Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 22 December 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de,Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport Xber December 22d 1780

                        Your Excellency’s favor of the 15th instant, addressed to the Ch. de Ternay and me, I have received to day,
                            by this time you must have had intelligence of his Death and I dare say you have sincerely Lamented him, as well as I.
                        Since the Epocha of time wherein your Excellency has wrote me, you must have received several Letters whether
                            they be the news as sent you from Boston, or those that have come to you from Philadelphy, confirmating the same news,
                            which appear to me to have changed very much the state the affairs were in, at the moment that your Excellency wrote to me
                            1d. The Change of our ministry for the naval affairs, the succeeding of the Marquis de Castres, one of our best Lieutenant
                            Generals, and a most firm man, is a sure, undubitable token of the sending of a Frigate which in all probability, will
                            bring us a plan of operations and a Certainty of our being powerfully succoured. 2d. The unanimous report that there is
                            preparing at Brest a grand armament of men of war, of thirty transports and three Pinks Loaden with provisions, for this
                            country. 3d. the news that seem equally sure, they coming different ways, that the King of Spain has given the general
                            command of his Land and sea forces to the Count d’Estaing, that he is imbarked on the Terrible, and that he is to set sail
                            from Cadiz, with 16, sail of the Line. I presume that he is bound to the West indias to take the general Command of the
                            forces of both nations. Considering the actual state of affairs, Your Excellency will observe as well as I, that it would
                            be prudent not to form any partial plan in these parts, that might any ways hurt that which your Excellency has agreed on
                            at Hartford, and which I believe our ministry will certainly prefer. Besides, I see a great inconveniency to send hence a
                            frigate carrying a requisition from Us to the Spanish fleet to come to Join us to disembogue us and convoy us in South
                            Carolina, there to act conjointly with them. It does not belong to me to search how far Spain is allied with the United
                            States, But I dare assure Your Excellency that Mr De Solano, having received his orders from his court for the plan of his
                            operation, on Pensacola, or St Augustine, that General, won’t stop a single minute from the course of these two
                            expeditions, to come and fetch us, and that before they be over, we will certainly have had News from France, and the
                            project of a Plan, and reinforcements, for the next campaign.
                        As to the Ch. de Monteil, who commands now the little french fleet in the West indias, I have intelligence
                            from the Governor of St Domingo, (whose Letter in cyphers I here send you a Copy) of the 11th Novr, that he was cruising
                            with five men of war at the Landings of the Cap. and that he had sent four to Martinico. Your Excellency will easily judge
                            that in that position upon the defensive, specially after the return of Rodney to the Leeward islands, he can only think
                            of their safety, waiting greater forces from France, and that we can not reckon at all on him.
                        These are the reflexions that I dare offer to your Excellency, by your permission, on the plan that you have
                            sent us, to which I must add that the news of the embarkment of 2500. men at New-york seems positive, but that its
                            destination to the South does not seem so sure, because, from the news that I have had from small vessels victuallers to
                            the army that come from the Sund, there is a publick rumour that many transports Loaden with troops have passed thro’ Hell
                            gate, with a view of an Expedition in Connecticut, that the Governor Trumbull sends word to the Duke de
                            Lauzun that Arnold is gone out of New-york with 3. or 4. Regiments, and that he goes toward West chester. I am afraid this
                            will take up the attention of Your Excellency, and it would seem difficult to me that the British could at the same time
                            furnish out troops for another expedition in the South.
                        All these reflections are (as most reasonably, it should) submitted to your Excellency, exceeding good
                            judgement and I quit my pen for the Ch. Destouches who will write you his opinion concerning what regards the Sea affairs.
                            I am with respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient, and Most humble Servant

                            le Ct de Rochambeau

                            P.S. I have given orders to the Duke of Lauzun to be ready to march at the requisition that may be made
                                to him by your generals.

                                 22 Dec. 1780

                            après avoir pris lecture du memoir adressé à mr Le Cher de Ternai, et des reflexions que fait mr le comte
                                de Rochambeau, j’aurai l’honneur d’observer a Son excellence Le General Washington que La saison apportera de grands
                                obstacles a l’execution du projet en question. Les vents constants du NO au NE ne permettront que les aux forces
                                maritimes d’Espagne de remouler jusqu’a Rhode island, et je pense qu’occupés comme ils sont de deux operations
                                particulieres et rigoureusement attachés a la lettre de leurs instructions, ou des determineront difficilement a
                                d’entreprendre.
                            jaurai encore l’honneur de representer a ton excellence que l’escadron du roi ne feront pas en etat de
                                mettre en mer actuellement parce qu’elle manque de Biscuit des farines nous font arriver si lentement que nous que
                                nous n’avons pas encore en reuissir une assez grande quantité à la fois nous commencer a faire du biscuit.
                            je desirais bien  pouvoir lever tous ces obstacles—rien n’est plus  pour moi que d’inactivité ou nous sommes depuis longtemps, et je n’ai rien plus a coeur que
                                dêtre utilité a nos alleés et de meriter l’estime de ton excellence. Je suis avec respect de on Excellence le etre humble et tres
                                obéissant servient

                                Destouche

                        Translation
                            After having read the Memorial addressed to the Chevalier de Ternay and the remarks which the Count de
                                Rochambeau made upon it, I have the honor to observe to His Excellency General Washington that the season throws great
                                obstacles in the way of the project in question. The constant Winds at N. and N.E. will not permit the Maritime forces
                                of Spain to lay at Anchor near Rhode Island, and I think that occupied as they are in their particular operations and
                                rigidly attached to the letter of their instructions, it would be difficult to bring them to determine upon the
                                enterprise.
                            I have also the honor to represent to your Excellency that the Squadron of the King will not be in a
                                condition to put to sea because it is in want of Biscuit. Flour arrives so slow to us, that we have not enough at a
                                time to begin to make Biscuit.
                            I wish most ardently to remove all these obstacles—Nothing is more irksome to me than the inactivity in
                                which we have some time been, and I have nothing more at heart than to be useful to our Allies and to merit the Esteem
                                of your Excellency. I am &c.

                                Destouche

                     Enclosure

                                Capes 27th October. 1780

                            A Dutch Captain left Jamaica the 18th of this Month and anchored in this Road the 27th. he reports that
                                that Island has experienced a considerable hurricane, which has much damaged the North and West parts—The town of
                                Savanna la Mar has equally experienced at the same time an Earthquake. One part is thrown down, There remains but one
                                habitable House—They have found 180 white dead Bodies, besides many are missing—The number of Negroes which perished
                                is not known—Houses which had 250 to 300 have now but 7 or 8 and some 10 or 12. The Negroes which remain have revolted
                                and they have been obliged to send the troops from Kingston to reduce them. The towns of Montego Bay and Lucie have
                                experienced the same misfortune, with this difference, that the earthquake has not done so much damage. They esteem
                                this the greatest loss which Jamaica has felt since it was discovered—All the Vessels were lost in these three
                                parts—The Phoenix of 40 Guns and the Brigentine the Barbadoes were drove by the tempest upon the Coast of Cuba and
                                lost—Kingston has not felt the storm as much as the other parts of the Island. There was only a privateer lost
                                there—The other Vessels as well as the Houses were somewhat damaged. They have raised in Kingston a voluntary
                                contribution which has been considerable, to support the persons who were like to perish for want—They have without
                                loss of time dispatched many Vessels under convoy with provisions.
                            The dutch Captain reports that there entered the same day into the Harbour of Port Royal a ship of 74
                                Guns—a Frigate and many shallops.
                            Tuesday last, he met a Frigate totally dismasted. Wednesday he met a Vessel which he took to be of 74
                                Guns totally dismasted, standing for Jamaica.
                            No news from the Windward Islands as from North America. There is only a report that the Americans have
                                beseiged Charles town.
                            Mortality continues to rage among the English troops they bury regularly 7 or 8 of a day.
                            Provisions have raised considerably in price.
                            There have arrived to us in some days a few days ago many vessels from Curacoa, one
                                of them was drove from Jamaica by a terrible storm of Wind. He confirms the taking of an English Convoy by our
                                Combined Fleets the 1st of Augt at midnight 70 Leagues to the N.W. of Madeira and four days after they had quitted
                                Admiral Geary who had escorted them to Cape Finisterre.

