Title: From George Washington to Elisha Sheldon, 2 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Sheldon, Elisha

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Bergen County Sepr 2d 1780

                        You will perceive by the inclosed that the two Connecticut state Regiments are ordered to join you in the
                            vicinity of North Castle. If you should hear of any serious movement up the North River, you will march with those
                            regiments and your corps with all expedition to reinforce the garrison of West Point—otherwise you will wait orders from
                            General Arnold or myself. I am with esteem Sir Your most Obedt servant.


Title: From George Washington to John Steward, 2 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Steward, John

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Bergen County 2d Sepr 1780.

                        I was a few days ago favored with yours of the 12th ulto from Baltimore. I am extremely sorry that an event
                            should have taken place, which will in your opinion be likely to disturb the tranquility of your line. You must be sensible
                            that it is a matter of great delicacy with me to interfere in the least degree with the arrangements of any of the States,
                            when they do not clash with the established rules of promotion in the Army. I have however taken the liberty, upon the
                            present occasion, of mentioning this affair to Governor Lee, and have suggested to him my apprehensions that very
                            disagreeable consequences will probably result from the promotion in question.
                        When you return again to the southward be pleased to make my Compliments to the Gentlemen of the line and
                            assure them that as I feel myself interested in every thing which concerns them, I wish them that honor and success which
                            their merit deserves. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Y St


Title: From George Washington to Levi Wells, 2 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wells, Levi

                            Sir,
                            Hd Qrs Bergen County Sepr 2d 1780

                        I have received intelligence from New York which makes it probable the enemy have some important movement in
                            contemplation—Under this intelligence I think it adviseable that the two state regiments under your command should form a
                            junction with Col. Sheldon in the vicinity of North Castle to act as circumstances may require—Col. Sheldon will inform
                            you where to meet him, and as soon as possible after the receipt of this I wish you to march to joyn him. I am with esteem
                            Sir Your most Obedt & humbe Serv.

                            P.S. Move as light as you can—that is with as little baggage as possible.


Title: General Orders, 3 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Tean Neck Sunday September 3d 1780 Morning Orders 6 ô Clock September 3d
                            The Order for the Army to march is countermanded—The Troops will continue to hold themselves in readiness—The state
                                clothiers are to apply Ten ô clock for shoes at the orderly office.
                            Parole Hellespont
                            Countersign, Hall; Ham.
                        Watchword, Order.

                        For the day tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Nixon
                        Colonel M. Jackson
                        Lieutenant Colonel Sumner
                        Brigade Major Moore
                        For Guard
                        Major Knapp.
                        A Captain of the day to be appointed in each division part of whose duty it shall be to visit the camp guard
                            of the division to which he belongs; The old and new Captains of the day will attend the Grand Parade at Guard mounting
                            where the former will deliver written reports of the Camp Guards of their division to the officers of the day which are to
                            be digested in the General report to the Commander in Chief, duplicates of which they will deliver to their respective
                            Commanders of Divisions; The subalterns will do the same to the Commandants of the Brigades to which they belong—The
                            Officers of the Day will visit the Camp Guards by day and direct the Captains of the day to visit them by night.
                        The men drafted from the line into the Corps of Sappers and Miners are to draw pay in the regiments from
                            whence they were drafted up to the 1st of last August; after that period in the corps aforesaid.
                        The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to adopt the following Order_on the Proceedings of the Court
                            Martial in the trial of Doctor William Shippen Director General.
                        In Congress August 18th 1780
                        Congress resumed the Consideration of the proceedings of the Court martial on the trial of Doctor William
                            Shippen Director General and thereupon passed the following order.
                        The Court Martial having Acquitted the said Doctor William Shippen_Ordered that he be discharged from
                            Arrest.
                        At a Division General Court martial whereof Colonel M. Jackson was President August 27th Lieutenant David
                            Peterson was tried on the following Charges.
                        1st Disobedience of Orders when on the Lines near Kingstreet in going without the Guards and Patrols and
                            staying ’till an unreasonable hour in the night in Contempt of orders delivered him.
                        2d Unofficer like behavior when with a small scout sent to make discovery of the enemy in suffering them to
                            break into the house of Mr John Barker and taking Provisions from him contrary to orders.
                        3d Disposing of a number of Horses which he took at the same time without their being condemned by the Civil
                            or Military Authority contrary to any rule or orders on the Lines.
                        The Court find the 1st and 3d charges supported and find him Guilty of a breach of part of the 5 Article 2d
                            Section and the 5th Article of the 18th Section of the Articles of war and sentence him to be dismissed the service.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the Sentence and orders it to be carried into Execution.
                        After Orders
                        Major Hamilton is appointed for Guard tomorrow vice Major Knapp absent on command.
                        At seven ô clock tomorrow morning the General will beat—the Assemblé at half past eight and the Army will
                            march precisely at Nine—the Baggage will begin to file off in the order prescribed at half past seven—the Van guard
                            composed of the new Camp and Quarter Guards to be formed at seven ô clock in the field opposite the orderly office near
                            Head quarters under the command of the new officers of the day_The rear Guard composed of the old Camp and Quarter Guards
                            to be formed on the Grandparade, at nine ô clock under the command of the old officers of the day.


Title: From George Washington to James Cannon, 3 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Cannon, James

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Bergen County 3d Septr 1780.

                        I have received your favr of the 28th ulto on the Subject of the Exchange of Lt Govr Gadsden. I am at a
                            loss to know what means will be fallen upon to procure the release of the Gentlemen in the Civil line who were made
                            prisoners in South Carolina, as we have few or none of similar Ranks or circumstances in our hands, and our military
                            Officers in captivity considerably exceeded those of the Enemy before the surrender of Charles Town, which has very much
                            increased the Balance agt us. Partial exchanges are sometimes agreed upon between Gentlemen in the Civil line which
                            may require my interposition to carry them into execution—should such an occasion present itself, or any other in which I
                            can with propriety interest myself I shall with great pleasure embrace an opportunity of being serviceable to Govr
                            Gadsden. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from William Crane, 3 September 1780
From: Crane, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Eliza. Town Septr 3rd 1780

                        Your’s of the 2nd Inst. I recd this Morning 4 oClock, & be assur’d that ev’ry Attention in my power,
                            shall be paid to the Movements of the Enemy, & the earliest Intelligence of the same forwarded to Head Quarters.
                            Sir, I have the Honor to be Your most Obt Servt

                            Wm Crane Majr Commandr


Title: To George Washington from Horatio Gates, 3 September 1780
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Hillsborough 3d September 1780

