Title: To George Washington from Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 17 August 1781
From: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            boston 17 august 1781

                        I arrived here yesterday after fivety days passage from france—I have been so lucky as to answer the purpose
                            of my journey there—having with me the cloathing and equipment for the legion firelock and shoes for the foots men
                            exepted—I know that a large quantity of the first of thoses articles was Send to Congress—&
                            could not get the shoes at time to set of by the opertunity of the frigate we came in.
                        we convoyed two ships from france which were loaded with warly Stores for your exellency’s army—one of them a
                            brig. was dismasted of both its masts and being not in a condition to proceed on nor to be repared at
                            Sea—She was Send to Spain from where She was only three hundred miles distant—the other which is the largest Ship is Safe
                            arrived.
                        we were bound to philadelphia—but contrary winds forced us to make land at this port—the Capt. of our frigate
                            has Send the day of our arrival, an officer to mr de baras at new port—for have from him directions where to go—I expect
                            the orders will be for philadelphia—if that plan is not to much intercepted by the british Shipping—what persuad the most
                            that your exellency would rather have us to go there—is mr otis the agent for Congress who told us that should the Cargo
                            be delivered into his hands—he Could not with the most precise orders and the utmost exertions forward it to the army or
                            philadelphia before the midle of next winter by which lost of time some of the articles wanted
                            now would arrive perhaps when they should be no more wanted and the Carrying of them by land make Such an adition to their
                            first cost as to be rather hurtfull than of a great advantage—mr hancok the governor has been asked his advice on that
                            matter—and after telling us of the difficulty of the land Carriage was of opinion that the Captain trusted with the Care
                            of the Cargo should conduct himself by the directions of mr de baras.
                        Crl Laurence sett of from france eighteen or nineteen days before us and was bound for philadelphia—we heard
                            here nothing of his arrival.
                        as soon it is determine what is to be done—I shall take my way to head quarters supposing that the frigate
                            should not go to philadelphia—but if She was to go there immediatly I will go with her.
                        the king is paying the gretiest attention to the recommendation which your exellency had honored me with for
                            the marshal duc de biron has given me the cruce of st louis and looked upon my services under your
                            Command as if I had done the same and with the same rank in his own service.
                        I wishes it was in my power to show and to tell how I feel the great obligations I am under since this war to
                            your exellency—I dare say here that I can not give a better proof of my tankfullness and respect than in leaving again my
                            country—and chuse to continue in the one where general washington looking upon me as one of his most faithfull servant
                            will permit me to follow my military fortune under his Command.
                        I do not take the liberty to mantion here of the state of the legion—not knowing how it is—and being assured
                            that Congress will or has already done without difficulty keap their promisses to me—I have as much more confidence in
                            them, that every things on that head was done with the approbation of your exellency and your advice.
                        the marshal de biron had the honor to answer your letter I take the liberty to keap it by me—until I may have
                            the opportunity to deliver it my Self to your exellency. I am with the gretiest respect Your exellency’s the most humble
                            obedt Servant

                            C. armand


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 17 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Dr Sir
                            Head Quarters August 17th 1781.

                        You will be pleased to detach from the Brigade under your command upon the receipt of this, a Capt. &
                            50, with orders to patrole the Country between Closter and the New Bridge, the Officer must not consider either of these
                            places as his post, but continue to range the intermediate space untill he receives further Orders.
                        I wish you to be particular in your orders to the officer, that he may take every effectual means in his
                            power to prevent his men from Abusing the Inhabitants, which is a circumstance I am under the painful necessity of
                            Observing, that your troops are too frequently charged with, and I fear not without foundation.
                        By paying particular Attention to their conduct in this particular & punishing with severity
                            Offenders a stop may be put to further improprieties. I am Sir

                            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 17 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                        My Dear Marquis

                            Head Quarters Dobbs ferry Augt 17th 1781

                        I have been favour’d with yours of the 31st ulto and 6th inst. and as General du Portail will hand you this,
                            he will be able to give every intelligence you wish relative to my movements in this Department; as he is sent in
                            confidence he will make known to you all my designs. I am Dr Marquis, Your Mt Obt Servant.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 17 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

                            (Private)
                            Sir,
                            Dobbss ferry Augt 17th 1781

                        I have received, and do sincerely thank you, for the several articles of important intelligence contained in
                            your private letter of the 12th—the continuation of such confidential communications will be highly pleasing to me and may
                            be exceedingly beneficial, considered in a public point of view, as circumstances (well authenticated) should influence
                            measures as certainly as causes produce effects.
                        Mr Morris who will do me the honor to hand this letter to you, can inform you of our situation—our
                            prospects—and designs—so much better than I can do in the compass of a letter, that I shall do no more at this time than
                            to assure you, that with the greatest esteem & respect I am Sir Yr most Obedt & Oblig’d
                            Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 17 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 17th Augt 1781.

                        I have in confidence imparted to you the alteration of our late plan and made you acquainted with our
                            intended operations—Besides the provision necessary at the Head of Elk to carry the troops down the Bay a very
                            considerable Quantity will be wanted in Virginia. I should suppose three hundred Barrels of Flour—as many of salt Meat and
                            eight or ten Hhds of Rum would be sufficient at Elk—For what will be consumed in Virginia, I imagine the order must be
                            general, as we can neither ascertain the number of Men which will be drawn together or the time they will be employed.
                        I have written to the Count de Grasse and have requested him to send up his light Vessels of every kind to
                            Elk, but I would nevertheless wish to have all that may be at Baltimore and the upper parts of the Bay, secured. I shall
                            therefore be obliged to you to take measures at a proper time for that purpose. When that time will be and when you shall
                            give orders for the deposit at Elk, I will hereafter inform you.
                        I shall direct the Quarter Master in due season to take up all the small Craft in Delaware for the purpose of
                            transporting the Troops from Trenton to Christeen. Should he have occasion for advice or assistance from you upon this
                            occasion I must request you to give him both.
                        I am confident it will be necessary to give the American Troops destined for southern service one Months pay
                            in specie—This will amount to about  dollars—If it will be possible
                            for you to procure this sum you will infinitely oblige me and will much benefit the service—I shall also stand in need of
                            a sum of Specie for secret services—I suppose about 500 Guineas. I have the honor to be with sincere Esteem Dr Sir Yr most
                            obt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 17 August 1781
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Camp Near Dobbs Ferry August the 17th 1781

                        Agreable to the ordinance for the Apointment of Regimental staffs I beeg leave to recommend to your Exelency
                            the following Gentelmen viz.—Lieut. Henry Marble—Adjutent from the first day of February last, vice Lieut. Smith,
                            Resigned. Lieut. Park Holland (unanimously chosen by the officers) Pay Master from the 25th of April last vice Capt.
                            Lieut. Stone promoted; Lieut. Ivory Holland Qr Master from the 25th of April last vice Lieut. Park Holland appointed Pay
                            Master; all of the 5th Massachusetts Regiment under my command and request they may recive there
                            apointment in General orders. I am with the greatest respect your Exelencys Humble Servent

                            Rufus Putnanam Colo. 5th Re.


Title: From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 17 August 1781
From: Washington, George,Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de

                            Sir
                            Camp at Phillipsbg 17th Augt 1781.

