Title: To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 2 October 1778
From: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Boston Road 2d October 1778

          I entreat Your Excellency to accept my sincere thanks—for your kindness to Mr de Choin—I share in the gratitude with which he is penetrated—his personal qualities and his connexions in france, had inspired me with friendship and consideration for him. these sentiments derive additional strength from the profound veneration with which he takes a pleasure in depicting to us, that amiable firmness which attracts all hearts, and which governs men—as well as that heroical Simplicity so respectable and so necessary—in those who found a Republic—and who lead the defenders of a free people—he speaks only of you Sir—I have already caught his eyes a hundred times, fixed upon your picture—which to my great Satisfaction he has informed me is a likeness. he sighs when he hears the hour strike, in which he usually had the honor of following you to reconnoitre—his very Stomach in a word is at variance with our Ragouts which now appear <to> him detestable—unless we amuse him constantly with the sound of Musketry—I shall be obliged to bring him back—or send him to France—that he may relate there, how happy he has been in serving under your orders, and in being admitted to an intimacy with you.
          A Flag boat from New York the object of which was an exchange of prisoners—brought me a letter from Admiral Gambier—in which he gives me Notice that he commands all the English Ships in North America—it is now therefore reduced to a certainty that Admiral

            Biron his Senior was not destined to remain here—what We have been able to gather was that his Squadron labors under distempers which are said to be epidemical—this Report whether well or ill founded, has so far gained ground as to make us dread a communication between the prisoners proposed for Exchange and our people.
          General Heath will doubtless have given an account to Your Excellency of certain depositions respecting Halifax—to which I do not attach much Credit—A Merchant Ship from Brest the 20th August, has this day confirmed in great part the particular news of which I had the honor to send you an Extract—he declares that Admiral Keppel is killed—the Advantage on our Side in the Combat is certain—Monr Duchaffaut is better—our Fleet did not put to Sea again till the 16th or 17th. he attests the arrival of the Spanish Galleons—and adds a circumstance which is not indifferent—vizt that it was reported that several Pilots from L’Orient skilled in the navigation of the Channel had been sent on board the Spanish Ships of War—Our Ministry thought when I left france that America wd be the Theatre of the most capital Strokes—The Whirlpool of Affairs and Politics has changed the appearance of things—they will not be the less favorable to this part of the world—and the Universe will still be indebted to the Sage conduct and the Success of General Washington—for seeing the destruction of those chains with which England threatened the Commerce of the whole Globe. I have the honor to be.


Title: To George Washington from William Greene, 2 October 1778
From: Greene, William
To: Washington, George

            sir.
            Warwick [R.I.] 2d October 1778

          I was Honour’d with your favor of the 22d Ulto together with Colo. Biddle and Charles Pettit Esqrs. upon the subject of Forrage—prier to the receipt of yours, I received one from Major General Greene

            mentioning the same difficulties. I then Call’d the Council of War and in the mean time the General proceeded to Boston on business of the same kind and laid it before the Legislative Authority there, who informs me they have it under consideration and he expects will answer his request soon, the Council considering the smallness of this State when compar’d with the others and the many oppressions they have so Sensiblely felt by supplying the Army with necessaries at the Stated price, when at the same time the others were at liberty, they thought it most prudent not to take the lead in this. our Assembly Sets the latter end of this Instant I shall then lay your letter and the other Gentlemens before them, and Doubt not they will do every thing in their power to Support the common Cause that may appear to them to be consistant with good policy. I am with great respect Your Obedient Humble Servt

            W. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 2 October 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Philadelphia] 2nd October [1778]

          Since my last of the 27th I have had the honor of receiving and presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s favor of the 23d Ulto which is still in the hands of a Committee.
          I have at present only to forward the Inclosed Act of Congress of the 30th September for Marching Count Pulaski’s Legion and other Continental Soldiers in and near this City to Princeton. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 2 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

            Dear sir
            Colo. Brinkerhoff’s [near Fishkill] Octor 2: 1778

          I wish you and General McDougal to whom I have written upon the subject, to send a Fatigue party from your Divisions on the Road

            from Fredericksburg by New Milford—Woodberry and Waterbury to Farmington to repair it. This will facilitate our movement, if we proceed to the Eastward. Genl McDougal will only furnish for the fatigue from Nixon’s brigade, as I may find it necessary to make a different disposition of the Carolina Troops. The party must be supplied with provision from time to time as they want, as I wish it to continue, ’till they have gone over the whole tract of road I have mentioned, unless some circumstances cast up to make their rejoining their Corps necessary. I would also wish you to send on the rout I have mentioned, as far as the rough road continues, your Quarter Master or some Intelligent Officer, to mark the different Stages at which Troops might halt, marching from your Camp. You will be pleased to direct him to be particular in his observations—and to note the distances with all the accuracy he can.
          I am in hopes you are making good progress, in the trial of General Schuyler, and that in a day or two you will finish. If we should have occasion to move before it is ended, it will be injurious to the service for the Court to remain, and inconvenient both for them and the General to be finding New places where to convene occasionally.
          The Enemy from the last accounts, were at the liberty pole & at the New bridge near Hackensac. Foraging seems to have been the principal object of their coming out. I am credibly informed, that a packet has just arrived. If this is the case, and Sir Henry Clinton has been waiting for orders from ministry, by which to govern his operations, it is probable we shall soon be able to discover the part he means to take. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington

          p.s. I am very desirous of the Quarter Master’s pointing out the Stages where the Troops may march from day to day, that I may be able to regulate the advance of the Columns that may move on other Routes.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Marshall, 4 October 1778
From: Marshall, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Col. Thomas Marshall, 2 Oct. 1778. GW wrote Marshall on 4 Oct.: “I am just favoured with your letter of the 2d relative to cloathing for your regiment.”


Title: From George Washington to George Measam, 2 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Measam, George

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fish Kill October 2d 1778

          The situation of the army with respect to blankets stockings and shoes is so distressing that I am to desire you will forward on those articles from Springfield & Hartford with all possible dispatch; particularly the shoes, for want of which a great part of the men would be incapable of marching any distance, should it become ever so necessary. You will therefore send on the shoes in the first instance and let the blankets and stockings follow them as speedily as they can. The route they are to take is to Fredericks[burg] by way of Litchfield—The business demands your utmost activity. I am Sir Your most Obed. ser.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 2 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            North Castle [N.Y.] October 2d 1778

          I recd a letter last night from Capt. Leavenworth who informs me that he has Met many Difficulties in fixing a proper Train for obtaining intilligence, owing to the Enemys Chain of posts from the east to the North River and above the persons whom he Made use of, but with Much Difficulty he Has got past them by Water, and informs Me that he will be able to give me Somthing From York about Sunday next. agreable To Your Excellencys Wish I was about to Change My position this morning a few Miles to the Eastward. But hearing the enemy Was out in force on Sawmill River Road I shall be obligd to Defer it untill I know their Designs. the Lieutenant that was taken the other Day by Colo. Butlers party being Badly Wounded and no body with me able to Speak with him. I took his Parole and Sent him in to the enemys Camp. I dont know that I was justifiable in taking this Measure Without Your Excellencys Knowledge Humanity obligd me to do it. I hope for Your Approbation. Since my arival at this place Several Diseffected persons have been taken carrying Live Stock to the enemy, and as it will be attended with much Difficulty in geting the witnesses to attend at Head Quarters, in order to Prosacute them I should be proud that I could Be impowered to try them hear. agreable to An order Your Excellency Gave me Respecting those Horses taken by Capt. Leavenworth, I have Orderd those taken by Colo. Butler to be sold and the money to be Divided among the partie. I hear of Some Valuable horses in the Neighbourhood of Tarry town the property of Diseffected persons Fearfull they might fall into the hands of the Enemy I have orderd them to be Brought off I wish to have Your Excellencys instructions respecting them. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott

          Since writing the above I am informd By an officer of Majr Lees Corps that the enemy has Returnd. they was about 1½ Miles above Tarry Town where they wear met by Colo. Gist and exchanged a fiew Shot and immediatly put back I shall p[r]oceed on to my New position.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 2 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

            My Lord
            Fishkill 2d October 1778

          I have been favd with yours of the 30th Sepr and 1st instant from Kakeate. You will make such a disposition of the troops as shall seem to you most eligible for your own security and for checking the excursions of the enemy.
          The inclosed for General Maxwell directs him to obey your orders. You will therefore draw up such part of his Brigade as you shall think proper. He and all the people about Elizabeth town are very anxious for the whole to remain there. But that which is most conducive of the general good must be done. In my opinion all the demonstrations that have been made of landing from Staten Island, have been for the purpose of drawing our attention and force to that Point.
          I came here the day before yesterday for the greater convenience of receiving intelligence from both sides of the River. Whatever information you get of the intentions of the Enemy be pleased to forward immediately. I am with great Regard Your Lordships most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

            Dr Sir,
            Head Quarters Fish Kill October 2d 1778

          You will send a proper fatigue party from your division, on the road leading from Bull’s Iron works to Litchfield to be employed in repairing the road, in case it should become necessary to march that way—The party will continue out ’till the purpose be completed; and

            measures must therefore be taken to supply them with provisions—Other similar parties are ordered on the other roads.
          You will send your Quarter Master to precede the party and examine how far the road may need repair; and what good halting places there are at proper stages, which must be reported to me, that I may be enabled to regulate the marches of the different columns accordingly.
          We have received advice from the Jerseys, that the enemy there have drawn in their out parties; and are now within their first position on Hackinsack river about the liberty pole New bridge &c. I have also received an account, that Sir James Wallace had come express to General Clinton, who it seems was himself in the Jerseys; and that a packet had just arrived from England, in consequence of which General Clinton had returned to New York—If this be true, the affairs of the enemy must now soon come to an issue. I am Dr Sir Yr Obedt servt

            Go: Washington

          P.S. Should your division be ordered to march, You will still continue with the Court Martial unless otherwise specially directed.


