Title: From George Washington to Major General Philip Schuyler, 18 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

    Dear Sir,
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] Decemr 18 1778

I beg you will accept my thanks, for your obliging letter of the 30th Ulto and the polite expressions of your friendship which accompany it. At the same time, I am happy to congratulate you on your honorable acquital with the approbation of Congress.
The information and remarks, you have favoured me with are very full and satisfactory; and I must request as you are good enough to promise, that you will continue your reflections and enquiries, on the subject and communicate, from time to time, the result.
  The difference of circumstances, which you have enumerated, between the time of General Amhersts operations and the present is certainly very striking and the difficulties, of an expedition into Canada by the route he took—as things are now situated, great and many. The more however I consider the subject and examine into the state of our resources—the more I am convinced that, if an expedition is carried into that country, in the course of the next Campaign it must of necessity be done through that channel. The advan<tage> of penetrating by Lake Champlain, make the practicability of doing it infinitely desireable but upon the whole, I still am of opinion, that the prospect of effecting it is too small and precarious to warrant the attempt. I could hardly rely upon the success of any expedient th<at> might be adopted to gain the superiority of the Lake in the Summer—and I have greater reason than when I had the pleasure of writing you the 20th Ulto, to believe, that an undertaking for that purpose this Winter is intirely out of our power. My earnest desire of a Winter expedition has led me closely to investigate our means of prosecuting it, and I find after the fullest examination, from the concurrent and definitive reports of the Quarter Master and Commissary General, that our resources are unequal to the preparations necessary for such an enterprise.
  How far it will be in our power to extend our operations into Canada the next campaign must depend on a variety of events which cannot now be foreseen with certainty. It is to be lamented too, that our prospects are not so favourable as we could wish—But I agree with

    you in the importance of reducing Niagara at least if practicable; and I think it prudent to be taking preparatory measures, to enable us to attempt this and as much more, as the future situation of our affairs and resources may permit. I am the more induced to this, as the emancipation of Canada is an object, which Congress have much at heart.
Conformable to this principle I have directed the Commissary General to lay in as large magazines of flour and salt provisions &c. at Albany and any other places which may be thought proper, as he possibly can; and in like manner I have instructed the Quarter Master General to provide all the materials requisite for building, vessels, together with forage and every other article, which comes under the direction of his departmant. A copy of my instructions to him is inclosed.
You will perceive I have referred the Quarter Master General to you for advice and directions in making his arrangements. I have done the same with respect to the Commissary. Every consideration induces me to wish and request your assistance in this business—No person I know, has it more in his power to judge of the measures proper to be taken; and I am persuaded you will readily afford your aid in a matter of so great importance, as far as maybe consistent with the situation of your public and personal concerns.
In forming the magazines, I wish regard to be had as far as the primary intention will permit, to an easy transfer and appropriation of them, to the use of the army in this quarter, lest our operations to the Northward should be disappointed, and the scence of action still continue in our present front. As a large supply of hard bread will be essential, you will, please among other things to direct the Commissary, to provide such a quantity of this article as you deem sufficient. The most speedy and complete repair possible of the arms in the hands of Mr Renselaar, will require immediate attention.
Though we cannot now Determine what will be the extent of our Northern plan, nor, consequently, what number of troops will really be employed; yet as it is necessary to fix some precise idea on this point, by which to regulate our preparations, you will adapt them to an army of at least ten thousand effective rank and file, with a proportion of Artillery men attendants and retainers of every kind, according to the nature of the expedition.
  On account of the difficulty you suggest on transporting the vessels from the place mentioned in my last, my present intention is to have the iron work rigging sails &c. prepared at Albany, and the Vessels built at Oswego, agreeable to the plan you propose unless upon a more full considn of the matter you shall think the former plan of

    building on Hudsons River can be executed in the whole or part with more ease than at first view. It will be of the greatest moment however to employ every artifice to cover the real design, and beget false expectations in the enemy. I leave this to your management.
You will observe, by my instructions, to the Qr Mr Gl, that I have not absolutely decided on the kind of Vessels to be constructed. I wish first to take the opinions of some persons of experience in maritime affairs, before I finally determine. With respect to the batteaus, I leave the construction of them wholly to your judgment, and you will give every direction accordingly.
I shall be under a particular obligation for the journals you mention, if you are fortunate enough to find them.
Before I conclude, There is one or two things in particular, which I must beg you will endeavour to ascertain—Whether, there is not another River below la famine which empties into the St Lawrence, and what kind of a River it is? I have an idea of one which enters as low as Oswegatchie. Also where the enemy’s vessels on Lake Ontario are stationed during the Winter, and how they are defended and secured in the frozen state of the Lake?
It is not unlikely, I may be at Albany in the Month of January—This in the meantime, I mean only to be known to you; but I must insist, that you will not suffer it to make the least alteration, in your private plans. I am with the truest esteem and regard Dr Sir Yr Obedt hume ser.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 18 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

    Dear Lund,
    Head Qrs Middle brook. [N.J.]Decr the 18th 1778.

  Your Letter of the 9th Instt came to my hands this day after I had dispatched a long letter to you by Colo. Harrison—The quantity of Land mentioned therein, as appears by my plats, is I dare say, the exact number of Acres held by Marshall; for more than which he ought not to expect payment—The three small quantities which serve to compose the agregate 480½ are (I presume) those which lye on Muddy hole—the Northside of the Main Road joining Wades & my line—and on the South adjoining Manley & me—This as it is by actual & careful measurement, & intended for my own satisfaction and government, does I am perswaded, contain to the utmost inch all that he holds, and chearfully acquiesce to it as just—But at all events fix the matter with him by a re-survey or any other way to close the bargain; letting him know however, that if it is resurveyed, and the Surveyor makes it less than 480½ I shall pay for no more than is found by

    the last Survey (if it should even fall short of 400 a[c]res) and unless you have conditioned to the contrary, I shall expect, as the Survey will be made to gratifie him, that it will be done at his expense & by the Surveyor of the County—or at least a sworn Surveyor. you will see that the Chain is full 33 feet in length.
With respect to the small slipes which he engaged to let me have, the matter taken up in a strict sense, may be determined in a moment, by only solving a single question—to wit—did he, or did he not agree to take 40/ an acre for the Land in the event of not getting Alexanders? If he did not do this, the matter is at an end, because there is not in that case room for even the shadow of argument—If he did, where is the hardship of it? or in other words, why is it a greater hardship to receive money (short of ones wishes) for Lands sold, than for any other thing. The money which General Weedon wants to pay you is due for Lands I sold Doctr Mercer & for the very purpose of enabling me to pay for this and other Lands in that Neck as oppertunities might present; what difference then is there in the cases more than in the Sum? and a case still more in point is, that the very money advanced Alexander was in fact for the payment of this land of Marshalls—It is not harder then upon him to suffer a part than for me the whole—Such local disadvantages as these are to be placed to the misfortunes of the times—some men indeed are benefitted by them while others are ruined—I do not it is true come in under the latter class (so far as it extends to ruin) but I believe you know, that by the comparitive worth of money, six or Seven thousand pounds which I had in Bonds upon Interest is now reduced to as many hundreds because I can get no more for a thousand at this day than a hundred would have fetched when I left Virginia—Bonds, Debts, Rents (in Cash) & annuities undergoing no change while the currency is depreciating every day in value & for ought I know may in a little time be totally sunk.
  I do not labour this point because I expect much from it, but simply to shew Mr Marshall the light in wch he should consider the matter if he has a Mind to act upon such principles as ought to actuate every honest Man—and to shew him moreover the falacy & error of his arguments when he endeavours to prove that I have derived benefits from his Land which he has not experienced from Alexanders—The falacy of them—because if I have taken the timber of, it is not there, consequently the land now is of so much less value—The error of them—inasmuch as I am exceedingly mistaken if he has not inclosed & worked part of Alexanders Land—which (now I am upon the subject) is a matter that you ought to enquire into, as I have some recollection of Alexanders telling me, that he had not only put Marshall in possession of the whole, or such part of the land as he wanted, but that

    the Rents which usually came to him ceased; intimating that the bargain between him, me, & Marshall was so far compleated as that he no longer received the Rents or all of them nor was I to expect Interest for the Money lent him—If therefore I am to pay Marshall for his whole land at the price now agreed at by the acre, and to receive no Interest from Alexander I shall be very prettily handled between the two.
This circumstance is mentioned for your government; at the same time I leave you at full liberty to close the bargain with Marshall on any terms if you should even be obliged to allow as much for the slipes as other parts of his land and even to come up to 500 Acres for the quantity as I neither wish to disappoint you, or be disappointed myself in our present views—You will do the best you can to have justice done me—their impositions afterwds I must submit to as a tax to dishonourable men.
Among those plats which contained the quantity of Marshalls land you will also find one which shews the contents of those tracts I bought of the two Ashfords & Simon Pearson, which with so much of the waste land (taken up by me) as lyes above the tumbling dam shews (after taking of what Mr Triplet is to get) the amount of what you are to have of me, and how far it will fall short of the purchase from Marshall, thereby enabling you to make a proper settlement—If you find more than one plat of these Lands (as I think there is) the last is the truest, & most correct.
  It is not reasonable that Mr Triplet should remain longer out of the land which he is to get in exchange for his by my Mill race as there is no prospect of my seeing home this Winter; & yet I really am at a loss to find out how it can be done without my being present, as no person knows the true & complex state of that matter as well as I do—Nevertheless if he desires it, I will give you the best directions I can in order that possession may be given him this Winter. The way that I always expected & wished to have it done was, to extend a line from the bridge, at the head of the race by the tumbling dam to the little branch between that & Morris’s field at the road leading thither—thence by a direct line to the County road, as (if my memory serves me) my fence runs; This, if the fence is removed in, as I think it was Six or Seven years ago, will give as many Acres as I shall receive between the race and the line of my new Patent. but if it should not, then to pay for the difference at whatever the land would sell for at the time of ascertaining the several quantities we give & take—even if it should be £50 pr acre. If Mr Triplet will agree to this, the matter, so far as respects the land, and the use of it to both of us may be settled at any time; and a sum may also be deposited in his hands to be adjusted hereafter; which will prevent his suffering any delay or

