Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Paterson, 15 July 1780
From: Paterson, John
To: Washington, George

							Sir

						West point [N.Y.] July 15th 1780.

					I have this moment heard it reported by Officers in Camp, that I have sent a petition to you, by General McDougall, to be continued with my Brigade on West point, when the Army shall take the field. I am certain if General McDougall has made such a representation he has done it through misapprehension, from mistaking my meaning entirely. I took an opportunity to represent to him, the weakness of my Brigade, the particular circumstances they were then under, with those that had attended them for eighteen months past; that they had never been called on parade for exercise, except a few days when Count De Estaing was expected at New York; nor would the circumstances of the Garrison admit of it. That they must therefore be supposed to have lost their

discipline. That the recruits expected were undisapplined, of which I must receive a greater proportion than the Brigades, as my Regiments were then the smallest. That if we were continued here employed on the works as usual, under those circumstances, untill the moment we were to take the field; I thought the honor of my self and officers concerned: for this reason I beged him to make a representation to your Excellency, and that if we were to take the field (which I had no doubt of) we might be the first, and by that means have some opportunity of disciplining our Troops, previous to our acting, not only in the most critical moment, but in presence of, and in conjunction with a disciplined Army of Foreigners. This was not done with an Idea of gaining a superiority, but that we should not be singled out as the most undisciplined, which must otherwise be the case.
					This Sir was my true meaning in applying to General McDougall, and I was so far from wishing to be continued at this post, that I had much rather, and indeed must beg your Excellency to except my resignation, if I am to be left, when the others take the field.
					Your Excellency must be sencible, that the feelings of an officer, are exceeding delicate. It would pass the bounds of the most wretched state, to be thought unwilling to expose a life in so glorious a cause.
					The freedom I take in expressing my real sentiments, on this subject, your Excellency will excuse: I am forced to do it, my reputation, I am sure will suffer by disiging persons, spreading such reports in ⟨the⟩ Army to my disadvantage. I must therefore claim it as my right to be the first that is removed from this post. I am with respect and esteem your Excellencies most Obedient Humble servant.

						John Paterson


Title: To George Washington from Charles Stewart, 15 July 1780
From: Stewart, Charles
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Head Quarters [Preakness, N.J.] 15 July 1780

					Yesterday there was at Hacketts Town 2.120 Barrells of Flour, and at Sussex Court House about 400 Bbls very little has been carried from either of those posts, for a week past; the people are engaged at their Hay, & harvest, and will be for Eight days to come; I have seen most of the Magestrates, of that County, & all the Quarter Masters, & Commissarys, and upon the whole, am of opinion that it would be best, to send a few light Horse, to accompany the Constables, and collect Waggons, to carry the Flour to Warwick, or New Windsor; (Vanheers men will do as well as any).
					The County of Sussex, has been searched for Moody. I think he is gone by this time. The Stores at Hacketts Town, & Sussex Court House, are under the Care of Capt. Helms. He has got a Militia Gaurd at each place, and I flatter my self, the Stores will be Safe untill removed; But I wish them Eastward, As I fear the flour, now is, Or will soon be much wasted, at West point and that Quarter.
					I know not, what the Magazine, laid in by the philada Merchants, consists of. But think the supply of the Army, will require the utmost diligence, in forwarding on what flour, and Salt provisions, they have collected. If Your Excellency approves of it, I wish their provisions to come directly to Camp, so long as the Army, remains West Side, of North river and no part, to be left, at any post on the way by this means, the Accounts of what they furnish, will be more accurately kept, & the

State of the supplys, better known from time to time. I wish Your Excellency, had a return, of what they have now on hand, and also a Copy of it for my future Guide. I am your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

						Chas Stewart


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

						Head Quarters Pracaness Sunday July 16th 1780

							Parole Winchester
							 Countersigns Why WhizWatchword Whereabouts

					[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel Hazen[,] Lieutenant Colonel Mentges[,] Brigade Major Maxwell’s Brigade
					As the ensuing Campaign will in all Probability be peculiarly Interesting the Commander in Chief is desirous of having a well composed Corps of Light Infantry which cannot fail to be extremely useful in our operations: He therefore determines that one Company shall be drawn from each Regiment which shall finally be proportioned to the general strength of the Regiments so as not to be too large a diminution but for the present shall consist of one Captain one Lieutenant or Ensign three serjeants one Drum one Fife and Twenty Rank and File.
					The General is persuaded that the Officers commanding Regiments will be very careful in the choice of the Men for these Companies as the good of the service and the honor of their Regiments will be materially concerned in it; The Men should be mostly of a middle size Active robust and Trusty, and the first Twenty must be all old Soldiers the remainder will have a proportion of Levies: These Companies will with this Part of the Army assemble at the Grand Parade on Tuesday next nine o Clock to be Inspected by the Inspector General or Assistant Inspector General who will reject all such as are improper for the service to be replaced by others.
					The Commanding officer at West Point will appoint a day for the same purpose as soon as possible after the receipt of this order The Companies after they are inspected will rejoin their regiments untill further orders.
					The Recruits or Drafts who are unacquainted with their Duty and are under the drill are to be included in the returns amongst the Effective rank and file and those who are inserted in the column “fit for duty” are to be deducted therefrom in the same manner as those “Wanting Arms &ca.”
					Two Battalions of Eighty files each from the 2d Pennsylvania and Hand’s Brigades to manœuvre at the usual Time & place Tomorrow: Two Field officers from each of those brigades to be appointed for this duty. General Irvine will command them.
					A Trusty serjeant who can write a good hand is wanted for a Provost Marshal.

						After Orders
						Twenty five men to be paraded Tomorrow morning at Guard mounting on the Grand Parade without Arms, furnished with two days

Provision. They are to be sent to Morristown to bring on some Waggons: a Serjeant from the 1st Pennsylvania brigade and one from Stark’s to conduct them.
						A Captain from Hand’s brigade to attend the General Court martial whereof Colonel Butler is President vice a Captain promoted.
						Details of Waggoners[:] 1st Pennsylvania [brigade] 7[;] 2nd [Pennsylvania brigade] 6[;] Hand’s [brigade] 5[;] Maxwell’s [brigade] 4[;] Stark’s [brigade] 3[;] [total] 25.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elias Dayton, 16 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters Bergen County 16th July 1780

					I have recd both your favors of the 15th announcing the arrival of Admiral Greaves, which is rather an unlucky circumstance—I have only to desire you to endeavour to ascertain his force exactly, and to gain a knowledge of what preparations they are making for defence of the harbour, and where they seem disposed to dispute the passage.
					You mention a talk in New York of a further embarkation to the West Indies. Be pleased to direct your Emissaries to enquire into the matter, and if they find it serious, endeavour to procure an account of the Numbers—Convoy—and when expected to sail—I have not yet learned the force which has arrived at Rhode Island with Monsieur de Ternay. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

						Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 16 July 1780
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

						Dear Sir,
						Camp at Pracaness, 16 July 1780.

					Yesterday I received Your Excellency’s directions, not to lose a moments time in bringing forward all the cannon and stores in our possession proper for a siege, and necessary for the service of the campaign; to the North river, New York being the object.
					As I am now writing to the board of war on the subject, I should be

obliged to Your Excellency to direct whether the stores shall be transported on the route above the mountains to New Windsor, or to Kings ferry. Perhaps the first is the most military point to which we could collect the stores; and the route by King’s ferry is the most easy, but more liable to be interrupted by the enemy than the other. I also wish to know whether the cannon and stores in Pennsylvania ought not, in some considerable degree, to be brought to the points where they are to be used by water. By a rough calculation, it will require nearly a thousand waggons to transport the cannon and stores already procured in that state. And if the quantities of shot and shells which are requested in the estimate should be principally cast at the furnaces there, to bring them on by land will not only increase the difficulty of transportation, but the additional expence will be enormously great.
					The shot and shells which are, or may be, cast in this state must be transported by land to the North river—but the distanc⟨e⟩ is not great.
					A considerable number of cannon and some stores, belonging to the continent, are at Providence, and some mortars and shells at Boston, which must probably be brought round by water, as the land carriage would be tedious and incertain, if not impracticable. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt

						H. Knox.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 16 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

						D. Sir,
						Hd Qrs [Preakness, N.J.] July 16th 80

					We have received advice from New York of the arrival of Admiral Greaves at the hook with six sail of the line the 13th—We think it very extraordinary if the fleet has arrived that we should have heard nothing of it from you. Should you not have sent off an account before this comes to hand, immediately dispatch a dragoon to confirm or contradict the report, for it may be very injurious to us to remain in suspense. The dragoon must be charged to make all possible dispatch—You will have relays of horses at Chatham, Brunswick, Monmouth and such intermediate places as you think proper to give us instant advice of whatever occurs; two horses at each place.
					We have intelligence that the French fleet appeared off Rhode Island the afternoon of the 10th; if Graves should have arrived it will be a new motive for conveying your dispatches on Board the French fleet as quick as you can; but be circumspect in your manner of doing it. D. Sir Your most obed.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 16 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

