Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 27 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                            My Dear Sir,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor February 27. 81

                        Since mine to you of the 2d instant I have duly received your several letters public and private of the 11th
                            13th 24th and 24th of January. The President of Congress, and Baron De Steuben have just transmitted
                            me copies of your letters to them of subsequent date.
                        I wish I had it in my power to congratulate you on the brilliant and important success of General Morgan,
                            without the alloy, which the distresses of the department, you command, and the posterior events intermix. Amidst the
                            complicated dangers with which you are surrounded—a confidence in your abilities is my only consolation. I am convinced
                            you will do every thing that is practicable. I lament that you will find it so difficult to avoid a general action, for
                            our misfortunes can only be complete in the dispersion of your little army—which will be the most probable consequence of
                            such an event.
                        I am happy to inform you that Congress have ordered the Pensylvania line to the Southward. Its temporary
                            dissolution as well as its distance from you, will prevent its affording you immediate succour; but you may depend I shall
                            do every thing to accelerate its movements.
                        You will have been informed that the British fleet on this Coast have lately suffered in a storm. The amount
                            of the damage sustained by it consist in the total loss of one ship of the line, stranded on Long-Island, and another
                            dismasted, which has since remasted; but it is doubtful whether she is yet fit for service, as she is supposed to have
                            suffered in her hull. There was a third ship which was said to have been seen dismasted, before she put to sea, and from
                            the length of her absence was hoped to be lost. But she has since returned uninjured.
                        On the idea of a superiority on the side of our allies, I marched a detachment from here under the Marquis De
                            la Fayette and made a proposal for a cooperation in Chesapeak Bay against Arnold, with the whole of the French fleet and a
                            part of their land force. Before my proposition arrived, The Chevalier Des touches had sent a sixty four and two or three
                            frigates to Chesapeak and had lost his superiority by the return of the missing ship. This has prevented the execution of
                            my project; but the Marquis still continues his march to make the best of circumstances. The last intelligence from you is
                            an additional motive to his going forward, as his movements into Virginia, though but temporary, will have some influence
                            in your favour. You will easily imagine the situation in which I am left after this detachment. We are told that the
                            Eastern states are making great exertions to complete their batalions; but hitherto no recruits have arrived.
                        I have directed General St Clair to forward to the Head of Elk with the Marquis all the troops of his line,
                            that can be assembled. I am in hopes they will be able to descend Chesapeak bay, under protection of the French ships
                            which will greatly advance their junction with you.
                        Congress will have transmitted you their resolutions for assisting your department. The Chevalier Des touches
                            informs me that he has sent round in his ships a quantity of arms and cloathing, which had arrived at Providence for the
                            State of Virginia.
                        The Baron De Steuben informs me regularly of all his operations. The enemy’s incursion into Virginia has
                            diverted the succours of that state; but I have not failed to inculcate upon it how essential it was to bend its attention
                            towards your relief, at the expence of temporary inconveniences to itself.
                        Several late arrivals from the West Indies give us room to hope that D’Estaing fell in with Admiral Hood in
                            his way to the Islands and captured some vessels of the line and a number of transports with troops. We have many rumours
                            of a second division, but nothing certain. God send a speedy confirmation of both! I am with the truest esteem and
                            personal regard Dr Sir Your most Obedient servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I have proposed to Congress the recruiting mounting and equipping Moylans regiment to be sent to
                                you. At present it would be of no use to you.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 27 February 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point Feb. 27 1781

                        The enclosed came to hand the last night—it is without date, but I apprehend was written yesterday morning. I
                            expect Major Maxwell up to day.
                        Many of the arms and accoutrements turned into the store by the discharged soldiers want repair, especially
                            the latter. I am inform’d it has been the practice to send them to Albany; but this is attended with much trouble, and
                            considerable expence. Would it not be much better to have them repaired here?
                        Unless a supply of writing paper can be obtained, business must stop. The officers have been obliged to cut
                            up nearly all the company—books—And for myself, I must cease writing, to morrow or next day. I would not represent this to
                            your Excellency, were it not that it has been represented everywhere else, and the answers afford no prospect of relief. I
                            have the honor to be, With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                                Dear General,

                                    26 February 1781

                            I have this moment received advice which I beleive may be depended on, that Genl Arnold is fairly
                                surrounded in Virginia, & has sent to New York for a Regiment which is now embarking. I am, Sir, with the
                                greatest respect Yr most obed. Serv.

                                Hugh Maxwell
                                Majr 2 M. Regt


Title: From George Washington to Richard Humpton, 27 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Humpton, Richard

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 27th February 1781.

                        I have received your favor of the 21st in answer to which I beg leave to inform you that the sentence of the
                            Court Martial upon Mr Dewees has been long since approved by me and published in General orders. I am sr &c.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 27 February 1781
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Dr Sr
                            Phila: 27th Febry 1781

                        I missed the opportunity by the Express of sending you the Letter of the 21st which is now inclosed as it
                            contains a request respecting Dr Lewis and will serve to shew you I meant to pay my Compliments to you as soon as I was
                            certain after my arrival you had declined your visit to R. Island. Ld Cornwallis has put every thing to the hazard and if
                            the people of Virga and North Carolina have not the Spirit to turn out and support Genl Greene under the present fair
                            prospect of totally ruining his Ld Ships Army they deserve not the blessings we are contending for. Genl Greenes Conduct
                            has been judicious indeed from the wise measures concerted by him for the arrangement and support of the southern
                            department and wch was communicated by him to the assembly while I was at Richmond, I entertained very favourable
                            sentiments of that Gentlemans fitness for the Command of the southern Army and his behavior since has manifested he is
                            equal to the appointment—If he is properly supported he will give a good account of Cornwallis. I was concerned when I
                            came to Congress to hear so small a favor was refused Genl Greene then going to his new Command as that of granting his
                            request respecting Dr McHenry—from my conversation with Gentlemen on the subject many think the Genl shod have been
                            indulged and if it can be done the question will probably be revived This however the Dr shod not be
                            acquainted with least the attempt shod be unsuccessfull. Thursday next is appointed for the Maryland Delegates to
                            subscribe the Articles of Confederation, an event that cannot fail to produce happy consequences both at Home and
                            abroad—the articles it is certain are defective and amendments and additional powers are necessary and these will and must
                            be speedily proposed to the States for their concurrence and no time perhaps more convenient for their meeting the
                            attention and approbation of the States than the present when they are generally convinced of the want of full powers and
                            are disposed to grant them. Any defects that have occurred to you and no doubt many have from your situation and long
                            service you will oblige me in pointing out when you have leisure to write a few lines on the subject—It is of importance
                            to make the articles of our Union as compleat as may be and adequate to the great objects of the Confederacy or we shall
                            suffer from internal divisions & foreign machinations. I am happy to find a strong reinforcement is going South,
                            if Arnold does not escape before their arrival that abandoned Man will probably meet the fate he deserves. The British
                            affairs to the Southward are now in a critical situation and if we improve the advantages the conjunction opens to us all
                            will soon be restored there to the power of the States Charles Town excepted and even that if our Ally can succour us by
                            Water I have my hopes may be recovered. These are my conjectures, how practicable or well founded you are the best judge.
                            With great esteem I am D. Sr yr obt hum: Servt

                            Jos: Jones.

                            The officers to the other departmts is not yet chosen.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 27 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 27th February 1781.