                     Enclosure

                                At the Cape the 11th Novemr 1780

                            The Squadron of Mr Monteil is reduced to five Vessels by sending four to the Windwards Island agreeable
                                to his instructions. The non effective of our troops increases daily, and there is good reason to fear that the
                                Recruits which waitd there and which were embarked under Convoy at Martinique have the most part perished, and that
                                those which have escaped will arrive to us in such a condition that we shall be reduced to the defensive. Sickness
                                still continued at the Havanna to the end of september to that degree that the Spaniards cannot undertake any
                                considerable expedition. We have lost the true opportunity of attacking Jamaica. It would have fallen to us if we had
                                made it a combined enterprize the last Month, when that Island was stripped of all kind of force and when it
                                experienced a storm which desolated it.
                            Monsi. solano went out of the Havanna the 17. Sepr to endeavour to intercept an English Convoy—he
                                returned the 25th without having fallen in with it—He is going to sea again upon the expedition agt pensacola.


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

                            Saturday December 23d 1780
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        The Regimental Surgeons are requested to transmit weekly Returns of the sick, to the Orderly Office, every
                            Saturday directed to the Chief Physician and Surgeon of the army, only specifying the number and the particular diseases
                            under which they labor; all who have been sent to the hospitals and all who have died.
                        The commanding officers of divisions brigades or seperate Posts are requested to see the above order strictly
                            complied with.
                        Those of the Pennsylvania and Jersey troops will deliver theirs to Doctor Latimer at Morristown.


Title: From George Washington to Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 23 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet

                                Sir,

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 23d Decemr 1780

                        I have had the honor of receiving your favor of the 15th instant, announcing the death of
                            the Chevalier de Ternay, and informing me that you succeed to the command of His Most Christian Majestys Squadron at
                            Newport.
                        I shall esteem myself happy in an opportunity of making a personal acquaintance with a Gentleman of your
                            Merit; in the mean time, I beg you will assure yourself that I am With very great Respect Sir Your most obt and humble
                            Servant.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 23 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Garrison West Point Decr 23d 1780

                        The exposed situation of many friendly Inhabitants in and about Bedford, to the excursions of the Enemy,
                            whose fears are much raised since the capture of Colonel Welles, & part of his regiment, and some ravages in the
                            neighbourhood of Bedford; at their earnest request I have thought it best to reinforce the Detachment on the Lines, which
                            has consisted of 150 Rank & File, to 200 properly Officered the Command of which I have given to Lt Colonel Hull:
                            this Detachment I hope will be fully sufficient, with vigilance, & proper precaution, to curb the excursions of
                            the Cowboys, and Refugees, secure our Front, quiet the Inhabitants, and prevent supplies getting to the Enemy—I have also
                            another Object in view; the secureing a quantity of Forrage, which yet remains between Croton River, & Singsing,
                            Pines Bridge & North Castle, which may be now brought off; as the Quarter Master can obtain Teams, without any
                            extra Detachment for the purpose, by only giving a hint to the Commanding Officer to guide his movements, from time to time,
                            so as to cover the place proposed to forrage—and I hope it will be in our power by & by to lessen Colonel Delancys
                            Corps by some means or other.
                        Lt Colonel Thompson who was taken the last winter on the Lines is lately exchanged & come out of New
                            York—He has requested a Court of enquiry, which has been appointed; inclosed is their report—As Lt Colonel Thompson is to
                            retire on the benefit of half Pay, and is desireous to get to his Family as soon as possible; I request your
                            Excellencys opinion on the Report of the Court as soon as may be convenient. I have the honor to be with the greatest
                            respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant.

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 23 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Garrison West point Decr 23rd 1780 3 oClock P.M.

                        I am this moment honored with yours of this date, I had in view the Object you are pleased to mention, except
                            the bringing up the forage by water, as your Excellency will observe by mine of this morning, The reinforcement is gone
                            down, I am happy in having appointed Lt Colo. Hull to the Command, the person mentioned, by General McDougall is Colonel
                            Hughes D.Q.M., he is now at Albany, but probably others of the department, (I believe a Major Campbell at the village) can
                            Conduct the business, I will Send for him.
                        The road you are pleased to mention, will be of great utility—every thing in my power shall be done to have
                            it compleated. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 23 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Humphreys, David

                            Sir.
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 23. 1780

                        You will take command of such of the Detachments of Water Guards, now on the River, as you may think
                            necessary, and with them attempt to surprize & bring off, Genl Knyphausen from Morris’s House on York Island, or
                            Sir Henry Clinton from Kennedys House in the City; if from the Tide, Weather, & other Circumstances you shall
                            judge the Enterprize to be practicable. In the execution of it, you will be guided by Your own discretion, and I have only
                            to suggest, that secrecy, rapidity, & prudence in making good your retreat will be indispensibly necessary to insure the
                            success. Given &c. 23d Decr

                            G. W——n

                            Colonel Humphreys is directed to visit the Post at Dobbs’ Ferry, to reconnoitre & report the
                                state of Matters below—He will take such of the Guards Boats with him as he thinks necessary.


Title: David Humphrey’s Memorandum, 23 December 1780
From: Humphreys, David
To:

                                c.23 December 1780

                        Memorandum of a Plan, for Surprizing, and bringing off Genl Knyphausen or the Commanding Officer of the Posts
                            on the North End of York Island, from Morris’s House.
                        1. The Detachment for this Enterprize ought to consist of nearly 100 Men, to be transported in 10 Whale
                            Boats, but a less number of both may possibly do.
                        2. In order to prevent suspicion of the real object, a Capt. & 50 Oarsmen might be immediately
                            furnished from the Connecticut Line (which does no Garrison or extra fatigue duty) to reinforce the Water Guards; to
                            prevent the surprize, and assist in defending the Post at Dobbs’ ferry in case of an attack. four of the lightest Boats at
                            the Point to be fitted for this service.
                        3. With this Detachment, the Guard Boats, and some occasional ones. I would attempt the execution, after the full
                            Moon—about Christmas or New Year—choosing a dark, or stormy night, for the purpose, to elude the guards, and render the
                            success more certain.
                        4. Should the River become impassable with ice the Enterprize must be postponed ’till it opens, when the
                            guard Ships will probably be out of the way, but I would not loose Sight of it—And the preparation of Boats &c.
                            under the above pretext cannot do any injury to the scheme.
                        5. When the Boats for the expedition are collected at Kings Ferry, or below, and every thing is in
                            readiness—the Ebb Tide must be so improved, as to fall down with it on the West side of the River to the landing nearest
                            to Morris’s House—from whence the Party must proceed with the utmost silence & rapidity to execute the design, and
                            make good their retreat having left a guard to secure the Boats.
                        6. The principal obstacles that are to be apprehended, will arise from our ignorance of the disposition of
                            the Enemy’s Guards, and the want of good Guides to carry the Party directly to the House—the latter are indispensably
                            necessary and must if possible be provided, without giving any occasion for suspicion.
                        7. If there are Ships in the River, the Detachment on its return, must be disembarked at Fort Lee, &
                            marched by land—otherwise the Boats may proceed up the River. The success depends so entirely on a total surprize, and
                            consequently on the most perfect secresy; that the object should not be communicated to a single Person, till the moment
                            the expedition is ripe for execution. As the Plan is simple, and does not rest on a complication of co–operating
                            circumstances; it is to hoped the prosecution of it, would be attended with the less embarrassment, and that even the want
                            of success would not involve such disagreeable consequences as might otherwise follow.

