Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 1 November 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            sir
                            Philadelphia November 1 1780

                        Your Excellency will be informed by the enclosed Copy of an Act of Congress of the 30. Ulto, that they
                            approve of the Appointment of Major General Greene to the Command of the Southern Army, and have adopted your Opinion in
                            ordering Major General the Baron de Steuben to that Department.
                        Your Excellency will also note the Powers and Directions given to Major General Greene, and the several
                            State’s Troops that are to compose the Army under his Command.
                        You will also see by the enclosed Paper, the Enemy have landed in Virginia—that Cornwallis retreated from
                            Charlotte the 12. Ulto, and the Success of Col. Clarke against Augusta is confirmed. These Facts are not to be doubted,
                            altho’ we have not the Particulars with Exactness.
                        Your several Dispatches of the 21. 22. & 29. Ulto have been received & laid before Congress.
                            I have the Honor to be with the highest Regard your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble servant

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from William Irvine, 1 November 1780
From: Irvine, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Camp Totaway Novr 1st 1780

                        When I take in one view the Enemys force yet remaining at new york, the Troops for the War under your
                            Excellencys Command—that West point must be held at all events, And that some Troops ought to be kept to hold &
                            cover the middle States, so far—(in my opinion) will it be out of your Excellencys power to detach from this Army—that
                            every possible exertion should be made to augment it immediately.
                        Sir Henry Clinton will be very civil indeed, if he will suffer us to remain undisturbed in Quarters after the
                            first of January.
                        When West point is sufficiently Garrisoned, the remainder of the Army should go all together into Winter
                            Quarters Which on account of the facillity of getting supplies must be near Delaware ( I presume)—unless the Enemy should
                            really take the Field, I am of opinion that the sooner we enter winter Quarters the better. I have the honor to be with
                            the greatest respect & esteem- Sir your Excellencys Most obedient Humble Servant

                            Wm Irvine


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 November 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Light Camp Novr 1st 1780

                        In consequence of your Excellency’s orders, I am to Give you my opinion upon these three points. 1st when it
                            will be proper to go into Winter Quarters. 2d where there Winter Quarters are to be taken. 3dly If any thing further may
                            be done to oppose the Enemys operations in the Southward.
                        The Month of November being generally good in America, I would not advise your Excellency to go into Winter
                            Quarters until the first of december- I would be sorry to leave the Enemy any opportunity to Say that we have permitted
                            them to take the field during this Campaign.-I would remain in such a Situation as to prevent theyr making any Forrage with
                            security- and so far am I convinc’d that doing Something will be Useful to our affairs in Europe, that I would Stay in the
                            way to improve any opportunity which chance or a Bad disposition of theyrs may offer; our remaining in the field will
                            also retard any further detachment which they might intend; the only objection that may be found against this opinion of
                            Mine is that our Soldiers must have time for Building Barracks- But if the arrangement which I propose is adopted, a
                            small addition to the Garrison of West Point will be able to make all the huts which May be Wanted for the small Remains
                            of our Army.
                        2dly West point and the North River being our most important point of defence, I would lodge near that Fort
                            and Posts thereto Belonging the whole of our troops (Pennsylvanians excepted)these I would send to the position of
                            Morris Town where hutts are Ready to Receive them-It should I think, be very proper that the arrangements of the Army be
                            settled when we Enter into Winter Quarters, so that each field officer, and Each Regiment be in its proper place- I would
                            consider, if upon the whole it was not better to order that the two Forts at King’s Ferry be defended to the last
                            extremity, leaving into them a very small Garrison- The great business of our Winter Quarters should, I think, be to
                            attend to the instruction of the officers, and particularly to the forming of good non Commissioned officers and putting
                            them upon a more respectable footing.
                        3dly As to the last Article, I will Not so Much officially, as confidentially, propose to you an idea which if Executed, May have the happiest effects
                            towards checking the progress of the Enemy.
                        When the expedition against Charles town was spoken of, Count de Rochambeau offered to send Lauzun’s Legion
                            by Land, why should we not get them for a Winter’s Campaign of so much consequence as that of the South ward, where regular
                            Troops are so much wanted on our Side, where the Communications of the Enemy are so extensive as to admit of handsome
                            Strokes with A good Corps of Cavalry and Light Infantry, and where the Extension of a British Post will perhaps (if there
                            is a mediation) determine the independency of one or two States. But this affair requires a Great deal of delicacy.
                        As I am too Much your friend for to have any Reserve with you, I will tell  that I would not have you to
                            Make directly the proposal, But I want the proposal to be made and to be accepted.
                        Chevalier de la Luzerne, who as well as myself hates To See the French Troops idle, and
                            who on a political point of View wishes the Enemy to hold as little ground as possible in America when peace will be
                            talk’d of, will, I am sure, be pleased with the idea- suppose you was to write me a Confidential private Letter on this
                            subject I would send it to him and request him to make in his own Name the Proposals to Count de Rochambeau.
                        The second article would be to make it agreeable to Duke de Lauzun_ for people who are not us’d to our Wars,
                            such a long Journey would appear tedious. But if you adopt the Mode which I am going to propose, I am sure that the hope
                            of a large command, and an active Life would make him happy in the project; with Duke de Lauzun we Must Not act meRely
                            upon the State of what is the Best But in the Same time Engage his wishes by some agreeable
                            hopes. I would propose that Duke the Lauzun’s Horse be march’d from hartford by the 15th of November, they will certainly
                            be at Hillsborough by the first of January.
                        As to the Infantry, those three hundred men might be embark’d at Rhode Island on Board of Frigates and by the
                            first of december take a fresh wind to go to such a place as would be pointed out.
                        I would take out of our Light Infantry, four hundred Men under the Command of two Colonels, who would be
                            embark’d at Philadelphia on Board some French Fleetes that are in the River and conveyed by the Confederacy-I would in my
                            letter to Duke de Lauzun give him a Confidential assurance, that four hundred men of the Light Infantry should be added to
                            His Command with a Corps of Militia, the other wing of Gnl Greene’s Van guard Might be under Gnl Morgan, and they
                            would be Commanded by a Major General.
                        The manner of sending the troops to the south ward and other details of this plan might be alter’d for the
                            Best- the Great thing is that a Corps of a thousand Men, as good as Ever were into the field three hundred of whom
                            Cavalry would by the first of January be at Hillsborough, where they should Serve during January, February, March and
                            april, and if next Campaign we get the Naval Superiority, they may in eight days be again at Rhode island. I have the
                            honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedientt humble Servant

                            Lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Francisco Rendón, 1 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rendón, Francisco

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novr 1st 1780

                        I yesterday had the honor of receiving your letter of the 20t of October. The sixteenth the embarkation
                            mentioned in my former letter sailed from New York, consisting from my best accounts of about three thousand men, composed
                            of the grenadiers and light infantry and chiefly besides of detachments. As I mentioned to you in my last I believe they
                            are destined to Virginia, or rather North Carolina to cooperate with Cornwallis. They may however have a destination
                            further Southward. I beg you to accept my acknowlegements for obligingly executing the requests contained in my last. I
                            have the honor to be With great esteem Sir Your Most Obed. servt


Title: To George Washington from William Smith, 1 November 1780
From: Smith, William
To: Washington, George

                            May it please your Excellency
                            Philadelphia Novr 1st 1780