Title: General Orders, 3 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Saturday Octr 3rd 1778.
            Parole Ethiopia—C. Signs Egham. Esop.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 3 October 1778
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir.
            Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] Octr 3d 1778

          I have received your Excellency’s Letter of the 2d Instant by Capt. Machin. I am entirely unacquainted with the Allowances that have been made to Officers for extra Duty and am therefore an improper Judge of the Allowance—which ought to be made to Capt. Machin for this Service.
          While I had the Command at the Works when Capt. Machin was employed as Engineer, he was in that Capacity exposed to uncommon personal Labor and Fatigue, particularly in fixing the Chain and sinking the Frizes and frequently endangered his Health by working in the Water when it was floating with Ice. This renders it the more difficult to make a true Estimation, and induces me to decline it. I have no Objection however to confer with the other Officers who have commanded at those Works, and with them of recommending to your Excellency the Allowance to be made.
          It is some time since I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letter’s of the 22d & 25th of last Month and should have answered them before if I had not promised my self the Pleasure of seeing and conversing with your Excellency on the Subjects to which they relate.
          The Difficulties which attend procuring Forage for the Army, especially when I reflect on the Reasons which occasion them, gives me real Concern and I will take the earliest Oppertunity of laying your Letter on that Subject before the Legislature at their Meeting which may be expected on Monday next.
          I am inclined to believe (from the Information I have received,) that some offensive Operations might be attempted with Success, even at this late Season against the Enemy at Oghquago and Unadella. I have taken some Pains to obtain Accounts of their Strength (which I have Reason to believe is not great) and of the best Route for penetrating into that Country; and as soon as I am furnished with these I

            shall communicate them to your Excellency. I have been led to flatter myself from your Excellency’s present Situation, that we might have the Honor of seeing you here. I am with great Regard & Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant

            Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 3 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

            Sir
            Fishkill 3d October 1778

          General Mcdougall forwarded Major Grays letter to you, to me. I have no account from General Scott of any troops having lately gone from New York to the Narrows. The party that went to Jersey were reinforced, and perhaps that might have occasioned the mistake.
          I do not apprehend any attempt agt this Army, but to be prepared for contingencies, I am to desire, if the Enemy should make a debarkation in force which may seriously threaten your left Flank, you will fall back to Fredericksburg, at which place we can concentre our force.
          I have just seen a Philada paper of the 29th Sepr which mentions that a Vessel had arrived at Baltimore in 13 days from Martinico, and brings an account that the French had taken possession of Dominica and had sent down 4000 Men agt Jamaica. If this is so we shall soon have a confirmation of it. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

          p.s. some troops went from New York to Staten Island abt the time Majr Gray mentions.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 3 October 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Danbury [Conn.] 3rd October 1778 10 o’Clock a.m.

          At seven o’Clock last night, I was favour’d with the receipt of Your Excellency’s Letter, dated the 1st Instant from Fish Kill; though the hour is not mentioned, it must at any rate have been unreasonably long upon the Road: The bearer John Turner, says he received the packet from Thomas McCarty, at half an hour After 3 o’Clock yesterday Afternoon, at Fredrick’sbourg. I mention these particulars to Your Excellency, lest Orders of great moment should hereafter meet with the like delay.
          I begin to be filled with doubt, in regard to the future destination of the Enemy’s Fleet and Army; The year wears fast away, and if they do not sail soon for Boston, I think they will for England; or have received Orders to winter in America—but I know not how to persuade myself of this last Opinion, when I reflect upon the Circumstances of the British Empire in the other parts of the Globe, and how much this Fleet, and Army, is wanted elsewhere. I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

            Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fish Kills October 3d 1778

          I am honored with your favour of the 27 of September, with the inclosed resolves of Congress; a copy of which has been transmitted to Major General Lincoln, for his information and direction.
          Being separated from my papers, I am uncertain, whether I mentioned in my last, that the enemy in the Jerseys having received a reinforcement and made some forward movements, I had thought it expedient to detach another brigade thither to act in conjunction with the one already there, together with Pulaski’s corps and the militia, and had sent Major General Lord Stirling to take the command of the whole—That I had also ordered Major General Putnam across the River for the immediate security of West Point and moved a division of troops to this place, to be nearer that post. I have since come here myself and propose to remain, ’till the views of the enemy in the Jerseys are decided; though I have had no reason to alter my opinion, that nothing more than a forage is intended. By the last accounts, they had drawn in their out parties, and resumed their first bounds behind Hackinsack River at the Liberty-pole and New-Bridge.
          That part of Baylors regiment, which escaped, came off in the first instance, and were afterwards brought off in so dispersed a manner, that the number has not been ascertained; but, from what I have learned, I should estimate the loss at about fifty men and seventy horses—Major Clough is dead of his wounds—This affair appears to have been attended with every circumstance of cruelty.
          It is a small compensation for this accident, that Col: Butler, three or four days ago, with a party of infantry and horse, comprehending Major Lee’s corps, surprised about an hundred Yagers below Tarrytown; killed ten on the spot and took a Lieutenant and eighteen men prisoners—The roughness of the country facilitated the flight of the rest and prevented the success being more complete.
          The proceedings in the case of General St Clair accompany this letter. I have the honor to be With the utmost respect & esteem Sir Your most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington

          p.s. I have received advice of the arrival of a Packet from England.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 3 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

            Dear sir
            Colo. Brinkerhoff’s [near Fishkill] Octor 3: 1778

          You will perceive by the inclosed Copy of a Resolution which came to hand last night, that Congress have determined on measures for securing Charles Town, in case the Enemy should form an expedition against it, and have appointed you to command there. I have nothing to add upon the subject, except my assurances, that you will have, as you have had upon all occasions, my warmest wishes for your success and happiness. You will receive your instructions from Congress, when you have an opportunity of seeing them. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington

          p.s. I received your favor of Yesterday—after I had written you about a fatigue party.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 3 October 1778
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Highlands [N.Y.] 3rd Octor 1778

          I sent Mr Putnam down the River yesterday by Water, to learn for certain whether any of the Enemys shipping was up. He return’d last night, and informs me that he went down on the West-side nearly oposite Philips’s; that there is one Gally laying near Philips’s, which is the only Water Craft of any kind, above Fort Washington. The Boats with which the Enemy landed at the Slote, have all returnd to this shore. There is not any considerable number of Shipping at Fort Washington, nor (as I can learn), any disposition made for sending a force up the River.
          The Enemys Main body still continu<es> at Scrawlinburgh, the Liberty Pole, and the New-Bridge; the principal force at the former. I am with great respect Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt

            Israel Putnam

          P:S: Col: Hall informs me that there is two sergeants of the Deliware Regt Confind in the Provost—there is now a Genl Court Martial sitting here, and as all the Witnesses are with the Brigade, I should wish, if it was consistant, they might be sent here for tryal.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 3 October 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

            My Dear Genl
            Providence October the 3d 1778

          I can give you no Information from this Quarter Save that Amiral Biron in the Ninety Gun Ship Accompanied by the Seventy four Left Newport Sunday Last, they had Genl Pigot on Board. Lord Howe in a fifty Gun Ship came to Newport & on Monday Sailed for England Genl Pigot by Letter Informed me that his private affairs called him to Europe & that my Correspondence must be with General Prescott in Future. Desertions from the Enemy are very Frequent on the 30th ultimo a Searjent Corporal & Six privates Came out & They are Daily coming in Lesser Numbers. There Seems to be Every appearance of the Enemys Remaining here through the winter They have pulled Down a Number of Houses with which they are Building Barracks—on the north part of the Island I have the honor to Inclose your Excellencey a Gazette of this Day & have the Honor to be most Respectfully your Excellenceys obedt & very Humble Servt

            Jno. Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 4 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Sabbath Octr 4th 78.
            Parole Orrery—C. Signs Ostend Oxford.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel John Cox, Jr., or John Mitchell, 4 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Cox, John Jr.,Mitchell, John

            Dear Sir,
            Fish-kill Octr 4th 1778.