                            D. Humphrys


Title: To George Washington from John Laurens, 23 December 1780
From: Laurens, John
To: Washington, George

                            Philadelphia 23d December 1780

                        Your Excellency will be not a little surprised to learn that Congress have determined to send me to France
                            for the special purpose of representing the present state of our affairs, and solliciting the necessary succours—I was in
                            great hopes that Congress would have availed themselves of the abilities of Colonel Hamilton for these important
                            objects—and that I should have been suffered to persevere in a line of duty, to which I feel myself more adequate—but
                            unfortunately for America, Col. Hamilton was not sufficiently known to Congress to unite their suffrages in his favor and
                            I was assured that there remained no other alternative to my acceptance than the total failure of the business. thus
                            circumstanced I was reduced to submit—and renounce my plan of participating in the southern campaign.
                        Devoted to the public service, my first wish is to be instrumental on all occasions in promoting it—but I
                            feel a diffidence on the present which nothing but Your Excellencys particular instructions and counsel can
                            counteract—this advantage and the happiness of seeing my General so much sooner than I expected—are the only circumstances
                            that reassure me on the subject of my new destination I flatter myself with the hope of paying your Excellency my respects
                            at Head Quarters in the course of next week—in the mean time I remain with every sentiment of veneration and attachment
                            Dear General Your faithful Aid

                            John Laurens


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Lewis, 23 December 1780
From: Lewis, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Morris Town 23d December 1780

                        At the request of the inhabitants of this County, I have collected a considerable number of Receipts
                            & Certificates given by the Officers and Majestrates for Provisions & taken for the Army on your
                            Excellency’s requisition last January. And a number more of the same kind of Receipts yet remain in the hands of those who
                            furnish’d the provision—none of which can be paid for. Untill it is Certified by your Excellency, or some person appointed
                            for that purpose, as appears by a late Law of New Jersey an Extract of which I do myself the Honour to inclose—I will
                            endeavour to collect the remainder of those accounts & have them ready to present to the person whom your
                            Excellency will please to appoint for the purpose of examining them—And, in order to expedite the business of collecting
                            the Accts I will Advertize the day on which they must be presented for examinations, if your Excellency will please to
                            appoint a day and advise me of it. Am with perfect respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most Humle Servant

                            Jos. Lewis Contractr
                            Morris Co.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Sim Lee, 23 December 1780
From: Lee, Thomas Sim
To: Washington, George

                            In Council Annapolis Decemr 23d 1780

                        Yesterday We had the honor of receiving Your Excellency’s favor of the 10th Inst.
                        The instructions you were pleased to give relative to depositing Supplies required of this State, shall be
                            strictly attended to. We have the honor to be with the highest personal Respect and Esteem Your Excellencys Mo. Obedt
                            & mo. Hble Servts

                            Tho. S. Lee


Title: To George Washington from William Phillips, 23 December 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New York December 23rd 1780

                        Upon the arrival of the Officers of the Troops of Convention several Memorials were presented to me from some
                            of those remaining with the Troops, containing such reasons as have induced me to comply with their request of being
                            exchanged: I take the liberty of inclosing their names to Your Excellency, hoping you will be so good as to send your
                            orders to Frederick Town in Maryland or elsewhere that such Officers be permitted to come into New York when they shall
                            be immediately exchanged, rank for rank, or by Composition, as the Commissaries General of Prisoners Messrs Loring and
                            Skinner may settle.
                        Brigadier General Hamilton has written to me a request upon general principles for a number of Officers being
                            exchanged without naming them: if you thought it proper, Sir, to give a general permission for Officers coming to
                            Elizabeth Town, it might save much time and trouble, and I do assure you that whenever Officers arrive in that manner at
                            Elizabeth Town or in New York, they shall be directly exchanged against an equal number of the American Officers Prisoners
                            of War on Long Island, rank for rank, or by Composition; this proposal equally respects the German as the British
                            Officers, and I shall take it as a favour if you will be so good as to give me an immediate answer on this last head, as
                            it will enable me to consult Major General De Reidesel upon what number of his Officers he would wish to release from a
                            long Captivity.
                        The Commissary General of Prisoners Mr Loring has written upon this subject to Mr Skinner, and whenever any
                            number of Officers arrive under the description I have given, Mr Skinner will have liberty to come into New York to settle
                            their exchanges. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient most humble Servant

                            W. Phillips

                                    9th Regiment

                                    Captains

                                    Sweetenham

                                    Bailey

                                    Ensign

                                    Orchard

                                    Chaplain

                                    Money

                                    20th

                                    Captain

                                    Wemys

                                    Lieutenants

                                        Tornano

                                    Dobson

                                    Ensign

                                    Greer

                                    21st

                                    Captain

                                    Brodie

                                    Lieutenants

                                    Schagel

                                    Douglass

                                    Burnet

                                    2d Lieutenant

                                    Cox

                                    Surgeon’s Mate

                                    Watson

                                    Chaplain

                                    Brown

                                    24th

                                    Captain

                                    Blake

                                    Lieutenants

                                    Steel

                                    Cotter

                                    Doyle

                                    47th Regiment

                                    Captain

                                    Marr

                                    Lieutenant

                                    Baldwin

                                    Ensigns

                                    Burroughs

                                    Stephens

                                    Quarter Master

                                    Paxton

                                    Surgeon

                                    Dobbin

                                    Chaplain

                                    Higgenbothom

                                    Canada Companies

                                    Lieutenants

                                    Degby

                                    53rd

                                    Stordy

                                    31st

                                    Jones

                                    34th

                                    Royl

                                    Surgeon

                                    Wylde

                                    Surgeon’s Mate

                                    Browne

                                    Hospital Mate

                                    Bowen

                            It is requested there may be added to this List a permission for either Lieutenant Colonels Hill or
                                Lind proceed with the rest.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 23 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor 23d Decr 1780

                        I have been honoured with your Excellency’s favors of the 8th Instt from Newport and 13th from Boston—I am
                            obliged by your communication of the Letter from the commanding Officer at St Domingo but cannot help being anxious for
                            the Safety of Monsr Monteiuls Squadron.
                        The intelligence brought by the Vessel from Nantes to Boston is very interesting I am in hopes that the Captn
                            has good grounds for what he has reported—The change in the French marine department may I believe be depended upon as it
                            comes by a vessel lately arrived at Philadelphia.
                        Should the Second division of your Excellencys Army arrive in the course of the Winter I can think of no
                            position which will better answer our general views than the Towns in Connecticut wch you have pitched upon for their
                            Quarters.
                        The Baron Viominet Vioménil has acquainted with the sudden death
                            of the Chevr De Ternay—an event which I extremely regret. His loss however will be the less felt as the Baron informs me
                            that his successor, the Chevr Destouches is an Officer of approved reputation.
                        If your Excellency’s tour to Boston was solely with a view to improvement, perhaps it is to our advantage
                            that you will have found few traces of works hastily thrown up by very inexperienced Soldiers, and which were they
                            standing would only serve to betray our ignorance of Military matters at that time of day.
                        A detachment has embarked at New York but had not Sailed when I last heard from that place—a change has
                            happened in the Troops—The Grenadiers & light Infantry after having prepared for Embarkation were countermanded
                            and other Corps and drafts to the amt it is said of Twenty five hundred men are on board in lieu of them. I have the honor
                            to be with great respect and personal attachmt Yr Excellency’s Most Obt & Hble Sert

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de Vioménil, 23 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Vioménil, Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 23d Decr 1780

                        I have been honored with your letter of the 15th announcing the sudden death of the Chevr de Ternay. I
                            extremely regret this event, as from the short acquaintance which I had an opportunity of making with that Gentleman I had
                            conceived a high opinion of his Merit. I am pleased to hear that the command of his Most Christian Majesty’s squadron
                            devolves upon an Officer of whom you speak so favorably as you do of the Chevalier Destouches.
                        I feel very sensibly your expressions of esteem for me, and I beg leave to assure you that I shall take every
                            opportunity of convincing you that I am With great Respect Sir Yr most obt and hble Servt

                            I immediately forwarded your dispatches by Express to the Minister of France.