                        I had the Day before Yesterday the Honor to receive your Excellency’s Letter, dated the 8th August from
                            Orange Town—It gave me infinite Satisfaction to find, you had baffled Sir Harry Clinton’s Designs, and was to all
                            Appearance in so prosperous a Situation—Heaven grant you the greatest Honor and Success—As to the Situation of Affairs
                            here, since my last Letter to Your Excellency of the 30th Ulto—I can only say no considerable Alteration has take
                            place—The Enemy remaining still; and the Disaffected doing Nothing of Consequence to disturb us—1400 of the Second Draught
                            of the Militia of this State are marched, to cover Salisbury, and the Country from thence to Charlotte, where Colonel
                            Sumpter has a Command; which occasionally acts upon the West Side of the Wateree, and has hitherto given such a Jealousy
                            to the British in Camden; as to keep them at Home—Three Hundred Virginia Rifle Men under Colonel Campbell—and Militia
                            from the back Counties, are marching to the East Bank of the Yadkin, at the Ford—and Genl Stevens with what have not run
                            Home, of the other Virginia Militia; is at Guildford Court House—The Maryland Division, and the Artillery are here, to be
                            refitted, the foremen will be put into One Strong Regiment, with a good Light Infantry Company under Coll Williams. The
                            Rest of the Officers will be sent, immediately to Maryland for the purpose directed, by Your Excellency, in Your Letter to
                            the Baron de Kalb of the 27th June, which came to my Hands, only Yesterday, from Richmond in Virginia—General Muhlenberg
                            acquaints me, that near five Hundred Regulars are upon their march from Petersburgh to this place; these with the
                            Marylanders above-mentioned, will make us Stronger in Continental Troops, than I was before the Action—The Cavalry under
                            the Colonels White and Washington, and Major Nelson; are not quite equipped so as to be able to march to Rock Fish in the
                            Neigbourhood of Cross Creek, as I directed—but I hope they will soon be in a Condition to obey my Orders.
                        Col. Dubyson Aid de Camp to the Baron de Kalb, a most amiable young Officer, will soon waite upon Your
                            Excellency—he was wounded and taken—but Lord Cornwallis has permitted him to go to Philadelphia on parole—All the Baron’s
                            Baggage and Papers are saved, that are delivered to Colonel Dubyson, who will be responsible for them.
                        Too much honor cannot be paid by Congress to the Memory of the Baron de Kalb, he was every Thing an excellent
                            Officer should be, and in the Cause of the United States has sacrificed his Life—If I, can yet render Good Service to the
                            United States; it will be necessary it should be seen, that I have the Support of Congress, and Your Excellency, otherwise
                            some Men may think they please my Superiors, by blaming me—and thus recommend themselves to Favor—but you Sir will be too
                            generous, to lend an Ear to such Men; if such there be—and will shew your greatness of Soul, rather by protecting, than
                            slighting the Unfortunate—if on the contrary I am not supported, and Countenance is given to every One, who will speak
                            disrespectfully of me; it will be better for Congress to remove me at once from a Command, where I shall be unable to
                            render them any Good Service—This Sir, I submit to Your Candor and Honor, and shall chearfully, awaite the Decision of my
                            Superiors—With the warmest Wishes for Your Prosperity, and the sincerest Sentiments of Esteem and Regard I am Sir Your
                            Excellency’s most obedient Humble Servant

                            Horatio Gates

                            P.S. inclosed are two Letters of Lord Rawdon, found at the House of Rugely, 13 Miles from Camden, to
                                whom they are directed—which will shew Your Excellency what dark Schemes our Enemies fall upon, in order to effect
                                their nefarious Purposes.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Head Quarters Camden July 1st 1780

                            So many deserters from this Army have passed with impunity thro’ the districts which are under your
                                direction, that I must necessarily suspect the Inhabitants to have connived at, if not facilitated their escape. If
                                attachment to their Sovereign will not move the Country People to check a Crime so detrimental to his service, it must
                                be my case to urge them to their duty as good subjects, by using invariable severity towards every one who shall shew
                                so criminal a neglect of the Public interest. I am therefore Sir to request of you that you will signify to all within
                                the limits of your command, my firm determination in this case. If any person shall meet a Soldier, straggling without a
                                written pass beyond the Picquets; & shall not do his utmost to secure him; or shall not spread an alarm for
                                that purpose Or if any person shall give shelter to Soldiers straggling as abovementioned, or shall serve them as a
                                guide; or shall furnish them with horses or any other assistance: The persons so offending may assure themselves of
                                rigorous punishment; either by whipping, Imprisonment, or by being sent to serve his Majesty in the West Indies,
                                according as I shall think the degree of criminality may require. I have ordered that every Soldier who passes the
                                Picquets shall submit himself to be examined by any of the militia who have any suspicion of him: If a Soldier
                                therefore attempts to escape when ordered by a militia man to stop, he is immediately to be fired upon as a deserter.
                                Single men of the Light Horse need not be examined; as they may often be sent alone upon expresses: Nor is any party
                                of Infantry, with a non Commissioned Officer at the head of it to be stopped.
                            I will give the Inhabitants Ten Guineas for the head of any deserter belonging to the Volunteers of
                                Ireland; & Five Guineas only if they bring him in alive. They shall likewise be rewarded (tho not to that
                                amount) for such deserters as they may secure belonging to any other Regiment.
                            I am confident that you will encourage the Country people to be more active in this respect. I am, Sir,
                                with much esteem Your very humble Sert

                                Rawdon

                     Enclosure

                                Secret
                                Sir
                                Camden July 7th 1780

                            I send you the names of some of the Field Officers, who are at present under General Sumpter’s Command.
                                Perhaps you may have such acquaintance with some of them, at least with their characters, that you may tempt them with
                                proposals without fear of their betraying you. The service which I would have them perform, is to advise Sumpter to
                                advance & fix his Encampment behind Buckley’s Creek; where there is a very specious position. I will promise
                                Five Hundred Guineas to any of them who will prevail upon him to take that step; will give you notice of it; will
                                particularize the Enemy’s force; & mark what detachments are made to secure their Camp from
                                surprize. Whoever undertakes it, may depend upon the strictest secrecy being observed: For, upon that head, I am sure
                                I may rely upon you. Very plausible arguments may be used for counselling Sumpter to take that position: It may
                                particularly be represented; that he would thereby cover the Waxshaws from the incursions of our
                                Cavalry; secure all the grain of that District; that Mecan’s Detachment, from its halting at Hanging Rock is evidently
                                weak, & acting on the defensive; and, that as we can support our Light troops much more readily from Hanging
                                Rock than he can sustain his from his present position, his advanced parties will always be circumscribed in their
                                range, & must always suffer when they fall in with ours. To prevent their having any apprehensions from me,
                                reports might be propagated in their Camp, that Kaswell had defeated McArthur; & was pressing forward against
                                me: Their credulity would ardently embrace a tale so consonant to their wishes; & the assertion might, in
                                spreading it, make a parade of his zeal. The difficulty will be to procure a proper emissary: If he conducts the
                                business well, he shall be rewarded in proportion to the importance of the Service. There is in their Camp, a Lt.
                                Colonel Lacey, a Prisoner on Parole to us; who, endeavoring to persuade Patten to follow his example, has been confined
                                & injuriously treated by Sumpter. Possibly, that may be a good channel for the business. No evil can arise
                                from a discovery of the proposal. Sumpter might indeed pretend to give into the
                                snare, & might lay an ambuscade for us; but, as I should march prepared for every occurrence, I might probably
                                draw much advantage from meeting him in that manner as if I had been the assailant. We must
                                only take care not to be duped: For if the person whom we try, reveals the affairs to
                                    Sumpter the latter may go halves with him; &, to unite him to the
                                Money, may encamp at Berkley’s for one afternoon, & go off next morning. The time must be clear; & bonâ fida towards us at best. Should
                                Sumpter be reinforced, I think him likely to take the step without instigation. Shew this letter to
                                Major Mecan; & believe me Sir, Your very humble Sert

                                Rawdon


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 3 September 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Newport September 3d 1780

                        His Excellency General Comte de Rochambeau has this morning consented to Colo. Green’s Regiment joining the
                            Army; I shall therefore order them to march as soon as possible; which I apprehend will be some time the next week. the
                            Comte retains the three months militia from Massachusetts for the purpose of compleating the works at Butts’s hill. this
                            militia consists of parts of five Regiments, as your Excellency will see by the returns which are made to the Adjutant
                            General of the Army. the Comte thinks the works ought to have been finished before this time, and that the militia do not
                            work with spirit: this, I suppose in some degree is the case altho’ every possible means have been taken to animate them.
                            but, after all, the works are very extensive, and the diging entirely in a Rock—and the ditch cannot be sunk faster than
                            the Engineers and Miners drill and blow the Rocks. Under these Circumstances, and in a work nearly as large as the fort at
                            West Point your Excellency cannot be at a loss to conjecture what time will be necessary for its completion—for my own
                            part I do not believe that it will be finished and friezed in less than Six weeks if so soon. The Comte intimated to me
                            this morning that the time of service of the militia was now so short that your Excellency would not probably wish to have
                            them go on from this place. this, your Excellency can best determine. The Comte begins to think of winter quarters, and has
                            applied to the Legislature of the State on the Subject. they have appointed a Committee to Confer with him. Newport and
                            Bristol are talked of for the purpose. I fear they will be straitened for fuel and forage, especially the later—they have a
                            prodigious number of Horses, and the Crops of Hay have been but light—and the feed, from the excessive dry season, is very
                            short—the Indian Corn is also much effected by it, and the Crops in general this way will be light.
                        The British fleet are said to have left the Vineyard Sound on Wednesday or thursday last—but, where they are
                            gone is yet unknown. Some deserters who made their escape from the fleet while at the Vineyard report that they expected a
                            reinforcement from Newfoundland (this however we know must be very trifling) and that they would make an attempt on the
                            French at Newport—but as your Army was become very Strong it was doubted whether a Sufficient number of Troops could be
                            spared from New york to give any prospect of Success to Such an enterprise. I have the honor to be, With the greatest
                            Respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 3 September 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Richmond Sep. 3. 1780.

