Title: To George Washington from Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, 29 July 1782
From: Vergennes, Charles Gravier, comte de
To: Washington, George

                        Monsieur
                        Versailles le 29 Juillet 1782

                     Ce n’est point en ma qualité de ministre d’un Roi l’ami et l’allié des Etats unis de l’Amerique quoique ce soit de la connoissance et avec l’aveu de Sa Majesté que j’ai l’honneur d’ecrire a ve Exce.  C’est comme homme sensible et comme un pere tendre qui connoit toute la force de l’amour paternel que je prends la liberté d’adresser a Ve Exce mes instantes sollicitations en faveur d’un mere et d’une famille eplorée.  Sa Situation me parvit d’autant plus digne d’egards de notre part que c’est chez une nation en guerre avec la sienne qu’elle vient reclamer les secours d’humanité qu’elle auroit dû recevoir de la justice impartiale de ses generaux.
                     J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer a Ve Exce la copie de la lettre que Made dAsgile vient de m’ecrire, je ne la connois point et j’ignorois que son fils fut la malheureuse victime destinée par le sort a expier le forfait odieux qu’un deni formal de justice vous oblige a venger.  Ve Exce ne lira pas cette lettre sans en etre attendrie; c’est l’effet qu’elle a produit sur le Roi et sur la Reine auxquels j’ai dû la communiquer.  La bonté du coeur de leurs majestés les porte a desirer que les inquietudes d’une mere infortunée puissent etre calmées et sa tendresse rassurée.  Je sens, Monsieur, qu’il est des cas ou l’humanité elle-même exige la rigueur la plus extreme, peut-etre celui on vous vous trouvez est-il de ce nombre, mais si la reprisaille est juste elle n’en est pas moins affreuse pour ceux qui en sont les victimes, et le caractère de bonté de Ve Exce est assez généralement connu pour que je sois persuadé quélle ne demande pas mieux que de pouvoir faire grace.  Il est une consideration, Monsieur, qui sans etre decisive peut cependant avoir une influence sur vos resolutions.  M D’Asgile est sans contredit votre prisonnier, mais il est du nombre de ceux que les armes du Roi ont contribué a mettre dans vos mains a Yorck Town.  Quoique cette circonstance ne tienne pas lieu de sauve garde, elle justifie cependant l’interet que je me permets de recommander.  S’il est dans votre pouvoir, Monsieur, de le Considerer et d’y avoir egard, vous ferez chose agréable a leurs Majestés.  Le danger du jeune d’Asgile, les larmes et le desespoir de sa mere les touchent sensiblement, et elles verroient avec plaisir l’espoir de la consolation luire pour ces infortunés.
                     Au reste, Monsieur, en cherchant a derober M d’Asgile au glaive qui le menace, je suis bien eloigné de vouloir vous engager a chercher une autre victime, la grace pour etre entierement satisfaisante devroit etre entiere; Je n’imagine pas qu’elle put tirer a de grandes consequences.  Si le general Anglois n’a pû punir le crime horrible dont vous vous etes plaint qvec toute sorte de raison, il y a lieu de croire qu’il saura prendre les mesures les plus efficaces pour qu’il ne serepoduise pas de nouveau.
                     Je souhaite bien vivement, Monsieur, que mon intercession puisse trouver accès, le sentiment qui me la dicte et que vous n’avez cessé de manisfester dans toutes les occasions m’assure que vous ne serez pas indifferent aux prieres et aux larmes d’une famille qui reclame votre clemences par mon organe, c’est rendre hommage a votre vertu de l’implorer.  J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec la plus parfaite Consideration Monsieur de Ve Exce Très humble et très obeissant Serviteur

                        De Vergennes

                  Translation
                     It is not in quality of Minister of a King, the friend and Ally of the United States (tho with the knowledge & consent of his majesty) that I now have the honor to write your Excellency—It is as a man of sensibility and as a tender father who feels all the force of Paternal love, that I take the liberty to address to your Excellency my earnest sollicitations in favor of a Mother and a family in Tears—her situation seems the more worthy of notice on our part as it is to the humanity of a Nation at War with her own that she has recourse for what she ought to receive from the impartial Justice of her own Generals.
                     I have the honor to inclose your Excellency Copy of a Letter which Mrs Asgill has just wrote me—I am not known to her nor was I acquainted that her son was the unhappy Victim destined by lot to expiate the odious Crime that a formal denial of Justice obliges you to revenge your Excellency will not read this Letter without being extremely affected.  it had that effect upon the King and upon the Queen to whom I communicated it.—The goodness of their Majesties Hearts induces them to desire that the inquietudes of an unfortunate Mother may be calmed and her tenderness reassured.  I felt, Sir, that there are cases where humanity itself exacts the most extreme Rigour, perhaps the one now in question may be of the number, but—allowing Reprisals to be just—it is not the less horrid to those who are the Victims—and the character of your Excellency is too well known, for me not to be persuaded that you desire nothing more than to be able to avoid the disagreeable necessity.
                     There is one consideration, Sir, which, tho it is not decisive, may have an influence on your resolutions—Capt. Asgill is doubless your Prisoner, but he is among those whom the Arms of the King contributed to put into your hands at York Town Altho’ this circumstance does not operate as a Safe Guard, it however justifies the interest I permit my self to take in this affair.  If it is in your power Sir to consider & to have regard to it you will do what is agreeable to their Majesties the danger of young Asgill—the tears—the despair of his Mother affects them sensibly—and they will see with pleasure—the hope of consolation shine out for these unfortunate people.
                     In seeking to deliver Mr Asgill from the fate which threatens him, I am far from engaging you to seek another Victim—the Pardon to be perfectly satisfactory must be entire.  I do not immagine it can be productive of any bad consequences.  If the English General has not been able to punish the horrible Crime you complain of in so exemplary a manner as he should—there is reason to think he will take the most efficacious measures to prevent the like in future.
                     I sincerely wish, Sir, that my intercession may meet success—the sentiment which dictates it & which you have not ceased to manifest on every occasion assures me that you will not be indifferent to the prayers & to the tears of a family who has recourse to your Clemency thro’ me.  It is rendering homage to your Virtue to implore it.  I have the honor to be with the most perfect consideration Sir Your Excellencys Very humble & very Obed. servt
                     De Vergennes

                Enclosure

                        Sir,
                        London July 18. 1782

                     If the politeness of the French Court will permit an Application of a Stranger, there can be no Doubt but one, in which all the tender feelings of an individual can be interested, will meet with a favorable reception from a nobleman whose character does honor not only to his own Country but to human Nature.  The Subject, Sir, on which I presume to implore your Assistence, is too heart-piercing for me to dwell on, and common fame has most probably informed you of it; it therefore renders the painful task unnecessary.  My Son (an only Son) and dear as he is brave, amiable as deserving to be so, only nineteen, a prisoner under Articles of Capitulation of York-Town, is now confined in America an object of retaliation!  Shall an innocent suffer for the guilty?  Represent to yourself, Sir, the situation of a family under these circumstances; surrounded as I am by Objects of distress; distracted with fear & grief; no words can express my feelings or paint the scene—my husband given over by his physicians a few hours before the news arrived, and not in a state to be informed of the misfortune—my daughter seized with a fever and delirium, raving about her brother, and without one interval of reason, save to hear the heart-alleviating circumstance—let your feelings, Sir, suggest and plead for my inexpressible misery—a Word from you like a Voice from Heaven will save us from distraction and wretchedness.  I am well informed General Washington reveres your character; say but to him that you wish my Son to be relieved and he will restore him to his distracted family, and render him to happiness—My Son’s virtues & bravery will justify the deed His honor, Sir, carried him to America—he was born to affluence, independence and the happiest prospects—let me again supplicate your goodness, let me respectfully implore your high influence in behalf of innocence—in the cause of justice—of humanity—that you would dispatch a letter to General Washington from France and favor me with a copy of it to be sent from hence.  I am sensible of the liberty I take in making this request but I am also sensible that whether you comply with it or not you will pity the distress that suggests it.  Your humanity will drop a tear on the fault and efface it.  I will pray that Heaven may grant you may never want the comforts it is in your power to bestow on

                        Asgill

                Enclosure

                         c.29 July 1782

                     I have the honor to inclose you under a flying seal a letter for Genl Washington by way of England and New York—I beg you to read it and if there is yet time to join your good Offices to assist to save young Asgill & restore him to his distrest family  if you could contribute to this good work you will do a meritorious Act and give satisfaction to their Majesties—their are truly affected at the fate of the young Man and at the distress of his family  I am persuaded Genl Washington will see with pleasure an opportunity of doing a thing very agreable to their Majesties and that this Consideration will have much weight on his resolutions.

                        Vergennes

                        Translation, DLC:GW.  Enclosed in Vergennes to GW, 29 July


Title: General Orders, 30 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Tuesday July 30th 1782.
                     Parole
                     Countersigns.

