Title: To George Washington from Sergeant John Cambridge, 20 February 1780
From: Cambridge, John
To: Washington, George

            Sheweth.
            Head-Quarters Morris Town Feby 20th 1780

          The petition of John Cambridge Serjt Colo: Henry Sherburne’s Regiment, in your Execellency’s Army as my Colo: is Absent and on Furlow at present and before he want away, I want unto him, and he told me, he Could not do it, without your Excellency Approbation. Which Causeth me at present to Apply to your Execellency for a Discharge. I have hired one Of the Soldiers that belonge to the Same Regt which hast been in the service ever Since this war Commenced, which he Can be Recommended for his good behaver, and is an able boded Soldier; his Time of Service that he was inlisted for it up the 4th of march, and Mine the Tenth of Sept. I Should have not have Troubled your Excellency, but Necessaty make me do it, as in duty bund to my Family. my wife is Secly and is not able to help her Self. Trusting that your Excellency will Accept of him, and Discharge me, Which I Shall be in duty bund to pray for your Excellency prosperity in this world, and your Eternal Felicity in the world to Come,

            John Cambridge Serjt


Title: Circular to the States, 20 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town February 20. 1780

          Your Excellency will have received I make no doubt, a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 9th Instant, ascertaining the Quotas of non commissioned Officers and privates to be furnished by the Respective States for the ensuing Campaign, and directing all the Men in any of the additional corps—the Guards—artillery and Horse—and the Regimented artificers in the department⟨s⟩

of the Quarter Master General & Commissary General of Military Stores, as well as those of the Battallions in the State lines, whose times of service do not expire before the last of September next, to be counted as part of the Quotas of the States to which they respectively belong. The Quota of the state of Connecticut is fixed at 3238—and I have now the honor to inclose Your Excellency a Special Return of the Non commissioned Officers and privates in her Eight Battallions and of those belonging to her in Lamb’s Artillery—& Livingston’s—Hazen⟨’s⟩ Sherburne’s—& Webb’s Regiments and Major Gibbs’s Corps of Guards; designating in a particular manner, the proportio⟨n⟩ engaged for the War—and by Monthly columns the periods when & in what proportion the services of the Rest will expire. Your Excellency will observe by the Act, that the Men whose engagements expire before the last of September, as I have already taken the liberty to mention, are not to be counted as part of the 3238—and therefore, according to the Return inclosed, the deficiency to be raised is 1569. There are however One or Two Corps besides those I have mentioned, not acting immediately with this part of the Army in which there may be some Men belonging to the State—and I consider it as an unlucky circumstance that I have not such Returns of them in my possession as will ascertain the point and the credit to which the State may be entitled in consequence. Colo. Sheldon’s is the principal Corps under this description—and I have written both to him & Colo. Moylan, to furnish Your Excellency without delay with a particular state of the Men in their Regiments, which may belong to the State. I also expect Returns of One or two more corps in the course of a few days, when, if there should happen to be any Men in them in which you are more particularly interested, I shall take the earliest occasion to communicate it and their number. I have thought it more adviseable to transmit the present Return than to delay it till those of every little detached Corps could be collected, as the want of these, admitting there should be a few ⟨men in some⟩ of them belonging to the State, can make no material difference with respect to the deficiency to be levied—and as the postponing the business on that account would interfere essentially with the views of Congress and indeed entirely defeat them, as to the time assigned for the Recruits taking the Field. At any rate this must be found too short for those of the more

remote States, and especially where their Legislatures are to be convened. I would observe before I conclude, that this Return bears the fullest number of Men under every description, that the State can have in her Eight Battallions and the Other Corps which it comprehends—and they would most probably be found, if an actual inspection could take place, to fall a good deal short of the complement, as there is always a material difference between an Army on paper and it’s real efficient strength. A comparative view between the Total of an Army as borne upon every General Return—and the Column of the present fit for duty and the Absentees that can be satisfactorily accounted for, demonstrates this beyond question. I have the Honor to be with the highest esteem & respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 20 February 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General,
            Highlands [N.Y.] Feby 20. 1780

          The weather having taken a more favorable turn for journeying, I purpose Setting out to morrow morning for New England.
          I was in hopes your Excellency would have found it convenient to decide on the situation of Cap. Cartwright before his return to the Eastward. For want of a determination, he was uneasy when he came out. he has since made a representation of the circumstances attending his case, and it gives me pain to think that he is to leave camp without having the uncertainty removed.
          If he cannot be reinstated in his command in the line, nor be entitled to promotion on his commission as captain, would there be an impropriety in establishing him as an aid de camp appointed before the resolve of Congress for the arrangement of the army? there would it appears to me, be a propriety in permitting one or the other. the suspence has prevented his drawing either pay or supplies from the public: he does not at present incline to attend to his private Interest: and I am unwilling he should retire from the service. I request, however, your Excellency would be pleased to Signify your pleasure for his government. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most obedt Servt

            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 20 February 1780
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Spring Field [N.J.] Febry 20th 1780

          The Ennemy made another Attempt last Night, about eleven oClock, to surprise the Party at New Ark and plunder the Town, but being happily discovered on their Approach, by the Patroles, the Guard, and the Inhabitants were alarmed and obliged them to retire without their effecting any thing, except carrying of[f] two Men, one of whom is supposed to have purposely thrown himself in their Way—There was some firing betwixt their advance and the Patroles, but without loss on our side, or, I beleive on theirs; tho it is said that some of them were wounded.
          The Guard retired to a heigth in the Rear of the Town untill they discovered the Strength of the Party, which consisted of about one hundred Foot, when being joined by the Inhabitants they moved down to attack them—The Ennemy immediatly retired, and were pursued to the River, where they were obliged to quit about twenty head of Cattle they had collected, and some Horses, and I hear of nothing missing but one Sheep and an old Horse.
          The Ice still remains passable both in Hackinsack and second Rivers, and in New Ark Bay and the Sound, but with some difficulty; there being many Places, particularly in the Bay and Sound, that will support but verry little Weight. I believe the North River, tho still fast, will not admit the Passage of Troops— whilst they remain in that Situation perhaps the Post at Paulus Hook might be attempted with probable Success, as, from the Intelligence I have, they are not very vigilant there—The Garrison does not now exceed five hundred Men, and if I am rightly informed the Place is entirely open to the North River—I think there is no doubt but that the Ice upon the Flats will be strong

enough for Some time, unless the Weather should alter, and Guides may be procured to conduct a proper Party clear of the Inhabitants. The Detachment here might be sufficient, for if it is carried, it must be by surprise, and in that Case Numbers are of no great Avail—I have not yet however such Information as to enable me to digest a Plan of Attack, but am in hopes to receive it tonight, and shall immediatly communicate it to your Excellency—There is not much time to lose, but the critical Moment is that in which the Ice is sufficiently Strong along shore, when it is too Weak in the North River and Sound. I have the Honour to be Sir Your Excellencys most obedient Servant

            Ar. St Clair


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 February 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Wethersfield [Conn.] Feby 20th 1780

          Your Excellency’s favour pr Col. Blaine, together with the two Phials & 20 Guineas have been duly recd—for the Guineas a Rect is enclosed—I have repeated Your Excellency’s instructions to C—— Junr—& forwarded to him both the Phials & money— The Severity of the Season (the Sound being froze over) has prevented the Communication with C—— as usual; as soon as the ice breaks up the Boat will cross again. I am &c.

            B.T.


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 February 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Wethersfield [Conn.] Feby 20—1780

          At the Request of Capt. John Shethar of Col. Sheldon’s Regt, I take the liberty to enclose Certificates in his behalf to obtain your Excellency’s permission for him to resign. His Reasons

for such a Request are the present ill State of his Health, & the improbability of his being able to take the field the next Campaign. Indeed the critical Situation of his Health has been such (He being subject to a violent pain in his breast) that riding on Horseback is peculiarly irksome to him, & on this account he was able to do but little duty thro’ the last Campaign. As he would not wish to hold a Commission which (for the above reasons) he is unable to execute, He would be much obliged to your Excellency to forward him a permit to resign.
          Col. Moylan has doubtless informed your Excellency of the Act of Assembly of this State for quartering his own, & Col. Sheldon’s Regiments for the winter. In the present dispersed State of our Regt I cannot but observe that Discipline must Almost entirely be laid aside (Some Troops being subdivided & dispersed about ten Miles) & I fear the Horse will be but poorly recruited. The Officers I am confident will exert themselves to prepare their Troops for the next Campaign.
          I cannot forbear observing that some of the Civil Authority of the State of New Jersey have undertaken to give furloughs to Soldiers belonging to Col. Sheldon’s Regt after the time for which they have been permited to be absent has expired. By this means those Men who were furlouged at the Close of the Campaign for twenty, & thirty Days, have not yet returned, & of Course the rest of their Comrades, who were equally intitled to this indulgence, must be deprived of furloughs thro’ the Winter. Enclosed is a Copy of a furlough given by a Justice of the Peace at Springfield, & there are a number of our Dragoons who remain still in New Jersey on such permission. I have wrote to Mr Campbell on the Subject, & taken the liberty to enclose the letter. If the Civil Authority undertake to dictate in these matters, an Officer cannot be answerable for his Men, nor will he by any means be able to make out accurate Returns of his Corps.
          We have recd a Letter from the Board of War, informing that they have requested your Excellency to furnish Col. Sheldon with an order on Mess’rs Otis & Henley in Boston, for the Cloathing necessary for his Regt—As it will take some time to have it prepared, if the Order is to come thro’ the Channel abovementioned, should be obliged to Your Excellency to forward an order for the purpose. I am with great Esteem, Your Excellncy’s most obedt Hble Servt

            Benja. Tallmadge Major Commdt 2d L[ight] D[ragoons]

            P.S. Your Excellency’s favour of the 15th inst. to Col. Sheldon, has just come to hand, which, in his Absence, I tooke the liberty to open—The Return therein called for shall be made out immediately & forwarded to Head Qrs.

