Title: To George Washington from Isaac Craig, 15 April 1781
From: Craig, Isaac
To: Washington, George

                            May it Please Your Excellency
                            Philadelphia 15th April 1781

                        On Compearing the Indent of Ordnance Stores &c. Requiered for General Clarks Expedition, with the
                            Articles on hand it was found A Considerable Part was Wanting, It Appeared also that My Company was Much too Weake for the
                            Duty to be done by it, and that nine or ten Artillery Artificers were also Necessary, in Consquence of which I Rec’d
                            Orders to Prosceed to this Place, and forward with all Possible Expedition the Militarry Stores & Men Wanted—to
                            Fort Pitt—I have found no dificualty in Obtaining the Stores, and I hope Your Excellency will See it Necessary to Order me
                            A Reinforcement—I Presume your Excellency is well acquainted with the Number & Calibers of the Ordnance to be Made
                            Use of on this Enterprize, My Company Consists of only thirteen Men, One Capt. & one Capt. Lieut. General Clarke
                            Assured me Your Excellency was disposed to give every Assistance to the Expedition—Col. Procters Reg’t to which I belong
                            in now within A few Miles of Philadelphia from which I wish to have my Company filled up, the Artificers Can be had at
                            Carlisle—it is not necessary to observe that one full Company will Still be insufficient to Work Eight Peices of
                            Artillery, and that I must Still have Recourse to Militia for further assistance.
                        I Expect the Boats will be all finished and at Fort Pitt the 10th of next month, I Shall wait there with
                            Impatience for Your Excellencys Instructions Respecting the Men. I have the Honour to be with Due Esteem Your Excellencys
                            Devoted Most Obedt Servt

                            I. Craig
                            Capt. Artillery


Title: To George Washington from Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 15 April 1781
From: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                            Monsieur
                            Newport 15 Avril 1781

                        Mr le Comte de Rochambeau vient de me communiquer la lettre de votre excellence en date du 10 Avril, et jai
                            senti toute la justesse des reflexions qu’elle contient sur Les divers obstacles auxquels je pouvois m’attendre dans une
                            tentative sur Penobscot. je ne me dissimulois pas deja moi même que cette tentative n’etoit pas sans risques; mais
                            L’extrême désir que j’ai de faire quelque chose d’utile aux etats unis, et L’impossibilité ou je suis dans la proportion
                            actuelle de mes forces relativement a celles des ennemis de rien tenter pour le secour des etats meridionaux, m’avoient
                            fait passer sur les inconvenients que je voyois moi même dans cette operation: Les observations de votre excellence et
                            celles de plusieurs officiers distingués me rappellent au parti Le plus sur et peut-êître le plus utile dans Les
                            consequences aux etats unis de L’Amerique. celui de garder mon escadre ou au moins mes vaisseaux de Ligne reunis, en
                            attendant Les ordres ou Les renforts que le ministere de France ne peut manquer de m’envoyer incessament.
                        quant au projet de faire faire cette expedition par des fregates seulement, j’observerai a votre excellence
                            que je n’en ai pas un assez grand nombre pour qu’elles puissent elles seules porter un detachement de
                            huit cents hommes avec L’artillerie et Les autres effets necessaires dans une pareille operation. il seroit donc
                            indispensable d’y employer des batiments de transport dans ce cas je perdrois tout avantage de celerité, et jexposerois un
                            detachment considerable de nos forces de terre et de mer, a être entierement detruit comme le fut la flotte de Boston par
                            un vaisseau de 50 ou 60 canons qui arriveroit a temps dans ces parages.
                        jespere que votre excellence qui a tres bien apperçu Les inconvenients qu’il y avoit a employer deux
                            vaisseaux de ligne a cette expedition, sentira dapres ces observations quil y en auroit egalement a la faire tenter par
                            des fregates. dans cette persuasion je vais suspendre tous mes preparatifs qui etoient presque acheves
                            et annoncer au conseil de Massachusett que je suis forcé de remettre a d’autre temps Lexpedition qu’ils avoient desiré que
                            j’entreprenne. je suis avec respect Monsieur de votre excellence Le tres humble et tres obeissant
                            serviteur

                            Destouches


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 15 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters April 15 1781

                        I have received your two favors of Yesterday.
                        General Knox will concert Measures with you respecting the Artillery & Stores.
                        I have no objection against building a Provost on Pollipus Island, if it is judged a good situation by those
                            who have reconnoitred it—I never have examined it myself for the purpose. With great regard I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed.
                            Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 April 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            Dr General
                            Susquehana Ferry April the 15th 1781

                        Clel Gouvion By whom I Have Received Letters and Intelligences from Philadelphia is just Going to Head
                            Quarters—This Opportunity Being Safer than Common Expresses I Beg Leave to Adress a few Lines to Your Excellency.
                        The Board of War Cannot Supply our Wants—Indeed they Nor Congress did not think we would Be ordered to the
                            Southward and of Course Have not Been So Much in Earnest for giving us Supplies—But Had their Wishes Been Very Sanguine,
                            they were Not able to Afford us Any Great Succour.
                        The Pennsylvanians Consist of 1200 Men and Could Be Compleated But for Want of Monney—They Are Ready to
                            March, But Have declared they did not choose to Move Untill they Had Received three Month’s pay—Monney is Consequently
                            Searched for Every Where. The Pennsylvanians Being Upon that footing and very well Equiped, we Cannot Wonder at the
                            Desertion of our Soldiers circumstanced as they Are.
                        Nothing Can Make me More Unhappy than the Incessant desertion of our Best, Finest, and Most Experienced
                            Soldiers—This detachement will Be Reduced to An Handfull of Men, and they Say that Arriving at the End of Operations,
                            three Months Before the Campaign Oppens in Carolina they Will Be Still More Reduced By the disorders of that Unwholesome
                            Climate.
                        A Letter from You Relating to the delays of the French makes A great Noise at Philadelphia—Indeed it Gives
                            me Pain on Many Political Accounts—There Are Many Confidential Communications Which You once Had Requested from me, and
                            Which My Peculiar Situation with Both Sides of the Alliance would Enable me to Make—But Having Been ordered from You, and
                            Many things I Had to Say Not Being of a Nature which would Render it prudent to Entrust them to Paper, these Personal
                            Services Must Be out of the Question So Long as the War Continues In Carolina.
                        By Chevalier de La Luzerne I Hear that the French Army Have offered to Come to North River And Must Be Upon
                            their Move By this time—This does not Coincide with what Had Been Said at Hartfort—But in Calculating A Correspondence
                            with France Proves that I was Right in telling You that this Court truly Wanted their troops to Be Active—As to the
                            Second division, the Hope of Acting Against  the Sanguine Wishes of
                            France on the Occasion, He is of the Same Opinion With Me—I would Have Sent His letter, Had it Not Been too Expressive of
                            His Grief For My Departure owing to A particular friendship for me, and the Idea His Court May Have of My Services in A
                            Cooperation.
                        Considering the Footing I am Upon with Your Excellency, it would Perhaps Appear to You Strange, that I never
                            Mentionned A Circumstance lately Happened in Your Family—I was the first who knew of it, and from that Moment Exerted
                            Every Means in My Power to prevent A Separation which I know was Not Agreable to Your Excellency—To this Measure I was
                            prompted By Affection for you, But thought it was Improper to Mention Any thing about it, Untill you was pleased to Impart
                            it to me.
                        Having Been Some what Concerned in the project of Sending the first division, and wrote Many Letters about
                            the Second, I am Embarrassed How to Make Any More dispatches to the French Government Untill I know more of our Present
                            Circumstances—If Any Safe Opportunity Was to offer I would Be very Happy to Hear Some thing of our Situation—Chevalier
                            de La Luzerne writes me that You Have now 8000 men Under Arms and Before you attak Newyork will Have 12000—He Says that
                            the Ennemy Have only 5000 Regulars at that place—But Certainly He Must Be Mistaken.With the Highest Respect I Have the
                            Honor to Be Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