                  The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolves.By the United States in Congress assembled April 23d 1782.
                  Whereas the most strict Oeconomy in the public expenditures is absolutely necessary for a vigorous prosecution of the war; and whereas to that end it is requisite to discontinue the practice of filling some of the places in the staff department with persons not of the line of the Army—which place may with great savings to the public be filled by supernumerary officers from the line.
                  Resolved therefore that in future there be only ten Lieutenants to each regiment of Infantry to be employed in the regimental line and staff, the regimental Paymaster to be considered as not attached to any Compy.
                  That the supernumerary Junior lieutenants, beyond the number of ten in each regiment of infantry be reduced, unless the officers of the regiment shall otherwise agree as to those that shall retire according to the resolutions of the 3d and twenty first of October 1780 and shall accordingly retire on, or before the first day of June next, if in the main army and the first day of July next, if in the southern army, except such of them as shall accept of imployments in the Staff Departments, with the approbation of the Heads of the respective departments, in which case they shall severally retain their respective ranks in the Army and be entitled to the full pay and subsistance belonging to thier rank in the line as a compensation for their respective services in the staff without any other allowance whatsoever—provided always, that nothing contained in the above Resolution, shall effect the pay or rank of any officers in Captivity, during such captivity. In Congress July 11th 1782
                  Resolved, that Junior Lieutenants, who were to retire agreeable to the act of congress of the 23d  April last, may at their option be retained in their present pay and rank as far as there are Ensigncies in their present corps vacant.
                  The regimental surgeons are to make a return immediately to the Physician of the army of all the medicines and instruments on hand likewise a return of such Medicines as they want that orders may be issued for thier being supplied so far as the stock on hand will admit.
                  Returns are to be made by the regimental paymasters to the Assistant Clothier general of the Hunting shirts actually wanting in the several regimts that an equal distribution may be made of those which are expected, in case there should be a deficiency—It is expected that those corps which received a proportion last fall, or have drawn a partial supply from their states will not include the men who are at present supplied in a tolerable manner in these returns.  Should there be a sufficiency, the remainder will afterwards be issued.
                  As long as the army remains in its present position or untill a more convenient communication of orders can be established the Adjutant general or one of his Assistants will every day attend at Westpoint between eleven and one o-clock to distribute General orders to the several Brigade Majors, the Adjutants of corps not brigaded and Aids de Camp to General officers, who are punctually to assemble at the Collonade for the purpose.
                  Major General Heath and the Commandant at Westpoint will be pleased to transmit their orders to the Adjutant general or officer attending for him at the above time and place who will take the trouble of making them public—extraordinary orders they must communicate to the corps they respect by their Aids de camp or in such other manner as the nature of the order may require.
                  Officers of the Line and Staff of every denomination are to make themselves perfectly acquainted with all General Orders—The plea of ignorance, so far from being admitted as an excuse for their noncompliance with them, will be considered as an aggravation—sit behoves every officer therefore who is in Camp to read the orders daily; and those who are absent to call for and read them the moment they return.
                  All orders are to be read to the soldiers at the first evening roll call after they issue in the presence of an officer of each company; and properly explained to, and inforced upon them.  The Colonel or officer commanding the regiment is to be responsible that this order (which is to be considered as a standing one) is punctually complied with.


Title: From George Washington to Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 30 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 30th July 1782

                  I have a few Days ago received your letter of the 3d of last Month—inclosing Copy of your Letter to the Secretary at War on the Subject of Capt. Sigourné’s Resignation.
                  I am much pleased to find that your Cavalry is so nearly compleated & that the men are so constant to their Engagement—I wish it was more in our power to compleat your Compliment of Horses—but I fear our finances will not admit it at present—The Secretary at War & the financier will do every Thing in their Power, consistent with other necessary & essential Demands for the general Service—In the Mean Time I am to acknowlege your Care & Attention to the Establishments of the Corps, without which, I am persuaded it would not be found in so respectable a condition—I am Sir.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 30 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 30th July 1782

                  For your Information—& that you may know the Object of your Mission, I inclose to you a Transcript of my Letter to Sir Guy Carleton, which is herewith committed to your Care to be forwarded as soon as possible.
                  Before the Time of your going to Phillips’s House, I shall have the pleasure of seeing you, or conveying to you in Writing, my Sentiments more fully on the subject of your Meeting.  With great Regard I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 30 July 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Highlands July 30th 1782

                  I am honored with Your Excellencys letter of this date, covering two to general Sir Guy Carleton, they are forwarded by Express to Dobbs ferry, to be sent to the enemies out Post.  I shall hold myself in readiness to execute Your Excellencys commands as express’d in Your letter.  I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 July 1782
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     New Windsor 30th July 1782

                  Estimate of horses and oxen, necessary to remove the Park of Artillery and its appendages from Burlington.
                  Forthe regiment9by Forage 1Waggon Master  1Laboratory 4Artificiers 621waggonsTravelling Forges 425teams for which 100 horses or oxen equivalent will be wanted agreeable to a return made to the Q.M. General, 18 May last.Parkhorsesoxen6 5 1/2 inch howitzers—4 horses each246 8 inch6  —French  one horse and four yoke of oxen each.     129683 pounders—3 horses each24864324Medium12 prs 1 horse & 4 yoke of oxen4  323200 rounds for 3 & 6 pounders 10 waggons1040Stores that will accompany the Parkeight waggons832114200

                  It is presumed Col. Pickering Qr Mr General, can furnish the horses and complete the number of waggons for the above purpose.

                            Knox Major General
                        Commanding the Artillery


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters 30th July 1782

                  I have to acknowlege your several Favors of the 4th 5th 9th 10th & 16th of July—their respective Subjects are attended to.
                  As you do not mention them I am at a loss to collect the particular Instances of Difficulty which occur to you in formg a System for the new Arrangement of the Invalid Corps, & therefore refer the Subject to you again—the same Difficulty occurs respectg the Dispute of Rank between Colo. Lee’s Legion & the other Corps of Horse serving with Genl Greene—as I do not know the Objects of Dispute, it is impossible for me to make any Observations upon them or give any Decision thereon. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 30 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters 30 July 82

                  Lt Heard of Lt Colo. Lee’s Corps informs me that a process is issued against him for the seizure of a Horse the property of Mr Anderson in Monmouth County in the year 1780—As he says that he acted in this matter under orders from Majr Lee and that those orders were founded on my instructions—I have had recourse to my Papers and agreable to my promise to Mr Heard inclose a Copy of the Instructions that your Excellency may Judge how far they will Justify the Seizure in question—I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Loudon, 30 July 1782
From: Loudon, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Fish Kill 30th July 1782.

                  Mr Hazard, Post Master Genl wrote me lately of an error I had committed, in posting three of your Excellency’s Letters, directed for Gentlemen in New Jersey, in the Philadelphia Mail, and that on their return, they were taken with the Mail.  I’m exceedingly pained and sory for the oversight and the unfortunate consequence, of the Letters falling into the Enemy’s Hands.  I beg your Excellency’s pardon; as it is the first, and I promise, will be the last mistake of the like kind; as I mean to mannage my business on such manner, as not to be hurried by the Post-Riders in future; on which Account, I presume the mistake was made.  I am, with great deferrence and respect Your Excellency’s most Obt & most hble servt

                     Saml Loudon


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 30 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden,Glover, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 30th July 1782

                  The inclosed Resolution of Congress having been transmitted to me—I take this earliest Opportunity to communicate it for your Information. Sincerely wishing you a Restoration of Health, attended with every happiness in your future Walks of Life.  I have the Honor to be Sir Your most Obet & humble Servant

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from William Smallwood, 30 July 1782
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Annapolis July 30th 1782

