Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 25 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

            Dr sir.
            Head Qrs Frederick’sburg Octobr 25: 1778

          Notwithstanding the large fleet that sailed on the 19th & 20th—and the reasons we had to conclude, that the Regiments were on board—which we had repeatedly heard were embarked—I have just received advices through different Channels—and which cannot but be certain and authentic—that there were none but Invalids & Offi cers of the reduced Corps on board; and, that the Troops which had embarked, were on the 23d Instant still in New York harbour. They are fixed at 10 or 12 British Regiments & 5 or 6 of New-Levies. Under these circumstances—I request you will halt the three Brigades under your command—till you hear further from me; keeping them in readiness to move on the shortest notice, as circumstances may require. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Timothy Pickering, 25 October 1778
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Hartford Octr 25. 1778.

          This morning it occurred to me that very little if any of the cloathing at Springfield had been sent forward to the main army; and that as six brigades will perhaps remain here or in the neighbourhood for some time; or at least may not return soon to the westward, it may be best to order a sufficiency of the cloathing for them to be stopped, which will save an expensive carriage of a hundred miles. As the adopting this measure will depend on events at present uncertain, I only hint it for your Excellency’s consideration; that in case circumstances should admit of it, an expedient attended with such apparent advantages may not be overlooked. I deld your letter to Govr Trumbull last evening as soon as I arrived. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedient servant

            Tim. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 25 October 1778
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Joseph Reed, 25 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Reed on 27 Nov.: “I am upon the eve of my departure for Winter Quarters, but shall not quit my present roof untill I acknowledge, and thank you for your obliging favor of the 25th Ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 25 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Fredericksbg 25 October 1778

          I recd yours of Yesterday inclosing Capt. Walls Report—Be pleased to direct your Spies who go into the City to be very observant of what is doing there—whether the packing up of Goods seems general or only a few people—whether any magazine of Wood or forage is forming and whether they are constructing any works round the City or any where upon the Island. I am of opinion if they intend to hold the town this winter, that they will contract their works to a small compass—If any more Corps embark let them endeavour to find out what they are, whether British, Foreign or Levies. Have you ever heard whether the petition of the Refugees was presented, and if it was, whether they obtained any or what answer?
          When I wrote to you concerning the person confined by Colo. Butler it was upon the information of Colo. Steward Commy Genl of Issues, from whom I understood that the person confined was Mr Wadsworth a relation of the Commy General, and Commissary to your Brigade of light troops. Had he been in that station it certainly would not have been right to have put him into the Provost[.] I do not know the station or duty of a scaleman, I can only say, that it is very difficult to get people of common honesty to undertake the lower duties of the Staff, and except they are guilty of something very

            criminal, that it is better to report them to their superiors and have them removed, than to enter into a quarrel with them. I have not the Resolve respecting the regulations of the Commissary’s Office.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 25 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Near Bedford [N.Y.] October 25th 1778

          Inclosd Your Excellency will receive Some Intelligence from Long Island by Lieut. Pine of Colo. Grayhams Regiment, who has been on the Island To fix a Train for Intelligence. also an Acct from A Deserter whom Seems to be a Very intelligent person these Accounts came to me last night, but as I hourly Expected Some more particular Accounts from York Other ways, I have Delay’d Sending them off Several Hours, Being oblig’d to forward a letter to genl Green I was determind to wait no longer for an oncertainty.
          Majr Lee returnd the Night before Last from the lines, but Has not been able to make any Discoverys of Consequince. he Sets out again tomorrow. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

            My Lord.
            Head Quarters Fredericksbg 25th October 1778

          The intelligence communicated in yours of yesterday is confirmed by a Gentleman who has been into New York with a flag and is just returned. The mistake into which we have been led, as to the embarkation, and the sailing of those transports which actually have the troops on board, has somewhat deranged us. Lest the enemy should take any advantage, be pleased to order Woodfords Brigade to move immediately towards the Clove, and to take post in such a situation as to be able to occupy it should they move up the River. Instead of sending the parties to repair the Roads from Maxwells and Woodfords

            Brigades, they may now both go from Woodfords, which will lay in a convenient situation for that purpose. Should the enemy, contrary to our expectations, move up the River, you will take such measures to cooperate with us as shall seem to your Lordship most advisable. I will, in my next, give you an answer respecting Colo. Burr. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from John Beatty, 26 October 1778
From: Beatty, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Elizth Town [N.J.] 26th Octr 1778

          I beg leave to lay before Your Excellency a Copy of a Letter a few days since received from the Board of War. perhaps Mr Franks late Conduct, and the Resolve of Congress—consequent thereon may in some measure render the application in the first part of the Letter unnecessary.
          I have shewn it to Mr Loring with whom I conferr’d yesterday and urged his immediate Compliance with it and at his request have furnished him with a Copy which he means to lay before Sr Henry Clinton.
          I have more than once pointed out to Mr Loring the impropriety of our maintaining their prisoners and at the same time furnishing those of ours in their possession with Cash & Provisions, he gives me for Answer that Mr Franks is not their Commissary, that they wish to remove him, he being neither furnished with Money or Authority for the purpose of supplying their Prisoners—he has however promised me that he will again mention it to Sr Henry Clinton and endeavour Mr Franks removal.
          For the more immediate compliance with this measure and remedying the inconvenience pointed out I am to Solicit Your Excellency’s co-operation and Advice in the matter.
          I flatter myself from the Party which went out yesterday I have now fully paid our Debt and will be able to Release those in the hands of the Enemy—I shall Report to Your Excellency a State of the Prisoners upon my Settlement with Mr Loring.
          The inclosed Letters containing directions relative to the forwarding of the Prisoners of His Most Christian Majesty to New London in readiness for their Exchange (now nearly Adjusted) requiring haste, I am to request Your Excellency to have them Transmitted with the

            earliest dispatches to those places. I am Sir with great respect Your most Obt Humble Servt

            Jno. Beatty. Com: Gen: Prisr


Title: From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 26 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, General Henry

            Sir
            Head Quarters [Fredericksburg] 26th October 1778

          By direction of Congress I transmit you the inclosed Copy of their Resolutions on the 21st instant respecting David Franks Esqr., by which you will perceive, he will not be permitted to act as Commissary to the British prisoners after the 10th of next month, and that it is their desire that your Excellency will nominate a proper person, who, having received their approbation, may succeed Mr Franks in the Office. I have the honor to be with due Respect Your most obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 26 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

            Dear Jack.
            Fred[ericksbur]g New York Oct. 26—78

          If my Brother, to whom the Inclosed is addressed, should not be a Member of Assembly, & in Williamsbg, I should be glad if you would contrive it to him by a safe hand.
          The Enemy still continue to keep us in suspence, & baffle all conjecture—they have five or Six thousand Men at this time actually on board transports, lying in New York bay; and a fleet of more than a hundred Sail left the Hook on the 20th Instt for England; said to contain Invalids, Officers of the reduced Corps, &ca. This Fleet comprehended

            empty provision Ships—Mercht Ships—& private Adventurers, taking the benefit of a Convoy—At the sametime Admiral Byron with 14 or 15 Sail of the line and some Frigates, Sailed from the Hook wi<th> design, as is supposed, to look a<t the> French Squadron at Boston; & k<eep> them shut in there till the transports can get well advanced to their respective places of destination.
          It still remains a matter of great uncertainty whether the Enemy mean to evacuate New York or not—I do not myself think they will—but can give no better reason for their staying than that they ought to go. their uniform practice is to run counter to all expectation, I am therefore justified in my conclusion in the present instance.
          I forgot when you were here to desire, that you would let your Vessel bring up to Mount Vernon all the Nails and other Stores which had been imported for the use of my Plantation at Claibornes, & not delivered out—these I shall want myself—the Nails are of great importance to me.
          My love to Nelly, if with you, & compliments to all friends—Sincerely & affectionately I am Yrs

            Go: Washington

          <P.S.> When you <mutilated >, or send to Mt <Vern>on, Let my Mare be <broug>ht.


Title: To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 26 October 1778
From: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            [Boston Road, 26 October 1778]

          I received at the same time the two letters that Your Excellency did me the honor to write me the 21 & the 22. My thanks are often delayed by the little obstacles that occur in the navigation of boats. The Expressions of what I owe you cannot be as extensive as my gratitude.

          ’Tis with the greatest sensibility, I experience every instant how useful and easy it is to act in concert with a great man, who joins to all his other talents that of the most punctual exactness.
          The Gazette that you have had the goodness of sending me is an additional indication—The diversion has I believe operated; the movements you are making with your troops are nevertheless founded in reason. The principles of your Excellency give solidity to my own; persuaded with you, Sir, that Admiral Byron, although he set his head to the East is, at this time, very far from the Continent. If I determine to put to sea, which I have had it in my power to do for several days past—I will not get under sail, until it shall be demonstrated, that if the English Admiral is coming here, I shall meet him on the way; and that I shall contribute to the surety of the town of Boston, more effi caciously, than if I should remain moored where I am.
          General DuPortail, with whom, I have had a long conversation has returned of himself to your opinion. It is perfectly mine—I am fully persuaded with him of the importance it is of to the common cause to raise fortifications at Boston and elsewhere. They will be excellent and very little expensive, if they are conducted on a general plan. If one be not established—it will be as it is, in all our fortified places in Europe, the greater part of which want system and a connexion of the whole; insomuch that the subsequent works have been constructed only to correct the defects of the first—The happiness and safety of America is your own work—it ought to be rendered eternal.
          ’Tis Mr Holker agent and consul of France who will have the honor of repairing forthwith to Your Excellency—to communicate to you in my name objects which may be interesting, and of which I entreat you not to confide the secret but to Col. Hamilton—His talents and his personal qualities, have secured him for ever my esteem, my confidence and my friendship—I do not regret having given the Marquis De la fayette some presentiment of this matter; nevertheless as much my friend as he is—I should not have done it, if I had thought that his stay at Philadelphia would have been so long—I have the honor to be with inviolable attachment & respect &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 26–27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

            Sir.
            Head Quarters Fredericksburgh 26th[-27] Otbr 1778.