                        In consequence of the dispatches received from your Excellency by the Frigate La Concorde it has been judged
                            expedient to give up for the present the enterprise against New York and to turn our attention towards the South, with a
                            view, if we should not be able to attempt Charles town itself, to recover and secure the States of
                            Virginia—North Carolina—and the Country of South Carolina and Georgia. We may add a further inducement for giving up the
                            first mentioned enterprise, which is the arrival of a reinforcemt of near 3000 Hessian Recruits. For this purpose we have
                            determined to remove the whole of the French Army and as large a detachment of the American as can be spared to Chesapeak,
                            to meet Your Excellency there.
                        The following appear to us the principal Cases which will present themselves, and upon which we shall be
                            obliged ultimately to form our plans—We have therefore stated them, with a few short observations upon each—Your
                            Excellency will be pleased to revolve them in your own mind and prepare your own opinion by the time we shall have the
                            pleasure of meeting you in Virginia.
                        1st—What shall be done if the Enemy should be found with the greater part of their force in Virginia upon the
                            arrival of the French Fleet?
                        2d Should only a detachment be found there?
                        3d Should the British force be totally withdrawn from thence?
                        Upon the first, it appears to us that we ought without loss of time to attack the enemy with our United
                            Force.
                        Upon the second, it appears proper to destine such part of our force as will be amply sufficient to reduce
                            the enemys detachment, and then determine what use shall be made of the remainder—and here two things present themselves
                            for our consideration—The enemy will either have sent the greater part of their force, from Virginia, to New York or to
                            Charles town. If to New York (which is the least probable under present circumstances) Charles town will have but a
                            moderate Garrison and it may be possible to attack it to advantage. If to Charles town—Then the Enemy will be so superior
                            to General Greene, that they will be able to regain the whole of the State of south Carolina and of consequence—Georgia.
                            We therefore think that in this last case such a force at least should be detached to south Carolina as will enable us to
                            keep the field and confine the enemy in or near to Charles town.
                        In the third case which we stated, we mean that of supposing the enemy should have totally evacuated
                            Virginia—It appears to us necessary to make a solid establishment at portsmouth, or any other place if more proper, in
                            order to render a Fleet in Chesapeak Bay entirely secure, and to employ the remainder of our land force and such Vessels
                            as may be proper for the service as has been explained in the preceding Article—That is either in the siege of Charles
                            town, if the Garrison shall be found sufficiently weak to warrant the attempt—or to cover and secure the Country should it
                            be found otherwise.
                        Returning back to the enterprise agt New York will depend upon a number of circumstances—the discussion of
                            which we will leave untill we have the happiness of a conference with your Excellency—We have only to observe that the
                            execution of all or any of the plans which we have proposed, go upon a supposition of a decided Naval superiority—except
                            that of marching a reinforcement into south Carolina.
                        We would beg leave to take up so much of your Excellency’s time, as to point out to you the vast importance
                            of Charles town and what advantages the enemy derive from the possession of it—It is the Centre of their power in the
                            south—By holding it, they preserve a dangerous influence throughout the whole State, as it is the only port and the only
                            place from whence the people can procure those Articles of foreign produce which are essential to their support, and it in
                            great measures serves to cover and keep in subjection the State of Georgia—From thence—the enemy can also establish small
                            posts in North Carolina—And if they maintain a post in Chesapeak—they keep up the appearance of possessing 400 Miles upon
                            the Coast and of consequence have a pretext for setting up claims which may be very detrimental to the interests of
                            America in European Councils.
                        We are not sufficiently acquainted with the position of Charles town, neither is it necessary at this time,
                            to enter into a detail of the proper mode of attacking it, or of the probability which we should have of succeeding—For
                            these we will refer your Excellency to Brigadier Genl du portail Commander of the Corps of Engineers in the service of the
                            United states, who will have the honor of presenting this—That Gentleman having been in Charles town as principal Engineer
                            during the greater part of the seige, and in the Environs of it as a prisoner of War a considerable time afterwards, had
                            opportunities of making very full observations, which he judiciously improved.
                        A variety of cases different from those we have stated may occur—It is for this reason that we have thought
                            proper to send General du portail to your Excellency—He is fully acquainted with every circumstance of our Affairs in this
                            quarter—and we recommend him to your Excellency as an Officer upon whose Abilities and in whose integrity you may place
                            the fullest confidence.
                        We would observe to your Excellency that it will be very essential to the dispatch of the business in
                            contemplation for you to send up to Elk River at the Head of Chesapeak Bay all your Frigates—Transports and Vessels proper
                            for the conveyance of the French and American Troops down the Bay. We shall endeavour to have as many as can be found in
                            Baltimore and other ports secured, but we have reason to believe they will be very few. We have the honor to be with the
                            greatest Respect, Attachment and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obt and Hble servants.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 17 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir
                             August 17th 1781

                        Upon a full consideration of all circumstances I am of opinion, that the march of the French Army under your
                            command had better be by the following Route, and on the following days.

                                Sunday. 19th to North Castle

                                14 Miles.

                                Monday, 20th to Kings Ferry

                                18 Do.

                                Allowing for the common chances of Winds and Weather, it may take ’till

                                Thursday 22nd to cross the North River.

                                Friday 23d to Suffrans

                                16 Miles

                                Saturday 24. to Pumpton Meetg Ho.

                                14 Do

                                Sunday—25. to Whippany

                                15

                                Monday 26 to Bullions Tavern

                                15

                                Tuesday—27 to Somerset Ct House

                                14

                                Wednesday 28 to Princeton—

                                14

                                Thursday 29 to Trenton—

                                12.

                        I have named no halting day because we have not a moment to lose—and because the Troops will more than
                            probably, be detained sometime at Trenton—but if you should think it absolutely necessary, Whippany will be a good place
                            for a halt; as there is a good road leading from thence through Chatham (five Miles distant) to Elizabeth Town and Staten
                            Island.
                        After crossing the North River, Your Excellency may, if you should prefer it, march by Brigades. With every
                            sentiment of esteem and personal attachment I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant.


Title: General Orders, 18 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry Saturday August 18 1781
                            Parole Calais
                            Countersigns Rouen Ghent

                        For the day tomorrow
                        Major General Heath
                        Colonel Greaton
                        For Picquet Major Maxwell
                        Inspector Captain Warner
                        At a General Court Martial held in the Jersey Brigade at Dobbs ferry August 15th 1781 of which Major
                            Hollinshead was President.
                        William Clark soldier in the first Jersey regiment charged with "Sleeping on his Post" was tried found Guilty
                            and sentenced to suffer Death, agreeably to the 6th Article 13th Section of the Rules and Articles of War.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the sentence.
                        At a Board of General Officers of the American army, held by Adjournment the 17th instant to consider a
                            dispute of rank between Colonels Swift and Webb of the Connecticut Line.
                        The Board report their opinion that Colonel Swift ought to take rank of Colonel Webb.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the opinion of the Board.
                        Major John Porter will please to relieve Major Olney and take command of the Picquets this afternoon.


Title: From George Washington to Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 18 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Barras, Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 18th Augt 1781.

                        I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 14th—Inclosed is the Copy of the latest intelligence
                            I have recd from Genl Forman from which it appears that Admiral Graves was off the Hook on the 16th Inst. I have the honor
                            to be Yr Excellency’s Most obt and hble servt.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 18 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 18th Augt 1781.

                        You will be pleased to give the Officer commanding the Artillery upon the West side of the River such
                            assistance as he want in embarking the heavy Cannon. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. You will prepare for a March to morrow Morning, with the Jersey Continental
                                Troops under your Command—You will receive further Orders this Evening—Baggage & every
                                thing else which appertains to the Troops is to be removed. Yr &ca

                            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Duncan, 18 August 1781
From: Duncan, David
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Pittsburg Augt 18th 1781

                        I have inclosed you the Copys of two letters, One from Col. John Gibson, and the Answer to it from Mr Fowler
                            in respect to my being arrested & Try’d, from which you will See how far Mr Fowler has Complied with the Letters
                            and orders you sent him, I cant imagine with what propriety Mr Fowler can ask to sit Judge advocate on my Tryal, and he
                            the Prosicutor, all I can expect or even wish is to have a fair & honest tryal from
                            your Letter to Mr Fowler, its he thats to exhibit the Charge.
                        I shall therefore submitt the Matter to you, & hopes you will Order this matter, as you may see it
                            will answer to do Justice to both Col. Brodhead & me. One thing I have to remark, as Mr Fowler is to exhibit the
                            Charge against me, he must mark himself as prosecutor on my Charges against me and Mr Johnston who act as Clerk to me as
                            he reports it—I am surprized that Mr Fowler cant lay the same Charges now, as when I was ordered to be arrested by you—I
                            am very sorry to give your Excellency so much Trouble about this Matter as you have had, & I am affraid it an’t
                            yet at An end, I submitt the whole matter to your self both in respect of my Tryal and Who is to be Judge advocate, on the
                            Tryal. I have the Honor to be, your Excellencies Most Obedient and most Hble Servt

