Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 21 March 1778
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 21st March 1778

It is with no small degree of surprize I learn that the Trumpeter attending the Serjeant of Light Dragoons, who was the bearer of my Letter to you of the 19th instt has been detained with his Horse & Accoutrements without any Reason being given for so extraordinary a proceeding further than by signifying upon a Scrap of Paper not signed by any one, that he is a Deserter from your Army. The Fact alledged is unknown to me and in the present case perfectly immaterial. He is a Trumpeter in the Kings Service, and the Sacred Character in which he was sent out, should by the universal Practice of War have protected him from every possible Cause of apprehension while acting in that Character. Wherefore, Sir, I do most peremtorily demand that the Trumpeter be immediately sent in with his Horse and Accoutrements; and that the officer who detained him (whose name I understand is Brooks) be reprimanded for his Presumption. I must also request you will be pleased to give your directions that a Commissioned Officer, if there is one at the Post, where my Letters are delivered, may acknowledge the Receipt of them.
I expected that Serjeant McMahon of the 17th Light Dragoons, and Serjeant Cameron of the 42d Regiment of Foot, would have been sent in as soon as the unjustifiable manner of their being taken came to your knowledge. It is now certain they are confined in Lancaster Jail, and I call upon you a Second time to restore these Men to their Liberty, or at least to assign the real Cause of their Detention. I am with due Respect Sir, Your most Obedient Servant

(signed) W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 21 March 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Camp Doylestown [Pa.] March 21st 1778

I have just recd your favour the 20th Inst. I have ordered my Horse some days since (which is fifteen in number) on the different Roads, to keep pretty low down, in order to prevent the Quakers going into the City, I have ordered them, if they refuse to stop when hailed to fire upon them, and to leave their Corps laying in the Road—I shall detach other parties of foot immediately on the different roads.
The Cumberland Militia leaves me this day the York in a few days.
Inclosed is a return of my Brigade, I am doing everything in my power to move the flour from the Mills near Newtown. I am Dear Sir your Excellency’s Most obet Hble Servt

John Lacey jur


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 21 March 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
21st March 1778.

My last to your Excellency was under the 15th by Sharp in which I had acknowledged the receipt of Your Excellency’s favours of the 7th 8th & 12th & which I now repeat because I have heard nothing since,

of that Man who in common course should have been at Camp on the 16th. within three days past I have had the honour of presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s several dispatches of the 14th 16th & 17th. those of the 7th 8th & 12th are still in the hands of a Committee from whom may be expected a special Report respecting the many opprobrious terms & epithets scattered throughout the Papers from Sir Willm Howe, applied to the good people of these United States & to their Representatives in Congress, which were heard by the House with great Indignation—from expressions of sentiment by Members on all sides, it appears to be the general opinion, that such papers should have been marked with the contempt of an immediate return.
Your Excellency will be pleased to receive within the present Inclosure three Acts of Congress—
1. 18th March—Authorizing Your Excellency to settle a general Cartel & to proceed to an Exchange of Prisoners.
2. 19th—for adjusting the Rank of Brig: Generals Woodford, Muhlenberg, Scott Weedon respectively.
3. 21st for confirming the powers vested in Majr General McDougal by Your Excellency & for other purposes.
I have the honour to be With the highest Esteem & Regard &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Charles Lewis, 21 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Charles

Sir.
Head Qrs Valley Forge 21st March 1778.

Your favor of yesterday was duly received. It gave me great pain to find that you were solicitous to resign your Commission. I hope you

will think better of the matter and consider the fatal consequences that must necessarily attend so many resignations. This proceeding in the line at large, I have sensibly felt; but that the resignations in the Virginia line should exceed—greatly exceed those in that of any other State, distresses me in a more peculiar manner. There are none among us, who do not experience great inconveniences from the service—but are we to quit? What the consequences will be are obvious to all. Officers wishing to retire have frequently observed, that there would be enough left, and therefore that the want of their services could not be material. Those who reason thus pay themselves but an ill compliment, as they evidently confess, that others possess more virtue⟨—⟩ more attachment to the great and common cause than they themselves do. If there are hardships attending the service, why should not all equally share in them? Why are they more severely felt by the Virginia line, than any other? Look, my good Sir, and reflect on the shock it has already sustained. You I would fain flatter myself will not increase it. I am with respect Sir Your most Obet servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 21–22 March 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Trenton 21[–22] March 1778

I am just now honoured with your favour of the nineteenth—As it is impossible to guess to what particular part of the State the Enemy’s detachment you mention will direct their operations, and as the tract of Country in which we carry on the manufactury of Salt (if that be their object) is very extensive, it is exceedingly difficult to issue any orders to the Militia upon the Occasion. I have therefore only sent the Intelligence to the Coast to spread the Alarm, and put people on their guard as generally as the time will permit.
Not knowing whether Collo. Blaine is at C⟨am⟩p or not, or where to direct to him, I take the Liberty ⟨to⟩ inclose his Letter to your Excellency, which is upon a Subject of considerable importance to the public,

I mean the pointing out to him to procure Affidavits of such facts relative to Mr Leaming’s demand for a quantity of salt taken from him by Commissary Hugg (his complaint having been referred by the Treasury Board to the Governor and executive Council of this State) which I apprehend will greatly conduce to retrench Mr Leaming’s demand, which I confess appears to me at present very exorbitant.
Accidentally hearing that the woman; whose deposition I inclose you, was in this neighbourhood, and could give a particular account of the treatment of our Prisoners in Philadelphia, I thought it my duty to send for her & furnish your Excellency with her affidavit, thinking it might be of use upon some occasion or other—As her husband is now a Prisoner in New york, she beggd me that her name should not be published at length, which I was obliged to promise her before she consented [to] be sworn.
22d March Dear Sir Since writing the above, I received by express a Letter of which I inclose you a Copy—I had yesterday ordered two Classes of the four Battalions of Hunterdon, & of Collo. Wests Battalion of Sussex, and Capt. Clun’s artillery company to reinforce Collo. Ellis, & directed him to call out two classes of the Burlington, Gloucester Salem & Cumberland Militia—But considering how slowly the Militia generally collect, I fear they will not be able to give any seasonable Relief; & both Salem & Gloucester are miserably infected with Tories. I entirely submit the matter to your better Judgment what assistance you are able to afford us in addition to Collo. Shreve’s Regiment, for which you have my hearty acknowledgments—I have the honour to be with the greatest Esteem Your Excellencys most humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 21 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 21st March 1778.

This will be delivered to you by Colonel de la Radiere of the Corps of Engineers, who was employed to superintend the fortifications on the North River—but from some misunderstanding between him and the late commanding Officer, in which he thought his own honour and the public interest were committed, he determined to renounce the work, and return to Camp—I can safely recommend him to you as an Officer who understands his profession, and make no doubt of his giving you satisfaction both in projecting and executing the works required for the defence of the River.

I have given instructions to Major General de la fayette to order Van Schoiks Regiment to march and join you without loss of time. With great regard I am Dear Sir Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 21 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McIntosh, Lachlan

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 21st March 1778.

Having recd information that a considerable number of the Enemy both Horse and Foot have advanced as far as Hickory Town upon the Wissahicken Road, you are immediately to cross the Schuylkill with the detatchment under your command and endeavour to discover the number, situation and intention of the Enemy. I have recd information that a large drove of 500 Cattle are upon their way from Sherrards Ferry upon Delaware and it is more than probable that the intention of the Enemy may be to carry them off. Colo. Nagle who will be with you knows the Country well and will provide a number of good Officers likewise well acquainted with it. It will be proper to send an Officer to meet the Cattle and to order them to be kept pretty high up and by observing the Rout of the Enemy it will be easy to keep between them and the Cattle. If you should find their numbers and situation such that you can attack them to advantage, I expect you will do it, but that I leave to your judgment & the Intelligence you shall rec[eiv]e.
As this is the time of one of the Quakers general Meetings, it is more than probable that many of that Society will be going into Philada. If you fall in with any of them, I desire they may be stopped, and turned back and their Horses taken from them—Be pleased to inform me of your proceedings—I wish you success and am Sir Yr most obt Servt.

P.S. There is a Gentleman on the other side of the River, Colo. Corry, perfectly acquainted with every Road. send to him and he will attend you instantly, and will be very useful to you.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Mason, 21 March 1778
From: Mason, David
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Head Quarters W[illiam]sburg 21st Mar. 1778