						Sir,
						Head Quarters in New Jersey July 16th 1780

					I hasten to impart to you the happiness I feel at the welcome news of your arrival; and as well in the name of the american army as in my own name to present you with an assurance, of our warmest sentiments for Allies, who have so generously come to our Aid.
					As a citizen of the United States and as a Soldier in the cause of liberty, I thankfully acknowledge this new mark of friendship from his Most Christian Majesty—and I feel a most grateful sensibility for the flattering confidence he has been pleased to honor me with on this occasion.
					Among the obligations we are under to your Prince, I esteem it one of the first that he has made choice for the command of his Troops of a Gentleman whose high reputation and happy union of social qualities & military abilities promise me every public advantage & private satisfaction.
					I beg Sir, you will be the interpreter of my Sentiments to the Gentlemen under your command. Be pleased to assure them, that to the pleasure I anticipate of an acquaintance with them, I join the warmest desire to do every thing that may be agreeable to them and the Soldiers under their command. But in the midst of a War, the nature and difficulties of which are peculiar & uncommon, I cannot flatter myself in any way to attone for the sacrifice they have made; but by giving them such oppertunities in the field of glory as will enable them to display that gallantry and those talents which we shall always be happy to acknowledge with applause.
					The Marquis De La Fayette has been by me desired from time to time to communicate such intelligence, and make such propositions

as circumstances dictated. I think it so important immediately to fix our plan of operations and with as much secrecy as possible, that I have requested him to go himself to New London, where he will probably meet you. As a Genl Officer I have the greatest confidence in him—as a friend he is perfectly acquainted with my sentiments & opinions—He knows all the circumstances of our Army & the Country at large; All the information he gives and all the propositions he makes, I entreat you will consider as coming from me. I request you will settle all arrangements whatsoever with him; and I shall only add, that I shall exactly conform to the intentions of His Most Christian Majesty as explained in the several papers put into my hand by his order & signed by his Ministers.
					Permit me to refer you to the Marquis De La Fayette, for more particular assurances of what I feel on this occasion; which I the more readily do from a knowledge of his peculiar affection and regard for you. Impatiently waiting for the time when our operations will afford me the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you—I have the honor to be with the most perfect consideration and attachment, Your most Obedient & humble Servant

						Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Rear Admiral Ternay, 16 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Ternay, Charles-Henri-Louis d’Arsac, chevalier de

						Sir,
						Head Quarters in New Jersey July 16. 1780

					It is with peculiar satisfaction I receive the news of your arrival, on our coast; I hasten to assure you of the gratitude we feel for this new and distinguished mark of the friendship of his most Christian Majesty & of the hopes we entertain that the important succour he sends will be productive of the happiest consequences to the freedom and independence of these states—Such repeated proofs of the interest your prince takes in the success of our cause and the zeal with which your countrymen execute his intentions, must for ever cement the union between the two countries by the double ties of affection and interest. Permit me in my own name, in the name of the army and of America at large, to present you with the assurances of our warmest attachment to allies who have so generously come to our aid. Let me entreat you also to impart my sentiments to the Gentlemen under your command, and to testify to them the pleasure we shall take in doing whatever will contribute to their satisfaction and to the satisfaction of their men.
					As I have the fullest confidence his most Christian Majesty will give you effectual support in the course of our operation⟨s⟩ I anticipate the glory you will acquire in successes of the most decisive utility to the common cause; and your reputation assures me you will improve every opportunity your circumstances afford.
					The Marquis De la Fayette as a general officer in whom I confide and as a friend from whom I conceal nothing will be able to give you every information you may wish for the regulation of your conduct and is charged by me to settle with you all arrangements whatsoever relative to the intended cooperation. I entreat you to receive whatever he shall tell you as coming from me.
					Looking forward with impatience to the moment which will give me the honor of Your personal acquaintance, I have that of subscribing myself with the most perfect regard Sir Your most Obedt & humble servant.


Title: General Orders, 17 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Pracaness Monday July 17th 1780

							Parole Europe
							 Countersigns S. B.—Watchword Diligence

					[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Colonel Shreve[,] Lieutenant Colonel Conway[,] Brigade Major Van Lear
					Lieutenant James McCulloch of the 5th Pennsylvania regiment is Appointed Quarter Master to the same from the 1st of June last vice Lieutenant Lytle on extra service.
					The superintendant of Cattle or live stock with the Army is in future on every Monday morning to make Return to the Commissary General of Issues of the number of Cattle Sheep or other live stock received and delivered by him the preceeding Week and also of the Number on Hand in order that such Return may be Inserted in the weekly return of Stores Issued and on Hand and the State of the Supplies of every kind from Time to Time be exactly known to the Commander in Chief.
					A Waggoner from the drafts of the first pennsylvania brigade to be sent to the Marquis De La Fayette.
					A Serjeant Corporal and Twelve men from Hand’s and Maxwell’s Brigades to be sent to Major Bruin’s Quarters 6 o’clock Tomorrow morning with their Arms and two Days Provision: Mr Shute will give them directions.
					The Commander in Chief requests that in forming the Light Companies the most particular Attention may be paid to the choice of the noncommission’d officers.
					He wishes the Size of the Men to be from five feet eight to five feet ten Inches mostly the latter.
					The Commander in Chief has observed with pain, that a mistake which was natural and excuseable in the Commencement of the Army still prevails among many officers; That of attending only to what they call the Essentials and neglecting the Minutiæ of military service. It is high time at this advanced Period of our Establishment after having made War more than Five years to discard ideas which only suited the inexperience of a new Formation and to Adopt those principles which prevail in European Armies: the result of long Practice and Experience Truly speaking there is nothing unessential and many of those things which seem to be regarded as such by being neglected may involve the fate of an Army.
					Our System has been simplified as much as it would bear and everything of useless ornament has been rejected what remains therefore ought to be rigidly observed.
					We shall soon have occasion to act in Conjuncton with the troops of

our Allies who to all the superior Qualities add a scrupulous exactness in those Matters in which We are defective and on which they Justly set a high value.
					It will not be enough that we Possess those Military Virtues, that Bravery Patience and Obedience which distinguish our Troops. The Credit of our Arms will greatly depend on a punctilious observance of the minutest parts of Military duty.
					Notwithstanding the pains that have been repeatedly taken to impress the Necessity of Exactness in the Service of Guards, there is Still a mortifying deficiency though acknowledged to be of the greatest Importance—Our Sentinels are peculiarly delinquent consulting neither what is necessary to appearance nor security.
					The General exhorts the Officers of every Rank to be indefatigable in their Exertions to correct these defects.
					Soldiers who have so many excellent qualities ought not to suffer the merit of them to be sullied or diminished by a negligence of things which to Wish is to attain.
					An American Soldier equal in Bravery, in Capacity equal, superior in Patience Fortitude and Patriotism to any other should scorn to be Inferior in anything.
					It is hoped the Troops will be particularly Zealous in their Exercise and Manœuvres and that the Recruits will be instructed with the utmost Care and Diligence strictly conforming to the Regulations.

						After Orders
						Two Captains from the Park of Artillery to attend the General Court Martial whereof Colonel Butler is President vice Captains Irvine and Steel.
						The Companies of Light Infantry are to parade for Inspection on the Grand Parade tomorrow at the time order’d.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 17 July 1780
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

						Newbury [Vt.] July 17th 1780

					To His Excellency George Washington Esqr. Commander in chief of all the Forces of the United States of America &c. &c.
					The Memorial of Jacob Bayley humbly she[w]eth.
					That your Memorialist lives on the Western Side of Connecticut River where the People do not own Allegiance to the State of Vermont so called, and have Protection from no State.
					That he cannot apply to any other Power but your Excellency untill a Decision of Congress respecting the Dispute between the States of the Massachusetts Bay New Hampshire and New York concerning this Territory be had.
					That ever since the War with Britain he has devoted himself to the Service of the United States of America.
					That he did influence the Malitia, not only on this River, but many others to provide for themselves and fall into the Rear of General Burgoine at Fort Edward, and did there command by General Gates and Lincoln’s Orders when General Burgoine surrendred.
					That he did make ready near one thousand of the Malitia without cost to the Continent to join the Marquis De la Fayette when he was ordered into Canada the Winter 1778.
					That since your Excellency has imployed him many things and very necessary to the public good, and safety especially of these parts, are expected from him which are impossible for him to do in this degenerate Period, unless he has some Command.
					That he has no Command but what is less than temporary. On this side the River the People are changable not being under any Steady Government, and although they are generally a good Sort of People yet a lax or no Government suits more than Half, yet.
					That your Excellencies Orders will be punctually obeyed.
					your Memorialist therefore begs your Excellen[c]ies Interposition in the Matter, and that you would recommend to Congress that he may be commissioned and have particular Orders from your Excellency in every thing you shall judge necessary for our Safety and the public Benefit of the united States, or some general Officer sent here to take the Command that your Excellency can confide in, or otherwise as

in your Wisdom you shall think best, and your Memorialist shall rest satisfied.

						Jacob Bayley


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 17 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

						Gentn
						Head qrs [Preakness, N.J.] July 17. 1780

					I have now the honor to inclose You a List of the promotions to be made in the Three Jersey Regiments. The Commissions are exceedingly wanted and I request that the Board will be pleased to forward them to me by the earliest opportunity.
					I also inclose the Board Lt Colo. Conway’s Commission, who, by the Unanimous opinion of a Board of General Officers, is entitled to rank from the time Lt Colo. Brearly accepted the place of Chief Justice of the State of Jersey. I find by a Letter from Mr Brearly, just written me upon the occasion, that he was sworn into this Office the 4th of August 1779. The Board will therefore be pleased to alter Lt Colo. Conway’s Commission or make him out a new one, vice Brearly appointed Chief Justice of the State of Jersey, to rank from the 4 of August 1779. I have the Honor to be With &c.

