Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 30 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 30th 1781

                  I have received your Letters of the 29th.
                  The situation of the New York Troops, I am sensible, is indeed distressing—but I am in hopes their distresses will be in some measure alleviated, by an Order which the Dep. Pay Master has just received on the Treasury of the State for money to pay the Troops of its Line—Should this not be productive of releif, I will make representations to Congress, and use every Means in my power, to have them placed in as favorable circumstances as the Troops of other States.
                  I will urge the forwarding of Provisions, on the Officers concerned, in the most pressing Manner.
                  While on your Journey from Rhode Island to the Army, I conceive, you are entitled to your Rations as well as at any other Period.  As to the extra expences incurred by the Commanding Officer of the Garrison of West Point, I am not informed what has been the practice on former occasions; Nor did General Greene ever converse with me on the subject.  It seems but reasonable that there should be an allowance for the unavoidable expences of keeping a Table at such a Post—Altho I do not think myself authorised to establish a precedent of this kind; Yet I think it probable that Congress, upon a proper representation, would do what was equitable; by establishing a rule to operate generally in such Cases.
                  Before the arrival of some of the General Officers now absent from the Army, it will be impossible that your presence should be dispensed with—And even then, it will be with reluctance, that I can consent to the absence of a Gentleman, of such rank, whose services are so necessary, and from whom I have derived such essential aid and assistance.  I am Dear Sir With great esteem Your Most Obed. Serv.

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 30 March 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     West point March 30. 1781.

                  I am honored with yours of this date—shall communicate to the officers of the New York regiment the case your Excellency has been pleased to take for the relief of the regiment; which I hope will be effectual.
                  I thank your Excellency for your opinion respecting my expences on my journey to this place the last fall.  Am sorry that a remedy in the case of expences here does not rest with you: and must request, that as the common Guardian of the army you will be pleased to make such representations to the honorable the Congress, as you may think the case deserves; and that what may be done should have a retrospect to the winter past, which on many accounts, has been attended with peculiar circumstances.  It is a post of sufficient burden for any officer, without the addition of extra expence.
                  The very favorable manner in which your Excellency is pleased to rate my services, I feel most sensibly—it will animate me to strive to merit your future approbation.
                  I can only wish for abilities equal to my desire of rendering more essential services.  But it is a painful consideration to me, that the present situation of affairs are such as forbid me that short relaxation from business which local circumstances, and a winter’s close attention of mind, seem to point out as indispensibly necessary for health, as well as to prepare to pass the approaching campaign with decency of appearance, comfort and convenience to myself, and to afford some advice to those whose tender years require it, and on whose prosperity my future happiness in life much depends.  I ever reprobate the very idea of long furloughs or absence from duty.  Six years’ steady devotedness to the service of my country in arms, and under many discouragements, I trust, have sufficiently evidenced my attachment to her cause; but if her service requires her votaries to relinquish every attention to, or concern for dearest connections, it is a trial too severe for my breast; for I am ready to confess that my patriotism cannot, and because I think it ought not erase from my bosom, affection, and some attention to my friends, between whom, and my country, I have as their right, divided the warmest corner of my heart.  I shall, however, endeavour to exercise that philosophy which is in part the characteristic of an officer.  I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 30 March 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Westpoint March 30. 1781.

                  The enclosed from Captain Selden, who commands at Stoney-point, came to hand the last evening.  Just before the receipt of it, Mr Pine, one of our guides came to my quarters with a Mr Swain of Morrisania.  Swain left that place on monday last, about ten o’clock A.M.—he informs me that all intercourse between New York and Morrisania is stopped—no refugee allowed to go in or come out—or any flag to pass—that there was a general review on monday, both on York and long Islands, and much firing.  It is said an embarkation is taking place.  Mr Swain, just as he came away, saw a gentleman, who, it is said, is remarkable for his integrity and caution in believing or reporting news; he told Mr Swain, that if he saw any persons of character, in whom he could confide, he might tell them from him, that he had some reason to conjecture that an evacuation of New York was in contemplation.  It is beyond a doubt something is in agitation; either a secret expedition or some other capital movement.  I think the complection of the whole rather gives us grounds to conclude, that the French have worsted the English fleet.  I expect further intelligence—If I receive any, it shall be transmitted immediately.  If your Excellency has received any that may be communicated, I request the honor of a hint of it.  I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                     W. Heath

                     P.S.  It was pretended by some, that Sir Henry Clinton was at the review.
                     For particular reasons it may be best not to mention Mr Swain’s name.

                     W.H.

                Enclosure

                        Dear Genl
                        Stoney Point March 29th 1781

                     Yesterday Mr Brown who rides Post for Governer Trumbull, Past this post from Philidelphia: he informs that the 21st instt the British & French Fleets, were all Day ingaged of the Capes of Virgina.  The event is not known, the Vessel which saw the Action informs, that the French fleet were at Windward, and run a  the forefoot of the British Line, and by the Broad sides which they gave them Obliged One Britsh Ship to fall out of the Line then wore stood to the Windward and gave them second Brod side at wich Time the vessell which Brought the inteligence left them.
                     As I am Obliged by keeping the Commissaries Guard to mount Two Distinct guards find it necessary to apply for an other Corporal to be orderd to this post as there is none of the privates which will do that Duty the Bearer would be happy to be the person by your permission for One I am with the greatest esteem your hume Sert

                        E. Seldon Captn


Title: From George Washington to Ulster, Dutchess and Westchester Counties Magistrates of Orange, 30 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Magistrates of Orange, Ulster, Dutchess and Westchester Counties

                     Gentlemen,
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 30th 1781

                  Upon the representation of the acting Quarter Master with the Army, that public Teams cannot be furnished to bring forward the provisions necessary for the immediate subsistence of the Troops, that private Ones cannot be procured upon hire, and that application hath been made in vain to the neighbouring Justices for their impress Warrants—I have thought proper to state the circumstances, and to request your interposition and assistance on the occasion.
                  It is necessary to be known in the first place, that there is but a small quantity of flour at present in the Magazines of the Army: Our whole dependence is therefore placed on the supplies now on the Communication, and which cannot be brought forward in season to releive our wants, without a general and speedy exertion of the substantial Farmers of the Country, who are possessed of the means of transportation—In addition to the distresses, in which the Army will be involved in the course of a few days if the flour in question is not conveyed to this place—the danger to which the important Posts on this River, will be exposed under these circumstances; and the hazard of loosing some part of the flour itself, which is now deposited within reach of a stroke from the Enemy—are objects of the most interesting consequence, which ought to be taken into consideration.
                  I have therefore to sollicit and request in the most earnest Manner, that the Justices in their several Districts will issue their impress Warrants for the number of Teams required by the Quarter Master, for the beforementioned purpose.  Ever averse to all coercive Measures which may seem to interfere with the rights of the Civil Authority, I cannot but flatter myself this application will be attended with the desired success, and supersede the necessity of having recourse to a Military impress.  But if it should prove otherwise—while the existence of the Army, and the preservation of the Key to the Country depend on the Measure—after this candid stating of the Matter—what friend to his Country is there who would not approve of its being carried into execution by Military Coercion?  I am Gentlemen Your Most Obedient and Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Walker, 30 March 1781
From: Walker, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Danbury 30th March 1781

                  I am sorry to inform you that Major General Parsons is so reduced by his late Moress and at time so far deprived of his reason as makes it impossible for him to transact the Business which your Excellency expected.  In the first of his illness he referd the whole business to me in hopes at that time of being able to attend himself in a few days, but I fear he will not this several weeks.
                  A Number of Persons have been apprehended since the General wrote your Excellency; and are now in confinement at this Place.  Some concerned in the Illicit trade, some taken at Greenwich coming from the Enemy plundering, others concerned in the combination which is forming in this County & some of the last mentioned Characters are Capital Villians, having been Enlisting Men for the British service secreting Persons coming from & going to the Enemy; also conveying Dispatches from the Enemy to Canada & from there back to New York all which I hope we may be able to make appear.
                  The Person imployed by the General is faithfull & attentive, & I flatter myself will make further discoveries of importance; at present shall extend our seising Persons no further than is absolutely necessary to prevent their escape and prevent any delay in finding out the grand plan.
                  I would wish to know your Exellencies pleasure concerning those all ready apprehended & what is best further to be done upon the business.  I am Sir with esteem your Excellencis most obedient Humble Servant