                            David Duncan
                            A.Q.M.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Head Quarters Fort Pitt June 29th 1781

                            A General Court Martial is now Sitting, I would Therefore request if you have any Charges to exhibit
                                against Mr David Duncan, or any other person, you would send them to me, that I may have them Arrested, And brought to
                                tryal, and that I may Comply with the Orders I have recieved, from his Excellency the Commander in Chief. I have the
                                Honor to be your Humble Servant

                                John Gibson Col.
                                Comdt F. Pitt

                                A Copy

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Fort Pitt June 30th 1781

                            From his Excellency the Commander in Chief’s letter of the 5th May, it appears that the deputation from
                                the Judge Advocate Genl was directed to me, as hitherto Officiating as Judge Advocate at this Post—I expect therefore
                                to prosecute Mr David Duncan, as Deputy Judge Advocate But Sir: as you thought there was an Impropriety in my
                                Officiating in that Capacity as prosecutor, I have submitd this Point to his Excellency, and the Judge Advocate
                                General. In the mean time as I have Inform’d you, the Necessary papers that I want, and must have, to support a
                                    Princip: Charge which I purpose exhibiting against Mr Duncan, are sent for, and must arrive
                                here, before I shall specify Any Charges against him, and ’till then he ought not to be Arrested—At the same time I
                                beg leave to acquaint you, that I shall exhibit a Charge, against Mr John Johnston, a Clerk to Mr Duncan. I have
                                Transmitted you a Charge against Lt Archd Read, Pay Master of the 8th Pennsyla Regt and when the Count is ready for
                                the Tryal of that Gentleman, shall appear in Support of it. I have the Honor to be Sir yr Most Obt Hble Servt

                                A. Fowler
                                A.W.D.

                                A Copy


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 18 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                            Dear SirHead Quarters near Dobbs Ferry August 18th 1781

                        I am much disappointed in not having the Boats sent from Wapping Creek to Kings Ferry, as requested by
                            Colonel Pickering. You will be pleased, on the receipt of this, to order One hundred and fifty men to bring thirty of the
                            aforesaid Boats to Kings Ferry; from whence the Men may return immediately to West Point. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt
                            Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 18 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters near Dobbs’ Ferry Augst 18. 1781

                        Congress having, in their late Regulations respecting promotion, pointed out certain districts in which
                            Battalion Officers are to be promoted to the rank of Brigadrs by seniority—the senior Colonels in those Districts who
                            suppose themselves, in consequence of that Resolution, entitled to succeed as Brigadiers to the command of the Brigades
                            which are now Vacant, are anxious respecting their present situation—Frequent applications have been made by the General
                            Officers on that subject—and I have engaged to represent the state of the Matter to Congress.
                        I have also thought proper to forward to your Excellency the enclosed representation made on the same subject
                            by the General & Feild Officers of the Connecticut & Rhode Island Lines; and beg leave to submit to
                            Congress the propriety & expediency of making the appointments in the several Districts in which there are
                            vacancies; agreeably to the plan prescribed in their act of the 25th of May last. I have the honor to be.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 18 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 18th Augt 1781

                        Agreeable to an order of Congress of the 10th of May last, I appointed a Board of Officers to consider and
                            determine upon the Memorial of Udney Hay Esqr. I do myself the honor to inclose a Copy of their Report and am with the
                            highest Respect Yr Excellencys Most obt and hble servt

                            Go: Washington

                     Enclosure

                                Camp near Dobbs ferry Aug. 16. 1781.

                            At a board of general officers of the american army convened at major general Heath’s quarters, August
                                16. 1781, by order of his Excellency the commander in chief, to consider a memorial of Udny Hay esquire, and report
                                thereon.
                            Present

                                    Major general Heath

                                    Brigadier general Knox

                                    Major general Lord Stirling

                                    Brigadier general Glover

                                    Major general Lincoln

                                    Brigaider general Huntington

                                    Major general Howe

                                    Brigadier general Hazen

                                    Major general Parsons.

                            The board having considered the memorial and other papers exhibited therewith, are of opinion that Udny
                                Hay esquire ought to enjoy the rank and emoluments of a retiring lieutenant colonel Which is submitted.

                                W. Heath M. Genl
                                pr order


Title: General Orders, 19 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters near Dobbs ferry Sunday August 19th 1781
                            Parole White Plains
                            Countersigns Northcastle
                            Pinesbridge

                        For the day tomorrow
                        Major General Lord Stirling
                        Colonel Putnam
                        For Picquet Major Woodbridge
                        Inspector Captain Converse
                        Two Companies each to consist of a Captain, two Subs four Serjeants and Fifty Rank and File are to be
                            immediately formed from the Connecticut Line and join the Light troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton it
                            is expected that the companies will be composed of good men engaged either for the War or three years.
                        Major Gibbs is to join the Battalion of Light infantry commanded by Colonel Vose in the room of Major Galvan
                            whose bad Health obliged him to Leave that corps.
                        Lieutenant Colonel Grosvenor is appointed to do the duty of Deputy Adjutant General to the Troops placed
                            under the immediate command of Major General Heath.
                        The General Court Martial of which Colonel H. Jackson is President will assemble at Peekskill on Thursday
                            next—It is expected the most punctual attention will be paid to this order.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Brodhead, 19 August 1781
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General.
                            Fort Pitt Augt 19th-20 1781.

                        Immediately after my arrival here I informed the Officers that from your Excellencies Letters to me I
                            conceived myself to be in command as usual, untill Mr Fowler, agreeable to your Order had specified the charges made
                            against me—the Judge Advocate Genls’ instructions were filled up with the name of the Deputy, and he proceeded to take the
                            Depositions; when agreeably to the words of your Letter I would give up the command to Col. Gibson, to prevent every
                            Objection to the validity of the Depositions as being taken under any influence of mine, as Commandant. And my orders were
                            received & obeyed accordingly.
                        Mr Fowler sent me charges more general than those contained in the petition (as will appear by the inclosed
                            Copy) And instead of appearing as the Prosecutor he affects to appear an innocent Man, sheltered behind a multitude,
                            against whom it is clear, I could have no redress for all the trouble & Expence I might be put to, by his
                            malicious prosecution.
                        Captn John Finley the Deputy Judge Advocate (appointed by Col. Gibson) waited on Mr Fowler and requested him
                            to specify his Charges & prosecute them agreeable to your intention. But Mr Fowler declared himself to be the Dy
                            Judge Advocate & that he would not give up that point untill he was ordered to do it by your Excellency.
                        From this refusal of Mr Fowler’s I still considered myself in Command untill the Depositions could be taken
                            with propriety. But yesterday Col. Gibson privately assembled the Officers (a great majority of whom are of his own Regt
                            And were ordered to Virginia before I left this place, as surplus Officers) who gave it as their opinion that from your
                            Excellencies Letters to me my Command must cease untill I was acquitted of the charges exhibited against me. They at the
                            same time declared that they entertained a high respect for me & knew no officer under whose immediate Command
                            they would rather serve. That they were convinced the charged exhibited against me were groundless and that they were
                            ready to support me against the unjust Clamors of the Complainants, Lt Col. Bayard and a number of other Officers insisted
                            that it was clearly Your intention that I should remain in Command untill the Depositions were to be taken and that as
                            your Excellency had thought proper to deprive me of the Command They conceived the Officers here were out of their Duty to
                            take upon themselves to determine any thing respecting it.
                        Thus by the clamor of a set of disaffected persons & others, I find myself in the most disagreeable
                            situation I ever experienced. And were it not for the redress I expect from your Excellencies well known Justice my
                            situation would be insupportable. I therefore beg to know your Excellencies immediate pleasure and that you will be
                            pleased to instruct me how to treat those seditious proceedings. With the most perfect respect I have the Honor to be your
                            Excellencies most Obedt Servt

                            Daniel Brodhead

                            Postscript 20th Augt
                            I have this moment received a Letter from Mr Fowler to Col. Gibson. Copy whereof I likewise take the
                                liberty to inclose.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                 19th August 1781