Title: To George Washington from Seth Warner, 23 December 1780
From: Warner, Seth
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Bennington 23d Decmr 1780

                        Your Excellency’s favour of the 12th ulto informing me of the Reduction of my Regiment, with the liberal
                            Provision made by Congress to the retiring Officers, came duly to hand by Captain Moulton—I must confess that furloughing
                            my men was amiss, as it necessarily some what detains their joining Head Quarters; Although I then thought their naked and
                            destitute Situation would justify it. I have given the necessary Orders for those in this Quarter to rendezvous at
                            Stilwater, from which they will march the first of next Week, under the Commd of Captain David Baits and Lt Benoni Grant,
                            whom I would recommend to your Excellency as Gentlemen of Merit in the Capacity of Officers, and would request that they
                            might remain in the Service, in the Connecticut Line of the Army, in Case suitable vacancies may happen for them on the
                            New Establishment.
                        This I request for the Sake of the Men, who chiefly belong to that State.
                        Part of my Men are now in Connecticut, who are ordered to West Point under the Care of a faithful non
                            Commissioned Officer.
                        With respect to Mr Sherman’s Accounts, I have agreable to your Excellency’s Directions, appointed an Officer
                            quallified in Accounts to examine them, And have accordingly laid such Papers, &c. before him as I have been able
                            to collect for the purpose—Upon which, after Examination, he informs me that there being an essential Part of said
                            Sherman’s Accounts, (as he concludes) entirely lost, (or otherwise disignedly directed by said Sherman)
                            And that those which are found are in every sense so ridiculously deranged, that (in his opinion) it is utterly
                            impossible to effect any Settlement from them—Which I also conclude (however unfortunate it is to my Regimts) is really
                            the Case; And therefore a Settlement of the Regimental Accounts cannot be made.
                        As to my recruiting Accounts, I shall settle them myself, as soon as my Health will admit of riding.
                        Inclosed I transmit your Excellency, Returns of my Regiment, as nearly as can be in their present Situation;
                            And am With Sentiments of Respect & Esteem, Your Excellency’s very Obedient Humble Servant

                            Seth Warner


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 24 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                            Gentlemen
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 24 Decr 1780

                        I have been honored with yours of the 16th. The Resolve which you inclosed, had been forwarded to me by His
                            Excellency the president of Congress and General Knox was, in consequence, directed to appoint a Field Officer of
                            Artillery to the duty recommended. Lt Colo. Forrest is the Officer. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from William Galvan, 24 December 1780
From: Galvan, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            West Point 24th december 1780.

                        I am loth to intrude on your Excellency but my particular circumstances and your benevolence will be my
                            apology.
                        The New arrangement of the Inspector’s department admits of an inspector to the Cavalry and I once more take
                            the liberty to Sollicit that place.
                        I am the more emboldened to claim it, as by the New Constitution of the Army every regiment of Cavalry is now
                            mixed of horse and foot, a Circumstance which perfectly Suits the Constant Study which I have made of the discipline and
                            Manoeuvres of both—your Excellency has been pleased to approve my Specimens for the manoeuvres of the Cavalry: the Success
                            which has attended my efforts during the last Campain, in training the regiment of Light Infantry to which I was
                            appointed, will I hope equally intitle me to your Excellency’s confidence in regard to those of the infantry.
                        A Sufficient Knowledge of both your Excellency will undoubtedly find in Many officers, but the Constant
                            application and vigilance necessary to prepare those Corps for Solid Services the next Campain, will not perhaps be So
                            easily found, and are qualifications which I have always been anxious to display.
                        My not being invested with the rank necessary to hold that employ will perhaps be an objection, but your
                            Excellency’s recommendation to the board of war May Soon remove it, and your Excellency May recollect that it was your
                            opinion given to that board last year which fixed the rank I now hold. however, I received then their Solemn promise that
                            I should be promoted in the Course of two or three months (Such were their very words) and that promise, Monsieur
                            Delaluzerne to whom it was repeated, has in a Manner guaranteed. Notwithstanding this, I have hitherto made no
                            application, nor will I make any without your Excellency’s Consent and patronage, a Conduct which your Excellency knows I
                            have Always Strictly adhered to, and which I am firmly resolved never to deviate from.
                        The inclosed Certificate given me by the board of war when I had almost given up all hopes of being admitted
                            in the American Army, will prove to your Excellency that the rank of Lieutenant Colonel has always been the one I was
                            intitled to in the opinion of that board, and will remove every just Cause of any officer taking umbrage at my promotion.
                            I have the honour to be with profound respect
                        Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble servant

                            Galvan


Title: To George Washington from Henry Leonard Philip, baron d’ Arendt, 25 December 1780
From: Arendt, Henry Leonard Philip, baron d’
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philada Decr 25th 1780.

                        In a former letter of mine, I had the honour to acquaint Your Excellency with my safe Return to America, and
                            as it hath happened that the same letter hath lain over in the place where I put it to be forwarded I beg leave to mention
                            to You the Subject of it—At the same time I take the opportunity to congratulate Your Excellency of Your health which by
                            public Accounts of You is in a perfect State.
                        Certain Commissions which from my native Country I have undertaken to execute here & have laid the
                            same before Congress, will prove the favourable opinion of the one to the other & may serve as an Introduction to
                            a nearer Alliance of both.
                        I expect in a few days to have the Resolve of Congress on that Subject & upon other matters
                            concerning myself, and hope that I shall soon have the honour in person to wait on Your Excellency And am with great
                            respect Sir, Your Excellency’s, most obedt hble Servt

                            Baron d’Arendt

                            in the Arch-Street betwen Second & Therd-Street by  Wirth


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 25 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 25th Decemr 1780.

                        The time of the reform of Livingstons and Spencers Regiments is so near at hand, that you will be pleased
                            immediately to relieve the Posts at King’s ferry which they at present occupy with a Captain and fifty to each. I would
                            wish you to make choice of good Officers, because I think it will be better to let them remain the Winter, than to be
                            often changing.
                        Inclosed you have the Returns of the two Regiments specifying the States to which the Men belong. You will
                            have those of Pennsylvania and Jersey marched under the care of one of the Officers to those lines near Pompton and Morris
                            Town. The few belonging to Maryland may go with them and be delivered to Colo. Weltner commanding the German Battalion,
                            who will be found either at Sufferans or with the Jersey line near Pompton. A Captain Marshall of the New York line was
                            left purposely to take care of and carry forward the Men of that State. You will therefore deliver them to him. Those of
                            the Eastern States will join the respective Lines.
                        You will desire Colo. Livingston and the Officer commanding Spencers to make me very accurate Returns of the
                            Names and Ranks of the Officers at the time of dissolution, that they may be transmitted to the Board of War, in order to
                            be registered upon the half pay list. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt and hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 25 December 1780
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Boston December 25 1780

