Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 5 September 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Head Quarters Boston Sept. 5th 1778

          Nothing worthy of notice has Transpired Since I had the honor to write you on the
            Second Inst. whether the British Fleet that came and looked at the French Squadron are
            gone to Hallifax, or to Newport or are Still Cruizing off is Unknown, a Considerable
            firing of Cannon was heard off in the Bay this morning.
          Upon the receipt of your Excellencys Letters this morning for the Count DEstaing, I
            immediately dispatched them to him by an Express Boat.
            The Station of his Ships, and the Position of the Batteries which He has Opened renders
            his Situation I think fully Safe & Secure on the water Side—The masts and Spars
            that were Sent for arrived yesterday from the Eastward the Utmost endeavours are in
            exercise for refitting the Fleet with Expedition. I have the Honor to be with the
            greatest respect your Excellencys most Obt Hbble Servt

            W. Heath

            P.S. let me request the favor that the letters addressed to the Hon. the
              president may be forwarded by the first express going Philadelphia.


Title: To George Washington from James Hill, 5 September 1778
From: Hill, James
To: Washington, George

            Worthy General
            Wmsburg [Va.] the 5th Sepr 1778

          Mr Custis Have thought proper to alter His estate in such a manner that it woud not
            suit me To look after it any longer provided he was willing tho it appears to me as tho
            he was not. However by not recceiveing a line from You Respectg Yours that I have under
            my Care was determind  unless you & he agree’d on terms for
            him to have taken it—I woud acontinued it untill you returnd provided you had no
            objection; at what you thought reasonable tho expect by what I have heard he purposes to
            take it—I intended to awrote by him out to You but my business was Such at that time I
            had no opportunity, till he Set out; Youl please to rembr you told me in our agremt to
            do the best I coud with Mr Custis’s Estate & provided the Estate improved you’d
            increase the Lay which I was exceeding Willing in case it did not I woud ⟨ne⟩ver askd
            for 1 farthing More but you well Know Sir, You purchased two more plantations which
            enlarged the Estates considerably & made it more Troublesome them being
            purchased much out of order for Croping & woud
            Heartely Wish You to see the Estate now & you Know the order it was in When I
            took it & woud Wish to have Your opinion what yo. thought I deserved; &
            as to the Profits Asaveg Hope he will have no reason to complain tho I have had the
            misfortune for Several Years to loose the Wheat by Weavle; have made it up by Stock &c., which was all the Way I
            had to dispose of it, & now have the Estate in General in as good order for
            Croping as any Estate in the Colloney; for Tobo Wheat or any thing he Chuses to go upon
            for I have never sufferd the Tobo lands to be put in Corne or in wheat oats &c.,
            till I got every plantation inclosed & thirded & is now with Slight
            run[nin]g over with Dung capable of bringing choice Tobo which hope Youl refer to Some
            Gent. that you can confide in that is a Judge & hear what they Say, & if
            they dont think that what Ive mentiond to you is as I say; I dont desire one farthing
            otherwise hope youl Allow me agreable to the difference of money when it took aRise; I
            agree’d to take the Lay Vollentine had which I have b⟨een⟩ Credibly informd he never
            gave An Acct for butter Sold & had Shugar found for his familys Use the Rum
            &c., that the butter &c. was Given up for his Wifes Trouble in doctorg
            lookg After Sping & this much I never Mentiond to yo. before, Mr Custis Says he is Willg to Allow what you think right
            & am Shure I am; & was you To abeen privy to Every Transaction of mine
            Ive renerd Accts for Every farthing Receivd & for every Article therefore hope
            if this was the Case With Vollentine Youl make me Some Allowance; & please to
            mention what you are willg to Give for yr own Since the Rise of Specia & am
            Sattisfyed With what ever yo. think reasonable as I am abt closeing my Accts what money
            I have of yours Shoud be Glad to Know if You woud have it put in the Continantal Loan
            office or Sent up by Mr Posey to Mr Washgton I woud apaid it to your Ladye but coud not
            get it in time enough Mr Custis & my Self agreed to leave my Wages to Colo.
            Basset & Mr Webb & they Allowd me 150£
            for 2 Years & 175 for this But Mr Webb now Says he realy thought I only managed
            3 plantations Near Wmsbg I shoud asupposed that they woud allow⟨d⟩ me the Value of  100£ Specia—for I have had the Trouble on me to make Sail of every
            plantations Crops in Wmsbg & there deliver it in order to get the Highest
            prisees delvd it in Small quantityes Which was aVast deel more trouble to me—Your Answer
            if possable to the Above requests by the first Oppertunity will ever be Acknowledged the
            greatest favour done. Yr Mo. Obt & Mo. Hble
            St

            Jas Hill

            P.S. I am Now abt Sellg Yr Beeves we have lost None with the Distempr as
              Yet.St
            J. H.
            Youl plea⟨s⟩e to informe me the Qty of Stock Mr Custis wants Left he has
              Accts of the whole as Davenp[or]t tells me; otherwise, I[’]ll inform You by my
              Next.


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 5 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

            Dear Sir,
            White-plains Sepr 5th 1778.

          I was yesterday favoured with your Letter of the 31st Ulto—The one you allude to, came
            to hand about five days before.
          I thank you for your very polite and friendly appeal, upon the Subject of half bounty
            in solid Coin. The measure, I have no doubt, would produce an Instant benefit, so far as
            the engaging drafts &ca might be concerned; but I am certain, many mischievous
            and pernicious consequences would flow from it—It would have a tendency to depreciate
            our paper money, which is already of little value—and
            give rise to infinite difficulties and irremoveable inconveniences. Nothing after this
            would do but gold or Silver. All would demand it—and none would consider the
            impracticability of its being furnished. The Soldiers seeing the manifest difference in
            the value between that and paper—that the former would procure, at least, five or Six
            fold as much as the latter, would become dissatisfied—they would reason upon the
            subject—and in fine cast their views to desertion (at least) as a
            very probable and the only expedient from whence it might be derived and similar
            & greater advantages arise.

          As the Express is now waiting, I will not enter upon a long detail—or into an
            enumeration of the evils that would result from the Grant. I am satisfied they would be
            many & of an obstinate & injurious kind; and that they would far over
            ballance in their operation & effect, any present good. We have no prospect of
            procuring Gold & Silver to discharge more than a mere scruple of our demand. It
            is therefore our interest & truest policy to give a currency—to fix a value, as
            far as it may be practicable, upon all occasions, upon that which is to be the medium of
            our internal commerce, and the support of the War. I am Dr Sir Yrs Very
            Affectionately

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 5–6 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters White plains 5[–6] Sepr 1778

          I have recd yours of the 31st ulto by Major Morris and of the 2d and 3d instants by
            Express. At the same time that the former relieved us from infinite anxiety upon your
            account, it served to convince—that the enemy felt the weight of their repulse, by their
            permitting you to pass the River without the least interruption. I sincerely
            congratulate you not only upon your safe retreat, but upon the success of our Arms upon
            the 29 Augt and I beg you will present my thanks to the Officers of all Ranks and to the
            troops for their gallant behaviour upon that day. I am exceedingly happy to find by
            yours of the 3d that harmony is again reestablished between our Army and our Allies. I
            have transmitted a Copy of your letter to Congress and
            I am certain it will afford them pleasure.
          I have been informed that you were obliged to draw all the Arms from the Magazine at
            Spring feild to put into the hands of the Militia. If
            this has been the case, I entreat you to make use of all possible means to have them
            returned, when the Militia are disbanded, and lodged again in the Magazine. A large
            Regiment arrived a few days ago from North Carolina, unarmed, and we have none to supply
              them. Besides this, there is a considerable
            deficiency in the other parts of the Army. I beg you will upon no account or pretence
            suffer them to turn their backs upon you, before they have delivered their Arms and
            other stores, for if they once carry them out of your sight, it wi⟨ll⟩ be impossible to
            recover them. 6th Sepr I have recd yours of the 4th respecting the complaints of
            Colo. Sherburnes & Colo. Webbs officers. Their circumstances are  similar to those of all the other 16 additional Battalions. What will
            be determined upon in regard to those Battalions I do not know, but I imagine the
            Committee for arranging the Army upon the new establishment, who are now sitting here,
            will have direction from Congress concerning them. As
            soon as they come to any resolution, that affects them, I will communicate it. I am
            &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 5 September 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Head Qrs Providence 5th 78 Septr

          Since my last, Two N. Hampshire Volunteers (who were capturd in Rhode Island &
            since exchangd) have brought out a Newport Gazette containing the following
            Intelligence—“That Sir Harry Clinton with the Troops arrivd there on Tuesday last
            & saild again on the 2d Instant[”]—I have it
            likewise from General Cornell who is station’d at Tiverton, that the British Fleet had
            saild passd Newport & were turning Seconnet Point, steering eastwards—Their
            destination not known—General Clinton from every Account is on board—I have the honor to
            be with great Respect, Yr Excellencys Most obedient & hble sert

            Jno. Sullivan

            P.S: Those Gentlemen Volunteers likewise assure me, that one hundred and Six
              Waggons were brought into Newport after the action, With the wounded. that the
              smallest Number killd (by their own Accounts) were three hundred (that including both
              their Loss amounted to 1000 or 1500[)]—J.S.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Jabez Huntington, 6 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jabez

            Sir,
            Head Quarters [White Plains] Septr 6th 1778

          I had the pleasure of your letter of the 4th Instant.
          It is probable the Fleet you mention is part of the one which passed through the Sound
            some time ago, for the relief of Rhode Island, now on its return to new York. But if any
            thing serious is designed in your quarter, it must soon be determined. I thank you for
            the early information—and am Sir Yr Most Obet Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 6 September 1778
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Richard Henry Lee, 6 Sept. 1778. On 23
            Sept., GW wrote Lee: “Your favor of the 6th Instt did not get to my hands till the
            18th.”


