Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 1 January 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 1 Jan. 1780. On 2 Jan., GW wrote to Greene: “I have recieved Your letter of Yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Irvine, 1 January 1780
From: Irvine, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Crane’s Mills [N.J.] January 1st 1780

          My reasons for taking Post here; in preferrence to Westfield, were, not only on account of a better neighborhood for Cantoning the Troops, but also that it is more convenient both to Elizabethtown & Raway—about five miles from each of these places and ten from Woodbridge—The inclosed is from Lt Colonel Olney who Commands at Elizabethtown—the person he alludes to lives in that Town, & has I am informed, been frequently employed on the same business as I do not know the man cant say what degree of credit he deserves—General Maxwell can inform your Excellency on this head.
          As General Parsons told me he would inform your Excellency fully of the difficulties that attended this Post for Want of Provision & other matters I shall not at present trouble you with it—I am clearly of opinion it will be impracticable to put an entire stop to Trade—whilst so many Flaggs pass & such a Vast number of people in them—it is more than employment for an Officer to examin all their letters and packages—without paying attention to his Guard. I am With the greatest Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

            Wm Irvine

            P.S: It is reported that two of the Enemys fleet are drove on Shore at South Amboy—and that the Militia of that place are on Board—the particulars I have not yet been able to learn.


Title: From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 1 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wilkinson, James

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 1st January 1780.

          You have been informed that the distribution of Cloathing made at West point was proportioned to our stock then upon hand and that it was short of the quantity to which the troops

of the different States and Corps were intitled. A considerable number of the troops of the State of Massachusetts having since that time reinlisted for the War, will be intitled to the continental Bounty Cloathing, and perhaps some of the New Hampshire troops will be under the same circumstances. This will add to the demand. Both those lines being upon the East side of Hudsons River, it will be necessary for you to leave part of the present stock of Cloathing, if it can be spared, and a proportion of what may be expected from Boston or Springfeild, at New Windsor for their Use. But I beg you will endeavour to obtain from their state Cloathiers an accurate Return of what they have upon hand or what they have reason to expect, as we ought to endeavour to save the continental stock as much as possible. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 2 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town January 2d 1780

          I have recieved Your letter of Yesterday with an Extract from the Act of Congress of the 27th Ulto, with a copy of which I have been since honored in a letter from His Excellency the President. As the dismission of the Express Riders, it would seem, was intended to be the consequence of the proposed regulation in the Post Office, altho the words of the Act import an immediate operation, I should suppose it cannot take place with respect to the whole of them, before this Arrangement is made. Indeed at this very critical and delicate conjuncture in our affairs the dismission of the whole might involve the most interesting consequences and I do not see that the measure will be altogether practicable at any time in the extent proposed. However, as many of the Expresses as circumstances will possibly admit should be immediately discharged. I shall take an early occasion to write to Congress on the subject. I am Dr Sir, with great regard Your most Obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 2 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morristow⟨n⟩ 2d January 1780

          Congress were pleased by their resolution of the 1st of January last to express their desire of retaining Brigadier General Du Portail, Colonels La Radiere and Laumoy, and Lt Col. De Gouvion in the service of these states for another campaing, if

agreeable to them. These gentlemen having accepted the invitation, have now completed the term to which it extended; and it is with pleasure I can inform Congress that their subsequent conduct has more than justified the opinio⟨n⟩ expressed in my letter on which that resolution is founded. They have been particularly useful in the course of this last period, and have acquired general esteem and confidence⟨.⟩ I cannot forbear adding that the better the gentleman at the head of the corps is known the more he is found to be a man of abilities, and of distinguished military merit.
          As the continuance of these gentlemen in the service, under present circumstances appears to me indispensible, I have consulted General Du Portail about their further intentions. His answer in behalf of the corps, was, that they continue to have a sincere desire of being useful to the United States, and will esteem themselves highly honored by remaining in the service, if it be the wish of Congress, and measures are taken through the channel of the French minister, to obtain the permission of their court; unless there should be a war by land kindled in Europe, in which case it would be their duty to return and devote their services to their own country.
          It now remains with Congress to signify their intentions upon the subject, and if they deem the continuance of these gentlemen necessary to acquaint them with thier wishes, and take the proper steps to obtain the concurrence of ⟨the⟩ French Court, without which they cannot justify their stay. A period being limited in the last resolution makes this second application necessary, as the gentlemen could not with propriety out stay the time for which Congress had engaged them without a new signification of their pleasure. I submit whether it may not be adviseable to extend the requisition to the duration of the war.
          It is to be lamented that Colonel De La Radiere is no longer among the number. Congress have no doubt heard of his death, which happened in [   ] last, and was regretted as the loss of a very valuable officer. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s most obt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Phillips, 2 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Phillips, William

            sir
            Head Quarters [Morristown] January the 2d 1780

          I had last night the honor to receive your Letter of the 29th of December. Agreable to your request I have extended Major Gardiner’s parole, as you will perceive by the inclosed, which I take the liberty to commit to your care. I have the honor to be with respect & esteem Sir Your Most Obedt servant.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 January 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            War Office [Philadelphia] January 3d 1780

          We were duly honoured with your Excellency’s Letter on the Subject of Mr Loring’s request for a Quarter Master & a Serjeant or two to proceed to Philadelphia with Cloathing for the Prisoners at this Place. In Consequence we wrote to Congress the Letter a Copy whereof is enclosed. We are directed to take Order in the Bussiness & are of Opinion that the Cloathing should come on attended in such Way & by such Persons as your Excellency shall deem proper. About four hundred Prisoners are gone to Fort Frederick in Maryland all British. The rest both British & Hessians are either confined here or out at Work thro’ the Country. We were obliged to let out as many as possible (chiefly Germans) to save public Provisions & because we had not Guards to keep them safely. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your very, obed. servants

            Richard PetersBy order


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 3 January 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            War Office [Philadelphia] January 3. 1780

          The Board have a Plan of Intelligence accompanied with some other Matters of which we will hereafter inform your Excellency & which being communicated to a Comittee of Congress has been approved by that Comittee. To carry this plan into Execution we have employed Major Howell late of the 2d Jersey Regt commanded by Col. Shreve. Major Howell desires that, to facilitate the Measures we have communicated to him, Capt. Nathaniel Bowman of that Regiment may be detached with his entire Company of Light Infantry & ordered to proceed with an Ammunition Waggon to Squan by Way of Freehold where he is to draw two Weeks Provision for which purpose he is to be furnished with Orders in the Commissary there. The Captain to be ordered to take his Directions from the Board of War thro’ Major Howell. We will be obliged to your Excellency to give these Orders to Capt. Bowman alone with Directions to keep his Route & Destination a profound Secret & to repair to Squan with all Expedition. Major Howell has selected this Officer & his Men from his Acquaintance with & Influence over them. To ensure their good Temper & Fidelity it will be ⟨n⟩ecessary that they be as well equipped as to Cloathing & supplies as Circumstances will admitt. Should your Excellency have occasion to detach any Officer into that Part of the Country it will be necessary to order him not to interfere with Capt. Bowman’s Command; tho’ we would wish no other Officer may for a Time be sent there. If contrary to our Expectations Accident should cause any Part of our Scheme to transpire & you should be informed of anything apparently wrong in the Proceedings

of Major Howell or Capt. Bowman we beg you to suspend your opinion & be so obliging as to write to us on the Subject. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Esteem & Respect your very obedt servants

            Richard PetersBy order of the Board


Title: To George Washington from Royal Flint, 3 January 1780
From: Flint, Royal
To: Washington, George

            Sir—
            Morris Town Jany 3. 1780

          I have frequently, within these few days acquainted Colo. Hamilton with my prospects of supplies. And though I had good authority for all I communicated, yet I now find the event does not precisely agree with what I foretold. As soon as I was informed that there would be a failure of Beef cattle from the eastward, I used the most probable methods of procuring a supply in this state, and I had reason to suppose a sufficiency could be collected to serve the army several weeks. Proper persons were employed to explore every part of the state:

they reported at first rather indefinitely; but as soon as it was known they could expect no immediate sums of money, their resources drew to a point and they informed me with exactness what they were able to afford. Upon a calculation, it appeared their succour would carry us nearly to the middle of the present month. They gave me assurance of sending on the supplies they had immediately and from the distance, I had reason to expect considerable before this time. But it does not yet come, and the army are almost perishing for want. It distresses me exceedingly that I am obliged to make this report; but I must mention facts.
          My expectations are as follows.

