Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Sir
          [West Point, 27 Nov. 1779]

        You, being appointed to the command of the posts upon the North River, will forthwith proceed to West point or the Vicinity of it. All the posts on the North River from Kings Ferry

inclusively upwards will be comprehended within the limits of your command. The troops destined for the Garrison of these posts and under your immediate command will be the four Massachusetts Brigades—General Poors Brigade, stationed at Danbury, will also be subject to your direction should the enemy, by their movements in the course of the Winter seem seriously to threaten the Garrison of West point.
        I need not observe to you, that West point is to be considered as the first and principal object of your attention. I am persuaded you will neglect nothing conducive to its security, and will have the Works erecting for its defence prosecuted with all the Vigor and expedition in your power and that circumstances will admit of. You are fully sensible of their importance, and how much their completion will ease and disembarrass our future general operations.
        For the greater security of the detached Redoubts, and those upon Constitution Island, I had directed that the Bomb proofs (where there were any) should be fitted up for the lodgment of the Men stationed in them, and suitable Barracks erected for the Officers: And it is my wish that there should be in every Redoubt a sufficiency of covering for the Men and Officers destined for its defence—that should the enemy move up during such Weather as requires Men to be under shelter, they may remain conveniently in them without a constant Releif. The construction and position of these Barracks must be left to your own judgment and that of the Engineers appointed to superintend this Business.
        It would be my wish to have three of the Brigades stationed upon West point, and the other in the neighbourhood of the Continental Village, where General Nixon hutted last Winter, if those Huts can be again made habitable, and there is a sufficiency of Wood: But should you be of the prevailing opinion that not more than two Brigades can be conveniently quartered upon the point, on account of covering—Fuel &ca you may post another upon the East side of the River, so near, as to afford instant assistance should it be wanted. Should this be determined upon—I am informed that there is a good position half a Mile on this side of Mr Buds on the Road between Fishkill and West point. Not having viewed this Ground, I only mention it to you, that you may take it if it pleases you upon inspection.

        As soon as the Works at Kings Ferry are finished and fit to receive Garrisons you will post a proper number of Officers and Men in each, to be releived every fourteen days—monthly—or as often as you think proper: provided stationary Garrisons (on account of the superior care and attention which will be given by the Officers and Men to the defences, covering &ca) should not be preferred to either, in which case you have my consent to adopt the latter—And that the communication by the ferry may be made, as little as possible an object for the enemy, you will cause all provision or Stores of any kind to be constantly moved off immediately upon their arrival there.
        I would recommend, if our supplies will admit, that two Months provision should be always before hand at West point, and in the Works at King’s ferry. I have directed the Commy accordingly—And I would also wish that those detached Redoubts which have Magazines in them, should have one months extra provision, for the men necessary for their defence, laid up in them.
        You will, at your own discretion, keep light parties, under the command of a Feild Officer, advanced down towards the White plains—to cover the Country—and gain information of the movements of the enemy.
        You are acquainted with the previous Steps to be taken by the inhabitants of the State, who may want to go into, or come out of New York with their Effects, which you will strictly adhere to. But should you find it necessary, for the purpose of gaining intelligence, to permit any persons to go into New York, you may do it in that case, without consulting His Excellency Governor Clinton.
        As many of the Officers under your command, will have occasion to visit their families, I would have you desire them to agree among themselves who shall first take furloughs—the term of which should be such, as to enable those, who are to go home upon their return, to spend a reasonable time with their families before the opening of the Campaign. I would wish two Feild Officers to remain with a Regiment, (but I must insist upon one as indispensible) and as many Regimental Officers as are necessary for the care of the Men and for common duties. Of the Soldiers inlisted for the War, or who have a considerable time to serve, not more than two to a Company or eighteen to a

Regiment to be furloughed at a time, and those such as are well recommended by their Officers.
        Perhaps some of those whose times are near expiring would reinlist for the War upon an immediate furlough. Should there be any such, for whose faithful return their former Officers will undertake to vouch, I think it would be well to indulge them, if they require it as an inducement. But the greatest caution will be necessary, otherwise the Bounty Money will be thrown away. Some whose times are near expiring may perhaps be willing to reinlist in the Artillery or Cavalry, tho’ not in the Infantry, in such cases, it will be for the general good to permit them to join those Corps immediately, if they have not more than a very short time to serve.
        There are conventional Signals established for alarming the Country and calling in the Militia in case of absolute need—The greatest care should be taken in making use of these, as many inconveniencies, and a considerable expence would be occasioned by a false or needless alarm. Be pleased to enquire of His Excellency Govr Clinton whether he thinks any alteration, of the plan established last summer, necessary.
        Should any thing be wanting in the Cloathing line by the troops of Massachusetts, the Sub Cloathier of that State is to direct his application to the Cloathier General who will be near the Head Quarters of the Army.
        You will improve every opportunity the Weather and leisure affords to exercise the troops agreeable to the Rules and Regulations established for that purpose, and will pay the strictest attention to order—regularity and discipline in every respect.
        I have directed Colo. Hay to have all the Boats not necessary for the service of the Garrison and other purposes carefully collected and properly laid up. You will however be pleased to pay attention to the matter.
        I shall write to the pay Master General and desire him to appoint a deputy to reside at this post for the conveniency of paying the troops here and at Danbury. You will therefore sign Warrants for their monthly pay when properly authenticated by the deputy pay Master and presented to you.
        The scarcity of forage points out the expediency of divesting this post and its dependencies of all Horses and Cattle not absolutely necessary, as soon as may be. Colo. Hay who superintends

the Quarter Masters department will order them to proper places.
        I have only to add that you will use every possible precaution to obtain previous notice of any move of the enemy towards you. Should such an event take place, you will not fail to give me the speediest information. Given at Head Quarters at West point this 27th day of Novemr 1779.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

          Sir
          West Point 27th Novr 1779

        In the Letter I had the honor of addressing to Your Excellency on the 24th—I mentioned the general Outlines of the intended disposition of the Army for the Winter. From the important light in which these Highland posts are held—I would now take occasion to mention for the more particular satisfaction of Congress—that the 1st 2d 3th and 4th Massachusetts’ Brigades, are the Troops intended for their immediate security—and for furnishing light parties for patroling and covering the Country towards Kings bridge. The command is also to comprehend the New Hampshire brigade, which will quarter at Danbury and Moylans and Sheldons Regiments of Dragoons, which will be stationed rather more Easterly. On the 17th I wrote Major Genl Gates, and, informing him of these circumstances, offerred it to him—if he should prefer it to One in the main Army; but on his arrival here, he expressed his wishes to go to Virginia for a few months, on account of the situation of his private affairs. His request, from his long absence and services—appeared so reasonable and so just—that I could not object to it. The command from this circumstance, will be given to Major General Heath. I have the Honor to be with the highes[t] respect Your Excell[e]ncy’s Most Obt & most Hbe Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 27 November 1779
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia Novemr 27th 1779

        Since the receipt of your Excellency’s favours of the 3d & 5th instant acknowledg’d in my letter of the 13th I am honour’d with yours of the 14th 18th & 20th instant.
        Your Excellency will receive herewith enclos’d a Letter from Doctr J. Morgan of the 22d instant together with an Act of Congress of the 24th instant ordering the aforementioned Letter from Doctor Morgan to be transmitted to the Commander in Chief. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect your Excy’s humble Servt

          Saml Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 27 November 1779
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Mount Holly [N.J.] 27 Nov. 1779

        I have received your Excellencys favour of the 16 instant, & am greatly obliged to you for your kind Congratulation on my Re-election to the Government. If your Excellency has seen a certain Lybel in Collins’s Paper, you will probably acknowledge that I have rather been overtaxed for the Emoluments of the appointment; but Calumny Sir is a Tax that the Tories will impose upon every man who exercises a public office with Integrity & Vigour, & of which your Excellency yourself has paid your full Proportion—Posterity however it is to be hoped will do strict Justice; & the verdict of ones own Conscience the mean while enable one to treat the whole race of Calumniators with sovereign contemp⟨t⟩.
        I have lately received a Letter from Baron Van Der Cappellen a dutch nobleman & one of their high mightynesses containing a very favourable Account of the Hollanders respecting their

disposition towards the Cause of America, & that our Interest is daily increasing among them, notwithstanding the Influence of the Prince of Orange. He greatly laments our not having had a secret Agent in his Country constantly furnished with a true state of our Affairs to enable him to counteract the Mischief done [by] the false Intelligence propagated by the British Emissaries. Apprehensive that such Mischief was done, I sent him last fall a detail of our then Situation of affairs, calculated particularly tho strictly sound to remove those Prejudices which I thought it most probable the English were Labouring to instill in the minds of his Countrymen. This Letter after having it translated into his own Language, & observing the Impression it made on those to whom it was read, he caused to be printed, & dispersed thro’ all the seven Provinces & which he is pleased to tell me has had a most happy Effect. He farther informs me, that the Congress may procure a Loan from his Countrymen to any amount, & His Letter to me came accompanied with an offer of one of the greatest commercial Houses in Amsterdam to that purpose.
        I am always extremely Loth to consume more of your Excellency’s time by my Letters than necessity requires, but the Account I first received of the Project from Mr. Sayre himself about four months ago, (when I confess I looked upon it as rather visionary, & savouring too much of Captain McPherson’s proposal to Congress) I am from this Gentleman’s confirmation induced to consider in a more serious Light. For your Excellencys amusement I will give you the whole paragraph of Baron Van der Capellen’s Letter relative to this extraordinary Invention.
        “We have (says he) at present in Amsterdam the celebrated Mr. Stephen Sayre late Sherif of London, a native of America, full of fire, spirit, & affection for his Country. He has invented a very singular kind of Ship, of a construction altogether new, to appearance much stronger in its make, less expensive, & a swifter Sailor than any other hitherto seen. It may be entirely built, if that is one’s choice, of pine. Our best Shipwrights & several respectable American Captains now here, pronounce in its favour. One cannot but wonder at the Simplicity of the Invention. Some Merchants have already contracted to have one built, which was to be set on the Stocks yesterday. But what is of more Importance, Mr. Sayre has invented a Plan perfectly original to