I Greatly fear my long Silence to your Excellency from this Quarter may be Imputed to a want of Duty as well as respect to your Desire & High Station, Permit me Sir, in the warmth of my Soul to tell You that I have Often reflected on this Matter & from a Multiplicity of Business I have on hand which Many worthy Officers will Testifie ⟨of me⟩, that I have not a single Moment to Enjoy myself or to write to my dearest Connections in Life Amongst whom were I not to Consider Yrself I shoud be an Enemy to my Country & to mankind in General & I have only to Pray for Yr intire happiness & that You may Long Live to wear those Laurels Your Merit Justly intitles You to.
I am may it Please Your Excellency now to give You the Best Accounts Im able of the State of Affairs in this Quarter & after having done so—shoud I Meet with Your Approbation, I shall be happy & rejoice that all my Endeavours & Fatigues in this Quarter have been Spent to Purpose, Your Excellency no doubt knows & have been informed of the Number of Recruits to be raised by the Late Draught act Two Thousand is the Number, How Many of them we may be Able to get to Camp is uncertain, I have’g in Conjunction with the Govr & Council Ordered all the New Levies as well as those reinlisted & the remaining Draughts of the Former Act of May 77 to March on to Alexandria & to George Town in order to go thro as Early as Possabl ⟨for⟩ Innoculation as well as to be there Properly Clothed, & that they March the Most Direct Routs to those places, the Troops from the Southwd of James River Brunswick & below have tollerably well come in as well as Great Numbers of the Draughts of May Last as well as some other D[e]serters, from this if other Parts of our Country Act the same Part I shall hope for a tollerable reinforcement to Your Excellency & most Devoutly wish it so as to Crown You with Everything thats due You—we Last Friday Marched 250 State Troops & about 150 Contl from this Station on to Alexandria, we have now about fifty ⟨More Here⟩ to march on Tuesday & Wednesday & I Every Day Expect about fifty more from the Southward of James River, I shall not be wanting in my duty to send on all Troops as soon as they Possably can be in readiness & Agreable to Ordrs from the Board of War. I Am to Acqt Your Excellency that the Govr & Council

have been pleased to Appoint Captain James Mason of the 15th regt (who came Home for the Recovery of his Health) a Lt Colo. in the Volunteer Service Expecting from his Popularity it may have the Good Effect to Raise a Number of Men and in Consequence of that Appointment he has Desired me to Acqt Yr Excellency of his resignation as Captain in the regt as above, that Captain Arthur Smith of the 4th Virga regt come to me a few Days Since & also Desired to resign he left me a Letter enclosing his reasons for so doing these I beg Leave to Inclose You & to have Your Instructions on these Officers whether Officers have a right or ought to resign without Your or the Congresses Permission, I am also to Acqt you that I am Applied to by his Excellency the Govr for to Furnish him with a Captain two Lieutts & an Ensign who are to take Charge of Sixty Odd Men in Contl ⟨Service⟩ & to be Stationed on the Eastern Shore, I never Asked the Govr but I Presume that Yourself or the Congress must have Directed this Matter & therefore shall think it my duty to Comply with it, and when done shall Embrace the Earliest opportunity of Acqting You who those Officers Are, I Am to Intreat of Your Excellency to acqt me whether there are not a Resolve of Congress giving a Power to the Commanding Officer in ⟨Contl Service⟩ in any of the United States to Put in Execution the Sentence of a General Court Martial for Shooting or otherwise taking the Life of a Culprit Contemned for desertion &c. I think I have seen such a Resolve & wish to be rightly inform’d as we have one if not two of those Unhappy Men who I shoud be wanting in Duty to my Country not to make Examples of if Contemned by a Genl Court Martial, having Repeatedly Deserted & seduced others to like Practice & I fear my Feelings for those Unhappy Creatures may in some Measure have been Att[e]nded with inconsequences but when I know Your Humanity & Goodness of Heart, I am satisfied, that If I have Erred Youl be pleased to Excuse it, since it is on the safe side, but in the Instances of one or two I now have Here Justice Demands of me that Examples be made of them, And I most Earnestly intreat of Your Excellency to give me Your Particular Instructions, Permit me sir, to Observe to you that from the repeated desertions amongst us in this Quarter that Great Numbers have till Lately been sculking about harboured by their Friends & altho a law inflicting Penaltys for Harbouring them as well as a law to Oblige the Militia Officers to Apprehend them, yet they have never been taken nor woud they until now had not it been to Exempt Many from the Present Draught & I can with Truth say that my Country Men gain no Credit in it & that Laws were never more Abused than the Present as well as the Former Laws for Draughting, Such Objects have been Drawn Subject to Service as a Million of them woud not Enable You to Effect Your wishes with the Enemy.

I coud wish that Your Excellency woud Permit me to Point out in the Different Quarters of the State a few Honest Hardy Men with Powers to go from County to County in Search of those Unhappy Men whose Desertion has in a very ⟨Sensible⟩ Degree injured our Cause & Obliged the Measures to be adopted which are now to be Pursued, for in order to Justifie themselves they Accuse the Officers of ill Treatment & want of Justice done them & this Strikes Such an Impression on the Minds of the Populace as none or very few inlist voluntarily.
I Have now Sir, to relate to you my unhappy Situation Mrs Mason my Lady has been & still is So Reduced with a violent attack of the Rheumattick Complaint that from Early in December until this day she has not been able to Set a foot to the Floor, in this Unhappy Condition with four small children about her, no one to Afford Her that Assistance & Care as is Due from An affectionate & Tender Husband, my Little children as it were orphans Destitute of Friends, or at Least of Parents. I am 70 Miles from Her and Seldom at Liberty to go to her I have wrote to Congress for to get Permission to Have some Little respit from this Station when there are not the Most Pressing Occasions and also am to Intreat of Your Excellency that should I be obliged to Absent myself for a week or Ten Days at a time when but Little to do that you woud not Impute it to neglect or want of Duty in me, & be Assured Dr Sir, that I never will Neglect a Duty I owe to Yourself or my Country, nor do I Entertain the Most Distan[t] wish for a Resignation, but shoud the Congress refuse me this Request & Mrs Mason Continue in her Present Situation I Leave it to Your own feelings whether Humanity, Gratitude & the Duty I owe to her ought not to Demand of me more Attention to her welfare—I can with Candour & I call on my maker to witness I no Longer wish an Existance then I can be Free, That ⟨Honour⟩ may Prosper Your Endeavours & Crown You with Success is and Ever shall be the hearty Pray of Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servt

David Mason Colo. 15th reg.

P.S. Thomas Whitehorn a Young Man in Captain Masons Company in my Regt inlisted for one Year & can not at the time of Inlistment be Prevailed on to inlist for a Longer time, he was only to have the Twenty dollars Bounty his Year was up Last Month, I wrote to Colo. Innis on his acct, Innis Coming away & the Young Mans not returng to his Friends Induces me to write Your Excellency on his Acct not Doubting of Your Justice to Accquit him. I Am Yr Excellencys Mo. Obed. Humble sert

David Mason Colo. 15th regt


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 21 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 21st March 1778

I have your favr of the 20th: I think the Steps you are taking in regard to removing what Forage can be carried off and destroying what

cannot, are very proper—As it is more than probable that the Enemy will attempt a stroke at you with a superior Force, nothing more ought to be kept at the post than is absolutely necessary. I would therefore have you immediately send four pieces of your Artillery with the Ammunition Waggons belonging to them to this Camp, reserving the four pieces that are lightest.
I desire you will write to Maryland to have the Recruits sent on to join their respective Regs. as fast as they are raised. The sooner they join the less is the loss from stragling and deserting. Added to this we are in great want of Men.
Be pleased to say whether you recd the Swords and Pistols that were returned and what is the Cost of the Articles I retained. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

My Lord,
Valley Forge Mar. 21st 1778.

In answer to your favor of this date give me leave to say that I am well pleased at the termination of your corrispondance with Colo. Wilkinson—I sent for that Gentn after the conversation had with your Lordship, & showed him the Letters wch Mr Harrison furnished you with a sight of. he seemed a good deal surprized at G——s’s Letters & was not at all sparing in his abuse of him & C——y.
The arrangement of the two Regiments, as Inclosed by you, will be perfectly agreeable to me, & must, I fancy, be so to the Comee; unless it should interfere with any general Plan they may have in view for the reduction of the sixteen additional Battalions.
The sooner you can furnish the Characters of the four Pensa Regiments in your Division the better; as Genls Reed and Wayne are, I believe, upon that business with the whole Pensa. Line.
Colo. Burr must wait till more field Officers return to Camp before he leaves it. the daily application for discharges and furloughs distresses me beyond measure. I am sorry to hear of your indisposition but hope it will soon go of. I am Yr Lordships most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Upon re-examing the arrangemt you Inclosed, I find 1st & 2d Leiutts wch are not to be in the New Establishment. I also perceive that all the Officers nearly, are taken from Malcolms Regt. Is this agreeable to Spencer?


Title: To George Washington from Colonel John Hoskins Stone, 21 March 1778
From: Stone, John Hoskins
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Annapolis March 21st 1778.

From my present situation I cannot flatter myself that I shall ever be able to take the field as an officer, as yet I cannot walk without my Crutches, nor shall ever be able to walk well, my command will be so very small that it will not entitle me to ride, and as my Regiment must suffer much for the want of a field officer, I shall, if ever, not be able to take the field ’till after the ensueing Campaign and by holding my Commission I may prevent the promotion of some good officer—for these and other reasons I must beg your Excellency’s permission to retire from the army whenever my health and Situation will permit I shall always think it the greatest honor and it is the utmost of my wishes to Serve my Country where your Excellency commands.
I had the honor to receive your favor of the 8th ulto relative to Colo. Smiths taking charge of my Regiment and communicated it to Colo. Smith by the first opportunity—with the greatest regard & respect I have the honor to be Your Excellencys very obt Hume Sert

J.H. Stone


Title: General Orders, 22 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Sunday March 22nd 1778.
Beverly—Buxton Brent.