                        I have the Honor herewith to transmit to you the Certificate or Diploma of your Election into the American
                            Philosophical Society; which ought to have been made out at the Time of its Date. As this Business, viz. the preparing the
                            Draft (which was to be a special one) & getting it engross’d, lay upon the then acting Secretary, it is my Duty to
                            make an Apology for the Delay; and to assure your Excellency that it proceeded only from a
                            Desire to have it executed in the Manner which might do the greatest Honor to the Society; added to some Engagments of the
                            Person intended to be the Penman.
                        The mention of these Circumstances will, I trust, obtain me your Excellency’s Excuse for the Delay
                            abovementioned. The Society have receiv’d your polite & elegant Letter, declaring your Acceptance of Membership;
                            and, to testify how much they think themselves honoured by it, they have ordered it to be recorded among their
                            Proceedings. Praying that the Time may soon come, when the Situation of our Country may permit all the Members of the
                            Society to pay a more immediate Attention to the Objects of their Institution, I am, with the utmost Respect, Your
                            Excellency’s most obedt humble Servt

                            William Smith


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 1 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters near passaic Falls 1st Novr 1780

                        I was yesterday honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 27th ulto. The letters inclosed for the president
                            of Congress were immediately forwarded by Express.
                        I am happy in believing that the dispatches for which you are apprehensive were not in the Mail, lately lost
                            at Stratford as the new Regulations for the Army were not compleated when that post left Philadelphia. They were finished
                            the 21st ulto and I hope will reach most of the Legislatures during their Fall Session. I have the honor to be with
                            perfect Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt and humble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I transmitted Your Excellency some very important dispatches on the 18h ulto. I hope they have got
                                safe to hand.


Title: To George Washington from Peter Van Rensselaer, 1 November 1780
From: Van Rensselaer, Peter
To: Washington, George

                            Albany 1 Novemr 1780

                        My Last to your Excellency was on the first Octor, covering my Return for the Month of September; this Serves
                            to Inclose my Return for the month of Octor and to Advise your Excellency that I have madeApplication to the Honble the
                            Board of War in Sepr last, for a Supply of money, to pay the Artificers in the public Service under my Direction, But
                            cannot be Obtained, that, with Sundry articles for the use of the Armoury repeatedly applyed for to the Commissy Genl Mily
                            Stores at Philadelphia, & the Artificers on every Occassion call’d out on Militia Duty the works have Intirely
                            Stopt at this place.
                        Should be glad an examption could be Obtained from His Excellency Governour Clinton for those men Necessarily
                            employed in the public Service under my Direction. I have the Honour to be most Respectfully Your Excellencies Most
                            Obedient Servant

                            P. Van Rensselaer
                            Public storekeeper


Title: General Orders, 2 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Totowa Thursday November 2d 1780
                            Parole Kilkenny
                            Countersigns U F
                            Watchword Keep ready

                        For the day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Irvine
                        Colonel Starr
                        Lieutenant Colonel North
                        Major Maxwell
                        Brigade Major Woodbridge
                        A detachment to parade tomorrow morning 10 ô clock on the Grand Parade furnished with Six days provisions and
                            forty rounds per man.
                        The Troop ’till further orders to beat at nine ô clock the Guards to be on the parade at Ten.
                        Lieutenant John Meacham of the 3d Massachusetts regiment is appointed Adjutant to the same from the 1st of
                            August last vice Adjutant Burnham.


Title: From George Washington to William Denning, 2 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Denning, William

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 2d Novemr 1780

                        I was a few days ago favored with yours of the 24th ulto. I have not the least doubt but there is too general
                            an inattention to the care of Stores at most of our Magazines and distant posts, but it is much to be regretted that the
                            Deputies residing at those places have so many plausible pretences for throwing the ill condition of what are found in
                            their possession, upon those from whom they receive them. In the Article of Flour, particularly, which is most subject to
                            waste, the fault in a great measure originates with the Miller, who is shamefully careless of the make and security of the
                            Casks. The notice however which you have taken of what came under your own inspection, will I hope be attended with good
                            effects, as it will put the head of the department upon making inquiry into the apparent causes of neglect, when you saw
                            the provision, and giving directions for more care in future.
                        Colo. Stewart has always appeared to me to be active and diligent in the prosecution of his business, but it
                            is probable that there may be want of conduct in some of his deputies. I can myself, in some measure, account for the
                            condition of the Stores at Hackets and Pitts town when you saw them. They had just then been removed in the greatest hurry from
                            Morris Town to avoid the destruction with which they were threatened by the move of the Enemy into Jersey. What the
                            Deputy told you of the impossibility of procuring Guards to secure and assist in storing the provision was absolutely
                            true. Our strength has scarcely ever allowed of making the necessary detachments for the safety of our Magazines, but just
                            at the time to which you refer our whole collected force in Jersey did not amount to one half of that of the Enemy.
                        I shall take occasion to mention this substance of your information to Colo. Stewart, and shall desire him to
                            have matters put under better regulations in future. I shall at the same time let him know, that what you have done is not
                            with an intent of criminating him, but from what you very properly conceive to be the duty of every good Citizen—to
                            represent to the proper authority what he sees amiss in public affairs. I am with great Respect Sir Your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edward Hand, 2 November 1780
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Infantry Camp 2 Novr 1780.

                        when I did myself the honor to address your Excellency on the subject of your queries of the Sixth September
                            last, it was my opinion that: the Southren States should be succoured by detachments from this Army during the course of
                            the approaching Winter.
                        I would be of the same Opinion now was it possible to bring the Auxiliary troops to Act in this quarter as I
                            then expected, but as that seems to be out of the question, I am fully persuaded that the small number of men we can now
                            count on will barely suffice for the defence of West Point & its dependencies, & for keeping open the
                            communication between that important post and the Delaware which appears to me Absolutely necessary for the support of the
                            Garrison.
                        Viewing matters in this light I think that the Troops which remain after Garnishing West Point & the
                            Posts depending on it, should winter in Jersey, and as their number will be very Small, the position should be as free
                            from insult as Possible & covered by temporary redoubts thrown up for the purpose Probably Black River, about Ten
                            miles to the westward of the camp near Morristown would Answer the purpose as well as any other, when I consider the
                            Number that could be posted there, I look on Morristown too near the Enemy, besides the vicinity of the old Hutts is much
                            exhausted of fuel.
                        It appears to me that the inconveniences that will naturally result from keeping men so scantily supplied
                            with covering as ours are, in the field untill the Severity of the Winter sets in, will out ballance the advantages to be
                            expected from such a determination. I would therefore advise that our dispositions for the winter be made within the
                            course of Eight or ten days, unless some movement of the Enemy within that Time renders it impracticable—The miserable
                            state of the draught horses of the Army is an Argument in favour of this Opinion. I have the honor to be with much respect
                            Your Excellencies Most Obedt & Most Hble Servant

                            Edwd Hand


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 2 November 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West Point Nov. 2d 1780

                        I am this moment honored with a letter from his Excellency Governor Clinton, in which are the two following
                            paragraphs. The first of them is expressive of what I apprehended would be the case—"I shall be happy in rendering you
                            every assistance in my power in the execution of your important command; but believe me Sir the distresses of this State
                            are such that unless those who have experienced less of the war make greater exertions than they have lately done there
                            will be great difficultie’s in maintaining even your post."
                        "I find Weisenfels Regiment exceedingly deficient in point of cloathing for the climate to which they are
                            destined. I should have been glad therefore if some other Regiment better provided could have been ordered to that duty;
                            especially as I find from this consideration and because the Troops of this State conceive it an hardship to be obliged
                            perpetually to Garrison that post, it is become extremely disagreable to them. If the direction of this matter does not
                            lie with you, I shall be obliged by your communicating this sentiment to his Excellency the commander in chief."
                        I apprehend Governor Clinton has written your Excellency a full State of affairs at the Northward. I have the
                            honor to be With the greatest Respect Your Excellencys Most obedient Servt

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Lord Stirling Alexander, 2 November 1780
From: Alexander, William Lord Stirling
To: Washington, George