                  I am honored with your favor wrote from Newburgh without Date—and shou’d sometime ago have anticipated your Requisitions, by laying before you the Information you require—but was first solicitous to have a Detachment nearly ready for marching, which the want of Cloathing and Equipments has prevented.
                  As you seem desirous of obtaining regular Reports of the progress I have made, and a minute detail of my transactions on the recruiting Service, for your more ample satisfaction in these Points—I have transmitted Copies of two Acts of this State, and a Copy of private Instructions received from the general Assembly, under which by direction of General Greene, I have superintended, and prosecuted the recruiting Service in the course of this Spring and Summer; and of my transactions on this Duty antecedent to this, in course of the last Summer, I then gave you a short Account.
                  I have also inclosed a Copy of the Roll of Men recruited since the first of February, to which is annexed a Copy of Instructions to recruiting Officers, founded on the above Acts and Instructions—a List of Districts &c. and Posts of intermediate Rendezevous, from which you may form a comprehensive View of the train this Business has been put into—I have likewise inclosed a Detail of my transactions with the County Lieutenants and Draughts, directed under the first Act—the Draughts have and will mostly compound for a Sum of Money to procure a Recruit, which will be more eligible than obtaining their Temporary Service, but the Lieutts are tardy in executing this Duty, and as yet have rendered no Returns, tho’ I believe they have received a good deal of Money, which I have given the Commanding Officers of Districts Orders for to be applied as the Act directs—I have been thus circumstantial in compliance with your desire, and to shew you that the Objects in view have not failed through Inattention—but I dare say you will not have Leisure or Patience to peruse the Process through.
                  I have met with every difficulty and Obstruction in conducting this Service—when the Money came in (and then but very partially) it was too late (being the 18th of February) to commence this Duty, the People had mostly engaged in some Business for the Year—The Recruiting Officers having no means of bearing their Expences—the want of Barracks Cloathing and necessary Supplies almost of every kind for Recruits as they were raised—The Treatment naked and wretched Situation of those in Service—the abject distress and total neglect of disabled and disbanded Soldiers gave weight to their too just Murmurs all which be came very discouraging to this Duty—and the base Speculation made on the Officers and Soldiers Certificates for Pay and Depreciation, who through mere necessity were obliged in many Instances to part with them at a twentieth part of their Value, before the Property pledged for their Redemption coud be sold—together with the Injustice of the State in depriving all those of the Benefit of the Act whose Term of Service expired before it took place, has deprived us of many valuable old Soldiers, and rendered Desertion very prevalent, many under the former description, having voluntarily offered their Service again, provided the Public woud justly comply with what had been pledged.
                  There is another Circumstance which has been a very material Obstruction, indeed I might add that for some time it put a total Stop to the Recruiting Service, this is the preparations for Defence of our Bay—the frequent Depredations and Ravages of the Enemy in their Barges last Spring, became so very Alarming to the Legislature, that for some time it was almost the Sole Object of the public Attention, applying the most certain of the Funds appropriated to the recruiting Service towards the Equipment and Maning with three hundred Men, four Barges and a Galley, the Bounty and short Inlistments in this Service essentially suspended Recruiting, but these Equipments being nearly compleated, it may revive again, but imagine the Prospect will not be flattering before the Fall, when the People will become disengaged.
                  The Duty at this Station has been the most perplexing and fatigueing Tour I ever engaged in, and you may rest assured it has been prosecuted with unabating diligence, notwithstanding our small Success, which is to be attributed to the above Causes, and the great Relaxation and Inattention of the Departments in the Civil Line, with which this Duty is connected and dependant on—ever since the first of March I handed in to the Executive a List of Districts, and the Posts to be furnished with Provisions, Fire wood and Barracks for the Recruits, not one has been supplied, except this Place, and that in so shameful and scanty a Manner, that for want of the two latter, in the cold part of the Spring—I was obliged to suffer such of the Soldiers who cou’d be trustd to go Home, and since, they have been crowded in places not fit for Hog Sties, many of them having been without a Hatt—Shirt, Shoes or even Breeches, and not the least provision made to supply or bear the Expences of Officers on Duty, who being without pay or the Means of Support, I was also obliged to let them go Home—but you will observe the latter Act has made some further Provision, if it can be carried into execution, which has not yet been affected—if those Evils cou’d be remidied, I am still persuaded the Recruiting Service woud flourish.
                  I sent Majr Davidson upwards of two Months ago to Philadelphia for Cloathing to compleat a Detatchment of three hundred Men for marching; he was detained a Month and came without it at last, but he was promised it shoud be sent on immediately with Waggons to transport the Baggage of the Troops, but neither have yet arrived, as soon as they come, I shall march the Detatchment agreeable to General Greene’s Orders to join the Southern Army, unless I shoud have your Counter Orders, it is fully Officered Armed and Accoutred, General Lincoln upon Application having sent me three hundred stand of Arms and Accoutrements, and an Order on that Conductor of Military Stores at Richmond, for two hundred stand more, of the Arms Captured from Lord Cornwallis.
                  It has and will be impossible for me to answer your Expectations as Genl Greenes in conducting these Duties, unless I am better Aided; here I have been confined ever since last December, struggling in vain to carry them into Execution, but hope Circumstances may alter, as they can’t well grow worse.  I have the Honor to remain with very sincere Regard Your most Obedt Hble Sert

                     W. Smallwood


Title: From George Washington to Richard Butler, 31 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, Richard

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburg 31 July 1782

                  I informed you verbally by the Return of your Messenger from Phila. that I should make a Reply to your Letter of the 11th on my Arrival at Newburgh.
                  I am equally Sorry with you for the Occasion of so much Business for Courts Martial you mention, but the Necessity of the Circumstance must be submitted to—You are therefore hereby authorised to appoint, from Time to Time, as Occasion shall require, such General Courts Martial as you shall judge proper—whenever there shall be sufficient Number of Officers for composing the Court—allways sendg to me all proceedgs & Sentences on Capital Cases, before they are carried into Execution—the smaller Matters to be approved & carried into Execution or not by yourself as you shall think proper, consistent with the Rules & Articles of War in their particular Cases.
                  The Sentences against John Connor, George Mason, Peter Huston & Danl Gallaher, were not attended to at the Time of my last Letter—I now submit to your Judgment the carrying into Execution their Sentences, or remitting them as you Shall find best—except that in the Case of Gallaher, the punishment of the Gantlope Assigned him is unconstitutional & inadmissable—& cannot therefore be approved.
                  I am much pleased at your Report of the good Discipline & Manœuvres of the Troops assembled under your Command; & have Confidence in the Continuance of your Exertions.
                  I am very sorry for the Occasion ofUneasiness in the Minds of the Men for Want of pay—but it is not in my power to remove it—neither will it be in the power of the Financier unless the States are more punctual in the payment of the Taxes required from them.
                  In present Circumstances, It will be best to continue the Recruits under your Orders, collected together, with out makg any particular Distribution or Allotment of them until further orders—I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Jedediah Huntington, 31 July 1782
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir,
                     Camp Highlands 31 July 1782

                  The Proposal of having a fishing Boat employ’d for the Use of our Prisoners I think ought to be complied with not that I believe they will derive much Advantage from it, but that they may not think themselves neglected by us, & that the Enemy may not have another Pretext for their hard Usage.  The said Boat should have your Excellencys written Permit with some Description of her & restricting her to certain Limits & for a certain time, & a Copy of the same be sent to the chief Executive of New Jersey & Connecticut.  As to the Wood it appears to me that that Business might be transacted & inspected at Dobbs Ferry.  I am with greatest Esteem your Excellencys most obedt Servant

                     J. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 31 July 1782
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New. Windsor 31 July 1782.

                  The General officers who were directed by your Excellency to view the most proper place on West point, to erect a magazine, desired me to report, That it is their opinion that the hollow, west of Fort Clinton, under all circumstances, is the best place for that purpose.  I have the honor to be sir with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant

                     H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from George James Ludlow, 31 July 1782
From: Ludlow, George James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York July the 31st 1782

                  I cannot avoid taking the first opportunity of acknowledging my obligations to your Excellency for the honor you have done me, by the Civilities expressed in your Letter of the 10th of July which I received, with the one inclosed, in New York; Where I arrived some time since, with permission from Genl Lincoln, to represent Captn Asgills situation to the Commander in Chief.
                  I have now to request of your Excellency, if it is not inconsistent with the rules of propriety, that you will be pleased to allow me permission, to make Captn Asgill a short visit, in his confinement at Chatham, either by the way of Elizabeth Town, or Dobbs’ Ferry; as I am sensible it will be a considerable relief to him, as well a particular favor conferred on myself, having long been acquainted with his Family and Connections in England.  I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir Your most Obedt &c. &c.

                     G: J: Ludlow


Title: To George Washington from Walter Stewart, 31 July 1782
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     West Point July 31st 1782.

