Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 7 April 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir.
            Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] April 7th 1780

          The Legislature of this State at their late Meeting passed a Law for raising 800 Men, to be subject to your Excellency’s Orders, for the Defence of the Frontiers on Condition that Congress should engage to pay and subsist them. Immediately on the passing of this Law I wrote to Congress and transmitted them the Resolutions of the Legislature upon the Subject; but have not yet been favored with an Answer. The late Incursions of the Savages at Skeensboro’ & on the Frontiers of Tryon County have filled the Minds of the Inhabitants with the most dreadful

Apprehensions and they are daily abandoning their Settlements and retiring into the interior Part of the Country; which all the Countenance & Protection I am able to give them with the Militia is not sufficient to prevent.
          These People influenced by a Sense of their Danger have frequently requested me to apply to your Excellency for a Detachment of Continental Troops to be stationed among them which I have hitherto declined, from the little Hopes I had that the situation of the Army would enable your Excellency to comply with the Request. I am now informed that they have of their own accord addressed a Petition to your Excellency on the Subject which the Bearer hereof is to present & I have therefore thought it necessary to inform you of the Measures taken by the State and to request that your Excellency will be pleased to interest Yourself in obtaining a favorable and speedy Determination of Congress with respect to the Levies offered by the State for this Service if no other Relief can be afforded. I take the liberty of enclosing to your Excellency a Copy of my Letter to Congress and am with the highest Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant

            Geo: Clinton

            P.S. I am not possessed of a Second Copy of the Resolution of the Legislature on this Subject—their Records are in Albany.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 7 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town April 7th 1780

          I have the Honor to acquaint Your Excellency, that I have just been advised of the sailing of the Detachment from New York, which I mentioned in my Letter of the 2d as being about to embark. The intelligence I have received upon the subject, is contained in the following Extract of a Letter from Colo. Dayton; dated the 6th at Elizabeth Town. “I have just received certain intelligence of the sailing of the British fleet out at Sandy Hook yesterday morning. They consisted of Ten Ships & Seven Brigs; the Troops that my Informant knew to be on board, were the 42d Regiment—One Battallion of the Guards—The Ansspac Regiment—Lord Rawdon’s brigade & Simcoe’s foot; but there

is not any Horse gone on board. They are convoyed by the Rainbow, the Delight & the Swift brig, and they expect to be met with at Sea by the Galatea & Thames Frigates, which left New York last week with the packet, which they were to convoy clear off this Coast. My Informant seems positive the Troops sailed, are bound to Charles Town, as he says he is positive Sir Henry Clinton’s heavy baggage is all gone in the Fleet. Five Thousand Men it is said in New York, are now under marching orders, but their destination uncertain. It is generally said in New York, that only about Two Thousand Troops have gone in the Fleet.”
          The Maryland & Delaware Troops, which I advised Congress would be the case, have been under marching Orders ever since the 2d; but by a Letter of that date just received from the Quarter Master General, in Answer to one I wrote him upon the occasion the 26th Ulto, requesting to know how far he would be able to make provision for marching a Detachment of Troops to the Southward he has informed me, that from the circumstances of his department, he could not move it. I have thought it my duty to communicate this, & that Congress may have every information with respect to this point & of our prospects in general of taking the Field so far as it may depend on this Department—I beg leave to lay before them Copies of these Letters—& of One I wrote Genl Greene on the 2d upon the subject of the Detachment in contemplation to be sent to the Southward. Indeed our affairs now, both in this line & in that of provisions are in the most delicate and alarming situation. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. I duly received Your Excellency’s Dispatches of the 29th Ulto.


Title: General Orders, 8 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown saturday April 8th 1780.
            Parole Umbo—  C. Signs Valor. Veteran—

          The Commissaries are desired to send what hides and tallow they may have on hand to the Commissary of hides in Morristown, as there is an

immediate necessity for those articles to be sent in, in order to their being taken care of.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Angell, 8 April 1780
From: Angell, Israel
To: Washington, George

            Dear Genl
            Morris Town 8th April 1780

          Am Sorry to have Occasion to trouble your Excellency Upon So disagreable a matter, Lieutenant John Hubbart of my Regt who will present you these Lines, had a Furlough Granted him the 2nd of January Last for Eighty Days, which Expierd the 21st of march past, the 3rd Instant the Regt was Mustered and Inspected. Lt Hubbart was not return’d at this time, but Capt. Tew who had ben at Morris Town that morning Return’d while the Regt was on the Parade, and Inform’d me that Lt Hubbart had arriv’d in Town the Evening before, and would be in Camp before the Regt was Dismist, upon which I altered the muster Rolls and Returnd him present; Lut Hubbart not Returning this day, the 4th I Sent a Serjant to him with a Billet in the following words; or words to that purport, Viz.,
          Sir I am much Suppris’d at your Absence from the Regt, as you must be Sensible you have allready overstaid your furlough a Number of days, yesterday the Regt was Mustered and Inspected, and upon Capt. Tews Informing me that you was in Morris Town and would be in Camp before the troops was dismist the parade, I Returnd you present, and upon receipt of this Shall Expect you will Imeaditly Join the Regt. Otherwise I Shall be under the Disagreable Necessity of Returning you absent without Leave.
          The Serjt Returnd and brought me the inclos’d billet from Mr Hubbart, Hear the Matter rested this Day, the 5th. The Officers were Call’d upon to bring in their Rolls and Sware to them, which obliged us to alter the Inspection Return and Rolls once more, and return him absent without leave; between the Hours of Eleven and Twelve A.M. Lt Hubbart arriv’d in Camp: I Thought it my duty as he had Conducted to Order him in Arrest; which was Imeaditly done; But from Lt Hubbarts former Conduct, and his being So Sensible of his Errow now; am Induced to beleave that the fault he has now Committed, arose from Inadvertence, and not from a willfull breach of Orders, Therefore having given a Narrative of the Affair, and Admitted him bearer of the Same, If it be your Excellenceys pleasure to overlook the matter, will withdraw the Arrest, but Submit it wholely to your Better Judgment. I am your Excellenceys most Obedt And very Humble Servt

            Israel Angell


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 8 April 1780
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Springfield [N.J.] 8 April 1780

          I inclose a Letter from the Officer commanding at Elisabeth Town respecting Prisoners, should not the Commissary of Prisoners know from Head Quarters whether his Prisoners may have a Flag, before they arrive upon the Lines, as they will be able by staying a Day or two there to collect Intelligence of our Affairs. I am, dear Sir, with the greatest Respect—Your Excellencys most Obedt Servant

            J. Huntington

            P.S. I inclose a Letter from Dr Burnet about some Boats—I should think best to take the Boat of Kennedys.


Title: To George Washington from the Maryland Council, 8 April 1780
From: Maryland Council
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            In Council Annapolis April 8th 1780.

          We have wrote to the Board of War requesting that Lieutenant Colo. Connolly, who was Captivated in this State, and is adjudged by Congress a Prisoner of War and Redeemable, may be exchanged for Lieutt Coll Ramsay an Officer in the Maryland Line. The extraordinary merit of

this Gentleman makes us very Solicitous that this exchange should take place, and has induced us to desire your Excellency’s interposition in his favor, if it should be approved by you. We are informed that there have been several instances of such exchanges having been made, to the advantage of other States, and from thence are led to hope there will be no difficulty in Complying with our request in the first instance. We are Sir, with the highest personal respect Esteem and regard Your Excelleny’s Mo. Obedt & Mo. Hble servts

            Tho. Sim Lee


Title: From George Washington to John Mitchell, 8 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Mitchell, John

            Dr Sir,
            Morris-town April 8th 1780.

          Your letter of the 4th did not reach this place till late last Night—some particular engagements this morning prevented my attending to the contts of it & when I come to enquire for the Express in the afternoon behold! he was gone—the Gentn in the Office viewing him in the light of a common Express asking as usual for Phila. dispatches of wch there were none ready dismissed him—this is the cause of his returning without my answer.

          From your description of the two Chariots I prefer that wch is in the hands of Mr Brinkhurst on acct of the size although it will take longer time to finish it—I shall thank you therefore for engaging it for me—for requesting dispatch—& when convenient for yr attending a little to the execution—The painting I hope will be well done, & in a tastety stile with respect to color (in wch I have no particular choice)—Though I prefer a plain Chariot it may not be amiss to Ornament the Mouldings with a light airy gilding—this will add little to the expence & much to the appearance—The Harness I would have stout & strong, at the same time neatly made—ornamented & of good leather.
          By the last Post I wrote to Mr Lund Washington respecting Specie but the workman will meet with no disappointment, although there should be a little delay in my receiving it from home—The pocket money wch Mrs Washington has, & some I can borrow here, added to what you are kind enough to offer will enable me to pay the full sum at any hour even if I should not receive the needful from home by the time the Chariot is ready for delivery.
          The Several Articles from Don Juan came safe. the Mop—Jug—& Jarrs are, it seems, left somewhere on the road. If it is for an Earthern—or Queens ware bowl the 180 Dollars is asked, I shall decline the purchase for I think it is high time to check such extravagance. I am—Dr Sir—Yr Most Obedt Servt

            G. W——n


Title: General Orders, 9 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown sunday April 9th 1780
            Parole Urbanity—  C. Signs Wag—Warble.