As a System of easy Manœuvres and Exercise is to be introduced with a view of establishing Uniformity in these points throughout the Army the Commanding Officers of Brigades and Regiments are desired to discontinue exercising & manœuvring their men by way of instruction until new regulations shall be distributed—Such Evolutions and Exercise as are indispen[s]ibly necessary in the ordinary Camp duties may in the mean time be performed according to the accustomed methods.
The prices of the following Articles, Rum, French Bra[n]dy, Gen, Spirits and Cyder Royal not being rated in the general orders of 26th January last, the venders of these Articles have taken advantage and therefore sell them at the most exorbitant rates. The Brigadiers and officers commanding Brigades are desired to meet at General Woodford’s Quarters on tuesday morning at ten ôClock and regulate the prices of the above.
Adjutant General to purchase all Arms and Accoutrements of deserters, and no other Person.
Captain Seely is appointed Brigade Major vice, Brigade Major McGowin who is to act as Brigade Inspector, in the second Pennsylvania Brigade.
A return of Drums and Fifes wanting in the several Brigades to be given in to the Adjutant General tomorrow at orderly-time.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Armand, 22 March 1778
From: La Rouërie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir.
[York, Pa., c.22 March 1778]

the time Employed by the congress to determine Some thing upon the affairs of the marquis de la fayette, gave me an opportunity of Speaking for myself; i have asked from the board of war Some money to recruit & three Commissions for the officers whom i did take with me in albany being approved of it by your Excellency: it has been requested from me to tell what kind of recruits i did intended to Enlist; i answered any one i can, even Some deserters, that having demanded the leave of it to the Hble the congress, i had been referred to your Excellency; & that you was So good as to grant me the leave of Compleating my regiment even in Enlisting Some few deserters if i could not meet with a Sufficient number of other men; farther that your Excellency did explain his intention respecting me to the Marquis de la Fayette & in consequence of these that i had Send Mr de Verigny my Lt Col. & two other officers to Boston to recruit there, my intention being to join myself to them as Soon as i Could.
General Gates after many visits i have had the honour of paying to him as well as to the board of war, told me that, having once left my regiment, i wanted Some new orders from your Excellency to rise an other; i answer’d him that i could not present him any Such order in writing from you, but that you had given them to me in presence of the marquis de La fayette, giving me at the Same time leave of taking again with me two of my officers who have Served the whole Campaign with me as lieutenants, & for whom i demand the Commission of captains which i did promised to them after the promise of it had been made to me by the Marquis de la Fayette. notwithstanding all what i could represent, General gates has insisted on my going to your Excellency to ask his orders & a line concerning the desertors, & that afterwards he would Comply with my requests. may i beg from your Excellency to grant me those two favours, & to return me the Command of my regiment; from that troop depends the facility with which i may recruit, & also the manner in which i shall make this present campaign. i intreat your Excellency to Send me his orders the Soonest possible, as i am excessively desirous to be able at the beginning of the campaign of taking Every opportunity to prove my zeal & to deserve your applause which is the only reward i am Sincerely wishing to obtain. i have the honour to be With Every Sentiment of respect of your Excellency the most Humble & most obedt Servant.

Col. Armand

P.S. i shall do my Self the Honour of waiting upon your Excellency to take his answer in my return to Albany.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Gibson, 22 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gibson, George

Sir,
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 22d March 1778

I am favor’d with yours of the 19th I desire that the British Serjeants, their Horses, arms & accoutrements may be sent down by the first party that marches after the receipt of this. The Party that took them have no right to any thing belonging to them. Plunder taken from the Enemy where any risk is run is given to the captors, but that could not have been the case when there were only two men and they in the heart of the Country. Harvey is not by any means to be permitted to enter the service, he is a very great Villain and shou’d be sent out of the way.
The British Prisoners who are sick, should not be mixed in the Hospitals with our men, the commissary of Prisoners must provide some place where they may be taken care of by themselves, the less intercourse they have with the Troops the better.
If camp Kettles are wanted the Dy Qr should apply to Major Genl Greene who is appointed to the Office of Qr Mr Gl for them or any other Articles he may want. I am Sr yrs &c.

G.W.

P.S. Order the Serjts to stop at the Wt. Horse and let me be informed of it.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 22 March 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston March 22d 1778

I received the honor of yours of the 27th Ultimo per Capt. Gooch; shall communicate your advice to Brigr Genl Learned immediately.
Colo. Lee has been anxiously waiting an answer to his request for leave to resign his Commission, and was much disappointed on finding that your Excellency had not mentioned it in your last, He has beg’d of me again to renew his request for leave to resign, representing that his private Interest will be ruined unless it be granted, and that duty to himself & family constrain him to urge the matter, and begs that his resignation may be accepted as soon as may be.
Congress have given Lieut. Anstruther leave to go to Rhode Island to negotiate an exchange for himself, but have restricted it to Colo. Ethan Allen unless he should have been exchanged for Lt Colo. Campbell. They have also directed me to acquaint Lord Napier and any other Officer who may apply for liberty to go within the Enemy’s posts to negotiate a personal Exchange, that Congress do not think it expedient to continue to grant passports for that purpose, as such exchanges may be effected in the customary way. Lord Napier being exceeding anxious to be exchanged. I would sollicit your Excellency’s assistance to effect it. his rank is no more than that of a Lieutenant.
Lieut. Genl Burgoyne will go home in a few days. We are now preparing the Accounts for settlement; he is to replace a considerable quantity of the provisions which I think is a happy circumstance in our favor at this time.
I am surprised at the Accounts, which I see in letters wrote by Gentlemen in the Army, of the great nakedness of the Troops, and that little or no Cloathing has arrived. Large Quantities of Cloathing have been long since sent from hence and receipts received of its safe delivery at Fish Kill—what can have become of it?
We are here suffering every inconvenience imaginable on account of the want of money. And permit me Sir to express my own sentiments that without a change of our present System with respect to the Army, Finances and Magazines, I fear we shall have but little to boast of. We must have a permanent Army. Promiscuous Crouds (for they cannot be called Soldiers until they are disciplined) hurried into the Field for a few months, a considerable part of which time spent in marching to & from the Camp, & when they are there uninured to the fatigues and hardships of the Field they soon contract the disorders incident in Armies, grow disspirited, sicken—many die, & those that return, being often weak & ematiated, are a discouragement to those who are next to turn out. Neither can we in the Field depend on those

temporary Levies to make a formal and close attack on Veteran Soldiers, nor is this all, by these frequent Drafts the Fields are left uncultivated, or Crops ungathered, the Peasants discouraged, the Supplies of the Army straitened, Magazines empty and the prices of provisions severely felt by the Community at large. There must my, dear General, be a revision of the present mode of carrying on the War. The men must be engaged for so long time at least as will allow their being formed Soldiers. for permit me to assert that those who view discipline as a matter of but little or no consideration will, ere the War is finished, be convinced that it is of the highest importance. Your Excellency is also sensible that the having Magazines of provisions, Cloathing &c. sufficient for the exigencies of the Army properly deposited, and the Finances so certain as to defray the necessary expences of every Campaign seasonably, are as essential to the keeping an Army on Foot, or rendering it formadable, as its numbers or discipline. It is undoubtedly in our power, with a common blessing, to crush our Enemies, I wish I was convinced that we were pursuing the most happy way at present to effect it. Pardon me Sir in this obtrusion—concern for my Country has compelled me to write thus much—I sincerely feel for you who must experience the keenest sensations on the review of our situation which every day must present itself to you.
Inclosed is a request from Major Swasey (a good Officer) for leave to resign his Commission. I have the honor to be With great respect Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servant

W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Colonel James Hendricks, 22 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hendricks, James

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 22d March 1778.

Lieut. Colo. Parker has made application to be appointed to the command of the first Virginia Regiment said to be vacant by your resignation: But as that resignation has not been made to me in proper form, I do not think myself at liberty to fill the vacancy without having it from yourself. I shall expect your answer by return of post or sooner if a good opportunity offers, because if Colo. Parker is to have the Regiment he is anxious to be at the head of it, that he may make use of his time in training it. I am &c.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hubley, Jr., 22 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hubley, Adam Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 22d March 1778.

I recd yours of the 19th inclosing proceedings of a Court Martial against Docr Smith. Some of the facts do not appear to me well supported by the evidence. I have made my remarks against such as are doubtful. If, upon the hearing, the proofs appeared to you to be satisfactory, I desire that the Sentence may be confirmed.
As the Court have no more Business it may be dissolved. And if the time for which you obtained leave of Absence is expired I would wish you to join your Regiment, as the Army is going to be put under a new System of Maneuvre and Discipline. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 22 March 1778
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Pottsgrove [Pa.] the 22nd of March 1778

Your Excellencys letter of the 17th instt I had the honour to receive. I shall with the greatest readiness and pleasure obey at all times Your Excelly command, and should now have attented again according to Your Excelly order, was I not fully persuated, Thro’ a long experience in old armys, that when the Departments are filled up without placing the Acting persons either in their stations or raising them according to their merits, it is generally understood that their Service is to be at an End. Tho’ I could have expected that my passed Services, and pains in endeaviour to execute faithfully every brange of Duty, would have been taken Notice of: I experienced allso of late a great alteration and suffered Severall blames, which did not belong to me, nor could orriginate thro’ my Neglect. This made me take the Resolution to give no further Troubles, besids before I declared my Intention. General Sullivan was So polite to take my Waggon by force, and Now my quarter is occupied, so that I have no place to act in. And as I hear the acting Deputys are Nominated I hope Your Excelly will be pleased to excuse my not attending for that short time. but if your Excelly think me fit to act in any other Line, and will honour me with Your Recommendation to the Honorable Congress I shall be ready to receive the proposition: And if I never receive a place; I shall allways retain the highest Teneration and respect for Your Excellencys favours and Friendship, and have the honour to remain all my life time with the profoundest respects Your Excellencys Most obediend and Most humble Servt

H. E. Lutterloh


Title: From George Washington to Brig. Gen. Lachlan McIntosh, 22 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: McIntosh, Lachlan

Letter not found: to Brig. Gen. Lachlan McIntosh, c.22 Mar. 1778. On 23 Mar., McIntosh wrote GW from Spring House Tavern, “I recd your orders ⅌ Express this Morning one o’Clock & in obedience to them returned on my way to Camp thus far.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Proctor, 22 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Proctor, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 22d March 1778.