    injustice on acct of the money he is to receive—or if this will not do, from his apprehension that he shall give more land than he will get (in which I think he will be mistaken, if I am not wrong in my ideas respecting the removal of my fence which was done to this very view) I would in order to satisfie him, and bring the matter as far as possible to a close & without further delay let the line from the branch at the Road as beforementioned bear a little more to the right to include a little more land—a Measure of this kind must remove every difficulty & will certainly give content—the legal fees of the County Surveyor in ascertaining this work would amount to the value of both pieces of land; for not knowing, or not depending, the circumstances, or with a view perhaps to increase his fees, he would Survey Harrisons patent (on which Mr Triplet lives)—Pearsons (the Patentee of which I do not now recollect)—my Land, lately taken up as waste—& part perhaps of that I bought of Geo. Ashford—all of which may be avoided by the mode I speak of; and the disadvantage resulting from the want of a final settlement thrown upon me, by giving him more land, and more money, than he will be entitled to upon a fair & impartial measurement of the exchanged tracts—If you and Mr Triplet should agree without any thing further from me, have a stone, or a locust Post fixed at the road for the corner.
With respect to your bargain with Lanphire I can say nothing—I wish every contract that I make, or that is made for me should be fulfilled according to the strict & equitable sense of it—and this in the present case you must be a better judge of than I am—if at the time of engaging him the extra allowance of Corn &ca more was expected & promised than has been performed you are certainly under no obligation to comply with your part till he has fulfilled his—if on the other hand he has fulfilled his you are bound to comply altho it may prove hard—But from your state of the case, the true and equitable construction of the bargain seems to me to be that he ought to have the Corn & Wool, but should be obliged to continue his & servants labor at their present Wages till the covered ways & such work as was particularized or had in contemplation at the time is finished. Without this his wages will be monstrous, the end not answered—& what neither of you at the time could possibly have in view—I therefore think that this is the proper footing to place it on, and, tho slow he had better be kept on those terms till you can at least bring his Wages within the bounds of moderation by time if he should not quite compleat the work expected of him. The Corn (which I am told Qr Master Finnie is now giving Six pounds pr Barl for) should be delivered to him by little at a time for if he gets the whole at once you may, I suppose, catch him as you can.

  I come now to mention a matter which more particularly respects yourself. The depreciation of money, & the sudden rise in the price of produce in the course of this year & other things principally to this cause owing renders your present wages especially under short Crops totally inadequate to your trouble & Services—I am therefore willing that you shd receive a certain part of the last Crop, to be disposed of by you for your own benefit—and so in future—this will give you the reward of yr industry without subjecting you to the peculiar hardship resulting from depreciation as it is presumable that the price of produce will rise in proportion to the fall of the other—I do not at this time ascertain what the part shall be, because I wish you to say what you think is just & right—this it is my full wish to give, & more I do not think you would ask, therefore we cannot disagree. Being little acquainted with the produce of my Estate—amount of Crops—&ca is the reason of my wishing to leave the matter to yourself as it is my first wish that you should be satisfied.
Mr Archer has got the letter you inclosed—& I have only to add that I am sincerely & Affectionately Yrs

  Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 19 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Camp Middle-Brook [N.J.] Saturday Decr 19th 1778
    Parole Durham—C. Signs Enfield Finland—


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 19 December 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

    Sr
    Lancaster [Pa.] Decr 19th 1778

Having Sent off expresses on the 6th of the month to the officers Commandg the Militia of the Counties of York and Lancaster according to yr Excellencies Instructions to me; to have the Militia of those Counties in Readiness as well as that of Philidelphia & Bucks; I was not a little surprized, (after the Information I recd from the board of War, of the proceedgs of the President & Executive Council therein,) on my arrival here to find no step had been taken in those Counties & therefore immediately sent off other dispatches to hasten the getting in readiness the Militia of those Counties; which as there was a Genl Halt, & a day of Rain which prolonged the Halt; I was in hopes wd have been done in time. But to my great astonishment Recd a letter from the Lt of York County of which the Enclosed is a Copy.
This will at once plead my Excuse with Yr Excelly I hope if I shd be under the necessity of ordering on the Continental Escort further as ’twould by no means be safe to March the Convention troops without Escort. Some disputes have Arisen in this Place, which I have had some difficulty to settle between the Troops of the Convention & the Inhabitants, but they are at length pretty well adjusted. I am Sr Yr Excelly’s Most obedt Humb: Sert

    Theok Bland

P.S. the 3d division Marchd from hence this Morng & will Cross the Susquehannah to day. the 5th were at North Wayles on the 15th inst. the last acct I have had from the River. I recd a letter from Genl Specht complaing of abusive treatment from the Militia to some of the Germans; & have Issued orders immediately to Enquire into it & have the delinquents punished accordg to their deserts.

  T.B.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Lewis J. Costigin, 19 December 1778
From: Costigin, Lewis J.
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    New Yk 19 Decr 78

Mr James Willing, with Two Officers said to be deserters from the British service, at Pensacola have been lately taken in a small sloop from that Quartr bound as suppos’d to Philadelphia. the three on being brought to this place found means to make their escape from the prize, and got into the City.
  Mr Willing who is some way connected with Lawr. Kirtwright immediatly repair’d to his house, but unhappily found no shelter there, he being a person of Consequence was given up and is now in confinement he being no Seaman, and taken unarm’d it is generally said he will be held up for <(Lt> call’d Colo.) Connelly—the other Gentlemen are not yet discover’d.
The Jamacia fleet have not yet sail’d and I find there will be in the whole 40 or 50 sail—a number of them Arm’d.

  Z


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Lee Davidson, 19 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Davidson, William Lee

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 19th Decemr 1778.

You are to leave a Captain two Subs. and fifty Men of the detachment of Colo. Hogans Regt at Trenton and proceed with the remainder to Philadelphia, upon your arrival at which place you are to make report to General Arnold or commanding Officer and take your directions from him. You are to leave word at Trenton for Colo. Hogan to follow with the remainder of the Regt (except the Captain and fifty who are to guard the Stores at Trenton) to Philada. He is to take with him as many of his sick and Convalescents as possible; those that cannot proceed beyond Trenton must be left either there or at Princetown, with directions to join the Regt as they recover Colo. Hogan is also upon his arrival at Philada to take his orders from Genl Arnold or commanding Officer. Be pleased to leave a Copy of this letter for him at Trenton. I am Sir Your most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 19 December 1778
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

    Dear General
    Charles Town [S.C.] Decr 19th 1778

Immediately on my arrival here I called for a return of the troops and continental stores in this state, and the state of Georgia, but have not yet obtained them—otherwise I should have done myself the honor of inclosing them; but from all I can learn there are very few continental stores in either of the states.
The troops have been supplied by this state, and the heads of the several departments of medical Commissary, & Quater Mas., when supplies were necessary, have applied to the civil authority, (there being no military Chest here) who granted them or not as their own judgments dictated, which mode of doing buisness, often created great dissentions between the civil and military, and a militation of orders.
  In this situation I found matters, and that the army, (to use Majr General Howes own words,) “had been in a State of abject dependence on the civil authority.” indeed the continental officer commanding in this department has not had it in his power from the want of supplies which he could contrive, to march the troops without the consent of the President of this state, however urgent the necessity. I hope things will be better settled, and that I never shall be driven

    to the hard necessity of altercating with the civil power than which, nothing would be more disagreabled.
The enemy from St Augustine lately marched into Georgia, they summoned a small Fort in Sunbury, but satisfied with the spirited answer given by the officer commanding it retreated over the Altamaha river, they plundered Negros, Cattle &c. to a considerable amount. I am not able to learn whether they have left the state or not. What was their original motive, whether a diversion of the troops here—whether to co-opperate with a force from New York—or to secure a quantity of Provisions is not yet determined—I think the latter is most probable, tho there are some reasons to suppose they expected to act in conjunction with a body from New York.
There are here very few troops & I think a very small proportion of those call’d for by Congress will arrive; by the next opportunity I hope to forward the returns of the troops & of the few continental stores in this department. I have the honor to be dear Genl with the greatest esteem & Affection yr Excellency’s most obedt humble Servt

  B. Lincoln.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 19 December 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 19th Decmr 1778

I have the plasure to inclosed to Your Excellency two New York papers one of which contains a parragraph with a large sample of the old Story of the Fox & Sower grapes.
  and in another the distressed and disapointed state of the Refugees more than I thought they would be permited to express to the Publick. I wish Your Excellency would give me some directions concerning Hatfield and the others imprisoned here by Your Excellency’s & Lord Stirlings Orders, the Torys and their connections is making a great dust about them, they have been at the Chief Judge for a Hebuscorpus and has presented it as they said, but I would not look at it, they told me it was to have them moved with their Crimes to the Judge. If You will give me Orders I will send Hatfield with the others to Your Excellency and I am of opinion that Summerset Jail would be

    a much better place for them than this; but I submit it to your Excellency and am Your Most Obedt Humble Servant

    Wm Maxwell

    N.B. Your Excellencys Instruction to me seems to prevent me from sending over a Flagg of any kind unless By Your Excellency’s or the Governors orders; The Comy Genl of Prisoners will want to send Letters Frequently and Prisoners also, very possably Flour for <the> Prisoners, Money &Ca, I should be glad to know whether Your Excellency means that I should obey the Orders Litteraly or not.

