Title: To George Washington from Richard Sill, 11 January 1783
From: Sill, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany January 11th-13 1783 Saturday Morning

                        It gives me pain to be under the necessity of informing your Excellency that Major General Lord Stirling is
                            very dangerously sick, being reduced to such a degree of weakness that his life is not expected for an hour; he has
                            remained for two days in a perfect stupor and wholly insensible, his Physicians pronounce him past recovery. I thought it
                            my duty to give your Excellency this information and likewise to enclose the Report of Capt. Macomber who was ordered with
                            a detachment into the New Hampshire Grants for the purpose mentioned in your Excellencys instructions to Lord Stirling of
                            the 9th Ulto. That your Excellency may be able the more fully to perceive how completely the object of the expedition has
                            been covered under the idea of apprehending deserters I have enclosed a Copy of Mr Chittendens Letter to Captain Macomber.
                            As the expedition has proved fruitless and its real object remaining undiscovered, Major Olney has retaind your
                            Excellencys Letter to Mr Chittenden in his own hands.
                        It appears by a Letter from Major Olney to his Lordship of the 7th Inst. that the party of a Serjeant and six
                            men who by his Letter of the 9th are supposed to have fallen into the hands of the Enemy were detatched by Capt. Macomber
                            on his return from Brattleborough upon a different route for the purpose of apprehending deserters. McAlpin whose
                            affidavit is enclosed I have examined, he gives the same account of the party said to be in Vermont as when examined by
                            Major Olney with this addition that they were armed and dress’d in green regimentals—I shall keep this Letter unsealed
                            untill the moment the Post leaves Town, should there be any alteration in his Lordship I shall not fail to mention it. I
                            have the honor to be with the most perfect Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt humbe Servant

                            Richard Sill
                            Monday 13th 12 oclock

                            His Lordship is still alive and to appearance is exactly in the same situation as on Saturday except
                                being more weak and feeble.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Bennington 27th Decr 1782.

                            Lord Stirlings instructions to you of the 20th Instant and Lieut. Coll Olneys of the 25th were handed me
                                (by Lieut. Bartlet) a few minutes since, requesting my advise in regard to the best method of apprehending Deserters
                                from the Continental Army as well as my assistance &ca—you have doubtless before this learnt that it is
                                impracticable to take your rout through the Town call’d Stratton (in your instructions) as there is no road. And as I
                                am not possess’d of the knowledge of any such deserters being in any particular Town in this State, can only advise
                                you to pursue your instructions as nearly as you can consistent with taking the most likely steps to effect the
                                business of procuring such deserters, which I think will be from the situation of the road & the part of this
                                State your rout is directed, to detatch a part of your command through this place and from thence to Willmington
                                across the Green Mountain 18 miles, and from thence through the Towns of Guilford, & Hallifax to
                                Brattleborough, And that the other part of your Command take this route through Manchester, and cross the mountain to
                                Bromly Kent, Chester, Rockingham, Westminister to Putney meeting house—And do hereby require all Officers Civil and
                                Millitary (Subjects of this State) to grant such necessary aid for the recovery of any such deserters—And, I do farther
                                recommend to all persons that may be applied to by you, (or other Officer by you duly authorized) to afford their
                                assistance in provisions, sleighs and horses taking your drafts on the A.D.Q.M. agreable to Lord Stirlings
                                engagements. I am Sir Your Obdt Servant

                                Thos Chittenden

                                N.B. Should you apprehend any person on suspicion of his being a deserter, who shall punctually
                                    deny his being such, you will obtain the approbation of some  magistrate or field Officer
                                    in this State previous to  any such person or persons out of it.

                                T.C.

                     Enclosure

                                My Lord,
                                Saratoga January 7th 1783.

                            On the 25th of December 1782 I proceeded with a detachment of Troops consisting of one Subaltern, three
                                Serjeants, and Forty three rank and file into the State of Vermont, according to my instructions recd from Colonel
                                Olney, when I arrived at the Town of Arlington I apply’d to the Governor of the State for his Assistance in
                                apprehending deserters agreable to directions from your Lordship with which application the Governor very chearfully
                                comply’d, requesting all civil and millitary Officers to assist me in apprehending and detecting deserters, and to
                                furnish me with provisions for my Troops and horses &c. (a copy of his Letter I do myself the honor to
                                enclose) I then proceeded on the rout directed in my orders and took up several deserters which serv’d more
                                effectually to cover the design. I with great difficulty cross’d the Green Mountains and proceeded to Putney meeting
                                house, nine miles from Newfane and about the same distance from Brattleborough, from that place (Putney) I detatched a
                                Subaltern with Eighteen men to Newfane with the same orders I recd which he was ignorant of untile that time. I then
                                proceeded with the remainder of the party to Brattleborough and arrived at Coll Welles about ten in the Evening. Coll
                                Welles had then as I was told; been absent six days. The Subaltern proceeded directly to Luke Knowltons but
                                unfortunately when he came there he was absent and nothing could be done towards apprehending him, he having been
                                absent almost the same time, he informed the persons present of the contents of the Governors Letter and that he was
                                recommended to Judge Knowlton for assistance in furnishing him with flour for the party which he stood in great need
                                of, our provisions being then almost exhausted by this means we covered the matter in such a manner that the real
                                design still remains a secret, the next day he join’d me at Brattleborough, the place of Rendezvous I had appointed
                                the preceding day; both our attempts having failed I was under the necessity of resting my men one day to
                                    recover
                                from the fatigue of the night, and in the mean time made enquiry for deserters. I also made some
                                enquires respecting the proceedings of the State. One Israel Smith inform’ed me there were a number of men in that
                                State who were very dangerous persons and mentioned Coll Welles and Luke Knowlton judge of the superior court, to be
                                the most active in that quarter, he farther said they had Posts regularly from the Northward, Eastward &
                                Southward, he said that a Post came about ten days since from the Southward, soon after this Post arrived, the two
                                persons mentioned above and a number of others from that quarter went away, where they were gone he did not know, but
                                he imagined the reason of their absence was in consequence of dispatches brought by the Post. he farther said that
                                Knowlton & Welles had recd a Letter from Jonathan Arnold Esqr. at Congress part of which was made public which
                                informed them that affairs in Congress were very unfavorable to them and would have them look out for themselves, what
                                other information this Letter contained he would not say—I found in my march through the State that the last mentioned
                                Gentleman was much in favour with all the principal men in that State I had any conversation with. I returned at
                                Saratoga the 6th Instant with my Command—I look upon Mr Israel Smith to be a man of veracity and a friend to his
                                Country—Governor Clinton can give his character. I am My Lord Your Lordships Obedt humbl Servant

                                Ebenr Macomber Capt.
                                R.I. Regt.

                     Enclosure

                                My Lord
                                Saratoga January 9th 1783

                            After I dispatched my last by Captain Macomber, I was told that one of the deserters taken by him could
                                give some information of a party of the Enemy said to be now in Vermont. I sent for and examined him with every
                                formality and solemnity that I supposed would tend to extract the truth. I send him on with the other two deserters
                                for your Lordships farther scrutiny. I have also taken the Liberty to enclose some sketches of his examination before
                                me, which may serve to suggest to your Lordship, and enable you the more easily to detect any falshood he may be
                                guilty of—The Serjeant and six men left behind by Capt. Macomber, have not yet return’d, which is a coroboration of
                                this Lads storey, and a ground of suspicion that they have fallen into the Enemys hands. I am my Lord with due respect
                                Your Lordships Obdt Servant

                                Coggeshall Olney Majr
                                R.I.R.