                  The Inspector General of the Army being at present absent, I have the Honor to hand your Excellency the Inspection Returns of the different Regiments composing this Army for the Month of June, together with the General Abstract of Musters—being confident that it will prove very satisfactory to your Excellency to know with a degree of certainty the difference between the Men generally returned in the different Lines of the Army, and those actually seen.  I hand your Excellency the total strength of each with a particular Return of the Inspected, accounting as well as is in my power, for those Men who have not appeared.
                  Your Excellency will find by a comparative view of the Returns, that the Army is in a very collective State.
                  It is with the highest satisfaction I inform your Excellency, that the improvement of this Army in Appearance and Discipline, since the last time I Inspected it, Exceeds any thing I could possibly form an Idea of—this is owing entirely to an Emulation bordering on Enthusiasm, which has taken place in all Ranks of Officers.
                  The greater number of the Regiments in the Jersey, New York, & Massachusetts Lines, are furnished with half Gaitors, Black Stocks with false Collars, and ornamental Feathers—partly at the expence of the Officers, and partly by the stoppage of the Whiskey which the Men were intituled to receive—Blacking is likewise provided for their Gaiters, Shoes, and Cartouch Boxes, which are kept in excellent order.  Those Regiments not yet supply’d with the above articles, are busily employ’d in getting them made up—and I doubt not by the next inspection, the Connecticutt Line (at present a little behind the others) will appear in equal Order, as the Officers seem determind not to be outdone.
                  Much allowance however is to be made for the appearance of it—One fourth nearly are Recruits for the Campaign, not intituled to any Uniform, their nakedness, consequently awkward appearance, distresses the Officers not a little.
                  With the permission of General Heath, the different Brigades in going thrô their Manoeuvres fired ten Rounds ⅌ Man.
                  The advantages arising from the use of Powder in the Army, are without doubt very great; and it is much to be wished the situation of our Magazines would allow a repetition of it, at least at every monthly Inspection.  As there is still a large quantity of damag’d Powder in the Magazine, I submit it to your Excellency, whether the firings should be us’d by the Brigades in going thrô the Manoeuvres of the ensuing Month.
                  In the present State of the Army it is difficult to attribute particular Excellence to individual Corps; all appear equally emulous; and I find those who were formerly reported in bad order, little inferior to the others.
                  Your Excellency will perceive that Shoes and Shirts are very much wanted in the Army; of the first article, the Congress have granted to each Soldier, four pair ⅌ Year; this allowance appears generous, but the name and appearance of Shoes, is all those the Army receivs possess, the quality in general being most infamous.  Each Soldier has already nearly worn out 3 pair of his allowance, and numbers of Men the fourth.  No article of the Soldiers dress, admits of greater deceipt, than that of Shoes, and a very narrow examination should take place of them by good Judges, previous to their being receivd from the Manufacturers: A large allowance is likewise to be made for their rapid wear in this Mountanous, stony Country, where the Men until lately have been oblig’d to carry their provisions from a distance, and where the fatigue at the Works &c. must be continual.  No second Soals are provided, consequently, the moment the first are worn out, the Shoes are thrown away, the Soldier having no means wherewith to get them repair’d.  Two Shirts ⅌ Man, have in general been receiv’d since the commencement of this Year; one is entirely worn out, and ’tis moraly impossible they can keep themselves clean with the other.  It is much to be wish’d, another ⅌ Man could be Issued to the Army.  A few Hatts and Linnen Overalls are still wanting; the other parts of cloathing is compleat, the quality good, and the different kinds extreamly well made, and taken care of.
                  The Regiments still continue destitute of that great Essential in Manoeuvring, Colours, and the Officers of Espontoons; Swords are wanting for the Artillery Regiments, and a good many for the Serjeants of the Army; some Drums & Fifes are likewise still deficient.
                  The list of the Servants to Genl & Field Officers of our Army, your Excellency has inclos’d; these are generally the most lively & clean Soldiers belonging to the Regiment.  ’tis a pity some mode could not be fallen on to remove this evil which is much more extensive than can be exhibited in Returns, for, altho the Company Officers Servants appear under Arms, yet ’tis very evident they lose much in their discipline, and appearance as Soldiers.
                  General Schuyler still retains at Saratoga 1 Serjt & 11 Men, from the first New York Regiment, they are chiefly Taylors, Shoemakers, & Tradesmen; the Officers of the Regiment complain much on the occasion, and beg your Excellency, if you see proper, will order them reliev’d.  General Glover has with him in Massachusetts, five Soldiers from the first Massachusetts Brigade.
                  I have to lay before your Excellency, a matter in which I perceive much difficulty.  It is respecting the old, worn out Soldiers of the Army, the Cripples entirely useless, and those Subjects who are proper for the Invalid Corps.  I have examin’d them narrowly, had the opinion of the Surgeons, and commanding Officers of their Corps respecting them: And your Excellency, will by the Return I inclose find them particularly designated, and the Remarks as extensive as it was in my power to make them.  Your Excellency will find a number who are justly intitled to the Bounty of Congress.  A second Class who from behaviour, and their having brôt their Complaints into the Army, do not merit that gratuity, but who should be discharg’d the Service; the third are those who prove only incumbrances in the Field, but may be serviceable in the Corps of Invalids.
                  It is to be fear’d that those Men who are discharg’d may make an attempt to again join the Army with the advantage of the large Bounty’s paid to Recruits.  To remedy this in some measure, I would submit it to your Excellency, whether they had not better be inserted in the Papers of the State to which they belong, particularly mentioning their Names, Age, Complaint, & Township from which they severally came, and cautioning the Classes not to engage them in future; this is the only mode which presents itself to my view for the prevention of further imposition from them.
                  The allowance of Tents is not sufficient for the Troops, since that valuable System took place in the Army, of doing duty by Corps, this brings all the Men of the Regiment together at once, and a Tent will not contain the Men with their Arms, Accoutrements, Knapsacks &c.  The Surgeons likewise complain very much on account of the want of Hospital Tents; this want occasions the sick and healthy Soldier to be continually together.
                  I have already remark’d to your Excellency, the very strenuous exertions at present making, and for some time past us’d by the Officers to bring the Army into the most respectable situation; And I doubt not, your Excellency will find particular pleasure in expressing your approbation of their conduct, which will in a high degree compensate them for every Hardship, Expence, and trouble they have been at.  I have the Honor to be with the most perfect respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servt

                     Walter Stewart Colo. & Inspr
                     Nortn Army


Title: From George Washington to Meshech Weare, 31 July 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Weare, Meshech

                     Dear Sir,
                     Head-Quarters, 31st July 1782

                  I was not till last Evening honored with your Letter of the 3d of this Month, accompanied by one from Genl Bailey, & another from Captn Johnson.
                  I am exceedingly pained at the reiterated Accounts of the Distress which subsists in the Territory of Vermont, the more so as I feel myself incompetent to giving any Relief.  These Troubles, my dear Sir, appear to me to take their Rise from the Dispute which subsists respecting the Territory of Vermont—as it gives Occasion not only to parties and Divisions within themselves, but also encourages the Enemy to continue their Attempts & Designs among them, which will undoubtedly be aided by artful Men within that Territory so long as the Occasion exists.  This Sentiment evinces to my Mind the great Necessity of some Measures being adopted to determine this Dispute, which only can be done by Congress or the concurrent Agreement of the States concerned.  So long as this Dispute of Territory subsists, the parties, Divisions and Troubles, both external and internal, will, I imagine, encrease.  Are there no Means, my dear Sir, of bringing this troublesome Matter to a Conclusion?  If possible, it should be terminated in some Way or another—the particular Mode is not for me to mention—I only give it as my Opinion, that this Measure will prove the greatest Remedy I can devise to allay the Troubles which now exist.
                  My Sentiments on Captn Johnson’s Situation were given to him in a Letter I wrote him some Time ago.  I am still willing to concur in any consistent Means for Exchange that can be devised, but at present I have none within my Reach.  I have the Honor to be, Dear Sir, Your very humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Bondfield, 1 August 1782
From: Bondfield, John
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Bordeaux 1 Aug. 1782

                  Having a Vessel going to Philadelphia which is an occurence rare with us I have orderd Six Cases of Claret containing thirty Bottles each to be marked for your Excellency on a presumption that Good genuine Wine of this growth will meet a welcome reception.  I write Messieurs Meredith & Clymer to whom the Vessel goes consigned to hold the same at your disposal and have transmitted them a memorandum of the Cost and Charges, amounting to Six hundred Twenty One Livres.
                  Accept most worthy Sir my most Ardent Wishes for your Health.  I have the Honor to be with due Respect Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant
                  John BondfieldCommercial Agent at Bordeaux
                  6 Cases Medoc Wine 30 bottles eachtogether 180 bottles 36s.                           324freight paid18 per case108Insurance on £63030 per %1893 Livres 9 sous or 3/  a bottle £621


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 1 August 1782
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York August 1st 1782

                  In immediate Reply to your Excellency’s Letter of the 30th, I am to acquaint you that my sole purpose in desiring Passports for Mr Chief Justice Frederic Smyth, was that he might, at the same Time that he should deliver the Minutes of the Court Martial to your Excellency, enter into such Explanations, as a professional Man, if need were, as might give your Excellency the fullest Satisfaction, but which yet might be too detailed for the ordinary Limits of a Letter; And I had further an Intention of desiring the like Passports for Mr Attorney General Kempe, whom I wished shou’d accompany him, not only to this End, but for that of entering also into such Explanations as might tend to remove all reciprocal Complaints in the Province of New Jersey.  But I wou’d by no means give an Officer of such high Rank as General Heath, the trouble of receiving and conveying a mere Packet of Papers, nor can I see any motive whatever requiring it, I therefore hasten to acquaint you, that unless I hear further on the Subject of the Passports desired I shall send those Papers in the ordinary course, as soon as they are compleated, which I believe will not be quite so soon as the 5th.
                  I should be happy to meet General Heath, by an Officer of equal Rank, on the Subject of a General Exchange of Prisoners, a measure in which I am confident you will very freely concur, when you have received a Letter which I meditate to write in Conjunction with Admiral Digby, in consequence of Advices received yesterday by the Packet & communications made to us as joint Commissioners of Peace, and which you will find of the most interesting Importance, but the Absence of that Gentleman occasions a moments Delay.  However Sir, I may venture so far to anticipate, as to acquaint you that Mr Laurens has been for some Time in perfect Freedom, and has declared, that he considers Lord Cornwallis as exchanged, but I shall wish, in consequence of the Communications to be made, to receive also your Sentiments or those of Congress on so delicate a Point.  I am Sir, Your Excellency’s Most obedient and Most humble Servant

                     Guy Carleton


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 1 August 1782
From: Harrison, Benjamin, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir.
                     Virginia August 1st 1782.