                            Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Asher F. Randolph, 15 April 1781
From: Randolph, Asher F.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Woodbridg Near Amboy April the fifteenth 1781

                        Receving Information from New York of Some movements of the Enemy I would inform your Excellency of the
                            Matter in which your Excellency will find inclosed in my Letter but Something that is the General Report in New York that
                            the Letter Doth not mention I think Necessary to Inform your Excellency of that is it is Generally Exspected those Horse
                            which the Letter mention is Exspected in to Some part of Jersey. I am Sir your Humble Servent

                            Asher F. Randolph Jnr

                            N.B. I Exspect before the Embarkation to Have a more perticular Account of the Matter and if possible
                                John Mercereau or My Self will be at Camp.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,

                                    c.14 April 1781

                            I should Have wrote to you the other oppertunity By my Brother But I Exspected no thing But that He would
                                Be Serched on His passage as they Have made that theire practic for Some time past to Let the traders Get out of the
                                town and Send Some One to follow them and Serch them and By that means have Got ten of them in the
                                provo and mad Some verry advantageous Discoveries and I narrowly Escaped Being taken the
                                occasion I will Acquat you with if Ever I Can See you again and I Entend to try in aweek or two
                                to accomplish it Theire is a Secret Exspedition on foot and Several Hors vessels are Geting Ready all the Hors that is
                                Near are to Imbarck and Mr Compton a tin man tills me that He has orders to Get they traveling Canteens for all the
                                officers at Head Qurs Ready By the twentieth of this month from all that I Can Geather they will Make a Dash Some wheare to the Sutherd with all they Hors that Can Be mustered and But what part or what is thiere
                                Object it is Imposabel to tell at this time nor what Quantity of men they will take with them much
                                is talked of the Last mail that was taken from Mr Montonge But all Remains a Secret as yet all the troops hear
                                    Meet theire winter Quarters as yet and none Seem to preparing for a moove.
                            But the Hors, all the vessels in the Harbour at this time are the Rainbow of forty guns and the Midea
                                of thrity two and Savave of twenty as to arrivals the papers will Shew you the thyne packet will
                                Sail next Sunday. my Respects to all Good fellows and a Due

                                W.D.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 15 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport April the 15th 1781.

                        I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th instt concerning the Expedition proposed by the State of
                            Boston, and to which you had given your Approbation, under two restrictions. The first concerns Mr Destouches, as it is
                            relative to the Navy. He has the honor to send your Excellency his answer in the Letter herein included. As to the Second,
                            which relates to the Land forces, I had been Lucky enough to prevent the wise reflections which your Excellency makes upon
                            them, I had put the Chevalier De Chatellus in a condition to do without the help of the Neighbouring militia, by giving
                            him 800 men; 4 12 inches mortars, 4 24 pounders, exclusive of those which he might have had from the Ships, and that
                            was more than sufficient to take a fort, in which there is only 350 men of garrison, without any vaults, or covered way,
                            or exterior works. The Detachment was ready to embark, but, it seems to me that your Excellency’s observations upon the
                            Separation of our fleet, and upon the danger to be interrupted by superior forces, during the course of the Expedition,
                            which Mr Destouches does not Look on as possible to be undertaken with his frigates only, are the motives which cause this
                            project to be Laid aside for the present moment. I am with respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s most
                            obedient humble Servant

                            le cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 15 April 1781
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

                            sir
                            Philadelphia April 15th 1781

                        I have been favoured with your Excellencys Letter of the 8th Inst: which has been in Part answered by mine of
                            the 6th: in that however I was too sanguine as to the Time when the Detachment would march, which I fear it will not do in
                            less than three weeks yet—The Application from the State to Congress for a Loan of so much Money as was necessary to put
                            it in motion miscarried, and there is now no hopes of any untill a Sufficient Sum of the new Money ordered to be struck by
                            the House of Assembly can be got ready, which the President informed me yesterday would yet require a fortnight, and as
                            the reinlisted Soldiers and new Levies have not received their Bounties, nor the retained Men the gratuity orderd them,
                            and as one third of the depreciation Notes, is to be paid by Commissioners at the different Cantonments it is not
                            extravagant to allow a Week to these affairs—I do assure your Excellency that nothing has been left undone on my part to
                            forward the march of the Troops or to reassemble the Scattered remains of the Line, and there is a perfect good
                            disposition in the Officers of all Ranks to promote the Recruiting; but the ridiculous mode that has been prescribed by
                            the Councill has in a great measure put it out of their power—I cannot help however being surprised that General Wayne,
                            Should (and from your Excellencys Letter to him he must have done) have given you expectations that the Detachment would
                            march much sooner, which, had there been no difficulties about Money, they would not have done a Day before the Time I
                            marked in my former Letter on account of the Cloathing, Arms and Camp Equipage.
                        The Assembly are risen and tho’ they have not, as I suspected, left the Recruiting unnoticed, they have done
                            very little better, having only made some loose Resolves for continuing the Recruiting by voluntary
                            Inlistment under the direction of Council, and impowering them to raise the Bounties and they may think
                            proper, and that Recruiting Parties shall be kept in the State untill the Quota is compleated, which I am sure will not
                            happen in that way during this war should It last these fifty years—Council have not yet made any order in Consequence.
                        I very much suspect that I have set the numbers we may possibly collect after the March of the Detachment
                            considerably too high in my former Letter—and I have no hopes at all from the Recruiting; but the Detachment will be
                            compleat 960 Rank & file.
                        General Knox with your Excellencys Approbation has I see ordered a considerable addition of Artillery—The
                            Guns and Stores will be in Readiness, but Procters Regiment is certainly not equal to so many Peices, and if General
                            Greene has not to Spare, your Excellency may think a farther Detachment from the Corps of Artillery necessary.
                        I am very sensible of the necessity of Great exertions from all Classes, but have but little hopes of seeing
                            them: such a listlessness and inattention seems to have taken hold of People that I doubt if even the Cannon of the Ennemy
                            will rouse them—for my own part I feel very sensibly yet the Influence of both duty and Patriotism, and have made such
                            Representations to all our Public Bodies as I thought the nature of the case requir’d, and I beg leave to repeat that
                            Nothing in my Power to second your Excellencys Wishes, Shall be wanting. I have the Honor to be, with much esteem your
                            Excellencys most Obt & very H: Sert

                            Ar. St Clair


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 15 April 1781
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Chesterfield Co. Ho. 15th April 1781