                        I have received your favor of the 15th. I am glad to hear of Colonel Laurens’s departure—He wrote to me a few
                            days before he sailed and mentioned in the warmest manner your exertions to get the Ship mann’d—The few Continental
                            soldiers you spared on the occasion were well bestowed considering the importance of Colonel Laurens’s mission.
                        By a Resolve of Congress of the 4th of January, the Board of War seem to have the payment of the Invalids—The
                            Resolve is as follows—"That the Board of War draw no more Warrants on the pay Master except for the Invalid Regiment and
                            the regiment of Artificers in the department of the Commissary General Military Stores, untill the further order of
                            Congress"—From this I should imagine the Commanding Officer at Boston should regularly transmit his Muster Rolls and
                            Abstracts to the Board and obtain a Warrant.
                        The late Lt Colonel Lorings case is referred to me by Congress, and I shall take it into consideration.
                        Our last advices from Genl Greene are of the 31st January—Lord Cornwallis, with 2500 men intirely divested of
                            Baggage, had made a push against Genl Morgan, and was near recovering the prisoners taken upon the 17th January, but Genl
                            Morgan got them off and they had crossed the Yadkin on their way to Virginia. Lord Cornwallis was still advancing—and
                            General Greene studiously avoiding an engagement, except he could draw together a greater force of Militia, than he had
                            much prospect of. I am very anxious for the issue of this Manauvre, which may be productive of the most important
                            consequences.
                        Lt Colonel Lee with his Legion, had surprized Georgetown. I have not many particulars—He took Lt Colo.
                            Campbell and several other Officers prisoners—and killed a Major Irvine—a good many privates were killed, few taken. Our
                            loss one killed and two wounded.
                        I have tried the efficacy of Proclamations of Pardon to deserters so often, and have found so little good
                            result from them, that I am inclined to think desertion is rather encouraged than remedied by a frequent repetition of
                            them. The soldier goes off or remains at home after a furlough, and looks for a proclamation as a thing of course. I am
                            with the highest Regard Dear Sir Your Most Obedient servant.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 27 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 27. Feby 1781.

                        I have recd your favr of the 24. Inclosed is a Copy of my letter of the 22d by Capt. Walker. Should you not
                            have seen him, you will be pleased to proceed after him, that no time may be lost in the investigation of the important
                            matter he will communicate to you, and in which I hope you may have the fullest success. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 27 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor 27th Feb. 1781

                        I thank you for the immediate communication contained in your letter of the 24th of the agreeable
                            intelligence of the success of the naval detachment in Chesapeak bay—& I am happy to find at the same time that Mr
                            Destouchés was preparing a second detachment for an ulterior cooperation. I have renewed my orders to the Marquis De la
                            Fayette who commands the Corps sent from hence to push forward his March to the head of Elk.
                        In my last to you of the 26th I mentioned that I had reason to believe Cornwallis was advancing vigorously on
                            his side. Advices from General Greene have since come to hand confirming this supposition. After the defeat of Tarleton,
                            he divested himself of all his Baggage and made a rapid March upon Morgan, but he was disappointed in this object for
                            Morgan retired in time with all his Prisoners who were on their way to Virginia. He afterwards crossed the Catawba river
                            and was penetrating the Country. It was the interest of General Greene to avoid a general action, but he was apprehensive
                            it would not be in his power without sacrificing all his baggage & Stores which would be an irreparable loss.
                        Lord Cornwallis had with him between two and three thousd regular Troops. General Greene was inferior in
                            number and greatly so in force—the principal part of his little army being Militia and the whole ill provided with every
                            thing.
                        The Corps that has ascended Cape Fear River is estimated at four or five hundred Men and supposed by General
                            Greene, to be a detachment from Charles Town.
                        The Militia of North Carolina have been exceedingly harrassed, which added to their being ill armed will make
                            their opposition less vigorous than might be expected from the Spirit they have shewn.
                        Since the defeat of Tarleton there have been several little successes on our part in which Prisoners have
                            been made—the most considerable of which is the surprize of George Town by Major Lee, in which he put the greater part to
                            the Sword, took the Commandant a Lieutt Colo. and other Prisoners. The cruelties of the enemy, seem in several late
                            instances to have excited a spirit of retaliation.
                        The idea of holding your Fleet & Army in readiness gives me pleasure, as besides imposing on the
                            enemy in Gardners bay these demonstrations may be thought to have something more in view and may serve as a diversion in
                            favor of the Southern States.
                        I rely on being honored with the earliest notice of your subsequent dispositions as mine must corrispend.
                        Your Excellency may be assured that as soon as the circumstances mentioned in my last are effected, I will
                            certainly have the pleasure of paying a visit to you and to the Army. I am convinced with you that it is essential we
                            should have a further conference, and that as soon as possible.—with great esteem and personal attachment. I have the honor
                            to be Yr Excellys Most Obedt & Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. By advices from New York I am informed that a detachment of five or 600 men was preparing for
                                embarkation—designed, it was said, to reinforce Arnold—That the Iris & some other Vessel was to Convoy it—and
                                that two or three Expresses had been sent from New York to Gardners bay upon receiving the Acct of the French Squadron
                                appearing in Chesapeak bay.

                            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Sharpe, 27 February 1781
From: Sharpe, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia Feby 27th 1781

                        Your thanks to me expressed in a letter which was read in Congress yesterday, for a few notes on the
                            geography of the back parts of South and North Carolina was very flattering.
                        For your farther information I shall now take the liberty to add, That after Lord Cornwallis had destroy’d
                            his waggons and heavy baggage near the crossroads at the head of fishing creek he advanced in a north west direction,
                            passed the So. fork of Catawba river and Cowens ford on the main branch about twenty miles north west of Charlotte, where
                            Davidson unfortunately fell opposing him. Mrs Terrences is about eight miles from that ford, on the road leading to
                            Salisbury which is twenty eight miles from Terrences Trading ford on the Yadkin is seven miles from Salisbury The Shallow
                            ford is thirty miles above, and fifteen miles from Salem, the lower Moravian town. Guilford Court house is near a place
                            called New Garden on Hutchisons map and twenty six miles from Salem. Boyds ferry on Dan is not many miles above the
                            confluence of that with Stanton river and about sixty miles from Guilford Ct House.
                        I suppose Lord Cornwallis’s first object was to rescue the prisoners and break up Morgans corps, in which he
                            failed. The second was to disperse Genl Greenes army, but when his Lordship observes that Genl Greene has very judiciously
                            retreated to Stanton, I am inclined to think he will file off to the right and endeavour to make his retreat to Wilmington
                            on Cape Fear river, which he may do without much opposition as the inhabitants on the greater part of that river are
                            disposed, at least, to neutrality. In such case Genl Greenes army would not be in condition to pursue him with facility.
                            If on the other hand he continues his pursuit of Genl Greene into the borders of Virginia, and the militia fails to
                            improve the advantages they may gain by concurring with Genl Greene, they will loose those laurels which they have obtained
                            by their former exertions.
                        You Sir, know very well that when the enemy are advancing so rapidly, militia are not generally disposed to
                            join a retreating army, and that country being very extensive and thinly settled it is therefore several days before any
                            considerable force can be collected to a point, but if his Lordship can be diverted five or six days in any one place in
                            that back country I hope he will catch a Tartar.
                        Your Excellency may apprehend that the Militia in the vicinity of Salisbury and Charlotte, who have
                            heretofore distinguished themselves by their firmniss, will fly to arms and press on the enemys rear, but you may rely
                            upon it, that the fall of Genl Davidson has left that people without an head in whom they have confidence as an officer.
                            From my particular knowledge of that part of the country I can venture to say that in the fall of that officer we have
                            lost more than 500 men in the common defence.
                        Davidson was a native of Rowan County of which Salisbury is the seat, he was Lieut. Colo. in the first N.
                            Carolina Regt under Col. Clarke, obtained leave of absence from Genl Hogan in Decr 1779 to visit his family and to join
                            his regt in Charles Town the first of May, but was prevented by the blockade of the Town. On the capture of Genl
                            Rutherford at Genl Gatess defeat he was appointed by our legislature to command the militia of that district in
                            Rutherford’s absence.
                        I think I may venture to congratulate your Excellency on the news from the West Indias.
                        Excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing you without any introduction, and be assured that the State
                            which I have the honor to represent has the same esteem for and entire confidence in you, that is impressed on the heart
                            of him, who has the honor to be Sir Your Most Obt Humble Servt

                            W. Sharpe


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 27 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Feby 27. 81