              B.T.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 20 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Van Schaick, Goose

            Sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town Feby 20. 1780

          I request that You will transmit his Excellency, Governor Clinton as soon as possible, an Exact Return of the Non Commissd Officers & privates in Your Regiment; designating in a particular manner the number inlisted for the War—and the different terms of service of the residue digested in Monthly Columns. You will nevertheless forward me a similar Return. I am sir with great esteem & regard yr Most Obt st.


Title: General Orders, 21 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown Monday February 21st 1780.
            Parole Delaware—  C. Signs Division Drums.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 21 February 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Albany 21st February 1780

          Immediately on the Convening of the Legislature I laid before them your Excellency’s Letter of the 16th December on the Subject of obtaining Supplies for the Army and can with Pleasure inform your Excellency that they entered upon the Business without Delay and have passed two Laws for this Purpose—The one, (after allowing one Bushel of Wheat or an equivalent in Flour per Head per month until the first of August for each Person in the respective Families within this State) impowers the Assessors to seize the Remainder and deliver over to the Comy Genl of Purchases two third Parts thereof for the use of the Army the other third Part to be stored for relieving the future Wants of the Inhabitants—The other Law, for remedying in some Degree the Deficiency of Money in the public Offices enacts that the Certificates of the Qu[arte]r Mr Genl and Comys Genl of Purchases & Forage shall be received into the State Treasury in Payment of Taxes—These Measures will I hope tend to relieve the Army from their present Distresses and perhaps put it in the Power of the public Officers to lay in some small Magazines.
          Your Excellency’s Letter of the 13th Instant respecting Major Ballard, was received by me at Pokeepsie—I deferred answering it concluding that I should receive some further Information on the Subject from the Inhabitants on my Arrival at this Place—It gives me Pain to inform your Excellency that it is the concurrent voice of the People that the Distresses which some of the Inhabitants on the Frontier experienced by having their Cattle and

other Effects taken from them and sold are to be attributed to a mercenary Spirit in some of the Officers and that those Impositions did not in the least tend to promote the public service. I will not however pretend to say that Major Ballard was influenced by improper Motives—he seems to have acted under the Orders of the Commanding Officer of the Department and with a Degree of Precaution. I am not therefore apprehensive that any criminal Prosecution will be commenced against him but should Individuals conceive themselves aggrieved by his Conduct it is not in my Power to prevent their seeking Redress by private Suits in the Courts of Justice but even then I presume if it shall appear that the Major’s Conduct was warranted by Necessity and that the Measures taken by him, tho’ not strictly conformable to Law, were calculated for the Safety of the Country and for furthering the public service, he will have little to apprehend. I have the Honor to be with the highest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedt servt

            Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 21 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 21st Feby 1780

          I am to request that you will transmit me, as soon as possible, an exact Return of the number of the non Commissioned Officers and privates of your Corps, mounted and dismounted designating in a particular manner the states to which they belong, what proportion of them are inlisted for the War, and the different terms of service of the residue, digested in monthly Columns. Inclosed you have the form of a Return.
          You will be pleased to transmit a return agreeable to the form of such of the Men as belong to the State of New Jersey immediately to Governor Livingston who will be at Trenton with the Assembly; but those men are to be, notwithstanding, included in the Return which is to be made to me. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 21 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 21st Feby 1780

          I wrote to you on the 15th instant requiring a Return of your Regiment agreeable to the form then inclosed. Should any of the Men belong to the State of Connecticut, you will be pleased to transmit a Return of them immediately to Govr Trumbull. You will, notwithstanding this, include them in the Regimental Return which you make to me. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 21 February 1780
From: Pettit, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia 21st Feby 1780

          Since I had the honor to write to your Excellency respecting the Bills of Exchange I have sold them at the rate of thirty five dollars for one, and have received about half the consideration money; the residue is to be paid within 10 or 12 Days. The Treasury Board have reported to Congress a Warrant in my favour on the Treasury of Virginia for the Use of the Department, I have therefore appropriated the money I have received here to

the public Service and shall repay it at the Loan Office in Virginia out of that draught.
          While I am writing, you[r] Excellency’s Letter of the 19th is handed to me. The form of the Certificates shall be duly attended to. I have the honor to be with perfect respect Your Excellency’s most obedt and very huml. Servant

            C.P.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 21 February 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York February 21st 1780

          Colonels Mathews, Ely, and Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey communicated to me your letter to them expressing your Willingness for Commissioners to meet to enter into a negotiation for a General Exchange of Prisoners; they, also, communicated to me in writing Your having received my Offer of becoming a Commissioner on this occasion without any Objection.
          You will receive, Sir, a letter from His Excellency Lieutenant General Knyphausen proposing a meeting of Commissioners at Amboy on the 6th of March next, and I feel infinitely happy in the hopes that we shall be able to bring this humane matter to a fortunate termination.
          I made an offer to Colonel Mathews that any two American Officers might be the bearers of these letters; that they would probably be of some use during the negotiation, and that they would have liberty to remain ten days after the Seperation of the Commissioners to settle any little matter they may be charged with by their friends among the American Officers here, and I apprehend Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey and Major Oliver Towles will be the two officers.
          I shall be much obliged to you, Sir, for a General Passport for such Officers and others of my own Suite as I shall incline to take with me, and I hope; as we mean to take horses over with us, that we may be allowed to ride for Exercise.

          In return for the permission for Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey and Major Oliver Towles going out, I hope Major Gardner may have liberty to remain untill the negotiation is finished. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great personal Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

            W. Phillips


Title: General Orders, 22 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday Feby 22nd 1780
            Parole Escort—  C. Signs Essay. Espy.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 22 February 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

              Sir
              War office [Philadelphia] Feby 22nd 1780.

            The board do themselves the honor to forward returns of Maj. Lee’s Corps, Von Heers Corps, Schots Corps—& of five Companies of the German Regiment, which are all the returns they have, of those requested in your Excellencys favors of the 15th & 18th instant. Col. Armand is now in the City, & is directed to have a return of his Corps prepared; which will be forwarded as soon as finished—but with respect to the Regiments of Cavalry, the late Rawlings’s Corps, the Regiments at Fort Pitt—& the terms of the soldiers inlistments, the board have it not in their power to afford your Excellency any assistence, or information. In addition to those above mentioned the board have sent all the returns in their possession. they do this in Consequence of your letter of the 17th instant being just now sent them by Congress. They are fearful that if they send in a report on that letter it may give an opportunity to some Gentlemen not well satisfied with the former resolution of unsettling the whole business, & by that means retard, instead of accelerating the Levying the Troops. They were about reporting originally on the plan mentioned by your Excellency, but found the Calculation they were enabled to make from the documents in their possession would be extremely inaccurate, & it was suggested that it would be better to get the Totals of the Quota’s settled first, & let the deficiencies be an after consideration, Supposing that the States on receiving the resolution would take the necessary previous measures, & especially that it would prompt the Executives of the Goverments whose Assemblies were not sitting to call them together, & by the time they were met your Excellency would have collected the necessary Information. But they see embarrassments take the matter in every point of view. Would it therefore not be best for your Excellency to make the best Calculation your present materials afford, & send an account of their supposed deficiencies to the respective States, & if you thought proper, you might inform them of more accurate returns being about collecting, & that so soon as you were enabled, exact information should be sent? Yet this latter might give pretexts for procrastination to dissatisfied States. At any rate they conceive it best not to stir the thing in Congress where great delay arose in the progress of

the first report, on which the present resolution is founded from some of the Members disliking the comparative Settlement of the Quota’s.
            Your Excellency will excuse the boards suggesting to you their opinion, & consider the reasons they assign as most proper for your private information, than as coming Officially from them. The State of Pennsylvania has been furnished with all the information the board could give, being requested thereto by the President, & the assembly mean to invest the Executive of the state with Power to act in the case, in the recess of the assembly which might be a proper footing for every State whose assembly is likely to rise before the r⟨e⟩ceipt of accurate returns, to put the matter upon. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your very obedient Servants

              Richard PetersBy order

            The board have had frequent applications from Lt Col. Conolly to permit him to go into New York, suggesting the distressed situation of himself & Family arising from his not having an opportunity of adjusting some personal concerns with the British Commissary. As the board have no great Idea of Col. Connollys importance, they would have complied with his request & given him permission to go in for 30 days, if they had not conceived that all permissions of this kind should be through your Excellency.