build ships of War; a Plan that I believe never before entered into the Imagination of Man, tho’ founded on the most simple Principles. He will as soon as possible open the matter to Congress in person, & has in the mean time least he should meet with an Accident on his Voyage committed the Secret to me, to preserve for the Benefit of America. I have no skill in Ships, or naval affairs, & therefore do not take upon me to decide concerning it. But as it appears to me, the Invention is of the utmost moment, & I believe that the observation of Mr Sayre that the power which shall first introduce it into its Marine, will be able to annihilate that of its Enemies, certainly deserves the Consideration of Congress. The Secret I shall, the mean while keep sacred, hoping however that by the safe Arrival of the Inventor, Congress will not be necessitated to learn it from me.”
        Whether the Project will succeed I cannot tell but certain it is that the speediest way of rendering the American Navy more numerous than that of our Enemy is to annihilate the Latter. With the most respectful Attachment I have the honour to be Dear Sir


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 27 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

          Sir
          [West Point, 27 Nov. 1779]

        As soon as the division under the command of Major Gener⟨a⟩l Howe moves to its ground for winter quarters, you will proceed with your own and Sheldens Regiments of Dragoons to such place or places as the Quarter Master General may have assigned you for winter Quarters—These may be in Wallingford—Durham—or Hadham, as conveniencies and forage may best suit, or in case of necessity you may remove the whole or part to Colchester.
        In the cantonment of the Regiments you will preserve as much compactness as the nature of the place will admit, that by having them all under your own eye, you may be able to keep up good discipline, and prevent dissipation and irregularity.
        It is not designed tha⟨t⟩ the regiments should do ordinary duty, or be called out on every common occasion. But in case of invasion, or the advance of the enemy, you are to obey the orders of General Poor, or other your superior officer commanding at this post and assist in giving them every opposition.
        The horse are not to be made use of as hacks. The men should be strictly forbid riding them as such, and when discovered in the practice, or riding fast on ordinary occasions, punished severely. Nor are they to be ordered by the officers on messages, or in the execution of any private business.
        You will direct the utmost attention to the horse, that they may come into the field, in the best possible condition for service.

        Such of the arms and accoutrements of the Dragoons as are out of order, are to be repaired and every thing completed by next campai[gn].
        A field officer is to be allowed forage for four horse only including his servants. A Captain forage for three horse, including his servants, that is, provided the officers think proper to keep this number.
        With regard to furloughing—One field officer is to be constantly with a regiment, and as many regimental officers as are necessary to the care of the men and horse, and for service should the regiment be called out. Not more than two privates from each troop to be furloughed at a time, and these such as may be recommended by the officers, and who have some length of time to serve. Given at Head Quarters West point 27 Novr 1779.

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Patrick Campbell, 28 November 1779
From: Campbell, Patrick
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Cumberland Providence Plantation [R.I.] Novr 28th 1779

        The improbability of its coming to your knowledge, through any other channel, the perhaps singular hardships, I lay under, by being a prisoner; Induces me to take the liberty of writing you, and Craving your attention for a moment.
        Permit me to inform you, that I left Georgia the 12th of this Month, Bound for New-York, with a view to reestablish my Health; And support my pretentions to promotion.
        I need not inform you, how prejudicial to the latter, my remaining a prisoner will be; and to the former, the unavoidable Circumstances, attending upon that situation.
        The loss of Health, and disappointment in promotion, to a Military man, are two of the greatest evils, that can happen [to] him.
        In War, it may be found proper and necessary, to remove Prisoners from one place to another; My valetudinary state of health, will not enable me to go through with it; I have already suffered a relapse by it; And I am Just now informed, I must be further removed to Ruttland.
        Urged by these reasons, suffer me to request of you; leave to

be immediately exchanged; Or permit me to go to New-york upon my parole, there to remain, untill my health is established; or I am regularly exchanged.
        Hoping there is no impropriety in my request; And that you’ll pardon the freedom I have taken: I flatter myself with the hope of a favourable issue and I have the honour to be, with the highest respect. Your Most Obedient Servt

          Pat: CampbellCaptn 71st Regt British


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Jackson, Captain Thomas Turner, and Lieutenant Thomas Edwards, 28 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jackson, Henry,Turner, Thomas,Edwards, Thomas

          Gentlemen
          Head Quarters West Point 28th Novr 1779

        I was yesterday favd with yours of the 24th I should have been glad if the arrangements made for the disposition of the Army this Winter, would have admitted of your Regiment’s remaining at or very near the Quarters of the Massachusetts line. But circumstances are such, that was it to be stationed upon the North River, some one of those belonging immediately to the State must be separated from the line. Thus by remedying one inconvenience another would be incurred—I think it probable that our Winter Cantonments will be between thirty and forty Miles from King’s ferry. perhaps not more than thirty. The communication will be frequent, and the transportation of the State supplies from thence to your quarters not very difficult.
        Shold our Affairs call for a larger Body of Men than are at present assigned to the defences of the posts upon the North River, you may be assured, that I shall give your Regiment the preference, as I perceive the advantages which would result from such a measure, and which I wish I could, conveniently, put immediately into execution. I am Gentlemen Your most obt & humble Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, Jr., 28 November 1779
From: Nelson, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

          My Dear General
          York [Va.] Novr 28th 1779.

        Your kind favor of the 26th of last Month, by some means, reach’d me only a few days ago. I am greatly oblig’d by your concern for my Health, which is perfectly restor’d.
        The confinement absolutely necessary for a Member of Congress who pays the attention he ought to the great concerns of this Continent, is tottally inconsistant with my Constitution. It was with reluctance that I left Congress at the time I did, but my disorder brought on, and encreas’d by a Sedantery life, compel’d me to do so. I am never so well as when I take upon me the Soldier. It may be ask’d why I do not engage seriously in that line? Believe me when I tell you that I have often lamented my not taking the field with you at the Commencement of this War. And there is a punctilio at this time that prevents it. To enter in a subordinate rank would not suit my own feelings & to take rank of the Worthy Officer who had born the brunt of the War would wound his feelings & shew a want of generosity in myself.
        You have heard before this day of our misfortune before

Savannah. The disappointment was increas’d by our great certainty of success. Some of our Allies who suffer’d in that affair are now in this Town in a very sickly condition indeed. The Fendant, one of the seven Ships that were to winter in this Bay, is arrivd with about 300 land forces: The others, it is imagin’d have born away for the West Indies. Count De Estaing is certainly gone to Europe.
        Our Assembly has been sitting some time, and about a fortnight ago appointed a Committee of Ways & Means to consider of measures for complying with the requisitions of Congress as well as to support our own Credit. I think I may venture to say, there will be not the least doubt of both being effected by Taxes & Loans. Congress may rely on her quota of Money from this State, which I hope will quickley restore her Credit. Never was America in more danger than at this time. The Continental Treasury exhausted; Internal Commotions in some of the States. Differences in Congress respecting the back Territory claim’d by Virginia, which, I fear, will be attended with serious consequences. It was determind yesterday to put all the Officers & Soldiers who are Citizens of this Commonwealth upon the same footing with those in the Virginia line. A Motion has been made to give the same quantity of Land to the Officers & Soldiers belonging to those States that have no back Territory as is provided for our Troops, but to my great sorrow it faild—I think it would have been but just; and I am sure it would have been politic. The Injury done to America if those Troops should quit the Service, will be as great as if the Virginia line should quit it, for altho, I may not think those States have the least claim upon our back Lands yet I think the Officers & Soldiers should all be upon an equal footing, having renderd equal Services; and to compel the States so circumstanc’d to purchase these Lands for their Troops is subjecting them to a burden which they ought not to bear. I distinguish between the Citizens of those States & the Troops; the former cannot upon any principle of justice insist upon that Country being thrown into the common stock towards defraying the expences of the War, but the latter may complain of great injustice done them, when they see such a difference made between them & their fellow Soldiers who have all engag’d in the general defence of the States. Accept my sincere wishes for a continuance [of] your Health, an object in which no

one thinks himself more interested than your Friend and Obedt Servt

          Thos Nelson Jr.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Tyler, 28 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Tyler, John

          Sir,
          Hd Qrs Wt Pt Novr 28th 1779

        I have recd yr favor of the 18th inst. by serjt Hebberd, who delivered with it Richd Bird—his Pocket Book containing sundry Papers 3 half Joes two Gu[i]neas & 100 Paper Dollars inclosed in a letter from his Wife—I have not the least doubt of his past Villainous conduct, and intentions to practice the same in future & shall therefore have him properly secured until he can be conveyed to Virginia where his offences from what appears seem most likely to meet with the punishment they deserve.
        I am much obliged by your promise of communicating such intelligence as may be important—We have nothing at all new in this quarter. I am Yr &.