          Lieutenant Edwards of Colonel Jackson’s regiment is appointed Deputy Judge Advocate in the Army of the United States and is to be respected as such.
          A General Court-Martial of the line is to sit tomorrow at the new store room in Morristown for the trial of such Prisoners as shall be brought before them—Colonel Livingston is appointed President—Lieut. Col. Huntington, and Major C. Stewart are appointed members—Genl Hands brigade sends one Captain &c.
          The commanding officers of brigades and regiments are immediately to call in all soldiers belonging to their respective corps who are upon Extra Service, Guards, Fatigue Parties, Artificers &c.—agreeable to general orders of the 5th instant and who have not been detached by a subsequent general order, except such as are immediately connected with the line, the Commander in Chief’s guards, the detachment at Paramus, Artificers employed in the Quarter Master General’s department and Colonel Baldwin’s corps; Men employed at public factories by order of the honorable Board of War or the Commander in Chief, and Waiters on General and Staff officers, of which last a special return is to be made to the Adjutant General from each brigade as soon as possible.


Title: From George Washington to James Jay, 9 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, James

            Dear Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris-town 9th Ap. 1780.

          The liquid with which you were so obliging as to furnish me for the purpose of private corrispondence is exhausted; and as I have found it very useful, I take the liberty to request you will favour me with a further supply. I have still a sufficiency of the materials for the counterpart on hand. Should you not have by you the necessary ingredients, if they are to be procured at any of the Hospitals within your reach, I would wish you to apply for them in my name. I hope you will excuse

the trouble I give you on this occasion. With great regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most obedt Servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. If you shd not be able to prepare the liquid in time for the bearer to bring, & will be so good as to commit it to the care of Colo. Hay he will forward it to me.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 9 April 1780
From: Laurens, John
To: Washington, George

              Dear General.
              Charles Town [S.C.] 9th April 1780.

            When I last had the honor of writing to your Excellency, the Enemy had not extended their operations beyond their place of arms on Wappoo Neck—On the 29th Ulto They crossed Ashley River in force one mile above the ferry—the next day they advanced to Gibbes’s a convenient Landing about two miles from town—having previously collected a number of boats at the opposite shore, for the purpose of crossing their heavy artillery and stores—my battalion of light infantry posted

there to prevent a surprise or too sudden approach of the enemy—was ordered not to engage seriously—but skirmish with advanced parties, retiring slowly and orderly towards Town—as there was no object in maintaining any advanced post—and the advantages of a serious affair were all on the side of the Enemy. On the night of the 1st inst. the Enemy broke ground, and have been working slowly ever since—I scarcely know how to denominate what they have executed hitherto—it consists of several redouts with a covered communication from right to left which is still unfinished—their nearest work is an inclosed battery on their left—at about the distance of six hundred yards—which induces me to believe that they intend the line in question for a first parallel, altho’ some parts of it are rather too remote—Our Shells and Shot have disquieted them and interrupted their operations—but Genl Lincoln sensible of the value of these articles in a siege oeconomises them as much as possible—Fatigue parties are constantly employed in improving our works. the whole front of our lines within the abba⟨tis⟩ is armed with wolf traps—All this afford⟨s⟩ an excellent defence against storm—but must finally yield to a perseverance in regular approaches which appears to be Clintons present plan—unless we can work under his fire as fast as he can—and afford time for the arrival of Your Excellency.
            Our obstructions in Cowper River are completed which gives a prospect of our maintaining a communication with the Country—and hitherto prevents the accomplishment of the investiture. Since the arrival of Genl Woodford, Genl Lincoln will have it in his power to execute his plan of establishing the necessary posts for this purpose on the eastern shore of the River—Col. Malmedy is to take command of the Troops destined for that service.
            The Enemys Squadron of seven arm’d Ships, three of which are two deckers—and two transports—availed itself of a brisk southern breeze to pass Fort Moultrie yesterday afternoon—The Admirals Ship led the Van—and escaped without apparent injury—the frigate which followed her, had her foretop mast carried away—a large transport in the rear of the whole, run aground and after receiving some shot from Sullivans Island, was fired and abandoned by her Crew—The Remainder are now anchored near the Ruins of Fort Johnston—out of the reach of our Cannon—My notice of the present opportunity was so sudden, that I have not been able to make atonement for my last hurried letter—Relying upon Your Excellencys goodness, I have prefer’d writing at any rate, to total silence and losing an occasion of repeating the assurances of attachment and veneration with which I have the honor to be Your Excellencys faithful Aid

              John Laurens.

            I beg to be respectfully presented to Mrs Washington.
            The reason abovementioned makes me trouble Your Excellency to present my Love to the family as I shall not be able to write to any of them.


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Henry Lee, Jr., 9 April 1780 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Letter not found: to Maj. Henry Lee, Jr., 9 April 1780. Lee wrote GW on 12 April: “I have the honor of your Excellencys letr of the 9th” (see Lee to GW, 10 April, source note).


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 9 April 1780
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            My Dear General,
            Chas Town [S.C.] April 9th 1780.

          The enemy crossed the Ashley, in force, near the ferry on the 29th ultimo, and the next day moved down, and encamped about three thousand yards from our Lines—before this they had transported their heavy baggage, Ordnance, and Stores, from out of Wappoo across land about two miles, to Old Town creek on the West side of the river opposite their encampment.
          In the morning of the first instant we discovered that they had opened ground in several places in our front about eleven hundred yards therefrom—the next night they threw up a work on our left distance nine hundred yards—the next which appeared was on Cooper-river six hundred yards from our right—these, and some which they have since raised seem to be closed—they have been some nights perfecting their works, and opening lines of communication—what they have done seems rather calculated to cover their approaches than to annoy us from them.
          Seven Ships of war passed Fort Moultrie yesterday afternoon, and anchored near where Fort Johnson stood, with no other apparent injury than the loss of one top-mast—We have been busily employed in throwing obstructions in their passage of the Cooper. I wish they may prove effectual—for it is of the highest importance for us to keep that open—thereby we preserve a communication with the Country, from which we can draw our succours and supplies—In order the more effectually to do this—we mean to throw up a Work on Lempriere’s, one at Cainhoy up Wando, where we shall have our deposite of Stores, besides some on the several Landings on the east side of Cooper-river—These things have been some time in contemplation—but the necessary works to be made in Town have prevented their being executed—indeed before the Virginia troops under General Woodford arrived, which was on the 7th we could not man them—but from the addition of that force, and the No. Carolina militia, who are coming in, we hope to spare some few men for this purpose, and that we shall be able to draw down some of the Militia of this State into these works, who will not come to Town—One of the enemy’s Ships, said to be a Transport, fell to leeward last night (within Fort Moultrie,) which ship they burned this morning.

          I expect soon the remainder of Genl Scott’s troops and some Militia from No. Carolina. I have the honor to be my dear General with the highest esteem & Affection your most Obedient servant

            B: Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Allinson, 10 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Allinson, Samuel

              Sir,
              Head Quarters Morris Town April 10th 1780

            I have received your letter of the 31st of March representing the ill treatment you had experienced from Lt Carnes. I assure you I have the utmost abhorrence of any violence offered to the inhabitants, and shall be always ready to attend to their complaints and grant all the redress ⟨in my power.⟩
            In the presen⟨t case it is at your option to⟩ obtain satisfaction eit⟨her from the civil or military⟩ law as you think be⟨st. If you prefer a civil prose⟩cution—the means ⟨are in your own hands, and all⟩ that I can do is to en⟨join the obedience of the officer⟩ to the civil Magistrate ⟨to prevent irregularity; if you⟩ would prefer a mil⟨itary trial, it will take place, as⟩ soon as the parties ⟨and the witnesses arrive. I have⟩ fixed upon the 20th instant for the purpo⟨se.⟩ You will perceive by the inclosed letter to the Commanding Officer of the Corps, the directions I have given in either case—that is of a civil or military prosecution, and it remains with you to determine which will be most agreeable to you. If you choose a military trial it will be indispensible that you and your witnesses should attend at this place at the time appointed. I am with esteem Sir Your Most Obet servant

              Go: Washington

            This letter was opened to alter the date after sealing.


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 10 April 1780
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

            Please your Excellency,
            Philadelphia 10th April 1780.

          It has not been in my Power to obtain a single Shilling of Mony from the Treasury-board; my people are so much Indebted, that their Credit is quite exhausted with the Country—my first Object was to procure Mony, to enable Mr Champion to keep up a supply of Beef-Cattle, his Son has been several Days here on that Business, this day I have obtained Orders on the Eastern States for a considerable Sum, which if Honored will enable him to purchase Beef sufficient to feed the Troops stationed in the Eastern States & Jersey up to the 1st of July—they have promised me an additional Sum, to secure some Contracts for Flour, which, with what I have on hand, will be equal to serve the Troops up to the 1st of August next, at which time if the new System takes place, and the Commissioners act with Spirrit supplies will be coming into the public Magazines—I shall return to Morris, the moment I obtain the Sums promised me by the Treasury-board, and dispose of the same, and give necessary directions to keep forwarding the Supplies—your Excellency may be assured of my greatest exertions to keep up regular Supplies for the Support of your Army.
          The Treasury being exhausted, my Agents greatly Involved, the delay of our Public finances, and the General change in the System of

the Quartermaster & Commissary-General Departments, has made my Office, one of the most disagreeable, Man ever experienced—indeed nothing wou’d induce me to continue under present Appearances, but the Duty I owe my Country, & Regard to your Excellency, which ever shall be motives to command my best Services, & surmount every other Difficulty—I have the Honor to be with due Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient & most Humble Servant

            Eph: Blaine C.G.P.