                     Enclosure

                                 9 January 1783

                            George McAlpen, a deserter from the New Hampshire Line testifys: that one Foster (whom he understands
                                once belong’d to the New York Line) had come from St Johns with a party of about sixty men, and were encamped on the
                                mountains within two miles of Coll Marshes, where he the deponent livd. That Foster came to the house, with Letters
                                from Coll Marsh and Major Rogers now in Canada, to their wives in Vermont, and many other Letters for other persons,
                                which Letters he delivered to Coll Marshes wife that Mrs Marsh winked to Foster, who retired with her into another
                                room, after which the deponent overheard them reading some of the Letters. The Party had been on the mountains about a
                                fortnight when he was taken by Capt. Macombers detatchment, during which time Foster had been there twice and Eight or
                                ten of the party at several other times for milk bread and other necessaries. That the inhabitants of Danby were
                                knowing to this parties being there as he had frequently observed them in conversation together. That one of the party
                                lives with Mrs Marsh and another with Mr Reynolds, who is supposed by the neighbours to be deserters from our Army.
                                Also that two others of the party are at one Bulls in Danby, whom he understood intended to remain there untill spring
                                before they return. The men informed him that Foster was to have a Commission, if he should take a number of Prisoners
                                and that his design was to inlist deserters from the American Army—Mrs Marsh informed Foster that the deponent was a
                                deserter, and that Foster endeavoured to persuade him to inlist by promising large sums of money. That he understood
                                the party with Foster cross’d the Lake in boats, but intended to remain there untill they could recross on the ice,
                                during which time they intended to go over the mountain to Number four and take some of the inhabitants from that
                                quarter when they returned. They threatened the deponent with immediate death, if he should communicate his knowledge
                                of their being in Vermont.


Title: General Orders, 12 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Sunday January 12th 1783
                            Parole Quixotte
                            Countersigns Rippen Sussex

                        For the day tomorrow Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell.
                        For duty tomorrow the 3d Massachusetts regiment.
                        Captain J. Walker of the 3d Connecticut regiment is continued in the office of Major of Brigade to the
                            Connecticut Brigade.


Title: From George Washington to John Dickinson, 12 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh Janry 12th 1783

                        The dispute of Territory between the States of Pennsylvania & Connecticut being now decided, and the
                            frontiers remaining in a perfect State of tranquility; I cannot conceive any reason sufficient for continuing a body of
                            Continental Troops any longer at Wyoming—I propose therefore to take an early occasion of recalling the Detachment of the
                            Jersey Line; to this measure I am particularly induced, by the suffering situation of those Troops, the great
                            inconveniency of relieving them & the almost irreparable injury which is done to Discipline by keeping Troops on
                            such Detachd Commands of which I thought proper to give this intimation. I have the honor to be with perfect respect Sir
                            Your Excellency &c.


Title: From Benjamin Walker to Henry Jackson, 12 January 1783
From: Walker, Benjamin
To: Jackson, Henry

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Jany 12th 1783

                        The Commander in Chief has considered the case of Lt Cole and has directed me to inform you that on its being
                            fully ascertained that he applied in time and his being arranged is not owing to any neglect of his—there will be no
                            objection to his being deranged—provided also that the state of the Line will now admit of it. I have the honor to be
                            &c.

                            B.W.


Title: From George Washington to William Jackson, 12 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Jackson, William

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh Janry 12th 1783

                        I have duly received your Letter of the 10th with its several enclosures.
                        I am pleased to learn that all the Cloathing on hand was to be forwarded last week, I hope no accident has
                            intervened to prevent it; and that the number of shirts will be augmented so as to give every Man two including those
                            lately sent on—this, from the encouragement which had been given, I have assured the Army will be the case. I am Sir Your
                            Most Obed. Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Otho Holland Williams, 12 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Williams, Otho Holland

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh January 12. 1783

                        I am favord with your Letter of the 1st Instant.
                        Not having been consulted on, or made acquainted with any plans in contemplation for organizing the
                            Independant Corps, or for reforming the Cavalry at large, all that I can observe on the subject of your Letter at present,
                            is, that in case any arrangement should take place, by which a command suitable to your task can be conferred on you
                            without injury to the feelings of other Gentlemen, it will be extremely satisfactory to me. I am Sir Your most Obedient
                            Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 13 January 1783
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Pompton 13th January 1783

                        It is painfull to me to Reflect that I should be under the necessity of addressing your Excellency on a
                            matter so Delicate and of so much Importance to a Corps of officers, as must be the Subject of this letter.
                        We beg leave to Sollicit not a favour but common Justice, we claim a Right to be heared on matters which so
                            nearly reguards us, and which the nature of them we cannot redress ourselves for it is Impossible for any individual among
                            us by any act of Personal Bravery, to convince the army our friends or the world at large, that we have not Robed and
                            Cheated the Soldiers of the Stipulated price of their own Blood and wantonly Emberressed and wasted public property—which
                            we stand amongst other things Publickly Charged with on Record. and which unless we can wipe off by Some public hearing
                            must be left as a Legacy to Posterity. we do not mean or wish any court to interfere with matters that fall within the
                            Compass of mortals to Redress themselves we Conceive that a part of the present Injuries Complained of
                            is totally beyond our reach in any such point of view.
                        I beg to suggest to your Excellency the appointing a Board of Genl officers or others, to hear the Complaint
                            in the memorial as far as Regards Major Reid and only let the Board assertain what is and what is not legal testimony—and
                            point out some few general rules for the Conduct of Courts martial. and then leave it once more in the option of Major
                            Reid to prosecute us on the Charges which he has Publicly impeached us with or abide a prosecution himself.
                        I could not with propriety make  in the memorial altho I have therein taken up
                            matters on a Larger Scale than I otherwise should have done had it not been to shew the necessity of adopting by authority,
                            Some general Rules for the government of Courts martial in other cases as well as ours—which I hope will atone for the
                            length of the Memorial and for this letter on the Subject. I have Honr to be Dear General Your most obedt and most Devoted
                            Humle Servant

                            Mozes Hazen

                            P.S. Whatever may be the fate of Major Reids present Trial. I have to Request that he may not be
                                indulged with leave of absence untill those other matters are settled.

                            M.H.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                At Vanduzers near Camp Janry 10th 1783.

                            Having been appointed by the Officers of the Regiment to attend the trial of Major Reid in order to
                                produce the necessary evidence to the Court which we did accordingly on thursday the 2nd Instant. Major Reid was
                                arraigned on the charges and afterwards told by the President that if he meant to object to the defence being brought
                                against him now was his time. Major Reid said he did object to its being brought against him and read a paper which he
                                said contained some cases of common law, he also gave some other reasons to support his objections—we begged leave to
                                have ’till Monday to refute his objections which was granted, the Judge Advocate plead in favour of having it thrown
                                out and said it was a new matter that he had no precedent for. During the Adjournment we procured every law Authority
                                which he had quoted and found he had taken nothing but what answered his purpose when if he had taken the whole sense
                                every one of his quotations made against himself upon which we drew up an instrument of writing wherein we thought we
                                obviated his objections by stating fully his extracts and many other cases of Common law and also other reasons in
                                which we offered to prove a preceedent as the Judge Advocate held out to the Court its being new and without
                                    Preceedent. When the Court met we gave it to the Judge Advocate who read part of our
                                quotations of common law which he spoke against after the manner of an attorney for his client and suppressed our
                                other reasons which he did not communicate to the Court exept one Short paragraph after which the Court was cleared
                                and they determind the defence should not be brought in against Major Reid: There reasons were entered on the
                                proceedings which we find directly opposite to the Opinion of another Court on the same matter whereon Mr Edwards also
                                officiated as Judge Advocate.
                            The Court also threw out two other subsequent specifications of Ungentleman and UnOfficer like behaivour
                                which the Judge Advocate did not insist on in behalf of the United States.
                            On the charge of fraud &c. we produced an Affidavit taken before William Henry Esqr. which when
                                taken we offered to prove to the Court that Major Reid had notice to attend (agreeable to a resolve of Congress of the
                                24th December 1779) which we also produced who said he had nothing to do with the man and did not
                                attend, the Judge Advocate objected to its being given in as evidence and it was thrown out of Court.
                            We also produced the procedings of a Court of enquiry wherein was the Affidavit of Capt. Duncan tending
                                to prove the charge of fraud &c. and admitted in the hand writing of Major Reid to be brought as evidence
                                against him on his ensuing trial—this the Judge Advocate did not insist on being evidence and it was not admitted by
                                the Court, they said it was the proceedings of a Court of enquiry which as they had not admitted some others (that
                                tended to criminate Major Reid) they would not admit this.
                            Major Reid admitted many things in part which we wanted to prove in full and which if we had been
                                permitted to have done we think would have supported the charge—the Court said his admission was sufficient.
                            We Therefore have every reason as persons injured to say we have not had justice done us by the seeming
                                partiality of the Judge Advocate for as the Court had determined they knew no prosecutor but the Judge Advocate and
                                even silenced us when we spoke aloud to him every thing that he thought proper not to make known for the Court to
                                Judge of was not mentioned to them; and in behalf of the Officers whom we have been appointed to act for think it our
                                duty to represent our grievances to you and beg you will be pleased to lay the matter before his Excellency the
                                Commander in Chief praying Major Reid may be tried on the charges of UnGentleman and Officer like Conduct and
                                behaivour which as the present Court did not take Cognizance of we think still exists. I am Sir with due respect your
                                most obt. Humble Servant, for Capt. White & myself