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Seth Warner, 28 November 1779
From: Warner, Seth
To: Washington, George

          Fort George [N.Y.]28th Novr 1779.
          May it please your Excellency—

        On my Arrival to my Regiment at this Place, I find my Men naked for Want of the Cloathing Capt. Woolcott will present a Return for—Beg they may be forwarded as soon as may be, or my Men must unavoidably suffer—If a Warrant for Ten Thousand Dollars more Recruiting Money, could be obtained & sent to me by Capt. Woolcott, it would answer a very good Purpose; for I shall be out in a few Days. I am your Excellency’s Humble Servant

          Seth Warner

          P.S. The suppossed surplus Cloathing drew for my Regimt was drawn for Majr Whitcomb’s Corps, and stopt by General Clinton in Albany—Capt. Wolcott can produce a Copy of the Rec[eip]t.

            S. Wr


Title: From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 28 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wilkinson, James

          Sir
          Hd Qrs [West Point] Nor 28 1779

        Col. Greene & Col. Angel wait on you respecting the Cloahg for their Regts—I wish you to accommodate the matter with them in the best manner you can—From their peculiar situation it may be impossible to transact the business agreeable to your instructions so as to let it pass immediately thro the hands of the State Clothr but this may be finally done should there be a necessity for giving these Gentn an order for their proportion of Cloatg—which they inform me is now on hand to the Eastward. I am Sr Yrs &ca

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 29 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dr Sir,
          Head Quarters West Point Novemr 29th 1779

        Inclosed you will find a Copy of Genl Du Portails state of the Troops necessary for the defence of this Post. It may be very useful during your command—You will however be pleased to observe that the Enemy were, when it was made, in possession of the Posts at Kings Ferry, which not being the case now, a less number of Guards is necessary; such as are superfluous will readily occur to you, in looking over the state—There are three in particular that strike me as totally useless, the one at Robinsons Ferry & the two following ones, each of 50 Men—In this and other matters you will, though, do as your own judgment points out, I have the fullest confidence in it, & with the sincerest wish for the perfect recovery of your health—I am with the greatest esteem & regard Dear Sir Yr Most Obet servant

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 29 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

          sir
          Peck’s Kill [N.Y.] Nov. 29th 1779

        Since I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency on the 20th I have received sundry reports, though not through the Channel I could have wished—and yet through such as seem to make the Reports worthy of credit—that the Enemy are making or preparing for a pretty considerable embarkation of Troops from New York. From this circumstance—although their destination is not known—and from the importance of securing the States of Georgia and South Carolina—which possibly may be their Object—and which from the accounts I have received from Col. Laurens are in a more defenceless condition than I had even apprehended—I have determined, illy as they can be spared—to put the whole of the Virginia Troops in motion, except those whose terms of service will expire by the last of January, to give them farther succour—if Congress shall judge it expedient, after considering the full state and extent of our force, as communicated in my Letter of the 18th—I am full of opinion—that this detachment can be illy afforded—but possibly from the disagreable consequences that might result from the Enemy’s gaining possession of these two States or even of attempting it—it may be adviseable to hazard a good deal here for their security. At any rate from the unhappy reduction of our force—by the expiration of inlistments—we should be obliged to pursue great caution for our security—and if this detachment is made—it will be necessary to encrease it—and to act if possible on a more defensive plan.
        From the great distance from hence to Charles Town—from Virginia’s lying in the way & from the inclement season—I am

persuaded if the Troops proceed by Land—that their number, by fatigue—sickness—desertion and the expiration of their Inlistments, will be so reduced—that their aid would be scarcely of any consideration when they arrived. In this view—and as their going will deprive the Army here of a material part of it’s force—I cannot think—if Congress should determine the measu⟨re⟩ expedient—that they should proceed by Land. I am satisfied a Land march would exhaust the whole of the detachment and that but little if any aid would be derived from it to the Southern Army, if it were to proceed in this way. From these considerations Congress will be pleased to determine, how far it may be adviseable and practicable to send the Troops by Sea. A boisterous season—Winds generally blowing off the Continent—the risk of capture, are all circumstances I will take the liberty to observe, that appear to me, of importance in deciding the point. Without a good convoy, I should apprehend the measure would, at any rate, be unadviseable—as the capture or loss of the Troops would give a severe shock to our affairs and such as we should not recover without great difficulty. How far this will be practicable will be with Congress to determine. If it can be obtained and Congress think that this detachment should be sent—yet I would take the liberty to suggest farther—that the Troops had better sail from Chesapeak bay, than from the Delaware—as they will be more distant from New York—and of consequence not so liable to fall in with any of the Enemy’s Ships & Cruizers. And as it frequently happens at this season—that Vessels are blown off the Coast and kept at sea for a considerable time—I should suppose it will be necessary for the Transport Vessels to be provisioned—wooded & watered at least for six weeks. A passage may be effected perhaps in a ⟨fe⟩w days, but provision should be made against contingencies & in doing this—it may be material to consider the state of our supplies and whether they will admit of so large a quantity being shipped. It also appears to me, if the embarkation is made—that it should be in Transports employed solely for the purpose, as events possibly might arise, if they were on board other Vessels, which might render it at least inconvenient for them to proceed. I am now thus far on my way to Jersey—and shall put the Virginia Troops in motion as soon as it can be done for philadelphia. Congress will be pleased to have against their arrival, such instructions

ready, as they may deem necessary, with respect to their farther movements. I have the Honor to be with great respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington

          P.S. As it appears to me for the reasons above—that we can not attempt to succour Georgia & South Carolina—by a land march of Troops—and it will at least take several days before the arrangement of Transports—Convoy—provisions &ca, can be made—I have concluded not to move the Troops till I hear from Congress on these subjects and in the mean time shall hold the Troops in readiness & employ them in building Huts.


Title: To George Washington from Juan de Miralles, 29 November 1779
From: Miralles, Don Juan de
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philadelphia Novr 29th 1779

        Having received on the 22nd Inst. two Letters from the Govor and Captn Genl of Havanna, dated 19th and 22nd of July Last, by them he informs me, by order from the King my Master of having declared War, His Majesty against that of Great Britain, and that the Cited day of 22nd July, had ordered it’s Publication Solemnly in that Town, and other different particulars, with order to comunicate them to the Honourable Continental Congress and Solicite with the greatest eagerness it’s execution, to this end, with date of the 24th Inst. I have transmited to the Honourable Congress my representation making refference of all, asking at the Same time, they will be pleased to put this in to Consideration and fulfill it’s End; annex’d your Excellency will find a Copy of the Said representation, appearing to me (besides an efect of my Obligation) of the greatest consequence to be known by your Excy whose high penetration, I’am persuaded will find of the greatest Importance, and that it’s Issue interests

at the Same time the wishes of the King my Master, and the Universal good of the Thirteen United States; that by the Cited declaration of War His Majesty has made own cause, employing his great Power to oblige the common Enemy to cead to the terms that he could not procure by his friendly pacific and Powerfull Mediation.
        I hope that this knowledge will influence your Exccy to do the utmost that is required to efectuate with the greatest Speed the business of Said Solicitude, and that being Sure of my Sincere regard; I remain with the greatest esteem. Your Exccy Most Obedt and Most Hble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Elisha Sheldon, 29 November 1779
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Col. Elisha Sheldon, 29 Nov. 1779. GW wrote Sheldon on 4 Dec.: “I received this morning your letter of the 29th.”


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 30 November 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          War Office [Philadelphia] Novr 30. 1779.

        By a letter just received from Capt. Starr it appears that many tanners in Connecticut are possessed of public leather, having received hides of the commissaries or officers of the troops which have been stationed in or marched thro’ that state; and that now they offer him in exchange shoes so bad that he is obliged to refuse to take them. They say they will give him better shoes if he will produce the receipts they gave for the hides, & they are obliged to do it—On this account, & to enable the Commissaries of hides to ascertain the number of hides &c. in the hands of tanners & others, it may be expedient to call on the issuing commissaries and others having such receipts, to deliver them forthwith to the Clothier General or his Assistant at the main army, whose receipt therefor shall be their discharge: the Clothier General to send to the several commissaries of hides the receipts of the tanners in their respective districts. We have therefore to request of your Excellency that you would be pleased to issue a general order requiring all issuing commissaries and others serving with the army or any detachment thereof, & having such receipts, to send or deliver them as before mentioned; or otherwise to the nearest commissary of hides; as shall be most convenient. We would not have troubled your

Excellency in this matter if officers of the line had not been in the practice of delivering hides to the tanners, which renders the application necessary.
        We shall instruct the commissaries of hides to call on the stationary commissaries to deliver them any receipts they may have in their hand, & publicly request all others in the respective states having such receipts, to furnish the commissaries of hides with them. We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your very obedt servants.

          By order of the boardTim. Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 November 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dear Sir
          Pompton [N.J.] 30th Novemr 1779. 6 OClock P.M.

        Yours of the 27th reached me this day at Noon at Sufferans. From a consideration of all circumstances I am led to decide upon the position back of Mr Kembles, and more especially, as I think there will be an immediate necessity of sending a further reinforcement to South Carolina—I mean, besides the North Carolinians. This, with the diminution of force which will be occasioned by the expiration of inlistments will oblige us to seek a more remote position than we would otherwise have done. You will therefore proceed to laying off the Ground.
        I shall be at Morris town tomorrow and shall be obliged by your ordering me a late dinner. I understand my quarters are to be at Mrs Fords. If I am mistaken be pleased to send a person to meet me and set me right. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. say nothing of the further reinforcement to the southward.