          I am informed that Sundry Goods (in the Military line) addressed to Mr Jas Rivington of New-York, were taken—carried into Egg harbour—and are now in Philadelphia. Among them a compleat sett of Camp equipage—As I am perfectly incompleat in this way, I should be glad if you would enquire into the truth of this matter, and make a purchase of it for me, if it answers the description; and can be had upon terms not unreasonable.
          I am also informed that there are proper Camp Trunks, with Straps &ca; two of which, equal in size, I should be glad to get; and a Cut & thrust Sword—genteel, but not costly—with Chain & swivels—strong.
          These things are to be had, I am told, in Market Street, but of

            whom—I have not been able to learn—Genl Wilkenson, if in Phila., can tell. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt ser.

            Go: Washington

          p.s. If there are any of Dolands best pocket Telescopes be so good as to get one of these also, & send it to me as soon as you can.


Title: To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 4 October 1778
From: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Boston Road 4th October 1778

          The reputation of Mr du portail made me desire to have the honor of his acquaintance—Your Excellencys recommendation, his talents and his Rank ensured him my esteem and confidence—I have endeavoured to give him marks of them—his devotion to the Service of the United States—the Sentiments which he owes you and with which he is penetrated ensure him my friendship.

          I made him examine the points of our exterior line of defence—and the hurried works which our circumstances permitted us to construct—observing to him, that he might have the honor of rendering you an account, that ports of such Utility and Beauty as that of Boston, seem destined to receive and protect of themselves a less numerous Squadron—or one weakened by a long Voyage—Such a Squadron might be unable to execute readily—what it was necessary for us to do immediately—in order to oppose the enemys Attempts.
          Mr Duportail will certainly have remarked that the troublesome debarkation of a heavy artillery, while it weakens the Ships moored in a road liable to attack, necessarily delays their going out—and announces that event by the preliminary reimbarking the same Artillery—while the Removal of it destroys all Land defence—at a time when it may still be wanted.
          What I have heard of Brigadier General Duportail in Europe—and the conversation whi<ch> I had with him—persuade me that you cannot make a better choice, to establish solid projects in all the interesting department of fortification. I have the honor to be with equal Respect and Attachment Sir Your Excellencys &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 4 October 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Danbury [Conn.] 4th October 1778—10 O’Clock a.m.

          At eight O Clock last Night I had the Honor to receive Your Excellencys letter dated 3d October.
          I have not any intelligence from Major Gray since the letter I sent to your Excellency by General Mcdougal. A Report prevails, & gains Credit, that an Empidemical Disease was brought to New York, in Admiral Byrons Fleet, which causes great Mortality, & Desertion, amongst the Sailors; it may not be useless, to order General Maxwell to take every precaution to have all Deserters, &c., from the Enemys Fleet, or Staaten Island, undergoe a sort of Quarantine, before they are permitted to pass into the Country, & mix with our people.
          Your Excellency’s Command, that upon a great Emergency I should retire To Fredericksburg, shall be Obey’d: The Camp I had chosen here, is so scituated, that The Five Brigades might have defended it against Numbers much superior; but Two Brigades being Detached, leaves part of the Strong Ground unoccupied; as Your Excellency knows, that what may be a very Good Camp for 5000 Men may be but

            a very indifferent one for three; perhaps Your Excellency may, when the Alarm in the Jersey is over, Order General Macdougal’s Division to rejoin the Left Wing.
          I am much Obliged to your Excellency for the News from the West Indies, I am persuaded of its being true, as it so regularly follows the Declaration, and Orders, of His Most Christian Majesty, of the 28th June last—great good will assuredly result to The U.S. from this commencement of Hostility within the Tropic. I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

            Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 4 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

            Dear Sir.
            Head Quarters [Fishkill] 4th October 1778.

          I am to thank you for your favor of the 28th Ulto and its several inclosures—the intelligence given you by Mr Colvill is very interesting

            if it can be depended on—and particularly to Count d’Estaing—to whom no doubt you have communicated it.
          Your distribution of the twelve hundred Militia men ordered out by the Council of State—exactly coincides with my wishes—their labour if it has not its immediate use, will remain a permanent security to the town—and as you observe give confidence and tranquillity to our allies.
          Every intelligence of the progress of Clothing, is very acceptable to me—as it diminishes my anxiety—and opens the prospect of a happy completion of our wishes in this important article—the stopping a sufficient quantity for the invalids was perfectly right.
          The Enemy in the Jersey continue nearly in the same position as when I last had the pleasure of writing to you and will probably retire as soon as they have secured their Plunder—A packet is arrived at New York—which will probably determine General Clintons Plans. I am Dear Sir with great regard Your most obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Thomas Marshall, 4 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, Thomas

            Sir,
            Head Quarters [Fishkill] October 4th 1778

          I am just favoured with your letter of the 2d relative to cloathing for your regiment—I do not think the measure you propose of sending an officer to Boston necessary, as all the cloathing for the army is coming forward as expeditiously as possible and an equal distribution will be made so soon as it arrives—I hope there will be a tolerable supply for the whole—A plan is in execution for cloathing all the troops, in an uniform and comfortable manner, and it would be improper to break in upon it by any partial provisions. I am Sir Your most Obedt serv.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Measam, 4 October 1778
From: Measam, George
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Hartford Octor 4th 1778—10 oClock at night.

          I am just arrived from Springfield and have the honour of meeting your Excelleny’s Letter of the 2d from Fish Kill; in answer to which, Major Bigelow has forwarded to Head Qua[r]ters by the way of Fredericksburg, 3129 pr Shoes, 6 Bales Blankets, (about 600) and 2612 prs Hose; he has sent a Conductor with them with some directions to General Parsons, requesting his assistance to enable the

            Conductor to get good Vouchers for his satisfaction and security, as he informs me; he opened your Excellency’s Letter before I arrived & has done thus much in consequence thereof; but I fear if he delivers them to Mr Mease’s Assistant it may create irregularities in the Public Accts perhaps injurious: If I conceived my self Authorized I would write him to keep seperate and distinct Books for these Articles (in case he receives them) not procured by Mr Mease or his Agents and you think him a proper person to Consign them to: He has also forwarded some Mill’d Caps & Mittens, and if I mistake not he told me he had not time to make out an Invoice of the prices; The two last Articles being not Bounty Cloathing, the Regiments to whom they shall be Issued, ought to be Debitted for them, and Stoppages made by the Paymaster, agreeable to a Resolve of Congress: And also the Bounty Cloathing, if they receive more of them than by the Resolve of Congress they are allowed, which generally is the case.
          No part of the French Cloathing are come further than Springfield, and only 73 Loads were arrived when I left it, and no part of them unpack’d or examined as the Honourable Board of War hath directed; I think not to order them further untill they are assorted and made ready for Issuing: and to do this with propriety I ought to have a Return of the number each Regiment will want, in order to pack them with Uniformity, mark and Invoice them Accordingly; which will not only be of Credit to the service and Interest to the Public, but enable the Officer having them in charge to keep Regular Accts for the satisfaction of the Board of War and honour to himself: This I flatter my self your Excellency will see the necessity of and order returns to be made as soon as convenient and necessary; Observing to your Excellency that untill the Returns shall arrive the repacking must stop: another reason why this method should be observed is, there is no Stores at Camp sufficient to assort so large a quantity of Cloathing, make the Issues and keep the Accts.
          No part of the Hats are come, and without your Excellency’s order I fear they will not, in any reasonable time; and but few shirts or Shoes. The Uniforms are exceeding good and suitable to the service, and ’twould be very mortifying to me to Issue them in an incomplete manner judging your Excellency’s expectations would also be disappointed therein.
          With Respect to your Excellency’s order of the 2d Instant to farward the Shoes Blanketts and Hose to Head Qua[r]ters, it shall be obeyed, judging your Excellency has, or will order proper persons to make the Issues, Debit the Regiments properly and keep Regular Accts thereof without interfearing with Mr Mease’s Accompts duplicate receipts for the Issues, always to be taken.

          The utmost dispatch and attention shall be made by me to prepare the whole Cloathing for Issuing, but no Invoice was arrived, (I Judge they have them not complete) nor a person to do any thing more than store them; to do this in a Complete manner there is more to be done than I am capable of making your Excellency sensible of: And the sooner the Regimental returns are sent the sooner the Cloathing will be Issued. When this is done your Excellency’s order will doubtless be given to the Colonels of the several Regiments: and to save trouble and expence, they may give their orders on the Backs thereof, for me to deliver their Cloathing to an Officer of the Brigade they belong to, who may come and Receive the whole Cloathing for that Brigade and see it safely Conducted thereto; but to be more regular there should be an Officer from each Regiment for none but Regimental Accompts ought to be kept open: I mean no Brigade Accompts can with propriety be kept.
          I have entred thus largely into my method, fearing the multiplicity of Business your Excellency goes through should prevent your thinking it necessary to be thus particular. Anxious to give satisfaction I have the honor to be with great deference, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and most Humble Servt

            Geo. Measam

          p.s. A large number of Hose are at Fish Kill. All the Cloathing designed for that Store, and particular Regiments were gone past before I reached Springfield; they are gone by the way of Simsburry which they say is the best road for Fish Kill. I can give your Excellency but little acct of the Cloathing in the hands of Major Bigelow, I requested he would make an estimate of what made up Cloathing he could furnish by the 1st of Novr, but, he said he could not. I understand, the Connecticut Troops, or at least some of them, expect to be Cloathed out of this parcel; if that is the Case I would recommend to your Excellency to gratify them in this request, for I fear they will be late, and if the service will not suffer more by their waiting, than any other regiments, they will in this case wait by their own choice. I have recommended to Major Bigelow to Issue nothing without your orders. I wish you to have a return of all he has, and have mentioned it to him.