                        The Expedition against Portsmouth having failed my first care was to save those Articles which had at so much
                            trouble and expence been collected for that purpose—and here I must do justice to this State for their Efforts on this
                            occasion. I can with truth say that every possible preparation was made—the expectations of the people were accordingly
                            very great, but not so much so, as the consternation they were thrown into by the Arrival of the British Fleet with a
                            Reinforcement.
                        The Marquis has doubtless communicated to your Excellency the project I had formed before his departure—Lord
                            Cornwallis being then in the environs of Hilsbro’ I proposed to Government to march with the whole of the Militia and by
                            forced Marches cross the Roanoke & in conjunction with General Greene fall on his Lordship before the Enemy here
                            could have time to form any plan—this manœuvre I flattered myself would at least drive Cornwallis from No. Carolina
                            & probably, by obliging General Phillips to follow us with all his force, have removed the seat of War from this
                            State.
                        I submitted this plan to the Marquis to General Weedon and to Colo. Gouvion who all approved it. On my way to
                            Richmond I met Colo. Morris who came directly from Genl Greene, he informed me that his Lordship had already began to
                            retire towards Cross Creek and that Genl Green wanted a Reinforcement to enable him to pursue with Vigour this served to
                            strengthen my opinion, and as I had then upwards of 4000 Militia together I confined my requisition to 2000 Men whom I
                            only required for 30 or 40 Days. The Answer of Government to this proposition I have the honor to inclose—the perplexity
                            the arrival of the Reinforcement had thrown them into, together with the Marquiss retiring at this Juncture to the
                            Northward made them Reject every idea not tending to the immediate defence of the State. my situation here is not the most
                            agreable obliged to undertake this defence against 3000 Regular Troops with nothing to oppose to them but Militia whose
                            numbers decrease Every day—Those who have served since the beginning of the invasion have discharged themselves and are
                            not yet replaced by others in consequence of which General Muhlenberg is left on the South Side the River with only 700
                            Men & General Weedon on the North side with about 600 Men—if the Enemy have any intention to penetrate the Country
                            the opposition we can make will avail little.
                        A very great Evil resulting from this invasion is that it stops the recruiting for the Army; so long as a
                            County has any Militia in the field so long that County is prevented from Drafting, and as most of the Counties have had
                            part of their Militia either here or with Genl Greene little or nothing has yet been done in the business: only 52 have
                            yet come in & of these some have already deserted some who come as substitutes have received 25 & 30,000
                            pounds for 18 Months.
                        I am much at a loss what to do for Arms when the Recruits do come in, I had reckoned on those by Mr Tilly and
                            I must entreat your Excellency to order them on by Land as we have not the least prospect of a single Musket any other
                            way—we shall also be much distressed for Ammunition, Genl Greene presses me for a supply whilst I can scarce find enough
                            to supply the Militia here. The Marquis has sent 100,000 Cartridges to Fredericksburg these I will take care to forward to
                            Genl Greene—Your Excellency has I presume been informed that the Lead Mines have given out—this Article is not now to be
                            had here—if the Eastern States do not send a supply we shall be sadly at a loss—Powder is also scarce—a Powder Mill near
                            this was blown up some time since supposed by an Emmisary of the Enemy—I immagine Maryland would
                            furnish some on application of the Board of war.
                        Another important & very difficult object is Remounting the Cavalry—the Assembly have passed a Law
                            limitting the price of Horses for the Cavalry to £5000—a price inadequate to the purchase of the meanest Horse very
                            indifferent Horses which have been impressed have been valued from 20 to 30000£ & upwards—nothing therefore can
                            possibly be done till the meeting of the Assembly. the Southern Army will require at least 300 Cavalry Horses for next
                            Campaign. I suppose 30 Guineas to have been the old price of such Horses allowing now 40 Guineas, the whole will amount to
                            12000 Guineas, the price must be limitted or the Continent will not be able to pay the expence of remounting two Regiments
                            of Cavalry. I beg your Excellencys directions for my guide in making a proper Representation to the Assembly which meets
                            the 10th of next Month. Swords will also be much wanting for the Cavalry I have orderd 600 to be made at Mr Hunters Works
                            but dare not reckon on them in time—Cartridge Boxes is an Article the State cannot furnish if possible 2000 should be sent
                            immediately from Philadelphia.
                        The little success I have had in creating the Line of this State and in furnishing the necessary supplies for
                            the Southern Army induced me to Request Genl Greene to call me to the Army—The Genl has however refused me—and in such a
                            manner as to engage me if possible to redouble my Zeal in Assisting him from this quarter. I Lament only that the Invasion
                            not only takes up a part of my attention but prevents those succours which might otherwise be expected.
                        The number of Troops of this State in the Field diminishes greatly when I first arrived here Colo. Buford had
                            500 Men with him since then I have sent from hence 800 R. & file exclusive of Sergts Musick Waiters &
                            Waggoners and by Colo. Morriss accot they have not now more than 700 Men in the Field—some speedy & effectual
                            measures must be taken to stop such desertion or it will be in Vain to raise Men at such expence.
                        I shall be much obliged to your Excellency to order the Commisy of Prisoners to send me as soon as possible a
                            list of the southern Officers Exchanged that I may order them to Join—many refuse to Act from not having receivd Official
                            Accounts of their being Exchanged.
                        I inclose your Excellency a Representation of the Officers of the Virga Line against General Weedon—the
                            propriety of which Congress and your Excellency will Judge—a Copy has been sent to the Board of War.
                        The Enemy in Portsmouth are busied in strengtheng their works and in Building Boats—they have also some
                            parties in Princess Ann and about 500 Men in Norfolk. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellencys most
                            Obed. hum. Servt

                            steuben
                            Maj: Genl


Title: From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 15 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weare, Meshech

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 15th 1781

                        I have duly received the Letter which you did me the honor to write on the 2nd Instant; and also the Act for
                            raising the quota of Troops assigned to your State.
                        As every thing depends upon having our Regiments compleated to the Establishment; I hope this mode will be
                            efficacious, and that the exertions of the State will not be remitted untill the full complement of Men is raised, and
                            forwarded. We have not as yet received a single recruit from New Hampshire, altho the season is so far advanced; and if
                            the States which are now enjoying almost all the blessings of Peace, far removed from the ravages of War, will not
                            seriously & strenuously exert themselves, & strain every Nerve to afford Men & Supplies, I know
                            not from what quarter we may rationally expect the Means of defending ourselves, repelling the Enemy, and establishing the
                            Independence of the Country.
                        The efforts that New Hampshire made in the course of the last year to supply the Army, were truly
                            laudable—since the close of that Campaign, the rigor of the season, the badness of the roads, and the distance of the
                            State from the Troops, have prevented our making those frequent representations, and pressing requisitions, which have
                            been so often repeated to the States that were more contiguous; upon the success of which, alone, we have subsisted the
                            Army—But the time is now come when we must look to New Hampshire for a pointed and exact compliance with the requisitions
                            of Congress, especially in the Article of Beef Cattle. All the little Magazines which we had laid up, against an
                            emergency, in the Garrison of West Point, & its dependencies, are entirely consumed. The States of Massachusetts
                            and Connecticut have been frequently called upon, and I cannot now flatter myself that our prospects from them are by an
                            Means equal to our Necessities; indeed I fear they will relax still more, if the other States do not furnish as great a
                            proportion of the Supplies required of them—Let me entreat therefore, that speedy and effectual Measures may be taken by
                            the State to avert the distresses which now threaten the Army, by complying as fully & regularly as possible with
                            the requisitions of Congress.
                        The Articles of Cloathing which will be the most essential at the present period are, shirts, linnen
                            Overalls, Shoes &c. I could wish to have the Summer Cloathing sent on without delay. With great regard &
                            esteem I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obedient Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 16 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 16th April 1781.

                        By the inclosed Act of Congress of the 3d instant you will perceive, I am directed to demand the immediate
                            return of Lieutenant General Burgoyne and all other British or German Officers prisoners of War now absent from America on
                            their Paroles. As the late exchanges have released all those who were under this description except Lt General Burgoyne, I
                            am only to require his return agreable to the Act, I therefore request your Excellency will take the necessary steps to
                            procure the speediest compliance possible with this requisition. I am Sir Your most obt and humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 16 April 1781
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany April 16th 1781

                        Yesterday I received an Express from Lt Colo. Cochran commanding Fort Schuyler; which informed me that on the
                            9th inst. a small Scout from the Garrison had been fired upon by a Body of the Enemy by which two were killed and one
                            wounded—our Party retired toward the Fort precipitately. the Enemy pursued and took two Prisoners—Col. Cochran immediately
                            detatched a Company of light Infantry and one field piece: but the Enemy appeared so numerous that it was thought
                            imprudent to pursue them thro’ the Woods, where they retired to—This accident, togather with that of the 2d Ulto and a
                            number of Men being furlowed by Coll Cortland have reduced the Number of the Garrison below, what was recommended by your
                            Excellency, and the Scarcity of Provision, and Uncertainty of Supplies render it absolutely improper to send any
                            Reinforcement at present. As soon as I am enabled to send an Escort of Provision, I shall order another Company up.
                        I had flattered myself with hopes that the State Agents would have been able to have purchaced flour for
                            the Use of the Troops in this Department; but I find there are a Number of Gentlemen purchacing for the French Army, for
                            Specie, which will effectually counteract our Exertions—and there is not now (independant of Fort Schuyler) three days
                            Provision in the Whole Department for the Troops in case of an Alarm—nor any Prospect of procuring any.
                        The Recruits of the new Levies as fast as they come in, I cannot receive, because I have nothing to give
                            them—The Canadian Families, I have been obliged to deprive of their scanty Pittance, contrary to every Principle of
                            Humanity—The Quarter Masters Department is totally useless—The public Armory has been shut up for near
                            three Weeks past—And a total Suspension of every military Opperation has ensued. I have the Honor to be with the greatest
                            Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servt

                            James Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Forrest, 16 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Forrest, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 16th April 1781.