Title: Order of Cantonment, November 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          [November 1779]

        General Poor’s brigade to be Cantoned at Danbury—or, in preferen⟨ce⟩ to this—at Ridgefield if quarters can be had in houses—thereby rendering the building of Hutts unnecessary & a movement in case of any operation of the enemy not very inconvenient. This Brigade to have an eye to the Sound towards Norwalk Fairfield &ca—and to have orders in case the enemy shd discover an intention to make a descent upon any part of Connecticut to give every assistance & opposition without waiting further Orders. In other respects to be subject to the Orders of the Officer commanding on the No. River.
        Moylans, Sheldons, & Baylors Regiments of light Dragoons with Beldings Corps, are to be quartered as near this Brigade as the Country on acct of Forage &ca will admit & to be drawn into as compact order as they can be. The Cavalry to furnish for the advanced Corps of light Troops near the enemy’s lines & to be reliev’d once a fortnight A Captn two Subs & 20 Men.
        One of the Massachusetts Brigades may be Incamped—near the Continental Village—the other three quartered at West point & the Posts thereabout—These four Brigades are to furnish garrisons for Kings ferry on both sides—& 4 or 500 light Troops in advance towards the enemys lines for the purpose of covering (in conjunction with the party of Horse beforementioned) the Country below. to be relieved once a fortnight.
        The North Carolina Brigade (if it should not go Southerly) is to take its old position at Paramous—& to repair upon any movement of the enemy on the No. River, or on their left flank immediately to the gorge of the Mountain by Suffrans.
        Colo. Paulings Corps to take Post at the Gorge of this Mountain at the old Barracks.
        The main Army is to take Post some where back of Quibble town in a strong position which is to be secured by slight works of defence cas⟨t⟩ up after the Huts are built. from hence light Troops are to be detach⟨ed⟩ & in conju[n]ction with the Jersey State Regiment to guard the shore from Newark to Perth-Amboy. From hence also, a detachment is to be sent into Monmouth; & aided by a party of Lees light Dragoons endeavour to stop the

communication with New York from tha⟨t⟩ Quarter. These detachments to be relieved once a fortnight also.
        Lee’s Partizan Corps to be Quartered at Burlington from whence the above detachment is to be made.
        The Parke of Artillery may go to its old ground at Pluckamin—provided it is sufficiently covered by the main Army—if not—it must go to Morris-town & the Barracks at Pluckamin must be converted into Hospitals.
        The Marischose Corp to remain with the Army.
        The light Infantry to join their respective Corps—but to be in readiness to embody again at a day’s notice—for this purpose the Officers belonging to it are to hold themselves in perfect readiness. Light Infantry is also to be drawn from the other Corps which have not yet furnished any.
        A Small Magazine of Provisions to be established at Ringwood—& a larger one at Chester.
        The Boats after leaving a bare sufficiency for the Ferries & Garrison at West point to be hauled up—or otherwise secured in some convenient place out of the common Rout—They should be placed under the care of some person who ought to be well paid & made responsable for them.
        The Officer commanding on the No. River to fix with the Govr of the State upon a mode of calling in the Militia on a sudden emergency—& for giving and receiving mutual aid.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Graves Simcoe, November 1779–December 1779
From: Simcoe, John Graves
To: Washington, George

          [November–December 1779]

        Sir,—I am induced to lay myself before you, from what I conceive to be a principle of duty, and that not merely personal.
        You may, perhaps, have heard, sir, of the uncommon fortune that threw me into the hands of the Jersey militia.
        Gov. Livingston told me I was a prisoner of the State, a distinction I never till then was acquainted with, and observed, that it was probable I should be soon exchanged as such, naming to me officers of similar rank as the likely persons.
        I was allowed my parole, was taken from it the 9th, and have ever since been confined a close prisoner in Burlington goal, with Col. Billop, who is in irons and chained to the floor, to retaliate for F. Randolph and Leshier, the later of whom is (said to be) confined in the same manner in New-York: my mittimus hath not expressed what I am imprisoned for; but, by the tenor of Governor Livingston’s letters, I suppose it is to retaliate for the former of those citizens, whom he allows to be a private soldier, and who is simply confined as such.
        Colonel Billop joins me in my application, sir, to you for redress from our unparalleled usage.
        I apply to you, sir, either as a prisoner of war, or as appealing to you from an unjustifiable stretch of power without precedent or generosity.
        I am led to consider myself as a prisoner of war under your authority, from Governor Livingston’s doubts expressed to me of his having the disposal of me; from his correspondence with Gen. Robertson, published in the newspapers, where he submits Gen. Dickinson’s prisoners to your disposal, and from Col. Billop, my fellow prisoner, being taken by a party of Continental

troops, receiving his parole from Mr. Beaty, and living under it, till he was taken from it by a party of militia, and by M. Boudinot’s order confined in Burlington goal.
        He claims the protection that was first extended to him from the Continental Commissary of prisoners.
        I hope, sir, you will make use of the power that I conceive enabled you to transfer Col. Billop to the state of New Jersey, in extending to me the rights allowed by civilized nations, and which, without a given reason, I have been deprived of.
        If, by any law I am unacquainted with, I am in the power and disposal of Governor Livingston, &c., I think myself entitled to appeal to you, sir, from the injustice used towards me, as I cannot suppose there is no application for redress in a case, which, if drawn into a precedent, must confound every distinction of rank, and will operate in a wider circle than that of the state of New Jersey.
        Governor Livingston has offered, as he has written to me, to exchange me for Lt. Col. Reynolds, and Col. Billop for as many privates as make up his rank, naming among them the people for whom Col. Billop is avowedly retaliating.
        This proposition, I conceive, it never was supposed Gen. Sir Henry Clinton could comply with.
        I hope, sir, you will do me the honour of early attending to this letter; if Col. Billop only should be claimed by those whose prisoner he unquestionably appears to be, I should look upon it as a fortunate event, though I should be doomed to wear his ignominious chains. I have the honour to be, sir, Your most obedient and humble servant.
        I beg leave to enclose to you Major Andre’s letter, though Governor Livingston, to whom I addressed it, has passed it by without notice; I hope it will be the means of my obtaining my parole to New-York.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 1 December 1779
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

          Dear General,
          Pompton [N.J.] Decemr 1st 1779

        Perhaps, there was never more Justice in any advice, Than that given by the Philosopher to his Prince, viz. “Always beware of the Man, that flatters you, and appears to Coincide with your Sentiments, on all Occasions.”
        I am Confident that I have never appeared to your Excellencey in this Character, Nay I have Studied to Avoid Even the appearance of being a Flatterer—I have at the Same time, that your Excellencey (as well as all others in high Office) had those Animal Constantly Courting your favors; And I Confess that I have at Sometimes felt an uneasiness least any Neglect of Expressing those Sentiments of Esteem & affection, which I really

felt, Should be Construed into a want of Cordial Esteem for that Commander, to whom, America Stands So much Indebted.
        Conscious However of my own Sincerity, I Contented myself with yielding a Chearful Obedience to all orders, your Excelly was pleased to Honor me with, Not Doubting, that Some Future period might Discover, in whose Bosom, the Most Lively Sentiments of Friendship & Esteem were Lodged.
        But as my present State of health almost forbids Me to hope for the Honor of Serving again under your Command, your Excellencey will Excuse me, in Declaring, that I have Ever felt those Exalted Sentiments of Esteem & affection for you, that Even your Sincerest friend can boast. My Publick & Constant Declarations have been, & I now repeat, that in my opinion, you are the Saviour of this Country, And that to your fortitude, bravery, & Steady Perseverance, do we owe, the Independance & Freedom we Enjoy.
        This I Say, to remove any Doubts, that may have arisen respecting my Friendship & Affection; And I Should now have Avoided it, did not my own feelings too Strongly Indicate, that I can never have the pleasure of again Serving under your Excellencey’s Command.
        You will please to Pardon this long & (I dare Say to you) Tedious Introduction to Something more Interesting.
        Permit me then to Inform your Excellencey, that the Faction Raised against you in 1777; into which, General Conway was unfortunately & Imprudently Drawn, is not yet Destroyed. The Members are waiting to Collect Strength & Sieze Some favorable moment, to appear in force.
        I Speak not from Conjecture, but from Certain knowledge. Their Plan is, to take Every method of proving the Danger, Arising from a Commander, who Enjoys the full & unlimited Confidence of his army, & Alarm the People with the Prospects of Imaginary Evil: Nay, they will Endeavor to Convert your virtue into Arrows, with which they will Seek to wound you.
        This Plan was adopted the Last winter, & if you will take the Trouble of reading Mr Tudors Oration, Delivered at Boston in March Last, You will find Every Line Calculated to answer this purpose. The words are Tudor’s, but, the Thoughts are Borrowed. I heard them thrown out, Long before they were by him laid before the publick.