                        As I know the anxieties you must have felt since the late misfortune to the South, and our latter accounts
                            have not been quite so unfavorable as the first, I take the liberty of inclosing you a state of this unlucky affair
                            extracted from letters from General Gates, Genl Stevens, & Govr Nash, and taken as to some circumstances from an
                            officer who was in the action. another army is collecting. this amounted on the 23d Ult. to between four & five
                            thousand men consisting of about 500 Maryland regulars, a few of Harrison’s artillery & Porterfeild’s corps,
                            Armand’s legion, such of the fugitive militia as had been reclaimed, and about 3000 N. Carolina militia newly embodied. we
                            are told they will increase these to 8000. our new recruits will rendezvous in this state between the 10th & 25th
                            inst. we are calling out 2000 militia who I think however will not be got to Hillsborough till the 25th of October. about
                            350 regulars marched from Chesterfeild a week ago; 50 march tomorrow and there will be 100, or 150 more from that post
                            when they can be cleared of the hospital. this is as good a view as I can give you of the force we are endeavoring to
                            collect. but they are unarmed. almost the whole small arms seem to have been lost in the late rout. there are here on
                            their way Southward 3000 stand of arms sent by Congress, and we have a few still remaining in our magazine. I have written
                            pressingly, as the subject well deserves, to Congress, to send us immediate supplies, and to think of forming a magazine
                            here that in case of another disaster we may not be left without all means of opposition.
                        I inclosed to your Excellency some time ago a resolution of assembly instructing us to send a quantity of
                            tobo to N. York for the relief of our officers there, and asking the favor of you to obtain permission. having received
                            no answer I fear my letter or your answer has miscarried. I therefore now take the liberty of repeating my application to
                            you. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect & esteem Your Excellency’s most obedt & most
                            humble servt

                            Th: Jefferson

                     Enclosure

                            Intelligence from South Carolina
                            A narrative of the late disaster in South Carolina
                            collected from the most authoritative Accts
                            which have been Received.
                            On the 13th of August Genl Gates with the Maryland line the Artillery and North Carolina Militia arrived
                                at Ridgeley thirteen miles from Cambden and took post there and was the Next day joind by Genl Stevens with Seven
                                hundred of the Virginia Militia; Col. Sumpter was then at the Waxsaws with four hundred South Carolina Militia, and
                                had on the Sunday before killed and taken near three hundred of the enemy who were posted at the hanging rock. this
                                and Other strokes on thier advanced post Occasioned their Calling in all thier out post to Cambden the 15th at day
                                light Genl Gates reinforced Col. Sumpter with three hundred North Carolina Militia one hundred of the Maryland line
                                and two three pounders. Col. Sumpter took possession of all the passes on the Wateree from Elkins’s ford to whiticars
                                farm five Miles below Campden at one of these he Supprised the enemy’s guard killed Seven and took about thirty a mong
                                which was Colo. Cary their Commanding officer with thirty eight waggons loaded with Corn Rum &c. also a Number
                                of horses; and afterwards on the Same day he took about Seventy prisoners, British, Six waggons, baggage
                                &c.—on their way from Ninety Six. at ten OClock Genl Gates’s Army marched intending to take post on an
                                advantageous Situation where was a deep Creek in front about Seven miles from Cambden, the heavy baggage being ordered
                                to proceed by the waxaw road; the March was in the following order. Col. Armond’s legion in front Supported on both
                                flanks by Colo. Porterfield Commanding officer of Virginia Regulars and the light infantry of the Militia, the
                                advanced guard of infantry, the Maryland line with their Artillery in front of the brigades the N.C. Militia, the
                                Virga Militia the Artillery &c. & the rear guard between 12 & 1 oClock after marching About
                                Five Miles they Met with the enemy, Under the Command of Lord Cornwallis who had marched out from Cambden about Nine
                                OClock of the Same Night intending to Attack our Camp by supprise about day break. this Meeting was equally unexpected
                                on both Sides and Occationed a halt Of both Armies. the enemy’s Cavalry then charged Colo. Armonds legion which was
                                well Supported on the flanks by Col. Porterfield’s Corps who repulsed the assailants but Unfortunately Col.
                                Porterfield himself had his leg broke in the first fire the enemy’s infantry then advancing with a heavy fire. the
                                troops in front gave way to the front of the 1st Maryland brigade and a Confusion ensued which took Some time to
                                regulate—at length the Army was ranged in line of battle in the following order, Genl Gist’s brigade on the Right
                                with his Right close to a swamp the N.C. Militia in Close Order two deep in the Centre, and the Virginia Militia in
                                like order with the light infantry and Porterfield’s Corps on the left, the Artillery divided to the brigades and the
                                first Maryland brigade as a Corps de reserve and to Cover the Cannon in the road at a proper distance in the rear.
                                Col. Armonds Corps was ordered to the left to Support the left flank & Oppose the enemy’s Cavalry their
                                infantry from a defect in Numbers were only a Single file five feet apart in this Situation they remained till day
                                break of the 16th when our troops advanced in a line a few hundred yards. the enemy attacked and drove in our light
                                party in front: and after the first fire charged the militia with bayonets where upon the whole gave way except Col.
                                Dixon’s Regiment of N.C. Militia, & their cavalry continuing to harrass the rear Such was the panic diffused through
                                the whole that the utmost and unremitting exertions of the Generals Gates Stevens Caswell and Others assisted by a
                                Number of Officers to rally them even in Small parties, at the Several advantageous posts at which it was Occasionally
                                attempted, proved ineffectual. they ran like a torrent and bore all before them. this Shamefull
                                desertion of the Militia gave the enemy an opportunity of bending their whole force against the
                                Maryland Troops and Dixons Regiment of N.C. Militia, the Conflict was obstinate and bloody and lasted fifteen Minutes,
                                Dixons Militia Standing firm with their regular brethren & pushing bayonets to the last Superior bravery was
                                at length Obliged to give way to Superior Numbers, and this gallant Corps Compelled to retreat from the ground. They
                                were then furisly charged by a party of British horse (thier Numbers Not known) whom they
                                Compleatly Vanquished, insomuch that not more than two of the party are said to have got off. these brave men suffered
                                greatly, having lost as is believed one half of their number, & to their immortal honour made their retreat
                                good. the waggons were some distance behind. the Waggoners cut loose the horses on which they were, the flying militia
                                the rest, & left the waggons. how many they were is not yet known nor what numbers of them were lost. An
                                account of no light authority sais they were all taken to the number of 400; an officer in the engagement sais that
                                not more than 20 were taken; that the enemy never pursued so far as to the place where the waggons were posted; that
                                the cavalry indeed did pursue beyond them, but as the waggons stood without horses, they were unable to carry them
                                off: and that teams were afterwards collected at Charlotte which were sent and brought them away safely. We lost 8
                                pieces of cannon, all the ammunition which was with the army, tents, baggage, military chests papers and nearly the
                                whole muskets which were in the hands of the militia who basely threw them away. the numbers of the enemy are not
                                certainly known; prisoners say they were 3500 regulars; Colo. Sumpter’s intelligence on the 15th made them 1200
                                regulars 1000 militia & a reinforcement of 500 regulars on their way, but whether these had joined or not is
                                unknown. it is believed their loss was full 500 killed & wounded. they retreated immediately to campden; but
                                sent a party of horse against Colo. Sumpter, who after he had withdrawn up the Wateree 40 miles came on him by
                                surprize, cut him off from his arms which they took retook the prisoners waggons & other things he had
                                captured. few of his men were lost as they flew to the woods. Generals Gates, Gist, Smallwood, Huger, Stevens, Butler
                                and Gregory are Safe. Generals DeKalb & Rutherford are missing, the latter a prisoner certainly, the former a
                                prisoner and some accounts say mortally wounded, others that he is unhurt. Colo. Porterfield an inestimable Officer,
                                is said, we fear too truly to be dead of his wounds. about one third of his corps wast lost—On this defeat the
                                yeomanry of N. Carolina imediately turned out unsollicited. An army is collecting which when our last advices came
                                away, viz. August 23d already consisted of between four & 5000 men.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 3 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters Septr 3rd 1780.