                        I have received your favor of the 2d. You will readily perceive the impropriety of my interfering in an
                            election which depends upon the will of Congress, before they have been pleased to ask my opinion; and as there probably
                            will, in case of Colo. Flowers’s death, be more than one application for his Office, I should chuse to withhold the
                            promise of a recommendation to any particular person, that I might be at liberty to give my voice, if asked, in favor of
                            him who on every account seemed best intitled to the succession in question. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 16 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 16-19th 1781

                        I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s letters of the 4th and 5th instant, with the
                            papers inclosed. The last did not arrive ’till the 14th. Previous to the receipt of it, I had directed the Commissary of
                            Prisoners to renew a proposal some time since made the enemy for exchanging General Burgoigne, and a ballance of private
                            prisoners due to us, against the residue of our officers on Long Island, and as many of the Southern officers as would
                            make up the difference. My motives for this proposal were these—General Burgoigne is said to be in an ill state of health;
                            his death would deprive us in exchanges of the value of 1040 private men, or officers equivalent, according to the tariff
                            which has been settled. I thought it adviseable not to risk so considerable a loss, when his exchange would give relief to
                            a number of our officers in captivity, and disembarrass the public of the inconvenience of maintaining them there.
                        The moment I received your letter, I wrote to Mr Skinner countermanding his instructions. I believe the
                            countermand will arrive before he has done any thing in the matter, but, if it does not I am persuaded, the enemy will
                            again reject the proposal. As soon as I hear from him, if things are situated as I expect, I will immediately execute the
                            order for the recall of General Burgoigne. To the best of my recollection all the other officers in Europe on parole have
                            been exchanged.
                        I have received advices through different channels, corresponding with that transmitted Congress by Mr
                            Foreman. They strongly assert that a further detachment is going from New York and that it is to be commanded by General
                            Clinton; but they are not equally positive as to the destination being for the Delaware. In the present state of Southern
                            affairs ’tis perhaps more probable, that Clinton is going with a reinforcement to take the command there. I have the honor
                            to be With great respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt & hume sert

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. April 19th I am this day honored with Yr Excellency’s letter of the 14th.


Title: To George Washington from John Mathews, 16 April 1781
From: Mathews, John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear sir
                            Philadelphia April 16: 1781.

                        I mentioned in my last, that by the first good opportunity, I would communicate to yr Excy some thoughts
                            respecting the present political state of affairs—such as they appear to me—perhaps my opinions may differ, from the
                            generallity of your correspondents, as I know many are but too apt to keep their eyes constantly fixed on the pleasing
                            side of the picture, & feel an aversion to take a View of the reverse, or if they do, endeavour by the most
                            specious colourings to extenuate it’s deformities, & if possible cast a veil over the whole. The lines I now
                            address to your Excy will convince you, I am not one of those botchers, I represent things as they really are.Your station
                            sir, entitles you to the most unreserved communications—The friendship you have done me the honor sir to entertain for me,
                            demands it of me. Yet it is with reluctance I enter on the task, well knowing your Patriotic bosom is already,
                            sufficiently torn with the embarrassments you daily encounter, and pants for some friendly hand to pour balsam into the
                            wound, but still is incapable of shrinking from increased pain. Accept this apology most worthy sir for the unpleasant
                            theme, which justice to your conspicuous station bids me discuss in the most plain, and unequivocal
                            language.
                        I have some time past contemplated the state of our affairs with extreme anxiety, which was not a little
                            increased by the contents of your last letter to Congress: the information it contained astonished me as we had been
                            repeatedly told, that the battalions eastward of Hudson’s river were nearly compleated. What must the friends of America
                            think of their cause when they see so small a body as twelve hundred men collected
                            for a particular purpose, & the United States cannot command as much money, as will enable them to march? another
                            body of men ordered to march & such a disposition manifested by them, that
                            there was not time to wait your orders, but the interposition of a collateral power became immediately necessary to stop
                            them, to prevent further evils? When our creditors are daily clamouring around us, for their just dues, & those
                            excuses so long held out to them for with-holding payment, can no longer be made use of with the least degree of
                            propriety? Our army—God knows how long—in arrear for their pay, & I must fear will, in a viry
                            little time be in want of bread? as this state informed us, they could purchase no flour, unless we
                            would lend them the money—The army not only in want of pay, but almost every necessary? the southern army, literally in
                            want of every necessary? No manner of preparations going forward for military stores for the ensuing
                            campaign which is coming fast upon us, nay which may be said to be arrived—Although we daily expect the
                            arrival of a large reinforcement from our Ally, which we solemnly engaged to be in respectable
                            condition to Co-operate with, on their arrival? Were I to enter into minutia, I should tire your patience in purusing the
                            black catalogue—enough has been said—This sir is the true picture of our affairs, and I do boldly assert that Congress
                            have not a single means in their power, to remedy either the one or the other of these accumulated evils, and what is
                            above all worse, there does not appear to me a disposition to endeavour at it. Whenever the subject is brought forward,
                            men seem to shrink from it as if the case was desperate.
                        It is true, Congress have called on the States for 6,000,000 of dollars—they calculate upon 4,000000 out of
                            the new money—as well as upon 5,000,000 from the Court of France—these sums, together with the specific supplies, are the
                            funds on which we depend for the support of the present campaign. Now let us examine for a moment what prospect there is
                            of their productiveness. As to the first, little or no relyance is to be placed on it, because, they are now in arrear
                            6,400,000 dollars specie & I know of no measures that have been taken to procure it. To the second: 1,000,000 is
                            already spent, the three southern states can emit no part of theirs, New York can do very little, & this State has
                            damn’d the plan, & adopted one of their own, for emitting literally state money, which will not begin to operate
                            before the first of June. So that make the best of it, we cannot calculate upon more than 2,000,000 out of
                            this fund, & that comes in so very slow, that it is of little use. To the
                            third. we are now pretty well satisfyed, nothing is to be expected from that quarter in money I mean—As to the last, you
                            know very well sir it is a plan, that never can regularly feed the army.
                        When will all this end? In an unsuccessful campaign, I have no manner of doubt. But will this be the least
                            evil to be apprehended? I fear not. Indeed my Dearest sir, I begin almost to despond. Were I to consider my private
                            interest, or that of my state only, I should altogether despair. And clear I am, in my opinion, that unless some effectual
                            vigorous, & decisive measures are speedily taken, to extricate us, from the labyrinth of difficulty, &
                            distress, into which we are at present plunged, all the generous blood that has been spilt in this glorious contest, will
                            have been spilt in vain. & the spirits of those who have so nobly fallen, will stalk terrific through our land,
                            seeking vengeance on those who have so infamously suffered their children to become slaves.
                        As a citizen of america, as one who has more at stake than any man in it, as one who from our
                                mistaken policy is debared an intimate knowledge of our affairs, but who, from his station, ought
                            to be acquainted with every thing. By these considerations I say sir, I have been led
                            to make you these free communications. I know they must give pain to your generous nature, yet I
                                supposed you would rather wish to be made acquainted with them than not.
                            Whatever changes take place either for the better, or worse, with yr Excys permission,
                            I will inform you of. Please make my respectful complements to Mrs Washington, and believe me to be, My Dr sir
                            with every sentiment of the sincerest friendship, & highest respect, Yr Excys most Obedt servt

                            Jno. Mathews

   Pensylvania line.