          I had the honor of your letter of the 22d Instant with its several inclosures to-day, at noon.
          I shall pay a proper regard to the act of Congress respecting Monsr de Vrigny.
          For information on the second resolve, for obtaining a return of the re-inlistments, I must beg leave to refer Congress to my letter of the 24th.
          I have complyed with the intention of the 3d, and transmitted the act to Sir Henry Clinton which relates to Mr Franks.
          The certain intelligence of a large number of troops having embarked at New-York—the sailing of a considerable fleet, concurring at the moment their departure was expected—left me no room to doubt, that the fleet which went out of the hook, on the 19th and early the 20th instant, contained the embarkation of which I had been advised—In the persuasion of this, my letter of the 23d to your Excellency was written. But from more recent advices, and through various channels, bearing every mark of authenticity, I am to conclude the supposition has been ill founded. The above mentioned fleet appears to have carried away, no other troops than invalids, the officers of the corps lately reduced—with some refugees. The 23d Inst. the troops which had embarked still remained in the harbour. They are fixed at 10 or 12 british regiments, and six of the new levies.
          This fleet was probably composed of homeward bound victuallers—with some merchantmen—and other vessels which chose to take the protection of a convoy. The accounts still say that they were accompanied by fourteen or fifteen sail of the line and some frigates.
          27th. In my letter of the 22d I advised your Excellency of the measures I had taken to ascertain the practicability of an enterprize against Chemung. I have the honor to inclose you the report of Governor Clinton General Schuyler and General Hand on the subject. I cannot help concurring with these gentlemen in opinion, and am persuaded, from a number of considerations, that we must lay asside all thoughts of an expedition against that place for the present. Besides other necessary preparations, we have not yet been able to get

            forward the cloathing for the army. The Congress will also perceive, in Lieut. Colonel Butlers journal, transmitted to your Excellency in my letters of the 22d & 23d instant, the great difficulties he had to encounter, in crossing the rivers, at a much earlier season of the year. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obt hble servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Mitchell, 26 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mitchell, John

          Letter not found: to John Mitchell, 26 Oct. 1778. Mitchell wrote GW on 3 Nov.: “I have the honor of your Excellency favor of the 26th past.”


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 26 October 1778
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

            Dr General.
            Philadelphia 26th Octr 1778.

          I received your Favor and return you Thanks for it. The Conduct which the Enemy may pursue with Relation to us is not quite decided But I have not a Doubt but their Efforts during the next Campaign will be chiefly towards our Frontiers with a View to weary us into Submission. At the same Time they will perhaps endeavor to keep such Posts in our Country as to render the Communications tedious difficult and expensive. My Ideas as to our Power of carrying on the War differ in some Respects from those whose Opinions I respect. The Resources of the Country may be drawn forth by our Paper at the same Time it must be confessed that this Paper will thereby be less valuable[.] After all the Debt does not increase for a certain Sterling Sum which would have paid it one Year ago will pay it now[.] The Depreciation in the Interim hath operated as a Tax.
          I very sincerely lament that this Tax hath fallen heavy on those who have served and continue to serve their Country. It is a peculiar Hardship upon us that fully to relieve the Evils they labor under is not in our Power. This leads me to the Petition you mention or Representation which I have not yet seen and never wish to see. I cannot easily express to you how much I was hurt at being informed of it. Not indeed as to the Matter for that I really am a Stranger to but as to the Manner in which it was procured. For in the first Place it gave my Enemies (and who were so in some Degree for my earnest Support of

            the Claims of the Army heretofore) no small Cause of Triumph. This say they is the Consequence of your Zeal for an Establishment. Besides this I considered myself in some Degree as an Advocate for the Army[.] I loved them from an Acquaintance with some Individuals and for the Sufferings which as a Body they had bravely and patiently endured; and therefore I could not but suffer when I found them taking Steps which In my Opinion cannot do them Honor and which incapacitated me from urging as I otherwise should have done every Redress in our Power to their Grievances. But what chiefly affected me was that this Meeting of Delegates from Brigades in a Mixture of civil and military Capacity carries with it the Air of deeper Design than I believe is in the Bosoms of those who were immediately concerned. It was by Proceedures such as these that the good Fairfax made Way for a crafty Cromwell and that he dismissed a tedious Wrangling Parliament and established a military Despotism. It is a melancholy Truth that when once Faction takes Possession of the human Heart Men are hurried into Extremes which make considerate People tremble. I will not do your Army the Injustice even to permit a Thought that they wish to get Rid of their General. But Sir their and your and our Enemies do not want the Confidence to say so and indeed to say they can prove it and to attempt that Proof from the Manner of procuring (Agitating as they term it) the Petition in Question. Certainly could such Ideas be inculcated it would answer the<ir> Views. It would also answer their Views to instill into the Army a Distrust of Congress and therefore I doubt not but the Enemies of both are assiduous in this Business. I find also the british Commissioners are so barefaced as to hold out the Bait of Promotion in the royal Army to such as will fall in with their Designs and doubtless a peculiar Portion of their Bounty will be dispenced to those who shall sow the Seeds of Dissention in an Army which as they cannot conquer it is their only Resource to divide.
          Thinking on this Subject as I do it did and does appear to me my Duty as a good Citizen thoroughly to discountenance every Measure of this Kind particularly when it is ushered as the first Mention of this Affair was to me by an Observation that the Army had it in their Power to do themselves Justice. It makes me unhappy to learn that such Discourse prevails. I am certain those who use it have no Design but they should consider that it affords Matter for the Design of others to work upon. It has not made any serious Impression I beleive on the Mind of those whose Opinions have real Weight because it is considered as one of those light Expressions which flow from the Luxuriance of Imagination. Little do those who say such Things know the Difficulties of subsisting an Army.

          The Marquis will hand you a Plan &ca on which I shall say Nothing because I have already had a great Deal of Trouble with it and he can say more than I could write in a Week and you know more of the Subject than all of us together.
          We have no News. Let me then tell you what has the Merit of T[r]uth if not the Charms of Novelty. That I am Dear General very sincerely yours

            Gouv. Morris

          General Lee’s Affair hangs by the Eye Lids We spent one Day upon it without even touching on the Merits. The Debate was in what Manner to proceed to a Decission. Some contended for the Propriety of resolving simply to approve or disapprove of the Sentence Others for entering into the Consideration of the Charges and the Evidence on them seperately without however making any Entry on the Minutes. A third for doing this and making the Entries. This as the most systematic Method I supported for truly I know not how to determine in the Lump. Granting him guilty of all the Charges it is too light a Punishment. And if he is not guilty in the Opinion of Congress of any one there would be an Injustice in not declaring their Opinion.
          Conway hath again applied for a Certificate of his good Services and I have again opposed the Grant of it. His Letter lies on the Table. Again my Friend Adieu.
          Pray Excuse me to Generals Greene and Schuyler for not Writing by this Opportunity[.] Upon my Honor I have so many Things to do that I am much distrait. Tell Genl Schuyler however that I shall build if possible the Decission of his Business on that of Genl Lee—You must contrive some Means of quartering your Cavalry at a Distance from the Army. It seems to me all the poor Horses should be turned into good Pastures—Could not some Expedition be carried on agt the Indians—Suppose for Instance Count Pulaski were sent to chargé some of them—It might indeed cost him his Night Cap.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 26 October 1778
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Middletonn [Middletown, Conn.] 26th Octr 1778