I have yours of the 19th inclosing sundry papers relating to a dispute between Major Forrest and Colo. Crane, founded upon an Arrest of Capt. Proctor. I had heard of this matter before, as Colo. Crane had laid before me a letter from Major Forrest to him, which he conceived couched in very improper terms from an inferior to his commanding

Officer. I refused to give any opinion upon the subject, but desired Colo. Crane to dissolve the Court whereof Major Forrest was president and arrest him, that the matter might be impartially determined by a general Court Martial of the line.
I will just add that as nothing gives me more pleasure than to determine any points that are amicably submitted to me by the Gentlemen of the Army, so nothing gives me more pain than the frequency of complaints that are made and differences of various kinds that happen among a set of Men embarked in the same great cause, who ought rather to cultivate harmony than break out into dissentions upon almost every occasion that offers. If, as I have hinted above, matters cannot be amicably settled, a Court of enquiry or a Court Martial is the resort, and it is therefore improper to bring the dispute before me, because I am ultimately to give my opinion upon a revisal of the Evidence and allegations of both parties. I am Sir Yr most obt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 22 March 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Albany March 22d 1778

On the 20th Instant I had the honor to receive Your Excellencys letter to the Commissioners for Indian Affairs In this department and have already dispatched Copies to Mr Duane and Mr Edwards.
The treaty at Johnstown concluded on the 12th Instant, from what we Could learn by private Intelligence of the temper and dispositions of such of the Mohawks as have left their Country, of a majority of the Ononadgos, and the Cayugas and Senecas in General we have reason to apprehend that they will commence hostilities against us assoon as they conveniently can, we have asked them to give us a speedy and an Explicit Answer to the question “wether they mean to be our friends or not.” a Council of the Six nations is to be convened Immediately at Onondago And we expect to learn the result In about thirty days.
The faithful Oneidas & Tuscarroras In the presence of the others declared their determination to Sink or swim with us, but as they Intreated us for Immediate Assistance in erecting a picquet Fort for their security In case of An Attack from the others It strongly Indicates the Hostile Intentions of the others, and leaves me but little room to hope

that we shall be able to prevail on them to Join you; Since the receipt of Your letter The Marquis De la Fayette Informs me that he has been promised two or three hundred of them when he should require them, a Message from him to Invite them down goes of[f] today, with one of mine to thank them for their offer and to desire that I may be Informed when they will come.
I have made repeated but hitherto unsuccessful application to Congress for the Examination Into my Conduct⟨.⟩ In a letter of the 14th Instant I have again urged It, and If It is refused me now I propose repairing without delay to York town, to present a memorial and remonstrate against the Injustice done me and then resign, after which I propose to do myself the honor to pay you my respects, to thank you for your politeness on All Occassions and to Assure You that I shall Ever be As I am at present with unfeigned Esteem & great respect Dr Sir, Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Turner, 22 March 1778
From: Turner, Thomas
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency,
March 22d 1778.

Altho’ I have not the honour of being personally acquainted with your Excellency, neverthless I am far from being a Stranger to your distinguished merit, both in private and publick life; your indefatigable zeal, and unwearied attention to the true Interest of your native Country, since the commencement of these differences, must excite the warmest sense of gratitude in the breastt of every American that is not callous to the rights of humanity; That it may please the supreme Disposer of human Events, to crown you with success in this important

struggle, & speedily put an end to the distressing Scenes of this unnatural War, is the fervent wish of your, Excellency’s respectful & Obedient h’ble Servt

Thos Turner.

P.S. I have transmitted to your Excellency a pair of pistols &c. &c. your acceptance of which will confer a singular obligation on

T: T.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 23 March 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Trenton 23d March 1778

Perhaps upon the representation of our affairs below in the inclosed, your Excellency will think it expedient to order the Jersey Battalion to our relief—It is true part of our Misfortunes, that of not providing pay for the militia is our own fault—Yet it is pity that the Country should be ravaged upon that account—I know your Excellency will do

what is proper, & shall therefore not pretend to urge any particular measure—Collo. Shreve is this night at Burlington. I have advised him to proceed to morrow to Gloucester upon his addressing me upon the Subject of his movements. I hope he will soon be joined by our Militia from those parts. Nor do I believe the Enemy in Salem is so numerous as was at first represented. I am with great Respect your Excellencys most humble Sr.

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Proctor and Captains Winthrop Sargent, John Doughty, and Thomas Clark, 23 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Proctor, Thomas,Sargent, Winthrop,Doughty, John,Clark, Thomas

Gentn
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 23d March 1778

Business has prevented my answering yours of the 18th before this time. If I have given Capt. Duplessis a character, in my recommendation of him to Congress, which he does not deserve, I have done it through misinformation. As you very well know, I was not an eye witness of any part of his conduct or behaviour. I took the matter up from Colo. Greens letters, who commanded at Fort Mercer, and who spoke in the highest terms of the Capts. address and Bravery, particularly at the time when Count Donop was defeated. He was an entire stranger to him and therefore could not have been prepossessed in his favor. I am still of opinion that the Rank to which Congress have been pleased to promote him does not injure you; for the Reasons given at large in my last.
You are so well acquainted with the difficulties we labor under in procuring Cloathing, that I am convinced you will attribute the want,

to real scarcity, and not to any intention to injure a Corps which has been distinguished in all services, and which has so well merited it in ours. It is true each State is to provide for its own Regiments, and as that will make the draft upon the Continental Store so much the less, the Artillery and those Regiments not particularly belonging to any State may reasonably expect to be fully supplied. I have very pleasing accounts from all quarters of the purchase of large quantities of Cloathing, and you may rest assured that you shall have your full share and at as reasonable Rates as the Regiments of particular States.
I am unacquainted with the pretensions of Major Popkin to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of Colo. Cranes Battalion. When he arrives at Camp, I shall be ready to hear what he has to urge in defence of his claim and what you have to offer against it. I am Gentn &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Silvanus Seely, 23 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Seely, Silvanus

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge [23 March] 1778

I am favd with yours of the 20th informing of the embarkation of Troops at New York—I shall be much obliged to you to endeavour if possible to find out their destination, and if you can find it out, let me know by Express. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 24 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Tuesday March 24th 1778.
Dorchester—Derby. Dunkirk.

The Honorable the Continental Congress have been pleased to appoint Major General Greene Quarter Master General in the Army of

The-United-States reserving to him his rank of Major General in the same and John Cox and Charles Pettit Esquires Assistants Quarter Master General, all of whom respectively are to be considered and respected accordingly.
At nine ôClock precisely all the Brigades will begin their exercise, each Regiment on it’s own parade and the Inspector General will attend the exercise. In the afternoon the Brigades will begin the exercise at 4 & finish at 5 oClock.
The Commander in Chief strictly injoins it upon the Commissary General of Issues to keep a quantity of hard bread in store for the use of detachments which may be ordered out on any sudden Emergency; Likewise of salt Provisions if possible; Certain quantities of the above he will issue to the Brigade Commissaries to be kept in store for the same purpose.
At a Brigade Court Martial whereof Lieutt Coll Weissenfels was President March 12th Mr Vunck Quarter Master to Coll Livingston’s Regimt tried (by his own consent) for neglect of duty & appropriating to his own use Rum and Soap drawn for the use of the Regiment, found guilty of the charges exhibited against him, being a breach of 1st Article 12th section of the Articles of War and sentenced to make good to the Regiment what Articles he has fraudulently appropriated to forfeit all his pay and be dismiss’d from the service, that his Crime, Name, place of Abode and Punishment be published in the News-Papers in and about the Camp and in those of the particular State from which he came or resided, after which it shall be deemed scandalous for any officer to associate with him.
The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence orders Mr Vunck immediately to leave the Camp and that his forfeited pay be at the disposal of the State to which he belongs.
At the same Court by adjournment March 14th Mr John Lloyd of Coll Henry B. Livingston’s Regiment tried (he consenting thereto) for behaving in an ungentlemanlike manner in advising Peter Vunck Quarter Master of said Regiment to draw rum from the Commissary of Issues on account of the Regiment and in being a sharer in the use of the same rum at the expence of the Regiment, found guilty of ungentlemanlike behaviour in appropriating to his own use a quantity of rum which he knew was drawn for the use of the Regiment being a breach of Article 21st Section 14th of the Articles of War and sentenced to be dismissed the service.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders him to depart Camp immediately.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonels Francis Barber and John Brooks, 24 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Barber, Francis,Brooks, John

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 24th March 1778.

With a view of establishing uniformity of discipline and manœuvres in the army, it is in agitation to form an inspectorship distributed among different officers; the Baron Steuben a Gentleman of high military rank, profound knowledge and great experience in his profession, is placed at the head of this department—as Assistants to him four subinspectors are to be appointed who will be charged each with the superintending a considerable portion of the army—Officers to each Brigade under the title of Brigade Inspectors are already in the execution of their office—preparing the way for ulterior instructions by perfecting their men in the first and most simple elements.
As the Office of Subinspector cannot be filled with propriety but by men whose character and abilities will give them influence and ensure their success; I would make choice of Gentlemen who unite those advantages—and in my own mind have fixed upon you as one—the evident utility of this institution, will I am persuaded engage you to undertake the Office, and contribute your labours to obtain the important ends proposed—there will be an additional share of duty incident to the Office, which will probably be considered in determining the emoluments—but will more especially be compensated ⟨by⟩ the respectabi⟨lity⟩ and honor attached to it.
If you determine to accept of the appointment, you will be pleased to acquaint me immediately with your intentions—the time for action advances with hasty strides—we should therefore improve every minute—the sooner you enter on the functions of Subinspector the more likely will you be to have the satisfaction of rendering essential Service to the Army.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 24 March 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston Mar. 24, 1778

The Express just going off I have only Time to do myself the honor to acquaint your Excellency that the Warren Frigate commanded by

Captain Hopkins arrived here the last evening, having made a short Cruise after she sailed from Providence, in which she has taken two or three prises, one of which is from Liverpool and has a quantity of Canvas on board, an Article much wanted at this time.
It is reported that British papers are on board one of the prises up to the 8th January last, (but I cannot procure them) in which it is mentioned that 30,000 Men are raising in England to reinforce their Army in America, 8000 of which are Scotch &c. It is rumoured that Genl Amherst is to Command. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servt

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major John Jameson, 24 March 1778
From: Jameson, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fredericksburg [Va.] March 24th 1778

I little expected when I left Camp that Horses were at such an intolerable price there is no such thing as a Horse for less than one hundred Pounds and from that to two hundred for one that will make a decent appearance I am advised to try under the Mountain but really Money is thought so little of here that I have no patience I am well convinced from what I have seen and heard that every thing sells higher here than in any Pensylvania & the Jerseys. I do not think that its in my Power to be of the service I expected however will try for a fortnight or three Weeks but should be glad your Excellencey wou’d Order me to join my Regiment or take the lines as either will be preferable to staying in Virginia for I believe publick Virtue and every thing else but a desire of heaping up Riches has left the old Dominion. Colo. Lewis has

just got well of the small Pox his Lady is now down with it in the natural way but has it favourable. I am Dr Sir Your very humble Servant

John Jameson

P.S. Colo. Temple wou’d prefer staying in Virginia I expect and may be of service.