   The Marquiss’s detachment.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 16 April 1781
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philada April 16th 1781

                        I take the liberty to enclose herewith a Note rec’d last Winter from Andrew Elliot Esqr. of New York
                            requesting me to forward a Commission of Genl Robertson’s which was taken onboard a Packet & brought in here, I
                            have had a good deal of trouble to obtain this Commission but having at length succeeded, I think it most proper to send
                            it to your Excellency, that You may convey it safely to New York and thereby pay a Compliment that will entitle a return
                            of Civility whenever any matter turns up to make it desirable I have no Idea that there can be any impropriety in sending
                            in this Parchmt but if you think otherwise let it be returned and I will again deposite it in the
                            Admiralty Court. With every wish for Your safety, Success & happiness I remain most truely Your Excellencys most
                            Obedient & devoted humble servt

                            Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to Ralph Pomeroy, 16 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Pomeroy, Ralph

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 16th April 1781.

                        Your favors of the 8th 11th and 14th reached me last Evening—From the good disposition shewn by the Governor
                            and Council and from your own exertions I flatter myself we shall have a considerable quantity of the salt provision
                            brought forward immediately.
                        Should the letter of which you inclosed me a Copy have fallen into the hands of the enemy, it will only
                            inform them of what they very well knew before, the distressed state of our finances. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Francisco Rendón, 16 April 1781
From: Rendón, Francisco
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia April 16th 1781.

                        I have received with the greatest Satisfaction Your Excellency’s most esteem’d favor of the 23rd Ultimo, the
                            Contents of which is Chiefly on the Purpose of accusing the receipt of my preceeding one, in concequence of which Your
                            Excy are so kind as to assure me the Continuance of those remarkable kindness, on the same footing as hitherto, for all
                            which with the greatest respect I give Your Excellency my most expressive acknowledgemt being the means
                            of my further felicity.
                        Since the Last accounts I received from the Havana in February, which I acquainted Your Excellency with, no
                            Vessel has arrived here from that Port, neither have I acquired any Intelligens by no other Channell,
                            It’s provable I may soon hear the many I expect; in such case I shall do myself the honor to participate them to Your
                            Excellency; mean time I remain with the greatest respect Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedt and most Hble Servt

                            Francisco Rendon


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 16 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 16th April 1781.

                        I was last night honored with a letter from your Excellency bearing date the 7th instant, which I presume
                            must have been a mistake, as you acknowledge the receipt of mine of the 6th.
                        The intelligence communicated in mine of the 10th respecting a further embarkation from New York is confirmed
                            by a variety of accounts. The number or exact destination is not yet ascertained, but all agree that it is to some part of
                            the southward, and that Sir Henry Clinton is to command. I am also advised that the British Fleet has arrived at the
                            Hook—whether all or only part of the ships are there I cannot yet tell, but the moment I receive more particular
                            intelligences they shall be transmitted to your Excellency.
                        The preparations you are making will not only serve to give the enemy jealousies, but they will put you in
                            readiness to move this way, should circumstances require it—Your Excellency may be assured of having all possible previous
                            notice should the measure become necessary.
                        I inclose you a New York Gazette which has one paragraph which makes me uneasy, it is that which speaks of a
                            French Convoy being intercepted in the Bay of Biscay. I have the honor to be with sincere Regard Your Excellency’s Most
                            obt and hble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I beg leave to recommend the enclosed for Colo. Laurens to your Excellency’s care. If the
                                transports should have sailed, you will be pleased to send it by the next oppertunity.


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 16 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Skinner, Abraham

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 16. 81

                        By a late resolve of Congress it is become necessary to countermand that part of your last instructions,
                            which directs you to adhere to your proposition concerning General Burgoigne. The enemy having refused to accede to it we
                            are no longer held by our first proposal, and we are not now at liberty to renew it. This is said on the supposition, that
                            my letter to you of the 14th instant arrived in time to prevent your acting upon your last instructions.
                        You are now only to demand of the enemy the payment of the ballance of privates due to us as there mentioned. I
                            am Sir Yr Most Obed. hum. ser.

                            In case there are no other prisoners besides Lt General Burgoigne absent from America on their paroles,
                                you will immediately send on the inclosed letter to Sir Henry Clinton; if there are others, you will immediately
                                return the letter with a list of the persons.


Title: From George Washington to Heman Swift, 16 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Swift, Heman

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 16th April 1781

                        On the receipt of your favor of the 5th I enquired whether the public store had been robbed of the Articles
                            you mention as being found upon the Teamsters—I am informed it has not.
                        I am sorry to say that the Recruits from Connecticut yet come in very slowly, and I fear except prospects are
                            much mended since I was at Hartford that few may be expected—You will be pleased to inform me what were the numbers at the
                            different places of rendezvous, by the last accounts which you had been able to collect. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Bruen, 17 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Bruen, Jeremiah

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 17th April 1781.

                        I have received yours of the 16th—The Resolve of the 29th March for reforming Colo. Baldwin’s Regt of
                            Artificers seems to carry with it an implication that the reformed Officers are not to be intitled to Half pay, but as the
                            matter is not explicit, I cannot undertake to determine upon the intent of Congress—I would recommend it to you to make an
                            application thro’ Colo. Baldwin, who I beleive is at Philada for an explanation. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 17 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 17th April 1781

                        I some time ago upon the representation of Mr Rensalaer the Commy of Stores at Albany gave him an unlimited
                            order upon the Dy Commy of Hides for as much Leather or Hides as were absolutely necessary for the business of the
                            Department. I am informed that the first draft he made was for 900 Hides, a quantity that to me seems far greater than
                            there could possibly be occasion for, at one time at least. The Commy of Hides has not yet delivered the whole of the 900,
                            but except he receives a counter order from me, he must do it. You will therefore be pleased to make enquiry into the
                            matter and inform me what quantity seems really necessary for Mr Rensalaers purposes. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            Westpoint, April 17. 1781.

                        A number of soldiers have returned from the light infantry—One or two of them, I am informed, produces
                            certificates from the Governor of Maryland, that they were left sick—Others have nothing to shew, and are undoubtedly
                            deserters. I have ordered the latter to be confined in the main guard. What shall be done with them? Shall they be brought
                            to tryal here, or sent back? If brought to tryal, unless they plead guilty, we cannot produce any evidence against them.
                            And unless such desertions are immediately checked; it may be productive of fatal consequences.
                        No relief of provisions has arrived. We are fast consuming the Irish beef—The whole of that will be exhausted
                            in a few days—and the most distressing want will attack us, if relief does not arrive in the course of this week. The
                            Commissary has just informed me that he has but about fifteen barrels of flour in the magazine,and one third of that must
                            be sent this evening to the troops on the lines. Our numbers are every day increasing—Your Excellency can well form a
                            judgment what our situation is, and what it would be, should the enemy make a sudden move towards us, while in such a
                            destitute condition. This has not happened through any inattention, or want of precaution of mine. I foresaw its advance,
                            and, weeks since gave the alarm to the Commissary and Quarter masters departments, and that repeatedly requesting that not
                            a moment should be lost in pushing on the provisions. Upwards of 500 barrels of flour have remained at Ringwood for some
                            time past. I feel anxious under such a situation; for notwithstanding my consciousness of having done my duty in this
                            respect, yet should any accident happen, I am well aware that I should be the scapegoat, and my character would be loaded
                            with obloquy. I have the honor to be with the highest regard, Your Excellency’s Most obedt servant,

                            W. Heath


Title: From David Humphreys to William Heath, 17 April 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Heath, William

                            Dear General
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 17. 1781

                        His Excellency wishes the distribution of the State Cloathing of Massachusetts may not be made, until the
                            arrival of the Officer send by the Marquis to procure Cloathing for the Detachment of the Massachusetts line under his
                            Command—As a part of that Cloathing may be necessary for these Troops—Capt. Heart, the bearer, informs the Officer may be
                            expected every Moment. I have the honor to be Your Most Obed. Servt

                            D. Humphrys A.D. Camp


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 17 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 17th 1781

                        By the Letter from the Quarter Master General, transmitted herewith, Your Excellency will be pleased to
                            observe the necessity of furnishing the Camp Equipage specified in the estimate for the Troops of Your State, as also the
                            reason why this application was not made at an earlier period.
                        Every other effort for a supply, having failed of success, this is the last resource now remaining—And I have
                            only to add, my earnest wishes, that this may not disappoint our expectations. With great
                            esteem & respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

                            Go: Washington

                                Sent also to John Hancock, William Greene and Meshech Weare.