                        Several days ago I received a letter from the Honorable Mr Brearly, Chief Justice of Jersey, in which he
                            mentions that "Complaint has been made to me, by a Member of the Legislature of Somerset County, together with other
                            respectable Inhabitants, that a detachment of Major Lee’s light Dragoons have quartered themselves upon the Inhabitants of
                            the County near Rockey Hill, without any order of Law, are impressing Forage by their own authority, and committing other
                            great outrages on the Inhabitants. The persons particularly complained against, are Captain Rudolph, Doctor Irvin and one
                            Stephen Lewis, supposed to be a Commissioned Officer." I would willingly hope that this complaint has been exaggerated and
                            profered in much stronger terms than facts would Warrant. There is nothing I wish for more than harmony and a good
                            understanding to prevail between the Country and the Army; it essential to our success and whenever circumstances compel
                            to any measures out of the common line, and which may bear hard against the Inhabitants, they ought not to be carried
                            farther than necessity may absolutely require.
                        I have not written to Mr Brearly in answer to his letter; but I wish to do it without further delay. I want
                            previously however, to hear from you after communicating this letter to the Officers who are particularly complained of. I
                            am, &c.

                            G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 3 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Liberty Pole in Bergen County Sepr 3d 1780.

                        I have been successively honored with your letters of the 25th 28th and 31st of the past month.
                        A few days ago I moved the army to this place to cover a forage which we thought it adviseable to make in the
                            lower parts of this county; which by its proximity to New York has afforded the enemy considerable supplies. Having
                            effected our purpose, we shall tomorrow take a new position about two miles from this and about five miles from the North
                            River, where we shall remain till there is a solution of the present demonstrations of the enemy; as soon as possible
                            after which, I shall do myself the honor to meet you at one of the places, you mention.
                        The accounts from New York of preparations for some capital movement increase. A large number of transports
                            have fallen down, first to the narrows, and since were falling down to Sandy Hook. A body of troops crossed over from Long
                            Island to Staten Island; yesterday our pickets on the North River opposite the Island of New York saw a large train of
                            waggons moving from the upper part of the Island towards the city, supposed to be baggage waggons. The weather was too
                            hazy to discover, if there were any troops in march. There is no doubt a fleet of empty victuallers and transports on the
                            point of taking their departure for Europe, but the number of transports at the narrows and Hook, said to exceed an
                            hundred is too large to be well explained into that fleet.
                        I have pretty good information that General Clinton endeavoured lately to engage a person to go to Rhode
                            Island as a spy, who was to be met by a frigate in some part of the Sound, after having collected all the knowledge he
                            could of your situation and that of the fleet. The person declined the errand; but the circumstance leads to a suspicion
                            that Clintons movements look your way. I cannot however easily persuade myself that this is the case—Nor am I yet
                            satisfied, not withstanding the appearances, that he can be making a detachment to the West Indies. In all probability the
                            fate of Jamaica will be decided before it could arrive. If the object should be to save the other Islands,
                            a month hence would answer the purpose, as the season will not till the latter end of October, admit of
                            operations in the Windward Islands; and New York would be less exposed in the meantime. Indeed I cannot easily believe,
                            that the enemy will venture at the period to make any considerable division of their force at New York—Yet I confess their
                            affairs have somewhat this aspect.
                        In consequence of the advices brought by the Alliance, I have dismissed the principal part of the Militia
                            which were called out for three months. From the position of the fleets in Europe, there is reason to apprehend the second
                            division would arrive too late to enable us to avail ourselves of their services, which, with respect to a great part of
                            them would expire in October. If fortunate events should bring the second division here sooner than I now expect, and in
                            time for an operation against New York, we must assemble all the Militia in the neighbouring country, till those more
                            remote can come to our aid. Another inducement for dismissing the Militia is to aconomise our supplies.
                        The visit you have had from the Indians, gives me great pleasure. I felicitate you on that which you must
                                have had in the company of such agreeable and respectable guests. I dare say the reception they
                            met with will have a good effect. It has been the policy of the english to discredit the accounts of an alliance between
                            France and America; a conviction of which on the substantial evidence of your army and fleet, and not less of your
                            presents and good cheer will not fail to have an happy influence. I am Sir, with the greatest esteem Your most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 3 September 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport Septer 3d-4 1780. at 4: P.M.

                        By a Vessel from Boston, that passed by the Vineyard, I hear that the English fleet sailed off,
                            Southwestward, on the 30th P.M. which account confirms my Last Letter saying that they had not appeared since that time. I
                            had not spoken to Your Excellency about the works going on at Howland’s ferry, to assure our communication with the
                            Continent, because the militia have been very slow at it, and that they have scarcely half done that fort which ought to
                            have been finished eight days ago. I often have made use of Your Excellency’s name to encourage them. General Heath has
                            done the same, but all is in vain, unless they were to see the Ennemy near at hand. I have Engineers and Minors there, to
                            facilitate their business, if they would but do it. However, I must except Colonel Green and Colonel Thyer who are very
                            zealous and active in promoting it. As your Excellency may need Colonel Green’s regiment. General Heath will order him to
                            join the army, and the three month men from Boston State Commanded by Colonel Jacobs and Colonel Thyer, whose time is
                            almost expired, would then stay to finish Howland’s ferry Fort.
                        For the same reason, I have sent back one half of the Waggons which Colonel Mitchell had hired for us at
                            Philadelphy for three months their time is out to day, and most of them are either just arriving, or even are not arrived
                            yet. they have not been the least useful to us. But that the Campaign may not be thought to be over They are gone in
                            Brigades, with a view of going to fetch flour From Jersey, and I write at the same time to the Chevalier de La Luzerne to
                            dismiss them Immediately upon their arrival. I likewise have wrote to the rhode island states, that tho’ the campaign be
                            not over, and tho’ this army was always ready to act according to your Excellency’s orders, and to the circumstances, it
                            would however be prudent and wise to prepare before hand the places and provisions necessary to the winter quarters, that
                            two Plans had been presented to me, 1º Barracking the Troops, 2dº Lodging them in Newport and in Bristol. Tho’ my desire
                            of keeping the severest discipline, and of having my Troops together made me prefer the first Plan, yet I think that the
                            second will be more agreable to the King my master, because in the first case, all the expences for Baracking, would be of
                            no use to the Country, and in the second case, As the British have destroyed the greatest part of these two towns, the
                            King would have the Pleasure of contributing to their Repairing, and that his money would be useful to his faithfull
                            allies. I desired the States to help me as far as their means &ca will allow them. I expect their answer, which I
                            hope will prove favorable, if I may judge by the one I received from Governor Green. I am with respect Sir, Your
                            Excellency’s Most obedient humble servant

                            le Comte de Rochambeau
                            4th, 5 o clock, A.M.

                            A Sudden squall hindered yesterday the Packet from crossing the Ferry, Last night arrived here a Truce
                                flag from the Vineyard with thirty Prisoners from the Fargés.
                                 Their report was that the British fleet did not Leave the vineyard untill Thursday afternoon, which contradicts
                                the Information of the Boston man.


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

                            Head Quarters Kendekamack Monday September 4th 1780
                            Parole Lexington
                            Countersigns N: P.
                            Watchword Bayonet

                        For the Day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Clinton
                        Colonel Marshall
                        Lieutenant Colonel Newall
                        Brigade Major Van Laer
                        The Guards to Parade at a quarter past six this Evening in front of the York brigade where the Grand Parade
                            is assigned at present.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Clinton, 4 September 1780
From: Clinton, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New York September 4th 1780.

                        I have received the honor of your Letter of the 26th Ultimo, and but for General Phillips’s Indisposition,
                            which made the proposed Meeting uncertain, I should have sent my Reply earlier.
                        General Phillips hopes his Health will permit him to be at Elizabeth Town on the 19th Instant, where my
                            Commissary of Prisoners shall attend; and at the same time the Propositions which I think necessary to offer respecting a
                            Resident Commissary will be transmitted. I have the honor to be, your Excellency’s, Most obedient and Most humble Servant.