            G.M.


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 4 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

            Dear Sir,
            Fish-kill, Octr 4th 1778.

          My public Letters to the Presidt of Congress will inform you of the Wind that wafted me to this place—nothing more therefore need to be said on that head.
          Your Letter of the 8th Ulto contains three questions & answers—to wit—Can the Enemy prosecute the War? Do they mean to stay on the Continent? And is it our interest to put impediments in the way of their departure? To the first you answer in the negative—To the second you are decided in opinion that they do not—and to the third say clearly No.
          Much my good Sir, may be said in favor of these answers; and some things against the first & second—By way therefore of dissertation on the first, I will also beg leave to put a question, and give it an answer—Can we carry on the War much longer? certainly No; unless some measures can be devised, and speedily executed, to restore the credit of our Currency—restrain Extortion—and punish Forestallers.
          Without these can be effected, what funds can stand the present Expences of the Army? And what Officer can bear the weight of prices, that every necessary article is now got to? A Rat, in the shape of a Horse, is not to be bought at this time for less than £200—A Saddle under Thirty or forty—Boots twenty—and Shoes and other articles in like proportion! How is it possible therefore for Officers to stand this, without an Increase of pay? And how is it possible to advance

            their pay, when Flour is selling (at different places) from five to fifteen pounds pr Ct—Hay from ten to thirty pounds pr Tunn—and Beef & other essentials in this proportion.
          The true point of light then, in which to place, & consider this matter, is not simply whether G. Britain can carry on the War, but whose Finances (theirs or ours) is most likely to fail: which leads me to doubt, very much, the infallibility of the answer given to your second question, respecting the Enemy’s leaving the Continent; for I believe, that they will not do it while even hope, & the chapter of accidents can give them a chance of bringing us to terms short of Independance—But this you perhaps will say, they are now bereft of I shall acknowledge that many things favour the idea; but add, that, upon a comparitive view of circumstances there is abundant matter to puzzle, & confound the judgment—To your third answer, I subscribe with my hand and heart. The opening is now fair, and God grant they may embrace the oppertunity of bidding an eternal adieu to our—once quit of them—happy Land. If the Spaniards would but join their Fleets to those of France, & commence hostilities, my doubts would all subside—without it, I fear the British Navy has it too much in its power to counteract the schemes of France.
          The high prices of every necessary—The little—indeed no benefit, which Officers have derived from the intended bounty of Congress in the Article of Cloathing. The change in the establishment, by which so many of them are discontinued—The unfortunate delay of this business, which kept them too long in suspence, and set a number of evil spirits to work—The unsettled Rank—and contradictory modes of adjusting it—with other causes which might be enumerated, have conspired to Sour the temper of the Army exceedingly; and has, I am told, been productive of a memorial, or representation of some kind, to Congress; which neither directly nor indirectly did I know, or ever hear was in agitation, till some days after it was dispatched—owing, as I apprehend, to the secrecy with which it was conducted, to keep it from my knowledged; as I had, in a similar instance last spring, discountenanced, & stifled a child of the same illigitimacy, in its birth—If you have any news worth communicating, do not put it under a bushel, but give it to Dr Sir Yrs sincerely

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Otis & Andrews, 4 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Otis & Andrews

            Gentlemen,
            Head Quarters Fish Kill October 4th 1778

          By a letter from the Board of War, which will be delivered you herewith you will perceive they have left it to my determination, whether the Continental troops under General Sullivan, shall be supplied with Coats Jackets and Breeches from the imported ready made cloathing ordered on to Springfield and Hartford, or from the materials in possession of Mr Reynolds and yourselves—I have decided in favour of the last mode and written to General Sullivan accordingly—It seems Mr Reynolds has been already making provision for the purpose, but you are to supply any deficiency in the quantity he has out of the stock in your hands—I have recommended to General Sullivan to have the materials drawn from you and made up in the State of Rhode Island—where I imagine a number of Taylors may be found to dispatch the business in a little time; and this will leave you at leisure to go on with your provisions for the army at large. You will hear from him on this point. With respect to other matters, you will follow precisely the directions of the Board.
          I make no doubt you will scrutinize carefully the quality of the articles you purchase or send on for the use of the army. I am induced to call your attention particularly to the article of shoes, as there is now a parcel in the store at this place, intirely unfit to be issued to the men; because they are so slight, the service they could render would be momentary. This is too much the case with the French shoes in general, of which kind this parcel is; and unless much circumspection be used, the purchasing them can answer no other end, than to run the public to an unprofitable expence and deceive the expectations of the army. I am Gentlemen Your most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Captain Robert Smith, 4 October 1778
From: Smith, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Providence 4th Octr 78.

          I have been so unfortunate as to have a Relapse of a Fever, with which I was confin’d some Time before I set out. This has detain’d me

            here two Days, however I hope I shall be able to proceed Tomorrow. I am exceedingly concernd to hear of poor Baylor’s Misfortune, as so many of the Men are kill’d & taken, your Excellency may perhaps wish to give some other Directions as to the Cloathing for the Regt. if so I must beg you will be good enough to let me know by the first Oppy to Boston, as I should wish on this unfortunate Accot to hasten my Return. I am yr obt Servt

            Robt Smith


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 4 October 1778
From: Stark, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Albany 4th October 1778.

          I am Informed by Mr Cuyler, that he has Received a Letter from General Bayley, Informing him that he has Received Orders, to Lay up a Large Store of Provisions at Co’os, which in my opinion is by way of a Jobb—I am much Mistaken, if any large Quantity, Can be procured, at that place, & suppose it can, it must be Attended with an amazeing, Needless Expence, firstly there must be a Store Built, to Secure what Provision they may Collect, Secondly there must be a Body of Troops, kept to Guard it, as it is so far advanceed in the Country, that a Scout can come from Can[a]da, & Destroy it any time in the Winter, altho I am not under App[r]ehentions they would Attempt it. Nevertheless it might be Done, more than that, Barracks would be Necessary to Cover the Troops that are on the Guard—but if a Store is thot, Necessary in that Quarter, I think Charlestown No. 4 is the Most proper, & Safe place, from thence it may [be] Transported up the River in Boats at Little Expence, in case it should be wanted.
          I am much Surprised to think that Any large Quantity of Provisions can be Collected in that Country this year, as Colo. Beedle made that his Excuse that he could not Call his pretended Regiment together on that Account & Informed the Commissary that he must Send

            provisions from this place, to support the Regiment, However I am much of Opinion that the Purchasing of Provisions in that place will Turn out much like the Regiment.
          The Onida Indians has been down to Unendillo & Burnt some part of that Settlement & Taken Several prisoners I enclose you a Copy of Major Cochrans Letter of the particulars. I am Sir with Respect Your Very H[umbl]e Servant

            John Stark


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 4 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Fish Kill Octobr [4] 1778

          This will accompany a letter from the Board of War to you and two others to the Clothiers at Boston and Providence. You will perceive there is one point in particular, which is referred to my decision—whether the Continental troops with you shall be cloathed in the articles of Coats Jackets and breeches out of the imported ready made cloathing which has been ordered on to Springfield and Hartford, or out of the purchases in the hands of Mr Reynolds, and the materials in possession of Messrs Otis and Andrews. The latter mode appears to me preferable on several accounts—In the first place, It would save to the public the trouble and expence which would attend transporting the other cloathing to Springfield and Hartford and back again to Providence; for by the information I have received I am led to conclude the whole is by this time either arrived at those places or on its way. And In the next place, it would give the troops in this quarter a chance of being clothed equally soon with those under you, and, I believe not sooner—By the time the cloathing at Springfield and Hartford can be sorted repacked and forwarded to the army, there will be full leisure to provide a sufficiency in the other way for the troops with you—To expedite this, it might be adviseable, to have the materials drawn from Messrs Otis and Andrews to supply the deficiency in the quantity already procured by Mr Reynolds, and to have the whole made up, in the state of Rhode Island, where I should imagine Taylors enough are to be found to dispatch the business in a very short time; while Messrs Otis and Andrews may be employed in preparing further supplies for the army in general. But this as you judge best

            and as shall be most consistent with the instructions of the board of war. The distance the troops here are from Boston, the source of our supplies, makes it equitable and for the good of the service that the cloathing first ready should come on for their use—The greater part of the men with you are I apprehend better clad than those here; and will be sooner and better accommodated with quarters to shelter them from the approaching cold season; which are additional reasons for adopting the mode I have mentioned—I believe the Board of war have greatly overrated the quantity of ready made cloathing on the way. With respect to other articles, I have no alterations to propose in the directions given by the Board.
          Our stock of cloathing is not yet so ample, but that great care and œconomy are still requisite—I dare say you will take every method in your power to procure exact returns of the men intitled to the new cloathing and will not suffer more to be drawn than is really necessary—I have been informed that General Glovers brigade has lately been completely clad, in uniform procured by the immediate applications of the commanders of regiments, to the clothiers at Boston—If so I should not conceive it to be within the spirit of the Board’s arrangements, to furnish them anew out of the present stock—They can only mean, that the troops in general should be put into uniform and comfortable cloathing; and that the old cloaths delivered at different periods and of different kinds should be returned into the hands of the public; if any brigade has been recently provided with cloaths of the former description, it can hardly be their intention, after being worn a month or six weeks that these should be exchanged for others. I am also informed, that General Varnum had stopped some articles on the way to camp for the use of his Brigade. This should be inquired into and if found true, allowance made in the general distribution, which is about to take place.
          The enemy remain much in the same situation—They have not yet left the Jerseys. A packet has lately arrived from England. I am, with great regard Dr Sir Your most Obedt servt.

