Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 8 July 1781
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                     Dear GeneralChicohominy Church 8 Miles from James town 8th July 1781

                  After a variety of Marches and counter marches frequently offering battle to Lord Cornwallis upon Military terms, the Marquis Lafayette recd Intelligence on the 5th that the Enemy had marched from Wmsburg for James town & were preparing to throw their baggage and troops over that river, this Induced the General to make a forward move to this place (with the Continental troops Including Major McPhersons little Legion together with afew Volunteer Dragoons under Colo. Mercer & Capt. Hill) the vicinity of which to the Enemy was such as to put it into his power to strike them should the passage of the James be their Object.
                  on the morning of the 6th several corroborating advices arrived removing every doubt upon that head, with the addition that nothing but a forced march with the lightest & most advanced part of the troops could arrive in time to effect their rear.
                  this Induced the Marquis to order the advanced Guard, Major McPherson Colo. Mercers & Capt. Hills Corps one Hundred & fifty rifle men, with Colo. Stewards Detatchment of Pennsans amounting in the whole to about 500 men Artillery & Dragoons included, to make aforward move under my Conduct, & endeavour to come up with the enemy.
                  upon our arrival at the Green Spring farm, a variety of Contradictory Intillegence rendered it prudent to reconnoitre them with a Military eye, their vast superiority in horse also made it expedient to advance the whole of our little Corps to drive in their Guards and keep their horse in check, about this period the Marquis arrived in person & adopted the Manoeuvre, which being effected it was soon discovered, that a very considerable part of their army yet remained on this side the river which induced the General to send for the remainder of the Continentals distant about Six miles, at 2 OClock P.M. a large smoke was raised by the Enemy, probably as a signal to their parties to return to camp, & for all such as had crossed the river to repass it, at 3 OClock the rifle men supported by a few regulars began & kept up a galling fire upon the Enemy which continued until five in the Evening when the British began to move forward in five Columns, the Marquis anxious to view them near had proceeded rather far upon their left, it was then thought proper to Order Major Galvan of the head of the advance guard to meet & attack their front who after aspirited tho’ unequal contest retired upon our left, a Detatchment of the Light Infantry under Major Willis, having that moment arrived also commenced a severe fire upon the Enemies left but were obliged to fall back, which the enemy taking advantage of & beginning to turn our flanks, a Manoeuvre in which had they persevered, they must inevitably penetrated between this Corps & the Other part of the army; but being joined at this Crisis by Lieut Colo. Harmer & Major Edwards with two Detatchments from the 2nd & 3rd Battalions of Pennsans under Colo. Hampton, it was determined among a Choice of Difficulties to advance & Charge them, this was done with such vivacity as to produce the desired effect i.e. checking them in their advance & diverting them from their first manoeuvre.
                  but being enveloped by numbers many brave & worthy Officers & soldiers killed or wounded, we found it expedient to fall back half a mile to green spring farm, two of our field pieces which were necessarily Introduced to keep up the Idea of our being in force, were served with equal spirit & effect, until disabled by having Capt. Crosby with many matrosses Dangerously wounded & all the horses killed, at last fell into their hands—the Waggons & Amunition were carried off safe; the Enemy sore from the Contest & finding us supported at that place by the remainder of the Light Infantry were content with barely keeping the field, altho opposed but by a handful of men Compared with their numbers, & which from the nature of the Ground were obliged to act in aDetatched manner except that part of the Pennsa Line who had time to arrive & then not more than 500 men with a few Dragoons under Major McPherson.
                  from the Mutual emulation in the Officers & men of each Corps I am confident that had the army been in force Victory would have inclined to our Arms—however every Circumstance considered, our small reconnoitring party of Horse & foot who had the hardiness to engage Lord Cornwallis at the head of His Whole army with the Advantage of so Numerous a Cavalry on their own ground & in their own Camp, is more to be envied than pitied—as it not only disconcerted the British General & effectually aroused him from his premeditated manoeuvre, but precipitated his retreat to James Island the same night to avoid aGenl action in the morning, which the pointed attack he experienced in the Evening might be the sanguinary prelude to.
                  Our field Officers were generally dismounted by having their Horses either killed or wounded under them, Colo. Mercer & other young Virginians Gentlemen of his Corps were not more fortunate.
                  I will not condole with the Marquis for the loss of two of his, as he was frequently requested to keep at a greater Distance, his Native bravery rendered him deaf to the Admonition.
                  I can’t attempt to Discriminate between any Corps of Officers or men so equally deserving, but beg leave to Observe that if they possess a fault, it is an excess of bravery, a crime the least to be reprehended in a soldier.
                  As the Marquis Lafayette will furnish your excellency with a General return of the Killed & Wounded I shall only mention that the Enemy from every acct & Circumstance have sustained a loss of near three Hundred men in killed & wounded among whom are many Officers.  I have the Honor to be with singular Esteem your Excellency’s most Obdt & very Hume Sert

                     Anty Wayne

                     Colo. Stewart requests his best Compliments to your Excellency his small Detatchment suffered most from their Local situation.


Title: From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 8 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Weare, Meshech

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’ Ferry July 8th 1781

                  I have been informed by Colonel Dearborn & some others, that the State of New Hampshire has procured & put up the greater part of the salted Provisions required by Congress of that State for the use of the army—altho I have been so unfortunate as not to have received any exact account or official Return of the quantity that may be expected from thence, yet I will presume upon a considerable supply, as the exertions of the State seem principally to have been confined to that article—Not more than thirty fat Cattle having been received from your State since the close of last Campaign.
                  It has now become extremely important that all these salted Provisions (except those on the Connecticut River) should be forwarded as expeditiously as possible to some place within reach of the Army—As it is impracticable to have this speedily effected by land transportation; I must therefore entreat most earnestly that you will be pleased to have Transports provided, and send on the whole of the aforesaid salted meat by Water to Providence in the State of Rhode Island—Let me impress upon you the necessity of this business, of giving every necessary instruction & affording every aid to the Deputy or Asst Quarter Master of the State, and taking every possible precaution to prevent it falling into the hands of the Enemy.  The provision should be deposited at Providence in the charge of the Commissy of Issues, State Agent, or some careful Person who must be accountable for it.  I wish all the Rum which has been purchased by the State for the Continent may be forwarded in the same manner & to the same place.
                  The french Army has now formed a junction with us—We have advanced to this place—suffer me to add, that we must depend upon the exertions of the Eastern States to furnish the supply of Beef Cattle, that has been called for, in order to enable us to keep the field.
                  I think it will be adviseable, to transport the Provisions & Rum, in small swift sailing Coasters, the chance of loss by capture will not be so great—The matter also ought to be kept as much a secret as may be.
                  I shall anxiously expect your answer by the earliest opportunity.  I have the honor to be With great esteem & respect Your Most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry Monday July 9th 1781
                     Parole Providence
                     Countersigns Newport
                  Hartford.
                  For the day tomorrow
                  Brigadier General HuntingtonColonel SwiftFor Picquet  Major TrescotInspector—1st Connecticut brigadeThe Guards and Picquets in front and on the flanks of the army are not to suffer any person on any pretence whatsoever to pass them into Camp.
                  If any person appears at either of the abovementioned Guards or Picquets, on pretence of business he or she are to be detained and the Letter of verbal Message the person is charged with communicated at Head Quarters.
                  No Person whatsoever is to be allowed to pass out of Camp in front or on the Flanks of the Army without a pass from the Commander in Chief or the General officer of the day.
                  The Picquets No. 5, 6, 7, and 8 to be commanded by a Major-Who will post a Captain and thirty men at No. 5—a Sub. and twenty at No. 6. a Sub. and Twenty at No. 7. and a Captain and Thirty at No. 8 on the Left.
                  The Regiment on the left in the second Line will take post on the Hills in the rear of the Picquet No. 7.
                  Colonel M Jackson, Lieutenant Colonel Brooks and Major Throop will repair immediately to WestPoint and take command in the Detachment under General McDougall.
                  Captain Hasfield White of the fifth Massachusett’s Regiment is appointed Deputy Waggon Master and is to be respected accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                  Gentlemen

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’s Ferry 9th July 1781.