                                Richard Lloyd Captn

                     Enclosure

                                Pompton January 13, 1783

                            The Memorial of Brigadier-General Moses Hazen, in Behalf of himself and a large Majority of the Officers
                                of his Regiment, humbly sheweth, That the Want of System or some general established Rules in the Proceedings of
                                Courts Martial has in some Cases been injurious to Innocence, and in others tended to exculpate the guilty: To prove
                                which, your Excellency’s Memorial—he begs leave to cite sundry Instances that have fallen within the Compass of his
                                own Knowledge; in some of which, your Memorialist and a Number of worthy Characters, Officers in
                                his Regiment, have been greatly injured, who beg leave now through this Channel to seek Redress.
                            Your Excellency’s Memorialist has had the Misfortune to be brought to the Tribunal of a General
                                Court-Martial three different Times, charged with enormous Offences, and prosecuted by powerful
                                Adversaries; in all which he believes he has been honourably acquitted, tho’ not particularly
                                mentioned by the ment of the Court in his last Trial at the Instance of Major Reid.
                            The first Trial herein refer’d to was at the Instance of the then Brigr Genl Arnold, who attended the
                                Court, adduced the Evidence on the Part of the Prosecution—Stated the Questions to the Evidences—was allowed to argue
                                on the Propriety of the Proceedings of the Court—and even to file a Protest against them, which was received and read.
                            That in August 1780, your Memorialist was arrested by the Honourable Major General Baron Stuben, for
                                Charges that might have affected his Life. Mr Lawrence, the then Judge-Advocate General, attended the Prosecution of
                                Baron Stuben: Some Difficulties arose respecting Form; Matters of Opinion were suggested by Baron Stuben to the
                                Evidence, and taken by the Judge, which made a Part of the Proceedings of the Prosecution, and of course the Defence.
                            That after the Defence was opened, read and received in Court, Baron Stuben was allowed to argue on the
                                Impropriety of it, and even to produce a written Instrument for his own Justification in reply, which Mr Lawrence, the
                                Judge-Advocate, insisted on being received and made a Part of the Proceedings of the Court; and further that the
                                written Defence of your Memorialist, which had been accepted, should be corrected; Arguments were multiplied; the
                                Prisoner, your Excellency’s Memorialist, insisted that he had said nothing in his Defence but what was pertinent to the Case, and which he should in the cause of the Evidence carry fully into
                                Proof, otherwise he was sensible of the Consequences, and that it must in that Case operate most strongly against
                                himself on the Charge of un-officer and un-gentleman-like Conduct and Behaviour in which the Court over-ruled the
                                Judge Advocate’s Opinion, and the Defence stood uncorrected. Your Memorialist was acquitted with Honour, and of course
                                presumed every Part of the Defence was supported by Testimony.
                            For the Trial of your Memorialist in November 1780, at the Instance of Major Reid, a respectable Court of
                                Field Officers were appointed, with a Brigadier-General as their President. Mr Strang acted as Judge Advocate. Your
                                Memorialist was arrested on Complaint of Major Reid, on the following Charges, viz.
                            “1st Disobedience of Orders and unmilitary Conduct.
                            “2ndly Defrauding the United States or the Regiment, or a Part of the Regiment, in which he holds a Public
                                Office and embezzeling or misapplying Public Property.
                            “3rdly Unofficer and ungentlemanlike Conduct or Behaviour.”
                            Previous to the setting of the Court, Mr Strang, the Deputy Judge Advocate, called on Major Reid for a
                                Specification of the Charges exhibited by him against your Memorialist, which he neglected to give.
                                As soon as the Court was formed, he repeated his Application, which Major Reid refused to comply
                                with: The Matter was then urged by the Prisoner, your Memorialist, to no purpose, alledging at the
                                same Time that he could not proceed to Trial without a manifest Injury to his self unless the Charges were
                                particularized. Arguments ensued on both Sides. Major Reid was allowed to speak on the Part of the Prosecution; the
                                Court was cleared, and finally ordered that Major Reid should be allowed to prosecute the Charges as they stood,
                                notwithstanding the Judge Advocate, who was the proper Person to regulate the Proceedings, had officially demanded a
                                Specification. Major Reid was also allowed the Privilege of Argument in the Court in Point of Form, as well as to
                                state the Questions to the Evidence, and even make his own Remarks on the Testimony; he introduced Subjects and
                                examined Evidences foreign to the Charges; and was allowed to bring in two new Charges at the Time the Prosecution was
                                nearly brought to a Close: In fact, he had the Field to himself; for in the whole Course of the Trial there was not a
                                single Witness called or a Question asked by Way of Cross-Examination on the Part of the Prisoner, your Excellency’s
                                Memorialist.
                            The Errors that had crept into the Proceedings of this Court, (as your Memoralist then conceived) induced
                                him to file a Bill of Exceptions to them, stating the Injuries that might accrue to the Prisoner by prosecuting
                                Charges in gross—introducing Subjects and taking Evidence foreign to the Charges on which the Prisoner was tried—the
                                admitting of hearsay Evidence, and Matters of Opinion in the Witnesses, &c. Which Bill of Exceptions, tho’
                                received by the Court, was quashed, and never appeared in the Proceedings; all which Mr Strang, the then Deputy Judge
                                Advocate, will prove if required.
                            The Court determined in the following Words, as near as your Memorialist can recollect, viz.: The Court
                                having maturely considered the Evidence on the Prosecution, and heard the Defence, are of Opinion that Col. Hazen is
                                not guilty of any or either of the Charges, and therefore do acquit him.
                            Why the Court did not add the Words with Honour in its Opinion has not transpired. Your Excellency’s
                                Memorialist conceives it unnecessary further to remark on those Proceedings as they will speak of
                                themselves: In the Camp of which, Major Reid opened up such a Scene of Mal-practices, in which he proved himself
                                guilty of the very Charges which he had exhibited against your Memorialist, that your Memorialist found himself
                                constrained to prosecute him, and he was accordingly arrested on the identical Charges on which your Memorialist had
                                been tried.
                            The Court was formed for the Trial of Major Reid; it assembled on the 21st of December 1780. Mr Thomas
                                Edwards, the present Judge Advocate, acted as such in that Court. The Judge Advocate called for a Specification of the
                                Charges; the Prisoner, Major Reid, urged it; your Excellency’s Memorialist refused to comply with the Request of the
                                Judge-Advocate unless directed by the Court, pleading the Precedent of his own Trial a few Days before, where Major
                                Reid was allowed to prosecute in gross on the very Charges exhibited against him. The Court over-ruled the Objections,
                                and directed a Specification of the Charges, which was complied with. Here your Excellency’s Memorialist begs leave to
                                observe, there was a most material Difference between two very respectable Courts in Point of Form,
                                held at the same Place, and within one Month of each other. The Court proceeded to Trial, and two of the three Charges
                                were proved as appears by the Judgment of the Court.
                            It becomes now necessary to observe, That the whole Proceedings of my Trial in November 1780 was brought
                                into Court against Major Reid on his Trial in December the same Year, and received by the Judge Advocate, Mr Edwards,
                                as legal Testimony on the Charge of un-officer and ungentleman-like Conduct and Behaviour, which had its proper
                                Effect. Major Reid, in the Cause of his Defence, wandered away from the Charges on which he was prosecuted; he bent
                                his whole Force in criminating your Excellency’s Memorialist and a large Majority of worthy creditable Officers of his
                                Regiment, of Capital Offences, from whence arises the Subject Matter of this Memorial.
                            On Major Reid’s reading his Manuscript which he called his Defence, your Excellency’s Memorialist arose
                                and interrupted him, by addressing himself to the Court and begging that Major Reid might not be allowed to criminate
                                innocent Men in Matters that could not tend to justify him under the Charges on which he was tried; and dwelt long on
                                the Impropriety and Cruelty of such Conduct. Major Reid on the other Hand, insisted on his Defence
                                being read and received as he had wrote it, alledging that all it contained was literally true and that he could prove
                                it; he likewise plead the Precedent of your Memorialist’s Defence on his Trial at the Instance of the Honourable
                                Major-General Baron Stuben, alledging at the same Time that he was responsible for his own Acts, and that he must not
                                be interrupted. Mr Edwards, the Judge Advocate instead of opposing, sided with him, and said that great Latitudes had
                                and ought to be given to Prisoners on their Defence: That every Officer was the Guardian of his own Honour: That if
                                Major Reid impeached any Officer he must have Recourse to his own feeling, which Impeachment would of Course be a
                                Subject Matter of a new Trial of Major Reid; which Opinion, the Court adopted, and Major Reid was allowed to proceed.
                            It was then moved in Court by your Excellency’s Memorialist, "that such Parts of Major Reid’s Defence be
                                expunged as relates to the Characters of Individuals, not tending to acquit himself of the Charges exhibited against
                                him, or that Major Reid’s Conduct in this Respect be taken up and considered by the Court as one Instance of Conduct
                                coming under the third Charge against him, viz.: Unofficer and un-gentleman-like Conduct or Behaviour." On which the
                                Court gave the following Opinion, viz.
                            "The Court on Consideration are of Opinion, that the Practice too generally gone into by Prisoners in
                                their Defence of reflecting on Individuals is a Practice highly improper and indecent, yet they think that such
                                Latitude is and ought to be allowed Prisoners to defend themselves against Charges which concerns their Characters in