                     Joseph Walker


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Cheever, 31 March 1781
From: Cheever, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

                     Hond Sir
                     Springfield March 31st 1781

                  Monday 26th inst. I was honor’d with your Excellys Commands thro’ the hands of Colo. Shelding to do all in my power to get the arms & accoutrements belonging to his Regt repaired.
                  Sir, the destitue State of this Department for want of proper regard & encouragement, particularly money to pay wages & purchase necessaries and the want of Coal & Leather (which I have remonstrated to the honble board War & ordnance and to the Commissary Genls office) renders it under present Circumstances impractacable, The Asst Comry Genl mr Hodgdon Writes me Feb. 5th last past, the next weeks post would bring me an order on Comry Lamb at Boston for Leather Since which I have heard no more of the matter—Colonel Shelding is anxiously Concerned and pressing to have his Saddles & accoutrements repaired which I was Studiously Concerned to have had done last Winter, and might have been effected, if by any means materials for the purpose could have been obtained in order to Comply with Colo. Sheldings urgent & pressing request, I have engaged Seven hundred or a thousand bushells Coal to be deld in ten days or a fortnight (for which must pass my note for payment in three months) hope then to have the arms & Waggons repaired as expeditiously as possible, May it please your Excellency it’s hardly Concivable the difficulties & unceasiness attending this post for the want of money to pay wages & to answer any pressing Occasions, the quarter master is in the Same predicament with my Self.  the expediency of those Evils being Soon remidied is Obvious: my best abilities to get Colo. Sheldings demands accomplished, Shall not be wanting, alway’s earnestly Concerned to have my attempts for the Service meet your approbation.  I have the honour to be your Excellencys Most humble and most Obedt Servt

                     Ezekl Cheever  Dy G.M.S.


Title: From George Washington to Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 31 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 31st March 1781.

                  I was last evening honored with your favor of the 19th instant by the Hermione Via Philada and with a duplicate from Newport.  I am obliged by the minute detail which you are pleased to give me on the Action of the 16th instant between the Squadron of his Most Christian Majesty under your command and that of the British under Admiral Arbuthnot.  Tho’ you have not been able to accomplish the object which you had in view, you have merited the thanks of every American by the boldness of the attempt, and by the gallantry and good conduct displayed through the whole course of the engagement—I will confess to you, Sir, I was never sanguine in my expectations after I saw the British Fleet follow you so closely from Gardiners Bay.  I knew that the success of the expedition depended almost intirely upon your arrival in the Chesapeak before Admiral Arbuthnot—A circumstance in which the Winds and Weather had more influence than valour or skill—Had it depended upon the latter, I should have had perfect confidence, and the event has justified my opinion.  I have the honor to be with very great consideration Sir Yr


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 31 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 31st March 1781

                  I have received Your Excellency’s favor of the 26th with its inclosures.  I do myself the honor to transmit, for the information of Congress, the duplicate of a letter from the Chevalier de Touche to me, giving a minute detail of the Naval engagement on the 16th inst: The good conduct and bravery exhibited by our Allies on that occasion intitle them to the warmest thanks of the public, for tho’ the plan which we had in contemplation has unluckily failed, they deserve the highest applause for the boldness of the attempt to carry it into execution.
                  I very anxiously await the particulars of the action between General Greene and Lord Cornwallis.
                  With respect to the exchange of Lieut. Colonel Hill for Lt Colonel DuBuyson, which Congress have been pleased to refer to me, I can only say, that there are several Officers of similar rank with the latter, who have a prior right to be exchanged before him, as I have, upon several applications made immediately to me, informed him I cannot therefore recommend the matter without deviating from a rule which I have invariably pursued, and without departing from the spirit of a letter of Your Excellency’s of the 12th of November 1780.  If Congress find any thing particular in Colonel Du Buyssons case, they have but to direct his exchange and I will order it to be carried into execution.  I have the honor to be with the highest respect and esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obet and Humble servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Peter Kinnan, 31 March 1781
From: Kinnan, Peter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Pompton March 31st 1781.

                  The next day after the Marquis De Lafettee past thro’ here, Mr John Smith an Inhabitant of Smiths Clove, Brother to Joshua and others came to this place in a day or two went from here to Elizabeth Town and that Neighbourhood and Returned here again—and I belive has been down there abouts once since what his business is in this Quarter, People are at aloss to know, He frequents the Tavern and Enquire of every Travelling Gentleman after news of which he is very Ancious, He Quarters with a Person who is Judged by People not to be Very much Attached to our cause—Smith may be a Good Man, and be here with no bad intention—but if we consider his Connections in New York he may (if so disposed) give them Very Early—Intiligance of any of our movements, no place can be better for the Purpose of Carying on a Corrispondance than where he now is—I have consulted with several of the Inhabitants who think it Proper that Your Excellency should be informed there of—I am Your Excellency’s Most Obt Humble Servant

                     Peter Kinnan  A:D:Q:M.
                     Bergen County


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 31 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 31st March 1781.

                  I was last evening honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 27th covering an open letter for the Count de Rochambeau, by which, you have been so good as to make me the earliest communication of the action on the 16th between the French and British Fleets off the Capes of Chespeak.  By the inclosed you will be informed of the return of the forms into the harbour of Newport.
                  I must confess to your Excellency, that I was never sanguine as to the success of that expedition, after the sailing of the two Fleets so nearly together, knowing it would turn, in great measure, upon the arrival of Mr des Touche in the Chesapeak before Mr Arbuthnot—A circumstance of the utmost uncertainty, not depending upon the valor or skill of the commanding Officer, but upon Winds and Weather; and I assure you, I more sensibly feel the anxiety expressed by the Baron Viomenil and the Chevr des Touche lest any thing should be attributed to the want of execution on their parts, than I do the disappointment in the plan which we had in contemplation.  But certain I am, that instead of sentiment of so ungenerous a nature, there will be an universal admiration of the good conduct and bravery exhibited by the Officers and Men of His Most Christian Majesty’s Squadron, when opposed to one of superior force.  I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect and warmest personal attachmt Your Excellency’s Most obt and hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 31 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                     (Private)
                     Dear Sir,
                     New Windsor Mar. 31st 1781

                  The Expedition against Arnold has failed—After the favourable moment (occasioned by the disability of part of the British Ships in Gardners bay) was suffered to pass away, I never was sanguine in it—but the object being great, the risk was warrantable.
                  The attempt of the Chevalier Des Touches at the time he Sailed, was bold & enterprising—for this, and political reasons; and because I know it will be grateful to the French Genel & Admiral, I take the liberty of hinting to you the propriety (if it is not already done) of Congress paying them a compliment on the occasion.  It may have a happy effect which is the only apology I can offer for the freedom of suggesting it.  I am—Dr Sir with great esteem & Regard Yr most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  I have recd your letter promising to corrispond under the Signature of Marcus & shall be happy in the fruits of it.

                     G:W—


Title: From George Washington to Richard Platt, 31 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Platt, Richard

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 31st 1781

                  I send you herewith an application to the Civil Authority for impress Warrants to procure Teams for the transportation of flour &c.  I wish you to send proper Persons of Your Department to negotiate this business, and to use every exertion to have the Stores brought on, as soon as possible.
                  The Cloathing for Philadelphia may be forwarded by these Teams, without any expence, to Ringwood, or some concerted point where it may be taken up by the return Teams, or others previously collected for the purpose.  I am Sir Your Humble Servant

                     G. Washington

                     P.S.  On second thought, it will be best for the Cloathing to go the interior Road, by Sussex, &c.