          p.s. The Marquis has requested permission from me to make a visit to Head Quarters, on some private affairs of importance to him; to which I have consented—You will give him your concurrence accordingly.
          You will forward my letter for Otis & Andrews with the one from the Board.


Title: General Orders, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Monday Octr 5th 1778.
            Parole DalmatiaC. Signs Dummer Dryden.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

            Gentlemen—
            Head Quarters [Fishkill] 5th October 1778.

          By the inclosed Copies of letters to General Sullivan and Messrs Otis and Andrews, you will be informed of what I have written on the subject of Clothing—in consequence of the letter which you did me the honor to write on the 29th Ulto.
          The prospect of having the Army amply provided for, by your exertions, affords the highest degree of satisfaction—I am particularly happy to be informed that you have extended your orders for hats and shoes—the Season of the Year and the roughness of the roads, should a march eastward become necessary—render the latter an article of immediate and indispensible necessity—I must therefore entreat that every possible Step be taken for procuring a large and instantaneous Supply from your factories or elsewhere—the present deficiency in this respect I have reason to think is greatly increased by the bad quality of the imported Shoes—at any rate it is such as will prevent the marching of a great many men—and render them miserable in a State of inaction. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’

            Sir.
            Head Quarters [Fishkill] 5th October 1778.

          Two American Seamen who made their escape from a Prison-Ship at New York—report that the british fleet sailed ten days ago in quest of the French Squadron.

          This is an event of such importance and which from the nature of it admits so little of concealment—that I could not have been uninformed of it till now—supposing that it really happened; without the most unpardonable neglect in the Officer whom I have stationed in a convenient post, for the express purpose of discovering the enemys naval movements—neither do I think it could have escaped the vigilance of our spies—or have passed unnoticed in the daily accounts given us by Deserters—however as such a report exists—and a failure in all the regular sources of our intelligence, however unlikely, is still a possible misfortune—I have immediately dispatched an express to the Officers at outposts to have the matter speedily investigated—and will do myself the honor to transmit Your Excellency the result of their inquiries—without delay—in the mean time I have thought it my duty to acquaint You Excellency with the report—that you may not have any doubts or anxieties raised in your mind by hearing it from any other quarter—but by being apprised of it, know what attention to pay to it—and how to distinguish the original Story—from the same with such improvements and additions as reports generally acquire by travelling.
          While I am writing—a Letter from General Sullivan of the 3d inst. informs me that Admiral Biron, accompanied by the Culloden had left Newport the Sunday preceding that date—of this Your Excellency has doubtless received advice; it is a circumstance which seemingly favors the abovementioned intelligence. I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect and attachment Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servt

            Go; Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Richard Howell, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howell, Richard

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fish Kill October 5th 1778

          I have just received a letter from Danbury containing the following paragraph “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod, who made their escape from the Prison-ship last monday night arrived here. They declare, That the British fleet of men of war sailed ten days ago in quest of the French fleet.” I cannot suppose this account to be well founded because I have heard nothing of the kind from you; and I have too

            good an opinion of your vigilance to suppose it possible a circumstance of such importance and so obvious could escape your knowlege—I shall however be glad to hear immediately from you; and must desire you will take measures to ascertain the truth or falsehood of this report—I must also desire, that besides communicating instantly any event of importance that takes place among the enemy’s shipping, you will every two or three days let me hear from you, if it be only to inform me that nothing new has occurred—It will be proper to take notice in your reports of every vessel, besides a mere boat that comes in and goes out; and for this purpose you will keep parties of observation continually stationed, with an intelligent officer always present. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 5 October 1778
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia October the 5th 1778

          I hope the measures you have taken will be effectual to the purpose of reenlisting the Army, because it is an object of great importance; and I readily admit the propriety of first trying those methods which promise fewest ill consequences. Danger will only arise from pressing such too far, and urging the experiment too long. I very much fear Sir, that the knowledge of depreciation has reached the most uninformed, and therefore, that every evil which can, will happen to us from this cause. But I am not without hope that such measures will be adopted as may, before it is too late, restore our currency to its proper value.
          It is indeed no easy matter to judge of the designs of the enemy—They have created to themselves a great choice of difficulties. I believe they would willingly change their war of conquest to one of revenge altogether, but revenge must be postponed to safety. Gen. Clintons Army is the only hope of Canada, Nova Scotia, Floridas, the West Indies, and I may safely add, much so of Great Britain and Ireland—Whilst this is the case, altho Boston in its present situation is a very tempting object, I cannot think they will undertake it. However, what can be attempted may be attempted, and wisdom points to precaution. If it be true, and our information comes pretty direct, that Dominica has fallen, that Jamaica and St Kitts are in jeopardy, and that Keppel has fled from the fleet of france, we may suppose that our enemies can

            make no long stay with us. Distance and Land carriage, distress us greatly in the article of bread provision, to which is added an artificial scarcity created in the midst of plenty, by an infamous set of Engrossers who have raised the price of flour from four dollars an hundred to five and six pounds. I hope the measures we are taking with these gentry will make them suffer in a way most hurtful to them.
          Mr Custis had quitted this City before your letter came to hand, and as he is gone to the Army, I have inclosed the letter in this. I am, with much esteem and regard dear Sir your most obedient and very humble servant

            Richard Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

            Sir
            Head Quarters Fish kill Octor 5th 1778

          I had the honor of receiving your Excellencys favor of the 21 Septr this morning. By what means it has been So long delayed, I cannot conceive.
          The conduct of Crowel appears to me to have forfeited the protection he derived from the flag and to justify in point of right the detention of his person and the confiscation of the Vessel and her effects. The obligation of a flag is reciprocal. On the one hand it ought to be inviolable, when conducted agreeable to the rules of War and honor, and on the other any fraud or deceit committed under its sanction is doubly criminal, and the Laws and practice of nations will authorize inflicting a punishment proportioned to the crime. How far it may be proper to make use of the right in particular cases is a question of policy and must be determined by circumstances.
          I shall relate to your Excellency an affair, that happen’d last campaign, which bears a remote analogy to the present. a passport was obtain’d from Genl Howe to send a flag Boat laden with Provisions, for the use of our prisoners in Philadelphia. Robinson was announced as the intended master, and the passport given in his name. He went with the Boat accordingly, and Capt. Galt accompanied him in the capacity of a Seaman. Both these Gentlemen belonging to the navy

            at the time, though not in actual employ, General Howe had them seized and thrown into close confinement, for appearing in an assumed and disguised character. The fairness of this proceeding with respect to Robinson could not well be vindicated; but with respect to Galt was justifiable. My interposition in their favor could with difficulty prevent their meeting with a still severer punishment. The vessel however and her cargo were unmolested.
          There is indeed a wide difference between the two cases: in one, the crime, supposed or real, consisted only in a slight ambiguity of conduct in the commander of the Boat, and a little personal concealment in another individual, under his command; in the other it extended to a felonious commerce in which the vessel it self was made immediately instrumental. In this, there was Villainy in that there was only indiscretion.
          I should think at all events, Crowel should be imprisoned for a time, and the articles, he attempted to smuggle converted to the benefit of the Captors. It will be a necessary piece of ceremony, which I dare say, will occur, to give the Enemy notice of the affair, and the measures taken in consequence.
          To prevent similar abuses hereafter, from the practice of sending flag Boats, to places where we have no posts, I shall direct General Maxwell to write to the commanding Officer at Staten Island, assigning the places at which their boats will be received, and forbidding their being sent to any other without special licence. Should you wish at any time to change the established channels, you will only have to intimate your wish to Genl Maxwell. I have the honor to be With the most perfect esteem & regard—Yr Excys Mo. Obet Servt

            G. W——n

          p.s. your Excellencys letter of the 14th Septr was handed me some days Since; but in the hurry of business mislaid—Capt. Costiger’s situation, being on parole would make it improper to take any steps in the affair, in which he is suspected to be concerned. My intention was to have had him exchanged; but there has been some mistake in executing it.