                            Camp, Totawa November 2d 1780

                        In Considering the Several Matters laid before the Council of General Officers by Your Excellency Yesterday
                            the following are the thoughts that have Occurred to me thereon, vizt.
                        That Although the Enemy at N. York have Since the 6th of September last made a detachment estimated at about
                            3000 men which is Supposed to be destined to the Southward to Cooperate with Lord Cornwallis; Yet it is Certain
                            they have received a reinforcement from Europe of near 2000 said to be Cheifly Recruits; But it has been asserted thro’ a
                            Variety of Channels that two Old Brittish Regiments are Arrived there and Considering that a very Valuable Corps of horse
                            and foot under Major Lee has lately been detached from this Army, and that Colonel Warners Regt on the Northern frontier
                            has lately been Cheifly Cut off by the Enemy; The Comparitive Strength of the two Armies in this Quarter stands nearly as
                            it did on the Said 6th of September last that from expireing Inlistments, by the last Returns in your Excellencys possession
                            it appears that this Army will by the first day of January Next be reduced to little more than 5000 Men Rank &
                            file. That from the estimate of the Engineers it will require at least 1800 Men to Garrisson the Works at West point,
                            besides its dependencies. fort Schyler and other posts on the Northern frontier will require Considerable Garrissons, in the
                            whole not less that 3000 men. there will then remain an Army of about 2000 Men, to keep the Enemy in Check at New York, to
                            Cover the States of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pensilvania from their immediate Ravages and to give Succour to
                            West point in Case it should be attacked. I cannot therefore hesitate in forming an opinion on the first Question Your
                            Excellency has been pleased to State to the Council. It is that no further detachment can be made from this Army, to reinforce the Southern Army, or for
                            any other purpose whatever. On the Contrary it is evident that this Army (Unless means be found to reinforce it) will be
                            at the Mercy of the Enemy, at least its Motions may be governd by their Will and pleasure, whenever they Choose to exirt
                            themselves.
                        The answer to the Second Question must in a great measure be governed by What is like to be the State of the
                            Army during the Winter; Several Convenient Situations might be pointed out for huting the Army below the first Ridge of
                            Mountains between the great falls of Passaick and the Raratan. But the weak State of the Army forbids our making Use of
                            them. It must be placed beyond the Stroke of a Nights March of light troops; Nothing less than Twenty Miles from the shore
                            or landing places will answer this purpose, and after examining in my own Mind the different Grounds in Jersey and
                            New York, there is none in my Opinion will Answer all the purposes so well as the Country the Army was in last Winter in
                            Morris County, by falling a little back or Moveing to the right there will Still be plenty of wood; a Brigade or two may
                            perhaps be well placed two or three Miles further to the Right, But this will better be determined on a further View.
                        The Advantages resulting from keeping the Army late in the feild are many, but the time of going into
                            Quarters must in a great Measure be regulated by the Weather, some years admit an Army to keep the feild late in december;
                            others will not suffer men to be abroad in November, and if we are to Judge from present appearances, this is likely to be
                            a Winter of the latter sort, the Snow that is falling will lye in the Mountains, and Chill every blast of Wind that passes
                            over them, an early Winter of Course Comes on. but there is another reason that would induce me to advise going early into
                            huts this Winter; many of the young Soldiers who might be induced to inlist during the War, would be deterred from it by
                            the hardships of a late Campaign. If the weather Continues Cold, I would advise your Excellency to move the Army to its
                            Winter Ground by the Middle of this Month at furthest.

                            Stirling, M.G.


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

                            Head Quarters Totowa Friday November 3d 1780
                            Parole Totowa
                            Countersigns Upton, West.
                            Watchword Watch

                        For the Day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Glover
                        Colonel Butler
                        Lieutenant Colonel Hay
                        Major Talbot
                        Brigade Major Oliver
                        Lieutenant Enos Reeves of the 10th Pennsylvania Regiment is appointed Quarter Master of the same vice
                            Lieutenant Joseph Banks from the 1st Instant.
                        In the publication of the Extracts of the Resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October there was an
                            omission of part of that of the 3d declaring that the retiring officers should be entitled to land at the close of the war
                            agreeable to the resolution of the 16th of September 1776, though the Resolution of the 21st is silent on this Article, the
                            General has no doubt that it remains in force.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 3 November 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Poughkeepsie Novr 3d 1780

                        I have the honor of transmitting your Excellency a Letter from Genl Schuyler which came inclosed to me under
                            a flying Seal. The Intelligence it contains has induced me to ordered out Generals Ten Broeck & Rensselaers
                            Brigades of Militia to oppose the Enemy and cover the exposed Settlements; but I fear they will move slowly as they have
                            but just returned from the Frontiers whither they were called by the late Incursions of the Enemy. I have subjected them
                            to the Directions of Brigr Genl Clinton; and to prevent as much as possible the consumption of Provision have requested
                            him to dismiss them the moment the public Service will admit.
                        Your Excellency will be informed by Genl Schuyler’s Letter of the very extraordinary Conduct of Colo. Allen
                            and the Jealousies it has occasioned—With the first Intelligence I had of the approach of the Enemy under Sir John
                            & Carlton I received a Piece of Information that gave me some Reason To suspect that there
                            had been an unwarrantable communication between a certain Person in that Quarter and the Enemy at St Johns But as the
                            Evidence was not direct I then conceived it most prudent for obvious Reasons to be silent on the Subject. There are
                            however some other Circumstances, exclusive of Colo. Allens Conduct, come to light since; which will induce me to collect
                            and forward the whole to your Excellency as early as I shall have it in my Power. I am extremely
                            distressed lest the frequent Alarms and Incursions of the Enemy will occasion the abandonment of all our Northern Frontier
                            Settlements unless their present apprehensions are removed by a more permanent Force in that Quarter than can be afforded
                            them from the Militia.
                        I have not yet any official account of the Detachment sent out of Fort Schuyler: but from a Passage in a
                            Letter this moment received from Colo. Malcom there is too much Reason to apprehend that the Report of their being
                            captured by the Enemy is too true.
                        Your Excellency’s Letter of the 29th Instant accompanying the Proceedings against Joshua Smith is this moment
                            received—The Moment I can find Leizure to peruse them they shall be returned with an Answer on the Subject. I have the
                            Honor to be with perfect Respect and Esteem—Dear Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Servant