            N.B. I recd your Excellen[c]ies letter late last night, after writing the above, and have to inform you that a Quantity of salt Provisions is on its way, and at Trenton, and between two and three Hundred head of Cattle will be at Camp the middle of next week, I have not Obtain’d a return the Quantity of salt Provisions in the hands of my people but beleive three thoud Barrels the princaple part of which is ordered for Head Quarters, I have flour Plenty on the way to Trenton; and hope the salt Provisions will be sufficient to serve the troops till we can be supplied with Grass beef. remain &a &c.

              Eph. Blaine C.G.P.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 10 April 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Highlands [N.Y.] April 10th 1780

          I have some Time since received Accounts, from various Agents, that Troops of the Enemy in great Force were embark’d, & embarking for South-Carolina—That their Horse which were canton’d out, were all call’d in to New York—that great Quantities of Forage, & a great Number of Waggons were put on Board their Vessels, that all Vessels fit for the Service of their Government were taken up, & all Crafts under thirty Tons discharg’d, that they meant to leave only three thousand Men behind them, which with the Inhabitants, & Militia intended to be call’d forth, & kept in Service were deem’d, with the Shipping sufficient for defensive Operations—that no Troops were left on Long Island but about two hundred & sixty under Col. Hewlet & that even these it was said were to be withdrawn.
          I did not think this Intelligence worth Transmitting by special Express, (as Expresses are so scarce with us) because from your Excellency’s Vicinity to Sandy Hook, all Movements by Water must be much earlier known to you, than to me—but as Mr Belding’s Assistant goes upon the Business of his Office, I now give it you, as it may serve if well founded to confirm any Communications you may have received, tho’ it should answer no other End.
          It appears strange to me, if the Enemy mean Reinforcements to Sir Henry Clinton, that so much Time should be lost in sending them, & such a Series of fair Winds be suffered to escape them, at a Time when Notherly Winds begin to grow scarce, & when the Hot Season in Carolina is so rapidly advancing, & which is not only so counter to Feild Operations, but so fatal to exotic Constitutions—One of my Agents

thinks they will not yet go, & says their Preparation⟨s⟩ wear so duplicate an Aspect that he warns me to be on my Guard.
          Poor’s Brigade arrived yesterday, & to Day some of them are at Work; they are well, but their Numbers by much too few—We are deplorably weak, but will do our best.
          The Accounts of Supplies of Provisions, are gloomy indeed—we have many Days been Living on the salted Provision of the Garrison, & a few Cattle only are expected; I have strove to move the whole State to bring up the salted Meat. I have had an Interview with Governor Clinton, He has promis’d me his utmost Exertions, Indeed every Thing is to be expected from his Spirit, & Decision.
          I have moved some of the Gabions, & Fascines to West Point, & shall continue to do so unless you forbid it—because they would should the Enemy operate here, be if posses’d by them, as beneficial to their Works, as obnoxious to ours.
          The Chain has for some Days been across the River, & is as likely to assist as ever it was. Genl Heath mentions something to me of an Arrangement of Inlistment sent up to your Excellency, which was to be (as he says) transmitted to me, & that then Officers from hence were to be sent to recruit—Not hearing from you upon this Subject, am anxious about it, for the fitting up the Regiments is very near my Heart.
          No. 1, 2, & 3 will be worked upon to Morrow—I have not had it in my Power to attend to them sooner—I have not to my Knowledge, nor shall I omit any Circumstance necessary to the Defence of this Post in particular, or to my Duty in general. I am Dear Sir With Respect & Affection your Excellency’s most obedient & very Humble Servant

            Robert Howe


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 10th April 1780

          I do myself the honor of inclosing a New York paper of the 8th which gives a more particular account of Admiral Rodney’s success than any we have yet seen. I cannot but hope that the enemy have dressed it in

the most unfavorable Colours for us. I have the honor to be with very great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. since my last I have recd information from New York that another division of transports is watering, and that a further embarkation is talked of.


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 10 April 1780
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

            sir.
            Burlington [N.J.] 10th April 1780.

          Since the receipt of your Excellency’s letter directing the corps to be in readiness to march to join the southern army, every measure has been adopted & pursued to accelerate the essential preparations. But such is the low state of finance, that no public business is performed with vigor. Previous to my departure for Virginia, I commenced the repairing accoutrements; notwithstanding this early beginning, I have no prospect of receiving them sooner, than the 1st of May. What adds to the distress of our present situation, is, the raging horse disorder which has reduced the corps to perfect debility, by impoverishing all, & killing some horses—I have my hopes, that twenty days will recover them generally, & give them sufficient strength to march.
          At the close of the last campaign, I apprehend’d a deserter from McLane’s infantry who had joined the enemy—I confined him in Jail, reserving him for punishment to the opening of this campaign, in the beleif, that it would operate more effectually on the minds of the soldiers—I have now to request your Excellency will order on the occasion, if he could be tried here, or in Philada it would be more safe, as there is reason to fear he may contrive his escape from the Provost, or on his march going & coming.
          I transmit some letters given to me in Virginia, & have the honer to be with the most perfect respect Your Excellencys ob. servt

            Henry Lee Junr


Title: From George Washington to Major William Perkins, 10 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Perkins, William

            Sir
            Head Quarters M⟨orris Tow⟩n 1⟨0th Apri⟩l 1780.

          I have been favd with yours of the 12th ulto. You are to leave all the Iron Cannon with the Apparatus belonging to them, in the State of Rhode Island and transport all the Brass Cannon and the remaining Continental Stores to Springfeild—You will be pleased to attend particularly to the Arms which you have heard of in the neighbourhood of providence—You need not remove the heavy round Shot.
          Should any of the Apparatus belonging to the Iron Cannon be the property of the Continent, you are to take Receipts for it from the State as you will do for the 1000 wt of powder to be left at the request of the Governor.
          You are to apply to the Dy Qr Mr for assistance in removing the Ordnance and Stores to Springfeild, and upon their being deposited there take Receipts for the quantity.
          After having compleated the removal you are to join the park of Artillery at this Camp or whereever it may be. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 11 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head Quarters Morris Town April 11th 1780
            Parole Watch.  Countersigns Youngster, Yearling.

          [Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel Ogden, Lieutenant Colonel Commandt Weissenfells, Brigade Major Hand’s Brigade.
          A Corporal and four men from the first pennsylvania Brigade are to

be sent to the Quarter Master General’s clothing store tomorrow, and are to be relieved every other day by the same brigade untill further orders.
          The Brigade Quarter masters are immediately to make Returns to the Quarter master General of all the public riding Horses saddles and Bridles in the Brigades to which they belong specifying the particular persons name and rank in whose possession they are; also at what time they were received by whose order; and for what particular purpose: These Returns are to be countersigned by the Brigadiers or Officers commanding Brigades.
          The attendance of the Brigade Major of the Day for Orders is dispensed with.
          The Honorable the Congress having been pleased to pass the following Resolve; all persons concerned are required to take Notice thereof.

            In Congress March 22nd 1780
            Resolved “That the Office of Commissioner of Clothing accounts established by a Resolve of Congress of the 2nd of March 1779 be discontinued after six months from the date hereof; and that all persons having clothing accounts for the year 1777 and who do not exhibit them to the said commissioner within that period shall not receive any compensation for any Arrearages they may hereafter claim to be due to them.[”]
            Colonel Scammell having returned will resume the duties of his Office.
            The Commander in Chief requests Colonel Williams to accept his Thanks for the attention assiduity and propriety with which he has conducted the office in the absence of Colonel Scammell.

            After Orders April 11th 1780.
            Mr Pomeroy Commissioner of clothing accounts for the year 1777 quarters at Mr George King’s opposite the Paymaster General’s Office in Morristown.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Steuben, 11 April 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 11th 1780

          The Minister of France, has fixed on Monday next for his departure from hence for a Visit to your Excellency I have therefore order’d a Detachment of the Marechaussée to attend in order to escort him to Camp.
          I expect every moment to hear the Committee are named to consult with your Excellency; as mentioned in my last, and I have fixed on Friday next for my departure for Camp. I am with respect Your Excellencys most Obedt & very hum. Servt

            steuben


Title: General Orders, 12 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head Quarters Morristown April 12th 1780
            Parole Maryland  Countersigns Williams, Baltimore.

          [Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel H. Jackson[,] Lieutenant Colonel Robinson[,] Brigade Major Maxwell’s Brigade
          As the late draught from the Line to reinforce the Commander in Chief’s Guard is only Temporary the men are to be furnished with Pay and Clothing from their respective regiments in the same manner as if they had not been drawn out.
          Captain Lieutenant Waters of the 1st Regiment of Artillery is appointed Adjutant to the same from the 21st of September 1778.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Champion, Sr., 12 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Champion, Henry Sr.