                  I have been honored with your favors of the 26th ulto and 3d Inst. the Resolve of Congress to which you refer in the last was not inclosed, but I have recd the Original from the president—Give me leave to thank you for the attention which you promise to pay to my wants—It is necessary you should be informed, that besides the Articles which it will be in your power to procure and forward from Philada some specie will be requisite to purchase Country produce—paper money, especially in this quarter, having become intirely useless.  you will oblige me by forwarding, as soon as possible, a Hhd or two of Red Wine—our allies, with whom we have formed a junction, prefer it at this season to Madeira.
                  I think you will find, by referring to the Returns which have been heretofore made, that Von Heer’s Corps have been considered as part of the quota of Pennsylvania.  But it will be improper to permit them to count upon them any longer, because the term of their service expires in a very short time.  It is true that several of them have been found to be deserters, but as they were inlisted within the State they passed as part of the quota of it—this has been the case in all the States—these men or so many of them as have been credited to the state are justly intitled by their faithful services to have their depreciation made up in common with the other troops.
                  I have, since beginning this letter, received your favr of the 3d inst. inclosing the Memorial of the Captains and subalterns of the Regt late procters against the promotions in consequence of Colo. procters Resignation—In answer to this, I shall only shortly observe—that previous to the Resolve of Congress of the 25th of May which has no retrospect—the officers of the 4 Regiments of Artillery and 4 Regiments of Cavalry rose lineally in the Rank of Feild officers and Regimentally to Captains—and that Colo. procters Resignation having happened previous to the 25th of May—all promotions in those Corps up to that date must necessarily be in the mode which had been constantly before practiced under.  It is but very lately that I gave the officers of the Regiment in question a full answer, thro’ His Excellency President Reed, to their objections on the same subject—the Resolve for supplying my Table came inclosed in your last.  I have the honor to be &a.

                     P.S.  I have recd yours of the 5th inclosing letters from two Chaplains of the German Regts on the subject of their exchanges.  I beg leave to inform you that at a meeting of Commissioners last year at Amboy it was stipulated that all Gentlemen of that Function should be mutually released and that they should not be subjects of capture in future—you will therefore signify this to Colo. Wood and desire him to permit not only them but any others to go to New York.


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                     Dear SirHead Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry July 9th 1781

                  I am favour’d with yours of the 6th—In consequence of my letter of the same date, the 2d Regt will be detain’d at Albany ’till further orders—Genl Schuyler is building a number of Flat boats for the Public—so many of them as are ready when that Regt is order’d down may be man’d by the Troops, and the Boats loaded with plank or such other materials as may be procur’d.
                  Orders have been already lodg’d with the Eastern Agents to forward a proportion of Beef Cattle for the Troops to the Northward, but I do not wonder that you have receiv’d none yet, as few or none have been sent to this Army; I will however give directions to the Commissy General to renew his orders upon that Head, and to take the speediest measures in his power for an immediate supply.
                  I can give no countenance to any Cartel which may have been settled between the people of Vermont and the Governor of Canada, and so I lately verbally inform’d Mr Chittenden by an officer sent down by him to me. I wish there may not be other business transacted, under the cover of Flags from Vermont to Canada, besides the exchange of prisoners.  I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles

                  Dear sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry 9th July 1781—

                  The Army having been for some Time past in Motion, has been the Reason that I have not sooner acknowleged the Receipt of your Favor of the 23d ulto.
                  The motives on which you quit the Service are not only justifiable, but honorable; as I think it praize Worthy in a Citizen to resign a Place, which he finds no longer of public Utility—your Attention to the Business of your Station, I have always heard much comended; & I shall ever esteem myself under Obligations to you for the many Acts of Civility which I have personally received from you—With great Esteem I am Dear Sir Your most humle Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Plater, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Plater, George

                     Gentlemen,Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry July 9th 1781

                  I am honoured with your favour of the 27 ult.  as the troops of Maryland compose part of the southern army now under the immediate command of Major Genl Greene, I think there wd be an impropriety (as it may interfere with the arrangements of that army) to give General Smallwood directions to remain in Maryland for the purposes you mention—but if his doing this is not incompatible with the orders or views of General Greene, I have no objection to his remaining in that state till application can be made to General Greene who I make no doubt will acquiesce in a measure which seems calculated for the public good, if General Smallwood’s service with the army can be dispensed with.  I have the Honour to be Gentlemen with great respect your most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip John

                     Dear SirHead Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry 9th July 1781

                  I have received your several Favors of the 1st 3d & 6th instant.
                  Colo. Pickering has just informed me that a Quantity of Nails & Oakum—with 1/2 Ton of Nail Rods have left Fishkill on the 2d inst.—which must be arrived to you before this—he further informs that he has given Orders Yesterday for another Supply of smaller Nails & a Quantity of Oakum & Junk to be sent imediately from Fishkill, where it had arrived from the Southward from which two Orders he says you will be abundantly furnished agreable to your own Estimates.
                  Three Hhds Rum are ordered to be sent to your Direction, from the Comy Genl of Issues—which will arrive as soon as they can be got forward.
                  I think the Number of Boats already ordered, will be sufficient—I would not wish you to procure any more to be built—those that are buildg I would have Lined withinside, that they may be strong & capable of bearing considerable Weight without Injury.
                  I informed you in my last, the measures I had taken to obtain Payment to enable you to fulfill your Engagements—& I have a good Hope that I shall succeed with Congress or Mr Morris.
                  The Troops of this State being ordered to remain at Albany & above, for some Time longer, there will be no Difficulty in getting down the Boats—those Troops will be able to take them down the River, when they come on to the Army.
                  I approve much your procuring a Quantity of Timber for Bridges—the Timber may come on without framing—the Work & Construction may be done on the Spot, as they may be found to be needed—The Timber, with Plank for Bridges, may come in the Boats—& will be very usefull & necessary.  I am &ca

               G.W.


Title: From Philip John Schuyler to Pierre Charlant, 9 July 1781
From: Schuyler, Philip John
To: Charlant, Pierre

                     Albany July 9th 1781

                  I do Certify that the within named Pierre Charlant was sent by me Into Canada in the month of July or August 1775 when I commanded the army in the Northern department—that he was charged with dispatches to persons in the Interest of the states.  That I was Informed the Enemy had apprehended and Committed him to prison and that he was afterwards sent a prisoner in Irons to Quebec.

                     Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 9 July 1781
From: Alexander, William Lord Stirling
To: Washington, George

                     Copy
                  July 9th 1781
                  the frequent use of Division and Brigade Courts Martial is distressing to the officers of the army.  in our present Scituation we may have nine of those Courts at the same time, employing at least 126 Officers.  I am Convinced the whole busyness might at present be done by two Generals Courts Martial at which the Judge advocate and his Deputy may attend.  the busyness would be more regularly Conducted, and the proceedings kept better together.


Title: From George Washington to John Sullivan, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 9th July 1781

                  I have been honord with your Favor of the 2d instant—& have to give you my sincere Thanks for your kind wishes & offers to do all in your Power to forward our intended Operations.
                  I could wish your Stay in Congress might be continued longer than you intimate—as your Efforts there, from your Knowlege of Military Matters, might be of essential Service to our Designs—The Army is now drawn near to the Enemy.  The Junction with our French Allies is formed—I wish I may not be detained, by waitg the expected Reinforcements of Men & Supplies from the several States, from commencing our Operations before the Season is too far advanced.
                  The Resolutions of Congress augmenting the Powers of Courts Martial, which are mentioned in your Letter, has not yet reached me.
                  I most sincerely congratulate you, on the favorable Turn, our Affairs seem to be takg at the Southward—I hope our Enemies will soon, have little to boast of in that Quarter. I am &a

                     G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Peter Summers, 9 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Summers, Peter

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 9th July 1781.

                  I have recd yours of the 19th of June—previous to the acceptation of your Resignation you must lodge Certificates from the pay Master General & Auditor of Accounts that you have no public money charged against you, and you must obtain an approbation of dismission from the Colonel or commanding Officer of the Regt to which you belong.  I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 July 1781
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Lebanon 9th July 1781.

                  I am honoured with your Excellency’s letter of 25th June last—with a copy of one addressed to you from General Parsons enclosed.
                  Your feelings of distress, excite a sympathy in my breast, a readiness to do all in my power to remove the occasion—That the Committee from the Connecticut line of the Army did not accomplish a full settlement, was to me a matter of sorrow, and fear for its consequences.
                  The veteran troops who faithfully served, and bravely endured so many distresses in defence of their own, and their Country’s righteous cause, in the unhappy contest with the British King and Ministry, and continue therein to the end, will be rewarded—acknowledged and remembered with love and gratitude by this and future generations; surely none will forsake it, or cause disturbances at this time, when in a near view of an happy Issue; those who do, will meet with reproach and regret.
                  The Country universally have had many, very many embarrasments and great difficulties to encounter and struggle through—Enemies secret as well as open—no permanent army raised, Soldiers to be hired into the Service for short periods at extravagant high prices—no magazines of provisions—An Army to be fed from hand to mouth—Finances deranged, public Credit abused and ruined a rapid depreciation of the currency, the Army not paid or cloathed; The force and pernicious pollicy of a cruel and inveterate enemy to be met and avoided—heavy taxes, unreasonable jealousies, with a train of other grievances more easily conceived than expressed—suffer me to mention one more, by way of enquiry whether it is not grievous, to hear our Officers say—"That they have no justice to hope for from the State, unless their accounts are closed, and their wages and subsistence secured before the period arrives in which they have no further occasion for the services of the Army"?
                  I do sincerely wish for that period—and will then and ever exert myself to obtain justice for the Officers and Soldiers of our line, as freely as I have done to bring the war to a happy close.
                  A full settlement was agreed on for the pay and wages of our line—the subsistence of the officers is the only matter unsettled it was proposed to give them 8 1/2d. per ration, not from the first of april last as mentioned in the letter, but from the 1st of April 1780—the residue to lie open for the determination of Congress.
                  The Legislature of this State is not sitting, to call it to meet at this season, when every other business public and domestic call for the attention of the members, will cause discontent and uneasiness—You may depend on my giving the Subject as early a consideration as may be found convenient, and consistent with other circumstances.
                  A Sum of money for our line of the Army, as much as can be collected shall be forwarded soon.  I have the Honour to be with sentiments of great regard and Consideration—Your Excellency’s Most Obedient, and very hble Servant