J.J.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 24 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir,
Valley-forge Mar. 24th 1778.

Herewith I do myself the honor to inclose copies of a Letter from an Officer of Militia at Elizabeth Town to me, & an extract of a Letter from one of Mr Boudinots deputies, at Boston, to him; both tending to induce a belief, that the enemy have some enterprize in contemplation—what this is, time must discover—I have, this whole winter, been clearly of opinion, that Genl Howe’s movements would be very early this Spring to take advantage of the weak state of our Army, or late, if he expected considerable reinforcements from England & meant to avail himself of his full strength.
If the first takes place, as appearances indicate, it may I think be considered as a proof of one or both of these two things—that he is either well informed (he cannot indeed be otherwise) of the situation & more than probably the strength of our Army, or that he expects no considerable reinforcements this year from Europe. In either case it is our indispensable duty to reinforce & arrange our Army, as speedily as possible, that we may in the first Instance be prepared for defence. In the second take advantage of any favourable circumstance, which may happen, to injure the enemy.
Whatever may be the designs of Congress with respect to the establishment of the Army, I know not but do most earnestly & devoutly recommend a speedy adoption of them, and the appointment of Officers, as our present situation at this advanced Season is truely alarming, and to me highly distressing, as I am convinced that we shall be plunged into the campaign before our arrangements are made and the Army properly organized—The numberless disadvantages resulting from

the late appointment of Genl Officers last year, make me look forward with infinite anxiety this; for after all the wisdem that Congress or their Comee can use in the choice of Officers, many will be disgusted—resignations of some & perhaps non-acceptance of others follow—Before matters then can be brought to a proper tone much time will be lost and a great deal of trouble & vexation encountered—to overcome which, is not the work of a day, and till they are overcome confusion, disorder, & loss must prevail; in the meanwhile order, regularity, & discipline, which require the vigilance of every officer to establish & must flow from the General Officers in every Army is neglected, or not entered upon in time to effect. thus it happened last year & Brigades & Divisions became vacant to the great injury of the Service.
As it is not improper for Congress to have some idea of the present temper of the Army it may not be amiss to remark in this place that since the Month of August last between two & three hundred Officers have resigned their Commissions and many others with difficulty disswaded from it—In the Virginia line only, not less than Six Colonels as good as any in the Service have left it lately, and more I am told are in the humour to do so.
Highly advantageous also would it be if the Recruits & draughts from No. Carolina & Virginia were not suffered to Halt on their way to Camp (under pretence of getting equip’d) but sent forward & incorporated into the different Regiments of their respective states, as soon as it could be done—Out of the number of Men said to be draughted in Virginia last fall & others from No. Carolina very few have joined the Army, but owing to desertion and other causes have dwindled to nothing, this will always be the case with new recruits (especially those who are unwillingly drawn forth) if much time is spent in getting them to their Regiments under the care of proper Officers—this shews the necessity, if the Season, & other powerful reasons did not loudly call for i⟨t,⟩ of hastening them to the Army.
My sollicitude for the pres⟨er⟩vation of the communication of the No. R⟨iver⟩ gives me very uneasy sensations on ⟨ac⟩count of our Posts there, and will exc⟨use⟩ my again asking if the Troops to the nor⟨th⟩ward except such as are necessary for the defence of Fort Schuyler can be so advantageously employed as at the Works on that River. A respectable force at those Posts would awe New Yo⟨rk⟩ & divide Gen. Howes force—or expose the City. To depend too much upon Militia, is in my opinion putting everything to ha⟨zard.⟩
If I should appear uncommonly anxious, respecting the severa⟨l⟩ matters contained in this Letter by repeating them Congress will do me ⟨the⟩ justice I hope to believe, that I am ac⟨tu⟩ated by no views but such

as are pro⟨mp⟩ted by circumstances, & the advanced Se⟨ason.⟩ With the greatest re⟨spect⟩ I have the honor ⟨to⟩ be Sir Yr Most Hble Sert

Go: Washington

P.S. Your Letter of the 21st Instt is just come to hand containing sevl Resolves of Congress.


Title: To George Washington from James Lovell, 24 March 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] March 24th 1778.

You will form a Judgement upon the following Extract of a Letter from the Honble Thos Cushing by weighing it with the various Intelligence which you receive from other Quarters. It has been long on the Road from the Difficulty of passing Hudson’s River where the Express left his Horse on the 11th of this month.
Extract

Sir
Boston Feb: 28th 1778

Mr Hancock having just informed me that he shall send off an Express tomorrow morning for Congress, I embrace the opportunity to convey to you a peice of Intelligence I have just received from Mr Wm Davis, a Member of our House, who left Dartmouth last Thursday. He says he was credibly informed there that some persons (having by some means or other got the Countersign) went from Tiverton to Newport to gain Intelligence of the Enemy’s Designs, they returned from thence on Monday Evening the 23d Instant. They inform that all the Women & Children belonging to the British Troops were gone to New York and the Invalids, gone to England. That the Troops were making preparation for Embarking, and the Officers had been heard to say that General Howe had given orders for them to be in Readiness to sail for Philadelphia

by the 20th of March. It is conjectured Genl Howe has sent for these Troops, to be in force to make some Capital Movement with regard to General Washington.
A prize of considerable Value taken by a continental Vessel of War is arrived at Dartmouth some of the Prisoners are arrived in Town. We hear Lord Howe has wrote Govr Cook that he will send all the marine Prisoners he has on hand to Providence, in Case we will return as many in Lieu of them when we have them in our Possession.”

I beg to be allowed by your Excellency to add a few words about a private concern of one John Gray who has this morning surprized me by appearing in the Land of the Living, as I had thought it imposible he could have survived the hardships I left him exposed to on the 10th of Octr 1776 at Halifax. He is a very honest Fellow who has never received any Pay for the Period of his Imprisonment from the 25th of Septr 1775 to the 15 of July 1777. He bore all the Hardships of his Imprisonment with Resolution, and fulfilled his Promise of enlisting the day after his Liberation. He tells me he has once appeared before you. If he should be again under the Necessity of doing it upon the Subject of his Wages, I hope you will consider him as a brave faithful Soldier upon the proof of my knowing his Behavior some months in prison and hearing Col. Allens Testimony of his former Conduct. Perhaps the Colonel will shortly be at Liberty to patronize the Lads who long suffered with him. In the mean time I shall write to the Major of the Regiment in which Gray is serving at Lancaster, that your Excellency may not be interrupted by this Subject further unless it shall be found unavoidable.
By a Letter from Martinique of the 26th of Janry it appears that the General there gives the fullest encouragement to the American Cruisers, that the Duty of 1 pr Ct on prize Goods was regularly received at the Custom House, and that the Governor of Antigua is outrageous with the french General and impotently threatens him with “the Resentment which may arise in the Breast of his Britannic Majesty” when the Affair shall be represented to him. I am with much Regard Your Excellency’s obliged humble Servant

James Lovell


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 24 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McIntosh, Lachlan

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 24th March 1778.

I have received your letter of yesterday by Major Duvall—As the principal object of your detachment is the protection of the Cattle said to have been expected to cross at Sherards Ferry, all your movements and operations are to be directed to that end, and you will take the best means to answer it effectually.
The intelligence which you may receive concerning the motions & number of the Enemys parties, from intelligent persons that may be depended on, will enable you best to judge of their real designs, and to counteract them, if their views are turned to intercepting the Supply which you are to cover. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt.

Mr Chaloner D.C. of Purchases has sent expresses to inquire the Route of the Cattle and direct them by the upper Road from Sherards ferry to Potts grove it will facilitate your business perhaps to send an express and discover where they really are at present.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Regnier de Roussi, 24 March 1778
From: Regnier de Roussi, Pierre (Lieutenant Colonel)
To: Washington, George

Camp Valley forge March 24th 1778
May it please your ExcellencySir,

Not being able to sustain any Longer the Treatment I received from Colonel Henry B. Livingston; and that, which I am to receive, if obliged to make an other Campaign under his Command, I beg as the greatest favour, Your Excellency may bestow on me, to Exchange me to some other Regiment or to employ me, in some other Places (if there is any possibility) or else, to accord me a Discharge from the army, rather, than be obliged to live in a perpetual state of Dissention, and be under the power of a man, whose unbounded Pride and thirst, is, to Tirranise and overpower, by his untractable humour—all those under his Command.
Nor; that, my requring a Discharge, is by a disgust from the service. farr from it. Though I am a stranger, I have, since the beginning of this contest served with satisfaction, and have allwais being proud, of being a partaker in so Glorious a Cause, having done my endeavour, to promote happiness, to those subordinated to me, in the middle of Distresses.
But; when doing my best, to abbate Tiranny, I am myself, treated like a slave, I cant bear it no longer. I am with Respect of your Excellency the Most Hbe servt

P. Regnier Lt Col. 4th N. York Regt


Title: To George Washington from John Ettwein, 25 March 1778
From: Ettwein, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Bethlehem [Pa.] March 25th 1778.

Being inform’d by Doctor Shippen, the Director General of the Military Hospitals, of an Intention or Proposal to fix the General Hospital at Letiz one of the Settlements of the United Brethen, 8 Miles from Lancaster, and that he gave it as his Opinion; that in that Case, the Inhabitants of said Letiz might be moved to Bethlehem and Nazareth, And finding said Proposition founded upon MisInformation and a very wrong Notion of the Constitution of these Infant Settlements of the United Brethren, commonly calld Moravians.
I humbly beg Leave to give Your Excellency a Short and true Description of the Brethens Settlements in general and of Letiz in particular.
The Brethrens Church in Germany with a View to propagate the Gospel among the Heathens and to plant a Nursery of Missionaries to the Indians & Negros as also to provide one or more Places, where their here and there dispersed & persecuted Members might find Rest and Liberty of Conscience, did in the year 1736. send a number of their Members to make a Settlement in Georgia, where the Trustees had promised them all Indulgence in regard to their particular Principles; but being very ill treated by the Populace on account of the War with the Spaniards, they left Georgia, moved to Pensilvania & begun this Place call’d Bethlehem in the Forks of Delaware 1741. Their Poverty

and the wild State of these Parts, made them deny many Conveniencies of this Life and they lived in Simplicity and brotherly Love, as one Family, Worked all for the Benefit of the whole and desired nothing but Food and Raiment; If one or the other, had some private Property, he deposited it or disposed of it, as he pleased, for his own Intrest, for there was no Communion of Goods, tho’ it appeared so.
In this Way they begun several other Settlements; but finding more and more Difficulties to go on in this œconomy, it was by common Consent alterd in the year 1762. So that all who had a Mind to carry on their Art or Trade and usual Occupation, for their own Emolument, were assisted to do it. The Steward of the Single Brn in their Name and Behalf, became Debitor for the Debt of the House and Stoks in their Possession. So did the Single Sisters with their House. To encourage and to Support Honesty and Fair dealing, the Tavern, Mill and Merchant Store, were reserved for the Benefit of the Society and a few others who required a large Stock and great Risk were also left to it; each Branch bears its Expences, as Salaries, Rent and Intresse of the Stoks &c. And the yearly Gain or Overplus is appropriated to the Funds for maintaining the Ministers, Schools, Missionaries, old and infirm and their Widows, Orphans and Children of Missionaries.
In this œconomical Regulation we lived very happy in brotherly Love and Union and enjoyed the Blessing of God attending it. But it has been the Cause of two very erroneous Opinions or Ideas in the Mind of Strangers, concerning these Settlements, of very grievous Consequences for them. viz. As if they were still as one Family and as if they were very rich! both are great Mistakes if taken in a natural Sense, for ev’ry Congregation and ev’ry Family and private Person has to take Care of itself, so as it is Customary in other Places, tho’ we do help and assist each other a little more than is now a days customary. All the Monies for transporting so many hundreds from the inner Parts of Germany to America, to buy the Lands and great Sums expended in building and providing Stoks have been borrowed and very little pay’d off.
In the Year 1757. upon the Request of some Friends a little Town was laid out in Lancaster-County, and call’d Letiz (in remembrance of the Place, where just 300. years before, the first Brethrens-Settlement was begun by some of true Followers of John Huss in Bohemia) Some Tradesmen were settled there; with borrowed Money they built 3 good fine Houses, one with a Hall where they can have divine Service, till they shall be able to build another Place of publik Worship. This House has besides the Hall a few Rooms, where one of our Bishops and the Minister of the Place dwell. on one side of it the Single Brethren and on the other the Single Sisters built Houses on their own Account, as well the Single Men, as the Single Women in these Houses have their

own Separate œconomy, each House has two Persons to take Care of their temporal and Spiritual Wellfare; each Person residing in the House, is pay’d for its Labour and pays weekly a certain Sum for Boarding and Lodging to the House œconomy, the yearly Profit in that œconomy, is for the Sick and Superanuated or others who can not earn a Livelyhood.
All the other Houses in said Letiz, except the Tavern and a House where a Shopkeeper lives, about 18. in number are the Property of private Families who built and fitted them convenient for their several Trades and occupations, amongst them are 2. Tanners, 1. White Smith, 1. Gun Smith, 1. Organ builder, 1. Skinner, the Rest Shoemakers, Weavers &c.
The Single Brethren were turned out of their well regulated œconomy and different Trades and their House to their great Inconveniency and Damage, converted into a Hospital, which is also the Case of those in Bethlehem.
Should your Excellency agree to Dr Shippens Proposal, 300. Souls would be inexpressibly distressed and the Single Brethren and Sisters and all the Families at Letiz, by their Removal, would be entirely ruin’d in their Property, their useful Occupations, to the Loss of the Publik, would be stop’d and it would be impossible to accomodate them with Lodgings at Bethlehem and Nazareth, where we are so crowded to gether that it is a great Hindrance to our lawful Callings, wherein we provided for ourselves and served the Publik.
I pray therefore most humbly in the Name of the Bishop and Elders of the United Brethren that your Excellency would please to grant to the Brethrens Settlements in the Fork of Delaware and a⟨t⟩ Letiz near Lancaster and at Hope in Sussex-County West-Jersey, Protection for their Persons and Property against all such oppressive and destructive Measures.
It is our Duty to comfort and to help, as far as we are able, all the Distressed and to serve the Publik in our Callings wherever we can, we have done it with a Willing Heart and intend by the Grace of God, to do so, as long as we live. Recommending Your Excellency to Gods Favour and Protection, I am with the deepest Respect. Your Excellency’s Most humble Servant

John Ettwein Minister of the Gospel

P.S. The Bearer Mr Hasse, is well inform’d of our Circumstances and can give your Excellency further Explanation, of one Thing or the other, if it is desired.


Title: From George Washington to David Forman, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

Sir
Head Quarters, Valley Forge March 25th 1778

I am favoured with yours of the 13th instant. The opinion of the council of your state is so directly opposed to the continuance of the men at the salt works you are erecting, that to avoid the imputation of partiality and remove all cause for censure both with respect to you and myself, I am induced to direct they may, for the present, join, and act with, Col: Shreves regiment, in the purposes of common defence. I have as yet had no answer from Congress, on the subject of your memorial; when I receive one, I shall govern myself accordingly. I am with regard Sir Your most Obed. Ser.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 25th March 1778

I was yesterday favd with yours of the 17th by Major Campbell. Our number of effectives is so reduced by innoculation that it is impossible to spare the few Men of the 13th Virginia Regiment just at this time. I shall send Colo. Russel immediately to Pittsburg to collect and take the command of by far the greatest part of the Regiment who are now stragling about that Country. Major Campbell informs me that there ought to be four hundred Men there. There are not above one hundred here sick and well. You have been misinformed as to the reinlistment of the 12 & 13th Virginia Regiments. The Men of seven of the oldest Regiments had been inlisted for two years, and as their times expired in the winter, many of them reinlisted upon being allowed furloughs to go home for two Months. Upon enquiry you wil find the above to be the fact, and that the reinlistment was confined to the Seven Regiments.
All the Men that are now in the 8th and 12th Pennsylvania Regiments came originally with them, they never having received any Recruits. I mention this, because it appears from your letter, that you thought most of those first inlisted had been carried off by casualties of different kinds and that others had been raised to fill their places. It is to be wished that our force may be such, that we may be able to send succours to the Westward should the Indian War, that is apprehended, break out. But should the situation of Affairs here require us to keep our whole force together, I imagine there will be no difficulty in raising a Body of Men upon the frontier of Virginia and pennsylvania for the purpose of defending them. I have the honor to be Sir Yr most obt Sevt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 25th March 1778

I am favd with yours of the 10th inst. inclosing a petition from Lt Colonel Tudor and Lieut. Thompso⟨n⟩ desiring a liberty to resign. I desire that their reques⟨t⟩ may be granted, not that it is my wish to have

an Officer of Colo. Tudors good character out of the Army but as there will be a necessity of reducing the 16 additional Battalions to a less number, the more Officers that resign voluntarily, the easier it will be to provide for the remainder.
I hope that no time will be lost in removing Genl Burgoines troops from Boston after the Rect of the Resolution of Congress for that purpose. If they remain within reach of that part of the Enemy’s force who are at Newport, I think it more than probable that they will make an effort to rescue them.
I beg you will exert yourself in forwarding on the Recruits for such of the Massachusets Regims. as are with this Army; they need not remain to be innoculated as that can be done conveniently upon their arrival in Camp, and the Doctors say the men will be much healthier thro’ the Campaign than if they had been innoculated at home and marched immediately upon their recovery. I am particularly pressing in this matter, because I have many reasons for thinking that Genl Howe means to call in reinforcements and attack us before we receive ours. Four Regiments are actually embarked at New York and Reports from Rhode Island say there is an appearance of their evacuating Newport. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Some little time past I wrote to the president and Council of Massachusets informing them that several of the towns had hired British Deserters and sent them on by way of Substitutes. Since writing that letter, eleven of those people have come from one district, and I doubt not but many more will follow. I shall be obliged to send them back, or they will most certainly, as they have ever done, desert again to the Enemy and carry off their Arms. I desired the Council to put a stop to this practice and I beg you will mention it to them and point out the injury it does the service. By a late Resolve of Congress there is an absolute prohibition to the inlistment of Deserters, it being better to be deficient in the quota than to have such Men.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 25 March 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

dear General
Albany the 25th march 1778

how happy I have been in receiving your excellency’s favor of the tenth present I hope you’l be convinc’d by the knowledge of my tender affection for you—I am very sensible of that goodness which trys to dissipate my fears about that ridiculous canadian expedition—at the present time we know which was the aim of the honorable board, and for which project three or four men have rush’d the country into a great expense, and risked the reputation of our arms, and the life of many hundred men, had the general your deceived friend been as rash and foolish as they seem to have expected—oh american freedom what schall become of you, if you are in such hands!
I have the pleasure to inform you that a scouting party of twenty men gone from bennington to shelbon on lake champlain, having taken post there, was attacked in an house by a british officer at the head of forty five men british and indians sent on purpose of taking our party who after a brave defense sallied out, and routed the ennemy—they kill’d five men and took six prisonners and fourteen stand of arms—among the prisonners two are wounded but four are in condition of being exchang’d for the same number made lately prisonner—general Stark and lietn. Colonel Safford who gave me that intelligence desire me both to obtain from your excellency that exchange which they seem to have much at heart.
I have receiv’d a letter from the board and A resolve of Congress by which You are direct’d to recall me and the baron de kalb whose presence is deem’d absolutely necessary to your army—I believe this of general Connway is absolutely necessary in albany and he has receiv’d orders to stay there, what I have no objection to as nothing perhaps will be done in this quarter but some disputes of indians and torys—however you know I have wrote to Congress and as soon as theyr leave of staying there will come, I schall let Connway have the command of these few regiments and I schall immediately join my respectable friend—but till I will have receiv’d instructions for leaving that place from yourself I schall stay as powerful commander in chief as if never Congress had resolv’d my presense absolutely necessary for the grand army.

if you mean to recall hazen’s regiment I advise you to take in exchange this of ganzewort of fort schuyller, or this of wanschoys of Sconectady because they are much better on every respect—I think your excellency schould order down the arms and ammunition of this quarter without loss of time for reasons obvious.
Since your last letter I have given up the idea of new york and my only desire is to join you—the only condition I have made in coming here, and the only favor I have asked to all the protestations of gratefulness of your commissioners in france, has been not to be under any orders but those of general washington—I seem to have had some suspicion of our future friendship, and what I have done out of esteem and respect for your excellency’s name and reputation, I schould do now out of mere love for general washington himself.
I am glad to hear general greene is quarter master general—it is very interesting to have there an honest man and a friend of yours—but I feel the greatest pain not to hear any thing about reinforcements—what can you do, with an handfull of men? I think those gentlemen below are quite mad—and my poor division whom I was so desirous of instructing, cloathing, managing myself in the winter, whom I was told I schould find six thousand strong for the oppening of the Campaign! do’nt your excellency think that I could recruit a little in general greene’s division now that he is quarter master general—by that promotion I find myself very proud to be the third officer of your army.
inclos’d I have the honor to send a resignation of an officer who dislikes the service. With the greatest respect and affection I have the honor to be Your excellency’s the Most obedient humble servant

the Marquis de lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 25 March 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
25 March [1778]

I had the honour of writing to Your Excellency on the 21st Inst. by Fred. Weir.
This will inclose Duplicates of Acts of Congress of the 19th January & 18th March—also an Act of the 23d for accepting the Resignation of Colonel Webb.
Colo. Armand who promises to deliver this with great expedition will not afford me time to send to the Secretary’s Office for the dates of two of Your Excellency’s favors which I think came to hand since my last, these shall be properly noted when I have the honour of next addressing your Excellency, meantime I remain with the utmost respect & Esteem &ca.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Valley forge March 25th 1778

I have been duly honoured with your Excellency’s favors of the 14 18 & 21st. Insts.
I am sorry to find that the few troops with Colo. Foreman, have become a subject of uneasiness. They are ordered to join Colonel Shreve’s regiment for the present and to act with him. Colo. Foreman five or Six weeks since transmitted through my Hands a memorial to Congress respecting his Salt works—offering a contract for the proceeds, and requesting some Continental troops for their protection. I expected they would have decided on the matter soon after it was submitted,

and consented that the troops with him might remain there till their determination was had. I imagined, at the same time, that the works, which were the Object of the Memorial, would derive some security from the party being placed there, that others, not too remote, might be benefitted by it in some degree; as a knowledge of troops being in that Quarter might prevent small detachments of the Enemy making attempts against them.
I have written to Colo. Moylan upon the subject of quartering the Horse at proper places, and desired him to consult you on the occasion. So far, Sir, from viewing your sentiments in this or in any instance, as an obtrusion, I hold myself much obliged by them. However, tho Gloucester & Salem Counties have considerable quantities of forage, I fear the Horse would be too much exposed there, and if they were not captured, that the duty they would be obliged to perform, would prevent their recruiting and becoming fit for service against the campaign opens, which is an object of infinite importance. I am told that Springfield, not far from Mount Holly, can accomodate many of them with great ease. I have directed Colo. Moylan to give a strict attention to their conduct and to prevent, as far as possible, every species of irregularity, which I trust he will do.
It was unnecessary to offer an apology for committing to my care your Letters for Congress and Colo. Blaine. I shall always be happy to forward your dispatches. Colo. Blaine is not in camp, nor do I know where he is, having been out some time after provision.
I thank you for your trouble in taking Eliz. Chathams deposition. Her name will not be disclosed. I have other depositions in my possession, nearly the same in substance, and which do not say more for General Howe’s humanity.
I am much concerned, that it is not in my power to afford further aid for checking the incursions of the Enemy in Jersey. The situation of this Army will not admit the smallest detachments to be made from it. Indeed, were it much better than what it is, it would be hardly practicable to give relief, as the Enemy, from local circumstances, would always be able either to withdraw or reinforce their parties. It is our misfortune not to have a sufficient force on foot, either for the purposes of offence or defence and the fatal policy of short enlistments, like an evil genius, is now persecuting us and marring all our operations. I have the Honor to be with great esteem & regard Sir Yr Most Obed. Sert

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 25 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

Dear sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge 25th March 1778

I am informed that Evesham and Springfield back of Mount Holly, particularly the latter, are very commodious places for the accommadition of horse, as they abound in forage. I wish you to consult the Governor, whether such of the cavalry as are not in good Quarters, where they now are, may not be more advantageously situated at those places, and if it shall appear they may, to have them removed accordingly. You will remember the object of having the Cavalry detached from the army in the manner they now are, is chiefly with a view to get them in as good order as possible at the opening of the Campaign. This consideration must determine in the present case—The horse should not be stationed where they would not be well provided—where they would not be in security—nor where their situation might oblige them to do so much duty as would be inconsistent with the purpose I have mentioned. If, these objects being properly attended to, they can be withal so placed as to afford any degree of cover to the Country, it will be very desirable.
I fear the horse have not heretofore benefitted so much by their Winter Quarters as might have been expected. You must be sensible of the importance of having them in good condition in the course of the Campaign and will no doubt pay every necessary attention to it. You will also be careful that no disorders are committed by your men. I am with regard Sr your mo. Obet Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 26 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Thirsday March 26th 1778.
Fend—Framingham Frankfort.

No scouting party is to be sent out of Camp unless it is by order of the Commander in Chief the General Officer of the day or Adjutant General ’till the Army may happen to be in a moving state and circumstances require it, disobedience to, or neglect of this order will be severely punished, and as many officers have been captivated by their own folly and carelessness, He most expressly declares that whereever this is found to be the Case such officers shall be the last exchang’d notwithstanding in point of time they should be intitled to preference.
No Officer commanding an Out-Post or upon a scouting party is to give passes into Philadelphia under pain of being tried for Disobedience of Orders. The very end and design of these Parties are defeated by this means—The Adjt General will take Care that these orders are communicated to Officers on all detach’d Commands.
The fatigue men in future are to take their dinners with them to prevent unnecessary straggling from work and will be daily allowed a Gill of Whiskey pr man.
No Boats to pass Sullivan’s Bridge without permission from the officer commanding the Guard there who will be strict in examining them & permit no suspicious person to pass.
Sixty eight men out of the number of those who are return’d unfit for duty for want of cloathes and necessaries to be paraded tomorrow morning at Guard-mounting and march’d to the Laboratory to be daily employ’d in that Department one Month & as it is of the greatest Importance that a stock of fix’d Ammunition should always be in store it is expected that each Brigade will keep it’s Detail good.
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Swift was President March 20th 1778, Commissary Gambol tried for opposing Lieutenant Robinson in the Execution of his office in drawing his sword, opposing the Serjeant and his men and rescuing the offenders was acquitted of rescuing the offenders, but found guilty of opposing Lt Robinson in the Execution of his office being a breach of Article 5th Section 2nd of the Articles of War and sentenced to be reprimanded by the Commanding officer of the Brigade to which he belongs—The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place tomorrow.
At the same Court Thomas Webb a soldier in Coll Jackson’s Regiment tried for repeatedly geting drunk found guilty and sentenced to receive twenty five lashes on his bare back.
Approved and ordered to be put in execution tomorrow morning at guard mounting.

Godfrey Grim tried for desertion acquitted and ordered to be immediately discharged.


Title: From George Washington to John Chaloner, 26 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Chaloner, John

Sir
Valley-forge March 26th 1778.

You are to delay no time in providing a quantity of Indian Meal, as a number of Men are expected to join the Army soon who will have to undergo Inoculation for the Smallpox. I am &ca

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Captain Stephen Chambers, 26 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Chambers, Stephen

Sir
[Valley Forge, 26 March 1778]

I recd your two Letters of the 23d & 24th as also 5 Horses, sent to the Q.M. Genl.
As to the Property of Thompson & Vandyke who are supposed to have fled into the City, I woud not have you to interfere any farther in it, than by giving information to some of the Commissioners appointed by the Civil Power of this state, for the purpose of seizing all such property.
I do not mean that you should stay out so long as you mention in your letter, and wish you to return to Camp in about 10 or 12 days, for which time, you will do the best you can with your ragged Party, & single Horseman. your desire to procure intelligence from the City, is very agreeable to me, I woud have you attempt it, but it must be done with the utmost care, knowing well whom you trust, for such characters are generally tempted by gain only, and therefore are liable to be bribed by the Enemy, & to our cost. In this I shall rely on your prudence & judgment & should your prospect of gaining any important intelligence justify yr stay a few days longer than I have mentioned you will remain, but of this I beg to be informed. Yrs &c.