                            Geo: Clinton


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

                            Dear General
                            West point Novr 3d 1780

                        A few days since, a young man by the name of Hazleton Spencer was sent here prisoner from Albany. he asserts
                            that he is an Ensign in Sir John Johnsons Corps, but has not his commission with him. I appointed three officers to
                            examine him. Enclosed is Copy of their report. I wish your Excellency’s opinion and direction. I have kept him closely
                            confined in the Provost. Probably upon a Strict adherence to the laws and Customs of Nations and of Arms he may be
                            treated as a Spy’ and the executing of him may be justified, but as nothing more appears against him than being within our
                            Lines, the Gentlemen who examined him have thought that advantage may be derived by making some other use of him.
                        It is said Some of our officers who have been Prisoners and hostages have not fully adhered to the
                            injunctions under which they were laid, and are liable to be demanded by the Enemy and proceeded with in a rigorous way;
                            and that policy dictates we should avail ourselves of palliatives when it can be done without injury to the honor or
                            interest of our Cause. These I beg leave to Submit to your Excellency’s consideration & shall conduct accordingly.
                            Our gloom on Account of Supplies increases, Some of the Troops have been Six or Seven days without Flour. The Magazine
                            here cannot afford a barrell.
                        Colonel Stewart Commissary General of Issues gave notice some days since that a quantity of Flour would be
                            forwarded from the Main Army, but it has not yet arrived. Your Excellencys instructions enjoin the Keeping a certain
                            quantity in the works as a Reserve in case of a Siege, but at present it is impossible. Nay, if something more is not
                            done, than I can yet learn is doing I do not See how the Troops are to be Kept together.
                        Major General Greene informed me that, he had written to the Commissary General for information who were his
                            Agents, and to whom he was to apply for Provisions. I have requested the Same of Colonel Blaine a few days Since but do
                            not know whether he is with the army or at Philadelphia. The Season is so far advanced, and the Post So bare of
                            provisions, that I feel exceedingly uneasy at our present Situation, at the Same time I am much at loss what
                                measures to adopt, whether to press the Eastern States to hasten their Supplies to this place, or
                            not, lest I Should break in upon the General Arrangements, and counteract your designs. I have the honor to be With the
                            greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                             The examination of Hazleton Spencer this 21st of Octr 80.
                            Colo. Hazen By order of the Honble Major
                            By Lt Colo. Hart Genl Heath
                            Lt Colo. Cobb
                            Who says he was at East Greenwich Rhode Island, and is now 23 years of age and has been absent from there
                                13 years. Removed with his Father to the Country of Charlotte in New York State and lived there till July 1777. then
                                went to General Burgoyne and remained with him as a Sutler till his capture and was then sent back as a follower of
                                the Army. Remained in Canada till June 1778—Joind Sr John Johnston as a Volunteer continued as such till April 80—was
                                then promoted to an Ensigncy in the 2d Battallion of Sr Johns Corps. That each of the Battallions have 10 Companies.
                                Came from Lachene by Montreal to Sr Johns 19th July—and from Sr Johns 21st to Come to Charlotte County in a victualler
                                to Crown Point—and was taken the 5th of August at Danlry by Ensign Latten of the Militia His business was in
                                Charlotte County to see his Brothers & Sisters whom he had not, since July 1777 his permission was obtained at
                                his solicitation to Sr Johnston who applyd & obtaind it of Genl Haldeman his Commission is in his Chest at Sr
                                Johns. His 5 Brothers 3 of them with the States 2 with the British. The oldest Brother is 22 and the youngest 8 years
                                old.

                                Moses Hazen Colo.
                                Willm D. Hart Lt Colo.

                                David Cobb Lt Colo.
                                The Court are of opinion that considering Spencers Case in the strict sense and according to the
                                    usage of nations he might be considered as a spy, but from the very particular nature of this war & former
                                    conduct on similar occasions & also from the whole of the proof being forwarded on his own confession
                                    submit it to the General whether it might not be most beneficial to the public to dispense with the  of punishment attending his situation.

                                Moses Hazen Colo.
                                Willm D. Hart Lt Colo.
                                David Cobb Lt Colo.


Title: From Tench Tilghman to John Hendricks, 3 November 1780
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Hendricks, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Colo. Deys 3d Novemr 1780

                        His Excellency has heard, from several quarters, that an embarkation, under the command of Sir Henry Clinton
                            in person, is preparing at New York; but having no information of the kind from you, he is some what dubious of it, as he
                            thinks a matter of such importance could not have escaped the observation of those you employ. You will be pleased to
                            write to His Excellency by return of the Express, and give him any intelligence you may have gained. If you have not yet
                            heard of the embarkation, you are to take the speediest means of getting information, and if it should be so, of the
                            force, the Corps of which it is to consist—the time it is to sail—under whose command—the destination and the Convoy all
                            which you will communicate the moment you receive the particulars—His Excellency has never yet received an accurate
                            account of the Corps which composed the embarkation of the 16th ulto tho’ it always has been one of his particular
                            instructions to attend to that point. If you can get any information upon that head, you will let him know it. It is of
                            the utmost importance that we should know with certainty and speedily whether there is any truth in the report of the
                            present embarkation, you will therefore exert yourself to find it out. I am Sir Yr most obd. Servt

                            T. Tilghman


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

                            Sir
                            Richmond Novemr 3d 1780

                        Since I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the 25th ult. the enemy have withdrawn their force
                            from the north side of James river, and have taken post at Portsmouth, which we learn they are fortifying, their highest
                            post is Suffolk where there is a very narrow and defensible pass between Nansemond river and the dismal swamp, which
                            covers the country below from being entered by us. More accurate information of their force than we at first had gives us
                            reason to suppose them to be from 25 to 3000, of which between 60 and 70 are cavalry. they are commanded by General Leslie
                            and were convoyed by the Romulus of 40 guns the Blonde of 32, the delight Sloop of 16, a twenty gun ship of Jno. Goodrichs
                            and two row gallies commanded by Commodore Gayton. we are not yet assured that they have landed their whole force. Indeed
                            they give out themselves that after drawing the force of this State to Suffolk they mean to go to Baltimore. Their
                            movements here had induced me to think they came in expectation of meeting with Lord Cornwallis in this country, that his
                            precipitate retreat has left them without a concerted object, and that they were waiting further orders. Information of
                            this morning says that on being informed of Lord Cornwallis’s retreat and a public paper produced to them wherein were
                            printed the several dispatches which brought this intelligence from Genl Gates, they unladed a vessel and sent her off
                            to Charles town immediately. the fate of this army of theirs hangs on a very slender naval force indeed.
                        The want of Barracks at fort Frederic as represented by Colo. Wood, the difficulty of getting waggons
                            sufficient to move the whole convention troops at once, and the state of unreadiness in which the regiment of guards is,
                            have induced us to think that it will be better to remove those troops in two divisions, and as the whole danger of
                            desertion to the enemy & of correspondence with the disaffected in our southern counties is from the british only
                            (for from the Germans we have no apprehensions on either head) we have advised Colo. Wood to move on the british in the
                            first division and to leave the Germans in their present situation to form a second division and to be moved so soon as
                            barracks may be erected at Fort Frederic. By these means the british may march immediately under the guard of colo.
                            Crockets battalion, while colo. Taylors regt of guards remain with the Germans. I cannot suppose that this will be deemed
                            such a seperation as is provided against by the convention, nor that their officers will wish to have the whole troops
                            crouded together into barracks which probably are not sufficient for half of them. shoud they however insist on their
                            being kept together, I suppose it woud be the opinion that the second division shoud follow the first as closely as
                            possible, and that their being exposed to a want of covering woud in that case justly be imputable to themselves only. The
                            delay of the second division will lessen the distress for provisions which may perhaps take place on their first going to
                            the new post before matters have got into a regular train. I have the honor to be with very great respect & esteem
                            your Excellency’s Most obedient & most humble sert

                            Th: Jefferson

                            P.S. by a letter from Colo. Wood received since writing the above I am informed the British
                                Conventioners are 804 rank & file. he does not mention the present number of the Germans. in May last they
                                were 1503 including officers.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 November 1780
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Bergen County New Jersey 3d Novr 1780