          I find Capt. George Starr of this Town is appointed by the Board of War to take Charge of the Leather belonging to the Continent, purchase Shoes, Cartouch Bozes [boxes] & other Military Accoutrements, by the inclosd Order you will find the Board have impowerd him to contract for those Articles in Exchange for raw Hides; I am fully Satisfied he will do all that any Man can do in that Department; he informs me he Shall be able to send on about Twelve Hundred pair of Shoes within four Weeks about Seven Hundred of which are now On Hand & will be forwarded as soon as he can procure Buckles for about 300 or 400 Cartouch Bozes [boxes] which are made and with the Shoes will compleat A Load for One Waggon; he Says he will take every Measure in his Power to procure a large Quantity of Shoes & thinks tis probable he Shall be able to furnish about 1000 or 1500 Pair a Month if the Leather can now be had in exchange for Hides as he is a Man very assiduous in his Business I have no Doubt he will do every Thing any Man can do towards a full Supply—As to Caps he Says tis impossible to make an Estimate of the Quantity of Leather on Hand suitable for that Business which is not fit for Shoes or to be Usd for Accoutrements or in the Quarter Master’s Department as ’tis not in whole Sides, but part of most of the Leather in working is found unsuitable for other Business which will well Answer for this.
          Under these Circumstances if your Excellency should think fit to give an Order for furnishing Col. Meigs’s Regt so far as such Leather can be found Capt. Starr will procure them to be made—Several Thousand Pair of Shoes are for Sale at Hartford which I am informd are good, if Major Bigelow or any other Person can have Orders to purchase they may be immediately forwarded On—I beleive the Connect[icut] Troops will be Supplied from the State that few if any will be wanted for them.
          I have inquird of Majr Bigelow the Reason of his not having made a particular Return of the Clothing in his Hands or supplied to any of the Regiments: he has convincd me it has yet been impossible,

            because what he has furnishd for Any Regiments has been in Cloth and the Garments are not yet compleated; And the Goods he has purchasd are not all come in but those with what have been purchasd by Otis and Andrews are daily coming in & therefore a particular State is difficult to be given, but such an One as I suppose will be Satisfactory to your Excellency he will make as the Clothing which can be made from the Cloths can be nearly estimated.
          I find my Affairs will require my continuing in this State most of the insuing Winter, since I hear Nothing from Congress, I imagine my Resignation is laid by with other wast Papers; if any Troops are quarterd within this State I shall be much obliged by your Excellency’s ordering my Brigade for that Purpose, I wish to be with the Troops under my Command and should they be quarterd in this State I could attend to the Settlement of my own Affairs without neglecting the Duties of my Office—I hope to be at Camp next Week if the Troops do not sooner move this Way. I am with Respect and Esteem yr Excellencys Obedt Servt

            Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 26 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp Near Bedford [N.Y.] October 26th 1778

          Your Excellencys favour of Yesterdays date Came to Hand Last evening. I observe Your instructions and attention shall be paid to every Particular.
          we have a good many deserters from Simcoes Corps But as they are prevented from going on York Island they Can know but little about what is doing there. they inform me that there are no troops encamped on this side of Kings Bridg but Simcoes & Emricks Corps and five Troops of horse in the whole Horse & foot not more than

            three Hundred. a guard of one Hundred men is Sent Daily from the British Troops on the other side of the Bridg. but they do not know How many nor what Corps are over there. they all agree that there is two Houses Building about 30 feet in length at a Redoubt No. 6 to the Southward of fort Independance Both these houses are not more than Sufficent to Cover the Guard. the walls of Both Houses are of Stone and very Low pitch. Capt. Walls is this moment returnd from the Other Side of the River. he informs me that there has been no Movement in the fleet Since he went over. his business Hear is to git some Necessarys and know what is to be don with the Horses he took, the other day, which he has Brought to Camp with him. I have Directed that they Be Sold and the Money divided among the Captors which I hope will Meet Your Excellencys Approbation. the Capt. Has left his party to watch the enemys Motions & will Return again this evening himself. the officers of the Eastern troops who are with me, are giting very oneasy at Being left behind when the Regiments to which they belong are Marched (as they say) home. and have Carryed with them all the Stors provided by their States, the Benefit of which they will Loose, whilst those who are gon to good Quarters Will have the whole. Some of the officers Seem determind to Resign if they Cant be Sufferd to Join their Regiments—This Report was made me Late last evening by Colo. Henly who Commands them, who tells me that two of the officers Waited on him Last evening to let him know their intentions I shall keep a Watchfull eye on them and wait Your Excys Instructions. this leaves no sort of doubt with me, that the officers Countenanced the late desertion among those Troops, and I cannot but be fearfull, that Somthing of the Kind, but on a larger Scale is now in Contemplation.
          Inclosd is an Acct from a Deserter this moment come in. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 26 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Elizabeth Town [N.J.] October 26th 1778

          I should before this time have attempted to Answer your Excellency’s letters of the 14th and 15th Inst. but was waiting in hopes of reduceing the Motions of the Enemy to some degree of Certainty; I belive it may be depended on that the present Embarkation will amount to at least 10000 Men, so large a detachment from their Army will render it impossible for them to keep above 5000 Men at New York, if they purpose to keep Rhode Island Also, and keep it they must, if their heavy Ships are to Winter in America. these troops must at least one half them be foreigners whom they dare not Venture out of their own lines as they know they are Univer[s]ally determined to desert, in this Scituation there is but little danger of their makeing any Considerable excursions out of their own Lines, and therefore no danger in divideing our Army. On an e[n]quiry into the State of Cartage & forrage I find it is absolutely Impracticable to Maintain the Army in flower & Grain in any Scituation on the East Side of Hudsons River; It will be as Absolutely Necessary to bring a great part of the Army nearer to the Scources of our bread & forrage. I would therefore advise that three or four Brigades be left in New England somewhere between Danbury and Hartford that a Suffecient Garrison be left at West point with one Brigade Hutted in the Neighbourhood to Cover it. the remainder of the Army I would bring into New Jersey, And would Cantoon them in the principal towns, Burlington, Trentown—Princetown, Brunswick, Raway, Elizabethtown—New Ark and Hackensaack, might each with some Hutting receive a Brigade and the remainder might [be] Hutted at the foot of the mountain at Scotch plains or Middlebrook. the Stores of the Army might then be very Safe either at Morris Town or Pluckhimen Or if your Excellency should think that by this plan the Troops would be extended too wide and be too much exposed, they might be Cantooned from New Ark to Brunswick and the Rest Hutted at the Scotch plains, or at Crane town a place in the Rear of Watsesson in a Gap of the Hills which is a Better Scituation than any other nearer the falls, that Gap and another to the Northward of it being

            Secured would Cover the left flank & Rear of the Army. But on Account of Scituation and the Saving of Cartage I would prefer the foot of the hills near the Scotch plains for the Grand Camp. I do not Conceive it will be Necessary to detach any troops to Boston for I do not see the least probability of the Enemy’s makeing any Attempt on it, General Sullivans force in that quarter I think quite Suffecient.
          There is Nothing New from New york since my last; Nor has any thing worth mentioning passed the hook by the Report of yesterday Evening[.] I am your Excellencys most Humble Servant

            Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 26 October 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

            My Dear General
            Providence October 26th 1778

          Since my Last I had the Honor of Receiving your Excellenceys favor of the 22d Instant giving an Account of two Divisions of the Fleet having Sailed I am far from thinking their Design is to operate in this Quarter yet your Excellenceys Instructions (to be prepared) Like all your other orders have with me a weight which I Trust will Ever witness how Little Influence my own Judgment has in the Scale when your Excellenceys orders point out what is Necessary My Troops are all ready to move at a minutes warning to whatever place The Enemy may Discover an Intention to Attack I Shall if an appearance take place before Boston be able to Judge from the number & Size of the Ships whether a real Attack or only a Demonstration is Intended I have the Honor to Inclose your Excellencey all the Intelligence from Rhode Island & have the Honor to be with much Esteem & Respect your Excys most obedt Servt

            Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to John Augustine Washington, 26 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, John Augustine

            Dear Brother
            Fredericksburg in the State of New YorkOctobr 26th 1778.

          In overhauling some old Papers the other day, I came across the Inclosed Letter from Colo. Cresap to me—written, as he says, in answer to one of mine on the information of his having set up a claim to some part of the Land formerly owned by our deceased Brother Lawrence, & given by him to my Brother Austin. It is essential, as I have upon other occasions mentioned to you, that this matter should be enquired into; or, a hundred to one but Cresap Chouses the Hier at Law out of part of these Lands, under various pleas, strengthen’d by possession.
          At first he began to Rent them in behalf of my Brother’s Estate (pocketing I dare say the Money)—Now (by the Inclos’d Letter I find) he lays claim to one Lott, when, if my Memory does not fail me exceedingly, my Brother had Patents for both, and never was their the Shadow of a claim set up towards either till lately. As it is a Tract however that I never had any personal knowledge of, I may be mistaken in my conception of the matter, but as before think there were two Lotts; one of which my Brother purchased of Pendergrass, & the other of Cresap. The fact may, I presume, be ascertained by having recourse to the Deeds, & other Land Papers belonging to that Estate, or to the

            records in the Proprietors Office; & in my judgment no time should be lost in the Search, as Cresap is extremely artful, & his claim will obtain strength by length of Possession.
          We have been kept for some time in an aukward, & disagreeable state of suspence respecting the Enemys intentions; nor are we able at this time to discover their views. They have five or Six thousand Men on Ship board; where they have been since the 20th Instt, laying in the Harbour of New-York—the destination is a mistery, but I believe they are bound for the West-Indies—Boston and Charlestown are both talkd of; but the Season, I should suppose, is too far advanced for any enterprize on the first, altho the French fleet would be a great additional inducement; and the latter is not, under present circumstances, I think a sufficient object. However, as it is out of all support of this Army and the other place (Boston) while the French Squadron lays there, a Capitol object, I have moved some Troops that way, to be ready in case of need. Various are the conjectures respecting a total evacuation of New York, and various are the appearances, & evidences—some tending to a belief of it—& others contradicting it. If I was to hazard an opinion upon the occasion, it would be, that they do not leave it this Winter. If I was to be asked for a reason, I should say because I think they ought to do so they haveing almost, invariably run counter to all expectation.
          I begin to despair of seeing my own home this Winter, & where my Quarters will be, I can give little acct of at this time. My love to my Sister, and the rest of the family concludes me Dr Sir Yr sincere & Affecte Bror

            Go: Washington

          p.s. On the 20th Instt a Fleet of more than a hundred Sail left New York, said for England—they were Convoyed off by Admiral Byron (with 14 or 15 Sail of the line) who it is thought will go to Boston, & take a Peep at the French fleet, to keep the Count in Port till their own Transports get a good Offing.