                            In Compliance with his Excellencey the Commander in chiefs Letters to me of the 5th of May & 12th
                                of June I have furnish’d Colonel Brodhead with, a Coppy of the Accusation prefered against him, and have also notified
                                him that I was ready to proceed in the business and bring forward my Evidence, I have received no answer.
                            His Excellency the Commander in Chiefs words to me are, The Judge Advocate General
                                    sends a Deputation to the Person usualy officiating as Judge Advocate at the Post authorizing
                                    him to take these Depositions—Every officer here knows, that I officiated at this Post as Judge Advocate and
                                untill I Receive the deputation sent me by the Judge Advocate General, or receive his further Instructions or his
                                Excellencys, nothing can be done, If Capt. John Finley chuses to act under a Temporary appointment as hitherto, or if
                                Colonel Brodhead wishes to call in a Magistrete to tender the Oath to the Respective deponents to either mode I can
                                have no objection, because it will be acting in obedience to his Excellencys Letter, and the Judge Advocate Generals
                                Instructions, to which I am determind to pay the most scrupules adherence, But I never will submit to Capt. Finleys
                                acting under a Deputation sent to sir your Most Humle Servt
                            A. Fowler
                            If Colonel Brodhead doth not attend taking the deposition I shall as Prosecutor Employ a Magistrete to
                                tender the oath to my Evidence, arange the business, and Proceed with the whole to Head Quarters, This I am determined
                                On and therefore, Respecting the business, shall give my self no further trouble. yours,

                                A. Fowler

                     Enclosure

                                Head Quarters Fort Pitt august 19th 1781

                            Agreeable to your request, we now inform you that From the Letters of his Excellency the Commander in
                                Chief to you, which have been shewn us by Captn John Finley, That it is our opinion, we cannot with propriety be
                                commanded by you, untill you have cleared yourself of the charges which have been exhibited against you, and which are
                                now depending.
                            At the same time we wish to assure you that we entertain the greatest respect for you and was it not for
                                the present situation of affairs, there is not one of us, but would wish to serve under you. We are sir your most
                                obedt Hble Servants

                                John Gibson Colo.
                                Commanding Fort Pitt
                                Fredk Vernon Majr 8th P. Regt
                                Uriah Springer Captn
                                Benjn Bigge Captn
                                Saml Brady Captn 3d P: Regt
                                Willm Martin Captn Lt
                                Lewis Thomas Lieut.
                                John Harrison Lieut.
                                Archd Read Lt2nd Pena Regt

                                Jno. Ward Lieut.
                                Jacob Springer Lieut.
                                Jacob Colman EnsnJos. Winlock Ens.

                                N.B. The above answer appears in the Hand writing of Colo. Gibson.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 19 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 19th Augt 1781.

                        You will march immediately with the Jersey Line and Hazens Regt to the Heights between Chatham and
                            Springfeild—You will take the most eligible position and encamp there.
                        You will give Colo. Seely orders to remain at Dobbs’s Ferry untill Wednesday when he is to march and join
                            you. You will order him, in a very particular manner, to keep scouts and Patroles towards Bergen, and to take every
                            precaution agt a surprise.
                        There will be a French Bakery established at Chatham. You are to furnish a small Guard for it, and give them
                            any assistance they want. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From David Humphreys to William Heath, 19 August 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Heath, William

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters Dobbs’ Ferry Augst 19th 1781

                        The Commander in Chief desires you will order a Court Martial on Doctr McKnight, in consequence of the
                            enclosed Charges, whenever it is convenient—and that you will decide on the sentences of the Court Martial of which Col.
                            Swift is President. I have the honor to be Your Most Obedt Servt

                            D. Humphrys
                            Aide De Camp


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 19 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Sir
                             19 August 1781

                        You are to take the Command of all the Troops remaining in this Department—consisting of the Two Regiments of
                            New Hampshire, Ten of Massachusetts, & five of Connecticut Infantry—the Corps of Invalids, Sheldons Legion, the
                            third Regiment of Artillery—together with all such State Troops & Militia as are retained in Service, of those
                            which would have been under my own Comand.
                        The Security of West Point and the Posts in the High Lands is to be considered as the first Object of your
                            Attention. In order to effect this, you will make such Dispositions, as in your Judgment, the Circumstances shall from
                            Time to Time require; taking Care to have as large a Supply of salted Provisions as possible constantly on Hand—to have
                            the Fortifications, Works and Magazines repaired & perfected as far as may be; to have the Garrison, at least, in
                            all Cases, kept up to its present Strength; to have the minuter Plans & Arrangements for the Defence &
                            Support of this important Post perfectly understood & vigorously executed in Case of any Attempt against it—Ample
                            Magazines of Wood & Forage are to be laid in against the
                            Approaching Winter; the former should be cut on the Margin of the River, & transported to the Garrison by Water;
                            the latter ought to be collected from the Country below the Lines, in the greatest Quantities possible, &
                            deposited in such Places as you shall judge proper.
                        The Force now put under your Orders it is presumed, will be sufficient for all the Purposes abovementioned;
                            as well as to yield a very considerable protection & cover to the Country, without hazarding the Safety of the
                            Posts in the Highlands—this is to be esteemed, as it respects the friendly Inhabitants & Resources of the
                            Country—an extreamly interesting Object; but when compared with the former, of a secondary Nature—The protection of the
                            Northern and Western Frontier of the State of N. York, as well as those Parts of that & other States most
                            contiguous & exposed to the Ravages & Depredations of the Enemy, will claim your Attention—But as the
                            Contingencies which are to be expected in the Course of this Campaign, may be so various, unforeseen, and almost infinite,
                            that no particular Line of Conduct can be prescribed for them—upon all such Occasions, you will be governed by your own
                            Prudence & Direction, on which the fullest Confidence is placed.
                        Altho your general Rule of Conduct will be to act on the defensive only, yet it is not meant to prohibit you
                            from striking a Blow at the Enemys Posts or Detatchments, should a fair Opportunity present itself—The most eligible
                            Position for your Army, in my Opinion, will be above (that is on the North side) of the Croton, as well for the Purpose of
                            supporting the Garrison of West Point, annoying the Enemy, & covering the Country, as for the Security &
                            repose of your own Troops. Waterbury’s Brigade (which maybe posted towards the Sound) Sheldons Corps, the State Troops of
                            New York, and other light Parties, may occasionally be made Use of to hold the Enemy in Check, & carry on the
                            Petit Guerre with them—but I would recomend keeping your Force as much collected & as compact as the Nature of
                            the Service will admit, doing Duty by Corps, instead of Detatchments, whenever it is practicable—and above all exerting
                            yourself most strenuously & assiduously, while the Troops are in a Camp of repose, to make them perfect in their
                            Exercise & Maneuvres, & to establish the most perfect System of Discipline & Duty—the Good of the
                            Service & Emulation of Corps, will I am perswaded, prompt the Officers & Men to devote their whole Time
                            & Attention to the pleasing & honorable Task of becoming Masters of their Profession.
                        The Uncertainty which the present Movement of the Army will probably Occasion with the Enemy, ought to be
                            encreased by every Means in your Power, & the Deception kept up as long as possible—It will not be expedient to
                            prevent the Militia which were ordered, from coming in, until the Arrival of the Count de Grasse, or something definite
                            & certain is known, from the Southward—and even then Circumstances may (but of this you
                            will be advised) render it adviseable to keep the Enemy at New York in Check, to prevent their detatching to reinforce
                            their Southern Army, or to harrass the Inhabitants on the Sea Coast.
                        The Redoubt on the East Side of Dobbs Ferry is to be dismantelled & demolished, the Platforms to be
                            taken up, & transported up the River, if it can conveniently be done—The Block House on the other Side to be
                            maintained or evacuated & Destroyed as you shall think proper—the Water Guards and other Precautions to prevent a
                            Surprize, you will be pleased to take into your Consideration, & regulate in such a Manner as you shall judge most
                            expedient—You will be pleased also to keep me regularly advised of every important Event which shall take Place in your
                            Department. Given under my Hand at Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry—this 19th Day of Augt 1781.