Title: To George Washington from Officers of the Second Maryland Brigade, 6 September 1778
From: Officers of the Second Maryland Brigade
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from officers of the 2nd Maryland Brigade, 6
            Sept. 1778. On 7 Sept., GW wrote the officers: “I was just now favd with your letter of
            yesterday.”


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

            Sir
            [Westchester County, N.Y.] 6th Sept. 1778

          Capt. Croghan Waits on Your Excellency for the Hard Money.
          nothing extraordinary this morning. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servt

            Chs Scott


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

          Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. John Sullivan, 6 Sept. 1778. On
            9 Sept., GW wrote Sullivan: “I am favd with yours of the 5th and 6th.”


Title: To George Washington from Philip Van Rensselaer, 6 September 1778
From: Van Rensselaer, Philip
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Philip Van Rensselaer, c.6 Sept. 1778. On
            14 Sept., Horatio Gates wrote Van Rensselaer: “I thank you for your obliging letter by
            Quin. … Your letter to the General, and that to the Board of War, with the Return, were
            immediately forwarded to Head-Quarters” (Van Rensselaer, Annals of the
              Van Rensselaers, 184). Van Rensselaer’s letter to Gates carried by James Quinn
            was dated 6 Sept. (NHi: Gates Papers).


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

            Head-Quarters White-Plains Monday Septr 7th 1778.
            Parole Halesworth—C. Signs Harlow Heden.

          For the present and until the Circumstances of the Army will admit of a more perfect
            Arrangement it is to be divided and commanded as follows, viz. Woodford’s, Muhlenberg’s
            and Scott’s Brigades by Major General Putnam—Poor’s, Late Larned’s & Paterson’s
            by Major General Gates; Wayne’s, 2nd Pennsylvania and Clintons by Major General Lord  Stirling. Parsons’s and Huntington’s Brigades by Major General
            Lincoln—Smallwood’s and 2nd Maryland by Major General Baron De Kalb—Nixon’s &
            North-Carolina by Major General McDougall.
          The Commanding Officers of Brigades are to call for exact returns of the number of
            Waggons appropriated thereto respectively, and with the Quarter Master General or his
            Assistants see that each Regiment has its due proportion agreeable to former Regulation
            in this matter—If any Corps is incumbered with heavy baggage it is to be immediately
            removed. The board of Officers ordered to determine the claims between Lieutt Coll Brent
            & Ellison to command in the 1st Virginia State Regiment, are of Opinion that
            Lieutt Coll Brent resume his former Command in the same.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 7 September 1778
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from the Board of War, 7 Sept. 1778. On 14
            Sept., GW wrote the board: “On sunday night I had the honor to receive your favors of
            the 5th & 7th Instant.”


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 7 September 1778
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] 7th Sep’r 1778.

          I have received your Excellency’s Letters of the 27th of last Month & 1st
              Instant. I am greatly concerned for the Unhappy Fate
            of Van Tassel, who I am informed always maintained a good Charecter & his
            Familly have afforded many Proofs of their Attachment to the Cause of their Country in
            which some of them have been great Sufferers. At the same Time as Capt. Colson has
            already Quit the Army Until It can be discovered to what Place he is gone I think it
            will be most prudent to make as little stir about the Matter as possible. When this is
            the Case, if your Excellency’s aid in securing him shall be necessary, I will take the
            Liberty of asking it. In the mean Time your Excellency will please to accept my warmest
            acknowledgments for the Regard you have paid to the Rights of the Civil Authority.
          Before Mr. Smith left the Country, he applied to me concerning his Male Servants, which
            the Commissioners did not conceive themselves authorized to permit him to take with him
            as they might be imployed to fight against their Country. The Slaves he might have sold
            if he had pleased. The white Servants he mentions in his Letter to your Excellency, tho
            they are hardy Scotch Hierlings in whom he has no Property, yet I promised to send them
            into him in Exchange for any Two subjects of this State in the Power of the Enemy which
            he shoud procure to be  sent out for that Purpose. This being the
            Case I cant help thinking Mr. Smith’s Letter to your Excellency complaining of Injustice
            in the Commissioners as well as his Request of having his Servants sent into him not
            only exceptionable but very unjust & unreasonable. I am with the highest Respect
            Your Excellency’s Most Obed’t Serv’t

            G.C.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 7 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

            Sir,
            [White Plains, 7 September 1778]

          Brigadier General Du Portail Chief Engineer is by my orders on a visit to the posts in
            the Highlands, to examine into the state of the fortifications carrying on there. It is
            my wish that Col: Koshiosko may comminicate every thing to this Gentleman, who is at the
            Head of the  department, which he may find requisite for the purpose
            he is sent upon. I am persuaded you will show him every proper attention. I am Sir Yr
            Most Obedt ser.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Edward Norwood, 7 September 1778
From: Norwood, Edward
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Capt. Edward Norwood, 7 Sept. 1778. On 7
            Sept., GW wrote Norwood: “Your favor of this date has been duly received.”


Title: From George Washington to Captain Edward Norwood, 7 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Norwood, Edward

            sir
            Head Qrs [White Plains] Septr 7th 1778

          Your favor of this date has been duly received.
          I have already given my reasons in General Orders, for disapproving the proceedings of
            the Court Martial in your case, and therefore I need not repeat them. I will only observe that they appeared to me, to be contrary to
            precedent and common usage—and totally irregular and incompleat. Under this persuasion I
            could not but continue your arrest. The matters in charge against you had never been
            tried.
          With respect to any reflection on myself I believe you never intended One and I am
            concerned that my name is mentioned in any of the charges. This circumstance however has
            not, nor will it have I assure you, the least possible influence on my Judgement in
            deciding on your case. You will be tried by a Constitutional and General Court
            Martial—the One now sitting—and I doubt not agreable to the Articles of War and the
            customs of the Army. I am sorry your arrest has been of
            such long continuance; but it has been occasioned in a great measure, by the New and
            peculiar difficulties that have occurred in the course of the proceedings under It. I am
            sir Yr Most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Officers of the Second Maryland Brigade, 7 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Officers of the Second Maryland Brigade

            Gentlemen
            Head Quarters [White Plains] 7th Sepr 1778

          I was just now favd with your letter of yesterday.
          Tho’ I would willingly grant a request coming from so respectable a number of Officers,
            yet in the instance of your present application, I  cannot do it,
            without incurring a charge of impropriety, and staying the course of Justice. Captain
            Norwood has been arrested by General Smallwood for an injury done his character—He has
            pursued the constitutional mode of redress—the matter has never been tried—nor the
            prosecution relinquished by the party. I am sorry that he should have been longer in
            arrest than what is customary, but it has proceeded from the new and peculiar
            difficulties that have occurred in his Case. I am
            Gentlemen with great Respect and Esteem Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 7 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles

            Sir
            Head Quarters White plains 7th Sept. 1778

          I imagine you must stand in need of assistance in your Office at this time, by reason
            of Genl Greens absence, and Mr Ternant and Maj: Forsyth’s having left the department. I
            therefore think it adviseable and expedient that Colo. Hay should be immediately called
            down from the Highlands, more especially as it is probable that the Army may be under
            the necessity of changing its present position in a short time. Genl Gates informs me
            that there is also a Major Chattinet, a deputy Quarter Master at Fort Arnold, who is
            remarkably active, especially in the Waggon department, and as he can be spared from
            that post, be pleased to order him down likewise.
          If the Enemy continue in New York this Winter, we shall be obliged to quarter a
            considerable Force at and in the vicinity of the Highland posts. I would therefore have
            you immediately contract for a quantity of Boards, Plank, Scantlin and Nails for the
            purpose of building Barracks. As I cannot ascertain the number of men that will be
            stationed there, I cannot say precisely what quantity of materials will be necessary;
            but I beleive you need not be afraid of over doing the matter, as they will always be
            useful for other purposes—Colo. Biddle should be advised in time of the probability of a
            considerable post’s being established in the Highlands this Winter, that he may form his
            Magazines of Forage contiguous to them. He should also be desired to draw his Forage
            from between the present encampment and the Enemy, that we may leave the Country as bare
            as possible, should we remove—no time shd be lost in
            doing this.