Title: General Orders, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Tuesday Octr 27th 1778.
            Parole Geneva—C. Signs Greenland. Guilford.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentlemen
            Head qrs [Fredericksburg] Octobr 27. 1778

          In the Letter, which I had the honor of addressing to you on the 18 Instant—I mentioned the scanty size of many of the Blankets, which had come to the hands of the Cloathier. By this conveyance by Wm Jones, I think it proper to send one for the inspection of the Board—by which they will find—how much we have been deceived—and the public imposed on in this essential article of supply; and also the necessity there is—for purchasing more if it can be possibly done. I do not know whether these were originally imported by the states—or procured in the Country; but it may not be improper for the Board to instruct the Agents to be particularly careful upon future occasions that similar inconveniences may not happen. I have the Honor to be with great respect Gentn Yr Most Obed. st

            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fredericksburgh October 27th 1778

          I have read Your Excellency’s two favours of the 18th and 21st, with all the pleasure, which the perusal of your letters never fails to inspire, and which naturally attends the communications of those in whom we are warmly interested.
          I rejoice with you in the prospect of your being so soon in a state

            to resume the sea—I cannot but ardently desire, that an opportunity may speedily be offered you of again exerting that spirit of well-directed activity and enterprise, of which you have already given proofs so formidable to our ennemies, and so beneficial to the common cause. It is to be hoped our next accounts from Europe, will manifest that the Spanish Court has properly estimated the value of the present moment, and has united her power with that of France, to give a decisive blow to the haughty dominion, which Britain has so long affected to maintain over the sea. The satisfaction, I feel, in looking forward to this event is augmented by anticipating the illustrious part, which I am persuaded, you will act in accomplishing it.
          My letter of the 24th will, I hope, have removed, Your Excellency’s apprehensions for our amiable young friend. Every day’s continuance, where he now is, is an additional confirmation of my conjecture on the manner, in which, his proposal has been received. It was natural your sensibility should be affected as it was—A generous solicitude for the safety of a friend, so far from requiring an apology, is intitled to applause.
          The British Commissioners, I believe will not trouble us with any more of their harangues—They authorise us to consider the last as a farewell speech, preparatory to their final exit. They will not need our aid to accelerate their political death—whether they may not undergo a transmigration of the sort your Excellency mentions, time will discover. More unlikely things than this sometimes happen.
          The enemy’s affairs in New York remain without any perceptible alteration from the state, in which they were, when I had the honor of writing you last. Their troops, which have embarked, still lie in the harbour. I have the honor to be, with equal respect and esteem—Your Excellencys Most Obedient servant

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fredericksburgh October 27th 1778

          I received last night your two favours of the 25th with their inclosures. The intelligence from Major Gray corresponds in many respects with the general tenor of my advices—The circumstance of the Merchants packing up is what I have not yet obtained any satisfactory account of and is what I am particularly desirous to have ascertained, as it would be decisive of the enemy’s intention to evacuate New York—of which I am at present in very great doubt. The capture of the Falmouth packet with the September mail, if confirmed, will be a most fortunate event, but the supposition of a decoy alone can make it credible, she would suffer the mail to fall into our hands.
          I send you inclosed a letter to Mr Mesom, directing him to furnish cloathing to your order for the three Brigades with you—I am informed that General Patterson has procured complete cloathing for his whole brigade and that some other regiments have done the same for themselves—by particular applications, in a different channel; where this has been the case, they cannot expect to be furnished with a double supply, and must not therefore be permitted to draw from the stock at Springfield. You will be pleased to attend carefully to this and to regulate your orders accordingly. The drafts are not intitled to the new cloathing. You will only be able to get the uniforms at Springfield; all the other kind of cloathing must be by this time on its way to this place, and I would not choose to have any thing stopped on the road, as it could not be done, with[out] many inconveniences and much confusion. I am Sir Your most Obedient servant

            Go: Washington

          p.s. All the old cloathing is to be returned to the Clothier—As I am convinced many pretences will be made to elude this—I must request your pointed care in having it executed. By the old cloathing is meant—coats, jackets and breeches.
          I have confined your drafts to uniforms on the supposition that the other articles of every kind are coming forward; but if there should be any remaining at Springfield you may extend your orders to those—In deliveries here we use a proportion which you will also observe—We allow a shirt a pr stockings and a pr shoes pr man—half the number of blankets deficient in each regiment and ¼ of the hats wanting. The insufficiency in the quantity of these last articles forces us to use this disagreeable œconomy.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Gray, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gray, Ebenezer

            Sir.
            Head Quarters Fredericksburgh 27th Octbr 1778.

          Last nigh[t] I received from General Gates one of your letters to him containing such intelligence as you had collected respecting the enemy and their motions—While I wish you to keep up your communication with the Genl I am to desire you to transmit me in the first instance every information which you may receive [in] the most expeditious conveyance. If Gen. Scotts station is the nearest route to Head Qrs he will take charge of your letters and have them immediately sent me. I need not request you to pay every attention to the business you are on or to use every practicable means to obtain faithful and authentic reports. I am Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 October 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp near Fredericksburg 27th October 1778

          The Campaign being near a Close, the Cantoning of the Troops for the Winter is probably under Your Excellency’s Consideration. In the Choice of a Position I doubt not due Regard will be paid to the Practicability of obtaining Supplies of Provisions & Forage; But as the Means of furnishing these Capital Articles fall much within my Department, and I am apprehensive of some Difficulties which may not have occurred to Your Excellency, I think it incumbent on me to lay before you the present State of our Resourses, and to suggest a Plan which

            appears to me to afford a better Prospect of ensuring a Supply of Provisions for the Army and the Eastern Posts than that now in use.
          The Seat of War having continued for nearly three Years in the States of New York, New-Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Husbandmen of these States have been so much engaged in the Publick Service as Militia-men, Teamsters, Artificers &c.; and the Country has been so much exposed to the Depredations of the Enemy, and no inconsiderable Part of it at Times in their actual Possession, that a very large Proportion of Land has remained unimproved, and the Residue has not been cultivated with the accustomed Vigor. Hence the Resourses of these States, for Provisions and Forage, are greatly reduced; more especially in New-York and New-Jersey where the Ravages as well as the Burden of the War have been peculiarly great and distressing. In Proportion as the Resourses have become scanty, the Demand for Land-Carriage has increased, the Supplies for the Army being necessarily drawn from greater Distances. This, in Turn, has increased the Consumption of Forage to so great a Degree that the Country on every Side of the Army within a convenient Distance of the Lines of Communication, is almost entirely exhausted.
          The Quantity of Flour necessary to supply the Grand Army and the Troops and Prisoners in Massachusets Bay & Rhode Island, is estimat ed at 300 Barrels per Day. Of this perhaps no Part can with Propriety be drawn from the Country eastward of Delaware, the Quantity which can be procured in that Region being not more than may be absolutely necessary for other Purposes: the whole must therefore come from the west Side of Delaware. I have already shewn to Your Excellency, by a Calculation delivered in a few Days since, that to convey this Daily Supply, from Trenton to King’s Ferry only, would require the constant Employment of 1340 Waggons with about 5500 Horses, including the Forage Teams necessary to support those immediatly transporting the Flour. The Deputy Quarter Master-General for the State of New-Jersey is a Gentleman of great Industry, well acquainted with Business, and stands fair with the People; he has been engaged for several Months past in forming Magazines at different Posts on the Roads through his District; but the constant Consumption has been so great that, with the Aid of the Grain he has received from the Westward, he has not been able to retain a single Bushel in Store, nor will the Country he is in afford him any farther Supply worth mentioning: As to Hay, he has some collected at different Magazines, but the whole he can procure will scarcely be sufficient to supply the estimated Number of Horses for two Months. Instances have already been not unfrequent of Teams being delayed several Days merely through want of Forage to enable them to proceed, and in some Cases the Loads