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 12. April 1780

          When Colo. Blaine passed this place, on his way from the Eastward, he informed me, that you had again undertaken the purchase of Cattle on public account, which gave much pleasure, as I had been well informed of your abilities in the execution of that Business—The distress to which the Army is at length reduced, on the score of Meat, is equal, if not superior to any thing which it has experienced in the course of War—We have not at this day one ounce of Meat fresh or salt in the Magazine, and supposing all the supplies of this Article within any reasonable distance (which I know of) were collected, they would not amount to more than three or four days consumption—From what Colo. Blaine said, I had reason to expect assistance from you about this time, indeed our great and only dependance for Meat is upon your Quarter. If therefore you have not forwarded any Cattle when this reaches you, I must, in the most earnest manner, request you to exert yourself to the utmost to afford us releif—We may possibly, with the greatest difficulty, subsist for a very short time upon this almost totally exhausted Country, but we ought not, nor must not depend upon it for any thing more. If we do, it must be by depriving the inhabitants of what barely remains sufficient for their own support. I have given you a true picture of our distress and I have the fullest confidence in your taking every measure in your power to bring about a change of circumstances—I shall be glad to have your answer as expeditiously as

possible, with your opinion of your prospects of a supply of Beef now and in future. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 12 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

            Dear Sir
            ⟨Head Quarters Morris Town 12th April 1780⟩

          I was yest⟨erday honored with your⟩ favor of the 7th and am v⟨ery sorry to find that your⟩ Frontier is likely Again to [be] ⟨disturbed by the⟩ incursions of the Savages. I⟨t appears by yours⟩ that you had not received the ⟨Act of Congress of the⟩ 4th instant, by which they app⟨rove of your proposal⟩ of raising 800 Militia for the ⟨defence of the State—⟩ I take the liberty of enclosing ⟨you a Copy of it, lest⟩ the dispatches of the Preside⟨nt, conveying the matter⟩ to you officially, may me⟨et with some delay—⟩Your Excellency will ob⟨serve, by the Resolve,⟩ that these Troops are to be ⟨employed “under the⟩ direction of the Comman⟨der in Chief of the Con⟩tinental Army.” You are so ⟨much better acquain⟩ted than I am with the parts of the ⟨Country⟩ which call more immediately for s⟨upport and⟩ defence, that I shall leave the distrib⟨ution of the⟩ Militia who are to be embodied, inti⟨rely to you—⟩I shall only wish to be informed of the ⟨disposition⟩ made by you, as I may hereafter hav⟨e occasion⟩ to make correspondent arrangements w⟨ith Conti⟩nental Troops—I cannot help expres⟨sing my⟩ thanks for this exertion of the State in r⟨aising⟩ a body of Men at this time, as it will prob⟨ably⟩ relieve the Continental Army from making ⟨a⟩ detachment for the same service which woul⟨d⟩ be extremely inconvenient, considering th⟨e⟩ great reduction it has lately undergone by ⟨the⟩ expirat⟨ions of service, and by t⟩he reinfor⟨cements which we have sent and a⟩re now sending to the South⟨ward—We hear that⟩ some of the States are recruit⟨ing with success, but⟩ we cannot expect to derive ⟨much advantage⟩ from their recruits till very late ⟨in the season, as⟩ they have but just entered upon ⟨the Business.⟩ I have the honor to be With the greatest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obet servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Parke Custis, 12 April 1780
From: Custis, John Parke
To: Washington, George

            Hond Sir
            Abingdon [Va.] April 12th 1780

          A few Days after I had sent you my last, Colo. Bassett arrived, and proposed to continue his Journey on to Camp, on a Visit to you and My Mother. I did not therefore take the first Opportunity of shewing your Letter to Him—but deferd it, untill He was about to prosecute his Journey, indeed We were engaged in Company continually, that no good Opportunity offered. I was under a positive Promise, to make Doctor Craik a Visit, before He left Home, and after staying a few Days with Colo. Bassett, went over to the Doctor’s, expecting to find Him here on my return; But to my great Surprise, I received a Message from Him on my return, that I must come down to Mt Vernon, that He was to set out on his return in a Day or two. I accordingly rode down, and shewed Him your Letter, and He promised to write you according to the Purport the next Day: whether He has done it, I do not know, as I have not seen Him since, and he left Mt Vn the Day after—I have been thus particular, that if Colo. Bassett did not write you may not accuse Me of Neglect.
          We are all in this Part of the world, extremely anxious for the Fate of Charlestown, and are at much loss how to account for the long Silence in that Quarter. No accounts since the 25th of Feby. they were not disagreable. I hope ere this, Genl Woodford has reachd Charlestown, and if He gets in time, I hope the Enemy will meet with their usual Fate in attacking that Town.
          The late recommendations of Congress respecting the Currency, have bred no small uneasiness amongh the speculating Gentry, they are getting rid of their Money as fast as possible. I am glad to find a Majority of the People at large, in favour of the Measure. I think it absolutely necessary, and if a proper table of Depreciation, was carried back, as to Loans: I cannot see any Injustice in the Measure. It will I fear meet with some Opposition in our Assembly, but I am confident the ablest Advocates will be in it’s Favour. Colo. Mason has for some time thought the Measure expedient. He will be supported by P. Henry, and R. H. Lee, both of whom are, it is said, to be in the next Assembly—Our Election comes on next Monday when I expect Colo. Mason & My self will be elected without Opposition. the assembly meets at Richmond the first

Monday in May, where I expect to have a most disagreable Time, as we cannot possibly be accommodated, with any Satisfaction.
          Nelly joins Me in tendering our most sincere and affectionate regards to you and am Hond Sir unfeignedly your most Affecte

            J. P. Custis


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Marsh, 12 April 1780
From: Marsh, Joseph
To: Washington, George

            New Hampshire Grants contiguous to Connecticut RiverDresden [N.H.] April 12th A.D. 1780.
            Sir.

          May it please your Excellency.
          We esteem it our duty to inform your Excellency of the state of this country and the difficulties we labour under.
          The settlements on Connecticut river from Northfield to Cohos are about one hundred and fifteen miles—the extent from the river to the heights of land on each side is from fifteen to twenty five

miles—betwixt those heights on a moderate estimation are twenty five thousand inhabitants, men women and children—we lie as a frontier to the New England States—we are an object of the attention of the enemy in Canada, and they will doubtless make an attack on us early this season unless proper measures are taken for our defence—were not our situation peculiar it might be expected that some State would take measures therefor; but it is such at present that the measure cannot be expected, nor can we make application to any particular State for defence without danger of offence to other States, as the people on this frontier are ignorant what one has right of jurisdiction here. And agreeable to the enclosed resolves of Congress no State can exercise jurisdiction till the validity of the various claims of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York are ascertained as proposed in those resolves, and as we are destitute of civil regulations it cannot be expected that we can come into measures for our own defence—the people are desirous to be put under proper regulations, and have repeatedly solicited Congress to interpose and bring those claims to an issue that they may know what State has right of jurisdiction—the people on this river are not turbulent and factious as has been represented, but desirous to have good order established among us, we are not in the measures of those commonly called the Green Mountain Boys, yet not being vested with the powers and immunities of a State, we cannot form regulations among ourselves.
          As we have been claimed by different States, each of which in their turns have appointed military officers, the people cannot agree who to obey as such, nor can they agree in a choice of others—some adhere to those appointed by New Hampshire—some to those appointed by New York—others to those appointed by Vermont, and others refuse obedience to either. Could the dispute betwixt the different States respecting us be determined by Congress we doubt not the people would readily acquiesce—They are generally zealous in the grand cause in which the united States are engaged, and besides furnishing their quota of men for the grand army, their exertions in the northern department to which they are contiguous have not been inconsiderable—no part of the continent have discovered themselves more vigorous in supplies of men and provisions than the people on the Grants contiguous to this river did in the year 1777 in opposition to General Burgoyne and in preventing his return to Ticonderoga—towns sent their militia and transported great part of the flour for their subsistance on horses from hence to Hudsons river—the resources for flour and grain forage have been and still are considerable, and the same may be expected the ensuing season, if we can be so protected that the Inhabitants can attend to

the culture of their lands; but if we are destitute of troops from abroad to guard our frontiers it is most likely the enemy will harrass us so that our crops will in a great measure be lost; if the country is saved from destruction—A recommendation from your Excellency to the people in this quarter through the hands of General Bayley would be of great use in engaging their assistance to the Commisaries in securing grain for public use and preventing the exportation of it to remote parts.
          It has been suggested that your Excellency supposed General Bayley to be vested with a commission of Brigadier General, and that he had authority to act as such on this river, which is not the case—That Gentleman is much esteemed in this quarter as a military officer, and we would wish to have a recommendation to the people to obey him as such—He was formerly commissioned to that office by the State of New York; but as the jurisdiction of that State is now disputed in this quarter the people will not acknowledge his authority as a general officer, not through want of regard, but on account of the source from whence the authority is derived—Without the influence of a general officer (under our present broken circumstances) no considerable assistance can be expected from our militia for our defence, and without speedy defence this country is undone.
          I write this in behalf of the Convention of members from the towns in the northern district of the Grants contiguous to Connecticut river—And have the honor to be with highest sentiments of respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

            Joseph Marsh Chairman


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

          12 April 1780. GW asks Randolph to undertake settlement of disputes among those holding mortgages on George Mercer’s lands in Virginia that GW sold prior to the war while acting under Mercer’s power of attorney. GW desired this “interesting & intricate” legal matter “brought to a conclusion at the ensuing Court.” GW promised Randolph that he would “take occasion in the course of a few Weeks to write you again” with pertinent records, including “a state of the transactions since, with respect to the business—of the Debts collected—of the application of the money—& what proportion still remains unpaid.” GW eagerly anticipated Randolph’s reply.