Title: From George Washington to the President of the Maryland Senate and the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: President of the Maryland Senate,Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates

            Gentlemen
            Head Qrs Octor 5: 1778

          Among the various disputes upon the subject of rank in the Army, there have not been found any more difficult to settle, than the claims of this nature, in the Maryland line. These have been matter of employment for a Board of General Officers for several days, and, after all their care and assiduity, I fear, no arrangement that they can make, will prove entirely satisfactory. There is one point, about which the Board and myself have doubts, Viz. the construction and extent of the powers with which the Assembly were pleased to honor me, by their Resolution of the 11th of April 1778, transmitted in a Letter of the 18th of the same month. Neither they nor I know with the precision we could wish, whether the Resolution meant to confer powers for changing the appointment of any Officer made by the Assembly, by adding or taking away a grade where it might appear right; or whether it only intended to authorise an alteration in the instance of precedence, among those of similar rank, where it should be found, that mistakes had taken place in that respect. Satisfaction in these points, may affect the decision of the Board—and make a material difference in the Arrangement. I shall be happy to receive such Answer, as you may think proper to honor me with by the earliest opportunity, as nothing will contribute more to the service, than a speedy and final conclusion of the disputes upon this Head. I made some attempts in the course of the last year to have them adjusted, but without effect. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Gentn Yr Most Obed. sert

            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

            Sir
            Head Quarters [Fishkill] 5th Octob. 1778

          In a letter from Genl Gates of yesterdays date, I received the following intelligence—“Two Sailors belonging to Cape Cod—who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night, arrived here—they declare that the british fleet of Men of War, sailed ten days ago, in quest of the french fleet”—An event of this importance I think would not have escaped your notice—and I hope the report is groundless—but I desire you will use every means in your power to investigate the truth—and give me the earliest information whether any considerable naval movement has taken place—or whether the fleet still remains in port.
          Genl Gates farther informs me that an epidemical Distemper is said to prevail in Byrons Squadron—which causes great mortality and desertion—this is a matter which demands the strictest scrutiny we are well assured that Byrons crews are in very ill health—if there is any reason to suspect that their disorder is contagious—it will be necessary to make the deserters from the Fleet and Staaten Island undergo a kind of quarantine—you will be so good as to communicate the best intelligence you can obtain on this head.
          Be pleased to send Major Howells Reports to me as they arrive—and forward the inclosed to him with dispatch. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to John Rutledge, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Rutledge, John

            Dear Sir,
            Fish-kill Octr 5th 1778.

          Congress having been pleased to nominate Major Genl Lincoln (the bearer of this Letter) to Command the Troops in the Southern Department I take the liberty of recommending him to your civilities & friendship. In this Gentn you will find a worthy character, & a brave & attentive Officer—My best respects are tendered to Mrs Rutledge. I have the honr to be with great esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

            Dear Sir.
            Head Quarters Fish kill 5th Octbr 1778.

          I was favoured with your letter of yesterday early this morning.
          Gen. Gates writes me of the 4th Inst. that “two sailors belonging to Cape Cod, who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare, that the British fleet of men of war, sailed ten days ago in quest of the French fleet.”
          Tho’ I think this relation somewhat improbable, and the fact of such notoriety as could hardly have escaped our different observers, yet we should endeavour at an immediate explanation. the importance of the measure must appear to you at first view, and will direct you to those means already in your power to have it ascertained, or to such others as may seem better calculated for a speedier determination. You will give me the result of your inquiry on this subject as soon as obtained.
          I am also informed of a violent epidemic disease brought in Byrons fleet It is said to be of ready communication and very destructive in its consequences. It may be proper to know the truth of this matter, as well as prudent to attend to those sailors &c. who may desert or

            come out of New-york—least it should creep into the army or country. I am Dr Sir Yours &c.

            G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Smith, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Samuel

            Sir,
            He[a]d [Quarters, Fishkill, 5 October 1778]

          I have attentively considered the memorial you delivered me in behalf of a respectable number of officers in the Maryland line, requesting the restoration of Capt. Norwood—It gives me real pain, that I find myself obliged to refuse their request; but the duty I owe to justice and impartiality outweighs every other consideration. Notwithstanding the honorable testimony which is given of the general good character of Capt. Norwood; his conduct in the whole of the transaction, which has terminated in his present misfortune, so far as may be judged from the complexion of the public proceedings in his case must be viewed by every unbiassed mind, as, in an high degree, blameable.
          The violation of the rules of military discipline and decorum, and the injuries offered to General Smallwood put it out of my power as the affair is now circumstanced to show the indulgence solicited, without essentially wounding the honor of that Gentleman, and encouraging a pernicious example in the army. If Capt. Norwood is sensible

            of his indiscretion, it will be in his power to make atonement; and when it could be done with propriety, I should take pleasure, in remitting the consequences of his error. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

            My Lord
            Head Quarters Fish Kill [5] Otbr 1778.

          I have this morning received a letter from Gen. Gates which has the following paragraph. “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare that the British fleet of men of war sailed ten days ago in quest of the french fleet.”
          Altho’ there is a certain want of probability in the relation, yet as it may be true, you will therefore take every measure in your power to discover how far it is to be credited.
          As this inquiry will lead to the number of men of war, and other matters respecting their marine you will collect the whole and transmit them as soon as acquired.
          The inclosed to Gen. Maxwell and Major Howel you will be pleased to forward by express—I have left them to your sealing and perusal. I am, my lord your Lordships most Obt Servt

            G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 5 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Aquakanock [N.J.] Octobr 5th 1778 one oClock

          About Eight oClock this Morning we were Alarmed with Accounts of the Enemy’s Advanceg, thro’ugh Hackensack. soon after that about 300 of them were on the heights behind Arent Schuylers house. both Accounts prove true. that Body which Come thro’ Hackensack halted on the heights near the head of the polyfly about one Mile S.W. from Hackensack and about four miles N.E. from hence, and there remain by the last accounts; the party at Schuylers were there an hour ago. These Movements may be, to Cover their forrage Boats going down the River, as they have been grossly Insulted within these two or three days. I have sent for Colonel Dayton to Come up to the heights near Second River with the 3d & 4th Regts & what Militia is at Elizabeth Town, which I have reason to belive are very few. I wrote your Excellency Yesterday that the Militia here are reduced to a very small Number, and of my Application to Govr Livingston for some means of Supplying me with a larger Number, yet I have but little hopes of

            any reinforcement ’till it will [be] too late to prevent them at least forageing this Side of Hackensack River, and perhaps of pushing further, into the Country. I am your Excellency’s Most Humble Servt

            Stirling,


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

            Dear sir
            Head Quarters at Fish kill 5th Otbr [1778]

          I had the pleasure of your letter of the 3d Inst. with its inclosure.
          In a letter from Gen. Gates of yesterdays date he has the following paragraph. “Two sailors belonging to Cape Cod who made their escape from the prison ship last monday night arrived here; they declare, that the British fleet of men of war, sailed ten days ago in quest of the french fleet.” There is some shew of a correspondence between the sailing of Byron in a 90 gun ship with the 74 and of Lord Howe—in 50. and the relation of these two seamen. But as I have had no intelligence from persons whose particular business it is to watch the motions of the fleet, and to collect information it lessens very much the credibility of the narration. However you will use it in such a manner as to provide against measures which the enemy may have in view by such a movement. I mean that you may put yourself in a condition to afford every assistance in your power to the Count to prevent the enemy from possessing those hights which command his fleet, for there is little doubt, in case they attempt his squadron, of a land co-operation for its destruction.

          You will give the inclosure to the Count d’Estaing the speediest conveyance. I am Dr Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Vienne, 5 October 1778
From: Vienne, Louis-Pierre, marquis de
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Boston The 5th october 1778

          I shall be very much oblig’d if your Excellency will be So good as to Send me a forlorn [furlough] for one year according to your Excellency’s promise to me, with a Certificate of my behaviour in the time I have been under your Command. I will Still be much oblig’d to your Excellency if you will be pleas’d to Send me these two pieces as quick as your Excellency’s time will permit it, because I wait now for nothing else to Sail immediately for france. I beg your Excellency to Consider upon my Situation as well as to have due Regard for it. I have The honour to be with a most profound respect Sir of your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

            Colonel mqs Devienne

          I Shall be very much oblig’d if your Excellency will Send the answer under Genl Hancock Cover or direction.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 5 October 1778
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

            Dr Genl
            Paramos [N.J.] 5th Octr 1778

          The last inteligence I recd gives me great reason to think the Enemy are about to move—the inhabitants of Hackensack inform’d an Officer

            of Horse I sent out yesterday, that 100 Waggons pass’d that with Forrage to the Boats, & that 3000 Troops marched for New York. the Officers with them said they were to go immediately to the West India’s.
          I have a party down from whom I expect some thing to be depended upon—I shall communicate any thing that is worth notice to Head Quarters. I am Respectfully Your Excellencys Most Obedt humble Servt

            Wm Woodford


Title: General Orders, 6 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Tuesday Octr 6th 1778.
            P. PannonaC. Signs Pool. Portland.