            have been discharged by the Way and the Teams returned, from the same Cause. The Forage to support the Teams in New-Jersey must therefore come chiefly from the West Side of Delaware also, and the greater Part of it from Chesapeak Bay. The Distance it must travel is so great that, even while the Rivers continue open, it is with Difficulty a Quantity equal to the current Demand can be got forward, and the Magazines are yet empty; so that on the least Obstruction of the Navigation, Disappointment must ensue, and the Land-Carriage through New-Jersey in a great Measure Cease. This, however, is not the only Way in which we may meet Disappointment. Land-Carriage through so great an Extent of Country abounding with Rivers, Mountains and difficult Passes, is liable to numerous Accidents, Delays and Obstructions of various Kinds which the utmost Precaution cannot altogether avoid. If, under the favourable Circumstances of mild Weather and good Roads, we find it difficult to bring forward a bare Sufficiency for a current Supply, but cannot accumulate a Stock to guard against any accidental Delay; what must be our Condition when the Winter Season arrives in which the Roads are commonly so bad as to render the Passage of Waggons very precarious, and the Rivers impassable perhaps for Weeks together.
          But supposing a sufficient Quantity of Forage to be attainable and that no other Obstacle should remain but the Expence; this alone would be worthy of Consideration. The Hire of a Team and Driver, fed by the Publick, is now established at 55/ Pennsa Currency per Day; the Drivers Ration with little Allowances which must be made to such People, will not cost less than 5/; the Forage for each Team will cost the Publick about 6 Dollars ⅌ Day. The daily Expence for each Team will therefore be fourteen Dollars: which for 1340 Teams estimated for the Transportation from the Delaware to Hudson’s River, will amount to 18,760 Dollars per Day, equal to more than half a Million per Month, for that Distance only: The Expence of Transportation farther Eastward may be inferred. According to this Estimate the Land Carriage of a Barrel of Flour will cost but little less than six Dollars for every ten Miles, which, extravagant as it may appear, and though more than it may have heretofore cost, will not be found far from the Truth in Future if so great a Quantity must be urged on in Teams hired by the Day, and the Forage to support them imported from other States.
          The Difficulty of transporting so great a Distance by Land the Quantity of Flour necessary for the current Demand, would, in common Times and in the Summer Season, render such a Supply too precarious to be relied on without the previous Establishment of Magazines to guard against accidental Delays: I therefore take it for granted that

            under the present Circumstances the Necessity of establishing such Magazines, as well in the Neighbourhood of Hudson’s River as within a convenient Distance from Boston, must be too apparent to admit of Doubt. To form such Magazines by Land-Carriage only, appears to me utterly impossible, and no Expedient seems to be left but at all Hazards to attempt it by Water. A sufficient Quantity of Flour I am told may readily be collected on Chesapeak or the Delaware. I would therefore beg Leave to suggest the Propriety of purchasing or hiring of a Number of small Vessels carrying from 200 to 500 Barrels each and loading them with Flour and other Necessaries for Boston or such other Port as may be proper; they may sail separately which will make the Risk the smaller, and they may occasionally run into Harbours to avoid Cruisers. If only one out of four of these Vessels should arrive safely it would be a Saving in Point of Expence; but with proper Management I cannot but imagine the Arrival of at least two, if not three out of four may be fairly counted upon. With the greatest Respect I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most humble Servant

            Nathanael Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

            Dear Sir,
            Head Quarters Fredericksburg 27th Octobr 1778

          I have been favoured with your Letter of the 21st Instant.
          I have not received General Du Portails plan of the works necessary for the defence of Boston and therefore, cannot determine the propriety of it. My wish is, that such works as are essential to its safety—and only such—may be erected.
          With respect to Captain McFall, as I know nothing of him—I can say nothing. He may be sincere in his professions, or he may be not; but I have no idea of giving him any assurances that he will obtain a Commission in our service. Our credulit<y> and indulgencies to persons of his character, have been of no <adva>ntage; but on the contrary, they have operated to our inj<ury.> I am not well apprised of the extent of Capt. McFalls view<s—> but if he has the firm attachment to us, which he seems to wish us to suppose, tho he should be exchanged & even

            be sent to Canada, he may easily find an opportunity to manifest it in a more convincing way—than by mere declaration.
          The Americans are generous and where satisfied that people are their freinds—they are not wanting in hospitality and acts of benevolence. I am Dear Sir Your most obedt Servant

            Go: Washington

          p.s. Things with respect to the Enemy & us are in the same situation they were when I wrote you last.


Title: From George Washington to James Hill, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hill, James

            Mr Hill,
            Fredericksburg in the State of New York.Octr 27th 1778.

          Your Letter of the 5th of Septr came to my hands a Post or two ago. I thank you for your offer to look after the Plantation I held in King William, but having rented it to Mr Custis I have no longer occasion for the Superintendance of a Manager; there, or else where, in the lower parts of Virginia; and have to request, that all the Money you now possess, or may hereafter receive of mine before you quit Mr Custis’s business may be sent to Mr Lund Washington by him or some other safe hand. and before you remove from your present employment I must further beg that you will furnish me with an exact Acct of every thing sold from, & purchased for, my Estate under you[r] care. In short the exact state of all expenditures, & Sales for my use, since the last Acct which I settled with you myself—and as Letters are subject to miscarriage, I shall be obliged to you to leave a Copy thereof, with a list of Ballances due me (if any there should be) with Mr Custis, that I may, in case of accidents, be provided with another Copy from him. When I speak of a list of Ballances, I hope, & trust, there will be few, or none—first from your care in making your collections, & next from the plenty of money which leaves every person without even the Shadow of excuse to withhold payment of Debts at this time. but if the case should be otherwise, a list of those Debts first properly

            settled, & reduced to specialties (to avoid disputes in the collection by a new hand, unacquainted with the transaction, & unable to acct for things which would not be disputed with you) left with Mr Custis will enable him, or some other Person in my behalf, to receive payment of the Money with such Interest as may be due on the Bonds or Bills.
          I have no doubt of your care and attention in this business—I have ever viewed you in the light of an honest Man and doubt not but that your last transactions with me will confirm me in this opinion, yet, I cannot help observg that from what I have been able to learn, I have derived very little profit from that part of my Estate which has been under your care for the three or four last years; but as I am not Inclined to go into an investigatn of the matter at pres<ent,> I will rather attribute it to bad Seasons & other Causes, than to the want of your good Will.
          I observe what you say respecting your wages for looking after Mr Custis’s Estate—if my Memory does not fail me the first agreement I made with you was reduced to writing, & the conditions specifically defined—after this, and some little time before I left Virginia, you complained that your lay was too small, and either required an augmentation or some Indulgences as an equivalent—In answer, to the best of my recollection, I told you, that as your trouble was like to be increased by the late purchases of Mr Black that I shd not object to some further, reasonable allowance, provided it should appear that your conduct, the good order of the Plantation’s, & Crops would justifie me in So doing—how far these conditions have been complied with on your part, is impossible for me at this distance & undr my circumstances to determine, but As to your claim of merit, and an allowance, for the Butter sold, because Mr Valentine applied the greatest part, or all of what was made on the Estate to his own private emolument it is quite new & Novel. If the case was so, which I do not believe, & think his accts will shew the contrary, it does not follow that because one Man cheated that another is to be paid to the amount of the fraud for being honest. the same reasoning will apply to Corn—Tobo—& other Articles—I am very sure that if Valentine had such a priviledge it was self granted; & that, was he now living, he might be brought to a severe Acct for the misapplication of the Money. I am also clear that he never had an Oz. of Sugar or gill of rum in the World found him by agreement. these Articles were laid in for the use of Sick Negroes, & if he made use of them for his own purposes—the greater Villain he must be. You further remark that you think your Wages should rise in proportion to the depreciation of the Money. Permit me to ask whether you have sold the produce of the Estate in proportion to the depreciation? & whether the expences have not

            kept pace thereto? & lastly whether during those times of common distress you are not living at the cost of another Man while you are raising, & saving from yr own Estate? these are matters not unworthy of consideration—altho I do not mean by propounding these questions that it should be infer’d that your Wages ought not to be raised from the original agreement agreeable to the spirit & meaning of my assur[ance]s to you—it was my intention (under the conditions beforementioned) that they should; and if Mr Custis & you cannot agree on the quantum I know of no mode so just & equitable, as leaving the matter to impartial Men to determine who can have no Interest in the decision; for it is impossible for me, at this distance, & perplexed as I am with other business, to go into such enquiries as are necessary to enable me to form a proper judgment—& without this, I might do injury to one side or the other, to neither of which am I at all disposed. I am Yr friend & Servt

            G. Washington

          p.s. I have understood that till Mrs Washington was at my Plantn at Claibornes in Augt & directed or rather advised the Beeves and Corn to be Sold, that no steps were taken to do it. in short that you were very seldom at or gave yourself much trouble about the Plantn. Mr Custis will I expect, take every thing that is now on it at an appraised Value—Corn as well as other things—which will ease you of every kind of trouble of that sort. The Tobacco I trust will be prized & Inspected with[ou]t a momts loss of time & the Notes put into Colo. Bassetts hands (after Davenport has recd his share) to be sold for my use.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 27 October 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Elizth Town [N.J.] 27th Octr 1778

          Capt. Morrison of the first New Jersey Regt will be the bearer of this to Your Excellency. I send him to receive Your Orders on the Cloathier General for the Cloathing belonging to the New Jersey Brigade. It is useless for me to mention the difficul[t]ies that the men labour under for want of them, as they have had nothing this summer only a few light things in the Spring. There will be returning Provision Waggons enough I make no doubt to bring them back; or as far as Morris Town, where we can easily send for them. I have sent a sergt and party to escort them.
          If the Officers could have some Cloathing also on moderate terms it would be verry acceptable. I have no News, I make no doubt His Lordship furnishes every thing necessary. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble Sert

            Wm Maxwell


Title: From George Washington to George Measam, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Measam, George

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fredericksburgh October 27th 1778

          I have desired General Gates to draw upon you for cloathing for the three brigades with him, so far as they may be now deficient. This only extends to uniforms as I suppose there is a sufficiency of these remaining at Springfie[l]d and take it for granted all other kind of cloathing is already on its way I would not choose to have any thing whatsoever stopped on the road; which would only serve to produce confusion. It is probable you will not have to supply the whole three brigades, as I have been informed, that General Patterson’s has been already fully supplied in another way and that this is also the case, with some regiments in the other two—if so, they are not to have a double supply; but this matter General Gates is to regulate.
          All the old cloathing is to be delivered in to you—I am persuaded every pretence will be seized to elude this—I have therefore requested General Gates to pay particular attention to the matter—You will also

            be pointedly exact in requiring compliance in this and in every other instance. I am Sir &[ca].

