Title: To George Washington from Major Joseph Prowell, 5 April 1779
From: Prowell, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
Haverstraw [N.Y.] April 5th 1779
Agreeable to General McDougalls Instructions—I Herewith Transmit your Excellency A Return of Col: Malcoms and late Pattons Regiments—when Paraded to March—The General Requested I might Mention Tents as the Detachment—is Entirely without—and he Was Uncertain Whether the Service Required Any or Not—Lieut. Jackson will Wait Any Orders Your Excellency may please to give on this Subject. I have the Honor to be with great Regard Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt
J. Prowell


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 5 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 5th April 1779.
Your favr of the 29th March reached me a day or two ago—I cannot conceive from whence can arise the antipathy of Colo. Proctor and His Officers to the Uniform adopted by all the other Regiments of Artillery. In every service, it is customary to distinguish Corps by particular Uniforms, and as Black and Red has been pitched upon for that of the American Continental Artille[r]y, it is unreasonable in him to make any objections. As Blue and Red has hitherto been the Uniform of his Regt I imagine the Officers are in general provided with Cloathing of that kind for this year; and it would there fore be inconvenient to make a change at present: But I would wish you to inform Colo. proctor, that it is expected he will conform next year—It is good policy to diversify our Uniform as much as possible, as thereby the demand for any particular colour and of course the price is decreased—Blue Cloth is now higher priced than any other (except scarlet and Buff) because such numbers prefer it—By one of the regulations for the establishment of the Corps of Engineers, they are strictly enjoined not to communicate their plans or surveys to any other than such public Bodies as are proper to be intrusted with them—the commander in Cheif—or commanding General under whom they may be acting. This I imagine will be a sufficient obligation upon Genl Du portail without my giving him the hint you mention. Mr Tilghman will give you such information respecting Mr Shewell as he recollects. I am Dear Sir &.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Donald Campbell, 6 April 1779
From: Campbell, Donald
To: Washington, George

Princeton [N.J.] 6th Aprile 1779.
This day I had the honour of recieving your Excellencys much esteemed favour of the 28th Ultmo and in compliance with your Excellencys request, send inclosed the amount of the Articles seized by Mr Conway.
Nothing but a Real Desire of putting it in your power, to shew that such Practices incurred your Excellencys displeasure, would have induced me to make a Report of it; at the same time, am exceedingly sorry that so trivial a Circumstance, should have occasioned your Excellency so much Trouble. I have the Honour to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most obt & very hle Servant
D. Campbell Captn 74th Rt & Prisoner of War


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 6 April 1779
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

sire
philad. 6 april 1779
i send to your excellency a Copy of the Resolved of the Council about me. in Council philad. march 31 1779
this board taking into Consideration general du portail’s letter and the instructions Received from general washington dated 30th of june 1778 do Resolve that from the Confidence they Repose in general duportail and their opinion of his skill and jugement he be fully authorised and assisted by this board to proceed in the matters Contained in his said orders. at the same time Requesting and expecting that he will not Communicate the Knowledge he shall acquire of the depth of the River or other important Circumstances of our defence to more persons than are absolutely necessary for his assistance. and as this board have no Reason to believe, at present that the fortifications on the River will be at the expense of the united states but of this state only, that he Report his proceedings to this board and lodge with the secretary all the Rough draughts and papers Containing the soundings distance and plans except what his excellency the Command in Chief may thinck proper to be laid before him. extract from the minuts 16th March.

i am very sorry the Council spent so much time to take this Resolution. yet as it is the intention of your excellency i will stay here till the business be done. i thinck it will in ten or twelve days, if no hindrances from the marine for boats or workmen d’ont happen.
i beg your excellency to be pleased that Colonel la radiere and major villefranche stay here with me, the operations Requiring many persons. i wrote alreddy to you about it six weeks ago, but your silence in your last letter make me believe you did not Received my letter. i have the honour to be with great Respect your excellency’s the most obedi[e]nt and very humble servant
duportaîl


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 6 April 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia 6th April 1779
Mr Jay presents his Compliments to General Washington, and encloses an Extract from a Letter in a certain Degree interesting.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 6 April 1779
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Artillery Quarters, Pluckemin [N.J.] 6 April 1779.
I had the honor to deliver your Excellency a paper in Philadelphia, urging the necessity of recruiting the Corps of Artillery and completing its numbers to the establishment, which your Excellency gave to the Committee of Congress.
I was in hopes the necessity was so apparent that the honorable Congress would have pointed out some effectual methods to supply the deficiencies before the opening of the campaign, but I am sorry to find it otherwise. I have taken the liberty to enclose a return of the non commissioned Officers and matrosses in the Corps, according to the last returns received, and the States by which they were raised, so that the numbers and deficiencies of those raised, and in each State, will be seen at one view.
The honorable Congress in their resolves of the 15 March last have been pleased to determine that each State shall have credit, as part of their quotas for all men in the Corps of Artillery and Cavalry raised in their respective States. Had they have been pleased to have passed one more resolve, vizt That each State in which the companies or battalions were raised should take proper measures immediately to fill up to the establishment said companies and battalions, it would have been effectual.
The demands for Artillerymen, from every quarter where there are any enemy or prospect of any, being so great as to leave the main Army, where the principal stress of the war is and must be, rather deficient, as your Excellency well knows by the unavoidable and frequent calls for additional men from the battalions of infantry to assist in working the cannon. There is no remedy for this evil but filling up the companies of Artillery. I hope your Excellency will be pleased to make such a representation to Congress as will have the desired effect.
When the Committee of Congress were at White Plains last campaign, they annexed Capt. Clark’s and Capt. Randalls companies, raised in the State of Jersey—and Capt. Kingsbury’s raised in North Carolina & Capt. Jones’s in Pennsylvania, to Col. Procter’s battalion then consisting of eight companies, raised in Pennsylvania. Capts. Lee’s & Porter’s, raised in Pennsylvania, were annexed to Col. Lambs. The resolution of Congress of the 15 March last renders it necessary that the troops from the same State be Kept as much as possible together. Therefore, as the arrangement of the Artillery is not yet completed, I would propose that Captains Lee’s, Porter’s, Jones’ a⟨nd⟩ Coren’s companies, all raised in Pennsylvania, ⟨be⟩ annexed to Col. Procters battalion, which will ⟨make⟩ the number of his companies twelve, agreeable to the establishment. Capt. Corens company is very large and has hitherto been stationed at the Laboratories in Pennsylvania. Randall’s and Clark’s, raised in Jersey, being annexed to Col. Lambs in the room of Lee’s and Porter’s, will make Lamb’s battalion complete as to companies—Kingsbury’s company from North Carolina, being weak, to be a supernumerary company attached to the North Carolina Brigade. I am, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obed. serv.
H. Knox Brigr Genl Artillery