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 18 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                            My dear Sir,
                            New Windsor April 18th 1781

                        Your private letter of the 18th Ulto came safe to hand—although the honors of the field did not fall to your
                            lot, I am convinced you deserved them. The chances of War are various—and the best concerted measures, and the most
                            flattering prospects may, & often do deceive us, especially while we are in the power of Militia. The motives
                            which induced you to seek an Action with Lord Cornwallis are supportable upon the best Military principles—and the
                            consequences, if you can prevent the dissipation of your Troops, will, no doubt be fortunate—Every support that is in my
                            power to give you from this Army shall cheerfully be afforded—But if I part with any more Troops I must accompany them, or
                            have none to command, as there is not, at this moment, more than a Garrison for West point—nor can I tell when there will.
                        I am much pleased to find by your letter that the State of Virginia axerts itself to your satisfaction—My
                            public & private letter strongly inculcate the necessity of this, and I have again urged Congress to use every
                            possible means in their power to facilitate the March of the Pensylvania line—as also to recruit, equip, and forward
                            Moylans Dragoons to you with dispatch.
                        I should be very sorry, on any occasion, to hurt the feelings of the Baron de Steuben, whom I esteem as a
                            very valuable Officer—but in the instance you have mentioned there is no cause for complaint; for if he will advert to his
                            own letters to me, he will find, that there was a great probability of his having marched with a detachment to reinforce
                            you—Besides which, there was a necessity for sending a General Officer with the detachment from hence—and political
                            considerations as it was to be a combined operation (depending upon critical circumstances) with a French land &
                            Sea force, points to the Marquis—add to this, I knew the French Troops were to be commanded by an Officer of Senior rank
                            to either the Baron or Marquis—these are the facts, the knowledge of which must, I am perswaded, Satisfie the Baron.
                        I am truly sensible of the merits & fortitude of the veteran Bands under your command, & wish
                            the sentiments I entertain of their worth could be communicated with the warmth I feel them. It was my full intention to
                            have requested you, to thank Morgan and the gallant Troops under his command, for their brilliant victory; but the hurry
                            with which my letters are often written, occasioned the omission at the time I acknowledged the official acct of that
                            Action. Your conjecture respecting the cause of the P—— M—— has more substantial ground for its support than the letter
                            of the M—— C——, and I am mistaken if the licentious conduct of the line, was not more the effect of an overcharge of
                            Spirits on the first of January, than of premeditated design.
                        I have the pleasure to tell you, that as far as I am acquainted with the opinion of Congress with respect to
                            your conduct, it is much in your favor—That this is the judgement of all the Southern Delegates I have
                            great reason to believe, because I have it declared to me in explicit terms by some of them. I hope the disorder of which you complained in your letter of the 18th was no more than
                            the effect of over fatigue and that you are now perfectly recovered—That success equal to your merits & worth may
                            attend you, is the ardent desire of Dr Sir, Yr Affecte friend and obedt Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Mrs Washington & the rest of the family present their best wishes to you—and I have the
                                pleasure to tell you that Mrs Greene and your Children were well lately, Your letters to her, under cover to me, are
                                regularly forwarded by the Post.

   Since writing the above I have received a letter from Mr Custis dated the 29th Ulto in wch are these
                                words "General Greene has by his conduct gained universal esteem, and possesses in the fullest degree the confidence
                                of all ranks of People"—He had then just returned from the Assembly at Richmond.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 18 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 18th-19 April 1781

                        Our present prospects of supplies in the Article of Bread are peculiarly bad. From all the information I can
                            collect, the whole quantity of Flour we shall be able to command in the States of Jersey and New York will not carrry us
                            beyond the beginning of the next Month. These States having been for some time past the immediate Theatre of the War, are
                            so full of Certificates, and coersion both legislative and military have been so frequently employed, that the people have
                            not only lost all confidence in public credit, but are extremely impatient under any exertions of authority to force their
                            property from them. This is particularly the case in the State of New York, where the dissatisfactions have lately worn a
                            serious and embarrassing aspect.
                        The States to the southward of Pennsylvania, except Delaware, must almost wholly apply their resources to the
                            support of the southern Army, where a greater force on our part is and must be collecting, in some degree to keep measure
                            with the force the enemy are transferring to that quarter.
                        Under these circumstances, it is on Pennsylvania we must chiefly depend for supplying the wants of this army
                            in the article of Bread. I am sorry to be obliged to add, that, according to the Commissary’s reports, we have hitherto
                            received only a small proportion of her quota, and our future expectations, so far as may be concluded from the provision
                            already made, are but slender. I pretend not to judge of the ability of this State to contribute to our support, but of
                            this I am certain, that unless she can furnish more ample supplies hereafter than she has done for sometime past, the
                            subsistence of this Army will be impracticable.
                        I thought it my duty to make this representation to Congress, that apprised of our prospects, they may take
                            such steps as appear to them eligible to prevent our experiencing the distress with which we are threatened. I have the
                            honor to be with the highest Respect Yr Excellency’s Most obt Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I have since writing the forgoing, heard of between six and seven hundred Barrels of Flour more
                                being upon the communication between this and Pennsylvania—These will be equal to about 15 days supply.

                            Go: W——n

                            19th I enclose the Copy of a letter this moment recd from Brigadier General Clinton, which, as far as
                                it relates to the want of provision, is similar to what I daily receive from other quarters. If any accident happens
                                to Fort schuyler, it will proceed from want of provision not of Men—For as General Clinton remarks, the Levies for the
                                State Regiments cannot be drawn together for want of subsistence.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 18th 1781

                        I am glad to learn from the Letter of General Greene, a Copy of which Your Excellency did me the honor to
                            enclose on the 28th Ulto that the Action of the 15th had been severely felt by the Enemy, that their retreat bore evident
                            marks of distress, and that our Army in good spirits, were advancing upon them.
                        From Virginia I have nothing later than Your Letter, and the enclosure from the Baron Steuben—Nor do I know
                            where General Philips is, with his Detachment, at this time.
                        We have Advices from New York thro’ different channels that preparation is now making to embark a
                            considerable Corps of Troops, and that Sir Henry Clinton himself is to go with them—if this information is true, the
                            weight of the War is undoubtedly to be transferred to the Southward; and our exertions ought to be proportionably great in
                            that quarter. Previous to this intelligence, I had ordered the Detachment under the Marquis De la Fayette to be marched to
                            the South, and put under the Orders of Major General Greene, to act in Virginia or under his immediate command, as the
                            circumstances might require.
                        Since my last of the 4th in which I informed Your Excellency, that I was in hopes the first Division of
                            Pennsylvanians consist of five or six hundred men; I am advised by Major General St Clair, that nine hundred &
                            sixty Rank & File properly Officered, would march together with a Detachment of Proctor’s Regt and four Peices of
                            Artillery, on the 16th Inst. from York Town in Pennsylvania. General St Clair had expectations that three or four hundred
                            more of the Line might be collected, but in what time was not certain; neither could he tell what further to expect from
                            the success of recruiting. I have the honor to be With great regard & esteem Your Excelleny’s Most Obedient
                            Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 18 April 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear General
                            Baltimore April the 18th 1781

                        The Bearer of this Mr Lavaud Came to Me with a Recommendation from Viscount de Choiseuïl in the West Indias,
                            and an other from Major General Lincoln who By this time Must Be with the Army—He wishes to Serve as A Volonteer, But I
                            told Him that my family was full, and could not Be increased with french aids de Camp—that my detachement was Small, and
                            Had No Room for Volonteers—He then asked me a letter for Your Excellency which I chearfully give to Him, But offered it as
                            My advice that He ought to turn His projects Some other Way—General Lincoln who Introduces Him to me will Be a Better
                            patron than Myself who Have No Acquaintance with this Gentleman. With the Most affectionate Respect I Have the Honor to Be
                            My dear General Your Most obedient Humble Servant

                            Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 18 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport 18th April. 1781. 9. P.M.