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 12 April 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Wethersfield [Conn.] April 12th 1780

          Your Excellency’s favour of 8th ulto together with its enclosed permit for Capt. Shethar to resign, was handed me Yesterday. With respect to the Authority which some Civil Magistrates have assumed of furloughing our Soldiers, I believe it is confined to the State of New Jersey. We have some Dragoons who have been absent from the Regt thro’ the winter & have not yet returned, who we are informed have furloughs from the Civil Authority. Indeed we hear that one man has been discharged from Service in the Regt by some Branch of the Civil Authority in that State—We do not know this for a fact, but the long absence of the Soldier from the Regt & the information recd on this head, induce us to believe it is so.
          Agreeable to your Excellencys advice to the Board of War, we have recd an order on Otis & Henley to furnish the necessary Cloathing for the Regt—on which business I have been to Boston, & the Cloathing will soon be prepared & forwarded to the Regt.
          Capt. Bull of our Regt—having recd intimations of an appointment as Major of the 1st Regt—& also instructions to proceed to Head Quarters & from thence to go on to So. Carolina to join his Regt I take the liberty of mentioning to Your Excellency a few Circumstances in his present Situation which very nearly affect him, & which may assist your Excellency in determining concerning him.
          Capt. (alias Major) Bull is at this time both a Husband & a Parent, & has before him the almost certain prospect of soon parting with his dearest Companion; his Lady being undoubtedly in the latter Stages of a Consumption. Should he be ordered to his Regt immediately he must be obliged to dissolve a Connexion while living, which the speedy prospect of Death makes doubly dear; & in the critical hour of illness be unable to co[m]fort or assist his Companion, & expose his Children to want that friend, which in a Parent they might find.
          In addition to these, the Expences which would unavoidably attend so long a Journey, as he would be obliged to make to join his Regt would be too great for a Man not in affluent Circumstances.
          These & similar Reasons will oblige him to ask your Excellency’s

permission to remain in these Parts for the present, rather than be obliged to join his Regt immediately.
          If Major Jameson of the 1st should be ordered on to join this Regt possibly an Exchange of Services might be made satisfactory to both. I have the honor to be, with great Regard, Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

            Benja. Tallmadge

            P.S. The Cloathing designed for the Regt will be at Springfield in a few days, but by the instructions of Mr Bull D.C.G. at that place it must be sent on to Camp, unless he has orders to deliver it to Col. Sheldon—As this will be attended with great & unnecessary Expence & Delay, could wish your Excellency would direct the Clothier General in the premises—An Express will return to Springfield immediately.


Title: General Orders, 13 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head Quarters Morristown April 13th 1780
            Parole Morristown  Countersigns Mars Music

          [Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel Angell[,] Lieutenant Colonel Smith[,] Brigade Major 1st Pennsylva. Brigade


Title: To George Washington from John Cochran, 13 April 1780
From: Cochran, John
To: Washington, George

            Dear sir
            Morristown April 13th 1780

          By the enclosed Report of the State of our Stores, for the regimental sick, which I transmited, yesterday, to the medical Committee, your Excellency, will be acquainted with our situation, of which I thought it my Duty to give you Information. I am with the Utmost respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedient and very humble servant

            John CochranP[hysician] & Surgn Genl to the Army


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 13 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 13th Apl 1780.

          I have duely received your favors of the 2d 3d and 10th instants. I take it for granted that the detail of the signals furnished by Genl Patterson is right—I have no Copy of it in my possession.
          I have not yet obtained any certain account that the fleet which fell down to the Hook on the 5th has put to sea. I however think it may be depended on from a concurrence of circumstances, that they are bound to the southward, but untill we know that they are actually gone out, we cannot be too much guarded against what may be only a feint.
          I am glad you have thought of bringing the Fascines and Gabions within the Works upon the point—They would be of the utmost importance to the enemy, should they move up seriously agt our posts—There were a number cut down about Fort Montgomery and at other places near the Water.
          General Heath, who is appointed by the State of Massachusetts to superintend the recruiting service, writes me, that he shall endeavour to detain three Commd and one non Commissioned Officer of each Regt who are already in the State on furlough, to go out recruiting and to march the recruits, deserters who may be apprehended, and furloughed Men, from the places of rendezvous to West point. But as he is not certain of finding the number required, he wishes you to send the deficiency, should there be any, from the line. This you will be pleased to do if the state of the Regiments will admit of it—Those Officers who have not been indulged with furloughs should be preferred as they will have an opportunity of visiting their families and friends and looking into their private affairs at the same time—Capt. Webb the Bearer of this, who is under a necessity of resigning if he cannot obtain leave of absence, would be content with going home upon these terms—He represents the situation of his family in such a manner, that I wish him to be indulged if possible, if any rate.
          That there may be no misapprehension you will be pleased to acquaint the Officers before they go out upon the recruiting service that I know of no continental Bounty or allowance to reimburse their Expences or to compensate their trouble—The State I have been informed have made some provision, but I do not know exactly what it is—I have been full upon this point, lest the Officers should hereafter complain, that they had gone out in obedience to orders, and that the

state allowance was not adequate to their necessary expenditures—They must also be informed that the Recruits which may be obtained, will be for the benefit of the line at large and not for any particular Corps. I am &.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 13 April 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia April 13. 1780

          Enclosed your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of the 7th Instant, granting a Commission of Major to Joseph Louis Gill, an Indian Chief, and for embodying those of his Tribe who are willing to enter the Service of the States.
          Also directing the Board of War to fill up Commissions for a certain Number of Officers who may be recommended to command under Joseph Gill.
          Your Letter of the 10th Instant enclosing the New York Paper is received.
          Bradford’s Paper herewith enclosed contains the Spanish Account of the Engagement between the two fleets in the Extract of a Letter from Bilbao of the 1st of February which I have received. I have the honor to be with great respect your Excelly’s hble servant

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 13 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 13th April 1780.

          I have recd your favr of the 10th: I am sorry to find that the repairs of your accoutrements and the general indisposition of your Horses will prevent your moving so soon as could have been wished, but I have confidence in your making no greater delay than is absolutely necessary.
          The Board of War having powers to order a General Court Martial, the prisoner you mention may be tried at Philadelphia⟨,⟩ but it is worth considering, whether you can have him tried, and the proceedings sent up to me for my approbation (which will be necessary) and an answer returned, before the Corps will probably march. The example, should the Man be found guilty and sentenced to death, is wanted more immediately for your own people, than the Army at large; and therefore the desired good Effect would be lost⟨,⟩ should you march before the trial can be regularly gone thro’ and the proceedings confirmed.
          You omitted to inclose the letters from Virginia to which you refer.
          I wish you an expeditious, safe and agreeable march and every honor and success to yourself and your Corps, as I am with great Regard Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 13 April 1780
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Windsor [Conn.] April 13th 1780

          By Capt. Bull who is going to Hd Qrs I take the Liberty to inform your Excellency that the number of Recruits engaged for the Regt since I recd your Exellcy instructions to fill up the Corps, Amounts to Seventy three I have recd on your Excellencys order at two several payments

15000 Dollars—As the States are about taking measures to recruit the Army, there will probably be an opportunity of engaging more men in the Regt for which purpose should be Obliged to your Excellency to Order such a further sum of money as may be thought proper—At the same time could wish to be informed what premium is allowed to the recruiting Officer for his services which when paid, I conclude will take more money than I have recd for the recruiting service—Very few men I believe have been enlisted in this state, except for my Regt and tho’ this state in their late recruiting orders promise a larger bounty to those who may ingage in the Infantry than the Cavalry still I am not without hopes that something more may be done in this way—When the Dismounted Dragoons of my Regt were ordered on Duty last Campaign, by the instigating of the evil minded, informing that they would be immediatly Draughted into the Infantry Battalions on their Arrival at Camp several of the more credulous were induced to Abscond themselves and have not since been heard of. I have just recd information by a line from one in this predicament who when in the Regt was one of my best Soldiers, declaring his penitence for his folly and willingness to Return to his Duty if he can be pardoned—As he has never joined the Enemy, but most probably been absconded in this state, & he being one of the best of Soldiers when with the Regt I could wish he might have the promise of a pardon on his Return—The name of the above Soldier is Nabot Lewis a Native of this State, and I am informed there are others in his Situation.
          As usual we have made Return for the Necessary furniture of the Cavalry for next Campaign which the Qtr Master is endeavouring to prepare, but I have little prospect of having much done in this way.
          I last week called on the Conductor of military stores at Springfield who informs that he has a considerable Quantity of Sadlery furniture, Arms &c. now in store which were taken in a prize from the Enemy and forwarded to him for the Use of the Cavalry—These he is anxious to Issue, but must have an order for this purpose from your Excellency or the Bd of War. As the Necessary preparations for the Regt (if to be obtained) will cost the Public no trifling sum I should be obliged to Your Excellny to favour me with an order for the purpose of Equiping my Regt as far as may be from sd Store. I would make a particular Return of the Articles wanting but Col. Chevers the Conductor in the first place does not know particularly what Articles have been sent him, and in the next place my Return is lodged with the Qr master at this Post, to whom the Conductor may be refered. Another Circumstance which makes it impossible to give a Return of what may be wanted before we take the field, is that we have Recruits constantly coming in, who must be Armed

and Accoutred from some public Store. I must beg your Excelleny’s Earliest directions in the premises. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Regard Your Excellencys most obt and most Hume Servt

            Elisha Sheldon Col. 2d L.D.