          The Regimental Pay-Masters are to make out their Pay-Rolls for the Month of August and lodge them at the Pay-Master Generals for Examination as soon as possible.
          A Court of Enquiry whereof Lieut. Coll Temple was President which sat to examine into a Charge against Lieutt Eggleston’s Conduct on the 26th ultimo, report that the Charge was groundless and vexatious and that his Conduct was not only prudent but spirited and does him Honor.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 6 October 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Danbury [Conn.] 6th October 1778

          Your Excellencys letter of Yesterday from fish kill, came to my Hands at Nine o Clock, last Night; I shall endeavour, as You direct, to send to the West End of Long-Island, but believe the Enemy’s Design will be fully ascertain’d before the return of that intelligence; The French Fleet, & Boston, must be the Sole Objects of the British Arms upon this Continent; The Season of The Year will indeed admit only of a Sudden, & rash attempt, which Success alone will Justify; desperate Enterprizes do frequently Succeed, Witness that of 1759 against Quebeck; had Sir Harry Clinton meant to attack this Army, he would not have given so much Notice, & lost so much Time; The Enemy may leave the Continent, if they do not, The French Fleet is the prize they mean to contend for. I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

            Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 6 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

            Sir.
            Head Quarters [Fish Kill] 6th October 1778.

          This will be delivered to you by Major General the Marquis de la fayette, the generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic, and enter the Army of the United States, are well known to Congress—Reasons equally laudable now engage his return to France, who in her present circumstances claims his services—His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and Country, however great, could not influence him to quit the Continent in any stage of an unfinished Campaign—he resolved to remain at least ’till the close of the present—and embraces this moment of Suspense to communicate his wishes to Congress, with a view of having the necessary arrangements made in time—and of being still within reach, should any occasion offer of distinguishing himself in the field.
          The Marquis at the same time from a desire of preserving a relation with us, and a hope of having it yet in his power to be useful as an American Officer—sollicits only a furlough, sufficient for the purposes abovementioned—a reluctance to part with an Officer who unites to all the military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judgement—would lead me to prefer his being absent on this footing, if it depended on me.
          I shall always be happy to give such a testimony of his services, as his bravery and conduct on all occasions, entitle him to—and I have no doubt that Congress will add suitable expressions of their sense of his merit, and their regret on account of his departure. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most obedt Servt

            Go: Washington

          p.s. The Marquis is so obliging as to take charge of a Packet containing the Proceedings of a Court Martial in General Schuyler’s case.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

            Sir.
            Fish kill 6th Otbr 1778

          Mr Crowels recent violation of the usages and laws of flags render it necessary to adopt some measures, that may prevent similar procedings in future. For this purpose you will immediately fix upon a certain number of places for the reception of flag-boats, and advise the commanding Officer on Staten Island, of the places, and that no flag boats will be received any where else without a special permission. But should the Governor think it expedient, in particular instances, to nominate any other place, at any time, you will comply with his intentions. I am Sir &.

            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 6 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

            Sir.
            Head Quarters Fish kill 6th Otbr 1778

          Colonel G. V. Schaick advises me in a letter of this date, that he is “this moment informed, that, a ship, a tender and a galley are standing up the river—they were seen off Tallers point about ten O’clock this morning under sail. I have sent off a party of fifty men well officered to bring off a number of boats laying at Kings ferry.”
          You will give your attention to this information of the Colonels encrease your vigilance on the river and respect every thing which may add to the security of your important post. I am Sir your most hble.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 6 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fish Kill October 6th 1778

          I had the honor of receiving three days since your letter of the 30th of September; and should have answered it at once but was delayed

            by being separated from my papers, a recourse to which was necessary to assist my memory.
          I recollect, that in a conference with the Committee of arrangement on the subject of inlisting prisoners and deserters, I gave my opinion explicitly against the practice; and that a letter was written by them to congress agreeable to this idea—though I am not equally clear, as to the precise contents of the letter, or whether I understood the scope of it to comprehend Pulaski’s corps—It may have happened in the perplexity of business, that the peculiar circumstances of the establishment of this corps did not occur to me; otherwise I should have conceived myself bound to make an exception in its favour. A compact made between the public and the Count, when all the inconveniences of engaging such characters had been fully experienced, would have restrained me from recommending a measure, which was a direct breach of it, and might give just cause of complaint. The principal motive for authorising the Count to raise his corps, was to induce him voluntarily to relinquish the command of the cavalry, with which the officers under him were in general dissatisfied; and it was thought better to submit to the defect in its composition than either to leave the cavalry in a state, which occasioned a total relaxation of discipline, and destroyed its usefulness, or to force the Count out of it, whose zeal and bravery entitled him to regard, without compensating in some way that might reconcile him to the sacrifice, he was required to make. When he proposed his plan to me, I informed him of the objections to it and even avoided flattering him with the concurrence of Congress. You will perceive by the inclosed extract of my letter to them on what footing the affair was placed. Their resolve of the 28th of March which sanctioned his raising a corps left the point of engaging prisoners and deserters undecided, but impowered me to dispense in that instance with their resolve against it, if I should deem it not injurious to the service. The reasons before assigned determined me to consent to the Counts views so far as to permit his composing a third of his infantry of deserters.
          When the Board of War consulted me on the propriety of permitting this corps to join the army, recurring to the original principle of its formation, my opinion naturally favoured its coming forward, if agreeable to Congress. After all the trouble the Count has given himself to raise and equip the corps, he could not but esteem it a singular hardship to be deprived of the benefit of his exertions from considerations of inconvenience, which existed before they were undertaken and had been in a manner precluded by contract.
          The circumstance of the Counts having exceeded his establishment was a matter to which I did not advert. There would certainly

            be no injustice in reducing the extra number. But Whether as the men are raised and clad and the expence already incurred—it may not be as well to risk the additional disadvantage which may attend bringing them into the field is a question which Congress will decide.
          I am extremely sorry, if any misconception in me should have been the cause of the least embarrassment to the Committee; and I hope the explanation I have now given will remove every difficulty. With the greatest esteem and regard I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 6 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Near Bedford [N.Y.] October 6th 1778

          I recd Your favor of Yesterdays date Late last night—I can hardly Suppose that the Fleet could possably have Saild without our Hearing of it. however every thing possable Shall Be immediatly don in order to know with Certainty whether that is the Case, particular attention Shall also be paid Respecting the disease.
          Capt. Leavenworth who was expected on Sunday last, is not Yet Come. I am afraid he has ventured two fare and has fallen into the Hands of the Enemy. if he Should not be taken I make no doubt He will be able to give a Satisfactory Account of those Matters Your Excellency Mention, Respecting the Fleet &c. we have a report among the Better Sort of Inhabitance that there has been a Second inguagement Between the French & British Fleets at Sea—the latter Defeeted and lost Twenty one Sail. this Report is said to Come from Long Island and preety Generally believed. I hant had the Smallest hint of it From any Deserters, tho the Question has been particularly ast of all, as also with reguard to the Sailing of any Vessels. Inclosd Your Excellency will Receive a Memorandom of Accounts taken from Deserters.

          You Will observe they are from Different Corps and from Right to left of their Incampment, all of which nearly agree. I have Sent this day a Country man and One of my officers over the North River to the hites Opposit York Island there to Stay and watch the Motions of the enemy and inform me from time to Time of their movements. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 6 October 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Near Bedford [N.Y.] October 6th 1778

          I was informd by one of my Patrolls that there was lying of[f] Tarry town this morning one Frigat of about 24 Guns togather with two Galleys which Stood up the River with the Next tide and thaught would be able to reach the mouth of Croton before the tide would turn. She fierd a gun this evening which the inhabitance Say was in a Very good direction for that place (the mouth of Croton) where I expect She Has come too untill the Next tide when I suppose the Several Transports and Flat bottom boats that lay off Phillaps’s house about 12 oClock (which was the last I have heard of them) will also move up, I have Sent to the Commanding officer at the Contl Village And informd him of it, and Shall watch their motions and in Case of their Transports moving up I Shall without Delay move my Corps to the Contl Village in order to reinforce the troops there and Defend that pass if possable. I am Your Excys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Seymour, 6 October 1778
From: Seymour, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Hartford Octr 6th 1778

