Title: To George Washington from Edward Rutledge, 12 September 1781
From: Rutledge, Edward
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Philada Sepr 12th 1781

                  Calling on the Chevalier de la Luzerne a few days ago, to congratulate him on the arrival of the French Fleet in the Bay of Chesepeake, the Conversation after a time was turned to the Object against which it was hoped the Armament would be imployed when the Reduction of Cornwallis should be completed; I embraced the opportunity of urging as far as I was able the necessity & practicability of recovering Charles Town to the Union—The Minister appeared (as he always has been) anxiously disposed to advance the Operation, & desired that I would submit to him in writing my ideas of the practicability; promising to make use of of his best Endeavors with the Count de Grasse for a naval Co-operation, at all Events—The Candor and Confidence with which he has treated me, the Influence which his Sentiments may happily have on the Conduct of the Admiral, & the Importance of the Object which was to be attained, would not suffer me to hesitate; & I complied with his Request the day before yesterday, by delivering him such Sentiments as I could well throw together within the Compass of a Letter—urging, in Addition to the practicability of the measure, such political Reasons, as my Ideas suggested to me, for a speedy Attempt—I observed to him that as the French Fleet in America, was now, not only vastly superior to everything which the British have but to every thing which they can have, even when re-inforced by Digby with 6 Sail of the Line, it would be impossible for the Enemy to venture an Attack on them, or attempt the Relief of Charles Town with a probability of Success; which was reducing to a Certainty the force against which we should have to contend—That the Season of the Year from the beginning of October to the End of Winter was on every Account the most eligible for Operation.  Provisions of all kinds being then in greater Abundance, & of a better Quality than at any other period—the Weather in general remarkably fine—the Climate peculiarly healthy—& the Strength of the Allied Army full halfway from their late Station to the scene of Action—That should Cornwallis be overcome (as Heaven grant he may) the Account of it would arrive in England just about the Meeting of Parliament—an important Period, in which the Ministry would be enabled to pursue with more Confidence, one of the following measures—either to open a Negociation for a peace, or seek out some new Alliance let the Sacrafice in obtaining it, be what it may—as indeed, what is equally probable, they might amuse and lull us with the one, whilst they pushed the other—If the first plan alone should be adopted, with what Advantage shall we treat if possessed of Charles Town?  If the other should be successfully pursued & we should not be in the possession of Charles Town, on the Arrival of a Reinforcement to the Garrison of Charles Town, it was impossible to say when, or whether even we should obtain it by Arms—In the Summer we shall be obliged to abandon the lower, to seek Health in the upper part of the Country; to leave the Wealth of the State in the Power of our Enemies, & such families as could not be removed at the Mercy of their Foes, Or else we must at all Events keep our Army in the Vicinity of the Town, & suffer it to be confused by Sickness—In short that there was every thing to be expected from an immediate exertion, & every thing to be dreaded from a Delay—I farther observed that, if we possessed ourselves of it at an early period we should have the Benefit of the present Crop, which will be soon harvested, & in Time to prepare for the ensuing year; which tho not of a very general Nature, is deserving of Attention as affecting the Convenience of some thousand Individuals of the most helpless Class—I then stated to him the Importance of the Southern States, to France, when considered in a Commercial View—the great Advantages which she must derive from the Circumstances of their being principally devoted to Agriculture—their being of course obliged to obtain from abroad, almost all the manufactures which they used, & the probability there was in having a considerable part of their Commerce carried off in the Vessels of France: concluding the whole with observing that when the British Commissioners took their final leave of America in 1778 they declared that they would desolate  the Country, and render it as little useful to France as possible—that in this DEClaration they appeared to have been sincere—that they had sent from the Southern States many thousands of the Slaves, by whom the Fields were cultivated, & would probably in their last Act of Rage, and Malice, reduce our Capitol to Ashes: that the speedy Recovery of the State, & a naval Force sufficient to prevent their escape, after having perpetrated so savage an Act, were the only securities we could possibly have against Beings who have been so long destitute of Humanity, & who would make it their greatest Glory to wound in their vital part a people united to his most Christian Majesty as we were, by every Sentiment, which Affection, & Gratitude could inspire.
                  As I imagined it possible that what has passed on this Occasion might find its way to the Bay of Chesepeake, I thought it nothing but a matter of becoming Delicacy, as well as a Point of Duty, on my part, to communicate it to you by the earliest opportunity; confident that your Friendship would excuse the trouble which the perusal of it will give you & persuaded that should it become a Matter of Conversation it would receive all proper support from your better Reason.  With every Wish for your Success & Happiness, I am my dear General, your very affectionate Friend & Humble Servt

                     Edward Rutledge


Title: To George Washington from William Scudder, 12 September 1781
From: Scudder, William
To: Washington, George

                      12 September 1781

                  The Petition of Simeon Smith Michael Duning & William Scudder, Officers belonging to the Continental Army, Taken from Fort George & Fort Stanwix in July 1779. Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners Begs the liberty of laying a line before your Excellency, Praying for your Excellencys Attention; whilst your Petitioners proceeds so far as to plead, that your Excellency will be pleas’d to consider us, (as well as the Prisoners taken with us) on account of our long Confinement: As your Petitioners perceive their constitutions are Weakening, by a continual reflection on the Uncertainty of their releasment, And of being Oblige to continue in this disagreeable Climate which renders our lives very Uncomfortable: And trust will speak more feelingly to your Excellencys Humanity, than any thing We can offer on the subject.
                  Therefore to your Excellencys Goodness, We once more Humbly Implore that it may be extended, in proposing an Exchange with His Excellency the Commander in Chief of this Province, for Us, as We have the Greatest reason to flatter ourselves, your Excellencys Proposal, will meet with the desired Effect, in procuring our releasment—And your Petitioners In Duty Bound, will ever Pray.  Isle of Orleans in Canada.  Sepr 12th 1781

                     Simeon Smith Capt.
                     Michael Duning Lieut.
                     W: Scudder Lieut.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 September 1781
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Hartford 13th Septr 1781

                  Your Letter of the 22nd ult. arrived on the 5th instant, whereupon my Council being convened amidst various Accounts of the Movements and Designs of the Enemy, in New Yorke & some Apprehensions of their hostile Attack upon, or Invasion of this State, every Exertion was made & making for its Defence by ordering the Militia to be reviewed and Detachments to be sent to the Sea Coasts and valuable Effects there deposited to be removed to interior Parts &c.
                  But unfortunately, before those Preparations could be completed (Viz. on the 6th instant) a Party under the Command of the infamous Arnold made wanton Destruction both of Lives & Property in New London & Groton near the Harbor Though many material Circumstances relative to the Tragical Scene, are not yet obtainable with such Degree of Precision & Certainty as might be wished, yet according to the best Intelligence I have been able to collect it seems a Number exceeding one (& perhaps two) thousand chiefly of chosen British & foreign Troops landed in the Morning on both Sides of the Harbor’s Mouth, whereof one Division immediately marched up to & soon took Possession of the Town and Fortifications of New London, which were evacuated on their Approach as being indefensible, whilst on the opposite Shore, the Fort on Groton Bank being attacked by 6 or 800 Men was nobly defended for some considerable Time by about 150 Men under the Command of Lt Col. William Ledyard, who bravely repulsed the Assailants till they suffered about one fourth Part in killed & wounded, but being overpowered by superior Numbers, Col. Ledyard perceiving the Enemy had gained Possession of some Part of the Fort & opened the Gate, although he had only three of his Men killed, thought proper to surrender Himself with the Garrison Prisoners and accordingly presented his Sword to a British Officer on the Parade who received the same & immediately thrust it through that brave but unfortunate Commander, whereupon the Soldiery also pierced his Body in many Places with Bayonets & proceeded to massacre upwards of 70 of the Officers & Garrison till by the Interposition of a British Officer who entered the Fort too late to rescue the gallant Officers &c. about 40 of the defenceless Survivors were made Prisoners and carried off exclusive about the like Number who were wounded, & many of them dangerously.
                  This heroic Opposition on the Part of the Garrison however, together with the increasing Appearance of the Militia & small Skirmishes between some scattering Parties & advanced Guard, &c. prevented the Enemy from fully executing their Savage Plan & occasioned them to retreat on Bord in the Evening with Precipitation after having knocked of the  of several Guns & consumed by Fire, about 71 Dwelling Houses, 65 Stores, 22 Barns a Church, Court House & Goal together with a Number of Vessels lying unrigged by the Wharfs—The rest of the Shipping in the Harbor was saved by runing up Norwich River & several valuable Buildings on each Shore preserved by quenching the Flames &c.  The Loss of Property by the Conflagration was however very great & ruinous to many Individuals as also a sensible Damage to the Public.  Yet what is more to be regreted is the unhappy Fate of that worthy Officer Col. Ledyard & those brave Men (many of whom sustained respectable Characters & were esteemed the Flower of that Town) who so gallantly fought & unfortunately fell with him, victims to British Cruelty.  I have given Directions for procuring authenticated Information of those Transactions  soon as the Situation of the wounded and Prisoners &c. (whereof some are paroled) will admit which will be forwarded as soon as obtained.  I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem and consideration Your Excellency’s Most Obedient, and very hble Servant