                            H. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 4 September 1780
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Danbury 4th Sepr 1780

                        I am induc’d to beleive very few Recruits will be added to the Connectt Line this Campaign, and I should
                            wish your Excellency’s Permission to join my Brigade—some Success has attended the inlisting Volunteer Companies to be
                            cal’d when Newyork is invested & to continue subject to the Regulations of the Army during the Seige. I am not
                            yet certain of the Numbers ingag’d three or four Companies are full & I beleive about Six Hundred are ingag’d
                            & more are inlisting for that Purpose; the Recruits sent on are 1536 besides those from the Horse; I don’t expect
                            they will amount to more than 1700 this Year—inclos’d is a Representation of the Conduct of Cpt. Sill of Colo. Warner’s
                            Regt which I receiv’d from Governor Trumbull with a Desire that his Conduct may be examin’d into; the
                            Proofs are in Connecticutt; as I have no way to call him in Question, I have transmitted the Complaint
                            to your Excellency that proper Measures may be taken respecting him.
                        just as I was closing this Letter I received your Excellency’s Letter of the 2nd Inst. and shall join the
                            Troops near North Castle the Day after to Morrow and pursue the Directions your Excellency has given therein. I am with
                            great Respect yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

                            Saml H. Parsons.

                     Enclosure

                                    c.4 September 1780

                            Capt. Arahel Brau and Moses Sheppard say That Capt. Saml Rockwell of Colo. Smith’s
                                Regiment, when ordered to detach men in June 1779 applied to Capt. Thos Sill of Colo. Warners Regiment, and recd of
                                him a certificate of having recd of Capt. Rockwell the number of men he had to detach—when the identical men expressed
                                in sd Certificate had been serving in Colo. Warners Regiment—for years past—but as that Regt was not patronized by any
                                particular State, those men had not been returned.
                            Those Captains also say that Capt. Sill offers to pass certificates to individuals, of their having
                                procured substitutes for the war, when those described as substitutes have been serving in said Colo. Warner’s Regiment
                                a long time past—and that the sum Capt. Sill requires for such certificates is £40—that Capt. Sill has negotiated an
                                affair of this kind with Daniel Risford of Co. Sheppard’s Company—and offers to with any person who applies.

                                Samul Richards
                                Pay master to Colo. Wyllys’ Regt


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 5 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

                            Gentn
                            Head Qrs near Hackinsac Bridge Septr 5: 1780

                        I have received Mr Stoddert’s Letter of the 28th of August, with a Copy of the Resolution of the 12th, to
                            which it refers. I see, for the reasons mentioned, that there will be a good deal of difficulty in making out the List of
                            the Officers directed by the Act—and I am sorry that I have it not in my power to give the Board the assistance I could
                            wish; but such as I can render they shall not readily receive. I would however, previous to any interfering in this
                            business in any degree, beg leave to suggest to them that it appears to me necessary, that it should be clearly and
                            explicitly understood by the Board, which seems not to be the case by their Letter, what Officers are to be the Objects of
                            their Report. If those are not designated, it may lead to injustice, which though eventually redressed, would nonetheless
                            in the first instance excite great complaint and confusion. If the point should be left subject to various constructions
                            and interpretations, this must be the consequence, as we may easily conclude from the very different conduct &
                            treatment, which have been adopted by the different states and still prevail in many instances, with respect to the
                            Officers & Corps which the Board mention. Indeed the present is a matter of a delicate nature—and it is to be wished for
                            the sake of harmony—that it could be so settled, that All the Officers who are to have the
                            depreciation of their pay made-up, could be described in One general arrangement. The mentioning of one set & postponing
                            Another, though a provision should be afterwards made for them & equally intended when that for
                            Others was determined, is the source of uneasiness and of apprehension that discriminations will obtain injuries to the
                            latter.
                        Whether Aids de Camp & Secretaries who have not Regimental Commissions or Appointments should be part
                            of the Officers, who are to be under the Board’s consideration, is a question I can not determine; but they are certainly
                            as much Officers in the line of the Army as any Others and equally entitled to this just compensation, which I should also
                            suppose must be the case, with respect to Officers of every description whether military or
                            staff, who have served for a standing, fixed pay—which has not been encreased from time to time as the depreciation
                            encreased. The doubt with the Board with respect to Aids cannot extend against the equity of their claim, but only I
                            presume whether they are to be Objects of their Report—or are to come under the consideration of any other body—or of the
                            Committee proposed by the Act of the 10th of April. I have the Honor to be with great respect Gentn

                            P.S. The Board’s Letter of the 25th Ulto came to hand the 2d Inst. with Commissions only for Moylan’s
                                & Webb’s Regimts.


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Brodhead, 5 September 1780
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Fort Pitt Sepr 5th 1780

                        Yesterday the Indians killed two Men (of the frontier Inhabitants) on Robeson’s Run in this County
                            (Yoghagania) and fired at two Soldiers who were taking some Stores in a Canoe from hence to Port Henry. One of them is
                            wounded but neither of them fell into the Hands of the Enemy.
                        I would have sent out a party to pursue the Indians, but I have no provision left, nor do I see any prospect
                            of an adequate supply, as the Drought Still continues. and we have neither Money nor Credit to make Purchases.
                        Colo. Clark has lately destroyed two of the Shawness Towns, and killed Six Men & one Woman, And is
                            returned to the Falls.
                        If a sufficient quantity of Provisions can be obtained I will yet visit the Wyondats by the first of
                            November, and I believe the Country will be unanimous in joining me upon an Expedition. I have the Honor to be with the
                            greatest Respect your Excellencies most Obed. Servt

                            Daniel Brodhead


Title: To George Washington from Edward Giles, 5 September 1780
From: Giles, Edward
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia Sepr 5th 1780

                        Agreeable to your Excellency’s Letter directed to the commanding Officer of the Marlyand additional Regiment,
                            I have marched two hundred Men to this Place, that Number being all in a proper Condition for marching—The remainder,
                            being about two hundred and fifty, were detained for want of Cloathing, but I expect will join me here in a few Days—Should have proceeded on to Camp immediately had not the Board of War advised me to remain untill the whole Regiment
                            should arrive and be furnished with Cloathing. This Business I flatter myself will be effected in a Week when I shall make
                            all possible Dispatch to Head Quarters unless I should recieve your Excellency’s Orders to the Contrary. I am with every
                            Sentiment of Respect, Yr Excellencys Obt Humble Servt

                            Edwd Giles Major Commd.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Bergen County 5th Septr 1780

                        I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 9th ulto enclosing a return of 40 prisoners of
                            War delivered to the Continental Commy at Winchester, for which the state will have the proper credit. Now I am upon the
                            subject of prisoners, I would wish to be informed in what light I am to consider Governor Hamilton, as I do not observe
                            him included in the list. That Gentleman has already been the subject of several propositions on the part of the enemy,
                            and should others be made before I hear again from your Excellency, I shall be embarrassed, as I shall not know on what
                            footing to place him. Indeed there will shortly be an interview on the subject of exchange, at which it is more than
                            probable he will be again mentioned. From what I have heard, I have reason to believe that the enemy will exchange him for
                            a Lieut. Colonel.
                        Should there be any other Officers in Virginia who are considered as prisoners belonging to the State, I
                            shall be glad to be informed of their names and Ranks, and whether I may include them should opportunities offer of making
                            either a partial or general exchange. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 5 September 1780
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Sep. 5th 1780 Hackinsack