             Barrels

              From Mr Hoops in Sussex in salt meat
              400

              From       Pitstown
               50

              From the Counties of Middlesex & Somerset —
              250

              700

              head

              At the North river are Cattle
              200

              In the County of Orange
              150

              In sussex at least
               20

              In care of Mr Dunham say
               50

              420

          Our distresses are known to the several persons who have charge of the foregoing provisions, and I am persuaded they will leave nothing undone to forward them. I have no absolute dependance on any further supplies of meat than are mentioned above. The purchasers here say they could buy cattle if they had money; of which I can neither give nor promise them any, as there is not the least prospect that any adequate sums of money will be furnished the department and our credit is totally exhausted. With respect to bread, I can only say that there is grain, in a great number of mills in this state which is getting ready as fast as possible and will not be delayed unnecessarily. There is no more bread at present in camp than will serve the troops tomorrow. I fear the storm will keep the waggons from moving

as well as the cattle from travailing. I am with great respect your Excellencys most obt hbl. Sevt

            Royal Flint A.C.g.⟨p.⟩


Title: General Orders, 4 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday Jany 4th 1780
            Parole Livonia—  C. Signs Narva. Riga.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 4 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Brodhead, Daniel

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Morris Town Jany 4th 1780

          I have successively received your letters of the 10th 22d of Novemr, & 13th of Decemr.
          Persuaded that a Winter expedition against Detroit would have great advantages over a Summer one, and be much more certain of success, I regret that the situation of affairs does not permit us to undertake it. We cannot at present furnish either the men or supplies necessary for it. From the estimate you make of the Enemy’s force there, your Garrison with all the aid you could derive from the Militia would not be equal to the attempt, especially as it must soon suffer so large a diminution, by the departure of the men whose terms of service are expiring; and (even were it not too late in the season to march men such a distance in time) the same circumstance and the detachment, we are making to South Carolina, put it out of our power to supply the defect of your numbers from this quarter. We must therefore of necessity defer the prosecution of the enterprise to a more favorable opportunity, but I would not wish you to discontinue your inquiries and preparations as far as convenient, for it is an object of too much importance to be lost sight of.
          I fear also that you will not have force for the expedition you propose to the Notches, though this is much more within the compass of our abilities. It would scarcely be prudent to leave Fort Pit without a proportion of Continental Troops for its defence; Sufficient dependence cannot be placed in the militia, and it is too valuable a Post to be exposed to an accident. If you should leave only an hundred men here besides those at the dependent Posts you would not have above one hundred & fifty for the expedition. Unless the num⟨ber⟩ of the Volunteers you expect exceed what I should imagine, there would be great danger to the party. We are too little acquainted with the situation of the Notches to count with assurance, upon success and if we should fail the party returning against stream so great a distance after a

disappointment might run no small risk of being intercepted by the unfriendly Indians through whom it would have to pass. I do not however mean to discourage the undertaking altogether but to suggest the difficulties that occur to me, that every circumstance may be well weighed previous to entering upon it. As the business will be attended with little additional expence, I should be glad you would make every necessary preparation and let me know when you will be compleatly ready giving me an exact state of the force you will be able to employ on the expedition and to leave at the Garrisons under your command. Whatever you do should be under the veil of the greatest secrecy, as on this your success will depend. I shall be glad also after closely examining your means you will give me your sentiments on the practicability of the enterprise.
          If I can meet with any Frenchman that answers your description willing to be so employed, I will send him to you, and you shall have an Engineer if you go upon any thing that requires one.
          I shall write to the Board of War recommending you may be supplied with a few pieces of Artillery & a proportion of stores to be ready against there may be a call for them. I am with great regard Dr Sir your Most obet servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Royal Flint, 4 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Flint, Royal

            Sir
            Head Quarters MorrisTown 4th Januay 1780

          I have received your letter of yesterday. It is lamentable that our magazines are so empty and that our future prospects are so alarmingly limited. The worst consequences are to be apprehended if some change does not speedily take place. Every information I obtain makes me fear we shall be driven to the necessity of a general forage upon the Country. To do this I wish you to supply me with an immediate estimate of what flour and cattle each County can spare, besides what is already engaged for the public use, that a plan may be Adopted as equal and as little inconvenient as possible to the inhabitants. I must also desire that you will without fail give me a week’s notice of the period at which you have reason to beleive our supplies will totally cease. We shall by this means be able to take our measures with the more regularity and deliberation, and with the more attention to the abilities of the respective Counties and of individuals. I shall be glad of your sentiments upon the best mode of conducting the business should we unhappily be compelled to have recourse to this expedient. I must entreat and shall expect that your communications will be founded on certainties. I am With great regard Your most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Hewes, Smith, & Allen, 4 January 1780
From: Hewes, Smith, & Allen
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Edenton [N.C.] 4th Jan. 1780.

          Herewith you have enclosed a letter from a gentleman in Thinerieff once honored with your aquaintance. It accompanied a pipe of Wine for your Excellency in one of our Boats called the Hancok arrived from that place. A Mr Turnbull who was himself transporting a large quantity of goods to the

northward was very anxious to take charge of this pipe of Wine, from the good character we have received of this gentleman & the ardent desire he has expressed of serving you, we have ventured to send it in by him, without your Excellency’s orders which we hope will go safe, & that we shall be pardoned for the freedom we have taken. We have the honor to be, with hearts full of esteem—Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servts

            Hewes Smith & Allen


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town January 4th 1780

          The following Gentlemen, Colonels Magaw, Mathews, Eli & Lt Colo. Ramsay have been permitted to come out of New York on parole, with some new propositions for an exchange of prisoners—the result of a conference between Major General Phillips & themselves. These they will have the honor of submitting to Congress, as I do not conceive myself authorised to take any steps in the business without their Orders.
          I cannot fix the precise operations which the proposed plan would have; but from such calculations as I have been able to make on the subject, from a comparative view of the propositions and the general state of the Convention Troops, Officers & Men, and of the other Officers prisoners on both sides, we should have to give the Enemy for the Exchange of ours in this quarter, for whom we admit ourselves accountable—Three Cols.—Eight Lieut. Cols.—Five Majors—Thirty one Captains—Forty Eight first Lieutenants—Twenty seven second Lieutenants &

Ensigns and Twenty Staff, which are all the Officers prisoners of War that we have—and One Major General—One Brigadr—One Lieut. Colo.—Two Majors—Seventeen Captains Thirty seven first Lieutenants—Eleven second Lieutenants & Ensigns—Twenty Regimental Staff and about Seven or Eight Hundred Men, Non Commissioned Officers & privates of the Convention Troops, which seems to be a full calculation. Colo. Magaw and the other Gentlemen with him hope, from the conferences they had with General phillips and the ideas he expressed of forming the first division of the Convention Troops, out of the broken Corps, that the number of privates would be less, as the Officers attached to these Corps exceed the number they would h⟨ave⟩ on a general scale of proportion. If this should be the case, it will be so much the better. In the Estimate of Colonels, prisoners, Lt Governor Hamilton & a Colo. Alligood are included: Doctor Conelly is also in the list of Lt Cols. I do not know the state of Southern prisoners and therefore can form no accurate judgement what difference their being included may make; but I should conjecture it is against us—and would add Four or five Hundred privates to what the Enemy would have to receive. It is an unlucky circumstance that we are so much in the dark about their situation and the agreements that may have been entered into concerning them, by the Commanders in that Quarter. If we were in possession of these facts, the propriety of including or not including them in the proposed exchange might be better determined.
          The relief of the Militia Officers not taken in Arms ought, if practicable, to be a consequence of the exchange, but I should think it best to avoid the relation established between them and Genl Burgoyne in the 9th proposition, especially as several Officers are to be released on parole by the 3d proposition, without any immediate equivalent. As I understand from the Gentlemen that wait on Congress, the exchange of the Militia Officers not taken in Arms, will not be made a point by the Enemy, so as to prevent the release of Our Other Officers without them; but they will not admit them to parole, without some specific equivalent’s being left in their hands or at least some engagements on the part of the public, for ensuring their return to captivity when ever they are called.
          The present proposals on the part of the Enemy are more

reasonable than any they have offered before, and I should hope that they may be improved into an agreement that will give the desired relief. I have taken the liberty to offer these remarks and shall be ready to execute whatever Congress may be pleased to direct; and as they will be fully possessed of the propositions, I shall be happy that any instructions they may think proper to honor me with, may be as particular as possible in delineating the Objects they have in view.
          I would farther beg leave to suggest that if Congress approve the propositions, I think it will be adviseable for them to request the several States to give up all the Officers they have or claim as their prisoners, for the purpose of facilitating the exchange of Ours—and as it would be the means of lessening the number of privates the Enemy would otherwise receive. If the States consent to it, the names & rank of the Officers and the places they are at cannot be too soon communicated to me. Indeed I regret as I ever have, that there should be any State prisoners of War. The system has been productive at least of great incon⟨v⟩eniencies and discontents. I don’t know how it first obtained, but I am certain ⟨if⟩ it is practicable, that it cannot be too ⟨soon⟩ abolished.
          The indulgence which Cols. Magaw—Mathews—Ely & Ramsay have received, is limited to a few days. This consideration as well ⟨as⟩ the importance of the business on wh⟨ich⟩ they are, will I am convinced give them ⟨the⟩ early attention of Congress. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt sert

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Irvine, 4 January 1780
From: Irvine, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Cranes Mills [N.J.] January 4th 1780