Title: General Orders, 14 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head Quarters Morristown April 14th 1780.
            Parole Amsterdam  Countersigns Arms, Arts

          [Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel Spencer[,] Lieutenant Colonel North[,] Brigade Major 2d Pennsylva. Brigade
          Lieutenant Colonel Hay is appointed Member of the General Court Martial whereof Colonel Livingston is President vice Lieutenant Colonel Huntington.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 14 April 1780
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris-town 14th April 1780.

          I do myself the honour to enclose to your Excellency, a representation made by Lt Col: Carrington, stating the principles of promotion which operate in the Corps of Artillery under my Command, and the inconveniencies which will arise, if the Regiment of artillery, in South Carolina under the Command of Col: Beekman (which is said to be a continental Regiment) shall not be obliged, to conform to the general Rules of Rank, which have been adopted.
          The South Carolina Regiment of Artillery must be either a State, or Continental Regiment—If it shall be clearly ascertained to be the former, all the difficulties which are feared, will be removed at once, because the relative Rank, between State Officers and continental Officers of the same Grade, are fully understood—but, If it shall be found (as I believe it will be) a Regiment with continental commissions and pay, an indispensible necessity arises, of placing it on the same footing with the rest of the Corps.
          I observe by the return of Col: Beekmans Regiment, that it consists of but six companies, whereas the continental Establishment is twelve. It is an evident impropriety, to have three field Officers to six companies, and so few men as are mentioned in the Return of the Regiment. I would therefore, with due deference propose, that in consideration of the probability of the Seat of War being in a considerable degree, transferred to the Southward, and the confidence and safety, the knowlege of Artillery must give to any State, that Capt: Kingsbury’s company from North Carolina, should be added to Beekmans Regiment, and that the State of North Carolina, should be called upon to raise five other companies of Artillery, to be also added to that Regiment, which will compleat its companies, according to the continental establishment, and that Regiment to be recieved as part of the established Corps of Artillery, belonging to the United States, and the principles of promotion already adopted, to operate as fully in that, as any other Regiment in the Corps.

          The Captains of the new companies proposed to be raised in North Carolina, to be taken of the oldest Capt: Lieutenants or Lieutenants in the Line of Artillery, for this obvious reason, that those Officers have been long in the Service, and in every respect, better qualified than Officers newly appointed, can possibly be.
          Should this arrangement be conformable to your Excellency’s Ideas, I should be extremely obliged, by your writing to Congress immediately on the Subject, and also to remind them of the Arrangement of the Maryland companies, to Col: Harrisons Regiment—Lt Col: Carrington will go to Philadelphia tomorrow or next day, in order to get in readiness the ammunition designed for the Southward. He will be happy in taking your Excellency’s commands, on these Subjects, and as he is particularly interested in them, will pay every possible attention to them, whilst he shall be in Philadelphia. I am with the greatest respect, Your Excellencys Most Obedient, humble servant

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 14 April 1780
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Colchester [Conn.] 14th April 1780

          I had the honour to address myself to Your Excellency the first of this month by post incloseing returns for the month of march, of the 2d & 4th Regiments Light Dragoons—the post precedeing Conveyd the State Returns of the 4th Regt all which I hope have arrived, in this Last

mentiond, I requested Liberty to convey Mrs Moylan to her freinds in Jersey in this or the next month, she is recovering fast from her Late indisposition, and if I have your permission, I shoud be glad to Set out early in May that I may have sufficient time to return before the two Regiments Can take the field. I propose takeing the tour of the 2d Regiment, next week, the 4th are recruiting fast, as to the horses, the men, much to be pitied for want of bread, Shirts boots & stockings, and by much more, for want of breeches, I was informed that it woud be derangeing the system, establishd for Cloathing the Army, to get an order on Boston for the necessary clothing wanting for the 4th Regiment, Colonel sheldon was not told So, & has got his Regiment Comfortable. I am glad he has, but it makes the poor fellows of the 4th feel, for the neglect shewn them, especialy as they think, they have at least as much title to attention as any Regiment of horse in the Service—there are a few Recruits picked up, and they tell me 750 dollars is given as a bounty, by Major Lee, & others recruiting westward of us, I wish to Know from your Excellency whether I am entitled to give that bounty, as I have promisd the utmost given by any Officers recruiting for the Cavalry—it Sickens me to See the 4th Regiment mouldering away, every day now, Carries off, Some, whose times are up, and I have no inducements to offer for encourageing their reinlisting, badly paid with money that will not purchass an egg in this place, no bread to eat, and Seeing themselves and those whom they leave behind almost naked, these are not inducements for Continueing in the Service.
          how the Officers manage, is to me inconceiveable. I do declare that if I had not drawn upon France for 100 guineas, which by great Oeconomy Carries me thorough, I shoud not be able to get the necessaries of Life, when things are at the worst, they will mend, is the proverb. I hope it will prove true in the present instance—a Report prevails that Your Excellency is to move Head Qrs to the Southward, my ambition is to Serve where Your Excellency immediatly Commands the Army, if it shoud be true I hope you will not leave me behind you. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most obliged H. St

            Stephen Moylan


Title: General Orders, 15 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head Quarters Morristown April 15th 1780
            Parole Barcelona  Countersigns Bergen Brest

          [Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Clinton[,] Lieutenant Colonel Huntington[,] Brigade Major [ ] Fish.
          Lieutenant Colonel Howard is to join the 6th Maryland Regiment ’till a further arrangement of that line takes place.
          The Quarter master General will have the public roads between Morristown and Somersett Court House immediately repair’d; The Adjutant General will upon application furnish parties for that purpose.
          The commanding officers of Brigades Regiments and companies in the Maryland Division will take especial Care that the Huts in their Encampment are not injured in any manner by the soldiers when they march or before they do it: This Division to march tomorrow morning by the route which will be pointed out by the Quarter master General.
          At a Division General Court martial held in the Maryland line by order of Brigadier General Gist April 11th Lieutenant Colonel Howard President; Lieutenant Hoops of the 4th Maryland Regiment appeared before the Court charged with 1st Unofficer and ungentlemanlike behavior in swearing when he came off of camp guard he would not do another tour of duty as a subaltern and telling the Adjutant he would return himself unfit for duty in the next Weekly-return.
          To which charge Lieutenant Hoops pleads Not Guilty.
          2dly For returning himself sick and refusing to do duty on that account when in the presence of one or more of the officers of the regiment, at the same time pronounced himself not sick but said he had other reasons for so doing.
          All of which charge Lieutenant Hoops admits.
          3dly Though being returned sick went to Morristown Ball and remaining one night and best part of two days from his regiment without permission from the commanding officer of the same.
          Lieutenant Hoops admits going to Morristown Ball and being absent without Leave but denies that part of the charge which particularizes the Time.
          The Court having considered the 1st charge against Lieutenant Hoops the Evidence and his Defence are of opinion, he is not Guilty they therefore do acquit him with Honor.
          The Court having considered the 2nd charge against Lieutenant Hoops the Evidence and his Defence are of opinion that he was sick and that he was justifiable in saying he was not so; they therefore do acquit him.
          The Court having considered the 3d Charge against Lieutenant

Hoops the Evidence and his Defence are of opinion that he was not Guilty of remaining one night and best part of two days from his regiment and that he was justifiable in leaving camp without leave from the commanding officer of the regiment the officer commanding being of inferior rank to himself; they therefore do acquit him with Honor.
          The Commander in Chief approves the acquittal.
          A Serjeant, Corporal and twelve privates from the Maryland line to be sent to the Adjutant General’s quarters this afternoon to take charge of Some prisoners of War.

            After Orders
            A Captain Sub. three Serjeants and fifty Rank and File from each Division except the Maryland to parade tomorrow morning 9 o’clock on the Grand Parade with their Arms blanketts and two days provision where they will receive orders from the Quarter master General.


Title: Circular to the New Jersey Magistrates, 15 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Gentlemen.
            Head Quarters Morris Town April 15th 1780

          The readiness with which you complied with a late application of mine on the subject of provisions for the army, at the same time, that it makes me unwilling to trouble you more frequently than cannot be

avoided, gives me the fullest confidence in your aid—whenever necessity and the public good require it. Another occasion presents itself equally pressing with the former, for the exercise of that zeal of which you have already given so signal a proof. The army is on the point of experiencing the same distresses which dictated the former application to you, for want of adequate means of transportation, which it is impracticable in the present juncture to furnish in the ordinary way. Yesterday the last of the meat we had in the magazines here was issued to the army; and the supplies, at the different deposits within reach cannot be brought to camp, by any efforts in the power of The Qr Mr General. I am therefore to entreat you will employ your influence and authority to raise in your county and furnish Mr Moore Foreman with such a number of teams and sufficient forage for their support as he may find necessary to assist in forwarding a quantity of salted provisions which is now at Trenton to Camp. Mr Foreman will give certificates for the hire of the waggons on the same terms mentioned in my address of January last.
          I beg you to be assured Gentlemen that this requisition is the result of necessity—and that the most disagreeable consequences must ensue if it not complied with. It is with peculiar reluctance, I at any time adopt a measure the least inconvenient to the inhabitants—But there are exigencies when such scruples must give way to the public good and even ultimately for their own sake.
          You are not unapprised Gentlemen of the embarrassments on the public affairs from the depreciation of the currency. These will for some time continue to operate and occasions will probably more than once occur during this period which will call for exertions of virtue and patriotism from the people. While I am confident these will never be wanting I am happy in the hope that the measures pursuing by Congress will prevent the necessity from being of long duration. I have the honor to be very respectfully Gentlemen Your most Obedt & humble servant.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 15 April 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia April 15. 1780

          Your Excellency will be informed by the Act of Congress of this Day herewith enclosed, they have been pleased to appoint Colo. Joseph Ward Commissary General of Prisoners in the room of Colo. Beaty resigned. I have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excelly’s most obt hbble servant

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Josiah Quincy, 15 April 1780
From: Quincy, Josiah
To: Washington, George

            sir,
            Braintree [Mass.] April 15th 1780.