                            Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 9 July 1781
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Lebanon 9th July 1781

                  I have before me Your Excellencys Letter of the 1st Instant—Enclosed is the result of a meeting of Commissioners at Providence the 26th June—For the month of July it was thought best for every State to get forward their whole quota of fresh beef as fast as possible.  For this State Colo. Champion was first furnished with £500—and now with near £800 more in hard Cash—with which to purchase—and several of the loans have collected so as to send forward immediately—For the following months certain days are fixed for each State to furnish their fresh beef, and I am in hopes there will be no failure—This state will furnish £800 hard money more to add to invigorate and hasten the supplies.
                  I intend to remain at home ’till the troops are forwarded from hence—then to remove to Hartford to promote the hastening on the fresh Beef and other supplies—and should it appear necessary & expedient, shall remove further westward with an Executive Council about me to promote every thing needful that is in our power—My great object is to forward our troops, and by the most strenuous exertions, to feed the army, that they be not reduced to any disagreeable necessities.
                  The salted provisions are orderd to be forwarded by the D.Q.M. and doubt not they will turn out in the whole about 8,000 Bbls—The quantity gone on, I suppose to be not more than one half of them—Mr Stevens A.C.I. will give thorough knowledge thereof—far better than is in my power to do—He was with me, and received the information I was able to give him—Mr Pomroy hath orders to send on twenty hhds of Rum—Sixty Bbls of powder, and more will be orderd as soon as I get to Hartford—There is fifty seven barrels more of the powder belonging to the Continent to be sent, and what further supplies of that article shall be granted by the State is not yet determined.  I know there is considerable that may be spared—inquiry will be made into the quantity on hand—and notice given General Knox.  I have the Honor to be with great Esteem & Consideration Your Excellencys Most Obedt hble servant

                     Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 10 July 1781
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Albany July 10th 1781

                  I was honor’d with your Excellency’s favor of the 6th inst. in Season to countermand the Embarkation of the 2d Regt agreeable to your Direction, the rest of the Troops haveing previously sailed.  This Regiment will now encamp in this place and the Transports shall be kept in perfect readiness to receive them on the shortest Notice.
                  I am sorry to inform your Excellency, that the first Regiment being necessarily detain’d, previous to their embarking, in this place one night which abounds with disafected Characters, and being influenc’d with Liquour, unanimously refused to march in the morning without Pay.  Evry gentle measure was try’d, but without Effect; I was at length obliged to have recourse to coercive means; and after a short Conflict in which one or two was dangerously wounded, about twelve of the principles were secured in Irons, and the others reduced to order—In the Morning the Embarkation took place without Difficulty, but thirteen men missing amongst whom are three Serjeants.  I have sent Lt Colonel Cockran with a small party into the Grants after them as I am informed they took that rout, and flatter myself the greater part of them may be found, as I have produced a Pardon to all such as will join their Corps by the 20th of this month having sent down enough to exhibit as Examples.
                  Since the movement of the Troops from Saratoga, I have been apply’d to by Genl Schuyler, to compleat his Guard to the number of twenty five men, which I have done out of the Invalids from the Hospital on the Presumption that he had your Sanction to the requisition—I should be glad to know your Pleasure on the Subject, as I am determin’d to leave no men behind of the Brigade who are fit to march, without your Orders.  I have the honor to be with Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & Huble Servt

                     James Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 10 July 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Philadelphia July 10. 1781

                  My Health is so much impaired by long Confinement & Application as compels me to retire from Congress.
                  I have the Pleasure to inform your Excellency they have elected his Excellency Thomas McKean Esqr. to be their President.
                  It also gives me much Satisfaction on retiring, to see our public Affairs in many Respects wear a more promising Aspect than heretofore.
                  The Enemy at present in every Part of the United States seem to be reduced to a Situation merely on the defensive, and should the States improve the Opportunity with proper & vigorous Exertions, we have Reason to hope from the Smiles of Providence, yet more favorable Events.
                  The Distresses we have suffered from the deranged State of our Finances begin to be relieved, and the Arrangements taken by the Appointment of a Superintendant of Finance &c. and the Measures he is adopting give me great Encouragement on that most important Subject.
                  I am now to take Leave of your Excellency with Respect to my official Correspondance, but be assured Sir, my warmest Wishes still continue to attend you, that your military Operations may be prospered and crowned with the most desireable Event, a speedy & honorable Peace, and that you may experience many Days of Tranquillity in the Enjoyment of the happy Fruits of your important & arduous Services in the Cause of your Country.
                  Whatever my future Situation in Life may be, I shall always love my Country.  In her Happiness & Prosperity will consist my own personally.
                  Should my State of Health permit me the Pleasure of waiting upon your Excellency (which a few Days Journey will determine) I shall certainly improve the Opportunity on my return to Connecticut.  I have the Honor to be, with the highest Respect & Esteem Your most humble Servant

                     Saml Huntington


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Jones, 10 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Jones, Joseph

                  Dear Sir,

                     Head Qr near Dobb’s Ferry 10 July 1781

                  Your favor of the 20th ulto by Post, came to my hands the evening before I marched for this part of the Country—The attention necessary to these kind of movements occupy all ones time, and must plead my excuse for not answering your favor sooner—I question now, whether I shall be able to write so satisfactorily as I could wish, or as you may expect.
                  I thank you for the promise of writing to Colo. R. H. Lee—and if your letter to him should not have been dispatched, you would add to the obligation by doing it fully, as it will not be in my power to write so much in detail as I could wish, shortly—You must be much unacquainted with the true state of Sheldon’s Regiment, and the Marischausi Corps when you apply to have them sent to the Southward—the first is yet to raise, and the last is about to disband; and besides, is very deficient in Horses—without a state to adopt them—or the means of purchasing.  Sheldon has but 60 Horses in all, and only 25 of these accoutred—To the State of Connecticut he looks up for the rest—These Horses are to perform the duties of Expresses—Patroles—and the ordinary duties of the Field; while the Marischausi Corps consists of no more than abt 20 men & half the No. of Horses 12 of which are with me, and from the smallness of the number are continually on duty—carrying orders to one part and another of the Camp—Judge you therefore of the impracticability of deriving succour from either of these Corps.  Why Moylan’s Dragoons are with-held from that Service, you must be better informed of than I am.
                  The complaints against the Baron de Steuben are not more distressing than unexpected, for I always viewed him in the light of a good officer—If he has formed a junction with the Marquis, he will be no longer master of his own conduct, of course the clamours against him will cease with his command—from General Greenes Letters I had little doubt but that he would have been in Virginia ’ere this—powerful causes may have detained him; but I am perswaded he will be there as soon as possible, as it is within his command, and now the principle theatre of action—In the mean while I am affraid to give any order in that quarter lest it should clash with his views, & produce confusion—I shall however write fully to him in the course of a few days upon the several matters contained in your letter—and till his arrival, it is my opinion, the command of the Troops in that state cannot be in better hands than the Marquiss—He possesses uncommon military talents—is of a quick & sound Judgment—persevering—and enterprizing without rashness—and besides these, he is of a very conciliating temper & perfectly sober, which are qualities that rarely combine in the same person; & were I to add that, some men will gain as much experience in the course of three or 4 years, as some others will in ten or a dozen, you cannot deny the fact, and attack me upon that ground.
                  To relate facts, will be a sufficient expression of my mortified situation—a third of July is past!  My former letters gave Congress a return of all the Recruits who had joined the army by the first of June—my present letter to them shews the number which have come in since—The Q. Master’s & Commissary’s departments must be supplied from these, or their business must stand; no militia are yet come in, though some were pressingly called for to strengthen West point & our Northern Front that I might draw my Continental force as much as possible to a point and other things drag on like a Cart without wheels; but as far as my exertions can go the operations of the campaign shall be hastened—my friends will make allowances—my enemy’s will censure—and I shall have the consolation of knowing that my whole time & attention is devoted to the public service, however short I may fall of its expectation.
                  I have just received a letter from Colo. Laurens (at the Court of Versailles) with the inclosed intercepted Letters from the Minister (Lord Germaine)—I perswade myself copies are transmitted to Congress; but as there is a possiblilty of miscarriage I transmit mine to be made use of as occasion requires—a publication of them with proper comments, would, undoubtedly, answer very valuable purposes as the ministers Sentiments respecting our Government &ca &ca are too obvious to be mistaken, & must be too alarming to those who are panting for the old constitutions, to be explained away or relished.
                  For a considerable time past I have had strong suspicions and uneasy moments on acct of the People of Vermont—I have at different times been on the point of communicating them to Congress.  but motives of delicacy have restrained me—Convinced I am that these people become a formidable barrier if they were made a seperate State—equally convinced I am, that neutrality is the most we have to expect from them if they are not.  I do not enter into the justice of their claim, because I am unacquainted with the merits if it; tis to the expediency & policy only I speak—at present, that State gives protection, & is an asylem to all deserters—to every person who wishes to avoid taxation &ca by which means their strength is augmented in proportion to our loss—and the manner in wch they mean to apply it is very equivocal.
                  I have not, since I have viewed the affairs of those people in the light here described, missed any oppertunity of expressing my apprehensions to individual members of Congress who have passed through the army; and this I thought was as far as I could with propriety go—I do not now believe that the people, as a body, have any evil intention, but I firmly believe that some of their leaders have and that they will prevent us from deriving aid, though they may not be able to turn the Arms of their Country men against us.
                  I have this instant received your favor of the 3d, inclosing my old friend Carys narative of the transactions in Virginia—I am happy to find such a spirit prevailing in the Country; & thank you for the perusal of his letters as they contain the fullest & most authentic accts I have had from that quarter.  I am with much truth Dr Sir yr most obedt & afft. Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  I need not say that this letter is written in haste—the marks of it are too evident to require such a declaration.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 10 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Thomas Sim