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 6 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 6th April 1779
I am favoured with Your Excellencys of the 4th Inst. with Sir Henry Clintons l[ette]r and one for the Commissioners, accompanying it. The two latter I sent off yesterday morning, but the Commissoners was not then arived on the Island. This accompanys a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton to your Excellency.
I have got more fair promises about the boots, but I am informed that a little Rum to the head work man, will have more effect in finishing the Boots, than twenty promises of Ogden. I therefore intend to try that method to day. The reason I have not sent my observations of the South side of Lake Ontario, and the ajasent country was that I have been disapointed in geting a rough draft of the Country made. I hope soon to have it. This accompanys two news papers. Coll D’Hart in forms me that Lieut. Paul of the 2d Regt at New Ark, who had the watter guard of twelve Men, very imprudently landed on the Bergan shore, where the enemy had laid wait for them, and made them all prisoners: I am hartily sorry for this accident. I had cautioned them agains sending partys on Bergan. I intend going to New Ark to day and enquire into the matter. and am Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant.
Wm Maxwell B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 6 April 1779
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

sir.
Head Quarters Pecks Kill [N.Y.] 6th April 1779.
Your Excellency’s, of the 1st Instant was handed to Me the 3d at 8 P.M. The necessary Orders were instantly issued, to Malcoms and late Pattens Regiments, to march. The Weather, want of Boats, and some little arrangements, prevented their moving ’till Yesterday. They will be all, at New Windsor this Evening. Colo. Malcom absent on your leave, was furnished with a Copy of the Orders transmitted to Me, which he has received.
I am not certain, whether he will march with those Corps. To remove every cause of discontent, or furnishing any pretext for delays, they were ordered to be paid for January. And as they were to go on the Frontiers, the several Articles at Foot were furnished. I have the honor to be Your Most Obedient And Most Humble Servant
Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 6 April 1779
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Camp Middle Brook April 6th 1779
The within is a State of the Officers present & Absent in the seven Regiments of our Line now on this Ground—It also specifies the Officers recommended as Persons best qualified for the Recruiting Service, by their Respective Commandants who they think can be spared, tho you will observe it will leave some of the Regiments very thin of Officers—I have endeavored in drawing out these Officers to consult and adapt them—agreeable to their Connections and Influence in the several Counties in the State.
If the prospect shou’d be promising (which at present has not that appearance to me) or you shou’d judge it expedient I believe more might be spared from the first Brigade.
you will please Instruct me whether I am to order those Officers to prepare to set out on that Duty. I have the Honor to remain with the highest Regard your Excellys most Obedt Hble Sert
W. Smallwood


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Joseph Ward, 6 April 1779
From: Ward, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Middle Brook April 6th 1779.
Having the happiness once more to join the Army under your Excellency’s Command, I beg leave to represent to your Excellency the treatment I received from the Enemy, while I was in their power. Mr James Bradford, Deputy Muster Master, and myself were captivated by a party of the Enemy on the 27th of November last; they being sensible of the danger to which they would be exposed on their retreat, entered into a Treaty, To restore the whole of our proporty which they had taken, so soon as we should arrive at New York; and on our part we pledged our word of honour, That we would neither attempt to injure them on their retreat, or to make our escape. After our arrival at New York, we called on them to comply with their Treaty, which they promised to do the next day, but after repeated promises, they finally refused to fulfil their engagements; and never restored one article. The articles taken and retained, contrary to Treaty, were Two Saddle Horses with their furniture, one pair of Pistols with Holsters, a Sword and Watch; and some articles of less value.
On the 2d day of December, I wrote a state of facts respecting the Treaty, to Mr Loring, Commissary of Prisoners, (as he had previously informed me any applications to Sir Henry Clinton, would most properly be made through him,) and requested him to lay it before Sir Henry Clinton, and to favour me with his determination thereon. Not receiving any notice that my request had been complied with, I wrote to Mr Loring the 20th of December, and the 15th of January on the subject of the Treaty, and earnestly requested him to lay my letters before Sir Henry Clinton, and to favour me with his answer; but I never received a line from Mr Loring in reply to my applications. The 31st of March, the day I left New York, I saw Mr Loring, and desired him to acquaint me with Sir Henry Clinton’s determination with respect to the subject of my Letters; he replied, That he had laid my letters before the General, and Sir Henry refused to do any thing in the matter. I then informed him, I should make a representation of this injurious denial of justice, to the Commander in Chief of the American Army.
I beg leave, Sir, further to represent to your Excellency, That, after I was exchanged, Mr Winslow, Deputy to Mr Loring, came to me just as I was going on board the Flag, and forbid my putting on board one part of my baggage, which contained some articles of Cloathing I bought in New York; saying, It was contrary to orders. I observed to him, It was the first time I ever heard of any such orders, and I could not conceive it was contrary to the orders of General Clinton; but as he made an objection, I would wait on the General, or send some other person to know his orders; Mr Winslo⟨w⟩ replied, (in very indecent language,) That I should neither go, or send, to the General; he then called the Guard, and at the point of the Bayonet compelled me to go on board the Flag, and to leave my property on the wharff. In vain did I represent to Mr Winslow, the liberal indulgence allowed to the Bri[ti]sh Officers who are Prisoners with us, and the ill consequences that must follow, if such conduct as he held towards me, should be countenanced. He continued obstinate in error, and equally unfeeling to the sentiments of humanity and the dictates of honour.
I conceived Sir, it was my duty to represent these injurious proceedings, to your Excellency, not only to obtain justice for myself, but to prevent such abuses in future.
I must do Sir Henry Clinton, the justice to believe, that he is unacquainted with the illiberal conduct of Mr Winslow; as I never knew any one to receive injustice from Sir Henry, when matters had been properly represented—And this gives me reason to doubt whether my letters were duly laid before him by Mr Loring. I have the honour to be With every Sentiment of Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servant
Joseph Ward Com. Gen. of Musters.