                     Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 14 September 1781
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Freehold 14th Sepr 1781 Ten oClock Night

                  On Tuesday the 11th Inst. A Frigate appeared in the Offing Standing for Sandy Hook, When She come within a few Miles She Fired Several Signal Guns at the Same time sent her Barge off to the Hook—The President of 64 Guns Two Frigates and the Guard Ship was all the Ships of War within Sandy Hook.
                  The President and Two Frigates Weighed and stood to Sea immediately—When they Come up to the Frigtate that was Standing in for the Hook—They all Four Steared a due E, course—The Barge that I mentioned to your Excly haveing left the frigate and running into Sandy Hook made but a momentary Stop at the Guard Ship and proceeded up to New York.  This Evening under Cover of Night one of my Intelligences called upon me--  He says the Frigate that come in on Tuesday fixed the signal Guns and sent her Barge up to New York & has been detached from Adml Diggby.  The Sunday preseeding and brought accts that the Adml had brought with him Ten Sail of the line.
                  That in Consequence of Intelligence brought by the same Frigate a large embarkation was takeing place at New York Stratin & Long Island and is Expected Sir Harry Clinton will in person Command and Generally Expected to relive lord Cornwallis.
                  Your Excly may rely on my useing every means in my power to gain and forward the earliest movements of the Transports with Troops and do flatter my self they will not be able to get out without my haveing some Noteable accts of them.
                  Agreeable to your Exclys direction in your letter of the Sixth Inst. This goes under Cover to Colo. Miles-- and have requested his forwarding it on with  great dispatch--it is possable the report of Adml Digbys Arrival  on this Coast is not well founded—but I do assure your Excly I have very little doubt if it—and Since I am a Considerable  body of Troops are on Ship Board and fell below the Narr I have the Honr to be with Great respect Your Exclys Most Obet Humble Servt

                     David Forman


Title: General Orders, 15 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Williamsburgh Saturday Septembr 15th 1781
                     Parole
                     Csigns

                  The Commander in Chief takes the earliest Opportunity of testifying the satisfaction he feels on Joining the Army under the Command of Major General the Marquis de la Fayette with prospects which (under the smiles of Heaven) he doubts not will crown their toils with the most brilliant success—A conviction that the Officers and soldiers of this Army will still be activated by that true Martial spiritt and thirst of Glory which they have already exhibitted on so many trying occasions and under circumstances far less promising than the present affords him the most pleasing sensations.
                  The arrival of a powerful Fleet and Army under the Command of His Excellency the Count de Grasse and the Marquis de St Simon displays a new and striking instance of the generous attention of his most Christian Majesty to the interests of the United States.
                  In addition to the force already assembled a very respectable body of troops both French and Americans are now on their March from the Eastward and may soon be expected to aid our Operations in this quarter—The Zeal and celerity with which Major General the Marquis de St. Simond debarked his Troops and joined the Army under the Command of the Marquis de la Fayette at so critical a Juncture demad his most grateful acknowledgements, which he intreats the Marquis to Accept, He also prays him to have the complaisance to signify to the Officers and soldiers under his Command the high sense the General entertains of the spiritt and Ardor they have shewn on that Occasion—He particularly admires the Patience with which they supported the scarcity of Provisions that unfortunately existed at the time of their Junction owing to particular circumstances—circumstances which he exceedingly regretts, but hopes are already remedied and that the like misfortune will not be again experienced.
                  Accurate Returns of the different Corps. as will Continentl as Militia now serving here to be given in at Head Quarters Tomorrow Morning at ten oclock, specifying the Number of Militia that are unarmed and that the men returned on duty &ca be particularly and satisfactorily accounted for.


Title: From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 15 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Williamsburg 15th Sept. 1781

                  I had the Honor to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 4th of this Month—soon after my Arrival at this Place—I am at a loss to express the Pleasure which I have in congratulating your Excellency on your Return to your former Station in the Bay—And the happy Circumstance of formg a Junction with the Squadron of the Count DeBarras—I take particular Satisfaction in felicitating your Excellency on the Glory of having driven the British Fleet from the Coasts, & takg two of their Frigates—these happy Events, & the decided Superiority of your Fleet, give us the happiest Presages of the most compleat Success in our combined Operations on this Bay.
                  It is with much Regret that I find the Want of Transports on the Bay, has much retarded the coming on of the Troops expected from the Northward—If it is possible for your Excellency to give us any Assistance in this Distress, it will be attended with inexpressible Advantage to the prosecution of our Measures—& will be acknowledged with the Highest Gratitude.
                  Such of our Troops as Could not be embarked at Head of Elk—are marchg to Baltimore, where they are to be put on Board such Transports as may be collected at that Place.
                  It is very much the Wish of the Count De Rochambeau, as well as myself, to have the Honor of an Interview with your Excellency—but our particular Circumstances render us dependant on your Goodness for the Means of Conveyance—if your Excellency could dispatch some fast Sailg Cutter to receive us on Board & will inform us your Time & place, we will be very happy to attend you, at the earliest Moment you shall fix.
                  The Count Fercin, an Aid to the Count Rochambeau, is sent on to hurry down the Troops embarkg on the Bay, if your Excellency can furnish him the Means of proceeding up the Bay—it will be very agreable.  I am &c.

                            G.W.

                     P.S.  Since writing the above, I am informed with much Pleasure that your Excellency has anticipated my Wishes in sendg Transports up the Bay.


Title: From George Washington to James Hendricks, 15 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hendricks, James

                     sir
                     Hd Quarters Williamsburg, 15th Septemr 1781

                  The Army here have already experienced a Want of Provisions, especially of the Bread kind—& I fear that they will be in Danger of greater Distress when the whole Force I expect is assembled, unless the most vigorous Measures are taken to prevent it—I have therefore to request in the most earnest Terms that you will use every Effort in your Power to send down all the Flour within your Reach in the most expeditious manner—The Bay is now entirely secured by the Fleet—& no Danger is to be feared on the Water, so long as they remain—procure & load all the Craft you can without the least Delay—& send them to James River, or the nearest Place to the point of our Operations.
                  I beg you will also communicate the Subject of this Letter to the Q. Master at George Town; where I am told there is a large Quantity of Flour—which should be immediately used—and urge him to forward what is in his Town, without the loss of a Moment.  I am sir Your most Obt

                     G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 15 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters WmsBurgh Septr 15th 1781

                  Inclosed I have the pleasure to transmit a letter from the Count DeGrasse; and am happy to inform your Excellency that the Rhode Island fleets under Count De Barrass have arrived, for particulars respecting the movements & junction of the fleets I must refer you to the enclosed.  I am with great respect Your Excellency’s most obedt Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 15 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Dear SirHead Quarters Williamsburg 15th Septr 1781

                  Upon information of the Sailing of the Fleet from the Chesapeak Bay, I gave Orders for the Troops, which were embarked, to be stopped.  Since my arrival at this place, I am informed that the Count de Grasse has been joined by Count de Barras, and having captured two English Frigates, is returned to his former Station at the Capes; on this pleasing information, I have sent forward Count Fersen to hurry on the Troops with all possible dispatch—every day we loose now, is comparitively an age.  as soon as it is in our power with safety, we ought to take our Position near the Enemy.  Hurry on then, my Dear Genll, with your Troops upon the wing of Speed, the want of our Men and Stores is now all that retards our immediate operations.  Lord Cornwallis is improving every moment to the best advantage, and every day that is given him to make his preparations, may cost us many Lives to encounter.  I am very sensible of your vigilence & Activity—my impatience however, to commence our operations impels me to write as I have.
                  You will come with your Troops to the College landing in James River, where unless you receive other Orders, you will debark.  I am Dr Genll, with esteem Your Most Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 15 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Williamsburg 15th Septr 1781