Title: From David Humphreys to Richard Platt, 31 March 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Platt, Richard

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters March 31st 1781

                  The General consents that the Cloathing should go by the way of Morris Town, but would not have it delayed, by any means, on the Road.
                  The Congress will wait, for some time, we shall have Letters to go by him in an hour.
                  Be pleased to forward the Dispatches for Rhode Island.  I am Sir Your Most Obed. Servt

                     D. Humphrys


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 31 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor March 31st 1781

                  I last night received your Excellency’s favor of the 27th announcing the return of the Squadron under the command of the Chevalier Des Touche to the Harbour of New-Port.  A few minits before your Letter reached me, the inclosed, which His Excellency the Minister of France had the goodness to send under an open cover to me, informed me of the action which had happened on the 16th off the Capes of Chesapeak—I likewise received Letters from the Chevalier Des Touche, and the Baron Viominil by the same conveyance.
                  While I regret the disappointment of our plan I cannot but admire the good conduct and valour displayed by Mr Des Touche, The Officers and men of his Squadron in the course of the action; and I am happy to find by the Letters from him, and the Baron Viominil that there was the most generous emulation between the land and sea forces.  It may I think be fairly said, that Great Britain owes the safety of their detachment under the command of Arnold to the influence of the Winds, and not to the superiority of her Navy in the late affair.
                  I have received an account, tho not the particulars, of an engagement on the 15th Inst. between General Greene and Lord Cornwallis near Guilford Court House in North Carolina—I impatiently expect official accounts which I shall transmit to Your Excellency.
                  I am extremely sorry to learn by your favor of the 25th that the Chevalier Chattelus has been ill—your next I hope will inform me of his perfect recovery, than which scarce any intelligence can be more agreeable.  I have the honor to be with the warmest attachment Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 31 March 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Newport, March 31st 1781.

                  The Last engagement of the Chevalier Destouches has shewn to your Excellency the uncertainty of success in naval fights and of combined operations upon that element.  We must not flatter ourselves that our successes will be greater, as Long as we have not a decided Superiority.  Our Squadron had run great risks by a Separation and the bad weather and united again only 24. hours before the fight to show themselves gloriously in it, but the British have had all the profit of it.  Our Squadron is not strong enough to escort a convoy of Transports in the face of the Enemy who has a squadron superior in force.  That squadron after an engagement tho’ most advantageous to us, would do as it has already done, would go to the entry of Chesapeak bay cast anchor and defy us.  Your Excellency knows very well that Arbuthnot has in these seas 30, or 40, frigates or armed vessels exceeding fit for the purpose of plaguing and tugging at a convoy, the armament of which, as to seamen was it possible to make it, would never be a secret.
                  All the attempts of the Enemy are very Likely to be continued to the Southward.  If their efforts are very urgent, I beg leave to put your Excellency in mind of what we were talking about in our last conference, it was about my marching by Land to the North-river.  I will bring along with me all that I can possibly.  I will Leave here 1200. men with 3000. militia that will be demanded, to protect the King’s squadron during the Stay that it will be obliged to make here.  About the Time that I may be at the North-river I hope my son will be returned and will have brought with him a plan for the campaign.  If the Siege of New-york is to be undertaken, my march to the North river will be a step towards it, but on the contrary, tho’ I don’t suppose it, if we are obliged to act on the Defensive, your Excellency may do with me and my Troops what you chuse, either send me farer off if possible or Leave me at West point, if your Excellency sends a part of the forces to the Southward.  This Last Step is more military, more suitable, that the very small french army may not be destroyed.  Your Excellency may remember that I always told you that when I insisted in that opinion, I spoke against my glory and my personal interest, since by my military grade, I command every where that your Excellency is not.  But no personal interest would make me carry an army at 300. Leagues distance, in the Beggining of a campaign, its destruction would be completed by the Autumnal diseases in a climate unhealthy at that time.  This project is submitted to your Excellency’s orders, and if you approve of it, I ask your orders that I may make the preparatory dispositions.  As to the moment of the execution, Your Excellency will decide it, according to the more or less urgency of the news that you will receive from the South ward, and according to the greater or Less degree of Possibility for Sir Henry Clinton to send a corps of 3. or 4000. men in consequence of the more or Less speedy return of the British fleet to Gardner’s bay to undertake something against our fleet that would then be exposed here, having only the militia to protect it.
                  Mr Du Portail, with whom I have had conferences upon all these objects, is quite of my opinion.  he goes away on the 1st of April, and proposes being at New-windsor on the 5th.  he will give to your Excellency a more ample relation of the Discussion of the differents objects, which were the subjects of the conferences with your Excellency here, and upon which objects I will always wait for your Excellency’s orders with all the respect and submission possible.  I am with respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant

                     le cte de Rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de Vioménil, 31 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Vioménil, Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 31st March 1781.

                  I had last evening the honor of receiving your letter dated on board the Duke de Bourgogne the 19th instant—By a letter from the Chevalier des Touche which accompanied yours I am informed of the unavoidable causes of the failure of the enterprize which we had in contemplation.  I am perfectly convinced that every effort was made to carry you to the place of your destination, and I attribute the disappointment to the influence of the Winds and not to any want of valour or good conduct in the Officers and Men of his Majesty’s Fleet—Mr des Touche speaks in the handsomest manner of the zeal with which the Officers and Men under your command seconded his endeavours.  I regret that they had not an opportunity of giving proofs of their bravery on land: But I hope, with you, that we shall be more fortunate another time--I beg you will be assured that I am with very great Esteem Sir Yr most obt and hble Servt


Title: Duportail’s Observations on the 1781 Campaign 1781-03, March 1781
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To:

