Title: General Orders, 8 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 8th 1779.
    Parole Montgomery—C. Signs Milo Milton.

At a General Court-Martial held near Fish-Kill November 9th 1778. Colonel John Neville President.
Colonel Thomas Price commanding the 2nd Maryland Regiment, was tried on the following charges (viz.)
1stly—Cowardice on York-Island in the face of the Enemy.
2ndly—Disgraceful behaviour in refusing to take command, at Hackinsack of the regiment late Smallwoods when ordered to Fort-Lee.
3rdly—Scandalously leaving Hackinsack at 12 ôClock at night, when raining, on the report of the enemies approach.
4thly—Disgracefully leaving Kingston on the approach of the enemy.
5thly—Cowardice at Brandewine.
6thly—Cowardice at Germantown.
7thly—Ungentlemanlike behaviour in not complying with his promise, to leave the service, made at a court of Inquiry at White-Marsh, by which he induced many of the Witnesses thro’ compassion to suppress their evidence.
After maturely considering the charges and evidence and defence, The Court do acquit Colonel Thomas Price of the 4th 5th and 6th charges; They also acquit him with honor of the 1st 2nd 3rd & 7th charges.
Major General Lord Stirling, Commander in Chief in the Jersies confirms the sentence of the Court and orders Colonel Price to be released from his Arrest.
Lieutenant Robert Porterfield of the 7th Virginia Regiment is to do the duty of Brigade Major ’till further orders in General Woodford’s Brigade, Brigade Major Porterfield being absent.


Title: From George Washington to George Measam, 8 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Measam, George

    sir.
    Head Quarters [Philadelphia] 8th Jany 1779

It has been represented to me that the troops of Connecticut are in great want of Shirts Stockings and Shoes—This leads me to inquire of you whether they have not received their proportion of these Articles in common with the rest of the Army—The troops in general have obtained orders for a Shirt and pair of Stockings per man—and a pair of Shoes to each that wanted—If the Connecticut Troops have not been furnished with a similar order, or the order in their favor has not been complied with—you will on receiving proper Returns for that purpose supply them in conformity to this Rule.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 8 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

    My Lord
    Philadelphia 8th January 1779

  When a distribution of Cloathing was made in the Fall, it was found that there would be a considerable deficiency of Blankets in particular; I was therefore under the necessity of only delivering a certain proportion to each Corps at that time, intending after all the troops had been served in the first instance, to collect an exact Return of all the remaining Blankets and to distribute them equally. Some of the Corps to the Eastward (altho’ they had a full proportion before) have conceived that they were not put upon an equal footing with their neighbours, and seem apprehensive that the remaining stock will be delivered to the troops at Middle Brook. To remove all grounds of uneasiness, I intend, immediately upon my return to Camp, to obtain an exact account of what Blankets are upon hand and deliver them out to the whole Army in proportion to their wants. I would therefore wish you to give the Deputy Cloathier orders to prepare a Return not only of the Blankets but of the other Articles in his Store, but not to

    issue any of them except upon my order; because as I am possessed of the account of what was delivered to the different Corps in the first instance, I can check any attempts to obtain more than their just proportion in the second.
I have received such repeated information of the trade that is carried on between Monmouth and New York by carrying in provision and bringing back Goods to a very great amount, that I find there is an absolute necessity of sending down a party to that Quarter, to put a stop to the intercourse. Be pleased therefore to order about 250 Men from the line properly officered under the command of a Feild officer to go immediately upon that service: I am not sufficiently acquainted with the Country to point out the proper station for those troops, and I must therefore leave it to your Lordship to gain the proper information, if it does not already come within your knowledge. The Officer should be fully informed of the object of his command, and strictly enjoined not to suffer any property to be seized but upon the strongest probability of its being intended for the use of the Enemy.
There will be no necessity of Major Howells remaining in Monmouth after this party gets down; be pleased therefore to direct him to join his Brigade with the Men that are with him as soon they arrive, and desire the Officer who relieves him, to follow the same mode of communicating any movements of the enemy’s shipping or any other intelligence he may obtain. Major Howell should be directed to make the Officer acquainted with the proper persons to be employed and any other steps necessary to be taken to answer the purpose of procuring intelligence.
Since beginning my letter I am favd with yours of the 3d and 4th instants. should the News of Count D’Estaings falling in with the Cork fleet prove true it will be most interesting to him and distressing to the Enemy. I am my Lord yrs.


Title: General Orders, 9 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 9th 1779
    Parole Newtown—C. Signs Narva. Nancy.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 9 January 1779
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Albany [N.Y.] Jany 9th 1779

In my Last of the 2d Instant I Informed Your Excellency that the Six Nations had Sent A Message to the Oneidas Requesting them to forsake the Intrest of the United States and Join the Confederacy I Inclosed the Coppy of their Invitation and the Oneidas Answer.
  Since which time Another Letter hath Arrived from the Commanding officer in that Quarter which Mentions that the Oneidas had Received A Second Message from the Ceingas Informing them that they are Determined to Strike Some Capital Blow this winter Which has been further Confirmed by A Letter from Joseph Brant to one of the Oneida Warriors in which he Invites him and his Adherents to

    Join the Six Nations & thereby Avoid the Danger to which his tribe is Exposed.
In Consequence of the Above threatning Message the Oneida Chiefs Came to this Town a few Days Ago and had a treaty with the Commissioners they Delivered A Large Belt and Message the purport of which was that they had every Reason to Expect an Atack Dureing the Course of the Next Month that in their Present Situation they are Unable to withstand their force which they Expect the Enemy will bring Against them that they mean firmly to Adhere to the Engagements they have Made with the United States that they are Desirous to throw themselves on the Americans for Protection And that if they Cannot be Assisted in Building A Picket Fort they Must Remove within the Line of our Setlements to Secure them Against the Resentment of the Six Nations.
After Consulting with Genl Schuyler I have Ordered A party of fifty Men Properly Officered to be Sent from the Garrison of Fort Schuyler to Assist them in Building the Above Fort which I Expect will Shortly be Acomplished as the Indians have Already cut great part of the Timber I have also Ordered Quarter M. Genl to Send Up Such Articles as maybe Necessary and in Case of an Attack I have Ordered 25 or thirty men be Posted there to Assist in Defending it.
Altho I have Disposed of the troops Now in this Department to the best Advantage or at Least as far as my Judgment extended I find them Vastly inadequate to the purpose of Covering the Frontiers and doing the Ordinary duty the Repeated Application for more men particularly from the Inhabitants of the Mohawk River Are So Numerous that I am Apprehensive if A Suply is not Sent them they will Remove down in the Country the Inconvenience of which are too Obvious to Need Particularizing the terms of Inlistment of Several of the Nine Months Men will Expire in A Short time by which the Numbers here at present will be Considerably Decreased.
I must Repeat my Desire to Your Excellency to have a Suply of Amunition Sent up as Soon as possible it is Much wanted. I have the Honor to be With the Greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Humble Sert

  James Clinton B. Genl


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 9 January 1779
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

    Hond Sir:
    Mount Vernon, January 9th 1779.

  In my last, dated at Williamsburg, I promised to send you a copy of the act for recruiting the Army, but am disappointed by the tardiness

    of our printer; who had not printed the acts, that were ordered for the press immediately, when I left Town.
  Col. Mason promised to bring the several express, but, according to his usual custom he has not yet arrived at Gunston; altho’ the assembly broke up the 20th Ultimo. The Assembly have exploded the Draft, and have increased the bounty in money to four hundred dollars, during the war, and three hundred for three years. The bounty in land remains as it was. This bounty is extended to those in camp who will reenlist; and, to those who have enlisted for the war, their bounty will be made up to four hundred dollars. If this exorbitant bounty answers the desrd purpose, I shall not think it misapplied: but, I do assure you, I <have> but little hopes that men can be purchased; even at so high a price.
  Our money is so depreciated, and the mind<s> of the people are so depraved, by gaming and every other species of vice, that virtue seems to have taken his departure from Virginia, in general; and, it is with much real Concern and shame that I confess there are but very few of my Countrymen who deserve the glorious appellation of virtuous.
  The Assembly have laid an assessment at one per cent, upon all property, which is to be valued as it will sell. Thus, we shall pay sev<en> or eight pounds for every negro that is likely, as they now sell for as many hundreds. Land, and every taxable article, in proportion. This assessment, it is supposed, will bring into the treasury two millions. I hope this sum, being taken out of circulation, will stamp a value on what remains. The expenses of Government amount to eight hundred thousand pounds per annum. An act was also passed which will aid the former in restoring the value of our money, and will be fatal to many of the Counterfeiters. Sixteen of that fraternity had been Committed to the public jail, since the passing of the act, and before I left Williamsburg; and I do not doubt that the number is increased. Most, if not all, will suffer death: as the act constitutes counterfeiting the State or Continental Currency, or passing the same, Knowing it to be had, death; without benefit of Clergy.
I have now mentioned the principal acts passed, that are not altogether local, in hopes the information may be agreeable to you.
  With love to my mother, if with you, I remain, honored Sir, Your most affectionate

    John Parke Custis


Title: To George Washington from James Duane, 9 January 1779
From: Duane, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Phil. 9th Jany 1779

In order to give Dispatch to the several Matters mentiond in your Excellency’s Report to the Committee it is proposed to offer Resolutions to Congress on the Heads you enumerate. We wish that the Remedy may be effectual and think it happy that we can be favourd with your Assistance: We therefore request that you will be pleased to point out what ought to be done with respect to the Arrangement of the Army—the Department of Artillery & Ordinance—the Cloathing Departmt the Inspectorship & the Branch of Engineers.
Indeed we think it woud be adviseable to vest the Commander in Chief with power to make these & every other Arrangement for the good Government of the Army by forming a compleat System to be adopted by Congress as their Act: We submit this last Suggestion to your Excellency’s Consideration being unwilling to throw any Burthens upon you which may be disagreeable. I have the Honour to be Sir Your Excells most Obedient humble Servant

  Jas Duane


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 9 January 1779
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    War Office [Philadelphia] Jany 9. 1779.

  Justice and the Public Interest require that all Allowances engaged to the Army should be punctually paid; We regret that the precautions which sometimes seem necessary to prevent frauds to the United States, often cause such Delays as eventually deprive the Soldiers of the Benefits promised them; We are led to make these Observations from the present Application of a pay Master in Behalf of two Connecticutt Regiments for the Monies due for the Deficiences of the Bounty Cloathing for the year 1777. His Accounts appear extreemly fair, and

    he seems to have taken every Step in his power to ascertain those Deficiencies; for besides the Captains Returns which are the Basis of those Accounts, he says he has been at the pains of examining every Officer, Searjeant and private Man of the Companies where there was any Doubt or Uncertainty—His Credit of Cloathing received, far exceeds the Charges in the Books of the Clothier General; and here lies the difficulty, Cloathes have been issued by so many different hands, in many Cases Independant of each other, that without Collecting Returns from each State, the Quantities Issued cannot be determined. The Getting Such returns would be attended with considerable Delays, and afterwards many Difficulties would remain—Perhaps after an Officer had given his Receipt for Cloathing, part might be lost, or Embezzled by the Waggoners & others, and part by other means, so that the Soldiers never Reced them.
This Morning we confered with the Honble Board of Treasury on the Subject, when it was concluded to state the matter to your Excellency, and request your Sentiments Concerning the speediest Method of determining the dues of the non Commissioned Officers & Soldiers for Deficiences in their Cloathing for the Year 1777, with a reasonable Degree of Certainty to prevent great Frauds to the States.
One other Application we request your Opinion upon—the No. Carolina Dragoons demand the Extra Months pay allowed the Army under your Excellency’s Immediate Command, in Consideration of the Hardships they sustained in a late Campaign, and afterwards Hutting at Valley Forge. These Dragoons do not seem to us to come within the Description of the Resolve; but if any under Circumstances not more Meritorious, have Recd the Allowance, these should not be denied it. We have the Honor to be, with great Respect your Excellency’s most obedient servants. By order of the board

  Tim. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Barrell, 10 January 1779
From: Barrell, Joseph
To: Washington, George

    Honble Sir
    Boston 10th January 1779

The privateer Brig Vengeance, having had the good fortune to capture the Eagle Packet from N. York for England with several officers of high rank in the British service on board; the Captain has deliverd his prisoners to the British Consel in the Bay of Biscay, and taken his receipt & Obligation that there shall be deliver’d to your Excellency in America, as many officers of equal rank; this Obligation if not already, will be forwarded to your Excellency, and I hope you will not deem it forward in me (as I am a considerable Owner of the Privateer) that I take this early opportunity to mention to your Excellency my friend and brother in Law, Colo. Saml Webb, now a prisoner in New York, where he has long suffer’d; and that this opportunity may not pass without his Exchange, even if there should not be a full Colo. amongst the prisoners (tho the Accot says there was 4 of that rank on board the packet[)] I think no one can have the least objection to this exchange, altho’ it should not be Colo. Webbs turn, when they consider that this is a private Vessel, and having fought a Valiant Battle, this favor is all that I as an owner expect to reap by it, as the packet is no doubt either retaken or lost not having yet arrived.
I submit my request to the Justice of your Excellency, & rest with firm hopes it will be granted. I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt and Very Humble Servt

  Joseph Barrell


Title: To George Washington from Edward Hand, 10 January 1779
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Edward Hand, 10 Jan. 1779. In a letter to GW dated 15 Jan., Hand referred to “my letter to your Excellency of the 10th”; GW acknowledged receipt of the 10 Jan. letter on 7 February.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 10 January 1779
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    War Office Sunday Morning 10th Jany 1779

At the Desire of Mr Duane I send your Excellency sundry Papers relative to the Western Expedition under Genl McIntosh. Should it be in our Power to give any further Information it will be immediately communicated on Request. No authentic Intelligence has been received at this Office from Genl McIntosh since his March from Beaver Creek but we hear after leaving a Garrison at that Post where he has built a strong Fortification he has proceeded to Cohocking or Tuscarawas where he is also erecting a Fort & means to take up his Quarters there during the Winter. The last Dispatches we sent to him were by John Dodge who was appointed Interpreter to the Department & was reccommended to Genl McIntosh to be employed in such Way as he thought most adviseable. The Conduct of this Expedition has been chiefly left to the Genls Discretion except in some Instances where the Board have interfered. Particularly in forbiding the Execution of a Plan the Genl had formed of establishing a Chain of small Posts which in our Opinion would have been tedious expensive & ruinous. We also signified to him that we thought he should take Post if possible for the Winter on some of the Waters leading into Lake Erie as his Men might be employed in building Batteaus during the Winter—But whether our Letter will arrive so as to be of any Use we know not. Cohocking or Tuscarawas is an inland Place & serves to protect our Friends of the Delaware Nation. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Your very obed. Servt

    Richard PetersIn Behalf of the Board

No General Return of the Troops has been transmitted—It is supposed the whole of Genl McIntosh’s Force does not exceed (if so many) twelve hundred, about half whereof are regular Troops.


Title: General Orders, 11 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 11th 1779.
    Parole Pym—C. Signs Pool. Paris.


Title: From George Washington to James Duane, 11–12 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duane, James

    Sir:
    Philadelphia 11[–12]th Jany 1779.

I have perused the letter which you did me the honor to write—containing several subjects of consideration refered by Congress to the Committee of conference—and on which you desire my opinion.
As I am not yet furnished with sufficient data relative to the first head—it will be necessary to defer touching it—until I can by means of the board of war inform myself more fully of the object of the expedition—the orders or instructions given to General McIntosh, and some other fundamental points.
I pass therefore to that which regards the Commissary of Prisoners—His Letter to Congress evidently proves the necessity of prescribing a proper line of conduct to him—which in my opinion will be sufficiently pointed out in the following instructions—vizt. To reside at the Head Quarters of the Army To make no Exchanges but such as are directed by the Congress, the board of War or the Commander in chief—(the directions of the two former to pass through the hands of the latter.) and whenever he has occasion to send a Flag into the Enemys Lines with Provision for prisoners, or on any other business—to make application to the Commander in chief—who will judge of the cause, and the propriety in point of time.
The exclusive privilege which Mr Beatty seems to require of regulating the intercourse by Flag—both with regard to the object and the time of sending them, astonishes me—it would give him powers which no Commissary of Prisoners has ever yet been vested with—they might be dangerous—and certainly are unnecessary—as the Commissary can have no business in the course of his Office with which the Commander in chief ought to be unacquainted.
  In order to preserve harmony and correspondence in the System of the Army—there must be a controuling power to which the several Departments are to refer—if any department is suffered to act independently of the Officer commanding—collision of orders and confusion in affairs will be the inevitable consequence—this induces

    me to repeat that all orders from Congress or the board of War to any department or Officer should be communicated thro the Commander in chief—or in the case of a separate Command—thro’ the Commandant.
It was absolutely necessary that the open and free intercourse with New York which I found prevailing on my arrival at Elizabeth Town—the 1st December—should be restrained—and I gave positive orders to General Maxwell to suffer no persons to pass unless they had previously obtained permission from the Governors of the respective States, or myself—and I requested Governors Livingston and Reed to fix on the 1st day of every month for this purpose, to which they readily acceded.
12th. Since writing as above I have endeavoured to gain every information relative to the Western Expedition—but have not been able to arrive at such a knowlege of the State of Affairs in that quarter—and the present views of the Commanding Officer as are essential to founding an explicit opinion.
The object of the expedition was to give peace and security to our frontiers by expelling the Indians and destroying their principal point of Support—In prosecuting a Plan for this purpose, much expence has already been incurred—and the end is not yet obtained—neither is it in my power to determine from any thing that has been communicated to me, in what train the operations are—But it appears to me that previous to renouncing the expedition, the Commanding Officer should be consulted—and that a sudden Abandonment of the Undertaking would occasion not only the sinking of the whole expence without reaping any benefit—but likewise on the other hand, give confidence to our enemies—and expose us to more frequent and destructive inroads.
By General McIntosh’s Letters to the Board of War &c.—it appears evidently that he has been disappointed in his expectation of men, provision and Stores—His orders seem to have been precise, his anxiety great—and tho he may not have advanced agreeably to his own expectation and the views of Congress—yet as a certain progress has been made—as the causes which gave rise to the expedition still exist—and Security to our Frontiers is not to be obtained by a defensive Plan—my Sentiments with respect to his future conduct from the light in which I view the matter, are these:
  That General McIntosh should (if he has not already done so) decide finally whether with his present force, provision, stores, prospect of supplies and means of transportation—he can advance to Detroit—and whether the advantages or disadvantages of a Winter Expedition preponderate—If these should be determined in the affirmative—his plan should be prosecuted with vigour—if in the

    negative—the Militia should be discharged—every useless mouth dismissed—and the Winter spent in forming Magazines—building batteaux, or such Canoes as can be transported into Lake Erie, by way of Scioto or le boeuf—and will serve to coast it in, when there—a time and place should be appointed for rendezvous in the spring, of such farther force, as shall be judged necessary for the operations of the Campaign—effectual measures to be taken in the mean time, to secure such force—I do not conceive that more pointed directions than these, can be given at this time—unless General McIntosh’s Situation and Views were better understood.
My Ideas of contending with the Indians have been uniformly the same—and I am clear in opinion—that the most oeconomical (tho’ this may also be attended with great expence) as well as the most effectual mode of opposing them—where they can make incursions upon us—is to carry the war into their own Country—For supported on the one hand by the british, and enriching themselves with the spoils of our people—they have every thing to gain and nothing to lose—while we act on the defensive—whereas the direct reverse would be the consequence of an offensive war on our part.
The Western Expedition upon the present Plan, stands unconnected with any other—consequently General McIntosh looked only to one object, and doubtless pursued the Route which in his judgement led most easily to it—but considering that his operations and those to the Northward might have a correspondence—if his are delayed ’till the Spring—they might be varied so as to answer his object as well if not better—and they would at the same time favor the other expedition.
The Establishing Posts of Communication which the General has done for the Security of his convoys—and Army in case of accident—is a proceeding grounded on military practice and Experience—these works do not appear to have occasioned any additional expence. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Duane, 11 January 1779
From: Duane, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Philad. 11th Jany 1779

  The enclosed papers have this day been referred to the Committee of Conference with your Excellency: Not with any View to the

    immediate Contents of those papers: but to introduce a general Enquiry whether Humanity & policy demand from Congress a further proposition for the Exchange of Prisoners? Upon this great Point we wish in a free Conference to consider the State of the Prisoners on both sides & to have the Opinion of the Commander in Chief. I am with the greatest Respect Sir your Excellency’s most Obedient humble Servant

  Jas Duane


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 11 January 1779
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

    on Board of the Alliance of[f] Bostonthe 11th january 1779

The Sails are just going to be hoisted, My dear General, and I have But the time of taking my last leave from you—I may now be Certain that Congréss did not intend to Send Any thing more By me—The Navy Board, and Mister Nevill write me this very morning from Boston that the North River is passable, that a gentleman from Camp Says he di’nt hear of any thing like an express for me—all agree to be Certain that Congress think I am gone, and that the Sooner I’ll go will be the Better.
Farewell, my dear General, I hope your french friend will ever be dear to you, I hope I Schall Soon See you again, And tell you myself with what emotion I now leave the Coast you inhabit, and with what affection, and Respect I’ll for ever be, my dear General Your Respectfull and Sincere friend

    lafayette

be So kind as to present My Respects to Mrs washington and my Compliments to all the family.


Title: General Orders, 12 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 12th 1779.
    Parole Queensborough—C. Signs Queda. Quinton.

The Deputy Clothier is immediately to make return into the Orderly-Office of all the blankets, of every species of clothing and of any other articles he has on hand.
Captain Thomas Marsh Forman is appointed Aide-De-Camp to Major General Lord-Stirling in the room of Major Monro, resigned the 20th of December last, and is to be regarded and obeyed as such.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 12 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

    Sir
    Philadelphia 12th Jany 1779

  The day I left Middle Brook I recd the two inclosed letters of the 8th Decemr from Major General Phillips to which I returned an answer dated the 25th which you have also inclosed. I imagined this would have put an end to any further applications of the same nature. But I yesterday recd the inclosed letters from Lord Stirling and

    Mr McHenry one of my Secretarys by which you will perceive that General Phillips still persists in the desire of a negociation for the Exchange of the Convention Troops. I do not apprehend that any good can possibly result from a conference between persons unauthorised to treat, more especially as the views of Congress and Sir Henry Clinton have been so clearly understood upon the late meeting of Commissioners at Amboy. As I would not wish to take any further Steps in this Business without the directions of Congress, I must beg the favr of your Excelly to lay the inclosed before them and obtain their Resolution upon the Contents.
Capt. Bibby, the Bearer of Genl Phillips’s dispatches, is also charged with a letter to Congress upon a matter of personal concern, which letter I imagine he wishes to present himself, as he would not send it forward. He waits at Middle Brook for an answer, which, as I shall be under the necessity of postponing untill I have the determination of Congress, I shall be glad to be favd with as speedily as possible. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 12 January 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 12th Jany 1779

Your Excellencys Favour of the 8th Inst. came safe to hand last night, accompany’d with the News papers. I like the scheme of Sending in the Flags once every month with the Inhabitants, provided that if the Enemy will not receive them on that day, or the next day, or two, as the Boats and weather m[a]y sute, in such case I might inform them, or order that they quit the town, and return to their Homes.

  This Town has realy been distressed with them this fall, by their long stay here before they would be permited to pass to New York; <one> of them after staying here above six week<s was> obliged to return home without obtaning leave to pass over. There is another great inconveniency that attends their halting here so long. Viz. Above three parts in four at least that makes application to go within the Enemys Lines are disafected; and as Birds of a feather will roost together, their staying here so long makes them acquainted with all their own sort, and by the time they get into New York, they are nearly as well acquaint<ed> with our circumstances as we are our selves: or at least they emajin they are.
By sending them home when once refused they would not get so well acquainted with our affairs, and as they generally refuse those of the whigish principals when they are at full leasure to consider the matter, or that they have no interest in the other sid[e] to solisset for them. I think in the manner I propose they would be obliged to take in all, for fear they might disapoint some of their friends.
There is some of the Cork Fleet arived, some says 7 or 8 Vessels. They talk of paying us a visit in the Jersey and burning all before them, but I believe it is a Tory party; which they please them selves with in a heavy hour. You have inclosed the latest York paper and a Letter for Coll Henry that it might go shure and safe From a friend of his and am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servant

  Wm Maxwell


Title: General Orders, 13 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] January 13th 1779.
    Parole RodolphusC. Signs Random. Raval.

A subaltern from the Pennsylvania line and one from Muhlenberg’s Brigade to be sent immediately to Brunswick to superintend the sick in the hospitals at that place.
They will receive orders from Coll Beauford who is now there.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 13 January 1779
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Albany [N.Y.] Jany 13th 1779

Your’s of the 20th December came to hand after an Interval of twenty days. Immediately on the receipt of it I dispatched a Messenger to Major Posey, with your Excellency’s Letter, requesting him to repair to Head Quarters without Loss of time.
As to his Corps, tho’ I am equally desirous with you that they shoud join their Corps as they are composed of different Regiments & very ill cloathed—yet the Scarcity of Troops in this Department, and the constant Application for more on the Frontiers reprobate the Idea of sending them unless they cou’d be speedily supplied, or in consequence of Your Excellency positive Order.
Inclosed is a list of the Southern Troops in the Hospital in this department who are fit to do duty, but cannot be sent down as they, are destitute of Cloathing particularly Shoes & Hose—If your Excellency shoud think proper to send an Officer with Cloathing, they might be sent down with him. your humb. Sert

  James Clinton B. G.


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 13 January 1779
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

    Hond Sir
    Mt Vernon Jany 13th 1779

  On my Arrival here from Maryland, I found your Letters by Favour of Colo. Meade and Harrison, had been left by the Former Gentleman, who pass’d by in my Absence. I return you many Thanks for

    you[r] kind Advice, and will pay a proper Attention, I inform’d you in a Letter I wrote a few Days ago that I had at length got Deeds and Possession of the Alexanders Lands. You were not much mistaken in your Judgement of the Men, they would have deceiv’d Me, if they could have done It with the smalest Propriety, and I am happy that It is now out of their Power to deceive.
In your Letter of the Second instant, you mention, that you had inform’d the Quarter Master Genl of what I had said of Finnie. I am sorry that the Matter has been mentioned to the Q.M. Gl because the Fact did not come under my Personal Knowledge, and I must depend upon others, to have my Assentions: It was no secret in Newkent that such a Bargain had taken Place, between Mr Webb and Finnie; I was inform’d that Finnie had purchased of Webb a certain Quantity of Corn, for forty Shillings Pr Barrel, and Webb not having a sufficient Quantity of Corn to fulfil his Ingagement, purchased the Remainder at 25/ Pr Barrel. I well remember that it was the general Opinion, that Webb got a very great Price for his Corn at that time, and I know that Corn might have been bought, for 30/ or 35/ pr Barrel in my Neighbourhood, after this Bargain was made. I thought then, and I continue in the Opinion, that had Finnie rode up Himself or sent a Clerk up, He might have purchased Corn at a cheaper Rate. If this Affair has gone so far, that there is no retracting, I must beg It to be put off untill I can see the Persons who informd Me of It, and make farther Enquiries about It, which I have neglected to do before, having never expected to be called upon in so public a Manner, I spoke of It without reserve I confess but as well as I recollect, I mentioned it only before the Family. I should be oblidged to you to inform Me, as early as you conveniently can, whether the Matter will be prosecuted or not, I had rather it should not, because I may fail in my Attempts to prove the Charge, in which Case, I should feel no smal Mortification, what has past may serve as a Hint to the Q.M.G. to examine Finnies Accounts more particularly, and may in the End be productive of some Good, I will never the less make Enquiries into this Affair and will inform you of the result, as soon as I get to Newkent.
You will please to present my Love to my Mother. I should have wrote to Her, but as I have not heard from my Family since I left them, and having wrote her a few Days past, in which I answer’d the several Queries contain’d in hers of the Second inst. I shall be excused troubling Her at present, and shall conclude with wishing you both Health and every Happiness with the greatest Sincerety your most Affecte

  John Parke Custis


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 13 January 1779
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Middle Brook [N.J.] Jany 13th 1779

I have had the honour of receiveing your Excellency’s letter of the 8th Inst. I had before the receipt of it directed the Clothier to make out a Return of every article he has on hand which I expect in a day or two. I had also directed Returns to be made out of the defeciencies of every Corps that the whole wants may be seen at one Veiw, these last I have got all excepting one Regiment in Scots. I have ordered Nothing to [be] delivered but the defecient Shoes, they Could not do longer without them. the Officers are very presg for the blankets but I have told them must patience ’till your Excellency’s Return. I find it necessary indeed to Check, for they would many of [them] draw Six months Shoes before hand, ’tho’ they should the other Corps barefooted, a Strong Instance of it has Just appeared in the Pensilvania troops, they have each man two pairs & 700 pair on hand, and now put in their Return for 1500 pair More. a Similar trick <mutilated> discovered in another Corps.
Leiut. Col. North Marched this Morning <mutilated>0 Men Rank & file for Tinton falls in <mutilated>th County, I have furnished him with <mutilated> Instructions for the Several purposes <mutilated>ed by your Excellency and have wrote <mutilated> & Capt. Burrows to give him every Adv<mutilated> in their powers.
I now enclose Several letters which I received last Night, and am your Excellencys Most Humble Servant

    Stirling,

P.S. forageing goes on very well & without any discontent to the Country & excepting in one Instance I have not a Complaint & that was one of the Underforragers of his own mere Motion & without any order went & Seized all the forrage a farmer had. I have given him up to the Civil Authority.


Title: General Orders, 14 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] Thursday Jany 14th 1779.
    Parole St. Clair—C. Signs Scilly Siam.


Title: From George Washington to John Beatty, 14 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Beatty, John

    Sir,
    Hd Qrs Philadelphia January 14th 1779

I have received your letter of the 3rd instant—The refusal of passports by General Maxwell was founded upon my instructions—The intercourse between New York and Elizabeth Town had become so common and easy—that I thought it necessary to put a stop to it by permitting no flags to pass without my permission previously obtained—Whenever you have prisoners or any thing for the use of prisoners to be sent in, you will apply at Head Quarters and you will be furnished with passports—But during my absence from Camp, to prevent any inconvenient delay in transacting your business—I have now written to Lord Stirling, directing him to grant the necessary passports—you will therefore apply to his Lordship, or the Commanding officer at Middle Brook; in doing which you will inform him precisely of what you want to send in.
You have my consent to send in the supply of provisions you mention, for the use of the prisoners—You will show this letter to General Maxwell and he will give you a flag for the purpose. I am Sir Your most Obedt serv.


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 14 January 1779
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir,
    Towlston [Va.] January the 14th 1779.

  I received Your Excellency’s Favour of the 21st of April in a reasonable Time after the date of it, and think Your Sentiments and Advice

    therein very just & proper; but that I have not before this accounted for my Conduct in that Matter was altogether owing to an Unwillingness to interrupt You about unnecessary Business till a more leisure Season.
The day before the date of mine of the 29th of March I was at Mt Vernon, and left a Letter for Mr Custis informing him that I expected to be able to pay him what I owed him soon, if he still desired it, which I mentioned I believe because I thought it wou’d be to his disadvantage to receive it, and the next day wrote to Yr Excellency about it. Now what induced Me to go down to him the last Week in April was the hearing that he was going to the Northwd and as he had at first desired the Money and did not desist from it on the abovementioned Letter, I did not know what occasion he might have for it, and accordingly went down and paid it intending however to make some future Satisfaction when he would be willing to receive it. And this was the Reason for not waiting longer for Yr Answer, after occasioning the Trouble of it, and I desire it should appear in it’s true Light, for when my Heart is knit to any Person the Apprehension of any Umbrage will give Uneasiness. The Bond was delivered up but the Mortgage was not—In Case any Accident should happen to me I desire that this Letter may be considered as a Declaration that I have not made Satisfaction for the whole of that Debt.
I did myself the pleasure to write to You in April at Easter, or rather at Easter the Letter was left at Go. Town partly in Answer to the long One you had been pleased to favour me with in March. I continue to hope more & more that the Time is drawing near when You will be returned to Your Friends and Acquaintance, and a lasting peace take place, the Blessings of which we are so little sensible of when we enjoy it.
I shall be glad of Your Directions with regard to Mrs Savages Papers, which Colo. Harrison sent to me when he left Alexandria. I heard he is now there and expect he may be the Conveyancer of this Letter if he should return soon. Doctor Savage in the Summer had had a Report of his Wife’s death, but we have heard Nothing certain concerning it.
I wish Your Excellency every Happiness, and being deeply sensible of your Favors remain with the greatest Regard Yr Excellency’s most obliged & affect. humble Servt

  Bryan Fairfax.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 14 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

    Sir,
    Philada 14 January 1779

Col. Sherman, who will deliver you this, informs me that his regiment has not received a supply of cloathing of any kind—I have not my papers by me and therefore cannot refer to what I wrote you from Fredericksburgh on the subject of cloathing for your Brigade—But if I recollect right, it was that it might be furnished out of the imported cloathing; provided you would engage to have all the new cloathing otherwise received returned into the public hands—This proposition I am still willing to adhere to, with respect to Col. Sherman’s regiment or any other in a like predicament. In making it I rely upon your impartial regard to the general good of the public service, and I am persuaded you will not wish to derive any advantages to your Brigade more than are shared in common with every other part of the army—With this persuasion, I have written to Mr Mesom directing him on your return to furnish the whole or any part of your Brigade with new uniforms on the principle I have mentioned—I hope however, it may not be necessary to make use of this allowance more than for Col. Sherman’s regiment, as the Col. seems to think the other regiments have been already supplied from Major Bigelow.
I am not certain, whether there be any of the French cloathing remaining on the East side of the River; if not you will be pleased to forward returns to me and an order shall be given for them from the store at Middle Brook. You will also send proper officers to receive them. I am with great regard & esteem Dr Sir Your obedt serv.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 14 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

    sir
    Head Quarters Philadelphia 14th Jany 1779.

I duly received your favor of the 30th Ulto inclosing one of the same date representing the State of the Ordnance Department.
The latter I submitted to the consideration of the Committee appointed by Congress to confer with me on the affairs of the Army.
  The Committee agrees that the Department is at present on a very improper footing—and that its defects will be most effectually remedied in a conference with you—I am to desire therefore that you will repair immediately to philadelphia furnished with such papers

    respecting the Department as may serve to throw farther light on the subject. I am Dr Sir &c.

P.S. You will bring with you all late Returns of Ordnance & Ordnance Stores.


Title: From George Washington to George Measam, 14 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Measam, George

    sir.
    Head Quarters [Philadelphia] 14th Jany 1779.

I have authorised General Huntington, to draw—either as much of the new imported Cloathing as will supply his present deficiency—or the full quantity for his whole brigade—on condition in the latter case of his returning into store such partial distribution as he may already have received—You will therefore upon his producing proper Returns furnish him agreeably thereto—and in case of his drawing for his whole brigade—receive into Store—such new Cloathing as may already have been delivered to them. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 14 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

    My Lord
    Philada 14 January 1779

  I have your favr of the 9th. I am still of opinion that no good can possibly result from any Negociation entered into with General Phillips on the subject of the Exchange of the Convention Troops, more especially as I find by a letter from Mr McHenry that Capt. Bibby had dropt some of the terms which he had in charge from Genl Phillips to propose, particularly that of exchanging whole Corps of Officers and Men together. This was a point urged by the British Comms at Amboy and absolutely refused by ours as inconsistent with the powers vested in them by Resolve of Congress. The proceedings of our Comms have been since approved by Congress. I am confirmed in my opinion by the Sentiments of the Gentlemen appointed by Congress to confer with me on matters respecting the Service at large—It will therefore be needless for Capt. Bibby to remain at Middle Brook and as needless for him to come down here; if he chuses to give up the letters

    for Congress and myself, you will be pleased to forward them by the stationary Expresses—Should there be any thing contained in them but what respects the Exchange and Genl Phillips’s application for liberty to go into New York, answers can be sent after him. He may be informed in the most explicit terms that the request to go into New York will not be granted on any terms. The impropriety of such an allowance must strike Genl Phillips himself on a moments reflection.
The inclosed Resolve has been passed to remedy the inconvenience that would otherwise arise from taking the two emissions of Money mentioned therein suddenly out of Circulation. Be pleased to have it published in General Orders and communicated to the Pay Master in Camp and desire the Adjt Genl to send a Copy of it to the different detachments of the Army.
I have sent a permission to the Commissary of prisoners to carry into New York what Flour is necessary for our Officers—and have desired him to apply to you should he have occasion for further passports before my Return to Camp.
I have recd an answer from the Board of War respecting Cannon Ball, they inform me that there is a sufficiency of all kinds contracted for except a small quantity of 32 lb. I therefore imagine it would not be worth putting any of the Works you have the command of in blast for such a trifle. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Josiah Stoddard, 14 January 1779
From: Stoddard, Josiah
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Durham [Conn.] January 14th 1779.

It was my fortune by the Severity of the Service in the fall of 76 to contract a disorder of the Lungs, by which means, have been since troubled with an Obstinate hoarsness, and frequently a Slow fever, which, tho’ it has seldom prevented my doing duty, has still marr’d half the pleasure of Life & by regress sapped the vitals of my health.
  I therefore beg leave to inform Your Excellency that a Number of Gentlemen of Estimation among the faculty of the Army, have given it, as their Opinion, that, for the first & most probable means of reestablishing my health I must make a Voyage to a warmer Climate &

    more Salubrious Air—My request is therefore that Your Excellency wou’d please to indulge me with leave of Absence from my Regiment while the proposed Voyage is made.
I have Montpellier in the South of france in View long since the Resort of pulmonic invalids—Your Excellency will perceive that I expect to be indulgd in holding my present Rank during my Absence.
After a young fellow of good prospects in Life has Sacraficed business health & time in public Service, & no longer Able to perform the duties of his office to be Absolutely compelled to die on his post or resign his Commission is being reduced to an alternative in every Sense unjust and a predicament in which no wise man wou’d wish to be caught—During my Absence I will make the Lieutenants pay, whose promotion might be expedited by my Resignation, equal to a Captains.
  Hope I may also mention without the imputation of Vanity that I have been Actively engaged in the Service, war Since the Surprise of Ticonderoga in May 75 of which Expedition I had the honour of being one of the Directors—And Since the raising of this Regiment have never left it at all except on public Duty. Every public demand against me is satisfied and nothing is wanting, but your Excellencies Approbation which if I have the happiness To Obtain shall sieze the favourable Opportunity, which now offers, of going with a french Gentn of family & fortune from <whose> friendship have every thing to expect. Flatter myself, shall be favourd with An Answer as soon as convenient. I have the Honour to Remain with the greatest Respect your Excellencies most Obed. and humble Servant

    Josiah Stoddard Capt.2d Light Dragoons


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 14 January 1779
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

    Dear General
    Head Quarters Providence [R.I.]January 14th 79

I have the honor to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s esteem’d Favor of the 20th of December, and in answer to it, beg leave, to inform your Excellency, that Colo. Jackson’s Band is by no means compleat. He has four Musicians & but two Instruments of Music which were procur’d by his officers without any expence to the Public. His principal Musician does the duty of Fife Major, and has the Charge of some Lads, whose Progress in Musick, will not qualify them to do the Duties of the Camp. His Loss therefore, will be severely felt, and much regretted. For this Reason I Wou’d beg leave, to recommend to your Excellency, the Band of Colo. Webbs, now at Warren. It is compleat, and compos’d of promising Youths, and, as it is independent of the Musick necessary for the duty of the Regiment, It’s removal will not be so Injurious to the Corps, to which it is annex’d. I think it my duty to inform your Excellency of these Circumstances, and shall esteem it equally my duty, to comply with any Instructions, Your Excellency may think proper to give in consequence of the Information. Your Excellencys orders respecting de Marcere, and that directing the Observance of a day of Thanksgiving have been strictly Complied with. I have the Honor to subscribe myself, with the Highest Sentiments of Regard, Dr Genl Yr Excellencys, most obedt Servt

    Jno. Sullivan

P.S. Your Excellency will please to intimate in your next which Band you wou’d prefer, and it shall be immediately sent forward to Hd Quarters.


Title: To George Washington from Udny Hay, 9 January 1779 [letter not found]
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lt. Col. Udny Hay, 5 Jan. 1779. GW wrote Hay on 18 Jan.: “I have your favs. of the 5th and 9th instants.”


Title: To George Washington from James Warren, 16 December 1778 [letter not found]
From: Warren, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Warren, 16 Dec. 1778. GW wrote Warren on 31 March 1779: “I beseech you not to ascribe my delay in answering your obliging favour of the 16th of Decr to disrespect.”


Title: To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 12 December 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, John Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 12 Dec. 1778. GW wrote Washington on 12 May 1779: “Three of your Letters are before me, and I believe unacknowledged, the first is of decr 12th.”


Title: General Orders, 15 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Friday Jany 15th 1779
Parole Tigris—C. Signs Thorn. Trim.


Title: To George Washington from John Grizzage Frazer, 15 January 1779
From: Frazer, John Grizzage
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Bordeaux [France] Jany 15th 1779

Inclosed I have wrote you all the News of this Country til now; Except the distruction of the greatest part of a British Fleet which sailed from Portsmouth the 31st Ulto and it is said they were bound to the Continent of America, which I do not believe but be it as it will, the greatest part of them were lost, and drove on shore upon the coast of France, on the night of the last Day, of the old year, they had soldiers on board, provision &c. we have certain accounts of between 40 and 50 Sail of Transports, a Ship of the Line, One Frigate, and a 20 Gun Ship, being lost—18 of the Transports drove on shore upon this coast & there were upwards of One Thousand soldiers saved from them.
It is generally thought Admiral Kepple will fall a Victim to the British Ministry If he does, there will be a civil war in England, as he has many powerfull Friends, and all the best people of England on his side—a little time now will soon determine it—I have the Honour to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient And most humble Servt
John G. Frazer
P.S. I sent you by a Vessell bound to Alexandria, 5 Cases of best Bordeaux claret.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 15 January 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Boston January 15th 1779.

Intelligence is just now received from Co’os, by Messrs Blodget and Hurd, that the Magazine of Provisions Your Excellency ordered to be Formed there last Fall, is threatened to be destroyed, by a Strong Scout from the Enemy’s Army at Sorell. Colonel Bedel’s Regiment, which was raised last February, by Order of the Marquis de la Fayette, are the only Troops that can at present be posted for the protection of that valuable Magazine. Your Excellency’s Wisdom will point out to you, the Orders Necessary for its preservation.
The Provisions, Cloathing, and pay for Horse Rations, demanded by Officers upon Furlough from Your Excellency’s, and General Sullivan’s Armies, are very great; how far is it your pleasure they Should be complied with? I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Hume Servt
Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 15 January 1779
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Princeton [N.J.] 15 Janry 1779

On the application of Colls Biddle & Furman to the Governor in Council, the Council advised me to issue a Proclamation requiring the Magistrates to be attentive to the application of the persons employed in collecting forage for the troops & in executing the Law of the State for that purpose made. At the same time desiring me to represent to your Excellency, the general scarcity of grain & other forage in the State, & that there is a probability that the Inhabitants & their live stock will suffer for want, before the Spring supplies come in; & to request your Excellency to order out of New Jersey all the dragoon draught & officers horses that are not absolutely necessary during the winter—I have the honour to be with the highest esteem your Excellencys most humble Sevt
Wil: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Captain Robert Sanderson, 15 January 1779
From: Sanderson, Robert
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Capt. Robert Sanderson of the British light dragoons, 15 Jan. 1779. GW’s aide-de-camp John Laurens wrote Sanderson on 20 Jan.: “I have it in command from His Excellency to acknowlege the receipt of your Letter of the 15th and to inform you that as all the American Officers who had been suffered to return home on parole have lately been called into New York—it is out of his power to grant your request—The inconveniences which you complain of, you share in common with many others in both armies—and the Genl can only regret that the measure above alluded to, suspends for the present even partial Relief” (DLC:GW).


Title: General Orders, 16 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Saturday Jany 16th 79.
Parole Uppingham—C. Signs Urbino Usk.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 16 January 1779
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Dear General—
Fort McIntosh [Pa.] Jany 16th 1779.

I have long doubted the propriety of writing you an Account of what I sincerely wish you to know relative to the circumstances of the Army here And nothing but the hopes I entertain of your pardoning me where I Err not with an Evil intention could induce me to attempt it For upon my Honor I know no Circumstance would give me more pain than incurring your displeasure.
Nothing but a love for my Country brought me into the Service and the same principle makes me ever anxious for its good.
I trust I shall utter nothing that has the least appearance of detraction & will not even mention particulars But beg leave only to inform your Excellency that General McIntosh is unfortunate enough to be almost universally Hated by every Man in this department both Civil & Military Therefore whatever his Capacity may be for conducting another Campaign I fear he will not have it in his Power to do any thing Salutary—I wish my fears may prove Groundless but I have no reason to think them so.
There is not an Officer who does not appear to be exceedingly disgusted And I am much deceived if they Serve under his immediate Command another Campaign.
I am ever Oblidged to your Excellency for offering me another Regt last Spring & I am sorry I did not Accept it. With every Mark of Gratitude & Sincere Regard I have the Honor to be your Excellencies most Obedt Humble Servt
Daniel Brodhead Colo. 8th P. Regt


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 16 January 1779
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bethlem [Pa.] Saturday Jany 16th 1779

I have waited in anxious expectation of answers to my letters sent by the Deputy Adjutant General of the Troops of the Convention, but your Excellency not leaving Philadelphia so soon as expected, and my Officer not being permitted to go on to that Capital has created a delay which has occasioned my waiting here some days.
Since I have been at Bethlem I have seen and read a Philadelphia Newspaper reciting the Report made by your Officers of their conference with Colonels OHara and Stephens—Had I seen it before, I believe I should not have troubled you with any overtures on my part, and yet I protest it to be my opinion that I have not a doubt that the American Congress will see the absolute necessity of allowing exchanges of complete Corps of the Troops of Convention if they mean really to promote or agree to any Exchange, and upon any other condition there can be none, for it is obvious that a Cartel upon the resolution of Congress taken literally renders all your Officers into a free and full activity of Service, whereas the Officers of the Troops of Convention would gain a change of place only, but be equally lost to the Service as at present, the Corps to which they belong being still detained—Under this description there needs not any interposition of a superior power, for the Officers have too high a sense of honour to desire to quit their Corps in the moment of distress, and therefore would not wish to be Exchanged partially.
To exchange by Ransom would effect the whole business to a mutual benefit by a general release—I am ready to enter into a negociation upon that Plan.
I will not trouble you, Sir, further but to mark that I shall be at this place untill the 20th instant at Reading on the 21st and 22d at Lancaster on the 23d and 24th and probably on the 25th instants, and that at one of those stages I hope to hear from your Excellency.
I have been applied to by Lieutenant Colonel Hooper at Easton in favour of Lieutenant Colonel Kechlein who is unwell, I have given him a written leave to remain at home for two Months for recovery of his health, which indulgence I dare say you will allow and I am sure Sir, Henery Clinton will not disapprove. I have the honour to be Sir, with great personal respect Your Excellencys most obedient humble servant
W. Phillips


Title: General Orders, 17 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Sunday Jany 17th 1779.
Parole Vienna—C. Signs Vado. Virginia.

At a Brigade General Court Martial held near Millstone January 9th 1779. whereof Major Grier was President, Lieutenant Patrick Fullerton of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment was tried for “Ungentlemanlike behaviour,” found guilty of the charge and sentenced to pay Captain Tolbut a reasonable price for two shirts, two stocks and one blanket and to be dismissed the service agreeable to the 21st Article 14th section of the Articles of War.

Major General Lord Stirling, Commander in Chief in the Jersies approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately: The Pay-Master of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment is to stop the value of said Articles out of said Fullerton’s wages which may be now due and pay it to Captain Tolbut.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 17 January 1779
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Sr
Charlotteville [Va.] Jany 17th 1779

The last Division of the troops of the Convention arrived here this day and were transferred by me, as have been the others, Successively as they arrived to Col: Harvie who was appointed by the Board of War to take Charge of them in Quality of Commissary of Prisoners, his Instructions for which, he shewd me soon after my arrival at this Place. Enclosed Yr Excellency will Receive a Genl Return of the whole both British & Germans, as they were when I received them at Enfield in Connecticut, as well as when I deliverd them over to Col: Harvies Care at this Place. I informd Yr Excellency in my last (wrote the day after my arrival Here) that Col: Chas Lewis had been appointed to take the Command of the Guard of the Convention troops which were to Consist of a Regt to be raised for that Purpose, in the mean time Six Hundred Militia are Called on to be under that Gents Direction untill the Regt is Raised at Present some of the Militia of Albermarle serve as guards untill the 600 come in. The Country in the vicinage of this place affording but few accommodations for the Officers Col. Harvie has sent them on Parole down the Country towards Richmond & Fredricks burgh & up towards Stanton. My Command being now at an end, I propose to leave this Place tomorrow—and as I informd Yr Excellency in my last to avail myself of yr indulgence to spend the Winter at Home. I am with the Sincerest Respect Yr Excellys most obedt & very H: Sert
Theok Bland


Title: To George Washington from Major General Riedesel, 17 January 1779
From: Riedesel, Friedrich Adolph (Adolf) von
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lancaster [Pa.] January 17th 1779

I hope your Excellency has received my Letter dated from Newburgh, and which I forwarded to Head Quarters by my Aide du Camp Lieutenant Cleve, who arrived at Middle Brook a few days after your Excellency’s departure for Philadelphia. Lord Sterling opened my Letter, and was so obliging as to grant all the Requests it contained, in the most ample manner.
I have met with here, some Hessian Prisoners of War, who have desired me to write to Lieutenant General Knyphausen upon their Account, and to forward a Return of their Number. I take the Liberty of enclosing my Letter and the Return to your Excellency, requesting the Favor that they may be sent by the first opportunity to Lieutenant General Baron de Knyphausen. I have the Honor to be with great Respect, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 17 January 1779
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, 17 Jan. 1779. Schuyler refers in his letter to GW of 25 Jan. to “the Information contained in mine of the 17th Instant.” Schuyler also wrote GW on 1–7 March: “I shall continue to employ proper persons for the same purpose in Canada from whence I have had some Intelligence since my last; but in Nothing materially different from what was communicated in mine of the 17th of January.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel James Wood, 17 January 1779
From: Wood, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Winchester [Va.] 17th Jany 1779.

Before I left Williamsburg I did myself the Honor of Inclosing your Excellency a Copy of the Act of Assembly for recruiting the Virginia Regiments which passed the 19th of last month; and have now taken the Liberty of Inclosing Copies of Such Acts and Resolutions as respect the Army. the Assembly have Deferred Opening a Land Office from a Just Apprehension that it wou’d engross too much of the Public Attention at this Critical Juncture. the reserve they have made for the Army I think a very Ample One; and is Universally allowed to be the Most Valuable part of the Back Country. I find from the Information of the Members of the Assembly, that there are in almost every County a Number of the last Draughts, many Soldiers who have formerly Obtained Furloughs, and a great many Deserters, who might be Easily Collected, if proper places of Rendezvous were Appointed; and they had an Assurance of your Excellency’s Pardon. I am well assured that with the Increased Bounty the Regiments may be readily filled up, if the recruiting Officers are Active and Industrious.
I am but Just returned home from Williamsburg, where I shall be under the Necessity of remaining sometime to recruit My Horses, and shall then proceed to the Quarters of my Regiment. my wife Still Continues in a very Dangerous and Declining Situation. If your Excellency Shou’d have any Commands for me, or shou’d think my Presence with the Regiment Immediately Necessary I shall be Exceedingly Obliged to you to signifie it by a line put into the Post Office Directed to me at Winchester Via Baltimore, and your Orders shall be Instantly Complied with. I have the Honor to be Yr Excellencys Very Obt Servant
James Wood


Title: General Orders, 18 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Monday January 18th 1779.
Parole Wittenburgh—C. Signs Witney. Worms.

The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolve (viz.)

         Whereas it may happen that part of the monies paid for the months of September, October and November to the Officers and soldiers of the United States for their pay and subsistence may be of the emissions of the 20th of May 1777 & April 11th 1778.
         Resolved—That in such case the Pay-Master General and Pay-Masters of the respective departments be directed to exchange such monies, to the end that the said officers and soldiers be not deprived of the use of the same.

   The officers and soldiers of the Army who are possessed of any bills of credit of Continental money of the emissions abovementioned, are desired to carry them in to the Pay-Master General’s Office, in order to have them exchanged for bills of other emissions, which have not yet been counterfeited.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentlemen
Philada 18 January 1779

In consequence of your letters of the 9 and 16th Inst. upon the subject of paying the arrearages of Cloathing due to the Army for the year 1777—I have drawn up the inclosed rough plan, which contains the heads of what, in my opinion, will be necessary to establish some general Regulations for a settlement with the line of the Army at large. That justice may be equally distributed to the public and the individual, and that there may be no charge of partiality in settling and paying off the troops of one state in preference to another, I would recommend that no payments for Arrearages be made before some person or persons are regularly appointed for that purpose, their powers fully defined—and their general rule of conduct explicitly designated. I have the Honor to be &.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 18 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hay, Udny

Sir
Head Quarters Philada 18 January 1779

I have your favs. of the 5th and 9th instants. The first containing a representation of the dispute with Mr Gilliland respecting the payment for Forage. As he has brought a Civil suit, it must go thro’ the usual forms of process, and if you are cast, and it appears that there was no delinquency on your part as an Officer of the public, the public must undoubtedly bear you harmless. In the mean time you will employ proper Council to make your defence.
I have written to Genl Putnam to give orders upon Mr Measam for shoes and other Articles of Cloathing wanting for any of the troops under his command which will include Colo. Hazens Regt and I have directed Mr Measam to obey such orders. Colo. Hazen will therefore procure the shoes he wants thro’ that regular Channel. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, c.18 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

        Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Alexander McDougall, c.18 Jan. 1779. GW wrote George Measam on this date: “I have given directions to Genl Putnam who commands the three Brigades near Danbury and to Genl Mcdougall who commands the troops at Fishkill, Peekskill and West Point to draw any of the above Articles as they may have occasion.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

Dear Sir
Philada 18 January 1779

I have had the pleasure of receiving your favs. of the 1st and 2d instants with their several inclosures.
Since my arrival in this City, to which I was called by Congress to confer with them on matters relative to our future operations, several circumstances have, in the course of our enquiries and deliberations, convinced us of the absolute necessity of contracting our system. It has therefore been determined to lay the Niagara expedition entirely aside for the present and content ourselves with some operations on a smaller scale against the savages and those people who have infested our frontier the preceding Campaign. It will for these Reasons be necessary for you to put an immediate stop to all the preparations for that purpose more particularly pointed out in my letter of the 18th Decemr (which inclosed you a Copy of the instructions given to the Qr Mr Gl) except such as may be usefully employed in the prosecution of our Indian expedition. General Greene will refer Colo. Lewis to you for his line of conduct in this matter, and when you give him his directions you may assign him such Reasons for this sudden change as shall seem to you most prudent and plausible. I shall when I am somewhat more at leisure take an opportunity of informg you more fully of the causes of this alteration of measures.
I was exceedingly sorry to be made acquainted with your determination to resign your command in the Army. I can say with truth that I should have been happy to have derived that assistance from you in your military Capacity which I shall always take the liberty of asking as from my private friend and a friend of his Country.
I had pleased myself with the hopes of seeing you in Albany sometime this Winter, but I shall be detained here so much longer than I expected that I have given up all thoughts of that kind.
I laid that part of your letter of the 1st which respects Indian Affairs, before Congress. They have desired that your promises may be complied with, and I shall direct Genl Clinton to have the stockade Fort built if the Oneidas request it. I am &.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 18 January 1779
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Middle Brook January 18: 1779

I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s letter of the 14th Yesterday Morning: I went over to your Quarters and had Capt. Bibby to dine with me there; after dinner I dispatched him in very good humour with the enclosed letter to General Phillips; he left with me the two enclosed letters for your Excellency No. 1 & No. 2. one of which he says encloses a letter to the president of Congress. I belive this will be the last of these kind of Vissits. he went of[f] early this Morning and I have Since received the enclosed No. 4. with the letter to Capt. Bibby which it seems it is General Phillips’s wish you should see. the enclosed No. 3. was brot me by Leiut. Maxwell & Leiut. Steel both of the Convention troops, the request of the former, I thought very improper to grant nor did I approve of that of the latter, to pass through Philladelphia; I therefore gave them the shortest Route thro’ Lancaster and injoyned them to keep strictly to it. I enclose the last advices I have had from Genl Maxwell & Major Howel, the latter is full of News, his account of the troops of the different embarkations very nearly agrees with the account I sent your Excellency in Columns. The Resolve of Congress respecting the two Emissions of paper Money is publish’d in General Orders, and sent to all the detachments of the Army I am your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant
Stirling
by Rivingtons paper of the 13th it appears that 13 Vessels are Arrived from Cork, but this is no part of that Cork fleet so long expected. they Sailed the first of Septr these the Middle of October. the printer is Silent as to their Cargo and I dont belive they have brot any great Supply of flower.


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 18 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

Dear Sir
Philada 18 January 1779

I have your favr of the 8th inclosing No. 6 from C——. Your former inclosing C——s No. 5 came also safe. The Dragoon was detained a few days to recruit his Horse and to get some repairs to his Accoutrements. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Webb, Jr., 18 January 1779
From: Webb, Joseph Jr.
To: Washington, George

May it please Yr Excellency
Wethersfield in Connecticut Jany 18. 1779

I Enclose you a Letter from Mr Barrel part owner of the Privateer Vengence informing your Excellency, of haveing the good fortune to capture a Number of British Officers; amongst which is some Colonels, I feel myself much Interested & happy on every Acct but more particular & pleaseingly so, as the owners have been polite enough to express their desire that Colo. Webb be exchanged for one of them, altho He may not Expect it from a line of rotation, We suppose the Privateer being private property that they have a right to ask of your Excellency Colo. Webb, without any Officer tho He may have been longer a Prisoner finding fault when He know’s the Circumstances, but that He will be pleas’d & rejoice at His, Colo. Webb, good Fortune, & We hope Your Excellency nor no one will conceive it any infringement on that Just & delicate line of rotation your Excellency has ever established, had I the least Idea of the kind I wou’d not trouble your Excellency—but we realy Conceive it wou’d [be] of amazing public Advantage for Private property to have that privilege allow’d ’em; that if they wou’d Attack without public Expence (but at their own risk & Expence[)] Seize our Enemy, they shou’d be indulged with asking Your Excellency for their particular friend, let that friend be longer or shorter on the List—I have taken much pains to Exchange, or get my Brother out on parole, last May I went to Boston there was introduced to General Philips the then Commanding Officer of the Convention Troop’s—a Colonel Sutherland urged Genl P—— to Give hi⟨m⟩ leave to go in as a prisoner of War, to be Exchanged for Colo. Webb or to remain on parole as long as Colo. Webb shou’d, if it wants consistan⟨cy⟩ they shou’d be Exchanged for each other; after much Chit Chatt on the Subject it was agreed on that Colo. Sutherland shou’d be consid’d as a prisoner of War & be allow’d to go into York on parole for the Express purpose above, Mr Mersereu our Deputy Commissary of Prisoners being present—Colo. Sutherland went in & what is more went directly to England without ever waiting on my Brother, & why my Brother was not allow’d to come out on parole I never knew—I was even then in Hopes that an Exchange might have been made as General Philips Wrote to General Clinton en[c]losing of it to my Brother with His Approbation & desired him to grant it—ever since then I have taken much pains to get my Brother Out—as its of much Consequence that He shoud see Mr S. Deane before He leaves America as to his private Estate which lies connected with Mr Deane—I need not add to the above a variety of other Circumstances that absolutely suffer’s for want of his personal Attendance, neither need I point to your Excellency (who I well know wou’d cheerfully do evry thing in your power consistantly to get Him out)—His unhappy Situation, His Expences to live in Character as a Colonel under you is beyond what you can think of—His Anxiety ever since He left your Family has been great—on His first comeing Home to Connecticut, to raise his Regt (all the other regts were half raised[)]—He had to apply & by persevearing He got the State Bounty allow’d him this made it a long time after others before He got a Man—but when He did begin, He did much beyond Expectation, but was after all the above disadvantages call’d as soon as the rest into the field & before He ever had an Opportunity to wait on Yr Excellency or shew you His Regt He met with the Misfortune of falling into the Enemies Hand—He feels His Captivity with all these Considerations most sensibly—may I hope you will think it consistant to grant His request & give the Necessary Orders. I am with the Compliments of the Season to Your Lady & self & the Gentn of Yr Family Your Excellencys Most Obt & Very H. Sert
Joseph Webb


Title: To George Washington from John Beatty, 19 January 1779
From: Beatty, John
To: Washington, George

sir
Rariton [N.J.] Jany 19th 1779

I had the honour of Writing Your Excellency the third instant complaining of the delay of my Flags and representing the necessitous Situation of the Prisoners in point of Provisions; since then I have received a Letter from Mr Pintard, in which he sets forth the absolute necessity there is of a Supply for their use & of the whole in his hands having been long Since expended.
As I have already a small quantity laying at Elizth Town I am only now waiting Your Excellency’s permission to forward it to them—their wants are truly pressing and it rest solely with us to alleviate them. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt and Most Hume Servt
Jno. Beatty


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 19 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Philada 19th January 1779

I have recd your favs. of the 18th and 28th Decemr and 2d instant with their inclosures. I approve of your innoculating the Soldiers of your Brigade upon the first appearance of the small pox among them, and I would not have you confine that salutary operation to them alone, but carry it thro’ any of the other Corps which may not have had the disorder.
When I return to Camp I shall direct that Cloathing be sent up to Albany for the Men in Hospital at that place, and I must beg your care in having it delivered out as it is wanted.
You may have such a number of snow shoes made as you may judge necessary to answer the purposes you mention. The Officer who was sent down to procure Cloathing for Warners Regt and Whitcombs Rangers has obtained an order for it from the Board of War upon the Store at Springfeild, from whence he will send it to the Quarters of those troops.
Inclosed you have an order upon the Commissary of Military Stores at Springfeild for such quantity of Ammunition as you may judge necessary for the supply of the troops under your command. You will be pleased to give directions to the Officers commanding the out posts to supply any of the friendly Indians with provision whenever they shall be obliged to fly to them for security from their Enemies. The Oneidas have lately applied to General Schuyler to have a picket Fort built in their Country should they find the other Nations inclinable to put their threats in execution against them for their steady adherence to our Cause. I laid General Schuylers letter to me upon the subject before Congress and they have directed that the Fort be built upon application to have it done. You will therefore be pleased to take the execution of the matter upon you, should the Indians request it. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. Docr Treat writes me that there are a number of invalids in the Hospital who will never be fit for Regimental duty. Be pleased to let them have such sums of Money as will enable them to reach their respective Corps, there to be paid off and discharged or sent to the Invalid Corps if they are fit subjects. The Paymaster at Albany to furnish them with Certificates of what they receive from him.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Michael Jackson, 19 January 1779
From: Jackson, Michael
To: Washington, George

Sir—
Fishkill [N.Y.] Jany 19th 1779

The Situation of the Brigade, which I at present command, and particularly my Regt, is such, that I think it my Duty to represent it to your Excellency.
I expected that the new Arrangement of the Army, which began the last Winter at Valley Forge, would have taken place before this, and that all the Vacancies, would have been filled agreeable to that Establishment.
When the Committee of Arrangement, were at the white Plains, I carried in a List of my Officers, agreeable to the Rank they then sustained, except those who were to be in the Feild Officers Companies, and supposed at that Time the whole Army was given in, in the same way—But am since informed the other Corps of the Army were carried in, with their Vacancies filled.
Many Vacancies in my Regt and indeed in the Brigade, have been of more than a Years standing, and if the Vacancies in this Corps, are not filled, while the others are compleated, it will be a manifest Injury.
I therefore desire, that whenever the Arrangement does take place, that this Brigade may be intitled to the same Priviliges, with Respect to Promotion, that the other Corps are.
Mr Bradford, who has been a long Time a Lieut. in Col. Baileys Regt and is a very good Officer, should be glad to have in my Regt as a Lieut., as he will not serve in Col. Baileys, I suppose on Account of his being neglected in the first Arrangement, and the public will lose a good Officer.
As I have three or four Serjts who wo⟨uld⟩ make good Ens[ig]ns should be glad if they might be promoted.
As their has been a Number of Resignations, since the List of Officers, was given in, there must be many Alterations if the Commissions are not filled up.
Should be Glad of your Excellency⟨s⟩ Answer, and such Measures taken as the Matter may be settled as soon as possible. I am, with Respect—Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servt
Michl Jackson Colo.
P.S. I have been informed, that Mr Francis Dana, a Member of Congress from the Massachusetts, has cast most illiberall Aspersions upon my Character as an Officer, in presence of y⟨our⟩ Excellency, and the Commissioners of Arrangement.
What could have induced that Gentleman, to have said what he did, is to me very unaccountable.
If what he has said has diminished my Character in your Excellencys Estimation, Candor I am persuaded will induce you to give me an opportunity of vindicating my Conduct.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 19 January 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Head Quarters Pecks-Kill [N.Y.] Janry 19th 1779

I had the Honor to address you very fully, on the 15th Instant, by the stated Express on the West Side of the River.
Since that, the Gentleman (Captain Bedlow) I wrote for, on the Subject of Niagara arrived; and is the Bearer of this. He is a man of Virtue, great Integrity and Understanding; served in the last war, a Lieutenant in the Navy on Lake Ontario. He will be able to give Congress, or the Commander in chief, the fullest and best Information of that Navigation, of any man in America—And he merits every Attention, the Country can give him, in any Department in which he is qualified to serve—And I am certain, he will not undertake any Business, which he is not competent for.
I have viewed the Questions proposed to me by your Excellency, in every Point of Light, in which I could consider them, before and after his Arrival: And I am clear in my own mind, that either of the Projects will mis-carry, in the first or ultimate Issue, if one of them is attempted, at this late Season, for the next Campaign.
The Reasons which determine my mind, will be transmitted at large, as soon as the pressing Service of these Posts permi⟨ts.⟩
The Success of either depend on the nav⟨al⟩ Force—Opperations of this Kind, are very delicate. It is impossible to build Vessels on the Margin of those Lakes, or any Distance from them, but the Enemy will be appris’d of it. Your own people will announce the design of the Country abroad. It is already abroad. Many of our Expeditions, which require a minute Train of Preparation in every Department with the most systematic and active men at their Head, have existed only in Resolutions on Paper. Hence so many have miscarried—When I consider the Mal-Arrangments of your Navy: the Time of Service of your whole Army; it’s present Discontents; the State of your Currency; the Avidity in all Ranks to know the Secrets of the State and the Incapacity of keeping them: the many Contingencies that your naval Force is exposed to, to be ready in Time; the Extent of your Posts of Communication, if the project against Niagara is attempted, the Probabilities against it are far heavier in the Ballance with me, than those which are for it. Besides to cut off the Limbs of the Tree, and leave the Root in full Vigor, is a Species of Policy, which I want Understanding to comprehend.
A Person in this State last Autumn, pretended to be satisfied with the Terms offered to America, by the Commissioners; and wrote to General Tryon, expressing his Fears, at the Prospect of the British, being about to leave New-York and the United States—The Inclosure No. 1 is the General’s Answer, brought out by the person, who makes the Communication in No. 2—The first of these, I copied from the Original, and I am as well acquainted with his Hand as with your’s—It was enjoyned on the Carrier, to return the Original, when the Person for whom it was intended took a Copy—It is wrote with that Caution, which the Subject demanded, especially on the first Correspondence, with a Young Convert. It however breathes the same Spirit, which I have abundant Reason to believe, still possesses and deludes, the high Servants of that devoted people in this Country. The Correspondence may be increased, and continued with infinite advantage to America; if Congress will furnish the Species of money I mentioned in my last.
Every Day brings me fresh Proofs, of the Enemy’s being hard-press’d for bread and consider his Case desperate. But notwithstanding, he will have another Campaign in these States, if our Independancy is not acknowleged, in Britain this Winter.
The Supplies which the Enemy have received from this State, in Flour via of Connecticut, have been such as would astonish you. But a few Days will put a Period to it—No Stone shall be left unturned to accomplish this—Captain Bedlow can give you, more Information on this Subject, than can be compris’d in the Compass of a Letter.
The Desertion still continues; five have come into my Quarters to Day—The Enemy dare not mount, any Centries at Night, without his works—Certain I am, if the Detachment from Major General Putnam, or Colonel Enos Regiment, could be prevailed upon, to advance in a Line with mine, the Desertion would be greatly increas’d. But they are not to be moved from the Paradise of Saw Pitts. All beyond that is Tophet to them.
Colonel Burr complains the Enemy get various Supplies thro’ his left, and every Intelligence he wants. But I have said enough on this Subject and in my last.
The Artificers at these Posts, will be generally enticed, to leave it, for the Northern Service, occationed by the most extravagant and very extraordinary Wages given to them, six Dollars per Day. The Policy of this measure is at least questionable. To rob a Post of Communication, North South, East and West and that principally by Land, of it’s best Artificers, may be attended with more fatal Consequences than those at a Distance, can conceive: None except those who are acquainted with these Posts, can imagine the Number that is necessary, even for the sole purpose of shoeing Horses, Oxen and mending Carriages. Whenever I come to take Charge of them, till Recollection takes place, I am alarmed at the Number and conceive at first Sight, the public is grossly cheated.
The Inclosure No. 3 will inform you of the Discontent in late Learned’s Brigade. I have endeavoured to remove one Cause of it, by No. 4 which I hope you will approve; the Straw is difficult to be had, as the Inhabitants keep it for their Cattle, to supply the Place of their Hay, consumed by the Army. But Endeavors shall not be wanting, to procure even that Article. I wish those Corps had a carefull Brigadier, I have reason to suspect, one is much wanting.
Frequent Interruption, has prevented my describing the Construction of Vessels to be built, on that Lake, if Congress intends to attempt the Enterprize: They can only be general ones. Three Ships of twenty nine pounders each, and three Gallies to rowe and sail well, for discovering Vessels, and to cover a Landing in shallow water. The Bottoms well shaped and dubbed for sailing. The upper works left ruff, but close and tight. The Cannon of all to be of the same Calibre. No Swivels, where those are commonly placed, blunderbushes fixed. Our men use these to more Advantage than the former. The Reason of this is obvious. The Cannon and Stores for them, Sailes, Cables, Anchors and Rigging, to move up at the same Time, as neither can be of Use without the other. The Gunners Stores to go up fixed, and in Order for Service. The Spikes made below and all the Iron for Bolts drawn to a proper Size—Two or three Seynes to catch Fish, will save an immense Sum to the Continent—Those Vessels will requir⟨e⟩ two Hundred good Seamen to compose part of their respective Crews, besides Officers. Each of the Ships 150 men at least. The Gallies about fifty each.
I have on my taking the Command of these Posts, ordered the purchasing Commissaries, to make me a Weekly Return of their Stock, to enable me to judge of the Sufficiency of their Supplies, to prevent their imposing on the public. For there is too much Reason to fear, many of them have defrauded the Continent by Sale of it’s Stores, when they rose rapidly. But one of them has not obeyed my Order, for several Weeks. And I understand it is made a question by him, and others, whether he is obliged by the Contract of the Commissary General to do it? If he is not, there is an ample Field for Knavery—If flour rises in Hands he may sell what he pleases, without being detected—If it falls ’tis the Continent’s—I beg your Excellency’s Information on this important Subject—Captain Bedlow goes down on the public Business, and at it’s Expence. He has suffered greatly by the Troubles. You will readily perceive this is wrote in great Haste—I have therefore to request it may be viewed with an indulgent Eye in all it’s imperfections. I have the Honor to be with great Truth and Regard, Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most humble Servant
Alexr: McDouga ⟨ll⟩
P.S. Delancy’s Brigade is certainly on Long-Island.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 19 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

sir.
Head Quarters [Philadelphia] 19th Jany 1779.

The Scarcity of Forage in this State, renders it absolutely necessary to remove the Cavalry of your Legion—as well as all the horses belonging to it, that are not indispensibly necessary for the Duty of Officers and the ordinary occasions of drawing fuel &ca.
The Quarter Master recommends the Counties of Kent and Sussex as the best place for them to be quartered during the Winter—You will therefore send an order to have the Cavalry and all the supernumerary horses belonging to the Corps in general marched to Wilmington—where proper directions will be lodged for their further progress by Mr Q.M. Wade, who is charged with the business of cantoning them.
You will of course give instructions to the Officer Commanding, to preserve the strictest discipline on the march and in quarters—that the Inhabitants may have no reason to complain of licentious conduct in the Soldiers. I am &.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 19 January 1779
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
Council Chamber [Philadelphia] January 19th 1779

At the desire of Council I enclose your Excellency a state of Colonel Samuel Attlees claim upon which are founded his expectations to be recommended to Congress as a brigadier General of this state I also enclose your Excellency the resolutions of the Council of safety respecting the prisoners and the plan of arrangement from which you will have a very clear and explicit view of Colonel Attlees pretensions upon all these the Council request your Excellency to favour them with your opinion how far it may be proper to recommend him to Congress.
I have only to add that if consistent with Justice and military rules Colonel Atlee can be advanced, this Board are of Opinion his merit and sufferings render him worthy their regard and attention. I am with every sentiment of Respect and regard Your Excellencies most Obedient humble servant
Jos: Reed President


Title: From George Washington to Caesar Rodney, 19 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Rodney, Caesar

sir.
Head Quarters Philadelphia 19th Jany 1779.

The Quarter Master General has represented to me, that our resources in point of forage will not with the greatest œconomy and management satisfy the demands of the Army—unless the Cavalry of Pulaskis Legion is removed to some position where it will interfere less with the general Supply—The Counties of Kent and Sussex in your State, he thinks will be able to maintain this Corps, with less inconvenience to the Country than any other place within a reasonable distance.
I am therefore to request that Your Excellency will give Mr Quarter Master Wade, who is charged with this business, proper authority to canton these troops in the most advantageous manner.
At the same time that I would have them so disposed as to be secure of a sufficient Supply, and not too much scattered for the preservation of discipline; I would wish them to be as little burthensome to the Inhabitants as possible.
Your Excellencys Countenance and Support to Mr Wade will conciliate these desirable ends—and in full assurance of your granting them—I remain with great respect—Sir Your most obedt Servt.
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Malachi Treat, 19 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Treat, Malachi

Sir
Head Quarters Philada 19 January 1779

I recd yours dated 14th but the month not mentioned inclosing an Hospital Return. I shall immediately upon my return to the Camp at Middle Brook direct that Cloathing be sent up to the Men in Hospital, and I must beg that care may be taken to have it delivered to them as it is wanted, which will be cheifly when they are about to leave you. I highly approve of your innoculating upon the first appearance of the small pox among the troops and I beg you will continue it untill you have carried it thro’ all those who have not had the disorder.
I would have you apply to Genl Clinton for such Sums of Money as will enable the invalids you mention to reach their respective Corps, when they may be paid off and discharged or join the invalid Corps if they are fit subjects for them. I have mentioned this matter to the General. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 20 January 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Bayley, Jacob

sir.
Philadelphia 20th Jany 1779

I have your favor of the 25th Ulto. I have heard nothing of Col. Wheelock but hope your fears on his account are groundless—I do not know what dispatches he might have been charged with from others—but he had none from me.
I have given directions to the Commissary Genl of Purchases to have proper care taken of the Stores that have been collected upon the upper part of Connecticut River. I am Sir Yours &.
G.W.