                        I received last evening your favour of the 12th instant inclosing copy of one from General Greene. I am much
                            obliged to you for transmitting it. As you conjectured, he did not write to me by the same opportunity.
                        Though the return of the enemy’s missing ship has made our allies lose their superiority; which will be
                            unfavourable to my plan of cooperation in Chesapeak bay; yet the Marquis will still prosecute his march to make the best
                            of circumstances. He will inform you from time to time of his progress.
                        I hope immediate measures will have been taken to secure the arms and Clothing which went round in the French
                            ships—and that they will enable you to contribute to the succour of General Greene. His situation is truly critical and
                            demands every effort.
                        Congress have ordered the Pensylvania line to the Southward; its present dissolution and its distance will
                            make it a remote succour; but I shall do every thing that depends on me to accelerate its motion. I have written to
                            General S Clair to send as many men as he can collect with the Marquis to endeavour to descend the Chesapeak under
                            protection of the French ships. This if executed will contribute much to despatch.
                        I perceive The Governor has called together the legislature of the state. I hope the pressing danger will
                            enforce the arguments which policy and experience have so long urged for the most decisive measures to raise a permanent
                            force and provide supplies. I am with great regard Sir Yr most Obedient and Most humble servant


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 27 February 1781
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Philad. 27th Feby 1781

                        I was honored with your favor of the 2nd Instant and experience much happiness in your
                            Approbation of my Conduct during the unfortunate Desertion of the Pennsa line but as I am informed that the tounge of
                            slander (among some Individuals in the State of N. Jersey) has not been Idle on this Occation I hold it my duty to mention
                            that as far as Orders & example had Influence the persons & property of the Inhabitants were protected
                            & the strictest discipline Observed—Inclosed is a Copy of one of the last Orders Issued for this purpose, which
                            was faithfully Observed in every minutia on the part of the Officers, even at 9 OClock the night of the Revolt at which
                            hour every thing appeared favourable, and all the Soldiers either in their Hutts or properly Accounted for—Indeed one of
                            their Complaints was, that they had experienced more restraint & stricter duty than Usual in Winter—however I
                            would much rather be accused of that than a relaxation of Discipline—or inattention—to the rights of the Citizens, nor was
                            any or all means left unattempted to quiet the minds of the troops which your Excelly will see by the Inclosed copy
                            of our Orders of the Ultimo.
                        It is with pleasure I again Assure you that I am very much Indebted to every Officer for their attention to
                            duty & Spirited exertions on this Occation & in particular to Colo. Stewart & Butler who as
                            Commanding Officers of Brigades cheerfully risqued their lives & participated in every vicisitude of fortune with
                            me.
                        I now Inclose your Excellency a Copy of the General Officers answer to the Queries of the Honble House of
                            Assembly, & their proceedings thereon, which I hope will be productive of very salutary effects. I have the Honor
                            to be with Singular Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obt & very Hume Sert

                            Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 28 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters N. Windsor 28th Feby 1781.

                        I observe by the last returns of Ordnance Stores from Fort Schuyler that 54 lb. of Powder had been expended
                            in firing morning and evening Guns and salutes by order of Lt Colo. Weissenfells—I do not know whether this practice is
                            continued by Colo. Cortland, but you will be pleased, the first time you have occasion to write to him, to desire him, if
                            it is, to lay it aside as not only useless but as wasteful of an Article of which we have none to spare— especially at a
                            post remote from succour. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 28 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

                            Dear Custis
                            New Windsor Feby 28th 1781

                        If you will accept a hasty letter in return for yours of last month I will devote a few moments for this
                            purpose, and confine myself to an interesting point, or two.
                        I do not suppose that so young a Senator—as you are—little versed in political disquisition can yet have much
                            influence in a populous assembly; composed of Gentn of various talents and of different views—But it is in your power to
                            be punctual in your attendance (and duty to the trust reposed in you exacts it of you)—to hear dispassionately—and
                            determine cooly all great questions.
                        To be disgusted at the decision of questions because they are not consonant to our own ideas—and to withdraw
                            ourselves from public assemblies—or to neglect our attendance at them upon suspicion that there is a party formed who are
                            enimical to our Cause, & to the true interest of our Country, is wrong because these things may originate in a
                            difference of opinion; but supposing the fact is otherwise & that our suspicions are well founded it is the
                            indispensable duty of every patriot to counteract them by the most steady & uniform opposition. This advice is the
                            result of information, that you & others being dissatisfied at the proceedings of the Virginia Assembly and
                            thinking your attendance of little avail (as their is always a majority for measures which you & a minority
                            conceive to be repugnant to the interest of your Country) are indifferent about the Assembly.
                        The next & I believe the last thing I shall have time to touch upon is our Military establishment.
                            and here if I thought my conviction of having a permanent force had not—ere this—flashed upon every mans Mind I could
                            write a volume in support of the utility of it; for no day, nor hour arrives unaccompd with news of some loss—some
                            expence—or some misfortune consequent of the want of it. No operation of War offensive or defensive can be carried on, for
                            any length of time without it—No funds are adequate to the supplies of a fluctuating army—tho’ it may go under the
                            denomination of a regular one—much less are they competent to the support of Militia—In a word, for it is, unnecessary to
                            go into all the reasons the subject will admit of, we have brought a cause which might have been happily terminated years
                            ago by the adoption of proper measures to the verge of Ruin by temporary enlistments & a reliance on Militia—The
                            sums expended in bounties—waste of Arms—consumption of Military Stores—Provisions—Camp Utensils &ca—to say nothing
                            of Cloathing which temporary Soldiers are always receiving, & always in want of—are too great for the resources of
                            any nation; & prove the fallacy & danger of temporary expedients which are no more than Mushrooms and of
                            as short duration, but leave a sting (that is a debt which is continually revolving upon us) behind them.
                        It must be a settled plan, founded in system, order & œconomy that is to carry us triumphantly
                            through the War. Supiness, & indifference to the distresses & cries of a sister State when danger is far
                            of—and a general but momentary resort to Arms when it comes to our doors, are equally impolitic & dangerous, and
                            prove the necessity of a controuling power in Congress to regulate and direct all matters of general concern—without it the great business of War never can be conducted at all—While the powers of congress are
                            only recommendatory—while one State yields obedience, & another refuses it—while a third mutilates &
                            adopts the measure in part only—& all vary in time & manner it is scarcely possible our Affairs should
                            prosper, or that anything but disappointmt can follow the best concerted plan—the willing States are almost ruined by
                            their exertions—distrust & jealousy succeeds to it—hence proceed neglects & ill-timed compliances (one
                            State waiting to see what another will do)—this thwarts all our measures after a heavy tho’ ineffectual expence is
                            incurred.
                        Does not these things shew then in the most striking point of view the indispensable necessity—the great and
                            good policy, of each State’s sending its ablest & best men to Congress? Men who have a perfect understanding of the
                            constitution of their Country—of its policy & Interests—And of vesting that body with competent powers. Our
                            Independance depends upon it—our respectability & consequence in Europe depends upon it—our greatness as a Nation,
                            hereafter, depends upon it. the fear of giving sufficient powers to Congress for the purposes I have mentioned is futile,
                            without it, our Independence fails, & each Assembly under its present Constitution will be annihilated and we must
                            once more return to the Government of G: Britain—& be made to Kiss the rod preparing for our correction—a nominal
                            head, which at present is but another name for Congress, will no longer do—That honble body, after hearing the interests
                            & views of the several States fairly discussed & explained by their respective representatives, must dictate,
                            not merely recommend, and leave it to the States afterwards to do as they please—which, as I have observed before, is in
                            many cases, to do nothing at all.
                        When I began this letter I did not expect to have filled more than one side of the sheet but I have run on
                            insensibly—If you are at home, give my love to Nelly and the Children. if at Richmond present my complimts to any
                            enquiring friends. Sincerely & Affectly I am Y

                            Go: W——n

                            P.S. The Public Gazettes will give you all the news and occurrances of this Quarter—our eyes are
                                anxiously turned towards the South for events.