        Here, I Cannot help Digressing, to Congratulate your Excellencey, on your Compelling them to Attack your virtues, & not putting it in their power to point out a Single vice.
        The next Step, is to persuade Congress, That the Military power of America Should be placed in three or four Different hands, Each having a Seperate Quarter of the Continent assigned him, Each Commander to answer to Congress only, for his Conduct; This they Say, will prevent an Aspiring Commander from Enslaving his Country, & put it in the power of Congress, with the assistance of the other Commanders, to punish the Attempt. This is a Refinement in Politicks, & an Improvement on Publick virtue, which Greece or Rome Could never Boast.
        The present time is unfavorable to their Designs, they well know, that the voice of Citizens & Soldiers would be almost unanimously against them: But, they wait a more favorable opportunity, which, they will Certainly Improve.
        I am well Convinced, that they Cannot Succeed, yet, I thought it my Duty, in the moment of my Departure, to give your Excellencey this notice, that, you may not only be on your Guard, but Avoid Entrusting those Persons, in matters, where, Your Interest & Honor are Nearly Concerned. Appearances May Deceive Even an Angel. Could you have believed four years Since, that those Adulators, those persons So Tenderly & So friendly Used, as were Gates Mifflin Read & Tudor, would become your Secret & bitter, Though unprovoked Enemies. If we view them now, we Cannot help Lamenting the want of Sincerity in mankind. I persuade myself, that your Excellenceys Steady & prudent Conduct, will Baffle Every attempt, & I feel happy, in having Discharged my Duty to the Best of Commanders: And only beg Leave to assure your Excey, that in whatever Station fortune may place me in Future; no man will be more Ready To Bestow the Rewards Due to Your Excellenceys Disinterested zeal, Bravery, Fortitude & Perseverance, Than, Dear General, Your Excellenceys Most obedient, & Devoted Servant

          Jno. Sullivan.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

          Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town 2d Decr 1779.

        Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 20th ulto I have seen Lt Colonel Washington of Baylors Light Dragoons,

who gives me a more favorable report of the times of service of that Regiment than was represented by one of his Officers. He informs me, that including Capt. Stiths Troop already on its march to the Southward he will be able to carry forward about 125 Men, none of whose times will expire before the middle of next year—many of them are engaged considerably longer.
        Under these circumstances I should immediately have ordered him to proceed with the above mentioned to South Carolina; but there is still a difficulty in respect to Horses. Fifty five of those at present in the Regiment, tho’ fit for the draft and many other purposes in the Army, are represented by Colo. Washington as unable to perform so long a march on account of their weight and inactivity, they having been originally purchased for the Waggon and turned over to the Dragoon service thro’ necessity, after the Regiment had lost most of its Horses when surprized last year.
        I am informed by Colo. Laurens that a superiority of Cavalry to the southward will be productive of many good consequences, particularly those of giving immediate Checks to the insurrections of the disaffected, and securing the Country from the incursions of the Enemy’s Cavalry. Should Congress be of the same opinion, I would suggest to them the expediency of furnishing Colonel Washington with the means of purchasing a number of the proper kind of Horses equal to that of those returned unfit—I would beg leave to observe, that the public will in reality only incur the Expence of the difference between the price of Waggon and Dragoon Horses, as those returned unfit for the latter will be delivered to the Quarter Master General for the uses of his department.
        The Regiment is now upon its march to Frederic town in Maryland, where, or at Winchester in Virginia, it may quarter this Winter, if it does not proceed to the southward. This will depend upon the determination of Congress in regard to the purchase of fresh Horses, as it would be scarce worth while to send the few who are properly mounted.
        Colo. Washington, who will have the honor of delivering this, will wait the decision of Congress and act accordingly. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Laurance, 2 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Laurance, John

          Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town Decemr 2d 1779

        As it will be necessary to proceed as soon as possible in the trial of Genl Arnold and afterwards to those of Col. Hooper

Deputy Qr Master Genl—and Doctor Shippen, which have been directed by Congress—I am to request that you will join the Army as soon as you can. I want you immediately to examine the Papers in the case of the last—and to form the charges that he may be arrested. I am Sir With great regard & esteem Yr Most Obet servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 December 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Light Infantry Camp Second River [N.J.]2 Decr 1779
          Dear General

        From the best Intelligence I have be[en] able to procure no Embarkation had taken place at New York the day before Yesterday—altho’ all accounts agree that the Shiping are in perfect readiness for the purpose—We have had among many others ten british Granadiers Deserters belong[ing] to the 44th Regiment within three Weeks—besides two that were Captured a few days since—by the Militia—upon which I recd the Inclosed Letter but this is all fair as I had taken the same Liberty by sending in Capt. Gibbons last Week with two Women who were permitted to go to their Husbands—however Major Lumm—will gain nothing by the Reconnoitring—as I shall probably send him an Answer from the State Commissary of Prisoners in a day or two.
        In Obedience to your Excellency’s letter of the 27th Ultimo I have sent to the Respective Corps from which the Light Infantry were taken for their proportions of Clothing—as also for the

Difficiency of men Occationed by the Expirations of their Inlistments—which are Considerable in Almost every state except Pennsa.
        If your Excellency means to keep this Corps together—it will be absolutely necessary to give Orders for furnishing such men as are Inlisted during the War—for at present too many of the Regiments make a point of sending only who are the most Naked & whose term of Service will expire in a few days to replace such as are already free by which means we have a Constant fluctuation attended with a good deal of trouble & Chagrin to the Officer’s of the Corps.
        It wou’d give me much pain to be deemed Officious—but as many of the Officer have made application to me for leave to send for their Winter Clothing & Baggage—I did not think proper to Comply with their request until such time as I could know whether the Corps was to be dissolved or not—as it wo[u]ld be Accumulating our Baggage & putting them to Unnecessary trouble & Difficulty in the Conveyance in case a Dissolution takes place—I therefore wish to know your Excellency’s Determination on this Subject, that we may govern ourselves accordingly. I am with true Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obt & very Hume Sert

          Anty Wayne

          N.B. I have made two or three attemp[t]s to Reconnoiter Staten Island—but not so fully as I wish & Intend when the Weather become[s] favorable—I find that the Following Regiments are at present th[ose] which are all hutted or hutting except Buskirks—said to be destined for the Light Horse.
          viz. 7th British about 350[,] 43 Do [British]—400[,] One Hessian Regt 500[,] Lord Rodans [Rawdon’s] Corps say—300[,] Queens Rangers—90[,] Bartons—150[,] Buskirks—150 [Total] 1940 Commanded by Major Genl Pattisson.


Title: General Orders, 3 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown friday December 3rd 1779.
          Parole  C. Signs

        All regimental officers to hut with their respective regiments—The regimental and briga[d]e staff are also to be with their respective Corps; and the brigadiers if they do not hut with their brigades are to be as convenient to them as possible.
        The Auditors of Accounts and Deputy Pay-Master General are to take quarters in houses contiguous to each other and as convenient to Head Quarters as they can be well procured.
        Officers of every rank are requested to exert themselves in getting their respective corps covered as soon as possible with huts; and that they may be built agreeably to the order already issued, for uniformity and regularity, each brigadier or officer commanding a brigade will be pleased to appoint a superintendent who is to see the orders for this purpose strictly attended to.
        The brigade Quarter Masters are to apply to the Quarter Master General for their allowance of straw and have them issued as soon as the troops come to their ground.
        The General prohibits, in the most positive terms, every species of destruction or waste of the fences and inclosures of the Inhabitants; this, as well as any other Injury offered to their Persons, or Property will draw the most certain and rig[or]ous punishment on the offenders.


Title: To George Washington from William Greene, 3 December 1779
From: Greene, William
To: Washington, George

          sir
          Newport State Rhode Island &c. Decr 3rd 1779

        I had the Honour of receiving your favor of the 23rd of last Month, and am much Obliged to you for the trouble you have taken to endeavour to Procure the records belonging to the distressd Inhabitants of the Towns of Newport and middletown, to be returned to this State.
        Since General Gates left this Place there is no Person impowered to Sign Warrants upon the Continental Paymaster for discharging of abstracts which have become due to the Several

Regiments doing duty in this department under the command of General Cornell; and there being the greatest necessity of the Troops being Punctually Paid agreeable to contract, The Council of War of this State have requested me to desire the favour of you to appoint some Proper Person to draw Warrants on the above Paymaster for the Purpose Aforesaid. I am with very great Esteem & respect Your E[x]cellency’s most Obedient, and most Humble Servt

          W. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 3 December 1779
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Dr Sr
          Fredericksbg [Va.] Decr 3d 79

        I received yr Excellencys favr of the 10th of last month, this day.
        And so far from parting with my horse with regreit—that it gives me the greatest pleasure to Furnish you with him—I this day delivered him to one of yr Servants—perfectly Sound and in good order but must still Recommend to yr Excellency, not to use him this Winter—but let him run in a paddock—and have a shelter for him to go under at pleasure—this will effectually brace him up—and prevent a return of his lameness—which I believe at First was but Slight.
        I am about treating for another horse—(I think a very fine one,) to send you in the room of the Sorrel, who I shall keep for my own use—if blew Skin is not yet perfectly recovered Spirrit of Turpintine & rum—two third⟨s⟩ of the former—& one of the latter—bathing the place with it—and then makeing it penetrate by a hot Iron held over the place—will in ten days make a perfect cure of him—I am with esteem yr Excellencys Obet

          A. Spotswood


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 3 December 1779
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Stanwich [Fairfield County, Conn.] Decr 3d 1779

        By the Bearer of this I have the Honour to forward to your Excellency Dispatches from C—— Senior & C—— Junr—Possibly the Situation of the British Army is such at present that your Excellency would think it unnecessary, thro’ the severe part of the Winter, to have C—— attempt a regular Continuation of intelligence thro’ the former Channel. Crossing the Sound in the Winter is often precarious & difficult; nevertheless if your Excellency thinks proper I will endeavour to keep up the Communication with C—— as regular as possible. I cannot yet say where our Regt will Quarter this winter, however I can trust the Dispatches with a friend of mine, Mr Jackson, who will enclose them and leave them with Genl Poor to be forwarded to Hd Qrs—Any Instructions for C—— which your Excellency may have for C——, by being forwarded to me can be soon conveyed as heretofore—I shall not forget to remind C—— of the importance of opening some Channel of Communication from N.Y. across the No. River by which his intelligence can soon arrive at Hd Qrs. Yours &c.

