colo. Ball informs me that a Number of Men belonging to the 9th Regt who receivd furlows last Winter are still in Virginia, as well as those who were exchangd last Spring & reinlisted. He requests that Lieut. Overton may be permitted to go to Virginia for the purpose of Collecting & bringing them to Camp; if his proposal meets with Your Excellencys approbation, Lt Overton will set out imediately. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt hble Servt

            P. Muhlenberg


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Pendleton, 12 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pendleton, Edmund

          Letter not found: to Edmund Pendleton, 12 Oct. 1778. Pendleton wrote GW on 22 Dec. 1778: “I thank you for yr esteemed favr of Octr 12th lately come to hand.”