                  I have the honor to inform Congress, that I arrived at this place last evening; that soon, after my arrival, I receiv’d the pleasing intelligence that the Count de Grasse, who had put to Sea on the 5th in pursuit of the British Fleet, had returned to his Former Station at Cape Henry, having driven the British from the Coast—taken two of their Frigates and effected a junction with the Squadron of the Count de Barras.
                  In consequence of my having been informed of the sailing of the Fleet from the Capes, and being apprehensive that we were not assured of the security of our Navigation on the Bay, I had Ordered the Troops which were embarked at the Head of Elk, to stop their proceeding untill we had further intelligence.  Orders are this morning gone on to press them forward with every dispatch possible.
                  I am distressed to find the supply of the Army collecting here, on too precarious a footing.  already they have experienced a want of provisions.  Every measure is taking that is in my power, to be better assured of our supplies in future; how far I shall succeed in my endeavours, time must discover.  I have the honor to be, with great esteem & respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 15 September 1781
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     (private)
                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia September 15. 1781

                  The following intelligence, tho’ not derived thro’ any official or authentic channel, appears to be of sufficient consequence to be communicated to you without delay.  I have just now received intelligence, that a Brig. arrived at New-York on Monday last from England, with Dispatches for Admiral Digby; she sailed nine days after the Admiral—On Tuesday two Frigates came up, who announced the arrival of Admiral Digby on the coast (the number of Men of War not known) with a Fleet consisting of upwards of an hundred Sail, having Troops on Board, the amount not mentioned: these Frigates returned for the Admiral in a few hours.
                  Two dispatch Vessels had arrived from Cornwallis after the appearance of the french Fleet in Chesapeake—Between thirty & forty large Transports lay at New-York on Tuesday ready to sail, and more were getting ready—Sir Henry Clinton is said to be going with them.  Their destination unknown but conjectured to be either for Virginia or Delaware Bay—From forty to sixty Negroes are sent on Board these vessels, who are said to belong to persons in Virginia, and are to be returned to their respective Masters by the advice of Lord Cornwallis.
                  On Sunday Arnold returned to New-York from an Expedition to New-London in Connecticut, leaving his Troops on Board the Transports in Huntington Bay—He has destroyed all the Stores & Shipping at the place, except six vessels that escaped by favor of the wind—The two fortifications then were taken by Assault, and all put to the sword, except eleven men who had hid themselves—After plundering New London he burnt it, leaving only three or four houses standing—It is said he is going on another Expedition immediately.
                  The Minister of France will communicate this intelligence to Count de Grasse.  An anxiety to be serviceable induces me to give you this information, tho’ the evidence of the truth of it is not quite satisfactory, as I have not a line respecting any part of it from one person officially, not even of the destruction of New-London—General Heath indeed, in a Postscript to his letter of the 5th instant, mentions, that 26 large Ships were seen sailing up the Sound opposite to Stamford on the Sunday preceeding, but he had learned nothing more of them.
                  By the english papers, as well as Rivington’s Gazette, Digby’s Fleet is said to consist of ten Ships of the line; therefore I do not think they can exceed that number, tho’ they may be less.
                  There are three thousand Militia to be forthwith embodyed in this State, and the like number in New Jersey—The requisition of Congress has been already received by the respective Governors, and orders are gone out in consequence.
                  Never had we occasion for more wisdom, vigilance and activity—I pray God to preserve your health, and to guide, direct, and protect us all in this hour of trial; and am, Sir, with unfeigned respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble Servant

                            Thos M:Kean


Title: From George Washington to George Weedon, 15 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weedon, George

                     Sir.
                     Head Quarters Williamsburg 15th Septr 1781.

                  Major General the Marquis de la Fayette has refered to me your letter of the 13th.
                  I am not yet so fully informed of the state of our magasines in this quarter, as to be able to say, when it will be in my power to send you a reinforcement of fire-arms.  I find cartridges and powder so very scarce, as to render the utmost æconomy necessary.  I shall however, order you over as much as can be spared, and let me request you to make the commanding officers of corps responsible for its waste, or destruction.  I need not observe to you, how very essential it is, to pay the most particular attention to this object, as well as to our fire-arms.
                  Col. Taylor mentioned some time since the formation of a magazine of grain, at a mill in the vicinity of his post.  I wish to know the quantity collected, and what prospects remain of encreasing it.  I am Sir Your most obt servt

                     Go: Washington

                     Would it not be practicable to retain the amunition in the hands of proper officers ready for distribution when wanted.
                     I find by the information of deserters that small parties from the Queens rangers make a practice of advancing ten or twelve miles into the country, and driving in what stock they please.  It is of the utmost importance to put an immediate stop to this.

                     G.W.


Title: General Orders, 16 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Williamsburgh Sunday Septembr. 16th 1781.
                     Parole
                     C. Signs

                  As during the present Scarcity of Provisions the Quarter Master will take care that a sufficient number of Cornfields be appropriated to the use of the Troops, the Commander in Chief in the most Pointed manner forbids the Soldiers entering or taking Corn in any field but those pointed out by the Quarter Master, and hopes that every Officer will exert himself to see this order  attended to.


Title: To George Washington from François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 16 September 1781
From: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Monsieur
                     au Cap henry le 16. 7bre 1781

                  je reçois avec reconnoissance, la lettre que Votre Excellence a bien voulû me faire l’honneur de m’écrire.  je m’estimerois heureux, si je pouvois emporter de ces contrés, votre estime et votre amitié, ainsi que celle des Etâts unis, pour lesquels je mets tout mon zêle en activité.
                  Votre Excellence aura sans doutte vû avec satisfaction que mon premier soin à mon retour de la sortie que les Ennemis m’ont forcé de faire, a eté de dépêcher à Baltimore tous les transports qu’avoit amêné avec luy M. de Barras, ainsi que le Vaisseau le Romulus de 44. canons et plusieurs frégattes, même celles dont je me suis emparé en arrivant, pour embarquer toutes les troupes que vos Bâtiments n’auroient pas pû prendre.  Ceux qui sont montés dans la riviere, peuvent porter plus de 4000. hommes, de la façon dont je les ais désarmé d’Equipage pour cette opération.
                  je me serois porté au Camp ou est Votre Excellence, si j’avois prêédecemment quitter mon armée, plutôt par l’Empressement de vous temoigner toute ma vénération et mon respect, que pour raisonner définitivement sur nos opérations, mais dépourvu de tout Batiment propre à transporter Votre Excellence du camp à mon bord, mon canôt commandé par M. De La Villeheon mon Capitaine en Second, vous fera faire ce trajet aussi commodement qu’il est possible de le faire dans ces sortes de Bâtiments.  Il conferera avec Votre Excellence sur les moyens de placer les Bâtiments qui stationnent dans la riviere de james, de maniere a couper toute retraitte au Lord Cornwallis, et nous faciliter une correspondance suivie et aussi prompte qu’il sera possible.  Cet Etablissement me paroit indispensable.
                  Je suis fort embarassé de faire parvenir M. de Fercen au haut de la riviere; n’ayant pas de Bâtiments propres, je vais l’Envoyer par un canôt aux Vaisseaux qui blocquent la riviere d’York et de la, on le poussera comme l’on pourra et j’espere quil parviendra.  je suis faché du retard qu’apporte la premiere division, le temps se passe, l’Ennemy en profite et la saison s’avance ou malgré moy je serai obligé d’abandonner des alliés pour lesquels j’ai fait tout mon possible, et plus qu’on ne pouvoit attendre.
                  Jai l’honneur d’être avec toute la consideration possible de Votre Excellence Le trés humble et trés obéissant serviteur

                     Le Comte de Grasse


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 16 September 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear GeneralHead Quarters Continental Village Sepr 16th 1781

                  By this same conveyance Your Excellency will receive a letter from Governor Trumbull giving an account of the wanton conduct of the Enemy in their late attack on New London.
                  The Enemy for some days have had a number of Troops embarked at New York.  They had not sailed on Wednesday evening. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 16 September 1781
From: Nelson, Thomas, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Wmsburg Sepr 16. 1781

                  The Difficulty of procuring Vessels for the Transportation of Flour is so great, that I fear our Supplies will come in but slowly, unless some Aid can be obtained from the French Fleet.  If an empty Transport or two could be spared for this Purpose, we should find them of infinite Advantage.  The Part of the Country, whence we expect our immediate supplies, has been so fully in Possession of the Enemy that they have destroyed almost all the Vessels.  I intended to have done myself the Honour of waiting on you, but am prevented by Indisposition.  I am, dear sir, Your Obedt Servt

                     Thos Nelson jr


Title: To George Washington from François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 17 September 1781
From: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de
To: Washington, George