						G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Forman, 17 July 1780
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Freehold [N.J.] 17th July 80

					Thursday Afternoon last Six Heavy Ships Come in from The Southward & Come too Not far distant from the place Count De Estang’s Headmost Ships Lay in 78—from the Bustle that appeard in Arbuthnots fleet it was Generally Supposed on Thursday Afternoon and Fryday that it was part of Adml de Turnays Fleet—Saturday a Communication was opined betwen Arbuthnots Ships and the Six that Come in on Thursday Which Left no doubt of there being British.
					Yesterday (Sunday) I rode to Shrewsberry to get Intilligenc⟨e⟩ and observe The Fleet—I there Got Accts from New York that the Six ships above refered to was Adml Graves Fleet—That He had fallen in with Adml de Turnay on His passage—That Graves had Lost a 74 Gun ship Sunk in the Conflict—That Adml de Turnay had Arrived at Rhodisland in a Shatterd Condition—I observed That Admiral Arbuthnot had reinforced Graves with Sevin Ships—The Weather was too foggy for

good observation—Yet I am Convinced That Ten of the Ships Now with Graves are of The Line—Some I belive As Large as 80 Guns—Three Appears Large Frigates—Arbuthnot with the other Ships of War Lay at The Hook as if for The immediate defence of that passage—The British Naval force Now on This Station from the best Accts I Can geather is 18 Ships from forty Guns and Upwards—Exclusive of Smaller Frigates, Sloops & Cutters—Major Lee left an officer at Shrewsberry to receive Accts from a person that was from Home when we were down—I have a high opinion of his Judgement of the force of Ships from Observation—Necessity Obliges me to be from home this day—I will Therefore beg Leave to refer your Excly to Major Lees Letter for that persons Accts. I have The Honr to be Your Excellancyes Most Obdt Humble Servt

						David Forman

						P.S. The Same Acctants from New York says they are Makeing Amazeing Exertions to Compleat ther Number of Men onboa[r]d there Fleet—that Every person who will Serve as Volunteers on Board Shall be Exempt from all Duty for three Years.


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

						Sir
						[Preakness, N.J.]
							17th July 1780.

					As the article of flour begins to grow scarce at West point; and as there is little probability of getting Teams without force, will it not be best to employ the Teams at Morris, in getting forward the flour from Hacket’s-town to New-windsor? The shott is not likely to be wanted so soon as the flour.
					I shall wait your Excellency’s directions before I give any order, how,

or where to employ the Teams. I am, with great respect Your most obedient Humble Servant

						Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 17 July 1780
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

						Sir,
						Camp [Preakness, N.J.] July 17, 1780.

					Genl Hand’s Brigade Orders, of the 6th Instant, contains as I conceive not only a general but a particular Reflection and a pointed Reprimand on the Commanding Officers of Regiments in the Brigade in which I have the Honour to serve. Insensible of any Neglect of Duty in me, I feel myself hurt at the Censure.
					Conscious of my own Innocence, I have repeatedly applied to Genl Hand to appoint a Court of Enquiry to examine into my Conduct with respect thereof; on his refusal, and by his Approbation, I applied to Major-General Lord Sterling, who has also refused giving me a hearing on this Matter.
					Having unsuccessfully taken every Precaution to prevent the present Application, I must beg your Excellency will please to order a Court of Enquiry to examine into my Conduct with respect to the Matter of Reflection, Censure, or Reprimand contained in Genl Hand’s Brigade Orders of the 6th Instant. I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most devoted humble Servant,

						Moses Hazen


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 17 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

						Sir
						Head Quarters near Passaic Falls [N.J.] July 17. 1780

					This will be handed to you by Lieut. Meigs of Col. Webbs Regt who is directed to receive & bring forward the proportion of Connecticut levies for that Regiment; You will be pleased to Order them to be delivered to him accordingly. I am with great esteem & regard Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

						Go. Washington


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

						Gentlemen,
						Head Quarter Prackess July 18th 1780

					I am honored with your letter of the 11th which gives me inexpressible concern. After having engaged with our allies for a cooperation after having put the states to a very great expence stimulated the people to extraordinary exertions and raised extraordinary expectations it is mortifying to find that if every other cirumstance should favour our wishes we are likely to be disappointed for want of the stores required. The least time we can allow for a siege in a decisive operation is two months, and it seems there will scarcely be a sufficiency of stores, for one; but this cannot by any means be a reason for not going on to provide all we can; if we cannot undertake what we may wish, something on a smaller scale, yet very important may be attempted, which would at least require the supply the Board think they will be able to procure; even on a defensive plan we ought not to have less. I would therefore in every view of the matter strongly recommend it to the Board to proceed with the greatest vigor in making all the provision in their power; for which a further reason is that we do not yet know what aid we may receive from our allies to enable us to extend our views—I continue all my preparations agreeable to our original plan and I entreat the Board will not lose a moment in going on with what depends on them.
					If after all we can do we have not the necessary means to answer the public hopes, I hope the public will be too just to attribute to me the disgrace and injury that must follow—I shall do every thing in my power; and I flatter myself the Board will do every thing in theirs. I have the honor to be With perfect respect & esteem.


Title: From George Washington to the Committee at Headquarters, 18 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Committee at Headquarters

						Gentn
						Head qrs [Preakness, N.J.] July 18th 1780

					I have the honor to submit to Your consideration the inclosed Copies of Two Acts of the States of Connecticut and Massachusetts Bay, which passed respectively on the 2d & 4th of May. The first, by the State of Connecticut, You will be pleased to observe, is for adopting the Regiment (one of the Additional sixteen) commanded by Colo. Samuel B. Webb, and declaring it One of their Battallions, in the Army of the United States: the Last, by Massachusetts bay, for adopting in like manner, the Regiment commanded by Colo. Henry Jackson (Another of the additional Sixteen) into the line of that State, in the Army, and requesting it to be arranged accordingly. The measure in both instances, I beg leave to mention, appears to me for the reasons assigned by the Legislatures & many others that might be suggested, to be eligible, and if it should strike the Committee in the same point of view, they will be pleased to carry the Acts into execution. In such case Webb’s Regiment will be the 9th in the Connecticut line—and Jackson⟨’s⟩ the 16th in that of Massachusett’s bay. I have the Honor to be With great respect & esteem Genn Yr Most Obedt st

						Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elias Dayton, 18 July 1780
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

						Sir,
						Eliz. Town [N.J.] July 18th 1780

					By a person from Staaten Island I am informed that a report prevails there, that the British fleet had sailed this morning, which from the number of signal guns I have heard, I am rather inclined to suspect as true.
					They have taken on board one Regiment to serve as marines and fifteen hundred volunteers have joined them from New York. It is said

their object is the french fleet if so, they are most happily favoured with a very fair wind.
					I am told there is in provost a John Scott, confined for serving as guide to the British army in their late excursion—thus much I can say, that I believe what he did in that respect was not done willingly, but through compulsion. I am Yr Excellency Hbe St

						Elias Dayton


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 18 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

						sir
						Head qrs [Preakness, N.J.] July 18th 1780

					I have been informed by a Letter, with which His Excellency Governor Jefferson has just honoured me, that the Legislature of Virginia had a Bill depending before them, for raising Five Thousand Men to serve Eighteen months, for supplying their Battallions; and I have been requested by him to make some provision for Officering them. No mode has occurred to me more proper for the present, than the One inclosed—and it is my desire if this reaches You before You leave Fredericksburg or Richmd that You will direct it to be carried into execution. It is possible there may be more Officers in the State than those contained in the Arrangement; if so it will be so much the better—and they will be distributed among the Corps—except the 9th—under the restrictions I have mentioned. You will feel the necessity of the strictest attention being paid to disciplining the Drafts—and will impress it and the practice—on the Officers. I shall be happy to hear how the Levies collect and the progress made in forming them: And as frequent communications of events happening in different quarters may materially influence and facilitate our measures in every part—I will also add that I shall be happy to hear from You very Often, and to receive advices both with respect to the movements and situation of the Enemy. and those on your own part. It is frequently of as much importance to know what is not doing—as to receive the most precise information of active operations. Yr Most Obedt sert

						Go: Washington

						P.S. I have the pleasure to inform You that the Fleet from France arrived at Rhode Island the afternoon of the 10th. Adml Greaves has since arrived, on the 13th, with Six Ships of the line off Sandy Hook.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

						sir
						Head qrs passaick Falls [N.J.] July 18. 1780

					I had the honor a few days ago, to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 2d Instant—and at the same time One from General Muhlenburg, inclosing the Return You had requested him to send me. I am exceedingly obliged to Your Excellency for your attention in this affair, and beg leave to refer You to the inclosed Copy of a Letter addressed to Major General Gates if He should be at Fredericksburg or Richmond—and if not to General Muhlenburg, for the Arrangement I have made, with respect to the Levies in contemplation to be raised by the State when You wrote, and of the Officers to command them. It is the best that has occurred to me, under a consideration of all circumstances, and I shall be happy if it meets your approbation. It is to be wished there were more Officers, but any New appointments except to Insigncies, would be considered as injurious—and would be the source of infinite complaints & confusion. I have entreated Genl Muhlenburg to whom I have written & thro him, the Whole of the Officers, to use every possible exertion to collect & discipline the Men—and reminded them, that the charge of fitting a New Army or at least the Troops of a Whole State for the field, had devolved on them; and as these should act, so would be their reputation. I hope they will avail themselves of the occasion to distinguish themselves—and will do all in their power to qualify the Men for service. How the force will be applied I can’t determine at present; but whether it shall be directed to either Object, this or the Southern Army, or a part to both, the necessity for it’s being ready is equal & most pressing. It gives me great pleasure to find that the Men are to serve for Eighteen Months, and it would have been still more fortunate and more to our interest if they could have been obtained for the War. Short inlistments have subjected Us to such distresses—to such enormous expences—have so intimately hazarded our liberties that I never reflect upon them, but with a degree of horror.