                        I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr of the 3d inst. transcribing a complaint exhibited by the Chief
                            Justice of this state against three officers of my corps.
                        the following is the exact state of the matter. When illegible
                             to Monmouth, I posted a party of horse in the vicinity of Brunswic for the speedy communication of
                            intelligence. The inhabitants on whom they were quartered being people whom we had often visited, received us as usual,
                            with hearty welcome, nor did they wish or require the formality of billets.
                        On moving to Easton, I encreased this party by leaving with them the horses unfit for service, &
                            directed the officer (Cornet Lewis) to move them to a more abundant country. He accordingly fixed them in & about
                                illegibleland meeting house—the people voluntarily agreed with him to keep a
                            given number at their respective farms for a given number of days; this compact superseded the necessity of waiting on the
                            magistrates. Mr Lewis therefore omitted it. Previous to my return from Easton, Capt. Rudolph of the Cavalry joined with his
                            host from Monmouth. He according to the usage of the corps, & Sheriden’s orders, got billet & forage
                            warrants from the magistrate, & acted by virtue of them only. On my junction, the troops with
                            me were also quartered by the authority of the warrant given Capt. Rudulph which was general & designed for the
                            quartering of the whole. I saw & read the warrants given Capt. Rudulph & also saw a letr from the
                            Contractor of the county to Capt. Rudulph (in consequence of his application) procuring payment to the people for the
                            supplys furnished.
                        To the best of my recollection we continued in that country one day only, after my arrival—During that day I
                            visited the quarters of the 2d & 3 troops—I never saw people more pleased, or more affectionate. Not a single
                            complaint was or had been uttered but the soldiers civility was exalted as surpassing any thing they had met with during
                            the war. This is language which I have the happiness of always receiving from the inhabitants. I was not at the cantonment
                            of the 1st Troop, but received the same report from the com. officer, only in the instance of a Mr Senbrook where Capt.
                            Rudulph, of the infantry  an invalid. Doctr Irvin & Cornet Lewis quartered. I enquired of
                            the three officers & was convinced from what they said that the origin of the complaint was the putting a
                            distempered horse into the stable contrary to the will of the farmer. My enquiry was made in the presence of Gen. Heard
                            & another respectable inhabitant—they both replied that it was not worth attending to, as Mr Senbrook &
                            wife were notorious among their neighbors for their ill nature, muttering & discontent. The officers quartered on
                            Mr Senbrook but six days, two of them very sick. They were recommendd there by a magistrate Mr Hoglan, who informed them
                            of the character of the house, & they contracted with Mr Senbrook for their time which they should Stay with him.
                            He agreed & received them. This was the party mentioned in the first of my let. On hearing of
                            the ill nature of Mr Senbrook, on receiving no complaint from him & on understanding the general happiness which
                            had subsisted between the soldiers & the people I did not wait on Mr Senbrook, but moved on my way to the army.
                        The gentlemen complained off, say that they were treated with much abuse by the gentleman & his wife
                            the two last days, from an apprehension that they would continue to quarter on them till my return, which they presumed
                            would be longer than the days agreed on—that one of them, to pose a  of
                                security, into which the farmer got, replied passionately "that unless he held
                            his tongue he would throw him down his well" this is the only expression of passion which escaped from the three, tho’ the
                            subjects of perpetual abuse from morning to night, for two days  & two of the three
                            invalids. “so far transmitted  Chief Justice Bremly 6th Sept.
                        Having given your Exclly a particular relation of the matter in question, I beg leave to assure you, that it
                            is my general rule to conduct every business of my corps in which the people are concerned by and acts from the
                            magistrate—I do not do this when on the lines or on a speedy march thro’ the country. My orderly book & the
                            affectionate treatment we receive from a neighborhood when we return among them are proofs of this assertion—In our
                            variety of movements the ill nature of some, will cause complaints. this is to be expected, & we bear with
                            patience the violence of their spleen. It is my interest as com. officer to introduce such a dyposition, because it
                            preserves discipline & procures better fare for my men. It is my duty, as an obedient officer, & it is my
                            pride as a patriot soldier—My officers participate in the same feelings, & no complainant or advocate for
                            complaints can assert that my men are deficient in discipline—of course the incidental complaints which may be exhibited
                            are the issue of  on the side of the owner of property about to part with it, for a piece of paper,
                            or the mistaken zeal of the soldier. I beg leave to mention what has happened the other day—Forage masters from the army
                            went to Newark & its vicinity, & siezed forage wherever they saw it. The very same day my officer on
                            forage duty was riding about to the magistrates & the contractor, with a letr from me praising their aid—the
                            Magistrates gave their warrant, the contracter in writing promised to notice our certificates—The officer went about from
                            farm to farm with both instruments of writing in his hands—the farmers would give nothing, & he returned to me
                            without a sheaf of oats—the forage mastrs who acted from themselves, passed my quarters with waggons loaded—I found from
                            my officers report, nothing could be done but by force; my horses were starving notwithstanding which, I preferred sending
                            to Trenton for corn, & wait its arrival which came but last night, rather than force the will of the people. This
                            Sir, I resent, & this is the spirit of every part of my conduct with the inhabitants. I have the honor to be Sir
                            with the most perfect respect your Excellencys most obt Set

                            Henry Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from Charles Willson Peale, 5 September 1780
From: Peale, Charles Willson
To: Washington, George

                            Dr Sir
                            Phila Sepr 5th 1780

                        I Received your favor by the last post Since which time I have been Confined by a fever,
                            however I have sent to every likely place to enquire for illegible Lanreette but without any success. Business may have detaind  very considerable obligation to your illegible for your readiness to illegible me, I am with great respect Dr Sir your most Obedient & Humble Servt

                            C.W. Peale


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 5 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Bergen County 5th Sepr 1780

                        I am honored by your Excellencys favor of the 31st ulto accompanied by a letter to the Committee of
                            Cooperation, which I took the liberty of opening; as those Gentlemen had been, some little time before, recalled by
                            Congress—Our situation, in respect to Meat, is, if possible, worse now than it was when I addressed my circular letter of
                            the 27th ulto. The Country in the neighbourhood is daily more and more exhausted, and our prospects of an immediate supply
                            from a distance are far from being adequate to our wants. The whole Army will be this day without Meat, and some part of
                            it has been several days on short allowance.
                        While I rejoice to hear that the Country abounds in supplies, I cannot but be alarmed at finding your
                            Excellency Express a fear that they will come on irregularly to the Army. I very much approve of the plan of establishing
                            a correspondence between the superintending Commissaries of the New England States, for want of which we are, no doubt,
                            subjected to many inconveniencies.
                        I will not undertake to say how the account of supplies furnished by the State of Connecticut stands upon a
                            general scale, but if I am not misinformed by the Commissary General, she is very considerably deficient upon the
                            requisitions made by the Committee of Cooperation. He tells me he has received no Cattle from Colo. Champion for five weeks
                            past.
                        The four or five hundred Barrels of salt Beef, which your Excellency mentions, will be a most valuable
                            acquisition to the Magazine at West point, as we have been under the necessity of consuming the small quantity which I had
                            wished to keep in reserve at that post, to secure it in case of a sudden investiture. You will therefore oblige me by
                            forwarding it as expeditiously as possible to that place. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect and Esteem Dear
                            Sir Your Excellency’s most obt and humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


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

                            Head Quarters Steenrapia Wednesday September 6th 1780
                            Parole Richmond
                            Countersigns O:K.
                            Watchword Fabius

                        For the Day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Patterson
                        Colonel H. Jackson
                        Lieutenant Colonel Badlam
                        Major Torrey
                        Brigade Major Fish
                        The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following resolution.
                        In Congress August 22d 1780
                        Whereas it is of the utmost importance effectually to prevent the destruction, waste, embezzlement, and
                            misapplication of the public stores and provisions upon which the existence of the Armies of these United states may
                            depend; and no adequate provision hath been made for the just punishment of delinquents in the departments of the
                            Quartermaster General, Commissary General of Purchases, Commissary General of issues, Clothier General, Commissary General
                            of military Stores, Purveyor of the Hospitals and Hide department, Therefore.
                        Resolved That every Person in any of the said Departments entrusted with the care of Provisions or military
                            or Hospital Stores or other property of these United States who shall be Convicted at a General Court martial of having
                            sold without a proper order for that purpose, embezzled or wilfully misapplied, damaged or spoiled, any of the provisions
                            horses Forage Arms cloathing Ammunition or other military or hospital stores or property belonging to the United states of
                            America shall suffer Death or such other punishment as shall be directed by a General Court Martial according to the
                            nature and degree of the offence at the discretion of such Court; And every person in any of the said departments
                            entrusted as aforesaid who shall be Convicted at a General Court martial of having through Neglect suffered any of the
                            Articles aforesaid to be wasted spoiled or damaged shall suffer such Punishment as the said Court shall in their
                            discretion direct according to the Degree of the offence.