                        Your Excellency’s favor of the 16th instant is just come to hand: Our Transports set sail this morning, but
                            their Destination is not for France, they are bound to Hispaniola; the Surveillante convoys
                            them and the Hermione is bound to Philadelphy. I’ll be obliged to keep your Excellency’s Letter
                            for Mr Laurens, untill we have some occasion to send it from Boston or some of the Neighbouring ports. I expect that in a
                            fortnight, there will be one from Newburg for which, I have prepared Duplicates of all that is happened since the
                            Departure of the Alliance. I don’t remember whether I sent word to your Excellency that the
                            Chevalier Destouches had sent express a Little brig copper bottomed, three days after his return in this harbour: now he
                            has no more vessels to send away.
                        Your Excellency has seen by my Last Letter and that of the Chevalier Destouches that your Judicious
                            observations have entirely suspended every idea that we had, about the Demand of the Boston council. It appears to me most
                            interesting that Your Excellency should have positive intelligence whether the Enemy’s fleet be all in the hook, or
                            whether they are half at Chesapeak and half at New york. If this was the case, the Chevalier Destouches would have a good
                            time of it to go a cruizing off New york and to fight the half that would endeavour to join the other.
                        Your Excellency may be very easy as to the Supposed piece of Intelligence in the New york’s paper, of the
                            capture of a French convoy. By a calculation that we have made, it is impossible that Mr De La Perouse had not heard of it
                            before his departure, as the intelligence is of the 1st of March, from St Kitt’s, and has been sent by Admiral Rodney from
                            Statia; Rodney had had it from the Ministry at London upon the report of some event that has happened in the Bay of
                            Biscay. I am with respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most humble Servant

                            le cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 18 April 1781
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                            sir
                            Elizabeth Town April 18th 1781

                        I have received His Excellency’s Letter of the 14th countermanding my Instructions respecting the negociation
                            of Exchanges with Mr Loring. I have therefore deferred seeing him, and set out for Philadelphia in the Morning to compleat
                            my Business with the Board of War.
                        As the state of our Prisoners at New York demand an early interview with the British Commissary, I shall be
                            much Obliged by having the General’s further commands as early as he may think proper, Mr Duree my deputy at Camp (who
                            deliver this) will forward any Letters to me and receive any Orders respecting the Department.
                        My List of Prisoners has the addition of a Major and an Ensign taken by a whale Boat from Brunswick a few
                            nights since with a Party who landed on Long Island at a place called Yellow Hook about four Miles from Brooklyn Ferry—The
                            Major is of the Brunswick Dragoons and was lately Exchanged The other a Hessian Ensign—I have taken their Paroles and sent
                            them to Lancaster. I am sir Your mo. Obt Servt

                            Abm Skinner
                            Commissary General Prisoners

                            Accounts from New York agree that a very large Embarkation is taking place said for the Southward. Sir
                                Henry Clinton has his Baggage on Board and certainly goes himself.
                            From the movements many People in the city expect an Evacuation very Shortly.
                            A Flag just arrived with a few Prisoners brings accounts similar to the above.


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 18 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 18th April 1781.

                        I have received your favr of the 23d ulto. As soon as I had ascertained the point of Genl Phillips having
                            sailed with a detachment from New York I sent directions to the Marquis to proceed to the southward and put himself under
                            the orders of Major Genl Greene. I was in hopes my letters would have reached him at Annapolis or met him in his march
                            from thence to the Head of Elk, but unfortunately as things are circumstanced he had found an opportunity of returning by
                            Water to the Head of Elk and by that means brought the detachment near one hundred Miles back again. He however was to
                            recommence his march on the 13th and as he is very light he will move as quick as it is possible for troops to do.
                        The first division of the Pennsylvanian’s Line will be larger than I could have expected. Genl St Clairs
                            writes me that 960 Rank and File formed into three Battalions were to march from York Town the 16th instant. He was in
                            hopes to collect between three and four hundred more of the old soldiers, but was very uncertain of the success of
                            recruiting.
                        Another embarkation is preparing at New York. Most accounts agree that Sir Henry Clinton is to command in
                            person and that the destination is for the Delaware. I rather think if Sir Henry Clinton does go, that it must be his
                            intent to take the command to the southward, for I will not beleive that he will employ himself with a detachment,
                            especially as it cannot be made a very considerable one without weakening the Garrison of New York more than he would
                            chuse to do, notwithstanding the smallness of our force at present. We are very anxious to hear the event of Lord
                            Cornwallis’s retreat from Guilford and New Garden. I am &c.


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

                             Tuesday April 19th 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        The Commander in Chief considering the scarcity of Hospital stores and the advanced season thinks proper to
                            order a discontinuance of inoculation in the army.
                        The prevent the small pox spreading amongst the recruits that may hereafter join the utmost care is to be
                            taken to prevent their mixing with those who have lately had that disorder. He therefore directs that the patients now at
                            the small pox hospital and those who are employed to attend the sick may be prevented from straggling to their corps and
                            all such as do not now belong to the hospital from going to it on any pretence untill the surgeons report that all danger
                            of infection ceases; if notwithstanding these precautions any person should be seized with the small pox he or she is to
                            be immediately removed to the Hospital.
                        The court of enquiry ordered by Major General Heath the 14th instant to investigate the conduct of Captain
                            Pope during his late command escorting prisoners of war to Easton (whereof Colonel Michael Jackson was president) having
                            minutely enquired into Captain Pope’s conduct on that occasion are of opinion it is commendable and that of a good
                            officer.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the opinion of the Court.


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                            Dr Sir,
                            Hd Qrs New Windsor April 19. 1781

                        I duly received your letter of the 17th of March inclosing the copy of one of the 16th to the President of
                            Congress—The motives which induced you to hazard a battle appear to me to have been substantial—I am happy to find by
                            your subsequent letter to Congress, that the retreat of Cornwallis in circumstances of distress corresponded with your
                            expectations. I still however regard your affairs as critically situated—the enemy are accumulating a large force in the
                            Southern states—we have several concurring accounts that a further detachment is preparing at New York to be commanded
                            by Clinton himself—Its destination is given out to be for delaware bay; but it is much more probably for Chesapeak or Cape
                            fear.
                        The Marquis will have informed you of the orders he has received to march Southward with his corps and to
                            concert with you his ulterior movements, whether to remain in Virginia to make head against the enemy who are now in
                            force there or to proceed directly to a junction with you.
                        General St Clair informs me that 900 of the Pensylvanians were to march the 16th from York Town.
                        You may be assured that we give you all the support in our power—I wish our means were more adequate.
                        We are impatiently waiting for definitive advices from Europe; we have nothing certain since the dutch
                            war—The precariousness of conveyances by the post would make it dangerous to enlarge confidentially. With the truest
                            esteem & regard. I am D. Sir Yr most Obed. servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 19 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West point April 19th 1781

                        The enclosed News paper came to hand the last evening, altho it is not of a very late date but the latest I
                            have received. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

                            W. Heath


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

                            Dear sir
                            Boston 19th April 1781

                        In the letter I did my self the Honour to write your Excellency from New Hampshire on the 12th Instant, I
                            Expressd an intention unless service Forbid it to Visit some of those Parts of that state which were worthy of
                            Observation; But a Gentlman arriving from Boston and saying, that it was Currently & Credibly reported &
                            believ’d, that the Whole Army was in motion, & movements of importance were certainly taking place, I suspended my
                            intention & tho I did not Credit the Report hurried up to Boston that I might Post to the Army should it be true,
                            but the Report proving as I suspected it to be premature, I confess I feel my self disapointed in not
                            seeing several Places I desird much to be acquainted with it this perhaps the only Opportunity I may have to Effect it: I
                            shall now if (I can not again Visit New Hampshire) Exert my self to View every Place & thing worthy of attention
                            in this State within the Reach of my time, still Considering Every object however desirable as being subordinate to
                            service & still Relying upon your Excellency’s Goodness to Reach me should there be any thing for me to do The
                            Assembly as I am informd are taking measures to forward the Troops already inlisted and also to complete their Battalions
                            & General Lincoln is dispatching them as fast as possible, he is now going out of Town and does not return until
                            next week—I have letters from Carolina dated Early in February as your information must be much later I need not trouble
                            you with their Contents they gave rather discouraging accounts. I have the Honour to be my Dear Genl with Every wish for
                            your Happiness with the warmest affection and greatest Respect your Excellency’s most Obt hum. servt