                        March1781

                  General observations upon the different operations which Can be undertaken according to the different Cases at the arrival of Count de grasse at the hook.
                  I will Consider first what is relative to Newyork and I will suppose that Count de grasse arrives at the hook before admiral Rodney, admiral graves being with his Squadron in the hook.
                  it is asked what Count de grasse must do?
                  the first thing I believe to be determined is if Count de grasse Can force the hook or not, according to the opinion of the pilotes 11 Ships of  line out are equal to 8 in.
                  I will admit this hypothesis.
                  Count de grasse then Shall be able to force the hook but probably he will himself make this question—viz—if, in Case he forces the hook we are able with our land forces to make use of this advantage and to attack newyork.
                  I answer that I think that if the British have not received illegibleany reinforcements from virginia, and if Count de grasse brings only 1500 or 2000 men with him, we may attack newyork with great probability of reducing it in two months.
                  that if the British Receive 2000 men from virginia, unless Count de grasse brings 4000 men we are not able to attack newyork.
                  but I believe that if Count de grasse can force the hook he must do it even if Case we are not able to attack newyork even if after he has forced the hook he Cannot advance further up into the harbour of newyork. these are my Reasons whether Count de grasse in forcing the hook shall have taken or destroyed or only driven to a distance the 8 British Ships of  line which we suppose there, these Ships shall be of no use to the ennemy.  So Count de grasse if he arrives here superior to Rodney by four or five, which I suppose, may take upon his whole fleet 13 or 14 Ships of  line to stay in the hook as long as it will be necessary they shall not run any danger since they canst be attacked but by 20 Ships, and he shall be with the Rest equal to Rodney in the west indies when they will Return there.
                  Now with the help of the fleet in the hook we will establish ourselves with the greatest facility upon long island, we shall block the fort up, we shall establish ourselves upon staten island if we shall block the fort too except we Choose to lay entirely waste the island and Retire.
                  If we are strong enough we shall establish ourselves upon newyork island; but if we are not strong enough, we shall establish ourselves before Kings Bridge and along  harlem River and North River, and we shall stay so till the enemy shall be obliged to surrender by famine.  we can make there Barracks for the winter if necessary and on long island.  I dont see any obstacle to this except the Squadron Could not stay during the winter in the hook or some place about there, but as much as I can remember they can.
                  if it is determined that Count de grasse Cannot force the hook, But if he is master of those Seas I suppose, till november when he must go to the west indies, it is asked in what Case we may attack newyork!
                  I think that if the british at newyork have not Received any Reinforcement from virginia and Count de grasse Brings 4000 Men with him we may undertake it to attack newyork. to speak more generally, to attack newyork in the Case mentioned here I would have no less than thrice the number of men which we suppose that the enemy have because the time for the siege is determined and if we dont succeed we lose all our advantages we could get in other quarters,  now I will Consider what we Can do if we are obliged to give up any attempt against NewYork.
                  let us suppose now that the Circumstances do not permit to attempt any thing against newyork, then we must Consider these two Cases.
                  either the enemy shall have evacuated virginia entirely or they shall have left a garrison in portsmouth.
                  if the enemy have evacuated virginia entirely, I suppose they have made this distribution of their troops, they have sent 3000 men to newyork and 12000 to Charlestown.  I suppose besides that lord Rawdon has now 3500 and that in Case of an attack the British may collect 1500 militia. that will make 7000 men in all.  is it advisable to undertake some thing against Charlestown so garrisoned?
                  I Answer that we have here a Circumstance like that at newyork.  I mean that the harbour may Be forced, and that by the Local Circumstances after you have forced it you may Stay in it as long as you please although not in possession of the town so that with a moderate number of troops you Can Reduce it by famine if not by force.
                  I Cannot say what difficulty we Could meet now in the attempt for forcing the bar, but I observe we must observe it Cannot be defended by land battories, it must be defended only by armed Ships, frigates, floating Batteries, galleys.  when I was prisoner near Charlestown, I heard the British had only sometimes one two or three small frigates at most with one or two galeys for that purpose; if it is the Case now, I thinck that it should be very easy to force the bar with four or five large frigates or better, one or two 44 gun Ships.  admiral arbuthnot in one of his letters to lord germaine says there are 19 feet of waters upon the bar at high tide.  I thinck this is enough for a 40 gun Ship.  after you have forced the bar and entrance of the harbour, you may introduce 2 or 3 fifty gun Ships in it and then I believe you Could brave all the attempts of the enemy to get in again, So the whole fleet of Ships of  line may go where they are more necessary.
                  When we are perfectly Master of the harbour of Charlestown We then may Choose either to attack it or to block it up according  our means and strength.
                  to block it up I thinck 7000 men are enough on the Land side between James and ashley Rivers, because we may fortify them if necessary.  The quantity of troops we must have on James island and on the other sides of Cooper and ashley either for the greater Security of our fleet or for hindering the enemy from getting provisions it depends upon this how far up the Ships have been able to penetrate into the harbour and the Rivers. (because the enemy Can make obstructions in Some places, but in the most advantageous Case I thinck 4000 men part of which may be militia Shall fill our object.
                  So I thinck that with 10000 men we can block Charlestown up entyrely.
                  to attack it I would have at least 4000 more.
                  a difficulty occurs. is it possible to Supply with Provisions so large a number of men in that quarter.
                  I believe it is if the expedition takes place it will be before the Rice is Cut so that we Can get plenty either in Carolina or georgia where we may send a body of troop for that very purpose.
                  besides I observed already that after we are in possession of the harbour the fleet may go away.  I Suppose it will go to Chesapeake, so far they shall Cover perfectly well the transportation of our Supplies.  If Count de grasse is obliged in the beginning of november to Return to the west indies, I do not doubt he will leave a fleet Superior or at least equal to that of the enemy. So that our Convoys shall be Safe. besides we know that from Chisapeak to Charles town there is between the main and some islands an interior navigation which may Render the transportation very easy.  it is only necessary to have for that purpose some small armed vessels to protect them against privateers.  So I think that on account of the importance of the Capture of Charles town this year, as soon as it is determined that we Cannot undertake any thing against new york, we must embark all the french troops and as many of the americains as Can be Spared with plenty provisions & andunder the protection of the whole fleet go directly to Charlestown.  in 23 hours Count de grasse will know if it is possible to force the Bar ornot. if it is, if he succeeds in the attempt the Capture of Charlestown is Certain. if he Cannot because the british have the harbour in state of defence with sufficient quantity of armed Ships he must land about there the troops french or americain designed to make war in that quarter, and go back with the Rest into Chesapeak.
                  the distance from Chispeak bay to Charles town is so inconsiderable that I thinck it very Reasonable to try what I propose.  Now in Case that the enemy leave 1500 or 2000 men at portmouth, it is asked what is more advisable to do.
                  I know that the things which presents itself first to the mind is to go there against them with the fleet and sufficient number of troops to attack them. But I think it is not the best we Can do.  I would Rather go to Charlestown, because the operation in Chesepeak bay is of no importance in Comparison of the other. and we must observe that in proportion that the expedition in Chesepeak Should appear important on account of the number of troops that the enemy would have left there, the operation against Charles town is easier, I mean the more men they shall have left at portmouth the less they shall have sent to Carolina.
                  besides I observed that the whole fleet of Ships of  line after that we have taken possession of the harbour of Charlestown, may go to Chisapeak, then one of those two Cases shall happen, or the enemy must have evacuated, and in that Case Virginia is liberated, or they have not, in this late Case, they Shall be Shut up by the fleet and they must fall one day or another.  this is, I think sufficient to prove how the expedition against Charlestown is preferable.

                     Duportail.


Title: To George Washington from Heman Swift, March 1781
From: Swift, Heman
To: Washington, George

                     Sir

                        March 1781

                  Agreable to your Excellencys Warrant McDowall was executed the 21st Inst.  The Evening before his Execution he inform’dMessrs Strong & Prudoin Ministers of Hartford that Lee the man your Excellency sent from Newport and ordered confin’d in Goal at Hartford had given him a particular account of his intentions when he left New York, that he was employ’d by Sir Henry Clinton to pass through the Country to Newport with all possible expedition, and get all intelligence he could while passing, and at Newport of the movements of the French and of every other matter which concern’d Sir Harry, for which he was to give him a very handsome reward on his Return—It has not been in my power to obtain any Evidence that Lee has been in actual Service with the Enemy, but am of opinion Evidence of that kind can be soon procur’d—I shall use every exertion in my powers to prove the villany of the man of which with pleasure I will give your Excellency the earliest intelligence—and wait your Excellencys directions therein.  I am with respect your Excellency humbl. Servt

                     Heman Swift


Title: General Orders, 1 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Sunday April 1st 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        Returns to be made to the Adjutant General’s Office as soon as possible of the number of recruits each line
                            has received up to this day; also a Return of what number of these recruits they were obliged to send back as unfit for
                            service.


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Griffing, 1 April 1781
From: Griffing, Stephen
To: Washington, George

                            May it please your Excellancy
                            April 1st 1781

                        The situation of my affairs is such reduced by the death of my Father, leaving a Family unprovided for having
                            been oblidge to leave the Island and all he was possessed of behind & flee for Shelter into Connecticut, were they
                            must if not Assisted by me suffer, Induces me to ask permission of your excellancy to resign my Commission which nothing
                            but the situation in wich the family were left would prompt me to ask.

                            Stephen Griffing Ensn
                            2d New York Reg.


Title: To George Washington from William Shepard, 1 April 1781
From: Shepard, William
To: Washington, George

                            Springfield April the 1 1781.