                      17 September 1781

                  It appears more eligible to occupy the anchoring ground near Cape Henry, than the position which the naval army occupied within the mouth of York River—because the fleet will cover the two Rivers of James & York whereas in the other case James River would be intirely dependant upon the particular vessels stationed there.
                  Besides the Station at Cape Henry gives the naval Army greater facility for subsistence, and procuring the necessary water, wood and refreshments—It affords an opportunity likewise of fighting as circumstances may require either at anchor or under sail.  And it will besides hinder the british fleet from taking the same station which they might do without risk, and make vigourous attack in James River.
                  Counte de Grasse will leave the small gun boats in James River at the disposal of General Washington.  he will leave for the purpose of blocking York three ships and two large frigates—these will likewise facilitate the best transportation in that River, as soon as the circumvallation is made.  It would be possible as soon as the right of the besieging Army is secured on York River two Lines of Stockades which would bar the passage of five ships—The Fleet stationed at Cape Henry will fight the Enemy should he present himself in such manner as should appear best calculated to avoid disposting itself from the bay.
                  The Requests that Count de Grasse has to make are— 1st  That General Washington as soon as he is posted before York, would cause a hospital to be established at Hampton for the reception of fifteen or eighteen hundred sick belonging to the navy.  The fleet will furnish Medicaments, flour, bakers and Surgeons; there will be wanted Houses, beds of some sort, and an undertaker who at a price to be agreed upon in hard money, will furnish the sick with meat, vegetables and Milk.  It would be necessary to order ovens immediately—this establishement being made as speedily as possible, it will be necessary to send us four or five transports to receive our sick and their utensils.  This Article is of the greatest importance relatively to us.
                  2ndly  That Genl Washington wdbe pleased to procure us some American sailors to serve for wages on board the Vessels within the bay—if we could only have one hundred french sailors sent back to us—it would be a very essential gain.
                  3rdly  Would it not be possible to disembarrass us of a part of the british prisoners on board our ships, were it only the land troops, to be deposited at hampton on their parole.
                   4thly  It is necessary to have good Spies or faithful intelligencers to give the earliest notice of the debarkations which the Enemy may make on the southern shore of the Chesapeak.
                   5thly  General Washington cannot give us intelligence too frequently, and communicate to us all that he may learn of the movements of the british fleet.  Three of the galleys employed in conducting the french hospital should be appointed for this service.
                  6thly We should be instructed which are the genuine passports, and who the persons authorized to grant them—passports are prescribed every day, by which we are liable to be deceived.
                  7.  Will it not be necessary to reconnoitre at all events, and prepare a defence against the debarkations that might be made in James River.
                  There are here some barrels of taffia, the transports that are come to fetch the sick may carry them to the Army—as well as the powder, a memorandum of which may be sent by the transport; the supplementary flower may be sent by the same conveyance—I agree to the Sale of the Rum at Annapolis to be paid for in flower. likewise to the taking of provisions from on board the barras & Lafayette
                     , using the biscuit only in the last extremity—With respect to the debarkation of the Artillery, as it is in James River, security & time will be gained by debarkg it at the time and place ordered by Genl Washington.

                     Le Comte de Grasse


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 September 1781
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                  Dear Sir

                     Head quarters high hills  Santee Sept. 17th 1781

                  I received your very affectionate letter of the 30th of July; and your entire approbation of my conduct claims my warmest acknowledgments.  I cannot help thinking it no less fortunate for the public than happy for ourselves that so perfect a good understanding subsists between your Excellency the Marquis and my self; and I beg leave to assure your Excellency that from duty and inclination I have the strongest motives to support it.  As you are within the limits of the Southern department, I hope you will communicate your orders without the least embarassment; for be assurd I shall have no less pleasure in serving under you than I ever had.
                  Baron Stuben seems to have got into some kind of disgrace, and I believe without cause, I wish your Excellency would write him a letter to comfort him under his misfortunes, as he appears by his letters, to feel sensibly upon the occasion.
                  I thank your Excellency for the care you have taken in forwarding my letters to Mrs Greene who is very anxious to come to the Southward.  But I am afraid the journey would prove to much for her.  Besides the state of the war here is critical and the conveniences for the accomodation of Ladies of delicasy few.
                  I beg my most respectful compliments to Mrs Washington who I hope is in good health, and free from the confusion and disorders which have prevailed in Virginia this campaign.  I beg my compliments also to Mr Custis and his Lady and to the Gentlemen of your family; but I hardly know who they are now.  With the most perfect esteem & regard I am dear Sir Your Most Obedient humble Ser.

                     N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 17 September 1781
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters high hills of Santee September 17th 1781

                  Your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th of July I have had the honor to receive.  before the receipt of which I had sent off two of my aids to give your Excellency a very particular account of the state of the southern department.
                  By Colonel Morris I wrote my opinion respecting the proper object to operate against should we be so happy as to be joined by our good ally.  I presume he is with your Excellency before this as the Marquis informs me you were to be at the head of Elk the Eighth of this instant on your way to take Command in Virginia, and that our good ally was in  Chesapeake with a large Fleet & a considerable Land force. I wish most devoutly that glory & Success may attend you.  I was in hopes that our force would have been equal to a serious attempt upon New York, but from your present plan of operations I persuade myself that it is not the case.  But perhaps cutting off the possibility of succour to New York first, may be the most sure way of laying a foundation for its reduction.  If Cornwallis falls, which I think nothing can prevent but his escaping through North Carolina to Charles Town, Charles Town itself may be easily reduced if you  bend your forces this way;  and it will afford me great pleasure to join your Excellency in the attempt; for I shall be equally happy, whether as principal or subordinate so that the Public good is promoted.
                  Since I wrote you before we have had a most bloody Battle.  It was by far the most Obstinate fight I ever saw.  Victory was ours, and had it not been for one of those little incidents which frequently happen in the progress of War, we should have taken the whole brittish Army.  nothing could exceed the gallantry of our officers or the bravery of our troops.  I do myself the honor to inclose you a copy of my letter to Congress, and beg leave to refer you to Captn Pierce one of my Aids who is the bearer & who will give your Excellency a full history of all matters in this Department, both with respect to force & supplies.
                  I am trying to collect a body of militia to oppose Lord Cornwallis, should he attempt to escape through North Carolina.  and you may rest assured nothing shall be left unattempted in my power to impede his march, so as to give your army time to get up with him.  But my force is very small, and I am exceedingly embarrassed with a number of wounded.  I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

                     Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 17 September 1781
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Epping Forest 17th Septr 1781