    W.M.

I have sent the Brigade Quarter Master for the Remdr of the Cloathing for the Brigade Your Excellency will please to give him an Order for that purpose.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Steuben, 19 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von

    Sir,
    [Middlebrook, N.J.] 19th Decr 1778

  I had the honor of receiving a few days since your letter of the 6th instant; I am much obliged to you for the polite assurances you give; and in my turn, I beg you will believe, that when the institution at the head of which you have been placed, can once be established upon a footing mutually agreeable to you and to the army, to which end all the

    measures I have taken in it have been directed, I shall be happy to give you every support in my power to facilitate your operations—In doing this I shall equally consult the personal consideration I have for you, and the improvement and benefit of the army, which I am persuaded will be greatly promoted by a full exertion of the same talents, experience and activity, of which you have already given the most satisfactory proofs. I am with great esteem & regard Sir Yr Most Obedt serv.


Title: From George Washington to Major Lemuel Trescott, 19 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Trescott, Lemuel

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 19th Decemr 1778.

I am favd with yours of the 4th informing me of the date of Major Curtis’s resignation agreeable to which I inclose you a Commn for the Majority of the Regt—from the 20th May last.
I recd a letter from the Board of War in Sepr respecting those men of your Regt who were confined at Easton. I recommended it to them to employ them upon the Works in Delaware rather than let them rejoin the Army as they had shewn so great an inclination to desert to the Enemy. I have not heard since what they did in the matter but will make enquiry. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 19 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.

    Dear Sir,
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.]December 19. 1778

  I am honored with Your Excellency’s favour of the 12th instant; inclosing the copies of two letters relative to the disposition of the

    troops on the East side of the North River and the quartering of Col. Sheldon’s regiment of dragoons.
There is nothing I have more at heart, than the ease and security of every part of the Country and its inhabitants; and I wish Your Excellency to believe, that in the present distribution of the army, I have consulted these objects, to the best of my judgment, as far as could be done, consistently with a due attention to other objects, too essential to be neglected—You are sensible, Sir, that, in military operations, there are many partial evils, which must be submitted to—to attain the principal end, to which they are directed—However desireable the protection of those parts of the country, most contiguous to the enemy, and the convenience of the inhabitants in general; these must, sometimes, give place to other considerations of greater magnitude—The present disposition of the army, after a full consideration of every circumstance, has been thought best calculated to unite the greatest number of advantages, with the fewest disadvantages—To enter into a detail of the reasons, on which it has been formed would be giving Your Excellency unnecessary trouble—I shall, therefore, only observe, that the easy subsistence and accommodation of the troops, their discipline and security, and the facility of collecting them to the principal points of defence, which require their being as little dispersed as possible—and the protection and convenience of the country and the inhabitants—have all been endeavoured to be provided for, as far as they could be reconciled to each other, and to the general situation of our affairs, at this period.
The great desire, I feel, to comply with Your Excellency’s wishes, on every occasion, makes it painful to me, that in the present case, I do not think it would be advancive of the service to make those changes in the disposition of the troops, which your transmitting the letter from Cols. Enos and Meade seems to indicate would be agreeable to you—I should not be without apprehensions for the safety of the Brigades themselves stationed, where they propose—The detaching one so far from the Highland posts would lessen the security of those important places—an unequal portion of duty would be thrown upon the advanced Brigades—and the discipline of the whole would be injured by adding to the dispersion. The directions, I have given, to Generals Putnam and McDougall, to keep a succession of parties constantly advanced, towards the enemy’s lines, from the Sound to the North River, without being liable to the same disadvantages, will pretty effectually answer the same end—If this has not yet been done, it is, I suppose, to be ascribed to the troops having been hitherto employed in covering themselves for the Winter.
  With respect to the proposal for dividing Sheldon’s regiment, and

    sending a part of it to Wallingford or Middleton—this arrangement would interfere with a general principle, essential to order and discipline, to which I have strictly adhered—the keeping every corps in a collected state. It has been with great reluctance, that I have even separated the different regiments of cavalry from each other, but the impossibility of subsisting and accommodating them, in one body, put me under a necessity of making a division of this kind—To carry it further would be ruinous to this useful part of the army: And I do not apprehend, that the regiment in question could be removed to any other place, where it could be equally well provided in a collected state with forage and quarters, without being attended with the same inconveniences, as at Durham. This place was pointed out as the most commodious, by the Quarter Master General, in his arrangements, for cantonning the army; and as I have received a very favourable account of the situation of the regiment, in point of accommodation from Col. Sheldon himself —this is an additional motive to wish its continuance where it is. With the truest respect and esteem—I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most Obedt servant

  Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 20 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Camp Middle-Brook [N.J.] sunday Decr 20th 1778.
    Parole GranthamC. Signs Howe Ireland

Captain Samuel King of Coll Marshall’s Regiment is appointed Aid-de-Camp to the Baron De Kalb, vice Major Rogers resigned.
The regimental Surgeons are reminded of the standing order to make returns of their sick every monday to the principal surgeon of the Flying-Hospital present & that no sick be sent from Camp to the General Hospital without his certificate.
The Director General of the Flying Hospital quarters at Mr Field’s, Bound-Brook.


Title: To George Washington from John Grizzage Frazer, 20 December 1778
From: Frazer, John Grizzage
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Bordeaux [France] Decemr 20th 1778

I have taken the liberty to inclose you the King of great Britains speach to his Parliament, which met the 26th Ulto—It comes by Capt. Sandford of Alexandria, who was the first Vessell that sailed from this port, for America, after we got the inclosed speach here.
  The English Fleet commanded by Admiral Kepple is in port at Present, and a Division of the French Fleet is constantly out cruizing—The states of Holland are determined to protect their Flag, & Trade and for that purpose have 32 Ships of their line now in readiness, beside Frigates &c. It is in consequence of the English making Captures of their Mercht Vessells going, and coming to France &c. and will not restore them—As Capt. Sandford passes by your

    House, I have sent you a Hhd of the best Bordeaux Claret in bottles, I hope it will come safe to hand, and am Sir Yr Mo. Obt & very Hbe Serv.

  Jno. G. Frazer


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 20 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

    [Middlebrook, N.J., 20 December 1778]

I was favored with your letter of yesterdays date this evening.
I have informed Governor Livingston with as many of the circumstances of Hatfields case as have come within my knowlege, and directed Lord Stirling to furnish him with such as he has relating to this subject. You will be pleased without further delay to deliver both Hatfield and the vessel he was in, to the civil magistrate with all the information you are possessed of in the affair, and assist in making what further discoveries may be attainable.
I wish you would ascertain more fully and clearly the cause of the deficiencies in the several articles of clothing as contained in your return. This may be done by a return of the number of men in the different corps—and a return of the several articles drawn for each corps.
  To prevent as much as possible that intercourse which has been so much complained of—you will refer the applications for flags from the Commissaries of prisoners to me that one general rule of conduct

    may be observed in all cases of flags. Mr Mercereu, D.C. Prisrs has my permission to pass into N.Y.
I have inclosed you full instructions for your observance and am sir &c.

  G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Nicholas Ruxton Moore, 20 December 1778
From: Moore, Nicholas Ruxton
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Baltimore Decemr 20th 1778.

It is with the greatest reluctance I now address your Excellency on a subject which to me is exceedingly disagreeable, that of Quiting the Army.
Two years have now elapsed since I have had the Honor of serving in the Army during which time having no person to take care of my Bussiness, I find it in such a perplexd, confused situation, that was I to gratefy my inclination by serving only one Campaign more, it woud be making a sacrifice of allmost every thing I have in the world.
your Excellency will readily concieve my uneasiness on this occasion when I do assure you upon my Honor it is with the greatest regret that I shall leave the service.
my Commission as Capt. of Lt Ds I shoud have inclosed but I have not received it—as a state of suspence is very disagreeable, I must beg the favor of your Excellency to forward your permission for my resignation as conveniently possible—while I Remain Your Excellency’s most obtt Hbl. Svt

  Nich. Ruxton Moore


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 20 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

    Sir
    Head Quarters Middle Brook [N.J.] 20th Decr 1778

I have the honor of yours of the 16th instant. I have directed that only a Captn and 50 Men of Colo. Hogans may be left at Trenton that you may have as great a number as possible in Philada. I wish it were in my power to comply fully with your request for Troops, but I have had so many demands upon me from quarters exposed to the Enemy, all of which I have been obliged in some measure to comply with, that I cannot possibly spare any more without leaving this cantonment in so weak a state as to be liable to an insult during the Winter.
From the dispersed situation of the Army a considerable time would elapse before the Adjutant General could collect the Return which you call for. I am happy in having it in my power to furnish you with one immediately which I think will answer your purpose, it includes every man (a few Corps excepted who were at a distance) whose time of service will expire by the last of May 1779. the remainder of the Army are engaged some to the latter end of the next Campaign—some for further limited times—and a few, comparatively speaking during the War. The State of Virginia having offered very great Bounties to such of her old Soldiers and Levies who will inlist during the War, perhaps five or six hundred of those men included in the return now sent you may be re-engaged; but when we take in account the diminution of an army by natural means, we may still calculate upon a decrease, equal to the total amount of the Return, by the month of May next.
I have recd a letter of the 11th inst. from the Secy of the Board inclosing a Resolve of Congress respecting the pay of the supernumerary Officers, which has be[en] inserted in General Orders for the information of the concerned.
Govr Reed has informed me of the reasons of the delays and diffi culties in procuring the Militia of Pennsylvania to guard the Convention Troops. It will be very distressing upon those continental troops who have been under the necessity of going forward, as they will have their Huts to build after they return, which will bring them to the midst of Winter.
  In a letter to the Board of the 14th Sepr last I advised the employing twenty six Men belonging to Colo. Henley Regt, then in Easton Goal, upon some of the public Works, rather than let them join their Regt as they had shown an inclination to desert to the Enemy. Be pleased to

    inform me whether they were disposed of in any manner or whether they are still at Easton, as the commanding Officer of the Regt has lately desired to know whether they are still to be considered as belonging to him or to be struck off the Rolls. I have the honor &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Russell, 20 December 1778
From: Russell, William
To: Washington, George