The consideration is the more painful now, from the unhappy state of our finances, and as at the close of the present year, All the Levies now raising under the most extravagant bounties, will disband, except Yours & those of Maryland. At this period we shall be again reduced, and it may be within the compass of things for the States to suffer greater insults even, than those they experienced in the late incursion of the Enemy in Jersey.
					I very sincerely congratulate Your Excellency on the arrival of the Armament from France. The fleet got into Rhode Island on the 11th. This very generous succour must fill every Friend to America with gratitude towards the prince & Nation who have sent it, and I trust will be answered by correspondent exertions and the best of good Offices on our part. But I am also to inform Your Excellency that Adml Greaves has since arrived (on the 13) off Sandy Hook, with Six Ships of the line. This is an unlucky incident and at present embarrassing—tho it may not eventually be injurious. I have the Honor to be With very great respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt st

						G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Johnson, 18 July 1780
From: Johnson, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

						Sir:
						Camp Nelsons Point
							July 18th 1780.

					I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th Inst., and (in answer) beg leave to observe, that the forcible reasons suggested by your Excellency on the subject of Capt. Lacey & Lt Palmer’s Resignations, have been repeatedly urged upon them since their intentions of leaving the service have been known.
					As to the former, I should do injustice to my own feelings & sentiments were I not to say, that I think him an officer of real merit, but for more than a year past he has appeared discontented with service, from the peculiar scituation of his domestic affairs, which at present are not less embarrassd. He is now absent, but am convinced were he present, that no argument would disuade him from his purpose.
					Lieut. Palmer is a good officer, but having firmly resolved to retire

from the Army, has since he left the Regiment & his Resignation, taken the command of a Lettre of marque, bound to the West India’s, and am of opinion that previous to this, he must have sail’d. His attachments to the Army were great, but finding from a long experience that his pay was quite inadequate to the purpose of supporting him as a Gentleman, he formed a resolution, from which, no arguments or reasons were sufficient to divert him.
					For the above reasons I am strongly induced to believe that the good of the service requires, that Capt. Lacey & Lt Palmer should receive a discharge from it, and I beg leave, (by direction of Genl Huntington) to ask this favor for them. I have the Honor, to be with Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obt & Very Servant

						Jona. Johnson Lt Colo. Commd.


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 18 July 1780
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

						sir
						Shrewsbury [N.J.] July Tuesday 18th 80

					I addressed your Excellency yesterday advising of Admiral Greaves arrival. I omitted mentioning a report prevalent here from the enemy, viz. that Monsieur Ternay had fallen in with the British squadron, had sunk one seventy four & had taken one sixty four—This is said to have happened off Cape Henrey.
					I transmit a very exact list of the British fleet.
					They have received 3000 marines from N. York, & yesterday the whole fleet stood out to sea. They were off & on till night; this morning they are not to be seen—Their course was due east.
					Admiral Greaves fleet[:] 1 of 96—3 [of] 74—2 [of] 64 Arbuthnots[:] 1 of 74—2 [of] 64—2 [of] 50—2 [of] 44 eight frigates & sloops of war. I have the honor to be with most perfect respect your Excellys most ob. sert

						Henry Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 July 1780
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Head Quarters [Preakness, N.J.] 18th July 1780

					I would beg leave to mention to your Excellency, a matter, in which I feel too much to be longer without laying it before you. The approaching campaign opening an interesting field, makes me desirous to appear, in a more military character, than that I now hold. I have also had before me for some time past, a prospect of visiting Europe; and especially those places where our interest is most cherished: And as my present character, of secretary, is not in the same estimation, there, as with us, I would therefore request your Excellency, that I may be considered as a volunteer. Hitherto, I have acted without pay, and it is my intention to receive none in future, unless some alteration in my circumstances render it necessary. If I receive your permission, to come as a volunteer, or accept such a station in the army as may place me, wholly, in a military light, I shall be happy, because, in it, I combine, with what I owe myself, that duty proper to my country. I have the honor to be with the utmost respect, your Excellency’s most obt & hble sert

						James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 18 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel

						Dr sir
						Head qrs near passaick Falls [N.J.] July 18. 1780

					I have received Your favor of the 4th Instant, with a Return of the Officers belonging to the Virginia line, who are in the State. With the aid of the latter, and in consequence of a Letter from His Excellency the Governor upon the subject, I have made an Arrangement of the Officers for the 5000 Levies drafted or intended to be drafted by the Legislature. This I have inclosed in a Letter of the present date, addressed to Major General Gates, on the supposition that he may not yet have left Fredericksburg or Richmond for the Southward. But if he is gone or is not at either of these places when the Letter arrives, it is to be received and opened by You—and the plan and Instructions to be pursued, with respect to the Drafts and the Officers comprehended in your Return—and any Others You may find in the state.
					The plan is shortly this. The Drafts are to be equally divided, supposing them to assemble nearly at the same time, into Seven Corps, under the denomination of the 2d 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th & 11th Regiments, the Colonels of the Old Regiments of those numbers not being prisoners, and they are to be under their respective commands. All the Other Officers are fixed & in doing it—as far as circumstances would permit, I have continued them under their proper Colonels. If the Drafts are not likely to assemble nearly at the same time, as to form the Corps altogether; that the succour of those that are raised may be had, they are to be applied to make up the Regiments in order of their number, beginning with the 2d till they are 504 strong—rank & file. The Men already in the 9th are to be counted upon, so that on a general distribution it is to receive only in proportion, which will also be the case of Any of the Regiments having Men not prisoners. The Old Soldiers

(if there are any) of the Regiments in Captivity to be equally divided in the present Corps—or to be thrown into one as circumstances may best suit. This is the substance of the plan, which You will see particularly delineated in General Gates’s hands, or which You will receive Yourself, if he is gone.
					I have now only to entreat that You will use every possible exertion to collect & form the Drafts and to have them disciplined. I entreat this—I expect it of all the Officers. They will remember that the forming of a New Army or at least of a whole State line and fitting it for the Field, devolves in a great measure upon them—and as it shall act, so in a great degree will be their reputation. They have a glorious opportunity to signalise themselves, and I doubt not they will avail themselves of the occasion. The crisis is a most interesting One—and on your and their exertions, and the discipline and bravery of the Troops, great and early events may much depend. You will let me hear from You by every Week’s post, how matters go on, and will transmit me the number of Drafts collected from time to time—and of the Old Soldiers if there are Any. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

						G.W.

						P.S. The Fleet from France arrived at Rhode Island the afternoon of the 10—Six Ships of the line under Admiral Greaves, off Sandy Hook the 12.


Title: From George Washington to George Olney, 18 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Olney, George

						Sir
						Head Quarters Bergen County 18th July 1780

					There is a considerable quantity of linen Overalls at Springfield for which the troops are exceedingly distressed, and which the Cloathier has not been able to send forward, tho repeatedly pressed, for want of transportation. You will be pleased to turn your attention to these as well as to the Articles brought over in the fleet—There may be a few shirts—shoes—Stockings and other things fit for summer wear, if there are, you will have them also sent forward—in the first instance to the Dy Cloathier at New Windsor. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 18 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von

						Dr Sir
						Hd Qrs [Preakness, N.J.] July 18th [1780]

					I have received your letter of the 14th and approve the measures you are taking.
					With regard to the light infantry you will see by the late General order, that I have ordered each regiment to furnish a company consisting of twenty rank and file—This is to be increased afterwards in proportion to the strength of the regiments—This appears to me to be the best plan to begin with. I think of having regiments of eight companies, not divided into batalions, with two field officers to each—I fear we shall not be able to afford more.
					We have had accounts from New York, that Greaves with six ships of the line arrived off the Hook the 13th yet we have received no account from Monmouth which is altogether inexplicable if he is arrived—The matter however is announced in such a form, that I fear it is true. I am with the greatest regard D. Baron Yr Most Obedt s.


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 18 July 1780
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Bedford [N.Y.] July 18th 1780

					When I acknowledged your Excellency’s favour of the 11th inst. I informed that I should immediately ride Eastward on the business therein contained—I have accordingly given Directions for a Boat to cross as heretofore, & wrote to the C——s on the Subject. I expect to hear from them in a few days.
					I am informed (via L. Island) that an Express-Boat arrived at N.Y. on the 13th inst. from the W. Indies, announcing a compleat Victory obtained over the English fleet by the French in those Seas; in which action, it was said, the former lost 7 or 8 capital Ships.
					The Enemy are very busy collecting wood, forage &c. on L. Island. A Fleet of about 40 Sail are constantly passing & repassing the Sound transporting those Supplies. Within a week past not less than 100 Vessels have been loaded at Lloyd’s neck & Huntington with Wood, forage &c., & Sent to N.Y. I cannot but observe that great advantages might be derived to us, if a few Ships were immediately sent into the Sound. Large Quantities of forage, wood &c., now lying at the abovementioned places, might be saved, or destroyed. A Body of Troops are every day expected into Suffolk County from N.Y. to sweep off their Cattle, Provisions &c. Indeed the disaffected are constantly forwarding them to N.Y. from all Parts of the Island. It has been hinted to me, & as such I mention it to your Excellency, that a small body of Troops flung over upon L. Island, as soon as any of our Shipping appear in the Sound, would be of very great Service, as they would prevent the disaffected, & small Parties from driving Cattle &c. from Suffolk County to NY.—and in Case it should be thot proper to drive the Cattle Eastward, our