Title: To George Washington from Captain William John Darby, 22 February 1780
From: Darby, William John
To: Washington, George

            Philadelphia Feby 22d 1780—at Mr Thos Franklin’scorner of Pine & 2d Streets.

          From the hopes Your Excellency gave me in your obliging favour of the 21st December I again venture to renew my application for a parole to go to New York—my private business is of that consequence to oblige me to be urgent in the request and more troublesome than my delicacy approves; but

humanity which Your Excellency possesses in the highest sense of the word must befriend me and operate in my favour. With great solicitude for the success of my wishes I remain with great respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

            Wm John DarbyCaptn 17th Infy


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Christopher Greene, 22 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Christopher

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 22d Feby 1780

          I am to request that you will transmit me as soon as possible an exact Return of the number of non Commd Officers and privates of your Regiment designating in a particular manner what proportion of them are inlisted for the War and the different terms of service of the residue digested in monthly Columns. You cannot be too expeditious in forwarding me this Return—a duplicate of which you will be pleased to deliver to His Excellency the Govr of Rhode Island. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 22 February 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            sir,
            Philadelphia 22 Feby 1780

          By a Gentleman just arrived from the Havannah who left that place the 31st of Decemr, I am informed that a Fleet lay in that Port ready to sail with between three and four thousand Troops supposed to be destined for Pensacola or Augustine.
          That on their Passage to this Port they fell in on the 7th of January with the fleet that sailed from New York in Decemr as they suppose, some fifty leagues from Land off against Georgia as near as he could judge the weather being foggy, when they discovered their Situation they made their Escape as soon as possible without being able to determine the number of Vessels in the Fleet, their Condition, or Destination. I have the honour to be with the highest Respect your Excy’s hble servt

            Sam. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 22 February 1780
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Trenton [N.J.] 22d February 1780

          I am desired by a joint Resolve of both the Branches of the Legislature to write to your Excellency by Express requesting you to transmit to me for the use of the Legislature accurate Returns of the Troops now in the Service belonging or credited to the Quota of this State agreeably to the several Resolutions of Congress of the 15th of March last, & of the ninth ⟨da⟩y of February instant, that Measures may be taken to ⟨co⟩mpleat the Quota of Troops of this State. I have the honour to be with the greatest Esteem & Respect Dr Sir your Excellency’s most humble & most obedient Servant

            Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 22 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Poor, Enoch

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 22d Feby 1780.

          I was yesterday informed that the enemy had removed their Horse from Staten to York Island—They had also some days ago impressed all the sleighs within their reach in Bergen and carried them over to New York, but they have returned them upon the melting of the snow. It should seem from this that they had had some enterprize in view, which may not yet be totally laid aside. I have thought it prudent to communicate this intelligence to you, that you may put your advanced parties upon their guard and keep every thing in readiness at your Cantonment to give the enemy a proper reception, should you be their

object. I would advise the Officers to avoid drawing together a quantity of Baggage or any kind of Stores, as you may be obliged to change your quarters suddenly upon a move of the enemy. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 22 February 1780
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Spring Field [N.J.] Febry 22d 1780

          Soon after I parted with your Excellency I met with the Horseman from New Ark—The Person I had sent over was in Paulus Hook, and reports that Horses passed on the Ice, to and from New York, on the twentieth, and it still appeared to be strong— That the Hook is entirely open to the River, except the Redoubts, Block House, and a little Fort of an oval Form next to the Barracks, which he says overlooks all the rest—no Guns pointing to the River—the Parapets about seven feet high, and the Ditches filled with Snow.
          He either has not well understood me, or has not explained himself fully, but I shall see him to Day when I expect to undrstand him better, and to receive farther Information by another Person who went the Night before last to New York and will return this Evening by Paulus Hook—if this dark Weather continues tomorrow night will probably be favourable for the Business.
          The Horseman brings a Mr Deane with him who left N. York the Evening of the 20th—He Says that he has for some time served as a Volunteer in the 84th Regiment to which he was introduced by Colonell Small, after having lain a very long time in the Provost, and that he was taken and carried to New-York from Smiths Clove by a Party of Refugees—He was apprehended in New Ark by the Party stationed there.
          Colonell Starr has just informed me that a quantity of Shoes are wanted for the Troops here—I have desired him to send the sub Clothier to Head Quarters with a Return that, if your Excellency approves of it, he may have Orders to receive them at

Springfield from Mr Caldwell who has a number in Readiness. I Am Sir Your Excellencys most obedient Servant

            Ar. St Clair


Title: From George Washington to John Cleves Symmes, 22 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Symmes, John Cleves

            Sir,
            Hd Qurs Morris Town 22d Feby 1780

          I have been honored with your letter of the 15th instant inclosing one of the 14th to the Legislature of this State. I thought it my duty in consequence to write a letter to His Excellency The Governor of which the inclosed is a copy.
          In addition to what I have there said, I cannot forbear observing that it is of great importance the different powers in the State should carefully avoid the least interference with each other; and in the present case I am clearly of opinion the matter in question falls properly within no other jurisdiction than that of Congress and the military authorities they have been pleased to establish. Every discussion of this kind however is extremely disagreeable and it were to be wished the strictest delica[c]y could at all times be observed not to furnish occasions.

          I take this opportunity of remarking on a practice that has lately prevailed of a very injurious tendency. Several soldiers have applied to me for their discharge, producing affidavits by themselves before some of the justices of this County of their terms of service having expired—If this kind of testimony by the interested party himself, inadmissible on every principle, were to have effect the dissolution of the army would soon follow—Unhappily few of the comm⟨on⟩ soldiery who wish to be disengaged from the service would scruple right or wrong to avail themselv⟨es⟩ of such an expedient—This practice therefore can⟨not⟩ operate the release of the soldier and only affords a new pretext for discontent. If ⟨you⟩ view the matter in the same light, I doubt not you will use your influence to put a stop to it—I have the honor to be Very respectfully Sir Your most Ob⟨t⟩ servant

            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Marinus Willett, 22 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Willett, Marinus

            Sir,
            Morris-town Feby 22d 1780.

          I have received your letter of the 18th.
          Secresy in the business you have been requested to put in train is so essentially necessary that those who are willing to embark in it may rest assured that not even a whisper shall be heard from hence.
          It is to be presumed that every circumspection & caution that the case will admit of will be used to prevent a discovery of any of the agents; but if, notwithstanding, the one at Secaucus should be suspected & prosecuted, I must, in behalf of the public, stand between him & the consequences of a prosecution—It may not be amiss however to observe—by way of caution—that the great pursuit of those who heretofore have been employed in this business, is traffic, and this being carried on with avidity the end for wch they were engaged was defeated—because

Suspicions on our part, & a desire of rendering themselves useful to the enemy, to accomplish, with more ease their own lucrative plans, gave a turn to the business which operated much to our prejudice.
          I do not know how easy it may be for the agent at Secaucus to obtain free access to the Intelligencer at New-York—but it is absolutely necessary he should—It is the hinge on which the whole turns & without it, nothing can be done to effect—Hence, is it not necessary to have a person on the No. River, at or near Bergen town, who can, at all times, have equal access to the City and secaucus unsuspected? Is it not necessary also to have some person between Second River & head Quarters? These matters you will consider, and determine on—I need not add that the fewer hands a business of this sort is in, the better it will be executed, & less risk there is of a discovy.
          Verbal accts in passing through several hands, & some heads which may not be very clear, are liable to such transmutation as serve to confound & perplex rather than inform—for this reason the Agent in New-York should give all his intelligence in writing which may be done fully & with security (even if the letters should fall into the hands of the enemy) in the manner I shall hereafter communicate—His Letters may be addressed to the Agent at second River, or any other (more proper) person, if one can be thought of—but whether he will write in his own name, or under an assumed one, must be left to himself to determine when he comes to understand the mode for communicating the intelligence.
          The persons intermediate between him & me (serving as mere vehicles of conveyance) will know nothing of the contents—consequently the avenues leading to a discovery of the person in New York (who should be shielded on all sides) will be much lessened & guarded.
          The compensation for these services had better be fixed—beforehand—because loose agreements are seldom rewarded to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. I shall be glad to see you to morrow morning that I may have some further conversation with you on this subject. with esteem & regard I am Sir Yr obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Levin Winder, 22 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Winder, Levin

            Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown 22d Feby 1780

          By recent accounts it appears that the enemy have drawn off their horse from Staten Island to York Island—Tho we cannot determine the motives which gave rise to this move, yet as it may be intended to carry on some enterprise against such part of our out posts as lay most exposed to their excursions I have to recommend to you an increase of vigilance and precaution to obviate or guard against such an event. The badness of the roads is by no means a preventative. This very circumstance may be an encouragement to such an undertaking, by the state of security in which it may be supposed to place us. It will be adviseable to keep an eye on such part of the North river above you as still admits of a passage on the ice. You will make this communication to the officer who will relieve you. I am &c.