          When I wrote your Excellency the 1st instant I had hoped that I should not be under the necessity of troubling about Provision, but I was mistaken; for Notwithstandg repeated promises from the Commissarys here, I have not been able to get more than one days Bread, since I came here—except some Buckwheat, & a little Corn—this I borrowed from the Inhabitants; and was obliged to promise to pay them in kind; They have been very Hospitable—but seeing little prospect of being paid; my Credit begins to run low and they make a thousand apologys—particularly scarcity for their families.
          My out Guards croud Expresses on me complaining of want, and in short expressing fears that they will not be able to keep their Men long together without relief.
          The Spirit of Desertion still prevails—Six have left the out Posts at different times, The Detached state they are in, facilitates thier escape—indeed is a temptation—I assure your Excellency it distresses me exceedingly to harrass You with complaints—And have forborn as long as I think consistent with my Duty—shall be happy when in my power to give you more favourable accounts—Every report of the Enemy seems to confirm the account in Col: Olneys letter which I inclosed you. I have the Honour to be Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

            Wm Irvine

            P.s. A Detachment relieving here can not do it with propriety with less than three days Provision—indeed four would be better—as it takes three full days from the time they leave Camp till all the out Guards are relieved.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Irvine, 4 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Irvine, William

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown [4 Jan. 1780]

          We are not under less embarrassing and distressful circumstances in this quarter for provisions, than those you have represented in your letter of this days date. Of the scanty pittance we have distributed to the army, the last is nearly exhausted, and without a prospect of any adequate and immediate succour. Amidst the difficulties which occur on this occasion; to keep the army together, and draw from the country a supply of provision, it is not easy to determine what course we should adopt.
          Should the provision that you have borrowed from the inhabitants entirely fail before we can assist you from this quarter, the measure which appears to me the most eligible, and which must be executed in case of extremity, is, upon an estimate of the cattle and provision in the vicinity of your command, to assess such a proportion, as can be spared by the respective inhabitants. In doing this every possible attention is to be paid to the privileges of citizens, and to obviate as much as in our power, those clamors, or feelings that may arise on the occasion. I would wish you therefore to call upon the majest[r]ates (not in their official capacity but as men of influence in and knowlege of their neighbourhood) of the district which is to furnish the quota, represent to them the situation of the troops, the unavoidable necessity of the measure; and if possible get them to form an estimate, or calculation of what each family can part with. But if they will not assist in this business as private gentlemen, you must derive your information from such other persons, as you think may be relied on.
          When you have ascertained what each family of a district can spare, you will send out the parties which are to collect it, under prudent and attentive officers, who must be directed to give certificates to the inhabitants for the cattle, flour, corn &c., either

payable at the option of the owners, at the present prices, or at the value such articles may rate, when the payment shall be made. No milch cows should be assessed; and particular care taken to see the cattle weighed, and to certify only agreeable to this, as the public is apt to be imposed on where the weight is guessed at.
          You will take all the previous steps for the execution of this plan, so as to have nothing to do but order out the parties when it becomes necessary. One or more of the inhabitants might attend to the weighing of the cattle, and to receive the certificates for the rest.
          I need not recommend to you, to œconomise with the most prudent hand your supplies, till our affairs in this respect can be placed on a better footing. I am Dear sir Your obt & hble servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. If Mr Caldwell of Springfield can be interrested in the business he will be able to render you every assistance.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 4 January 1780
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Middletown [Conn.] 4th Jany 1780

          I received your Excellencys Letters of the 20th & 25th ulto and have orderd Sheldons Regimt on from Weathersfield, to Colchester, the 4th is at Walingsford where they will remain a few days in order to give Mr Hubbard time to make Some preparation for their reception which you will See by the enclosed report is necessary—the representation made to you Sir were not founded on facts, but it is not my business to dispute, but to obey your orders which I shall put in execution as Soon as possible—you will receive by this conveyance returns of the two Regiments for last month, and you may be assured of my

transmitting them monthly agreeable to your orders, you have allso a return of the Officers and men belonging to the 4th Regiment who are from the State of virginia—the weather here is very Severe, and many, indeed the Majority of the Dragoons have neither boots, or Shoes I have spoke to Capt. Starr of this place who promises me to Supply them with Shoes, as it is a case of necessity I hope neither he or I can receive censure. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most ob. H. St

            Stephen Moylan


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 5 January 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            War-Office [Philadelphia] January 5. 1780

          We have the Honour to enclose an Extract of a Letter from Mr Henry of Lancaster on the Subject of Hides whereby we find little good Effect has been produced from the Order you were pleased to give at our Instance for 2,000 to be sent to

Philadelphia. The general Account of the Hides in Mr Hatfield’s Care deserves serious Attention & Enquiry as, if it be true, great Mismanagement must appear on a Scrutiny. We know that Losses will happen especially with respect to Summer Hides, but so great a Proportion of Hides being defective cannot have happened without egregious Neglect somewhere. We have suspected that Mr Hatfield either from Avocations Indolence or some other Cause has not paid sufficient Attention to his Bussiness, which as we have been informed has been too much entrusted to the Management of others. We therefore beg the Favour of your Excellency either by Means of the Commanding General in the State of N. York or in some other Way to promote an Enquiry into the Conduct of Mr Hatfield that it may be seen from what Cause the Army is deprived of the Benefit of so large a Proportion of the public Hides.
          General Greene wrote to us some time ago desiring that two of his Deputies Col. Hay & Col. Lewis should have discretionary Orders for as many Hides as they wanted. We refused to give so great a Latitude to these Gentlemen under an Idea that the Hides were most wanted for shoes for the Soldiers. But if they are not fit for this Purpose it were better that they were used for the Quarter Master Department as we suppose they have Uses for Hides which may not be good enough for shoe Leather. If on the Enquiry there shall be found Hides under this Description we leave it to your Excellency to order as many as you think proper into the Quarter Master’s Hands. Our being so distant from the Means of Enquiry into Mr Hatfield’s Conduct & a Desire that your Excellency should be acquainted with the State of the Matter are the Causes of giving you this Trouble. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Your very obedt Servants

            Richard PetersBy order


Title: To George Washington from John Gibson, 5 January 1780
From: Gibson, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Treasury Office, Philadelphia, Jannary 5th 1780.

          Your Excellency’s Favor of the 31st ult. has been duly received, and I am to inform you that Mr Reid the Deputy Pay Master at Albany is ordered to the Detachment of the Army at and near the Highlands; and that an Escort sets out To Day with one Million of Dollars to supply the Military Chest. I have the Honor to be, With great Respect, Your Excellency’s Most humble Servant

            John Gibson Esq.By Order


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 January 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Robinsons House [N.Y.] Jany 5th 1780

          I was this morning honored with yours of the 31st Ulto, shall pay strict attention to its injunctions. The Express that carries this, sit out for Head Quarters some days since, was at the Village when the late severe snow storm came on. He afterwards made several efforts to get to Kings Ferry, but could not, & this evening returned, and takes another route. The snow is about four foot deep upon a level, and the roads as yet almost impassible.
          I congratulate your Excellency on the commencement of the new year, & the safe arrival of your Lady at Head Quarters; & request my most respectfull Compliments may be presented. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town January 5th 1780

          I have been honoured with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th Ulto and the Acts to which it refers. I hope the proposed regulation of the post office, will contribute to lessen our expences, but with all deference I would take the liberty to observe, that I think the exigency and good of the service will not admit of a general discharge of the Express Riders. Circumstances very interesting frequently arise that demand an instant communication—and to places entirely out of the tract of the post. Nor does it appear to me that it would answer to rely on the getting of occasional Expresses at the moment they are wanted, both on account of the delay that would often happen and the risk of employing improper characters. The preciousness of moments in military arrangements will often make the delay of an hour extremely injurious; nor am I clear how far this plan may be conducive to œconomy; for persons so engaged on an emergency will not fail to exact enormous rewards. These are points which strike me as worthy of consideration and which are humbly submitted. If the post was to be the common channel of conveyance, as it goes & comes at stated periods, it may be questioned whether our dispatches would not be frequently liable to be intercepted. At any rate the very alarming and delicate conjuncture in our Affairs at this time renders the dismission of the whole impracticable—and I have taken the liberty to suspend the operation of the Act so far as to direct, that such as are absolutely essential for the present be retained till farther directions from Congress. This I have done, not of choice, but of necessity. In any service a number of Expresses would be necessary—in ours they are more so from the multiplied difficulties that attend it. Our scanty supplies in every instance, unknown in other Armies, make it indispensible for a variety

of Men under this description, to be constantly in motion to keep matters going on. If one half the present Expresses were dismissed, I should imagine this would be carrying the experiment as far as would be safe in the first instance, and we shall be better able to judge hereafter whether it may with propriety be extended any farther.
          I have the honor to inclose an Extract of a Letter of the 3d Ulto, received the 19. from Governor Greene. Some arrangement on the subject His Excellency mentions and to govern in similar cases is necessary. The power of granting Warrants has been commonly exercised, where there was a Military Chest, by the General Officer commanding at the post—tho the matter has never been explicitly settled that I recollect. In the present instance there is no Continental General at Rhode Island or Troops, according to the common idea of such as come under this description, except One Regiment and a small detachment of Artillery, under the command of a Continental Colonel. General Cornell is a State Officer, tho I believe the Troops under him are in the pay of the public. The paying of Troops, acting at a distance by warrants from me, would be attended with many inconveniencies as has often been the case—and indeed with considerable expence; as from the extravagance of the times—the travelling charges of an Officer for a day, would almost equal his monthly pay, which he would not consent to bear himself nor could it be expected.
          It gives me extreme pain that I should still be holding up to Congress our Wants, on the score of provision, when I am convinced they are doing all they can for our relief; duty and necessity, however, constrain me to do it. The inclosed copies of Letters from Mr Flint, the Assistant Commissary and from Genl Irvine, who commands at present our advanced Troops, contain a just representation of our situation. To add to our difficulties, I very much fear that the late violent snow storm has so blocked up the Roads that it will be some days before the scanty supplies in this quarter can be brought to Camp. The Troops, both Officers & Men, have borne their distress with a patience scarcely to be conceived. Many of the latter have been four or five days without meat entirely and short of bread—and none but on very scanty supplies. Some for their preservation have been compelled to maraud and rob from the Inhabitants—and I have it not in my power to punish or to repres⟨s⟩ the practice. If

our condition should not undergo a very speedy & considerable change for the better—it will be difficult to point out all the consequences that may ensue. About Forty of the cattle mentioned by Mr Flint got in last night. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt sevt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 5 January 1780
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