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 28 February 1781
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

                            My dear Sir
                            Jamaica Plain Feby 28-1 March 1781.

                        The multiplicity of business upon your hands will apologize sufficiently for your not answering my last wrote
                            when the campaign was going on; nor is it strange, that after a while you should forget it: but wishing to hear from your
                            Excellency before your attention becomes wholly engrossed by more important matters, I now send you my hearty
                            congratulations, upon the several appearances of Heaven in our favour, & upon the more promising aspect of public
                            affairs than hath before offerd for sometime past. The treachery by which the enemy meant to carry their points was
                            mercifully discovered in season, like what had happened at New York; & was an additional striking proof that
                            divine Providence watches over us for good. The escape of Arnold may in the issue injure them, far more than the loss of
                            André. Villainy is often punished in this life: but be that as it may, the traitor is always despised at heart, however
                            ceremonial appearances may announce the contrary. The loss of Charlestown & the defeat of Gates, like many other
                            events, were temporary evils, that I apprehend will be of more disservice to Great Britain in the end than to us. The
                            ministry have been encouraged by them to persist, & the cruelties that have been practised by their partizans
                            through the expetation of carrying all before them have roused up a spirit that may prove their ruin. When men’s minds
                            have been broken, before they have commenced hostilities against a tyrranic power, severities may answer, but persons
                            accustomed to liberty will be exasperated thereby, & grow more fierce & terrible in their opposition. May
                            the sufferings of the Carolinians put them upon remembering aright that Negroes are fellow creations, & should be
                            treated as parts of the same human nature, tho of a different colour from them!
                        Morgan’s success will be more important in its distant consequences, than it was on the day of victory. I
                            have a double pleasure in considering the stroke that has been given in the Chesapeak because of its being concerted by
                            your Excellency. The sentiment of the public, including high & low, is so variable, and shifts so with good or bad
                            success that I feel myself peculliarly interested in your plans of operation. Let a commander deserve ever so well, yet if he miscarrys he will suffer in his credit, & the envious will not fail of
                            improving the opportunity given them against him.
                        We are told that the French are going out again, back to Chesapeak. The last I cannot believe: but should
                            rejoice to find that about your Excellency’s direction, they were gone against Penobscot, & had taken the fort
                            & shipping. It would be a most acceptable service to this State. The place might have been
                            taken in the last attempt, had it not been for the pride of some of our Massachusetts gentry, who would
                            not apply in time to Gates for any continental troops, lest they should carry o. Had they
                            consulted the General & sailed with the regiment he afterwards sent them upon application we had
                            suffered neither in property nor character so scandalously as we did.
                        I have read with the greatest satisfaction, that Maryland has acceded to the Confederacy. I felt very uneasy
                            till the Confederation was compleated; as I thought, that, till the event had taken place, Britain would hope that we
                            should never be consolidated. That & the establishment of the Massachusetts government, & the ease with
                            which the new machine works must have great influence on the minds of men of understanding on the other side of the
                            Atlantic. Our State will gather firmness & become more vigorous. We are doing better than formerly, tho not well
                            enough; & I am afraid shall not have half the new levies upon the ground in time. Your Excellency would be likely
                            to hasten the enlistment, could You inform our government that the other States were much more forward than they,
                            & that it would be highly dishonourable to them to lose the character they acquired in
                            the beginning of the contest & be the first in flagging after having acted so nobly.
                        The accounts from the West-Indies are such, that I cannot but hope, that Count e Estaing has fallen in with,
                            & taken a great part of the armament destined for America under Adml Hood. The confirmation will put me upon
                            looking for peace sooner than otherwise. Great Britain will never come to, while she can find men, money, &
                            shipping; a failure in the last will render the others useless. The continuance of the war under our internal
                            difficulties, thro the want of a stable currency & proper funds, has the appearance of a great calamity; but may
                            be mercifully ordered & occasion those regulations, reforms, &c., that might not have been effected
                            without it. The States individually may be so reduced, & jointly may be so melted down together by the continuance
                            of the war, that we may constitute a firmer mass than otherwise, & be in no danger of separating from each other,
                            thro any state attractions & cohesions.
                        The way of Heaven is constantly best. Whatever is, is right; & in a much
                            righter sense that the Poet might mean. Mrs Gordon joins me in sincerest regards to Self & Lady, who we suppose to
                            be still at Head Quarters. Pray my respects to Genl Knox, Genl Hand, and Cols. Harrison & Tilghman. Few, if any
                            are more mindful of your Excellency in their most serious moments, or more hearty in wishing You all suitable support from
                            the several States, & answerable success, than your Excellency’s most humble servant and sincere Friend

                            William Gordon

                            Col. Sears & family are well; & were they acquainted with my writing, I know would
                                desire to be remembered.
                            Mar. 1. When I wrote as above about the French, I was told that they had succeeded
                                fully & were all returned since learn that the 64 gun ship is left in the Chesapeak.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 28 February 1781
From: Harrison, Benjamin, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philad’a Feb’y 28. 1781

                        The Inclosed letters for Mr Carter the unworthy Son of a very worthy Father I must beg in his name and my own
                            may be sent with a flagg to New-York as soon as possible, as he must stand in the greatest need of assistance. He fell
                            into the hands of the Enemy in a stupid drunk in publick, I hope the accident may bring him to his senses, if it doesn’t
                            nothing will—I am extremely glad to hear you are sending us assistance and hope you can with convenience spare it. If the
                            french fleet had come on with about 2500 Men, a very few days would have put the Traytor, his Army and fleet into our
                            hands, as Baron Steuben is on one side of him with at least 3000 Men and those being on the other
                            side he could not have escaped I am Your most affec’t & most obed. Serv’t

                            Benj. Harrison


Title: From George Washington to Samuel John Atlee, 28 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Atlee, Samuel John

                        To Colo. Saml J. Atlee and Captns Danl Topham, Robt Caldwell, Bernard Ward, Matthias Wenderman, John
                            Richardson, Danl Brodhead Junr, John Lawrence, John Morgan and John Helm Supernumerary Officers of
                            Penna Line.Gentlemen,

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Feby 28th 1781.

                        I have received your letter of the 6th Inst. accompanied by one from Col. Atlee of the 10th. I assure you I
                            feel the force of your observations so far as they apply to the general principle of a hardship on the discrimination
                            between the officers reduced by the former and those reduced by the latter arrangement. This difference is certainly
                            unfortunate, for all on whom it fell; but I do not think it could with propriety by rectified in your case without being
                            extended to the whole of the supernumeraries.
                        In the vicissitudes of public affairs it often happens that classes of men of equal merit are unequally
                            compensated by their country, and sometimes attempt to remedy the evil after it has happened may have worse
                            consequences than the evil itself. I do not say this is the case in the present instance, but there is a delicacy in the
                            matter that makes me wish not to interfere in it.
                        The terms in which you express your sentiments of mine, assure me that you will justly
                            interpret the motives which induce me to decline seconding your application to the Assembly persuaded that nothing would
                            give me greater pleasure than to promote as far as I could do it with propriety every measure calculated to produce an
                            equal and generous compensation to men who deserve so much the equity and generosity of their country. I beg you to
                            believe Gentlemen that I am with sentiments of the warmest esteem, &c.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Willard, 28 February 1781
From: Willard, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Beverly Febry 28. 1781.