          Ever since I had the honor to receive, your Excellency’s answer to my last Letter, relative to the disgraceful command of Boston harbor, by a british 50 gun ship; I have wish’d for a subject, on which, my sentiments might prove worthy of your notice; and, of course, an adequate ground, whereon to revive a correspondence, which, for want of it, could not, on my part, be decently continued; But, having never been so happy as to find one, permit me ⅌ this Conveyance, to beg your Excellency wou’d please to accept, of the enclos’d papers, for your amusement at a leisure hour.
          The Orator, is a promising Youth of a liberal education, and was to have been prepared for the Bar, under the tuition of my late dear decd Son; which he has since receiv’d, from my honble Friend J: Adams Esqr. The grateful tribute, paid by him to your Excellency’s merit; however short of it; will, I hope, be not unacceptable, as I have every reason to believe it is sincere; and as it adds only One, to an innumerable host, whose united and fervent Prayer is, that, at a period, not far distant, your Excellency may prove the Saviour of your country, not only from

external Violence, but from internal discord, anarchy, and universal confusion!
          The Address of the Convention, which was this day transmitted to me by my honble Friend the President, contains a new constitution of government for this State; which is in imminent danger of being ruined for want of one. I shall not anticipate your Excellency’s Judgment on this, which the collective wisd⟨om o⟩f the State has framed; But, have freely delivered my Sentiments on th⟨e subjec⟩t in the enclos’d Letter, to my worthy Friend and Townsman, Doctr Crosby; ⟨mutilated⟩ to refer your Excellency, if the Doctor, after perusal, thinks them worthy of ⟨your a⟩ttention, or rather of your candid correction, to which I shall most chearfully submit.
          It gave me heartfelt pleasure to hear, that my young Friend is under your Excellency’s patronage; because, I am willing to be security for his best endeavors to render himself worthy of it. I am, with inexpressible esteem and gratitude, Your Excellency’s Obliged and faithful Servant

            Josa: Quincy


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 15 April 1780
From: Van Schaick, Goose
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Albany April 15th 1780

          In my last I informed your Excellency of the Depredations committed by the Enemy at Skeensborough, & on the Frontiers of Tryon County on the Mohawk River. Since which time I have received accounts, that on the 3rd Instant, Nineteen of the Inhabitants in the upper parts of Tryon, have been made prisoners by the Savages, A Grist Mill & three dwelling Houses burnt, & on the seventh, Eleven were taken & three killed at a small Settlement called Harpers-field between Schoharry and the Susquahanna.
          I was led to hope that the season would have been a protection to the

Frontier Settlements in this quarter, until we were better able to repel their incursions, but from what has already happened, it appear⟨s⟩ necessary that some parts of the Northern & Western Frontiers in this Department be immediately Guarded, & as their safety at present depends on the exertions of the Militia Detachments have been ordered out but their March is delayed for the want of provisions. The purchasing Commissaries inform me that they have not been enabled to purchase provision during the course of last Winter, for the want of money, & that they are still without, from which cause our Magazines in this quarter are at present reduced to so low a State, that but very small supplies can be drawn from them.
          I also beg leave to inform your Excellency, that the amunition at this place consists at present of half a Ton of powder & Ball in proportion, a Quantity of which in all probability will be judged insufficient should we have frequent occasion to call out the Militia. I am with every sentiment of respect & esteem Your Excellencies most obedient humble servant

            G. V. Schaick


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Williams, Jr., 15 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Williams, Jonathan Jr.

            Sir
            Morris-town April 15th 1780.

          Your Letter of the 15th of Feby accompanying a case of Margeaux wine, came safe to hand. My thanks are offered for both—& I wish these may be as acceptable as the terms in which the Wine was presented, are polite; I shall then have made the return which seems most agreeable to your wish, altho’ it will be far short of the sense I entertain of the obligation. I am, Sir Your most Obt humble servant

            G: Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head Quarters Morristown April 16th 1780
            Parole Labradore  Countersigns Lima, Minden.

          [Officers] Of the day, Tomorrow[:] Brigadier General Maxwell[,] Lieutenant Colonel Mentges[,] Brigade Major Stark’s Brigade
          A Detachment to parade tomorrow morning 9 o’clock on the Grand parade with their Arms Blanketts two days provisions and forty rounds ⅌ man.
          Major J. Moore to take command of them.


Title: To George Washington from Private John Allison, 16 April 1780
From: Allison, John
To: Washington, George

            Camp near Morristown [Jockey Hollow] April 16th 1780

          To His Excellancy Genl Washington Commander in Chief of all the United States of North America &c. &c. &c.
          The Humble Petition of John Alison Soldier in the fifth New York Regt in the late Captain Hutchins Company—Most Humbly Sheweth:
          Whereas your Excellancies Petitioner, having only Inlisted for the Term of three years, and that time being Expired the first day of January last past, and Whereas I made application to the Commanding Officer of the Regt for my Discharge, but Could not Obtain it, though I produced Evidence Sworn in Writing that I was only Inlisted for three Years and no longer which Depositions I Inclose that your Excellancy may see the fairness and Clearness of my Inlistment—Now Please your Excellancey I implore that you would see me Justice done in this affair, and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall Pray.

            N.B. As the Commanding Officer of the Regt would give no attention to the Affidavits produced and Sworn, without the Evidences personally appeared—I produced them personally, and yet would not Accept of them.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 16 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

              Dr Sir
              Hd Qrs Morris Town April 16th 1780

            I have just recd your favor of this date—I have not had any advice from the Commanding Officer at Paramus of the matter which it communicates, & therefore must request you to give me the best intelligence you can get From that quarter—If you have any Militia horse with you they may be serviceable, while the enemy are out, & enable you the better to give me an account of their movements—You will of course be on your Guard. I am &ca

              G.W.

            It will be well to employ your horse on your left flank, which will be a security both to you & us, especially if the Enemy shd be out in force & intend a flying party for this place.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town 17th April 1780.

          The inclos’d extract of a letter from Colo. Hooper points out the difficulty of getting on the forage from Bucks County in Pennsylvania, on which we principally depend for the support of the Cattle of this Army.
          The Board of War have order’d the issues of provisions to stop at a

number of Posts where issues, in the present state of things, are unavoidably necessary. It is unfortunate that the stock of provisions is such as to stop all issues before a substitute is provided. We have not the power of saying, let a thing be done, and it is done; but we are obliged to pursue the ordinary modes by which Men are influenced, and business effected. To embarrass the affairs of transportation, will as effectually ruin the Army, as if they were cut off from receiving provision in the first instance, tho’ by a more slow and less summary way. I believe there have been, and still are, a great number of issuing Posts, which may be dispensed with; but before an order passes for the stopping all issues at such places, time ought to be given to alter the channel of business; and enquiry made upon the spot, whether greater injury will not arise from breaking up a Post, than continuing the issues.
          In the present case I would beg leave to suggest, to your Excellency, a remedy in the present case: That is, let Mr Wright, who has charge of the forage, draw provision from Trenton, and deal it out to such Persons as he finds necessary to get on the Forage; and to such Waggoners as are employed in the transportation: in both cases endeavouring to engage as many People to find their own provision as possible.
          If your Excellency approves of this method, your order will be necessary to sanctify the measure. Without this, or a similar expedient, I see no way in which we can get forward the Forage. I am, with great Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Huml. Servt

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town 17th of April 1780

          I do my self the honor to inclose your Excellency a piece of intelligence given by Col. Abeel, who seems to be very positive that the facts stated, are well grounded. Great allowances are to be made for the

natural credulity of his temper, and his general inclination to deal in the marvellous; yet I think the information ought not be altogether neglected. It is natural to suppose the Enemy will be anxious to learn our motions, in order for the better government of their own.
          It has been commonly given out in general orders for the Officers to keep a good look out for Spies. I take the liberty to suggest to your Excellency the propriety of appointing several good vigilant officers to keep a constant watch upon such Charactors. Let them have it in charge privately to visit all the Houses in the Neighbourhood of Camp—Nothing all strangers and making the necessary enquiry, to find out their business, their Names, and the places from whence they come. This being laid upon them as a matter of duty, will in all probability be executed with fidelity. But when the order is general, it puts the Spies upon their guard, and at the same time lays no personal necessity, to make such enquiry and search, as will be likely to detect the Spies. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Ser.