                        I would inform your Excellency that I Shall Send on to Camp from this Post betwen Ninty and a Hundred
                            Recruits—which will march to morrow morning.
                        But am not able to arm and accoutre them a Greeable to your Excellencys orders as Colo. Cheever has not any
                            arms Repaird.
                        the Recruits Come in much Faster than here to fore. I am your Excellencys most obdt Humle Servt

                            Wm Shepard


Title: To George Washington from Peter Van Rensselaer, 1 April 1781
From: Van Rensselaer, Peter
To: Washington, George

                            Albany 1 April 1781

                        I have recd a Letter from the Honble Brigadr Genl Knox, Inquiring in the repair of Arms & Making of
                            Bayonets, which I cannot with propriety Omitt Informing your Excellency that the works have ceased at this place, Because
                            I am not Supplyed by the Quarter Master with Iron, Steel, files Coal &ca &ca nor with provision &
                            money to pay the Artificers. I here inclose your Excellency my Return for the Month of March. I have the honor to be most
                            respectfully Your Excellencies Most Obedt hum: Servt

                            P. Van Rensselaer
                            Public storekeeper


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Walker, 1 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Walker, Joseph

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 1st 1781

                        I have received Your Letter of the 30th of March, and feel myself sensibly distressed at the Account you give
                            of the illness of General Parsons. I wrote to him the 23d Ult., on the business in which you are now employed, and must
                            refer you, to that Letter, as the rule of conduct I would wish to have adopted. That is, to consult the Executive of the
                            State on the Mode they think proper should be pursued in the further investigation of this Matter.
                        As to the Persons already apprehended, such as are not propers Subjects for trial by a General Court Martial,
                            ought to be delivered over to the Civil Authority; In Order to determine this, You can state to His Excellency the Govr
                            the Names, Crimes, & Circumstances of the several Prisoners—And request his decision in what light they are to be
                            considered &—in what Manner they are to be treated. I am Sir.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Forrest, 2 April 1781
From: Forrest, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia April 2nd 1781

                        In Obedience to the Orders of Generall Knox I have repair’d to the post at Carlile, and as far as time would
                            Admitt perform’d every duty enjoin’d upon me, I should still have continued in the performance of the Order laid upon me,
                            but that the Honorable the Board of War were pleas’d to Break up the Post.
                        I of Course find myself in a very uneligible Situation, And as the present Commissary General of Military
                            Stores is at the point of Death and Cannot in all human probability Live many days, I have to Solicit Your Excellency’s
                            influence and recommendation to the Honorable the Congress (Whom I shall petition on the Subject) for that Appointment I
                            have Spoke to General Sullivan and others My Friends in Congress who informs me nothing is wanting but Your
                            recommendation.
                        I need not point out to one of Your Excellencys Observation the Length or meritt of my Services, but trust
                            with them the Situation of my Little family together my wishes to render every Service to my Country, will entitle me to
                            Your favourable Opinion. And I am the more induc’d to this request from the very high and gratefull Since I have of Your
                            Excellencys paternal Goodness upon every Occasion, Assuring You that I am with the purest sentiments of
                            Attachment & Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obt & Very Hble servt

                            Tho. Forrest


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 2 April 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West point April 2nd 781

                        I find there is in every Regiment a Considerable number of women & Children, especially the former
                            who draw Provisions——many of the Officers assert that there is a resolve of Congress or an order or Regulation of Your
                            Excellencys which points out the number allowed to each Company or Regiment, If there is such resolve, or order, I will
                            thank you for information of it if there is not I wish your Opinion or direction in the Case, for if it is allowable, some
                            Limits Seem necessary to be fixed, or it will Soon become a growing evil and Injurious to the Service, for notwithstanding
                            they may be honest and legally married Women, the number will soon encrease so as to become very burdensome altho a
                            Certain number may be really necessary. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most Obedt Sert

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 April 1781
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            My Dear General
                            Hingham April 2d 1781

                        On my return from Rhode Island I found that a very considerable delay would attend the compleating our
                            clothing for the recruits as ordered by the General Court which induced me to attempt as a temporary supply Hunting shirts
                            & overalls in this I failed, as the Court was not sitting, from the want of powers in the supream executive—But as
                            there are a number of the recruits well cloathed they have been ordered first to march. I hope the delay will not be great
                            as the General Court will soon meet and I have no doubt of their good disposition & attention to the army.
                        Of the lives I think your Excellency may be certain for the Majority of the people have complyed with the
                            order of the court & having been classed, have procured their men they are too fully convinced of the necessity
                            of filling up the army to suffer the delinquents to pass with impunity—The shades of disaffection which, prior to this
                            happy event, appeared in some few instances are now dissipated. I have the honor to be My Dear General with the warmest
                            esteem Your Excelleny most Obedient servt

                            B. Lincoln


Title: General Orders, 3 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Tuesday April 3d 1781

                            Parole Countersigns

                        A detachment of ten Blacksmiths, ten Carpenters and ten wheelwrights from Colonel Baldwin’s regiment to
                            repair to the Park of Artillery and take their orders from Brigadier General Knox—If the number of wheelwrights cannot be
                            procured the deficiency is to be made up in Carpenters.
                        The whole of the Brigade Inspectors are desired to meet the Adjutant General at Westpoint at half after
                            twelve ô clock on saturday next with the returns of their respective Brigades.


Title: From Edward Hand to Edward Antill, 3 April 1781
From: Hand, Edward
To: Antill, Edward

                            Sir
                            Orderly Office New Windsor 3d April 1781

                        I have it in Command from his Excelly to inform you it is his pleasure that the Non Commission’d Officiers and
                            private men of Capt. Antoine Selin’s Company be incorporated with Colo. Hazen’s Regiment—before the incorporation takes
                            place I think you will do well to have a State of the Accots of the Company signed by Capt. Selin and the men themselves.
                            I am Sir with Regard & Esteem Yr Obedt Hble Servt

                            E.H: A.G.


Title: Report and Remarks, 3 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            New Windsor 3d April 1781.

                        Report of a Committee of Congress, with
                        General Washington’s remarks, at their request.
                        Report.
                        1st That Battalion promotions in the Infantry to the Rank of Commanding Officer inclusive, where such
                            Battalion is annexed to any State shall be in the line of such State.
                        Remarks.
                        1st. Approved.

                            Report

                        2d. That in Regiments of Infantry not annexed to any particular States, promotions to the Rank of
                            commanding Officer inclusive be Regimental.

                            Remarks

                        2d. That in Regiments of Infantry or Legionary Corps not annexed to any particular States, promotions to
                            the rank of commanding Officer  be Regimental or Legionary.

                            Report

                        3d. That Regimental promotions in the Artillery to the Rank of commanding Officer inclusive shall be in the
                            line of Artillery at large.

                            Remarks

                        3d. That promotions in the Artillery be regimental to the rank of Captain, and from thence to the rank of
                            commanding Officer in the line of the Artillery at large, as is the present mode. My reasons are these:
                            To make it wholly regimental might be injurious to the senior Captains, and would certainly be so to the Service; as the
                            presumption of merit & knowledge must be in favor of those who have seen most Service—a lineal rise throughout
                            will be attended with insuperable disadvantages & inconveniences—The regiments are and will be at the extremities
                            of the States, and if a Captain or Subaltern must be obliged to go from the one to the other to take his place in the
                            Regiment to which he may be promoted, he will probably resign, rather than incur the immense expence attending it—and the
                            promotion of Subs.—& from Subs. to Captns being very frequent, these changes of place will also become
                            frequent—The promotions of Field Officers being rare, they will not only be enabled better to bear the expence than the
                            others, but the public may make them some allowance for the charges of making the exchange of Corps—Another, and a very
                            material reason for prefering the line of promotion I have recommended is, that the regiments being dispersed it will be
                            extremely difficult to keep a roster of Rank, and to know who are entitled to succession.

                            Report

                        4th: That Regimental promotions, in the Cavalry to the Rank of Commanding Officer inclusive shall be in the
                            line of Cavalry at large.

                            Remarks4th. That promotions in the four established Regiments of Cavalry be regimental to the rank of
                            Captain, & from thence to the rank of Commanding Officer in the line of the four regiments at large—My reasons the
                            same as those offered upon the promotion of the Artillery.

                            Report

                        5th: With respect to promoting Battalion Officers to the Rank of Brigadiers, your Committee beg leave to
                            report as their opinion &c. &c.

                            Remarks

                        5th—Classing of States for the purpose of forming Brigades and giving Brigadiers, is not so agreeable to my
                            ideas of Military propriety as either of the modes  pointed out in my letter of the 20th of December; nor do I see how the
                            smaller States can be excluded, by the mode there mentioned, from giving a Brigadier, when the Colonels belonging to them
                            are the Senior Officers, and have an act of Congress in their favor as a rule of promotion.
                        Brigades, from the nature of Service, are liable to alteration, & must take different forms according
                            to the strength of the Corps—the disposition of the Army, the order of Battle—and other circumstances; which often are
                            the result of necessity and of the moment, and of which none but the Officer commanding is supposed to be a judge. To
                            determine therefore by act of Congress, that certain Corps shall form Brigades is, in my opinion, striking at the
                            essential priviledges of command, and embarrassing the Officer at the head of the Army.
                        If the resolve simply means that, New Hampshire and Massachusetts are to give four Brigadiers—that these four
                            Brigadiers shall be compleated from the oldest Colonels in these two States (and so in like manner with respect to the
                            other Classes)—and it shall be explicitly declared that this is only intended to fix the principle of promotion for the
                            Colonels, & not meant to interfere with the manner, & mode of Brigading the Troops, then my objections, in
                            great measure, will cease.