    May it please your Excellency,
    Decr 20th 1778

As the commanding officers of the fourth, and eighth Virginia regiments, in General Scott’s brigade, have drawn monies to reinlist in their regiments; I need only trouble your Excellency to grant a warrant to Captain Williams of the sixth regiment a return of the amount, he will lay before your Excellency.
Shou’d any further orders relative to furloughing the reinlisted men be necessary, I shall be happy to know it as soon as convenient: They will be in readiness to march by tuesday next. I am, may it please your Excellency, with due respect, Your most obedt Servt

  W. Russell Colo. comrGenl Scotts brigade


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 20 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

    Dr Sir
    Head Quarters Middle brook [N.J.] 20th Decr 1778.

I have your two letters of the 2d and 7th Int. now before me.
  The order communicated by the adjutant General to Col. Jackson was in consequence of my instructions. It is not however my desire to remove the band in case it has been procured at the cost of  the officers, and is kept up at their private expence. This is a prerogative I could not think of assuming. But on the other hand, if it belongs to, and is supported by the public I shall adhere to my former order —you must certainly  be of opinion with me that the necessity for such a thing is much greater here than it can be any where else. Under these circumstances, I could wish the matter to be considered; especially

    when I add that I can make no distinction in Corps—A Band is no part of our establishmt—to endulge one Regiment therefore & refuse another (equal in pretensions) is setting up inviduous distinctions which cannot be productive of any good but may of much evil and ought to be avoided.
I have been applied to lately by Col. Le Radiere for the discharge of a certain de Marcere a private in Colonel Angels Regiment. De Marcere it appears inlisted in the service from necessity. Col. Le Radiere claims him for a relation, and is much interested in his dismission. As the Col. is a foreigner and urges it under all these circumstances I have consented to his discharge. You will be pleased to give orders for this purpose, and should the soldier be indebted to the Regiment you will see by the inclosed paper that Colonel Radiere takes it upon himself. You may transmit the account in your next letter should this be the case. I am &.

    G.W.

P.S. The 30th of this month being prescribed by the honorable Congress as a day of thanksgiving, you will be pleased to have the same observed in the army under your command.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 20 December 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

    My Dear General
    Providence Decemr 20th 1778

  I have the Honor of Inclosing Your Excellencey a Letter from Lieut. Brownigg at New Port which will give your Excellencey the Number of Forces which went from New york also a Return of the Commissary at Newport which with making the proper allowances & Deductions will give their Numbers on Rhode Island which I have Calculated & think their Rank & File to amount to 5949—Mr Browniggs Letter will Show the Number of Regiments Left behind Their Numbers may Easily be Conjectured from one of Clintons orderly Books he mentions the Regiments in making his Arrangements for March which

    proves Mr Brownigg to be Right as to the Number of Regiments The Number of Each Company with General Grant being Compleated to 56 Rank & File will Render the Number with him Certain The Regiments Left behind must be weak but they far Exceed any Calculation we have Ever made—I have Ever Supposed their Numbers to Exceed the Common Conjectures & I think the Inclosed papers will warrant the Supposition. Those papers were taken in two vessels one of which with 13 Men on Board was taken by Lieut. Chapin of Colo. Sherburns Regt with 6 men in a Whale Boat the other was wreckd on the South Shore with a British Captain 3 Lieuts. & about 40 Seamen & Soldiers on Board as I have not time to Copy I beg your Excy to Direct a Copy of Browniggs Letter & the Return to be forwarded to Congress I Inclose your Excellencey the Return of Browns or the Prince of Wales Regt by Comparing the Numbers of that with the Comys Return you can find a Medium for Calculating the Strength of the other Corps I have the Honor to be Dear General with the most profound Respect your Excellys most obedt Servt

  Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 21 December 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Elizabeth Town [N.J.] 21 Decr 1778

I have to acknowledge your Excellency’s favours of the 16th and 17th instant.
From your Excellency’s known disposition to afford this State all the assistance which the circumstances of your Troops will permit, I think the reasons assigned in your Letter of the 16th against sending a detachment into Monmouth, have their weight; and one is often obliged to make those applications against one’s own Judgment, for the satisfaction, & through the solicitations of others.
I am happy to find your Excellency concur with me in Sentiment respecting the prisoners lately belonging to the British ship stranded on our coast; and I have acquainted Collo. Beaty that they are to be considered as the prisoners of this State, and to be delivered to the order of Mr Boudinot our Commissary. I am exceedingly pleased with the plan your Excellency proposes in your Letter of the 17th for suffering flag boats to pass only once a month except on extraordinary occasions. For the Inhabitants of the States, who have no military business to transact it is quite sufficient; and the inconvenience of being delayed for that space of time, when such establishment is found necessary for the public good, ought to be, and by all true Whigs, will be, chearfully acquiesced in. Indeed of all those who have applied to me for recommendations to the commanding officer at Elizabeth Town to go to Staten Island or New York not above one in twenty appeared intitled to that indulgence; and many of them were as venemous Tories as any in the country. It is either from a vain curiosity (extremely predominant in women) cloaked with the pretence of securing their debts or effects in which they seldom, if ever, succeed; or for the sake of buying tea & trinkets (for which they would as soon forfeit a second paradise, as Eve did the first, for the forbidden fruit) that they are perpetually prompted to those idle rambles. I have accordingly been very sparing in gratifying their requests; but have often had the mortification to find that many of those whom I had denied, were notwithstanding succesful in their subsequent addresses to the military officers, who from a mistaken complaisance seemd in capable of resisting the solicitations of those eloquent & pernicious vagrants. the men are still more seriously mischievous, & go with commercial motives, & to secure capital Quantities of British merchandize.
  By a late Law, our Legislature has made it penal, for any of the Inhabitants of this State to go into the Enemy’s lines without your Excellency’s pass, or mine; and I am sure I shall not find myself disposed to

    grant any, but in cases in which the principles of Charity or humanity evidently appear to require it.
I hope the capture of the 30 dutch vessels by the Enemy on their passage to the west indies on pretence of their being intended for America laden with French goods will animate their High Mightynesses to vindicate their rights, and protect their commerce. I have the honour to be with the highest esteem Dear Sir your Excellency’s most obedient Servant

  Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 21 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

    [Middlebrook, N.J., 21 Dec. 1778]

You are appointed to the command at Elizabeth Town at which place you are to remain with the New Jersey Brigade: But Should you be of opinion that the troops can be more conveniently quartered by removing part to New Ark, you may order a Regiment or as many to that place as circumstances shall require.
The principal object of your position is to prevent the Enemy stationed upon Staten Island from making incursions upon the main and also to prevent any traffic between them and the inhabitants. In this respect I must request you to be very vigilant and to use your utmost exertions as great complaints have been made of a trade’s being carried on so openly and to such a height as to alarm and give great umbrage to the well affected. I am informed that considerable quantities of provision are carried over to and goods brought from Staten Island thro’ Woodbrijde and Raway Necks, you will therefore either keep patrols or post small parties upon that quarter as you shall judge most expedient and likely to prevent such intercourse.
  You are to pay particular attention to my former order directing you not to suffer any persons inhabitant of the United States to go within the Enemy’s lines without they produce a written licence from

    Congress—the Governors or legislative Authorities to which they belong—or from myself, a great part of the illicit traffic complained of having been carried on by persons who under various pretences have gained permission to go to Staten Island, or New York.
As the good order and discipline of the troops will in a great measure depend upon a proper number of Officers remaining in quarters with them you will observe the following Rule in granting Furloughs as far as circumstances will admit.
Two Feild Officers to remain with a Regimt and two Commissioned Officers with a Company—Not more than twenty Soldiers to be absent from a Regiment on Furlough at one time.
You will be careful to see that the Brigade Inspector puts in practice the Maneuvres and discipline introduced the last Campaign as often as the State of the Weather will permit during the Winter.
The difficulty of procuring Forage for even those Horses of which there is real occasion, renders it absolutely necessary than none others be kept in the Brigade but by the Feild and Staff Officers intitled thereto, for the Artillery—and for the Waggons employed in Garrison duties. The supernumerary Horses belonging to the public to be delivered to the Dy Qr Mr Genl who will dispose of them in such places as will be most convenient for their accommodation. Given at Middle Brook this 21st day of Decemr 1778.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel William Russell, 21 December 1778
From: Russell, William
To: Washington, George

    May it please your Excellency,
    Middle Brook [N.J.]Decr 21st 1778

In order to ascertain as nearly as possible, the sum necessary to be drawn for inlisting the men in General Scotts brigade, I calld for the necessary returns early yesterday morning.
Colo. Nevill sent me word he thought a sufficient sum had been drawn for the purpose of inlisting in the fourth and eighth regiments, therefore, I only apply’d for the sixth by Captain Williams.
Colo. Nevill now applies and says the number willing to engage is much more considerable then he had expected, and must consequently have ten thousand Dollars more: as the Colo. will react upon your Excellency with this; he will be ready to receive the sum. I am, may it please your Excellency, with due respect your most obedt Servt

  W. Russell Colo. commandantGenl Scotts brigade


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

    Sir,
    [Middlebrook, N.J., 21 Dec. 1778]

Congress having been pleased to require my attendance at Philadelphia for a few days the immediate command of the Troops at this place will devolve upon your Lordship.
The hutting the Troops in the most speedy and commodious manner, and the preservation of order and discipline, I doubt not will receive your Lordships particular attention—I must request that you will as much as possible avoid granting furloughs to officers, except in the manner and proportion heretofore specified in General Orders, and will not deviate but where the circumstances of the case are of a very peculiar and pressing nature. The frequency of applications on this head induces me to particularise the caution.
Your Lordship will give me the earliest intelligence of any thing of consequence that may happen. Given at Head Quarters this the 21st Day of Decr 1778.