                        By the direction of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, I have the honor of acquainting your
                            Excellency, that Janry 31, 1781, you were elected a member of that literary Body. Your Excellency’s name—a name revered and
                            celebrated, not only in your native land, but through Europe, the Academy considers as giving an additional lusture to
                            this Institution. We doubt, not your Excellency will have a favorable regard to this Society, which is formed upon an
                            extensive and liberal plan; and is designed to promote every species of knowlege, which is of public utility. I hope the
                            ends of the foundation will ever be properly pursued; and that while your Excellency’s arms, by the smiles of a kind
                            providence, are crowned with signal success, and made effectual for supporting the independence of the United States of
                            America, this Academy, together with the philosophical Society in Philadelphia, will be instrumental of promoting and
                            diffusing that knowlege, which is necessary to the maintenance of true liberty, and is for the happiness of a free people.
                            I am, Sir, with the highest respect & esteem, your Excellency’s most humble and most obedient servt

                            Joseph Willard


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

                     Head Quarters New Windsor Thursday March 1st 1781Parole
                     Countersigns

                  The General directs that as the Recruits arrive to the Several regiments the officers will exert themselves to have them instructed and formed to their duty with all possible diligence.


Title: To George Washington from Pierre-François Barbé-Marbois, 1 March 1781
From: Barbé-Marbois, Pierre-François
To: Washington, George

                     Monsieur,
                     a Philadelphie le l. mars 1781

                  J’ai reçu une Lettre des parents de M. de la Radiere que la mort de cet officier a sensiblement affligés.  Ils desirent que votre Excellence veuille bien m’exprimer dans une Lettre particuliere ou de toute autre maniere son opinion, touchant ses Services et son Zele: je sais combien un pareil temoignage peut être pretieux à sa famille, et qu’après avoir perdu M. de la Radiere, Si quelque chose peut affoiblir les regrets qu’elle ressent de cette perte, c’est de savoir qu’il avoit merité votre estime.  Je saisis avec empressement, Monsieur, cette occasion de me rapeller à votre souvenir et de vous assurer du profond respect avec lequel je suis De votre Excellence Le très humble et très obéissant serviteur

                     Demarbois


Title: To George Washington from Armand-Charles-Augustin de La Croix, duc de Castries, 1 March 1781
From: Castries, Armand-Charles-Augustin de La Croix, duc de
To: Washington, George

                     Mon general
                     a Philadelphie ce 1er Mars 1781

                  Je n’ai point voulu partir pour suivre Mr de la fayette dans l’Expedition, que votre excellence a projette contre le gal arnold sans obtenir d’elle la permission d’etre temoin des succes que son courage, et son zele peut nous donner lieu d’Esperer.
                  Mon attachement pour la cause commune, et l’amitiée, que Mr de la fayette veut bien avoir pour moi m’engagent à lui demander de servir comme simple volontaire dans le detachement que vous lui avez confié.  J’ecris à ce sujet à Mr le comte de rochambeau et j’ose me flatter qu’il ne desapprouvera pas mes demarches; je me regarderois comme très heureux si elles pouvoient avoir l’approbation de Votre Excellence.  honorez moi du titre de soldat de votre armée, et permettez moi de vous assurer de mon attachement et du profond respect avec lequel je suis De votre Excellence Le très humble et très obeissant Serviteur

                     Castries de Charlus


Title: From George Washington to Philemon Dickinson, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dickinson, Philemon

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters, New Windsor 1st March 1781

                  Having been under the necessity of making a very considerable temporary detachment from the Army in this Vicinity and from the Jersey line, I think it not improbable that the Enemy may endeavor to take advantage of our weakness and enterprise some thing against the Highland posts or make an incursion into Jersey—I have given notice to the Militia of the neighbouring Counties of this State to hold themselves in perfect readiness, and I think it expedient that those of Jersey should be put under similar orders—You were pleased to inform me in yours of the 29th January that this power is vested in you during the recess of the Legislature—You will therefore oblige me by issuing your orders generally for this purpose and directing the Beacons and other signals of Alarm to be put in a state of making immediate communication to the Country of an incursion of the Enemy.  I think it will be necessary (if you are not already there) that you should be in Jersey yourself, untill we see whether the enemy make any demonstrations of an offensive movement.
                  I shall set out for Rhode Island to morrow.  You will therefore direct any letters of intelligence to Majr Genl Heath at West point in my absence.  I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

                     Dr Sir,
                     New Windsor March 1st 81

                  Some unexpected events have determined me suddenly to set out for Rhode Island.  I depart tomorrow—and dispatch you this to request you will join me there as soon as possible.  Your information and advice will be very important to our plans.  My stay at Rhode Island will be very short.
                  Accept the assurances of the esteem & regard with which I am Dr Sir Yr most Obed. Serv.


Title: To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 1 March 1781
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