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 6 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael,Alexander, William Lord Stirling

                            At a Council of War held in Camp Bergen County Septr 6th 1780

                                 Present.

                                 The Commander in Chief.

                                Major’s General

                                Greene.

                                Howe

                                Lord Stirling.

                                 de la Fayette

                                St Clair

                                Steuben

                                Brigadiers General

                                Nixon

                                Huntington

                                Clinton

                                Starke

                                Knox

                                 Hand

                                Glover

                                Irvine

                                Wayne

                        The Commander in Chief states to the Council, that since he had the honor of laying before the General Officers,
                            at Morris Town, the 6th of June last a general view of our circumstances, several important events have occurred, which
                            have materially changed the prospects of the Campaign.
                        That the succour expected from France, instead of coming out in one body, and producing a naval superiority
                            in these Seas, has been divided into two divisions, the first of which only consisting of seven Ships of the line, one
                            forty four and three smaller Frigates, with five thousand land forces, had arrived at Rhode Island.
                        That a reinforcement of Six Ships of the line from England, having reinforced the Enemy, had made their naval
                            force in these Seas amount to nine Sail of the line, two fifties, two forty fours, and a number of smaller Frigates; a
                            force completely superior to that of our Allies, and which has in consequence held them blocked up in the Harbour of Rhode
                            Island, till the 29th Ulto—at which period, the British Fleet disappeared, and no advice of Them has been since received.
                        That accounts received by the Alliance Frigate, which left France in July announces the second division to
                            be confined in Brest with several other Ships by a British fleet of Thirty two sail of the line—and a fleet of the Allies
                            of thirty six or thirty eight Ships of the Line ready to put to Sea from Cadiz to relieve the port of Brest.
                        That most of the States, in their answers to the requisitions made of them, gave the strongest assurances of
                            doing every thing in their power to furnish the men and supplies required for the expected cooperation—the effect of
                            which however has been far short of our expectations, for not much above one third of the Levies demanded for the
                            Continental Battalions, nor above the same proportion of Militia have been assembled—and the supplies have been so
                            inadequate that there was a necessity for dismissing all the Militia, whose immediate services could be dispensed with, to
                            lessen our consumption; notwithstanding which the Troops now in the Field are severely suffering for want of provisions.
                        That the Army at this Post, and in the vicinity, in operating force, consists of 10,400 Continental Troops
                            and about 400 Militia; besides which is a Regiment of Continental Troops of about 500 at Rhode Island left there for the
                            assistance of our Allies against any attempt of the Enemy that way, and two Connecticut State Regiments amounting to 800
                            at North Castle—That the times of service for which the Levies are engaged will expire by the first of January, which, if
                            not replaced, allowing for the usual casualties, will reduce the Continental Army to less than 6,000 Men.
                        That since the state to the Council above referred to, the Enemy have brought a detachment of about 3,000
                            from Charles Town to New York, which makes the present operating force in this quarter between Ten and eleven thousand
                            men.
                        That the Enemy’s force now in the Southern States has not been lately ascertained by any distinct accounts
                            but the General supposes it cannot be less than 7,000 (of which about 2,000 are probably at Savannah)—in this estimate
                            the diminution by the casualties of the climate is supposed to be equal to the increase of force derived from the
                            disaffected.
                        That, added to the loss of Charles Town and its Garrison, accounts of a recent misfortune are just arrived
                            from Major General Gates, giving advice of a general action which happened on the 16th of August near Camden, in which the
                            Army under his command met with a total defeat, and in all probability the whole of the Continental Troops and a
                            considerable part of the Militia would be cut off.
                        That the State of Virginia has been some time exerting itself to raise a body of 3,000 Troops to serve till
                            the end of December 1781, but how far it has succeeded is not known.
                        That Maryland had Resolved to raise 2,000 Men, of which a sufficient number to compose one Battalion was to
                            have come to this Army—the remainder to recruit the Maryland line—but in consequence of the late advices an order has
                            been sent to march the whole Southward.
                        That the Enemy’s force in Canada Hallifax, St Augustine and at Penobscot remains much the same as stated to
                            the preceding Council.
                        That there is still every reason to believe the Court of France will prosecute its original intention of
                            giving effectual succour to this Country, as soon as circumstances will permit; and it is hoped the second division will
                            certainly arrive in the course of the fall.
                        That a Fleet greatly superior to that of the Enemy in the West Indies and a formidable Land force had sailed
                            some time since from Martinique to make a combined attack upon the Island of Jamaica—That there is a possibility of a
                            reinforcement from this quarter also to the fleet of our Ally at Rhode Island.
                        The Commander in Chief, having thus given the Council a full view of our present situation and future
                            prospects, requests the opinion of each Member in writing, what plan it will be advisable for us to pursue—to what
                            objects our attention ought to be directed, in the course of this fall and winter, taking into consideration the
                            alternative of having or not having a naval superiority—whether any offensive operations can immediately be undertaken
                            and against what point—what ought to be our immediate preparations and dispositions, particularly whether we can afford,
                            or ought, to send any reinforcements from this Army to the Southern States, and to what amount. The General requests to be
                            favored with these opinions by the 10th instant at furthest.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 6 September 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir,
                            Head Qrs near Hackinsack Bridge Septr 6th 1780

                        I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s Letters of the 24th & 28th Ulto, on the 1st & 2d
                            Instt with the resolutions to which they refer. The latter have been announced to the Army in Orders—and I hope that they
                            will quiet many of the complaints which have existed. I cannot forbear expressing my wishes for the sake of harmony, which
                            our affairs essentially require, that the business of depreciation so far as it is not to be provided for by the different
                            States, could be a matter of speedy and general arrangement so as to shew at one view All the
                            Parties who are to have their pay made good. For I would beg leave to observe that the mentioning of one part or class of
                            the Army & postponing another, tho’ they should eventually be placed on the same footing, is the source of
                            uneasiness and of apprehensions—that injurious discriminations may obtain; and it is said that All officers and persons of every description who have constantly served for a fixed—and
                            standing pay—which has not been encreased from time to time with the depreciation—stand upon the same principle and are
                            entitled to the same consideration.
                        I am sorry to inform Congress that our distresses for Meat still continue. The Army in genl have been
                            entirely destitute for two or three days—and at most have not drawn more than one days supply in four or five. Such injury
                            to the discipline of the Army—& such distresses as to the Inhabitants, result from these frequent wants, that my
                            feelings are hurt beyond description at the cries of the one and a view of the other.
                        Your Excellencys very interesting letter of the 31st by Mr Izard came to my hand yesterday—The event which
                            its Inclosures announce, is an unfortunate one indeed—It had arrived at Camp from Philadelphia before your dispatches were
                            received. I have the honr to be with the highest respt & Esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 6 September 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia September 6. 1780.