            Nath. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 17 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town April 17th 1780

          I received some days ago your letter of the 27th of last month. I have communicated your request with respect to recruiting Officers, to Major General Howe & desired him to send on a number, if the state of the regiments would admit of it, informing them however previously, to prevent a misapprehension on the subject and that they might use their own discretion upon the occasion, that I knew of no Continental Bounty or allowance to reimburse their expences or to compensate for their trouble. How many or whether any would go for the State encouragement is a point about which I have not heard. Your plan for sending the recruits on, seems to be a very good one. I would observe with respect to the recruits that it would be best if it could be done to enlist them generally for the Line and not for particular regiments, as they might then with more

facility be disposed of among the regiments, so as to make them all of equal strength—a matter essential to uniformity and arrangement—and which ought always to be attended to. I am sorry there should be the obstacles there are to enlisting Men, as it is certainly very interesting to us, to have the Army upon a more respectable footing than it is at present, but such is the State of our Treasury and of our Cloathing supplies, that it is not in my power to do any thing to promote it at this time. With respect to the money in Mr Hancocks hands, I do not like to give any orders about it, as I do not know at present to my own satisfaction, whether there is any pecuniary Continental Bounty, or if there is the particular cases in which it is allowed. The late resolution of Congress on the 9th of Feby, by which the States are called on to make up their deficiencies of Men, is totally silent on the subject—and it seems that the Act which preceded it in March 1779 & which was the last on the occasion, was only of a temporary nature and ceased when that of the 9th of Feby took place. At any rate if it could be supposed to exist—the Bounty of Two Hundred Dollars which it mentions was not exclusive of the State Bounties—but where these exceeded that sum—the State in adjusting their recruiting accounts with the Public was to receive a credit for so much from the Continent. But as the requisition of Congress to the States only respects their providing for the deficiencies in their Infantry regiments—and there is a necessity for recruiting those of the Artillery—I have notwithstanding the incertainty I am under with respect to the Bounty, advanced Two Hundred Dollars for each Man enlisting in them for the War, where they receive no Bounty from the State. If therefore the Men engaged by Colo. Crane inlist for a Continental Bounty only—You may on his making out a return of them by name—give him a Warrant on the back or annexed to it on Mr Hancock for Two Hundred Dollars for each.
          I am happy to hear of the captures you mention. They are very valuable and I wish the Cargoes in both instances were with the Army. I have just been informed that a Privateer from Philadelphia had sent a Jamaica Man into the Delaware with about 450 Puncheons of Rum.
          The latest advices I have received from Charles Town are of the 14th Ulto. From appearances then it seemed to be the Enemy’s intention to besiege it in regular form. Their Ships had not passed the Bar at that time nor attempted it, tho’ from the measures they were pursuing it appeared to be their design. I am with great regard Dr Sir Your Most Obet servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 17 April 1780
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Springfield [N.J.] 17 April 1780

          The Connecticut Line becomes weaker every Day by the three Years Men leaving us, besides two hundred unfit for Duty for Want of Shoes & Shirts—the Duty is at present as hard as in the most active Parts of a Campaign—I shall be obliged to diminish the Guards & consequently to attend more to their security and less to the other Objects of the Command—indeed, as to the Intercourse & Trafic with the Enemy, the Coast is so extensive & the Places of Access so many, we cannot be, in any Disposition, but a feeble Barrier.
          I do not learn that the Enemy have any serious thoughts of an Entreprize this way, but should they come with a Number much inferior to ours and act with Vigour, we could not possibly collect ourselves in season to give effectual Opposition—in such a Case the Country finding themselves defenceless will be very ready to load us with Reproaches, with military Men, our situation would in some Measure apologize.
          For some Reasons, it would be agreeable to this Line to be relieved, if the service admits of it—We are not, however, uneasy. I remain, Your Excellencys very affectionate & hble servant

            J. Huntington

            half after two, P.M. Capt. Betts, on Command at Newark, has just informd me that the Enemy have returned from Paramus to N. York, that they have burnt two Houses belonging to the Hoppers and plundered considerably.

              J.H.


Title: To George Washington from John Cleves Symmes, 17 April 1780
From: Symmes, John Cleves
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town, the 17th April 1780

          I have the honor to inform Your Excellency, that William Loudon of the Artillery, who was Indicted for the Murder of Richard Savage; Upon trial, was acquited of the Murder, and found guilty of Manslaughter: he has been allowed his Clergy, and burned in the hand pursuant to his Judgment: and having gone through every stage of the Civil Law, is now remanded to the Provost Guard, where he waits Your Excellencies pleasure. I have the Honor to be with much respect, Your Excellencies devoted Most Obedient humble servant.

            John Cleves Symmes.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 18 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentn
            Head Qrs Morris Town April 18. 1780

          I have the Honor to transmit You the Arrangement of Harrison’s—Lamb’s, Crane’s & proctor’s Battallions of Artillery, on which You will be pleased to issue Commissions. The Relative ranks of the Field Officers & of all Captains as well those belonging to separate Companies as to the Battallions are set down after the Regimental arrangements, with the proper numbers against each, by which their precedence is to be determined and which will be noted as usual on their Commissions.
          Captain Jones’s Company is not annexed to any Battalion. This is the case of Capn Kingsbury’s raised in North Carolina. I have written to Congress to day and submitted to them the expediency of annexing the latter to the Battallion of Artillery in South Carolina. The Officers of both however want their Commissions.
          There are Two arrangements of the Maryland Companies of Artillery—which have acted with Harrison’s Battallion since they joined the Army. The reason for their being two is; They came out at first & stand at present in three Companies as you will perceive by the Arrangement No. 1—but being very large and much above the establishment the State had it in contemplation to form them into a separate Corps of

four & to be under a Major of their own appointment. They did me the honor to consult me upon the occasion and tho I was fully in opinion with them as to the propriety of their being formed into four—yet I took the liberty to recommend by a Letter on the 19 Feby that it would be better if they thought proper, to annex the Companies to the 1st Battallion—Harrison’s, than to form them into a separate Corps, on account of the difficulties which I had but too good reason to apprehend would arise on such a measure, with respect to the rank of the Officers, which would affect those of the Old Corps—and requested in case they approved the plan that they would be pleased to communicate it to Congress. On this ground the Arrangement No. 2 is formed—and is merely conditional, for I have not heard from the State since I wrote them upon the subject, and therefore cannot tell whether they mean to adopt the plan they had at first in contemplation of forming the Companies into a separate Corps under a Major of their own appointment; or whether they will consent to their being annexed to the 1st Battallion as was recommended. If they have agreed to the latter and Congress or the Board have received an Official communication of it—and there is nothing in it repugnant—the Arrangement No. 2 may take place and Commissions issue accordingly; But if this is not the case—they can only issue for the Officers of the three Companies as in the Arrangement No. 1. In either event the Officers should receive their Commissions as all of them, except Capn Brown and those of his Company, who are at Fort Schuyler, are going to the Southward, which is also the case of those of Harrison’s Battallion. Lt Colo. Carrington will be in philadelphia and will receive those for the Officers going to S. Carolina—the Others will be forwarded to Camp. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Genl &c.

            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Champion, Sr., 18 April 1780
From: Champion, Henry Sr.
To: Washington, George

            May it please your Excellency
            Hartford April 18th 1780

          yours of the 12th Instant is Just rcd & the Contents Observed, In answer, I started a Drove of 107 head fat Cattle about the last of March,

with orders to the drover to leave 25 only at Fish-Kill & drive the rest to Morris, as I feared the Main army were in the greatest distress, & were at a greater distance from other relief than those Posts on, & near North-river, however I this day rcd a letter from Genl How Enforming that he notwithstanding stop’t 40 head, which was & is still out of my power to prevent, I suppose the other part of the Drove have arrived at Head-Quarters, I have Since Started none, neither Could I, for I have been Intirely destitute of Cash, & Cannot purchase without, I this hour laid your letter before the Govr & Council & house of Representitives & they have ordered me £40,000 out of our treasury, I shall Immediately forward all I Can procure with paying part & geting some Credit &c in Case none are stopt at the Posts on the River, likely 80 head will reach Morris, & I design to Exert my self to the utmost to Send a drove off in four or five days after if possible, but fear I shall be able to send but few without Cash, hope I shall be furnish’d in a month or less, however its uncertain—one thing I know, that in Case I had Cash, & no public barr thrown in my way, I Could Soon furnish any Quantity Called for, but I fear Cash will fail, will it not be best fo⟨r⟩ your Excellency to order that no more be stop’t at North River, or no More than their proportion, as my orders to the Drover are not regarded by the Commanding Officers at Posts. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt H: sert

            Henry Champion D.C.G. Ps.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 18 April 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia April 18. 1780

          Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed Acts of Congress of the 6th & 13th Instant appointing a Committee to repair to Head Quarters to confer with the Commander in Chief &c. and containing Instructions for their Government.
          Also another Act of the 10th Instant containing Assurances that as soon as Circumstances will admit to make [good] to the Line of the Army and independant Corps thereof the Deficiency of their original Pay occasioned by Depreciation including whatever they may have received as expressed in the Act, and limiting this Provision to such as were engaged during the War or for three Years and are now in Service or shall be hereafter engaged during the War. I have the honour to be with the highest respect your Excelly’s hbble Servant.

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 18 April 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 18th April 1780

          Major Bull, who succeeds to the Majority of the 1st Regt Dragoons vice Jameson, having represented to me the peculiar situation of his family, which would render his proceeding to south Carolina at this time extremely inconvenient, I have directed him to join and do duty in your Regiment till further orders.
          Being informed that there is a quantity of Arms and Accoutrements proper for the Cavalry at Springfeild I have directed the Commy of Military Stores at that place to deliver to you and to Colo. sheldon for the use of your Regiments such of the Articles as you may want—I must

again repeat my request that you will not suffer more to be drawn than are absolutely necessary to compleat the equipment of the Regt. I am &.