                     Fishkill 1st March 1781

                  His Excellency George Washington, Eiqr General and Commander in Chief of the United Armies in Support of American Liberty, &c., &c., &c.The Memorial of Colonel Moses Hazen Humbly sheweth,
                  That your Memorialist is an American born, and a Native of Massachusetts Bay: That he entered into a Military Line at an early Period of his Life, at the Commencement of the last War, in which he served with a Degree of Reputation and not a Dishonour to his Country:  That at the Close of the War he was reduced to Half Pay; married in Canada, and purchased a valuable Estate in that Country, which during the Blessings of Peace he set down to improve, and then enjoyed several lucrative and honorary Civil Offices.
                  That on Genl Montgomery’s Army approaching St John’s, your Memorialist was seized by Order of Government, and thrown into a close Prison, deprived of Pen, Ink and Paper, Fire or Candles, or the Privilege of seeing his most intimate Friends and dearest Connections: In which Situation he remained Fifty-four Days, during which Time the opposite Party commanded by Genl Montgomery plundered his moveable and greatly ravaged and destroyed his real Estate.
                  That in January 1776 your Excellency’s Memorialist was by order of the late Brigadier-General Wooster sent in Company with the Lieut. Col. Antill from Montreal to Congress as a proper Person to give the necessary Information of that Country.
                  That on the 20th of January 1776 the Honourable Continental Congress resolved to raise a Regiment of One Thousand Canadians, consisting of four Battalions, to serve in that Country for One Year or During the War; and that on the 22nd of the same Month your Excellency’s Memorialist was appointed Colonel Commandant of the Regiment; unsolicited, it was with some reluctance he accepted of the Commission which Congress had honoured him with; and then proceeded with the small Sum of One Thousand Pounds Pennsylvania Currency only to raise a Thousand Men, not however without a Promise of an ample Supply of Hard Cash to be sent on to pay the Bounties and all other contingent Accounts.
                  That Four Hundred and Seventy-seven Men were soon raised, armed, accoutred, clothed and carried into the Field, chiefly at the Expense of your Memorialist, which together with other Disbursement amounting to something better than Ten Thousand hard Dollars, as will appear by a Settlement of Part of his Public Accounts on the 30th of July 1777, which Congress in the Month of August following resolved to repay in Specie with Interest, and which your Memorialist has not ever received a Farthing of Principle or Interest.
                  That the Want of a proper supply of hard Cash in Canada prevented the Completion of the Regiment at that Time and Place; and that the Monies advanced on good Faith in that Country for the Service of the Public has since subjected your Memorialist to many Inconveniences and real Distresses, and which may for aught he knows terminate in the Loss of a Part of his Property in Canada.
                  That on the Retreat of the Continental Army from Canada on the 17th of June 1776 your Memorialist was under the Necessity of taking leave of a valuable growing Real Estate, the annual Revenue of which would exceed Five Hundred Pounds Sterling, and then had the melancholy Aspect to see all his Buildings in Flames, which had cost him near Five Thousand Pounds the same Money.
                  That on the 23rd of October 1776 the Honourable Continental Congress resolved that the Regiment under the Command of your Memorialist should remain on the Original Establishment thereof, and be recruited to its full Complement in any of the Thirteen United States; whereupon your Memorialist proceeded on the Recruiting Service, and by his close Attenion to that Duty, and the Industry of his Recruiting Officers he produced in the Field on the opening of the Campaign 1777 Seven Hundred and Twenty Non-commissioned Officers and Privates, inlisted on the Continental Bounty of Twenty Dollars only, to serve during the War, as will appear by the Returns and Muster Rolls of that Date.
                  That on the 24th of November 1778 Congress was pleased to resolve that the said Regiment be continued on its Original Establishment, and that no new Appointments or Promotions of Officers be made therein, until the further Order of Congress.
                  That in the opening of the Campaign 1779 the Regiment your Memorialist has the Honour to Command was detached on a seperate and hard Service without the Assistance of the customary Staff, or the necessary Supply of Provisions, which Situation called for every possible Exertion in the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, whose Zeal for the Public Service, and Ambition to fulfil his Orders, led him to advance his Money and Credit for a Supply of Provisions which is not yet paid or satisfied; in all which your Memorialist flatters himself his Conduct has met with your Excellency’s Approbation.
                  That the Regiment your Excellency’s Memorialist has the Honour to Command has seen much hard Service.  In the Campaign 1777 it suffered the loss of fifteen Officers and One Hundred and Thirty-two Non-commissioned and Privates killed, wounded and taken Prisoners in the three several Actions; on Staten Island the 22nd of August, Brandywine the 11th of September, and Germantown the 4th of October; in all which the Regiment behaved well; and the last-mentioned Action your Memorialist had the Command of a Brigade which shared in the Honours of your Excellency’s Public Thanks; as also in a late Excursion to Morrissina your Excellency was pleased to compliment your Memorialist and a Detachment of his own Regiment for their Conduct and Behaviour on that Occasion.
                  That it appears to be the Intention of Congress by a late Resolution of the 3rd of October last to fill up if not augment the Corps which your Memorialist has the Honour to Command, by ordering the Non-commissioned Officers and Privates therein-mentioned to be incorporated with the Regiment, and all Volunteers from foreign States to be annexed to it, yet your Memorialist has received Seventeen Men only from Col. Livingston’s Regiment, in Obedience to the afore-mentioned Resolution, and of Course his intended Command remains incompleat.
                  That Four Hundred and Eighteen Non-commissioned Officers and Privates only are now on the Returns and Musters, when the Establishment of the Regiment is a Thousand strong; and that sixteen Commissioned Officers, and One Hundred and Sixty-two Non-commissioned Officers and Privates of the above-mentioned Number are returned to the Board of War, agreeable to Resolution of Congress of the 5th of March 1779, Volunteers from Canada, and otherwise belonging to none of the United States; unprovided with any Kind of Supplies; no Donations of Clothing; no State’s or Town’s Bounties, and as yet unsettled with for the Arrears of Pay and Depreciation of Wages.
                  That when your Excellency’s Memorialist entered into the Service, he conceived himself to be in the Line of Colonels as they then stood, and intitled in his turn to Promotion, yet by a wise Regulation since laid down by Congress, he has observed a Number of younger Colonels than himself promoted to General Officers.  Patiently waiting a fourteenth State to patronize his Services, and push on his Promotion, until by looking over the List of Colonels he finds himself the third in the Army of the United States; therefore from the present Rule, and considering your Memorialist as a Volunteer in the Service, his Promotion should fall to him in the Line of Numbers; as he stood amongst the Colonels when he entered the Service, and not by Seniority, in which Case your Memorialist ought to have been considered a long Time since as the first in the Line of Promotion.
                  That from the aforesaid State of Facts it will appear to have been a particular Hardship and a great Misfortune to your Memorialist, that Congress did not furnish him with Money to raise the Regiment, on the firm Expectation of which he entered the Service, and accepted of the Command, as that alone would have made him respectable in the Field.
                  That your Memorialist has by one Way or other drawn into the Field, and kept up a respectable Body of Men in this Service, partly at his own Expence for the public Benefit: That he not only suffered in his Person, but has opened his Purse and extended his Credit, and for aught he knows for ever sacrificed his Fortune in the Service of these United States in which he is a Volunteer only, and now reduced to a State of Want and Misery.
                  That your Memorialist has been patient in Point of Rank, seeing a Number of younger Colonels than himself promoted to General Officers.
                  That your Memorialist is now the third Colonel in the Continental Army, who from the Principles of common Justice laid down by Congress is and ought to be the first in the Line of Promotion, as those Colonels elder in Commission than himself are from States who have had a large Proportion of General Officers: That similar Grievances subsist with other Officers in the Regiment, partly in Consequence of the Resolution of Congress of the 24th of November 1778.
                  That the Resolution of Congress of the 3rd of October last with respect to your Memorialist and the Corps which he has the Honour to Command will not fully answer the Expectation thereon in forming a respectable Command; and that a Settlement with the Canadian Officers and Men is absolutely necessary, as well as Provision to be made to do them equal Justice in future with the other Parts of the Army.
                  Your Memorialist therefore humbly prays, That your Excellency will please to take his Case, and that of the Regiment, into Consideration, and recommend to the Grand Council and Guardians of American Liberty a full Settlement with the Canadian Officers and Men, and the immediate Payment of such Advances and Arrears of Pay as their present respective Necessities may require:
                  That your Excellency will please to point out, and recommend to the Grand Senate of America some Mode to recruit the Regiment to its proper Establishment.
                  That your Excellency will please to recommend your Memorialist for the Rank of Brigadier, either by Brevet or otherwise to command his own Corps only, or such as your Excellency may please to appoint him to, and that such other Promotions in the Regiment which are just and reasonable may take Place: And that your Excellency will in all other Cases patronize this Regiment until it can be taken up, owned and provided for by a Fourteenth American State, to which it properly belongs.  And your Memorialist will as in Duty bound ever pray

                     Moses Hazen


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 1st March 1781

                  I have recd your favr of the 28th ulto—From the circumstances which you mention, the command on the lines may be continued at one hundred Men, with strict orders to the Officers to fall back upon the posts, on the first serious move up the River.
                  I shall set out for Newport tomorrow morning.  My notice is so short, that I am obliged to deprive myself of the pleasure of seeing you before I go, which I intended.  I have nothing to add to the several instructions lately given to you, but a desire to urge the Qr Mr and Commy to get down all the provision upon the River to West point, the moment the navigation opens.  I have written to them on the subject.
                  Genl Knox informs me that no quantity of Arms can be repaired here.  You will therefore direct those which are at the point to be ready sorted and packed up, that they may be sent to Albany as soon as the Ice will permit.  I am with very great Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 1st March 1781

                  The inclosed memorial of Colo. Hazen was this day put into my hands.  Many of the matters mentioned in it are better known to Congress than to myself.  The whole are so fully stated as to speak for themselves and require only the determination of Congress.
                  The case of the Canadian Officers and Soldiers I know to be peculiarly distressing and truly intitled to redress, if the means are to be obtained.  The Regiment, not being appropriated to any State, must soon dwindle into nothing, unless some effectual mode can be devised for recruiting it.
                  Colo. Hazens pretensions to promotion seem to me to have weight, but how far they ought to be admitted, the general principles which Congress mean to adopt for the regulation of this important point will best decide;  In justice to Colo. Hazen, I must testify—that he has always appeared to me a sensible—spirited and attentive Officer.  I have the honor to be with perfect Respect and Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 1st March 1781

                  On opening the inclosed, I found it intended for your Excellency, though addressed to me.  I intend setting out in the morning for Newport to confer with the French General and Admiral on the operations of the ensuing Campaign.  Major Genl Heath will command in my absence.  I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  I am this moment honored with your Excellencys favr of the 25th ulto with its interesting inclosures—Cornwallis is playing a bold game, and should General Greene luckily draw together the force which that Country ought to afford him, his Lordship may repent his hasty advance.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 1st March 1781

                  Inclosed you have Capt. Moodies letter and returns of Artillery and Ordnance Stores at Fort schuyler, which you laid before me for my opinion.
                  I do not think there is any occasion, at present, for more than the quantity of these Articles which have been heretofore kipt there.  You will therefore be pleased to examine the Returns and send up what you may find deficient of the usual quantity at that post.  If you think a larger Mortar than what they have will add to the security of it, you will send one up with the necessary attrail.
                  The State of New York made a requisition a few days ago for a small supply of Ammunition, with which I promised to comply—Be pleased therefore to send six or eight Casks of Musket powder to Albany, and inform Genl Clinton for what purpose.  I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                     My Dear Marquis
                     Hd Qrs March 1st 1781