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 21 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

    My Lord.
    [Middlebrook, N.J.] 21st Decemr 1778.

I have directed General Maxwell to deliver up Hatfeild to the Civil Authority and have informed Governor Livingston that you will furnish him with such proofs of his Guilt as have come to your Knowledge; be pleased therefore to forward such papers to him as you have at present in possession, or any new matter which you may hereafter obtain, and which may serve to throw light upon the Affair. I am Yr Lordships Most obt Servt

  Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 22 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] Tuesday Decr 22nd 1778
    Parole NarragansetC. Signs Otis Portsmouth—

  At a General Court Martial whereof Majr Genl Lord Stirling was President held the 4th of July last at Brunswick and at other times and

    places afterwards by Adjournment for the trial of Majr Genl Lee on the following charges.
First—For disobedience of orders in not attacking the Enemy on the 28th of June agreeable to repeated instructions.
Secondly—For Misbehaviour before the Enemy on the same day by making an unnecessary, disorderly & shameful Retreat.
Thirdly—For disrespect to the Commander in Chief in two Letters dated the 1st of July and the 28th of June.
The Court passed sentence on the Case in the following Words—“The Court having considered the first Charge against Major General Lee the Evidence and his defence are of opinion that he is guilty of disobedience of Orders in not attacking the Enemy on the 28th of June agreeable to repeated instructions; being a breach of the latter part of Article 5th section 2nd of the Articles of War.
The Court having considered the second Charge against Major General Lee, the Evidence and his defence, are of opinion he is guilty of Misbehaviour before the Enemy on the 28th of June by making an unnecessary, and in some few instances a disorderly retreat, being a breach of the 13th Article, of the 13th Section of the Articles of War.
The Court having considered the third charge against Major General Lee are of opinion that he is guilty of disrespect to the Commander in Chief in two letters dated the 1st of July and 28th of June, being a breach of the 2nd Article, section 2nd of the Articles of War.
The Court do sentence Major General Lee to be suspended from any Command in the Armies of The United-States of North America for the term of twelve Months.
The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to confirm the foregoing sentence as follows.
  In Congress 5th December 1778.
  Resolved—“That the sentence of the General Court Martial upon Major General Lee be carried into Execution.”
At a General Court Martial whereof Majr General Lincoln was President held at White-Plains the 23rd of August last for the trial of Majr Genl St Clair on the following charges.
First—With Neglect of duty under the 5th Article of the 18th section of the rules and Articles of War.
Second—With Cowardice, with Treachery, with Incapacity as a General, respectively, under the 5th Article of the 18th section of the rules & articles of War.
Third—With Treachery, under the 5th Article of the 18th section of the rules and articles of War.
Fourth—With inattention to the Progress of the Enemy, with Treachery, with Incapacity as a General respectively, under the 5th Article of the 18th section of the Rules & Articles of War.

  Fifth—With shamefully abandoning the Post of Ticonderoga and Mount-Independence in his charge, under the 12th Article of the 13th section of the rules and articles of War.
The Court passed sentence on this case in the following Words—“The Court having duly considered the charges against Major General St Clair and the evidence are unanimously of opinion that he is not guilty of either of the charges against him and do unanimously acquit him of all and every of them with the highest Honor.[”]
The Honorable, The Congress have been pleased to confirm the above sentence as follows.
  In Congress 16th of December 1778.
Resolved—That the sentence of the General Court Martial acquitting Major General St Clair with the highest Honor of the charges exhibited against him, be and is hereby confirmed.
At a General Court Martial held at the White-Plains whereof Major General Lincoln was President for the trial of Major General Schuyler.
The Court having considered the charge against Major General Schuyler, the evidence and his defence are unanimously of opinion, that he is not guilty of “Any Neglect of duty in not being at Ticonderoga as charged”—and the Court do acquit him with the highest honor.
The Honorable, The Congress have been pleased to confirm the above sentence as follows.
  In Congress December 3rd 1778.
Congress took into consideration the proceedings of the Court Martial in the trial of Major Genl Schuyler, whereupon—Resolved—That the sentence of the General Court Martial acquitting Major Genl Schuyler with the highest Honor of the Charges exhibited against him be and is hereby confirmed.
The Honorable The Congress having been pleased by their Proclamation of the 21st of November last to appoint Wednesday the 30th instant as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise for the great and numerous Providential Mercies experienced by the People of These States in the course of the present War, the same is to be religiously observed throughout the Army in the manner therein directed, and the different Chaplains will prepare discourses suited to the Occasion.
  In consideration of the exhausted State of the Country on this communication with respect to Forage, the necessary supplies of which will be with the greatest difficulty procured, after all the care, industry and œconomy that can be used; The Commander in Chief has directed the Quarter-Master General to send away from camp all the public horses that in his opinion can possibly be spared from the ordinary service of the Army—In addition to this precaution as in a stationary Camp much fewer horses will be wanted by the officers of

    the line in execution of the duties of their respective stations than at other times, the General particularly requests, that the General Officers will retain no more horses in camp for the use of themselves and their suites than are absolutely necessary, and that the Field Officers one endeavour to make one horse a piece suffice; The other regimental officers who are intitled to keep horses will be able to dispense with them during the Winter.
The same recommendation extends to all the staff officers intitled to keep horses, to which the General requests the attention of the heads of the several departments. The Commissary of Forage will receive the supernumerary horses and have them well provided for at a convenient place at some distance from Camp.
A Brigadier and Field Officers for the day are to be appointed—They will see the Pickets properly posted, visited and superintend the police and discipline of the Camp as usual.
A Captain, two Subalterns, three Serjeants a Drum and Fife and Fifty Rank and File to be sent to Bonam-Town as an advanced Picket to be reliev’d every Monday ’till further orders—The Officer commanding it will receive his instructions from the Adjutant General.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Pendleton, 22 December 1778
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Washington, George

    Dear General
    Caroline Virga Decr 22d 1778.

I thank you for yr esteemed favr of Octr 12th lately come to hand & assure you that in laying by my former letters ’til you could tel me you was in health, without interfering with more important Objects, (than my letters I mean, not yr health,) you did with them as I wished, and the hope of that alone induced me to write.
  I am under great Obligations by your Attention to Majr Taylor & feel conviction of the justice of yr Objections to his being thrown into the line. I think his case is hard having had for near two years almost the whole duties of the Regiment, and seing daily inferior Officers rise above him in the line whilst he remains in Statu quo, which in fact is loosing rank, considering it in a Relative view. And tho’ I would not wish him Relieved at the expence of that Justice wch is due to others, yet how shall I perswade him to return Under the disagreable situation he must thus endure without any very promising prospect of amendmt; unless indeed his services were essentially necessary to

    the general good, & then I am perswaded he would need no Stimulas from his friends to continue under almost any circumstances: I must leave him to the influence of his own feelings, and of your advice, which I beleive will have more weight with him than any thing I can say on the Subject: some Gentn of Congress are inclined to do something for him, but I do not se[e] what it can be, unless by the promotion of Colo. Hazen or allowing two Lieut. Colos. to that Regiment, on Account of it’s size, they create a Vacancy in it.
I consider the Manifesto of the Commissioners as their last effort, in an Attempt to divide Us; & wished us to double our Attention to Union, the Radical antedote, which I judged would hasten the accomplishment of our wishes—It is with concern I view the opening of somethings at this time which may feed their hopes of success & delay Peace, however otherwise proper to be enquired into. Your last Accounts seem to indicate the Enemy’s total evacuation of New York, notwithstanding the Season, I suppose they mean to go to the West Indies, which will probably be an uncommonly Warm Climate.
Drafting in any Shape is so unpopular a measure, that our Assembly have laid it aside, & depend for recruiting Our Regiments upon high bounties only, which I fear will fail, as ’tis difficult to reach the Point of avarice now in fashion. They tax deep, having added 1 per Cent to that of last year, which as tis supposed the Assessment will be double, will make the Payment 6 fold, and occasion distress to many individuals. General Nelson & Colo. Wm Flemming are sent to Congress in the room of Bannister & Harvey who have declined.
The Nominal price of every thing here is enormous, Our Produce as well as imported necessaries, and the expences of next Campaign I suppose will be an Alarming Sum, however we must se it out, & not look back.
I cordially wish you and the good Lady (who I am told is now with you) many returns of happy years, in which Mrs Pendleton desires to be joined. I am with great esteem Dr Sr Yr Affecte & mo. Obt Servt

  Edmd Pendleton


Title: General Orders, 23 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] Wednesday Decr 23rd 1778
    Parole Quebec—C. Signs Random Sarum—

The Troop to beat at nine ôClock and the guards to be on the Grand-Parade (which is assigned in the Common opposite to the road leading to Genl Greene’s Quarters) precisely at eleven ’till further orders.
The Body of a Person supposed to have been a servant of Major Hamilton’s was found drowned in the Rariton—If any Person knows who has the Watch and Money found upon said Body, he is requested to give information thereof at the Orderly Office.
The present State of the Field Officers belonging to the Brigades now on the ground to be delivered in tomorrow at orderly time.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg, 23 December 1778
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Decembr 23 1778.