                        In the council of war held on the 31 ulto, Your Excellency did your general officers the honor to state to
                            them the force which the enemy had detatched from New York, and the reinforcements they had received since the council of
                            the 6 Sept. last, and the probability that the detatchment was destined for the Southern States. Also, the number of men
                            that will remain of this Army for the war, on the first of January next, at which period the engagements of the new levies
                            will expire. That you had detatched Major Lee with his corps of horse and foot to the Army at the Southward, and requested
                            the opinions of the council, individually, whether, under these circumstances, it would be proper to make any further
                            detatchments from this to the Southern Army.
                        Your Excellency also requested an opinion, where would be the most proper position for winter quarters, and
                            the time when to move to it.
                        The situation of winter quarters being decided, and the points which must necessarily be guarded, will also
                            decide, whether it will be practicable to send any more troops from this Army to the assistance of the Southern States.
                        The infinite importance of West Point and its dependences appears to be pretty well understood, by ourselves
                            as well as the enemy. We shall be as careful to secure our possession as they may be industrious to deprive us of it. This
                            being established the capital object of our attention, all inferior ones must give way to it. To render its safety
                            indisputable, with our small force, I think it would be necessary that the Army, at present in this camp, should take post
                            between New Windsor and Chester; but much nearer to the former than the latter on account of the benefits that may be
                            derived from the transportation of the river, and yet not so near it, as, in case of a possible surprize, to be in a
                            disadvantageous situation. A regiment of about two hundred might be stationed at Kingwood and its vicinity, to secure the
                            passes; and another of three hundred at Morris Town, to give some security and assistance to the country. These regiments
                            would be preferable to larger corps, for two reasons. The first of which is that we cannot spare them; and the other, that
                            the disgrace of a regiment being dislodged, or obliged to remove by the enemy, will be in no degree proportioned to a
                            retreat of a brigade or line. Another corps might be stationed on the East of Hudson’s River, somewhere
                            to the left of Peekskill hollow, advanced near to Crompond. This corps, besides being a kind of reserve
                            to four or five block houses which should be erected on Croton River, and which should be picketed and sufficient to
                            contain each an officer or two and forty men, should send patroles below them toward King’s Bridge.
                        The supplies of flour, for the main body in the neighbourhood of New Windsor, should be
                            brought from Pennsylvania, by the route of Hackets Town and Sussex Court House, at both of which places it would be
                            necessary to have forty or fifty men properly officered.
                        This is the most prudent disposition of our small Army that occurs to me. The country about Chester, Goshen
                            and between Esopus and New Windsor could afford much hay, which, in addition to what might be brought down the river by
                            water, would be sufficient for the horses necessary to be kept in camp. Corn and oats, in any position, must be brought a
                            great distance.
                        I am sensible a position in Jersey would be more eligible, and that by it we should be able to protect a
                            State which in cases of the most pressing exigence has been our magazine, and to preserve the supplies, with which it so
                            liberally abounds at present, from falling into the enemy’s hands. Our taking a remote position, above the mountains, must
                            unavoidably involve that diagreeable consequence. For the enemy will certainly, this winter or in the spring, when we
                            shall be at so considerable a distance, collect large supplies of grain from Essex Somerset and Monmouth Counties and
                            probably invade Morris.
                        But if we reverse the matter, we shall find West Point equally liable to danger, should we take post in
                            Jersey; without our being able to support it. Or if the attack should be directed against the Army, we should be obliged
                            to fly, and probably with the loss of our baggage and cannon; for we cannot maintain a sufficient number of horses in the
                            camp to draw them off on all occasions.
                        If we had five thousand men that we could depend on through the course of the winter, and three thousand to
                            garrison the highlands I should for many reasons prefer a position in Jersey. But that number cannot be obtained unless
                            some new levies are called for, to be put into the Continental battalions in the same manner as at present. It is true,
                            many would not be required to make up the number I mention; and the inconveniences and expence of the measure are to be
                            contrasted with the injury Jersey might receive, and the danger to which Philadelphia will be exposed. Probably the
                            inconveniences and expence would be amply counterbalanced by the advantages. And, it may be observed that, in addition to
                            the above number of five thousand, we might, under all circumstances, depend on at least two thousand good militia of this
                            State. At any rate, I think West Point ought not to be left with less than eighteen hundred or two thousand old troops.
                        If it should be thought proper to adopt the latter idea; I think the position should be somewhere on the
                            hills from Morris Town to Veal Town, or about Baskenridge, or even near the ground where we encamped in 1777, but upon no
                            principle to go below the mountains, and there the whole ought to hut together if possible. In this case, we might go into
                            winter quarters immediately; but if we should go above the Highlands, it is difficult to say when. Because the evils
                            enumerated will be constantly impending, and might take place this fall, if we should move to winter
                            quarters whilst the good weather lasts. And yet, to continue in the field until winter shall be fixed, will be productive
                            of many hardships and difficulties to our brave soldiers, who must then have to make their habitations.
                        In either case, it is impossible at present to send any of this Army to the Southward, without subjecting
                            America to the most dreadful calamities. If the respective States take decisive measures this winter, and fill up their
                            battalions, agreeable to the late acts of Congress, Your Excellency in the spring will be able to afford ample relief to
                            all parts that shall be invaded.
                        At the same time, Your Excellency desired an opinion, Whether any thing will be undertaken against the enemy,
                            at present or before we should go into Winter quarters.
                        The enemy, secured on fortified islands, are inaccessible unless by a superior navy, and they have observed
                            such extreme caution this campaign as sufficiently indicates them determined not to risque any thing in this quarter on a
                            scale of equality. This being their temper and situation, I do not see a possibility that any thing can be attempted which
                            will promise success. I have the honor with great respect to be your Excellencys most obedient Servant

                            H. Knox.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Marsh, 3 November 1780
From: Marsh, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dresden on the New Hampshire Grants Novr 3d A.D. 1780

                        May it please your Excellency—We have this moment received a paper attested by Capt. Safford of which the enclosed is a copy—its contents
                            are to us unintelligible and alarming—we know not what construction to put on it, unless a negociation is on foot for a
                            separate peace for the new State, which we have heard has been threatened if Congress should not acknowledge the
                            independence of Vermont and admit them to union—Under these apprehensions we send the enclosed to your Excellency, as the
                            consequences of such negotiation may be speedily fatal to the settlements contiguous to Connecticut river and more
                            dangerous to the united States than the late treachery at West-point.
                        The enemy in number three hundred destroyed Royalton and part of Sharon in this vicinity about a fortn’t ago
                            and took thirty prisoners—Scouts lately returned from Onion river discovered last week about one thousand of the enemy
                            near its confluence whose object is supposed to be Cohos or this place—our situation at best is critical and we are in
                            danger of being totally destroyed soon unless assistance is granted for our defence.
                        Our apprehensions respecting the enclosed may be groundless, but our fears are great.
                        I write this in behalf of the General Committee on the grants contiguous to Connecticut river, and have the
                            honor to be with highest sentiments of duty and esteem Sir Your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant

                            Joseph Marsh Chairman

                     Enclosure

                                Extract of a letter from Major Allen dated Fort Vengeance Octr 30th A.D. 1780—to Capt. Jesse Safford at
                                Bethel-FortDear Capt.
                                    30 October 1780

                            I received a letter from General Allen last evening informing that the evening before he received a flag
                                from the British troops at Crown Point with letters of importance from the commander in chief at Quebec—Major Carlton
                                hath pledged his faith that all hostilities on his part shall cease during the negociation, and he expects the same on
                                our part—You are therefore carefully to observe the rules of war and give strict orders to your scouts and troops to
                                govern themselves accordingly.
                            A copy of this letter you will forward to the troops stationed on your side of the mountain in this
                                State—I shall inform you of every move necessary for you moving on this side of the mountain.
                            If the spirit of this letter were made known to the inhabitants on your side of the mountain it would be
                                well. I am dear Sir Your humble Servant

                                Ebenezer Allen Major Comdt

                                The above is a true copy from an extract attested by the above name Jesse Safford comanding a party
                                    of Men raised by the new State & stationed at Bethel on White river.
                                Taken by desire of the General Committee on the New Hampn. Grants contiguous to Connecticut
                                    river—Attestn

                                Bezr: Woodward Clerk


Title: To George Washington from Matthias Ogden, 3 November 1780
From: Ogden, Matthias
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Elizth Town Novr 3rd 80

                        I have been at this place this week past for the purpose assertaining some particular matters for the Marquis
                            & on the affair I spoke to his Excellency of Mr Henderick desired me to peruse your letter & inform you
                            that he knows nothing of a certainty with respect to your Questions. I have a person with me that came from N. York
                            yesterday at 12 OClock—He is fully of the opinion that an embarkation is about taking place—tis said to reinforce Genl
                            Lesly who has taken post at Virginia.
                        There are a great number of ships watering, and fitting for sea, perhaps 300 sail great & small; beside 9
                            sail of the line, & 2 frigates that are making the most expeditious preparations.
                        I enclose the Letters signed Little D. shall give you my opinion of them when I return—my informant tells me
                            he saw a brigade of emty waggon passing at the ship yard & about three hundred Troops with
                            their packs.
                        I expect to be able to write you more particularly to morrow—you will recieve a paper of the 2nd by the
                            express. I am Sir with respect Yours &c.