            Springfield Monmouth [N.J.] Jany 5th 80.

          I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr of the 28th, in which you are pleased to say that your objects in quartering the two Corps in monmouth county are “the covering the country & preventing the intercourse with the enemy.”
          Col. Armand is in Philada therefore it is not in my power to deliver any joint determination.
          It is not worth while to trouble your Excellency with an enumeration of particulars. I promise, that the objects declared in your Excellenys letr shall be fully accomplished, & in a manner equal to the corpss, & satisfactorry to your Excellencys wishes. This being executed, I am persuaded your Excellency will indulge us in the mode. I am anxious to lull the garrison of Sandy hook, therefore would withdraw, & preserve near the shores pa[r]tys of intelligence & interception to contraband trade. Your Excellency did not say whether the soldiers might be indulged in furlough. They have never yet been a day from service; they are faithful & have a long march—We are daily told of being ordered to the southward in the course of the winter: if this may happen, I submit it to your Excellency, whether the furlough men had not better proceed under care of an officer, & rendezvous at some convenient post—The expence of subsistence is the same & should a march take place, it will ease the Corps of led horses. I have the honor to be sir with the most perfect respect your Excellency’s most hum: servt

            Henry Lee Junr

            N.B. I beg to be understood, that I would not wish to part with the horses unless the probability of the Corps going to the southward Justified it.

            since writing the above, I have heard from one of my officers on the shore, who has taken a British officer, with five others & 80,000 counterfeit dollars—I hope this capture will lead to some useful discoverys, as the money was on its way to Philada.


Title: From George Washington to John Morgan, 5 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, John

            Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown [N.J.] 5 Jany 17[80]

          You[r] letter of the 27th of Decr last with its inclosures has been received. Doctor Shippen is ordered by this conveyance in arrest, on the charges you have exhibited.
          General Arnold’s tryal being yet unfinished, and succeeding Mr Hoopers, it will not be possible to bring on Doctor Shippens at the time you have proposed coming up, to camp—the citations therefore for the attendance of the persons you have named cannot be made out at present. The moment the day can be fixed on, you shall have timely notice, with the citations mentioned as essential. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 5 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 5th Jany 1780

          The Board of War are anxious to compleat an arrangement of the four Regiments of Cavalry, and have wrote to me on that account—You will therefore be pleased to forward that of your Regiment as speedily as possible. As this will be put upon Record in the War office and will be the scale by which all future promotions will take place, I must request you to be as particular as possible in ascertaining the dates of the Commissions, and if any officers are intitled to promotions in consequence of Vacancies, you are to specify when the Vacancies happened, and who formerly filled them. The Majority of your Regiment and that of late Blands cannot be filled, untill the Regimental arrangements are compleated. I am Dear Sir yr &c.


Title: General Orders, 6 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown thursday Jany 6th 1780.
            Parole Dantzic—  C. Signs Elbing Grodno.

          The Sub-Cloathiers or their Assistants and the regimental Cloathiers of those Corps not belonging to any State are to apply to the Cloathier General for their proportion of shoes.
          William Hutton late a soldier in the 16th Massachusetts regiment is appointed Assistant to the Provost Marshal.


Title: Circular to the Brigade Commanders, 6 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Brigade Commanders

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown Jany 6th—1780.

          As it will contribute in some degree to relieve our distress on the subject of provision, I am to desire that you will discharge all the men in the Brigade under your command whose enlistments and terms of service will clearly expire by the last of this month. In conducting the matter you will be pleased to call upon the commanding officers of Regiments, to prevent the discharge of any not coming within the above description. I am sir your most obt sert

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lettis Hooper, Jr., 6 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hooper, Robert Lettis Jr.

            Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris town Jany [6] 1780

          I have directed the Serjeant who will deliver you this, to proceed with his party of horse to Easton for the purpose of Guarding James Ohara & the Deserters mentioned in your letter of the 30th Novr to Lord Stirling, to this place—You will be pleased therefore to have them delivered to the party—The frends of Ohara have solicited that he may be indulged with coming in a sled—should they provide one for his accommodation I have no objection to it. I am &ca

            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from James Mercer, 6 January 1780
From: Mercer, James
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from James Mercer, 6 Jan. 1780. On 25 Feb., GW wrote to Mercer: “Your letter of the 6th Ulto did not come to my hands till the same date in the present month.” For GW’s quotation of a portion of the letter, see GW to Charles Pettit, 11–12 February.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 6 January 1780
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear Genl
            Philadelphia 6th Jany 1780

          I inclose your Excellency the proceedings of a Genl Court Martial held here for the tryal of Thomas Warren of the Invalid Corps. the Court having sentenced him to suffer Death, I have directed Colo. Nichola to take care of the prisoner till your Excellencies pleasure is known. I have enquired into the Mans Charactor, & find this to be the first fauld of the kind laid to his charge.
          The first division of the Troops Marched on Monday, & the others would have followed by this time if it had not been for the severity of the Weather—which the Board of war thought would

be too bad for the Men. I shall do myself the pleasure to write you again before I leave the City. I am with great respect Your Excellencies Most Obedt Servt

            Wm Woodford


Title: General Orders, 7 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown friday Jany 7th 1780.
            Parole Hungary—  C. Signs Italy—Kimi.


Title: Circular to the New Jersey Magistrates, 7 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: New Jersey Magistrates

            Gentlemen.
            Head Quarters Morristown 7th Jany 1780

          The present situation of the army with respect to provisions is the most distressing of any we have experienced since the beginning of the war. For a fortnight past the troops, both officers and men, have been almost perishing for want. They have been alternately without bread or meat; the whole time with a very scanty allowance of either, and frequently destitute of both. They have borne their sufferings with a patience that merits the approbation, and ought to excite the sympathy of their countrymen. But they are now reduced to an extremity no longer to be supported. The distress has in some instances prompted ⟨the⟩

men to commit depr⟨eda⟩tions on the property of the inhabitants, whi⟨ch⟩ at any other period would be punished with examplary severity, but which can now only be lamented as the effect of an unfortunate necessity. This evil would increase, and soon become intolerable were not an instant remedy to be applied.
          The distress we feel is chiefly owing to the early commencement and uncommon rigor of the winter, which have greatly obstructed the transportation of ⟨our⟩ supplies. These causes have obliged us to exhaust all the magazines in the vicinity of camp, and as they continue to operate we shall be unable to derive seasonable sucour from our more distant resources. From present appearances it must be four or five weeks before we can have the benefit of any material supplies beyond the limits of this State, so that unless an extraordinary exertion be made within the State to supply the wants of the army during that space fatal consequences must unavoidably ensue. Your own discernment makes it needless to particularize.
          Influenced by these considerations my duty to the public, and my affection to the virtuous inhabitants of this State (who next to the army would be the most immediate sufferers) have determined me to call upon the respective counties for a proportion of grain and cattle to satisfy the present exigency. The quota of the county to which you belong is 900 hundred Bushels of grain, and one hundred—head of cattle, and which it is indispensible ⟨should⟩ be collected and delivered to Major Pyatt (who will have the honor of presenting you with this) in four—days after the application. If more can be spared, the County will do an essential service by furnishing it.
          I have adopted this mode of application, from a regard to the ease and accommodation of the inhabitants. As you are well acquainted with the circumstances of individuals you will be able to apportion the quantity required to the ability of each, and as I have no doubt you will be convinced of the absolute necessity of the measure, I am persuaded your zeal for the common cause will induce you to exert your utmost influence to procure a cheerful and immediate compliance. In doing this though you may not be authorized by the strict letter of the law, by consulting its spirit (which aims at the relief of the army) in an emergency of so pressing and peculiar a nature, you will merit the acknowlegements of your fellow citizens.