Five Thousand One Hundred Dollars, are now wanting, for Colo. Davis’s Regt to pay the Bounty to Thirty four Drafts who have inlisted, at 150 Dollars pr Man.
Captn Minnis will receive the Money & give a Receipt for it in my Name. I am Sir Your Most Obedt hble Servt

  P. Muhlenberg B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 23 December 1778
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

    Dear General
    Camp Redding [Conn.] 23d Decr 1778

  When I last conversd with your Excellency on the Subject of Clothing my Brigade; I receivd your Assurances I Should have my rateable Proportion of the Blankets, Shirts and other small Clothing for my Brigade according to a Return then given in; since which Time I have receivd no Article of any kind; I am sure the great Multiplicity of Business in which your Excellency is ingag’d must have occasiond our Misfortune in this Matter for I cannot Persuade myself tis your Excellency’s Intention to deny us those Supplies which we have had the Faith of the Continent pledg’d to deliver; and Nothing, I beleive, could have induc’d your Excellency to have given the Order for the whole remaining Quantity of Blankets &c. without permitting my Brigade to be servd with any Part but your not recollecting the State of these Troops. We did receive your Excellency’s Order to Majr Bigelow to furnish Coats Wescoats & Breeches for the Soldiers and esteemd it a Favor but in this also we have been unfortunate for so many other Orders had been given as took away so great a Part of the Cloth that the Remainder prov’d very Insufficient for the Purpose: I have inclosd a Return of the Clothing receivd & wanting. I beleive I have Eight Hundred Men who are totally destitute and many of them have never had a Blanket since their Inlistment. The Clothing has not yet arrivd at Danbury and cannot proceed till the Carting is better than at present which leaves Time to acquaint your Excellency of the Effect

    of this Order and request Directions that the five Hundred remaining Blankets may be detaind for the Use of my Troops & so many Shirts & Stockings as your Excellency shall find to be our Part of the whole which have been furnishd this Year for the Troops: I have not the least Doubt of your Excellency’s Intentions to do equal Justice among the Troops this Justice we have not yet had when other Troops have receivd Blankets nearly Sufficient for them; we have not yet had One third Part; if the Blankets now orderd forward cannot be deliverd to my Troops I beg your Excellency’s Direction to Majr Bigelow to purchase a further Quantity for that Particular Purpose that we may at least have some distant Prospect of receiving some Benefit from the public Promises so often made Us.
  I Observe in your Excellency’s Orders to General Putnam he is so restraind in the Execution of such Measures as are necessary to prevent Supplies going to the Enemy as little can be expected from him; considerable Quantities of Forage <&> private Property go to the Enemy from ten Miles without their Lines, and from the County of Suffolk on Long Island, this cannot be bro’t off; the Enemy must have it or it will be destroyd—the Cattle below the Lines are constantly driven to the Enemy & are Purchasd & drove below our Lines I beleive with Design to Supply the Enemy; I am confident five Hundred Cattle & near as many fat Hogs have gone in within a fortnight Past. As Genl Putnam gives his Orders in the Words of your Excellency’s Directions, it leaves the Officers in Doubt what Measures they can be warranted to take or whither tis designd to prevent those Supplies; or whither any Degree of Discretion is left for them to exercise in the Matter: or (as I rather Suppose) whither this Matter is intrusted solely to Genl McDougal.
Genl Putnam has accepted his Orders: it may be my Part in some Instances to attend to the Execution of them; as he cannot suppose himself warranted to give any Explanation of them, I shall feel myself much embarras’d in the Execution, unless my Understanding of them is just: if so Genl McDougal has the sole Direction of this Matter & of Course we have Nothing to do in the Affair, and therefore when we attempt Nothing cannot be censurd; if I am mistaken I wish to be directed what is to be done, I am certain no One desires more, to comply Strictly with the true Spirit of every Order your Excellency issues: the Enemy are exceedingly distresd in the Article of Forage, if that between the Lines & on Long Island is to be destroyd whilst it remains in the Hands of the original Proprietor your Excellency’s special Direction will be necessary for the Purpose.
  The Orders issued for the Guards at Norwalk have Occasiond some Difficulty, the Commissiond Whale Boats insist on a Right to go from the Harbour & land upon the Island at their Pleasure; many

    Robberies have been committed by these People to cover which they have generally accus’d the Troops; whom I am not able to find in any Instance have been guilty; as Col. Gray is Strictly forbid to suffer any Person to pass to Long Island but such as he is answerable for, and has in One Instance seisd a Boat & the Effects they had Plunderd much dispute has arisen thereon which I should be happy to receive your Excellency’s Direction in; unless his Conduct in these Cases is agreable to your Excellency.
I have herwith transmitted to your Excellency such Inteligence as I have been able to procure from the Gent. I mentiond when last with you and such Accounts as I have receivd from other Persons. I am with the greatest Respect yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

  Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Major General Israel Putnam, 23 December 1778
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Camp Reading [Conn.] Decemr 23rd 1778.

  I am to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of the 13th Inst.; have found the person mention’d in it, and given him the necessary directions to proceed to the Board of War. I have also Receiv’d and Issued

    a General Order of the 14th, respecting the mode of hutting, altho I had given previous direction to construct them in the manner then pointed out; and had it not been for the badness of the Roads, by this time, boards and shingles would have been procured sufficient to complete them.
Within these few days past, a Whale Boat Manned with Refugees, which went from Norwalk, on its’ return from Long Island, loaded with goods, was seized by another Boat of Refugees commanded by one Scudder—A few days after Lieut. Col. Gray had information from Long Island, that Scudder had taken a store of Goods, which he called Tory property, and was bringing them over to the Main—On his Arrival, Col. Gray order’d the goods to be stored, invois’d and retain’d till some determination could be had on them—agreeable to the Orders I had before given him, and reported the matter to me. I have refer’d the decition to Governor Clinton, as they were all inhabitants of that State, and Scudder who acted immediately under his Excellency’s Commission has gone to him with my Letter. I have also wrote to him and Governor Trumbull, on the abuses, which have been committed under their Commissions in the Sound, and on Long Island—What more I could have done I know not.
Notwithstanding the large supplies of Cloathing which have been procured by the Continent; I am sorry to find verry many of the Connecticut Troops are now destitute of some of the most necessary Articles, at this Rigorous season of the year—The Quantity of Blankets, Shirts, stockings and Shoes which have been Receiv’d by them; your Excellency will see by adverting, to the Returns of Cloathing made, while they were station’d at Fredericksburgh; sinse which their wants have been verry little diminished. Their Cloaths are all made without Lining, and of a much inferior quality to those drawn by the Troops of other States. This would have been somewhat alleviated if a proportion of the Blankets and Shirts (the things most wanted,) could have been obtain’d from Major Bigelows Store, which was originally design’d for them—But this Store I understand, is now all orderd to Fish Kill; and I am unhappy to observe so much concern and uneasiness prevail, that the Troops which were not permitted to draw their dividend of complete Uniforms, with the rest of the Army; on account of this supply; are now not likely to be benefitted in the least by it—And that the Exertions of their own State, and of their Officers in their favor, instead of being advantageous, are in danger of being prejudicial to them. Every little Jealousy of that kind, I heartily wish might be removed, and if it is consistant with the good of the whole; that part or all of this Cloathing, might be orderd for their use, or that some other method for relieving their wants, might be pointed out.

  For intelligence, I refer you to Brigadier General Parsons’s from whom you will receive a Letter by this conveyance. I would also propose to your Excellency, whither it will not be expedient to order Six of Sheldons Light Dragoons, or an equal number of Riders, to be station’d so as to give me the earliest intelligence, from the Sea Coasts, and troops on the advanced Lines. I am with great Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient H’ble Servt

  Israel Putnam


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 23 December 1778
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

              Letter not found: from Joseph Reed, 23 Dec. 1778. On 24 Dec., GW wrote Reed: “I had not the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of yesterday till late in the evening.”


Title: To George Washington from Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 23 December 1778
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Fairfield [Conn.] Decr 23d 1778

Having arrived here last Evening from Durham, I happily found your’s of the 17th inst. & a letter from C—— which had just arrived & is now enclosed.
Since your Excellency judges it improper to have an interview with C——, any private instructions which you may wish to transmit him, not so proper for me to transcribe, may be very safely convey’d to him; as from the Regularity of his Dispatches, & the Characters of the Persons who I know are intrusted with their Conveyance from N.Y. to Brook Haven, I dare venture to say there is not the least probability, & I had almost said hardly a possibility of a Discovery.
Another letter will be ready for our reception on the other side by the 4th of next month, which will be duly forwarded. I am, with the greatest Regard, your Excellency’s most obedt & Hble Servt

  Benja. Tallmadge


Title: General Orders, 24 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] Thursday Decr 24th 1778
    Parole Tobago—C. Signs Venlo Wakefield—

The Troops after having provided themselves with sufficient timber for hutting are to cut down no more green standing timber for firewood, until the logs, tops and old fallen timber be first used for that purpose.
  The wise and proper orders that have been issued from time to time by His Excellency General Washington in this Army have already

    produced such good effects that there can be no doubt that the whole Army of whatever rank or station will use their utmost endeavours to see them carried into execution, particularly to the comfortable hutting the Army; and in order that it may be more comfortably effected, it is particularly recommended to the commanding Officers of Brigades to see that ditches are made upon the upper side of every row of huts where on descending ground at about three feet distance from them, and at every convenient place to make other ditches so as to carry off the water in front; This observed will secure the troops from any inundation of water and much contribute to the health & convenience of the whole Camp. It is also recommended to the commanding Officers of Brigades to see that no obstructions of whatever kind are left in the Streets of their Encampments and that a good Parade in front of the Brigade be made clear of every incumbrance for parade duty. No firing or discharging of pieces, on any pretence whatever is to be suffered except at particular hours, which will be made known to the Army.
The People of the Country are not to hunt or fire in the neighborhood of the Camp; Whoever finds delinquents in this case will bring the Persons and their Arms to Head-Quarters.
The whole Army to observe the strictest regularity and decency in their behaviour to the People of the Country—Officers are desired to use their utmost endeavours to detect & bring to punishment Marauders of every kind.