Title: General Orders, 23 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown Wednesday Feby 23rd 80.
            Parole Franklin—  C. Signs Fleet. Feast.

          From the remoteness of General Stark’s and Jersey brigades from the grand parade their camp guards are excused from attending there, not only in the case mentioned in the order of the 16th—but in general, when the roads are very wet and bad—The officers of the day are to be notified in time on parade when this happens.


Title: To George Washington from John Beatty, 23 February 1780
From: Beatty, John
To: Washington, George

            sir,
            Commissy Prisrs Office Febry 23d 1780

          The declining State of my private family Concerns, renders it a duty incumbent on me to pay a Stricter attention thereto, than is compatible with a continuance in the Public Service. I am to request therefor that your Excellency will please to conceive of me as ⟨r⟩esigning the office of Commissary of Prisoners and am to entreat that some Person may be Authorized to receive such information and papers from me as immediately respect the office.
          Mr Skinner with your Excellency’s permission, will attend and do the usual Duty until such appointment shall take place, and I am further to inform your Excellency that by appointment I am to meet the British Commissaries on Wensday the first day of March next, then to adjust and settle all accounts which respect the Exchanges of Privates and Seamen, in this case it will be necessary I should have your Excellencys permission and Passport. I am with the highest respect Your Excellency’s mo: Obt and most Hume Servt

            Jno. Beatty Com: Gen: Prisrs


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 23 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentlemen.
            Hd Qrs Morris Town Feby 23d 1780

          By the regulations the non-comissioned officers are to be armed with swords as a mark of distinction and to enable them the better to maintain the authority due to their stations—This necessary arrangement has not yet been carried into execution— By some returns I have seen there appears to have been a considerable number of Hessian hangers at Albany, though I find no mention of them in the last returns of The Commissary of Military stores—I presume the Board know where they are, and I should think it would be adviseable to have these and any others that may be brought to the army and distributed.
          There is a great deficiency of drums fifes and standards. I presume the necessary measures are taking to procure them with other articles of a similar kind. I have the honor to be very respectfully Gentlemen Yr most Obed. & hume servant.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 23d Feby 1780

          I do myself the honor to inclose your Excellency a New York paper of the 21st—which contains his British Majesty’s speech and several other Articles of European intelligence.
          Your Excellency’s favor of the 12th inclosing Copies of sundry matters respecting the State of Georgia and the exchange of Brigr Genl Elbert, only reached me last Evening. I have the

honor to be with the greatest Respect yr Excellency’s most obt and humble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 23 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 23d Feby 1780

          I had last night the honor to receive Your Excellency’s letter of the 16th with the papers you have been pleased to refer to me. There is certainly a good deal of weight in the observations and objections which Colo. Hazen has made, and it were very much to be wished, that the supplies of Cloathing and necessaries in every instance were perfectly equal to the officers & men respectively, throughout the army; but as these from the nature of our present establishment proceed from different sources—I do not know how the inconveniences complained of are to be remedied. It has been the pleasure of Congress by repeated Acts, and by a very recent one, to recommend it to the States to provide for the Officers & men belonging to them in the additional & other Corps, not originally apportioned on them in the same manner they provide for those of their State Lines. This being the case, and as they have no other mode of relief, or at least that I know of, I do not see that it can be objected to in the instance of Major Reed and the other officers who have addressed your Excellency. It can only be considered that they are more fortunate than the rest belonging to their regiment. Nor is this discrimination peculiar to Colo. Hazens Corps. There are many others in the same disagreeable predicament. It holds extensively between the Troops of different Lines; for while the officers & men of some enjoy most necessary comforts—those of others are destitute of any. I return Your Excellency the papers again & have the honor to be with the most perfect respect & esteem Your Excellency’s most obet servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 23 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

            Sir,
            Morris Town 23d of Feby 80 half past 10 A.M.

          I have this moment received yours of seven oClock this morning. I am apprehensive with you that the circumstances you mention will prevent the execution of your project; for which reason and the badness of the weather I delay the march of the covering party ’till I hear further from you. If the intelligence you expect proves favourable to your design I shall be obliged to you to dispatch a second messenger, and I will take measures here accordingly—I am Sir Your most Obedient servant.

          Will not the state of the moon be unfriendly to your attempt towards Morning?


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair, 23 February 1780
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair, 23 Feb. 1780. On 24 Feb., GW wrote St. Clair: “I recd yours of yesterday late last night.”


Title: General Orders, 24 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown thursday Feby 24th 1780.
            Parole Geometry—  C. Signs Gin. Ginger—

          The Commander in Chief is pleased to remit the sentence against Samuel Crawford; He is to be released from confinement.
          The frequent occasions the General takes to pardon, where strict justice would compel him to punish ought to operate on the gratitude of offenders to the improvement of their morals.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 February 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town Feby 24. 1780

          Your Excellency will see, by the inclosed representation, that our stock of forage is nearly consumed, and that there is no probability of replenishing the magazines. A failure in this respect strikes as fatally at the subsistance of the army, as a more direct deficiency on the score of provisions. I am with great respect your Excellencys most obt hbe Sevt

            Nath. Greene Q.M.⟨G.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 24 February 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morristown Feb. 24th 1780

          We are much in want of a number of raw hides, to exchange for leather, to repair the Harness of the Army, and for many other uses in the Department. Will your Excellency favor me with an order on the Commisary of Hides for a couple of hundred for these purposes? We have neither Money to buy with, nor leather to go on with the business. Had we money to purchase with, we could exchange the Hides to better advantage than we can purchase with money. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Serv.

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 24 February 1780
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Colchester [Conn.] 24th Feby 1780

          I received a Letter from Governor Trumbull requireing an officer and eighteen men, to go on the Lines, which I orderd from the 2d Regiment, not doubting but it Coud be furnishd from thence, but Such is the State of these two regiments in respect to Cloathing that the party Coud not be furnishd. Lest any misrepresentation shoud be made, I Send you, herewith Copys of the Letters which past between the Governor and me upon that Subject. I have the honor to be with great respect Dear sir Your most obliged H. St

            Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 24 February 1780
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia Febry 24th 1780

          Enclosd I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency, a copy of the instructions I have receivd from the board of War; to Morrow I set out for Virginia, & shall be happy to receive Your Excellencys Orders at Fredericksburg, or Williamsburg.
          I have waited on Colo. Pettit, but he had before my arrival, negotiated an exchange. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Obedt hble Servt

            P. Muhlenberg


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 24 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 24th Feby 1780.

          I recd yours of yesterday late last night. I am sorry that the state of the Ice did not admit of the prosecution of your enterprize at the time you had determined to carry it into execution, but perhaps this change of Weather may again make the passage secure.
          You will be pleased to come up on Monday next, if the situation of matters below will permit—Your presence is necessary as a Witness on the trial of Lt Colo. Howard, and the Court have been obliged to adjourn for want of your evidence. should any thing turn up between this and Monday which you think will prevent your attendance on that day, you will be pleased to signify it previously. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

            ⟨P.⟩ S. I shall expect the pleasure of your Company at dinner on Monday.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Turner, 24 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Turner, Philip

            Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown 24 Feby 1780

          I have to acknowlege your letter of the 3d instant with its inclosure.
          It would give me much satisfaction to find so necessary a department as the medical on ⟨the⟩ most unexceptionable footing.

But as [I] do not undertake to judge in cases of this nature I would imagine that Congress will adopt such changes as may appear best calculated to this end, and to reconcile any want of harmony which may have crept into the present system. I am Sir &c.


Title: General Orders, 25 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown friday Feby 25th 1780.
            Parole Holland—  C. Signs Honor. Honesty.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 25 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters 25th Feby 1780.

          I recd yours late last evening, inclosing Colo. Biddles representation of the state of our forage—which is indeed alarming.

As the State of Jersey, on which we must depend untill a supply can be brought from a distance, have, in consequence of the recommendation of Congress, taken upon themselves to procure a certain quantity of provision and forage, I think Colo. Biddle ought, without loss of time, to obtain from Mr Dunham, the superintendant, as accurate an account as possible of the quantities which the several Agents have already purchased, and also of their expectations, and if, as he seems to suspect, there have not been sufficient exertions used, he should immediately repair to Trenton, where the Governor and Assembly are sitting, and lay before them a state of his Magazines, and urge the necessity of taking the most vigorous measures for keeping up the supply of Forage, ’till the Navigation and Roads will permit us to bring that forward which we may hope is procured to the Southward.
          I suppose while we are short of Hay, there will be a necessity of issuing so large a quantity as eight quarts of Grain ⅌ day for each Horse—But when there is hay, I think the quantity of Grain may be reduced.
          Be pleased to let me know whether the Returns which the Board of War called for, some little time ago, have been transmitted, and if they have not, when you think they will be ready. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Mercer, 25 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, James

            Dear Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris-town Feby 25th 1780.