Friends would have some shew for putting their Cattle out of the way of the Enemy—Suffolk County, Your Excellency knows, is in our Interest, & would willingly assist us; but must have some more Colour for their Conduct like Compulsion, so long as we are not in force on the Island sufficient to protect them—If any plan of this kind should be tho’t on, I could mention sundry things, respecting the place of Landing on L. Island—Where it might be prudent to post small Detachments—or if it should be tho’t best to drive the Island, how far westward it would do to undertake it—Indeed I should be happy to serve in this or any other Expedition f⟨or which⟩ your Excellency should think me best qualif⟨ied⟩.
					The arrival of a Cork Fleet is hourly expected at N.Y. Indeed it is said one ship with Provision has arrived within a few days. I have the Honor to be, With the greatest Regard, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Hble Servt

						Benja. Tallmadge


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 July 1780
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

						Totowa [N.J.] 18th July 1780

					In obedience to your Excellency’s Orders I proceeded with Mr Erskine to reconnoitre the Landing places from Closter to Dobbs’s Ferry, & found the following viz.
					Closter landing situate about Six or seven miles above Fort Lee—& a little south of Phillips’s was formerly made use of by the Inhabitants in its vicinity, and rendered practicable for two horse Sleds, from the Declivity of the mountain to the river is about one half of a mile which

is too steep & narrow to admit of Common Carriages—the Decent being equal to One foot in five on an average—nor is there a sufficient Area at the Dock to turn a team or lodge stores upon—notwithstanding this the Enemy found means to carry up a few light field pieces in 76—but from experience I know that Artillery can be conveyed by manual labour over precipices and thro’ defiles Impracticable for Horses & Waggons, which must have been the case here.
					this road is at present Obstructed by felled trees & large rocks so that nothing but single footmen can pass & that with difficulty, a few Infantry might defend the Avenue—yet it will not afford a proper position to errect a Battery to cover the landing from the Insult of Shipping.
					the next is called Closter dock—about a mile & a half higher up the River and a little North of Phillips’s—this road is also Impracticable for Waggons part of the Way forming an Angle of near 20 Degrees decent—but as a Military position much superior to the first—between this & Dobbs’s is an other landing, less practicable than either of these.
					Our next Object was Dobbs’s ferry which affords an easy & safe carriag⟨e⟩ the roads leading to it from Closter Paramus &ca being very level & with a little Improvent may be made excellent—there are Six months men under Captains Laurence, & Blanch, at Tappan, & Closter sufficient for the purpose.
					the ground on the West side of the river is favorable for Batteries against Shipping—an attempt was made by the Enemies Gallies to annoy the ferry way in 1778—when they soon found it expedient to fall down the river on receiving a few shot from a little work thrown up in haste to cover the Landing—as noted on the enclosed sketch.
					there are two small eminences one on the North the other on the South side the road, which with a Block-house & Captains command in each, wou’d effectually cover the Battery from any attempt by land unless accompanied by Artillery & in force the east side is also favorable for Batteries to cover the Landing—and Immediately to the S.E. is a hill or Strong rising ground Commanding all the Country within reach of Cannon shot, and may be rendered a safe repositary for the Stores when landed.
					the Inclosed Sketch will shew the respective positions aluded to—with the width of the River at Dobbs’s.
					I must beg leave to refer you to Mr Erskine for the state of the roads & their Distances. Interim I am Your Excellency’s Most Obt & very Hume Servt

						Anty Wayne

						N.B. there is a very fine forage Country in the Vicinity of Dobbs’s the owners chiefly Caitiffs.

						Fig. 1. Robert Erskine’s sketch of his calculations, taken with a theodolite on 17 July 1780, for determining the width of the Hudson (North) River at Dobbs’s Ferry. (Library of Congress)


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Whitcomb, 18 July 1780
From: Whitcomb, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

						Hond Sir
						Camp at Haverhill [N.H.] 18th July 1780

					Lieut. Lyford has Just returned from a Scout to Canada—he informs the Enemy have chiefly drawn of[f] to Quebec with the principle part of their Artillery—That their force in the upper part of Canada is about 400, & their whole force in Canada including Quebec, dont exceed 4000 Men One Thousand has lately been detached for Niagara their shipping constantly cruising up the lake as far as Crown Point—its supposed their object is the New Hampshir⟨e⟩ Grants—The Inhabitants throw out bitter Complaints of the Ill Usage of the British & Hussian Troops who are constantly watching them while in their fields to work, fearing they have connections with our Scouts—This intellegence he received from a former Acquaintence of his, who is well known to be a stanch friend to America, & who is Capable of giving very tollerable intelligence of the Enemies Situation—of which General Baley prehaps may give a more particular Account. Your Excellency will please to observe by my Return—Two of my Lieutenants are discharged—our Situation is such having different out Posts & Lieut. Lyfords service so constantly required on scouts to Canada, think it highly proper to fill one of the Vacanceys—accordingly do Reccommend Mr Saml Clark to be a Gentleman of Ability & every way Capable to fill that Office—if your Excellency should think it expedient could wish he might be Commissioned Seccond Lieut. in my Company.
					My scouts are constantly scouring the Woods on the routs to Canada & Onion River ha[ve]n[o]t as yet made any discoveries of the Enemies intention to Visit this Quarter—should your Excellency have any Commands for me please to forward by this Express—I shall always be Happy to excute them. I am Your Excellencys Most Obed. and very Humble Servt

						Benja. Whetcomb Maj. Comdg

						I have Inclosed my returns I wish one of them may be forwarded to the Board of War that the Officers & Soldiers may have their wages Adjusted.

							B.W.


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 19 July 1780
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

						Please your Excellency
						Camp Prakeness July. 19th 1780

					The prospects of future supplies for your Army and the manner in which they are to be procured is a matter of the utmost Consequence, and gives me great Uneasiness, which I think my duty to represent to your Excellency in Order if possible to remidy the same before it may be too late.
					Sundry of the States have Complyed with the requisitions of Congress and appointed their Agents and Contractors to Execute their Purchases. Others of the States have not come into the measure but have Appointed Agents & made them Subject to my Orders, those who have Complyed with the requisitions of Congress have neither made their Contractors subject to my directions or Military Law—A great Majority of those Persons are People who have not the least Idea of the daily Consumption of the Army, and the bad Consequences should those supplies fail; I have it not in my power to bring them to Account should they prove Delinquents in Answering my demands, which I have many reasons to doubt will be the Case.
					My Deputies have principally been Oblidged to desist from Purchasing some Months past, The Continental Magazines nearly Exhausted of every Specie of Provisions, such of my People as have a Privilidge to purchase are often without Money, when they have it are Oblidged to Use Arguments with the People to Purchase such Articles as they have to Spare—Congress have given a Permission to the French Consul to purchase Provisions where it may suit him for the French Fleet and Armament, And if the New States Money will not Answer the Purpose of

Procuring his Supplies, He is to make such Other Payments as may Answer (which of Course will be hard Money) this will Effectually prevent my Assistants from Obtaining a single Article untill this Gentleman’s Purchases are Compleat, what Inducement Congress had for granting a Priviledge to the Consul of their Ally’s which their Own Agents were deprived off is to me a matter of Astonishment and Concern, when at the same time the States were Called upon by that Body for a Sufficient supply of Provisions for the whole, the Consequence of which will be your Army will Starve if Force and Active Exertions are not used to procure their Supplies, in this Situation is my Department, without Money, without means of Obtaining the Supplies, your Excellency looking to me for the Support of the Troops, and liable to your Displeasure should I fail—I must therefore beg Leave to inform you that I Cannot on any Account whatever be Answerable to your Excellency for the wants of the Army, At the same time be Assured of my Utmost Exertions and Constant Attention to procure the Supplies as far as in my power, or untill some mode is pointed Out by Congress which may have the desired Effect.
					The Season now fast Advancing in which I Ought to be making preparation for Laying up Magazine’s of Salt Provisions near where your Excellency may suppose the Winter Cantoonments of the Army will be, without which the Troops can never be regularly Supplied, as it will be Necessary to prepare large Quantities of Salt, and have Cooper’s Employed to prepare Stuff for Barrells, would request your approbation in Nameing those places—The southern District will Scarsely be able to feed the Troops now on that Station, the Supplies of flour come in very slowly in the Middle States, Indeed little can be Expected before the Winter, Except from the State of Maryland (without Force is Used) The Bankers will not be able to fulfill their Engagements for some Considerable time, Pennsylvania will furnish a Considerable Quantity of Rum and Salt, And I hope with what little Beef we can pick up the Eastern Department will afford a tolerable supply of live Cattle, There is now upon the Communication from the Head of Elk, Trenton & the upper Road to New Windsor, Five thousand barrells of Flour (Exclusive of what the Merchants have) which is the residue of Our Continental Supplies. I Remain with all due Respect, Your Excellencies Most Obedient and Most Humble servt

						Eph. Blaine C.G.P.


Title: To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 July 1780
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Head Quarters [New York City] July 19th 1780.

					In answer to the Letter you addressed to His Excellency General Knyphausen on the 2d June last, and of which You have been so good to inclose me a Copy in Yours of the 5th Instant, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that I have no objection to receive at New York under Your appointment Mr Pintard, or a person You may nominate as a Commissary in behalf of prisoners.
					With regard to my sending a person of a similar description in the manner you propose, I shall of course be happy to fix one with You, and Philadelphia being excepted, to chuse Lancaster in Pensilvania as his Residence.
					To give this Arrangement the beneficial effects to be expected from it I hope to be assured from You, Sir, that Lancaster, or its neighbourhood, will be made as much as possible the place of Confinement of British prisoners, that they may be near the person who is to give his Attention to them. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble Servt

						H. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from General Henry Clinton, 19 July 1780
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Head Quarters [New York City] July 19th 1780.