Title: To George Washington from Carl Friedrich Führer and Carl Wilhelm Kleinschmit, 24 December 1778
From: Führer, Carl Friedrich,Kleinschmit, Carl Wilhelm
To: Washington, George

    May it please Your Excellency!
    PhiladelphiaDecember 24the 1778.

Your Excellency was pleased, after we left New York, to favour us with a Recommendation to the Honorable the Congress; Congress according to a Resolve of Septbr 3the was pleased to appoint us Captains in a New Corps, Called the German Volunteers; By a Resolve of December 5the Congress was pleased to contermand the Raising of Said Corps and to Dismiss us with One Month pay.
  How great our Distress must be, Your Excellency can well See; The

    great Distance from our Native Country, Relations and friends, besides the bold Step we took out of Love for this Country, Add to our Misfortune.
We have no Remedy left but this one, to apply to Your Excellency. Should Your Excellency be pleased to remedy our present Unhappy Circumstances, by pleasing us in the Army (where we Served from our Infancy) we would humbly propose, to Serve in the State of Virginia (Where we, During our Captivity of fifteen Months) accquired many friends and Accquaintances. With an Everlasting Gratitude, our all, we have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servants

  Charles Feurer
  Wilhelm Kleinsmitt


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 24 December 1778
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Camp Near Danbury [Conn.] 24th Decemr 1778

Your Excellencys letter of the 30th Novr and 7th Decemr I have had the Honr to receive.
  I must now beg to lay before Your Excellency Some Particular Circumstances with respect to my own Regt and then Sollicit your Directions or orders thereon—We have received at Hartford an ample Supply of exceeding good uniform Cloathing, Such as coats, waistcoats, & Breeches, we have also received a Considerable Supply of Shirts, Shoes, and Stockings the Shoes are Chiefly worn out and the Shirts and Stocking won’t last long—we have likewise received Two hundred and fifty Two Blanketts for five hundred & Seven men—In this article I am persuaded there has been a Mistake as my Regiment Which Compose Near half the Brigade, has Not received a Third of the Blanketts Sent from Fredricksberg by Mr Thomson, the Division was made by himself—The large Provisions, of those Small Specsies of Cloathing &ca made by the Several & Respective States for their own Troops in the field, with whom we Serve, leave this Regiment on an unequal footing—a hardship which I am persuaded your Excellency is Sensible of, and that you will in time indeavour to provide

    a Remedy—It is unnecessary for me to relate to your Excellency the Necessity of a Soldiers having Shoes in order to fit him for the Service of his Country—or a Change of Shirts & Stockings for the Preservation of his health—I therefore beg your Excellency will please to Direct Some method by which this Regiment may be Supplied with hatts Shirts Shoes and Stocking—and as I wish to Take every measure and all Possible care in preserving the uniform Cloathing, I would beg to propose a linen Coat, or hunting Shirt, and overalls for the Spring—That the uniform Cloathing may be Packd up and Laid by During the hott weather in Sum<mer> and for this purpose I beg your Excellency will please to order a Sufficient Quantity of Course Linen from <the> Public Store at Boston to be made up by our own Taylors in Camp During the winter.
  As this will be handed to your Excellency by Major Reid a man of observation a Military Geneous and a good Soldier—who parfectly knows the State and Condition of the Regiment: It is unnecessary for me <to> Inlarge as <he> will be able to inform you more Pa<rticularly> and as it is a necessary part of my Duty to See my o<wn> Regiment provided in Such a manner as will render it all times fit for Service, I hope your Excellency will <forgive> the Trouble I have given on this occasion. I have the Honr to be Your Excellencys most obedt and most devoted Huml. Servt

  Moses Hazen


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lee, 24 December 1778
From: Lee, Charles
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Philadelphia Decr the 24th [1778]

Colonel Butler (whose letter Your Excellency had the kindness to transmit to me) is one of the oldest and dearest Friends I have in the world—my duty to so staunch a Friend, my inclinations and my interests concur to make me ardently desirous of having an interview with him before He embarks for England—I believe this Gentleman has an intention to purchase and settle in America—with your leave therefore I request the liberty of meeting with him, and that You will have the goodness to transmit the inclosd to him and remain with the greatest respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedt humble Servt

  Charles Lee


Title: General Orders, 25 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J.] Friday Decr 25th 1778
    Parole United-States.C. Signs Merry—Christmas—


Title: From George Washington to the Magistrates of Philadelphia, 25 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Magistrates of Philadelphia

    Gentlemen
    Phila. Decr 25th 1778

  I return you my warmest thanks for the honor you do me in your obliging address—Such a distinguished proof of the affection of my

    fellow citizens manifested by so respectable a body as the Magistrates of the city of Philadelphia cannot but afford me the most sensible pleasure.
I congratulate you Gentlemen that this State is again in possession of its capitol; and I sincerely hope that a persevering exercise of the same national virtues which have hitherto frustrated the designs of the enemy will perpetuate to this city a full enjoyment of all the blessings which have been the objects of the present glorious and important contest.

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 25 December 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 25th Decmr 1778

  Your Excellencys favour of the 21st with my Instructions came safe to hand. I shall make it my Studdy to act agreeable to them. I find it is your wish that the intercourse between the enemy and us may be as small as possable, yet you say I may permit as many of the Inhabitants to pass with in the Enemys Lines, as have written Licences from the Congress, the Governors, or Legislative Authoritys. I am well ashured

    your Excellency has no Idea of what numbers the Legislative authority of Pennsylvania has sent in to the enemy; (and a great many of them to return again) on trifling occasions; had they been properly sorted with a Man to each woman it would have made a good settlemen for a new Collony. The other partys mentoned have been very moderate in their sending. I have delivered Hatfield & the others to the Civil Authority.
I have inclosed the last New York paper I had I have tolerable good authority that a Packet arived within the Hook the 22d and the Mail was immediately sent up I am your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servt

  Wm Maxwell


Title: General Orders, 26 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J., Saturday] Decr 26th 1778
    Parole Witney—C. Signs York Zell—

All the Cartridges now with the men to be delivered up to the Regimental Quarter Masters who will have the damaged ones selected and delivered in to the Brigade Quarter Masters respectively, to whom they will make returns for a sufficient number to make up forty rounds pr man, including the good ones on hand which they are to keep by them ready to issue.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Butler, 26 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, William

    sir.
    Head Qrs [Middlebrook, N.J.] Decr 26: 1778

At the request of Major General Lee, I transmit you the inclosed Letter. In order to avoid the delay which would arise from your writing to me respecting the time of your meeting—I propose that you should give notice to Genl Maxwell at Elizabeth Town, who will immediately acquaint General Lee. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble sert

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to General Henry Clinton, 26 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

    Sir,
    Philadelphia Decemr 26th 1778

Inclosed I send Your Excellency Mr Beatty’s representation of the case of Brower and Lezier, two soldiers in the service of these states, who it appears are suffering under a confinement of peculiar severity, without any sufficient cause for so injurious a discrimination—I am persuaded I need only call your attention to the situation of these men to induce you to order them relief and to have them placed precisely on the same footing, with other prisoners of war. This will lead to their immediate exchange. I have the honor to be With due respect Yr Excellys Most Obedt servant

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Lee, 26 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

    Sir.
    Philadelphia Decr 26 1778

I received your favor of the 24th and have transmitted Your Letter for Colo. Butler to General Maxwell, with directions to send it to him immediately by a flag. As some delay might arise from Colo. Butler’s writing to me upon the occasion, I have requested him to advise Genl Maxwell of the day he appoints for the interview, who will inform you, when you arrive at Elizabeth Town—and furnish the necessary passports. I am sir Yr Most Obedt Hble servant

  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 26 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

    sir.
    Philadelphia Decr 26th 1778

  You will be pleased to transmit the inclosed Letter to Colo. Butler by a flag. This Gentleman has requested an interview with Genl Lee, who

    is to meet him. A House near Elizabeth Town point is thought most convenient for the meeting—and has been proposed to them both. Colo. Butler is to appoint the time and to inform you, of which you will advise Genl Lee and furnish any passports that may be necessary upon the occasion. Genl Lee it is probable will be at Elizabeth Town before you receive the notice—or on the way. I am sir Yr Most Obedt sert

  Go: W.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 26 December 1778
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Council Chamber Philadelphia December 26th 1778

The Council of this state, have been favoured with your Excellencys letter of the seventeenth Instant proposing to regulate the Intercourse between the inhabitants of these states, and the enemy at New York, so as that flag boats may pass at stated periods only. In answer to which, I have now the honor to acquaint your Excellency that this Board entirely approve thereof, and as soon as the times are fixed and the regulations communicated will grant their licences conformably.
This Board having been authorised by the late Assembly to supply the troops with certain enumerated articles at a price more proportioned to their pay than the present rates, we should be much obliged to your Excellency to be informed in what manner other states have conducted this business: What checks there are upon the Issues? and upon the Issuing Officer and what allowance is made him? Whether the officers of the state direct the Issues when the articles are delivered at Camp—or the military Gentlemen do it.
Our wishes to promote the comfort and satisfaction of the troops will we trust, apologize to your Excellency for giving you this trouble as we are anxious to forward the supplies, and put the Issues on the most satisfactory footing. I have the honor to be with very great respect Your Excellencys most obedient humble servant

  Jos. Reed Presidt


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 27 December 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

    Sir,
    Boston 27th December 1778.