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. By the Act of Congress of the 3d of Octo. 1780—a Return is to be made to them annually on or
                                before the first of Septemr of the Troops belonging to the several States—that Requisitions may be made for
                                compleating the same—this you will be pleased to have done by the Troops under your Comand.
                            The Preservation of the Boats is a Matter of very great Importance, to which you will attend—let all the
                                new Boats, and such others as are not absolutely necessary, & allotted to the Service of the Garrison, be
                                hauled up & put under the Care of a Guard—so that the Person to whom they are committed shall be accountable
                                for every Boat—The Abuses comitted by People belonging to comissioned Whale Boats on Long Island ought to be enquired
                                into, & suppressed—especially as Congress have ordered those Comissons to be revoked.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 19 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters 19th Augt 1781.

                        Circumstances have rendered it necessary to change our plan of operations—and I am going myself with a
                            detachment of the Army to the southward. As the troops which will principally compose this detachment are those which were
                            intended for your command—I think it proper to make you the offer of going with them—at the same time desiring you to
                            inform me without reserve if you would wish to decline the command on account of your domestic concerns, or for any other
                            reason. If you determine to go, you will join me without loss of time at King’s ferry, or if not, you will inform me
                            immediately that I may appoint another Officer. I refer you to General Knox for a detail of the business in contemplation.
                        You will be pleased to direct all the detachments from Colo. Olneys Regt whether at the point or upon any
                            other duty immediately to join the Regt at Kings ferry. And you will hold the four Companies of Courtlands ready to move
                            to Kings ferry the moment the others come down the River. Should any small detachments from Van schaicks or Hazens yet
                            remain above they are to be sent to Kings ferry likewise. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from James Mitchell Varnum, 20 August 1781
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

                            Sir—
                            Philadelphia 20th August, 1781.

                        Perhaps my Residence in this Place for near a Year without writing to your Excellency, may be deemed
                            Inattention. Two Considerations have hitherto disswaded me from seeking an epistolary Correspondence: The one, your
                            Excellency’s necessary Application to an Infinity of important Objects; The other, General Sullivan, with whom, ’till of
                            late, I have had the most unreserved Communications, has corresponded with your Excellency upon every military Subject, in
                            wch he or I could best serve the public by carrying into Effect, with Propriety & Consistency the Views of our
                            Commander in Chief. That Gentleman has returned to his own State; & this Event will form my Apology for this,
                            & the subsequent Letters I may have Occasion to address to your Excellency. A Committee has lately been appointed
                            in Congress for reforming the present military Establishment, of wch I am one. I must confess the Measure appeared
                            somewhat disagreable; but many Circumstances rendered an Acquiescence preferable to an Opposition: But upon more mature
                            Deliberation, I am induced to retract my first Sentiments, & shall pursue the Subject with unremitted Assiduity.
                            Your Excellency’s general Views & ours are one, the Salvation of America: I shall therefore particularly, tho’
                            with the greatest Deferrence, communicate my Ideas & feel a peculiar Happiness in the Persuasion of receiving
                            yours, so far as local Circumstances, mutual Confidence and Cabinet Policy will admit. In calculating upon a permanent
                            Force, we cannot anticipate the Termination of the present Campaign, nor decide upon the Negotiations that will take Place
                            in Europe during the approaching Winter. We must suppose the Enemy retiring to Winter Quarters in our own Country, after
                            various Success, and preparing to enter upon Action as soon as possible. Our Country is the Object for which both Parties
                            contend; Which ever of us shall be in firm Possession at the Time of a general Pacification, will carry the Prize. Nations
                            admit of no Claims to sovereign Jurisdiction but what are founded in the Acquisition or Security of Force; & do
                            not descend to Questions of Right, founded in municipal, civil or political Controversy. From Hence it is evident that the
                            United States of America will never be acknowledged, by the Nations of Europe, as independent of Great Britain ’till the
                            States exercise in fact civil Jurisdiction, supported by a permanent military Force, confining the Enemy to defensive
                            Positions. The Possession of Posts, where military Law only can be exercised, is the weakest Situation of a Nation at War,
                            & consequently, does not confer the Right of Sovereignty. Therefore our political Object will be obtained, if we
                            support an Army of equal Strength with that of the Enemy’s—It must be confessed that a Situation capable of offensive
                            Hostilities at all Times, would be far more eligible; but Experience teaches us that we must not be too sanguine upon this
                            Head. We cannot suppose but the general Exertions, have been equal to the Convenience and Inclination, if not to the
                            Abilities of the States: And altho’ the Country abound with Resources, it is a fact, that its Revenues are greatly in
                            Anticipation. This is not the Result of Necessity, but of Mismanagement. Our political Measures are changed; but we cannot
                            expect to feel immediately the beneficial Effects of the best Regulations. We may calculate, with some Degree of
                            Precission, the Extent of our Finances for the coming Year. They must form the Basis of all our Arrangements; And if we
                            attempt to exceed them in any Respect, it must be by temporary and partial Exertions, such as obtaining Detachments of
                            Militia from particular Places, and for particular Objects. The bitterest Reflection wounds us with the Idea of having an
                            Army, at this Moment, badly clothed, badly feed, and not paid. The Changes of Currency, & Instability of pecuniary
                            Systems, will, in some Measure, account for these Evils; but we cannot suffer them to continue. We must fulfill
                            punctiliously all our Ingagements; & then we may assure ourselves of an energetic Army. It is impossible to oppose
                            the Enemy in every given Point of Attack, so as to prevent Depredations: Our Object is to prevent Conquest; but what they
                            gain by their Shipping, we must supply by the Exertions of our Militia. The Enemy’s Troops in the United States, from
                            Savannah to Penobscot inclusive, cannot be far from Eighteen or twenty Thousand Rank and File. I would therefore propose
                            that our Army consist of Twenty Thousand Rank and File infantry, besides Cavalry and Artillery. It is an Observation by
                            several military Writers that no Country can support, or rather afford, for permanent military Service, more than one
                            Soldier to every one hundred Inhabitants. This Army will overrun the Calculation; but two Circumstances are favorable to
                            us. The Troops are retained in our own Country, and the Army will be disbanded at the End of the War. The Nature of our
                            political Association, founded in our Confederation, is such that we must proportion the Troops to each State, to be
                            raised, officered, accoutred and equipped for the Field. They ought to be so proportioned as that no State will fail of
                            producing its Quota. Unfortunately the Articles of Confederation provide that each State shall furnish Troops in
                            Proportion to the Number of its white Inhabitants. A Rule so totally absurd, that we must endeavor, while we support it in
                            Appearance, to get rid of it in Reality. For Instance, Virginia is rated higher than Massachusetts in white Inhabitants,
                            while the Speck, Rhode-Island is a stronger military State than Virginia. Virginia is an extensive Territory thinly
                            inhabited, made up of independent Gentlemen, uninformed Peasants, and numerous Slaves. Massachusetts, is well populated;
                            Her Citizens are all equal, and Consequently infinitely advanced of Virginia in Civilization, interior Government
                            & military Strength. It is undoubted therefore, that Massachusetts can raise an Army vastly superior to Virginia.
                            North Carolina may be said to be in a State of Nature—Her Inhabitants were never, under the royal Government, rendered
                            tame by the Restraints of Law, And Experience convinces us that they have made no great Progress in the Principles of
                            Humanity since the War commenced. Few Men therefore can be expected from that State. South Carolina has been long in a
                            Situation that renders it doubly feeble. Feeble in the first Instance from the aristocratic Ideas of its leading Men and
                            from the Number of its Slaves; In the second, by the Ravages of the Enemy, and the Desolations of our own People. Georgia,
                            exhibits a striking Scene of human Wretchedness. Her few remaining Inhabitants contend with each other, without a
                            Sentiment of Benevolence; and their common Object is Plunder. Pennsylvania is without Exception the most Respectable State
                            in the Union, if we Regard its Situation, its Soil, its Numbers, & the manner of its Settlement: But when we
                            contemplate its Government, "Fate drops the Curtain," and we can Say no more. New Jersey and New York, are in particular
                            Circumstances, & therefore cannot appear to Advantage—For the other States, Observations are unnecessary. The
                            Quota’s Rank and File, I propose, are, New Hampshire, one Thousand; Massachusetts, four Thousand; Rhode Island, six
                            hundred; Connecticutt, two Thousand; Vermont, five hundred; New York, eleven hundred; New Jersey, eleven hundred;
                            Pennsylvania, three Thousand; Delaware, five hundred; Maryland, two Thousand; Virginia Twenty five hundred; North Carolina
                            one Thousand; & South Carolina, one Thousand—To compensate for this Disproportion of Numbers, the States most
                            effective, must either be Satisfied with the Equity of the Case; or receive Subsidies. Infinite have been our
                            Disadvantages in having Officers beyond Bounds. Policy as well as Frugality urge the Necessity of curtailing their
                            Numbers. The Attention to military Duty generally decreases in proportion to the Number of Officers, whenever Idleness
                            becomes habitual: The Objects of a laudable Ambition increase upon the contrary Principle, and give to personal Abilities
                            a Dignity which otherwise would never appear. Let each Battalion be commanded by a Lieutenat Colonel, & two
                            Majors: Let it be composed of five Companies, commanded each by one Captain, two Lieutenants and one Ensign. The
                            Noncommissioned Officers may be four Serjeants, four Corporils & two Drums and Fifes to a Company. Two Battalions
                            may form a Regiment to be commanded by a Colonel. I am sensible of the Objections to that Grade; but Compositions will
                            ever enter into the Idea of Exchanges. We have a Number of full Colonels; This Arrangement will make a proper Distinction
                            in their Command, from that of a Lt Colonel: Besides, it may be an humiliating Circumstance to subject all our Regimental
                            Officers to the Orders of the French Regimental Officers. I have made an exact Calculation of the Savings upon this Plan;
                            it will exceed fifteen hundred Thousand Dollars, annually in the Pay only, while we shall probably obtain a more effective
                            Army than upon the present System. Much depends upon a good Corps of Artillery. While they are assigned to particular
                            States, they will appoint the Officers: Consequently, we shall be chagrined. I would reduce that Establishment to three
                            Regiments, joining the Virginia & Pennsylvania Corps. The Officers and Men should remain, without counting them
                            upon the Quota of any State, trusting to General Inlistments, or finally Drafts to compleat them. It is extremely
                            difficult to speak of Cavalry with any degree of Certainty. They are very essential; but enormously expensive: However,
                            let these Corps remain at present, after joining the two Virginia Regiments; They must also be recruited at large,
                            & not credited to any State. We must alter our System with Regard to Waiters. Officers can readily obtain
                            Servants, if we furnish them with Money for the Purpose; and at a much cheaper Rate than Soldiers are obtained. The
                            prodigious Number of our Brigades becomes an Object of Magnitude, upon the Principles of Finance. A Brigadier General
                            requires much Provision, & much Forage; Suppose three Regiments should constitute a Brigade; the whole Infantry
                            will then compose Seven Brigades, allowing Hazens Regiment to remain as it is. We need not, upon this Arrangement, retain
                            more than fourteen Brigadiers in Service. The Idea of Divisions will vanish, & indeed they enter not into the
                            Principles of grand Tacticks: Major Generals will then command Wings, Lines, & seperate Departments. We may
                            dispense with several Gentlemen in that Grade, And with a great Deal of Expence. But in these Reductions the greatest
                            Delicacy must Be observed. They should therefore retire upon half Pay, liable to be recalled into Service whenever the
                            Commander in Chief shall deem it expedient. A total Reform is necessary in the civil Departments of the Army; But as these
                            Lines will come under the immediate Attention of the Financier, I shall not trouble your Excellency with any Observations
                            upon that head. My Observation respecting Georgia may be taken in too great a Latitude. There are virtuous Citizens of
                            that distressed State, dispersed in different parts of the Continent, & I am well informed that they have rasied
                            three hundred State Troops at the Request of General Greene, who behave extremely well. The Plunderers are made up of
                            Tories, & some independent Parties, in Nature of Marauders. Perhaps this new raised Corps may be adopted upon the
                            general Plan.
                        We have been so fortunate at last to elect a Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Time draws near for appointing
                            a Secretary at War. There will be a great Difficulty respecting the Candidates. I recollect a Question in one of your
                            Excellency’s former Letters to General Sullivan. Be pleased to receive from me the real Answer. That Gentleman was in
                            Nomination; And to get rid of the Embarrassment, Congress postponed the Election. General Greene is most talked of, but he
                            cant be taken from the Line. Will General Heath fill the Place with Propriety? I know he sometimes hesitates; but he has
                            many excellent Qualities. How will General Glover answer for Commissary General of Prisoners? Will it be political to
                            promote Generals Greene & Lincoln to the Rank of Lt Generals? The detaching Mr Peters to Camp was a political
                            Manoeuvre of your Friends. He has been a long Time in the Process of Reformations & it is believed, will soon come
                            out intirely purified. General Cornel is an excellent hand—& has been of infinite Service in the War Office. In
                            the Course of Octr or November next, I shall return to Rhode- Island; Previous to which I hope the Arrangements for next
                            Campaign will be compleated. I have the Honor of being, with the most perfect Respect, your Excellency’s most obedient,
                            & very humble Servt