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s ferry 10th July 1781

                  I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s favor of the 29th June.  It is with very great satisfaction I observe the proceedings of the General Assembly of your state which you have been pleased to communicate to me The exertions of that Legislature have heretofore been laudable and I am exceeding glad to see the same spirit still prevailing—For my own part I have not a Doubt but that if the states were to exert themselves with that spirit and vigor which might reasonably be expected at this favorable period they might not only drive from the Continent the remains of the british force now among us but obtain to themselves their Independance with the enjoyment of Peace Liberty and happiness to their numerous Inhabitants—an event which you will be assured I most ardently wish—I have the honor to be with perfect respect & Esteem Yr Excellency’s most obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Loudon, 10 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Loudon, Samuel

                  sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 10th July 1781

                  For the Benefit of the Army, & the Encouragement of the Inhabitants—you will be pleased to publish the inclosed Proclamation in your useful Paper.  I am sir your St

                     G.W.

                     By his Excellency Geo. Washington Esqr. Genl & Commander in Chief of the Allied Army.

               A ProclamationBe it known—That Every Day, during the Time the Army remains in its present Position, from Day Break till Noon, Two markett Places will be open for the Supply of the Army—One near His Excellency’s Head Quarters, in the Field just back of the House, & near the Quarters of the Adjutant & Quarter Masters Genl—The other in the French Camp, near the House of Henry Taylor, which is the Head Quarters of His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau—All Persons, who will bring any Articles of Provisions & Small Supplies for the Use of the Army may Depend on being protected in their Persons & Property & shall have full & free Liberty to dispose of their Produce, without molestation or Imposition—and will receive no Hindrance from the Guards of the Army on their passing to or repassing from the Sd Markett Places—No Person will be permitted to take any Article, without the full Consent of the Owner—It is expected however & will be required that every Person on his or her first comg to the above markets will be furnished with a Certificate of Recommendation shewg their Attatchment to the American Cause & Interst, signed by two civil magistrates, or two other reputable Persons of known & Approved Characters: that no Injury may arrive to the Army from the Arts of Designing & evil minded Persons.
                  If the Army should take a differnt Position, other Places will be named, where the like Liberty & Protection will be given.  Given at Head Quarters Near Dobbs Ferry this 10th Day of July 1781.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 10 July 1781
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     West Point 10th July 1781

                  I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 6th instant in due time.
                  The whale boats were Collected as speedily as posible, and delivered to your last order.  Not knowing that they were appropriated to any particular Service, one of them was Sent down to row Guard at night a Cross Kings-Ferry, to give me the earliest advice of the approach of the Enemy; should he pass the boats below undiscovered.  Yesterday Col. Hazens Regiment arrived here, and this morning Col. Van Schaicks.  The Latter reports, that Col. Cortlandts had come on as far as Schenactady on their way down to Albany.
                  The wind has been favorable this morning, which will probably bring them here this afternoon.
                  There are a number of Soldiers under Sentence in the Guard House here, for Some time before I took the Command.  Their Condition is very undesireable and injurous to the Service, But I am uninformed of the Judgments against them.  I have the Honor to be your Excellencys most Humble Servant

                     Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 10 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’s Ferry 10th July 1781

                  In consequence of a request from me to Mr Lowrey, that he would continue to purchase and forward Flour to the utmost extent of his Commission, he informs me that he has compleated the purchase of 2000 Barrels and that he has began upon that of 1000 more; but of this he desires me to give you notice; meaning I suppose that you may put a stop to it, if it should not meet your approbation.  I have the honor to be with great Respect and Esteem Dear Sir yr &c.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 10 July 1781
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                     Dear GeneralCamp 10th July 1781

                  According to your Excellency’s Direction, I am to State in writing the Claims of the different Ranks of officers in the Connecticutt Line to a Board of officers to settle their relative Rank: or that your Excellency would decide the Claims without a Board.
                  Captains Bulkley & Morris at the Time of settling the Rank of Captains were Prisoners and have never had Opportunity to be heard & suppose themselves injurd in the Settlement and under the Resolution of Congress claim to be restord to the same Rank they would have held if they had taken their regular Promotion.
                  The Subalterns suppose that the Cpt. Lieutenants on the former Establishment, have on the present System no other Rank than that of Lieutenants, no Cpt. Lieutenants being now known in the Army, and being Subaltern Officers are to take Rank according to the Dates of their Commissions and in no other manner, there now being no higher Grade of Subalterns than Lieutenants.
                  The Lieutenants, commissiond as 2nd Lieutenants, before the first of June 1778 when the new Arrangment of the Army took place, suppose themselves much injurd by being postpond to those who obtaind Lieutenancies subsequent to that Period by regimental Promotion, they say at that Time they were Lieutenants and the different Grades of Lieutenants then ceasd therefore they are intitled to be considered as Lieutenants from that Date.  that even Serjeants by regimental Promotions will command them on the other principles; they further say that these Principles were adopted in the Massachusetts Line, in the sixteen additional Battalions & in the other Lines, and that by denying them the same Consideration they will become an Exception to most of the Lines in the Army.  the various Claims beforementioned have become so interesting to the Peace of the Line that I must beg your Excellency either to decide on those Questions yourself or appoint a Board of officers to hear their Claims and determine on some principles by which they may be settled.  I am with much Respect, yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

                     Sam. H. Parsons


Title: From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 10 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s ferry July 10th 1781

                  I have been favour’d with yours of the 24th ultmo & 4th inst.  I am pleas’d to find by the first that the Assembly of Pennsylvania have at length passed a Law which seems likely to procure the number of Men voted.
                  You certainly misunderstood me when you was at New Windsor, if you conceiv’d it was my intention that you should serve this Campaign with the Army in this quarter; I at that time foresaw the difficulty there wou’d be in providing commands for the General Officers who were already here, and which I have only been enabled to do by appointing Genll Heath & Lord Sterling to the Command of Wings, which are in fact no more than Divisions, and which also have their Majr General Attach’d to them.  There wou’d be an indelicacy as you very justly observe in sending you to Virginia at present because you must necessarily supercede Marquis de la Fayette who has had such trouble, and who appears to be just now reaping the fruits of his labour; I can therefore only advise you to remain in Pennsilvania awhile longer, where you may be very carefully employ’d in filling the Levies under the new Law, & at the same time have an oppertunity of attending to Mrs St. Clair, whose scituation I sincerely lament.  Should Genll Greene come into Virginia, the difficulty would cease, & you ought go there at once without any inconvenience—Believe me to be with sincere esteem Dr Sir Your Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 10 July 1781
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Secretary’s Office July 10th 1781

                  I have the honor to inform you that the Honble Samuel Huntington having informed the United States in Congress assembled that the State of his health would not permit him to continue longer in the exercise of the duties of President and requested leave to absence, Congress have this day proceeded to the Choice of a president and have elected the Honble Thomas McKean.  I am Sir Your obedient humble Servant

                     Cha. Thomson


Title: To George Washington from John Dudley Townes, 10 July 1781
From: Townes, John Dudley
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia July 10th 1781

                  I feare your Excellency will think me Very troublesom—But as I concieve my life and happiness entirely depends on the decision of the present dispute—hope you will pardon me—Since I wrote you my last The Board of war, has furnish’d me with an  Copy of the proceeding of the Court Martial—which I do myself the honr to transmit to you (by advice)—With a Certificate from the British officer who took me to  from whence you may draw some Conclusion of the Illnatur’d prosecution—Which I have Labour’d under—if somthing definitive is not done—that the sentence is approv’d or disapprov’d of—I am still under the Censure of the friends to Genl Scott and liable to a new trial—as I dont Conceive it determined untill publish’d—the Board of war was of Oppinion That you should be made accquainted with it—as no publick Sanction has been given more then Genl Greens letter—which Still leavs it a doubt wheather the Court was legal or no—I am willing to suppose it legal and trust to impartiality—for the decision—knowing my own Innocence and Justification for my Conduct—I hope your Excellency will have it determin’d as I am at a great Expence—  little hopes of gitting money to tak me to Virginia—I have the honr to be yr Excellencys most Obedt—Very Humble st

                     John Townes liut.