                  I receiv’d your Excellencys favors of the 22d and 23d Ulto by post.  General Lincoln had given orders for the destruction of all the works at York Town without even writing to me on the subject and they would most certainly have been demolish’d before your letter got to hand (leaving it with the State) if Colo. Lavalette had not been more complaisant than the General.  I have desired that the batteries and plattforms next the water which were built by the State may be preserved and have order’d Colo. Dabney with about two hundred State Troops to take possession of them.  I propose to have them inclosed with a strong Pallisade which will preserve them against a sudden attack.  the removal of the French Troops leaves us in a defenceless condition our means not being such as I wou’d wish them.  we shall never be right or respectable till the Executive are left to do the business of an Executive without the interfereance of any other power.  it is much to be regretted that there is no way to curb the grasping wishes of some, or open the eyes of the well meaning and indolent.  the rod of correction has been aplie’d in vain, and fatal experience changes not measures.  I congratulate you on the arrival of the French Fleet, and wish they may be in time to add new laurells to the many that adorn you tho I expect it not, as the Victorious English Fleet will certainly follow them.  I am with sentiments of perfect esteem and Friendship your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

                     Benja. Harrison


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Heath, 1 August 1782
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Heath, William

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 1st Augst 1782

                  The System lately agreed upon between the Officers & Contractors, for future Issues to the Army, which was transmitted by you to Head Quarters, being by some Means mislaid—The General, having Occasion to refer to it, will be much obliged, if you can furnish him with a Copy.His Excellency will also be glad if you will please to direct, that a Copy of your Orders issued in Consequence of that System, should be transmitted to him at same Time—I am with great Respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                     J. Trumbull Junr Secty


Title: From William Heath to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 1 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.

                     My Dear Sir
                     Highlands Augst 1st 1782

                  I am honored with yours of this date, Enclosed you will find Coppy of the System for the Issue of Provisions—as new modified by agrement.
                  I have Issued no order on the Head of the New System during the Absence of the Commander in Chief—not knowing what order he might think proper to Issue on the occasion, but being informed by a Letter from Lt Colonel Cobb, while his Excellency was absent that a Letter Was received at Head Quarters from the Secretary at War approving the System as amended, and requesting the Commander in Chief to have it Carried into effect immediately—I wrote Messrs Sands on the subject enclosed is Coppy of my Letter, the Issues have been made conformably Since the first ultimo.  I have the honor to be with respect & Esteem Dear Sir your obedt Sert

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Robert Howe, 1 August 1782
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Highlands 1st of August 1782

                  If the ultimate End arriv’d at by the Enemy in sending out Fishing Parties from our Prisoners in New-york, & purchasing Wood within our Lines, was really intended for the Benefit of the Prisoners alone, The Measure ought to meet our heartiest Approbation—But as under this Aspect they may by picking out proper Implements from among our People, continue that Transient Intercourse already found so baneful in its Effects, & cover a large Quantity of Wood for Their own Troops, the Measure if adopted at all, should be adopted under Auspices as guarded against any Abuse of it as possible.
                  The Benefit our unhappy People in the  Enemy’s Power would receive from the Fish they would obtain—& Contribution as the Air and Exercise would be to the Healths of those employ’d upon the Occasion, as well as the Comfort they would have from a more liberal Supply of Fuel than they have hitherto had, militate so strongly in Favor of the Measure that Policy & Humanity revolt at the Idea of refusing The Adoption of it—if Abuses can any Way be prevented.
                  As to the Wood, I should think that by proportioning the Quantity to the Number of our People—& by proper Inspectors preventing more than that Quantity to be carried in—& by falling on some method to ascertain that what is carried in is really delivered, would I am persuaded prevent any Imposition as to this Circumstance, & this I should imagine might be done.
                  To guard against the Evils which may happen from the Fishing Proposal is much more difficult—My Mind at present suggests no Method but that of having appointed by ourselves confidential Persons on Board the Vessels employ’d (or at times to superintend & govern them) either from amongst the Prisoners or elsewhere—Probably the Prisoners themselves would be restrain’d from giving in to Abuses of a Privilege so very advantageous to them, when they know that the Moment they make an ill use of it, it will be withdrawn—I own many Reasons induce me to wish it could be granted—among which the ill Effect a Denial of it will have upon the Minds of our People, & the Advantage the Enemy will make of it in Alienating their Attachment to us, are not the least.
                  In Respect to the Number of Men to be left at West Point & the Works about it, I should imagine that while we are encamp’d any where in its Neighbourhood, five hundred or five hundred & fifty would be sufficient the inclos’d Estimate will explain to your Excellency upon what I have form’d my Opinion.  I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of Respect Your Excellency’s most obedt Humble Servt

                     R. Howe


Title: General Orders, 2 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Friday August 2d 1782
                     Parole France.
                     Countersigns Paris
                  Bourdeaux
                  Before baggage teams are allotted to the different regiments the general thinks it expedient the officers should be informed that he expects the baggage of the army will this Campaign be contracted in sSize and weight as much as possible, He intends his own personal baggage and Cloathing shall be contained in a portmanteau—Commanding officers of regiments and corps will be pleased to pay attention to this article and see that no unnecessary Lumber is crowded into the Carts and waggoons assigned to the Troops under their Command—sudden and rapid movements may probably disclose how thoroughly this order is carried into execution; should any of the officers immediately concerned be found delinquent they must not be disappointed to see their regiments recorded for disobedience of orders and themselves noticed by name.
                  Some of the huts may be made use of as deposites or upon application to the Quartermaster with the army stores will be provided where the superfluous baggage may be safely placed untill the close of the Campaign.
                  The Men belonging to the marching regiments now imployed in the Laboratory are untill further orders to join their corps a sufficient number of the Recruits joined Captn Moodies company of Artillery will replace them.
                  Lieutenant Colonel Vose will immediately repair to the Lines to releive Major Keith in the Command of the Infantry—Major Keith is to return to Westpoint as soon as he is releived.
                  For Fatigue tomorrow 8th Massachusetts regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Dearborn, 2 August 1782
From: Dearborn, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Garrison at Saratogea August 2, 1782

                  Lt Hubart Carter, and Ensn Saml Wells, of the 1st New Hampshire Regt being very desireous for retireing from the service, I am induced from many circumstances to give my consent to their resignations, and beg your Excellency to be pleas’d to grant them their discharges, they having settled their accounts with the Pay Master.  I have the Honr to be with highest sentiments of respect. your Excellencies most Obedt Hube Servant

                     H. Dearborn Lt Colo. Commdr
                     1st N.H. Regt


Title: General Orders, 3 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh Saturday August 3d 1782
                     Parole Williamsburgh,
                     Countersigns York, Glocester

                  While the Annals of the Army shall exist, it is the Generals intention it shall be known that he had great reason to be satisfied at this period of the war with the troops under his command—The inspection rolls for the last month which are now before him, corroberate the favourable sentiments which he had already imbrac’d of the officers and men who composed this army; and afford fresh occasion for bestowing well meritted applause—The Inspector reports that the proficiency in appearance and decipline continues to be surprizingly rapid: that the spiritt of emulation, bordering on enthusiasm, which prevails so remarkably throughout the army has almost removed all preference and distinction of corps, and supersede (at this time) the necessity of discrimination—The troops are more collectd; and there appears to be fewer irregularities of any kind at this moment than at any former period.  Happy to find that those regiments which have been noticed as being in excellent order instead of relaxing their exertions continue to improve, and that those which were formerly reported to be in not so good a state, have by uncommon efforts carried their improvements beyond all calculation; the General wishes to convince the troops of his intire approbation and that nothing can tend more to their reputation and the service of their country than the present good disposition which is so conspicuous throughout the whole Army.
                  Docter Cochran directer of the hospital or Doctr Craick physician to the army with two hospital surgeons will constitute a board to convene at such time and place as shall be agreed between them and the Inspector of the Army; for the purpose of inspecting all the invalids and debilitated men now in service—They will divide the subjects of their inspection into three classes and report their opinion on each individual accordingly, whether he ought to be discharged without any compensation or suffered to retire on the late provision of congress, or be transferred to, or continued in the corps of invalids, as the time of his service, the occasion and nature of his inability and other circumstances shall dictate—this business to be compleated in the course of the present month, and the report to be given in with the next inspection returns.
                  Regimental surgeons are to attend the board with the men of their regiments—and commanding officers of corps are requested to give any information they may judge proper.
                  The Army will be inspected and Mustered for the month of July upon the following days the Artillery regiment, Moodies company & Detachment, Sappers and Miners, and Artificers on the 5th instantthe 1st 2d 3d & 4th Connecticut regiments, the 6th.the 3d Massachusetts brigade & 10th regimt the 7th.the 1st Massachussetts brigade the 12th.the 2d do doMassachusetts brigade the 14th.
                  The Gentlemen who fill up the Inspection returns are requested to pay more particular attention to the instructions given them for that purpose in April last.
                  As some of the regiments will shortly after inspection go upon duty, the time for Manoevering will be appointed in a subsequent order.