                            M. Ogden


Title: To George Washington from James Randolph Reid, 3 November 1780
From: Reid, James Randolph
To: Washington, George

                            West Point 3d Novr 1780

                        The Return made by Col. Hazen of the Officers of his Regt, is false with respect to myself—I am entitled to a
                            Majority in June 1777 I beg your Excellency will not permit the Return to go to the board of war before we can have it
                            adjusted in that instance—relying on your Excellency’s justice I have the honor to be your most Obedt & Most Hume
                            Servt

                            James R. Reid Major
                            Hazen’s Regt


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

                            Head Quarters Totowa Saturday November 4th 1780
                            Parole Congress
                            Countersigns Arms Honor.
                            Watchword Generous

                        For the Day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Paterson
                        Colonel Tupper
                        Lieutenant Colonel Sill
                        Major Throop
                        Brigade Major Ashley


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

                            Sir,
                            New York November 4th 1780

                        I have received Your Letter of October the 22d respecting the Appointment of Commissaries of Prisoners
                            residing with the British & American Armies.
                        I shall have no Objection to receive a Commissary of Prisoners to reside at New York under a Commission or
                            Warrant signed by You. Neither have I any Objection to the Proposals; and the Matter may be concluded upon whenever You
                            Chuse.
                        Major General Phillips has reported to me that at this Season it becomes necessary to send Cloathing,
                            Necessaries, Refreshments, and Money to the Troops of Convention in Virginia. I am therefore to request of You, Sir, that
                            You will send Your Passports for a Flag of Truce Vessel going to Virginia for these Purposes. And that an officer of the
                            Rank of Captain, one Subaltern, with two Serjeants, may have Permission to go in such Vessel in Order to take Charge of
                            the Contents of it.
                        Major General Philips also reports to me that the General Exchange of Officers & Privates Prisoners
                            of War on both Sides has been pursued so far as possible between the Commissaries General Loring and Skinner, and waits
                            only for the Arrival of the British and German Prisoners at Elizabeth Town to be finally concluded. That proposals will be
                            sent to you for the Exchange of a certain Number of the Officers of the Troops of Convention, whose particular
                            Circumstances and Situations require their immediately going to Europe; and that Propositions are also sent to You,
                            Sir, for a general Exchange of all the British and German Privates Prisoners of War, and of all the Troops of Convention
                            against the American Prisoners of War remaining on Long Island and at Charles Town South Carolina.
                        I sincerely wish it may be possible to effect so Compassionate a Purpose, as it will relieve a Number of
                            Sufferers in Captivity on both Sides. I am Sir, Your humble Servant

                            H. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 4 November 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            West Point Novr 4th 1780

                        I have just received a letter from his Excellency Governor Clinton, dated at Poughkeepsie the 3d inst., in
                            which is the following Paragraph.
                        "By two Expresses, who arrived last night from Albany, I am informed, that the enemy, under Major Carleton,
                            are returning from Ticonderoga towards Skeensborough, with a reinforcement of 500. Their force amounts now to 1600, so
                            that we hourly expect to hear of further depredations. I have again ordered out the Militia to meet them, and Gansevoorts
                            regiment is in that Quarter."
                        By the last accounts I had from Colonel Weisenfells regiment, they were at Schenectady waiting for the
                            provisions, which they were to escort to Fort Schuyler. Governor Clinton has not asked for any assistance. If your
                            Excellency should think any necessary upon receiving your pleasure, it shall be ordered.
                        A complaint containing several charges, was yesterday lodged against Colo. Hazen by Major Reid of his
                            regiment. The Colonel is ordered in court, and a general Court Martial will be appointed for his tryal. I have the honor
                            to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 4 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novr 4th 1780

                        I have received some late advices from New York that speak of a large number of transports and other vessels
                            which are getting ready to sail, and of a second embarkation of troops destined to the South. It is added that Rodney with
                            a part of his fleet is preparing to sail to the West-Indies—that he is to detach two ships of the line, the Sandwich and
                            Terrible to convoy a homeward bound European fleet, which is to sail immediately after the Cork fleet arrives.
                        The New York paper mentions the arrival of the troops under General Leslie in Chesapeak Bay which
                            intelligence is said to be derived from one of our prizes.
                        It is with pleasure I can inform Congress that the communication of their late Resolutions relative to the
                            new establishment, has given general satisfaction and excited the gratitude of the Army. I conceived it to be the spirit
                            of both Resolutions, that the retiring Officers should be intitled to Land after the War and published it accordingly. I
                            have the honor to be With the most perfect respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt humble servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Phillips, 4 November 1780
From: Phillips, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            New York November 4h 1780

                        You will perceive, Sir, by the report of Your Commissary General of Prisoners that the Exchanges on both
                            sides have been made so far as possible and the certificates have been mutually given by the Commissaries of the Exchange
                            of all the British and German Officers Prisoners of War against an equal number of American; and a consent has been
                            mutually interchanged for a delivery of privates prisoners of war so far as the Americans under that description in New
                            York will apply—This humane business will be finally concluded whenever the British and German prisoners arrive at
                            Elizabeth Town, which I take for granted Your Excellency will have the goodness to direct immediately.
                        Mr Skinner carries out for Your Excellency’s approbation proposals for the Exchange of a certain number of
                            Officers of the Troops of Convention which I will request, and hope, may meet with your concurrence; and that you will
                            Obligingly, Sir, send your orders to the Convention Barracks for such Officers having liberty to pass to New York.
                        The present season of the year makes it necessary that Cloathing, Necessaries and refreshments with specie,
                            also, be sent to the Troops of Convention in Virginia: I have therefore to beg the favour of you, Sir, to grant your
                            passports and send them in to me at New York for a Flag of Truce Vessel going, as has been the case heretofore, to James
                            River and there receiving the directions of Governor Jefferson respecting it.
                        I have taken the liberty of entrusting to Mr Skinner’s care some letters from myself and Major General De Riedesel to Brigadiers Hamilton, Specht and De Gall; and I
                            will venture to believe, as I make it my request, that these letters with the orders for the Officers coming into New York
                            will go to Virginia by the same Express which carries the Certificate of Brigadier General Du Portail’s Exchange and the
                            order for his being permitted to leave Charles Town.
                        I will not trouble Your Excellency further than to desire the favour of you to suffer Mr Skinner to write to
                            Mr Commissary Loring, informing him how far the matter of Exchanges has met your Approbation and will be carried into
                            execution. I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

                            W. Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 4 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 4th Novemr 1780

                        I have received information from New York that a person who is called George Fustner, and who is Brother in
                            law to Ranken formerly of York County, comes frequently out as a Spy by way of Shark River thro’ Jersey and from thence to
                            Lancaster. He left New York the 27th ulto and is probably at this time upon that Business. Your Excellency may perhaps,
                            from the foregoing Clue, have him interceptd upon some of his Visits.
                        There is also another person who goes by the feigned name of John Staria or the Irish Dutchman, because he
                            speaks both languages, who goes constantly between New York and Lancaster, accompanied by a lusty old Man called John
                            Smith, who serves as a guide to him. They lately carried 12 or 14 Recruits from Lancaster.
                        I shall be happy should the above description be sufficient to lead to the discovery of another of the many
                            Engines of this sort, which the enemy have at work against us. I have the honor to be with great Regard, Dear Sir, Yr most
                            obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 4 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novembr 4th 1780

                        I have had the honor of receiving your several letters of the 23d, 27th & 29th. I am happy to hear
                            that the Frigate and our friend have taken their departure under such favourable auspices. I join with you in the warmest
                            wishes for their safety and expedition.
                        By recent advices there appears to be a large fleet of transports &ca appearing at New York to sail—and it is added another embarkation of troops is getting ready. It is also said, Rodney is preparing to sail to the West
                            Indies with the greater part of his fleet—and is to detach two ships the Terrible and Sandwich, to convoy a homeward bound
                            European fleet so soon as the cork fleet arrives.
                        The New York paper mentions the bringing in a prize, that gives an account of the arrival of the last
                            detachment in Chespeak Bay. I have the honor to be With perfect esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt humble servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 4 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

                            Dr Sir
                            Head Quarters Novr 4th 1780

                        The subject on which you spoke to me yesterday did not strike me in a proper point of view, which prevented
                            my immediately acquiescing in it; but on revolving the matter, I perceive there can be no inconvenience, and wish
                            exceedingly it could take place. If more of the L. Colonels of either of the lines you mentioned are willing to retire
                            than the establishment will permit provided they could have the benefit of half pay and not otherwise, in this case I see
                            no objection to one of them exchanging with you. It can make no difference in point of expence to the Public and it can
                            injure none of the inferior officers. But it must after all depend on the particular states themselves and on the
                            officers themselves. If agreeable to both, it will give me pleasure to see you provided for. I am with great Regard Yr
                            most Obed. servt,

                            G. Washington


Title: General Orders, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Totowa Sunday November 5th 1780
                            Parole Establishment
                            Countersigns V: G.
                            Watchword To Arms!

                        For the day Tomorrow
                        Brigadier General Wayne
                        Colonel Craig
                        Lieutenant Colonel Johnston
                        Major Hamilton
                        Brigade Major Darby
                        Morning Orders Novr 5th.
                        Major Knapp is appointed Field Officer of the day, for this day, vice Major Throop, furloughed.


Title: To George Washington from Judah Alden, 5 November 1780
From: Alden, Judah
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dobbs’s Ferrey Novr 5th 1780

                        The Serjeant by whome your Excellency will Receive this I have sent under his cair three disarters from New
                            York who came to this port this afternoon; the Newspapers and other printed Letters Inclos’d with this, I took from them.
                        A schooner from New York under the sanction of a Flag of truce came up the River this afternoon. I brought
                            him too, found by his passport she was bound to Sing Sing to take of three Famileys with their Effects, and Return with
                            them to New York. Lieut. Edes who commands the Guard Boats happen’d to here, has taken hir into his
                            charge, and is to let them take the Familes with their Effects on board, and as Sing Sing is within the Enemys lines, will
                            let them Return to New York. And as tis probable that Flags of Truce will be frequantly up the River, could wish for your
                            Excellenceys Instructions concerning them.
                        By information from the other sides the River there is large droves of Cattle sheep and hogs frequently drove
                            to New York, and when down as low as here with a few men and unguarded. If your Excellency thinks proper to give me
                            permission to send a party of men over the River. at some proper time to intersept and take some of them. Lieut. Lawrence
                            an inhabitent nigh this post who is well acquainted with the Inhabitents and ground will undertake to pilot them.
                        The Cannon your Excellency mentioned in your instructions to me is not arrived. am Sir with every sentiment
                            of Esteem, your Excellenceys most obedient and veary humble Servent

                            Judah Alden Capt.


Title: From George Washington to Charles, marquis de La Rouërie Armand Tuffin, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Armand Tuffin, Charles, marquis de La Rouërie

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 5th Novembr 1780

                        By the establishment of the Army agreeable to the Resolve of Congress of the 21st October, the partisan Corps
                            under your command is to consist of three troops of mounted and three of dismounted Dragoons of 50 each. They are to be
                            officered by my appointment subject to the approbation of Congress. I am also authorised to direct a mode for compleating,
                            recruiting and supplying the Corps. As to the latter, I shall give it as my opinion to Congress that there is no other
                            mode but to furnish the Commanding Officer with Money to purchase Horses and inlist Men in the States at large, and to
                            direct the Board of War or Cloathier General to procure a regular and full supply of the Cloathing allowed to Officers and
                            Men, and also of the necessary Arms and Accoutrements for the Horse and Foot. The term of inlistment is for the War only, and
                            the Bounty 50 dollars of the new Emission to each recruit and 2 dollars to the recruiting Officer upon delivering the
                            man to the Corps. If you purchase your own Horses, the price which you are to be allowed to give must be fixed by
                            Congress or the Board of War.
                        I do not know what number of Officers will be necessary to compleat you to the present establishment,
                            allowing 1 Captain and 2 subs to each Company and Troop. I therefore wish you to make me an immediate return of the names
                            and Ranks of the Officers at present in Commission with the names of any who are willing to accept new appointments. A
                            regard for the reputation of your Corps will make you careful of recommending none to me but Gentlemen upon whom you can
                            depend. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to David Brooks, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Brooks, David

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 5th Novemr 1780

                        The Regimental pay Master and Cloathier of Colo. Weisenfelds Regt will apply to you for a supply of
                            Cloathing for that Regt. You will deliver him a suit of Clothes pr man—two shirts—two pair of stockings and two pair
                            of shoes each if your stock will admit of it, as they are going to a distant post and will not have another opportunity
                            of drawing before Spring. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                            Dr Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 5th Novemr 1780

                        I have recd your several favors of the 18th 30th and 31st ulto. I congratulate you upon your safe
                            return from your late excursion, and upon the success which attended Genl Ransalaers attack upon the enemy in their
                            retreat—It is to be regretted that your Excellency was not near enough with the reinforcement to take advantage of their
                            situation. The damage, which has been done, will, I fear, be severely felt by the public as well as by individuals. We had
                            the most pleasing prospects of forming considerable Magazines of Bread from the Country which has been laid waste, and
                            which from your Excellency’s letter is so extensive, that I am apprehensive we shall be obliged to bring Flour from the
                            southward to support the troops at and near West point. You will be pleased to give me your opinion upon the quantity of
                            Flour that may be yet, with probability, be procured above, in the course of the Winter, that I may form some calculation
                            of the quantity which it will be necessary to draw from Jersey, Penna and Maryland.
                        I am very sorry that the troops of your State should look upon it as a hardship to do the Garrison duty of
                            Fort schuyler. I had always allotted it to them, as thinking it would be agreeable to both Officers and Men to guard their
                            own Frontier, especially when they were not continued an unreasonable time upon the tour. The Frontier posts of Penna and
                            Virginia have been constantly garrisoned by their own Regs which have not been relieved these two years. The troops
                            of the line in general are, in point of Cloathing, upon a footing with the rest of the Army, which is very bare, and which
                            has a poor prospect of being well supplied. But as Colo. Weissenfelds Regt is going to a distance and where he will not
                            have an opportunity of drawing those temporary supplies which the troops with the main Army sometimes do, I have given
                            orders to have it as well furnished as our scanty Magazines will admit.
                        I have appointed Brigr Genl Clinton to take the command in the Northern department and have ordered him to
                            repair to Albany for that purpose. I am convinced he will second every measure which may be thought expedient for the
                            security of the Frontier. I am much obliged to your Excellency for the attention which you promise to pay to the
                            provisioning Fort schuyler. I daily expect four or five hundred Barrels of Salt Beef from Connecticut, as soon as they
                            arrive upon the North River, part of them shall be sent up to Albany for the Garrison of Fort schuyler. I desired Governor
                            Trumbull to hurry them on, that they might be got up all in this month.
                        I am very happy to find that the Legislature have vested your Excellency with the power of complying with the
                            requisitions of Congress for compleating the new Army. I find that the Resolve of the 3d of October had only reached you,
                            and that your calculation of the deficiency of 313 Men had been founded upon that—Congress, by a subsequent Act of the
                            21st, have made some very material and salutary amendments, the principal of which are, giving half pay for life to the
                            Officers——confining the term of service expressly to the War—and augmenting the number of Men in each Regt to 612
                            Rank and File. I therefore state your exact deficiency at 449 Men, upon the following principles

                                2 Regiments of Infantry. Rank & F.

                                1224

                                1 Regt Artillery non Commd & private

                                     650

                                    1874

                                Rank and File for the War by Return transmitted

                                1124

                                Already in Lambs Regt which is the one

                                which will be apportioned to the State

                                     304

                                    1425

                                 deficiency

                                449

                        This your Excellency will be pleased to observe is the deficiency in figures—but when we come to take into
                            the computation the casualties that will happen between this time and the junction of the Recruits, the number of Men sick
                            in Hospitals and upon extra service, many of the first incurables, and of the last so detached that we shall never find
                            them—the deficiency which there ever will be in the number of Recruits voted—and other unforeseen deductions, it will
                            appear plainly that if the assessment is laid at 449 only, the Regiments will want very considerably of that Strength
                            which is absolutely necessary to make our combined Continental force any ways adequate to the probable services of the
                            next Campaign. I would therefore beg leave to recommend to your Excellency to lay your assessment at 100 Men more than the
                            apparent deficiency. I am convinced it will be found cheaper and in every respect more eligible to compleat the matter at
                            one stroke, than to have a second tax to lay.
                        Our affairs to the southward put on a more pleasing aspect since the defeat of Colo. Ferguson. Lord
                            Cornwallis was retreating precipitately from Charlotte and giving up a fine district of Country which he had in
                            possession. But the diversion which Genl Leslie will occasion by taking post in Virginia will I fear operate against the
                            formation of the southern Army and will embarrass us on the score of supplies. Another embarkation is preparing at New
                            York, which I have no doubt is also intended for the southward, as without considerable reinforcements, they must abandon
                            their late conquests in that quarter. I have the honor &c.


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Prekaness 5th Novemr 1780

                        Be pleased to order the Regimental Pay Master and Cloathier of Colo. Weissenfelds Regt to repair to New Burgh
                            for a supply of Cloathing for the Regiment. If it does not reach them before they march from Schenectady to Fort Schuyler,
                            it may follow them up. I have directed the Cloathier to give them as full a supply as our Store will admit, as they will
                            be at a distance, and will not have opportunities of obtaining temporary aids.
                        His Excellency the Governor promises to give every assistance in procuring provision for Fort Schuyler. You
                            will be pleased to make that a primary object, and endeavour to have the supply thrown in, in the course of this Month. I
                            am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. The Levies are not to be included in the Cloathing Returns.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novr 5th 1780

                        I have been favoured successively with your letters of the 30th & 31st Ulto and the 1st & 2d
                            inst. Inclosed you will receive a warrant for the money due on your account.
                        In respect to the removal of the chair, I am of opinion it ought neither to be taken up too soon, nor suffered
                            to remain too late, I could wish you to have every thing in readiness by the time you mention, & shall speak to
                            Colo. Tupper on the subject.
                        Previous to yours of the 1st Inst. I had requested you, to use your discretion in the execution of such of
                            the prisoners under sentence of death, as you considered proper objects for Capital punishment.
                        I have written to His Excellency Gover Clinton on the subjects of your Letter of the 2d. I am with great
                            esteem Dear Sir Your most Obedt servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Since writing the foregoing, your favr of the 3d has come to hand. Necessity must justify your
                                breaking in upon the reserved Flour. One hundred Barrels will go from hence or Morris Town in the Morning, and you
                                shall constantly have a part of what little we get. I would have you by all means press the Eastern States to send
                                forward their supplies. It is the States we must apply to and not the Commissaries, who are, upon the present
                                establishment, merely receivers of Stores. I have myself written to Governor Clinton. I will consider and give an
                                answer upon Spencers case. For the mean time have him well secured.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls 5th Novemr 1780

                        Whenever a representation from any department of the Army is made to me, and it is not in my power to resolve
                            their questions, or releive their complaints, I have ever conceived it a part of my duty to refer the matter to Congress.
                            This will be my apology for troubling them with the inclosed Memorial of the Hospital Department, and requesting to know
                            at the same time, how far the Resolves of the 3d and 21st ulto are to be construed in favor of the Regimental Surgeons who
                            are to be reduced; the ascertaining of which, previous to the arrangement, is become interesting to them, and the subject
                            of a variety of applications to me.
                        As I do not know, even, that Congress have it in contemplation to exclude their Gentlemen from the half pay
                            establishment, much less the principle (if it should take place) upon which their determination is founded, I shall take
                            the liberty of observing, that in the British Army, from whence most of our rules and customs are derived, and in which,
                            long experience and improvement has brought their System as near perfection as in any other service, the Surgeons of the
                            Hospital and Regimental Surgeons are, upon reduction, intitled to Half pay. The Mates, in both, I believe are not as
                            Whether a discrimination therefore in the present instance, prejudicial to them, may not work a greater evil than the
                            saving will produce good, remains with Congress to consider.
                        The opinion I have given to these Gentlemen particularly the Memorialists is, that though I would wish to see
                            no discrimination which can hurt their feelings, yet upon a scale of equal justice, I do not conceive that their
                            pretensions to half of their present pay is well supported by comparison with the Officers of the Line.
                        In the British service, the pay of a regimental Surgeon and Lieutenant are the same or nearly so. In ours, at
                            the commencement of the War, a Lieutenants pay was 13 1/3 dollars ⅌ month and the Surgeons 25 dollars—Whence this
                            difference I shall not undertake to determine, but presume it arose from two causes, a difficulty of getting men of
                            abilities to serve for Lieutenants pay—and because no perquisites were drawn by the Surgeons in our Army, while those in
                            the British service increased theirs by emoluments to a further sum equal to the amount of their pay. What the pay of the
                            Hospital Surgeons in the British service is, I am not quite certain; but I believe it to be equal to that of the Captains.
                            In ours it was double, and havg progressed since, I should, as I have observed to these Gentlemen, think it unreasonable
                            that they should, at a reduction, receive half the present pay. I therefore gave it as my opinion, that a Half pay
                            allowance, proportioned to that of the Officers of the Line, would be consistent with the practice in other Armies, and
                            with the principles of justice and policy.
                        These being the Sentiments delivered the Memorialists, I take the liberty of annexing them to the Memorial,
                            and with due deference to the decision of Congress I remain With much Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most obt Servant

                             Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 5 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Passaic Falls Nov. 5. 1780

                        I have the honor to return your Excellency the plan of the lines at Charles town which you were so obliging as
                            to favor me with a copy of.
                        I hope you arrived in good health, & without accident at Philadelphia—With great consideration and
                            personal attachment I have the honr to be Yr Excelly’s Most Obedt Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 5 November 1780
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Thursday Evg 5 November 1780

                        I send you the dispatches for Millet—There are among them two letters—one for Morris Town and one for
                            Baskenridge which he is to deliver—they are of consequence and therefore be pleased to give him a charge respecting them.
                        His Excellency only wishes to have four more Boats upon Carriages, If you can have them mounted from those
                            upon the North River—the remainder may be all sent up above the High lands. Yrs

                            Tench Tilghman