          B.T.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

          sir.
          Head Qrs Morris Town Decr 4. 1779

        I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 27th Ulto and with the Inclosures to which it refers. The moment circumstances will admit of it, Doctor Shippen shall be put in arrest—and his trial will be proceeded on immediately after the Trials of General Arnold & Colo. Hooper are finished. When Doctor Shippen is arrested, Doctor Morgan shall have notice of it—and be furnished with a copy of the charges on which he will be tried.
        I arrived here on Wednesday the 1st Instant—and am exerting myself to get the Troops hutted in the Country lying between Morris Town and Mendam, about three miles from the former. I intended, as I had the honor of informing Congress, to have quartered the Troops in the neighbourhood of Scots plains, but it was found upon examination, that the Country did not afford a position compatible with our security and which could also supply water, and wood for covering and fuel; considerations as well as that of security, not to be dispensed with; nor could any position be got nearer than the present one, which would answer these purposes. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council, 4 December 1779
From: Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          In Council Dec. 4. 1779

        Having given you full Information in a former Letter of the State of the Cloathing designed for the Troops of Pennsylvania it will not be necessary to trouble your Excelly with any farther Information. At that Time it was not known that the Coats received from the Board of War were actually pack’d up & cased so as make the Return here difficult & inconvenient—but being desirous to obviate every Difficulty & answer your Wishes intirely on this Subject the Council have resolved that the Cloathing so deliverd to us should be deemed to belong to the United States & be under the Directi[o]n of the Clothier General as if no Delivery had been made to the Clothier of this State not doubting but such Directions will be given by the Commander in Chief as will best promote the publick Interests: Major Swaine the State Clothier has the Cloathing under his Care & a Copy of the Resolution which he will communicate to your Excell. & obey your Orders or those of the Clothier General in the Disposal of the 2000 Coats being the whole we recd from the Continental Store.
        We flatter ourselves this Mode of obviating any Discontents will be quite agreeable to your Excell. & beg you to believe we are on all Occasi[o]ns with the greatest Respect Your Excell. Obed. & very Hbble Ser.

          Signed on Behalf of the Council


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 4 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

          Sir
          Head Quarts Morris Town Decembr 4th 1779

        I have the honor to inform Your Excellency and the Council—by the conveyance which now offers by Express—that Monday the 20th Instant is appointed for proceeding on the trial of Major Genl Arnold. The Court Martial will sit at the Camp in the vicinity of Morris Town. I have written to Mr Matlack and inform’d him of these circumstances—and I request the favour of Your Excellency to communicate notice of the same—to any Witnesses there may be besides. If there are any in the military line and I am informed of them—I will order their attendance or if there are any under this discription at or in the neighberhood of Philadelphia—who might posibly go from thence before they could receive my orders—Congress I am persuaded, will, upon information of the fact, direct them to attend. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellencys Most Obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 4 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sheldon, Elisha

          Sir,
          Head Quarters [Morristown] Decemr 4th 1779

        I received this morning your letter of the 29th and in consequence, have given Mr [ ] your Qr Mr a warrant for ten thousand dollars, which is as much as the military Chest can at present spare—When this is expended you can apply for a further sum.
        I have no objection to your inlisting such men belonging to the infantry whose times of service are very near expiring and who will not reengage in their own corps. You will consider this as your authority for the purpose, agreeable to which are my instructions to General Heath. I am with regard Sir Your most Obedt

          G.W.


Title: To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 5 December 1779
From: Fairfax, George William
To: Washington, George

          My Dear Sir.
          December 5th 1779

        I have lately received a Letter dated 13th of July last, from our worthy friend Mr Nicholas, informing me, that our Assembly had very unexpectedly past an Act to Confiscate the property of British Subjects, and of all Persons, in any part of the World, other than the united States of America. This my good Sir, you must suppose is truely alarming, as at this instant of writing, I may not have a single Acre of Land in the Country I have so much espous’d; however I trust, and hope, that the Legislature has not as yett proceeded to the Sale of all Absentees Estates; and when they come to Consider, and make inquiry into my Conduct here, that I shall not come under the Description & meaning of the Act.
        When I received your Letter, advising me to appoint another Attorney, I really thought it needless, and would be of little avail. even if I had, had an opportunity of doing so: as by the Sequestring Act (which I chearfully acquiess’d in) the Legislature took the Sole, and whole direction, of such Estates themselves, But now, as this unforeseen Event is likely to take place, I think it absolutely necessary (if not to[o] late, as you are at so great a distance, and certainly must have business enough, of much greater importance, to employ your utmost attention) To send a power to Mr Nicholas, (being I hope luckily the very first opportunity I have had, of getting two Gentn to Witness, that will also prove it in the Country) in Case it should be necessary to Petition in my behalf, and to see how my affairs stand in the Treasury. If it’s necessary my good Friend, to have more proff of my Conduct, than what the bearers conveys, I must intreat, and beg the favor of you, to refer to Sir James J—— bro: to the P—— of C——s, who knows me perfectly well, and I shall take care to point out to my Friend to the Southward, who may be called upon there, and I flatter myself, if occation, that you’l be so good as to Vouch, that I was not a Fugitive, nor withdrew myself to avoid taking the Oaths &c. &c., or any thing else, you may be pleas’d to represent in my behalf. Tho’ from the Extract I have seen, I am hopeful, I am not comprehended in the dreaded Act, yett it is perplexing to think how tottering my Estate stands, for want of their knowing what a steady, and faithful Adherent, I have been from the

very beginning, and how many innocent Individuals, (now residing in their State) will suffer by the Sale of my property.
        I trust my Dear Friend, that it will not be long before you return from the great Toil, and danger, you must have been exposed to, and sett down quietly, and enjoy a Series of uninterrupted Domestic happiness, being truely the ardent prayer, and wish of Dear Sir Your Affecte and ever Obliged humble Servant. Our united Comp[limen]ts and best wishes attend your worthy Lady. [as well as] Mr & Mrs C——s.
        I hope you’l excuse my directing this as I have, being more likely to gett to hand, than directing immediately to your E——y.


Title: General Orders, 6 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown Monday Decr 6th [1779]
          Parole Schuyler—  C. Signs Saratoga Sarum—

        The issuing Commissaries who are in possession of vouchers for hides that have been delivered to Tanners or Shoemakers in the country, where the contracts have not yet been completed are desired forthwith, to lodge them with the Adjt General: Officers of the line who may be possessed of like receipts are to do the same—Where the contracts have been in part complied with, the number of boots and shoes received to be indorsed on the vouchers; This is intended to prevent impositions which have been attempted by persons who have received hides in particular contracts for the army.
        A trusty serjeant with a sufficient number of men are to be sent from the several brigades to drive the Waggon horses belonging to them respectively to such places as the Forage Master General shall point out.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 6 December 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Morristown Decemb. 6th 1779

        One of the Connecticut brigade quarter Masters was with me this afternoon; and says many of the Officers are apprehensive there will be a scarcity of timber on the Mountain where it is proposd for six brigades to hut. Altho I can hardly suppose their fears are well grounded, yet as it will be almost impossible to get wood to them should it fail, on account of the make of the ground, and from the state of the forage, I should suppose it would not be worth while, to risque any thing of such importance upon such a contingency. Will your Excellency therefore agree to the Connecticut line being put upon the table of land in front of the Mountain on this side of Mr Kembles? This will not weaken the Camp, nor divide the Troops but a little distance, and still preserve the order of encampment from right to left. I have not mentioned the matter to any of them yet, nor they to

me. I intend if the proposition meets your Excellencys approbation, to go down and look upon the ground in the morning; and if I think their fears are groundless, or the place wont answer to say nothing about it. To give satisfaction to all parties is next to impossible. I am with great respect Your Exceys Obedt Sert

          N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elisha Sheldon, 6 December 1779
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Stanwich [Fairfield County, Conn.] Decr 6th 1779

        I have the Honour to enclose to your Excellency A Return of the Officers of my Regt—Agreeable to your Excellencys permission I have nominated three young Gentlemen to serve in the Regt as entered at the foot of the enclosed Return. They are all out on the Recruiting service, and from what I have already heard I trust they will not disappoint my most sanguine Expectation.
        As Capt. Edgar of my Regt is on his way to Philadelph. must request that your Excellency would be pleased to forward the Return by him, that he may be enabled to obtain Commissions for the officers of my Regt many of whom have never recd any since their Appointments. I have the Honour to be with the Greatest Respect your Excellencys most obt Humble Servt

          Elisha Sheldon Colonel L. D.