					I have the honor to inclose to Your Excellency a Report concerning the Situation of the Troops of Convention in Virginia, not doubting but it will attract your attention and procure them redress.
					You cannot but be informed, Sir, that our conduct towards your Prisoners here is humane and liberal, and I am persuaded your wish must

be to maintain this System of Benevolence towards Men who have the misfortune of enduring Captivity. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble Servt

						H. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 19 July 1780
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

						Dear Sir
						Springfield [Mass.] 19th July 1780

					In Obedience to your Excellency’s orders, I have Carefully attended to the condition of the men, who in General have been so good, that I have not objected to any, till this day came in a party from the Town of Eastham, in which were Seven Boys, most of them under 16 years of age, and all very small; in my Opinion not fit for soldiers, they were urg’d to Inlist for the war, in that case believe I should have accepted of them, and sent them on, However they declin’d and are sent Back; I wrote to the Selectmen (Not Knowing the Commanding officer of the Militia,) the Reasons they were rejected, and requested they would send On immediately, seven able Bodied & Effective men in their Room. Two others from the Town of Boston (viz.) Thomas Perkins, 60 years of age deaf & very lame in his hip, occasion’d by a Wound receiv’d last war, and now Labours under an Incurable Weakness, a Rupture in his Groin; Adam Rapp, 62 years of age, (as he says) Limbs & Joints Stiff, and is very deaf, those I have also sent back, & Directed them to Return the Bounty, and have wrote Col. Procter, the Commanding Officer of the Militia, requesting he would immediately send on two able Bodied men in their room; Which hope will meet your Excellency’s approbation. Several parties of three Months Militia, from the Massachusetts have come in, which I have taken the Liberty to order on to Clauvarauck, and two Companies of Col. Nicholson’s Regiment of Militia from New Hampshire, which I Suppos’d I was doing right in ordering the same way, till this Morning Col. Nicholson arriv’d, who says he has Genl Starks’s Orders, to remain here, till your Excellency Or he shall order otherwise; I shall therefore Suspend giving any further orders respecting them, untill your Excellency’s pleasure shall be Known; and hope my Conduct respecting it will be Justified, if not that it may be forgiven as it proceeded from a Good Intention. And am Dear sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humle servt

						Jno. Glover B. General


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters Bergen County 19 July 1780

					By dispatches recd the last evening from the Count de Rochambeau I am informed that the French Fleet and Army consisting of eight ships of the Line two Frigates and two Bombs and upwards of five thousand Men have arrived at Newport—This makes them rather inferior to the combined naval force of Arbuthnot, and Greaves; but as a second division of ships and land Forces (a circumstance you will keep to yourself) may be expected in a few Weeks, it is probable we shall gain a superiority at sea, by the time we can be ready to operate, as Count de Rochambeau is of opinion that his land force will not be sufficiently recruited under four Weeks from the 12th inst: Should a superiority at Sea be established, it would lessen our land transportation in so considerable a degree, that little or no doubt would remain of our being able to keep up the requisite supply of provision—Forage and Military stores during the time of an operation against New York—But as that is a matter which cannot be ascertained, and as New York seems, for reasons which have presented themselves since the arrival of the Fleet, to be the only object we can attempt it remains to be considered whether it will be possible to maintain an Army proportioned to such an undertaking, when wholly dependant upon a land transportation, aided by a contingent one by way of the Sound—In making your estimates, you are to observe that the Directors of the Bank of Philada engage to deliver upwards of two Months supply of Flour for the American Army

in the Camp, if so ordered, and as we have little reason to doubt the Abilities and activity of these Gentlemen, we may, with tolerable safety, count upon so considerable an aid—Meat will chiefly be brought to us on foot—The Matter then for which we shall be principally apprehensive will be the transportation of Forage and Military Stores—To ensure this there are but three Ways—A competent sum of Money to pay the hire of the teams upon perfoming the service—The exertion of the States to draw them out upon requisition—or Military coercion in case of extremity—Upon the first, deranged as our finances are, we ought to place little dependance—on the second—you can as well judge as myself from the present temper of the States and what they are actually doing and altho’ the third method is a disagreeable one, yet I shall not hesitate, if the resources of the Country are equal to it, to execute it to the utmost of our means if the attainment of so great an object as that which is now before us, is made to depend upon it—With this assurance I beg to know candidly your opinion of the probable practicability of supporting the operation so far as it depends on transportation—While we do not under rate difficulties on one hand, we should not over rate them on the other, nor discourage ourselves from a very important undertaking by obstacles which are to be surmounted. I am &.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Camp Precaness. 19th July 1780.

					I Inclose your Excellency two letters—one from Mr Oleney—and one from General Parsons—upon the most proper mode for getting on the cloathing and arms from New-London.
					Has your Excellency any orders to give thereon? Is the cloathing all to come on to this army, or any part of it to stop at Westpoint; and if any, how many suits, and to whom is it to be delivered? the same of the arms. And if the cloathing and arms are all to come to the main army, to whom shall they be addressed? I wish your Excellency’s instructions upon these points. From the present state of the navigation in the sound, I think it would be hazardous to attempt bringing the Cloathing and arms by water.

					I gave Mr Bowen orders to bring on the Boats from Rhode Island to Connecticut River, with sundry articles of Quarter Master’s stores. Shall I countermand the order, or suffer him to proceed? I think it is dangerous at this time; and perhaps it will be less so in a few days, and the boats are not likely to be wanted immediately.
					I beg your Excellency’s answer as soon as convenient; as I wish to write Mr Olney this evening, or early in the morning. I am with respect your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

						Nath. Greene Q.M.G.

						N.B. Please to return Colo. Gouvions Estimate.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

						D. Sir
						Hd qrs near passaick [N.J.] July 19. 1780

					In answer to Yours of this Evening—The Whole of the Cloathing & Arms are to be sent to Fish Kill Town in the first instance, unless orders should be given to the contrary, and though it is a matter of great importance and infinitely desireable to save expence by bringing them by a Water transportation part of the way; yet the present state of navigation will not permit it or justify me in giving an order for their coming otherwise than by Land. The Arms will be addressed to Genl Knox; the Cloathing to Mr Wilkinson or John Moylan Esqr. The Powder & lead on board the Fleet for the States—if they cannot be sent with safety to New London—must be sent to providence.
					With respect to the Boats & Quarter Masters Stores—while Your Agents think it will be dangerous to risk them by Water to Connecticut River—the matter must be deferred; but as soon as the prospect is favourable, it will be embraced. I am Dr sir Yr Most Obedt st

						G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 19 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

						Dr Sir
						Head Quarters [Preakness, N.J.] July 19th 1780

					I have received your letter of the 16th. You mistook the point of giving me intelligence as by recurring to your instructions you will find.

I now depend on you for information of every occurrence, which will save General Foreman the trouble of a business which I could only with propriety request the favor of him to discharge till another could be sent to undertake it. For the future you will make a report every two days of the appearances at the Hook in which the more detail the better. Tis almost as important for us to know what does not happen as what does happen. In case of any thing extraordinary it is instantly to be dispatched—particularly the sailing of the fleet in or out. It is become unnecessary for the present that Captain Dennis & the Gentlemen with him should remain at Monmouth I wish to see them at Head Quarters in their way home, when I shall give them some further explanations. I am With the greatest regard Yr Mo. Obet Servant

						Go: Washington

						P.S. I want a most exact account of the force of the Enemy’s fleet.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 19 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

						Sir
						Head Quarters in New Jersey 19th July 1780

					On the first Acct of your arrival I did myself the honor to write you the letter annexed; but in momentary expectation of hearing from you, I thought it best to delay the departure of the Marquis till the arrival of your dispatches. These Monsr De Rochefontaine delivered me yesterday Afternoon. The assurances you give me of the ulterior intentions of His Most Christian Majesty add to our obligation and to our hopes: On our part we shall make every effort in our power.
					The contrarieties you experienced which have retarded your arrival were unfortunate; but they depended on events not at your command, and I hope will have no ill influence in the issue of our measures. My opinion perfectly corrisponds with the motives which determined you in the first instance to Rhode Island; and upon which you have calculated your present disposition.
					I shall be happy to hear that the health of such of your Troops as were indisposed by the voyage, is speedily restored, and that you receive every refreshment and supply from the Country which can contribute to the comfort and convenience of the whole.
					I cannot sufficiently express to you my sensibility for the marks of confidence and for the assurances of your sentiments contained in your Letter, and I shall be happy in siezing every oppertunity to convince you how entirely reciprocal they are. I have the honr to be with the highest esteem & regard—Sir, Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble Servt

						Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 19 July 1780
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Cortlands Manor [N.Y.] July 19th 1780

					By the Resolution of the Assembly of the State of Connecticut, I am informed about 240 men from the Regts of Horse of that state are ordered to be Drafted to serve in the Contl Army till the Last of Decr ensuing. Some of those Drafts have already joined my Regt and as I have recd no Instructions respecting them. I take liberty to write your Excellency on the subject. The matter in which I wish to be Determined is the service to which those Levies shall be appointed, whether to serve on Horseback or on foot, and if the latter, whether to Join the Dismou[n]ted of my Regt, or whether they shall be ordered to the Battalions of Sd state. I must in justice to most of the Levies which have already joined, observe that they are tolerably mounted and well armed; They insist on the previliege of serving on Horseback, as by their constitution, but at the same time would observe that those who are not properly armed have been Informed that they cannot in their present Condition expect to act as mounted Dragons If your Excellency expects service for more Horse than are now in the field, I doubt not a number might be selected for that purpose well armed and accoutred, while the rest might be of service among the Dismounted if so ordered. I wish your Excellenceys Directions in the premises, that the men may be properly arranged and disciplined without loss of time. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect your Excellencys most obt and very Humble Servt