          In order that the inhabitants may receive compensation for what they furnish, Major Pyatt—will concert with you a proper place, at the time appointed, and a commissary wi⟨ll⟩ attend to receive them, and give certificates specifying the quantity of each article and the terms of payment. These terms will be (at the option of the owner which he shall declare at the time) either to be paid the present market price, which if pref⟨erred is⟩ to be specified, or the market price at the time of paym⟨ent.⟩ The weight of the cattle to be estimated by the magistrates or any two of them in conjunction with the commissary.
          While I have entire confidence that you will do every thing in your power to give efficacy to this requisition, I have too high an opinion of the patriotism of the p[e]ople of this State and of their attatchment to an army making every sacrifice in defence of their country, to entertain the least apprehension of their not seconding your endeavours. But at the same time I think it my duty to inform you, that should we be disappointed in our hopes, the extremity of the case will compel us to have recourse to a different mode which will be disagreeable to me on every account; on none more than the probability of its having an operation less equal and less convenient to the inhabitants than the one now recommended. I intreat you to be assured, Gentlemen, that I have given you a just representation of our distresses; of the causes; and of the time which must in all likelihood elapse before we can obtain relief, through the ordinary channels. From this you will be sensible that delay or indecision is incompatable with our circumstances. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be, Gentlemen ⟨Your Most⟩ obt & hble servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 7 January 1780
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Baskingridge [N.J.] January 7th 1780

          About a month ago I deposited with Colonel Hamilton some papers for your Excellency’s perusal relative to One James O Hara, taken up at Easton for passing Counterfeit Continental Money, both in this State & Pensilvania, a large quantity of which he brought out of New york. as I was fearfull the Magistrates would enlarge him on Bail, I desired Colonel Hooper to retain him as a Military prisoner, having sufficient Evidence in my hands to Convict him as a Spy from the Enemy, what has Since been done with him I know not. about the Same time I had a Caleb Swesey and two others Apprehend[ed] as accomplises of Ohara, they were

examined before two Magistrates at Morris Town, and Sufficient appeared Against Swesey to retain him both as Civil and Military prisoner, and as such was Committed to Morris Town Goal; the other two were admitted to Bail. a few day’s ago I had information of One Richard Heyden being within a few Miles of Camp. this fellow is a Notorious Villian, has Communicated with the Enemy every Since their first Arrival in this State, has been twice apprehended as a Spy & as often brook Goal and Escaped to the Enemy; he is the person who Supplyed Ohara with the Counterfeit Money, and I have great reason to belive that he was employed at new york as one of the Grand Agents for Vending and Circulating the Counterfeit paper Money. I sent an Officer with small detachment of the Militia who were well acquainted with the Country to take him, he was apprehended and sent by Justice Young to Morris Town Goal to be held in Irons. Yet I am this Morning informed that some Magistrate at Morris Town had Bailed both Heyden and Swesey, on the Security of men of Caracters almost as infamous as themselves: thus giveing these Villians a licence to go into every part of the Camp or State with impunity, and an other oppertunity of going to the Enemy whenever they are furnished with any intelligence they think worth Communicating to them. Both in a Civil and Military light I Esteem this Affair of the Utmost importance, and if it is Vigorously prosecuted in both lines, I do not doubt it will discover the whole Scheme of Counterfeiting the Continental Money and its Circulators in more States than one; and may give us a Clue that will detect the whole train of Spies and Intelligenceors that we have among us. at any rate I think the three Capital one’s, OHara, Swesie, & Heyden should be Secured beyond a possibility of Escapeing, their Crimes are unbailable, and they should be remanded to prison. how to get the Civil Engine to Act with Vigour on this occasion I know not, but I belive the most Effectual way will be for your Excellency to write to Governor Livingston, he can appoint a Special Commission to prosecute this Matter immediately, and if your Excellency chuses in the Mean-time to have them Secured as Military prisoners I think I can find Men to be Confided in, who know their haunts, and will lay perdue for them.
          I would have waited on your Excellency on this Occasion, but the extreme Cold weather and difficulty of traveling prevents my Venturing Abroad. Lady Stirling Joins her most respectfull

Compliments to your self & Mrs Washington with your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 7 January 1780
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Hanover [N.J.] 7th Jany 1780

          I was honored with your favor of the 28th Ultimo, & on the 2nd Instant the Light Corps was Dessolved & took up the Line of march to join their Respective Regiments, after reading the Inclosed Order at the head of each Battalion.
          the Distinguished & honorable manner in which your Excellency has more than once mentioned my name to Congress, & your very polite approbation of my Conduct thro’ the course of this Campaign, must be a very pleasing, & rich reward to an Officer whose only merit was that of having used his best endeavours to do his duty, & to carry the Orders of his General into execution, but as I can’t do justice to my feelings on the Occation, your Excellency will have goodness enough to pardon me for not attempting to express them, & as one Indulgence is generally followed by wishing for more, I now request leave of absence from this Army, until your Excellency may have Occation for my Services in the field—& whenever the Light Infantry is called out, that I may again be honored with the Command of it. Interim I am with Sincere Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obt & Affectionate Hume Sert

            Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from John Beatty, 8 January 1780
From: Beatty, John
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Commy Prissrs Office 8th Jany 1780

          I have to represent to your Excellency that since the Post of Elizabeth Town has been Guarded by Detachments from the Army it has been the practice of the Commanding and other officers at the Post to break open and Examine indiscriminately all Letters whether of a public or private nature, which may pass to or come from New York, by this means I find my official Letters have not only undergone this inspection, but in some instances their Inclosures have been lost and even whole Letters have miscarried—Added to the Indignity which it reflects upon a public officer, I conceive many disadvantages will arise from

such a practice, and as they found it upon your Excellency’s possitive Order to this purport it cannot be dispensed with unless they receive Instructions to the Contrary, I am to request therefore that your Excellency will take this matter up and give such further Orders respecting it, as may seem proper. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Mo. Obt Humble servt

            Jno. Beatty Com. Gen. Priss


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 8 January 1780
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            My dear General,
            Charles-Town [S.C.] Jany 8th 1780

          I was a few days since honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 26th October last by Lieut. Colonel Ternant.
          I am too fully convinced of the utility of the new regulations not to afford him every countenance and assistance in my power, and it will be my greatest attention to have the troops in this Department formed on the plan adopted for the order & discipline of the army of the United States.
          I hear, but have no official notice of it, that the Virginia line are ordered from the main army to reinforce this department. If this should prove true, it will be fortunate indeed for this country, and I think exceedingly so for the United States & the cause in general; for it is such an attention to the safety of this people, that, if ever an idea has been formed & nourished among them that they were neglected by Congress, it must now be removed; besides the security it will afford to this State & Georgia.
          By the last accounts I have received from Savannah, the enemy seem to be alarmed by the movements of the Spaniards, and towards the end of the last month sent off the 60th regt to St Augustine, & (some say) another small corps. What has been the fate of Mobille & pensacola is uncertain; by some accounts we have reason to believe that they are in the hands of the Spaniards; this I have from a number of deserters, & since is confirmed by Mr Cowen, one of our officers, who was lately exchanged, and left Savannah. I think there cannot be a doubt but that such a report prevails there, but what gave rise to it I know not. Though I have not so full evidence in favor of the report as gives me satisfaction respecting the truth of it; yet I have thought it necessary & my duty to give your Excellency this hint.
          While I congratulate your Excellency on the success of the arms of the United States in the department more immediately under your direction, I have to lament that so little has been done here that we have nothing for our consolation, but that

we have not permitted the enemy to run away with us. I have the honor to be with the highest esteem Your Excellencys most Obedient servant

            B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 8 January 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            New York January 8th 1780.

          I inclose to you, Sir, the Duplicate of a letter I writ to you some days ago concerning Major Gardiner; that Gentleman’s uneasiness at remaining here beyond the ten days prescribed him is the cause of my troubling Your Excellency again and I will, therefore, hope you will have the goodness to answer these letters so soon as it may be convenient to you, and should it be your opinion that Major Gardiner must return upon his parole immediately I will request, however, that Your Excellency will permit him to go into the Jersies or Pensilvania as the returning to Boston at this inclement Season of the Year will be very difficult.
          I have instanced to Major Gardiner several American Officers Prisoners of War who have remained beyond the limits of their

being called into New York in the hopes of an Exchange taking place and upon my assurances their Conduct would not be arraigned by the King’s Commander in Chief in America, and I have assured Major Gardiner he cannot fail of meeting with a return of the same liberal Sentiments from Your Excellency.
          I have had a number of letters from Major Harnage and Captain Hawker from Cambridge in every one of which they acknowledge the great Civilities they have received from General Washington, I should take it as a great favour conferred upon me if they might be permitted to come into New York with a view of being Exchanged, but on that failing to go in the first Flag of truce Vessel to Virginia and join the Troops of Convention there. I have the honour to be, Sir, with great personal Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

            W. Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 8 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town Jany 8th 1780