          p.s. I have confined the matter to uniforms because I suppose all other articles are already on the road. If this should not be the case, you will deliver any other kind of cloathing which may still be at Springfield—The proportion we allow here is one shirt one pr stockings and one pr shoes pr man, and half the number of blankets and one fourth the number of hats deficient in each regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 27 October 1778
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            War Office [Philadelphia] 8ber 27th 1778

          The Board have been honoured with yours of the 18th inst. & will be much obliged to your Excellency to give Orders for an exact Account being taken by the issuing Clothier of the Blanketts that we may know from the Marks & Numbers of the Packages in what Invoice those so very small are contained & endeavour to trace the Imposition. Enclosed you have for Information Copy of the Board’s Order to Mr Mease. There are & have been several Officers at this Place applying for Cloathing which was thought improper as the Plan is to distribute it from the Eastern Magazines. This gave Occasion to the Directions given Mr Mease. The Board have reiterated their Application to Congress for organizing & giving Vigour to the Clothing Department which Mr Mease seems more than ever desirous of leaving. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem your very obedt Servt

            Richard Peters


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 27 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

            Dr Sr
            Head Qrs Fredericksburg Octor 27th 1778.

          I am favor’d with yours of yesterday. We have been much deceived as to the fleet that sailed from the Hook the 20th inst. I have certain intelligence that there were no other Troops on board that fleet than the invalids bound for Europe. The transports, that actually have the troops that have been embarked, remained in the Bay of New York the 23d: It is possible that the British Guards, who have been for some time under orders to return to England, may have been on board the fleet that sailed. I should be glad if your spies would inquire into that matter.
          I am sorry that any officers should be so far lost to all sense of honor and duty, as to talk of resigning, because they have not marchd with the Corps to which they belong. I would have you inform any of those that talk at this rate, that if they leave their post or command before they are regularly drawn off or relieved, or shall directly or indirectly cause any Soldier to do the like, they shall be punished as far as martial law will extend without favor or mitigation. It is true that officers who conceive they are to go when and where they please are better out of than in the service, but will not be indulged under the present circumstances—The Troops which have marched Eastward are no more going into Winter Quarters than those at Bedford or Fredericksburg and may as likely march back or forward. This is not said to quiet the clamours of those officers with you, but to shew that it is their duty to attend to the command assigned them, and not to look to what duty others are performing without knowing the principle or design of it. I am Dr Sr &c.

            G.W——n

          p.s. Be pleased to forward the inclos’d to Major Gray at Norwalk.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 27 October 1778
From: Van Schaick, Goose
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp Continental Vilage [N.Y.] 27th October 1778

          As General Clinton is absent, I have taken the Liberty to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencies Letter of the 25 Instant & also to inform you that the Brigade Still lye at the Continental Village

            except Colo: Cortlandts Regt which marched last Monday & I am informed are now Incamped at or near Wappins Creek—the Colonel will be made acquainted this day with directions for him to halt. The utmost punctuality will be paid to your Excellencies Instructions relative to this Pass, where I shall continue till I have the honor to receive your further orders—I am with the greatest respect, your Excellencies most humble Servt

            G. V. Schaick


Title: General Orders, 28 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Wednesday Octr 28th 78.
            Parole Narragansett—C. Signs Nobletown. Naples.

          Lieutenant Job Vernon and Lieutt Andrew Little of the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment are appointed, the first Pay-Master and the second Quarter Master to the same from the 1st instant.

          A General Court-Martial of the Line to sit at or near Robinson’s House as soon as may be for the trial of Major Painter on an Appeal from a late Garrison Court-Martial held at West-Point—A Field Officer from the Virginia Line to preside—Four Captains from Muhlenberg’s Brigade five from Scott’s and three from the Garrison of West Point to attend as Members—All Evidences and Persons concern’d will attend the Court.
          At a Brigade General Court Martial held in General Clinton’s Brigade October 20th 1778. John Yeomans a soldier in Coll Dubois’s Regiment was tried for desertion and robbery—The Charge of robbery was not supported, but found guilty of desertion and sentenced to be shot to death at the head of the Brigade.
          The Commander in Chief approves the sentence but is pleased to pardon said Yeomans on account of the recent instances of many criminals having been executed for breaches of military duty—which he hopes will not only deter him but every other soldier in the Army from violating his solemn obligations faithfully to serve the United-States.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 28 October 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp Fredricksburg 28th Octo. 1778

          Inclosd is General Schuylers Letter, which I have read.
          The utility of the plan which he recommends being altogether dependant upon the Canada expedition; and that being rather in contemplation than agreed upon, I think it will be necessary before I give any orders upon the matter to receive your Excellencys instructions upon that head.
          Your Excellency expressed a desire to have all the Battaues collected and repaird that were not in actual service, That are now upon the North River. I could wish to know where you would have them collected, and how soon to have the repairs compleated.
          As soon as your Excellency has determind in your own mind, the line of cantonment I could wish to receive a private intimation of it; because it would enable me to make many previous and necessary preparations, not explanatory of your Excellencys intentions. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellencys most Obedient humble Sert

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Nixon, 28 October 1778
From: Nixon, John
To: Washington, George

            Most respectful Sir
            Camp New milford [Conn.] 28th Octor 1778

          The Circumstances of my Family Is Such—as requires my imediat attention, which Leys me under the Disagreable Necessaty of Soliciting a furlough for a reasonable Time.
          It is with Grate reluctance I Trouble your Excellency at this time, and was not the Situation of my numerous Family Very Singuler, I should not have Done it. Colo. Graton—who is an able Good officer would Command the Brig[a]de in my absence.
          I Shall therefore, chearfully Submit my Request, to the Candor & Benevolence of him whose Tender fealings of Humanity, will ever Prompt to every Possible Indulgence, not Inconsistant with the Publick Interest and the Dignity of his Carecter. I have the Honr to be with the Gratest Esteem Your Excellencys most obedt and Very Humbe Servt

            Jno. Nixon B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Eleazer Oswald, 28 October 1778
From: Oswald, Eleazer
To: Washington, George

            May it please your Excellency,
            Philadelphia, 28th October 1778

          Your Letter of the 14th Instant was handed me last Evening. After sending my resignation to your Excellency, I waited some Days at Fredericksburg; an Answer, and unluckily your Note, requesting my Attendance at Head-Quarters, did not arrive ’till a few Hours after I had sett off for this Place, and which I did not receive till last Week—But General Knox, or Colonel Lamb, might have fully satisfied your Excellency with respect to my leaving Camp, where I could not possibly remain, and subject myself to the Commands of a junior Officer.
          If the Idea of resenting an Injury, or of not tamely submitting to a

            Degradation, or of not giving up all the rights of an Officer & Soldier, be erroneous? then I acknowledge that the Idea I have adopted, is erroneous—But it is a maxim, no less just, than general, he that will not contend for his own rights, as an Individual, will never defend the Rights of the Community.
          As to the Plan established by the Committee of Arrangement, I have examined it attentively, and cannot find by any One of the Resolutions—by the Articles of War—or by any Resolve of Congress, the Principle on which the Board has determined my Case, therefore must conclude, that they have established an unwarrantable, and arbitrary Precedent.
          I did not mean to say, that the recommendations of the Committee were not inserted in General Orders of the 15. September—but, that I thought myself intitled to a Sight of the Proceedings of the Board at large, and that the Report of the Board of General Officers of the whole Line, upon which the recommendations were founded, ought also to have been inserted—But as your Excellency seems disposed not to enter into the Merits of the Principles, on which the Decision of the Board was founded, I would not wish to intrude farther on this Head, except observing, that as your Excellency is invested with all mili<tary> Authority, an Impropriety of Conduct in an<y> Board of Officers, or the Complaints of Individuals, might be corrected, and adjusted: In my Instance I do not expect it, as I was compelled to relinquish the right of appealing for redress, before my Claims could even be taken into Consideration: And Justice could not be expected from a Board, (who could make a Demand so ruinous & destructive to the Privileges of a free Citizen & Soldier) the Majority of which, were Men, who came into the Service clothed with the Rights of senior Officers, and Men, who have been superceded, and have tamely submitted to the Indignity.
          I perfectly agree with your Excellency that it is much to be lamented that no Mode can be devised, to adjust Disputes about Rank to satisfy all parties—It is also to be lamented, that no fixt System has ever been adopted, as almost every Board have introduced a Mode of their Own—But a Mode of administring Justice, I think might have been establishd.
          I am much obliged to your Excellency for the concern you express at the Loss of a good Officer, to the Service; and I do assure you Sir, that nothing but Injustice, by depriving me of my right, and transferring it to another, determines me to leave the Army—In so disgraceful a Situation I am sure your Excellency would not wish an Officer to serve: And, notwithstanding, I have the highest Esteem and Regard for your Excellency, I am sorry to observe, that there has not been more Attention paid to many brave and deserving Officers.