                     Virginia line


Title: General Orders, 11 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                  Major General Lincoln is appointed General officer of this day vice Major General Lord Stirling indisposed.
                     Morning Orders July 11. 1781 Wednesday July 11. 1781Parole NorthcastleCountersigns Boston Bedford
                  For the Day tomorrowMajor General HoweColonel Tupperfor Picquet  Major KnapInspector  1 Massachusetts brigadeReturns of the number of shoes actually wanting in each Brigade regimentally digested, to be given in at the Adjutant General’s Office tomorrow at orderly time.


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 11 July 1781
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

                     My dear & Hond Sir,
                     Abingdon July 11th 1781

                  Your Letter of the 28th Ulto containing the very agreeable Intelligence of my Mother’s recovery has got safe to hand; I with much pleasure congratulate you on the Event, and hope She will speedily be restored to her former good State of Health.  I am extremely glad that the Reasons gave, why I could not repair to New Windsor immediately on receiving your request, appear to you a sufficient apology.
                  I am very sorry to inform you that a very painful Complaint (a kind of bloody Flux) has for some time past prevailed in my Family.  I did not apprehend that it was dangerous or Epidemic untill I brought Nelly and her little Boy home, they were both soon seized with it.  Nelly has recovered, but I fear my little Son will not, he is now in a dangerous Situation.  I have been very unhappy, having sometimes nine down at once with it.  My only Consolation is, that I have kept my own Health.
                  I am sorry at a time when every thought must be engaged on the important Business of your Country to call your Attention the least Moment to any private matter of mine, but as I wish your approbation of my Transactions more than other person’s, I cannot refrain from laying a Transaction which has lately passed between Mr Alexander and Myself before you.  As soon as the assembly of Virginia adopted the resolution of Congress dated March 18th 1780, I perceived that the Funds I had provided for the payment of my Debt would from the alteration in our Finances prove abortive, and having it fully in my power, from the Words of the mortgage to discharge Myself by paying Mr Alexander the Sum of £48,000 Currency, and the tender Laws which have passed strengthening my power so to do.  I wrote to Mr A. some time last Fall, and requested him to meet Me at Mt Vernon, which he did.  I shew’d him a Copy of the mortgage, and told him that I was satisfied I had a right to discharge my Debt by paying him the above sum, but as I did not wish to injure him or any other Man, nor take any Advantage from the Tender Laws, whose principle I detested.  I was induced to make him proposals, to accommodate the Dispute between Us.  (a Copy of the proposals I now inclose) The only answer I could get, was, that if I was tired of my Bargain he would take the Land back again, and release Me from the Debt.  I have wrote him several times since, and have seen him, and have made use of every endeavour in my power to do him justice; but finding him grow rather more obstinate, and determined as He said, to receive £48,000 Gold or nothing for his Land I thought Myself constraind by the Duty I owed my Family to tender him the Sum of £48,000, this I was oblidged to do by an attorney, a Copy of whose power I now inclose.  I declare I never felt more Reluctance in doing any thing in my Life, and nothing but Necessity should have compeled Me to it.  I think my propositions are as just and liberal as any person could wish, and I do not think that any one, but himself would have rejected them.  I took the Advice of Colo. Mason and the Attorney as to the mode of procedure and have employed the Attorney and Mr Thompson Mason to obtain redress for Me; I have the pleasure to find my Conduct in this Matter approved off by every person who has been made properly acquainted with it and shall find Myself very happy if it should meet with your Approbation.
                  Since I last wrote you, Colo. Bassett has been here, by him I had the pleasure to learn that I had not received the least Injury from the Enemy, altho some of their parties had been within four Miles of my Brick house Quarter; He says that he has heard of but one person’s going to the Enemy, Hubbard’s Son in Wmsburg: by the last post He received two Letters from his overseers, informing that Cornwallis with his whole Army lay three Days at N. Kent Court they have entirely ruin’d several people in that Neighbourhood, which they mention; they do not say anything about my Estate, I therefore hope I have escaped.  they have burnt the warehouses at the brickhouse, and a barn of Corn and carried of three Negroes, and several Beeves for the Colo.
                  I have the pleasure to inform you, from the accounts that I can gather, our Countrymen do not want Spirit or Inclination to join the Marquiss, I believe he has as many as he can find arms for; a requisition was made to this County, and forty six young Men have turnd out as Volunteers, we are endeavouring to equip them as Horsemen, I have fitted out two with Horses and Cloths, they have been impressing horses to move the remainder, only forty were called for by the Governor.
                  I mentioned that Genl Nelson was appointed Governor, the assembly have given him very great powers, He has power to seize all Horses, except Stud horses, and brood Mares, provision, Cloth, or any thing that the State requires.  The Assembly have ordered £20,000,000 to be emitted there are several penalties against those who refuse to take it, and it is made a legal tender but I fear no Laws will now restore the Credit of our Mony—there are several severe Laws against those who correspond with, or assist the Enemy.  I do not know the Penalties, my little Boy has been so ill I have never seen Mr Dulany since his return.  I will send you an Account, as soon as I am to get it.  James Mills of Urbanna is detected in a Correspondence, and a Number of Quakers in Loudoun among them Hough is said to be—We have an account that a French Fleet is certainly arrived at Rode Island, I wish It could come now in to the Bay, as it is said that the Earl is embarking and the Marquiss in possession of Wmsburg.  Nelly joins Me in the sincerest Love and good Wishes for your Success and am Hond Sir your very affecte

                     J.P. Custis


Title: From George Washington to William Greene, 11 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, William

                  sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 11th July 1781

                  I had the Honor to address your Excellency the 1st instant—at which Time I had heard Nothing from you since mine of the 24th of May—I have now to acknowlege the Receipt of your Favor of the 7th June, which came to Hand thro’ the Channel of the Southern Post.
                  I observe with Satisfaction the Proceedings of your Legislature, respecting their Troops, Cloathing & Supplies—and most sincerely hope the Execution of their measures, may be equal to their Resolutions.
                  I am just informed by the Comy Genl of Issues that 50 Head of Cattle are lately arrived from your State; in Concequence I suppose of the Contract mentioned in your Excellencys Letter of the 7th ulto.Sensible of the Necessity of a larger Body of militia for the Security of your State, I did in my Letter  to Govr Hancock some Time ago, request 500 men to be sent from the State of Massachusetts for your Assistance—That Body of men I hope are arrived before this Time.  I have the Honor to be—With much Respect & Consideration Sir Your most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Greene, 11 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, William

                  sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 11th July 1781

                  On Delivery of this Letter it is probable the Count de Barras with the Squadron under his Comand, will have saild from Newport on an Expedition of much importance and as our Enemies may possibly think of this Opportunity to Strike some Blow upon the Stores of our Allies deposited in your State—I have to request from your Excellency, that for the Security of the Transports, Stores &ca you will be pleased to suffer the French major of artillery left with you to have the Use of the many Cannon of your State, to be disposed of in such manner as he should think most conducive to his Security on this Occasion.
                  I could Wish also (if it is not already done) that you will be pleased to establish some mode of communicating Signals, by Beacons or otherways as you think best, to the adjacent Country: so that in Case of Necessity the Force of the County in your & the adjoing States, or any Sudden Occassion, may be most expeditiously collected.


Title: To George Washington from William Greene, 11 July 1781
From: Greene, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Warwick 11th July 1781

                  I was yesterday Honor’d with your Excellencys favor of the 1st Instant, and am sorry to find that my letter had not come to your Knowledge; soon after the setting of the Assembly which conven’d the last of May—and considered your Requisitions, delivered to me by General Heath, I wrote you the contents of their resolutions—you have been rightly informed respecting the Beef, and I cannot account for its not having been deliver’d on the first Instant, but care is now taken to enquire into this matter and I make no doubt if it is not already delivered it will go on as speedily as possable.
                  At the convention held in Providence the 25th of last Month it was agreed that this State should furnish thirty thousand weight of Beef for the Month of July, & sixty thousand pounds a Month for August & September—Since which the Assembly has orderd 52,000 pounds to be delivered at the grand army on the 27th of August, & the same quantaty on the 27th of September—and 8,000 pounds for each of those Months to be retained for the use of the Militia doing duty on Rhode Island, unless they should be relieved, in that case the whole quantaty is to be sent to the Army—The quantaties agreed upon for August and September is far beyond this States proportion of that article when compared with what is furnished by the other New England States—and nothing but necessity induced them to furnish so large a quantaty, That I flatter my self those extraordinary exertions will not in future be considered as a President—There is also five thousand gallons of Rum Ordered forward to the Army which has been delivered to the Assistant Quarter Master with a considerable sum of money to forward that as also the  heavy Cannon and necessary Stores.  With the greatest Respect & Esteem I am your Excellencys most Obedient & most Humble Servt