                  I had the honor of replying to your polite and agreeable letter of July the 15th by my son Ludwell who expected either to wait on you with it in Virginia or to get the letter forwarded by the Marquis de la Fayette.  Altho I am at this time laboring under a severe fit of the gout, it is impossible to refrain from congratulating you, and rejoicing with our country, on the present happy and glorious prospect before us.  The very judicious and decisive step that you have taken in coming here, seems to put it out of the power of fortune to prevent the enemy in this state from falling into your hands.  At least my mind can reach but to two preventatives, the coming of naval aid from Europe which is hardly possible, and the want of provisions for our good Allies and ourselves, which cannot be probable.  A proper watch will surely be kept upon marine motions in Europe, to prevent the repetition of such scenes as the relieving of Gibralter; and it is inadmissible that in this land of abundance so disgraceful a thing should happen as the dispersion of a force collected for our salvation for want of provisions which now the country abounds with!  I assure you Sir, the Commissaries and Quartermasters departments in this state, so far as I have observed them, have in every thing been the reverse of right, insomuch that I have been well informed the few troops with the Marquis have frequently felt distress for want of provisions!  At present, the land and sea force that may come to lean on these broken staffs will probably reach to 45 or 50,000 men.  We have now a good character at the head of our State War office, and I make no doubt but that he will exert all his powers with diligence—To prevent however the greatest of misfortunes, want of success from want of provisions, cant we add some methods not destructive of the present plans, and which may aid their deficiency?  Suppose immediate notice were given to the possessors of good merchant mills, that they should be paid with specie for the flour they brought to your army and the navy, and a better price for it the sooner it reached; and wherever a competent person would undertake in a reasonable time to deliver a proper quantity, let his mill and waggons have protection from the destructive talons of Impressors—Upon these last let me here make one observation for all—Their gripe generally squeezes the best citizens and leaves the rest, and is always executed for the greater ease and profit of the Impressor: so that now the people in general are exerting their wits to elude and hide their property from these characters.  To prevent this plan from being executed with partiality, and upon views of job, some men having knowledge of the country, of honor, integrity, and diligence, should be employed to ride thro the upper counties, and see as much flour dispatched as possible.  With regard to the hard money, I suppose that our allies will furnish a sufficiency for their own supply, which will leave no great matter for us, and this, if we are rightly informed here, our Congress Financiers might furnish since the return of Colo. Laurens from France.
                  The present mode of getting beef from the several circles would answer if diligently executed—but to aid this, for health as well as plenty suppose that an active Justice of the peace, first Militia Officer, and one of the delegates, in each county; or any two of the three, were by government immediately empowered and exhorted to proceed with diligence and take one half of the bacon and salt beef in possession of every family, and dispatch it in pressed waggons, Carts, or Vessels immediately to the army.  The season now is, when persons in the country may find many resources besides salted meat to subsist upon.  In short victory must not be prevented by want of victuals, and these must be obtained at any rate.  Altho I have seen the baneful influence of these impresses, yet upon this great and apparently final occasion, it seems admissible to extend alittle under proper direction, not to destroy the present system. I mean in this exigence to aid not to annihilate now the old imperfect plan.  I should suppose that if specie pay were promised, that the fleet might be well furnished with vegetables from the water bound counties.  I assure your Excellency that I should not have troubled you or roused from my present state to speak these observations, if it were not because of my great anxiety least we should fail of the happy end before us for want of provisions.  And upon this principle I am sure of your pardon.  But now that I am thus engaged, permit me to make a few observations upon the negroes now with the enemy in case of the surrender of the latter—I have been told that it is fixed, but whether by civil or military power I know not—that the owners, or any other person may have the Slaves, on paying £5 specie into the public treasury for each.  It would seem that the unfortunate owners should be relieved upon terms as easy as possible—The Admiralty has some regulations upon subjects taken within their province, but how they apply to this case I see not.  And I believe that the singular manner in which Great Britain has conducted this war against America, leaves no clue to direct us in former practice, force, fraud, intrigue, theft, have all in turn been employed to delude these unhappy people, and to defraud their masters!  My brother William has lost sixty five, among whom are about 45 valuable grown slaves and useful Artisans.  I would say nothing in his favor from his many other losses, or the personal injuries that have befallen him from his attachment to his native country—General systems will be applied to general subjects, and I shall be content with those that you establish—I would only observe that he is now upon the Continent of Europe, where he has been detained by the disagreeable consequences that might follow the committing his wife and children to the sea in these precarious times, and the necessity of his presence with them in a foreign land, where he is sufficiently distressed for their support—the profits of his estate here having been all put into the Loan Offices, and his numerous debts in England not recoverable at present—He has now no day in their Courts and no lawyer has been found that would bring suit for him.  Perhaps it will be thought equitable, if any salvage is demanded, to allow Absentees a reasonable indulgence for payment.  I have the honor to be with the most perfect esteem Sir Your Excellencies most affectionate and obedient servant

                     Richard Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly Grasse, 17 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse, Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly

                      17 September 1781

                  Questions proposed by General Washington to and Count De Grasse’s Answers to them.
                  The noble and generous Support which is given to this Country, by His Most Christian Majesty does as it ought, fill the heart of every American with gratitude & Love;  The zeal and alacrity with which His officers strive to carry His Royal intentions into execution, merit our highest admiration & applause, a recent instance is now before us;  But the distressed and unfortunate circumstances of these United States, and the dispersed situation of their Troops, are such, as do not admit their Military operations to be carried on with that celerity which could be wished, nor place them on that advantageous ground, from which they may reap all that benefit from this generous Aid, that in other circumstances they might expect to receive.
                  The measures which are now pursuing, are big with great events;  the Peace and Independence of this Country, and the general tranquility of Europe will, it is more than probable, result from our Compleat success,  disgrace to ourselves, Triumph to the Enemy, and probable Ruin to the American Cause, will follow our disappointment,  The first is certain, if the powerful Fleet, now in Chesapeak Bay or such part of it as will be competent to the purpose, can remain to the close of a regular operation, which, from various unforeseen causes, may be protracted beyond our present expectation,  The second is much to be apprehended, if from the Fear of loosing the Aid of the Fleet, the operations by Land are precipitated faster than a necessary prudence & regard to the lives of Men, will warrant—the first may be slow, but sure, the second must be bloody & precarious.
                  Under this state of matters, General Washington begs, that the Count De Grasse will have the goodness to give him a Resolution of the following Questions—Viz. 1st Is your Excellency restricted to any certain time for the continuance of the Fleet upon this Coast? If any time is fixed, beyond which your Orders will not warrant your stay in this Bay, or if the pursuit of any other object should more attract your attention, be pleased to name the day to which your departure is determined?
                  1st  The instructions of Count De Grasse fix his departure to the 15th of October, and some engagements
  which he has made for other operations, will oblige him
  to be punctual; But having already taken much upon
  himself, he will also engage to stay the end of October.
2d  If your Excellency should find yourself under a necessity to return the Troops under the Command of the Marquis de St Simon, to the West Indies, (however to be lamented such circumstance must be) may I not be assured, that a detachment of the Fleet may be employed as a Convoy to those Troops, and that the Main Fleet may remain in the Bay to form a sufficient cover to our operations against the Enemy, to prevent their receiving supplies by water, and to protect us from any attempt from the British to give relief to Lord Cornwallis and raise our Seige, and this Fleet to remain untill the close of our operations?
                   2d  The Troops, under the orders of the Marquis de St
  Simon, have a particular destination, and I am not
  altogether at Liberty to dispose of them; But as my
  Vessels will not depart before the 1st of November, you
  may count upon those Troops to that period, for the
  Reduction of York. 3rd  Will it, in your Excellency’s opinion, be practicable to force, with your Ships, the passage of the York River, so as to get above the Enemy? This measure, if effected, will be attended with almost infinite advantages, not only, as it will secure our communication on both sides the River, which otherwise must be very lengthy and tedious, but will give us the Navigation of the River, and enable us to draw the supplies of the Country throughout its whole extent, and will also form the compleat investiture of the Enemy’s Posts?
                  3rd  The thing is not impossible with a good Wind
  and favourable Tide;  But I do not find that operation
  very useful.  Our communication can be established, and
  our provisions drawn from the East side of York River
  without resquing the Men & Vessells in their passage
  between the Batteries;  But I suspend my definitive
  answer untill I can reconoitre the local situation and
  force of the Enemy; I shall certainly do every thing in
  my power.4th  So long as the Enemy possesses both sides of the River, it will be necessary to keep up our force on both sides, to aid our efforts in the operation, will it be in your Excellency’s power to spare us any number of Men from on Board the Fleet, to continue so long as this measure is necessary?  if any, what number?4th  I have offered, and I again offer 1800 or 2000
  Men from my Ships;  But I wish that these Troops may not
  be employed but in a Coup De Main. 5th  If in the prosecution of our operations, our prospects of success should wear a favorable Aspect, I shall be glad to be decided, whether your Excellency will be able to detach some suitable Vessels from your Fleet, sufficient to block in the British Troops at Wilmington, and to possess the Harbour of Charlestown?
                  5th  The form of my Vessels do not admit of the e  nterprise. 6th If our operations should be of such a nature as to require it, will your Excellency be able to lend us some heavy Cannon and other Artillery, powder also, and in what number and quantity?
                  6th  I can give some Cannon and powder.  The two Combats which I have had, admit of my sparing but a
  small quantity of the latter.

                     Go: WashingtonLe Comte de Grasse


Title: From George Washington to Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly Grasse, 17 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse, Alexandre-François-Auguste de Grasse-Rouville, comte de, marquis de Tilly

                     Williamsburg 17 7ber 1781

                  Le noble et genereux Secours qui est donne a ce pays par Sa majesté tres chretienne, remplit comme il le doit Le coeur de tout Americain d’amour et de reconnoissance.  Le zêle et L’activité qu’apportent les oficiers dans L’execution de Ses instructions royales, meritent au plus haut degré notre admiration et nos applaudissements—nous en avons actuellement sous Les yeux une nouvelle preuve—mais La detresse et La situation malheureuse de ces etats unis, et Letat de dispersion de Leurs troupes sont tels, qu’il est impossible que Leurs operations militaires soient poussèes avec toute La celerité qui seroit a desirer—et ils ne sont pas en position de retirer du Secours genereux de Leurs alliés tout L’avantage qu’ils auroient pu en attendre dans d’autres circonstances.
                  Les entreprises que nous allons former enfanteront Les plus grands evenements—La paix et L’independance de ce païs avec La tranquillité generale de L’Europe resulteront plus que probablement du succes complet de nos projets—sils echouent au contraire ce sera pour nous une grande disgrace, pour nos ennemis un triomphe, et La ruine totale de La cause americaine en sera une suite presque inevitable.  Le succés est certain si La flotte puissante qui est actuellement dans La baye de Chezapeak, ou telle partie de cette flotte qui sera jugée necessaire pour cerner entierement Les ennemis, et Leur couper tous Secours du côté de La mer, peut y rester jusques a Lissue d’une attaque regulier, Laquelle peut etre prolongée au dela de notre attente actuelle par durs evenements imprevus—Le second cas est fort a craindre, si dans L’inquietude de nous vous priveés du secours de La flotte, nos operations de terre sont precipitiées au dela de ce que permettent du prudence et Le soin que l’on doit avoir de La vie des hommes.  notre marche dans le premier cas pourra être lente; mais elle sera certaine—dans le second cas elle sera precaire et Meurtrier.
                  dans cet etat des choses Le General Washington prie Le Comte de Grasse de voulior bien Lui donner une reponse aux questions Suivantes.
                    1er
                  Votre Exellence est elle restreinte a un temps Limité pour rester sur cette côte—s’il y a un temps fixé au delà duquel vous ne pouvez pas vous engager a rester dans cette baye—ou si quelqu’autre objet atteri plus  l’instrument Votre attention—veuillez bien me disigne Le jour auquel Votre depart est fixé.