          Colonel Lamb will settle my Accounts with the Public—I shall take the Liberty of inclosing my Commission to Congress, together with a just Representation of my Case, and my Reasons for resigning. I am, with all Respect, Your Excellency’s, most obedient and very humble Servant

            Eleazer Oswald


Title: General Orders, 29 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Thursday Octr 29th 78.
            Parole Holstein—C. Signs Hoebuck. Hopewell.

          The Commissary General of Issues is desired to issue one Gill of Rice Pr day to the Artificers in lieu of half a pound of flour un’till further orders.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 29 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters [Fredericksburg] 29th October 1778

          I have your favr of last evening. From present appearances and a variety of circumstances, I think we may conclude, that nothing can be done towards the Canada expedition this Winter. It appear<s> now, notwithstanding Genl Baileys assurances, that the Country, upon the head of Connecticut River, will afford but a scanty if any supply of provision. Genl Bailey has lately, upon a supposition that th<e> expedition would be carried on at all events, call<ed> upon the Commissary at Albany to send up supplies of flour from thence. This I shall forbid.
          I rather meant that the Batteaus should be collected than repaired, as I understand that they are much scattered. The place is not material, so it be above the Highlands. When they are collected, if the persons who have the care of them, know any thing of the business, they may repair them.
          Upon a full consideration of the subject, and a comparison of the opinions of the General Officers upon cantoning the Army for the Winter, I am led to fix upon three places—Danbury—West Point and its vicinities upon both sides the River—and Middle Brook in Jersey—At the first—I think we may determine upon two or three Brigades or thereabouts—At the others, the numbers will depend upon the Strength of the Enemy in New York this Winter. Should they, contrary to appearances and our expectations, remain there with their whole force, ours must be in proportion upon the North River; but should they send off the detachment which is now embarked, we may safely

            remove a greater number to Middle Brook than we would otherwise have done. There probably may be a Regiment or two thrown directly into the Clove near Sufferans where there are Barracks already built; and, if circumstances will admit, a Brigade at Albany &ca. But there being very good Barracks there also and that Country ordered not to be drained but in cases of necessity, you will have no preparations to make in that quarter.
          I think we may venture to assert the following position—That if the enemy do keep a Garrison at New York it will be of sufficient Strength to repel any attack that we can make with prudence during the Winter—I would therefore lay aside all thought of collecting our force suddenly for such a purpose and extend my views to more remote Cantonments than the above, should our necessities require it, and circumstances justify it.
          There are good Barracks at Trenton and Burlington, and the adjacent Country abounding in Wheat and Mills to manufacture it. All the troops stationed there being fed upon the spot, would consequently ease us in the article of carriage—our greatest difficulty.
          I hope I have said sufficient to explain my meaning and intentions generally. You may therefore be making the necessary previous preparations at the three capital Points. Mr Caldwell some little time ago, mentioned that there were very considerable quantities of salt and fresh Forage upon the Sound, which Colo. Biddle should immediately give orders to have removed to the foot of the Mountain, or at least so far from the Water, that it may be easily brought during the Winter to Camp. The necessity of reconnoitring proper positions for hutting will naturally strike you, and of collecting Tools, Boards, Stone and such materials as are requisite to make Barracks comfortable. I am Dear Sir Sincerely Yours

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 29 October 1778
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Fort Clinton [West Point, N.Y.] Oct. 29. 1778

          This Accompanys the weekly return of the Garrison—My information from York are that the Enemy have thireteen encampments on York, Island, the Hessians about fort Washington in Number—very few men in the other Camps—A very great number embarkd last Sunday—no Artillery to be Seen any where but in the Redouts, near 200 Sail of Vessells in the Harbour & at the Watering place—Delancy & Bayards N[ew] Levys embark’d—Quantitys of Merchant goods going on board—the Wood Cutters call’d in—a very Small guard in the House at P[aulus] Hook—no tents there—a report in the City that the Hessians are to be left as Garrison. your Excellencys mo: Ob. Servant

            W. Malcom


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 29 October 1778
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Richard Peters, 29 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Peters on 11 Nov.: “I have been honored with yours of the 19th 27th 28th and 29th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 29 October 1778
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Cambridge [Mass.] October 29th <1778>

          Having obtained permission, th<illegible> Major General Reidesel and Brigadier General Hamilton, <illegible> Captain Masters of the 24th Regiment British going to Your <illegible> Quarters he will have the honour of delivering Your Exc<elleny> this letter, and with it a letter to Sir Henry Clinton with <illegible> of various papers that have been written on the Subject <of > the march of the Troops of Convention from Masachuse<tts> Bay to Virginia.
          I have to request Your Excellency’s perm<ission> for Captain Masters carrying the Pacquet for Sir Henry Clinton to New York, and in the present urgency of <the> Situation I will hope he may be allowed to do it without delay.
          It is most fortunate for the Troops of Convention that the American Congress has impowered Your Excellency to govern this long and tedious March which must necessarily with every exerted endeavour and good intention of all Parties be attended with a number of disagreeable Circumstances, painfull hardship<s> and much trouble, but I most sincerely hope, and eve<ry> order shall be given out on my part for so good a purpose, free of every dispute: And you may depe<nd,> Sir, that the principal Officers and the Officers in gene<ral> will pay the utmost attention to good order and discipli<ne.>
          Allow me to assure You, Sir, there <is> no doubt of your good disposition, and we are convinced you will give such Instructions and Orders in the Conduct of this March that every Conveniency and Comfort may be afforded the Troops of Convention, and, above all, that Provision may never fail them upon the March.
          It would be superfluous to enter into the particulars of the necessary Detail upon this occasion; your good judgement and knowledge, Sir, in these matters will point out what may be required, and Your humanity and generosity will prompt you to give the necessary orders.

          In the present situation of things respecting the Troops of Convention I am led to trouble you, Sir, on a Subject which, otherwise, I should be silent upon—I mean my own Situation, and I will request to be informed whether it is intended that I should remain in my present confinement at Cambridge, or whether I am to move with the Troops of Convention—These are questions it would be improper in me to make to Major General Heath, but Your Excellency having the direct and positive power over the future destination of the Troops of Convention opens to me an intercourse with you, Sir, whose Character stands admired, even by those whom Publick Calamity and the unhappy disputes between America and Great Britain have compelled to be Your Enemies, and who view your private virtues in the fairest light.
          I, by no means, solicit to know how far the American Congress have entered into Major General Heath’s reasons for his Conduct towa<rds> me, nor whether at my Arrival at Virginia, if I am to be sent thither, I am to be continued or not in close confinement. I only wish to know if it is intended I should leave Cambridge and, if so when and how—I have necessarily a great deal of Baggage and a numerous Suite, and the Situation of the Aides de Camp and Staff Officers who compose my family will depend in a great measure upon what shall be done with me.
          Under this description allow me to request your orders upon this Subject.
          I will not plead inconvenience upon so long a journey nor the want of good health for I possess the latter so entirely as would render the journey of no Account—but I will honestly own a strong desire to visit my friends before I take my residence in Virginia which I acknowledge to view as a state of Exile that will necessarily continue for a long duration—I have, also, connextions in Great Britain from whom I have never been able to hear of fourteen Months which, with a total ignorance of my private affairs, makes me desirous of settling the latter, and of communicating once more freely with my friends and relations before I am fixed in my Retirement in Virginia.
          If these reasons appear to a Gentleman of your nice feelings of any force I will hope to receive passports for myself and Family agreeable to my request. If I do not I shall still be in the opinion that a Refusal will be painfull to you as a private Gentleman, however, in Your publick Character such refusal may have become Necessary; and I can, then, only lament that this unhappy War will not always allow the principles of Generosity to Operate.
          By the resolution of the American Congress, by which is given to you, Sir, an entire power over the troops of Convention, I apprehend, this application goes properly to Your Excellency; but Should I

            mistake, I will relie on Your Goodness to refer my request to the President of the American Congress, and that you will do it so as to render my having written to You on the Subject free of any intention of disrespect for Mr Laurens.
          I very particularly desire of you, Sir, to excuse this trouble I have given to Your Excellency.
          It is needless for me to say how anxiously I shall wish for the Return of Captain Bliss who accompanies this Express to Your Excellency. I have the honour to be, &c. &c.