                     W. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Qrs July 11th 1781

                  I have just been informed the Refugees have been impressing Horses to day—If they have any design, it is against our Piquets, this hint will be sufficient to excite unusual vigilance.  I am Dr Sr


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 11 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters July 11th 8 OClock P.M. 1781

                  I have this moment received Intelligence from Kings bridge, that the Refugees have been impressing some Horses this day from the Inhabitants, this used to be commonly an indication of their making an incursion, towards us—If they have any thing of the kind in view at present, it is, I am persuaded, a design to attack some of our Picquets, or drive off any Cattle which may be exposed to them—I have given the Guards Orders to use extraordinary Vigilance, and have thought it expedient to communicate the information, altho I do not imagine there is any thing very serious to be apprehended.  I have the honor to be.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 11 July 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                      July 11, /9’ P.M. 1781

                  I have received the Letter of his Excellency and orders have been given in consequence of the intelligence therein contained.

                     le cte de rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Scammell, 11 July 1781
From: Scammell, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sr
                     Dobbs Ferry July 11nth 1781

                  The Flagg your Excellency directed me to send is returned.  The officer who conducted it informs me That he was not stop’d till within 150 yds of Kings bridge, & then by a Videte & sentinel only—That no Guards are advanc’d from York Island this Side the Bridge.  that the Hessians and anspack Yagers lay half a mile the other side of the Bridge.  That a patrole of six or seven horse come out every day a little this side Cortlandts.  That Delancy’s Corps keep a small Guard near  Bridge—That all the Cattle goods & Stores are moved from Morisania to York Island. And that no Inhabitants are permitted to go onto the Island a very few excepted.  He could obtain no Intelligence from the City not even aReport.  He further informs that a small arm’d Vessel lays about two hundred Yards above spiten Devil Creek which is the furthest up the river of any of their Craft.  The friendly Inhabitants observ’d to him  that the enemy must soon be pinch’d for forage.  Also that Delancy’s Corps was kept in the Limits between the Brunks & Harlem River.  I Have the Honor to be yr Excellencys Most Obedt Servt

                     Alexand. Scammell

                Enclosure

                         10 July 1781

                     By Order of His Excellency Genl Washington
                     Capt. James Morris, with Mr Post as Flagg-Bearer, is to pass with a Flagg to the British Lines near King’s Bridge; for the purpose of conveying the Letters intrusted to his Care to the officer commanding on the British Lines.  Given under my Hand at Dobbs Ferry this tenth Day of July 1781.

                        Alex. Scammell Colo. 1st N.H. Re.


Title: From David Humphreys to Charles Stewart, 11 July 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Stewart, Charles

                     Sir,Head Quarters Dobb’s ferry 11th July 1781

                  It is his Excellencys request, that you will take Immediate, & Effectual, measures to have such a number of the Beef Cattle from the Eastern part of Connecticut, and that part of Massachusetts Contiguous to Rhode Island, furnish’d for the Militia stationed at Rhode Island that they may not be under the Necessity of Consumeing a single Barrel of Salted provision,the Salted provision to be repacked (if necessary) and kept Sacredly in the magazine as a reserve where it now is.
                  All the Salted Beef, Pork, & Fish near Connecticut River, is to be positively collected & deposited in Stores on the Water, so that it may be instantly removed in Transports, whenever it shall become Expedient & Necessary—  No more to be forwarded by land, without express Orders for the purpose. The General desires an exact Return of what quantity may be transported by water, should be made as soon as possible, specifying the Different places at which it is deposited.The Issuing Posts recommended by the Board of General Officers to be discontinued are to be broken up without delay. I am Sir Your Humble Servt

                     D. HumphrysAide De Camp


Title: General Orders, 12 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry Thursday July 12th 1781
                     Parole Normandy
                     Countersigns ToulonBrest

                  For the day tomorrow
                  Major General ParsonsColonel Butlerfor Picquet  Major KeithInspector  2d Massachusetts brigadeUntill further orders the Troops are constantly to be provided with three days allowance of baked bread and two days allowance of cooked beef.
                  Colonel Scammell’s detachment is to be supplied occasionally with Ammunition by the regiments to which the men respectively belong, on Returns from Colonel Scammell or some Field officer of his Detachment.
                  The Clothier General will furnish Shoes agreeable to the Returns of deficiencies delivered this day: the regimental clothiers will apply tomorrow morning for their several Quota’s at Commissary Irwin’s Quarters where the Clothier’s stores now are.


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 12 July 1781
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Albany July 12th 1781

                  Your Excellency’s favor I have been this day honor’d with, the contents of which shall be punctualy attended to: the 2d Regt is encamped at this place, and every thing kept in the most perfect readiness to embark on the shortest notice.
                  This day I have written to Col. Hay on the subject of supplies for this department and pointed out the necessity of having a quantity of beef forwarded on previous to the arrival of the troops from the eastward.
                  Your Excellency’s Directions respecting the cartel between the people of Vermont & the Governor of Canada shall be communicated to Mr Chittenden the first oppertunity, and I cannot suppress my fears for the consequence of the intercourse maintained between them.
                  This moment a letter for the Governor from Col. Willet under a flying seal was handed me giving an account of an Action between him and a party of Indians, on the 10th inst. at a place called Curry’s Town, in which the advantage was ours, the enemy being driven from every position they took.  The Colonel’s loss was Captain MHain a volunteer who had been Captain in the Lines last year, a valuable Officer, and thirteen Privates killed wounded & missing—A few days previous to the Action, Captain Ellsworth of his Regiment was killed, supposed by the same party, while on a Scout.  I have the honor to be Sir your Excys most obt

                     James Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 12 July 1781
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Dobb’s Ferry July 12th 1781

                  I arrived at this place at 8 oClock this morning with the Jersey troops, excepting one subaltern and twenty men whom I ordered yesterday towards the new bridge for the purpose of seizing for our use some fat cattle of which we were in great want and which were most probably designed for the enemy.
                  Enclosed is a letter I received from the Revd Mr Caldwell since we marched; I take the first opportunity of forwarding it as it contains something of consequence to the Jersey Brigade.  If your Excellency thinks it proper to grant the permission for bringing out the cloathing I will convey it to Mr Caldwell without loss of time.  I have the honor to be your Excellencys most Hbl. servant

                     Elias Dayton

                Enclosure

                        Dr Sir
                        New Ark July 8 1781

                     An offer is now made to me of sending out the clothing now in N. Y. that was taken in the Confederacy coming from the West Indies.  Some of it is made up, some I believe not.  Some I believe is thin & suited for summer clothing.  I have offered to pledge my fortune for payment of the purchase I wish to receive the clothing for the Jersey line.  As our Laws now Stand a permit from his Excely Genl Washington is necessary.  This I wish you to obtain without loss of time, if you desire such a supply.  I believe we can obtain the clothing on good terms.  I need not urge your attention to this subject.  I have neither opportunity nor time to write to his Excy on this subject writing this on the Road.  With love to the officers sincerely your

                        James Caldwell

                        Direct the permit to me or to Capt. Natl Camp at New ark.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 12 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                     Dear SirHead Quarters 12th July 1781.

                  I have recd your favor of the 10th You will be pleased to let me have, as quick as possible, a Return of the Troops at West Point and its dependencies, as I want to ascertain our total Strength.
                  If you will make me acquainted with the names of the prisoners under sentence and the Regiments to which they belong, I will endeavour to find out the Judgments against them and either have them put in execution or have them released.  I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 12 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry July 12th 1781

                  I have to request that you will be pleased to send one of your Aides de Camp, to give Orders to Brigadr genl Waterbury from me, to put the whole of his Troops in motion to morrow morng & to march them to Marineck or North Street—at one of which places, he will recieve further orders, respecting the position he is to take.
                  General Waterbury will move at the time appointed without fail & give Orders for the Baggage to follow as soon as may be; as the Corps cannot be of any service while it continues at such a distance as it is at present from the army.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 July 1781
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Camp July 12. 1781.