                     -
                  Les instructions du Cte de Grasse fixerent son depart au 15 d’octobre, et des engagements qu’il a contractés pour d’autres operations l’obligerent a se piquer d’exactitude; mais ayant deja pris beaucoup sur Lui il y prendra encore de rester jusque a la fin d’octobre.
                    2e
                  Si votre excellence etoit dans La necessité de renvoyer aux isles Les troupes sous le commandement du marquis de st Simon quelque facheuse que fut pour nous cette circonstance, ne puis je pas esperer qu’on Le bornera a Les faire escortes par un attachement de la flotte, et queLa partie principale restera Dans La baye, pour couvrir nos operations contre L’ennemi, pour Les empécher de recevoir du secours par eau, et pour nous proteger contre Les efforts que pourroient faire Les Anglais pour secourir Le Lord Cornwallis et nous obliger a Lever Le siege—et cette flotte ne restera t’elle pas jusque a La fin des operations.
                  :
                  Les troupes aux ordres de Mr Le Mrq. de St Simon ont une destination particuliere et je ne suis pas tout a fait Le maitre d’en  cependant mes vaisseaux ne partant que dans Les premiers jours de Novembre.  On peut compter sur ces troupes jusque a cette epoque, pour la reduction d’york.
                    3e
                  Votre excellence pense telle qu’il soit possible de forcer avec vos vaisseaux Le passage de la rivière d’york, de maniere a pouvoir remonter au dessus des ennemies—Si cette mesure peut etre effectuer, elle sera suivie des plus grands avantages, non seulement parce qu’elle assurera notre communication des deux cotés de la riviere. Laquelle autrement seroit Lente et difficile—mais parce quelle nous rendront maitre de la navigation de la riviere, et nous mettroit a porter de tirer tous nos approvisionnements par cette voye—et aussi parce que cela completeront Le blocus de tous Les postes de L’ennemi.

                  La chose n’est pas impossible avec un bon vent et avec La marée favorable, mais je ne trouve pas cette operation tres utile.  notre communication pouvant Letablir et Les vivres pouvant Le tiré par LEst de La riviere d’york, et cela sans risques des hommes et des vaissaux qui doivent passer entre des batteries dont les terces Le croisent.  au surplus je surpends ma reponse definitive jusqu’a ce que je pense connoitre La situation totale et La force de L’ennemi;mais je ferai certamement tout ce qui sera en mon pouvoir.
                    4e
                  tant que L’ennemi Le maintiendra en possession des deux rives, il sera necessaire que nous extagions nos forces du deux côtés—pour seconder nos efforts dans cette operation, Votre excellence pourroit elle nous fournir une nombre d’hommes de vos vaisseaux qui nous aideroient aussi longtemps que votre position Le rendroit necessaire—dans ce cas quel seront ce nombre d’hommes.

                  J’ai offert et j’offre encore 1800 ou 2000 hommes des garnisons de mes vaisseaux; mais je desirerois que ces troupes ne fussent employees que pour un coup de main.
                    5e
                  Si dans la suite de nos operations, Les evenements nous donnoient des esperances—probables d’un hauteur succès, je prie votre excellence de me dire si elle pourroit detacher quelques batiments convenables et en force suffisant pour bloquer des ennemis a Wilmington et pour se rendre maitre du port de Charlestown.

                  La facon et la forme de mes vaisseaux ne me permettent pas de L’entreprendre.
                    6e
                  Si nos operations sont de nature a diriger, votre excellence pourra t’elle nous preter quelque lourd canon et autres effets d’artillerie avec de poudre—et en quelle quantité

                     Signé G. Washington

                     Je puis donner quelque canon qu’ant a La poudre; des deux combats que j’ai deja essuie ne me permettent que d’en donner une petite quantité.

                     Le Comte de Grasse


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Walton White, 17 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: White, Anthony Walton

                     Sir,
                     Williamsburg 17th Sepr :81

                  You will please to send to this place for the use of the Genl & field officers expected from the head of Elk twelve good Horses—they will be wanted till their own come by land, only—let a Commisioned Officer come with them that he may regularly account for their delivery—He will report himself, & these Instructions to the Marquis de la Fayette upon his arrival.  Besides these, I shall want two of your best horses for my own use, & four for my Aids till our own can be a little recruited from long & severe Service.  My two (which are to be relieved) I send to your care, & beg you will commit them to some Dragoon, or other person in whom you can confide, for the necessary attention to them.  I am Sir Yr most Obedt Ser.

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Howe, 19 September 1781
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Peak’s kill 19th Septemr 1781

                  One of my friends in Congress having informed me that the Delegates of the State of Georgia had moved Congress that an Enquiry might be made into my Conduct as to some military Transactions which happened in December 1778 & that your Excellency would be directed to order this Enquiry when Circumstances would admit of it, I take the Liberty to request that if it should take place, it may not be ordered during a campaign which promises to be active, & in the Course of which it is said this Department will become the Scene of Action, and when I hope (should it be so) I may have an Opportunity with the rest of my fellow-soldiers to exert myself in the service of my Country.  Your Excellency’s nice sense of Honour, Desire of Glory & Zeal for the common Cause will point out my feelings upon this Occasion, & your Candour, Benevolence & Attention to your Officers will I doubt not ensure me a Compliance with a Request resulting therefrom, the more especially when I assure you, that at any other time I fear not the most intense Scrutiny, though Malevolence itself should direct the Probe.  I have no Information of Importance to give your Excellency; & if I had, the Post is become so precarious a conveyance that I should not venture to transmit any by it.  I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect Dear Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble Serv.

                     Robt Howe


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Walton White, 19 September 1781
From: White, Anthony Walton
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Ruffins Ferry 19th Sept. 1781

                  Your Letter of the 17th Inst. I have had the honor to Receive.  The Horses your Excellency requested to be sent for your own use I took a particular pleasure in taking out the best in my Regiment, & hope they may be approved of.  the two you sent to be recruited shall be taken the greatest care of.  the horses for your Excellency’s aids, & the 12 for the Generals and Field Officers, I have picked out, & should have sent them immediately, but knowing that the troops had not yet arrivd, & forage being scarce at camp I have taken the Liberty to Detain them, till the following circumstances are known to you; I have Sir already furnished 80 very good Horses which the Marqr agrees was my proportion & promis’d me that the matter should be General, & that both the 3rd Regt & Lees Corps should furnish the rest; the 3rd Regiment having near as many horses as the first Regt & I believe not the least Probability of mounting more than 30 men at most; Colo. Lee’s Corps I have heard, have impressed a number of Horses & not a man to mount him in the State.  On the contrary I have already near one hundred men dismounted; those I have at Ruffins Ferry are most of them old soldiers & have each of them a Handsome cloathing & accoutrements have alread arrived from Richmond, & from the Promisses I have received from the Board of war by Captn Hughes, who will have the honor to hand you this, I have the greatest right to say that it will be in my power to mount & bring every man and horse I have at this place to Camp in a few days; after your Excellency has weighed these circumstances, I flatter my self the two Corps now in Virginia will be called on for their proportion of Horses but I must at the same time assure you Sir, that it should be thought Proper that my Regiment should furnish the whole, the Horses you have been pleased to Order shall be in Camp in a Few hours after Captn Hughes returns to me, before it is determined I must beg leave to refer your Excellency to the Marquis De lafayette, who is well acquainted with the great Fatiging and Trouble I have been at in procuring Horses for my Regiment, & will I doubt not also
                     inform you, that he had promised an eaqual Proportion of Horses should be requested of the 3d Regemt and Colo. Lee’s Corps.  I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt & Very Humble Servant

                     Anthy W. White


Title: From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 20 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de

                     sirOn Board the Charlotte, James River 20th Sepr 1781

                  I have been informed that some American Vessels, with salted Provisions on Board, for the Use of the Troops of my Army, have taken the Benefit of the Convoy of the Squadron of Count de Barras, & are Arrived in the Bay—I Will be obliged if your Excellency will be pleased to order those Transports to proceed up this River, near to Burrel’s Ferry & let them report to me, that they may receive my Orders where they shall debark their Provisions.
                  I cannot omit to express to your Excellency, the high Satisfaction I had in the very cordial Reception I experienced from you on Board the Ville De Paris—I hope ere long to have the happiness to embrace you again with the like Cordiality and Sincere Affection, on the Reduction of Lord Cornwallis and his Army, an Event, which I am sure will convey the greatest Pleasure to each of us—I have the Honor to be &c.