            (Signed) W: Phillips


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 29 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Near Bedford [N.Y.] October 29th 1778

          Your Excellencys favour of the 27th came to hand the Same evening. it did not Surprise me atall to Hear that the troops that had imbarked (except the involeeds[)] Wear Still in the Bay. as I had never heard with certainty that they had saild, untill Your Excellency informd Me by letter of the 22d Inst. when I supposd they might Have droped down in the Night without my Observers Knoledg. but my observers did then & Still continue to inform me that the troops Supposd to be going to the West Indies are not Yet Saild. however I was led to believe that Your Excellency Must have had some better int[e]lligence from the Jerseys than I was able to git, and therfore directed all my Spies to make the inquiry as Your Excellency Directed respecting the total evacuation or not, the Corps left &c. I have not been able to git any Intelligence that could be depended on these two days Past—Colo. Gist who is now down Near the enemys Lines informs me that all the New Corps except Simcoes are marched for New York and that there are not more than

            one Hundred Stationd on this Side of the Bridg. but he is so awkward about these things that I am not able to know any of the particulars. one of my Spys who was Strongly recommended by Genl Morris returnd from the City last night after a Stay of twelve days He knows nothing or will not tell me any thing atall. I suspect he is a Rascal and shall treat him accordinly—I have Made particular inquiry about the Refugees petition But have not heard whether or not it has been deliverd. I have two very good men on long Island from whence I Expect the Best Intilligence possable every hour. but am Some what fearfull of the Storms preventing their passing the Sound. I have many others on both Sides the North River from their Long Silence I am proswaded that the enemy Are very Still as I am well assurd that if the enemy had Made any Movement they would give me notice as soon as possable—Deserters from the enemy are pruty numerous. Inclosd Your Excellency will receive Accounts from the most Intelligent among them.
          My unhappy Misfortuns make It indispensably Necessary that I should leave the armey in a few weaks. I therfore Conceive it my duty to give Your Excellency this early Notice that Matters may Be arranged Accordingly. it would be Needless for me to enter into a Long detale of this matter untill I Have the Honor of Seeing You. in Mean time be assurd Sir that it is not Choice but Mear Necessaty that Compells the Measure. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott

          P.s: Since writing the above I recd the inclosd letter from Majr Talmadge.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 29 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Elizabeth Town [N.J.] Octobr 29th 1778

          I have to Acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s two letters of the 24th and one of the 25th. I would have wrote yesterday but was

            every Moment in expectation of hearing of some Movement of the Enemy, They Yesterday Afternoon began, In the Afternoon two Men of War and fourteen Transports Came to an Anchor at the Hook from New York, at the Same time two large Ships appeared in the Offing. By all the Accounts I have [been] able to Collect for these three days past their Embarkation is almost Compleated, and it is now universally belived it is for the West Indies and Hallifax; I expect every Moment another Messenger from Amboy and the Hook and as soon as they Arrive shall inform you. the Current at New York is that Lord Cownwallis is to Command the troops to the West Indies. the Conjectures about a total evacuation are various many think it is to take, others say a Garrison is to be left, it is Certain Sir Henry Clinton has rejected the Scheme of the Refugees, and I fancy the report of their embodying the Militia on Long Island Arose from their endeavours to get [the] Association of the Refugees signed, but it meets with very little Success. Colonel Morgan is gone with Woodford’s Brigade to some place near the great Road from Morris Town to Kings ferry five or Six or Seven Miles South [of] Savarins where he will be Convenient for mending the Roads as well as guarding the pass.
          I shall enclose Rivingtons paper of the 24th with some papers I received Since my last. and Am your Most Humble Servant

            Stirling,

          Eleven oClo. Colonel Laurens is Just arrived in his way to Philadelphia.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 29 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

            Dear Sir,
            Head Quarters Fredericksburgh October 29th 1778

          I last night received your favour of the 26th with the inclosed paper of intelligence—Every thing that tends to show the state and

            expectations of the Garrison at Rhode Island is highly interesting at this eventful juncture. You will have found by my last, that the fleet which sailed from the Hook did not contain the embarkation as was supposed—These troops still lay in the bay by my last advices.
          I inclose you the copy of a resolution of Congress of the 22d instant which came to hand yesterday. I am with great regard and esteem Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Burwell Bassett, 30 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bassett, Burwell

            Dear Sir,
            Fredericksburg in the State of New YorkOctober 30th 1778

          By Mr Custis I took the liberty of requesting the favor of you to set a value upon the Stock of every kind belonging to me at Claibornes except the Horses & Plantation Utensils which I gave him—I have since wrote to him (of this date) proposing that he shd take all the Corn, wheat, & Provender for the Cattle, so soon as it can be ascertained, at such prices as you shall affix; and if he agrees to it, I shall be much obliged to you for conferring this additional favor on me. It will be better for both of us that there should be but one Interest on the Plantation; & that the property thereon should not be seperated wch necessarily would be the case if he was to stock it for the use of the Negroes & Cattle, while the Grain & provender raised thereon remained mine, & kept distinct from his waiting for occasional Markets. The Cotton I expect Mrs Washington will require for her own Use; and I hope, and trust, that the Tobacco will be stripped, prized, and Inspected with all the dispatch possible; after which, & paying Davenport his share, I have directed Mr Hill to put the rest into your hands, & shall be obliged to you for selling it for me in the same manner & at the same time you do your own.

          I shall make no appology My dear Sir for giving you this trouble, especially as Mrs Washington in a late Letter informs me that you have been so obliging as to assure her, that you would readily render me any services of this kind in your power, which indeed I had no doubt of before, or I should not have asked assistance of you.
          I have understood that some choice Bull-calves of the English kind were selected at Claibornes to breed from—I beg you to accept one of the best as a present from me—These Being descended from Mr Custis’s English Bull are much more valuable than common Calves of the same age, inasmuch as they will improve the breed.
          We still remain in a disagreeable State of Suspence respecting the Enemys determinations—there are reasons for and against a total evacuation of New York. I ought rather to have said—there are circumstances & evidence for and against it—for reason will allow no alternative so clearly does it point out the propriety of relinquishing their Ideal projects of bringing the United States to their terms. A few days must, I think unfold their views as they have been, & now are busily Imployed in imbarking Troops, Stores, &ca most of which have fallen down to Sandy hook. The West Indies is the supposed place of destination for this Armament. My Compliments to all enquiring friends. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Affecte friend & Obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 30 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

            Dear Sir,
            Fredericksburg Octr 30th 1778.

          The Letter herewith sent for Mr Hill is left open for your perusal; after reading which, Seal & cause it to be safely delivered. He will find my sentiments fully expressed, and I hope will make no further appeals to me on the Subject of his Wages.
          You had better take the whole Crop of Corn Fodder &ca so soon as measured, at such a price as Colo. Bassett shall fix, and if the same thing was done respecting the wheat, it would be best also to avoid a divided Interest; and distracting the attention of the Overseer between your property & mine in order to keep it seperate on the Plantation,

            and in the Sale of it. The Tobacco I expect, & hope you will positively direct Davenport to carry to the Warehouse as soon as possible, that it may not be wasted, or in any degree be injured by keeping it on hand.
          When it is inspected it is my wish that his share be immediately given to him, & my part put into the hands of Colo. Bassett to be sold at such times, & for such prices as his judgment shall direct. If you do not incline to take the Corn and Wheat upon the terms mentioned before, I beg that it may be immediately sold so soon as it is out of the Shuck, & Straw; as I would not wish to have it lay in Barns or Corn houses five days my property, in expectation of a good Market, if it can be tolerably well sold at the time and in the manner I have mentioned having little expectation that Davenport after his connexion with me ceases, will give that attention to my property as he would to those on whom he immediately depended for his place & employment. The Cotton I presume your Mother will want; it should therefore be got in order to come round when you shall find occasion to send your vessell to Potomack.
          We are yet in a State of suspence respecting the Enemys intentions of Evacuating New York wholly, or in part. circumstances daily arising to justify one in the adoption of either opinion—A considerable Imbarkment of Troops has actually taken place, & is still continuing—150 Transports are now at the hook ready for Sea—a few days therefore must, I should think develop Sir Harrys designs. I have no doubt as I have mentioned in my former Letter, that the West Indies is their object. My Love to Nelly—& Compliments to all friends—I am Yr Affecte

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 30 October 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Head Quarters Boston 30th Octr 1778

          At the pressing request of Brigadier General Hamilton, I have given permission to Captain Masters of the 24th Regiment, British, attended by Captain Bliss to proceed to your Excellency to receive your further orders, with respect to a packet with which he is intrusted, addressed to General Sir Henry Clinton.
          As Major General Phillips intends writing to your Excellency, prehaps respecting his particular situation, which Letter I shall not have

            an oppertunity of seeing, I would beg leave just to observe, that after my restricting him, on the 18th of June to the Limits of his House, Yards & Gardens, in consequence of a Letter wrote by him on the 17th consequent on the unfortunate death of Lieutenant Brown, which restrictions were approved by the Honorable Congress, the whole of which has been notorious to your Excellency. I requested of the Hon[orabl]e President of Congress his opinion how long it was expected that I should continue these restrictions; in a Letter which I had the honor to receive from him of the 13th of Sept. he expresses himself as follows

          “I apprehend Congress conclude that you will
          continue in force your Order respecting Major
          General Phillips until he shall have made such
          concessions as shall be satisfactory to your own
          honor as Commanding officer of a Department in
          the service of the United States.”

          Instead of receiving any concessions from Major General Phillips respecting his first Conduct in the case of Lieut. Brown, I have since received several Letters containing such expressions, as I have thought it impossible with propriety and consistant with the honor & dignity of my Country, to transact public business with him, and accordingly, on the fifth of October I issued an order of which the inclosed is copy, putting in effect, what, from personal regard I omitted when I first restricted him to his Quarters on the 18th of June.
          Capt. Masters being in hast prevents my sending Copies of some of Genl Phillips’s Letters, which I will forward by the next oppertunity; they may prehaps arrive before your Excellency writes Genl Phillips an answer; of their propriety or impropriety, and also of my conduct thereon your Excellency’s wisdom will determine.
          I am this moment honored with the receipt of yours of the 25th and one for His Excellency Count d’Estaing. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

            W. Heath

          p.s. Capt. Bliss who accompanies Capt. Masters wishes to be informed whether he is exchanged or not.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 30 October 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Lafayette, c.30 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Vice Admiral d’Estaing on 31 Oct.: “I received a letter yesterday from the Marquis.”