						Elisha Sheldon Colo. L.D.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 19 July 1780
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Lebanon [Conn.] July 19th 1780

					By appearances, from the preparations making I am led to suppose the French Troops are designed to be marched through this State—The inconveniences to the inhabitants, & delay which must attend the marching so large a body by land—Your Excellency is fully sensible of—and would wish to avoid as far as possible—I take the liberty to suggest whether they might not be safely transported by water from Newport through the Sound to some place or places to the westward—convenient for the operations, under a suitable convoy—which, in case it may be done consistently with your projected plans of operations & orders already given, will avoid innumerable inconveniences, and greatly facilitate and expedite the progress of the troops to the place of destination.
					The general scarcity of cloathing, and the variety of unavoidable embarrassments and disappointments in furnishing the supplies requisite for the troops of this State—and particularly the store of goods provided at the instance of this State, for their own troops, by Majr Bigelow at Hartford—being taken in A.D. 1778 for B. Genl Poor & Patterson’s Brigades—has left, notwithstanding our utmost exertions, the troops of this State destitute of proper and suitable cloathing—It is therefore expected that the troops of this State in the Continental Army, at least such of them as are in want, will be properly clad from our quota of the cloathing imported by the United States.
					I am informed there are many cattle on Montague, and on the East end of Long-Island, which will probably be soon driven westward, unless taken off, which might be easily done while the French Fleet lies at Newport—if it should be judged best, and you should order it.

I am—With every Sentiment of Esteem and Regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servant

						Jonth; Trumbull


Title: General Orders, 20 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Pracaness Thursday July 20th 1780

							Parole United States
							 Countersigns France ForceWatchword Unanimity

					[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Major Reid[,] Brigade Major Jersey Brigade
					The Commander in Chief has the pleasure to Congratulate the Army on the Arrival of a large Land and Naval Armament at Rhode Island sent by his most Christian Majesty to Co’operate with the Troops of these States against the Common Enemy accompanied with every Circumstance that can render it honorable and useful.
					The Generosity of this succour and the manner in which it is given is a new Tie between France and America The Lively concern which our Allies manifest for our Safety and Independence has a Claim to the Affection of every Virtuous Citizen. The General with confidence assures the Army that the Officers and Men of the French Forces come to our Aid animated with a Zeal founded in Sentiment for us as well as in Duty to their Prince and that they will do every thing in their Power to promote Harmony and cultivate Friendship He is equally persuaded that on our Part we shall vie with them in their good dispositions to which we are excited by Gratitude as well as by a common Interest; and that the only contention between the two Armies will be to excel each other in good offices and in the display of every Military Virtue—This will be the Pledge of the most solid advantages to the common Cause and of a glorious Issue to the Campaign.
					The second Pennsylvania brigade is to move this afternoon from their present Ground and encamp upon the most convenient ground upon the left of the First.
					Agreeable to the General Order of the 15th Instant relative to certain Men claimed by the 4th and 6th Pennsylvania Regiments; a Court of

Enquiry have reported that the Inlistments of Gilbert Moore, Hugh McEbrary, William Faulkner and James McBride Soldiers ought to stand good and that they are the property of the 6th Pennsylvania regiment.
					The Men are to join the 6th Regiment accordingly.
					John Swan John Scott and Peter Witherspoon were tried by the General Court Martial whereof Colonel Butler is President on suspicion of being Spies and Acquitted.
					The General confirms the Acquittal and orders them released from Confinement.

						After Orders
						Captain Ogden of the Jersey Brigade is appointed to do the duty of Brigade Major in the same untill the return of Major Ross.
						Captain Johnson of General Clinton’s brigade with the Detachment under his command in the Clove is to rejoin said Brigade.


Title: To George Washington from the Committee at Headquarters, 20 July 1780
From: Committee at Headquarters
To: Washington, George

						sir
						In Committee of Congress Preakness July. 20. 1780

					Since the Conversation we had with your Excellency, on the subject of Cloathing the troops. We have maturely considered the matter, and from every point of view, in which we have revolved it; are fully of Opinion. That to put the army into an entire Uniform, will have a happy influence on the soldiery; and tend to inspire the foreign troops, with a more respectable opinion of ours, than would be entertained; were they to continue in their present motly dress. These considerations in addition to those which arise from reflecting that it will redound to the honor and credit of the states, Induce us to advise, (If your Excellency thinks it will afford satisfaction to the army) that the Cloathing arrived from france; should be distributed amongst such of the men, as are engaged during the War. That the uniforms now possessed by

these, should be given to the recruits, who are to serve to the end of the Campaign. But as this will deprive those who are engaged for the war, of the use of the Cloaths; which must in this case be considered as their own property: We think, If they insist upon it, that appraisment should be made, and assurances given them, that the value will be paid. The recruits who may receive the same to account for the value in such manner as Congress may direct. We have the honor to be with great respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obt Humble servants

						Ph: SchuylerNathl Peabody


Title: To George Washington from Theunis Dey, Robert Morris and Peter Wilson, c.20 July 1780
From: Dey, Theunis,Morris, Robert,Wilson, Peter
To: Washington, George

						[c.20 July 1780]

					The Memorial of the Subscribers on Behalf of the Inhabitants of the County of Bergen now Prisoners with the Enemy Humbly sheweth.
					That a Number of Persons borne on the Militia Rolls of this County, and active in defending their Country by Arms have in different Incursions of the Enemy been taken, some in Arms, and some out of their Beds, and carried into New-York, where they remain in close Confinement, and are by the Enemy in every Respect considered and treated as Prisoners of War.
					That in Pursuance of the Recommendation of Congress contained in their Resolutions of the 13th of January last, the State Commissariates was, by a Law passed at the last Sitting of the General Assembly of this State, abolished, and the Business of Exchange, which, as far as respected the Inhabitants of this State & Prisoners by them taken, had before been transacted by a Commissary under the Appointment of the State, is now expressly and solely vested in the Commissary General of Prisoners of the United States, his Deputy or Assistants.
					That according to these Resolutions, as your Memorialists understand them, the Prisoners taken by the Militia of any State, are first to be exchanged for the Militia of that State in the Hands of the Enemy.
					That the Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, when lately sollicited to propose an Exchange of the Militia of this County now in Captivity, for the Prisoners taken by the Militia, and by them delivered into his Custody has declared that no Exchange can be made without the

Express Direction of your Excellency. That many of the Persons from this County, now in Captivity, have Families, which by their Absence are reduced to great Distress, and some of them to want of Bread.
					That it has been the Uniform Practice, while the Business of Exchange rested in a Commissary appointed under the Direction of the State, to give in Exchange for such of the Militia taken by the Enemy, as have manifested their Friendship to their Country by taking Arms in its Defence, the Prisoners by them taken from the Enemy, and the Enemy in like Manner have readily exchanged the Militia within their Lines, but in what Manner, your Memorialists are not possessed of Facts sufficient to assert with Precision—That we conceive, if Soldiers or Sailors are not permitted to be exchanged for the Militia who voluntarily turn out in defence of their Country, whether actually taken in Arms, or otherwise, they will seldom be exchanged at all, as few others than Soldiers or Sailors can be taken from the Enemy; the Consequence of which will probably be, that either the Militia will be induced to comply with the often repeated, and as often rejected Sollicitations of the Enemy to lay down their Arms, and make their Peace, or the Enemy will play a surer Game, and, by making repeated Incursions, and harrassing them continually, will weary them into an Acceptance of Paroles for their Observance of a quiescent Conduct, & thereby render the Strength of the State in a great Measure useless.
					Impressed with these Considerations, we think it our Duty to request your Excellency to take the Premises into Consideration, and to signify your Pleasure therein to your Memorialists, not doubting but your Humanity and Sympathy for the Distressed of every Denomination will enduce your Excellency to do every thing in Behalf of the unhappy Prisoners consistent with your Duty. And your Memorialists shall pray &c.

						Theunis DeyRobt MorrisPeter Wilson


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 20 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

						Sir
						Head Quarters Bergen County 20th July 1780

					Upon the receipt of your letter of the 17th I called upon General Hand for the Brigade order to which you allude, who laid it before me, with the several letters which had passed between you and him on the subject and a Copy of the sentence of the Division Court Martial upon Mr Norcross—the issuing Commy.
					That the Men were without provision on the parade the 5th does not admit of a doubt—Genl Hand was therefore in my opinion right in noticing it and calling upon the Officers commanding Regiments to see that their Men were supplied agreeable to General Orders. I should, in case a representation had been made to me by the Officers of the day or the Adjutant Genl that the Men were unfurnished, have looked upon General Hand as accountable for his Brigade, and he consequently properly addressed himself in the first instance to the Officers commanding Regiments—I do not find that the order applied personally to you or particularly to your Regt. Upon the whole I am of opinion, that General Hands conduct was warrantable upon every military principle, and that I cannot, without calling in question his right to regulate his own Brigade, order a Court of enquiry upon the Matter which has been brought before me. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 20 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

						Sir
						Head Qrs near passaick [N.J.] July 20 1780

					Since I had the honor of addressing Congress this Morning by post, I received a Letter from Brigadier General Maxwell, requesting me to accept his resignation and assigning his reasons for the same. Having never acted on an application of this sort from an Officer of his rank, I beg leave to lay the matter before Congress & to transmit them a

Copy of his Letter, by which they will be more fully informed of his request.
					The merits of the General are known to Congress and therefore it is unnecessary for me to say any thing with respect to them; but I will take the liberty to add that I believe him to be an honest Man—A warm friend to this Country and firmly attached to her interests. In this view and from the length of time he has been in service—the decided part he took at the commencement of the controversy, I would take the liberty to observe I think his claim to such compensation, as may be made to Other Officers of his standing to the present time only equitable; and hope that it will be considered in this light by Congress. I have the Honor to be With great respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obed. st

						Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 20 July 1780
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

						Dear Sir
						Camp Precaness 20th July 1780.