                        I was in the evening of the 23d honored with your Excellencys favor of the 11th.
                        No measure has been left untried to save the question for filling up our battalions for the war; but every
                            attempt of its abettors for that purpose, and many there were in the assembly, proved abortive. The following short
                            anecdote will point your Excellency to some and I think the principal reasons on which the question was left—A venerable
                            gray headed old Gentleman who has lost two sons in the war rose in the assembly and observed, that the army must be filled
                            up & by our own children, who were affraid of becoming slaves; which they supposed might be the case if they
                            engaged for the war. We have continued the old gentleman sons now grown up who will readily engage for three years; and by
                            the time their services shall expire others now young will be ready to take their places. These ideas so fully possessed
                            the minds of the country members, that they supposed every attempt to fill up the army for the war would be ineffectual,
                            serve only to waste the time, & probably prevent its being done even for three years. Though I am my self
                            convinced that the measure is wrong, and that we had better have tried to have raised part of the number in the first
                            place, and those for the war; yet I have the pleasing satisfaction to be fully convinced, that those who were of a
                            different opinion acted from the purest motives, and the fullest conviction that it was the most eligible. Notwithstanding
                            the vote passed to raise the men for three years or for the war, yet I have great hopes from the encouragement given to
                            them to engage for the war, in addition to the sum to be given for a three years enlistment; and from the disposition I
                            find in the sea ports in favor of the former measure, that great exertions will be made by them and others to carry it
                            into execution. Indeed this town has already secured about one third of its men for this term; and expect thus to secure
                            the remainder.
                        The Assembly meets next week and if there is the most distant prospect that on a revival of the question it
                            will share a different fate from its last, I am positive it will be renewed.
                        By looking back into the state of our finances, and forward to the expences, which will necessarily be
                            incurred the next Campaign, it is found that part of them might be provided for by direct borrowing—This I think will have
                            a very happy effect, for before we can be again trusted we might rescind some former resolutions which have not given all
                            that protection and support to creditors, which perhaps the Legislative body intended they should give, and adopt an
                            inlarged system of poloticks, pregnant with the highest justice—the most permanent security to individuals. This will give
                            dignity to Government—array the Legislature with confidence, & cloth the Executive with strength of vigour: for a
                            government whose resolutions are equal will as certainly find support, as that men regard & steadily pursue their
                            own happiness.
                        I am much surprised to hear that there is so scanty an allowance of clothing in Camp as we have had for so
                            long a time, not only a good supply on hand in Europe and the West-Indies; but, as I have the greatest reason to believe,
                            a sufficiency of cloths within this State, brought in by our privateers, to cloth our army, at any time within these five
                            months past, five times over—Our finances I know are in a miserable situation, but I cannot believe that those of the
                            several States are in so ruinous a condition as to prevent the purchase of so necessary an article.
                        Tho’ it always gives me pain to offer a sentiment, which may in the least cast a censure upon Congress, for
                            I know they are embarrassed, and are not supported as the best good of the public evidently dictates, yet I cannot but
                            suggest my belief that the want of proper arrangements in some degree occasioned those distresses of our army, consequent
                            upon a want of clothing. Either the continental agents should purchase the whole for the army at large; or the several
                            States should be left entirely to cloath their own troops, without the least interference of the agents—for so long as it
                            is the joint business of the agents, and the respective States, a mutual reliance will occasion a failure of exertion in
                            each—The former method is much to be prefered; because there would be a greater uniformity in the clothing of the troops,
                            which will, among other conveniencies, serve to prevent the existence of jealousies, arising from an apprehension of
                            different usage If an idea has ever been held up, that the continental army is but the union of thirteen different armies,
                            having different interests, and in some degree different pursuits; and of course that good policy requires, that each
                            State should secure the affections of their own troops, and attach them to her particular interest, every step I wish
                            might be taken to bury the sentiment in oblivion; and every measure tending to support it, if an other can as conveniently
                            be adopted, be by no means executed. This then will stand as an other reason why the continent should cloth the troops of
                            the respective States or rather their own army. The business of clothing the army is exceedingly loose and irregular, so
                            far that this State, even at this late hour, are uncertain, whether Congress expect that they are to cloth their own
                            troops, independent of them or not. As it is a matter of great importance, I hope Congress will be explicit and decided on
                            this point—it is particularly necessary that they should be so, as it is supposed here, that the late requesition of
                            Congress for the specific articles and cash, together with what they draw from the new emission is the whole demand on
                            this State; & as I said before part of this expence must be provided for by borrowing. Should Congress think it
                            most expedient, that this State or the several States should cloth their own troops, and credit them for the expence in
                            the present requisition, I am confident that if they give orders to this State, for this purpose, they will be immediately
                            executed.
                        Colonel Henly assures me that the goods are here, and that an immediate supply for the whole army can be
                            obtained—some have been offered him on credit—he has no orders to purchase.
                        To cloth all the troops of the continent can now I think be easily effected—The inclosed will shew your
                            Excellency what quantity of clothing has been lately sent on, and what remains on hand—I hope the matter will not be
                            delayed a single moment from an expectation of our receiving what we have in Europe or the West-Indies. The dangers of the
                            seas and the riske of capture are too great to justify the least suspension—indeed was it to arrive at the hour of our
                            procuring a full supply, should we even then have more on hand than sound policy would direct? I believe not but am rather of
                            opinion that a provident people, under our circumstances, would store three times the quantity. If on the whole we should
                            be ordered to cloth our own troops, I wish your Excellencys directions whether, if it can soon be effected, the recruits
                            should be detained in the mean time or marched on without delay to camp—In either case I conceive it will be necessary to
                            send a number of officers to Springfield, & to this Town, as those will probably be the two principal places, at
                            which the troops will rendezvous; for if we mean to keep them from straggling marauding and wasting their time they must
                            be sent in bodies under proper officers—It appears to me that it will be also necessary to detain some of the arms now
                            here, & which are ordered on, to be put into the hands of those on whom we can depend. They will serve as a guard
                            to others of a different character.
                        The General Court have ordered to each man one dollar a mile to enable him to march to camp; but it is so far
                            short of the real expence, that it will answer no valuable purpose—Indeed if it was adequate, I think no good would arise
                            from the measure; for I am confident the men will not be got to camp, unless they are marched under the care of proper
                            officers, and different magazines established on the rout, at which the men can be regularly supplied. I think there
                            should be one in this town; one in Worcester, one in Springfield & one in Lichfield—If your Excellency should be
                            of opinion, that the measure is necessary, I wish you would suggest it to the Governor, who ever disposed to do right
                            doubts the propriety of his ordering these magazines from the specific articles called for by congress. If those are not
                            taken it will be difficult to establish them.
                        There are some matters to be attended to here in the military way, which seems to be the particular business
                            of your Excellency, as commander in chief or the commanding officer in a seperate department. Am I sir a senior officer
                            here competent to such business? If I am not, and further powers from your Excellency should be necessary, and you should
                            think proper to grant them I hope, if it can be avoided, an idea of my being commanding officer in this department will
                            not be held up. I have the honor to be My Dear General with every sentiment of regard and esteem your Excellencys most
                            obedient & most humble servant

                            B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Bezaliel Woodward, 25 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Woodward, Bezaliel

                            Gentlemen
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 25th Decemr 1780

                        I have received the representations signed by you, in behalf of your respective towns, by Brigadier General
                            Bayley, to whom I have communicated my situation in regard to Troops, and consequently of my inability to send any part of
                            the Continental force to the assistance, of your Frontier—This being a matter of too delicate a nature to commit to paper,
                            in detail—I must refer you to him generally—I have given an order for some ammunition to be delivered to General Bayley
                            for the Use of the Militia, which is all that is in my power to do just now. The collection of small private Magazines of
                            Flour at different places, and as far as convenience will admit from the reach of the Enemy, is what I would by all means
                            recommend to you. They will be essentially necessary for the support of your own Militia should circumstances require you
                            to embody them, and should you not have occasion, they may be always readily disposed of.
                        It would give me the greatest pleasure, were I furnished with the means, to afford succour and support to
                            every part of our extended Frontier, but you will be convinced, from the representation which I have made to General
                            Bayley and which he will communicate to you, that I am not at this time able to detach a man for the purposes which you
                            desire. I have the honor to be with great Respect Gentlemen yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 25 December 1780
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Fishkill 25h Decr 1780

                        Lieuts. Grant and Cook who were made Prisoners on the Surrender of Fort Washington and are now exchangd,
                            apply to me to be arrangd in the Connecticutt Line; on which I beg your Excellency’s Direction—these Gentlemen were
                            appointed Officers for the Army raisd in 1777 but being Prisoners were not Commissiond in the Regiments rais’d on the
                            present Establishment; they were noticed of, and accepted their Appointments; and after some Months waiting and no Exchange
                            appearing soon to take Place, the State appointed other Officers to those Ranks; and thus the Affair has rested until the
                            late Exchange when they apply to be admitted in to the Line of the Army—I recollect a Resolve of Congress I believe, in
                            1778, directing that Officers who were Prisoners and on their Exchange, should apply to the Governor of the State to which
                            they belong’d & signify their Desire to be cal’d to actual Service, should be intitled to pay & be
                            admitted into the Line in such Rank as they would have been intitled to, if they had continued in their respective
                            Regiments; under this Resolution these Gentlemen Claim—several of the first Lieutenants of the Connectt Line would wish to
                            go out on the present Establishment & some Captains; I beleive the Service will not be injurd by substituting
                            these Gentlemen in such Rank as they would have been intitled to in their ordinary Course of Promotion, if it can be done
                            with Propriety; your Excellency’s Direction will Satisfy the Parties concernd and Oblige your most Obedt Servt
                        Sam. H. Parsons

                            P.S. Upon Examination I find Mr Cook would have been intitled to the Command of a Company in Jany 1777;
                                I am not yet ascertaind of the Time Mr Grant would have been intitled. I beleive the Act of Congress intitles them to
                                their Commissions and pay, and it appears reasonable to me they should be intitled to equal Benefits with their
                                Brethren who have been promoted in the Regiments since their Captivity, nor can there be a Time in which they could be
                                introduced into Service with less Inconvenience than the present; if they can by that Resolve be commissiond the
                                Difficulty will be removd I am &c.

                            S.H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 25 December 1780
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Mount Kemble 25th Decr 1780

                        The accounts from New York are so complicated & Contradictory that very little Credit is to be given
                            to anything we hear, the present—a late embarkation (for it is yet a moot point) is the fourth
                                alteration of Corps & Commanders, within these three Weeks, which Induces me to believe,
                            that they only wish to amuse us by some trifling Manoeuvre, in order to mask the Grand Operation.
                        Upon the rect of the Inclosed letters, which was the Evening before last, I dispatched Majors Moore &
                            Faihbourn to Elizabeth Town, to Endiavour to come at the Certainty of the Fleets sailing, they returned late last Night,
                            & report that Twenty transports with three frigates, fell down towards the Hook the 20th, that Cols. Simcoe
                            & B. Robinson with the Caitiff Arnold went on board in the same boat the morning of the
                            20th—but as I have not yet rec’d any Intelligence from Amboy, where a Constant look out is kept, I am at a loss to
                            Determine whether they have saild or not, if they have their Numbers are but few & those composed of Simcoes (who Commands in chief) Robinson’s & some drafts from the Other new levies.

                            Arnold was Certainly in New York a Saturday afternoon i.e. the 23rd—a person who was present
                            when he Inlisted three refugees from Bergen, that day at 3 OClock, came out the same evening, with some Queries, to which
                            he recd the Inclosed Answer and Directions? I promise myself some Advantage, not from his fidelity or Virtue, but from his
                            Villainy.
                        I don’t know where the boats are but have directed Colo. Shreve to secure them in his rear, if not already in
                            a safe position.
                        I am endeavouring to form a chain of Intelligence, & will succeed if practicable—you may be assured
                            of rec’g the earliest Information of any move of the Enemy either by Land or Water that I am able to Obtain.
                        Permit me to wish you the Complements of the Season, may you see many Chrismasses, none less happy than the
                            present, & if possible equal to that of 1776. Yours most Sincerely

                            Anty Wayne

                            my best wishes to Mrs Washington Colo. Tilghman & the Gentn of the family, with a Chearful
                                Christmas.

                     Enclosure

                                Dear General
                                Head Quarters Elizth Town Decmr 22d 1780

                            I Write to Let you know that I am in Tolerable health tho I have a Troblesome post here. I have just
                                Recivd Some Intelegence from the Enemy, that their is Some Alteration in the imbarkation to what we
                                Last heard, but it is as followeth Vizt the Whole of the 80th Rigment of Beverly Robretsons New Rais’d Core, all
                                Simcoes horse & foot, with Ten men out of a Company of the forty Second Regiment. all on board Except Simcoes
                                horse who was fixing to go abord, in Eighteen Transports with three Ships of war to convoy them also Genl Arnold went
                                on board Wednesday the 20th but Simcoe is to be the main Commander to this Expedition, and the Conjecture is that they
                                are bound to the Southward and the Report is that they would Sail Next Sunday.I have Sent the New York papers of the
                                18th & 20th—the Enemy has shewed they Expect a fleet in to york Every Day—with five Thousand
                                Troops on board, Last Monday Night a party of the Refugees from Stratton Island Landed at or near halsted point and
                                Took their Rout Round by Mr Benyon in  following their old Trade of
                                Robing him Rusts & Returned back Down Tompsons Creek. one of our guards fired upon them near
                                the Creeks Mouth but unfortunatly Did not kill any of them the party was Commanded by Cornelious
                                Hetfield. Last Night Some Traiders going out of Elizth Town Creek fired upon our Sentry at the
                                point & Shot of his Right fore finger & throught his Right thigh Near his body three or four of the
                                guard Returned the fire but Do not know the event So I Conclud wishing you well I shall give you Every Assistance in
                                Leting you know any thing tht Comes to my hand I Remain Your friend & humbl. Servant

                                Jacob Crane Liet. Colo.

                                N.B. by Intelegence the Enemy’s fixing an Expedition against this Town & Intend to put it
                                    in Execution Very soon therfore beg your Assistance if possible Emmedeatly as I am very weak. Their force will be
                                    about Two hundred.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Elizth Town Decemr 22 1780

                            I Recivd yours of the 16 Without the Receait of two News
                                Papers, I Supose the Horse Man has Neglectted giving them, as he Did In Returning in three Days.
                            Since that I Recivd a Letter Witch I had an oppertunity of Sending to Colo. Dayton and had none to you,
                                Witch I Desird he might forward to Genll Wayne If he thought Proper, It Was from a Person that
                                formerly had been In our Intrest but I believe he is now bought from it, as the biger part of our Spyes are.
                            I have this Minute a Person From the Other Side that Saw Genll Arnold go abord yesterday He says their
                                    Is 18 Transports, now Ready to Sail With two Convoys the Whole of the 80 Regt ten men of a Company of the 40th with Robisons & Simcoes
                                Hores & foot Mjr Simcoe is Ceartainly to Command them they are all to
                                Act as Light Infantry I Believe on Some Secret Expedition This appears to be a Considerable of a Contradiction from
                                the Last When Knphausen were to Command and two Battalions of Granidr & one of Infantry.
                            For My Part I Cant think they are Going Very far Southward I am More apt to believe some Stroke on
                                Jersey, as they Expect five thousand Troops from England soon.
                            I Send two papers of the 18th & 20 it Would be very Nesesary to have Persons Imployd for this
                                Purpose from Different Quarters, for My Part I Will Do every thing That is Posibl I Can Do but for fear of Deception
                                you had better agree to My Proposals. I am Sir yourH Servt

                                John Hendricks

                     Enclosure

                                    c.25 December 1780

                            Queries
                            1st Head Quarters—where & what troops about it.
                            2nd Places troops are Hutted at & numbers as near as you  can with the
                                Officers Commg.
                            3rd Their Cannon where posted their numbers & Size.
                            4th Their boats number & where.
                            5 an acct of the French & Expedition to Canada, & the
                             best accts from the Southward.
                             The last laws in Jersey past this fall.
                            vide
                            AnswersHead Quarters N. Windsor
                            1st covered with a Considerable number of troops.
                            2 Main army W. Point & its vicinity.
                            3 Jersey Brigade German Regt & other troops in Smiths
                                Clove & Ringwood Clove.
                            4th Boats—Secreted.
                             Pennsa troops near Morristown Commanded by Genl Wayne, about 3600 men.
                             three Redoubts with a Citidal in which are 6 pieces of Cannon Six & twelve pounders.
                            a strong Commanding Ground Guards & Sentries so Vigilant as to render it dangerous &
                                Difficult to approach.
                            Officers Haughty & men Insolent.
                            The french & Rebels have some Capital Operation in view—but can’t
                                determine where.
                            Qrs
                            The Regiments & Corps, together with the Numbers that Compose the present Embarkation, their
                                Destination & Commander.
                            The Corps & Number of troops on Staten Island, the Guards whether Judiciously posted &
                                Vigilant? if any landing an avenue is left unguarded & where.
                            The number of troops that Camp on the Garrison of Paulus Hook—a Sketch of the Works Number of Cannon
                                & where the Sally ports.
                            Try to put the Enemy upon attempting the Pennsa Line, by giving out that they are remiss in duty, badly Clothed, Injudiciously posted, discontent
                                &ca.
                            Give notice of their approach, to the end that measure may be taken, to prevent any possibility of the
                                Enemy effecting a retreat.


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 26 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 26th Decemr 1780

                        I have received your favor of the 20th By the incorporation of the 1st and 3d Regiments, the command of them
                            both devolves upon Colo. Vanschaick, and as the importance of Fort Schuyler requires an Officer of Rank, you will be
                            pleased to direct the Colonel himself to repair to that post and relieve Colonel Weisenfelds. You will also direct a
                            suitable number of Captains and Subs to replace those who are to retire. The Garrison should be kept up to about 250 Men.
                        Major Logan has come out of New York and I am told is expected here this day. I am not certain whether Lt
                            Colo. Bruin has yet come out. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Duane, 26 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Duane, James

                            My dear Sir,
                            New Windsor Decr 26th 1780

                        I received with much thankfulness your confidential letter of the 9th Instt, and am greatly obliged by the
                            affectionate expressions of personal regard which are contain’d in it—an unreserved communication of sentiments,
                            accompanying such information as you may be at liberty to give, will ever be pleasing to me, & cannot fail of being
                            useful—In this light I view, & value your last letter; some parts of which are new, agreable, &
                            instructive—while that part of it which relates to the transaction at the Court of V—— is wonderfully astonishing.
                        There are two things (as I have often declared) which in my opinion are indispensably necessary to the well
                            being and good government of our public affairs—these are—greater powers to Congress—and more responsibility &
                            permanency in the executive bodies—If individual States conceive themselves at liberty to reject, or alter any act of
                            Congress—which in a full representation of them—has been solemnly debated and decided on—it will be madness in us to think
                            of prosecuting the war—And if Congress suppose that boards composed of their own body, and always fluctuating, are
                            competent to the great business of War (which requires not only close application but a constant & uniform track
                            of thinking and acting) they will most assuredly deceive themselves—Many, many instances might be adduced in proof of
                            this, but to a mind as observant as yours there is no need to enumerate them—one however, as we feelingly experience it, I shall name—It is the want of cloathing, when I have every reason to be convinced,
                            that the expence which the public is run to in this article would cloath our Army as well as any Troops in Europe—In place
                            of which we have enumerable objects of most distressing want.
                        Necessity alone can justify the present mode of obtaining supplies—for besides the hazard &
                            difficulty we meet with in procuring them, I am well convinced that the public is charged with double what it receives—and
                            what it receives is doubly charged—so expensive & precarious is the present system—When the Army marched for
                            Winter quarters I visited the Hospitals and back communication from Pensylvania to this place—In the neighbourhood of
                            Pitts-town I fell in with a parcel of Cattle which were going to be Slaughtered and Salted, and can assure you upon my
                            honor, that besides being immensely poor, they were so small, that I am convinced they would not average (the four nett
                            quarters) 175 lbs.—some could not exceed one hundred weight—and others were mere Calves—These pass by the head, and the
                            State, or States that furnish them will have the reputation of supplying that number of Merchantable Bullocks; when the
                            fact is, that next summer a starving man would scarce eat the Beef (they were about to put up) after the Salt had
                            extracted the little fat and juices there in it—In the drove I saw, there were about an hundred—and my information
                            extended to about Eight or 900 more of the same kind, in the neighbourhood—I directed the Commissary to select the best for salting, and let the others be eaten fresh; as it would be a waste of Salt, Barrels,
                            & time to put it up—I relate this as a matter coming under my own observation—many other instances of a similer
                            nature might be given from information—but I avoid it.
                        This letter will accompany one to Congress on the Subject of promotion—That of lineal instead of Regimental,
                            I am perswaded, as well from the opinions I have heard, as from the reason & nature of the thing, will be most
                            consistent with justice, & most pleasing to each state line.
                        With respect to the rise of Colonels, & promotion of General officers I have no wish to gratify,
                            except that which I have expressed in my public letter of fixing some principle, to avoid discontent and the consequences
                            which flow from it—Irregular promotion, unless there is obvious cause for it, is not only injurious in any Service, but in
                            ours is derogatory of the dignity of Congress for the Officer who is superceded and afterwards restored, is hurt by the
                            first act, & does not feel himself obliged by the latter (considering it as an act of justice only) while the two acts
                            stand as an undeniable proof upon Record of there being no established principle—or that there is
                            wanting information—or a want of firmness in Congress to resist importunity; because the restoring act,
                            as I have observed before, is an incontestible proof of one or the other of these three things.
                        At present we are in no want of Major Generals—in this part of the army at least—but while I am on the
                            subject of promotion—and while the thing is in my mind I beg leave to mention, that if at any time hereafter there should
                            be a Brigadier, Junior to Gen. Knox, promoted before him, he will be lost to the service; though he should thereafter be
                            restored to his place—I mention it, because under the idea of State promotion he can never rise—and because I am well
                            perswaded that the want of him at the head of the artillery, would be irrepairable.
                        I cannot conclude without mentioning the case of Lieutt Colenel Smith as deserving of
                            notice, if a remedy can be applied—This Gentleman is of the remaining Sixteen Regiments and though one of the oldest, and
                            (without disparagement to others) one of the best Battalion officers of the whole line, must
                            quit the Service without a chance for staying, although he is extremely anxious to do so. He has, during the last campaign,
                            been in the Inspectorate department, where I think he may still be continued, with his present
                            rank, without injury to any one—to his own satisfaction—and the public benefit—without locating his Services to any
                            particular Corps, but to be employed as circumstances may require.
                        Mrs Washington, impressed with a grateful sense of your kind intention of accompanying her to Trenton, joins
                            me in thanks for it, & complimts to you—Mr Tilghman (the only person of my family at this moment with me) also
                            presents his Complimts—with every sentiment of perfect esteem & regard I am—Dr Sir yr most Obt, obligd, &
                            affece Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Galvan, 26 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Galvan, William

                            Sir
                            New Windsor 26th Decemr 1780

                        I have perused the letter and Certificate you were pleased to put into my hands last Evening. I am sorry that
                            I cannot, consistently with my own Ideas, recommend you for further promotion at this time. My sentiments on this head you
                            are already acquainted with, from what has passed between us, and from what I wrote to Congress or the Board of War last
                            Winter or Spring—I have, as I then observed, a very high opinion of your merit and military talents, and hope they will
                            not go unrewarded—but such rapid promotion as you sollicit, without some very obvious cause, would afford ground of
                            complaint to officers of older standing than yourself in the Army.
                        At the time that I make this declaration, I think it incumbent upon me to add—that tho’ I cannot promote your
                            application to Congress or the Board of War for preferment, I have not the smallest objection to your making it yourself,
                            and claiming the compliance with a promise already obtained from the latter.
                        It is not your present Rank, I believe, that would be a bar to your being appointed Inspector of Cavalry. If
                            there is any, it is your not being of the Corps—One of the Majors of the line of Horse, having, by the Regulations, a
                            right to insist upon the appointment. It is my wish, if it can be accommodated, to see you in that office, because I think
                            you well qualified to discharge the duties of it. I am with Esteem, and Regard Sir yr &c


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 26 December 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Philadelphia december the 26th 1780

                        Clel Laurens having Been Appointed By Congress to Go to France and Sollicit succours for the Next Campaign he
                            has also been directed to take your orders at head quarters. I am By order of Congress to have A Conference with him, and
                            intend Giving him Many letters for france. As in your instructions to Laurens the presence of one who Knows these people
                            May be Agreable to You, I Shall set out for head Quarters friday or saturday Morning.
                        Some officers who are arriv’d from Newyork Report that An Embarkation of eighteen hundred men has Sail’d a
                            few days Ago.
                        A Vessel from Havanna Arriv’d yesterday By which we Learn that the Pensacola expedition has Much Suffered in
                            the Storm. Sixteen hundred men are Arriv’d at Campîche. The Remainder of the transports has Not Yet Been heard of. The
                            ships of the Line put Back into Havanna But were Nearly Refitted and Going to pursue the Same operation. Nothing about St
                            Augustine. The Governor writes only two lines to Francisco Rendon and promises a longer Letter By the
                            Return of a dispatch Boat. I have Communicated these intelligences to Gal Greene By an express that Was just Going.
                        In expecting the pleasure of Seeing You Before long, I have the honor to be, My dear General Your most
                            affectionate friend and humble servant

                            Lafayette

                            In the Virginia Gazette there is an extract of A letter from an officer at the Southern Camp
                                Mentionning the defeat of Tarleton By Sumpter. Each of them had (it is said) from six to
                                seven hundred men. I Beg, my Dear General, You will present My Respects to Mrs Washington and Remember me to the
                                Family.


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 27 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 27th Decr 1780

                        I have nothing to communicate, but that the detachment, which I mentioned in mine of the 13th, on board about
                            twenty transports fell down to the Hook on the 19th and it is supposed went to sea the same day. The numbers in this
                            detachment are variously reported—the Grenadiers and Light Infantry were once under orders, but they were countermanded
                            and other Corps substituted. I have little doubt of their being bound to the southward, and I should think they would not
                            send under two thousand, from the appearance of the situation of their affairs in that quarter. Whenever I gain more
                            certain intelligence, it shall be transmitted to you by Dear Sir your most obt and humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                            Dear Hamilton,
                             27 December 1780

                        Your letter of the 19th came safe by the Doctr, who set out this morning for Philadelphia.
                        I had, previous to the receipt of it, and without knowing that the Board of War had given any direction
                            respecting the Armory at Albany, requested the Governor to exempt (if he could do it with propriety) the Citizens who were
                            employed in it, from Military Services in cases of alarm, and had written to Genl Clinton to direct the Quartr Master to
                            afford such assistance in his power to have the works repaired, & the business as far as depended upon him
                            accelerated. I have now given order for delivery of such hides as Mr Ranselaer shall find absolutely necessary for the use of the Armoury.
                        Altho a trip to Albany, on more accts than one, would be perfectly agreeable to my wishes; I am so far from
                            having it in my power at this time, to fix a period for this gratification of them that I have but
                            small hope of accomplishing it at all this Winter. There are some matters in suspence, which may make a journey to Rhode
                            Island necessary; but as the subject is not fit for a letter, I shall with–hold the communication till I see you.
                        A second embarkation has taken place at New York—the strength of the detachment,
                            & its destination are vaguely reported, & no certainty under whose
                            command it goes. Arnold is said to be of it, from whence the Connecticutions conclude that New haven or New london, must
                            infallibly be the object, while more rational conjectures send it to the Southward; from whence no late
                            accts have been received.
                        Mrs Washington most cordially joins me, in compliments of congratulations to Mrs Hamilton & yourself,
                            on the late happy event of your marriage & in wishes to see you both at head Quarters. We beg of you to present
                            our respectful compliments to Generl Schuyler, his Lady & Family & offer them strong assurances of the
                            pleasure we should feel, at seeing them at New Windsor. With much truth and great personal regard I am Dr Hamilton Yr
                            affecte. frd & Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 27th Decr 1780

                        In my letter of the 13th instant, I did myself the honor to inform Congress, that an embarkation was
                            preparing at New York, and that it was to consist, in part, of the British Grenadier’s and Light Infantry. I have since
                            learned, from some of our Officers who have been exchanged, that those Corps were once under embarkation orders, but that
                            there had been a change, and others substituted in their room. I have not yet been able to ascertain the Corps, but they
                            amount, by the best accounts to about 2500. The Fleet, with those troops on board, fell down to the Hook on Wednesday
                            last, and, as the wind was fair, it is thought they went to sea the same day or the next. My distance from New York
                            prevents me from obtaining so frequent intelligence as before, but I hope, in a few days, to hear of their real Force and
                            destination. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt and hble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I have recd your Excellency’s favr of the 16th the Resolve of the 12th respecting the Garrison at
                                Wyoming shall be complied with.


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Sheldon, 27 December 1780
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Northhampton Decr 27th 1780

                        Your Excellency’s favors of the 8th & 17th Instant have been duly recd. In obedience to the orders
                            contained in the Latter I have marched my Regt to the Towns of Northampton, Hatfield and Hadley, where to appearance, we
                            can be plentifully supplied with Forage, unless the want of money should frustrate our hopes. I have established my Qrs at
                            this Place where I hope to Remain, unless the Civil Authority should determine on another movement--I am happy to assure
                            Your Excellency that your Letter to Governor Trumbull relating to the measures pursued by the Civil Authority respecting
                            my Regt had a very happy effect. I was at Hartford soon after it was recd and was rejoiced to find many members of the
                            Assembly ashamed of their Conduct in the above particular.
                        I have the Honor to inclose also the Return called for in your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th—My Regt having
                            been constantly on the march has prevented their being made out before.
                        I have no Expectation of obtaining any Horses or furniture from the State of Connecticut, as they esteem this
                            wholly a Continental affair but in point of men, I trust they will furnish our Compliment. I have the Honor to be, with
                            the greatest Regard your Excellencys Most obt and very Humble Sert

                            Elisha Sheldon Col. 2 L.D.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Van Rensselaer, 27 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Van Rensselaer, Philip

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 27th Decr 1780

                        I am informed by Colo. Hamilton that the Board of War have it in contemplation to break up the Armoury at
                            Albany, or put it upon some other foundation. This was the first I had heard of it. I will make enquiry into the matter,
                            and, if possible, have a Work of so much utility continued at so convenient a place as Albany—Colo. Hamilton also
                            mentioned that you were in want of leather for the Works, but could not obtain it without a special order. I for that
                            reason inclose one on the Deputy Commy of Hydes to supply you with the quantity necessary.
                        I am pleased to find by the letter which accompanied your last Return, that you had got the Armourers to work
                            again. I am &c.


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

                            Thursday December 28th 1780
                            Parole.
                            Countersigns

                        At a General court martial whereof Lieutenant Colonel Forest was President held by order of the Honorable the
                            Board of War in Philadelphia the 6th of December 1780.
                        Mr Thomas Dewees Barrack master was tried on the following charges vizt
                        1st "Neglect of duty."
                        2d "For a partial distribution of wood."
                        3d "For undertaking an office he was not qualified to hold having never taken the Oath of Allegiance to the
                            United States or any particular State."
                        4th "For not taking the Oath of Office before he acted according to a resolution of Congress of the 15th of
                            July last."
                        5th For selling public wood to the prejudice of the service."

                        The Court after having maturely considered the Evidence both for and against the Prisoner do acquit him of
                            the first second and third charges but find him Guilty of the two last charges and considering the extensive and
                            pernicious nature of the last charge do sentence him under the Resolution of Congress of the 22d of August 1780 passed
                            particularly for the purpose of punishing delinquents in the Quarter masters Commissary’s and Cloathier’s departments to be
                            Cashiered and rendered incapable of holding any future office in the Service of the United States of America and that his
                            crime of selling public Wood and his Sentence be published three times in each of the English and German Newspapers in
                            order to prevent in future the commission of Such crimes for Fear of this or the like Infamy attending them.
                        The Commander in Chief Approves the Sentence and Orders it to take place.