Title: From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 6 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wilkinson, James

          Sir
          Head Quarters Morris town 6th Decemr 1779

        The Army having taken its position for the Winter in the Vicinity of this place you will repair hithe[r] as expeditiously as possible to take charge of and issue the Cloathing which has been stopped here—The four Massachusetts Brigades at West point and the New Hampshire Brigade at Danbury, having recd their proportion of the Cloathing at Newberg you are to apply to the Quarter Master for the means of transporting the remainder to this place for the troops who have not been served—let the Blankets be among the first goods sent off—except two hundred which are to be delivered to Doctor McKnight at Fishkill for the use of the Hospitals upon the North River—There are

a parcel of shoemakers and Taylors tools in the store—You will leave a proportion for the troops above, and bring the remainder forward.
        You will undoubtedly take measures for having a proportion of shoes and what continental Cloathing may hereafter come in, deliverd to the Cloathiers of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the Artillery remaining at West point, and Dragoons in Connecticut.
        Your presence here being absolutely necessary you will be pleased to come on yourself and leave the management of the removal to your Assistant. I am sir Yr most obt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Sir
          Hd Qrs Morristown 7 Decr 1779

        I received your letter of the 6th last night but being engaged with the committee of Congress I could not answer it till now.
        Should you on a review of the ground think the alteration essentially necessary you may give orders for the connecticut line taking the position you have mentioned, or any other convenient one. I am sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 7 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dr Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town 7th Decemr 1779

        You are so well acquainted with the reasons which operate against keeping a greater quantity of Stores of any kind, than are absolutely necessary, in the vicinity of this Camp, that it is almost needless to desire you to avoid an accumulation of those belonging to your department at this place. I have given orders to the other departments to divest themselves as soon as possible of every thing supernumerary.
        I have had several representations of mal conduct in the Qr Mr & purchasing and Issuing Commissaries at Coos—That the Public and individuals may have justice done them I have determined to have Courts of inquiry held upon the parties as soon as possible at this place; and as they are all in a manner connected in business, and all charged, with being concerned in undue practices, it will be necessary that they should attend. at the same time. I have desired the Commy’s Genl to summon those acting under them, & you will be pleased to give notice to Genl Bailey. Mr Flint will wait upon you, & fix the time when it will be most convenient for the deputies to attend—I am told that the Gentlemen accused, earnestly wish an inquiery, and I therefore make no doubt but they will come prepared with Vouchers to support their characters. I am &.

          G.W.

          P.s. Majr Whitcombe is going directly up to Coos and will afford you an opportunity of writing.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Charles Harrison, 7 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Charles

          Sir
          [Morristown, 7 Dec. 1779]

        Those men of your Regiment whose term of Service has expired, or will expire by Christmas next, may be marched in a body to the State of Virginia by a proper number of the Officers intended to be furloughed—to prevent insult & depredations by their returning in a straggling & scattered manner & there dismissed. The residue are to be left under sufficient & proper Officers, subject to the command of Brigr General Knox. The Officers who take charge of the Men returning will be considered as on command during their march and will be allowed for that time three dollars ⅌er day.
        If on the March, any of the Men can be engaged for the War—upon condition of obtaining a furlough to be absent from their Regiment till the first day of April next—they may be enlisted for the Continental bounty—provided the Officers have such knowledge of their characters as to be morally certain of their return by that time—To hazard the bounty upon others who have no fixed places of abode, or connexions in the Country, would be imprudent. On no terms, is a bounty to be given to any man who engages short of the War.
        On this matter you will take the sentiments of the board of War—from whom (if they approve the measure) you will (being in Phila.) receive orders for a small Sum to make the experiment with.
        For further means & mode of recruiting your Regiment, you must consult the State of Virginia which has adopted it as part of its quota. Given at Head Qrs in Morris Town this 7th day of Decr 1779.

          Go: W——n.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 7 December 1779
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Philadelphia 7th Decemr 1779

        I am honour’d with your Excys favours of the 2d & 4th instant.
        You will receive herewith enclos’d two Acts of Congress of the 6th instant. By the one your Excellency will observe that Congress approve of Colo. Baylor’s Regiment of Dragoons being sent to South Carolina, and have directed the board of War to give the necessary orders for that purpose.
        The other is designed to regulate the proceedings with respect to Officers absent beyond the term of their furloughs, or without leave & such as shall neglect or refuse to join their respective Corps or appear before a Court Martial when properly notified as the nature of the Case may require. I have the Honour to be with the greatest respect your Excys hble Servt

          Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 7 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

          Dr Sir,
          M: Town Decr 7 1779.

        You have both obliged and amused me, by your communication of the 27th. I have not seen the piece to which you allude; but I should be more surprised had you been suffered to escape without paying a tax so antient and customary. When one is over rated in this way, it is very natural to complain, or to feel disgust at the ingratitude of the world; tho’ I beleive with you, that

to persevere in ones duties and be silent, is the best answer to calumny.
        We are all in your debt for what you have done for us in Holland—I would flatter myself from the reception of your correspondence and the superior advantages which our commerce holds out to the Dutch, that we shall experience in a little time the most favorable effects from this quarter.
        I know not how to think of the invention of Mr Sayres. It appears a very extraordinary one. I can only wish that the thing may be practicable, and that we may have it in our power to be the first to give it patronage, and to profit by what it promises.
        Your favr of the 1st I had the honr to rece. yesterday—We have taken up our quarters at this place for the winter. The main army lies within three or four miles of the Town—If you are called to this part of the country I hope you will do me the honor of a visit. I am Dr Sir with the greatest respect and esteem.


Title: To George Washington from John Mehelm, 7 December 1779
From: Mehelm, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Readingtown [N.J.] Decr 7th 1779

        In my last I gave your Excellency an Acct of Near a Thousand pr of Shoes more than has been since delivered to the Clothier General’s Store. they were Shoes that Mr Caldwell had purchased by order of the board of war before he became an Assistant of mine. he therefore did not consider himself under any Obligation to deliver the Shoes to my order but kept them for the Jersy Brigade to whom I understand they have been since delivered—Your Excellency requested me to Inform you what Number of Shoes you might expect from this State by Christmas—I think I cannot promise more than a Thousand pr more than has been delivered by that time.
        Being at Brunswick the other day and happening to be at the house where Mrs Myers the Widow of the late Capt. Myers, who fell at Germantown, lives—I took Occasion to enquire a little into her Circumstances, which she is verry desirous of having represented to your Excellency. I find she has no other dependance for the Support of herself and five small Children but what arises from her own Industry, As to her husbands half pay,

she has not received any of it yet, the proofs of her Marriage being out of her power thro the Enemy’s having possession of New York—but it would turn out to verry little Acct, money is so depreciated, could she receive it—If your Excellency could think it Consistant with your duty to order her one ration a day from the Issuing Commisary’s Store at the Landing Untill money would Appreciate it would be a Singular Favour—It is really distressing to see the widow and Children Of a Man who bravely fell in the Cause of his Country Suffering while so Many Wretches among us are rowling in Affluence who Instead of Serving their Country are spending their whole time in Endeavouring to ruin it, by depreciating the Currency and other Acts of Villany in order to Amass Wealth and overgrown Estates to themselves—I am with the greates[t] respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt & Verry hb. Servt

          John Mehelm


Title: From George Washington to Juan de Miralles, 7 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Miralles, Don Juan de

          Sir,
          Head Qrs Morris town Decr 7th 1779

        I had the honor of receiving two days since your letter of the 29th of November inclosing a copy of your late representation to Congress. I entreat you to be assured that I esteem myself highly obliged by this mark of your attention and confidence; and that the promotion of the interests of his Catholic Majesty

will always be an additional motive to my zeal in the execution of any plan for the advancement of the common cause.
        The objects you have been pleased to communicate are of the most interesting nature and have been very fully and seriously considered in concert with the Honorable The Committee of Congress appointed to confer with me on the occasion. Our sentiments were the same; and the result is by this opportunity transmitted to Congress who, I doubt not will immediately impart it to you, with their further resolutions. I therefore beg leave to refer you to them, and to repeat the assurances of the respect and great personal esteem with which I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most hume ser.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 7 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris town 7th Decemr 1779

          Having received several representations of mal conduct in the Quarter Masters, and purchasing and issuing Commissaries at Coos I have determined, that the public and individuals may have justice done them, to direct Courts of Enquiry held upon the parties at this place. I have desired General Greene to summon General bailey who acts in his department, and you will be pleased to do the same by Mr Tychnor and Mr Childs, your deputies in that Quarter. You had best confer with General Greene and fix upon the most convenient time for your respective deputies to attend. One of the charges against the Commissary of purchases is, that, thro’ neglect, the salted Meat put up last year was mostly spoiled. It will be necessary therefore to have, the state of what of last years salt Meat remains, carefully inspected, and a report made to you.
          I am told that the parties are acquainted with the nature of the charges which will be exhibited against them, and earnestly wish an enquiry, they will therefore undoubtedly come prepared

with vouchers to support their Characters. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

          Major Whitcombe is going directly up to Coos and will afford you an opportunity of writing.


Title: To George Washington from Lt. Col. Ludwig Weltner, 7 December 1779
From: Weltner, Ludwig
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Lt. Col. Ludwig Weltner, 7 Dec. 1779. GW wrote Weltner on 17 Dec.: “I have been favored with your letter of the 7th.”