                  I have just received letters from the Count De Rochambeau and The Chevalier Des-touches, informing me of their intention to operate in Chesapeak bay with their whole fleet and a detachment of 1100 french troops, grenadiers and Chasseurs included.  The Chevalier expected to sail the fifth of this month so that you will arrive at the head of Elk before he appears in the bay.  He seems to make a difficulty, which I do not comprehend about protecting the passage of your detachment down the bay, but as it is entirely without foundation, I take it for granted it will cease on his arrival.  It is of the greatest importance to the expedition, as well as for the honor of our arms, that you should be on the spot to cooperate.
                  The Count De Rochambeau requests me to send an Aide De Camp to the Commanding officer in Virginia to assemble the Militia and have every thing all ready against the arrival of the fleet.  You know all the necessary directions have been given; but to gratify the Count, I am to desire you will send Col. Gouvion without delay to The Baron De Steuben to communicate this latter intelligence and press the preparations directing the Baron on the arrival of the French troops to enter immediately into their views.  You know the value of secrecy in an expedition circumstanced like this.
                  The Baron De Viomenil will command the French detachment.  I am very affectionately Dr Marquis Yr most Obedt Servt

                     P.S.  I set out in the morning for Rhode Island where I hope to arrive before the fleet sails to level all difficulties and be in the way to improve circumstances.
                     Since writing the above, I have received a letter from General Greene by which it appears Cornwallis with 2500 men was penetrating the country with great rapidity and Greene with a much inferior force retiring before him having determined to pass the Ronoake.  This intelligence and an apprehension that Arnold may make his escape before the fleet can arrive in the bay, induce me to give you greater latitude than you had in your original instructions.  You are at liberty to concert a plan with the French General and Naval Commander for a descent into North Carolina; to cut off the detachment of the enemy, which had ascended Cape fear River, intercept if possible Cornwallis, and relieve General Greene and the Southern states.  This however I think ought to be a secondary object, and only attempted in case of Arnolds retreat to New York- or in case you should think his reduction would be attended with too much delay, and that the other enterprise would be more easy, and was from the circumstances more necessary.  There should be strong reasons to induce a change of our first plan against Arnold, if he is still in Virginia.  With a view to the second enterprise you must be making your arrangements for transportation & supplie;, and must endeavour to gain all the information about the Country which may be the scene of your operations.  Your continuing your march after the fleet had withdrawn itself from the bay may excite suspicions of their intended return.  You can cover your design by saying you are going to the assistance of General Greene.
                     You will remember that your corps is a part of this army and will let this idea have proper weight in your determinations.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 1 March 1781
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Boston March 1 1781

                  I was this morning honored with your Excellencys favors of the 10 & 21 Ultmo.  Orders will be immediately issued for collecting the recruits and I hope they will in a few days come on cloathed.  It will be difficult to send them on without, as they have been promised cloathing and are not therefore prepared to march without them—They will be armed here.
                  The fifteen hundred coats for the troops in camp will be ready as I am informed by the Committee the next week.  No time will be lost in compleating the recruits.
                  This State are called upon to send twelve hundred men to Rhode Island and have voted the men.  Count Rochambeau requested his Excellency the Governor to send me with them.  I have been invited to take the command and have accepted it, believing that your Excellency will not disapprove the measure for I shall in that situation be so near this State as to be able to give the necessary orders for forwarding the troops procuring cloathing stores &c.  More I could not do were I at the Assembly which will be up in a day or two and will not meet again untill April next.
                  The Mars arrived here yesterday from France but has been out eleven weeks; therefore has brought nothing new.  She brings for the Continent Gun Barrels and Locks.  If arms will soon be wanted people had better be employed here to stock them.  I have the honor to be my dear General with every sentiment of esteem your Excellencys most Obedient and most humble Servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 1 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters New Windsor 1st March 1781

                  Having been informed by Major General Dickinson that he was vested with powers, during the recess of the Legislature, to order out the Militia of the State.  I have thought it expedient to desire him, at this juncture, to order the whole to be held in readiness, and to direct the Beacons and other signals of Alarm to be put in condition to afford the speediest communication to the Country of an incursion of the enemy.  My reason for doing this—is not from intelligence that the enemy mean any thing offensive, but having lately been under the necessity of making a very considerable temporary detachment from the Army in this vicinity and from the Jersey Line, I think it not improbable that the enemy may endeavour to take advantage of our weakness and enterprise something against these posts or Jersey.  It is therefore necessary to be in readiness to receive them.  I assure myself of every assistance from the countenance and advice of your Excellency should there be occasion.  With very great Respect I have the honor to be Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     Yr Excellency’s favr of the 24th ulto is just come to hand.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 1 March 1781
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Trenton 1 March 1781

                  Your Excellency will perceive that the inclosed Letters request of me a favour entirely out of my department.  How far good policy may require the discharge of the young man, those who have authority to order that measure are doubtless proper judges.  Mr Foster, the writer of one of the Letters, is a gentleman of considerable distinction amongst us.  Perhaps the preserving the good humour of these Indians, (tho’ an inconsiderable tribe) may be of more importance than the detention of a single soldier in the Service.  But I do not mean to obtrude my opinion on the subject.  I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Dr Sir your most humble Servt

                     Wil: Livingston

                Enclosure

                        May it please your Excellency,
                        Brotherton Febry 20th 1781

                     With all Duty, Humility, and Respect we address ourselves to you in these Lines, hoping you’ll be kind enough to lend an Ear unto them altho they be from us poor distressed Indians, & so styled accordingly—The reason why we are thus Troublesom is to get your assistance and Advice in an Affair which seems to be a trouble unto us & that is we want at Home one Robert Skikkit who is now a Continental Soldier, & to git him discharg’d we know not which way to take nor what to do,  but we thought it our Duty to acquaint his Excellency of it, & this is the method we have taken thereto, we do not want him discharg’d for any reason we have against the Countrys cause, but that as we have lost our Elder lately by Death so we want him in his place or rather in his own, for he is one of the six by whom we try to regulate small matters among ourselves, & as we have lost our Elder we have become weak & deficient in order thereto And if his Excellency should see proper to advise us we shall ever have it in gratefull remembrance; and so with our hearty good will toward you, and good Wishes for the prosperity of Your affairs we remain Your Excellencys most Dutiful & most humble Servants

                        Jackob Skikket
                        Hezekiah Calvin
                        Benjamin Nicholas
                        Jacob

                Enclosure

                        May it Pleas your Excellency
                        Evesham Feby 20th 1781

                     The Barer Jacob Skekit an Indian has been Several times With me to Requst my Assistance to Get his Son Discharged from his Inlistment In the Service and as I am not acquainted with the best Method for him to take, have thought best to Recommend him to you;  And as the Indians are Very uneasy as your Excellency will find by a Petition acompanying this, I Shold be Glad for the Satisfaction of the Indians that your Excelency Whold Intirpose In his Behalf as they Complane and Say that the White People make their young men Drunk and then Inlist them which they Look upon Very Unjust Especily in this Unnatrel war in which they Say thay have no Right To Meddle.  And am Your Excellencys Most Obediant Humble Servent

                        Josiah Foster

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Burlington 27th Febry 1781

                     Jacob Skiket one of the Indian Inhabitants of Edge Pilok, has been with me this day in order to get his son Discharged from the Regt which I have had the Honor to Command, he gives Several Reasons for his coming home, which your Excy will please to Judge of as you may think propper, as I am about to Retire from the Service cannot do any thing in the Matter, he is a Soldier Dureing the war Enlisted about one year ago.
                     those Indians Direct their matters by a Council of Six, which seems to fall in by Seniority,  on Account of the Death of one of their old men,  Robert Skiket the Soldier, comes in for a Seat in the Counsil,  However I Submit the whole to your Direction to Order as you May think propper.  I am your Excys Most Obedt Servt