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 20 September 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,Head quarters, Continental Village Sept. 20. 1781

                  The last evening I received intelligence that the fleet which have for some time been in the harbor of New York with a body of troops embarked, fell down to the Hook last Saturday.  It is said, all the heavy cannon on the grand battery were taken on board—The troops have their baggage with them.  I cannot yet ascertain all the corps, their numbers or destination.
                  The New York paper of the 15. contains an account of a naval engagement between the french and british fleets off the Chesepeak, Mr Rivington says, in favor of the latter.  But this account is so lame, that there is much reason to apprehend the advantage was in favor of our allies.  The 17th a packet arriv’d at New York it is said, as many as three thousand people were waiting on the wharf to hear the news, but nothing transpired—and countenances were gloomy.  The general conversation of the people is, that if Lord Cornwallis is taken they may date thereon their own fate.
                  The Robust and President man of war, which were brought to the Shipyard at New York for repair, I am credibly informed upon a critical survey, are to be condemned.  They are both to be sent to Europe with their lower deck guns only.
                  Upon searching my files, I do not find a complete copy of the report of the board of general officers on the rank of the subaltern officers.  I therefore request your Excellency will be pleased to order a copy to be sent me as nothing can be done without it.  I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from James Hendricks, 20 September 1781
From: Hendricks, James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Alexandria 20th Septr 1781

                  Last evening I had the Honour of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 15th Current, Previous to which I had procured Craft to go to George Town capable of carrying four Hundred Barrels of flour which comes down & proceeds for Burwells ferry tomorrow—I have likewise impress’d a Brig. belonging to Colo. Saml Smith of Baltimore, which will take a few days to get repair’d and if no Bay Craft casts up before she is ready, I will load her likewise from George Town—I have gave One hundred & Seventy Barrels from your mill to Colo. Wadsworth and in consequence of an expectation of the Baron Viominel coming this rout, delivered a french agent Two Hundred Barrels, the two last quantities goes with the French Baggage wagons which I expect Tomorrow This with my daily calling on the County Commissioner is all I can do except an order from Colo. Blain to Purchase five Hundred Barrels on Mr Morris’s Credit for Specie.
                  I Heartily lament the want of the proper Harmony between the French and American Agents, and foresee the most fatal consequences arising from their not forming one General Plan in procuring supplies, I have mentioned to Colo. Wadsworth that there is the greatest Certainty that his Cash wou’d give the necessary Credit for the whole Purchase of the two army’s as not one holder of wheat flour or Beef but wou’d be content to receive one half the price of his goods in Cash, and wait on two or even three months for the remainder this or Some such plan being adopted I wou’d have the most Sanguine expectations from, on the Contrary from the present Plan Mr Wadsworths’ agents will have the preferance that infatuating metal will give them in so great a degree that no influance, promises or threats from a Continental agent will be able to procure one Single ounce of provisions or forage, to talk of Seizures is Ideal, the People will not thresh their grain nor cary it to the mills without an expectation of Something Permanent and Adequate to its Value—for Instance the price fix’d for wheat is four Shillings Specie, but mark the exchange of three hundred & fifty with which they are to be paid, hardly one third of the now real exchange & Perhaps not one Sixth when paid, I will Instance its depreciation in this Town,  Yesterday I call’d on the Storekeepers to purchase Some writing Paper to Send to your army in Consequence of an order from the Dept. Qr Master Genl, I offer’d two thousand pounds per Rheam for Bad Paper & cou’d get none, I shall be happy if what I have remark’d will answer my intention and be Assur’d  that I shall continue to exert all my influence and devote  my Time to procure and forward all the provisions I can, tho from what I have said you’l see my expectations is by no means great—There is not a Hatchet or Ax to be purchas’d in my Vicinity, but I shall call on the inhabitants to lend, if I can possible promise any they shall go as you direct.  I have the Honour to be wt. the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Obedt Hble servt

                     James Hendricks


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 20 September 1781
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                      September 20th 1781

                  at a time like this, when your excellencys every moment must be devoted to the grand business of america, I know you can have but little leisure for private letters—If the feelings of my heart will not permit me to be silent, I can not avoid congratulating your excellency on the present favourable appearance of our afairs I can not avoid telling your excellency, how much I wish you success, and how much I wish that the state of my health would permit me to afford my small services on this great occasion—such has been my peculier fate that during the whole course of the present war I have never on any important event had the honor of serving particularly under your excellency.  It is a misfortune I have ever sincearly lamented.  there is nothing on earth would have given more real pleasure than to have made this campaign under your excellancys’ Eye to have sheared the danger, and let me add the glory too, which I am almost confident will be acquired—But as my health will not admit of my rejoining the army immediatly, I must beg leave to repeat to your excellency my most earnest wishes for your success, and for your personal safty.I have the Honor to be with sentiment of the highest esteem your excellency obedt Hble servt

                     Danl Morgan


Title: From George Washington to Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de Lauzun, 20 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lauzun, Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de

                     Sir
                     James River 20th Septr 1781

                  You will be pleased to make your best Way into Piuncatanck River, where you will disembark your Troops at the most convenient Place you can find that shall be nearest to Gloscester Court House.  I am &c.

                     P.S.  After Debarkg the Troops mentioned, if any Military Stores are on Board, you will proceed with them to Burrel’s Ferry in James River, where you will receive further Orders.  those Vessels as will be fully discharged with the Troops at Glouscester, will proceed immediately to Anapolis, where they will apply to Govr Lee for his Directions to receive Flour to transport to the Army and pursue his Orders.


Title: From George Washington to George Weedon, 20 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weedon, George

                     Dear Sir
                     In James River 20th Septr 1781.

                  The Duke de Lauzun Comandr of the Legion of his own Name, will have the Honor to deliver you this—He is an officer of Rank & long standing in the Service of his most Christian Majesty—a Brigadier General in the Army now under Comand of the Count de Rochambeau.
                  You will be pleased to shew him all that Respect & Attention, that his Rank & Services justly demand.  I am Dear Sir Your most Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Weedon, 20 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weedon, George

                     Dr sir
                     James River 20th Sepr 1781

                  The Legion of the Duke de Lauzun is ordered to join the Troops now under your Command in Glocester County—to aid in restraining the Enemy, & preventing their Collection of Provisions & Stores from the Country—This Service, if you are Seniour Officer, you will endeavour to perform, with all your Diligence, without precipitating your Troops into too great Danger.  You will be very punctual in your Correspondence with me & communicate every Circumstance that may be of Importance—I am sir Your most Obed. Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 21 September 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                  Dear General

                     Head Quarters Continental Village Sepr 21st 1781

                  I have just received an act of Congress of the 7th inst. of which the enclosed is coppy.  as I apprehend it will be impossible to form any tollerable judgement of the quantity of forrage, without ascertaining the number of horses & cattle belonging to the allied army which were supplied with forrage in West Chester County; permit me to request your order to the Quartermasters of the allied Army, to transmit me such returns, as soon as may be convenient.
                  I have received a confirmation of the heavy Cannon being taken out of the grand battery in New York, and that it was done in the night.
                  Our hopes are high that your Excellency will make an easy conquest of Lord Cornwallis, & that the Campaigne will close with the reduction of New York.  I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                     W. Heath

                     P.S.  Colo. Worms von Wurmb’s Corps is among the ambushed Troops at New York excepting the Invalids who remain at the Bridge.

                     W.H.