          I have the honour to inclose your Excellency Copy of Act of our Assembly, by Lt Ellsworth, directing me to apply for payment of the Troops of Light Horse while in Service in July 1776, under my Command. to this purpose have at last obtained the necessary Pay Rolls from the several Captains, & made out the Abstracts therefrom—it is possible that these may not, in all Respects, be conformable to the present mode; but as that was the first tour of our militia Horse from this State, or perhaps any other, & before any proper form was known, of reducing their wages or Expences on the March, to the present perfect method, hope the same may meet your Excellencys approbation.
          The Reason for not transmiting the abstracts sooner, has been oweing to some or other of the Captains being out in service, so that their Rolls have been delayd—I should have taken great pleasure in waiting upon your Excelly in person, but the Circumstances of my Family, at present, would not allow—Lt Ellsworths Rect in my behalf will be equivalent to mine—The Wages of the Staff am at a loss for the Rule,

            which beg may be Supplied in the Abstract accordingly—I am—with every Consinderation of Respect—yr Excellencys most Obt hble servt

            Thos Seymour


Title: To George Washington from Major General Stirling, 6 October 1778
From: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Aquakanock [N.J.] October 6th 1778

          I have received your Excellency’s letter of the 4th Instant. I am Surprized you should be so long without receiveing a letter from me, as I have daily wrote at least once. The Enemy after forageing all day on the West Side of Hackensack River within four Miles of this place, retired in the Evening to their former Station at & beyond the New Bridge, they had about Six thousand foot & 200 horse out the 15th Remained at the New Bridge, they are very quiet this day, some say they intend to go off today, and if they do I shall think myself very lucky indeed; for Genl Heard Came this Morning to inform me that every Man of his were Marched off, it is the Same with Col. Neilson at Elizabeth town, and all that remain is about 400 with Genl Winds. I have wrote Governor Livingston our Scituation repeatedly, but have not yet heard from him; the Gentlemen who will deliver this tells me Poulasky’s Legion is on the Way & by this time at Prince Town. I am your Excys Most Humble Servt

            Stirling,


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 6 October 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Providence October the 6th 1778

          I take this oportunity by an Officer of Colo. Cranes (who goes upon Business of the Regt) to Inform your Excellencey that Every thing Remains Quiet in this Quarter we have an Account which I fear is but too true That the Rawley is Taken She was first Ingaged with a Frigate & a forty gun Ship hove in Sight Came up & after giving her a few Broadsides She was oblidged to Strike—prizes Come in to Boston Every Day, but The prices of Articles Remain the Same as formerly. I had the honor of Receiving your Excellenceys favor of the first Instant am Exceeding Sorry for Colo. Baileys misfortune & the Loss this

            Stroke must be to the Army. I am in hast Dear General your Excellenceys most obedt & very Humble Servant

            Jno. Sullivan M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 6 October 1778
From: Van Schaick, Goose
To: Washington, George

            May it please your Exellency
            Continental Vilage [N.Y.]October 6th 1778

          I have this Moment been informed that a Ship, a Tender & a Galley, are Standing up the River, they where seen off Tallers Point about Ten oClock this morning, under Sail, I have sent off a party of Fifty Men, well officered, to bring off a number of Boats lying at Kings Ferry.
          Your Exellency may rest assured, that if I receive, any further inteligence of the Motions of the Enemy, it shall be forwarded as Soon as possible. I am with perfect Esteem, Your Exellencies most humble Servt

            G.V. Schaick


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 6 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Van Schaick, Goose

            Sir,
            Head Quarters Fish Kill Octr 6th 1778

          I have received your favour of this day, and thank you for the precaution you have taken in removing the boats at Kings ferry—Nothing ought to be left there which is of any use to us or might be to the enemy.
          I shall rely on your giving me instant advice of any further movements you discover and I should wish you at the same time to communicate

            them to General Putnam—at Robinson’s near West Point. I am Sir Your most Obedt Serv.

            G.W.


Title: General Orders, 7 October 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Frederick’sburgh Wednesday Octr 7th 78.
            Parole Colonna—C. Signs Canaan. Castile.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Lambert Cadwalader, 7 October 1778
From: Cadwalader, Lambert
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Philada 7th Octr 1778.

          A few Days since I recd your Excellency’s Letter, in Maryld, dated white Plains, inclosing one from the Commissioners of Arrangement respecting my not performing the Duties incident to my Station, and desiring I may be orderd to my Regiment, without being previously exchang’d; and that in Case of Refusal there would be a Vacancy to which an active Officer might be entitled to succeed.
          The Motives which seem chieffly to have influenced them in their Determination are
          1st The Complaints of the Officers in the Pennsylva Line. 2dly That I am under no Obligation, from the Terms of my Enlargement, not to act against the Enemy without returning an Officer of the same Rank and 3dly that I have in no Instance since my Liberation been considerd in the Light of a Prisoner of War by the Enemy.
          Altho’ no definitive Steps with Respect to me, as I’m inform’d, have been taken, yet I cannot but look upon it as a Hardship that the Commissioners should undertake to pass Sentence without affording me an Opportunity of representing the Reasons which have induced me to observe a Line of Conduct so contrary to their Opinion and Judgment. This Circumstance I hope will plead my Excuse for troubling your Excellency with the Motives and Principles which have directed my Conduct in a Case so new and uncommon, and which I trust will have the desired Effect with the Commissioners.
          As soon as I was known after I was made Prisoner I was treated with the utmost Politeness and Humanity by the Enemy; and Gl Prescot having applied to Gl Howe in my Behalf from a high Sense of some Civilities shewn him by my Father procured me my Liberty without

            Parole. It was an Act of Generosity which I felt very sensibly but the Offer I did not accept ’till I had the Opinions of some Officers who were near me in Favor of it.
          The Idea I entertaind of my Situation was that a Complement of the highest Nature was paid me in the Manner of liberating me and that the Point of Honor of sending in an Equivalent before I took an active Part in the Army was left to me. Some few however when I returned Home being of Opinion I might instantly join the Army without an Exchange I thought proper to apply to Gl Gates who was then in Town and advise with him—he being an old Officer and one who had been bred in a military School—he replied he would give his Opinion as a Man of Honor and my Friend and that was he in my Situation he would not act before he was exchanged.
          About this Time I recd your Excellency’s Letter making me an Offer of sending in to Genl Prescot to fix upon some Friend of his who was Prisoner among us to be returned to them on the same Terms on w[hic]h I was set at Liberty.
          This I most joyfully and thankfully accepted as a Mode which would remove every Difficulty on my Part and place me on an equal Footing with the other Officers of the Army—But an Order to take up all the Field Officers in our Possession and confine them in Retaliation of the hard Usage of Gl Lee prevented its taking Place.
          I then ventured so far to trespass on your Goodness as to propose sending in such a Number of inferior Officers as would be equivalent to my Rank in the Army, which, as I have been informed, is an usual Article in the Cartels of Europe.
          This as far as I recollect you wrote me was out of your Power as inconsistent with the Cartel settled between the two Armies and could not be done—I then thought I had nothing to do but to wait for my Exchange in Course.
          Some Officers of the British Army taken at Princetown as my Brother inform’d having mistaken him for me and heard I was with the Army again, publicly declared if I was taken Prisoner by the Enemy they would have put me to Death.
          Sir Wm Erskin’s Opinion given Col: Fitzgerald at Brunswick after the above was that I was perfectly free to take an active Part without Exchange—But since the Evacuation of Philada happening at the City Tavern in Conversation with Mr Willing he told me that Genl Howe had expressd his Opinion with Respect to me in the fullest Manner and in doing this his Surprize I should take an active Part without being exchangd. Mr Willing told him he had been misinformd for that he knew I had not joind the Army—Gl Howe then instancd my forcing some Recruits for the Regt, who had mutinied, on Board a

            Shallop in this City. Mr Willing said if I had fallen into their Hands they would have treated me with great Rigor.
          It is unnecessary to mention to your Excellency the Opinions of a great Number of Gentn in and out of the Army, corresponding with my own, on the base Manner of my being set at Liberty, because I did it in a former Letter. I did not think it necessary to trouble you with every Incident, as it fell out, relative to me but the Conversation between Mr Willing & Gl Howe is I beleive quite new to you.
          Whenever I join the Army I hope to be put on a Footing with the other Officers in it, nor can it be expected that I should run the Hazard of having the Propriety of my Conduct, in Case of falling into the Enemy’s Hands, made a Subject of Discussion for a Court-Martial, or, what is worse perhaps, for a whimsical capricious commanding Officer, disposed to take Advantage of ex Parte Evidence or to receive the mere say-so of any Man who may expect to advance his Interest by shewing his Rancour against me.
          Having thus stated to your Excellency the Motives and Reasons on w[hic]h my Conduct has been formed I must beg Leave to persist in it notwithstanding the interested Discontents of some Officers in the Pennsyla Line.
          I have derived no Emolument of any Kind from the Public since I have been in my present Situation. My View has been to serve in the Army ’till our Affairs should wear a favorable Appearance and then to quit it—but to apply for a Command if we should be again threatned, and I hope I shall not be precluded from this Privelege by any partial Determination of the Commissioners of Arangement; as it is and ever has been my fix’d Principle that it is better not to be than survive the Loss of those Blessings w[hic]h are the Objects of this Contest and be a Witness of the dreadful Scenes w[hic]h would probably be acted in this Country on so unfortunate an Occasion. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect and Regard your most obedt Servt

            Lambt Cadwalader