          I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the copy of a letter I have just received from the late Commissary General, by which you will see upon how ill a footing our future prospects of supplies are; particularly with respect to meat. This corresponds with representations from every quarter, and with what we actually feel. The army has been near three months on a short allowance of Bread; within a Fortnight past almost perishing. They have been some times without Bread, some times without meat, at no time with much of either, and often without both. They have borne their distress in which the officers have shared a common Lot with the men, with as much fortitude as human

nature is capable of; but they have been at last brought to such a dreadful extremity, that no authority or influence of the officers no virtue or patience in the men themselves could any longer restrain them from obeying the dictates of their sufferings. The Soldiery have in several instances plundered the neighbouring Inhabitants even of their necessary subsistence. Without an immediate remedy this evil would soon become intolerable and unhappily for us we have no prospect of relief through the ordinary channels—We are reduced to this alternative either to let the army disbnd or to call upon the several Counties of this State to furnish a proportion of Cattle and Grain for the immediate supply of our wants—If the Magistrates refuse their aid we shall be obliged to have recourse to a military impress.
          But this Sir is an expedient as temporary in its relief as it is disagreeable in its execution, and injurious in its tendency. An army is not to be supported by measures of this kind. Something of a more permanent and effectual nature must be done. The Legislative authority of the respective States must interpose its aid—The Public treasury is exhausted—we have no Magazines any where that I know of—the Public officers have neither money nor credit to procure supplies. I assure your Excellency, as far as my knowledge extends, this is a faithful representation of our affairs—our situation is more than serious—it is alarming—I doubt not your Excellency will view it in the same light and that the Legislature of the State of Connecticut will give a fresh proof of their wisdom and zeal for the common cause by their exertions upon the present occasion; and I hope I shall be thought to be justified by circumstances when I add, that unless each State enters into the business of supplying the army as a matter seriously interesting to our political salvation we may shortly be plunged into misfortunes from which it may be impossible to recover.
          I have made a similar representation to all the States on which we depend for supplies. Maryland has passed an Act which promises us much assistance in the article of Flour and Forage, though it must be Some time before we can feel the benefit of it. She has appointed Commissioners in each County with full power to purchase or impress all the Grain in the State more than is sufficient for the use of the Inhabitants; and has interested them in a vigorous execution of the commission—I flatter

myself the other States will make equal exertions; and then we shall escape the calamities with which we are now threatned. I have the honor to be With the utmost respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obet Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 8 January 1780
From: Van Schaick, Goose
To: Washington, George

            Albany January 8th 1780

          Pursuant to your Excellencys directions of the 28th of November last, the Oneida Indians are imployed in making Snowshoes, but by the last Account from Major Graham at present the Commanding Officer at Fort Schuyler, I am informed that not a Sufficient Quantity of Leather can be procured in that part of the Country to make one hundred & fifty pair, whatever their may fall short of the Number, I shall order to be sent up from this place there being at present two hundred pair in the Public Store in this Town. The Maquasons shall also be procured if in my power & deposited as directed. A General deep snow having for some time past Obstructed the Roads between this & Fort Schuyler put it out of power at present to inform your Excellency what progress has been made in these matters.
          Inclosed is a Copy of a Court of Inquiry held on the Complaint of Andrew Douw Commissary to the General Hospital As I have it not in my power to call a General Court Martial at this

place for want of a sufficient number of Officers, I have Transmitted the Report of the Court of Inquiry, and ordered William Adams, who is Charged of having Embezled a large Quantity of Public Stores to be secured untill I can be Honoured with your Excellencys direction what is further to be done in this case. I have the Honor to be with Esteem & Regard Your Excellencys most Obedt Humble Servant

            G. V. Schaick


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

            Head-Quarters Morristown sunday Jany 9th [1780]
            Parole Orange—  C. Signs Peach. Quince.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Irvine, 9 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Irvine, William

            Dr sir
            Hd Qrs Morris Town January 9th 1780

          From our great distress for the want of provision and the very remote prospect of getting a supply in any reasonable time, through the Ordinary channel—I have been compelled to address the Magistrates of the several Counties in this State to collect certain quantities of Grain and Cattle from the Inhabitants of each in a limited time; and have appointed Field Officers to present the Addresses and aid in the collection. This plan I would willingly hope will procure Supplies and in a way the least exceptionable; however as we are reduced to a situation of extremity, if it should fail, we must of necessity have recourse to One more disagreable. I have advised the Magistrates of this and fully of our circumstances. Colo. Ogden is appointed to transact the business in either case in Essex County—and on his application you will furnish him with a party from your command. The Address to the Magistrates is inclosed in the Letter to Colo. Ogden, which I request You to have conveyed to him as soon as possible. I am Dr sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt st

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 9 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

            Dear Lee,
            Morristown Jany 9:80

          You will not forget that you owe me a horse or something in the shape of one—for the bay I turned into your Corps twelve Months ago. I am not in immediate want. but in some cases it is necessary to remind a man of his debt lest he should forget his creditor. I do not apply this to you because I am sincerely & Affectly Yrs

            Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from James Wilkinson, 9 January 1780
From: Wilkinson, James
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Morris Town. Jany 9th 1780

          The frequent Applications which I receive, from the General officers & other Individuals of the Army, for Articles of Clothing for their Servants & Waiters, occasions me great perplexity & Uneasiness, and obliges me to request your Excellency, either to Authorize my compliance therewith, or to inform the Army that my Duty obliges me to reject them, for from the mistaken Idea of my possessing discretionary power on the occasion, I am

exposed to the Ill will of those whose requisitions my own safety obliges me to refuse.
          I am sorry to inform your Excellency that we have recd no Clothing since my last return, which I ascribe to the Weather, for the Teams ordered from sussex under the particular Conduct of Mr Story must doubtless have reached New Burgh a week ago, & I am sensible they could meet with no delay from my Depy at that place so that they may be expected as soon as the Roads are passable for Wheel Carriages.
          I am informed of the Arrival of a considerable Quantity of Clothing at Fish Kill landing but have recd no Invoice as the River was then impassable.
          My Depy at New Burgh has my Orders to make a reservation of Clothing at that place for the use of the Troops at West-Point &c. which can be occasionally delivered to the Sub Clothiers of the respective Troops, your Excellency will therefore please to Order the Commanding officers to direct their Application from time to time as the Situation of the Troops may require.
          Business with the Board of War makes my presence Necessary in Phila. and if you have no Objection I propose seting off in two or three Days. and I am with the highest respect Your Excellencys Obliged, Obed. & ready Servant

            J. Wilkinson


Title: General Orders, 10 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown monday Jany 10th [1780]
            Parole Regiment—  C. Signs Silence Truth.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Matthias Ogden, 10 January 1780
From: Ogden, Matthias
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Elizth Town [N.J.] 10th January 1780

          I recieved your Excellencys instructions last evening on the subject of collecting provission—I have taken measures to have a meeting with the Magistrates of the County of Essex to morrow at 12 OClock & have not the least doubt but they will readily comply with your Excellencys requisition, ’tho on enquiry I find the proportion of Grain no way equal to the abilities of the farmers, & I believe the proportion of Cattle rather exceeds—If your Excellency should think proper to alter the proportion by raising the demand of Corn to two or three thousand Bushels, & deduct 50 or 80 head of Cattle, I think I should more readily succeed—my being advertized of any alteration in my instructions any time this evening, will be timely notice. I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys humble servant

            M: Ogden

            N.B. Please to direct to me at E. Town.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Matthias Ogden, 10 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Ogden, Matthias

            Dr sir
            Head qrs Morris Town January 10th 1780

          Your Letter of to day has just come to hand. If you find on consulting with the Magistrates, that the number of Cattle mentioned in my requisition and Instructions cannot be easily obtained, You will make a deduction of Fifty—on the Magistrates agreeing that a reasonable quantity of Corn, of which it seems

there is a happy plenty, shall be collected in their stead, it being my wish not to distress the Inhabitants more than our circumstances unavoidably require. You will settle the point with the magistrates. At the same time, as the Cattle which have been received are generally small, and it may be a good while before we get a Supply from the Eastward—I should be well pleased if it could be done without much inconvenience, if the whole number could be collected—and a quantity of Grain over & above what has been apportioned. As there will be Detachments constantly below—The Grain need not be brought here, but be kept for their use at some proper place to be concerted between You and the Commissary and such Others as you may chuse to consult upon the occasion. Sp[r]ingfield & Westfield appear to me as not unsuitable places. I am Dr sir, with great regard Yr Most Obedt st

            G. W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 10 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

            My Lord.
            Head Quarters Morristown 10th Jany 1780.

          I should be glad, on receipt of this, to see your Lordship on some matters of business as soon as possible. I am my Lord your Lordships most obt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 10 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, Tench

            Morris-town 10th Jany 1780.½ past 7 O’clock P.M.
            Dr Sir

          As The detatchment could not be put in motion till late this afternoon—when the snow set in pretty briskly, I thought it best

to suspend their march till we saw what turn the weather was like to take. of this I have given you notice lest forward preparations in the party at present below may betray our design. This delay can be attended with no possible disadvantage if the frost continues, while much useful information may in the meantime be had, and the enemy lulled into security—24 or 36 hours will bring on a thaw—or renewal of the cold—if the first, our project of course ends—if the latter, we shall be able to undertake the enterprize upon more certain intelligence which at present is defective consequently disadvantageous in forming the plan.
          Genl Irvine will be so good as to keep his attention closely fixed to the objects recommended to him—you will write me the result of your present enquiries by return of the bearer & give me your opinion there upon. also of the roads as you found them—14 Barrels of Salt provisions are ordered on to Genl Irvine—these are to be held in reserve for the expedition—to be delivered at a proper moment.
          After having possessed yourself of information on the several points essential to be known I shall be glad to see you up along the Chatham road that it may be more fully & clearly communicated than by letter. Very sincerely & Affectly I am Dr Sir.