                                Life as would render the Precedent dangerous in a Court to undertake to expunge any Part of a Man’s Defence; they are also of Opinion that if Major Reid’s Defence their is any Thing criminal they have no
                                    Right to try him for that Crime, as it was committed posterior to the Commencement of the Trial
                                    and Major Reid may hereafter be made liable to answer for any Crime committed by him in the Cause of his
                                Defence."
                            The Court found Major Reid guilty of two of the Charges, and sentenced him to be reprimanded in General Orders.The same Orders that approved the Judgment of the Court sent Major Reid on Command under the Honourable
                                Major-General the Marquis de la Fayette or at least your Excellency’s Memorialist received them together, which
                                prevented some of the injured Officers from taking such Measures and Mode of Redress as then appeared to them
                                justifiable: They however drew up a Remonstrance, signed by Major Torrey and fifteen other Officers of the Regiment,
                                stating their Case and their Grievances, which was presented the Honourable Major-General Heath the then Commanding
                                Officer with the Army at and near West-Point: Copies of which were sent to Major Reid and to your Excellency’s
                                Memorialist—marked No. 1 positively declaring that they never would do Duty with or under Major Reid, unless he should
                                support his Assertions at a Public Hearing.
                            That at the Seige of York-Town a joint Application of the Officers were made to me to arrest Major Reid,
                                which I dissuaded them from at that Time; they however presented Major Reid with a second Remonstrance; marked No. 2
                                adhering to their former Resolutions, requesting him at the same Time to take such immediate Measures as might be
                                necessary to bring on the Matter to a Public Hearing, &c. both which Remonstrance were treated with a
                                Sovereign Contempt and Neglect.
                            That the Orders of Major General Lincoln at the Head of Elk on the 22nd of November 1781—the Tenor of
                                your Excellency’s Furlough to Major Reid of the 27th of December—and your Orders of the 1st of Jany 1782, have also
                                been evaded or disobeyed by Major Reid, consequently I was directed by your Excellency, through the Minister of War,
                                to prosecute thereon, or at least the latter.
                            That the Gentlemen Complainants finding no Attempt by Major Reid to redress their Grievances; on the
                                contrary, seeing him exercise every Art and Cunning to ingratiate himself into favour with them, and to return and
                                join in Duty with and under those very Men whom he had impeached with Crimes of the blackest Dye, presented your
                                Memorialist on the 6th of April 1782, with a Request to arrest Major Reid on the Charges exhibited to the Court
                                ordered for his present Trial; a Copy of which is marked No. 3.
                            That in order to give Major Reid an Opportunity to justify himself under the three general Charges
                                exhibited to him, he received a Specification of them on the 18th of Octr 1782.
                            That Capt. Moses White and Capt. Richard Lloyd were appointed by the Officers aggrieved, to attend the
                                Court-Martial, and adduced the Evidences in support of the Charges, considering the Trial of Major Reid as virtually a
                                Trial of them all—as Major Reid would have a full and ample Opportunity to justify his Assertions, his Acquital would
                                of course confirm them; as on the other Hand his failure in support of them would tacitly acquit the Officers whom he
                                had impeached.
                            That Captains White and Lloyd objected to the Judge-Advocate sitting on the Trial of Major Reid, and gave
                                their Reasons which he had been previously apprised of as being interested in the Event; but those Reasons were
                                over-ruled; Mr Edwards allowed to sit as Judge-Advocate, and Major Reid permitted to bring in Common Law Citations
                                unfairly stated, to set aside his own Public Acts on Record, alledging that his Defence alluded to was under the
                                Sanction of the Court that tried him, &c.
                            Captains White and Lloyd, Agents for the other Officers, objected to the Common Law Citations to be
                                brought into a Military Court; which Objections being over-ruled they then requested a little Time to answer them,
                                which was granted, and their Objections delivered in Writing to the Judge-Advocate, Mr Edwards, which he partially
                                read to the Court, and suppressed the Substance of the Arguments, and pointed Precedents in favour of admitting the
                                said Manuscript as Testimony on the present Trial: The Court determined that Major Reid was not triable for any Part
                                of his said Defence or his former Trial, presuming as a Reason that their was nothing improper in it, or the Court
                                would not have received or suffered it.
                            The suppressing of this Piece of Testimony placed the whole Charge of un-officer and un-gentleman-like
                                Conduct and Behaviour on such slender Ground, that it could not be supported under the Heads then particularized.
                                Captains White and Lloyd moved to support the Charge in gross as it first stood, which they were refused: They then
                                moved for leave to alter the Specification of the Charge, and be at Liberty to bring in viva voce Testimony in its
                                Support, which they were also refused; the Judge-Advocate withdrew another Instance of un-officer and
                                un-gentleman-like Conduct and Behaviour, and so the Charge was lost, and the Complaintants left without Redress.
                                Captains White and Lloyd produced Evidence in Support of a Part of the Charge of Fraud, which the Judge Advocate
                                mistakenly said was negatively and unnecessary: They produced Major Reid’s own Admission in another Instance of Fraud,
                                in the Case of Andrew Luckey, which Major Reid thought fit to retract, and so it was disallowed; all which will more
                                fully appear in a written Representation from under the Hands of Captains White and Lloyd marked No. 4.
                            Captins White and Lloyd complain of unusual and rigid Rules being established in this Court, which has
                                prevented them from being heard by the Court or Judge-Advocate on the Trial, and which as they conceive has hindered
                                them from giving the necessary Information in Support of the Charges against Major Reid; as also a seeming Partiality
                                and Neglect of Duty in Mr Edwards, the Judge-Advocate.
                            That it will appear by the aforesaid State of Facts, that your Excellency’s Memorialist has acted
                                officially only in the present Prosecution of Major Reid, in hopes that the mild Measures pursued by the Unanimity of
                                the Officers of the Regiment, would finally induce Major Reid to make the necessary Apologies for the Injuries done to
                                your Memorialist—He is now sorry to find that it has not had the desired effect, and therefore your Excellency’s
                                Memorialist is under the disagreeable Necessity of joining with those Officers, in carrying up a Complaint to your
                                Excellency, in Search of Redress.
                            In short, to sum up the Substance of the whole in a few Words, it will appear, That the Want of System or
                                some general Rules in the Proceedings of Courts-Martial has in some Cases been injurious to Innocence and in other
                                tended to exculpate the guilty.
                            That on the Trial of your Memorialist, at the Instance of Baron Stuben, he was obliged to support by
                                Proof every Part of his Defence, or he could not have been acquitted, which Major Reid on his Trial pleaded the
                                Precedent of, in order to croud his Manuscript, called his Defence, into Court.
                            That Major Reid was allowed to prosecute your Memorialist in gross, and that your Memorialist was
                                directed to prosecute him under the Specification of Charges by detail.
                            That by the move made in Court on Major Reid’s Trial, it was left to his Option to expunge those Parts of
                                his Defence which were false and reflected on individual Characters, or otherwise let it be taken up and considered by
                                that Court as one Instance of Conduct coming under the third Charge of un-officer and un-gentleman-like Conduct and
                                Behaviour: That Major Reid made his Election, and under every Risque of Crimination asserted that he would abide the
                                Event—and altho’ that Court would not try him for his slanderous Performance, yet they left it open, and expressly
                                referred it to another, before which he ought in Justice to be responsible and abide the Consequences.
                            That Complainants have ever been indulged to attend and assist in Prosecutions, adduce Evidence, and give
                                Information to the Court, except on the present Instance; which Regulation falls singularly hard on the present
                                Complainants.
                            That a Mans own Public Acts and Deeds is and ought to be binding on himself, more especially when they
                                may be considered as a Recognizance taken in open Court, which is similar to the present Case, and therefore the
                                Testimony offered is legal and ought to be admitted, more especially when a Precedent was offered full in Point in
                                Support of it.
                            That the present Trial of Major Reid is virtually the Trial of Twenty-four Officers, whom he has openly
                                and pointedly charged with infamous Crimes, such as would render them if true unworthy of the Commissions they bear in
                                the Service of the United States, amongst which are those of robbing and cheating the Soldiers, and a wanton
                                Embezzlement of Public Property.
                            That the Opinion of the present Court that Major Reid was not triable for any Part of his Defence on his
                                former Trial, may be just in general Cases, but not in the present, for Reasons before assigned, which the
                                Judge-Advocate ought in Duty to have stated to the Court for its Information.
                            That the Judge-Advocate has not prosecuted Major Reid with Vigour, but on the contrary, he has apparently
                                suppressed sundry Pieces of Testimony, which would very materially tend to convict him under the Charges exhibited.
                            Wherefore your Excellency’s Memorialist  himself as far and on Behalf of
                                Twenty-four Officers of his Regiment, humbly prays that your Excellency will be pleased to set aside the present
                                proceeding of the Court-Martial on the Trial of Major Reid, and direct an Enquiry into the Matters herein complained
                                of; as also a fair and full Trial of Major Reid on the Charges exhibited against him, under such Limitations and
                                Restrictions as the Nature of the Case may require, or to your Excellency may seem meet. And your Excellency’s
                                Memorialist, as in Duty bound, will ever pray