          I shall, in the orders of this day, direct the Brigadiers to call for exact returns of
            the Waggons in their Brigades, and allot them to the Regiments in proportion to their
            numbers. I am apt to beleive that there will be upon the whole a deficiency of Waggons
            for Baggage, and I would therefore wish you to be endeavouring to procure a supply for
            them. In a word I would wish you to have your whole department so arranged that the
            whole Army may move at the shortest notice—it will not
            be advisable to keep more Stores in your line at this Post than what are absolutely
            necessary for immediate use. I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Stark, 7 September 1778
From: Stark, John
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Brig. Gen. John Stark, 7 Sept. 1778. On 8
            Oct., GW wrote Stark: “I have been favd with yours of the 31st Augt and 7th 15th and
            28th Septemr.”


Title: General Orders, 8 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters W. Plains Tuesday Septr 8th 1778.
            Parole Oakingham—C. Signs Orton Onslow.

          The Colonels and Commanding Officers of Corps are to cause Company rolls to be made out
            with all possible expedition, comprehending the names of their men actually in the
            Field, on Command and in hospitals and particularly noting the time for which they are
            engaged to serve—These rolls are to be regimentally bound up and delivered to the
            Brigadiers or officers commanding Brigades who are to transmit them to Head-Quarters as
            soon as they have obtain’d full returns of their respective Commands.
          The General expects that there will be the most pointed and expeditious compliance with
            this order.
          His Excellency the Commander in Chief is pleased to accept the following report of the
            Court of Enquiry whereof Coll Marshall was President.
          It is the opinion of the Court that Lieutt Selden throughout the whole of his Conduct
            towards Commissionary Kean was uniform—That the Conversation relative to Sword and
            Pistol did not amo[u]nt  to a Challenge; And as the Commissary was
            indulged to stay in the same Apartment with the Officer of the Guard or to go any where
            within his sentries that there appears nothing unjustifiable in the Conduct of Lieutt
            Seldon. Likewise by consent of Coll Davis & Doctor Brown it is published, “That
            the Muster in which the Doctor was mentioned as superceded was founded upon a mistaken
            Supposition of Facts, and that he was not actually superceded.”


Title: To George Washington from Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 8 September 1778
From: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’
To: Washington, George

            Sir—
            [Boston Road] The 8th Septem. 1778.

          The Letter which Colo. Laurens was pleased to take charge of for Your Excellency
            contains the expression of my acknowledgements for the Letter which M. De Choin
            announced to me, and which was delivered to me the evening of the same day. I hastened to give an anticipated answer to it, for we are
            generally eager to speak, what we sensibly feel—The Extract of Major Howels Journal, by
            coming to me duplicate, has but too well confirmed the report made by three of my ships,
            of the Arrival of Admiral Byrons Squadron.
          This Deposition and the certainty of Genl Sullivans Army being reduced to Six thousand
            men including a Majority of Militia—by the departure of three thousand while I was
            employed in pursuing Lord Howe—will doubtless appear to you the principal reasons for a
            conduct, the melancholy motives of which I have already amply explained.
          It was impossible to disarm Vessels while it was required of them to repulse or attack
            General Howes Squadron—It was still less so when it was reinforced by the arrival of
            Byrons fleet, and the enemys naval force acquired by that event, so considerable a
            degree of Superiority—It was not less difficult to persuade oneself that Six thousand
            men well intrenched—and with a fort before which trenches had been opened—could be
            carried in four and twenty hours or in two days—the bravery with which your troops
            effected a retreat, the Victory which they gained over superior numbers in the open
            field—have acquired them new Glory—the merit of the matter is established, by taking the
            number of men for granted—Your Excellency is doubtless
            instructed as to this point: you have the means of judging of the possibilities and
            estimating whether the military calculations have been grounded on false
            principles—their object ought to be, not to sacrifice the Kings Squadron but when it can
            be attended with evident utility to Allies who are so dear to him.

          You have just proved Sir, that this is your way of thinking—in sending me a detail of
            the naval reinforcement which has been discovered at New York.
          Upon the kind and number of Ships—their condition—their compact or detached State—the
            insight which may be gained of their designs—will depend our offensive or defensive
            plans—it appears to me therefore that good Spies must be the basis of all—permit me
            incessantly to repeat my sollicitations, and offers of money to gain this important
            end.
          The Uncertainty in which we are respecting the measures of the British—after the
            atrocious destruction of Bedford—makes me doubt whether
            this Letter will reach you soon—Lt Colonel Fleury who is so kind as to take charge of
            it, will perhaps be detained by the hopes of giving new proofs of his zeal courage and
            talents—To fight the enemy is the only circumstance, that can retard in this excellent
            officer what all those who serve under Your Excellency call their happiness—I mean the
            returning to increase the number of your Soldiers and admirers—M. de fleury, is if it
            can be possible, more penetrated with this Sentiment than any one—and I love him the
            more for it—It is General Sullivans part to inform you and testify all that I am told he
            did while he was second to Col. Laurens. The accounts
            given me, made me form the project, when I thought of recommencing the Young Man,
            & the Colonel, of emulating these Gentlemen, or rather of following their
            example. Permit me particularly to recommend to your kindness Mr de fleury; he is a
            useful frenchmen—and when occasion offers I should be very happy to serve with him—and
            he is calculated for establishing that union between individuals which subsists between
            our Nations. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Thomas Young Seymour, 8 September 1778
From: Seymour, Thomas Young
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Capt. Thomas Young Seymour, c.8 Sept.
            1778. Seymour wrote GW on 9 Sept.: “The two Ships mentioned in my last, to have come to
               anchor, close under Long-Island shore, passed City Island early
            this morning, and stood for New york.”


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 9 September 1778
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from the Board of War, 9 Sept. 1778. On 19
            Sept., GW wrote the Board of War: “I have been honoured with the Boards Letter of the
            9th Inst.” In a report of the Board of War to Congress on clothing, 5 Oct. 1778, they
            stated: “In a letter of the 9th [to GW] we suggested that the drafts were not intitled
            to new cloathing—that where necessity obliged us to clothe them, it might be done out of
            the old cloaths, which we proposed should be laid up on issuing the new.” Elsewhere in
            the report, the board stated that they had written GW on 9 Sept. informing him of steps
            taken to clothe Col. George Baylor’s dragoon regiment “and suggesting the expediency of
            supplying all the horse, wanting cloathing, in the same way” (DNA:PCC, item 147).


Title: From George Washington to the Officer Commanding Militia at Hackensack New Bridge, 9 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Officer Commanding Militia at Hackensack New Bridge

            Sir
            Head Quarters [White Plains] 9 Sept. 1778

          Major Clough, who commands at Hackinsack, is under the necessity of sometimes allowing
            persons to carry small matters into New York, and to bring a few goods out, that he may
            the better obtain intelligence. The persons employed in that way are sometimes stopped
            by your guards,  under suspicion that they are carrying on a
            contraband trade. You will therefore be pleased to give orders to your officers not to
            detain or molest any person shewing a pass from Major Clough. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 9 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles

            Sir
            Head Quarters [White Plains] 9th Sepr 1778

          I have more reason for thinking that the Army will have occasion to remove from its
            present position shortly, than when I wrote to you two days ago. I therefore desire you
            will immediately send off all the supernumerary Stores of your department. I think it
            would save land carriage if they were transported by water above the posts in the
            Highlands, and removed from thence more inland, at leisure. The Ox teams you mentioned
            should be collected as quick as possible, as I mean to remove the sick, and all the
            spare stores of every department from this Ground. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 9 September 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Westchester County, N.Y.] 9th Sept. 1778

          I have the unhappiness to inform You that Desertion still prevails among my Corps, we
            Seldom Send a Detachment on the line, But we loose one or two. and last night Deserted
            From this Camp three Serjants and 29 privats of Colo. Grayhams Regt of Militia, whom I
            am much afraid has gon to the enemy. as three of them are taken up by one of my Picquets
            making that way, this togather with those Inlisted in the Waggon Department has reduced
            That Regement from a 171 to about thirty, but Fiew of them fit for Duty, indeed war they
            able to do duty I should be very unwilling to trust Them. this togather with the loss of
            Armands Corps will in Som measure Prevent my Covouring this Country as Well as I Could
            Wish, without Fatiguing the men Very much.
          Since my Taking the Comd at this post I Have lost By Desertion Sickness & other
            ways Near three hundred men, the Guards indispensably Necessary as well for the Security
            of the Grand armey, as this Corps, leads me to wish they may be replaced, the loss of
            Armads horses Is sevearly felt. Since their departure we Have been obligd to furnish a
            Strong patroll on the Sawmill River & Albany Roads, but In order to ease the men
            I had Just posted majr Washington for that Purpose,  whilst majr Lee
            would do the like Duty on the East Side of the Brunx. But had orders from the Adjutant
            Genl Last night for majr Washington to return to his Regt, if it is not Indispensably
            Necessary that he should do So, I should be proud he Could Stay if it was But a fiew
            days untill I could make some other Disposition. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servt

            Chs Scott


Title: From George Washington to William Shippen, Jr., 9 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Shippen, William Jr.