Title: From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 10 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wilkinson, James

            sir
            Head Qrs [Morristown] Jany 10. 1780

          I have received Your Letter of Yesterday. It appears to me at present, that General and Other Officers who find their own servants, ought to receive annually Cloathing for them to the amount of the Annual Cloathing allowed by the public to the Soldiers—and that the General & Field Officers might draw it on their own Order. The public would save by this, as otherwise they might be compelled to take Waiters from the Army, whom they would cloath and lose their service in a great degree besides. If circumstances should make it necessary for Servants under this description to receive more than the bounty Cloathing—the Officers should pay a reasonable price for the Surplus. Where General Officers have Soldiers for Servants they might also draw as far as the bounty Articles on their order, in which case they should distinguish the Regiment and State to which the Soldier belonged and the Cloathing be charged as part of the State’s quota. Any Surplus drawn must be paid for. If there are any instances where Other Officers use Soldiers as Waiters—they can easily draw in their Regiments. In the case of General Officers they frequently change their commands and it might not always be convenient at the Instant to part with a Servant who had proved faithful & t[r]ust worthy.
          It is certainly right that a proportion of Cloathing should be reserved at Newburg to supply the occasional dema⟨nds⟩ of the Troops stationed at the North River and Danbury. If their State Cloathiers make You Monthly Returns as they and those belonging to every State ought to do, & represent the wants of the Troops to You from time to time you will be under little or no difficulty in directing your issues—which should be made to them. These are points which should not be dispensed with. My Instructions to General He⟨at⟩h before I left West point were, that the applications should be to You throug⟨h⟩ this channel—and I wish most ardently the business of the department could be got in such a train—that the issuing of the Cloathing might not depend on Orders from me, which, from the multiplicity of Other business constantly engaging my attention—I would wish to avoid as much as possible.
          If you have business with the Board of War that requires your

presence—I have no objection to your going to Philadelphia. I am sir with esteem & regard Yr Most Obedt st

            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentn
            Hd Qrs Morris Town January 11. 1780

          I was duly honoured with Your Letter, stating the difficulties which occurred to prevent Colo. Mitchell from attending then the trial of Major General Arnold. As several days have elapsed since, I would willingly hope that things are in such a train as to admit of his coming now, without any material injury to the public service. Genl Arnold is very anxious on this head—and indeed so am I, as the Court Martial for the want of his testimony solely have been delayed finishing the trial near a fortnight and must be, according to their Report, till it is had. The delay in this prevents the bringing on Other Trials—and is of material injury besides, by preventing the Officers who compose the Court from attending to other essential duties, and which makes the situation of the rest in Camp (there being Many on furlough through the necessity of their affairs) hard & disagreable. The Board I am convinced will direct Colo. Mitchell to proceed the moment they think it can be done with propriety—and I sincerely wish his immediate attendance may be practicable.
          I have also been honoured with the Board’s Favors of the 20th

Ulto & 3 & 5 Inst. I shall give directions to the Commissary on the subject of Mr Loring’s application and agreable to the Board’s opinion shall grant a passport for the Cloathing intended for the prisoners. It would have been a lucky circumstnce, if those gone to Fort Frederick could have received the⟨irs⟩ before they were removed. I will write Genl Heath on the subject in which Mr Hatfield is interested, and request him to have the proposed enquiry. I shall also take occasion to answer the points referred to me by the Letter of the 20 Ulto. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Gentn Yr Most Obed. st

            G. W.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 11 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gent.
            Head Qrs Morris Town Jany 11 1780

          On the 8th late in the Afternoon I had the honor to receive Your private Letter of the 3d Inst. I sent the next morning for Captain Bowman, but owing to his being out of Camp in quest of provision, I did not see him till yesterday, when I took measures with him for complying with your views. He will march with his Company & with some additional Men I directed to be attached to it to make it compleat, this Afternoon or early to morrow morning; also with an Empty Ammunition Waggon. The captain has received Instructions in the Spirit of the Board’s

Letter, and an Order on the Commissary at Freehold for a Fortnights provision and also One directing no Officer to interfere with his command. Our distressed circumstances for want of provision and the Jersey Troops not having yet received All their Cloathing or any of their Coats from their state Cloathier have also contributed to the Captains delay. I have the Honor &c.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Nathaniel Bowman, 11 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Bowman, Nathaniel

            sir
            [Morristown, 11 Jan. 1780]

          You are to proceed immediately with the men of your company, present, and those attatched to it by an order of yesterday for the purpose of making it complete, to Squan, by the way of Freehold, taking with you the ammunition waggon for which you obtained an order on General Knox. At Freehold you will draw two weeks provision for your party, for which purpose you will find an order inclosed on the commissary at that place. You are to receive orders as to your farther destination and the objects of your command from the honorable the Board of War, thro’ Majr Howel late of the 2d Jersey Regt—And I have the utmost persuasion, that as far as the execution of the matters they have in view may be practicable and depend on you and your party that their expectations will be answered. It is the desire of the Board that your route and destination be kept a profound secret, which you will observe, both as it is their wish, and as the success of the enterprise they have in contemplation may depend entirely upon it. Expedition in your march will also be essential. That no officer may interfere with your command, I have written a line to that effect, which you will also find inclosed and use as occasion may require. In the course of your march and command you will keep your party under strict discipline, and in good order. It will be advisable that the men march with two or three days provisions if it can be easily obtained. You cannot move too soon. Given at Head Quarters this 11th January 1780.

            G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from the Continental Congress Committee on Reducingthe Army, 11 January 1780
From: Continental Congress Committee on Reducing the Army
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Philadelphia 11th Jany 1780

          We beg Leave to inclose to your Excellency sundry Propositions referred by Congress to our Consideration, & to request

your opinion thereon, being with Respect sir your most obedt & very humble servants

            E. GerryRobt R. LivingstonJno. Mathews


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 11 January 1780
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Washington, George

            General Irvines Quarters [Crane’s Mill, N.J.]Tuesday Morning [11]th Jany 1780
            Sir

          I had the honor of receiving yours of 8 OClock last Evening at 3 this morning. That the Express may not be delayed I shall take Colo. Ogdens letter to him—General Irvine has taken no measures for calling off his Guards—nor can he with propriety untill he knows whether it is still determined to prosecute the plan tomorrow night—Of this he must have notice as speedily as possible, as his parties are remote. If he hears from you by this evening, he can, should there be occasion, have his Men at

any point of rendezvous time enough tomorrow to answer the purpose. General Irvine thinks Trimlys point, from what he has seen is preferable to Halsteads on account of the Ice—but that will have been ascertained by the time we reach E. Town to which we are just going and shall take Colo: Ogden in the way—All accounts agree that the Ice is in general safest at De Harts point just above E. Town, but that is very public and leads over to the most common and thick settled Road upon the Island. there are some reasons for thinking they will be most unguarded upon that quarter—one is—that they keep patrols of Horse and foot every night opposite Halsteads and Trimlys and I dont hear of any at the other place. At Eliza: Town we shall see the Officer who went over with Colo. Darke and Towles and from him we shall learn the state of the Road upon the Island. If the Snow is as deep there as here, there will be no possibility of marching but thro’ the Roads which have been well beaten—the snow last night has added 6 Inches to the depth. I cannot yet find that any thing is to be apprehended from the force upon the Island if they can be surprized in their quarters—none make them more and some under 1000. We shall see a deserter at Elizabeth town who came over last night—but so drunk that he could give no account.
          The detachment of 1000 may move on as far as Connecticut farms, which is a proper position for them, should they only in the end be a releiving party, and they will be in a good situation to move from thence to any part of the sound—upon occasion—The moment the places which may be passed are determined upon I shall return to Morris town with the Report—and any other information which I may obtain. The general distribution of the Enemys force is—Richmond—Deckers and Watering place—They have some W⟨or⟩ks at the former—The Roads I conceive ⟨mutilated⟩and difficulty. I am with sincerest Respe⟨ct⟩ and Regard Your Excellency’s Most obt & humble Servt

            Tench Tilghman

            P.S. We have just heard that there had been no communication between N. York and Staten Island yesterday—for six days before—It is said the Ice from Deckers to Bergen point is never passable. In attempting to throw a relief over to paulus Hook a few days ago—one Boat with the Men was lost—the remainder narrowly escaped.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 11 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Tilghman, Tench