                            R. Howe


Title: From George Washington to John Hurlbut, 19 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hurlbut, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 19th April 1781

                        I have received your favor of the 12th. Congress have not to my knowledge come to any determination upon the
                            matter respecting the Wyoming Companies which has been referred to them by the Assembly of Connecticut—I can therefore do
                            no more at present than to permit those Men who are peculiarly circumstanced as to their families to remain where they are
                            untill the final pleasure of Congress shall be known— I have written to this effect to— Colo. Butler. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Wadsworth, 19 April 1781
From: Wadsworth, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Hartford April 19th 1781

                        I find by General Beville the Q.M. General of the French army that they propose if ordered to March by Land
                            to West Point, to take their rout thro this Town; and hence to Litchfield &c. If every other circumstance wou’d
                            permit I believe the Country wou’d be more benefited by their Marching on the Sea Coast—as there are more desaffected
                            people thier than on the more inland routs—thier supplies will be more readily obtained as their is doubtless much
                            provision collected near the Sea for our Enemies. thier are more Vacant bueldengs in the Sea Coast Towns than in the
                            others—and I am persuaded the Troops wou’d be better accomodated—this will be an important matter as
                            they are used to have plenty of Straw always to Sleep on, and it cant be now had they will want Houses to sleep in—I beg
                            your Excellencys pardon for this Liberty. and wish You to believe my own ease and interest have not been the only
                                inducements to propose their marching by the Sea coast—tho: I confess they had their share of
                            influence. I have been lately with a nair relation of Lees (who is still in person here) who told me had some private
                            reasons for believieng he was a Spy and that he ought by no means to be at large—but he knew nothing that he coud
                            Evidence—against him he is soon to be tried for forgery if that is proved, he will probably be kept safe if not he will
                            soon be at large unless—Your Excellency causes him to be confined. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most obedient
                            and most Humble Servant

                            Jere. Wadsworth


Title: General Orders, 20 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Friday April 20th 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolve to which due attention is to be
                            paid.
                        By the United States in Congress assembled April 13th 1781
                        Resolved, That the Commander in Chief transmit to the Executives of the several States lists of the names of
                            all the new levies belonging to each state respectively specifying their times of service and the sums due to them such
                            lists to be signed by the paymasters of the regiments in which the said new levies have served countersigned by the
                            commanding officer, and approved of by the Brigadier or commanding officer of the brigade or corps and that it be and
                            hereby is recommended to the said states to cause payment to be made to the said new levies agreeably to such lists on
                            Account of the United States.
                        Resolved that for the future all applications of persons serving in the Army for payment of liquidated Sums
                            due from the United States be made immediately to the paymaster accompanied with the proper warrants.
                        That for the future all applications of persons serving in the Army for settlement of Accounts be made
                            immediately to the auditors of the Army.
                        That all similar Applications of other Creditors of the United States be made immediately to the board of
                            Treasury to be liquidated and discharged either in whole or such equal proportions as the board of treasury shall with the
                            approbation of the United States in Congress assembled from time to time generally direct.
                        Resolved That all Applications respecting Rank Discharges Losses of Horses, cloathing or other Articles in
                            the service, and for arrears of cloathing and other articles be made in the first Instance to the Board of war.
                        Resolved That all applications for resignations be made to the Commander in Chief or to the officer
                            commanding in a seperate department.
                        The Levies mentioned in the first resolve are those who served the last Campaign.
                        The lists called for are to be made out as speedily as possible and transmitted to the Adjutant General.
                        A Corporal and six men to be sent as a Guard to Brigadier General DuPortail’s Quarters (south side of
                            murderers creek) tomorrow; this guard to be relieved at the same time with the guards at New Windsor
                            and Newburgh.
                        Mr William Hutton being appointed Provost Marshal to the Army of the United States is to be respected
                            accordingly, and is entitled to the Emoluments of that office from the eleventh day of May 1780 inclusive.
                        The Brigade Inspectors will themselves bring the Returns of their respective brigades for the present week to
                            the Adjutant General’s office on Sunday next.
                        After Orders
                        Robert Maples alias John Walker and Nathan Gale ordered to be executed on Wednesday last, respited ’till this
                            day are further respited untill tuesday next.


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 20 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                            Gentlemen
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 20th April 1781

                        Inclosed is an estimate of Military Stores which will be necessary at Fort Pitt—it is formed partly upon the
                            requisition of the Commanding Officer of Artillery there—but chiefly upon a presumption that a considerable quantity of
                            the larger species of Stores will be expended by Colo. Clarke in an expedition against Detroit—At the request of the State
                            of Virginia, I gave an order upon the Commandant of Fort Pitt for the Artillery &ca necessary for the
                            undertaking—I would wish the Articles might be forwarded as expedisusly as possible.
                        The Marquis de la Fayette has informed me that he had sent Colo. Barber to Philada to make application to the
                            Board for light Cloathing for his detachment—previous to knowing that I had sent from hence 1200 shirts—1200 linen
                            Overalls—1200 pairs of shoes—1200 socks and 100 Hunting shirts purposely for them and about 900 Hunting shirts and 3000
                            pair of socks for the southern Army in general—The Deputy Cloathier has likewise ordered about 4000 pr of shoes which were
                            in Jersey to be sent to Philada for the southern Army—But notwithstanding these supplies I would wish the Board to forward
                            all the light Cloathing and shoes that they can possibly procure—and with greatest expedition, as by
                            the last accounts from General Greene he was exceedingly distressed for those Articles.
                        Inclosed you have the returns of the Officers of Rawlins’s Corps and Heths independent
                                Company which were reformed by the late arrangement.
                        Colo. procter of the 4th Regt of Artillery having resigned the command of that Regiment by the present mode
                            of promotion will devolve upon the eldest Leiut. Colo. in the line of Artillery—I think Lieutt Colo. Carrington but this
                            you may know by referring to the Register Colo. Procters Resignation bears date the 18th Inst. I have the honor to be
                            &c.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 20 April 1781
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Chatham April 20th 1781

                        Soon after I received your Excellency’s letter, the person who was the subject of it communicated to me the
                            following intelligence. Colonel Conolly with his corps to proceed to Quebec as soon as possible, to be joined in Canada by
                            Sir John Johnson with a number of tories and Indians said to amount to three thousand. His rout is to be by Buck island,
                            Lake Ontario and Venango and his object is Fort Pitt and all the adjacent posts. Conolly takes with him a number of
                            commissions for persons now residing at Pittsburg and several hundred men at that place have agreed to join to make
                            prisoners of Colonel Broadhead and all friends to America. His great influence in that country will, it is said, enable
                            him to prevail upon the Indians and inhabitants to assist the British in any measure.
                        The number of troops in and about New York are he says about five thousand, rather under than above—I have
                            reason to expect in a short time a very exact account of the whole.
                        Admiral Arbuthnot with his fleet is now in New York harbour—three or four of the ships are near the town and
                            repairing the damages sustained in the last action with the French. The transports continue preparing for sea and the
                            troops are daily expected to go on board. The account of Arnold’s return was not well founded; empty transports alone came
                            in from Chesapeak.
                        I have not yet had returns from the recruiting officers but believe their success has not been great, as mony
                            could not be procured for the payment of the bounties until very lately. I have the Honor to be your Excellencys Most
                            Obedient Hbe servant

                            Elias Dayton