I laid the Letter containing Your Excellency’s Requisition for the Cannon of The Somerset Ship of War, to be sent to the North River, before the Council of this State; and received the Answer inclosed. All the lower Deck Guns, twenty Six in Number, with Nineteen of those of the Upper Deck, with their Carriages, are brought from Cape Cod to Castle Island, where they now remain.
Captain Traversie lately brought the inclosed intelligence to me from Canada; I have dispatched him back again, with the Letter from Monsr Holker, One from the Marquis de la Fayette, and a parcel of The Compte Destaing’s Declarations; he says he will return the latter End of February, & bring every information Your Excellency can expect to receive by Him; The pay Master here having no Money, I borrowed One Hundred Silver Dollars, upon my own Account, for Traversie, to bear his Expences in Canada. The Marquis also presented Him with about Ten Guineas in Gold.
A great Number of Officers, and Soldiers, are dailey arriving at Boston, from the several Divisions of the Grand Army, who have Furloughs; they all demand Rations from this Magazine; is it Your Excellency’s pleasure they should be Supplied?
  I have no Letter from Your Excellency, since that of the 24th of November; nor any thing more material to impart, than what you will

    find in the packet. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servt

  Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 27 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

    Sir.
    Philadelphia Decr 27th 1778

  I have had the Honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of Yesterday—and I am extremely sorry that it is not in my power to inform the Council, with precision, in the several points of their inquiry. The State supplies of Cloathing hitherto sent to Camp, have been but small and partial. These, I believe, have been generally issued by Officers appointed by the respective states—and comformably to their instructions. It is probable the Genl Officers of their line have had some direction in the matter—to promote a fair & proper distribution. I am equally at a loss as to the prices, at which the Goods have been furnished; but have heard, that they were moderate and

    reasonable; nor can I tell what allowances have been made the issuing Officers. I would take the liberty to add that there is a Gentleman now in the City, a Mr Moss, who has some Stores under his care from Virginia for the use of her Troops. It is more than probable, if Your Excellency and the Council should judge it material, that You may without difficulty derive from him information—both of the manner and the terms on which the delivery of the Articles in his hands is conducted. I have the Honor to be with great esteem & respect Yr Excellys Most Obedt & Most Hble sert

  G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 27 December 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

    Dear Sir
    Albany [N.Y.] December 27th 1778

In my letter of the 30th ult. I promised to transmit you Copy of the Account given me In 1758 by the persons employed to Explore a rout Into the St Laurence by the River La Famine Since my return to this place I have made a fruitless Search for It. should I not be able to find It on another I will then send for one of the persons Employed on that Occassion.
Inclose, your Excellency a number of papers containing some Information of the western Country In 1764, and An Account of Colo: Bradstreets expedition to Frontenac, when such extracts are made as you may deem servicable I should be glad to have them returned as I have no Copies.
The two people whom I sent Into Canada In November are not yet returned I hope they will Arrive In a few days and the moment they do I will transmit any Intelligence they may bring Mr President Laurens in a letter of the 4th Instant Advised me that Congress had approved of the Sentence of the General Court Martial which tryed me and by this Conveyance I have fullfilld the promise I have repeatedly made Congress that I would resign my Employments assoon as a tryal had taken place and was finally determined. I think All resignations ought to go to Congress thro the Commander In chief but having understood that It is expected they should go Immediately to Congress I have Inclosed mine to them. If I am out of order In this your Excellency will be so good as to pardon It as I do not mean Intentionally to tresspass.
  I should Charge myself with great Ingratitude If I quitt the Army with out rendering you my most Sincere thanks, which I Intreat Your

    Excellency to Accept for the repeated In[s]tances of politeness, attention and regard which I have experienced. The Confidence which the people of this City & County honor me with will give me an Opportunity If any Military Operations are to be prosecuted from this quarter of rendering some services to my Country and I shall most willingly embrace every opportunity that may Offer to do It. Is It necessary to add that, Impelled by the Esteem I Entertain for you, & by the Affection I bear you I shall always consider myself happy on every Occassion to render you a Service, I hope It is not, let me therefore Intreat your Commands. I am with the most Sincere Esteem And regard My Dear Sir Your Excellency Most Obedient Humble Servt

  Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Temple, 27 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Temple, Benjamin

    Sir
    Philada 27th Decemr 1778

I recd your favor of the 12th at this place, where I shall remain a few days upon Business and then return to Middle Brook. I hope you have by your own exertions and the Assistance of the Quarter Master got your Men and Horses well accommodated by this time.
The Resolve of Congress being very express and extending only to the reinlistment of the old Men of the Regiment, I would have you countermand your former orders, and direct the recruiting officers to attend to the reenlistment of them only. should Congress think proper to alter their Resolution hereafter, I make no doubt but Men may be got for the service of the Cavalry, especially as they are put upon the same footing in respect to the high state Bounties with the Infantry. I am &.


Title: General Orders, 28 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

    Head-Quarters Middle-Brook [N.J., Monday] Decr 28th 1778
    Parole Brutus—C. Signs Berwick Beverly—

Captain Kirkpatrick of the 4th Virginia Regiment is appointed Brigade Major in General Scott’s Brigade, from the 15th of October last and is to be respected accordingly.
Lieutt Abraham Hite and Lieutt John Bowen of the 8th Virginia Regiment are appointed the first Pay-Master & the second Adjutant of the same.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 28 December 1778
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Albany [N.Y.] December 28th 1778

I had the Honour of receiving a Letter from the Board of War dated the 4th of December, requesting me to take proper Steps for the Mustering & paying the Corps commanded by Major Whitcomb, which had been done previous to the receipt of the Letter—It also mentions the inclosing an Order on the Clothier Genl at Spring field, to have them supply’d with Cloathing, but thro’ mistake it hath been omitted & consequently cannot be complyed with.
Application hath been made by the Paymasters of Warner’s regiment & Whitcomb’s Corps for Cloathing—As the returns comprehended all the Officers of each Corps, I did not think myself at Liberty to grant an Order, especially when I reflected that the Officers of the Army in General had not been indulged with equal Prevaliges altho under semilar Circumstances nither did I think my order sufficient unless I had received an Order from Your Excellency or the Board of War.
The returns of Major Whitcomb’s Corps, have been examined & found exact—but those of Col. Warner’s Regt are eronious, at least there are thirteen Men, more in the cloathing returns, than have been regularly accounted for, who, the Paymaster informs me, have been enlisted since my arrival—no proper returns having been made me since that time.
Inclosed I send Your Excellency a return of the Military Stores in this Department, by which you will see that a Supply of some Articles, perticularly, of Powder & Ball will be wanted, as the Militia in Case of Alarm are to be supplyed from the public Magazine. I have the Honour to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most humble Servt

  James Clinton B. Genl


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 28 December 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Franklin, Benjamin

    Sir,
    Philadelphia Decr 28th 1778.

The Marquis de la fayette having served with distinction as Major General in the army of the United States, two Campaigns—has been determined by the prospect of an European War to return to his native Country.
It is with pleasure that I embrace the oppertunity of introducing to your personal acquaintance a Gentn whose merit cannot have left him unknown to you by reputation.
The generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic—The tribute which he paid to gallantry at Brandy-wine—his success in Jersey before he had recovered of his Wound, in an affair where he commanded Militia against British Grenadiers—the brilliant retreat by which he eluded a combined manœuvre of the whole British force in the last Campaign—his services in the enterprize against Rhode Island—are such proofs of his Zeal, Military ardour & talents as have endeared him to America, and must greatly recommend him to his Prince.
Coming with so many titles to claim your esteem—it were needless for any other purpose than to endulge my own feelings to add that I have a very particular friendship for him—and that whatever services you may have it in your power to render him will confer an obligation on one who has the honor to be with the greatest respect, esteem & regard Sir—Yr Most Obedt H. Ser.

  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 28 December 1778
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

    Sir
    Elizth Town [N.J.] 28th Decmr 1778

I have to inform Your Excellency that a Packet arived from England in the Hook the 22d. I have inclosed You an English paper and the latest New York one. We have had the sevarest weather for some time past that has been known for many Years. The Sound is froze up and it is currantly reported that a Number of Vessels is on shore at Statten Island; & some cut through and sunk coming out of the East River. I expect more certain accounts in a day or two.
The Flag I sent over with Lieut. Campbell before the Storm, did not get back till last night, and then they walked over.
They have been busy prepareing a Fleet of about 40 Sail at the wattering place for some time, I believe they are much chattered by the Storm. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant

    Wm Maxwell

N.B. This goes by the Revd Mr Hunter Chaplin to my Brigade; other wise I should have sent it to head Quarters. I am since disapointed of Mr Hunters going to Day, & have now sent them to Lord sterling.

  W.M.