                  I believe I have heretofore mentioned to your Excellency my disappoinment in respect to the number of horses supposed to be wintered in Pensylvania.  Last January, or early in February, I sent to that state & to every other where horses were wintered, for returns of them, for the purpose of ascertaining what numbers would be fit for service this campaign: but I obtained none until May & June.  However, when in Philadelphia, Colo. Miles, my deputy there, estimated the numbers in Pensylvania at about 1200.  These, with those in Jersey and New England, I knew would be an amply supply for the present campaign, seeing so many ox teams were to be employed.  But Colo. Miles’s return of the 3d of June presented me with a very different view of our stock of horses, as follows.
                  May 22d  Ordered to camp from Pensylvania100.remained there June 3d in use at the posts38on hand fit for service181on hand that would be fit when farther recruited104323Taken to furnish the waggons of the Pensylvania line226649Exclusive of these, he says several horses were furnished to the conductors & staff officers.  He says also that he furnished the servant of the Marquis de la Fayette with a four horse close waggon & Genl Gist with another—that a number of horses had been issued to officers who came out of captivity, & on command, & for other purposes, which would appear in the general returns as soon as they could be made out—These various causes have thus greatly reduced the number of horses put to winter in Pensylvania.
                  McCullock has brought the remainder of the horses appropriated to your Excellency’s waggons during the last campaign, amounting to 46.  Part have been sent to the southern army in the course of the winter (as I recollect) as well as some from pensylvania.
                  On the last of December the return of public horses in New England, on the borders of New York, exhibited 242.  On the 21st of May they were reduced to 91.
                  There were 70 in Connecticut, which by the late deputy quarter master were called fit for service.  Mr Pomeroy, on his receiving them this Spring, informed me that scarcely one was or would be fit for service this campaign, or not till very late.  Indeed, if I do not mistake, they were in such condition that he thought it most adviseable to sell many of them.
                  Agreeably to your Excellency’s directions I sent for all the horses to be brought in by the 5th instant.  Colo. Neilson forwarded his (between thirty & forty he says) to Morristown, where with 40 which had some time before been brought from Pensylvaina, they were put to a number of close waggons which were to be bro’t to camp, & to other waggons to remove the baggage of the Jersey line—In regard to those last ordered from Pensylvania, Colo. Miles on the 29th ulto wrote thus—"I have ordered the horses from the different posts sent on to camp; but am very certain it has not been in the power of the different gentlemen under whose care they were to forward them, for want of cash to pay hands & other necessary expences on the road.  I have however this morning saved as much out of a sum procured for other purposes, and have forwarded part of it immediately to york Town, & shall send some to the other posts to-morrow."
                  The numbers of horses falling so far short of my expectations, I wrote to the deputies in Pensylvania & Jersey, where prinicipally good horse teams are to be procured, to hire, the former 50 & the latter 25 four-horse teams for the campaign; in like manner as I had hired ox teams in New England.
                  On the 29th ulto Colo. Miles wrote me a second time on the subject, thus—"I have not yet been able to engage any teams for the army.  The owners say there can no dependance be put on the promises of public officers, and they have suffered too much already to risk any more.  I shall however continue my endeavours, & had I the means of paying them for past services, could engage any number."
                  As many teams employed in the public service had their waggons wore out, and there are more common waggons on hand than can be wanted for the army, I proposed to furnish each owner of a horse team who would engage for the campaign with a waggon & geers by way of advance pay, at an appraisement at their just value.  On this Colo. Neilson writes me the 2d inst.—"I will avail myself of the offers of a waggon & harness in advance to the owners of teams, to induce them to enter the service for the campaign, so far as it will go; tho’ I have little hopes from it I confess.  The large sums due to so many for team hire operates very unfortunately in procuring them for the present purpose."
                  I had also desired Colo. Neilson to try specie certificates in the purchase of horses, as such certificates have been issued in Jersey for various purposes.  He answers—"It is not possible for me to purchase horses with specie certificates, nor any other article: Nothing but money will, it seems, procure any thing or any services.  The promising faculties of a public officer will no longer avail."  In respect to the ox teams he had engaged, but which fall off, he says—"Nothing will serve their owners but the hard cash."
                  Colo. Hughes is trying to purchase horses in his district with certificates; I have not heard that he has procured any.
                  Genl Parsons told me, the evening before last, that the quarter master at Danbury said he could purchase fifty or sixty horses in that quarter without money.  I doubted it, for I have no where discovered more aversion to part with something for nothing in hand, than in the people of that state.  However, I yesterday sent by an express to the quarter master at Danbury to purchase as many as he could.
                  All these attempts I fear will fail of procuring the horses requisite for the artillery and the officers close waggons; for the latter are calling for them, tho’ some will be satisfied with ox teams.  In what way deficiencies shall be supplied I cannot determine.  If the neighbouring states are called on, they may be long in furnishing them, & at last produce, at an enormous expence, such wretched animals as were brought in last campaign.  I have not nor expect money to purchase any number.  and to impress would be distressing to the individuals from who they shall be taken; tho’ in no other way can they probably be procured with due dispatch.  I beg leave to request Your Excellency’s advice and direction.  I am, with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedt servt

                     Tim: pickering Q.M.G.

                     P.S.  I gave encouragement to General Knox that about 80 horses could be furnished to bring down field artillery from King’s ferry to-day: but the Jersey line, from which about half the number I supposed could be taken, & who on inquiry I had reason to think would arrive in time to admit of it, do not yet appear.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 12 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters 12h July 1781

                  Tomorrow Evening will answer very well for the movement I mentiond to your Excellency Yesterday.  and I will arrange matters accordingly—2000 French Troops besides Lauzuns Legien with the Troops I shall order from the American line will be sufficient to make the reconnoitre out hazarding an Insult from the my.  I shall have the honor of sping more in detail to your Excellen on this subject between this and tom—I am just setting out for Dobbs’s ferry.  I have the honor to be &a.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Stevens, 12 July 1781
From: Stevens, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Fishkill 12th July 1781

                  I wrote to your Excellency the 4th and 7th Instant, from Hartford, Informing your Excellency the measures I had taken and the knowledge obtained of Supplies comeing on, which I expect your Excellency has received.
                  I would now inform your Excellency that I find they are collecting and forwarding beef Cattle for the army in almost every place I came through, but that I could learn nothing from Col. Wadsworth, the person he refered me to for information, or by repeated enquiries the circutious route I came, for that purpose, who the person was that contracted to furnish beef on Account of Rhoad Island, or where he resided.  I have the Honour to be Your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

                     N. Stevens D.C.G. Issues


Title: From George Washington to François Barbé de Marbois, 13 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Barbé de Marbois, François

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’s ferry 13th July 1781

                  I have received your favor of the 9th, such of the letters as were for the officers of the french army have been delivered to them—Some under the same Packet were for the Minister and Mr Holker those I have returned by the same Express.
                  I cannot find that any packet will shortly sail either from New Port or from Boston.  I shall therefore send the European letters to Governor Hancock and request him to forward them by the first good private opportunity from Boston—I am much obliged by the communication of the intelligence from South Carolina.  I fear that from the West Indies is without foundation as a Vessel in a short passage from Martinique to Boston brings a report that Count de Grasse had gone to Barbadoes but makes no mention of an engagement between the Fleets.  I am with perfect respect Sir Your most obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 13 July 1781
From: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     dear general
                      july. 13 1781

                  I send to your excellency a man who was arrested yesterday night in a house near the hospital where our surgeon and chaplains quarter.  he was in company with thre rascals who had got drunk and made a great noise in the house where they had intruded, breaking, and destroying the furniture, and abusing your excellency and your armie in their discourse.  this is ascertained to me by the chaplian who is an irish man and understands english very well.  the same chaplain says that the man now arrested was more prudent than the others.  but I think that he ought to be examined.  the french soldiers who conduct him to your excellency got the customs belonging to those people.  your excellency will be so good as to dispose of the man and of the arms.  I am Dear general, with all respect and duty your most humble and obedient servant

                     le che. de chastellux

                     the bearer of this letter is the chaplain who shall give any evidence that your excellency may want to judge the above matter.


Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew von Heer, 13 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heer, Bartholomew von

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters Dobbs’ Ferry July 13th 1781

                  You will march your Corps to join the Main Army near this place, immediately upon the receipt of this Order.  I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 13 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                  My dear Marquis

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’s Ferry 13 July 1781

                  Since my last I have received your letters of the 10th 18th and 28th of June.  I sincerely congratulate you on the favorable turn of Affairs announced in your last, and I hope you will be enabled to maintain that superiority which you seem to be gaining over Lord Cornwallis.  We have had a variety of reports of General Greens further successes, in south Carolina, by some we are told that both Augusta and Ninety six have fallen, but in a letter which I have just recd from Monsr Marbois, he says that Augusta has been taken and the seige of 96 raised.
                  Count de Rochambeau formed a junction with me at this Camp (about 12 miles from Kings bridge) a few days ago.  We are waiting for reinforcements for the Continental line and of Militia, and are in the mean time establishing our communication at Dobbs’s Ferry.
                  I shall shortly have occasion to communicate matters of very great importance to you, so much so, that I shall send a confidential officer on purpose to you.  You will in the mean time endeavour to draw together as respectable a Body of Continental troops as you possibly can and take every measure to augment your Cavalry.  Should the enemy confine themselves to the lower Country, you will no doubt pay attention to the formation of Magazines above—These will be in every case essential, whether the War continues in Virginia, or whether it will be still carried on in south Carolina.  Should General Greene come into Virginia in person you will be good enough to communicate the foregoing to him.
                  In the present situation of affairs it is of the utmost importance that a communication by a Chain of Expresses should be opened between this Army and that in Virginia.  they are already established from hence to Philada and if there are none from you to Philada you will be pleased to take measures for having it done—you will also endeavour to establish such a communication with the Coast as to be able to know whether any troops are detached by sea from Lord Cornwallis’s Army, for it is more than probable that if he finds himself baffled in over running Virginia he will take a strong post at portsmouth or Williamsburg and reinforce New York or south Carolina.  Should any detachment be made you will transmit me the earliest intelligence.  What you say in confidence of the conduct of a certain officer shall be kept a profound secret, and I will contrive means of removing him from the quarter where he is so unpopular—the Rhode Island Regt is so thinly officered that Colo. Olney wishes one of the subs. of the light Company may be suffered to return when Capt. Olney joins. You will act in this as circumstances may permit.
                  You have the Compliments and good wishes of all your friends in the French Army—Those of the American are not behind hand with them.  With the warmest affection and Esteem I am My dear Marquis Yr most obt & hble servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 13 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry 13th July 1781