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 7 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

          Dr sir
          Hd Qr Morris Town Decr 7th 1779

        It is my wish that we should endeavour by every practicable means to reinlist The Old Troops for the War. I therefore request that you will inform the Cols. & Commanding Officers of Regiments in the Virginia line—that they may inlist promiscuously throug[h]out their line—Any of the Soldiers whose present terms of service will expire by the last of February. The Men reinlisting for the War shall be furloughed to the first of April—and as soon as they are properly engaged & a List of their names transmitted & certified by You—a Warrant shall be granted for the Continental bounty of Two hundred Dollars to each—and 10 Dollars to the Officers for every one reengaged. Where Regiments are incorporated—the Officers of each may inlist for those to which they respectively belong. I should hope by proper pains that Many of the Men whose inlistments are already expired might be engaged on the same terms. The Officers had better go to their several Regiments as they have been arranged & superintend the building of their Huts. This may be done without my publishg an Order—which for reasons I would wish not to do. I am Dr sir with great regd &c.


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

          Head-Quarters Morristown Wednesday Decr 8th 1779.
          Parole Hampden—  C. Signs Hanover Harlem.

        A very correct return, signed by the commanding officers of regiments compared with the Muster-Rolls of their respective regiments to be made immediately to the Adjutant General of the number of non commissioned officers and privates who stand engaged for the war and of those whose terms of service expire at different periods, specifying the month & Year of each class—these to be digested into brigade returns; the Adjutant General will furnish the form of a return and make a general one—The Virginia line, having already made a similar return, is not included.
        That the officers may in turn have the benefit of a short leave of absence during winter quarters, the Major General and Brigadiers or officers commanding brigades will concert a plan in their respective divisions for answering the purpose in the most equal and convenient manner, having regard as much as the nature of the case will admit to the circumstances of individuals, but the privilege is to expire by the 1st of April, at which time the General expects all officers to be present in their corps—He also positively enjoins that no regiment be left without a field officer, nor any company without a commissioned officer—this restriction must not be dispensed with on any account: The orders of the 16th of May 1778, prohibiting the taking of soldiers from the army as servants, is to be strictly observed.
        Such soldiers whose terms of service expire between this and the 1st of March next, on condition of their reinlisting for the war may be immediately furloughed ’till the 1st of April next: The officers will be cautious not to engage any but those whose characters afford good reason to believe they will comply with their engagements and return to their corps at the expiration of

their furloughs, that the bounties given them may not be a fruitless expence to the public.
        The General recalls the particular attention of the officers to the order of the 23rd of September 1778—founded on the resolution of Congress of the 11th therein cited and requires the most punctual & immediate compliance with it, for which there is at this time a peculiar necessity—It is also earnestly recommended to those officers who are intitled to keep horses (where the duties of their office will possibly permit) to send them or part of them to a distance from the Army; by doing this they will greatly promote the service and they may either deliver their horses to the Commissary of Forage to be subsisted from the public magazines or they may send them to such places as they think proper and will be repaid the reasonable expence of their subsistence.
        Doctor Latimore being appointed a senior surgeon in the Flying-Hospital is to be respected as such.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 8 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters Morris town 8th Decemr 1779.

        Our prospects, with regard to Grain Forage, are so very alarming, that I think it incumbent upon me to transmit the substance of the Reports of your different deputies to Congress—You will therefore be pleased to furnish me with such Extracts from the inclosed, as relate directly to the scarcity of Forage and the means which seem principally to occasion the want—I shall issue a general order this day directing all superfluous Horses to

be sent from Camp upon the terms mentioned in your letter to Genl Greene. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters Morris town 8th Decemr 1779.

        I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 23d ulto. It gives me great pleasure to find your intention of laying the state of the troops of your line before your Assembly at as early a period as possible. I have directed the Returns which you call for to be made out, and I hope they will be transmitted in time to meet the Assembly at the opening of the Session. I had, previous to the receipt of your Excellency’s letter, furnished Congress with a very exact Return of the state of the Army, specifying the different terms of service, and earnestly requested them to call upon the different legislatures to make up the deficiencies which would soon follow by the expiration of the former inlistments.
        With respect to the expediency of immediately filling the Vacancies which have happened in the Connecticut line, and which your Excellency has been pleased to refer to my

consideration, I am clearly of opinion, that justice to the Officers in succession, and good policy require the measure. Making promotions is very different from introducing new Officers. The approbation of the particular Gentlemen named by you, does not in anywise lay with me, I can only hope that they are intitled by the course of succession, as established by the regulations of the Army, to the Vacancies to which they are nominated. The recommendation is to be transmitted directly by the State, and not thro’ me, to the Board of War, who will issue the Commissions in consequence.
        You will be pleased to be particular in ascertaining the dates at which the Vacancies happened, and naming the Officers who occasioned them. I am with the highest Respect and Regard Yr Excellency’s Most obt Sert

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 8 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

          Dr Sir
          Morris Town Decr the 8th 1779 ¼ after 11 OClock A.M.

        I have this minute been honoured with a Letter from Congress of the 4th Instant, directing the Troops of the Virginia line to be put in motion immediately. You will put every thing in train and march the whole, with their Tents & baggage as soon as possible to philadelphia, where you will receive farther Orders from Congress. You will apply to the Quarter Master General and take his direction as to the route—and request him to furnish every thing that will be necessary to expedite your march. The Officers & Men of the line with the light Infantry—I shall order to proceed to philadelphia and join their respective Regiments. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt St

          Go: Washington


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

          Head-Quarters Morristown thursday Decr 9th 1779.
          Parole Louisana—  C. Signs Lapland. Milford—

        The Main Guard to be relieved from General St Clairs division tomorrow morning—the men to be furnished with three days provision.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 9 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord
          Morris Town Decr 9th 1779

        From the unlucky failure of the expedition against Savannah and the apprehension of the Enemy’s pushing their operations in the southern Quarter—Congress have been pleased to direct, by an Act of the 4th Inst. received yesterday, the whole of the Virginia Troops to be immediately put in motion, with a view of sending them to the Southward. I have accordingly given orders for their march to philadelphia as soon as possible, where Congress will direct their farther movements. If circumstances would have permitted, I should have written to Your Lordship—sooner upon the subject—and if I had not found that you could not proceed with the Troops, from the circumstance of General Lincoln having been detached to the Southern command. I shall with great pleasure, in the arrangement of our force which this detachment of the Virginians will occasion, provide a command for Your Lordship⟨.⟩ The object of their going is not yet announced to any but Genl Woodford. and I would wish you to consider what I have said with respect to it, as a matter merely for your private satisfaction. I am just setting out to visit the Troops with General Maxwell and those with General Wayne—and have only time to add—that I am as usual, with very sincere esteem & regard Your Lordships Most Obedt st

          G.W.

          P.S. I thank you for the paper transmitted by Majr Barber. It is surprising the Enemy have such intelligen⟨ce⟩ with respect to our movements.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 December 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Light Infantry Camp Second River [N.J.]9th Decr 1779
          Dear General

        In Obedience to your’s of yesterday Colo. Febeger with the Virginia Light Infantry will March tomorrow morning at 8 OClock, but for want of shoes must carry a great many of his People in Waggons.
        there are a Considerable Number of our men totally barefoot, & many more will soon be in the same predicament, unless the Line sends a speedy Supply of this Necessary article, It’s true that some of the Regiments & Brigades have forwarded a partial supply of Clothing, but have totally omitted the Shoe’s perhaps they have drawn none or mean to preserve them until their people join the Line, they likewise refuse to supply men in place of those whose times are expired, on the presumption of a speedy Dissolution of this Corps, which Idea has also prevented me from being more pressing on the Occation.
        Inclosed are a few late New York papers together with some Intelligence from a person who I sent in there a few days since—& who I expect will watch the motions of the Enemy & give the earliest Notice of any Movement. I have the honor to be with true Esteem your Excellency’s most Obt & very Hume Sert

          Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 9 December 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Light Infantry Camp Second River [N.J.]9th Decr 1779 5. OClock P.M.
          Dear General

        I have this moment recd the Inclosed—it has been unaccountably delayed—but so nearly Corroborates that which I sent you this morning, that I thought it my duty to Communicate it.
        I shall send a trusty Person to New York in the Morning & expect the earliest Intelligence of any movement of the Enemy—which shall be Immediately forwarded to your Excellency. Interim I am yours Most Sincerely

          Anty Wayne


Title: General Orders, 10 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown friday Decr 10th [1779]
          Parole Rehoboth—  C. Signs Rockaway—Rome.

        A Serjeant Corporal & 10 men from Genl St Clairs division to mount on the Qr Mr General’s store at Suckesunna to be reliev’d weekly.
        A man from each brigade, who is acquainted with burning coal to be sent to Colonel Baldwin’s quarters tomorrow morning: this number to be kept up during the winter.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 10 December 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          War Office [Philadelphia] Decr 10. 1779.

        The Committee of Congress appointed for the purpose having met the board this morning, after a full consideration of the subject, the following route was agreed on for the march of the Virginia troops to South Carolina; viz. Those troops to embark at Trenton with their baggage & proceed to Christeen, & cross to the Head of Elk; there to embark again & proceed down the bay to Williamsburg, where they might remain in barracks: The waggons being empty to proceed by land to Petersburg, to which

place the troops should proceed from Wmsburg in time to meet them: The artillery & amunition to go with the troops—the amunition waggons by land with the others.
        It has been farther agreed, that on account of the great length of the march it will be useless to send any of the Virginia troops whose times of service will expire by the middle of March next, & to request your Excellency to retain all such at Camp.
        We suppose there are few or no hired waggons attached to brigades. If there are, it should seem necessary in the present case to exchange them for continental waggons. We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servants.

          By order of the BoardTim. Pickering