Title: To George Washington from Francis Barber, 3 August 1782
From: Barber, Francis
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Jersey huts near Morristown Augt 3rd 1782

                  I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the proceedings of a general court martial of which I am president; and I am directed by the court to communicate in my letter some circumstances which could not appear on the face of the proceedings.
                  Gibbs, Young & four other soldiers of the first regiment deserted at the same time from the huts, all of whom Captain Mitchell apprehended within a few miles of the Head of Elk on their way to Baltimore, from whence they intended to go to sea.  It appeared as well from the pleas & confessions of the four that Gibbs & Young had persuaded them off, as from their former general good behaviour.  Gibbs’s character is infamous; he was under sentence of death last summer, but was pardoned by your Excellency.  His crime then was a principal robery.  Young until this instance has conducted well, but it appeared he had a chief hand in influencing the desertion; and he behaved with uncommon sullenness before the court.
                  Should your Excellency be pleased to approve of either one or both of the sentences of the court, we beg leave to observe, that the good effects will be greatly multiplied by a speedy execution.  I am, sir, with the sincerest respect & esteem your Excellency’s, most humble servant

                     F. Barber Lieut. Col.


Title: To George Washington from James Gilliland, 3 August 1782
From: Gilliland, James
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Newburgh August 3d 1782

                  With the utmost Compunction do I on this occasion approach your Excellency, to lay before you my Just Complaint against the officers of the Corps to which I belong, who have avowedly entered into a malicious combination to make my life unhappy whilst among them, and thereby renders it impracticable for me to perform my duty in the manner I could wish, and which the Service requires; all their rancour proceeding from no other cause, that I can Surmise, than their envy for some testimonials of approbation of my conduct at York Town, with which I was Honor’d; and for your Excellency’s favourable, (tho’ Just) indulgeance, after my return, from thence, in permitting me to remain with my family during the Winter, for the restoration of my health, which had been greatly impair’d by the Fatigue I underwent during the course of that Campaign, and which in the month of June last, I was far from having recovered, at that time having relapsed into my former Illness, which laid me under the necessity of retiring into the Country, conformable to the Doctor’s advice, and after having obtain’d permission from Major Villefranche, and Genl Patterson the Commandant; but now finding my health in great measure restored, and that there is a prospect of the early Approach of an active Campaign, I am extremely desirous of Joining my Corps, so it can be done with a prospect of advantage to the Service, & Tranquility to myself; for which purpose I hope your Excellencey will pardon the liberty I take to Solicit your Excellency’s interference & that you will be pleased to consider me, what I am & ever will be—Sir, Your Excellency’s most Devoted & Obedt Servt

                     James Gilliland Capt. Sappers


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Heath, 3 August 1782
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Heath, William

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 3d Augst 1782

                  His Excellency the Commander in Chief directs me to inform, that your Letter of Yesterday, inclosing (as you mentioned) a copy of the late System of Issues, with other papers, is not yet arrived.
                  If it has missed the expected Conveyance, the General will be obliged by your Care to forward it as soon as possible—I am Sir Your most Obedt

                     J. Trumball Jur Secty


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 3 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands August 3. 1782.

                  The enclosed from general Sir Guy Carleton, came to hand last evening—I forward it by express.  If it should contain any thing which will affect the mission with which your excellency has been pleased to honor me, I wish your further directions by the return of the express; as I intend going down the river early to morrow morning, unless something takes place which requires an alteration.
                  Enclosed is the letter which captain Sewall took to the Point yesterday, to have been transmitted by general Hand—seeing your excellency pass down the river, he expected to find you at my quarters, and therefore brought the letter back.  I hope no inconvenience has been consequent.  I have the honor to be With the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 3 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Sir
                      3 August 1782

                  His Excellency Sir Guy Carleton having requested a Passport for Chief Justice Smith to repair to the Head Quarters of the American Army, in order to lay before me the proceedings of a Court Martial on the tryal of Capt. Lippincut for the Murder of Capt. Huddy, with other Documents and Explanations which he says "he has no doubt will give full Satisfaction."
                  I do therefore, from an earnest desire to proceed with Candor and deliberate Justice, appoint you to meet an Officer of equal Rank at the house of Colonel Phillips on Monday the 5th instant, or at any other time or place which you may think more convenient, for the purpose of receiving the proceedings and Documents abovementiond; with such Explanation in Writing as he may think proper to communicate; The Papers you shall receive you will transmit to me as soon as your business is concluded, together with a Report of your proceedings therein.  Given at Head Quarters this third day of August 1782

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 3 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Sir
                      3 August 1782

                  Having desired you to meet an Officer from Sir Guy Carleton for the purpose mentioned in your appointment & authority, you will proceed to execute said business.  In the course of which, you may inform the Officer you meet, that as I have no connection with, or controul over any Person in the Line in which Mr Smith walks; as the question before us is, in my opinion, purely of a military nature & reduceable to this single point, whether the perpetrator of the wanton & cruel murder of Huddy is to be given up, or a British Officer to suffer in his place, that I could see no propriety or necessity in an interview with the Chief Justice.
                  If you should find that the design of Sir Guy Carleton, is to procrastinate this business, to envelop it in as much intricacy & difficulty as possible, or that he means to justify it by recrimination & Law Cases, thereby attempting to avert our purposes of Retaliation, you may assure him (unless you shall judge it expedient to leave me more at liberty), if not explicitly, at least by strong insinuation, that he will miss his aim; and that my deliberate & dispassionate proceedings in this case are intended to give him, as he now has had, full time to determine whether the guilty person, or an innocent Officer, shall be made the subject of Retaliation.
                  You will be particularly cautious, that whatever papers in the conference you are to have, which is to be considered as official, be committed to writing; that no omissions or misconceptions may be plead hereafter; and you will inform the Officer in explicit terms, if you find the matter is not likely to end as justice dictates, & we could wish, that all oral conversation will be excluded from the official report of these proceedings now, or any share in the account of them hereafter; or the recital of them will be considered as unfair, and an evident departure from that line of rectitude which we have wished to persue for an unbiassed World to judge by.
                  If not withstanding my Letter to Sir Guy Carleton, requesting his appointment of an Officer of your Rank to meet you on this business, he should send Mr Chief Justice Smith, you may at your discretion, either receive the proceedings of the Court, & such other documents as he is merely the bearer of, without going into any explanation with this Gentleman, or refuse the whole, as the circumstances of the moment shall dictate to you; Or if this Gentleman should be an attendent on the Officer aforementioned, you may refuse to admit him at your conference, in the first case, you may either return, with the proceedings &c., or you may write Sir Guy Carleton that you will wait a given time for an Officer, agreeable to the purport of my Letter to him of the 30th of last month.  Given at Head Quarters Newburgh Augt 3d 1782.

                     G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Jackson, 3 August 1782
From: Jackson, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Camp Dobbs Ferry Augt 3. 1782

                  This morning a Flag arrived from New York, with the inclosed Letters for your Excellency.
                  in the Flag came up William Blake Esqr with a desire to proceed immediately to Philadelphia—as he had no other permission than the inclosed certificate from the Honbe Henry Lawrence Esqr I could not (agreeable to my instructions) permit him to Land, & therefore order’d him to return back in the Flag—he is very anxious to come out, & he requests permission from your Excellency for that purpose. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencies most obt Hume servant

                     Henry Jackson Colo.
                     Comdr Dobbs Ferry


Title: From George Washington to John Moylan, 3 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, John

                     Sir,
                     Head-Quarters, Newburgh 3d August 1782

                  By the last Inspection Returns of the Army, I find, that the Men in general are possessed of but one Shirt each, and that in a short Time they will be totally destitute of that necessary Article, unless a Supply is immediately provided.  I wish therefore to point & fix your Attention immovably to this Subject.  Let every Exertion be used, and every Resource be tried, for procuring such a Supply of Shirts that two may be issued to every Soldier at the next delivery, which must be as early as possible.  This is not only essentially necessary for the Comfort of the Troops, but will be found eventually the most Substantial & best Oeconomy.  The Difficulty, of attaining Supplies and the Embarrassments of the Publick for Want of Money are generally known and considered; but should it notwithstanding be discovered by the Army that any of the States had in Possession a Quantity of Linen suitable for Shirts, and that no Efforts were made to obtain it for the Publick, it will probably excite great Uneasiness, and may be attended with very pernicious Effects, especially when the Men find themselves ecedingly distressd for Want of a single Shirt.  This you will represent to those who are competent to have the Business put in a Train of Negociation, if they should judge proper; & you will inform me of the Result.
                  I must again urge that the Remainder of the Hunting Shirts should be sent on without Delay, if possible, or the Season proper for wearing them will have elapsed.  I am, Sir, Your most humble servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Reid, 3 August 1782
From: Reid, George
To: Washington, George