                            Report

                        6th: That in the Cavalry and Artillery Brigadiers shall be made from the eldest Regimental Officers in
                            these Corps respectively.

                            Remarks

                        6th—Approved.

                            Report

                        7th That Majors General shall be made from the eldest Brigadiers in the Army whether belonging to the
                            Infantry. Cavalry or Artillery.

                            Remarks

                        7th—Approved.

                            Report

                        8th That all Brigadiers hereafter made shall take relative Rank agreeable to the date of their last
                            Battalion Commission.

                            Remarks8th—To obviate all disputes which might arise upon the construction of the resolve as it
                            stands on the other side—I would propose the following "That should two or more Brigadiers be hereafter made upon the same
                            day—they shall rank with each other according to the dates of their last Battalion Commissions"—for if appointments of
                            older date are called in question or to be affected by them, it will give much uneasiness, & create great
                            confusion.

                            Report

                        9th and 10th That Tench Tilghman Esq: receive the Commission of Lieut. Colonel to take Rank from  and Doctor McHenry the Commission of Major to take Rank from .

                            Remarks

                        9th—and 10th—Mr Tilghmans Commission to be dated the 1st of april 1777. Mr McHenrys from the time at which
                            Genl Greene applied in his favr—(last Octobr).

                            Report

                        11th: That Officers in Commission not annexed to any line serving in the family of the Commanr in Chief or
                            those serving as Aides de Camp with other General Officers retain the same Rank they now hold and shall be intitled to
                            promotion when they become the eldest Officers of that Rank in the line of the Army.

                            Remarks

                        11th—After the words now hold, I would propose to insert—and be eligible to command upon detachments when
                            the Commander in chief or Commanding Officer of a department shall think proper.
                        I also think that if there are any Aids of old standing and uniform Service who have not been Commd that they
                            ought to be.

                            Report

                        12th: That Officers reduced by the late arrangement may at any time previous to the 1st day of January next
                            exchange Commissions with Officers of the same State and of the same Rank in the Army under the direction and with the
                            approbation of the Commander in Chief.

                            Remarks

                        12th—Should this practice be admissible, it would not only injure the Service, but derange &
                            convulse the whole Army. It is presumed that, by the late reform, we have retained the best Officers in Service (exceptg
                            in a few instances)—therefore to give the reformed such an oppertunity of coming in, would, in general, be exchanging for
                            the worse—disputes of Rank which are now pretty well settled would be revived, and the registers of the Army which have
                            been lately transmitted to the Board of War, and which are the proper references for future promotions, would be thereby
                            so mutilated that they would encrease confusion instead of throwing light upon the matter. Besides these—The Commander in
                            Chief would have the disagreeable task of giving his judgment upon the propriety of readmitting the applicant into the
                            Army.

                            Report

                        13th: That Volunteers serving one Campaign may with the approbation of the Commander in Chief receive
                            Brevet Commissions in the lowest Grades of Subalterns, not to receive pay till placed in command, and shall not be
                            intitled to half pay for life—till annexed to some Line.  agreed.

                            Remarks

                        13th—Reasonable and useful, in every respect but that of obliging them to wait twelve months before they
                            can fill vacancies & derive the benefits arisg from Commissions in the lines of States. Had not the limitation
                            better be taken off, and the time left to that of recommendation by the Commander in Chief or Commanding Officer of a
                            seperate Army?

                            Report

                        14th: All Officers not connected with Corps and now intitled to Rank in the Army by this arrangement shall
                            be considered as reduced and receive half pay so long as they reside within the United States or owe allegiance to them.

                            Remarks

                        14th—The number of Officers under this description are now reduced to a few, and I therefore do not think
                            the saving intended by the measure ought to be put in competition with the injury wch may be involved in it. There are
                            particularly some Foreigners of Merit (Colo. Jemat Galvan and several serving to the Southward whose names I do not
                            remember) who have been recommended by the present and former Minister, and by Officers of high rank & character
                            in France who would be affected by it. As would some valuable Officers of our own, acting in the Military Staff. Besides,
                            if some reservation is not made, your Resolve, as it now stands, would exclude all Aides de Camp not belonging to State
                            lines, or Corps in Service.

                            Report

                        15th: That the Commander in Chief may employ such reduced Officers as he shall think proper in the Military
                            Staff or in the inspectors department who are constantly to attend their duty in the Army.

                            Remarks

                        15th—Should a resolve of this nature be made public, the applications to the Commander in chief would be
                            numberless, and would lay him under the disagreeable necessity of informing many that they were not fit to fill the places
                            for wch they applied.
                        I would rather let the matter rest, and would prefer making a particular application to Congress in favor of
                            an Officer of uncommon merit and ability, to opening a door by which all would endeavor to intrude.

                            Report

                        16th: That all Officers who are Hostages &ca &ca.

                            Remarks

                        16th—Reasonable & proper.

                            Report

                        17th: That Colo. Dayton of the Jersey Line be promoted to the Rank of Brigadier General in the Army of the
                            United States.

                            Remarks

                        17th—Upon the principle of Classing Colo. Dayton must be excluded, because Van Schaick and (I believe)
                            Hazen are both older Colonels than him. The principle therefore would be violated in the moment of its adoption, should he
                            be promoted.
                        Note,
                        There is a matter respecting rank, which may, if not well understood and settled by an act of Congress,
                            hereafter involve disagreeable disputes.
                        It is, whether Officers commanding Regimts under the denomination of Lieutt Colonels Commandant, acquire a
                            new rank when they come to such appointment—and take command of those who are simply Lieutt Colonels in Regiments
                            commanded by full Colonels—altho’ the latter may be older Lieutenant Colonels in the line of the Army than they are.
                        The Committee are undoubtedly acquainted with the reasons for abolishing the rank of Colonel in our Army. It
                            was to put us upon a footing with the enemy in point of Exchanges—(they having few or none of that rank in service in this
                            Country)—The Officers of the Army, and even those who are immediately interested in the matter, put different constructions upon
                            it—The Lieutt Colonels Commandant, generally, think they acquire a grade by that appointment, and some Lieutt Colonels
                            submit to it, Others again observe that, after the resolve abolishing the rank of Colonel in the Army, they only acquire
                            the property of certain Regiments in the lines to which they may belong, but no encrease of Rank--for say they--there being no intermediate rank (and if there was
                            exchanges wd be rendered more difficult) between a Lieutt Colo. and a full Colonel, they must be one or the other in
                            fact—And they ask, if it should be determined that they are not considered simply as Lieutt Colonels, whether the enemy
                            will not hold them as full Colonels, and thereby defeat the intention of the resolve?
                        It is true new Commissions have been issued to Lieutt Colonels Commandant bearing date at the time which they
                            came to the Command of Regiments—But whether this has been done by order, or by the construction wch the Board of War have
                            put upon the matter, I do not know.
                        I have stated the matter just as it now stands and would wish, for very particular reasons that Congress
                            would decide upon the point without refering it to me.
                        The Committee will find herewith the Copy of a letter from General Knox to me, offering very cogent reasons
                            for making new appointments in the Artillery depend upon recommendations from the Colonels to the General Officer
                            Commanding it—and from him to Congress—The Corps of Artillery is, at present, upon a very respectable footing as to its
                            officers; and I should wish to see every possible method pursued to improve it further—The mode pointed out by General
                            Knox appears to me an eligible one—You will find my ideas of promotion in that Corps, are consonant to
                            his.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 3 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor April 3d 1781