          Your letter of the 6th Ulto did not come to my hands till the same date in the present month—It was accompanied by a letter from Mr Lund Washington of the 26th of Jany covering Bills on the Commissioners in France for thirteen hundred & ninety two Dollars.
          Immediately upon receipt of these, I endorsed & sent them to Charles Pettit Esqr. Assistt Qr Mr General in Phila. to be

disposed of in the manner pointed out by you—or in any other which the course of his business might dictate as better adapted to answer the end—the following under date of the 21st is his Second letter to me on the subject.
          “Since I had the honor to write to your Exy respecting the Bills of Exchange I have sold them at the rate of thirty five dollars for one, and have received about half the consideration money; the residue is to be paid within ten or twelve days. The Treasury Board have reported to Congress a warrant in my favor on the Treasury of Virginia for the use of the department, I have therefore appropriated the money I have received here to the Public service and shall repay it at the loan office in Virginia out of that draught and take certificates according to direction.”
          The business thus far, has been conducted agreeably to your desire as the money will be lodged in the Virginia loan office.
          On the 12th Instt I wrote to Mr Lund Washington for a particular acct of Sales—a list of the debtors & their securities, with the amount of the Bonds given by each, and the time when payable; noting any payments that have been made. also a memorandum of the Sums as have been placed in the Virginia state office & the periods at which it happened. So soon as I get these (and they are shortly expected) I will write you again & make choice of an attorney—the only design of this letter, being, to advise you of the Sale of the Bills. In the meanwhile I may receive the Letter which you promised me in your last.
          For the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to entertain of my endeavours to serve the American cause, & for the good wishes you have expressed in my favor, allow me to offer my sincere thanks, & to assure you that—I am Dr Sir yr Most Obedt Hble Ser.

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 26 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentlemen,
            Hd Qrs Morris Town Feby 26th 1780

          I have received the inclosed proceedings of a General Court Martial held by order of the Board—As I am not informed of any provision having been made for vesting the power of appoin[tin]g Courts Mar⟨tial⟩ in the Board (which is too confined in many respects), I should not think myself at liberty to confirm the proceedings of the present Court, were there no objection to the manner of the proceedings themselves—But they are too summary and the evidence not fully enough stated to justify an approbation of decisions which affect life No mention is made of the corps to which the prisoners belong—The Corporal punishments too are irregular, exceeding the limits prescribed by our military code which is in this instance also defective—and in the case of Capt. Parke—he is found guilty of the additional crime of forgery, though the charge against him only relates to fraud.
          I flatter myself I need not assure the Board, that the ⟨s⟩cruples now suggested do not proceed from the least disposition to bring their powers in any instance into question, which is the remotest of any thing from my intention—But as the regular administration of justice as well in the military as civil line is of the essential importance and as the regular constitution of Courts is a fundamental point towards it, The Board will be sensible it is my duty to be satisfied on this head before I give my concurrence in any trials where there is room to doubt. I shall therefore be obliged to them to give me the necessary information concerning their powers in this respect—Lest upon recollection it may be found

that sufficent provision has not been made, I inclose an order for holding a new Court, that the offenders may not escape, and I could wish a hint may be given to the Gentleman acting as Judge advocate to be more explicit and particular in designating the circumstances of the crime and of the evidence. I inclose the proceedings for the inspection of the Board.
          Inclosed I send the Board the returns lately called for by them through the Inspector General from this part of the army—The moment the rest are received, they shall be forwarded. I have the honor to be With perfect respect and esteem Gentlemen Your most Obedient humble servant.


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 26 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 26th Feby 1780.

          I have recd your favr of the 9th inclosing letters for your son—Colo. Ramsay—and Mr Williams of New York—I am in hourly expectation of seeing Colo. Ramsay, who I am told is coming out with propositions of Exchange, which I sincerely hope will be such as may be accepted with honor and advantage to the States and to the individuals concerned.
          I had flattered myself that the spirited formation of your law, for the supply of the Army with provisions, would have been attended with the most salutary effects—but there really seems to be an almost general combination against every measure calculated to releive the public from the enormous load of debt and distress in which she is involved.

          Mrs Washington makes a return of her Compliments to Mrs Fitzhugh, and I beg leave to assure you that I am with great Esteem Dear Sir yr most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 February 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Morris Town Feb: 26th 1780.

          I herewith inclose your Excellency a copy of a letter from Coll Biddle to me, relative to his going to meet the Legislature of this State at Trenton, and request your opinion upon the subject. I am with respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servt

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dear Sir,
            Head Quarters Morris Town Feby 26th 1780

          In answer to your note on the subject of Col. Biddles letter I can only say that I have already recommended his waiting upon the Legislature and I still think he will have it in his power to make representations for the good of the service; but though I wish the measure to take place I would not press it or do violence to the scruples which I cannot but acknowledge are natural in Col. Biddles situation—But if he cannot reconcile it to his feelings to go—I shall be glad some other mode may be fallen upon to give the Assembly the necessary information and excite to those exertions which the exigency of our affairs requires. I am Dr Sr yr Most Obet servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 26 February 1780
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Trenton [N.J.] 26 Febry 1780

          I was this day honoured with your Excellency’s Letters of the 19th & 20th. I am glad to find by the Return therewith transmitted that the Deficeincy of the Troops raised by this State is not more considerable. I had conjectured that we wanted between 600 & 700. Probably upon a more accurate Inquiry the Deficiency will appear to be still less. I hope New Jersey will exert the most vigorous Efforts to compleat their Compliment by the Term prefixed.
          I have the honour to concur entirely in Sentiment with your Excellency respecting the danger of the civil Authorities giving too much Countenance to the Complaints of the Soldiery on the Subject of their being detained in Service after the Expiration of the Terms of their Inlistment. I have been present when such Complaints appeared upon Inspection of the Instrument of their Inlistment altogether without foundation. There are however probably Instances to the contrary, when some Individuals have been injured in that Respect. But I am persuaded that wherever such Injustice can be made to appear, the Sufferers will find adequate Relief without appealing to the Civil; & that no Soldier, really oppressed, will have reason to complain for want of Redress after your Excellency has been made acquainted with his Case. There are indeed Instances in which such Complaints may so judicially be brought before the Judges that they would be bound, ex officio, to take Cognizance of the Matter, & grant the same relief to a Soldier forcibly kept beyond his Engagement as in the Case of the false Imprisonment of any other Subject; no Soldier losing by his Enlisting in the Service his antecedent Rights as a Citizen, & particularly not that of a juridical Inquiry into the Legality of every restraint on personal Liberty. But every officious & unnecessary Interference ought most cautiously to be avoided; & the same caution will doubtless be used by the Army against administring any Cause for such kind of Complaints both in Justice to the Men, and to prevent the Country from being impressed with the Idea that such Impositions are practiced, which would unquestionably embarrass the future Inlistments. I hope & doubt not the Legislature of

this State will treat the Matter with all the Delicacy it deserves, as the dangerous Consequences which your Excellency apprehends from opening too wide a door to such kind of Complaints must strike every considerate mind.
          By What I can collect from all the foreign Papers I have seen, the affairs of our Enemy in Europe are in a most disasterous Situation, tho’ their deluded Prince greatly comforts himself with his redoubtable Militia. I hope however that none of the States will relax in their Exertions for any such flattering Appearances. Those who are prepared for a Storm are undoubtedly ready for a Calm; but we cannot invert the Proposition; & the superior Terms upon which we may expect to obtain a Peace when properly prepared for War will doubt⟨less⟩ be equal to all the Expence of such preparation. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem Dear Sir your Excellencys most obedient & very humble Servant

            Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 26 February 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Wethersfield [Conn.] feby 26th 1780

          Agreeable to Your Excellency’s orders, contained in a Letter of the 15th inst., I have made out a Return of the Regiment—Some of our recruiting Officers are at such a Distance that we have not recd accurate Returns of their Recruits, tho’ I am confident there is a number engaged for the War, in addition to that specified in the enclosed Return. I have the Honor to be, Your most obedt Servt

            Benja. Tallm⟨adge⟩


Title: General Orders, 27 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristownsunday February 27th [1780]
            Parole Jupiter—  C. Signs Just. Judge.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 27 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentlemen
            Head Quarters Morris Town 27th Feby 1780.

          I have been honored with yours of the 22d accompanied by the Returns of sundry of the additional and detached Corps,

from which, and from those which I had been enabled to collect in and near the Army I have furnished the respective States with a tolerably accurate account of the deficiencies of their Quotas. I have informed them, that should any more Men appear to their Credit upon a full collection of all the returns, they shall without loss of time be made acquainted with their number.
          With respect to Lt Colo. Conolly, I should think he might as well remain in his present situation untill the result of the proposed meeting of Comms. to settle an exchange of prisoners is known. I am informed that I may very soon expect an answer, to my letter on that subject, which went by the Gentlemen who came out with terms. Should this Business be again interrupted, I would then wish the Board to determine upon the propriety of permitting Colo. Conolly to go into New York upon parole—As there is something in his case different from common prisoners of War, I have never considered him as under my direction.


Title: From George Washington to Juan de Miralles, 27 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Miralles, Don Juan de

            Sir,
            Head Qrs Morris Town Feby 27. 1780

          I have the honor of your letter of the 18th inclosing an extract of one from His Excellency The Governor of Havannah. I am happy in the opportunity of congratulating you on the important successes—it announce[s] to the arms of His Catholic Majesty, which I hope are a prelude to others more decisive. These events not only advance the immediate interest of his Majesty, and promote the common cause, but they will probably have a beneficial influence on the affairs of the Southern states at the present juncture.
          The want of any certain intelligence of the fleet which sailed from New York, I should attribute, to their having been disconcerted in their voyage, by the tempestuous weather which prevailed for some time after their departure—A variety of circumstances combining proved that the intention of that embarkation was for the Southern states—All my intelligence agreed in this point—the composition of the detachment—Governor Martin and several refugees from South and North Carolina having embarked in the fleet—the current of the English accounts, by which it appears that General Clinton was expected to be in South Carolina so early as November, in which he was probably prevented by Count D’Estaing⟨’s⟩ operations in Georgia—these circumstances conspire to satisfy me that the Carolinas were the objects—But notwithstanding, this, I think the precautions you are taking to put the Spanish dominions upon their guard are

wise—It can have no ill-consequence and it is adviseable to be provided against all contingencies—It would not be surprising if the British General on hearing of the progress of the Spanish arms in the Floridas should relinquish his primitive design and go to the defence of their own territories.
          I shall with the greatest pleasure comply with your request for giving you information of all the movements of the enemy that come to my knowlege, which may in any manner interest the plans of your Court; and I have written to General Lincoln agreeable to your intimation. Every motive will induce him to do whatever may be in his power to effect the diversion desired—If the enemy prosecute the plan which I suppose to have been originally intended he will necessarily find his whole attention employed at home on the defensive; but if they direct their force to another quarter, I am persuaded he will make the best use of his to give them all possible annoyance and distraction. I have the honor to be With the truest respec[t] Your most Obedt and most humble servant.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 27 February 1780
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Spring Field [N.J.] Febry 27th 1780

          I was sitting down to inform your Excellency that I had received all the Intelligence respecting Paulus Hook that I thought necessary, and had made my Arrangements for carrying the Attack on that Place into Execution this Evening, when I received an Account from New Ark that the Ice in the North River is broken up; the Bay at Communé Pas quite clear; and that

what remained along the Shore, upon the Flats betwixt that and Paulus Hook, was so rotten Yesterday that it would scarce bear a single Man, occasioned by a verey high Tide that happened the Night before last, and had overflowed it to a considerable Depth.
          I Am extremly mortified, as my Expectations were sanguine, there was a reasonable Prospect of Success—and the Cold of Wedensday and Thursday, which rendered the Sound as strong as ever, seemed to promise that the Ice would likewise hold in that Quarter; and by moving a little earlier the Moon would not have been against us, but it is over and I am verey sorry for it. I Am Sir Your most obedient Servant

            Ar. St Clair


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 27 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

            Dr Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown 27 Feby 1780

          The letter you inclosed me in yours of this date contains some matters of information from a Mr Mercereau of Deane’s character, the person whom you sent up some time since—As I have nothing particular for your attention I have ordered the horsemans return—and am Dr Sir &.

            G. W——


Title: General Orders, 28 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown Monday Feby 28th 1780.
            Parole Knowledge—  C. Signs Kidder. Key.

          Notwithstanding the orders for building guard huts, the officers of the day still report a deficiency: The General again enjoins that those brigades which have not yet provided them, will without fail immediately do it; No excuse will be admitted for delay beyond this week.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 28 February 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            War Office [Philadelphia] Feby 28. 1780

          We have been honoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 23d I have given Orders to the Comissy Genl of Military Stores in Consequence. As many Colours as possible shall be provided but until we recieve the Articles from France, of which we have lately had agreeable Accounts, we cannot have the Standards prepared agreeably to the Plan proposed vizt to have two for every regt—one the Standard of the United States—the other the regimental Standard the Ground whereof to be the Colour of the Facing. The Regiments must shift with what Colours can now be given them until the Arrival of our expected Supplies. We believe there will not be much Difficulty in procuring a sufficient Number of Drums & Fifes but we wish we knew the Numbers required. Perhaps the A[d]ju[tan]t Genl could get the necessary Returns & enable your Excellency to inform us. The Hessian Hangers (without our Knowledge) were ordered by Genl Knox out of the Hands of Mr V. Renslaer at Albany but we know not for what purpose. We intended them for the Non Com[missione]d Officers. There is a great Number of ordinary Hangers imported from France which we have ordered to be fitted up & sent to Camp. They will at best be miserable Things but we have no other Means of furnishing the Non Comd officers with this Article. Belts are making for them, but we have few Workmen & we fear we shall have fewer as the Men in Col. Flower’s Regt whose Times are out will be averse to reinlisting, the State having refused them the Benefits of their Supplies tho’ they have counted them to their Quota & thereby gained

every Advantage to themselves without Benefit to the Officers or Men. This gives much Uneasiness to Col. Flowers Regiment & the State having agreed to supply Coren’s Company adds to their Chagrin. We have the Honour to be with the greatest respec⟨t⟩ & Esteem

            Richard PetersBy order


Title: To George Washington from James Caldwell, 28 February 1780
From: Caldwell, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Springfield [N.J.] Feby 28. 1780.

          Experience of your Excellencys patience & readiness to indulge the Country where consistent, emboldens us to trouble you with this request. This morning, in consequence of a report, that the Connecticut Troops were to be removed & others sent down in their room, several of the most reputable inhabitants of the several Districts where the Troops are quartered have waited upon me, to intreat your Excellency to continue those who are now here.
          Your Excellency is very sensible that the best Troops cannot be quartered in families without considerable inconveniency. The difference between those now down, & those who were before them, is so very great, that the inhabitants are very solicitous these may be continued. We are very sensible your excellency does not need arguments to favour the people where in your power; & we woud not wish you to do any thing contrary to the general good of the cause or order & welfair of your Army.
          In behalf of the Inhabitans, Your Excellenys most obedt and very hume sert

            James Caldwell

            N.B. This will be handed by Colo. Crane.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 28 February 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Robinson’s Farms [N.Y.] 28th of Feby 1780

          Your Excellency’s Letters of the 16th & 19th Inst: directed on public Service to General Heath, & that of the 22d to him or the Officer commanding in this Department, reach’d me the Day before yesterday—the Contents of the two first shall be duly observ’d, & I had anticipated the Purpose of the latter, having taken the requisite precautionary Steps previous to the Reception of it, in Consequence of Information given me of the seemingly intended Movements of the Enemy.
          The Returns you mention, had been as I am inform’d transmitted before your Letter arriv’d.
          General Heath left this Department on Tuesday, & nothing material enough to induce an Express having happen’d, & no other Opportunity offering, I have not until now done myself the Honor of addressing you.
          I have ordered the Engineers to report to me the Requisites wanting to complete the Works, & shall proceed upon them the Moment the Weather will let us do so. With the greatest Regard & Respect I have the Honor to be Dear Sir your Excellency’s most obedient & very Humble Servant

            Robert Howe


Title: General Orders, 29 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday February 29th 1780.
            Parole Lincoln—  C. Signs Law. Logic.

          Regimental returns of cloathing actually wanting to be made as soon as possible to the Adjutant General.
          The State Cloathiers or their Assistants are also to make exact returns to the Cloathier General of all cloathing in their hands.
          By a division General Court Martial held in the Pennsylvania line the 25th instant by order of Colonel Johnston Commandant—Colonel Stewart President—Captain John McClellan of

the 1st Pennsylvania regiment was tried for, “Neglect of duty while commanding the Morristown Picket” and acquitted.
          The Commander in Chief approves the sentence & orders Captn McClellan to be discharged from arrest.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 29 February 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia Feby 29th 1780

          You will receive herewith enclosed a Letter from Genl Irwine of the 23d of January and an Act of Congress of this Day referring the same to the Commander in Chief to settle the Claim of Genl Irwine respecting Rank.
          You have also enclosed an Act of Congress of the 25th Instant, calling on the several States to procure their respective Quotas of Supplies for the ensuing Campaign. You will please to observe the Articles except Tobacco are to be collected and deposited in each State in such place as the Commander in Chief shall Judge most convenient.
          It is most earnestly to be desired that the several States may exert themselves and procure such Suplies and Magazines as may relieve the quarter master and Commissary General from their Embarrassments, and prevent any future Distress in the Army for Want of provision.
          I am favoured with yours of the 23d Inst. enclosing Gaines Newspaper. I have the honour to be with the highest respect your Excy’s hble servt

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 29 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Kalb, Johann

            D. sir
            Head qrs Morris Town Feby 29th 1780

          A particular piece of business has occurred which will require Major General St Clair to leave for the present, the command of the Troops advanced below, and which will probably occasion him to be absent from it, till the middle or latter end of the week after next; It is therefore my wish that You should supply his place—and that You will proceed as soon as You conveniently can and take the command. If You can do it to day, it will be so much the better, as Genl St Clair is already in Camp. I have nothing in particular to communicate to You upon the occasion, besides what is contained in the inclosed Extract from Instructions originally given to Brigadier General parsons on the 13 of December, when he went on this command; to the Objects of which You will be pleased to attend. I have the Honor to be with great esteem & respect sir Yr Most Obed. st

            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausen, 29 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Knyphausen, Wilhelm von

            Sir
            Head Qrs [Morristown] February the 29th 1780

          I had not the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 19th till Yesterday. The place You have proposed for the meeting

of Commissioners is perfectly agreable to me; but from the delay that has attended the conveyance of Your Excellency’s Letter, I beg leave to postpone the time of their interview till Thursday the 9th of March. Amboy will be considered as a Neutral place during their negociation—and no Troops will be permitted to enter it on my part, except a Commissioned Officer with a Serjeant & Twelve privates, Infantry as Guards.
          Major General St Clair and Lt Colonels Carrington & Hamilton are the Officers who will be appointed to meet the Gentlemen Your Excellency mentions, as Commissioners, and they will come with full powers to negotiate a General Cartel.
          Major General Phillips will be at liberty to bring with him any Officers of his suite that he may think proper. The Commissary General of prisoners on our part will be directed to attend the Commissioners.
          It will also be necessary that Mr Pintard Agent for prisoners at New york should commmunicate with our Commissary to give him information which will be essential in an adjustment of Accounts—I shall be therefore happy if there is no Objection to his repairing to Amboy at the time of the meeting. I have the Honor to be yr Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble servt

            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Justices of Morris County, N.J., 29 February 1780
From: Justices of Morris County, New Jersey
To: Washington, George

            Sr
            Morris Town Feby 29th 1780

          With gratitude we have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys favour of the 2nd Instt—we are not Insensible of the honour Conferred on us in Conjunction with the Othe[r] Magestrates & Inhabitants of this State by the Ample Expressions of the high sense your Excellency Entertains of the Patriotism and exertions of the Majestrates and Inhabitants of New Jersey in Procureing Releif to the troops in their late distress we hope with your Excellency that a Simalar Occasion may not

again Occur but should our aid at any time be Necessary for the better Accommodation of the Army or In Any wise to Promote the Service we flatter Ourselves Your Excellency will not be Disappointed in Your Expectations so far as the Abillitys of the people, & the Majestrates Influance can Extend.
          In consequence of your Excellencys Representation Congress have Generously Expressed their Sense of the Zeal and Exertions of New Jersey on the late Occasion which fully demonstrates that Your Excellency has done us Justice therein.
          Nothing can be more Acceptable Or lay us Under Stronger Obligations to your Excellency than to have the Army Impressed with favourable Sentiments towards the Inhabitants.
          In behalf of the Good People of this County We beg leave to Return Your Excellency our sinceer thanks for the care taken to prevent the Soldery committing depredations on the property of the Inhabitants.
          And for the polite Assureance your Excellency has given us of such seasonable Attention to that Matter In Answer to Our Representation, we Only take the liberty to add that we have the pleasure to Assure Your Excellency that the Complaints which gave rise to the same have in Consequence of the Measures Adopted Chiefly Subsided. We are with the greatest respe⟨ct⟩ Your Excellencys Most Obedt & Very Hle Servts

            Benjn HallseyJona. StilesJohn BrookfieldBenja. Lindsly


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Phillips, 29 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Phillips, William

            Sir,
            Head Qrs [Morristown] Feby 29. 1780

          I yesterday received your letter of the 21st accompanied by one from His Excellency Lt General Knyphaussen proposing a meeting of Commissioners the 6th of next Month at Amboy. Particular reasons have induced me to defer the meeting till the 9th, when three Gentlemen on our part will be authorised to enter upon the business at the place appointed—You have been rightly informed that it is perfectly agreeable to me you should be upon the Commission. I hope it may fully answer the interesting purpose intended.
          With pleasure I consent to your bringing with you such gentlemen and others of your suite as you think proper and to your making the little excursions you propose for the benefit of exercise.
          Major Gardner has already had permission to remain till the result of the negotiation. I have the honor to be With great personal respect sir Your most obedt & hum. ser.


Title: From George Washington to Lewis Pintard, 29 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Pintard, Lewis

            Sir,
            Hd Qrs [Morristown] Feby [29] 1780

          It is proposed that a meeting of Commissioners on the subject of prisoners should take place the 9th instant at Amboy. As your presence will be necessary there to give Mr Beatty information which he will want towards an adjustment of accounts, I have requested the permission of His Excellen⟨cy⟩ Lt General Knyphausen for you to repair there at the time appointed—You will therefore be pleased to apply to him to know his pleasure. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Ward, 29 February 1780
From: Ward, Joseph
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town February 29th 1780

          I had the honour to receive your Excellency’s Letter of the 21st January, and with great pleasure have complied with your wishes expressed therein.
          The Brigade Majors being unacquainted with the business of mustering, caused a delay, by which reason I could not complete the General Abstract, and all the Returns to the several Offices, until this day.
          I feel Sir, with great sensibility, the very obliging manner in which your Excellency has been pleased to express your approbation of my Services—The approbation of the Wise and good, is the happiness to which I aspire, and the honour I now receive applies to all the feelings of the heart, as it comes from the Man for whom I have the greatest respect and veneration.
          Free from all suspicion, at this parting hour, I will not suppress the language of my heart—Should any act of mine survive distant posterity, may it be this testimony, That I served five years in the Armies of America under the command of General Washington, and witnessed the even tenor of his life guided by patriotism magnanimity and virtue, while justice benevolence and candor, condescension and liberality with mingled rays shone conspicuous without one varying hour—The virtuous Citizens and Soldiers held Him in the embrace of their affection, and every one saw in Him his Friend and Brother.
          Be pleased my Dear General, to accept this assurance, that neither time or distance will extinguish the ardour with which I wish you every Felicity—May Peace, soon crown your labours,

and each future day shine brighter and brighter until you join that Circle where are pleasures consummate and eternal. I have the honour to be With every sentiment of Esteem and Respect, Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servant

            Joseph Ward


Title: To George Washington from Fredrick Seaburn, February 1780
From: Seaburn, Fredrick
To: Washington, George

            [February 1780]

          May It please Your Exelency The Humbel addreser Federick Seburn Beloing to the 2th Regt Light Dragoon Comand By Col: Sheldon now liing at Windsor Heartford County Do most fervently aquaint Your Honar of the Curcumstances which I lie Under which is A Griveance, Haveing Served out the Term of time that I Inlisted for which was three Years and now Detained For to Serve in and for the prestent war which I never Reced the last Giving Bounty which wass one Hundred Dollors May it please Your Exelency I have Sœrved tow Years as foot Soldger Before I Joined this present Regt And Being Taking prisnor was Very hard used for Eight Months & then at the Expiration of Said time maid my Escape and Joined my Regt & Served out my time as A Good Soilduer I [in] like maner Inform Your Exelency that I am no native of the Countery which Renders Me the More with out Friends as I Came Over from Jermony A Bouth Twelve Years a go Desolate May it please Your Honour I am Mared this Eight Years & has a wife And five Small Childering which is Trusting to the Benovelence of Good peopel for the want of my aid and Asistance to seport them which att this present Junctter is in Great Calamety which Grives my Heart Ful sore Now if your Exelency will Take it into Consideration the Grivence that I lie Under I will Be for Ever Bound to pray For the welfare & properety of your Exelency Under Takings I [in] like maner Send Your Exelency the affedevid of Wm Congar witness present of the time of mi inlistment in this 2th Regt With which the Officer that Inlisted Me & Several more Which was formely a Leut. in Said Regt Says that He Returned me Dureing The war which I Can prove To the Contrary By a witness of Wm Congar as I Maid Menching a

fore Said I like Wise Informe your Exelency that my Wife Never has had the least Support From the Staite or County Ere sence my Servetude which if not Remedeyde Must Inovitetably Sufer The greatest Calamety As my famely is Exausted to the lowest Degree Imagenabel.
          If it pleases Your Exelency to Order or Grant my Disegarge From the 2th Regt I should Show my sefle Elert apon Any presing Ocasion In the Defence of the Unighted Stai⟨tes⟩ Which I was all ways [A]tatched and wiling to Defend to The Utmost of my power & Strenth. No More from Your Dependent & Ver Humbel servant

            Fredrick Seaburn


Title: General Orders, 1 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown Wednesday March 1st 1780.
            Parole Life—  C. Signs Luck. Laurels.