                            J.M. Varnum


Title: General Orders, 21 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Tuesday August 21st 1781
                            Parole Saratoga
                            Countersigns Albany
                            Bennington


Title: To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 21 August 1781
From: Barras, Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Monsieur.
                            a nieuport le 21 aout 1781

                        jay receu la lettre que votre excellence ma fait lhonneur de mecrire par laquelle vous me demandés de prendre
                            sous mon hovre les battimens americains qui se joindront a moy, cest avec bien du plaisir que je les
                                proteray. le gouverneur de la providence est venu hier me communiquer la lettre que votre
                            excellence luy a ecrit a ce sujét, il netoit pas necessaire de cette precaution pour que je me conformois a vos desirs.
                        je méts sous votre ply une depeche pour Mr le chevalier de la luzerne que je vous prie de luy faire passèr
                            avec la plus grande diligence, il est de la plus grande importance quelle luy parvienne au plutost.
                        je pars demain.
                        je suis Monsieur avec respect de votre excellence le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

                            barras


Title: From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 21 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weare, Meshech

                            (Circular)
                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Kings Ferry 21st-24 Augst 1781

                        I feel myself unhappy in being obliged to inform you, that the Circumstances in which I find myself at this
                            late Period, have induced me to make an Alteration of the main Object which was at first adopted, & has hitherto
                            been held in View, for the Operations of this Campaign. It gives me pain to say that the Delay in the several States to
                            comply with my Requisitions of the 24th of May last, on which in a great Measure depended the Hopes of our Success in that
                            Attempt, has been one great & operative Reason to lead to this Alteration. Other Circumstances, it is true, have
                            had their Weight in this Determination—& it may, in the Course of Events, prove happy to the States, that this
                            Deviation from our main Design, has been adopted.
                        The Fleet of the Count de Graasse, with a Body of French Troops on Board, will make its first Appearance in
                            the Cheasapeak—which, should the Time of the Fleets Arrival prove favorable, and should the Enemy under Lord Cornwallis
                            hold their present Position in Virginia, will give us the fairest Opportunity to reduce the whole British Force in the
                            South, & to ruin their boasted Expectations in that Quarter: to effect this desirable Object, it has been judged
                            expedient, taking into Consideration our own present Circumstances, with the Situation of the Enemy in New York &
                            at the Southward, to abandon the Seige of the former, and to march a Body of Troops, consisting of a Detatchment from the
                            American Army, with the whole of the French Troops, immediately to Virginia. With this Detatchment which will be very
                            considerable, I have determined to march myself—The American Troops are already on the West Side of the Hudson, &
                            the French Army will arrive at Kings Ferry this Day—When the whole are crossed, our March will be continued with as much
                            Dispatch as Circumstances will admit.
                        The American Army which will remain in this Department, excepting two light Companys & some few
                            Detatchments, consists of the two New Hampshire Regiments—Ten of Massachusetts & five of Connecticut Infantry—with
                            Sheldons Legion, Cranes Artillery—the State Troops & Militia, which, with proper Exertions of the States, will it
                            is expected, be sufficient to hold the Enemy in Check at New York, & prevent their Ravages on the Frontiers. The
                            Command, during my Absence is given to Major General Heath, who will have the Honor to communicate with the States, on
                            every Occasion which may require their Attention.
                        As the Enemys Force in New York has been for some Time past very considerable, & it is reported with
                            a good Degree of Certainty, that they have lately received a very respectable Reinforcement of German Recruits from
                            Europe, it will be necessary still to send forward a great Part, if not the whole of the Militia requested from your
                            State, in the same Manner as ’tho no Alteration had taken Place in our Measures. you will therefore continue to send on at
                            least 400 Men from your State to the Orders of Genl Heath, with as much Dispatch as possible, unless you should be
                            informed from him that this Number need not to be compleated.
                        On this Occasion, I cannot omit to repeat to you my Opinion, of the absolute Importance of filling your
                            Continental Battalions to their compleat Numbers, for the War, or three Years. Not only our past Experience for a Course
                            of Years, but our present Scituation should strongly inforce the Necessity of this Measure. Every Campaign teaches us the
                            increasing Difficulty & Expence of procuring short-termed Levies, and their decreasing Utility in the Field. The
                            large Reinforcements which the Enemy have this Campaign sent to America, strongly indicates their Expectations of the
                            Continuance of the War—should that be the Case, the best Way to meet them is certainly with a permanent Force. but, should
                            the War be drawing towards a Close, a permanent & respectable Army will give us the happiest Prospects of a
                            favorable Peace. In every View, a permanent Army, should be the great Object of the States to obtain, as they regard sound
                            Policy, Prudence or Economy. I have the Honor to be With very great Regard & Respect Sir Your most Obedient and
                            humble Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S.
                            24th Augst 1781
                            By your Letter of 13th inst. which is just come to hand, it seems that mine of the 15th June last, has
                                not reach’d you; from that Letter, had it come to your hand, you wou’d have been acquainted with the time of the March
                                of your Militia to Camp, and with my Request for an additional number of 250 Men, requested as your Quota, to supply
                                the Deficiency from the State of Pennsilvania—their Militia being order’d to go Southward.