Title: To George Washington from James Lovell, 21 September 1781
From: Lovell, James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philada Sepr 21st 1781

                  It is not improbable that the Enemy have a plan of cyphering their Letters which is pretty general among their Chiefs; if so, Your Excellency, will perhaps reap Benefit from making your Secretary take a Copy of the Keys and observations which I send to General Greene, through your Care.  With every Wish for your Success and Glory, I am Your Excellencys Obliged & Humble Servant

                     James Lovell


Title: From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 22 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de

                     Sir
                     Williamsburg 22d Septemr 1781.

                  The inclosed letter for your Excellency and the Copies of others to Count De Rochambeau and myself have this moment come to my Hands.  I deem the intelligence they contain of so much importance that I have thought it proper to transmit them immediately to your Excellency by the Baron Closen one of the Aides de Camp to the Count de Rochambeau.  I have the honor to be with the highest Respect and personal Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most ot and hble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 22 September 1781
From: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Monsieur
                     au Cap henry le 22. 7bre 1781.

                   j’informe Votre Excellence de l’arrivée du reste du convoy, que je fais partie tout de suitte, pour la riviere de  james. cette jonction faitte plus vitte que je ne comptois, m’est d’un heureux présage, ainsi que le peu de succès, qu’ont eû les Brulots envoyés d’York, la nuit du 21. au 22., à nos Bâtiments qui blocquent cette rivière.  Présument que cette opération a êté faitte de la part du Lord Cornwallis, à fin d’avoir la rivière d’York, au moins pendant une nuit, par l’obligation ou ont êté les Vaisseaux de couper leurs cables, pour eviter d’être incendiés, et a fin de profiter de cet instant, pour, avec ses batteaux, sortir de la riviere, et raugeaut la côte, venir débarquer dans la rive droitte de james, j’ai fait remonter tout de suitte deux frégattes pour venir mouiller à l’entrée de la riviere, de maniere à ne pas permettre à une seulle barque d’approcher.   j’espere que si c’est la, la ruze de ce Général, elle lui sera sensible et tournera à son désavantage.
                  Tout entre en rivière aujourd’hui, même votre artillerie, il y a encore quelques bateaux de l’arriere de l’avant garde, mais cela ne doit pas nous empêcher d’aller de l’avant.  il est temps de commencer à resserrer—L’Ennemi, et à lui donner connoissance de nos forces réunies.   j’attends des nouvelles de Votre Excellence, sur son retour au camp en bonne Santé et je désire qu’elle ait conservé pour moy toute l’amitié dont elle m’a honoré; les marques que j’en ai reçû, ne s’effaceront jamais de mon coeur reconnoissant.   j’ai l’honneur d’être avec l’attachement le plus sincere et le plus respectueux De Votre Excellence  Le très humble et très obéissant serviteur

                     le Comte de Grass


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 23 September 1781
From: Harrison, Benjamin, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Hd Quarters Williamsburg 23d Sepr 1781

                  I have had the honor to inform your Excellency of my holding the Commission of Paymaster to the Continental Army in Virginia, On the 29th of July last I received Orders from the Honble Majr Genl the Marquis Lafayette to apply to the Executive for such terms of money as they pleased to put into my Hands to be subject to the Marquis’s Orders, I have at different times since received to the Amt of four million two hundred & four thousand pounds, all of which has been payed away to the Marquis’s Warrants, either to the officers & Soldiers late Prisoners from Chas Town or to the Exigencies of the different Corps raising in this State, except a Sum almost too trifling to be mentioned, I have Orders from the Paymaster Genl in Philada on the Commissioner of Loans here for 75556 1/3 Dols. of the one for forty state continental money, which he has directed to be appropriated, 55556 1/3 Dols. to the use of the Lt Infantry under the Marquis Lafayette for 4 months pay & subsistence & 20,000 Dols. for the use of the Virga Line, The Commissioner of Loans has informed me that only about 20,000 Dols. of this money can now be had & he cannot say when the remainder can be ready,  This information I laid before the Majr Genl the Marquis Lafayette, to which he was pleased to answer.
                  With respect to the Money which you expect in a few Days, I think it will be better to suspend its application till the Commissioner of Continental Loans can make up the 75,556 1/3 Dols.  I would observe, however, that the Officers Troops of the Light Infantry can only receive it on Acct & receipt for it agreeable to tis real value or exchange I have wrote several times to the Paymaster Genl in Philada for hard Money to answer the Private Purposes of the Army but have received no answer,  I have the honor to be your Excellencys very respectful & Obedt Srt

                     Benj. Harrison Jur
                     Contl Paymaster Virga


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 23 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir,
                     Williamsburg 23d Sepr 1781

                  I received your Favor ⅌ Messenger Kane—I have now to inform you that I arrived at this Place on the 14th and findg it necessary to have a personal Interview with the Count de Grasse, I paid him a Visit on Board the Ville de Paris, at Cape Henry—from whence I am just returned; after a very decisive Conversation with the Count, Upon Matters which may prove very interesting in our present Operations.
                  The Troops & Stores from the Head of Elk, are this Day disembarkg—the Remainder are soon expected—Our Operations are fast ripening to their Commencement—& in a few Days I expect to find myself before the Works of the Enemy—By Information, Lord Cornwallis is incessantly at Work on his Fortifications, & is probably preparing to defend himself to the last Extremity—a little Time will probably decide his Fate—with the Blessing of Heavens, I trust it will prove favorable to the Interest of America.
                  I find great Embarrassments from the Want of sufficient Provisions & Means of Transportation—but, with proper Exertions, these Difficulties I hope will be soon removed—With Respect & Esteem I am Dear Sir Your most Obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 23 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

                     sir
                     Head Quarters Williamsburg 23d Sepr 1781

                  On my Arrival at this Place, I found it would be attended with good Consequences for me to see Admiral DeGrasse in Person—this right I have performed & met the Count on Board the Ville de Paris at Cape Henry, from whence I am just returned—  I am happy to inform Congress, that I found the French Admiral disposed in the best Manner, to give us all the Assistance in his Power, & perfectly to cooperate with me in our present Attempt.
                  Our Vessells from the Head of Elk, are now debarking their Troops & Stores, except some few, which are not as yet arrived, but are accounted for from the Dullness of their Sailing—& may be hourly expected.
                  I still find myself embarrassed for Want of sufficient Stores of Provisions, & means of Transportation—by superiour Exertions however, I hope to surmount these Difficulties, and in a few Days to find myself before the Enemy’s Works at York & Glocester.  I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient & most humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 23 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

                     (private)
                     Sir
                     Williamsburg 23d Septemr 1781.

                  I hold myself exceedingly obliged to your Excellency for your favor of the 15th. The intelligence it contains is so important, that I immediately transmitted it to the Count de Grasse, whose superiority, ever supposing Digby should have arrived with ten ships will be considerable.  I find every disposition in the Admiral to act with vigor and decision.
                  Want of time obliges me to refer your Excellency to my public letter for an account of the situation of matters in this quarter.  I have the honor to be with very particular Respect and Esteem Your Ecellency’s Most obt and hble servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Peter Muhlenberg, 23 September 1781
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Burwells Mill Septr 23d 1781

                  Since the Evening before last I have not been able to procure the least intelligence from York neither have we had a Deserter from the Enemy since that time—I have had parties continually in the Hampton—Warwick & half way  roads, who have been within sight of their Picketts, but some of the Enemy have been out—it is certain that their Number of Shipping is much diminished at York. but whether they attempted to get out the Night before last, or whether the Enemy have sunk them in the Channel I cannot yet find out; a large Smoke was seen Yesterday Morning below York, which has confirm’d a report that the Enemy have burnt some of their Shipping.  I have the Honor to be with the very best respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt hble Servt

                     P. Muhlenberg


Title: From George Washington to George Weedon, 23 September 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weedon, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Williamsburg 23d Septemr 1781

                  Your Letter of the 18th instt came to Hand while I was absent on a Visit to the Count de Grasse at Cape Henry—from whence I am just returned—I am very sensible of your Attention—& am sorry for the Embarrassments you met with—I hope they will soon be removed.
                  The Legion of the Duke Lauzun is ordered to join the Troops now under your Comand—& you may soon Expect to see them—I wish you to be exceedingly watchfull upon the Motions of the Enemy on your Side, & to prevent, as much as possible, without risquing too much, the Enemys gaining Provisions or Supplies from the Country—and you will be so good to give me the earliest Information of any important Circumstance that may take place.
                  The Duke de Lauzun is a Gentleman of Rank & long Service in the Army of France, a Brigadier at the present Time in the Army under Comand of the Count de Rochambeau—You will please to shew him all the Respect & Attention that his Character demands.  I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington