Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 16 September 1779
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

          Dear General,
          Pitts Burgh Sepr 16th[–24th] 1779.

        I returned from the expedition against the Senaca & Muncy nations the 14th Inst. & now do myself the honor to inform you how far I have succeeded in prosecuting it.
        I left this place the 11th of last month with Six hundred & Five Rank & File including Militia & Volunteers & one Months provision which except the live Cattle was transported by water under the escort of

one hundred Men to a place called Mahoning about 15 Miles above Fort Armstrong where after four days detention by excessive Rains & the straying of some of the Cattle, the stores were loaded on Pack Horses & the troops proceeded on the march for Canawago on the path leading to Cuscushing at ten miles on this side the town one of the advanced Guards consisting of fifteen Whitemen including the spies & eight Delaware Indians under the command of Lieut. Hardin of the 8th Pena Regt whom I have before recommended to your Excellency for his great bravery & skill as a partizan discovered between thirty & Forty warriors coming down the Alleghany River in seven Canoes.
        These Warriors having likewise discovered some of the Troops immediately landed, stript off their shirts & prepared for action and the advanced Guard immediately began the attack—All the troops except one Column & Flankers being in the narrows between the River & [a] high hill were immediately prepared to receive the Enemy which being done I went forward to discover the Enemy & [saw] six of them retreating over the River without Arms, at the same time the rest ran away leaving their Canoes Blankets, Shirts, provisions & eight Guns besides five dead & by the signs of Blood several went off wounded, only two of [our] men & one of the Delaware Indians (Nanouland) were wounded & so slightly that they are already recovered & fit for action—The next morning the Troops proceeded to Buchloons where I ordered a small Breastwork to be thrown up of felled Timber & fascines a Capt. & Forty Men were left to secure our Baggage & Stores & the troops immediately proceeded to Canawago, which I found had been deserted about eighteen months past.
        Here the Troops seemed much mortified because we had no person to serve as a Guide to the upper Towns, but I ordered them to proceed on a path which appeared to have been travelled on by the Enemy sometime past & we continued marching on it about 20 Miles before any discoveries were made except of a few tracts of their Spies—But immediately after ascending a high hill we discovered the Alleghany River & a number of Corn Fields & descending several Towns which the Enemy had deserted on the approach of the Troops. Some of them fled just before the advanced Guard reached the Towns & left several packs of Deer Skins. At the upper Seneca Towns we found a painted image or War post, clothed in Dog skin & John Montour told me this Town was called Yoghroonwago, besides this we found seven other Towns consisting in the whole of one hundred & thirty Houses some of which were large enough for the Accommodation of three or four Indian families. The Troops remained on the Ground three whole days destroying the Towns & Corn Fields. I never saw

finer Corn altho it was planted much thicker than is common with our Farmers. The quantity of corn & other vegetables destroyed, at the several Towns from the best accounts I can collect from the Officers employd for to destroy it must certainly exceed Five hundred Acres which is the lowest estimate & the plunder taken is estimated at 30 m. Dollars I have directed a sale to be made of it for the benefit of the troops On my return I preferred the Venango Road the old towns of Conawago Buchloons & Mahusquechikoken about 20 Miles above Venango on French Creek consisting of 35 large houses were likewise burnt. The greatest part of the Indian houses were larger than common & [were] built of square & round logs & frame work. From the great quantity of Corn in new Ground & the number of new houses Built & Building it appears that the whole Seneca & Muncy nations intended to collect to this settlement which extends about eight Miles on the Alleghany River between one hundred & seventy & two hundred Miles from hence—the River at the upper Towns is little if any larger than Kiskamanitis Creek. It is remarkable that neither Man or Beast has fallen into the Enemies hands on this expedition, & I have a happy presage that the Counties of Westmoreland Bedford & Northumberland if not the whole Western frontiers will experience the good effects of it.
        Too much praise cannot be given to both Officers & Soldiers of every Corps during the whole expedition their perseverance & zeal during the whole march thro’ a Country too inaccessible to be describd can scarcely be equalled in history, notwithstanding many of them returned barefooted & [almost] naked they disdained to complain & to my great mortification I have neither Shoes Shirts, Blankets Hats Stockings nor leggins to relieve their necessities.
        On my return here I found the Chiefs of the Delawares the principal Chief of the Hurons & now the king of the Maquichee tribe of the Shawanesse is likewise come to treat with me about 30 Delaware Warriors are here likewise ready to go to war; but I have nothing to encourage them with & without the means of paying them I cannot send them out.
        The Troops here have at least nine Months pay due to them & their is neither Money nor Pay Master to discharge the Arrearages.
        A Majority of my Regt are now discharged & the term of the two Ranging Companies of Westmoreland expired, so that I shall be weak in Troops to prosecute an expedition which by your permission I should be happy to make against Detroit taking the Shawan⟨ese⟩ in my way—I should be happy to have your permission to make occasional excursions against any of the Indian nations who may hereafter prove inimical to us, as sometimes a favorable oppertunity may be

lost before I can be favored with your particular orders—Likewise to know your pleasure in regard to the Senecas & Muncies should they in their great distress sue for peace—I have before taken the liberty to give you my opinion respecting them, & the pairings of Scalps & the hair of our Countrymen at every warriors Camp on the path we marched are new inducements for Revenge.
        I am informed that Colo. Clark who took Post St Vincent is making peace & war with the natives I am not instructed how far your Excellency has authorized him to do so & apprehend the worst consequences to this frontier should either Colo. Clark or myself enter into a treaty of peace with one of the Indian nations & the other Break it, & by my instructions I am confined to the immediate command of the Troops here I can take no step to prevent such a probable but humbly entreat you to do it.
        The Wyandotts & the Maquichees tribe of the Shawanese promise very fair & I have promised them peace provided they take as many prisoners & scalps from the Enemy as they have done from us & on every occasion join us against the enemies of America which they have engaged to do.
        The two soldiers I sent Express to Genl Sullivan are not yet returned & I apprehend they have fallen into the Enemys hands.
        A few Indian Goods Paint & trinkits at this juncture would enable me to engage the Delawares to harrass the enemy frequently.
        The Bearer Capt. McIntire has some private as well as public Business to transact at Philada I have therefore ordered him to proceed to Head Quarters & he will have the honor to wait on you with this letter. I have the honour to be with the most perfect regard & esteem your Excellencys most Obedt Hble Servt

          D. Brodhead

          The Delaware Chiefs have just now called on me to Build some Block houses at Cushocken for the protection of their Women & Children whilst they are out against the English & Mingoes & I have agreed to send a Detatchment for that purpose agreeable to the Articles of Confederation.
          The Soldiers I sent express to Genl Sullivan are this moment returned & I enclose a copy of his letter.

            D.B.


Title: From George Washington to George Measam, 16 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Measam, George

          Sir
          Head Qrs West point the 16th of Septr 1779

        Mr Wilkinson has transmitted me the Copy of a Letter from him to you of the 13th and of your Answer the next day. The only part of your correspondene which it concerns me to notice—is that which supposes, that Mr Wilkinson has not the direction and superintendance of the Cloathing at Springfield. I confess I am surprised, after the Ordinance of the 23d of March—and his appointment by Congress as Cloathier General and an annunciation of it in General Orders, that you should have entertained an Idea that he had not the general direction & ordering of All Cloathing for the Army when, from the very nature of the Ordinance and his subsequent appointmt, and the necessity of the thing—it is implied and declared in the most explicit and unequivocal terms. Such an Idea is totally inadmissible, and your making it necessary for him to have his commands with respect to the Cloathing at Springfield pass through you and sanctified by your instructions cannot be considered in any other light than as a disobedience of the Acts of Congress. They have been pleased to appoint him Head of the Department and as such he must be regarded and respected accordingly—whatever claims expectations or wishes You or Any other Gentlemen might have had of being elected to the Office. Mr Wilkinson’s taking charge of the Goods at Springfield, cannot possibly retard the Settlement of your accounts, as his receipts, in adjusting the same, will operate as substantially as a Voucher for the Articles delivered, as if they had been issued to the Army—and must exonerate you from every public claim for every article comprehended in them. I trust Sir, there will be no farther difficulties in this business, and that you, so far from throwing impediments in the way—will do any thing that rests with you, to promote the Objects of his appointment. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 16 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wilkinson, James

          Sir
          Head Qrs West point Septr 16. 1779

        I have received Your Letter of the 15th inclosing Copies of the correspondence between you and Mr Measom—on the Two preceding days. I am much surprised to find, that Mr Measom, after the late arrangement of the Cloathing department and your appointment by Congress, to the Office of Cloathier General should so far refuse obedience to their authority, as to suppose the direction and superintendance of the Store at Springfield not in you. The inclosed Letter to him is on the subject, and he will not hesitate to comply with the views of Congress—by supposing the direction of the Cloathing department still in him, when from the very nature of the Ordinance of the 23d of March and your appointment on the 24th of July as the Head of it, the contrary is of necessity implied & declared. My Letter of the 13th is full upon the necessity there is, for your having the Blankets & Other Cloathing brought on to Newburg with all possible expedition—and I trust every exertion will be made to effect it. You had better obtain from the Adjutant General a Copy of the General Order announcing your appointment by Congress as Cloathier General. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington


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

          Head-Quarters Moores-House [West Point]Friday Septr 17th 1779.
          Parole Fish-Kill—  C. Signs Gibralter Hampshire—


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

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West point 17th Sept. 1779.

        I have had the pleasure of your Excellency’s favr of the 14th and am obliged by the communication of Coll Van Dyk’s letter, which affords a pleasing prospect of Indian Affairs.
        The Chevalier de la Luzerne sets out this morning for Philada.
        I have no regular Maps of the Western Country except Evans’s, Hollands, and such as are in print. I have some detached Sketches to copies of which your Excellency shall be welcome if you deem them material. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 17 September 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Providence 17th Septr 1779.

        Inclosed are Copies of Two Letters which I received Yesterday from some British Officers lately taken & Carried to Boston; I have consented to Their remaining at Cambridge, until Your Excellency’s further pleasure concerning them is declared; I could wish Major Gardner might be Exchanged, as I am satisfied he means to go immediately to Europe; and that his Debilitated Constitution will not suffer him to return soon to America. The Fleet that came down the Sound to Newport, which I mentioned in my Letter to your Excelly of the 6th Inst., are again sailed from thence, but took no Troops from the Island. I have received no Letter from Your Excellency since that of the 28th of Augt last. I am, Sir, Your Most Obedt Hum. Servt

          H.G.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 17 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

          Dr Sir
          Hd Qrs West-point 17 Sepr 1779

        I have to acknowlege the receipt of your favor dated the 5th Instant.
        My last letter contains my order for your return to this army to which I refer—I have only further to observe on this subject—that you would move slowly this way nor precipitate your march.
        The prisoners which you speak of you will bring with you.
        Should you be apprehensive that the magazine at Coos will be rather insecure after your departure—I wish you to take such

measures for its removal to a place of greater safety on the Connecticut river as may appear expedient on this occasion. But if you suppose it safe where it is, there will be an advantage in letting it remain.
        You will be pleased to collect the necessary information in support of the several charges which relate to the mismanagement of the provisions at Co’os.
        I would just observe on what you have said respecting clothing for the regiment—that when you rejoin us—it will receive the same supplies as we have for the rest of the army. I am D. Sir &

          G.W.

          P.S. I see by your last pay Abstract for the Months of June and July that Major Taylor was continued in them. I must inform you that he resigned upon the 10th Feby 1779 of which be pleased to notify your pay master and desire him to give credit in the next Abstract for the pay drawn for him since that time.


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

          Head-Quarters Moores-House [West Point]Saturday Septr 18th 1779.
          Parole Corunna—  C. Signs Dover Cuba.

        The Commander in Chief in consideration of the penitence of the Criminal and the special intercession of his officers is induced to grant a pardon to Jeremiah Beaman of the 2nd North-Carolina regiment whose sentence was published in orders the 14th instant.
        The little attention paid to the resolve of Congress of the 4th of September last, published in general orders of the 25th and the number of accounts exhibited on certificates repugnant to that resolve and the order accompanying it oblige the Commander in Chief to declare, that hence forth no Warrants shall be given for payment of any Accounts produced in consequence of that resolve, unless the

officers applying have been detached by a special order from himself or commanding officer of a department; The mode of obtaining such order will be by a certificate from the Major General or Brigadier from whose division or brigade the officer is to be sent specifying the nature and necessity of the service to be perform’d.


Title: To George Washington from Conrad-Alexandre Gérard, 18 September 1779
From: Gérard, Conrad-Alexandre
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Phila. the 18th Sepr 1779.

        My plan, and my dearest desire were personnally to take leave of your Excellency, and to go once more to admire, in a near view, the greatest man and best citizen of America. But a multitude of business, some indisposition and the uncertainty of the epoque of my departure have deprived me of the infinite satisfaction, which I promised myself from this journey. Receive then Sir my adieus in writing as well as the assurances of all my respect and of all my attachment—I shall count it among the most flattering events of my life to have been able to merit some share in the esteem and in the confidence of your Excellency.
        France knows as well as America Sir, that which she ought to place in your talents; and in your manner of thinking. Your attachment to the true interests of your Country is the pledge of your dispositions towards the alliance and I dare assure your Excellency that my Court knows how to do you justice and that your personal glory and personal happiness are as pretious to the French Nation as they ought to be to the people of America. I have the honor to be with the most respectful attachment yr Excellencys Most humble & most Obedt servant

          Gerard


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 18 September 1779
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

          [18 Sept. 1779]

        Extract of a letter from Col. Hazen dated Coos 18th Septr 1779.
        Mr Childs assistant Commissary of purchases at this place, has authorised me to assure your Excellency, that he has in consequence of the orders and instructions received from Col. Wadsworth, already secured twelve thousand Bushls of Wheat for the Public use, which calculating at the prices settled at Boston, and other disbursments, will exceed four hundred thousand dollars, which he is now in advance—That he has frequently applied to Mr Cuyler of albany through Mr Tichener his Deputy for money, but has never been able to obtain an adequate supply. Mr Childs further adds that if he could

be regularly supplied with money he thinks he might be able to collect in the whole, and in the course of the winter, about twenty five thousand Bushls of Wheat, & a large quantity of Peas, Indian Corn & other Grain—But if money is not sent to this place without delay, to pay off all his contracts, agreements, and engagements for the Wheat, he has secured for the Public, the bargains will be broke through on his part, in behalf of the Public, the Wheat will be disposed of to others for private purposes as he says was the case last Winter; If your Excellency should think fit to order a Magazine of provisions and forage to be laid up in this quarter, there is no time to lose, the flour & forage if not wanted will always sell here on the spot, without any considerable loss to the Public—perhaps a profit.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 18 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dr Sir
          Head Quarters West Point Septr 18th 1779

        I have your favors of the 14th & 17th. Genl Knox is just now absent, but when he returns, I will inquire into the necessity of keeping the guard, you mention at Litchfield.
        North Castle Church would certainly be a very ineligible situation for Genl Howe. From his letter to me, he had not taken post there, but was rather reconnoitering a proper position. I had a particular object in view when I ordered the troops to move to pines bridge, but now seeing little or no probability of the matters taking place which induced me to send them down; I have therefore directed Genl Howe to march again with Glovers and Nixons Brigades to the Neighbourhood of lower Salem. I am Dr Sr Yr Most Obet, servt

          Go: Washington

          Be pleased to forward the inclosed to Genl Howe immediately—I have since writing the above met with a conveyance for it.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 18 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 18th Sepr 1779

        I was yesterday favd with yours of the 16th Was there occasion for you to remain near Croton, I should think any position, advanced beyond that River, ineligible: But as I am now induced to beleive that the Report of a french Fleet’s being bound for this Coast, is without foundation, I think you may as well march immediately back with Glovers and Nixon’s Brigades to Lower Salem, or to the position a few Miles below, which you proposed to take for the convenience of foraging to more advantage.
        Be pleased to inform me of your arrival at your new post. I am Dear Sir Yrs &c.
        I recd yours of the 12th 14th and 15th.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 18 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          Sir
          West point September the 18th 1779

        I have the honor to inform Your Excellency, that the Chevalier de la Luzerne, who was so obliging as to honour me with a visit on his way from Boston, set out yesterday morning for Philadelphia. He will cross the Delaware at Trentown, and if nothing occurs to impede his journey, he will probably arrive at philadelphia on Thursday or Friday.
        I inclose Your Excellency a Copy of a Letter from Lt Colonel Van Dyck to Colo. Vanschaick, with which I have been favoured by Governor Clinton. I have had no intelligence on the subject of it from General Sullivan himself—or any advices from him since those transmitted in my Letter of the 7th, so that the accounts it contains must rest upon their own credibility. There are however circumstances that make part of the intelligence at least, highly probable, as Colo. Brodhead was to march from Fort pitt on the 7th or 8th, Ulto for the Senecca Country.
        I inclose Your Excellency Two New York papers of the 7 & 11 Instant. I have the Honor to be with the most perfect respect & es⟨teem⟩ Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servant

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier Generals William Woodford and Peter Muhlenberg, 18 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William,Muhlenberg, Peter

          Gentn
          West point Septembr the 18th 1779

        I have just received the Arrangement of the Virginia line from the Board of War—as settled at Middle Brook in March—which I inclose with a Copy of the Board’s Letter of the 10th Instant. By this Arrangement you will find, that the Vacancies which had happened in the line of Captains and more Inferior Officers, previous to the making of it and subsequent to that at the White plains in September, were left open in the respective Regiments for their Officers in captivity—and as this principle was pursued with respect to the Captains—and Subalterns—and the Memorandum on the 3d leaf of the Arrangement is in general terms “that all vacancies for prisoners subsequent to the Arrangement at White plains were left open for them,” I cannot account for the same not being done in the case of the Field Officers as far as it was practicable the reason being the same, unless the resignation of Lt. Colo. Fleming, which was the only one in the line of Field Officers that had taken place at the time, was then unknown. These are not the only contrarieties that occur. For you will perceive notwithstanding this Arrangement by which the Commissions are said by the Board of War in their Letter to have been issued, and the Memorandum referred to above, that they supposed Major Cabell & Capn Waggoner entitled to promotion on the resignation of Lt Colo. Richeson. There has certainly been some great misconception in this business. You and the Field Officers will examine the matter and place it on the right footing—transmitting me the Arrangement under your signature & those of the Officers concerned in makg it, after which I will procure such new Commissions as may be wanted.
        If the plan adopted at White plains is still to prevail—Major Cabell will rank as Lt Colonel from the resignation of Lt Colo. Flemming

on the 15th of Decr and Captain Waggoner as Major from the same time. That matters may be facilitated I also inclose a List of all the Resignations that have come to my knowledge since September. I also forward sundry Commissions, which if right, I request you to deliver. There came two for Major Cabell & Capn Waggoner; but as they are wrong in their date, if the Arrangement is to be conducted on the principle adopted at the White plains—as I have already observed—and are premature if it is conducted on that pursued at Middle Brook—I do not send them. The sooner the Arrangement can be properly and explicitly adjusted the better. Where there are to be promotions—and which are the only cases where New Commissions will be wanted—they will be particularly noted—that as little unnecessary trouble as possible may be occasioned. I am Gentlemen with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert

          G.W.

          N.B. You will return me the Arrangement which I inclose.


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

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Sunday Septr 19th 1779.
          Parole Delaware—  C. Signs Elk Fez.

        The regimental Pay-Masters are to bring in their Pay-Rolls for the month of August to the Deputy Pay-Master General for examination: The nine months men in the Massachusetts line who were mustered in August are to be entered from the time they were respectively received by the continental officer at Spring field and to draw pay accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 19 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord.
          Hd Qrs West-point 19 Sepr 1779

        I have been favored with your Lordships letter of the 18th and that of Col. Taylors.
        Very particular applications have been made to me of late, similar to that from your Lordship, which I have uniformly refered to the civil authority: Your Lordship will readily perceive the necessity for preserving the same conduct in all cases. In the present instance, however, I should find myself peculiarly unhappy in refusing the permission you have asked for Lady Mary, to visit her Mother and sister, was I not assured that in referring it to the Governor the indulgence will be readily obtained.
        You will be pleased to forward Col. Taylors letter which incloses the money he has mentioned. I am my Lord &.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Taylor, 19 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Taylor, John

          Sir
          Head Quarters West point 19th Sepr 1779.

        I have recd your favr of the 17th and am exceedingly obliged to you for the intelligence it contains. I send inclosed two half Johannes. Should you expend any more for the same purposes I will immediately remit it to you.

        Be pleased to endeavour to learn whether the Vessels, preparing to take the Cavalry on board, are square rigged, or sloops and schooners; we may judge of the Voyage by being acquainted with those particulars. I shall also be glad to know at what distance in the Rear of the City they are throwing up lines across the Island—I have stationed Major Lee in Monmouth County for a particular purpose, and have desired him to apply to you from time to time for any intelligence which you may receive from Staten Island. You will oblige me by communicating to him the information you receive whenever he requests it. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.

          P.S. several accounts by Vessels from the West Indies mention a french fleet having been left at sea steering towards this Coast. I have no official intelligence of any such thing. But should such a fleet appear off the Hook—you will be pleased to give me the most instantanious information by Express.


Title: General Orders, 20 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s-House [West Point]Monday Septr 20th 1779.
          Parole Edington—  C. Signs France. Ganges.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenants William Brownlee and Robert Kirk, 20 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Brownlee, William,Kirk, Robert

          Gentlemen
          Head Quarters West Point 20th Sepr 1779.

        I have recd yours of the 11th Inst Before the arrangement of Colo. Gists present Regiment was sent to the Board of War, in order that Commissions might be issued—time was given to the Officers to state their respective claims, and that no objections might be afterwards made, they signed the arrangement signifying their approbation thereof. several applications similar to yours have been made, by officers of other Corps but I have been under the necessity of rejecting them, as it would produce a revival of all old claims, and intirely derange the Rank of the whole line of the Army, which is now generally settled to satisfaction. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dr Sir
          Hd Qrs West point 1779 20th Sepr ½ past 4 o’clock P.M.

        I am this moment favored with your letter. Accounts received by deserters from Ver-planks-point and the report of a patrole this morning give me reason to believe that the enemy are at least about evacuating this post.
        You will not fail to give me the earliest information of what further movements you may discover. I am Dr Sir Your most hble svt

          Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 21 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moores-House [West Point]Tuesday Septr 21st 1779.
          Parole Farmington—  C. Signs Gosport Hanover—

        The General Court Martial whereof Colonel Putnam is President is dissolv’d and another ordered to sit tomorrow morning nine ôclock for the trial of all persons who shall come before them.
        Colonel Bradford to preside.
        It being represented to the Commander in Chief that the time when the Massachusett levies were received by Continental officers at Springfield cannot be yet ascertained; they are not to be included in the Muster or Pay-Rolls for August.
        At the General Court Martial whereof Colonel Putnam was President, Colonel Richard Butler was tried upon the following charges.
        1st For endeavoring to excite the soldiers of Captn Ashmead’s

company to mutiny, by ordering the non commissioned officers not to obey any orders of his (Captain Ashmead’s).
        2ndly For treating Captain Ashmead in an unprecedented & unofficerlike manner, by refusing him liberty to wait on Genl Wayne to complain of ill-treatment and seek redress and sending him under guard from the Light Infantry Camp to West-Point after having received Colonel Stewart’s orders to go to the Infantry and take the command of his (Captain Ashmead’s) company.
        The Court are of opinion that Colonel Butler is not guilty of the 1st charge; They do acquit him of refusing Captn Ashmead liberty to wait on General Wayne to complain of ill-treatment and seek redress.
        They are of opinion that Colonel Butler was not justifiable in sending Captain Ashmead under guard from the Light-Infantry to West-Point, being a breach of Article 5th Section 18th of the Articles of War and do sentence him to be reprimanded by the commanding officer of the Corps of Light-Infantry.
        The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and directs it to be carried into execution; At the same time he thinks Colonel Butler’s conduct blamable in not permitting Captain Ashmead to see General Wayne unless he would engage to comply with a condition which Colonel Butler had no right to annex; nor was there any need of such a condition as there were always proper means of inforcing discipline, if Captain Ashmead after applying to General Wayne had persisted in a refractory behaviour.
        To prevent any misunderstanding, in future, the General directs that the nomination of all Captains and Subalterns to relieve others, if necessary, or fill vacancies in the Light-Corps while it remains together, be reported to the Adjutant General and receive the approbation of the General before they be sent to take command: For this purpose the officers commanding regiments of Light-Infantry will report to the Adjutant General the vacancies that happen, who will give notice that officers may be appointed from the line to fill them, to be nominated by the officers commanding the regiments from which they are taken.


Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, 21 September 1779
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Trenton [N.J.] the 21st [Sept. 1779]

        I cannot let Col. Fleury depart without assuring Your Excellency of my entire gratitude for the kindnesses without number, that I have received from your camp to Philadelphia—Mons. De Fleurie will communicate to your Excellency his intention to go and pass some months in his own Country—He will be sure of receiving the recompences of his Majesty and of his fellow citizens if he carries back the approbation of his general. I entreat you to be persuaded of the sentiments of respect & admiration with which I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most humble & obedient servt

          The Chevalier De La Luzerne


Title: To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 21 September 1779
From: Lewis, Betty Washington
To: Washington, George

          My Dr Brother
          Mount Vernon Septembr 21st 1779

        Yours of the 27th of June I receiv’d with the Inclos’d from Mr Peale, also the miniature Picture—for which I am much Indetted, there was no mention in your Letter or Mr Peales what the expence of Drawing amounted to. I Shall Send the Mony by any Person he shall direct to receive it.
        we Mr Lewis Betty and my self is Just from the Berkly Springs, to See my Sister Washington in our way Home and am Happy to find her So hearty, and look so well and Could I of found you there it would of Compleat’d My Happiness, O when will that Day Come that we Shall meet again—I trust in the Lord soon, till when you have the sincere Prayr’s and Good wishes for your helth and happiness of your Loving and sincerely Affect: Sister

          Betty Lewis

          Mr Lewis George and Betty Join me in thear Love and Good wishes.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Phillips, 21 September 1779
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Tawney Town in Maryland Tuesday Septr 21st 1779

        Mr Mersereau the American Commissary of Prisoners who attends me to Elizabeth Town has just informed me of an Express passing on from Virginia through this town to the Army under Your Excellency’s Command.
        I take the opportunity of this Express of informing you, Sir, that I received only two days ago a letter from the British Commissary General of Prisoners signifying to me that I was to name a certain Number of Officers of the Troops of Convention to go into New York upon parole equal to several American Colonels and Captains who have been suffered to go out from the British Lines upon their paroles. By the tedious delay of this letter which I got by great accident upon the Road I have been prevented from settling this matter untill my Arrival at Elizabeth Town from which place I will take a liberty of sending to Your Excellency the names of the Several Officers I propose to go into New York upon their paroles in Exchange for the American Officers who have already had a liberty of going to their freinds, and I will request that Your Excellency will have the goodness to order some proper person to regulate this business with me at Elizabeth Town which being done I have no doubt but you will be so good to send your orders to Colonel Bland for the Officers so named by me to have liberty to set out from Charlottes Ville without delay.
        I should imagine it might be agreeable to Your Excellency to appoint some person to go Express with your Orders upon this head who could return taking into his care the Officers of the Troops of Convention who are to make the Journey from Virginia to New York.
        Should the inclosed ⟨le⟩tters contain nothing improper I should be much obliged to you, Sir, to forward them to the British Head

Quarters and I should esteem it a singular favour if you would allow me to know of Your Excellency’s having received this letter on my arrival at Elizabeth Town which will be in about Eight days. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your Excellencys most obedient most humble servant

          W. Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dear Sir,
          West Point Sept. 21st [1779]

        I have recievd the inclos⟨ed repre⟩sentation of some violences said to be commited in your corps against Young Gecock an inhabitant and a child of the Widow Garrison—By a verbal state of the affair more intelligible than the written one, I understand that some men of the light Infantry had made a practice of plundering the farms of the complainants—that a party of these marauders was discovered in this business on the night of the 9th instant and fired upon by Gecock, which having occasioned an alarm, he was seized and carried down to the light infantry underwent a summary trial and receivd fifty lashes—that Majr McCormuck went the same night to the house [of] the Widow Garrison ill treated the whole family and wounded one of her Children in the thigh with his sword.
        This if true would be an irregularity of so serious a nature and the people are so clear and positive in their story that I think it my duty to bring the Major to trial and have directed the Adjutant Genl to arrest him for the purpose.
        I shall be oblig’d to you to let me know fully the circumstances of the treatment of Young Gecocks so far as they have fallen within your knowlege.
        I have it so much at heart to prevent ⟨eve⟩ry species of Outrages to the inhabitants, ⟨tha⟩t I feel sensibly chagarined whenever any thing of that complexion comes before me. With great regard I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 22 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

          Gentlemen
          Head Quarters West Point 22d Sepr 1779

        I was yesterday honored with yours of the 16th: the general Return of Military Stores accompanying it was delivered safely to me.
        I have directed the few things forwarded by Mr Gardner to be delivered out to those Officers of the Staff and line who are not supplied by the States, at moderate prices, agreeable to the direction of the Board. I have the honor &c.


Title: From George Washington to David Brooks, 22 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Brooks, David

          Sir
          Head Qrs Wt Pt Septr 22d 79

        You are to issue the Cloathing now in your hands for officers and contained in the inventory which you have furnished in the following manner—To the Officers of the North Carolina Regiments—to those of the Mustering Auditors and Pay Master Generals departments—to the Hospital Surgeons—to The Field Commissary of Military Stores and his deputies—To the Judge Advocate and such of his assistants as do not belong to the line—Every person applying must produce a certificate from his commanding officer or principal specifying the corps or department to which he belongs.
        You will divide the Sterling amount of your whole invoice by 150—and distribute to each person such articles as he may stand in need of equivalent to the One hundred and fiftieth part of this sum—The articles delivered are to be paid for on delivery at the rate of four pounds currency dollars at 7/6 for every pound Sterling.
        The Tea is not included in the foregoing instruction—but is to be distributed as follows reserving fifty pounds of the best quality for future disposal—one pound of the best kind to each General Officer—half a pound of the same to each field officer and head of a staff department and a quarter of a pound ⅌ man of the remainder to any other officer of the army who shall apply. The Pepper is to be distributed in the same manner and proportion. These things to be paid for at the same rate as above directed.
        In the distribution of all the articles to which these instructions relate; the officers of The Carolina troops are without fail to have their full proportion as their remoteness from home deprives them of the advantages which other officers enjoy as well public as private.

        No other officers than those here mentioned are to be included in the benefit of the Cloathing unless they have orders from Head Quarters. I am Sir Your most Obed. ser.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Robert Campble, 22 September 1779
From: Campble, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Camp West point [N.Y.] September 22nd 1779.

        I now beg Leave to remind Your Excellency of my procedure after having made my Escape from New York. An Officer who made his Escape at the same Time with myself, upon our Arrival at Head Quarters, and making our Report, it was settled in the following Manner Viz.—That the other Officer should retire to his respective Abode, and remain until called for, on my being asked whether I meant to retire from the Army, or take the Field, I informed I intended joining my Regiment immediately—All the Family (and other Gentlemen present) said my Conduct was highly justifiable, and my being permitted to do Duty, with the other Occurrences Since, convinces me I was not on Parole.
        As a Board of Officers have previously sat, and gave their Opinion relative to my Situation (solely thro’ Mr Loring’s Representation) I must beg Your Excellency would indulge me with now ordering a Board of Officers to take into Cognizance the Representation I shall lay befoer them, as I flatter myself I can produce such Evidence as may make my Situation appear in a Light widely different from that represented by Mr Loring.
        Should your Excellency not incline to grant this Indulgence; I would then (from the peculiar Circumstances of my Situation) request the Favor of remaining at home, and have an Officer of equal Rank sent in on paro⟨le⟩ which I should not think prejudicial to any Officer in Captivity. I have the Honor to remain Your Excellencies most obt servt

          Robt Campble Capt.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 22 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

          Sir,
          Head Qurs West Point Sept. 22d 1779

        I am to request you will give instruction to your assistants attached to the different works—to turn their attention to the barracks necessary at each to cover the men required to be constantly stationed for the immediate security of the respective posts—and the places at which it will be most proper to erect them—Were it not for the difficulty of transporting materials to those high mountains to build barracks at each sufficient to cover the whole number of men required for its complete defence, I should give a preference to this; but the difficulty of transportation inclines me to desire only strong guards during the Winter at each post to put them out of the reach of a surprise and coup de main by a small detachment and consequently barracks proportioned to these—I leave it to your judgment what guards will be sufficient to answer the purpose and to regulate the arrangements for barracks accordingly—and I shall be obliged to you to make a report as speedily as possible. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obed. ser.

          P.S. These barracks ought to be in the works where they will admit them—an where they will not so near as to be always sure of a communication on any sudden emergency and effectually protected by the fire from the works. How far can the bomb-proofs be made to answer the purpose?


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 22 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 22d Sepr 1779

        I am favd with yours of yesterday with its inclosures. Capt. Willings confinement is by way of retaliation for that of Govr Hamiltons in Virginia. A representation on the subject has gone to the State of Virginia and I hope a mutual release from the present rigorous treatment of both Gentlemen will be the consequence. By Our

observartions from this side the River it appears that the enemy have only contracted their Works on Verplanks but have not evacuated the point—If the fleet which we have been expecting has touched any part of our Coast we must hear of it soon—Be pleased to forward Major Talmadges letter immediately to him. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Ward, 22 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Joseph

          Sir
          West point September the 22d 1779

        It is my wish to lay before Congress as soon as possible a State of the Army, that they may be enabled to regulate their views and their requisitions in due time to the several States for Men. I therefore request that you will furnish me as soon as you can, with an Abstract Return containing the amount of the Troops of each State in service, digested in 4 Columns: The 1st to contain the number engaged for the War—The 2d those whose enlistments will expire by the last of December—The 3d those whose will expire by the last of March—and the 4th such as will end their service by the last of June: And if the service of any of the Levies will expire in Two or three months after the last period—You will mention it. You will also particularly note what number of the Men are New Levies—their state & fix upon a sort of Average time when they joined the Army. You will observe that it is only an Abstract amount of the Troops of each State which I want—and not of the Regiments or Men’s names, as this will equally answer my purpose—and save a good deal of trouble. I am sir with great regard Yr Most Obedt sert

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Welles, Eleazer Wales and Edward Chinn, 22 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Welles, John,Wales, Eleazer,Chinn, Edward

          Gentlemen
          Head Quarters West Point 22d Sepr 1779

        Your favr of the 1st Inst. came to my hands yesterday. I am exceedingly obliged to you for the information you give me respecting the mode that is adopted for the settlement of claims for waste &ca committed by the Army. I have been much embarrassed by applications of this nature, and where I have given order⟨s⟩ in the matter, it has been solely with a veiw of relieving individuals whose claims have been apparently well supported by vouchers from people of reputation and

attachment. I remember that of Mrs McNeal was particularly so—Mr Smith made application to me a few weeks ago, but I gave him no satisfaction, and should he or any others apply again I shall refer them to the Board of treasury as you direct. I am with great Respect Gentn.


Title: From George Washington to John Beatty, 23 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Beatty, John

          Sir
          Head Quarters West Point Sepr 23d 1779

        I have received your report dated the 22d of your transactions with Mr Loring on the subject of exchanges.
        Mr Lorings answer to your first proposition revives the old question of a composition of privates for officers which has been so repeatedly and so fruitlessly agitated—and which can now only tend to embarrass

the relief of the prisoners on both sides—It seems that the more we do to remove the obsta⟨cles in⟩ the way of exchanges, the more solicitous the enemy are to contrive new ones and revive the old—as if they expected at length to fatigue us into compliance with their unreasonable demands. I know not with what face of justice or decency they can depart whenever it suits a particular interest from all those principles which have been agreed upon between us and have uniformly governed our exchanges. The only established rule of exchange hitherto has been officer for officer of equal rank and soldier for soldier. The settled disinclination of the enemy to fixing general and permanent rules adequate to all the cases of captivity have obliged us to content ourselves with partial and particular exchanges; and from everything that has appeared, their ideas are so remote from ours, that ⟨the⟩re is little reason to expect any future negotiation would be attended with more success than the past, or that we should ever be able to unite in a Tariff, which would have no other object than the relief of prisoners on terms of equal advantage—While this continues a secondary motive with the enemy & the augmentation of their force by a large accession of privates the ruling one, nothing of that kind can be expected. If we therefore renounce particular exchanges, on the former plan, the prisoners will have no other prospect before them than that of hopeless captivity⟨.⟩ I would wish you in your answer to Mr Loring to represent these things to him in a decent but pointed manner, to make him sensible of the inconsistency of his conduct and the ill-consequences it must produce; informing him at the same time that we will not hereafter make any exchanges whatsoever unless they extend to officers & privates indiscriminately on the footing which has hereto⟨fore⟩ obtained—The instructions I have already given you on the subject of composition are not to be exceeded; and I would wish the question of privates for officers to be avoided as I am certain, from the unreasonableness of the enemy on this head ⟨it⟩ can answer no other purpose, than ⟨to⟩ perplex and impede the business—⟨If⟩ in treating of a Tariff, Mr Loring persists in pressing Conways cartel as ⟨a⟩ model, he can be very justly told ⟨that⟩ the circumstances of the parties in the present war differ much from those of France and England at the time of that treaty—and that these are the only proper standard by which to regulate our agreements.
        You will insist on your second proposition; informing the enemy that this mode is not with reference to their wishes; but to discourage the practice of breaking paroles and establish a distinction between the violators and the scrupulous observers—That their interest can be no way affected by it and consequently they can have no reasonable objection.

        To the third answer, you will explicitly inform them that I have nothing to do with those persons not military prisoners who have broken their paroles, either to exchange or return them—That I do not consider them as proper subjects of military capture in the first instance nor hold my self bound to restore them to a state of captivity in which they were first placed contrary to the usages of nations.
        Col. Webbs exchange by composition we cannot claim as a matter of right; but I wish every method in our power to be taken to induce the enemy to consent to it—The pretext of not being willing to continue partial exchanges is forced and ridiculous the more as there are such recent instances in the cases of Edmonson & Featherstone; You must plead the constant practice heretofore—the generous treatment shown to the prisoners taken in the Eagle—the obligation in point of honor and justice upon the enemy to return an equivalent—the proposals they themselves have made at different times for particular exchanges by composition: You will observe to them that the Gentlemen taken in the Eagle are not under a parole but absolutely released and at liberty to act—That by an authentic act of their Consul at Corunna they have incurred a debt which they cannot without a flagrant breach of faith refuse to pay—That the exchange so far as it depends on us is already made and that they have no choice but to make a return. You will demand an explanation of what they mean by “the former principle”—whether it is that the⟨y⟩ are ready to return an equal number of equal ranks—on the former principle of equali⟨ty⟩ of rank or whether they refuse to make a return for these unless ⟨the⟩ terms of their first proposition ⟨are⟩ complied with.
        After you have pre⟨pared⟩ your answer in the spirit of these inst⟨ructions,⟩ you will let me have a view of it.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 23 September 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          War Office [Philadelphia] Septr 23d 1779

        We have before the Reciept of your Excellency’s Letter on the Subject press’d the Commercial Committee to procure a farther Supply of Powder. We have confidentially informed Monsr Gerard of our real Situation & requested his interesting himself on his Arrival in France to expedite one hundred Tons of Powder, one hundred Tons of Lead & ten thousand Arms so as to arrive before the Spring & he has given us the most favourable Assurances that we shall have these Articles by the Time we mention.
        There are at this Place about ten thousand Suits of Clothing which we have ordered to be packed up ready for Transportation & we beg to be informed what Part thereof you will have sent to what Place & at what Time you would wish it to be forwarded. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem your very obed. Servants

          Richard petersBy order

          As the States are pressingly called on for the Supplies of their respective Troops should not the Continental Provision be primarily appropriated to those Corps more peculiarly Continental?


Title: From George Washington to La Luzerne, 23 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

          Sir,
          Camp at West-point [23 Sept. 1779]

        Colo. Fleury this moment presented to me the letter your Excellency did me the honor to write from Trenton. & by his communication of your arrival at that place without accident, & meeting Monsr Gerard in good health, made me perfectly happy.
        Monsr Fleury has obtained my consent to be absent from this Army—He carries with him a certificate expressive of his great merit as an Officer—and a letter to Congress containing the sentiments I entertain of his worth and Services. I have the honor to be with the most perfect resp⟨ect⟩ Yr Excellys Most Obe⟨dt⟩ & Most Hble Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 September 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Fort Montgomery [N.Y.] 23rd Sepr 1779.

        I was honored with yours of the 21st Instant on my return from the Enemies Lines last evening, containing a Complaint of a Young Gecock concerning some violences said to be committed against him in my Corps.
        I shall agreeable to your Excellency’s Orders give you the Circumstances & Cause of that treatment as far as came within my knowledge.
        a Constant & Disorderly practice of fireing in the Vicinity of the Light Infantry Encampment had been kept up by some of the Inhabitants (perhaps for the most Villainous purposes) for a Considerable time and as I was Concious of the Dangerous & fatal tendency of that practice (in an Advanced post) used every possible means to put an entire stop to it, for which purpose I published many pointed Orders among Others the following of the 23rd July viz.
        “On the fireing of a Musket either by day or by night the whole corps are to parade & hold themselves ready for Action; when small parties are to be sent out towards the place or places from whence the fireing was heard in order to know the cause; and should it be Occationed by anything Other than the Appearance, or at an enemy; the person or persons so Offending, are Immediately to be secured & Suffer such punishment as a Court Martial shall Inflict as not only the Lives & Safety of this Corps, but of the whole Army in a great degree depends on the Vigilance & prowess of this part of the Troops.”
        In consequence of this Order—& the hardy & persevering Villainy of Individuals among the Inhabitants the Troops were constantly called to arms—and many of the Country people put under guard who were taken in the fact—and as Constantly released with Impunity—on promise not be guilty of the like crime in future whilst the Soldiers were punished in the most Examplery manner without any mitigation which soon put a period to the disorder on their part—but the practice was still Continued by Mr Gecock or wretches of his stamp who almost every night kep’t the Corps under arm’s—until the 9th Instant when about 12, OClock at night two Muskets were fired one soon after the Other some distance in the Rear of our Encampment, several parties were as usual detatched to see the cause, the troops

Continuing under Arms until they returned, one of which under the Conduct of the Brigade Major brought in a Younger Brother of the Complainants who with his father declared that it was not him, but his Elder brother who was guilty of fireing, but had made his Escape with his Arms in his hand—some-time next day the real Culprit came to my Quarter’s with the Enclosed Letter—I ordered him under my Quarter Guard—as well for the Crime he had Committed as for the false Representation of facts, contained in Genl Putnams Letter to the Baron DeCalb, to whom—I returned the Enclosed Answer.
        As I had the honor of dining with your Excellency that day at Head Quarters I directed Colo. Meigs the Officer next in Command to Order a Summarry trial and see it executed that evening, concious that nothing less would put a Stop to a practice that had already fatigued both Officers & men in a most Intolerable manner, and might in the end be Attended with the most fatal Consequences. I am however happy to find that that punishement has had the most Salutary Effe[c]ts.
        Thus I have Given your Excellency a full & Impartial acct of the whole Affair as far as came under my Notice—& I am well convinced that had equal candor been Observed in the Complainants or rather in their Coadjutors—Your Excellency would not have been troubled on this Occation—nor would a Censure been passed by Genl Putnam on a Corps without a hearing—that I can venture to Assert have Committed as few violences or depredations (except upon the Enemy) as any equal number of men in this Army—but admiting the charge of taking some triffling vegitables was realy true—was it not the duty of Mr Gecock to have lodged a Complaint with me or some Officer of the Corps—or are the lives of Soldiers of so little Consequence that Mr Gecock might put them to death with Impunity on the bear presumption of their Intending to take an Ear of Indian Corn—however I believe this charge to be Idle & without foundation with Respect to this Corps for the men were all present & under arms within less than two Minutes after the firing was heard—which was at least one half or three Quarters of a Mile distant—bisides there was a Guard from the Maryland Line taking care of his property at that Very Instant—so that the fireing by him must have been very wanton—or rathar have proceeded from other motives than that which he or his Coadjutors chuse to mention. I have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem your Excellency’s most Obt & very Huml. Sert

          Anty Wayne


Title: General Orders, 24 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moores-House [West Point]Friday Septr 24th 1779.
          Parole Kakiate—  C. Signs Leeds. Milford.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 24 September 1779
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          West Point 24th Sepr 1779

        I have the honor to present Your Excellency the state of the troops necessary for the defence of the works at West Point.

            Fort Clinton and the two water batteries
             630

            Fort Putnam
             300

            Rock Hill
             100

            Redoubt No. 1 with the battery in front
             170

            Grand battery upon the point to the

            left of the redoubt
              40

            Battery at the place marked out
              50

            Redoubt No. 2 with the battery
             170

            Redoubt No. 3 with the two batteries
             130

            Fort Webb with the battery upon the left
             200

         Observ: Fort Webb in the state in which it is considering its

            development requires about 300 men but it will be put in a

            situation to fulfil its object with a good deal less.

            Fort Willys with its batteries in front

            and upon the left
             170

            Works on Constitution-Island

            Redoubt the nearest the River with its two batteries
              80

            Center Redoubt with its batterie
             120

            Third Redoubt with its batterie
             160

            Grand battery on the water
              60

            Lower battery
              40

            Redoubts upon the Heights of the left side of the River

            1st Redoubt upon the lower mountain

            with its batteries
             150

            Another redoubt with its batteries
             160

            Post of 50 men at Robertson’s ferry
              50

            Another at the other place of debarkation

            a mile distant
              50

            a third at Fort Montgomery
              50

            2880

        The following is the disposition which seems to me the most proper for barracks.
        Fort Clinton—This fort being perhaps the most exposed of all to a surprise during the winter when the River is entirely frozen, above all if the enemy keep Kings ferry—we ought to lodge in the fort itself and in its advanced work the greatest part of the men necessary for its defence.
        We may at once construct a barrack in fort Clinton upon the bomb proof for the officers—We cannot erect a barrack in the remaining vacant ground of the work, because we must still be erecting other bomb proofs—but in the advanced work we may construct a barrack for 300.
        If we choose it we may construct another in some other place within the old fort for the rest of the necessary Garrison.
        Putnam—This Fort being embosomed in the midst of others—I think that it will suffice to have wherewith to lodge an hundred men or 150—which we already have in the barracks and bomb proofs—They may be relieved dayly—The rest of the men necessary to its defence may lodge in the great barracks already made.
        Fort Webb—It suffices for Fort Webb to put under cover a serjeants guard to prevent its being injured—and the planks; platforms & fascines torn up for fire wood.
        Fort Willys—This fort being the most advanced and that which guards the others it ought to lodge within its whole Garrison—We should therefore raise the necessary barracks.
        Rock Hill—a covering for a corporals guard to be relieved each day will suffice.
        Redoubt No. 1—If we can work this Winter at the Bomb proofs of this redoubt we shall be obliged to make the barracks without, except a covering for a subaltern guard within during the night.
        Redoubt No. 2 Is the same as the foregoing.
        [ditto] No. 3—the same: The barracks for these three places will be made as near as possible, and we may surround them with a pallisade and make an approach to the respective redoubts pallisaded on both sides, to prevent surprise and secure a communication.
        Robertson’s ferry—Here we should construct a barrack for 50 men; and we can surround this barrack with a pallisade of ten feet behind the pallisade a parapet of four feet to fire from the upper part of the pallisade—The foot of this pallisade will be defended by another pallisade inclining towards the horizon, in order that the enemy may not be able to cut the pallisade within—This post is essential, because it is this which gives the alarm to the others and prevents surprises.
        The place of debarkation a mile from Robertsons—the same.
        Fort Montgomery—the same.

        Works upon Constitution Island.
        This Island ought also to contain the [nu]mber of troops necessary to its defence; it will be well to make near each redoubt a barrack for its garrison.
        Redoubts upon the Mountains on the West side of the River.
        As the bomb proofs of these two redoubts will be finished in a little time, we may make barracks upon the bomb proofs. This will be much the best. But I apprehend that the soldiers inhabiting them during the Winter, will make a prodigious destruction; and that in spring we shall find them in very bad condition. Perhaps on this account it may be preferable to make the barracks without: Your Excellency will order what you think proper. I have the honor to be With the most profound respect Yr Excellency’s Most humble & Very Obedient servt

          DuPortail


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 24 September 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          providence 24th September 1779

        I have the Honour to inclose for Your Excellency’s Determination, a petition I have just received from the Canadian Soldiers in Col: James Livingston’s Regiment. Baron Stuben assured me, he would make such Report of that Regiment to your Excellency, as would induce some orders to be taken thereupon, the most Beneficial to the public Service; at present they are a very unprofitable Corps to the States—The Men in it are greatly disgusted, and desert very fast. They were a few Days ago but 109 Rank and File.
        Yesterday I received the other Inclosure from Lt Col. Macpherson, and Captn Ross of the 73d Regt. such Orders as Your Excellency is pleased to give upon Their petition, I shall immediately send to them at Cambridge.
        I should be Glad to Know from Your Excellency, when the

Operation of the Resolve of Congress of the 18th of last Month, for raising the Subsistence Money of the Army to One Hundred Dollars for each extra Ration, is to Commence. The Militia who came here for the Month of August, to Supply the place of Jackson’s Regiment, Demanded it from that Day. I have Declined paying it to any Corps, until I receive Your Excellencys Orders on The Subject. How are the Staff to be consider’d.
        Tuesday I received Your Excellencys Letter of The 14th Instant from Fish-kill, Your Orders with Regard to Holding the Troops in readyness to March shall be Stricktly Obeyed—I have a ⟨small⟩ Fast Sailing Sloop.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 24 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 24 Sepr 1779

        I have both your favs. of the 23d. By a deserter this day from Verplanks point I have recd pretty good information of the late movements upon that and Stoney point. He says they have sent down three Regiments and have upon that account contracted their Works.
        I have nothing to do with the Regulations in the Commissaries department. the Deputy attending your division must represent the particular situation of Colo. Armands Corps to His principal and take his order in the matter. I am &c.
        Be pleased to forward the enclosed to Colo. Moylan & Majr Tallmadge.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 24 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 24th Sepr 1779.

        I am favd with yours of the 22d. The Return of Cloathing necessary for your Regiment should be made, by you without delay, to the Board of War, who will give you information where or to whom you are to apply.
        If any of your present Men, whose time of service will shortly expire, will reinlist for the War, they will be intitled to a Bounty of 200 dollars and ten dollars to the Officer reinlisting them. If you find any, in the above predicament, willing to reenlist, you can send over for a sum of Money for that purpose. Colo. Sheldon had liberty to endeavour to inlist as many new Recruits as would compleat his Regiment to the Establishment, provided they could be obtained upon the terms of serving with the Regt as dismounted Dragoons, untill there should be a necessity or conveniency of mounting them. This to be clearly expressed in the inlistment, that the Men may have no pretext for complaint on being made to serve on foot. They were also to be

inlisted for the War, and no temporary engagements entered into, on any account whatever. The Bounty to new Recruits to be 200 dollars and 20 dollars to the recruiting Officer. These Men must be natives—of good Character, and every way suitable for Dragoons. If you are of opinion that you can obtain Men upon the foregoing terms, you may draw Money and try the experiment.
        The quantity of Cloathing issued in July, under the General order, was so very trifling, that it would not have extended to any thing like the supply of the Officers of the whole Army. They therefore who first applied were first served, by which means a vast number on the spot were put in the same situation with the officers of your Regt—There is at this time a small dividend of Tea and pepper to be made, of which Genl Howe has been advised, and of which the Officers under his command will I presume take the advantage.
        Capt. Lewis has quitted the service some time past, and I do not know the Captain intitled, by seniority, to the Majority of your Regiment.
        Be pleased to make my Compliments to Mrs Moylan and inform her that Mrs Washington was well when I last heard from her. I am Dear Sir Yrs &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 24 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

          Sir
          Head Quarters West-point 24th Sepr 1779.

        I this morning received your letter of the 22d with its several inclosures.
        It is not my opinion that Culper Junr should be advised to give up

his present employment. I would imagine that with a little industry he will be able to carry on his intelligence with greater security to himself, and greater advantages to us—under cover of his usual business, than if he were to dedicate himself wholly to the giving of information. It may afford him opportunities of collecting intelligence, that he could not derive so well in any other manner. It prevents also those suspicians which would become natural should he throw himself out of the line of his present employment. He may rest assured of every proper attention being paid to his services.
        One thing appears to me deserving of his particular consideration; as it will not only render his communication less exposed to detection, but relieve the fears of such persons as may be entrusted with its conveyance to the second link in the chain—and of course very much facilitate the object we have in view. I mean that he should occasionally write his information on the blank leaves of a pamphlet—on the first second &c. pages of a common pocket book—on the blank leaves at each end of registers for the year—almanacks, or any new publication—or book of small value. He should be determined in the choice of these books, principally by the goodness of the blank paper as the ink is not easily legible unless it is on paper of a good quality. Having settled a plan of this kind with his friend, he may forward them without risque of search, or the scrutiny of the enemy—as this is chiefly directed against paper made up in the form of letters.
        I would add a further hint on this subject. Even letters may be made more subservient to his communications, than has been yet practiced. He may write a familiar letter on domestic affairs, or on some little matters of business to his friend at Satuket or elsewhere, interlining with the stain his secret intelligence, or writing it on the opposite blank side of the letter. But that his friend may know how to distinguish these from letters addressed solely to himself—he may always leave such as contain secret information without a date or place (dating it with the stain); or fold them up in a particular manner, which may be concerted between the parties. This last appears to be the best mark of the two, and may be the signal for their being designed for me.
        The first mentioned mode however, or that of the books, appears to me the one least liable to detection. I am sir Your most obedient and humble servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 24 September 1779
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

          sir
          Lebanon [Conn.] 24 Septr 1779

        I take the Liberty to commend the inclosed Memorial to such Notice of your Excellcy, as you may think it worthy of—the Persons named therein acted under my Commission & Instructions in their Descents on Long Island untill, for the Mall Practices of others concerned in the same Operations, I judged it necessary to revoke all Commissions of that Nature given in my Name—these Memorialist ever conducted themselves, as far as I know, agreable to their Restrictions—I never had any Cause of Complaint respectg their Conduct—not caring in present Circumstances to give any Permitts for such Services, have tho’t best to commend these Persons with their Application to your Notice—perhaps under your Excellencys Directions some Beneficial Purposes may be ansuered by employing this Way, such Persons as may be deemed worthy of Confidence. I am &ca

          Jona. Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 September 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Fort Mont[gomer]y [N.Y.] 24th Sepr 17794. OClock P.M.

        I intended to do myself the honor of waiting on you this morning, but my foot being a little painful, & the appearance of the Sixteen Gun Sloop of War, with a Galley & a few boats round the Dunderberg point, determined me to remain in my Quarters, shou’d anything further turn up your Excellency may depend upon the earliest Intelligence.
        I wished to have spoke to you on Major McCormicks affair which I rather think proceeds from his being the most executive Officer in the case of Gecock—than from any real cause of Complaint against him in person.
        the poor fellow has not a Capacity to make a proper defence—Otherwise he has little to apprehend from the Prosecution—for I believe it is not him that is ment to be hurt by it. I have the Honor to be your Excellencys Most Obt & very Hume Sert

          Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 24 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          My Dear Sir,
          Head Quarters [West Point] Sepr 24th 1779

        I am very sorry that the painfulness of your leg prevented my having the pleasure of seeing you this morning; and I hope it will soon

be so far abated as to put it in your power to favour me with the visit you intended.
        I should not think myself justified in countermanding the trial of Major McCormick, as in the execution of orders ever so proper, there could be no necessity for violence to a child, and if it really happened, otherwise than by pure accident, I am indispensibly bound to let justice take its course. A simple narrative of facts will be the best criterion of his conduct, and a candid rather than an ingenious defence will best answer his purpose if innocent. I am with the greatest regard Dr Sir Your most Obed. serv.

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Captain Robert Campble, 25 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Campble, Robert

          Sir
          Head Quarters West-point 25th Sepr 1779

        I have fully considered the circumstances and facts as stated in the several papers which you have laid before me; and cannot but be of opinion that although no express parole was given to or demanded by the enemy, yet the situation in which you were placed by them amounted to an implied parole. I acquit you however of having intentionally violated your honor, by making your escape under the indulgence given you by the enemy, not only from the representation

I have had of your character—but on the certificates presented me from officers who were your fellow prisoners at that time.
        I am further induced from the peculiarity of your case—to consent to your remaining with your friends on parole and shall instruct the Commissary of prisoners to send in a British officer of your rank to the enemy. As you are on parole you will refrain from all military duties till regularly exchanged. I am sir &.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 25 September 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Providence, September 25th 1779

        Your Excellency will find in this Packet, the Proceedings of a General Court-Martial held at Providence, upon the Trial of John Millimon, a Soldier in Colonel Angell’s Regiment, sentenced to be shot for Mutiny. I have hitherto suspended the Execution, for the undermentioned Reasons, and upon sundry Petitions and Applications, particularly upon one from his Excellency the Governor, and a Committee of the Council of this State. I have since received the inclosed Letter from the Field Officers of the Regiment.
        Reasons for suspending the Execution of John Millimon.
        1st The principal Cause of the Mutiny in this Corps was, their State’s delaying to supply the Regiment with such State Stores as they solemnly engaged, and repeatedly promised to the Men.
        2ndly The Officers have divided amongst themselves a Quantity of State Stores, of which the Men had no Part, as appears on the Face of the Proceedings, the Officers thinking the Quantity insufficient to be shared with the Men. When Soldiers feel, they do not reason. Those of Colonel Angell’s Regiment saw their Officers supplied; and they were not. The trifling Quantity issued by their State Commissary aggravated their Sufferings, and exasperated them the more.
        3rdly The Prisoner has the best of Characters for Bravery, and good Conduct in every Action; is but Nineteen Years of Age, very illiterate, and has no more than Three Months to serve.
        I am conscious, Sir, that Discipline is the Soul of an Army; but a Soldiery, composed of Freemen, armed in the Defence of their natural Rights, should not be treated with that cruel Severity, so often, and so wantonly practiced in Royal Armies.
        Persuaded that your Excellency’s Wisdom will suggest to you the Determination which shall be most favourable to Equity, and the Support of Discipline, I shall wait for your Orders. I have the Honour to be with great Respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s, Most obedient humble Servant

          Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 25 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

          Dr Sir,
          Hd Qrs [West Point] Sepr 25th 1779

        I wrote to you a few days since on the subject of a complaint against Col. Grayton—He has heard of the affair and applied for a court of inquiry—I have told him that you will be directed to grant him one—You will therefore be pleased to appoint a court, in your division, composed of members suited to the delicate and interesting nature of the business—You will make the Cols: request the motive of the inquiry and institute the articles to be examined into from the complaint sent you in my former letter but without bringing the complainants into view as prosecutors, as I would carefully avoid an appearance of gratifying them in an application the manner of which is so exceptionable. They must merely be produced as witnesses. You will immediately transmit the report. I am with great regard Yr Most Obedt ser.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 25 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

          Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 25th Sepr 1779

        I have been honored with yours of the 15th covering a Resolve confirming the arrangement of the Massachusetts line, and a printed

Copy of a circular letter from Congress to their constituents. I sincerely hope, that the measures pointed out may be pursued, and that every good effect, to be wished for, may be the result.
        Since mine of the 19th I have recd several pieces of intelligence from my confidential Correspondents in New York and upon Long Island, and from persons in other quarters: The following are substantially the contents of their different letters, from which you will perceive, they all agree that a very considerable embarkation is in agitation, tho’ there are a variety of opinions respecting the numbers and destination.
        New York 11th Septr
        “It is generally beleived that the 44th and 3 Hessian Regiments which embarked and sailed a few days ago, went to Quebec. Sir James Wallace in the Experiment of 50 Guns sailed at the same time for Georgia, having under his convoy a Store ship and two or three other Vessels, but no troops. The Europa 64. Russel 74. Renown 50. and four or five Frigates in the harbour of New York. It is thought the large ships will be sent to the West Indies to reinforce Admiral Byron. The general opinion that nothing further could be done in Georgia without a reinforcement, which it is thought will be sent about the beginning of October.[”]
        From the same Sept. 18th
        “The 54th 77th Rawdons or Irish Volunteers Queens Rangers—Cathcarts Legion—all the Grenadeirs and Light Infantry and the greater part of the Horse under orders for embarkation. It is generally beleived they are bound to the southward, and that Charles town will be the great object this Campaign—Every 6th Man from King and Queen County at work upon the Fort at Brooklyn. The inhabitants of Suffolk County having refused to turn out for the same purpose, were threatned with military execution in case of further non compliance. The gorge or pass at Fort Washington strongly fortified, and the Works upon Bayards Hill, in the Rear of the City, are repairing. The grand Battery repairing—and to be mounted with 40 twenty four pounders.[”]
        Long Island Sepr 19th
        “An account is just recd from General prescot at Rhode Island, that a Vessel had arrived there which left a French Fleet in latitude 25 or 35 (not certain which) steering N.W. this had occasioned great confusion, and the immediate call of a general Council of War.[”]
        Monmouth County Sepr 21st
        “A fleet of 30 sail went into the Hook this day, from whence, or whether any troops on board not known. When they hove in sight, they appeard to come from the Eastward. A deserter from the fleet at

New York mentions that the press had been exceedingly hot, and that Admiral Arbuthnot was to sail in a few days with three sixty four Gun ships with a fleet under Convoy.[”]
        Eliza. Town 22d Sepr
        “On the 20th a Mr Edward Fox of Philada an exchanged prisoner, came out of New York. He says the embarkation was by accounts to consist of seven thousand Men, and that a number of Hessian and English Regiments had embarked before he came away. their destination said to be Virginia.”
        From the foregoing, Congress will readily perceive, that the destination of the embarkation referred to, must be merely conjectural—this however seems to be certain, that the Enemy, from their preparations for defence upon New York Island, and upon the heights of Brooklyn upon Long Island, mean to put themselves in a situation to hold the City and its environs with their remaining force.
        From the movements of the enemy upon Stoney and Verplanks points for a few days past, an evacuation of the latter seemed probable; but an intelligent Deserter yesterday informs, that one Regiment from Verplanks and two from Stoney point had gone down to New York, which was the occasion of their demolishing some of the old Works, and contracting themselves within new. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect and Esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 25 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 25th Septr 1779.

        I was yesterday favd with yours of the 21st which came to me open under cover with other dispatches from Lord Stirling. I would wish you in future, to send your dispatches to me sealed, and communicate any thing, necessary for my Lord to know, to him separately. When an enterprise of any kind is in agitation the fewer to whom it is intrusted the better, and as to the particular business upon which you are sent, I would wish it to remain a secret—I would not have you infer from the foregoing, that I would not intrust my Lord with or take his advice upon any military subject—on the contrary I have the greatest confidence in him—But secrecy till the moment of execution is the life of enterprise.
        If, upon full inquiry and information, you find the attempt which you propose to make with your dismounted troop⟨s⟩ practicable, I have no objection. And should the enemy take refuge in the strong hold you mention any means to dislodge them will be justifiable. I am Dear Sir Yrs &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 25 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          My Lord.
          Head Quarters West Point 25 Septr 1779

        I was yesterday favd with yours of the 23d inclosing Major Lees and Major Hays letters and a few days ago with that of the 20th—By information of a deserter the Enemy have sent three Regiments from Stoney and Verplanks points and have therefore contracted their works. All accounts from New York agree that a very considerable

embarkation is in agitation, but they differ much as to numbers and destination.
        Be pleased to send forward the inclosed to Colo. Washington and Major Lee. I am with great Regard Yr Lordships Most obt.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 25 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

          Sir,
          Head Quarters [West Point] 25th Septr 1779

        I have just received the inclosed from Col. Hazen—I would recommend it to you to secure as much as possible of the produce of the upper parts of Connecticut river. It will be in a very convenient situation for any operation or for the use of the troops that will quarter this Winter upon the East side of Hudsons river. As Col. Hazens regiment is ordered away, your magazines must be formed so low down the river that they will not be ⟨in⟩ the least danger from the incursio⟨n of⟩ an enemy. I am Sr Yr Most Obet, servant

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Joseph Ward, 25 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Ward, Joseph

          Sir
          Head Qrs [West Point] Septr 25. 1779

        I have received your Letter of Yesterday. As it is very interesting that I should have the Abstract requested by my Letter of the 22d as soon as possible—I would not have you wait for the Muster Rolls of the Georgia—South Carolina or any of the North Carolina or even Virginia Troops, except those with this Army, which possibly you might have thought it necessary to obtain. The Abstract will contain the amount of the Artillery—Cavalry—and Corps not attached to particular States—as well as the Batallions exacted from them—and digested in the same manner—as in their case. And if there are any

Recruits for the War which have lately joined—their number & the average time of Joining will be noted. As I have observed it is very interesting that I should have the abstract as soon as possible—and therefore I would not have you to delay it any time for want of the return of One two or three Corps—as their amount may be guessed at or possibly otherwise ascertained. I want if practicable, by early & regular requisitions—to have the Recruiting & drafting business placed upon a more certain plan—so that the Levies may join at a certain period & serve for a certain term—by which the Continent may derive some benefit from their service. I am Dr Sir with great regard Yr Most Obt St

          G.W.


Title: General Orders, 26 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Moore’s House [West Point]Sunday September 26th 1779
          Parole Ancaster—  C. Signs Bengal. Charlestown.


Title: From George Washington to Moses Bush, 26 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Bush, Moses

          Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 26 Sepr 1779

        The probability of having occasion for a number of Boats of a particular construction, induces me to request you immediately to raise the sides of as many River Scows as Maj: Genl Greene Qr Mr G. shall direct. He will write you particularly on the subject. The Business requires the utmost dispatch, and is of so much public importance that it authorises me to give the order and will justify you in quitting the Business in which you are at present engaged. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 26 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters West Point 26th Sepr 1779

        Accounts, tho’ not official, still continue to announce Count D’Estaings fleet being near this Coast. Should he arrive in this quarter; I would wish, if possible, to have every thing in readiness to cooperate with him. If the Boats directed to be got ready and brought down from Albany are not yet come, be pleased to have it immediately done, and give directions to have the public Boats in the sound collected at some convenient place or places (perhaps different places will be best for security and to prevent suspicion) and put into proper order for service. I think it will be well to have the flat Boats at pluckemin overhauled and repaired if necessary. We may want them, should the situation of Matters upon Staten Island afford an opportunity of acting in that quarter.
        Be pleased to let me know whether the affairs of your department will admit of the whole Army’s moving upon the shortest Notice, and whatever is wanting, I shall be glad to have prepared as far and as soon as circumstances will permit. Our move, if we make one in consequence of the Counts arrival, will most probably be downwards, with the greatest part of the Army, and the distance of course will not be very long. Should he incline to operate again to the Eastward, the detachment will not be large and they must go very light—The move of the whole Army therefore is what I would wish you to have in contemplation. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 26 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dr Sir
          West-point 26th Sepr 1779.

        As it is an object of importance to have ascertained as soon as possible the account which is said to have been brought by a vessel arrived at New-London, out of which a Capn Johnson was taken on board Count D’Estaigns fleet in the lattitude of Bermudas, I would therefore wish you to dispatch without loss of time an officer intelligent in marine affairs to New-London to learn the particulars from the person who commands the vessel in which Capn Johnson was, with such other information of the Count’s fleet and destination as can be obtained.
        I should prefer Lieut. Lee who has been employed on a business of this nature before (provided the Journey is agreeable to himself) as his former report was extremely clear and satisfactory.
        The utmost expedition is to be used both in going and in returning, to facilitate which I herewith inclose for the office⟨r⟩ an order on all Quarter Masters to furnish him occasionally with fresh horses. I am Dr Sir Your most obt servt

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 26 September 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

          [Philadelphia, 26 Sept. 1779]

        Extract of a Letter of the 26th of Septr 1779 from His Excellency, the President of Congress—to General Washington
        [”]Sir
        I have the pleasure of transmitting to your Excellency copies of two Letters from the French Consul in South Carolina to Monsr Gerard, informing him of the arrival of Count D’Estaing on that coast.
        [”]As Congress have reason to believe, that the Armament under the command of the Count will co-operate with these States against the British forces in America, they have by an Act, of which the enclosed is a copy, referred the whole System of co-operation, so far as the United States are concerned in it, to Your Excellency’s direction and authorised you to call upon the several States for such aids as you may require.[”]


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Wadsworth, 26 September 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wadsworth, Jeremiah

          Sir,
          Head Quarters West Point Septr 26th 1779

        Although I have no official information of Count D’Estaings leaving the West Indies, or of his intentions to come to this continent—Yet there are so many reports that the first has taken place, that I think it is not to be doubted; and some circumstances attending the reports seem to indicate, that the Continent is his destination. If the Count should arrive, the period when he will appear in all probability, is not far distant—and it will be with an intention to carry on with us a combined operation against the Enemy. And as it will be necessary for us in such case, to make every practicable effort on our part, and we may have occasion to call in the aid of a considerable body of Militia—It is my wish that you immediately pursue every measure in your power for providing supplies and stores of provision for such a contingency, and at places from which it can be with ease and convenience forwarded to the army as it may be wanted. If the Count is coming—I should suppose our operations will be directed against New York. I mention this circumstance that you may the better govern yourself with respect to the places of deposit. The Quarter Master Genl, will of course, give you every assistance in the article of transportation. I am Sir With great respect Yr Most Obet, servant

          Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 September 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          West Point Sept. 27th 1779

        In answer to your Excellencys favor of yesterday upon the Subject of Count de Estainges being upon the Coast and the order for putting the Army in a condition to move should it be found necessary. I beg leave to inform you that there is a sufficient number of Teams to put the Troops in motion on the shortest Notice, that is, as soon as they can be collected from the placces where they are now at pasture—I have further to inform your Excellency that an order is gone to Morgan Lewis Esq. D.Q.M.G. at Albany to send down all the flat Boats and Battaues that can possibly be spard from that place; and to keep on building and repairing until further orders. I have directed Col. Hay to prepare as many Boats as he can in this quarter and to forward me a return of his prospects as soon as possible. I have directed Mr Furman to have the Boats overhauld at Middle Brook and furnished with Horses and Harness suitable to put them in motion on the shortest Notice.
        I have also desird Col. Cox to have as many flat Boats collected at Trenton as can be found upon the Delaware suitable for transporting Troops; and to engage if possible Major Eyres to join the Army (should the Count arrive) to superintend the Boat Department. The orders

are also gone to Middletown to have the sides of the Scows in Connecticut River raisd and put in a condition to transport carriages.
        Your Excellency will see from this state of the preparations in the quarter Masters Department that they are remote from each other, and will take a considerable time and great pains to collect them together.
        The great distance and long tract of barren Country through which the Provisions comes from the Westward together with the exhausted state that it is now in, from the great length of time the Army has lain in this position I fear will render it very difficult, if not impossible, to subsist the Army farther Eastward if the greater part of the Flour is to come from the Westward. The Teams of the Country is now much worn down in the employ they have had at this Garrison and are not plenty at best therefore I fear our aid will be insuff[i]cient to accomplish the Work. Nevertheless such an enterprize will give great spirits to the Country and engage their whole force to assist the Army. I think we may expect upon such an attempt (as is proposd) double the assistance which could be had upon ordinary ocasions. I am with great respect & regard Your Excellencys Most obedient humble Ser.

          Nath. Greene


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 September 1779
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Fredericksburg [Va.] Sept. 27th 1779

        In answer to your favr of the 15th must inform you, that I have not as yet purchased a fourth horse, not owing to any neglect on my part, but from the very great Scarcity of Such as woud answer your purpose.
        In november we shall have a large meeting of gentlemen at our races, when I am in hopes, I shall be able to procure and send you on one of the finest; but in the mean time, will ride & see several that I have just heard of.
        I am exceeding sorry that you have been so unfortunate in those purchased last Spring—shoud you not be Inclined to Keep the sorrel, and will send him in, I can dispose of him exceeding well, & will procure one other.
        I have at this time, one of the finest Geldings in America, & a bay, which altho a great favourite, I woud with pleasure send him on to you, but as he was very lame last fall (tho now sound) do not chuse to venture him—with Compliments to yr Family I remain with great respect, & Esteem yr Excellencys Mt Obt St

          Alexr Spotswood