            Dr Sir,
            Morris Town Jany 11th 1780

          I received two hours since your letter of this morning—The unsettled state of the weather and a desire to obtain more precise intelligence have determined me to defer the march of the detachment till tomorrow—if the attempt is found practicable and the weather permits, we must endeavour at all events to execute it on Friday night.
          The circumstance of patroles is of great importance. I wish you to ascertain this point as well as possible—the places they go to and the hours they commonly make their appearance with whatever else occurs to you that may enlighten us.
          I should be glad to know the distances from Connecticut farms to the different crossing places.
          General Irvine will regulate the calling in his out posts by the time now fixed unless otherwise directed in the mean time—It ought to be delayed as long as it can be to be in time. We shall hope to see you in the course of tomorrow.
          On further consideration I wish you to extend your inquiries from Trimleys point towards new blazing Star from thence to smoaking point—old blazing Star &ca and to comprehend the

same objects with respect to them as with respect to other places. I am with very great regard Dr Sir yr Most obet servant

            Go: Washington

            P.S. I wish to know the State of the Ice at Amboy—whether it is to be crossed there also with a body of Troops? Be pleased to make an apology to Genl Irvine for the detention of his Servant, as it was to save an Express.
            In addition to what I have just put my name, & Seal to the letter, please to enquire where our guards are along the Sound—whether we have any at Woodbridge & Amboy—& in a particular manner let me know whether the Ice is to be crossed at or near a Mill by the House of a Mr C. Dusasway (on the Island) one mile or there abouts from Amboy East of it.


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

            Head-Quarters Morristown Wednesday Jany 12th [1780]
            Parole Xantippe—  C. Signs Youth. Zest.


Title: From George Washington to David Arell, 12 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Arell, David

            Sir
            Morris Town 12th Jany 1780

          I expect a suit in Chancery will be instituted against me in Fairfax Court, as Surviving Executor of the late Colo. Thomas

Colvill, by Major Moody, for obtaining a Settlement of Accounts and a Deed of Conveyance for a piece of Land which the late Captain West who was a joint Executor, and myself sold him some years ago. It is probable the Executors of Captain West will be made parties. The suit so far as I am concerned will be amicable, it being both my wish and duty to do justice, as well to Majr Moody as to those who are to recieve the profits of the Sale. I want nothing more—and that the business should be conducted in such a way that right may take place and Myself stand justified. To this Suit I request the favor of you to appear as my Attorney and take upon You the management of it in my behalf⟨.⟩ I should suppose the only difficulties that will occur in the Affair, will be with respect to the Accounts—the sum due—interest— and the sort of Money which Majr Moody shall be allowed to pay. As to the Accounts so far as they involve my transactions—they will be clear: how they may stand with respect to Captain West and payments made him—is a point I cant determin. But I have refused and am decidedly of opinion—that I cannot in justice to the parties interested under Colo. Colvill’s Will, recieve the purchase money of Major Moody in paper money in it’s present depreciated state—or at any rate on the terms of pound for pound. This would be so unequal and so injurious to the rights of those I represent, that I can never consent to it—and I think the Chancery Court will never decree an execution of a Deed of Conveyance on this principle. As I shall not have the opportunity of a personal conference and interview with you—I shall be obliged, I presume to get my Answer drawn by some Gentlemen here. Under this idea I request that you will transmit me by the earlies[t] Post, a certified Copy of the Bill Major Moody exhibits—and also of any other pap⟨ers⟩ he may file with it. I also apprehend it may be necessary for me to have a Copy of Colo. Colvills Will—or at least extracts from such parts of it—as directed the sale of the land in question—and the application of the money. I shall write to Mr L. Washington to send me a copy of any Accounts I may have against Major Moody—as Executor—that I may be the better prepared to make my Answer. When I have recieved the Copies I have mentioned from you—I shall take the earliest occasion that circumstances will admit— to exp⟨lain⟩ th⟨e business.⟩ And I shall be much obliged, by your favoring me with Your observations and sentiments upon any

points that may occur to you upon the subject of the Bill. I am not well informed how far the Continental and other paper money are tenderable by Law and wish to be made acquainted with respect to it. probably in making my Answer an extract from the Law on this head—may be of some service. I am Sir Your most Obt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Armstrong, 12 January 1780
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

              Dear General—
              Carlisle [Pa.] 12th January 1780

            The present distressing Asspect of our publick affairs compels me to add to your Excellencys present trouble the reading of the following lines—about this time I hoped to have heard of your being in Philada and fully intended writing at some greater length than the haste of the bearer will now admit.
            I need not take up the train much less the causes of our present most critical & dangerous Situation, the flames of political destruction are enkindled all around us & have made their formidable progress but too obvious even to common reflexion;

nor have I ever Seperated the great publick concern from that peculiar degree of anxiety which must possess your mind on the languishing State of our finance! On the Subtile Subject of finance my pretentions are truly Small, but on the necessity of some different measures from any yet adopted what man can shut his eyes? To say nothing of the various aireal Schemes that have been thrown out, one thing is clear, that even such as have been tryed from their Shew of more reason and Solidity, either from their being inadequate in their nature, or too late in their application have palpably failed of the effect. for Some time past we have resembled a Patient far gon[e] in disease, given up of his Physicians and left to the mere efforts of nature. Now whether we Shall proceed in this same natural or rather slothful & timid way, leaving our internal commerce to regulate itself, and take chance for the event, or attempt the plain high-way of Law & publick Authority, in the regulation of Prices generally, appears to be the Question, and that with out an alternative that can promise Success. The latter however degraded by Merchants or exploded by some politicians of more refined Sentiments if I have any Opinion at all, is the better if not the only fundamental means of our political recovery. I know there are powerful Objections to this doctrine of regulation of prices by law, or rather they are powerfully made, for at this time I must in truth declare I think their whole Operation impertinent, inconclusive & lost in the Superior force of these arguments which inevitably result from the present circumstances of this country—Whereby the great Law of Necessity is now clearly introduced for the tryal of a legal regulation of Prices, and must at least fully justify the experiment. I know the grand difficulties, as well as the nicities atten⟨d⟩ing Such regulations must lie in the Execution, and penalties of this Law—hard they may be but Ought not to be Supposed insurmountable. True the virtue of the populace is very low but not altogether extinct, the latent remains wherof must yet instrumentally Save us, if so, how are we to animate these remains, when the natural springs thereof are so much relaxed—No other probable or perhaps possible way but by the Salutary Stimulace of publick Authority, and the encouragement they may derive from a near prospect of Peace, or at least of retrenching the Extra expences of the Civil Staff of the Army, which wou’d naturally lead to Some farther Observation, I mean

Such as arises on the remarks, Sentiments and temper of many people far out of your Sight & hearing—but now Coll Davies waites with impatience & obliges me to conclude—Yr Excelly will easily conceive my design in these hasty lines arises from a wish that your helping hand may be put to this business altho’ out of your Strict Sphere of actio⟨n⟩ as it is to be apprehended that different Sentiments on politick⟨s⟩ may Obstruct the measure. I am with great truth and respect, Your Excellencys Most Obedt and Affectionate Hl. servt

              John Armstrong

            I cou’d Sincerely wish the policy of Virginia respecting their Land-Office and extent of territory were otherwise timed—and more disinterested.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 12 January 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Morristown January 12th 1780

          Inclosd is all the most material matters which has occurd to me. I am not sufficently acquainted with the Enemies

cantonment to determin with any certainty the exact mode of attack or of the proper strength of each party. I am your Exccellencys Most Obedt humble Serv.

            Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 12 January 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia January 12th 1780

          Your Excellency will receive herewith our Act of Congress of the 8th instant, making further provision for the paying for horses killed in Battle and for reforming the Georgia Battallions &c.
          Your Excellency’s favour by Col. Magaw have this moment recievd & Shall call the Attention of Congress to the Subject to which it relates at thier Meeting in the morning, that a de⟨c⟩ision may be obtaind as Soon as possible. I have the Honour to be with the highest Respect Your Exys humbe Servt

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Irvine, 12 January 1780
From: Irvine, William
To: Washington, George

            Cranes Mills [N.J.] Janry 12 1780

          I beg leave to mention to your Excellency that there are no Surgeons with the Detachment—I have always been of opinion that every considerable Detachment ought at all times be supplied—There are enough of them to spare, if any regular mode was addopted for this purpose—I think there must be some deficiency in that Department in not having an established rule for this purpose long ago I Am Sir your Most obedt Servt

            Wm Irvine


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Moody, 12 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Moody, Benjamin

          Morristown, N.J., 12 Jan. 1780. GW, replying to Moody’s letter of 17 Nov. 1779, states that he has “no other wish than to do impartial justice to You and the Will to which I am an Executor.” He has requested David Arell to appear as his attorney at the suit in chancery instituted by Moody and has instructed Arell “to make it an amicable suit.”


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

            Head-Quarters Morristown thursday Jany 13th [1780]
            Parole Arch—  C. Signs Bomb. Carcase.

          As there is a quantity of provisions and forage collected for the army the General is anxious to take advantage of the present favorable weather to bring it to camp & orders two detachments for that purpose to be paraded tomorrow morning 10 ôclock with three days cooked provisions.