                        In my Letter of the 31st Ulto I informed Your Excellency, that there had been an Action between General
                            Greene and Lord Cornwallis on the 15th of March; the particulars of which had not then been received. I have now the honor
                            of enclosing the Copy of a Letter from Major General Greene, in which he gives the circumstances of that Engagement in
                            detail: from this, and other Accounts, I cannot but persuade myself, (however the Enemy may have won the glory of
                            maintaining the Field of Battle) that Lord Cornwallis will find his efficient force greatly diminished by the number of
                            killed and wounded. and that being encumbered with the latter, he will experience such embarrassments, as to retard, and
                            injure essentially all his future Movements and Operations. This appears to have been a great object with General Greene,
                            by a Letter of his, written some days previous to the Action.
                        I do myself the honor, also, to transmit the Account given by the Enemy of the Engagement on the 16th Ulto
                            between the fleet of His most Christian Majesty—under the commmand of the Chevalier Des Touche, and that of the British
                            under the Orders of Admiral Arbuthnot—From their confession, that three of their Ships were entirely disabled; and from
                            their not vaunting (as they are ever disposed to do) of any considerable advantages obtained by them; it is evident they
                            find nothing to boast of, even in their own opinion. I have the honor to be With the greatest consideration &
                            esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 3 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport, April 3d 1781.

                        I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th ulto by which I see that you could receive only the day
                            after, the intelligence of the return of our fleet. Your Excellency must have received since a Letter of mine, under date
                            of the 31st in which I told you, (After having resumed all that had been said here in your presence) the motion which it
                            would be possible for the french army to make, when the intelligences from the Southward would become urgent enough to
                            require it. I had the honor at the same time to mention to your Excellency that Mr Du Portail and I, had talked of these
                            matters under all the suppositions possible, that he was to arrive at New-Windsor on the 5th inst. and that When your
                            Excellency will have taken a resolution upon it. I beg you would send me your final orders, that I may have time to
                            prepare for this movement, for the provisions, and for the transport of our field pieces.
                        By the reports sent to your Excellency, it does not appear sure to me that the convoy has set sail from
                            New-york. I am absolutely ignorant of its strength. I believe it is essential not to weaken ourselves here, till we be
                            very sure that there only remains at New-york what is necessary for the defense of the place. I beg of your Excellency to
                            send the Letter herein in closed to the Ch. de La Luzerne, and to be persuaded of the respect and personal attachment with
                            which I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble Servant

                            le cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 3 April 1781
From: Schuyler, Philip John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Albany April 3d 1781

                        Your Excellency’s obliging favor of the 23d of last month, I had the pleasure to receive on the 31st
                            following.
                        It was exceedingly mortifying to me, that the Senate was so thin of members, when Your Lady honored us with a
                            visit, that my attendance could not be dispensed with, even for a day, I was consequently deprived of Affording that
                            Attention, which inclination, esteem and the most friendly feelings impelled me to. she saw my Embarrassments and with a
                            good nature and Complisance which at once charmed and captivated, made every allowance.
                        The motives which led Congress to postpone filling the war department, have leaked out, and been communicated
                            to me, General Gates was in nomination but his friends reflecting, that the impropriety of appointing him, before he had
                            exculpated himself, from the imputation of misconduct in his command, would be too glaring an abuse of power, deferred it,
                            in hopes that by an acquital, the public confidence will be restored to him; but surely, the Gentleman who intend him the
                            Office, neither consult his reputation, or the public interest, not the former, because his inability to discharge it,
                            will Certainly draw disgrace on him, nor that of the latter, for, If even he was competent, he ought to be precluded,
                                as the Inveterate inmity which he bears to you; and which will Influence him
                            the more for being groundless, will lead him, without hesitation, to reject, or thwart the most salutary measures You may
                            propose. Gracious God! how much it is to be lamented, that unless charged with the Affairs of an Empire, will sacrifice
                            the best interests of their constituents, to little narrow minded prejudices, and local politics,
                            favorable only to their unworthy sycophants, That they will close their Eyes, to the evident advantages, which would
                            result from chusing men to fill the Great offices of the state, who have a mutual confidence in each other, and will give
                            mutual Support to every measure calculated to promote the public weal, the man in question, I fear will also embarrass the
                            Financier for he has not the least Idea of public Oeconomy in his composition, nor do I believe, that they entertain much
                            esteem for each other.
                        I most sincerely lament that a plan so judiciously formed, as that you mention in confidence, should be
                            defeated by those who would have reaped so much credit from the Success, which would in all human probability have ensued,
                            and the Glory of having rendered so essential a service to the allied powers, My heart reallizes your feelings on the
                            Occassion, and cordially sympathizes with Yours. You have the weakness of some and the wickedness of others, to encounter,
                            Obstacles and embarrassments to surmount, which blunderers with one object and without System, daily create, as well as
                            those Which unavoidable Accidents, and events which none can foresee, Occassion, but I trust the day is rapidly Advancing,
                            when an astonished world will know, (which it would be improper to communicate now) and feel, what they ought, an increase
                            of gratitude, that best affection of the human heart.
                        May your next dispatches from the southern quarter relieve you from the disagreable situation which the
                            torture of doubt & suspence occassions, and announce some capital advantage over the Enemy.
                        Mrs Schuyler and My Daughter Join me in affectionate regards to you, & Your lady, be pleased to make
                            my compliments acceptable to Colo. Harrison and the other Gentlemen of Your family. I am with great Esteem and regard
                            & most affectionately Dr Sir Your Obedient Humble Servant

                            Ph: Schuyler


Title: General Orders, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Wednesday April 4th 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        Captain Symond’s Company of Artillery having been by the late arrangement of the army annexed to Colonel
                            Procter’s Regiment they are to march immediately to Newtown in Bucks county in Pennsylvania and join that regiment.


Title: From George Washington to Epaphras Bull, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Bull, Epaphras

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4th April 1781.

                        I have received a letter from Major Fauntleroy who it seems had reached Lancaster before my order directing
                            him to join the 1st Regt got to his hands—Independant of the reasons which he offers for wishing to remain with the 4th
                            Regt to which he properly belongs—there is one which makes the change no longer of any benefit to you—it is—that that
                            Regiment is now also ordered to the southward—You will therefore consider the former order as void and prepare to join the
                            1st—You will have been convinced that I have done every thing in my power to accommodate your private interests to those
                            of the public. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4th April 1781.

                        Annexed is a duplicate of what I had written to you on the 27th ulto the original I fear miscarried last Week
                            as the post is missing and supposed to be carried into New York.
                        The intelligence contained in yours of the 30th ulto "that the fleet was laying at the Hook the 28th" must
                            have been ill founded, as I see by a York paper that they had been spoken with the 21st to the southward of the Capes of
                            Delaware. I am Yr &c.


Title: From George Washington to Moore Fauntleroy, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Fauntleroy, Moore

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4th April 1781.

                        I have recd yours of the 21st ulto. My order directing you to join the 1st Regt and Major Bull the 4th was
                            founded upon a supposition that you were still at the southward and that your doing it would save you the trouble and
                            expence of a journey to the Northward as it would do him to the southward—But as both the Regiments are now to act in that
                            quarter—the reason ceases—You will therefore remain with the 4th and I have written to Major Bull to repair to the 1st. I
                            am.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir.
                            New Windsor April 4th 1781

                        The business that has given constant exercise to the Pen of my Secretary; and not only frequently, but
                            always, to those of my Aides de Camp, has rendered it impracticable for the former to register the Copies of my Letters,
                            Instructions &ca in Books; by which means valuable documents which may be of equal public utility and private
                            satisfaction remain in loose Sheets; and in the rough manner in which they were first drawn.
                        This is not only attended with present inconvenience but has a tendency to expose them to damage &
                            loss.
                        Unless a set of Writers are employed for the sole purpose of recording them it will not be in my power to
                            accomplish this necessary work—and equally impracticable perhaps to preserve from injury & loss such valuable
                            papers—but to engage these without the sanction of Congress I have not thought myself at liberty.
                        The business now, must be performed in some quiet Retreat and yet no so far from Camp but that I may, without
                            much inconvenience have recourse to the Papers. It must be done under the Inspection of a Man of character in whom entire
                            confidence can be placed—and who is capable of arranging the papers, and methodizing the Register—Such as one, with as
                            many Clerks as can be employed to advantage I will endeavor to engage with the permission of Congress. I have the honor to
                            be with the greatest respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obt & most Hbl. Sert