G. W——on

Copy


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 26 March 1778
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

Hond Sir
Mt Airy [Md.] March 26th 1778

I did Myself the Pleasure to write you two Letters before my Departure for Williams[bur]g by a Capt. Brookes, who was taken unwell on his Way to Camp, and oblidged to return; He says the Letters were delivered to an Officer, who promised to take leave of them, but I am suspicious by Mamma’s last Letter, that they have never got to Hand. I am therefore under a Necessity to trouble you again, on the same Subject.
Mr Henry who purchased my Estate in King & Queen is extremely anxious to have the proper Titles made Him to the Land, and I am no less anxious to gratify Him, according to your Directions to Me last Fall. Mr Wythe was applied to; to draw the Deeds between Us, his answer was, that He could not do It; unless He had the Papers that passed between you and Black; I should be oblidged to you, if you have not answered my other Letter on this Head, to inform Me where the Papers may be had, as early as you conveniently can. I believe I have as keen a Hand to deal with as any Person ever had, and the most impatient. you will please to direct to Me in Williamsburg, whether I set off next Week, to stand my Election in N. Kent. I have every reason to think I shall be Elected, & I am determined to discharge my Duty as an honest Man, and a true Friend to the Independency of America, I do not offer Myself, because I think Myself properly qualified for the Post, but because I think I may say, and not be thought vain either, that I am as well Qualified as my Competitors, except my Uncle Dandridge; I shall add one to the Number who are for giving you effectual assistance, and have laid aside every Thought of returning to our former Masters; Those Men who had great Weight in our Assembly, and who wanted Vigour adequate to their Understandings, to act decisively, are now provided for in the Government, where they will shine. In my former Letter I mentioned to you that the Assembly was very popular, I am now to contradict that assertion, and to assure you they are the reverse. They publish’d fine sounding Titles to their Bills, which gave great Pleasure; but the Execution renders some of their Bills, the reverse of their Titles, particularly the Bill for sequestring British Property. It is, I am informed by the best authority, an absolute Security to the Tories for their Property. I have never seen the Bill, the Scarcity of Paper has prevented the Printers publishing all the Bills, as soon as I can get It, I

will transmit It to you. I herewith send you the Assesment Bill. It is generally thought that this Plan can’t be carried into execution, but will be altered in the Beginning of the next Session, which meets the Tenth of May, and an Extract of a Letter from Mr Harrison to Colo. Hooe, the vessell which brought It arrived last Saturday. the Intelligence is very pleasing, and I hope will prove true—I have nothing more to add but that I am afraid We are agoing to lose our old Neighbour Mr Diggs. He is very unwell.
I shall carry your Mare down to my Horse next Week, and you may depend that every Care shall be taken of Her. I think I may venture to insure you a fine Colt from Her. the Horse is very much admired, I could get any Number of Mares I would choose to Him. He is ful fifteen Hands high a beautiful blood Bay, and as well bred as any Horse on the Continent. I had a very great Bargain in Him. I gave £78.10 for him, and as Horses sell He is worth £2000, I would not give Him for a Horse that sold for that Price, apollo sold the other Day for £4000 ready Money Mamma talk’d of sending her Mare, She may be carried down very conveniently when Nelly goes down. you will please to mention whether you would have her or any other of your Mares sent down, to Mrs Washington. I am Sir with sincere regard your most Affecte

J. P. Custis


Title: To George Washington from Robert Erskine, 26 March 1778
From: Erskine, Robert
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
Ringwood [N.J.] March 26th 1778

The Enclosed plan is so far from being worthy your attention that I have delayed sending it till now, in hopes of making one more compleat, by taking in a greater scope of the North river, at least between the Chevaux de frise and West point, where a fort is now building; but as I find Coll La Radiere, who is now here on his way to New Windsor, has not been furnished with any further surveys, from which I expected to Copy, I have presumed to transmit this, though very imperfect on account of the small space it Comprehends.
When I went to survey at New Windsor, I proposed to make a map of the River from thence to Haverstraw, which would have Comprehended all the highlands, and pointed out, without dispute, the most proper situations to fortify; but this I found impracticable, both on account of the season of the year, and the time required to settle my private concerns in such a manner, as to attend Your Excellencies Commands with satisfaction to my self, should you require my service the ensuing Campaign. I am With the greatest respect and esteem May it please Your Excellency, Your obliged and Most Obedient hume servant

Robt Erskine


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 March 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp [Valley Forge] March 26th 1778

I received your Excellencys Letter containing a list of the Counties in Virgina where Waggons might be got and the properest persons to

employ to make the purchases. We shall send one Mr Johnston Smith—I shall be much oblige to your Excellency for a Letter to the Inhabitants of Virgina by Mr Smith requesting their aid in forwarding the business of the departmt. I shall also be oblige to your Excellency for Letters to those Gentlemen you recommend; I shall give them appointments, which I shall forward by Mr Smith and wish them to accept and engage in the business. Mr Smith will set out this afternoon—There is one Captain Overton of the 14th Virgina regiment that I wish to send upon this business—Please to signify your pleasure in the matter—The time is so short, that I have to put the business of the department in readiness, that I wish to put every thing in motion that will expedite the business. If your Excellency has any particular Orders respecting the business of the department in Camp, you will please to transmit them by Major Blodget, and excuse me for not waiting upon you, being very busily engag’d in the arrangement of matters abroad. I am with great respect and regard your Excellencys most Obedient Servt

Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Josias Carvil Hall, 26 March 1778
From: Hall, Josias Carvil
To: Washington, George

Sir
Wilmington [Del.] 26th March 1778

I am sorry to be under the necessity of disingaging Your Excellency’s attention one moment from more important business. I have been so unfortunate as to become the Object of Genl Smallwoods resentment. I Flatter myself that if my conduct shall be thought of importance enough to merit a Court of Inquiry, the strictest will not be able to shew the least want of attention to the duty of my Station; or that any act of mine, even that for which I am Arrested, justly incurred the Generals pointed Censure.
If it shall be thought any thing to the purpose, I can very easily shew that 20 Horses might have been had of the Inhabitants of the Town, in the same time, by the same means. Whatever your Excellencys determination may be, I shall submit to it without repining, because I know it will be dictated by Candour and calculated for the benefit of the Service. If I should be under the necessity of retiring, Tho’ confined to a narrower sphere of Action, still a deep sense of duty, and a warm attachment to the Liberties of my Country, shall be my leading principle, and no personal injury shall ever induce me to forget the great obligations due to society. I have the Honour to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s very Humble Servt

Jo. Carvl Hall


Title: To George Washington from James Lovell, 26 March 1778
From: Lovell, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
York Town [Pa.] March 26th 1778.

A Gentleman belonging to Boston Capt. Fritz having arrived from France had intended himself the honor of waiting upon your Excellency in person to deliver the inclosed letter and several articles therein referred to. But having had a disagreable, hard journey from North Carolina, and finding that he is to expect worse in his approach to your Camp with his heavy loaded carriage & two or three horses, he has left under my Care the articles referred to in the letter; Which I will forward to your Excellency by any person whom you shall order to call upon me, or, by any very good Opportunity which I may happen to have, before you shall signify your will by a Line.
Since I began, I hear your Lady is with you; therefore I drop an expectation that you would desire me to send a part of my charge to Virginia. I shall be industrious to find a safe conveyance to your Quarters. As the things have been very carefully preserved hitherto, I am anxious that they should not be injured under my aim to show you my forwardness to prove myself Your Excellency’s Most humble Servant

James Lovell

P.S. Mr De Francy the Bearer of this having been already introduced to your Excellency, I think he cannot now stand in need of any testimony that I should, otherwise, have taken pleasure in giving to his merit. Mr De Francy kindly takes charge of the articles in question.


Title: From George Washington to Colonels Alexander McClanachan and Abraham Bowman, 26 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McClanachan, Alexander,Bowman, Abraham

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 26th March 1778

As the time for which you had leave of absence must have expired, I desire that you will immediately on the receipt of this repair to your respective Regt in Camp. But should Governor Henry have requested you to undertake the direction of forwarding the drafts & others coming from the State or have given you any orders of that kind, I wish you to pay the strictest attention to them, & in that case, desire you will inform me by letter without loss of time. I am Sir Your mo: Obet Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Lachlan McIntosh, 26 March 1778
From: McIntosh, Lachlan
To: Washington, George

Sir,
No. Wales [Pa.] 26th March 1778.

I wrote yesterday ⅌ return of an Express Sent here. my reconoitering partys returned Yesterday without making any discoverys, only a rumour they heard that a large Detachment of the Enemy were making ready to come out, which I give no faith to, yet as I heard nothing further of the Cattle as I expected, & Numbers of the Country people were well acquainted with our Situation, I thought it prudence to March Silently here last Night about two Miles nearer where I expect to hear when the Cattle will come first, & shall continue Covering them as they proceed towards Schuylkill. with great respect I have the honor to be Yr Excellys most obt Servt

Lachn McIntosh

A Colo. Robison just now brot me information the Cattle are over sherrards Ferry & will be as far as Keichlands this Night. he says he came on purpose with a Letter from Mr. steel for me, but forgot it, therefor I opened the Inclosed. Mr Robison pleads hard for one of the Prisoners I sent Yesterday who I think was Sentenced to receive 100 Lashes.