					Mr Faesh is so deeply impres’d, with a beleif, that the disafected, will set fire to his furnace, if he shall cast shot, or shells, that he declines to cast those articles, unless the continent, will indemnity for any loss he may incur in consequence, or provide him with a guard. I have endevor’d to convince him to the contrary, but without effect. I humbly submit to Your Excellency, the propriety under the circumstances stated, of sending the guard for the time requested. I am with the highest respect and Attachments Your Excellencys Obedient Servant

						H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 20 July 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

							Dear General
							peeks kill [N.Y.] July the 20th 1780

						having heard of an express from Rhodeisland being Going through the Continental Village I sent for him as it would not delay him More than an hour—inclosed I have the honor to send You the letter from general heath which I have oppen’d and also two letters from the french Generals to me—it seems, My dear General, that they have Anticipated the desire you express’d Yourself of settling our plans in a private Conversation—that way indeed will do Better than hundred letters, In Case (what however I don’t Believe) they would wish to speak to Yourself, I shall immediately send an express to inform You of it—But I dare say they will be satisfied with My Coming.
						I am Glad to hear they are hunting after the Cork fleet, and those frigates being out will also apprize them of the ennemy’s Naval Motions.
						Adieu, My dear General, with a heart full of hopes and I think of well Grounded expectations I have the honor to be very tenderly and Respectfully Your most obedient humble Servant

							Lafayette

						I Beg my Compliments may be presented to the family.
						It is Much to be lamented that paul jones din’t Come in the first Convoy, in case there is nothing to fear from the ennemy, I will send the Cloathing to New london, Be certain, my dear General, that tho’ By serious Reflexions and Calculations Which I Can prove to be Right I have Great hopes of succes, I shall however look upon, and speack of all the difficulties that May present themselves—I have on public and private Accounts Many Reasons to feel the Consequence of the plan in question, and to take the Greatest Care in Considering By Myself and explaining to others our Circumstances—the delay of the Small arms I don’t Consider as equally hurtfull to our affairs As will be the deficiency of powder—But as (even at the so much over rated Calculations) we have enough of it for one Month, I will try to Get a Supply from the fleet and then it will Come to the same point. You’ll hear from me as soon as possible after my arrival.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

						Dear Sir
						Head Quarters Colo. Deys [N.J.] 20th July 1780

					You will proceed with the 1st and 2d Pennsylvania Brigades and Colo. Moylans Regt of Dragoons upon the execution of the Business planned in yours of yesterday. I do not at present think of any necessary alterations in plan submitted to me, except that of detaching a few Horse this Afternoon to patrol all night, and see that the Enemy do not, in the course of the Night, throw over any troops to form an ambuscade. They need not go so low down, or in such numbers, as to create any alarm. They may inquire as they go, for Deserters, after whom they may say they are in pursuit. The enemy have so many emissaries among us that scarce a move or an order passes unnoticed. You are so well acquainted with the critical situation of the Ground, that it is needless in me to recommend the extreme of caution. I most heartily wish you success being with real Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

						Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 21 July 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

						Head Quarters Pracaness Friday July 21st 1780

							Parole Hampton
							 Countersigns O: G.Watchword Here we are

					[Officers] Of the Day Tomorrow[:] Major Trescott[,] Brigade Major McGowan

						After Orders
						The Men last drafted into the Commander in Chief’s Guards are to be returned on Command in the regiments from which they were drafted; but to draw pay and Clothing in the Guard.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elias Dayton, 21 July 1780
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

						Sir,
						Elizabeth Town [N.J.] July 21st 1780

					I have this morning received the following important intelligence which may, I believe, be depended upon—viz.—That the fleets under Admirals Arbuthnot and Greaves had sailed on wednesday morning—that fifty sail of transports had gone up the sound, expecting to take troops on board at white stone, from whence ’tis said, they are immediately to proceed to Rhode Island.
					They declare it to be their intention to attempt the reduction of that post with the french troops now there, which only consist of five or six thousand, and those sickly and unfit for active service.
					Capt. Stewart of the dragoons in british service, has proposed to give any officer of ours, of inferior rank to a Major, now a prisoner with them, for the three men who deserted him last week, who he says ought not to be considered as deserters but as robbers. He begs also to be permitted to speak with his mother at Eliz. Town point in the presence of an officer—I have refused him the interview without your excellency’s consent and promised to mention his proposal and request in my first letter.
					I would wish to have your excellency’s direction, whether I am to issue provisions from this post to Quarter Masters, waggonmasters women &c. all of whom are making daily & repeated applicatio⟨n⟩.
					From accounts this instant received I believe the enemy will attempt to surprize this post within four days, I wish Colo: Barb⟨er⟩ was here, and about fifty men at Newark; in that case I should expect they would

pay dearly for their presumption; as it is I hope to give a good account of some of them. I am your Excellency Most Huble Servt

						Elias Dayton


Title: To George Washington from Colonel David Forman, 21 July 1780
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Freehold [N.J.] 21st July 80

					Capt. Denniss going so Early only permits me Time To enclose to Your Excly a Sketch of The Diary from the [Atlantic] Highlands and The Information of a Certain Lt Wolcott. I have The Honr to be Your Excly Most obdt Humble Servt

						David Forman


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 21 July 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Camp-Precaness—21st July 1780.

					I have your Excellency’s favor of the 19th containing an account of the arrival of the French Fleet—their Force, and the time they will be ready for a co-operation with the American Army—and requiring my opinion of the practicability of conveying the supplies to the seat of action, altogether by a land-transportation, except a contingent one by Water, thro’ the Sound.
					Inclosed I send your Excellency, my letter No. 1 upon the subject, to the Committee of Congress, and their answer No. 2—together with General Knox’s Estimate of Ordnance Stores No. 3, and my Estimate of teams for transportation thro’ the State of New-jersey No. 4.
					It appears from the Committee’s answer that notwithstanding all the embarrassments and obstacles which lay in our way, they are rather inclined to think that force may effect what ever money and influence falls short.
					I have ever been of opinion, that the plan of supplying the army thro’ the medium of the States, was too precarious and slow to authorize any offensive operations: and I have more and more reason every day, to convince me that my conception of the mode, and apprehension of the consequences, were well founded.
					The exertions that will be required upon this occasion, will be very great; and tho’ I am clearly of opinion that the abilities of the Country in the Quarter Master’s line, are equal to the attempt; yet if one part of the community is opposed to the other, we may fail in our expectations—not for want of resources but for want of inclination to unite in the same measure. I apprehend no small obstacles from the people’s having been long taught to consider every exertion of force; however pressing the occasion, as an unpardonable violence offered to their property.
					The time is by far too short to make the necessary preparations for such an important expedition to be complite in ev’ry branch—nor can

I tell what is doing; or how far the means will be proportioned to the end. You must therefore expect great deficiencies.
					Things have been so deranged in the Quarter Master’s department for many months past—public faith so frequently broken, and public officers so repeatedly disgusted, that I cannot tell what exertions can be made.
					Was my opinion to be asked, whether I would undertake such an expedition, upon such a precarious footing, before the force was levied—the preparations gone into—or the expectations of the public raised, I should not hesitate a moment to give my sentiments decidedly against the measure. But how far the present preparations lay a necessity to push forward, and which may be productive of the most disagreable consequences—that of relinquishing the project of choice, or of necessity, is somewhat difficult to determine—especially as the Eyes of all Europe, and America, are upon us, and as your Excellency observes, there is no other object but this for offensive operations, whereby we can avail ourselves of the benevolent intentions of our great and good Ally, who has been at an amazing expence to equip a Fleet and Army with a view to a co-operation. I am not disposed to over-rate obstacles; nor would I wish to abuse your confidence, by representing things more favorable than they are. I cannot take upon me any responsiblity; because I have not money at command; nor are the officers under my controul on whom every thing depends; which is that of providing forage and teams. I am heartily disposed to do every thing in my power, to promote the operations, and to share in common with others the honors or disgrace that shall follow the issue of the Expidition. If every thing can be depended upon to give success to it, but that of transportation, bad as the prospects are, I should not hisitate to prosecute the design—with this determination—to effect by force what cannot be accomplished otherwise.
					In such a Siege as the one in contemplation, the forage of a whole province in Germany is frequently laid waste to give it success. and if we are determined to make such sacrifices; and the spirit of the people should rise upon the occasion, perhaps the success may far exceed our present prospects. I am, with great respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble Servant

						Nath. Greene Q.M.G


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 21 July 1780
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

						Sir
						Claverac [N.Y.] 21 July 1780

					Upon my arrival here last night ⟨I⟩ very unexpectedly found a number of the Militia from the State of Machutussetts who had orders to

remain here from the General Court till your Excellencie’s Pleasure was known, which order would extend as their commanding Officers informd me to at least six thousand men; as no Provision of any sort has ever been directed to be made for them: that I can hear of, and as it is impossible immediately to lay in a proper supply for such a body I have advised their commanding Officer to march to Fish Kill as soon as he has gott four days Provision which I shall endeavour immediately to procure for him.
					This comes by express that your Excellency’s Determination may be known as soon as possible. I have the honour to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble Sert

						Udny Hay