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 4 April 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia April 4. 1781

                        Your Excellency will receive enclosed an Act of Congress of the 2d Instant, wherein they have engaged for the
                            Pay & Subsistence of two. Regiments of Militia & two Regiments of Infantry proposed to be raised by the
                            State of New York, over & above their Quota of Continental Troops, during the Time they shall be in actual
                            Service. The two Regiments of Infantry to be raised for three Years by the Proposals contained in Govr Clintons Letter
                            referred to, are to be placed under the Direction of the Commander in Chief, yet so as not to be removed out of the State
                            of New York without the Governors Consent. I have the Honor to be with the highest Regard your Excellency’s most obedient
                            humble servant

                            Sam. Huntington President

                     Enclosure

                                    19 March 1781

                            Extract of a letter from Govr Clinton Dated March 19th 1781.
                            "There is also a bill before the Council of Revision for raising two regiments on the Continental
                                establishment as to the number of Officers & Privates or bounties of unappropriated lands—These troops are to
                                serve for three years and are also to be under the direction of the Commander in Cheif except that they cannot be
                                ordered out of the State without the consent of the Governor for the time being, & I am equally restricted
                                from raising them till congress have consented that their pay subsistance & Clothing shall be a common
                                charge."


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4th April 1781.

                        I am to acknowledge the honor of your Excellency’s favors of the 19th and 21st ulto and again to thank you,
                            for your uniform and speedy communication of every southern event which comes to your knowledge.
                        I have the pleasure to find, from General Greenes official letter, that Lord Cornwallis is not likely to reap
                            any great benefits from his late Victory—indeed—were we certain that he would not soon receive fresh succours, we might
                            hope that he would ultimately be obliged to quit his present ground in consequence of the incumbrance which his wounded
                            must be to him. But I very much fear, we shall soon hear that General Phillips, who sailed from New York about a fortnight
                            ago with a detachment said to be 1500 Men, is bending his course towards his Lordship.
                        You have been, by this time, made acquainted with the unfortunate event which prevented the execution of the
                            plan against Arnold. Had the French Fleet luckily gained the Chesapeak before they were overtaken by the British, I think
                            we could not have failed of Success.
                        The pennsylvania Line will be pushed forward, by detachment, as fast as they can be reassembled or recruited.
                            I hope the 1st division will consist of five or six hundred, and that they will be soon upon their march. Having heard
                            nothing from them very lately, I cannot ascertain the time, but I am certain that General Wayne, who will go forward with
                            the first, will be active on the occasion. I have the honor to be with very great Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most
                            ob and humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Stephen Moylan, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4th April 1781.

                        I have recd your favr of the 22d ulto from Lancaster—As the reasons for which I directed Majr Fauntleroy to
                            make an exchange of Corps with Major Bull no longer exist I have now ordered him to remain with you and Bull to join the
                            1st.
                        I have written both to the Congress and to the Board of War and used every Argument to induce a speedy
                            completion of the Regiments of Cavalry—They will be more than ever useful now the active scene is, in a measure,
                            transferred to the southward.
                        You will be good enough, the first opportunity you have of writing to your Brother in France, to thank him
                            for the present of Claret—It has not yet come to hand.
                        Be pleased to make Mrs Washingtons Compliments and mine to Mrs Moylan. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Abner Nash, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Nash, Abner

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4th April 1781.

                        I have the honor of your Excellency’s favr of the 19th ulto and am glad to find that the State have at length
                            adopted measures for filling their Battalions which you think will prove effectual. You may be assured that every exertion
                            not only of the States immediately interested but of those more at a distance will be necessary to prevent the progress of
                            the Enemys Arms in the quarter where they are now operating—and to which I doubt not but they will transfer the weight of
                            the War—General Phillips has probably before this time made his appearance some where to the southward—he sailed from New
                            York about a fortnight ago with a detachment said to consist of 1500 Men.
                        Should I be furnished with the means I shall not fail to give you every support in my power, but I am sorry
                            to say my prospects of reinforcement to this part of the Army are not flattering. I have only yet recd abt 400 Recruits
                            from all the States to the Eastward of New Jersey. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Nelson, Thomas, Jr.

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4th April 1781

                        The Bearer Monsieur Camûs, an Officer in the Navy of France, goes to take the command of an armed Vessel in
                            York River. Being a stranger, he may want advice and assistance to enable him to prosecute the business on which he is
                            sent by the Chevr des Touche, you will therefore oblige me by rendering him every service in your power. I am Dear Sir Yr
                            most obt and hble Servt


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 April 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Newport. April the 4th 1781.

                        I received this instant your Excellencys Letter of the 31st ulto. Our Land forces and naval troops I am sure,
                            will look on your Excellency’s approbation as the most flattering reward of the courage which they shewed in the
                            engagement of the 16th Ulto. It is of the highest importance to be thoroughly informed if the Troops on board at New york
                            have set sail, and if the British design rigorous measures to the Southward. I believe that Lord Cornwallis had already
                            resolved on his retrograding movement when he fought with General Greene’s Army, and my reason for that belief, is that
                            Lord Cornwallis did not go after him. If I may be allowed to give my opinion of a country that I am not acquainted with,
                            it seems to me, that they should endeavour to Starve him, and avoid an engagement. I speak from the report sent by
                            Governor Jefferson which the Ch. de La Luzerne has sent me. The Ch. De Chattelus is got well again, he had paid my a visit
                            this morning, in his ordinary dress. I am with respect and personal attachment Sir, your Excellency’s Most obedient
                            & most humble Servant

                            le Cte de Rochambeau


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                            Dear Baron
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 4. April 1781.

                        I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 15th ulto and to lament the unfortunate accident which
                            prevented the execution of our plan against Arnold. I must beg of you to accept my thanks for the forwardness of your
                            preparations of which and the propriety of all your other arrangements the Marquis has spoken in the most handsome
                            manner—You will now naturally turn your attention again to the reinforcing Genl Greene who will have occasion for every
                            exertion that can possibly be made, not only to recruit his late loss in action, but to make head against an additional
                            force which I am persuaded is gone to the reinforcement of Lord Cornwallis—General Phillips sailed from New York about a
                            fortnight ago with a detachment said to consist of 1500 Men.
                        In a letter from Capt. Cad: Jones of the 3d Regt of Dragoons he informs me that he had been nominated by you
                            to the Majority of the 1st Regt as being eldest Captain of the 1st and 3d which are apportioned to the State of Virginia.
                            By the rule of promotions now existing he is not intitled to preferment except he is the eldest Captain of the line of
                            Horse and so I have written him by this Conveyance. It lays between him and Capt. Hopkins of the 4th. I have sent to the
                            Board of War to know which is the eldest of those two, and the Commission will be issued agreeable to
                            the dates of their Commissions. I am with great Regard Dear Baron Yr most obt Servt


Title: From George Washington to John Sullivan, 4 April 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

                            Dr Sir,
                            New Windsor April 4th 1781.

                        Inclosed are my remarks on the report you were pleased to transmit me—They are made pursuant to the request
                            contained in your letter of the 9th Ulto—Where I have been unfortunate enough to differ in sentiment from the Committee I
                            have, in as concise a manner as I was able, assigned my reasons for it; if there is weight in them, I have no doubt of
                            their being attended to—if there is not, it would be improper they shd—My principal wish is a speedy
                            decision.
                        I have been favoured with your letter of the 27th past giving an acct of Genl Greenes action with Ld
                            Cornwallis—I thank you for it—I have since heard from Genl Greene—& wish the Southern States may not be in a
                            perilous situation—reinforced as the Enemy are by 15 or 1600 Men under Genl Philips. With great esteem & regard I
                            am. Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington