Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 14 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters Middle brook April 14th 1779.

I have received your several favors of the 2d 3d and 28th of March, & 6th of April. I thank you for them all—but especially for the last, which I consider as a distinguishing mark of your confidence & friendship.
Conscious that it is the aim of my actions to promote the public good, and that no part of my conduct is influenced by personal enmity to individuals, I cannot be insensible to the artifice, employed by some men to prejudice me in the public esteem. The circumstance, of which you have obliged me with the communication, is among a number of other instances of the unfriendly views which have governed a certain gentleman from a very early period. some of these have been too notorious not to have come to your knowledge: others, from the manner in which they have been conveyed to me will probably never be known, except to a very few—But you have perhaps heard enough, and observed enough, yourself, to make any further explanation from me, unnecessary.
The desire however which it is natural I should feel to preserve the good opinion of Men of sense and virtue, conspiring with my wish to cultivate your friendship in particular, induces me to trouble you with a statement of some facts which will serve to place the present attack in its proper light. In doing this, I shall recapitulate & bring into one view, a series of transactions, many of which have been known to you; but some of which may possibly have escaped your memory.
An opinion prevailing, that the enemy were like shortly to evacuate these States, I was naturally led to turn my thoughts to a plan of operations against Canada, in case that event should take place. A Winter campaign before the enemy could have an oppertunity of reinforcing and putting themselves in a more perfect state of defence, appeared to promise the most certain and speedy success, & the rout by Co’os offered itself as most direct & practicable. In this, I fully agreed with General Gates and some other Gentlemen, whom I consulted on the occasion, and on the 12th of Septr last I wrote to Congress accordingly; submitting it to them, whether it would not be advisable to be laying up magazines—opening a road—and making other preparations for the undertaking. They approved the project; and authorized me to carry it into execution. I the more readily entered into it, from a consideration, that, if circumstances should not permit us to carry on the enterprize, the preparations towards it could easily be converted into another channel, and made serviceable to our operations elsewhere, without any material addition of expence to the Continent because provisions, which would compose the principal part of the expence, were at all events to be purchased on Connecticut river—the only doubt being, whether it should be used in an expedition against Canada, or transported to Boston—circumstances to determine this. with truth it may be added, that excepting the articles of provisions & forage which, as before observed, would have been bot if no Expedition by the way of Co’os had been in contemplation, the “incredible expence” mentioned by G. Gates in his letter of March 4th amounted to the purchase of a few pairs of Snow Shoes, & some leather for Mocosons only—If any other expence has been incurred it is unknown to me—must have been by his order—& he alone answerable for it.
In October following, Congress entered into arrangements with the Marquis de la fayette for co-operating with the Court of France, in an expedition against that Country—In this scheme, one body of Troops was to proceed from Co’os and penetrate by way of the River St Francis; others forming a junction at Niagara were to enter Canada by that rout, and while these were operating in this manner, a French fleet and a body of French troops were to go up the River St Lawrence and take possession of Quebec.
You are well acquainted with the opposition I gave to this plan and my reasons at large for it—From what has since happened, they seem to have met the full approbation of Congress. The ideas I held up were principally these. that we ought not to enter into any contract with a foreign power, unless we were sure we should be able to fulfil our engagements—that it was uncertain whether the enemy would quit the States or not, and in case they did not, it would be impracticable to furnish the aids which we had stipulated—that even if they should leave us, it was doubtful whether our resources would be equal to the supplies required; that therefore it would be impolitic to hazard a contract of the kind and better to remain at liberty to act as future conjunctures should point out. I recommended nevertheless, as there were powerful reasons to hope the enemy might go away, that eventual preparations should be made to take advantage of it, to possess ourselves of Niagara and other Posts in that quarter for the security of our frontiers, and to carry our views still further with respect to a conquest of Canada, if we should find ourselves able to prosecute such an enterprize.
This, Congress in a subsequent resolve approved, and directed to be done. It was not the least motive with me for recommending it, that operations of this nature seemed to be a very favourite object with that honorable body. The preparations on Hudsons river were undertaken in consequence.
Upon a nearer view of our finances and resources, and when it came to be decided, that the enemy would continue for sometime longer to hold the posts, they were in possession of—in the course of the conferences with which I was honoured by the Committee of Congress in Philadelphia—I suggested my doubts of the propriety of continuing our northern preparations upon so extensive a plan as was first determined—The Committee were of opinion with me that the state of our currency, and supplies in general would oblige us to act on the defensive next campaign, except so far as related to an expedition into the Indian Country for chastising the Savages, and preventing their depridations on our back Settlements; & that though it would be extremely desirable to be prepared for pushing our operations further, yet our necessities exacting a system of œconomy, forbad our launching into much extra expence for objects which were remote and contingent. This determination having taken place, all the Northern preparations were discontinued except such as were necessary towards the intended Indian expedition.
Things were in this situation, when I received a letter from General Bailey (living at Co’os) expressing some fears for the safety of the Magazine at Co’os—in consequence of which I directed the Stores to be removed lower down the Country. This I did to prevent a possibility of accident, though I did not apprehend they were in much danger. Sometime afterwards I received the letter No. 1 from General Gates expressing similar fears; to which I returned him the answer of the 14th of Feby transmitted by him to Congress (No. 2). Knowing that preparations had been making at Albany and unacquainted with their true design he from a vague expression in that letter that the intention of attacking Canada was still adhered to, but that I had changed the Plan and was going by way of lake Champlain or Ontario either of these routs he pronounces impracticable and represents that by Co’os as the only practicable one. He goes further, and declares that “in the present state of our Army and the actual situation of our magazines to attempt a serious invasion of Canada by whatever rout would prove unsuccessful unless the Fleet of our Allies, should at the same time co-operate with us—by Sailing up the river St Lawrence.” Though I differ with him as to the impracticability of both the other routs, I venture to go a step beyond him respecting our ability to invade Canada, & am convinced that in our present circumstances, and with the enemy in front, we cannot undertake a serious invasion of that Country at all, even with the aid of an Allied Fleet.
You will perceive Sir, that I have uniformly made the departure of the enemy from these States an essential condition to the invasion of Canada—and that General Gates has entirely mistaken my intentions. Hoping that I had embarked in a Scheme, which our situation would not justify, he eagerly siezes the oppertunity of exposing my supposed errors to Congress; and in the excess of his intemperate zeal to injure me, exhibits himself in a point of view, from which I imagine he will derive little credit. The decency of the terms in which he undertakes to arraign my conduct both to myself, and to Congress, and the propriety of the hasty appeal he has made will I believe appear at least questionable to every Man of sense & delicacy.
The last paragraph of the extract with which you favour me is a pretty remarkable one—I shall make no comments further than as it implies a charge of neglect on my part, in not writing to him but once since december. From the beginning of last campaign to the middle of december, about 7 Months, I have copies of near fifty Letters to him, and about Forty originals from him. I think it will be acknowledged the corrispondance was frequent enough during that period; and if it has not continued in the same proportion since, the only reason was, that the Season of the year, the troops being in winter quarters, and General Gates’s situation unfruitful of events and unproductive of any Military arrangements between us, afforded very little matter for epistolary intercourse; and I flatter myself it will be readily believed, that I am sufficiently occupied with the necessary business of my station, and have no need of increasing it by multiplying letters without an object. If you were to peruse My dear Sir, the letters which have passed between General Gates & myself for a long time back, you would be sensible that I have no great temptation to court his corrispondance, when the transacting of business does not require it. An air of design—a want of candor in many instances, & even of politeness, give no very inviting complexion to the corrispondance on his part. As a specimen of this I send you a few letters & extracts, which at your leizure, I shall be glad you will cast your eye upon.
Last fall it was for sometime strongly suspected that the enemy would transport the whole or the greatest part of their force Eastward, and combine one great land and Sea operation against the French fleet in Boston harbour—On this supposition, as I should go in person to Boston, the command next in importance was the posts on the North River. This properly would devolve on General Gates; but from motives of peculiar scrupulousness as there had been a difference between us, I thought it best to know whether it was agreeable to him; before I directed his continuance. By way of compliment—I wrote him a letter containing the extract No. 3, expecting a cordial answer & chearful acceptance—I received the evasive and unsatisfactory reply No. 4—A few days after this upon another occasion I wrote him the letter No. 5 to which I received the extraordinary answer No. 6 which was passed over in silence.
The plan of operations for the campaign being determined—a commanding officer was to be appointed for the Indian expedition. This command according to all present appearance will probably be of the second, if not of the first importance for the campaign. The Officer conducting it, has a flattering prospect of acquiring more credit, than can be expected by any other this year, and he has the best reason to hope for success. General Lee from his situation was out of the question. Genl Schuyler, who, by the way would have been most agreeable to me, was so uncertain of continuing in the Army that I could not appoint him. General Putnam I need not mention. I therefore made the offer of it (for the appointment could no longer be delayed) to General Gates who was next in seniority, though perhaps I might have avoided it, if I had been so disposed from his being in a command by the special appointment of Congress. My letter to him on the occasion you will find in No. 7—I believe you will think it was conceived in very candid and polite terms, & merited a different answer from the one given to it in No. 8.
I discovered very early in the War symptoms of coldness & constraint in General Gates’s behaviour to me—These increased as he rose into greater consequence; but we did not come to a direct breach till the beginning of last year. This was occasioned by a corrispondance, which I thought rather made free with me between him and Genl Conway, which accidentally came to my knowledge. The particulars of this affair you will find delineated in the packet herewith, indorsed “Papers respecting Genl Conway.” Besides the evidence contained in them of the genuine-ness of the offensive corrispondance, I have other proofs still more convincing, which having been given me in a confidential way, I am not at liberty to impart.
After this affair subsided—I made a point of treating General Gates with all the attention & cordiality in my power, as well from a sincere desire of harmony, as from an unwillingness to give any cause of triumph to our enemies, from an appearance of dissention among ourselves. I can appeal to the world, & to the whole Army, whether I have not cautiously avoided every word or hint, that could tend to disparage General Gates in any way. I am sorry his conduct to me has not been equally generous, and that he is continually giving me fresh proofs of malevolence and opposition—It will not be doing him injustice to say, that, besides the little underhand intrigues, which he is frequently practising, there has hardly been any great military question, in which his advice has been asked, that it has not been given in an equivocal and designing manner, apparently calculated to afford him an oppertunity of censuring me on the failure of whatever measures might be adopted.
When I find that this Gentleman does not scruple to take the most unfair advantages of me—I am under a necessity of explaining his conduct to justify my own. This, and the perfect confidence I have in you, have occasioned me to trouble you with so free a communication of the state of things between us. I shall still be as passive as a regard to my own character will permit. I am however uneasy, as Genel Gates has endeavour’d to impress Congress with an unfavourable idea of me, and as I only know this in a private confidential way—that I cannot take any step to remove the impression, if it should be made.
I am aware Sir, of the delicacy of your situation; and I mean this letter only for your own private information; you will therefore not allow yourself to be embarrassed by its contents; but with respect to me, pass it over in silence. With the truest esteem, and personal regard. I am, Dr Sir Yr Obliged & Obedt Ser:
Go: Washington
P.S. Genl Gates in his letter of the 30th Septr disapproves the divided state of our Army—what he says being in general terms, might seem plausable enough, but by no means applicable to the case in hand. The Army was then in four divisions. Three Brigades of the right wing & one from the second line under General Putnam, had been stationed in the highlands in conjuction with the Garrison of West pt for the immediate defence of the passes there—The remaining two Brigades of that Wing under Baron de Kalb was incamped on Fishkill plains Seven or 8 Miles from the town—within less than a days March of the Fort. At Fredericksburg was three brigades of the second line under Lord Stirling about two days March from the Fort. Genl Gates with the left Wing of five brigades was at Danbury abt 14 Miles from Fredericksburg. The manœuvring on our flanks of which Genl Gates speaks by the way of the North river or the sound, must have had for object either the highland passes, or the Army itself—had they attempted those passes the force immediately on the spot and close in its vicinity was sufficient from the nature of the ground to withstand their whole force; and the rest of the Army from the time necessarily exhausted in Military operations would in all probability have been up in time to succour that part—without gaining these passes they could not get at the Army at all on the right; and in doing it, if they could have effected it the Army would have had abundant time to collect & defend itself. To advance by land in our front would have been chimerical: they would have had a much greater distance to approach us, than the whole distance from one extremety of our force to the other; and we should have had all the leizure we could desire to assemble at any point we thought proper. Had they attempted our left flank at Danbury by way of the sound—we might either if we had judged it expedient, have brought up the other Corps to support the one there, or, if it found itself pressed for wan[t] of time, it had only to fall back upon Fredericksburg—there our whole force could have concentered with ease to oppose the enemy to the greatest advantage—The truth was, there was not at that time the least probability they should attempt an Army which had been the whole Summer inviting them out of their strong holds—nor did I think there was much, they would molest the Forts; yet it would certainly have been imprudent to have risked the security of either. When the enemy was in the Jerseys the change then made in the disposition gave still greater security to the different objects for which we had to provide, by drawing a greater force to the point threatned. The intention of the disposition I have described was to push a part of our force as far Eastward as possible for the aid & protection of the French fleet, in case the enemy had directed their force against that; at the sametime, I did not choose to lose sight of the No. River & therefore kept a sufficient force near enough to secure it. The concileating these two objects produced that division of our Army of which Genl Gates complains. No Man however was more vehement in supposing the French fleet would be the object of the enemys operations than himself & this he so emphatically inculcated in several of his letters, that I thought it necessary in answer to one of the 6th of October to write him as contained in mine of the 7th, both which are also herewith No. 9 & 10. I am &ca
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 14 April 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 14th April 1779

This morning I had the Pleasure of receiving & communicating to Congress, your Excellency’s favor of the 12th Inst., The enclosed Act, on the Subjects of it, will inform your Excellency, that Congress cannot agree to the Request of Major Harnage & Captain Hawker, but do not object to their remaining where they are—And that the Proceedings of the Court Martial in the case of the Officers at Springfield, (herewith enclosed) are returned, that such Orders thereon may be taken, as your Excellency may judge proper. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & very Humble Servant
John Jay Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 14 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 14th April 1779

Your Excellencys Favour, of the 12th Inst. and the News papers from Mr McHenery came safe to hand.

Mr Woolfen says that a Corporal and 4 men will be sufficient to relieve those he would wish to send back to Camp, but he begs they may be what he calls safe hands, Americans. If those could be safe Hands got it might be as well to relieve the whole of them, except a Jerman Sergt that he has; and it would prevent Jealousies. I send You what papers I have got from New York, they are Verry still there now, and talks more soft and friendly than usual. One of their Officers the other day, who bears a good carracter for humanity, but was remarkable always for having the Honour and Dignity of Old England supported.
An Officer of ours being on the Island with a Flag two days ago he told him in a Jocular Manner, there would be peace between England and America in less than two Months, and swore to it, and that he hoped then the Americans would Joyn them to beat the French. Our Men has not Deserted lately I hope it may have taken a lasting stop. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 14 April 1779
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia April 14th 1779

Your Favour of the 8th was delivered me on Sunday, & I beg you to accept my Thanks for the Attention to our distressed Inhabitants on the Frontiers. The Support & Comfort they will derive from it, will have the most happy Effects & confirm the Hopes I have given them that nothing will be omitted for their Safety consistent with the necessary Caution, & Regard to be had to the Defince of the Sea Coast. On Saturday we had an Account of 9 Persons killed at Chilisquaqu in Northumberland, & there were just Reasons to apprehend an Evacuation of the County, would have ensued, but General Hand’s Movement to Wioming, from whence I hope he will be able to spare a few Men to take Post at Fort Munsey, will I am told effectually cover that County. I have endeavoured to promote a Spirit of Union & good Correspondence between our Poeple & the Inhabitants of Wioming under Connecticut, if your Excelly would in your Letters to Col. Butler inculcate the same Idea I think the Effects would be beneficial to both. The Lieutenant of Northumberland complains that Col. Butler gives him no Information of the Movements of the Enemy. I inclose the last Acct received from Fort Pitt to which I have only to add that Gen. McIntosh taking Advantage as I suppose of the Absence of the Govr of Detroit, & the Indians on some Expedition agst Kentucke has gone with 600 Men to throw some Provisions into Fort Laurens which was only supplied to the first of April. I have directed regular Returns to be made of the Progress of the recruiting of the Rangers. The Officers of 4 Companies are commissioned supplied with Money & recruiting Orders some Time ago—The 5th Company to be raised in Lancaster & we wait for the Recommendation of the proper Officers. In the mean Time they have raised 3 Companies in Northumberland of 35 Men each for 2 Months from which I am informed the 9 Months Company will soon be compleated. The Men prefering the Terms of the latter.
As to Capt. Patterson I have not the least personal Knowledge of him: but from the Accounts I have received of his Proceedings there seems little Probability of his executing the Business of an Intelligencer, if Secrecy & Deception are of any Use, as he gave out thro’ the Country that he had an Appointment under you, gave Orders for laying up Magazines, Boards, Plank &c. appointed Deputies or Under Officers, & acted as we are informed quite in the Style of a Quarter Master which was the general Idea held of him from his Transactions. Perhaps the Poeple may be better reconciled if he acts with Prudence, but it has ever been the Misfortune of Pennsylvania to have Men of disaffected Characters brought into Employ by Whigs, who indulging their private Opinions & Friendships do not reflect upon the Consiquences of disgusting the Poeple who judge on these Occasions more truly & impartially. Patterson & Col. Coxe have had great Transactions in Land together, & now have, particularly on Susquehannah and as the former is very obnoxious to the Wioming Poeple they suspect he is brought into Office for some unfriendly Purposes to them. He is General Potters Relation but it seems they are not on Terms of political Friendship. there is also a Piece of Family History too long & unimportant to be mentioned. I beg Leave to suggest the Propriety of keeping him as much as possible to the real Purposes of his Appointment in which he would have been useful if he had acted with more Discretion. When we consider how many of this State in publick Employ have joined the Enemy, & others have shrunk from Danger in critical Moments, & how few of the Appointments are in the Hands of those whose Fidelity is proved your Excelly will not be surprized at the Jealousy of the Poeple, & especially when we find from Experience how difficult it is to remove a Man from Office let him be ever so much suspected or detested by the Poeple. We are then told he must be convicted of some Offence have a regular Tryal &c. (in which Wrong is Wright) but in advancing Men to Office the Consideration of political Character as well as moral seems deserving of Notice. In the recruiting Instructions given to the Rangers we have expressly told the Officers they will be deemed accountable for the Moneys advanced to Deserters of any kind, or expended on them. In recruiting for the Continental Ser[v]i[c]e you may depend upon every Precaution as your Excelly must remember, I ever opposed & disliked the Practice. The heavy Arrearages due by many Officers on the recruiting Account will require some additional Regulations & Caution in future. I am told that in New England recruiting Money is not put into the Hands of any Officer without a sponsible Freeholder as a Security for his faithfully accounting. As the recruiting Service is profitable to the Officer the Caution does not appear unreasonable, however I have sometimes found the military Gentlemen so tender, that I would not propose it without first asking your Advice.
I am clearly of Opinion that Congress should this Spring have fixed their Ultimatum of Bounty—by increasing the Allowance of Land & that all Inlistments should be during the War. We have ever been of this Sentiment in this State & therefore gave the high Bounty last Year out of the State Treasury. other States went upon the short Periods, now they have come up to the same or rather exceeded us, with this Difference also that this high Bounty as to them is paid by the United States while we have borne the whole partially which in my Opinion is highly unreasonable. Had any State done as Pennsylvania did the Army would have been much stronger & better & there can be no Justice or Reason that we should pay our Proportion for their mistaken Policy. We have lately had a Return of Cloathing issued to Officers last Year commencing 1 Jany 1778 & ending 1st Jany 1779. & we find there has been a Suit of Cloaths issued to every Officer of the Line supposing us to have 10 Regiments upon the new Arrangement & 31 Suits over besides Shoes, Shirts &c. to a very large Amount. I do not mean that every Officer has had a Suit but that so many have been issued & I propose to send the Return to Camp that it may be seen whether the Cloathiers have made a just Return & if so that it may be seen what Officers have gone beyond their just Quota. I observe Staff Officrs & even Waggn Masters have by some Means or another got Cloathing out of the Store. There have I believe been great Abuses.
Officers who have been Prisoners are continually sending in their Claims—they rely much upon your Justice to them & upon the Resolve of Congress of the 24th November in their Favour. I hope the Gentlemen in Camp will evince a proper Genunity of Sentiment upon this Occasion & not exclude brave Men who have from their Services & Sufferings every Claim upon the Gratitude & Attention of their Country.
I have now but one Point more to trouble your Excelly upon & it is of considerable Importance. A Deputation has lately come from Massachu[s]etts Bay representing their great Necessity for Breads. We have a Surplus in this State beyond our own Wants, but it is very questionable whether we can afford a Supply without endanging the Subsistence of the Army. We had none but Deputies of the most inferiour Rank to consult except Col. Stewart Commissy of Issues. If it is not too troublesome we should be obliged to your Excelly to call upon the Commissaries & then favour us with your Opinion by which we shall direct our Answer.
I wish I could tell you that any Steps were taken to restore our sinking Money—but alas Mr Deanes Affairs take up all the Time of Congress or at least so great a Part of it, as to leave little Hope of any Thing on that Score at present. There is at present a Scheme on the Tapis to send over quite a new Sett of Commissioners & recall th old. Some Gentlemen in Congress who it is said are desirous of going abroad themselves press this earnestly.
The Board of War inform me they transmitted your Letter to Govr Johnson with their Request that he would relieve Col. Rawlins but have received no Answer. I am with the most unfeigned Respect & Regard Dear Sir, Your Obliged & Affecte Hbble Servt
Jos: Reed


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenants Jonathan Snowden, Eden Burrowes, et al., 14 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Burrowes, Eden,Snowden, Jonathan

Gentn
Head Quarters Middlebrook 14 April 1779.

In order that I may be fully informed on the subject of your complaint, I have transmitted Brig: Gen: Maxwell a copy of your letter of the 6th instant; to be communicated to the Officers who were appointed to settle the respective ranks in the 1st Jersey regiment; and desired to be made acquainted with the reasons which induced them to the arrangement—When I am possessed of these I shall not fail to take such measures as the nature of the case will admit; agreeable to justice and the honor of the parties. I am Gentn &.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 15 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentlemen,
Head Quarters Middle Brook April 15th 1779

I am honored with your favours of the 7th and 9th.
It is infinitely to be lamented, that the Clothiers department still remains on so undecided and precarious a footing—The Board’s observation on the present expedient is evidently just. Our prospects for the future supply of cloathing from every thing that has come to my knowlege are truly deplorable.
I am happy in the measures persuing to provide cannon—This is a point which cannot be pushed with too much vigour. We want them much every where. The having a sufficiency for the posts on the North River is of the greatest importance—The imperfect state of defence in which they have hitherto been has been an inconceivable clogg and incumbrance to our general operations and must continue to be so if not effectually remedied—An Estimate of the quantity of ordnance necessary for them, made by General Du Portail was some time since delivered to Congress—I have not a copy; but if the original cannot be obtained—General du Portail, will furnish a duplicate at the requisition of the Board.
From the consideration suggested by the Board we had better at present content ourselves with carbines for the cavalry.
With respect to the proposition for a division of the German batalion; the Board will find my sentiments contained in the inclosed extract of a letter of the 8th to Governor Johnson—The inco[n]veniences, as to an interference of rank, pointed out there relatively to the Maryland line, would in part apply to the Pensylvania—The dissolving of some corps and incorporating them with others cannot at this time be safely carried further than it has been—The officers begin to be a little sore upon the subject, and to think that they hold their commissions on too cheap and uncertain a tenure–We must be cautious therefore how we extend the experiment too far—our constitution wants vigor, and in many cases palliatives rather than disagreeable remedies are to be used.
The same objection stands against the reduction of the cavalry—But as it is a very doub[t]ful question whether the next campaign will, on the side of the enemy, be productive of very vigorous offensive operations; it may perhaps be adviseable to let the corps remain as they are, without going to the excessive expence of an augmentation—They would be extremely useful, if we could have them; but the saving expence in our circumstances is a capital object.
I coincide in opinion with the Board as to the impropriety of a partial supply of shoes and boots to a particular set of officers. Anything which may heretofore have been done in this way has been without my concurrence. But I find in several instances by different means, that particular corps have been furnished out of the public stock–This gives a plea to others to expect the same, and being denied it, becomes a source of discontent—The perplexities to which I am exposed for want of a system in the Clothiers department and more ample and determinate provision for the officers are endless—while I am scrupulous of administring to their necessities without proper authority and am waiting for some general rule to be established; liberties are taken by others of a partial operation, that serve to embarrass me, and give an air of too rigid exactness to my conduct. In this dilemma, I feel myself too delicately situated either to blame or imitate what is done—and can only lament that the remedy is delayed. I wish it were possible that something final and satisfactory could be adopted.
I have by a late regulation divested the Brigadiers of the right of making contracts by exchanging hides for shoes and confined it wholly to the Commissary of hides—If some general arrangement for providing the officers cann⟨ot⟩ at once take place, I wish even a partial and temporary one could be made for supplying them with shoes and boots and putting the whole upon an equal footing—This I submit to the Board. I think with the Board it will be best that the soldiers from the Maryland line employed in the factory at Newark, should return to their corps. This factory was instituted when we were in peculiar distress for want of the article of shoes. I am sorry however, that the present state of our numbers, or our prospects of future reinforcements, do not in my judgment, authorise a diminution of our force for establishing the factories proposed in Pensylvania and Connecticut—I should hope there is not an absolute necessity, for it, and that the army may be supplied other⟨wise, especia⟩lly by contracts in the way of barter—giving raw hides for shoes—The numerous demands upon the line for purposes that cannot be dispensed with make it altogether inexpedient to increase them by any other, that can possibly be avoided. I have the honor to be With very great respect Gentlemen Your most Obed. st.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Morgan Connor, 15 April 1779
From: Connor, Morgan
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada 15th April 1779

The arrangement of the Penna line having as I am inform’d been sent to Head Quarters for your Excellency’s approbation, which will no doubt be conclusive when return’d to the Board of War, I must therefore beg leave to trouble your Excellency with a few observations, so far as it relates to myself.
I am told Lt Colonel Hubley expects to be promoted to the command of the Regiment late Hartley’s now the 11th Penna in Consequence of his commission of Lt Colonel being older than mine, upon which I beg leave to remark; that Mr Hubley cou’d have no right to promotion in that Regiment before it was annex’d to the Penna line, but admiting the Vacancy happen’d after such arrangement had taken place, I apprehend myself intitled to a preference having been a senr Officer when this Gentleman and I did heretofore belong to the same State, as former claims was the Very principle upon which the rank of the Penna Officers was settled, this will I imagine appear from the following facts.
I inter’d the Army in June 1775 as a Lieut., was promoted to a Company in the 1st Penna Regiment 3d Jany 1776, and receivd my Captain’s Commission at Cambridge, the 15th of March following I was order’d to attend General Armstrong to So. Carolina in the capacity of Brigade Major with the rank of Major in the Army and on my return from that Service had the honor of being promoted to a Lt Colonel by your Excellency—Col: Hubley was appointed a Lieut. in the 2d Penna Regt in the latter end of the year 1775 and continued as such untill he was appointed B: Major to one of the Brigades Serving in Canada in the Cource of the Summer of 1776 the Winter following he was appointed Major to the 10th Regiment and in some time after a Lt Colonel, and Such was the extraordinary Mode of antedating Commissions on the Settlement of the rank of the Officers of this State, that I think I am Warranted to Say that Mr Hubley’s Commission of Lt Colonel is dated prior to that of his Commission as Major—it may here be asked why I did not make my objections at the time the rank of these officers was Settled, to which I answer that I cou’d not, as the Regt I belong’d to was then consider’d as distinct from the troops of this State—If it appears that Col: Hartley resign’d previous to the Regt being annex’d to Penna Col: Hubley can I apprehend have no pretentions, or if the Vacancy is filled as happening in the Penna line, from the foregoing facts, I am led to think his claims are not well founded, however I shall chearfully acquiesce in your Excellency’s determination on this head, and trust your Excellency will pardon the liberty I have taken in troubling you upon this occasion, especially as my unhappy State of health has for Some time and does still prevent my attending to the duties of my Station.
That part of the 11th Penna Regt that was Hartley’s and now on the frontiers are in great distress for want of clothing, upon application here I have been told that all the Clothing was to be Sent to Head Quarters, I wou’d wish to know what Steps to take in order to procure Some Necessaries for those officers and Men. I have the honor to be with all possible attatchment and respect your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servt
Morgn Connor


Title: From George Washington to Richard Howell, 15 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howell, Richard

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 15th April 1779.

When an officer determines on leaving the service, it is to be supposed that it is done on substantial motives; and that no others could possibly induce him to lay down his commission. Under this idea, I am not at liberty to withold my concurrence; however desirous I may be to retain a good officer, in the army. I have therefore (imagining you have settled your public accounts) received and accepted your resignation of the 7th Instant, and am sir your most hble servt.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 15 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 15th April 1779.

I have only to acknowledge your Excellency’s favr of the 8th instant and to inclose you three New York papers of the 10th 12th and 13th instant. In that of the 10th you will find a political peice of a very singular complexion. I have the honor to be with great Regard and Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Maxwell, 15 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

        Letter not found: to William Maxwell, 15 April 1779. On 17 April, Maxwell acknowledged receipt of GW’s letters to him of 14 and 15 April.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 April 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Head Quarters pecks Kill [N.Y.] 15th April 1779.

I was honored with your favor, of the 5th Instant, at West-point. The Fachine Works there, had so little Slope, and were so decayed, that We were obliged to Errect them a new: There are a considerable part yet to be done. I have ordered Stone and Lime, to be got ready, for the principal Works. But this will be a Work of time. Such however is the State of the Works, that I am confident, the Enemy will not make his Attack on the West Side; If he thinks it an Object of Sufficient Importance, to cut of[f] the communication of the Eastern and Southern States; he will raise Batteries on Nelsons-point, opposite to the principal Work, from which if his Fire is Superior to ours, he will destroy the Eastermost Face and break the Chain. We must therefore be Superior in the Field, or in the Weight of Fire to the Enemy. The latter We cannot be with our present Stock of Cannon. Your Excellency, has not noticed that part of a former Letter of mine wherein I informed you, there were heavey Cannon in Boston, subject to your Order. The inlisting during the War, has gone on but Slowly, as I cou’d not furlough them, but lately have discovered a considerable inclination to inlist, but our Money is out. I wish for your Orders, on Subject of the inclosed Letter of Colo. putnam. By the Minutes of Council, on inlisting you will be informed, of the Additional precaution, I have taken to prevent Impositions on the Service. Colo. Kusciasco has been undisturbed, in his Line at West-point. Lieut. Colo. Gavion has been employed at Kings-Ferry. He will be able fully, to inform you of the Orders I gave him, for the Construction of the Works there, and their present State. He has leave of Absence, to get some of his Necessaries at the Cantonment of the Grand-Army. It wou’d be doing great injustice to this Stranger, did I not report his Merit to you. He is a Sober indefatigable Officer, of good Manners, free from petulance and an Acquisition to this Country. I beg he may be permitted to return, to this Post; I cannot well do without him. I am unable to keep any Field Artillery here, for want of Forage. Nor are We to expect any Grain for Horses; ’till the next Crop comes in. Of poors Brigade, those that have arrived here are 457 Rank and File; and but very thinly Officered as per Return. Their Artillery and heavy Baggage, I directed to be left at Reading ’till farther Orders. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient And Most Humble Servant
Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 15 April 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Head Quarters pecks Kill [N.Y.] 15th April 1779.

I had the Honor to address you, this Morning by Lieut. Colo. Govion. The duties of the Line, take up but the smallest part of my time; such are the various matters to be attended to, at these posts, that they are sufficient to perplex the prececion of a Locke, and the Industry of a De Witt. I have now stole a moment, to report to your Excellency, the reasons on which the inclosed Instructions, were given, to Colo. Gavion respecting the Work at Kings Ferry. I had it in command, to erect a Redoubt there, capable of containing a Barrack for 40 Men, and their Officers. Upon considering the Object of the Work, it was necessary to have large Cannon in it, or under its Command. That wou’d make it too large, to be defended by a Garrison of that Strength, and Subject to fall into the Hands of the Enemy, unless it had a regular Bomb proof and Ramparts. For otherwise, the Barracks, wou’d take up a great part of the Esplanade. Besides, the Work and Barracks, must not be of such a nature as to oblige us, on the approach of the Enemy, in Force, to abandon it. To avoid those inconveniencies, I determined to annoy the Enemy, with Cannon on Barbet, if he attempts to pass; And if he anchors opposite to the Work, to form Ambraseurs with sand Bags. At all events, the Battery is under the command of the Redoubt, capable of holding provisions, Water and Stores, of all kinds, for the Garrison—including Artillery for One Month, in a Bomb proof Block-House. That on the West-Side, is to be on the same Construction, which I hope will meet the approbation of the Commander in Chief. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Humble Servant
Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to Major John Francis Mercer, 15 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, John Francis

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 15th April 1779.

your letter was handed me yesterday, requesting my concurrence in your resignation.
I am sorry to find that you are determined upon leaving the service. However, before I can give my approbation, it is necessary to be furnished with a certificate, signifying that you have settled, all your regimental, or public accounts; this being the usual and customary practice. I am sir Your most hble servt.


Title: From George Washington to Peter Scull, 15 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Scull, Peter

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 15th April 1779

Inclosed you have the Commission of Major Howell of the 2d New Jersey Regt who resigned the 7th instant—Be pleased to fill up the Vacancy with the eldest Captain in the line and send forward the Commission. The Captain Lieutenant of the Regiment from which the Captain is taken to succeed Major Howell will be intitled to a Company—be pleased also to make out and send a Commission for him—one for the Officer succeeding to the Capt. Lieutenancy and one for the Ensign to be promoted to a Lieutenancy—in consequence of the above.
Lieut. Colo. Grosvenor’s (of Connecticut) Commission is to be dated 13th March 1778 and Lieut. Colo. Johnsons the 15th April 1778.
The arrangement of the 2d Connecticut Regt is not yet compleated. I am &.
P.S. I return you the Commissions of six Ensigns of the 11th Virginia Regt to be amended, they all having the Rank of 2d Lieuts. Instead of the word such after the words to take rank as, insert second Lieutenant and the Comms. will be sufficient—I also inclose the Commn of Ensign John Eppes Scott resigned 13th Decemr 1778.


Title: To George Washington from Peter Scull, 15 April 1779
From: Scull, Peter
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War-Office 15th April 1779.

By this conveyance your Excellency will receive the arrangement of the Rhode Island line, and that of the Captains and Subalterns of the Regiments from pennsylvania. The inclosed Letter from General St Clair containing matters on which the Board cannot determine, I am directed to forward it to your Excellency for consideration. The commissions of Captains McClelland and Finney having been made out I have sent them on in their proper bundles. The latter is in the 6 P. Regt and the former in the ninth—Cap. McClellan’s commission is dated the 13. July 1776. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Very obed. hb. Serv.
P. Scull Secretary


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 15 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Sir
Hd Qrs Middlebrook 15th April 1779.

I herewith transmit you a copy of the arrangement of the field officers and captains, in the Maryland line, as settled by the board of General officers, ordered the 8th instant for that purpose.
You will also receive their report containing the reasons on which it is founded.
The inconveniences and confusion we have felt from the undecided state of rank, makes it necessary to conclude on something final. As the power of doing this has been lodged with me—and as I can foresee no good from keeping the disputes longer open—and confiding in the equity of the determination of the board of officers, I am led fully to concur with and approve of their arrangement. You will therefore communicate the arrangement and report to the line with my approbation of both.
And in order that the relative rank and promotions of the subalterns may be also completed you will be pleased to appoint a committee of field officers to settle the same agreeable to the last paragraph of the report.
If any of the papers in my hands can afford assistance, you will call for them for the committee.
I would just remark, that should any officer, still suppose himself aggrieved, in the present disposition of rank, I can only regret (after having taken every possible measure, to reconcile and adjust differing claims) that there are no general principles whatsoever capable of giving universal satisfaction. But Those gentlemen, who may be disappointed, will, I flatter myself, on further considering the subject; the resolves of assembly; and the sentiments by which we have been guided on this occasion; rest satisfied that every thing has been done; and every claim decided in the manner most agreeable to justice. I am sir &
G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 15 April 1779
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Fredericksburg [Va.] April 15th 1779

I had the Honr to receive your excellencys letter on my return from the petersburg races—& I was happy I did not meet with any horses that woud answer your purpose, as I found by your letter that you gave the preference to mares.
The bearer of this brings on a Mare & gelding—the mare is four years Old & well bred, has been used a little to the Saddle & charriot—& promises fairly to excell in both—the horse is five years Old exceeding Strong & active, & when fat very handsome—he is a horse that probably will not at first view attract your Attention—but on useing him a few Weeks, am certain you will be pleased with him—the Other horse I shall bring on to camp, where I expect to be by the 6th of may—On my way up I shall be at the baltimore races, where I am in hopes I shall be able to procure another mare—shoud I fail, will bring on an exceeding fine horse that I am offered, but with this provisor, that he shall be returned, shoud yr excellency chuse to wait, until a mare can be procured, with love to your lady if with you—and Compts to all freinds Concludes me with great Respect & Esteem yr Excellencys Mt Obt St
A. Spotswood


Title: General Orders, 16 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Friday April 16th 1779.
Parole Languebar—C. Signs Latmar Lell.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 16 April 1779
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

Sir
Lancaster [Pa.] 16th April 1779

On my Arrival here Yesterday I met the Commissary of Military Stores for Carlisle, on his way to Philadelphia, and have taken the inclosed extract from his Return by which your Excy will perceive that I cant be supplied with any Quantity of Flints from that Quarter, nor is there a Single Cartridge, or Conveniency of making one there, loose powder, except a small quantity for Rifles, will answer no good purpose, I beg therefore your Excy will please to order a Quantity of Cartridges, with a Ball and three Buck Shot in each, and 1000 good Flints to be imediately sent to Wyoming—I found a small number of refuse Flints in Store in this Town, which I have Ordered up, tho I dont expect much use can be made of them—I will be on the River in a few days and shall inform you what state the provisions, and Quarter Masters Stores are in. I am sir with much Respect Your Excys most obedt Hhble Servant
Edwd Hand


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 16 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Jedediah

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 16th Apl 1779.

I am favd with yours of the 7th instant, inclosing three different Arrangements of the 2d Connecticut Regt, which vary so materially from each other, and from that sent forward by the Committee of arrangement, that I cannot think either of them sufficiently settled to transmit to the Board of War, that Commissions may be issued. The whole difficulty seems to arise upon the appointment of Lieut. Wolcot to his proper Rank as Captain; in consequence of which the former youngest Captain is to be reduced to Captain Lieut: and here the dispute lays between Capt. Ten Eyk and Capt. Alden. In the arrangement made by the Committee Capt. Ten Eyks Commission bears date the 13th May 1778 and Capt. Aldens the 1st June 1778—In arrangement No. 1 made by the Feild Officers the dates are reversed—in No. 2 they again agree with the Committee. In No. 3 Capt. Alden is left intirely out.
The Rank of Lieut. Taylor is also differently settled in each of the three Arrangements made by the Feild Officers. He is not included by the Committee of Arrangement, and I should be glad to be informed how he comes to be introduced into the Regt now.
The best method that I can devise for doing strict justice to all parties, is for General Parsons—you, and some of the Feild Officers, not connected with the Regiment, to take the matter up, and report such an arrangement to me as shall be agreeable to the principles established for the settlement of Rank, and where you deviate from the arrangement made by the Committee, mention the Reasons—I am of opinion Colo. Butlers promotion must take place from the time of Colo. Meads resignation.
As you have been under a necessity of reducing the Ration of Flour I would have you increase the Ration of Meat and other Articles in proportion rather than pay the difference in Money—This is conformable to a late Resolve of Congress, and will be more really advantagious to the Soldier than money, as he can more readily exchange his overplus in meat for Vegetables and other produce, than purchase them. I am &.
P.S. I return the Arrangements transmitted by you.


Title: To George Washington from Captain George Starr, 16 April 1779
From: Starr, George
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir
Middletown [Conn.] 16th April 1779

Inclosed his Excelency has a Return of my superentinding the makeing of Leather Accoutriments & shoes & Exchangeing Raw Hides for shoes &c. which Shoes & Accoutriments I shall send on to Your Camp as soon as there is Forriage for the Teams I have call’d upon the D. Q. Mr Gen. for Teams who is promissed to Let me have them as soon as there is Forriage; I sent Last February three Teams with shoes & Accoutriments but for want of Forriage they was Obliged to store them at Danbury. I shall continue to make up shoes & Accoutriments from the Leather that I have on hand & Exchanging Raw Hides for shoes Tand & Curried Leather If I am Supplyd with Hides—unless otherwise ordered by the Honorable Board of Warr by whose orders I hav⟨e⟩ undertaken this Business, and to make them a Monthly Return on adviescing with my Friend Wadsworth Commissary General I make this Return to you I am Your Excelency’s Obedient Servant
George Starr


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 16 April 1779
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Mill Stone [N.J.] April 16 1779.

As your Excellencey has honoured me with an appointment to Command the Intended Expedition I must beg Leave to Lay my Sentiments before you in writing as words used in Conversation may vanish in Air & the Remembrance of them be Lost while writing will remain Either to Justify my opinion or to prove that it was Erroneous The variety of Reasons which I urged yesterday for passing with the main Body up the Mohawk River & Down by wood Creek to the Cayuga Lake Still have their weight in my mind but as General Schuyler writes that they cannot be Supplied with provisions This Plan Must be given up & that of passing with the Main Body up the Susquehannah adopted. The force which I have Requested for that Quarter is three thousand Effective men after all proper Deductions are made for Guards at the Several Posts for Boat men hospital Guards Tenders &ca That these Should be Collected before we Enter the Indian Country appears to me Essentially Necessary as it is Supposed that the principal opposition we Shall Meet will be between Wyoming & Teago. Should this be the Case as Seemed to be the General opinion in Council Yesterday we can Derive no advantage from the party on the Mohawk River as they are not to Join us untill we have Established a post at Teago Should they attempt to Join us before they must be Defeated in passing Down the Susquehannah & Should our Numbers be Such as will admit of a Defeat before we arrive at Teago as we can have no Communication with the other party & they are to Regulate themselves by a Plan fixed before we March They will Remain Ignorant of our Defeat & of Course proceed at the time appointed & in all probability fall into the hands of the Enemy. If we are to Expect the principal opposition before we arrive at Teago it is Absurd to Reckon for part of our force Troops who are not to attempt Joining us before we have passed the principal Danger. Indeed I have no great Dependance upon the advantage to be Derived from So Small a party in that Quarter. It was yesterday Said that we might Expect fourteen hundred Indians to oppose us in our march yr Excelley will permit me to Say that 1400 Indians perfectly acquainted with the Country Capable of Siezing Every Advantage which the Ground can possably afford perfectly Acquainted with the use of Arms Enured to war from their youth & from their manner of Living Capable of Enduring Every kind of Fatigue are no Desgreeable Enemy when opposed to three thousand Troops Totally unacquainted with the Country & the Indian Manner of fighting—& who though Excellent in the field are far from having that Exactness with fire Arms or that alertness in a wooden Country which Indians have. As So many facts have Contributed to prove this it will be unn[e]cessary for me to Say more upon the Subject—If I was not a party Concerned in this Expedition, & my opinion was asked of the force necessary to Insure Success I Should give it that the force of Each party Should be Equal to the highest Estimate of the Enemys force in that Country that they might be able to form a Junction at all Events & put the matter beyond a possibility of Doubt & after that they would be Enabled to Detach & Conquer the Country in an Eighth part of the time that they would if oblidged for their own Security to keep in a Body. I know that the Estimated force of the Indians is Small but when I Consider that underrating the Number of the Enemy has been a prevailing Error with us Since the Commencement of the war that we have had persons from among them both Inhabitants & Deserters & have had the proceedings Debates & Calculations of parliament before us & Yet have Repeatedly mistaken their Numbers more than one half I cannot Suppose but that we are Still Liable to fall into the Same Error where we can have no Evidence & Every thing told us Respecting them is meer matter of opinions—In addition to this Let me Repeat what I observed yesterday which is the probability of a force being Sent from Canada to prevent our passing into Canada by way of Lake ontario I also beg Leave to observe that when our advancement upon the Susquehannah is known it will probably be Conjectured that our Intention is agains[t] Niagara which will Induce the Enemy Strongly to Reinforce that Post This they may do in a Fortnight as it is but 110 miles from Montreal to Oswegachia & their vessels can take troops from thence to Niagara in three or four Days & when they find that our Intention is against the Indian Settlements these troops will undoubtedly Join them. from these Considerations it must appear that the Demand I have made is far from being unreasonable Even Exclusive of the party Sent on their flanks. I well know that Continental Troops cannot be Spared for this purpose but good Militia Should undoubtedly be Called for. The Expedition is undertaken to Destroy those Indian Nations & to Convince others that we have it in our power to Carry the war into their Country whenever they Commence hostilities Should we fail in the attempt the Indians will Derive Confidence from it & grow more Insolent than before I beg Leave further to Mention That in my opinion the Troops Selected for this Expedition are by no Means Equal to Those they must Expect to Encounter Especially the Pensylvania Troops as they are made up principally of old Country men who are totally unacquainted with that kind of fighting which they must adopt I have Conversed with General St Clair upon this head who is fully of my opinion. the best Troops in my opinion for this Expedition are Genl Poors Brigade which are all Marksmen & Accustomed to the Indian Mode of fighting. I think the Jersey Troops good the York Troops I know nothing of the other Broken Corps I can Say nothing about only that when they come to Act in a Body with others Much cannot be Expected from them.
Thus have I Submitted my Sentiments to Your Excellencey & trust that my Reasoning upon the Subject must prove that Three Thousand good & Effective men at Least will be Necessary to March from Teago Exclusive of those which yr Excellencey may think proper to Direct to operate on the other Flank of the Enemy I have the honor to be with the most Lively Sentiments of Esteem & Respect your Excellenceys most Obedt Servant
Jno. Sullivan
P:S: Since writing the above I have Shewn it to Genl St Clair who Says that his Sentiments Correspond with mine in Every particular.
J.S.


Title: General Orders, 17 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Saturday April 17th 1779.
Parole Killevan—C. Signs Kerry—Kells.

The officers are requested to loose no time in preparing for the field, that they may be ready to leave their present quarters at the shortest notice: The Quarter Master General as far as it is in his Power will supply those with Portmanteaus who have not been furnished heretofore; and those who are or shall be provided are on no account to carry chests or boxes into the field—The Portmanteaus are given by the public to supersede the use of such cumbersome articles, in order to contract the baggage of the Army and lessen the number of Waggons which, besides the saving of expence, is attended with many obvious and most important military advantages.
The General also thinks it necessary to give explicit notice in time, that with a view to having the Army as little incumbered as possible in all its movements, and to prevent burthening the public and the farmer more than cannot be avoided on the score of forage, No officers whose duty does not really require them to be on horseback will be permitted to keep horses with the Army—Sensible of the force of good examples on the minds of the soldiery, it ought to be the pride of an officer to share the fatigue as well as danger to which his men are exposed—On foot marching by their sides, by sharing he will lessen every inconvenience and excite in them a spirit of patience and perseverence. Inability alone can justify a deviation from this necessary practice.
The General strongly recommends it to the officers to divest themselves as much as possible of every thing superfluous, taking to the field only what is essential for decency and comfort—Such as have not particular friends within reach, to whose care they would choose to confide their spare baggage will apply to the Quarter Master General who will appoint a place for its reception, and furnish the means of transportation. The commanding officers of divisions, brigades, and regiments will pay particular attention to the strict observance of these orders.
The regimental Clothiers are to apply to the Clothier General or his Assistant in camp for thread, and the commanding officers of regiments will see that their mens clothes are repaired without loss of time—They will also have their men’s arms thoroughly examined & put into the best order.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 17 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 17 April 1779

It is determined, that the force, which is to move by way of the Mohawk River, upon the intended Expedition, shall rendezvous at Conojohare by the 10th of May. This will oblige me to call off the detachments from General Clintons Brigade which are now at Saratogha, Lake George and some other places upon your northern Frontier. Warners Regiment will remain but by a letter which I recd from General Schuyler dated the 3d instant he seems apprehensive that the northern Frontier will be very much exposed, while we are acting to the Westward, except a greater force is kept up in that quarter. From our situation in respect to numbers, no regular force except Warners can be spared for that Service, and I must therefore request that you will order such a disposition of the Militia to be made, as will afford the necessary security. Genl Schuyler can better inform you than I can of the numbers requisite for this purpose, and of the places at which they should be stationed.
You will oblige me by issuing orders for the Militia to releive the Northern posts as speedily as possible, as I would wish the troops, in garrison at them, to be at Conojohare punctually by the 10th of May. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Yr Excellency’s most obt.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 17 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir,
Head Quarters Middle Brook April 17th 1779

I shall be under the necessity of drawing away a part of the troops now under your command to be employed elsewhere—You will therefore be pleased to direct General Glover’s Brigade to hold itself in readiness to march at the shortest notice—I hope the powerful aids of Militia, which you may call in on any emergency, in conjunction with the force still remaining and the 1500 troops to be raised by a late act of the State of Rhode Island, will secure you from experiencing any ill effects from this diminution, and enable you to cover the principal points which require attention. I am Sir Your most Obet servant
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 17 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

Sir,
Head Qrs Middle brook Apl 17th 1779.

In Septr 1776 amidst the distresses we experienced in removing the Army from the City of New York (for want of Teams to transport the Stores &ca) Majr Gibbs put a valuable riding horse of his to one of my Baggage Waggons in which Service he received a hurt of which I am told he died within the space of a few days—this being the case he has a just claim on the public for another, and I have to request that you will furnish him accordingly. I am Sir Yr Most Hble Servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel William Malcom, 17–18 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Malcom, William

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 17th[–18] April 1779.

Captn Kearsley handed me your favor of the 15th.
I am sorry to find that the arrangement does not fully correspond with your opinion of the officers who should have been retained in your late regiment. Col. Spencer intimates the same respecting his. But as changing the arrangements which have been made, in compliance with after representations, would open a door to a great deal of confusion, it is intended, that so far as they go they should be final. I shall however think myself justified, if any officers who are arranged in should choose to resign, and other good ones who are left out not at their own request should wish to continue, that these may be introduced in place of the former; and retained in service. Similar instances exist in Colonel Spencers Regiment. You will therefore in conjunction with him adopt from both corps into the new one, such officers, as answer the description here given, and on the condition here prescribed, to which a strict adherence is to be paid. When the arrangement of the new co[r]ps is completed on this principle—it is to be transmitted to me under the joint certificate and signature of Col. Spencer and yourself to prevent all future disputes. This will be transmitted to the board of war and commissions issued accordingly.
The gentlemen who choose to resign are to be recommended with customary certificates of a settlement of accounts.
The resolve of congress being express relative to the companies to join the 11th Pennyslvania Regiment I cannot possibly continue Capn Kearsley with your corps—you will therefore give the necessary instructions for him to proceed to the regiment as it might not be altogether safe to move alone when the other troops move to that quarter.
Col. Spencer has signified, to me from the embarrassed state of his domestic concerns, a desire to discontinue his command, provided it can be done without any injury to the service; at the same time hinting, that you seem undecided with respect to your stay. As Colonel Spencers determination throws the matter entirely upon you I wish to know as soon and as explicitly as possible your intention—Because if it is to retire however distressing it may be to his private affairs he will remain with the regiment—The footing on which this is now placed will serve to relieve Congress from any difficulties, they might otherwise have experienced on the occasion.

Major Prowels letter you will be pleased to forward by express. I am Sir &c.
P.S. you will be pleased to execute the enclosed order to Col. Spencer.
G.W.
18 April 1779 In addition to the above, I have to desire you on receipt of this letter to move down your corps with Capt. Kearsleys company to Eastown—On your arrival there you will apply to the quarter master for such tools as may be necessary for the making or repairing of roads—And proceed immediately to mending that which leads thro’ the great swamp to Wyoming—putting it in the best possible condition for the transportation of artillery &c. &c.
As we have no time to loose I will depend on your utmost industry and activity in completing the repairs and deficiencies in the road—with as much expedition as the nature of the business will admit. I am Sir &c.
G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 17 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 17th April 1779

I am sory to inform Your Excellency that the night before last 6 soldiers of the 2d Jersey Regt made their escape from New Ark to the Enemy, they were followed very close by way of the cedar Swam[p], and fired on by our party as they were crossing Hackensack; but was a little too late. There was 12 or 13 of them all Sworn to secrecy, they were to have surprised the Guard at New ark Ferry and take the Guard and Boat with them; they had been planing it several nights at a House a little way out of Town, and when there was only five of the party asembled, one of the party concerned came and informed an Officer, who informed Coll De Hart. The sentry at the Colls door was in the plott & Sworn, over heard some words pass between the Coll and Officer, and while the party was collecting he dispatched a soldier, that informed the party and they fled, He has six of them confined that had not then joyn’d the party. If You have any orders respecting them I should be glad to receive them.
I have Your Excellency Favour of the 14th & 15th and shall carefully note the contents.
I have information from New York that there is near 40 Sail of Transports making ready, and it is supposed will sail in a few days for Rhode Island to bring the Troops & Stores from there, this may be all conjecture but it is tolerable currant. There is some Artillery men come to the Island I believe verry few; and a few Troops it is said, I suppose in the place of Buskirks that is gone to plunder on the North River. I have it also that all the Frigates and Privateers that lay in the East River, had turned out to the North River or in that channel and that there had been no lights in the light House for some time past.
I inclose Your Excellency two New York papers of the 13th & 14th Inst. I had also one of the 15th but some person has taken it off my table. It pretends to give a further confirmation of Adm⟨irl⟩ Byrons having obtained a compleat Victory over Count D. Estaing’s Fleet, and that they had Capturd 9 Men of War. It likewise mentions the taking off the Picket at Hackensack, little Ferry. I am Your Excellency Most Obedient Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell


Title: From George Washington to Major Joseph Prowell, 17 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Prowell, Joseph

Sir
Head Quarters [Middlebrook] April 17th: 1779

I am informed by Capt: Mc:Lane that two officers and some men belonging to his Company are Marching with the Detachment under your Command. As his Company is by the Resolve of Congress Annexed to the Delaware Batalion. You will Immediately send back that part of it which is with you, with Directions to proceed to this Camp. I am Sir Your most Obdt: Servt:
G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 17 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Sir.
Head Quarters Middlebrook 17th April 1779

Immediately upon receipt of this letter, you will set about putting your division in the most perfect readiness to march by the 10th of May ensuing. The officers will disencumber themselves of all heavy baggage—retaining only such as may be indispensibly necessary.
In the intermediate time all such stores as are of consequence or that cannot remain at Danbury without a guard, you will have removed to Fish-kill.
You will make me an exact return of the arms and accoutrements wanting in the division that I may order an immediate supply to be drawn at Springfield. I am Sir &c.


Title: General Orders, 18 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Sunday April 18th 1779.
Parole Illenois—C. Signs Ihor. Irvine.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, c.18 April 1779
From: Arnold, Benedict
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia [c.18] April 1779

Agreable to your Excellencys advice to me when at Camp, I requested of Congress to appoint a Committe to Examine into the Charges aledg’d against me by the Presdt and Council of this State; my request was complied with, the Report of the Committe I have taken the liberty to Inclose, after peruseing it Your Excellency will doubtless be suprised to find Congress have directed a Court Martial to try me (among other Charges) for some of those of which their Committe, have acquitted me in the fullest and Clearest Manner; and tho this Conduct may be necessary For the Public Interest, It is hard to reconcile it to the Feelings of an Individual who is thereby Injured.
Mr Reed has by his Address kept the Affair in suspence for Near two Months, and at last obtained the foregoing Resolution of Congress, and will I make no doubt, Use every Artifice to Delay the proceeding of a Court Martial As it is his Interest the Affair should remain in the dark; And tho Congress to avoid a breach with this State, have Declined, Decideing on the Report of their Committe, I have No doubt of obtaining Justice from a Court Martial, as every Officer in the Army must feel himself Injured by the Cruel and unprecedented treatment I have met with from a set of Scoundrils in Office. I must earnestly Intreat Your Excellency that a Court Martial may be directed to sit as soon as posible, If It can be done in this City I shall esteem it as a great favor as my wounds make it extreemly Inconvenient, for me to attend at Camp where it is very difucult to obtain the necessary accomodations for the recovery of them. It will Also be extreemly Difucult if not impracticable to produce at Camp the Evidences, which are all in this City—But should the service make it absolutely necessary that the Court should be held at Camp, I beg that as early a day may be fix’d for it as posible, and that the President and Council of this State may have such Notice, that the Court may not be delayed for want of their Evidence; Mine will be ready at the Shortest Notice.
When your Excellency Considers my Sufferings, and the Cruel Situation I am in, your Own Humanity and feelings as a Soldier, will render every thing I can say farther on the Subject unnecessary. I beg my best Respects to Mrs Washington and am with sentiments of perfect Respect & Esteem Dr Sir Your Excellency’s Affectionate & Mo. Obedt Humble Servt
B. Arnold


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison, 18 April 1779
From: Harrison, Robert Hanson
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Amboy [N.J.] 18th April 1779

Colo. Davies and myself beg leave to inform Your Excellency, that with respect to the business of the Commission with which we are honoured, we have been busily engaged in it, ever since Tuesday morning—and thus far but to little purpose. The Gentlemen appointed on the other side, though they profess the greatest liberality of sentiment and generosity on the part of sir Henry Clinton, have not made a single proposal—admissible in our opinion. As for a general Cartel—all idea of accomplishing one—was over in a very short time after we met—and we have been chiefly employed on the subject of a particular one—for relieving the Officers on Long Island, in which we have found many difficulties and such as are not and we fear will not be removed. It is likely we shall have some new propositions to day or to morrow morning; if we cannot acceed to ’em, which we are almost certain will be the case, we mean to make the British Commissioners an offer.
In the course of negociation—the British Commissioners have exhibited a Return, reviving their claim to 400 Men & Officers taken at the Cedars. This we found no difficulty in rejecting—They have also exhibited an other, comprehendg the prisoners, as they say, captured in the late actions in Georgia, amounting to Sixty one Officers & 800 Non Comd rank & file, besides which they tell us, there are several Other prisoners, both Officers & Men. This too we have endeavoured to reject from our consideration—and we are determined not to go into it. We are not officially informed of the captures—nor do we wish to be. We are exceedingly sorry the old rule of exchange was departed from—or at least that it should be allowable to give a proportion of privates for Officers while we had any Officers of the Enemy’s in our hands. The mode will operate most severely against us—and introducing it in one case, whatever declarations we may be able to make to the contrary, will establish the precedent both with the Enemy—and with every Officer of ours now in captivity—or who may be hereafter—and who will claim the same indulgence.
If we should be able to effect an exchange of Our Officers on Long Island—We believe it will be insisted on—that the Convention troops given for ’em, shall embark on board Vessels to be sent to Virginia. Advantages would attend their marching by land; but the proposition for a Water transportation is so much more reasonable—that we shall not be able to get over it. We shall however, in such case, insist on the immediate liberation of all our Officers on parole—to be discharged and entirely freed from every tie & obligation—the moment the Convention troops are on board; and, as well as providing for the performance of the treaty on the part of the Enemy as above—We shall try to prevent them from any advantages from desertion. As We are not acquainted with James River—and think it will be adviseable to stop the Enemy’s Ships as low down it as we decently can—we should be happy—to have a line from Yr Excellency as early as may be convenient on the subject. We shall also, as a further precaution, limit if we can the number of Vessels to be sent. If the Commissrs will not consent to an immediate liberation of our Officers on parole, in case we agreed about an exchange, we think at present to urge the necessity of the Convention troops coming by land—that a return of both may happen at the same time. Genl Burgoyne—at least his exchange—is a great obstacle in our business. I have the Honor to be with great respect Yr Excelly’s Most Obedt servant
Rob: H: Harrison
P.S. Colo. Davies is better acquainted with Js River—than I at first apprehended—he mentions Richmond & Warwick as the nearest places of embarkation.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 18 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 18th April 1779.

I was duly favored with your letter of yesterday.
The six soldiers, who were of the party that have deserted, and which you have secured—should be immediately tryed by a court martial. The circumstance of a plan to carry off the guard, besides the attempt to desert, is of itself sufficient to direct the most examplary punishment, to prevent offences of a like nature from gaining ground.
The sooner too it is inflicted the more forcible and permanent will be the effect; by connecting the punishment with the crime while the latter is recent in the minds of the soldiery.
This spirit of desertion which of late has made its appearance in some extraordinary instances, seems to have its source in corruptions artfully introduced by the enemy. The officer therefore cannot be too watchful of the company with whom the soldier spends his time—and the character of the houses where he associates—It is to be presumed that from these he receives the promises or the gold which tempts him to desert. An evil so alarming cannot be too seriously attended to—Strict discipline frequent roll calls—an eye over those who may have been in foreign service, and now in ours; and to all strangers who under any pretence whatsoever mix with the soldiery—In short more than common care, or common precautions should be practiced on the present occasion to discover the encouragers and prevent its further operation.
As soon as the court-martial have given in there sentence—you will transmit it, that immediate and necessary measures may be taken should theirs be capital convictions.
inclosed you have the general orders of yesterday which you will see properly executed &c.
You will upon receipt [of] this put your brigade in the most perfect condition to move at the shortest notice.
Gen: Thompson has obtain’d my permission to take into New-York six or eight barrels of flour you will direct these from your commissary, and that it be regularly charged by the commissary of prisoners.
A Mrs Mercer, in New-York, whose husband is in our service, is desirous of seeing him, and has through Gen. Thompson solicited my leave for this purpose—you will therefore, should she be permitted to come out, suffer her to proceed on her journey to the southward where her husband is. I am Sir &.
G.W.


Title: General Orders, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Monday April 19th 1779.
Parole Lacedemon—C. Signs Lanzo—Lar—


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General James Clinton, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 19th April 1779.

I have been favd with yours of the 8th instant. I have furnished General Knox with the Return of deficiencies of Military Stores to the Northward, and he will send up a supply.
In examining the Regimental Arrangements which you have transmitted to me, I observe that the dates of some Officers Commissions differ very much from those in the arrangement made by the Committee at White plains, and some Officers are introduced whose names were not in that arrangement. I have particularized them in the inclosed called “remarks upon the Arrangement” and must desire you to inform me, before I transmit the Rolls to the Board of War to have Commissions issued, the reasons of such alteration.
The State arrangement of Colo. Dubois’s Regiment differs almost totally from that made by the Committee. But if the former has been acted under since the Regiment was first commissioned, it ought to be preferred, more especially as the State had a right, upon raising the Regt, to the arrange the Officers as they pleased. Those who were discontented should not have accepted at the time. I have returned the Arrangement of that Regiment to you, that you may make the necessary enquiry and report to me upon it—Altho’ Lt Colo. Regnier was, in the arrangement transmitted to you, called Lt Colo. Commandant of the Regt late Livingstons, it was a mistake. Lieut. Colo. Weissenfeldts, who appears to be the eldest of that Rank, will be appointed, and Lt Colo. Regnier will take his place in Cortlands. This cannot possibly give any disgust to Colo. Regnier whose Rank in the line of the State was fully settled at Valley Forge.
It is determined that Gansevoorts—late Livingstons—Dubois’s—Aldens and Butlers Regiments shall be held in every respect ready to assemble at Canojohare by the 12th May. I have requested Govr Clinton to furnish immediately a sufficient number of Militia to releive any detachments from these Corps, which may be upon the North River, and the moment they are releived, they are to join their respective Regiments—All Officers and Men upon furlough are to be called in. You some time ago mentioned, that you had sent 100 Men over to Haverhill at the request of General Bailey. If they have not been already recalled, it may be done, as Hazens Regiment has been sent up to Coos.
That you may the more fully comprehend me, I shall inform you of the reason of the rendezvous at Canojohare, but I must depend upon your keeping it a most profound secret. It has not been yet determined whether the Regiments before mentioned (Van Schaicks at all events will garrison Fort Schuyler) are to proceed up the Mohawk and enter the Indian Country by that Route—or whether they shall cross suddenly over to the Waters of the Susquehannah, and falling down that River, form a junction with our main Body at Tioga—Owegy—or whatever place shall be deemed most advisable. To be prepared to carry this into execution, a number of Batteaus of the lightest kind, sufficient to transport the above mentioned Regiments, are to be, without loss of time, collected at Canojohare, and the Quarter Master General directed to take measures to have Carriages ready for the conveyance of them to the head of Susquehannah should there be occasion.
You are to order the Quarter Master and Commissary immediately to lay in as large a supply of provision as they possibly can at Fort Schuyler. This will be necessary, should it be finally determined to move the Troops up the River in preference to Susquehannah—or it will at any rate form an ample Magazine for the support of the Garrison—The collection of provision at that post will also hold up the appearance of operating from that quarter, altho’ we may really have no such intent.
The Batteaus may be immediately drawn together at Canojohare and a suitable Magazine formed there. The troops which I have mentioned may all, I should suppose, reach Canojohare from their present Cantonments in a few days. They need not therefore move untill you hear further from me: But as I have before directed, they are to be ready to march at a moments warning.
If you can contract for any number of Shoes to be delivered before you march, be pleased to do it, and carry them with you, as I fear we shall fall short in that Article.
The Council of Massachusetts have called for authenticated musters of their 15 Battalions that they may ascertain the deficiency of their Quota. You will therefore be pleased to direct the Deputy Commissary of Musters to transmit a certified Muster Roll of Aldens Regiment to the president of the Council at Boston.
I have requested General Schuyler to favor you with his advice and assistance in carrying the matters recommended into execution, which I am persuaded he will do with the greatest cheerfulness.

Make me a Return of the light Cloathing that will be wanting for the Troops that I may endeavour to have it sent up for them. I am Sir Your most obt Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. I have directed Lt Colo. Weissenfelds to take the command of the Regt late Livingstons as Lt Colonel Commandant. Be pleased to order Lt Colo. Regnier to join Cortlands.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 19th April 1779

I have just received a letter of which the inclosed is a copy from the honorable the president of the State of Massachusetts, requiring authenticated musters of their fifteen batalions, to be laid before the assembly at the next session, to enable them to know and supply the deficiency. You will be pleased, therefore, forthwith to have such musters made of that part of the Massachusetts troops, which is under your command, and transmitted to the president. I am sir, Your most obt hble servt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 19 April 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Camp [Middlebrook] April 19th 1779.

I wrote Your Excellency the 24th of February upon the necessity of enlisting a Corps of Waggoners for the War. There is almost two Months elapsed, and nothing decided upon the question. The season is now almost past for engaging this Class of people; the operations of the Campaign near at hand; and the army without Waggoners. What is to be done in this case? is the question. I must beg your Excellency’s advice in the matter; as not a moments time is to be lost in determining decisively upon the affair.
With the utmost exertions; and with the most liberal encouragement, I am persuaded it will not be in our power to procure one half the necessary number, that will be indispensably necessary.
Inclos’d is an estimate of the number that will be wanted to act with the army, besides all those employed in conveying Provisions; Forage and Stores upon the different communications—But these being generally private property Teams, find their own drivers.
From the different accounts I have had from the Deputy Quarter Masters respecting the wages given for private employ, and from the opinion of the Forage Master, and Waggon Masters General, I don’t think there is the least probability of engaging Waggoners short of, between thirty and forty pounds a month. Wages are rising daily, and the difficulty of engaging men for this business hourly increasing.
The undecided condition that this business has lain in, before Congress and the Board of war, will not only, greatly increase the expence; but multiply the difficulties, as well as disappoint us of getting a proper complement of Waggoners for the various purposes of the Army.
There is nothing now left, but to try to engage as many Waggoners as we can, and upon the best terms we can. I shall set about the business with all immaginable diligence the moment I receive Your Excellency’s Instructions.
I have pointed out the number and expence, and Your Excellency will judge of the expediency. I am With due respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant
Nathl Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from John Mitchell, 19 April 1779
From: Mitchell, John
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Philada 19th April 1779

have sent your Excellency some time ago, the several Articles you ordered, which hope you have recieved safe, and were such as you wanted some few of the things ordered cou’d not be procured, but if possible they shall be got & sent, hope your Hatt fitted and pleased you.
If there is any thing in my power, or in which I can render your Excellency any service, you will do me honor by favoring me with your Commands—as I am by real & unfeined veneration & respect, as well as Duty sincerely devoted to your service & commands, and hope you will regard me in that point of view—as to be esteemd as a friend of your Excellency will reflect honor on all, who have that pleasure.
when I wrote Col. Tilghman that the Minister of France wou’d sett off to day for Camp, it was fully expected, but some particular buisness prevents it, and the day is now uncertain—I shall inform Your Excellency a day or two before he Setts out—and also let Major Lee know what day he will be at Trenton agreeable to Barron Stubens desire.
Mrs Mitchell Joins me in most respectfull Compliments to you & Mrs Washington, if Possible we will have the honor of waiting on you at Camp—I am with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt & Most hume St
Jno. Mitchell


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Powell, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Powell, Jeremiah

Sir,
Head Quarters Middlebrook 19th April 1779.

I had the honor of your letter of the 31st ultimo.
Since the last general muster has been collected, a number of the soldiers times of inlistment have expired; were therefore the digest, to be made from this, it would exhibit an erroneous state of the men now in service. In order to obviate this, and the delay which would arise from waiting for another general return, I have directed Major General Gates, General McDougal, and Brigadier Gen: Clinton (under whom, all the Massachusetts troops now are) forthwith to transmit the council, an exact return, from the deputy muster-masters attatched to their respective commands.
I think it necessary to observe to the Council, that the detachments which early in the campaign, must be drawn from the main army, added to its present reduced condition, will require the utmost exertions of the States to keep our force in any degree respectable. This I am persuaded, will point out the propriety of hastening your troops into the field, by such measures, as shall appear best calculated to obtain this purpose in the shortest time. And from the zeal and uniform endeavours, you have heretofore shewn; I have every reason to hope a continuance of the same on the present occasion. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, Your most hble servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

Sir.
Hd Qrs Middlebrook 19 April 1779.

On examining the return from Peeks kill of General Poors brigade, which was some time since directed to that place, I was surprised to find that only 457 rank and file had arrived. You will immediately on receipt of this letter, give express and positive orders, for all such as remain, however employed, to join their respective regiments without further delay. I am sir &.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 19 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 19th April 1779

I have been honored with yours of the 14th instant. I shall not fail to recommend to the Officer, who will command upon the Susquehannah, the cultivation of a good understanding between the setlers at Wyoming and the inhabitants of Northumberland County.
Upon estimating the Force necessary to be employed upon the intended Expedition, so as to give the most probable assurance of success, I find that it will require more troops than can possibly be spared from the Continental Army, without weakening our main Body to that degree, that it will be ever liable to be insulted, if not materially injured by the Enemy, should they move out—I am therefore under the necessity of making application to the State of Pennsylvania for the Aid of six hundred Militia including the Companies of Rangers, to continue in service three Months from the 1st of June, if the Laws or any power vested in the Executive Council will authorize the calling them out for so long a time. They must come provided with Arms, as, from the exhausted State of the Continental Magazines, they cannot be supplied from thence. You will oblige me by letting me know as early as possible whether this demand can be complied with fully in point of term of Service, and if not, for the longest time that the Men may be depended upon. They are to rendezvous at Sunbury by the 10th of May. I imagine the Western Militia will be called out upon this Service. They are infinitely to be preferred on many accounts, but particularly from their being used to the Indian mode of War, which is apt to make very fatal impressions upon men not acquainted with that kind of Enemy.
I would not presume to nominate the Officer who should take the command of this Body of Men: but I hope I shall stand excused, when I mention Brig: General Potter. From my knowledge of his abilities, and his acquaintance with the kind of service upon which these Men are to be employed, I should be very happy should the State think proper to confer the command upon him.
Upon the several hints given to me of the suspicions of Pattersons character, I have taken measures to prevent him from being mischievous should he be so inclined, and I have desired that Colo. Cox may give him a caution against making a needless parade of the employ which he is in. He has nothing to do with the Quarter Masters department.
If I may be allowed to form any judgment from the actual Returns and Reports of the Commissaries, of the Quantity of Flour in the Middle department, I should suppose that the Army must be much distressed for the Article of Bread, should such an exportation, as I imagine the State of Massachusetts will require, be allowed. If the quantity wanted to the Eastward is ascertained, the Commissary General can better determine whether any or what part of it can be spared without injury to the Service.
By a letter which I have received from General McIntosh dated at Fort Pitt the 3d instant, I have the pleasure to find that he had returned to that place, after having relieved Fort Laurens and thrown a proper supply of provision into it. He adds that he had found some of the Indian Tribes more freindly than he expected.
A cooperation by the troops at Fort Pitt and in that quarter not being deemed either very practicable or of much use, the Force, at present there, will remain. This I hope, with the assistance of the Militia, should there be occasion, will cover your Western Frontier and that of Virginia. I have the honor to be with the greatest Regard Yr Excellency’s Most obt Servt
Go: Washington