                     Dr Genl
                     Albany 3d Augt 1782

                  A few days since, the Contractors for this district, received a Resolve of Congress, pass’d the 10th October, 81, which excludes the Canadian Volunteers from Receiving Rations after the first day of Decembr last; upon which the Contractors have Order’d their Commrys to stop Issuing to them; but as some doubts have arisen, whether or not the Canadians, who call themselves Refugees, & living in the Vicinity of the posts; in this district, are the persons Alluded to, I wait your determination & direction—Another dificualtie will probabily arise, that is if the Malitia are call’d out which I think there is no doubt of; the Contractor says, they cannot be justified by their Contract in Issuing to them, unless by your Express Order.
                  The Enemy have committed no depridations on the Mohawk River this week or ten days past, tho small parties are discovered almost every day by the bist accounts I can have large Quantityes of grain must inevitably be lost with want of sufficient guards to protect the Labourers.
                  Colo. Willitt is gon to Fort Ransler or Plains perhaps he may inform your Excellency of his strength and situation I have no Intelligence as yet from that Quarter but by the Commandg Officer of my Regt.
                  About ten days since, I wrote Colo. Willitt and inclosed a Copy of your letter of the 10th ulto in which you Recommend the withdrawing the N. York State Troops from Saratoga, & that Quarter, and extending them together with the Other Levies, on the Frontiers of the Mohawk, at the Same time collecting my Regt, to Fort Plain and its vicinity—perhaps the late Alarm, by the enemys appearing in force, on the German flatts; has prevented Colo. Willitt from making the above Arrangement as my Regiment is still, very much dispersed; Occupying not less then ten seperate posts.
                  I have heard that Genl Stark will soon be here to take Command; if so I wou’d wish to join the Remains of what may be left of my Regt when perhaps Colo. Willett may Assume the Command of both; which wou’d be to me very dissagrieable, and what I cannot submitt to, but by doing myself the greatest Injustice—The Injury I already sustain, in point of Rank Your Excellency is not altogether unacquainted with and can best determine in this Instance.  I am with the greatest Esteem your Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Servt

                     Geo. Reid


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 3 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 3d Augst 1782

                  Agreeable to my promise I now inclose to your Excellency the Route by Coriell’s Ferry—the particular Stages & Distances I have noted, from which you will form your own Estimation for each Days march.
                  I was yesterday favored with a Philadelphia paper of the 30th of July, wch mentions the Arrival of 13 Ships of the Line 2 frigates & a Cat under Comd of Monr Vaudreuil at the Capes of Virginia—also the Arrival at Surrinam of 16 Dutch Ships of the Line—& their Success on their passage against the English—how much Reliance may be placed on this Intelligence, I am in Doubt.  With very great Regard & Esteem I have the Honor to be sir Your Excellencys

                     G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 3 August 1782
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     NewBurgh Augt 3d 1782.

                  Agreable to your Excellency’s last Instructions, I have collected the Accounts of the monies due from our officers, who have lately been in Captivity for their Board &ca a particular State of which I send inclosed.
                  I am sorry that this business has taken up so much time, but the delay has been unavoidable, on account of the great Number of Demands and the remote situation of the Creditors; I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Mo. Obt Servt

                     Abm Skinner
                     Comy Gen. Pris.


Title: General Orders, 4 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh sunday August 4th 1782
                     Parole Hartford
                     Countersigns Dunbury, Newhaven

                  The Commander in chief is so anxiously concerned for the preservation of the health of the Troops (especially at this sultry season) and for the accommodation and recovery of the sick & wounded that he can not forbear to entreat and enjoin it upon officers of every denomination to pay a paternal and affectionate regard to the men in these interesting points: Cleanliness, prudence in bathing, regularity and Oeconomy in the mode of cooking and manner of living are objects which require attention.  Officers should every day visit the tents and kitchens, observe and regulate the Cookery, see the soldiers at their meals and take care that they mess and live properly together.
                  When sickness cannot be prevented it becomes our duty to alleviate distresses and lull the breast of pain with all the little offices of humanity and kindness in our power.  The convenience of hospital tents, which are intended for the accommodation of the sick in the field, and the supply of refreshments and small meats which will be furnished on the hospital contract—give a better opportunity for exercising these benevolent acts of tenderness than ever we have had before.
                  In justice to the Medical department the general declares whenever he has lately inspected the Hospitals he has received from the patients themselves the most satisfactory accounts of the humane treatment and comfortable accommodations they have invariably experienced.
                  Colonel Greaton and Lieutenant Colo. Olney are annexed to the board ordered yesterday for the inspection of the invalids and debilitated men now in service.
                  The Rhodeisland regiment for fatigue tomorrow.


Title: From David Humphreys to Elias Dayton, 4 August 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Dayton, Elias

                     sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh Augt 4th 1782

                  Before the departure of His Excellency the Commander in Chief for Philadelphia, he wrote a Letter to you, dated the 11th of July, of which he has received no acknowledgement, & therefore suspects it may have miscarried; the purport of it was, to relieve Capt. Dayton, to stop all Correspondence with Ward McMichael & every other person within the Enemy’s Lines, and to hold the Brigade in readyness for movement—These things, he desires may be immediately done, if they have not already been attended to, & that you will inform him whether the aforementioned Order has been received or not.  I have the honor to be with perfect respect Your Most Obedt Servant

                     D. Humphrys
                     Aid de Camp


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 4 August 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands, August 4. 1782.

                  I was the last evening honored with yours of the 3d which puts a stop to my going down the river conformably to your excellency’s former instructions.
                  The enclosed came to hand this morning.  I have the honor to be, With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 4 August 1782
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Camp Highlands 4th Augt 1782.

                  I beg leave to lay before Your Excellency the Case of Fortune Stoddard a Negroe Soldier of my Regmt who is now in the State of Maryland in Civil Custody in the County of Cecil, for Killing one James Cunningham, who with some others bred a Riot in the Soldiers Quarters on the 21st Decr /81, the Inclosed Copy of Inquest taken at Elk before John Neide Esqr. one of the Coroners for Cecil County & the Inclosed Letter from Patrick Hamilton Esqr. Sheriff of Sd County (to Lt Shearman who was on duty at Elk when the misfortune happened) will give your Excellency every information Respecting this unhappy affair I am possessd off, it appears from the Sherriffs Letter the Soldier had his Tryal in June last, and was acquitted of murder but found Guilty of man Slauter, and that from the Laws of the State he will be Sold to pay the Cost of Prosecution &c.  Except Some person appears to Settle the Charges which already Exceed the Sum of £25 Specie 1/10 as it is not in my power nor do I Conceive it Just I Should be Called upon to pay the Charges that have accrued in the prosecution of a Criminal Case, that being alone incumbant on the State where the fact was Committed !,it appears to me very Cruell, the Soldier Should be Sold to pay Charges, as he was in a line of his duty defending himselfe and Quarters against the Insults of the Rioters—I Confess myself at a loss to know the Necessary measures to be persued for Recovering the Soldier again into Service—I therefore must Resort to your Excellency & desire your Interference in the matter.
                  as to Sharper Gardner who was Tryed by a genl Court martial in April, at Philadelpe, for Desertion and Sentenced to Suffer Death & is now in Confinement at West point, I Cannot find that any order has been published Respecting him—Majr Olney informs me the Proceedings of the Court were Transmitted to Head Quarters by the Secretary at War—I have made Enquiry into the fellows Character, & Can Say nothing favourable in his Case—but wheather an Example after So long Confinement will be productive of the Same good Consequences, as in a more Resent Case, I Submitt Inteirly to your Excellencys Decision--I have the Honor to be with the Greatest Esteem Your Excellency’s very Obed. Hume Ser.

                     Jereh Olney Lieut. Colo. Comdr
                     R.I.R.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                     My dear Genl
                     Newburgh 4th August 1782

                  I ask you ten thousand pardons for breaking the Seal of the Inclosed Letter, to your Address.  It was put into my hands with other dispatches, and was opened before I discovered the mistake—It happened too, in the moment I was expecting Letters from Sir Guy Carleton.  I have the honor to be with Sentiments of the most perfect esteem & regard Yr Excellys Most Obt Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  The Enemy were about making a detachmt from New York, consisting of three Regiments—said to be for Charles Town; but whether the French Fleet now on this Coast will divert them from it I am unable to inform you.


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 5 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy,Digby, Robert

                     GentlemenHead Quarters 5th Augst 1782

                  I have to acknowlege the Honor of your joint Letter of the 2d of August, which was received last Evening.
                  Not a moments time has been lost in conveying a Copy of it to Congress—as soon as I am furnished with their Instructions I shall do myself the Honor to transmit their Sentiments to you as early as possible.  I have the Honor to be Your Excellencies Most Obedient and humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Guy Carleton, 5 August 1782
From: Carleton, Guy
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     New York 5th August 1782.