            Sir
            Head Quarters [White Plains] 9th Sepr 1778

          It is more than probable, from some late maneuvres of the Enemy, that the Army will
            have occasion to move from its present position to the Eastward. I therefore desire that
            the most immediate measures may be fallen upon to remove the sick of the Army at least
            as far as Danbury. The Hospital established at Bedford
            will for the above Reasons  be too much exposed and should therefore
            be immediately removed also as far as Danbury. The Quarter Master General will, upon
            application, afford all the assistance in his power, towards procuring Waggons for the
            removal of the patients and Hospital Stores. I am.


Title: To George Washington from Major John Clark, Jr., 10 September 1778
From: Clark, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

            May it please your Excellency
            Audrs Office [Harrison’s Purchase, N.Y.] 10th Septr 1778

          A difficulty has arisen between the Officers of the State of Newhampshire & me,
            in settling their Accounts: The State some time since, transmitted to the Board of
            Treasury a list of Monies advanced to the Officers, including the Continental Bounties,
            which have since been transmitted to me: I have called
            upon the Officers & they alledge they ought not to be charged with those sums—as
            the State intended those sums in lieu of Cloathing: for my own part I wish that justice
            shou’d be done, but it seems to me that the money advanced, was that belonging to the United States and as such ought to be accounted for, or why
            wou’d the State have transmitted those Accounts? the settling them with me don’t
            preclude the Officers from obtaining what was voted by the State, but
              the evil at present, is they have not Money sufficient to pay the Soldiers the
            Subsistence due them—I am loth to trouble you, but am so situated that I conceive I
            cannot admit what they alledge in their defence, you will observe that even the Resolve
            of the House of Representatives say they shall hereafter account for the sums advanced
            them, as the Accounts on Oath cou’d not then be lodged with the Board of War. I am in
            haste with the greatest Respect your Excellencies Most obedt

            Jno. Clark Junr Audr of Accts


Title: To George Washington from the Continental Congress Committee of Arrangement, 10 September 1778
From: Continental Congress Committee of Arrangement
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Head Qrs [White Plains] 10 [September] 1778.

          Before a proper arrangement can take place in the Line of Artillery, it is the opinion
            of the Committee that a dispute Subsisting between Cols. Harrison Lamb & Crane
            respectively should be settled; they therefore request the Subject of this difference
            may be referred to a board of officers, of some other Corps, as soon as it may be
            convenient. We are with the highest Respect your Excellency’s Most Obed. Servants

            Jos: Reed Chairman of the Committee

            P.S. The Committee also request that the Board will at the same Time
              determine the Seniority of the Regimts.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 10 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

            Sir,
            [White Plains, 10 September 1778]

          The superiority of naval force, which the enemy at present possess over our allies,
            rendering it not improbable, that they may be tempted to undertake a co-operation, by
            sea and land, for the capture or destruction of the French fleet, in the Port of Boston,
            it appears expedient, that our dispositions, so far as is consistent with the other
            important objects of our attention, should be calculated as much as possible to afford
            succour in that quarter. In persuance of this principle and other motives of weight
            which will occur to you; You are to proceed with the division under your command towards
            Danbury, taking the route by Kings Street and Bedford, and making slow and easy marches. You will begin your march tomorrow
            morning, and halt at some convenient place within six or eight miles of this Camp.
            Intelligence may be received in the course of the day, which may decide the measure of
            your future progress; but, if you have no further advice from me, You are to continue
            your route by proportionable stages to the place of your destination.
          For your supplies of provision, forage and other necessaries on the march, You will be
            pleased to make the necessary arrangements with  the Quarter
            Master—and Commissary-Generals. Given at Head Quarters White Plains the 10th of Septemr
            1778.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 10 September 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear Genl
            Head Quarters Boston Sepr 10th 1778

          Enclosed I do myself the honor to transmit the Commission of Capt. R. Allen late of
            Colo. Aldens Regiment who had your Excellency permission to Resign.
          Colo. Lee some time since received leave from Congress to resign his commission in the
              army—The time when the resignation was to take place
            I have settled with him but have not taken his Commission as his accounts are not
            settled—He informs me that he is ready for a settlement and desires to be directed with
            whom and where it is to be done.

          The night before last an unhappy affray happened here between a number of American and
            French sailors—some French Officers who were near the place attempting to quell the
            disturbance were much wounded one I fear mortally—The guards instantly turn’d out to
            suppress the riot but the Rioters dispersed before the guard arrived at the place Every
            step has been taken to discover and apprehend the persons concerned and to satisfy the
            French Gentlemen who appeared much alarmed on the occassion and in particular that their
            Officers should be insulted & wounded—The conduct of the Council has been very
              spirited The guards patroled the streets the last
            night to prevent further disturbance—The Count D’Estaing has assured me this Day he is
            fully satisfyed the Inhabitants had no hand in the affray—The enemies fleet who landed a number of their troops at Bedford on saturday
              night is still hovering on that coast and doubtless
            have intentions of further mischief—Measures are taken to call in the Militia should an
            attempt be made this way and sentinels constantly kept at the several Beacons to give
            timely notice—If the situation of the army is such as will admit two or three of the
            Continental Battallions to come this way it would be of infinite service greatly spirit
            the Militia and be a basis for them to build upon Your Excellency is fully sensible
            should such an event happen how necessary it would be and how much advantage might be
            expected from it. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most
            Obedt Servant

            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 10 September 1778
From: Kalb, Johann
To: Washington, George

            Camp White plains Septer 10th 1778

          In obedience to your Excellency’s orders for the opinion of the Board of M. Gls
            respecting the next Winterquarters.
          It appears to me that they should be taken in the State of New-york, on North River
            either on the left Bank or on both Sides, at the Distance of about 40 Miles from the
            Enemies Lines at kings Bridge, if they keep their present position. for the following
            reasons.
          1st Because ’tis important to Secure Said River and prevent the Enemies of fortifying
            themselves thereon, they would thereby with the assistance of the Tories, cut off, or at
            least render difficult & precarious the communication between the Eastern
            & Southern States, if the American Army was quartered in any other of the United
            States.
          2dly Because it will be required for the Exercising the army, that the Men Should not
            be too much fatigued by frequent Detachments & Strong Picket Guards, which would
            be unavoidable if near the Enemy.
          3dly For the Conveniency of providing feed for the Horses & Provisions for the
            army, in forming Magazins & Stores near the intended Ground, while the Roads are
            yet good and the River open.
          It is also my opinion that for the better Police, order & Discipline of the
            Troops, the army should be quartered as closely as possible, but no Towns being near the
            herelaid down distance, it will be necessary to Hutt again great part of the army,
            Therefore a sufficient Quantity of Timber & Boards ought to be provided without
            loss of Time, that no green wood may be employed, as being unwholsom. providing the
            Hutts with Straw for the Men to Lay on, and to renew it from Time to Time would also
            cont[r]ibute to the health of the Men.
          The Posts of kings ferry & West points ought to be peculiarly Secured against
            the Enemy’s Ships & Even on their out Sides in case of a Landing.

            The Baron de Kalb


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 10 September 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Philadelphia] 10th Septr [1778]

          Since my last of the 5th by Burwell, I have had the honor of receiving and presenting
            to Congress Your Excellency’s favors of the 4th and  Inst. together with Copy
            of Major General Sullivan’s Letter of the 31st Ulto and other Papers referred to.
          Your Excellency will be pleased to receive under the present Cover the following Acts
            of Congress.