Title: To George Washington from Hugh Hughes, 21 August 1781
From: Hughes, Hugh
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Fish Kill 21st August 1781

                        I have the Honour to acquaint your Excellency; by order of the Q.M. Genl that there has been no loss of the
                            New Boats. Those mounted on Carriages were not taken in the Act. With the greatest Respect & Esteem I have the
                            Honour to be your Excellency’s most Obedient

                            Hugh Hughes &c.


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 21 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My Dear MarquisHead Quarters Kings Ferry 21st Augst 1781

                        Agreable to my Intentions communicated to you the 15th Instant—The Troops destined for the Southern Quarter
                            are now in Motion—The American Detatchment is already on the West Side of the Hudson—The French Army I expect will reach
                            the Ferry this Day—Our March will be continued with all the Dispatch that our Circumstances will admit.
                        Immediately on Receipt of this you will be pleased to inform yourself as speedily as possible of the Number
                            of Waggons & Horses which may be collected in Virginia for the use of the Detatchment with me; & for the
                            French Army if needed, of which, as soon as you have obtained a Knowlege, you will give me the earliest Information—I have
                            but little Expectation that you can collect in Virginia any Covered Waggons on this Occasion, for which Reason I shall
                            take on with me a Number of that Kind—In giving me the Information requested you will extend your Enquiry to the Number
                            & Kind of Waggons—& the Number of Horses which may be collected in a given Time.
                        As it will be of great Importance towards the Success of our present Enterprize that the Enemy on the Arrival
                            of the Fleet, should not have it in their Power to effect their Retreat—I cannot omit to repeat to you my most earnest
                            Wish, that the Land & Naval Force which you will have with you, may so combine their Operations, that the British
                            Army may not be able to escape you—the particular Mode of doing this, I shall not at this Distance attempt to dictate—your
                            own Knowlege of the Country from your long Continuance in it—& the various & extended Movements which you
                            have made—have given you great Opportunity for Observation; of which I am perswaded your Military Genius &
                            Judgment will lead you to make the best Improvements.
                        You will my Dear Marquis keep me constantly advised of every important Event respecting the Enemy or
                            yourself. I am &ca

                            G. Washington

                            P.S. The inclosed for the Count de Grasse is left open for your Observation & comitted to your
                                Care for its safe Conveyance.
                            If any Water Craft can be procured in the Country where you are, you will be pleased to have them sent to
                                the Head of Elk by the 8th of September, to facilitate the Embarkation of the Troops which will be there by that
                            Day.


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 21 August 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear Generalforks of York River August 21st 1781

                        Your favor of the 15th Has safely come to Hand—I am going to give you an Account of matters in this Quarter.
                        The greatest part of the Ennemy are at York which they do not as yet fortify But are Very Busy upon Gloster
                            Neck where they have a pretty large corps Under Clel Dundass—they Have at York a 44 guns ship—frigats and Vessels are
                            scattered lower down—There is still a small garrison at portsmouth—Should they intend to Evacuate, at least they are
                            proceeding with Amazing Slowness.
                        From the Ennemy’s preparations I would infer that they are working for the protection of a fleet and for a
                            defence Against an other. That (in Case they Hold Portsmouth) The Main Body would be at York and a detached Corps upon
                            Gloster Neck to protect the water Battery. Their fortifications are much contracted—From the Ennemy’s Caution and partial
                            movements I would Conclude their intelligence is not very good, and they wish to come at an explanation of my intentions
                            and prospects.
                        We Have Hitherto Occupied the forks of York River thereby looking Both Ways. Some Militia Have prevented the
                            Ennemy’s parties from Remaining Any time at or Near Williamsburg and false Accounts Have given them some Alarms—An other
                            Body of Militia Under Clel Ennis Has kept them pretty close in Gloster town and forged in their Vicinity.
                        Upon the Receipt of Your orders I wrote to the Governor that the intelligence of some plans of the Ennemy
                            Rendered it proper to Have 600 Militia Collected upon Black Water. I wrote to Gal Gregory near Portsmouth that I Had an
                            Account the ennemy intended to push a detachment to Carolina Which Would greatly defeat a scheme we Had there. I have
                            Requested Gal Waïne to move towards the southward and be ready to Cross james River at Westover. A Bataïllon of Light
                            infantry and our only 100 dragoons Being in Gloster County I call them My Vanguard and will take my quarters there for one
                            or two days while the troops are filing off towards james River. Our little Army will Consequently Assemble Again upon the
                            waters of Chicaomeny, and should james town island Be thought a good place for a jonction we will be in a situation to
                            form it while we Render it more difficult to the Ennemy to attempt a journey to Carolina.
                        I shall to day write to the Gentleman. Nothing As yet Has Appeared. I will take Measures that He May Hear
                            from me the Moment He Arrives.
                        Taking Whatever is in the Rivers, and taking position of the Rivers themselves while the Main Body defends
                            the Bay—forming a jonction of land forces at a Convenient and safe point—Checking the Ennemy But Giving Nothing to chance
                            Untill properly Reinforced—this is the plan I mean to propose.
                        Some days Ago I sent Washington to Contrive the Maryland New levies out of their state—These Marylanders will
                            Be 500 Virginians 400 Pennsylvanians 600—light infantry 850—dragoons 120. Such is the Continental force and in the course
                            of 8 days the Already Called for Militia Will Make 3000. Every thing I put at the lowest Estimate But we may depend upon
                            2500 Continentals Rank and file exclusive of artillery and three or if more wanted four thousand Militia. Maryland would
                            send 600 Militia at least—I have 200 more dragoons and Horses Ready and Am Waiting for Accoutrements.
                        There is such a Confusion in affairs in this part of the World that immense difficulties are found for a
                            proper formation of Magazines—I Have However strongly Urged the Matter—The Moment I Received your first letter I sent Mr
                            McHenry to Richmond who Had long Conversations about it With the Governor and Council. I Have Recommended Such places as
                            Might Answer Your Purposes—This State has a large quantity of Beef—of Corn—some flour—very little Rum—Maryland ought to
                            Be Early Called upon. Water transportation Will I Hope Ease our difficulties. Had we any thing like Monney, matters would
                            go on very well. The dry season Has Rendered Most of the Mills Useless.
                        We Have No Cloathing of any sort—No Heavy Artillery in order—Some Arms Will Be Wanting—Some Horse
                            Accoutrements—and great deal of Ammunition. Nothing But Your own Entreaties May Have a Sufficient quantity of those
                            articles transported to the Head of the Bay.
                        In the present state of affairs, My dear General, I Hope You will Come Yourself to Virginia, and that if the
                            french Army Moves this Way, I will Have at least the satisfaction of Beholding You Myself at the Head of the Combined
                            Armies—In Which Case I Beg leave to Recommend You may Be Accompaynied By the Heads of the Departements Which will save You
                            an immense deal of trouble. The men we Have Now Here Could not Be Equal to the task of a Campaign upon so large a scale.
                        In two days I will write again to Your Excellency and keep you particularly and Constantly informed—Unless
                            some thing is done the Very Moment, and it will probably Be difficult, Lord Cornwallis Must Be Attaked with pretty gras
                            Apparatus. But when a french Fleet takes possession of the Bay and Rivers, and we form a land force superior to His, that
                            Army must soon or late Be forced to surrender as we may get what Reinforcements we please.
                        Adieu, My dear General, I Heartly thank You for Having ordered me to Remain in Virginia and to Your goodness
                            to me I am owing the Most Beautifull prospect that I may ever Behold. With the Most Affectionate Respect I Have the Honor
                            to Be My dear General Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