          The honorable the Congress having been pleased by a late resolution to annex the Mustering Department to that of the Inspection of the Army—‘Till the business is more perfectly arranged the Sub-Inspectors and Inspectors of brigades are requested to muster the troops in the divisions & brigades to which they are respectively attached in the manner it has been usually done—The Musters both for January & February are to be included in one roll—when complete, the whole are to be delivered to the Adjutant General.
          By a Division General Court Martial of the Pennsylvania line,

Colonel Stewart President; Lieutenant John Armstrong of the 3rd Pennsylvania regiment was tried for “Ungentlemanlike behavior in attempting to impose a falshood on Colonel Craig respecting his attendance on the regimental parade”—and found guilty of a breach of the 21st article 14th section of the articles of war and sentenced to be discharged the service.
          The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence; but from the general good character he has heard of Lieutenant Armstrong, He hopes what he is charged with, proceeded rather from a want of recollection than from any ill design, and is induced to restore him to his rank and command.
          He is released from arrest.
          By a division General Court Martial held at the encampment of the Jersey Brigade the 24th day of February last, by order of Major General Lord Stirling, Colo. Ogden President, Cornelius Nix charged with “Deserting to the enemy twice, endeavoring to get there a third time and piloting a british prisoner of war into their lines”—was tried and found guilty of all the charges (except deserting twice) and sentenced to suffer death, more than two thirds of the Court agreeing.
          The Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
          By the same Court Emanuel Evans, soldier in the 3rd Jersey regiment charged with “Deserting to the enemy and taken in arms against the States”—was tried and found guilty of the charges and sentenced to suffer Death, more than two thirds of the Court agreeing.
          The Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
          George Brown charged with “Deserting to the enemy and being taken in Arms against the States,” was tried by the same Court and found guilty of the 2nd charge and sentenced to do duty on board an armed vessel during the war.
          The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders that the Prisoner be sent by the first opportunity to the Navy Board in Philadelphia with a copy of the sentence.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 1 March 1780
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dr Sir
            Baskingridge [N.J.] March 1st 1780

          I had prepared the enclosed paper for the police of the Division under my Command and was going to Issue it [in] division Orders; But on Considering that it might be more pleasing to your Excellency to have the police of the Whole Army Uniform in every Scituation; I have enclosed it for your Excellency’s perusal and determination. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from James Wilkinson, 1 March 1780
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Philadelphia March 1st 1780

          I have the honor of your Letter of the 20th ultimo, it reached me on the 28th; your Excellencys condescension in the advice & assistance which you therein offer me excites my warmest gratitude, and I beg leave to return my sincere acknowledgements for the same.
          My reluctance to intrude on that Time which I consider too interesting & important to my Country, to be trespassed upon on common occasions, has hitherto prevented my laying before you, from time to time, my correspondence with the Board of War: You must be sensible that I have not the least, collateral, connexion with the Provision of Clothing, nor can I be considered responsible for any defect therein; prompted however by my Duty & my Love to the most meritorious part of my Countrymen, I have occasionally suggested such Ways as I conceived favourable to the Public Interest, and, such is the Temper of the Times, when I have ventured to urge the execution of a plan, which appeared to me, fraught with the most eminent advantages, I have incured reproach & the injurious suspicion of being actuated by the sordid view of self Emolument. affronting & discouraging as such treatment is I shall not, so long as I hold a Public trust, remit my assiduity to accomplish both the letter & the Spirrit of my Office.
          I take the Liberty to inclose your Excellency a Copy of a Letter to the Board of War of the 4th Jany, with a transcript from my Books of the Issues made at this Post: in the Infancy of my appointment I endeavoured to prevent the dissipation which has taken place; I remonstrated to the Honl: Board on the impropriety of their Issuing in the manner they did, & in consequence they passed a solemn decree not to interfere except in extraordinary Cases, but this resolution has been long since violated, their Orders have multiplied exceedingly & are now more minute than ever.

          You will perceive that the calculation comprized in my Letter answered the purpose of an Estimate, as it was calculated for the Moment & on the Number of Men then in Service—I shall now without the least delay form an Estimate of particulars, comprehending the supplies necessary not only for the ensuing campaign, but for the next Winter, agreable to your directions, and I shall accordingly call on the Board of War for the Establishment of the Year, & as soon as the Estimate is compleated & the defeciences struck, I hope I shall have it in my Power of Personally presenting your Excellency with a Copy.
          The whole stock of Summer Clothing which falls within my knowledge, is about 14,000 pair of Linnen Overalls, which I shall see forwarded to New Burgh & Morris Town in due season. I am sorry to say that many of them are of Vile Quality: In reply to your Enquiry respecting our Prospects, I must inform you, that so far from being on a confidential footing with the Board of War, I have never, until Col: Grayson entered the Office, been consulted either privately or officially on any occasion whatever, so that I neither hear, see or know any thing of the Clothing until it is delivered into my Magazine.
          I hope you will not take amiss the freedom of this Letter & that your Excellency will beleive me to be with the most perfect respect & adoration, Your Much Obliged & ready Servant

            J. Wilkinson

            N.B. I have recd no Answer to my Letter of the 4th Jany.

              J.W:


Title: General Orders, 2 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown thursday March 2nd 1780.
            Parole Military—  C. Signs Men— Money.

          All guards detached from the line will parade on the grand parade at troop beating, that they may be inspected by the officers of the day before marching off.
          On account of the badness of the roads the attendance of the camp guards on the grand parade is dispensed with till further orders—The officers of the day will visit them as usual at their respective posts.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 2 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 2d March 1780.

          I have been favd with yours of the 19th ulto with the several papers to which it refers—You will be pleased to grant Capt. Flowers of the 3d Massachusetts Regt a dismission from the service, the Certificates transmitted being sufficient, and inform me of the time whe⟨n⟩ his resignation took place, that I may register it—If the number of Feild Officers with the first Brigade and the state of Colo. Nixons own Regiment will adm⟨it⟩ of his absence for a reasonable time, I had rather grant him a furlough than accept his Resignation—He will consider of this and take his measures accordingly.
          The mistake in the arrangement of the Subalterns of the 8th or Colo. Jacksons Regt is so palpable upon General pattersons Certificate, that it ought without doubt to be amended. If the Commissions, which Colo. Jackson has retained, are sent to me, I will transmit them to the Board of War and have them made out agreeable to the true arrangement. I cannot give any determination upon the Cases in the 5th and 12th Regiments, as I have not a Copy of the arrangement which was finally settled at West point and afterwards confirmed by Congress—I have wrote to the Board of War for a Copy, which will perhaps enable me ⟨to⟩ form a judgment of the equity of the complaints of the parties. Nothing but the clearest evidence of former mistakes should induce us to make any alteration in an arangement which was compleated with so much trouble and so solemnly confirmed as that of Massachusetts. I am Dear Sir yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 2 March 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Roxbury [Mass.] March 2nd 1780

          I arrived here the day before Yesterday after a tedious Journey through excessive bad roads.
          I find there is a great number of discharged Soldiers in this State, who have been at home for Some time that are inclined to inlist again, but as many of them came home almost naked and remain so still, a principal inducement to their Inlisting is the expectation of being immediately cloathed, this is represented to me by Colo. Crane and others, I request to be informed, whether the recruits can be cloathed here by an order from the Clothier General through the Sub or State clothier, if they can the recruiting service may be very Successfull, but if they cannot

be Clothed it will be impossible to march them on in their present naked condition. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Fielding Lewis, 2 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Fielding

            Dear Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris-town March 2d 1780

          Before Colo. Fairfax left Virginia he prevailed on me to accept a power of attorney for the general superintendance of his business in that State. Upon my appointment to the command of the American Army I wrote him that it was no longer in my power to do justice to the trust he had reposed in me & begged him to make choice of some other for this purpose. this request I repeated in several letters but never obtained an answer till lately—He now desires that I wd prevail on Mr Nicholas— yourself—or some other Gentn of character to do him this favor—I have already wrote to Mr Nicholas on this subject & shall be glad in case of his refusal to know if you will undertake the business as I believe his Steward—Collector of Rents—& seat at Belvoir stand much in need of the superintending eye of some person that will see justice done him.
          An Answer to this Letter as soon as possible will much oblige Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & affecte Serv

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Ward, 2 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Joseph

            Dear Sir,
            Head Qrs Morris town 2d March 1780

          I am to acknowledge your letter of the 29th of February last.
          The favorable sentiments of a good man, and one who has executed diligently and faithfully the duties of his station, cannot fail being agreeable. I thank you for your good wishes; and mine be assured, towards you; are not less sincere for your happiness & prosperity in whatever walk of life you may go into. With great regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most obedt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Smith, 3 March 1780
From: Smith, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Edenton [N.C.] 3d march 1780

          I am honoured with yours of the 4th ulto to Our House, now desolved by the death of my worthy friend & partner Mr Hewes—I observe you want to know what freight & charges are on your pipe of wine—I am happy you approve of the manner I sent it & I hope it went to hand Safe, without waste or adulteration—the Owners of the Hancock in which the wine came (one of which I am, and at this time represent the whole) think the obligation on the Other side, deeming it an Honour to have it in their power in the Smallest degree to oblige, who they Justly term, the Saviour of their Country, and they wish for more Opportunities to convince your Excellency how Sincere they are in this profession Should any thing of yours come this way from any quarter, good care will be taken of it, Subject to your Orders—with every degree of respect & Esteem, Man can bear to Man, I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt & very Humble Servt

            Rob. Smith


Title: General Orders, 4 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown saturday March 4th 1780.
            Parole Nation—  C. Signs Nobility. Negro.

          Regimental returns of cloathing called for the 29th ultimo are not all brought in, which occasions the delay to issue the shoes and other articles on hand—Commandts of regiments who do not comply with the order by tomorrow at farthest will be made answerable for the neglect.