                        Your Excellency will herewith receive an Act of Congress of the 25. Ulto, ascertaining the rank of Governors
                            or Presidents of the several States when acting in the Field together or in Conjunction with the Continental Army. I have
                            the Honor to be with the highest Respect your Excellencys most obedient Servant

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 6 September 1780
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sr
                            Phila. 6th Sept. 1780

                        I have received your favour of the 13th Ulto upon the subject of a Report respecting a certain Gentleman and
                            thank you for the freedom and candid manner of your communications. The resentment discovered agt the Gentleman alluded to
                            began to subside before your Letter came to hand and though for sometime it was occasionally mentioned in conversation it
                            has lately dyed away and will I expect not be revived—The Report of the Committee not only accepted his resignation but
                            went further and I believe had it been then determin’d the Gentleman would have been informed his services in the line of
                            the Army would have been dispensed with that he might have leisure to attend to the settlement of his accounts. Had this
                            step been taken it is probable a resignation would have ensued and perhaps a public discussion in the papers wch could
                            have produced no good and upon the whole I am well pleased the matter was carryed no further than it has been. But
                            unacquainted as I am with antecedent circumstances and judging from what it was before me my Opinion was the Gentleman was
                            justly reprehensible for the manner of his conduct as a Servant of the public employed in an important office or as a
                            Citizin embarked on the common cause of America. The amazing Sums of money gone into that Departmt under his
                            Superintendance, abt Eighty millions and it is said about thirty millions unpaid the whole of which is unaccounted for has
                            excited uneasiness not only in this Body but the people at large who call out for a settlement of the public accounts and
                            although repeated endeavours have been used to bring the Officers in the great departments of the Army to account none
                            have been rendered  nor any likelihood of bringg them to a settlement. The embezelmt & waste of public
                            property in these departments have greatly contributed to enhance our Debt and depreciate the currency and these abuses
                            demand inquiry and punishment but I see no fair prospect of obtaining satisfaction for past transgressions and shall be
                            happy to find we shall be able to avoid the like practices in future—a reform or an attempt to Reform seemed absolutely
                            necessary for the satisfaction of the public and although the new System was pronounced a physical impossibility in
                            execution others who have served long in the Army and were of the Committee that made the alterations entertained a
                            contrary opinion and they affirm the Gentleman now in office if he can be supported with money can fully carry the new
                            System into execution. In short I have seen some and have been told of so many abuses in the Q. Masters Comries and medical
                            departments in the course of the last two years that I candidly confess I feel a degree of resentment agt the conduct of
                            many in those departmts bordering on prejudice so nearly that I have resolved to condemn no person even in opinion without
                            due proof of delinquency least I should injure the Character of some honest Man in the general censure wch unhappily is
                            but too prevalent.
                        What I feared for some time is at length but too evident that our designs agt New York must wait for more
                            favourable circumstances to attempt carrying them into execution—Perhaps something may In the course of the Winter be done
                            to the South should we be in a situation to recover our losses there and be in time provided with a well appointed Regular
                            Army and magazines of provisions laid up it is to be hoped we shall in the Spring before the Enemy can be reinforced and
                            obtain supplies be in condition to act offensively agt N. York. Your Letters of the 20th last month and the 27th circular
                            to the States are before a Committee and will in a day or two be Reported upon as to Flour and meat—the great objects of
                            drawing forth in time a competent regular Army and laying up Magazines will soon come in and I hope soon go through
                            Congress that the several States may proceed to make the necessary provisions. I shall leave this place on Thursday for
                            Virginia and mean to attend our next Session of Assembly in hopes of promoting a cession on the part of the State of their
                            claim to the Lands to the N.W. of the Ohio to the united States which will be recommended to all the States having
                            unappropriated western territory for the purpose of compleating the Confederation. I shall be glad to hear from you while
                            there upon any matters that may occur and you shall think proper to communicate. With great esteem I am Dr Sr Yr aff. hum.
                            Servt

                            Jos: Jones


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 6 September 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newport Septer 6th 1780

                        Your Excellency’s favor of the 3d instant, I received to day at 12. o’clock, I must own to your Excellency
                            that I cannot believe Mr Clinton’s having taken it again in his head to come to attack us, and I can say, without any
                            great presumption, that if he does, he will repent of it. A Truce flag, that has brought here Prisoners, To the Chevalier
                            de Ternay has told to an officer of his ship, whom we can trust, that Mr Arbuthnot had intended, a month ago to come upon
                            us, conjointly with Mr Clinton that he had done and said all that he could to make him come here, but Mr Clinton would
                            not, Upon which, Arbuthnot had sent a Frigate to England to give an account of it; and that there was a misunderstanding
                            now between the two generals, The English fleet has left these shores here, we have not seen them these eight days past.
                            We suppose that they are returned to Sandy-hook about some Expedition, I can not make out what to think about that, I
                            cannot flatter myself that the English Ministry has changed its mind; or sistem that they are going to evacuate New york
                            to fall upon some of our Islands. In all possible cases, I think it is very proper to be informed of their design, and to
                            endeavour to penetrate them. I am with respect Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

                            le cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Claude-Anne, Marquis de Saint-Simon, 6 September 1780
From: Saint-Simon, Claude-Anne, Marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            Au cap Francais ce 6. sbre. 1780.

                        je profitte, Monsieur, avec empressement du depart du batteau la Pollie de Rodeislande pour me rappeller a
                            l’honneur de votre souvenire et a l’ancienne amitié dont vous avés bien voulu me combler: j’aurais enchanté d’etre apporté
                            de la cultiver en servant tous vos ordres, mais, il parait, que je suis releguer dans la zone torride, et destiné suivant
                            toutes les apparrences a servire avec les espagnols: je crois que nous nous accorderons parfaitement bien ensemble: ce que
                            j-ay vu de leurs troupes a la martinique et a la guadeloupe m-a parut tres beau et mr De Navia Lieutenant general qui les
                            commendent ait tres prope a inspirér la plus grande confiance: je suis partis de la martinique le 3e juillet avec un corps
                            de troupe qui devait etre de deux mils hommes, mais qui n-a peut etre que de 1700, le Roy a bien voulu m’en donner le
                            commendement en chef. j-ay eu ordre de me rendre icy, j’attends que l’on vienne me chercher j’espere que cela ne tardera
                            pas: il ait heureux que nous ayons ete tranquil quelques tems, car les mois d’aoust et de septembre, tout ceux de l’année
                            les plus chaud et les plus malsains, pour le peu de tems que je suis icy; j’ay sur les 1700 hommes plus de 700 de malade,
                            cela serait bien pis, si nous operions. aulieu que vers la fin du mois prochain la chaleur ait plus temperé ensuitte
                            jusqu-a celuy d’avril, nous aurons la temperature du mois de may en France. quand nous commencerons a Respirer, vous aurés
                            grand froid.
                        si les espagnols entrait dans la floride et qu-il fussent vers le nord et vous, monsieur, vers le sud, nous
                            nous rejoindrions l’eté prochain, je crois que nous n’entreprendrons rien sur la jamaïque, les anglais mettent tous leurs
                            soins pour qu’elle soit en etat de se deffendre. Rodney qui ait Resté aux isles du vent, a envoyer l’amiral Rolley avec
                            dix vaisseaux de guerre et quatre Regimens nouvellement arrivés d’europe. de sorte que cette isle ait tres bien pourvu et
                            ces murs remplies de vaisseaux anglais.
                        Mr Le cte De guichen a laisser icy Mr Le cher De monteil avec neuf vaisseaux qui sont le Palmier, la
                            victoire, l’intrepride et le destin tous de 74, et l’actionnaire, le caton, le Reflechi, le solitaire, et le triton de 64,
                            mais le dernier ayant si peu de batterie que quoique ces mers soyent belles, ont a ete obligé de le razer et de luy oter
                            ses canons de gaillards, de sorte que cela ne fait plus qu’un 54. tous les autres vaisseaux sont beaux et bons mais on ne
                            leur a pas laissé de matelots, car pour sept vaisseaux qui viennent d’alterations, il a fallut pour les mettre en etat de
                            sortire leur donner 800 hommes ce qui fait une grande partie de la garnison: j’ignore comme ils feront, quand je serais
                            partie avec mes troupes, car dans ce moment cy ce sont elles qui font tout le service de la place, il faut esperer que le
                            convoy que l’on attend depuis plus de deux mois arrivera enfin, et a amenera du Recous aux Regts qui sont dans cette
                            colonie qui sont presqu’entierement detruit, et qui-il m’ammenera six cent hommes de Regt de touraine qui ont ete obligé
                            de Relacher en France.
                        je ne negligerais, Monsieur, aucunes occasions de me rappeller a votre souvenire, de vous faire part de nos
                            operations ou de ce qui se passera d’interressant dans cette partie, je serais infiniment flatte que vous voulussies bien
                            me donner de vos nouvelles et etre persuadé de l’attachement le plus sincer et le plus inviolable avec le quel j’ay
                            l’honneur d’etre, Monsieur, votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

                            St Simon

                            Mr, le maire colonel au service des insurgens, qui veut bien se charger de ma lettre
                                pour vous, me demande de vous le recommandé, il me parait rempli de zele et de volonté, je le
                                connois peu, mais j’en ai oui dire du bien icy a quelques personnes.