                  I am just now honored with your Excellency’s Favor of the 8th instant, informg me of the Offer of a Number of Volunteer Horsemen from your State.
                  I applaud Sir!  this Spirit, which gives me much Satisfaction in its Contemplation—The Gentlemen deserve my best Thanks for their Tenders of Service; which I beg leave to present to them thro’ the Hands of your Excellency.
                  We are at present so much Superiour in Cavalry, by the arrival of the Legion of Lauzun, & a very good Corps under Colo. Sheldon, that I have not Need of any more Troops of that Establishment—It being also probable that the Gentlemen, in the Course  of our Operations, may be very usefull by joining a Body of Troops, which it may be found expedient to form in your State; I think it not best to draw them on this Side of the River—but hope they will be so good as to reserve themselves for any Operations which may be commenced on your Side.
                  I will be obliged if your Excellency will be pleased to inform me the Progress that is made under your late Law for filling your Continental Battalions—I am anxious on this Head, as I view it an Object of the greatest Importance—an Object, which if compleated, would in great measure prevent the Necessity of calling for other assistance.  I have the Honor to be with great Esteem & Consideration Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 13 July 1781
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     west point 13th July 1781

                  I am honored with your Excellencys favor of yesterday.  General & particular of this post and its dependecies are Sent here with.  the Soldiers who have had their Trials are Jeremiah Belcher of 1st Troy Lee of the 5th & Daniel Godlip of the 10th Massachusets Regts.  I have the Honor to be Sir your Excellencys most obt and most Humble Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 13 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’s Ferry 13th July 1781

                  your favors of the 2d and 5th Instants have afforded me infinite satisfaction, as the measures you are pursuing for subsisting the Army perfectly accord with my Ideas, and are, I am certain, the only ones which can secure us from distress or the constant apprehensions of it.
                  Had magazines of any consequence been formed in the different States, in pursuance of the late requisitions of Congress, the disposal of the Article collected at a distance from the army would have merited your attention, but so little has been done in that way, that I imagine you will not think the matter worthy of notice when I inform you of the trifling Quantity’s which remain on hand—of Flour—no Magazines have been formed at any place—of salt Meat, none was put up in Pennsylvania—Jersey or New York—there had been, by estimate, seven or eight thousand Barrels of Meat and Fish put up in Connecticut, of which between two and three thousand have come forward and the remainder is I believe in motion—Massachusetts put up very little salt Meat and most of it has been consumed upon the communication by the Recruits or transported to albany—Rhode Island purchased 1000 Barrels, of which about 600 remain at Providence, and I would wish them to be still kept there for a particular purpose.  I could never learn with certainty how much was put up in New Hampshire but I have directed all that was at portsmouth to be transported by Water to Providence, as I wish to form a small Magazine of salt provision at that place, as I mentioned before, for a particular purpose.  No Magazines of Rum have been formed, we have been in a manner destitute of that necessary Article, and what we are now likely to draw from the several States will be from hand to mouth.  From the foregoing State of facts you will perceive in how small a degree the requisitions of Congress have been complied with, and may form a judgment of the miserable manner in which the army has been subsisted.
                  Having lately, at the request of the Board of War, furnished them with my opinion of the Quantity of provision which ought to be laid up at the several posts, they will be able, at the interview which you propose to have with them, to lay before you my Idea upon the subject of a Contract for supplying the army.
                  I beg you to be assured that I never can think your correspondence tedious or troublesome.  Duty as well as inclination will always prompt me to listen with pleasure to your observations upon the state of our public affairs, and I shall think myself happy if I can in any manner contribute to assist you in the arduous task you have undertaken.
                  I shall very anxiously wait for the Visit which you promise to make me.  I am with very sincere Respect and Esteem Dear Sir yr most obt Servt.

                     P.S.  Will it be possible upon a sudden emergency to procure from 2000 to 2500 Barrels of Salt Beef or pork at Philada?  In such case what may be at providence or in New Hampshire may be disposed of and go towards payment of that in Philada.
                     We have no news of the ship la Fayette—about 3000 suits of Cloaths have arrived at Boston from spain but unfortunately the Coats are scarlet.


Title: From George Washington to Francisco Rendón, 13 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rendón, Francisco

                  sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 13th July 1781

                  I do myself the Honor to acknowlege the Receipt of your Agreable Favor of the 14th ulto—with the Invoice inclosed—I have also the Pleasure to inform you per this Conveyance, that the Articles mentioned in the Invoice, & which you have been so kind as to present to Mrs Washington & me, are safely arrived.
                  Be assured Sir!  I receive with particular Satisfaction this mark of your Attention & Politeness—and that it claims my most sincere Thanks.
                  I have not yet been honored with the particulars of the Subjection of Pensacola to the Arms of his Catholic Majesty—nor with the Terms of its Capitulation: as soon as these should be within your Power, I am perswaded you will be pleased to give me a Copy.  I am &a

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 13 July 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,Head quarters July 13th 1781 10’ A.M.

                  I expect with great impatience and uneasiness the convoy of Bread that falls due to night to the troops, The Commissary of Provisions tells me that the heavy rains that fell the Day before yesterday have occasioned a delay, because the Bakers as yet are not under cover at Fish kill Landing, however, boats have been seen at Tarrytown coming down the river; Chariots are just gone to fetch it here, as it is hoped it is the Bread of the French corps, they are Loaded with, but I am afraid it will arrive Late.  If your Excellency can delay the Departure of the Troops till Midnight, or till to morrow night, I desire you to Let me know your final resolution.  I believe that we will be ready by midnight, and that Bread will be given this evening for three days, if the boats that have been seen from Tarrytown this morning, have the Bread on board.  I am with respect and personal attachment, Sir, your Excellencys most obedient & humble servant

                     le cte de rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to David Waterbury, 13 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Waterbury, David

                     SirHead Quarters near Dobbs’ Ferry 13 July 1781

                  You will be pleased to take a position for the present some where on the left of the White Plains, towards Morineck, or the Sound, so as to keep up a communication with the Duke de Lauzun.
                  It is a standing General Order to have three days bread & two days cooked meat constantly on hand, to which you will immediately as far as possible, pointedly attend—& hold your Corps always in the most perfect readiness for a movement.  I am Sir your most Obedt Servt

                     P.S.  If you have heard any thing respecting the firing on the Sound yesterday, be so good as to communicate the news to me—If you have not, I wish you to send to the Sound & obtain it.


Title: To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 13 July 1781
From: Willett, Marinus
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Fort Renselaer 13th July 1781

                  I have the honor to inform your Excellency that on the Morning of the Tenth Inst. with a party of One Hundred and Forty Men, about the one half of which were Levies and the remainder Militia from this District, we gained a compleat Victory over a party of near Two Hundred Indians under the Command of the famous Joseph Brant, and not much short of one Hundred Tories command  by one Brent Fry a Fugitive from this County. As we passed over a considerable Scope of Ground (the whole of which was Wilderness) during the Action which lasted almost One Hour and Half, It was not in my Power immediately to Ascertain the Enemy’s  loss, which at present from sufficient Evidence appears to be, between Eighty and Ninety Killed & Wounded  near one half of which number are among the Slain.Our loss is inconsiderable in numbers having had only Sixteen killed & Wounded, among the Wounded was Capt. McKean of the Levies, who died of his Wound the morning after Action,  much Regretted.Capt. McKean was a steady attentive intrepid Officer, and one of the best Assistance I had in these parts, I must therefore greatly feel his loss.I am with the most sincere Esteem  Your Excellencies most Obedient and very Humble Servant

                     Marinus Willett


Title: General Orders, 14 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry Saturday July 14 1781
                     Parole Burgundy
                     Countersigns Rochelle
                  Dunkirk
                  For the day Tomorrow
                  Brigadier General PattersonLieutenant Colonel C. Smithfor Picquet  Major Billey PorterInspector  from Stark’s BrigadeThe Gentlemen who attend at the Adjutant General’s office for Orders are requested to be there precisely at three ô clock P.M. untill further orders.
                  Captain Converse of the second Connecticut Regiment is appointed to do the duty of Inspector to the second Connecticut Brigade.
                  Captain Warner of the first Connecticut regiment is appointed to do the duty of Inspector to the first Connecticut Brigade.
                  Both these Gentlemen are to be respected and obeyed accordingly.