                            Lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Marriot Arbuthnot, 21 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Arbuthnot, Marriot

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 21st August 1781

                        The almost daily complaints of the severities exercised towards the American Marine prisoners in New York,
                            have induced the Honble the Congress of the United States to direct me to remonstrate to the Commanding Officer of his
                            Britannic Majesty’s Ships of War in that Harbour, upon the subject, and to report to them his answer—The principal
                            Complaint now is, the inadequacy of the room in the prison ships to the number of prisoners confined on board them, which
                            causes the death of many and is the occasion of most intolerable inconveniences and distresses to those who survive—This
                            line of conduct is the more aggravating, as a want of a greater number of prison ships, or of sufficient rooms on shore
                            cannot be plead in excuse.
                        As a base denial of what has been asserted by so many individuals, who have unfortunately experienced the
                            miseries I have mentioned, will not be satisfactory—I have to propose, that our Commy General of prisoners, or any
                            other officer who shall be agreed upon, shall have liberty to visit the Ships, inspect the situation of the prisoners and
                            make a report, from an actual survey, of the situation in which they may be found, and whether in his opinion there has
                            been any just cause of complaint—I shall be glad to be favored with an answered as soon as convenient. I have the honor to
                            be &c.


Title: From Edward Hand to Timothy Pickering, 21 August 1781
From: Hand, Edward
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            sir
                            Kings ferrey 21st August 1781

                        His Excellency desires you may immediately send an intelligent person to examine the present state of the
                            roads & Bridges from hence to Pompton Plains & from the yellow house in pompton, to the little falls of
                            Passaick, by Ogdens Iron works, crossing the Passaick by the two bridges at the forks, & make report to him as
                            soon as may be, at the same he wishes to be informed if the road which leads from the neither
                            end of Pompton to Ogdens Iron works & without crossing the Ramapough be practicable for Carriages. I am sir yr Obedt Servt

                            Edwd Hand A. Gl


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 August 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Kings ferry Augt 21. 1781.

                        I have sent a person to examine the roads on the routes mentioned by Genl Hand, & urged his returning
                            as soon as possible. I have sent an express to go with him as far as Ogden’s iron works (without crossing the Ramapaugh)
                            to bring back his report whether that route be practicable for carriages. The inspection of the roads will then proceed as
                            far as the two Bridges & return by Dods thro’ Pompton Plains to the Yellow house, from whence he is to go down to
                            see the condition of the road to Ogden’s iron works & the bridge there—to go back to the Yellow house &
                            return hither in the common road.
                        I have given Major Cogswell an estimate of the number of teams wanted for the several uses the occasion
                            requires.
                        My Storekeeper I have directed to make a certain selection of quarter masters stores, with an addition of
                            tools for fifty carpenters beyond the ussual assortment—these tools to be such as are fit for rough work only.
                        I am of opinion that the officers are greatly incumbered with unnecessary baggage—the
                            consequence of rest, & an expectation of marching very little. I find I have too much myself of which I shall get
                            rid before we leave this ground.
                        Major Cogswell has reminded me of what I mentioned last winter to your Excellency—viz. To assign a reasonable
                            number of carriages to the officers, & then to keep their baggage wholly distinct from the mens, i.e. the tents
                            & camp kettles—and that any officers baggage afterwards found in the tent waggons should be thrown out by the
                            waggon master general & his deputies and conductors.
                        The allowance proposed is—

                            To the field officers of a regt1 close waggon

                                Regimental Staff—

                                1—do

                                Captains & Subalterns

                                1—ditto & 1 op.

                                For the mens tents & kettles

                                3 open waggons

                                total to a regt

                                 7

                        Should your Excellency approve of the idea, it will be necessary to declare it in
                            General Orders, that the Waggon Master General may see the measure carried into execution.
                        So long as officers can crowd their lumber into the tent waggons, there
                            is no sufficient inducement to throw any thing away: But if their carriages are
                            stinted, each officer will see that his brother officer occupy only his share of a carriage, which will oblige them to
                                cast away every thing superfluous. I am with the greatest respect your Excellencys most obedt Servt

                            T. Pickering
                            Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 21 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            sir
                            Head Quarters Kings Ferry 21st Augt 1781.

                        I have this Moment the Honor of your Letter ⅌ Monsr Blanchard—I am very sorry for the Difficultys &
                            Impediments which fall in the Way of your march—& hope they will decrease as you proceed.
                        I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellency that My Troops arrived at the Ferry Yesterday & began
                            to pass the River at 10 oClock in the morng & by Sunrise of this Day, they were all compleatly on this Side the
                            River. I hope your Army will be enabled to cross with the same Facility when they arrive.
                        I have no News worthy Communication from any Quarter, Shall be happy in your Company Tomorrow at Dinner at my
                            Quarters—& will meet you at the Ferry Tomorrow by 8 oClock, when we will either be furnished with some Cold repast
                            en passant or will take you to my Quarters about 3 Miles from the Ferry, where you shall be introduced
                            to a Warm Breakfast. I have the Honor to be Dr

                            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Silvanus Seely, 21 August 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Seely, Silvanus

                            Sir
                            Kings Ferry Augt 21st 1781

                        I shall not be able to reach Springfield, with the Army, as soon as I expected—for which Reason I desire you
                            will continue to perform the Duties I directed Colo. Dayton to enjoin on you, till you hear further from me—or from Genl
                            Lincoln by my Order.
                        When the French Army have crossed the River & the whole are ready to take up a proper Line of March,
                            you will be informed of it, & will be directed to proceed towards Springfield in such a Manner as will best
                            correspond with the general Movement.
                        I beg you will be pointed in observing these Directions—that you will keep a good lookout, by Land &
                            Water—towards York Island—& informs me of every Thing that stirs worthy Notice—and of the Intelligence you may get
                            from thence if it is of Importance sufficient to comunicate it by Express. I am &c.

                            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Silvanus Seely, 21 August 1781
From: Seely, Silvanus
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Dobbs’ Ferry 21st Augt 1781

                        I received your Excellencys favour of this day, and shall wait your further orders—as to the orders I received
                            from Coll Dayton they were to Continue on this Ground untill the Morning of the 22nd & then to follow his Rout to
                            Springfield—In consequence of which he left me but four days flour & three days Beef—which expires the 22nd
                            & 23rd I have therefore sent my Q.M. to Kings Ferry to draw for six days and should he not be able to draw we
                            shall be in a bad situation—There is no Movement with the Brittish since Colo. Dayton left this that are Discoverable. I
                            have the Honor to be Your Excellencies Most Obedt

                            Silvs Seely

                            N.B. Since writing Two Gun boats & a Barge of the Enemy came up nearly opposite this Ferry
                                & after reconoitering Return’d down about a Mile and came too—& there remains.