                                Moses Hazen


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 13 January 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            West Point 13 Jany 1783.

                        Lieut. Colonel Johnson of Colonel Swift’s regiment is very sollicitous to have leave of absence for twelve or
                            fourteen days. His family is large, and are in distress upon account of the short crops of grain in the vicinity of their
                                . Major Smith is with the regiment. If your Excllcy should find it proper to grant him this
                            indulgence it would releive the anxiety of a deserving officer. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect Your
                            Excellcys Most obedient Servant

                            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Peter Muhlenberg, 13 January 1783
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Winchester Barracks Jany 13th 1783

                        I have been Honord with Your Excellencys Letter of the 13th of November, relative to the Governors charge
                            against Captn Fox, the recruiting Officer appointed for Spottsylvania—previous to the receipt of Your Excellencys Letter,
                            I had allready summond Captn Fox to the Rendezvous; together with Mr Mountjoy who had lodgd the
                            information with the Governor. Captn Fox attended, and denied the charge in the most positive
                            terms—Mr Mountjoy did not attend but asserted that he had recd his information from his Brother Captain Mountjoy—Captain
                            Fox at the same time produced a Certificate from Captain Mountjoy, asserting that he had never heard Captn Fox make use of
                            the expression alluded to. Mr Mountjoy has since attended & informed me, that the only evidence he had agt Captn
                            Fox was Captn Mountjoy—as this was the case & there was nothing to found a Charge upon agt Captn Fox, I put off
                            the trial & wrote to the Governor, enclosd him the papers & requested his further directions but have not
                            yet heard from him—Enclosd I do myself the Honor to transmit Your Excellency, the returns of the recruiting Officers for
                            last Month—They include those transmitted in November. These returns are only from such officers who
                            have found it practicable, at this Season of the Year to obtain a conveyance to this place—those in the lower part of
                            Virginia are to make their returns to the Governor, who has promis’d to transmit them to Your Excellency.
                        In November only we recd part of the 300 Suits of Clothing, promisd us last Spring, since their arrival the
                            recruiting service comes on much better than before—There are two obstacles still remaining which greatly retard us, to
                            remove which I have repeatedly applied to Government in vain. The first is That no provision is allowd by the State for
                            the Recruits at the different places of rendezvous. The recruiting Officer must therefore suffer his Men to Shift for
                            themselves, and get to the Rendezvous as well as they can; by this means a number of the Men are lost, for after spending
                            their Bounty Money, they refuse to March to the G. Rendezvous, without provisions—Major Poulson on the eastern Shore after
                            collecting eighteen Men, was obligd to disband them, for want of provisions—The other is—that no Steps are taken to
                            apprehend Deserters, or to put the Laws against them in force—It is out of my power to send out parties to apprehend them,
                            as no provision is issued on Continental account, at any post but this, within the State, where the party could be
                            supplied—I have indeed offered a reward out of my own pockett, for apprehending two or three notorious Offenders, but
                            unless Government will interfere, any thing I can do at this place, to prevent Desertion will have no effect. I have the
                            Honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt humble Servt

                            P: Muhlenberg

                     Enclosure

                                    November—December 1782

                            Return of the Recruits, reported to me by the Recruiting Officers—in Novr & Decr 1782.

                                    Captain Lieut. A.
                                    Bohannen
                                    21

                                    Thomas Mountjoy Esqr.
                                    Stafford
                                    11

                                    Captn Johnson
                                    Alexandria
                                    3

                                    Lieut. Quarles
                                    Albemarle
                                    1

                                    Captn Broyer
                                    Stanton
                                    31

                                    Lieut. Brown
                                    Amherst
                                    14

                                    Captn Williams
                                    Winchester
                                    19

                                    Major Poulson
                                    Eastern Shore
                                    18

                                    Captn Woodson
                                    Goocheland
                                    7

                                    Captn Kirkpatrick
                                    Rendezvous
                                    34

                                    Captn Barbee
                                    Shennandoa

                                        6

                                    Total
                                    165

                                P: Muhlenberg B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Sill, 14 January 1783
From: Sill, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany January 14th 1783

                        Major General Lord Stirling took his leave of this world at 6 oclock this morning. Lady Stirling and Lady
                            Caty are in the deepest distress. It would no doubt be more agreable to his friends could he be interred with the honors
                            due to his rank but the distance of the Troops from this place will render it impossible to pay so small a tribute to his
                            memory. A Subalterns party which has been stationed in Town as a Guard (being the only Troops in the City) will be ordered
                            to attend on the occasion. It is not as yet determin’d on what day the funeral will be attended, under the hope of Coll
                            Duers arrival it is probable it will be posponed a day or two. I have the honor to be with the greatest Esteem and Respect
                            Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                            Richard Sill

                            P.S. His Lordships funeral is to be on Thursday the 16th.


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 14 January 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dobbs’s Ferry 14th Jany 1783

                        After breaking thro’ numberless snow-banks and encountring the Difficulties attendant on those who move in
                            unbeaten Paths, I arrived here yesterday.
                        The Post is in its usual order and nothing material has happen’d during my absence. My Corespondent below had
                            deposited the enclosed Papers, which I sent for last night and have the honor of forwarding. there is no News Circulating
                            but what they contain.
                        I beg leave to assure your Excellency, that I entertain the most grateful Sense of the polite Treatment I
                            received when at Head Quarters and am with sincerity Your Excellency’s most obliged Humble Servt

                            W.S. Smith Lt Colo.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 14 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Janry 14th 1783

                        I enclose a Letter from Major Tallmadge to Your Excellency which came under a flying seal to my hands; the
                            observations contained in it appear to be highly worthy of consideration.
                        The importance of absolutely cutting off all manner of commerce & illicit intercourse with the Enemy
                            is so great, and at the same time so obvious, that I conceive it only necessary to recommend the subject, without
                            enlarging upon it; in order to engage Your Excellency to use Your utmost endeavours to effect a purpose of such
                            interesting consequence to the Public. I have the honor to be With perfect respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From Benjamin Walker to Richard Varick, 14 January 1783
From: Walker, Benjamin
To: Varick, Richard

                            Dear Sir
                             14 January 1783

                        The General wishes to know if you have bought the buff Cloth—if you have send it—if not—you need not buy it.
                        We have nothing here but that a Man from N. York says the Garrison of Charles town is arrived Sincerely Yrs

                            B. Walker


Title: General Orders, 15 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Wednesday January 15th 1783
                            Parole Dublin,
                            Countersigns Essex, Fort Pitt

                        For the day tomorrow Major Fish.
                        For duty tomorrow the 8th Massachusetts regt.
                        The honorable the Congress have been pleased to promote Colonels Greaton, and Putnam, of the Massachusetts
                            Line, and Colonel Dayton of the Jersey Line to the rank of Brigadier Generals.
                        Brigadier General Greaton is appointed to the command of the 2d & Brigadier General Putnam to the
                            command of the 3d Massachusetts Brigades.
                        The Army will be inspected and mustered for the month of December on the following days.

                                Newyork brigade
                                on the
                                17th
                                instant

                                1st
                                Massachusetts do
                                on the
                                18th
                                "

                                3d
                                do
                                do
                                19th
                                “

                                2d & 5th
                                Massa. regiments

                                20th

                                8th
                                do
                                do
                                21st

                                Maryland Detacht & Jersey Brigde

                                24th

                                Hampshire
                                do
                                23d

                        The Garrison of Westpoint & 2d Connecticut regt for December and January on the 26th 27th and 28th
                            instant.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 15 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Jany 15 1783

                        I have the pleasure to congratulate you on your late promotion to the Rank of Brigadier General which took
                            place in Congress the 7th Inst.
                        Your Commission arrived here yesterday and I shall keep it till I can have the pleasure to deliver it to you in
                            Person which I must request may be as soon as possible and that you come prepared to remain with your Brigade the
                            remainder of the Winter.
                        If Captain Schaack is not yet gone to New York I might desire you to take measures to oblige him to go in. I
                            am Sir Your most obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 15 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Janry 15th 1783

                        I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 1st instant.
                        Congress have been pleased to promote Colonels Greaton, Dayton & Putnam to the rank of Brigadiers, by
                            their Act of the 7th of this Month.
                        Altho’ we have no official Accounts of the Evacuation of Charles Town, yet the certainty of that event is
                            placed beyond dispute by the publications in New York; at which place General Leslie and part of the Garrison have
                            arrived, the remainder have gone to the West Indies.
                        Should the King of Great Britain’s speech to his Parliament, or any European Advices of consequence arrive
                            sooner at the eastward, than in any other quarter; I shall be much obliged to you, for forwarding the same to me, as early
                            as conveniently may be. I am Dear Sir With sentiments of esteem Your Most Obed. Servt

                            Go: Washington

                    P.S. Notwithstanding the pointed applications which have been made to General Glover, to return the Soldiers he took from the Army as Servants, or replace them with others, I find it has not yet been done—I beg you will inform him unless the requisition is immedeately complied with, I shall think myself under the necessity of representing the matter to Congress.


Title: To George Washington from William Jackson, 15 January 1783
From: Jackson, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            War Office January 15th 1783

                        I am honored with your Excellency’s letters of the 3rd and 8 instant—The Post did not
                            arrive until this morning.
                        I shall address Congress on the subject of additional subsistence money to be allowed the Officers of the
                            Cavalry in consideration of their keeping more servants without arms than those of the Infantry—until their decision is
                            had, which I am persuaded will be conformable to the report of the Board of General Officers, which regulated the number
                            of Servants, I shall direct the Secretary of the War Office to adjust the accounts of subsistence money agreeably to your
                            Excellency’s intentions signified to the Paymaster General.
                        The enclosed motion made in Congress by the Delegates from Connecticut, has been referred to the War Office,
                            as I am informed, for the purpose of obtaining Your Excellency’s opinion whether the appointment of a Brigadier for the
                            troops of that State was a requisite measure. I wish to be honored with Your sentiments on the subject.
                        When the Officers, whose requests have been referred by Your Excellency to the Secretary at War, apply to the
                            War Office, particular attention will be paid to them.
                        Major Burnet arrived last evening from Charlestown—General Greene’s dispatches, respecting the evacuation of
                            Charlestown, are addressed to the President of Congress. I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect,
                            Your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant
                        W. Jackson

                            Assistant Secy at War


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 15 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            My dear Sir,
                            Newburgh 15th Jany 1783.

                        When the Party arrived yesterday with the Sleigh, I was engaged with Mr Howell—before I was at liberty they
                            had left this—This is my apology for not writing to you yesterday.
                        I have now to thank you for the Sleigh, which I think very handsome—convenient—& well executed. Shall
                            I thank you for giving the Master Workman a couple of Guineas, to be laid out in liquor for those who have been engaged in
                            this business?
                        Mrs Washington joins in Compliments to Mrs Knox—and I am with much truth and affection Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt
                            Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 January 1783
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                            Dear sir
                            Richmond Jany 15th 1783

                        Your excellency’s favour, desiring me to communicate with Mr Lund Washington on the
                            subject of Colo. Mercer’s affairs, has been duly received. I have written to him on the subject; informing him, that the
                            application of Mr John Mercer for the bond was founded on an order of the high court of chancery. He
                            was directed to give bond, and, I believe, he has done so tho’ of this I am not  I cannot have
                            access at present to the records of the court. However

                            appointment, and by so doing  injury on account of having parted from the
                            bonds.
                        Mrs Randolph unites with me in a  of our respects to your lady and yourself. and for
                            myself in particular I wish your excellency to be persuaded, that I am Dear sir Your affectionate and
                            obliged sarv.

                            Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to John Sullivan, 15 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Jany 15th. 1783

                        By the Last eastern Mail I received your favor of the 30th Ulto accompanied by a Letter to Colo. Holland; I
                            made no delay in giving directions to have that Letter forwarded immediately by flagg to New York—I am Dear Sir with great regard & esteem Your Most Obdt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            I have received no answer to either of the other Letters.


Title: From David Humphreys to Job Sumner, 15 January 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Sumner, Job

                            Sir
                            Head Qrs Janry 15th 1783

                        The Commander in Chief desires me to inform you, that upon maturer consideration he does not think himself
                            authorized to give an order for the payment of your forage Account; because it would be contravening the regulation of
                            Congress, as fixed in the late system for conducting the Qr Mastrs Department, which enumerates the Officers who shall alone
                            be entitled to move forage, from the public, & because it would not only operate in the present case, but establish
                            a precedent, in future—however, if His Excellency will represent the matter to the Secry at War on his return from the
                            eastward & obtain his sentiments thereon—I resend back your Certificate & Accounts that they may not be
                            mislaid; and that you may have an opportunity of exhibiting them whenever it shall be necessary.I am Sir


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 16 January 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 16th Jan. 1783.

                        Your Excellency’s letter of the 8th instant, enclosing Mr Chittendon’s receipt, came safe to hand and was
                            duly laid before Congress.
                        I have also the honor to acknowlege the receipt of your Excellency’s private letter of the same date,
                            enclosing the Bank Notes for 95 Dollars on account of the late Revd Mr Caldwell’s Children—I cannot but again repeat on
                            behalf of these distressed Orphans, the high sense I have of your Excellency’s benevolence and affection on this occasion.
                        Enclosed is a copy of the official letter of Genl Greene announcing the evacuation of
                            Charles Town. On this important event I most sincerely congratulate your Excellency
                            and the Army, as it must be productive of the most happy consequences to the common Cause. I
                            have the honor to be, with the highest respect and esteem, Dr Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & very humb.
                                Sevt

                            Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 16 January 1783
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            SirPokeepsie 16th January 1783

                        On my Return from Kingston Yesterday I was honored with your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Instant accompanied by one from Major Talmage. You may be assured Sir of my chearful Concurrence in every Measure which may be necessary to prevent the dangerous Intercourse with the Enemy mentioned by Major Talmage—Six only of the Number of Cruizers in the Sound have received their Commissions from me & my principal Inducement to issue these was that they might serve as a Check on the illicit Trade which prevailed by Way of the Sound with the Enemy, and as a Protection to the peaceable Inhabitants of Long-Island against the Enormities committed upon them by the Crews of other Boats—I have furnished Major Talmage with a List of their Names and should it appear that any of them have prostituted their Commissions to the Base Purposes which they were intended to prevent I shall not fail to recall them and bring the Author to Punishment. I have the Honor to be with the highest sentiments of Respect & Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant

                            Geo: Clinton

                    P.S. On Monday next I shall return to Kingston where your Excellency will be pleased to direct any Commands you may have for me.


Title: General Orders, 17 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Friday Jany 17. 1783
                            Parole Kalender
                            Countersigns Louisbough Madiera

                        For the day tomorrow Major Oliver.
                        For duty tomorrow the Maryland Detachment.
                        In consequence of the promotion of Brigadrs Generals, Greaton, Putnam, and Dayton, Lieutenant Colonel Mellon
                            is posted to the 3d and Lieutenant Colo. Cobb to the 5th Regiments of Massachusetts, as Lieutenant Colonels commandants.
                            Lieutenant colonel Barber takes command of the 2d regiment of Jersey as Lieutenant Colonel Commandant—Major General Gates
                            will be pleased to ascertain what transference of officers from one corps to another will be rendered necessary in
                            consequence of this arrangement, and post them accordingly.
                        It is with great pleasure the General communicates to the Army the following translation of a Letter, he
                            received yesterday from the Minister of France.


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 10 January 1783
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                            Gentlemen
                            Phila W. Jany 83

                        His Majesty has been informed of the marks of Joy shewn by the American Army; on the birth of the Dauphin
                            and it has given him great satisfaction to see the part which the American Officers and soldiers have taken in that happy
                            event.
                        The King has ordered me to make known to you his sensibility on this Occasion and has charged me to assure
                            the American Army and the General who commands it—of his affection and particular Esteem. Have the honor to be with a
                            Respectfull attachment. Gentlemen Your very humble and very Obed. Servant

                            Translation (Signed) Le Chev de la luzerne


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Colles, 17 January 1783
From: Colles, Christopher
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Morristown 17 January 1783.

                        As the subject of this Letter is a matter which may turn out of considerable utility to the United States in
                            general, & the state of Virginia in particular, I hope you will pardon the liberty I take of addressing myself to
                            your Excellency.
                        I have lately seen Capn Hutchins’s map of Virginia, & observe that the River Ohio is navigable for
                            large vessels from Fort Pitt to its confluence with the Mississipi, & from thence to the Ocean, except a small
                            distance of 2 or 3 miles where it is obstructed with rapids; and as I have made Inland Navigation & other branches
                            of Civil Engineering my study, & executed some works in Ireland with success, I do conceive it a matter of the
                            utmost consequence to remove these obstructions; & am of opinion I am capable of effecting it at a small expence;
                            And do propose taking a journey into Virginia to communicate my designs to the Legislature thereof for their concurrence
                            & encouragement; & tho these designs cannot be put in execution during the war, It may perhaps be judged
                            expedient to make a law & establish a Company who may forward them as soon as peace is settled; I therefore
                            request your Excellency will favour me with the names of such Gentlemen in Virginia as you may judge proper I should apply
                            to on this affair.
                        As I have not the Honor of a personal acquaintance with your Excellency I must request the favour of you to
                            enquire my Character of General Knox Colonel Lamb & Colonel Hamilton.
                        I have communicated the outline of my plan for executing this design to Mr Henry Remsen of
                            Morristown, who so far approved of it that he thought it advisable I should address myself to your Excellency &
                            request your patronage. Your Excellency’s Answer directed to his care in Morristown will be gratefully received by Your
                            Excellencys most Obedt and most humble Servt

                            Christopher Colles


Title: To George Washington from Jacques-Marie-Blaise, Chevalier [de] Segond de Sederon, 17 January 1783
From: Segond de Sederon, Jacques-Marie-Blaise, Chevalier [de]
To: Washington, George

                            Dear general
                            philadelphia this 17th january—83

                        as I was just perusing a letter of your’s excellency’s aid camp to mr jackson, colonel armand stept in the
                            board of war. we had a long conference on the subject now extant before you—it appears that the colonel has been grossly
                            and maliciously misinform’d as to my situation. both the facts which he acquainte you with are false and untrue, for I
                            neither have resign’d nor receive a gratifiction from Congrès last year—but just took the opportunity of my being a
                            prisoner to go and visit a cherish’d family and belov’d parents whose’s sight I had allready being depriv’d six years. the
                            colonel after the inquiries made on the subject of his informations to your excellency is conscious of his having being
                            misrepresent’d and as far as I can perceive is only prevent’d from granting my request on account of the seeming
                            discouteus of some of his officers who would loose a rank by my reasuming a due Command.
                        such reasons I dare flatter myself can not induce your excellency to injure an officer under my predicament.
                        because a prisoner when the arrangement was made or because my being now arrang’d, would for a while retard
                            the promotion of an other officer—am I to give up a right of an undoubtd justice? is it any solicity and sense in the
                            manner of arguing of armands corps—if capt: segond says they comes in under the resolution of congres, all the junior
                            officers loose a rank—but is Capt: segond to be left out and derang’d merely for favouring the promotion of an officer who
                            has not surely serv’d so long as capt. segond in a critical time where service was certainly harder than it ever’ll be and
                            is a lieutt to be promot’d to a company in prejudice of the right owner of that company because a prisoner.
                        you are the judge dear general and your opinion on the subject I look upon as a sentence—but I hope before to
                            determine my case you’ll be Kind enough to explore the differents means which have been employ’d to misrepresent my case
                            before the colonel and your excellency—my conduct in this occassion has been open to all and I dare believe irreprochable.
                        my Case is shortly this the remains of poulauski’s legion are by a resolv’d of congres to be incorporatd into
                            armand’s the officers in proportion to the soldiers; are the senior officers to be derang’d in preference to the juniors
                            in the arrangement? as the  office of pulauski’s should I not come in first? and if not now by my
                            being a prisoner have I not an undoupt’d right to do it when ever exchang’d? without prejudicing any of my younger
                            camarads as they seems to pretend it. are the persons in charlestown who during the carolinian exile took possession of
                            their houses, entitld to refuse of giving them up now because present possesors of it? if not-- ought an oficer who during
                            my captivity as assumed a command of mine, have the least objection in relinquishing of it at my being liberatd? altho a
                            prisoner I still did belong to pulauski’s and if that corps is incorporat’d I certainly have an undubitable right of
                            being also incorporat’d.
                        be Kind enough dear general to acquainte me with the proceedings of colonel armand in this case that I may
                            not be tried—unheard. the colonel is now in philadelphia and the matter may the more easily be settl’d.
                        I see the colonel often but will as much as possible avoid of discuting with the least
                            passion a subject which your excellency is the only proper judge of; Congres having in this particular resolv’d vested in
                            you the power of approving col: armand’s arrangement of our corps—I have the honor to be with the greatest consideration
                            your excellencys most humble and obed. servant

                            Segond


Title: From Benjamin Walker to Jonathan Smith, 17 January 1783
From: Walker, Benjamin
To: Smith, Jonathan

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Jany 17. 1783

                        I am commanded by His Excellency to inform you that he has examined into the case of Joseph & William
                            Hackney, the two soldiers charged with enlisting first with the Recruiting Officer of Massachusets & afterwards
                            with an Officer of the Second or New York Regiment of Artillery, and finds that the first Enlistment gives to Claim to the
                            Classes who inlisted them as the Men had not been Resident in the state Six Weeks the time prescribed by law—and as they
                            are undoubtedly Inhabitants of New York—that State alone can claim them as part of their Quota—the General has therefore
                            orderd that they Remain in the York Reg. of Artillery. I am Sir Your very hum. Servt

                            Ben. Walker
                            aid De Camp


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 17 January 1783
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Charlestown 17th Jany 1783

                        The total liberation of the Southern States from an enemy, affords the Citizens a flattering prospect of a continuation of peace & tranquility; so that probably the troops of the middle States will be Ordered to return to
                            the Northard in the course of the spring; be that as it may, the shock my constitution has met with from reiterated
                            attacks of the fever, in this Inhospitable climate, render it expedient, in the Opinion of my Physicians for me to proceed
                            northerly as soon as my health is sufficiently reestablished to undertake so long a Journey; Genl Greene to whom I feel
                            myself under the highest Obligations for his very polite attention on all occasions, backs the Opinion of the Doctors with
                            the anxiety of a sincere friend; thus advised I shall leave this place some time in March, unless you order these troops
                            to join your Army, in that case I will proceed with them & should there be a prospect of an other Campaign in that
                            quarter; permit me to take the liberty of solliciting the Command of the light Infantry; but if your Excellency has already
                            disposed of that Command, I am silent, & doubt not, that it will be conducted with more ability, but not with more
                            zeal, than under the direction of your Excellency’s very Affectionate & sincere Hume Servt

                            Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 18 January 1783
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh Jany 18. 1783.

                        Your Excellency had but just left my quarters, this evening, when a deputy sheriff of Ulster arrested me. He
                            shewed me a writ of which I beg leave to inclose a copy. To prevent any injury to the public, by taking me from my office,
                            I gave bail; and have wrote to an attorney to defend the suit.
                        I thought it my duty to apprize your Excellency of this event. The plaintiff is a Melancton L. Woolsey. I do
                            not know him, nor ever heard his name before: But a gentleman who happens to be at my office, tells me that he is a trader
                            at Poughkeepsie, who has been purchasing up specie certificates (signed by me, & issued pursuant to an act of
                            Congress of the 23d of August 1780) at a very great discount. The suit, therefore, is doubtless grounded on such
                            certificates. But on the same ground some thousands of suits may be brought against me in this state alone. Congress, by
                            an act of the 19th of March 1782, recommended to the several states to pass laws to exempt public officers from such
                            suits. Some complied with the recommendation. This state deliberated upon it; and a bill passed the assembly: but the
                            council of revision offered objections; and it was dropped.
                        To subject public officers to such actions is doubtless a cruel oppression: at the same time the community is
                            burthened with a great expence. If such suits be multiplied (and the numerous public creditors have all as just cause of
                            action) they cannot even benefit the prosecutors: for the property of public officers compared with the vastness of the
                            public debts, is but as the small dust of the balance. There is but one class of people who can derive advantage from such
                            prosecutions: they, indeed, will reap a rich harvest, if all, or a majority of the public creditors become equally
                            unreasonable with the few that have hitherto commenced such suits. With the writ, the sheriff presented me a letter from
                            Mr Benson, of which the inclosed is a copy.
                        I am singularly unfortunate in being subjected to suits on specie certificates: for it was at my instance
                            that Congress passed the act authorizing men to issue them. My motive was, to do the best possible justice to the public
                            creditors, by fixing their dues in specie, and allowing them the interest of their money, which I saw it was impossible
                            for the public promptly to pay. I am, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                            Tim: Pickering
                            Q.M.G.

                     Enclosure

                                 26 October 1782

                            The people of the State of Newyork by the Grace of God, Free and Independent, To the Sheriff of Ulster
                                Greeting. We command you that you take Timothy Pickering Esqr. if he shall be found in your Bailiwic, and him safely
                                keep, so that you may have his body before us on Friday the twenty fourth day of January next, wheresoever our supreme
                                court of judicature shall then be held within the state aforesaid, to answer unto Melancton L. Woolsey of a plea of
                                trespass, and also to a bill of the said Melancton against the said Timothy for Three thousand pounds an assumption
                                according to the Custom of our court before us to be exhibited, And have you then there this writ witness Richard
                                Morris Esqr. Chief Justice at Albany the twenty sixth day of October in the seventh year of our Independance.

                                McKelson

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,
                                Poughkeepsie Jany 8th 1783

                            If I could have gratified my own wishes, I would have apprized you of the Errand of the Bearer; my Client
                                is entitled to the Process of the Law, and it is my duty to obey his Directions, which were peremtory to issue a Writ
                                without any previous notice—Lest you might suppose me wanting in point of Civility I conceived this Explanation
                                necessary. I remain with respect Your most obt Servt

                                Egbt Benson


Title: From George Washington to Walter Stewart, 18 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Stewart, Walter

                            Dr Sir
                            Head Quarters Janry 18th 1783.

                        I am extremely happy to hear from some Gentlemen, who very lately left Philadelphia, of your recovery; and I
                            take the more pleasure in congratulating you on this event, from having once almost despaired that it would ever happen;
                            this was in consequence of the repeated accounts I had received of your dangerous illness.
                        I cannot now omit taking the first opportunity of mentioning the state of the Inspection Department to
                            you—Notwithstanding I am convinced that Major Barber uses the greatest diligence, and does as much as is in the power of
                            any one Man towards accomplishing the business of Inspecting & Mustering the Troops Monthly; yet it scarcely
                            need be suggested, that without more assistance the Department must lose in a great degree its efficiency &
                            utility, and dwindle into a name only—it is for these reasons that I feel exceedingly anxious for your return to the Army;
                            and especially as the great object in taking a Cantonment of repose for the Winter, was to improve the tranquillity of
                            that season by encreasing the emulation, & establishing the Discipline of the Army; and by introducing a perfect
                            system of police to render the Troops more & more fit for the activity of service at the opening of the Campaign
                            to which purposes I flattered myself the frequency & exactness of Inspections would have greatly contributed—I
                            shall therefore expect to hear from you, or rather to see you, as soon as it can possibly be made convenient for you to
                            undertake the journey—bring Mrs Stewart with you, & then your temptation to return to Phila. will not be so
                            powerful. I am, Dr Sir, With great esteem & regard Your Most Obedt Servt


Title: General Orders, 19 January 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Sunday January 19th 1783
                            Parole Quebec
                            Countersigns Rumney Suffolk

                        For the day tomorrow Major Gibbs.
                        For duty tomorrow the first York regiment.
                        The Commander in chief gives his sanction to the agreement which has been entered into between Brigadr
                            General Greaton, Colonel H. Jackson and Major Fish in behalf of the regiments therein named, on the one part—& the
                            Contractors for supplying the Army in the states of New York and Jersey with rations of Provisions on the other,
                            respecting the commutation of certain componant parts of the rations; as specified in the original agreement which will be
                            lodged at the Orderly office.
                        At a general court martial assembled at New windsor cantonment Decr 16th 1782 by order of his Excellency the
                            Commander in Chief—Colonel Greaton President.
                        Captain Phenias Bowman of the 5th Massa. regiment was tried for conducting himself in a manner unbecoming an
                            officer and Gentleman towards the Commanding officer of his regiment.
                        The Court are of opinion the charge against Captn Bowman is not supported in every particular but find him
                            guilty of conduct, amounting to a breach of Art. 5th sec. 12th of the rules and Art. of war and sentence him to ask pardon
                            of Lieutenant Colonel Newhall publickly at the head of the 2d Massachusetts Brigade and to be suspended from the service
                            for the space of three months.
                        The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence.
                        The General court martial of which Colo. Greaton was president is desolved.
                        A General court martial of which Colo. Michael Jackson is appointed President will assemble tomorrow morning
                            ten o’clock at the presidents quarters for the Tryal of such persons as shall be brought before them—Lieutenant Colonel
                            Maxwell—Major Pope—three Captains from the Newyork—One from the 1st Massachusetts—three from the 2d—two from the third,
                            and one from the New Hampshire brigade to attend as members. All evidences and persons concerned are ordered to attend the
                            court.