            1. of the 4th Inst. for allowing 3 Dollars per day for the expence of Officers
              ordered to a distance from Camp upon extra Services.
            2. of the 8th for augmenting the Continental Bounty to Recruits enlisting for 3
              Years or during the War.
            3. for expressing the sense of Congress respecting the late Retreat from Rhode
              Island, and the Action there the 29th Ulto. I have
              the honor to be With the highest Respect & Esteem &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Malcom, 10 September 1778
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            West Point [N.Y.] sept. 10th 1778

          Herewith are inclosed the weekly return of the Garrison.
          General Duportail arrived yesterday I wish it had been six weeks sooner—Koscuiszko is
            not returned from the plains, but the General has been shewn all the works—Your
            Excellency may depend that I will shew him every proper Attention. To morrow I go up to
            Windsor with him—He has already laugh’d at Stephens mills and I wish to have him view
            the Chiveaux De Freize scheme—that my conduct in withdrawing the Workmen, &
            materials therefrom may be sanctify’d by so good an authority—If I could obtain the
            regulations concerning the Allowance  of Rations to Artificers
            & other appendages of the Army it would deliver me from a world of trouble—the
            Commissary General sent one Establishment to the Commissary here—and Baldwin sends
            another for what is called his corps—so that If I abide by the General Orders of August
            6th one sett plagues me—and if I take notice of Baldwins, another sett does the same—if
            Col. Baldwin had not interfer’d the Order of August 6th wou’d have continued in effect
            without any difficulty.
          I have been under the Necessity of sending six of the fellows brought here by Mr
            Lovell, back to Fishkill—In my Opinion they had better be set at large.
          Mr Pettitt wrote for my Qr Mastr yesterday—he said by your Excellency’s Order—I desired Col. Hay to expostulate on that Subject—I flatter
            myself that he will be able to offer such reasons as will prevail with your Excellency
            not to insist on his removal—I have only that Man of the department in the Garrison—who
            manages Waggoners &c.—without any trouble to me and much to the Advantage of the
            service—and as I have taken a great deal of pains to learn him his business during the
            summer I hope to have the benefit of my trouble.
          Only about thirty Militia of this State came in—of which I have received no return.
          Does your Excellency know that the Arms which went from this Garrison to be repair’d at
            Fishkill, & which I depended on having brought back, are order’d to camp—There
            are 400 repaird arms expected from Albany—may I have them for the Carolina troops? There
            is a very good Armourer’s shop at Fishkills and Mr Allen a good Man to conduct it—Yet
            the method is to send the Arms to Albany to be repaired, and then bro’t back—by which
            means a great deal of time is lost and Expence occasion’d—Shall I write to Genl Stark
            for half a dozen Gun Smiths to employ at Fiskill? I have the Honor to be Your
            Excellencys, Most Obedient and very humble Servt

            W. Malcom


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pettit, 10 September 1778
From: Pettit, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Camp, White Plains 10th Septr 1778

          The Scarcity of Forage, and the Reluctance with which the Farmers part with what they
            have to spare, has, for some Time past, filled me with more alarming Apprehensions than
            I have felt on account of any other Branch of the Quarter Master’s Department. The
            necessary Consumption of Forage, not only in and about the Army, but for the numerous
            Teams employed in the inland Transportation of Provisions and Stores, has so far
            exhausted the Resourse⟨s⟩ of former Crops that every Farmer in the Middle States
            discerns that the Demand for Grain is equal, if not more than equal, to all that can
            possibly be furnished, and of course that the Purchasers, whether for publick or private
            Use, must of necessity pay whatever Price shall be insisted on. The Discretion of each
            Individual is therefore the only Boundary to the Price demanded. Hence we find it
            impossible, without the Interposition of legislative Authority, to adhere steadily to
            any fixed Price, and at the same Time obtain the necessary Supplies. For although many
            of the better disposed among the Farmers would be willing to sell their Forage at the
            present current Prices if they were not apprehensive their more avaricious Neighbours
            would obtain a higher Price for theirs; yet while they see Prices constantly rising and
            unbounded, they are unwilling to preclude  themselves from the
            Advantages which Experie⟨nce⟩ has taught them may be obtained by with-holding their
            Commodities from the present Market. This increases the Avidity of the Demand, and of
            course obliges the Purchase⟨r⟩ to submit to the Terms imposed by the Seller. The
            enormo⟨us⟩ Increase of the Publick Expenditures, though perhaps the greatest, is but one
            of the Evils which must attend the permitting the Prices of Grain to continue rising
            witho⟨ut⟩ any other Limitation than the capricious Discretion of the Sellers of it. The
            Mischief is increased both in Size and Velocity by every Step it advances, and must, if
            permitted to continue, produce the most pernicious Consequences. On the other Hand, if
            the Legislatures of the respective States will give us their Aid, by fixing a Table of
            Prices between Individuals and the Publick, & establishing a legal Mode, as well
            for the obtaining at such Prices what each Individual can spare, as for ascertaining the
            Quantity which may be taken in Case of Dispute; I imagine the Quantity of Grain in the
            Country will be found more adequate to the Demand than present Appearances indicate.
          From the Scarcity, whether real or artificial, which we now feel, and have for some
            Time past experienced in the States northward of Chesapeak Bay, we have been under a
            Necessity of drawing considerable Quantities of Grain from Virginia, Maryland and
            Delaware; the Transportation of which not only enhances the Price, but, by employing
            more Teams in the publick Service, increases the Consumption. If therefore the
            Inhabitants of the States more contiguous to the Army could be induced to deliver, in a
            short Time, what they can with Propriety spare, it would not only enable us to form our
            Magazines in due Season, but might authorize us to relax our Demand on the distant
            Places from whence Supplies are transported at so great an Expence.
          I take the Liberty of troubling your Excellency with these Facts and Observations,
            together with a Letter from Colonel Biddle, Commissary Genl of Forage, which is inclosed
              herewith, on a Confidence that a Representation of
            the Matter from your Excellency to the Legislatures of the respective States, either
            immediatly or through Congress, will be the most likely way to have the Business
            speedily and effectually attended to, and to procure it that Dispatch which it’s
            Importance demands. I have the Honour to be, with the greatest Respect, Your
            Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

            Chas Pettit A.Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 10 September 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Westchester County, N.Y.] 10th Sept. 78

          I recd Your orders through Colo. Meade which Shall be immedeatly attended to. Capt.
            Leavenworth is now on the Sound In persute of Intilligence I make no doubt He will be
            able to give Some Acct of the Fleat You mention.
            Exclusive of this I Shall this moment Send Colos. Butler Parker & Grayham Some
            of them I make no doubt Will be able  Learn with Certainty whether
            they have troops on Board. my Corps Shall be in Perfect Readiness to march On the
            Shortest notice. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servant

            Chs Scott


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 10 September 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Providence Septemr 10th 1778

          I can only Inform you at present that the Enemy have Left Bedford but are Still
            Hovering Round the Shore they have Burnt ten Dwelling Houses all the Stores &
            all the vessels but one in Bedford Sir Henry Clinton Left them at New London &
            Returned to New york in a Frigate Major General Gray Commands the Party which Consists
            of one Regt of Light Infantry & one of Granadiers of Six hundred men Each And
            two Brigades Consisting of Eight Regiments viz. the 15: 42, 33d: 64: 17: 37 46th
            & 44th a Searjent has Deserted from them with an orderly Book which gives this
            Information. Lord Howe with a Fleet of Seventeen Sail of the Line is Standing off
            & on before Newport Harbor—from the Declaration of the Inhabitants of Newport of
            a Number of prisoners Exchanged & from the Declarations of Gentlemen who have
            been on the Island as well as the Similar Declarations of a Number of Deserters the
            Enemy had between a Thousand & fifteen hundred killed & wounded in the
            Action of the 29th a Woman who Lived in the Hospital & is said to be a Woman of
            veracity Says She Saw the Returns of the Surgeon which Amounted to a Thousand &
            Sixty one it is agreed on all hands that Three hundred
            & twenty were killed & mortally wounded on the field. I beg your
            Excellency to Transmit a Copy of this Letter to Congress & believe me to be with
            the most profound Respect your Excellenceys most obedt Servt

            Jno. Sullivan


Title: General Orders, 11 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters W. Plains Friday Septembr 11th 1778.
            Parole Frankfort—C. Signs Freetown. Falkland.

          The General Court-Martial whereof Coll Humpton is President is to sit tomorrow nine
            ôClock at the new Dining Room—Lieutt Coll Regnier  is appointed a
            Member, vice Lieutt Colonel Mellin—Nixon’s and the 1st
            Pennsylvania Brigades each give a Captain in the room of those who have marched.
          The Drum and Fife Majors of the Regiments on the Ground are to attend at the Inspector
            of Musick’s tent in the rear of the Park tomorrow morning ten ôClock to receive his
            Instructions.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 11 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bayley, Jacob

            Sir
            [White Plains, 11 September 1778]

          I am to request that you immediately employ Proper Persons to gain the most Authentic
            Intelligence from Canada of the several matters hereinafter mentioned vizt
          First—What Force is now in Arms in that Country.
          Secondly—If any Reinforcement has arrived in Canada the Summer past, &
            if any are expected to arrive this Season.
          Third—In what State of Defence are the Garrisons, and how are the Troops
            posted in that Country.
          Fourth—Are any Canadians in Arms there, if so, are they Compell’d to it, or is
            it from their own Choice, & what number.
          Fifth—The General Sentiments of the People with respect to American Politics
            and that of the Clergy in particular.
          Sixthly—The Disposition of the Indians in the Neighbourhood of Canada.
          Seventhly—who is the Governor and Principal Magistrate in that Country.
          Eighthly—If there is a plentiful, or short Crop, there, and what may be the
            Price of Grain.
          Ninthly—If the Canadians have been disarmed by any Authority from Government,
            or not.
          Tenthly—Whether the Canadians wou’d chuse to reunite with the Independent
            States of America.
          If you find a favorable Account, from Credible People on the matters herein mentioned,
            and as your Situation is so distant from hence, you may in the Month of November next
            imploy a part of Colo. Bedels  Regimt, shou’d it be continued, or a
            small number of other good men, in Cutting a Road from your House into Canada which you
            with others, have reported unto me to be practicable. Your reasonable Expences in this
            Service will be allowed You—You will from Time to Time Transmit to me an Account of your
            Proceedings with all the Intelligence you shall Collect. Given at Head Quarters White
            Plains Sepr 11th 1778.

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 11 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Board of General Officers

            Gentn
            Head Qrs [White Plains] Septr 11: 1778.

          The Book you will herewith receive contains the Journals and proceedings of Congress
            for the year 1776. Among these—and agreable to the
            pages marked below, you will find all the Resolutions that I am possessed of, respecting
            the Regiments and Officers of Artillery now in Camp—and also the establishment of the
            Army for 1777. I have the Honor to be with great respect and esteem Genn Yr Most Obedt
            servant

            G.W.

            Page 17. Capn Lamb promoted
            357–8 Establishment of Army for 1777.
            479. A Regiment of Artillery ordered to be raised in Virga
            487—Officers appointed to the Regt
            515—Three regiments of Artillery to be raised &c.
            P.S. I wish you also to settle the relative rank of all the Artillery field
              Officers now present.
            G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Butler, 11 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, William

            Sir
            Head Quarters White plains 11th Sept. 1778

          I am glad to find by your letters of the 31st Augt that matters continued so quiet upon
            the Frontier.
          It appears to me that the money, arising from the sale of Cattle belonging to those in
            the interest of the enemy, belongs to the Captors. But I beg you will proceed in these
            matters with the caution which you have used in the first instance, otherwise the
            soldiers for the sake of plunder will seize every thing under the denomination of its
            being Tory property. I shall give orders to the Cloathier Genl to send up some shoes to
            Albany for your detachment. They will go to the Care of General Stark who I suppose can
            forward them to you. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Vice Admiral d’Estaing, 11–12 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Estaing, Charles-Hector Théodat, comte d’

            Sir.
            Head Quarters [White Plains] 11[–12]th September 1778.

          I have had the honor of receiving Your Excellencys Letter of the 5th inst: accompanied
            by a copy of two letters to Congress and General Sullivan—The confidence which you have
            been pleased to shew me in communicating these papers, engage my sincere thanks—if the
            deepest regret, that the best concerted enterprises and bravest exertions should have
            been rendered fruitless by a disaster which human prudence is incapable of foreseeing or
            preventing, can alleviate disappointment; you may be assured that the whole continent
            sympathises with you—it will be a consolation to you to reflect that the thinking part
            of mankind do not form their judgement from events; and that their equity will ever
            attach equal glory to those actions which deserve success, as to those which have been
            crowned with it—It is in the trying circumstances to which Your Excellency has been
            exposed, that the virtues of a great mind are displayed in their brightest lustre—and
            that the Generals Character is better known than in the moment of victory—it was yours
            by every title which can give it—and the adverse element which robbed you of your prize,
            can never deprive you of the glory due to you—And tho’ your Success has not been equal
            to your expectations—yet you have the satisfaction to reflect that you have done
            essential service to the common cause.
          I exceedingly lament that in addition to our misfortunes, ther⟨e⟩ has been the least
            suspension of harmo⟨ny⟩ and good understanding  between the Generals
            of allied nations, whose vie⟨ws⟩ must like their interests be the same—on the first
            intimation of it I employ⟨ed⟩ my influence in restoring what I regard as essential to
            the permanen⟨ce⟩ of an Union founded on mutual inclination, and the strongest ties of
            reciprocal advantage—Your Excellencys offer to the Council of Boston had a powerful
            tendency to promote the same end, and was a distinguished proof of your zeal and
            magnanimity.
          The present superiority of the enemy in naval force, must for a time suspend all plans
            of offensive cooperation, between us—it is not easy to foresee what change may take
            place by the arrival of succours to you from Europe—or what opening the enemy may give
            you to resume your activity—in this moment therefore every consultation on this subject
            would be premature—but it is of infinite importance that we should take all the means
            that our circumstances will allow for the defence of a Squadron, which is so pretious to
            the common cause of France and America, and which may have become a capital object with
            the enemy—Whether this really is the case can be only matter of conjecture; the original
            intention of the reinforcement sent to Rhode Island was
            obviously the relief of the garrison at that post—I have to lament that tho seasonably
            advised of the movement, it was utterly out of my power to counteract it—a naval force
            alone could have defeated the attempt—how far their views may since have been enlarged
            by the arrival of Byrons Fleet, Your Excellency will be best able to judge. Previous to
            this event I believe General Clinton was waiting orders from his court for the conduct
            he was to pursue—in the mean time embarking his stores and heavy baggage in order to be
            the better prepared for a prompt evacuation if his instructions should require it—but as
            the present posture of affairs may induce a change of operations, and tempt them to
            carry the war eastward for the ruin of your Squadron; it will as I observed before, be
            necessary for us to prepare for opposing such an Enterpr⟨ise⟩—I am unhappy that our
            situation will not admit of our contributing more effectually to this valuable end—but
            assure you at the same time, that whatever can be attempted without losing sight of
            objects equally essential to the interests of the two nations—shall be put in
            execution.
          A Candid View of our Affairs which I am going to exhibit, will make you a judge of the
            difficulties under which we labour.
          Almost all our supplies of flour, and no inconsiderable part of our meat, are drawn
            from the States westward of Hudsons River—this renders a secure communication across
            that River indispensibly necessary not only to the support of the Army, but the valuable
            Squadron of His most Christian Majesty, if it should be blocked up by a superior fleet—
               the enemy being masters of that navigation would interrupt this
            essential intercourse between the States—they have been sensible of these advantages,
            and by the attempts which they have made to bring about a Separation of the Eastern from
            the other States—have always obliged us besides
            garrisoning the forts that immediately defend the passage—to keep a force at least equal
            to that, which they have kept in New York and its dependencies—and it is incumbent upon
            us at this time to have a greater force in this quarter than usual, from the concentred
            State of the enemys Strength and the uncertainty of their designs—in addition to this it
            is to be observed that they derive an inestimable advantage from the facility of
            transporting their troops from one point to another—these rapid movements enable them to
            give us uneasiness for remote unguarded posts, in attempting to succour which we should
            be exposed to ruinous marches, and after all perhaps be the dupes of a feint—if they
            could by any demonstration in another part, draw our attention and strength from this
            important point, and by anticipating our return possess themselves of it—the
            consequences would be fatal to the Army &
            Fleet.
          Our dispositions therefore, must have equal regard to cooperating with you, in a
            defensive plan—and securing the North River—which the remoteness of the two objects from
            each other renders peculiarly difficult—Immediately upon the change which happened in
            the State of your naval affairs—my attention was directed to conciliating these two
            great ends—the necessity of transporting magazines collected relatively to our present
            position—and making new arrangements for ulterior operations, has hitherto been
            productive of delay—these points are now nearly accomplished and I hope in a day or two
            to begin a general movement of the Army eastward—as a commencement of this, one division
            marched this morning under Major General Gates towards Danbury—and the rest of the army
            will follow as speedily as possible.
          The following is a general idea of my disposition—the Army will be thrown into several
            divisions—one of which consisting of a force equal to the Enemys in New York, will be
            about thirty miles in the rear of my present Camp—and in the vicinity of the North River
            with a view to its defence—the others will be pushed on at different stages, as far
            towards Connecticut River, as can be done consistently with preserving a communication,
            and having them within supporting distance of each other—so that when occasion requires,
            they may form a junction, either for thei⟨r⟩ own immediate defence, or to oppos⟨e⟩ any
            attempts that may be made on the North River—the facility which the enemy have of
            collecting their whole force, and turning it against any point  they
            please, will restrain us from extending ourselves so far, as will either expose us to be
            beaten in detachment, or endanger the securi⟨ty⟩ of the North River.
          This disposition will place the American Forces as much in measure, for assisting in
            the defence of your Squadron and the Tow⟨n⟩ of Boston, as is consistent with the other
            great objects of our care.
          It does not appear to me probable that the enemy would hazard the penetrating to Boston
            by land, with the force which they at present have to the Eastward—I am rather inclined
            to believe that they will draw together their whole land and naval strength to give the
            greater probability of success—in order to this New York must be evacuated, an event
            which cannot take place without being announced by circumstances impossible to
            conceal—and I have reason to hope that the time which must necessarily be exhausted in
            embarking and transporting their troops and stores, would be sufficient for me to
            advance a considerable part of my army in measure for opposing them.
          The observations which Your Excellency makes relative to the necessity of having
            intelligent spies, are perfectly just—every measure that circumstances would admit has
            been taken to answer this valuable end, and has in general been as good as could be
            expected from the situation of the enemy.
          The distance at which we are from our posts of observation in the first instance, and
            the long journey which is afterwards to be performed before a letter can reach Your
            Excellency—hinder my communicating intelligence with such celerity as I could wish—the
            letter which I sent giving an account of Lord Howes Movement, was dispatched as soon as
            the fact was ascertained—but it did not arrive ’till you had gone to Sea in pursuit of
            the british Squadron.
          As Your Excellency does not mention the Letters which I last had the honor of writing
            to you, I apprehend some delay or miscarriage—their dates are the 2d and 3d inst.
          The sincere esteem and regard which I feel for Your Excellency, make me set the highest
            value upon every expression of friendship with which you are pleased to honor me—I
            entreat you to accept the warmest returns on my part.
          I shall count it a singular felicity if in the course of possible operations above
            alluded to, personal intercourse should afford me the means of cultivating a closer
            intimacy with you—and of proving to you more particularly the respect and attachment
            with which I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble
            Servt.

            Go: Washington

            P.S. My dispatches were going to be closed, when Your Excellencys Letter of
              the 8th was delivered me; I detain the express to acknowledge the receipt of it.
            The State of Byrons Fleet from the bes⟨t⟩ intelligence I have been able to obtain is
              as follows—6 Ships—the names of whi⟨ch⟩ are mentioned in the
              Gazette which I had the honor of transmitting the 3d inst., have arrived at New York
              with very sickly Crew⟨s.⟩ 2. vizt the Cornwall of 74 and
              Monmouth of 64 had joined Lord Howe—2. one of which the
              Admirals Ship, missing—one had put back to Portsmouth—Of lord Howes Squadron a 64 and 50 are at New York.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 11 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

            sir
            Head Qrs [White Plains] 11 Septr 1778

          I have been favoured with your Letter of this date.
          I am always willing to grant requests where I think the good of the service will admit
            of it, and I am particularly so, when the requests are urged by Others besides the
            party, in whose behalf they are made. However, in the present instance of your
            application, I cannot do it with any degree of propriety, as I conceive. Colo. Kosciusko
            has had the chief direction and superintendence of the Works at West point, and it is my
            desire, that he should remain to carry them on. New plans & alterations at this
            time, would be attended with many inconveniences, and protract the defences of the
            River. These possibly in some degree, might take place in case of his absence, under the
            management of Another Engineer. With respect to Colo. Hay, he will be of very essential
            service here, and I cannot consent to his leaving Camp, while the Army continues in its
            present position and under it’s present circumstances. I am Sir Your Most Obedt
            servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 11 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

            Sir
            Head Quarters [White Plains] 11th Sepr 1778.

          I am favd with yours of the 10th with the weekly Returns of the Garrison.
          By a special agreement with the Artificers, they draw larger Rations than the Soldiers,
            you are therefore to allow them, what Colo. Baldwin’s draw here, which I think is 1 ½ ℔.
            Bread or Flour 1 ½ ℔. Meat and half a pint of Rum ⅌ day.
          Altho’ your Qr Mr would be very useful here at present, yet Colo. Hay has pointed out
            the difficulties the Garrison would be under for want of him, in such a manner, that I
            must consent to his staying.
          You will detain the four hundred repaired Arms expected from Albany, for the use of
            Colo. Hogans Regiment, and desire as many more to be sent down as will complete them.
            The armourers shop is, I am told, in very fine order at Albany, and I would not
            therefore wish to break in upon it, by drawing off the hands. I would rather you should endeavour to find a few Gun Smiths
            among your own men and put them under the direction of Mr Allen at Fishkill to repair
            the Arms of the Garrison. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from John Clark, Jr. and James Johnston, 12 September 1778
From: Clark, John Jr.,Johnston, James
To: Washington, George

            May it please your Excellency.
            Harrison’s Purchase [N.Y.] Auditors
              Office Septr 12th 1778.

          In virtue of a Resolve of Congress of the 3rd Inst:, We have digested a Plan for
            setling the accounts of back rations: as also a hint to the Officers, on the subject of
            settling their Accots agreeable to your late order; and directions for the Regimental
            paymaster’s of the line: all of which, are intended to promote
            the public good; and facilitate the settling and adjusting the Accounts of the Army. We
            beg leave to submit them to your consideration, and hope (if not inconsistent with good
            policy) the inclosed may be inserted in the next General Orders. We have the honor to be with the greatest attachment and
            respect Sir Your Most Obedt Humble Servts

            Jno. Clark Junr
            Jas Johnston Audrs

            P.S. Col. Harrison’s Letters of the 10th 11th & 12th Inst. have been
              received and attended to.


Title: To George Washington from Major Alexander Clough, 12 September 1778
From: Clough, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sr
            [Hackensack, N.J.] Sept. 12th 78 12 OClock

          Three french merchants who have been prisoners in New york four months, but had the
            liberty of the town—informs me, that Gnl Clinton went over to long Island on wedensday
              last, it is suposed to see those troops he carry’d up
            the sound, which are now encamp’t, he is expected back in a few days, thay continue to
            embark thayr cannon, and ordinance stores, a body of troops are likewise embarkt, but he
            knows not the number—another who left new york the last night, conferms the above
            account, and further adds, thay prest upwards of seven hundered the last tusday, and
            wedensday, & it still continuas very hot, it is given out that two thousand is
            wanted, the european merchants are selling of thayr goods by vandue at a very low rate,
            he gave me the following instance that a sadle & bridle, which would have been
            sold two months ago for six pounds, may now be bought for four dollors, all other goods
            are sold in the same proportion, thay have been employ’d in this manner somthing better
            then a week—whithin these three days orders have been isue’d for all the market boats to
            be brought in from Long Island, he says further there as been near three thousand head
            of cattle drove from the east end of Long Island, which thay are now killing, salting,
            & packing in Barrels, to the southward of Hamstead—bread is sold for sixteen
            pence sterling a pound. I am your Exellencys most Obt Hbl. Servt

            A. Clough


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 12 September 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            12th Septr 1778

          I am this moment Hond with your Commands by Letter from Lieut. Col. Hamilton, &
            shall halt as you direct near Bedford. I am Sir Your
            most Obedt Humble Servant

            Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

            sir
            Head Quarters White plains Septr 12 1778

          I do myself the honor of returning to Congress the report of their Committee on the
            subject of an Inspectorship, transmitted in your Letter of the 20th Ulto, which was not
            received till the 31st—with such observations as have occurred to me, in considering the
            matter, and which I have made with a freedom, that I trust will be agreable to
              Congress. I wish it had been in my power to have
            returned it before; but  the intervention of a variety of other
            important business from time to time, obliged me to postpone a conclusion upon the
            points till yesterday. I have already, in a Letter of the 26th of July, delivered my
            sentiments upon the consequences that would attend the Baron Steuben’s being appointed
            to an actual and permanent command in the line and therefore, and I will not trouble
            Congress with a repetition of them; however, I will take the liberty to add, that I am
            more and more convinced, that what I then said upon the occasion was well founded; and
            that I am certain such a measure will produce at least, infinite discontents and
            disquietudes among the General Officers.
          I have also had the Honor to receive your favor of the 5th Inst., with the several
            papers to which it refers. These shall have my attention as far as practicable. I hope
            all the Confederal troops are on the march from Philadelphia—and if they are not, that
            immediate orders will be given for their joining the Army.
          The Inclosed copy of a Letter from General Sullivan of the 10th Instant, will inform
            Congress, that the Enemy have not relinquished their burning plans, and that in this way
            they have destroyed several Houses—Stores and Vessels at and near Bedford. I was advised
            on Wednesday night, that a body of them, consisting of four or five Thousand, under
            General Grey had made a landing in that quarter, and were intrenching. In consequence of this, and from an apprehension that General
            Clinton might possibly mean to operate at the Eastward and form some project in concert
            with Lord Howe against the Count d’Estaing’s Squadron, I determined to move the troops
            from this ground to a Rear position, better calculated to afford support to the Works on
            the North river, in case an attempt should be made against them, and at the same time
            more convenient for forwarding Detachments to the Eastward, if the Enemy point their
            operations that way. I was the more induced to come to this determination, as most of
            the accounts from New York seemed to lead to a belief, as they still do, that a
            considerable movement was & is in contemplation, if not an entire evacuation of
            the City, and this by water. Besides these reasons, the principal Objects for taking
            post here do not now exist. One was to create every possible jealousy, in favor of the
            expedition against Rhode Island; another—the consuming the forage within its vicinity
            and towards Kings bridge &c. The former is now over—and the latter in a great
            degree accomplished. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem sir Your
            Most Obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

            Sir,
            Head Quarters White Plains September 12th 1778

          Inclosed, I have the honor to transmit Congress a copy of the report of a Board of
            Officers, who were appointed by me to consider what  would be the
            most eligible plan for invading Canada; in case our future prospects and circumstances
            should justify the entreprise. The pains which General
            Gates has, for some time past, taken to inform himself on the subject, and the knowlege,
            which General Bailey and Col: Hazen possess of the country, induced me to make choice of
            these Gentlemen. It appears to me, that the mode recommended by them, for an expedition
            of this kind, is liable to fewest objections, and, though attended with many
            difficulties, affords a reasonable prospect of success. The great naval force of the
            enemy on the lakes is, in my opinion, an almost insurmountable obstacle to any attempt
            to penetrate by the ordinary communications.
          The expediency of the undertaking in a military point of view will depend on the
            enemy’s evacuating these states and on the reinforcements they may send into Canada.
            While they keep their present footing, we shall find employment enough in defending
            ourselves, without meditating conquests; or if they send a large addition of strength
            into that country, it may require greater force and more abundant supplies on our part,
            to effect its reduction, than our resources may perhaps admit. But if they should leave
            us, and their other exigencies should oblige them to neglect Canada, we may derive
            essential advantage, from a successful expedition there; and if it should be thought
            adviseable, there is no time to be lost in making preparations, particularly if the idea
            of carrying it on in Winter be persued.
          The great importance of the object both in a military and political light demands the
            sanction and concurrence of Congress, before any steps can be taken, towards, it with
            propriety. The peculiar preparations, which will be necessary, from the peculiar nature
            of the interprise is an additional motive with me, for requesting thus early, their
            determination; as a considerable expence must be incurred in procuring several articles
            which would not be requisite, but on this occasion. The soldiery must be clad in a
            particular manner to fit them for enduring the inclemencies of an active
            winter-campaign-a number of snow shoes must be provided and extraordinary means of
            transportation, to convey our stores and baggage through a country covered with snow,
            and, a great part of it, hitherto unexplored.
          Congress will perceive, that valuable Magazines, both of provision and forage, may be
            laid up in the upper settlements on Connecticut River—I have given directions for this
            purpose; because if the expedition in question should be carried into execution, they
            will be indispensible; if it should not, they will still be very beneficial for
            supplying the army, especially if the war should be tranferred Eastward, which there are
            many powerful reasons to expect.
          I shall not trouble Congress with more extensive details on the subject, as Colonel
            Hazen who will have the honor of delivering this, will  be able to
            satisfy any inquiries they may be pleased to make. With the greatest respect and esteem
            I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

            Dear Sir,
            White-plains Septr 12th 1778.

          A few days ago I wrote, in haste, a Letter to you by Major Morris, and took the liberty
            of returning the gold you were so obliging as to send me by Jones—For your kind intention of forwarding that sum, and goodness in
            bringing Congress acquainted with my want of specie you will please to accept my sincere
            and hearty thanks—These are also due to you for your polite attention in forwarding, for
            my perusal, the late exhibitions of Governor Johnstone, and his brethren in
              Commission—That of the former is really a curious
            performance—He trys to convince you, that he is not at all hurt by, or offended at, the
            interdiction of Congress—and, that he is not in a passion; while he exhibits abundant
            proof that he is cut to the quick, and biting his fingers in an agony of passion.
          Your Letter to Colo. Laurens respecting Monsr Galvan was forwarded to Rhode Island
            while he was on his return from Boston, by which means he missed it—This Gentn (if he
            may be so called, Monsr Galvan) waited on me a few days ago, and met with the reception
            due to his merit & conduct to you. The
            beginning of the next paragraph of that Letter, excited
            my curiosity to pursue it to the end, and to my shame, was reminded of my inattention to
            your favor of the 18th of June, which coming to hand upon my march thro Jersey, and
            being laid by to be acknowledged at a time of more liezure, was entirely forgot till your enquiry after the Letters from Messrs Oswald
            & Manning recalled it to my recollection—I now return these Letters, together
            with Govr Johnstones, & a tender of my thanks for the favor of perusing them. I
            am convinced that no apology can be more agreeable to you, in excuse for my neglect,
            than a plain narrative of the truth—& this I have offered.
          I am sorry to find by your favor of the 29th Ulto that Monsr Gerard was indisposed—I
            hope his disorder was not of long continuance, & that he is now perfectly
            recovered. Having often heard this Gentleman spoken of as a well wisher to, and promoter
            of the rights of America, I have placed him among the number of those we ought to
            revere— Should you therefore see no impropriety in my (being a
            stranger to Monsr Gerard) presenting compliments to him, I would give you the trouble of
            doing this, and of assuring him, that I could wish to be considered (by him) as one of
            his admirers. With every sentiment of esteem & regard I am Dr Sir Yr oblig’d
            & affecte Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 12 September 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Philadelphia] 12th Septr [1778]

          This will be accompanied by a Letter of the 9th, since which I have had the honor of
            presenting to Congress Your Excellency’s favor of the 7th which the house were pleased
            to commit to the Board of War.
          My present duty is to transmit to Your Excellency the undermentioned Acts of Congress
            which will be found within the present inclosure.
          1. An Act of the 11 th Septr for removing if necessary the Troops of the Convention of
            Saratoga—for obtaining Passports for American Vessels to transport Provision and fuel
            for the said troops—for establishing Magazines of Provision [in] the Eastern States—for
            removing the Cavalry now with the Main Army if their service can be dispensed with, to
            places where they can be best subsisted, and for reducing the number of Horses kept by
            Officers in the Army.

          2. Duplicate of the Act of the 13th of January last refer’d to in the Act above
              mention’d. I have the honor to be &c.

            P.S. since writing the above I have been directed to transmit an Act of
              Congress of the 4th Inst. Resolving that no Ratification of the Convention of Saratoga
              not equivalent to the terms prescribed in the Act of the 8 January last can be
              accepted which Act will be found inclosed with this & Your Excellency is
              requested to transmit it to the British Commissioners at New York—And this Instant the Secretary has brot me an Act of the
              present date for regulating the purchase of forage & other purposes therein
              mentioned which will be also inclosed.
            By an unanimous ballot in Congress on the 10th Inst. General John Cadwalader was
              appointed Brigadr & Commr of the Cavalry in the service of the United States
              & on the 9th a Brevet to rank Lieutt Colo. granted to Maj. Lewis Morris.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 12 September 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Elizth Town [N.Y.] 12th Sepr 1778

          I have some thing to lay before your Excellency which is far from being agreeable and I
            do ashure you that I have done every thing in my  power to prevent
            it, unless I had put your orders to me into publick Orders here. I have herewith sen you
            the proceedings of a General Court Martial where two Capts. is tryed for disobedience of
            Orders. I think the Evidence is quite full especialy agains Capn Burrows, but you will
            see what the Judgment is, it does not signify to try them here for the crime of stoping
            persons going out to make discoverys the lower Officers has got a notion that there is a
            traid carryed on by it, and as Coll Og[d]en Dayton & Barber procured the people
            for that purpose they thought they were serving them selves, you must know that persons
            going on that errand must have some thing with them for an excuse, this was all that was
            done, they took the Boat several times going in and found nothing of consequence.
          They took her 2 or 3 nights after each other when your Excellency wanted Intiligence
            most. I have not aproved of the Court Martial but sent it to your Excellency for Your
            Perusal and direction and am Sr Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

            Wm Maxwell

            N.B. Coll Ogdens Letter of last night I kept till this morning to send it by
              Mr Armstrong.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Charles Scott, 12 September 1778
From: Scott, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Philipseborough, N.Y.] 12th Sept. 1778

          I am led to believe that the enemy are at the Very eve of a Movement. the Several
            Persons Sent in for intelligence, who was to Have been Back (Some Yesterday and others
            the Day before) are not Yet returnd, I am told that they are all good people. this
            togather with What Colo. Gist tells me about a person that He Sent in with Markiting
            being stoped at the out lines Contrary to the Usual costom Leavs it no longer  a doubt about the others Being detaind. the Colo. also informs me that
            There are Colected in Spiking Deavil Creek, Upwards of a hundred Boats, within a fiew
            Days. Colos. Butler Grayham & Capt. Leavenworth will all be out again to day in
            order To meet those persons already sent in and in Case of Faliour provide others for
            the Same Purpose, I am so indisposd that I cant attend to this business in person, but
            rest assurd that every thing possable shall be don To gain the earliest intelligence
            which shall Be immediatly Transmited to You. I am Your Excellencys Obt Servt

            Chs Scott