                  I am to desire Your Excellency’s Passport for Mr Landeg, of the General Hospital at New York, to pass to Lancaster in Pennsylvania, with Medicines, according to the enclosed Invoice, for the Use of the Prisoners at York and Lancaster; and that he be allowed to remain and distribute those Medicines as Occasion may require.  I am, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant

                     Guy Carleton


Title: To George Washington from François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de Chastellux, 5 August 1782
From: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     Dear general
                     Philadelphia August 5. 1782

                  Since I am in america, I never was so long time without seeing your excellency; and however the more I have enjoyed the happiness of your society, the less am I able to support your absence.  in every circumstance I wish to be with you, but in time of war methinks that glory and success are not be found elseware.  it is with the highest satisfaction that I see our troops in motion to join your armie.  I left them at Baltimore to pay a visit to our friend the chr de la Luzerne.  nothing had been wanting to my happiness, had I met your excellency in this place where I followed you last summer, very near this time, and under the most favourable omens.  may this year either add to your success or crown them with an glorious peace!  I have the honour to be with the most sincere respect and attachment dear general your most humble and obedient servant

                     le chr de chastellux


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 5 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 5th Augst 1782

                  I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter which has just now been received from Sir Guy Carleton & Admiral Digby—I do not Delay a Moment to convey it to the Eye of Congress; and beg that I may be furnished with their Directions for my Government.
                  The inclosed passport from the Hono. Henry Laurens accompanied the Letter from the British Commanders—in Consequence of which, Directions are given to the Commanding Officer at Dobbs Ferry to suffer the Person of Mr Blake to come out for the purpose of passing to Philadelphia—where Congress will have an Opportunity to judge of the propriety of granting the further Indulgence which Mr Blake wishes. With very great Regard & Respect I have the Honor to be sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and very humble Servant

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  a few Days ago I received Intelligence from N. York, that a considerable Detatchment of Troops was makg—said to be for Charlestown—whether for a Reinforcement to that Garrison—or as a Relief to the Troops already there was not known.


Title: From David Cobb to William Heath, 5 August 1782
From: Cobb, David
To: Heath, William

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Augt 5th 1782

                  Your several Letters of yesterday have been duly received.  The Commander in Chief has further to request your forwarding the inclosed to their direction.  I have the honor to be Your Most Obedt Servant

                     David Cobb Lt Colo.
                     Aid de Camp


Title: From George Washington to Henry Jackson, 5 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Jackson, Henry

                      5 August 1782

                  Captn Ludlow of the British Guards, has my permission (with his Servant) to pass the American Post at Dobbs’ ferry & proceed to Chatham—He has liberty also to return to New York the same way.  Given at Head Qrs 5th Augt 1782.

                     Go: Washington


Title: From David Cobb to Henry Jackson, 5 August 1782
From: Cobb, David
To: Jackson, Henry

                     Dear Colo.
                     Head Quarters Newburgh 5th Augt 1782

                  I am directed by the Commander in Chief, to inform you that William Blake Esqr., who came up to your Post in the last Flag, and was by you properly ordered back again; has now his permission to come out with his personal Baggage & Servants.  this information you must make known to him by a Flag.  I am Dr Harry Your Friend & Servant

                     David Cobb Lt Colo.
                     Aid de Camp


Title: From David Cobb to Henry Jackson, 5 August 1782
From: Cobb, David
To: Jackson, Henry

                  Dr Colo.Head Quarters Augt 5. 1782
                  The Commander in Chief directs that the American prisoners, who are now at your Post on Parole, should be allowed to pass to their respective houses; and in future, till a D. Comm’y of Prisoners resides at the Post, as was directed, all persons coming out under the same circumstances may be permitted to pass—this is to be considered as a standing Order and will be delivered to your relieving Officer I am &c.

                     David Cobb
                     Aide De Camp


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 5 August 1782
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                        Monsieur
                        A Philadelphie le 5. Aout 1782.

                     Cette lettre Vous fera remise par M. de Choisy qui entrera avec Vous dans les details relatifs à son voyage au Nord.
                     Je m’adresse en toute liberté à Votre Excellence pour un service que personne n’est plus à portée qu’Elle de nous rendre et qui est de la plus grande importance pour l’armée navale, commandée par M. le Mis de Vaudreuil.  Il n’est pas douteux qu’il n’arrive de grandes forces navales à Newyorck soit des Isles soit d’Europe; il est essentiel que le Général de mer ait les informations les plus positives à cet égard et les avis les plus frequens.  Le nombre des Vaisseaux, leurs noms, leur destination, l’epoque de leur arrivée, celle de leur depart, les embarcations de troupes ou d’artillerie enfin tous les mouvemens ne sauraient être connus avec trop de précision et je Vous supplie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien faire prendre les mesures nécéssaires pour que ces informations parviennent regulièrement et promptement à M. le Mis de Vaudreuil.  Il feroit à desirer que Vous pussiés stationner des Exprès qui facileteroient beaucoup la communication entre Vous et lui.  Je dois être bien convaincu de Vos bontés et de Votre indulgence pour avoir recours à Vos bons offices avec autant de liberté, mais l’objet est si important pour la cause commune que j’ai pensé que Vous m’excuseriés en consideration du motif.
                     Si Vos communications avec M. le Mis de Vaudreuil sont regulieres et sures, il me paroit que Vous pouvés Vous ecrire sans Vous servir de chiffre, dans le cas contraire je Vous supplie, Monsieur, de vouloir bien envoyer un chiffre à M. de Vaudreuil pour assurer le secret de Votre correspondance.  Si Votre Excellence peut de tems en tems me faire passer les mêmes raports j’en serai très reconnoissant.
                     Le service des hommes que Vous chargerés de Vous procurer des intelligences touchant ce qui se passera dans Newyorck exigera des depenses extraordiniaires.  Je Vous prie de vouloir bien charger quelqu’un de m’en faire parvenir l’état et de m’indiquer à qui je dois en faire le remboursement.  Ces depenses etant uniquement pour le service de notre flotte doivent être au compte du departement de la marine et je viens de prendre les mesures nécéssaires pour que les fonds en soyent faits exactement.
                     Suivant nos derniers nouvelles de France, le Duc de Lauzun et plusieurs autres Officiers qui avoient mis à la voile, ont été obligés après avoir reçu un coup de vent de rentrer dans un de nos ports.  On croit qu’ils ont pû remettre à la voile vers la fin de Juin.  Je suis avec un respectueux attachement Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très humble et très obéissant Serviteur

                        le che. de la luzerne

                  Translation
                     Sir,Philada 5 Aug 82This Letter will be handed you by M. de Choisy who will inform you particularly of the motives of his journey to the northward.
                     I address myself with freedom to your Excellency, for a service that no one has it more in their power to render than your self—and which is of the greatest importance to the naval army commanded by M. de Vaudreuil.  It is not to be doubted but a large naval force will arrive at New York—either from the West Indies or from Europe.  It is essential that our naval Commander should have the most exact & most frequent intelligence in this respect—  Of the number of Vessells—their Names—their destination—the time of their arrival of their departure—the number of troops they Embark—or Artillery—in fact not a single movement can be known with too much precision—and I must request you Sir will take the necessary measures to give M. de Vaudreuil regular information on all the points—It could be wished that you would station regular Expresses to facilitate the communication between you and him.
                     I ought to be well convinced of your goodness to take so much liberty with you but the object is of so much importance to the common cause that I have no doubt of your excusing me.
                     If the communication between you and M. de Vaudreuil is regular and sure you might I should think correspond without Cypher—if not I must beg you to furnish Mr de Vaudreuil with a Cypher to make the matter more secure—and if your Excellency will from time to time give me the same informations I shall be exceedingly obliged.
                     The procuring the necessary intelligence must be attended with extraordinary Expence I must beg that your Excellency will charge some one to acquaint me of the sums necessary for the purpose and to whom I shall pay it—These Expences being wholly for the Service of our fleet must be charged to the department of the Marine & I have taken the necessary measures that they may be exactly paid.
                     From our last accounts from France the Duke of Lauzun and many other Officers who had sailed were obliged to put back having met with a storm—It is supposed they may have sailed again towards the last of June.  I am &c.

                        le cher de la luzerne


Title: From George Washington to George James Ludlow, 5 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Ludlow, George James

                     Sir,
                     Head Qrs Augt 5th 1782

                  Persuaded that your desire to visit Captn Asgill at Chatham, is founded in motives of friendship & humanity only I enclose you a Passport for the gratification of it.
                  The inclosed Letters for that Gentleman, came to me from New York, in the condition you will receive them.
                  You will have an oppertunity of presenting them with yourself—Your own Letter came under cover to me via Ostend.  I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obt Servt

                     Go: Washington