                        Israel Shreve


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 1 March 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Newport March the 1st 1781

                  I have the honor to send to your Excellency, an Extract from the Ministerial Letters which I have received by the Frigate commanded by Mr De La Perouse.  You will see that my son has staid, by orders of his Majesty to wait for the result of a definitive project.
                  By Private letters of the 20th Xber, all from Versailles, We learn that the Pce de Montbarey has given his resignation, that he is succeeded by the Marquis de Segur, one of our most distinquished Lieutenant Generals, an intimate of the Marquis de Castries, and that there are great movements in the Ministry.  These circumstances, with the death of the Empress Queen, the Expectation they were in of the arrival of the Count d’Estaing, who was not yet arrived at Brest, when the Frigate Sailed, tho’ he had Left Cadiz on the 8th 9ber have been the necessary causes of the suspension arrived in the affairs.  I had sent word to your Excellency, in my last that the Count d’Estaing was arrived at Brest with 150. sail; a letter from a marine, who had landed to bring a pilot to the Frigate was the occasion of the mistake; he was expected at Brest with the greatest impatience and all that the Frigate knew of him, was that she reported that she had met with a Dutch vessel, that said that he had seen the Count in a Latitude, about 100. Leagues distant from Brest.
                  All our preparations here a a-making with the greatest diligence, and I hope that the fleet will be ready to set sail, the 6th or the 7th according to my last dispatches to your Excellency.  I am With respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble servant

                     Le Cte de Rochambeau

                Enclosure

                           9-11 December 1780

                     An Extract from the Letters of the Prince de Montbarey, dated from 9th to 11th xber
                     Exact account about the money and letters of exchange which the King sends on the frigate commanded by Mr De La Perouse, as a succour very urgent, but that succour is only a part of more powerful means expected and to be sent immediately.
                     "The objects contained in the result of the conference at hartford, have seemed to his Majesty to be of too great importance to be lightly treated the King orders me to write you that as soon as he will have taken his determination about the projects of the campaign in 1781, he will send his orders to you and will provide all the necessary things of every kind, which he will Judge necessary to the execution of his will."
                     Extract of the letter of the 9th
                     "You may be assured, my dear General, of my extream attention to your position and your needs; all that can be necessary will always be ready, as soon as his Majesty will have given me to know his orders.  We are all here very busy about what concerns you and the Count de Maurepas is as much as we.  I keep here your son whom I will send back, When the orders of his Majesty will be definitive, to bring them to you.  All the King’s Council is likewise concerned in providing all which you will stand in need of."
                     "The Death of the Empress Queen, which We heard of three days ago is a very great event."

                Enclosure

                        Mr
                         15 fevrier 1781

                     Quelque envie que j’eusse de Seconder les desirs de Mr Destouches Commandant de L’Escadre de S. Me et Conformement aux demandes des Etas unis de me porter dans toutes Les parties de la Baye de Chesapeak où pourroient se retirer les forces d’Arnold, il ne m’a pas été possible de pénétrer avec mon Vaisseau dans la partie où il s’est replié: le peu de profondeur de la Baye ne pouvant m’en permettre l’aproche plus près que d’environ quatre Lieues, je me serois expos à être bloquée moi même si j’y fasse resté plus Long tems, et sans Espoir de nuire à L’ennemi j’affaiblirois les forces de Newport. Toutes les considérations et Les ordres p—is de Mr Destouches de n’employer dans mon Expedition que le moins de tems possible, m’ont déterminé à remettre à la Mer.  J’en ai les plus vifs regrets et je vous prie d’en assurer nos alliés ainsi que du zèle et de L’activité que je leur ai voüé.  Vous trouveres cy joint Mr mes Depêches pour Mr Destouches, et je vous prie de vouloir Bien les lui faire parvenir.  Je suis avec Respect &c. &c.

                        P.S.  par de nouveaux avis, j’aprends que les forces de l’ennemi sont moindres que l’on ne me l’avoit dit; on m’assure d’ailleurs qu’on me fournira des troupes et tous les secours nécéssaires, ce qui me decide a aller Mouiller à hampton, d’où je pourrai intercepter tous les secours de L’ennemi.


Title: From George Washington to Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 2 March 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet

                     Sir
                     Morehouses March 2nd 81

                  I had the pleasure of receiving the letter which you did me the honor to write by the Baron De Colesen, the third day after its date, informing me of the resolution you had taken of renewing the attempt in Chesapeak bay with your whole fleet.  Persuaded that this determination is warranted by prudence as well as a spirit of enterprise, I receive the intelligence of it with peculiar pleasure.  It is the strongest proof of your desire to be useful to these states; and I hope will be productive of correspondent advantages.
                  On receiving the information I Immediately set out for Rhode Island, where I shall be happy to arrive in time to have the happiness of a conversation with you and of assuring you personally of my wishes for your success and of the perfect esteem and attachment, with which I have the honor to be Sir Your most obed. & hum. serv.

                     Go: Washington

                     I shall arrive at New Port early the 6th.  On my way to this place I met your dispatch of the 27th of February.


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

                     My Dear General,
                     West point March 2 1781

                  The inclosed was put into my hand the last evening.  Although the field Officers who were appointed to command the detachment which marched on the 19th ulto were appointed in my orders, yet as they were those your Excellency was pleased to name in your letter of the 17th I am induced to communicate the inclosed to you.  I have learnt that the officers of the other lines have thought themselves equally hurt.  As the affair is laid open, I cannot smother my own feelings, which have been exceedingly wounded under some considerations on this occasion.  I never will admit an idea to enter my breast, that it is possible for any officer, especially a foreigner to have the interest or honor of my country more at heart than I have; and if the conduct of my General in any instance should discover that he placed less confidence in me it cannot fail to make a painful impression.  I have the honor to be With the most inviolable attachment, And perfect respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servent

                     W. Heath

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        West Point Feby 27th 1781

                     We esteem it an invaluable priviledge we may fully open our minds to our superior officers on a matter which we think nearly concerns us.
                     We have been for a number of years in the army have endeavored to acquire a share of military knowledge, & flatter ourselves we have not been intirely unserviceable in diciplining and training our men to arms & inuring them to war.
                     In times of difficulty & distress we have been called to direct our every exertion to encourage the men to undergo with patience, extremities of want, hunger & nakedness, & perhaps have been instrumental in preventing an almost total disolution of the line.
                     We flatter ourselves we have gain’d & possess the affection of our Soldiery, we have certainly so much confidence in the men, that we are willing to accompany them not only on tours of honor, but with them to encounter fatigue and danger, & which we think we have a right to expect—but we are very sorry to have so far lost the confidence of our general Officers, that when a considerable more than one half of our men have been detach’d from command, one field officer only from the line has been permitted to attend them, while nine, remaining to endure the sensible mortification of commanding between them a less number, the greater part of which are on detach’d & extra service.
                     Things thus circumstanced must pointedly wound the feelings of a military character as they do certainly most sensibly ours.  We are of with every sentiment of esteem your obedient Servants

                        James Mellen Leiut.Colo. 4th
                        Ezra Newhall Lt Colo. 5th

                        John Porter Maj. 6th

                        Leml Trescott Major 9th Rgt
                        Moses Knap Majr. 10th Regt
                        Billy Porter Maj. 7th Regt


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 2 March 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia March 2. 1781

                  Your Excellency’s Letter of the 26th Instant came to hand last Evening.
                  Baron Steuben’s Letter, which you mention as referred to in Governor Jefferson’s Letter, by some Mistake of the Governors Secretary, was not enclosed in his Dispatches to me and has never come to Hand.  This I ought to have noted on the Copy of the Governor’s Letter transmitted to your Excellency.
                  The Detachment under the Marquis passed down the River by this City yesterday.
                  By a letter from Baron Steuben to the Board of War we are told; that Arnold has sent to New York for a Reinforcement.  No farther Intelligence from the Southward.  I have the Honor to be with very great Respect Sir your most obedient & most humble Servant

                     Sam Huntington