Title: General Orders, 7 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Wednesday April 7th 1779.
Parole Numantia—C. Signs Nio—Nile—


Title: To George Washington from Major Richard Howell, 7 April 1779
From: Howell, Richard
To: Washington, George

Spanktown [N.J.] 7th April—79
Reasons assign’d to his Excy General Washington for resigning.
1st Necessity, an Epidemic Disease in the Army.
2d Engagements with my Connexions to retire. Expenditures in Consequence of them, prior to the Promises of Legislation to provide for the Army, which if certain, will appear to be too late, as the Fate of Tantalus has been too long mine.
⟨3d A⟩ sure resentment of Parents (who have & I hope will support me,) if I continue; & think the Loss of one son in the Army a sufficient public sacrifice.
4th A Dispute of rank with Majr Conway, who does not wish to leave the Army.
5th Service since the Year–76. & the Necessity of preparing to Live by my civil profession—’Twill take at least 1 Year or two, to wipe away the rust of 3 campaigns so that I may appear with Common advantage at the Barr, should I continue ’till the End of the service, I must wait that time in preparation, then finding every other practitioner establish’d in his practice, learn to starve four or five Years, ’till Providence, in Mercy to me & Mankind in general, shall please to remove my Competitors.
From those reasons I beg Leave to present to your Excy my Commission—It should have been done last fall but I could not till now proc⟨eed⟩ to plead or purchase a Library—I have been all Winter in service which has been very equal to my Pay—And I have frequently observ’d those whose fortunes secure them from present Want & afford a sure prospect of future support, crying out agt those who leave service, but tho’ they have had their Influence with me, now prudence & filial Affection command me not to Hear—If honest services & Unfeigned Necessities may weigh with your Excely I shall Hope a Dismission. I retire not from any Private resentments or Change of Sentiments, the last will journey with my Being, but from urgent & palpable Necessity. Give me Leave to acknawledge my Esteem for your Excy’s Person, & tho’ hitherto well attested, I will not hesitate to Evince it on any future Occasion. I am yr Excys very hmble servant
Rd How⟨ell⟩ Majr 2d Jy Regt


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington, 7 April 1779
From: Huntington, Jedediah
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Reading [Redding, Conn.] 7 April 1779
The affairs of the 2nd Connecticut Battalion, by I know not what Fatality, seem to be in more Confusion than any other. just after General Putnam left Camp the three inclosed Arrangements were brought me from his Aid de Camp to forward to Head Quarters, I have numbered them 1, 2, 3; in N. 1, Lieut. Woolcot obtains his Rank which crowds Capt. Ten Eyck down to a Capt. Lieut. upon which Col. Sherman obtaind an Order of General putnam for another Committe to revise the pretensions of Alden & Ten Eyck & of Lieut. Taylor—this Comme made the Arrangement No. 2, upon that major Alden declined serving in that Battalion—whereupon it seems Col. Sherman (who is not present) made out Arrangement N. 3—such as he would have it & filled up the Vacancies.
Col. Butler comes in Octor 15 1778 in Room of Col. Mead resigned—but ought, I think, to fill the Vacancy of the 25th of May 1778 to which Col. Mead was appointed but never served in it.
I hope the Board of War will think proper to act definitively upon the inclosed as I don’t believe greater Justice or satisfaction will be had by another Decision here—the Arrangement N. 3. is the least exceptionable.
Lieut. Col: Grosvenor Commission should be dated the 13th March 1778 and Lt Col. Johnson’s the 15th April 1778.
From the Representations of the Commissaries of the extreem Scarcity of Flour, I have reduced the Ration of flour from one pound to threefourths and ordered the Value of the remaining fourth to be paid the Troops in money—this was more perhaps than I had a Right to do—but I thought it better than to give an Equivalent in any other Article.
Major Eayres appeared here this Day in order for Tryal on the Complaint made against him at Springfield—but as the papers were transmitted to Head Quarters—he has returned to his Duty at springfield. I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most obedient servant
Jed. Huntington
P.S. Genl Parsons has come in to Camp.


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 7 April 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 7th April 1779
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favors of the 29th Ulto, & 2nd Inst., And have now the pleasure of transmitting an Act of Congress of the 5th Inst., providing for the pay of the Officers in the Cloathing Department; Copies of which will, this day, be sent to the different States, And also an Act of the 3rd Inst., for sending Blank Commissions to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the Northern Department to be given to faithful Chiefs of the Oneidas & Tuscaroras. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Humble Servt
John Jay Presid.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 7 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 7th April 1779.
I have been favored with your letter of yesterday, and its inclosures.
You will be pleased to have the circumstances of the loss of the water-guard, as well ascertained as possible—Should the officer have exceeded his orders; or imprudently left his post—altho’ we cannot punish him at present, yet it is necessary that the matter should be known—Could any thing make an impression on some of our officers—this might serve as an example for guards of the same nature to confine themselves strictly and invariably to the objects of their orders. I am &
G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Peter Scull, 7 April 1779
From: Scull, Peter
To: Washington, George

Sir
War-Office [Philadelphia] 7th April 1779
The Commissions for the Virginia line, are now forwarded to your Excellency. Lt Col. Ball of the first Regiment, having called at the Office & receiv’d the one intended for him, that will account for it’s not being in the bundle mark’d for that Corps. With the utmost respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most hbl. Servant
P. Scull Secretary


Title: General Orders, 8 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Thursday April 8th 1779.
Parole Oleron—C. Signs Olinda— Ormus.

A board of General Officers to be composed of Majrs Genl Greene (if present), Lord Stirling, St Clair and De Kalb and of Brigadiers General Knox, Woodford and Muhlenberg is to sit tomorrow morning ten ôClock at the Orderly-Office to take into consideration the rank and an arrangement of the officers in the Maryland line and to state the same: The Commander in Chief will lay before the board all the papers he has concerning the subject and he hopes they will fix in the arrangement and report which they make, the rank & station of every officer and the dates their commissions should bear.
The Surgeons of the Army are requested to make a return of their Mates, Medicines and Instruments to the Director General at Doctor Draper’s quarters at Bound-Brook.
The commanding officers of such regiments as have no Surgeons will make report thereof to the Director at the same time and place.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 8 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Middle Brook 8th April 1779.

The Board of General Officers to whom were referred the dispute of Rank between Majors Mentges, Murray and Nicholls having made the inclosed Report, I must request the Board to give them the information (thro’ me) which they call for respecting the appointment of Major Nicholls to the rank of Lieut. Colonel.
In mine of the 26 March I desired to be informed of the number of Hunting shirts upon hand and where they are deposited. I shall be glad of an answer on that head, as it is time to have them collected to the quarters where they will be wanted—Be pleased to inform me also whether you have heard from Gov. Johnson on the subject of sending a guard of Militia to releive Colo. Rawlings at Fort Frederick. I have the honor &.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 8 April 1779
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany April 8th 1779

I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency’s Favours of the 14th 17th 22d Feby and 25th March with their Enclosures, the contents of which were as punctually complyed with as Circumstances woud admit. But I am sorry to inform you, that the recruiting Service is much retarded for want of Money. Mr Reid informs me, that answers to his Dispatches have not yet arrived.
By the enclosed returns, your Excellency will see the quantity of Military Stores which are now on Hand in this Department, as also the Defficiencies—Agreeable to the Order I received, I drew on the Store at Springfield, but cou’d not be supplyed with the Complement of several Articles, perticularly Lead and Paper, which are so much wanted, that I must take the Liberty to intreat your Excellency to order a Supply of them from some other Quarter.
I have also enclosed the Returns of the Arrangement of my Brigade, Remarking on the Return of each Regiment, in what Instance, and the Reason why it differs from the State Arrangement, which I flatter myself will give general Satisfaction, except in some few Instances: one of which is, that Lt Colonel Regnier, who is the youngest Lt Colo: in the State Arrangement (tho’ he claims a superior Rank from a former Commission) shoud take the Command of a Regiment, on the Resignation of Col. Livingston, which Lt Colonel Weissenfels conceives to be his due—I sincerely wish this matter may be amicably adjusted on Principles of equal Justice, but I fear it cannot be done in such a manner as to secure the Services of both Parties, tho the Resignation of either woud be a Loss.
As Col. Duboys was absent, I sent him a return of his Regiment, requesting him to make such Alterations as the State Arrangement required, which he declined. But as many of his Officers were in Captivity I thought it my duty to arrange them, in such a Manner as by the common Test, they were intitled to, except Henry Duboys, who was formerly Adjutant in the Regiment, I have continued him in the Rank of Captain Lieut. in which, the Colonel had placed him.
A Detatchment of about five hundred Men, under the Command of Col. V. Schaick and Lt Col. Willet marched off this day, with a Design to surprize, and destroy the Onondaga Settlement—they have perticular Orders to take as many Prisoners as they can—the Plan has had the Approbation of Genl Schuyler, and I flatter myself, will be productive of the desired Effect. I shall transmit your Excellency the earliest Intelligence of its Success, which I hope will equal our most sanguine Expectations. I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & humbe Sert
James Clinton B. Gl


Title: To George Washington from Barthlomew von Heer, 8 April 1779
From: Heer, Bartholomew von
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Bartholomew von Heer, 8 April 1779. GW wrote to Heer on 13 April acknowledging receipt of “yours of the 8th.”


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 8 April 1779
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 8th April 1779

By the enclosed Extract from the Minutes of the 6th Inst., Your Excellency will perceive that Messieurs Henry Rutgers Junr, and Azariah Horton are appointed Deputy-Commissaries-General of Musters in the Room of Messrs Bradford & Noarth who have resigned.
I have also the pleasure of transmitting Copies of two Acts of the 7th Inst: One for cutting a Road from Penobscot River to St Johns River—The other granting to Mr Job Sumner the Commission of Captain in the Army of the United States. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient And Humble Servt
John Jay Presidt


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 8 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 8th April 1779.

I have been honored with yours of the 26th March inclosing a Resolve of the House of Delegates for the incorporation of parts of the German Battalion and Rifle Corps into a Regiment—and another for forwarding the recruiting Service. I also at the same time received from the president of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates two Resolves—one empowering me fully to settle the Rank of the Officers of the Maryland line—the other allowing half pay for life to such Officers as shall remain in service during the War.
By an allotment of the quota of troops to be raised by each State, made by Congress the 26th Feby 1778, the German Battalion was wholly attached to the State of Maryland and considered as her 8th Regt since which it hath done duty in that line. Had not this been the case, the incorporation of such parts of that Regiment and Rifle Corps as are deemed properly to belong to Maryland would still be attended with the greatest inconveniencies, particularly in regard to reconciling the Ranks of the Officers⟨.⟩ Colo. Rawlins and most of his being elder than Colo. Weltner and those of the German would supersede them upon incorporation. Indeed Colo. Weltner would not only be superseded but he must be supernumerary. In short, the difficulties attending the measure recommended are more than can be conceived, and I am convinced by experience that it cannot be carried into execution without totally deranging the German Regiment.
In January last, Congress, to make some provision for Colo. Rawlins and his Officers, resolved that he should increase his remaining Men (who are not more than 70 or 80) to three Companies to be commanded by him as a separate Corps. The times of most of the old Men are near expiring and whether they will reinlist I cannot say. I entertain a very high opinion of the merits of Colo. Rawlins and his Officers, and have interested myself much in their behalf. It is to be regretted that they were not provided for in the States to which they belong, when the Army was new modelled in 1776, but as they were not, after a variety of plans had been thought of, that above mentioned was esteemed the most eligible, and indeed the only one that could be adopted, as the introduction of those Gentlemen into the line would have been impracticable.
I have, agreeable to the powers vested in me, appointed a Board of General Officers to take into consideration and report to me the rank of the Maryland line. I do not imagine that it will be possible to give general satisfaction, but I am convinced, that the Gentlemen, who have the Business in hand, will pay the strictest attention to the claims of all parties, and give the most disinterested decision—Whatever that decision may be, I hope it may be considered by the State as definitive, and that they will not in future pay any regard to the importunities of those who may be discontented with the arrangement which is about to be made.
I have sent off as many Officers as can possibly be spared, with recruiting Serjeants Drums and Fifes. They are directed to wait upon your Excellency for instructions and Money—I have but one matter to recommend, which is, that the Officers be ordered in the most express manner not to inlist any British Deserter under the penalty of being obliged to refund the Bounty, as the Recruit, upon being discovered to be a Deserter, will be dismissed the service. Those people not only debauch our other troops, but are sure to desert again to the enemy upon the appearance of an offer of pardon, or any the least encouragement, and more than probably carry others with them—I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most obt
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 8 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 8th April 1779

Your Excellencys favour of yesterday came safe to hand. I have been at New ark and find that the Officer who was taken with his party had been informed that some traiders from this side was gone to Bergan, on which information he increased his Guard by Volunteers, and continued in the Bay till day light, and then landed, and was way laid. We shall not be able to get the whole truth before the Officer or Men is exchanged, the Officer bears a good carracter. This accompanys four New york Papers. I have nothing new save that there is a strong report that there [is] a French and Spanish Fleet on the Coast but I do not give much credit to it. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servt
Wm Maxwell


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Reed, 8–9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Reed, Joseph

Dear Sir,
Middle brook April 8[–9]th 1779

Your favor without a date, acknowledging the receipt of my letters of the 28th & [2]9th ulto came to hand a day or two ago.
Colo. Patterson (as he is called) was a stranger even in name to me, till he came here introduced by Colo. Cox as a person capable of giving the best information of the Indian Country between the Susquehannah and Niagara of any Man that was to be met with; and as one who had it more in his power than any other, to obtain such intelligence of the situation, numbers, and designs of the enemy in those regions as I wanted, to enable me to form the Expedition against them. In this light, & as the Bror in law of Genl Potter who is known to be a zealous friend to America, I viewed & imployed Colo. Patterson for the above purposes; concealing as much as the nature of the case would admit my real design. If I have been deceived in the Man Colo. Cox is the author of the deception and is highly culpable, because he represented him to me as a person he was well acquainted with.
The Troops from Minisink were to begin their March for Wioming last Monday—The bad Weather all the Month of March, and an accident to one of my Letters to Genl Hand occasioned a delay of some days. Orders also went (before the receipt of your Letter) to Genl McDougall to put the remains of Pattens & Malcolms Regiments in motion for the same quarter—and the Board of War, sometime since, has been applied to for a relief to Rawlings’s Corps that it might reinforce Brod-head for the purpose mentioned to you when at Camp. but what they have done in the matter is unknown to me—I shall be very glad to know from time to time what progress is made in compleating the five independant Companies; and, let me beseech you my dear Sir while I am upon the subject of recruiting to give the most pointed orders to those who are engaged in this Service, for your Battalions, to take no Deserters. They weaken instead of strengthen the Regiments; & not only rob the public of the bounty money, Arms, Accoutrements and Cloaths which they receive, but poison the Minds of other Soldiers and carry many away with them to the enemy—In Genl Potters letter (now returned) the propriety of offering Land, as an encouragement to Men to enlist in the above Companies, is suggested for your consideration. I have long been of opinion founded in observation that if the State bounties are continually encreased for every short, & temporary Service & enlistment, that the price of Men another year will be far above our purchase; & a final end will be put to recruiting—the consequences of which, under present appearances, are well worthy of consideration.
To hear that all party disputes had subsided, & that harmony (not only between Congress & the States, but between the discordant parts of the State) was restored, wd give me very singular pleasure—If party matters were at an end, & some happy expedient hit upon to check the further depreciation of our money, we should be soon left to the enjoyment of that Peace and happiness which every good Man must wish for, & not but the viciated & abandoned tribe of Speculators &ca would be injured by.
If propositions have not been made to Congress by the Court of G. Britain for negotiating a Peace on the terms which have been held out to the Commissioners upon what ground is the resolutions you speak of founded? They surely do not mean to be the movers of a Negotiation, before they know the terms that will be offered, or which can certainly be obtained? In a word the whole matter (to me) is a mistery. I am with sincerity & truth Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt &ca
Go: Washington
Apl 9th P.S. Since writing the foregoing I have spoke to Genl Green concerning Patterson—He says that Cox is not, nor was not unacquainted with the suspicions harboured of him—that in the early part of the War he got disgusted by some disappointment—withdrew from Public Service—& has conducted himself in such a manner as to be suspected of favouring the back Settlers who have joined the Enemy—but nevertheless he will answer for his fidility & the due performance of what he has undertaken if impediments are not thrown in his way.
I have accts of the Marching of Pattens & Malcolms Regiments. & that the Troops from Minisink will be at Wioming this Night if no accident happens to them. Yrs &ca
G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 8 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dr Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 8th April 1779.

I received yours of the 6th with a return of such officers as you thought might be preferably employed in the recruiting service in Maryland. I find however that you have in some instances mentioned several as equally qualified—you will be pleased to make the discrimination, and give them orders to proceed to Governor Johnston at Annapolis, to receive his instructions. As I shall have letters for the Governor, one of the Gentlemen will call for them.
I have but one thing to recommend to their particular attention, that is, to avoid the inlisting of british or foreign des[er]ters. These cannot disguise themselves so fully as to deceive a common observer—Something will appear characteristic in their air—their walk—or in their manner of using a firelock if one is put into their hands—In short, the officer is to take every method to avoid being imposed upon by men of this description. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to a Board of General Officers, 9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of General Officers

Gentn
Head Qrs [Middlebrook] April the 9th 1779.

You will receive herewith all the papers that I am possessed of, which respect the Officers of the Maryland line—whose arrangement is to be the subject of your consideration, agreable to yesterday’s Orders.
The papers
No. 70 & 71 contain the proceedings of a Board of Officers at White plains—and will give the present One a general view at once of the nature of the business—and of the arrangement which they then thought themselves obliged to make.
No. 1 & 2 & No. 4 are the Resolutions of the Convention and the report of their Commissioners, alluded to in No. 70.
No. 5 & 13 are Rosters of Rank and a Resolution upon the Subject by the Assembly & Convention.
No. 6 is A memorial on the 4th of April 1777 by Sundry Officers to the Assembly—upon the subject of their arrangement.
No. 7 is a Letter and Resolution from the Assembly authorising me to settle the rank of their Officers.
No. 8 is a Letter to the Assembly of Maryland after the report of the Board at the White plains (No. 70 & 71) suggesting doubts—as to the extent of the powers conferred by the proceedings No. 7.
No. 9 A Letter and proceedings of the Assembly in answer to No. 8.
No. 10 An arrangement of the Maryland line lately given in—with notes of the disputed cases—and a state of the parties claims.
No. 11 A Letter and Resolution of the Assembly on the 24 & 26 Ulto—repealing or enlarging their Resolution of the 21st of Decr last No. 9.
No. 12 Resolves of Congress respecting rank and appointments.
No. 14 Sundry Copies of Old arrangements, which may possibly be of service in some instances—though they seem to be imperfect and confused.
The order in which I have placed the papers, appears to me to be that in which they most properly succeed each other—and may in some measure facilitate the business in its progress. The Board, I am convinced, will investigate the several claims of the parties with all the attention they can, and I am to request that they will state their sentiments and opinions respecting them in the most explicit manner, and such general arrangement as they shall think should take place; assigning to each Officer his rank and station in their line—and the dates that their Commissions should bear, all which they will be pleased to report.
The Officers who are prisoners and who have been continued in service by the State, will have the Board’s consideration—and will be fixed in their proper places. If the Board apprehend it necessary to call for the information of any Officers in the line of the state to facilitate and promote their inquiries, they will be pleased to do it. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Gentlemen Yr Most Obed. sert
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 9 April 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [Philadelphia] April 9th 1779

The Board have been honoured with your Excellency’s Favours of the 26th of March & 2d & 4th April.
All the Muskett Cartridges made up for a long time past including the whole now on Hand have been made up with Buck Shott agreeably to your Excellency’s Ideas.
There are but five hundred Hunting Shirts in the Clothier Generals Store & no Materials for making more. We have been for a long time pressing Congress to arrange the Clothing Department. They have made Regulations (which you have no Doubt recieved) as to the issuing Part of this Bussiness. Nothing is done as to purchasing Supplies save that yesterday we recieved Directions from Congress to appoint proper “Persons to purchase Necessaries for the Army until the further Orders of Congress”—Under this Direction we will do what is possible for us in our Circumstances—but we have no sanguine Hopes of doing much as it would take up the whole Time of Persons who had no other Bussiness. We will order Materials to be purchased for Hunting Shirts of which a large Supply should have been provided long ago.
We have sent Captain Joy to Hewes’s Works with Orders to agree on the Subject of the Cannon. We have directed the Number of 18drs mentioned in the Contract to be completed & in Addition thereto as many more of this Caliber as shall be equal in Weight & Value to the intended Number of 12drs which we have directed them not to cast. Eight 18drs are already cast & so many of them as shall stand Proof are to be immediately finished off & sent to New Windsor for the Use of the Forts on the North River. You will be pleased to mention how many are necessary at those Posts. Many Difficulties attend the Transportation of them to so great a Distance, but we will make the Experiment on those now at the Works.
Philadelphia is very deficient in heavy Cannon—We sent four 18drs to Billingsport in Addition to two which were at that Place & two of the same Caliber to Mud Island. A Detachment of fifty Men properly officered was ordered from Proctor’s Regt to be stationed at these Places. There are some slight Works in which these Cannon are placed which are all the Defences this City has yet to depend upon.
We have not recieved the Artillery Arrangement but on its Arrival the Commissions shall be forwarded.
Lieut. Col. Davidson of the 3d North Carolina Regt is ordered to join the first & Lieut. Col. Mebane will be commissionated as Lt Col. Comandr of the 3d agreeably to your Excellency’s Opinion.
As there are Carbines sufficient in Point of Number for the Cavalry, tho’ Blunderbusses are certainly better, would it be expedient to go to the Expence of the latter at this Time especially when every Workman employed on them must be taken off from other public Work?
The 7th Article of the Regulations of the Sappers & Miners shall be altered agreeably to the Form contained in your Excellency’s Letter the Terms whereof are more clear & explicit than those in which the Article as drawn by the Board is concieved. Genl Duportail saw & was satisfied, as far as they went, with the Regulations before the Board finally determined upon them.
We were of Opinion that the Men of the German Regt enlisted in Pennsilvania might be provided for by that State under the Resolution of the 15 of March & we believe this State are supplying them in Vertue of that Act; but it will be a confused Bussiness if the Regiment is nominally one of the Maryland Quota & therefore it would be much better if the Pennsilvanians had their Men & the Part of the Regiment raised in Maryland were incorporated with the Rifle Battallion. But how this would answer as to the Officers the Board are unable to determine. It should seem that too many Difficulties would arise on this Head. Should your Excellency think it practicable & consistent with the Good of the Service we shall be happy to be informed as the Matter is referred by Congress for our Report at the Instance of the Assembly of Pennsilvania who have transmitted a Complaint of the Pennsilvania Officers of that Regt that Maryland will not provide for them in any Arrangements made for the Supply of their Troops.
Capt. Schott has been furnished with great Part of the Articles he wanted from our Magazines at this Place; the Residue he will recieve at Lancaster.
Permitt us to express a Wish that your Excellency had been more explicit on the Subject of the Cavalry in your Letter of the 2d instant to Congress referred to the Board. Because if an Augmentation of the Regts of Horse is indispensibly necessary for the Operations of the Campaign Expence should be a secondary Object. It is very late now to begin recruiting & we are not clear as to the Practicability of mounting & equipping the Men. But should you be of Opinion that the Bussiness ought to be undertaken we will report it to Congress & give it every Aid in our Power. Would it not be best to lessen the Number of Regiments & complete if possible those Regiments to their Complement? Baylors & Blands might probably with no great Difficulties be incorporated. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect your very obed. Servants
Richard PetersBy Order of the Board


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 9 April 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War Office [Philadelphia] April 9. 1779.

We suppose you have long since known that about thirty shoemakers draughted from the Maryland troops have been making shoes at Newark in Delaware State; a large proportion of which have been delivered to the clothier of that state, & the residue to the Clothier General. Those workmen have also made shoes & some boots for the officers in the Maryland line. Within a few days the director of the factory shewed us orders from General Smallwood (as he said) to make up 100 pairs of boots & upwards of two hundred pairs of shoes for the Maryland Officers: but we forbad his making them. The factory has for eight or nine months past been carried on wholly at the expence of the United States; we thought it therefore unequal that the troops of one state should receive the chief benefit of its produce; and particularly improper, when multitudes of soldiers are barefooted, that great quantities of the best leather should be used, & the time of the workmen taken up, in making boots for officers of every rank. Such a factory, upon a general footing, would be exceedingly useful, & we believe necessary, to keep up a tolerable supply of shoes for the army. We therefore submit it to your Excellency’s opinion—whether it is not expedient to draught one or two of the best shoemaker’s from each regiment, and station them, under a proper director, at Philadelphia, Lancaster, or other place which shall be judged most convenient, to make shoes for the army at large. Such a factory, with the other means of supplies, we should hope would always keep the army well provided. A similar factory might be established in Connecticut, & supplied with workmen from the eastern troops. We are aware of the inconveniencies of draughting artificers from the army; but the impossibility of procuring workmen elsewhere leaves us no other resource. We wish to be favoured with your Excellencys answer as soon as may be. We cannot however avoid expressing our reluctance in even making a proposal of lessening the number of combatants in the army, in its present reduced condition. As to the men already taken from the Maryland line, we are apprehensive, from the claims of the officers, they cannot be employed so usefully as they ought to be, and that therefore it will be best to send them to camp; especially as their present director is removing to Philadelphia, and will continue in charge of them at Newark only until we shall be favoured with your Excellency’s answer on this subject.
The Maryland Clothier informed us that for some time past the Brigadiers have practised exchanging hides for boots for the officers of their brigades. As we were ignorant whether the mode of doing this had been regulated in general orders or not, we have taken the liberty to suggest it to your Excellency. We have the honour to be very respectfully your most obedt se⟨rvts⟩
By order of the boardTim. Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Duportail, 9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

Sir,
Head Quarters Middle Brook April 9th 1779

A body of troops is ordered to rendesvous at Wyoming on the Susquehanna. There will be some works to be carried on in that quarter which will require an Engineer. You will readily conceive the nature of frontier fortification and will be pleased to send a Gentlemen in your department whom you judge proper for the purpose. He had best proceed in the first instance towards Sunbury where he will receive further information and will proceed thence to join General Hand wherever he may be, who will command the troops for the present. I am with esteem Sir Yr Most Obedt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 9 April 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Middlebrook] April 9. 1779

Inclosd is a Letter receivd last Evening from Mr Patterson.
The contents are not the most agreeable; and how it comes directed through me to your Excellency I cannot imagin.
He mentions there being a greater number of Boats upon the Susquehannah then he gave an account of when at Camp. Will it not be best to lessen the number orderd to be built; if the proper sizd ones can be had already fit for service.
I dont intend to trust any thing in the quarter masters line to Mr Patterson; as I can easily evade his offer; and dont wish to trust more to any man of a doubtful Character than cannot be avoided.
General Potter married Mr Pattersons Sister. From him more may be learnt respecting him than from any other person.
Is it your Excellencys intention to send great quantities of provision up to Wyoming before that Post is reinforced—Will there not be great danger of its being destroyed. I wish to know your Excellencys pleasure in the matter; as I design to send an Express to Estertown this Evening or tomorrow Morning, and will give directions accordingly. I am with due respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Sert
Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Captain John Gregory, 9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Gregory, John

Sir
Head Quarters Middlebrook 9th April 1779.

I received your letter of the 20th February ultimo.
Under the circumstances, of an impaired constitution; incompetent to the duties of a camp, I shall not attempt to oppose your resignation.
But as it is necessary to obtain a certificate of your having settled all your public accounts, I am therefore obliged to delay its final acceptance, till furnished with such a certificate. I am sir your most hble servt.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Edward Hand, 9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hand, Edward

[Middlebrook, 9 April 1779]

After having spent the necessary time with your family at Lancaster you are to proceed from thence to Wyoming and take the command of the troops there and in that neighbourhood—You are to call upon the Quarter Masters & Commissaries and direct them to use their utmost exertions in collecting the Stores in their respective departments, (necessary for the intended expedition into the Indian Country) at Wyoming—As that will be a post of importance—I would have you immediately set about throwg up some new Works, or strengthening the old if they are judiciously disposed to secure the Magazines which will be formed there, and which may also serve to cover the Garrison which must be left at that place for the protection of the Stores which will be deposited there, to be forwarded to the Army after they march—By a late Arrangement Colo. Malcoms Regiment is to be incorporated with Colo. Spencers and the late Pattens with Colo. Hartleys; as soon therefore as those Corps arrive at Wyoming you will order them to join the Regiments to which they are attached—After having made a proper disposition of the troops at Wyoming, you will endeavour to find out whether it will answer any good purpose to advance a post towards Tioga. If it will, and it can be done with safety (for nothing is to be hazarded) you will have one established at Wyolusing or such place as shall be deemed most convenient. You will make yourself as well acquainted as possible with the Route from Wyoming towards Chemung—to gain intelligence whether the enemy are making any offensive preparations or whether they expect an attack from us, and in short to keep me regularly advised of any occurrences that you may think material. I shall from time to time give you the necessary instructions for your Government. Given at Head Quarters Middle Brook this 9th April 1779.


Title: To George Washington from Soldiers of the Maryland Division, 9 April 1779
From: Soldiers of the Maryland Division
To: Washington, George

        Your Excelency Captain General George Washington Commander and Chief of the United States of America
Middle Brook April the 9th 1779

Your Petitioners Belonging to the Maryland Division a⟨nd⟩ Quartered at Middlbrook in the Jerseys Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners as always Behaved themselves as Soldiers Becoming, which we hope so to Remain Until the Expiration of this Present Dispute, and please Your Excelency, there is one Article that We Petition to Your Excelency For, we being Convinced that we have no Person in this World to Fly for Assistance But You, and please Your Excelency the Artical that I was Relaiting to you was, when we Laid At Winter Quarters at Wilmingtown in the Year 1778 we was Industrous In our Duty and in particular of Indeavouring to Surprise the Enemys Vessels, and to take them as prises, and please Your Excelency, the Lord Above, was so Good as to Impower us, as to take a prise Brigg which Was of Great Value, and which the Officers of the Line Immidiately Informed us that prise money whould Amount to About Fifteen pounds And it was Read Twice Upon parade in General Orders, which we Maid no Manner of Doubt But what we Should have Got it By it Being in General Orders, and please Your Excelency these are to Inform You that Instead of Getting the Fifteen pounds whe have Received no more than three pounds, whe Look upon it to be Very Ill Useage, after that Such Brave Soldiers as we are and I Believe please Your Excelency You Know By self Experanced, and Knowing that the Maryland Division Contains of Such men That will Stand in the Defence of America, and Likewise I think it to be high Time if such a thing is that the prise money is to Amount to the Quantity as above Mensioned Aught to be Delivered To Us, Equal the Same as the Officers of the Line had the priviledge To purchase what Articles Their Fancy Led them too to purchase To the Amount of Four Months pay According to their Commissions, however please Your Excelency, these are to Inform You that at the taking of this Valuable prise, it was the ⟨mutilated⟩ of many a Brave Soldier to Suffer Excesively By being ⟨mutilated⟩ and many one to Loose there fingers and some other parts where wou⟨nds⟩ Took an Effect; and on that Account, I think we are fully In⟨titled⟩ To the Remainers part of the Aforesaid prise money, which ⟨mutilated⟩ Your Excelency; that if in Case that Such a thing is possible Eve⟨mutilated⟩ Recover any more of this money, we Should be very Glad if your Excelency whould be so Good as to Publish it in General Orders Which whould be of Great Satisfection to the Spirits, Because We keep Continually thinking that we are to Gett more of the prise money, and if in Case it is so that we are to Gett no more of this money, we Should be Glad that all those fare thaugths of ours was put Bye, and please Your Excelency there is another Article that I Have to Relate to You, hoping that you will take it into Consideration and avoid all such Behaviour as they Do at This present time, it is please Your Exclency their is Great parshiality Between the Private Soldiers and the Usege that is Given To the Old Country people is Quite Reverse to what it has Been in the Beginning of this present Dispute, and please your Excelency, The Reason that we Trouble you with this Troublesome Petition, we Knowing You to be a Soldiers’ Friend, and plainly Knowing it By sundry Examples of your Compassions, and therefore We Humbly Beseech you and persume on your Good Nature and Living in Hopes for the Lord Almighty above to protect you in all Your Undertakings, and so we Remain Your Humble Obedient and Effectunate Soldiers Belonging to the Maryland Division.


Title: From George Washington to Major Joseph Prowell, 9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Prowell, Joseph

Sir,
Head Quarters Middle Brook April 9th 1779

I have received your letter by Lieut: Jackson.
The regiment late Patton’s is to march immediately to Wyoming where it will be incorporated with the one late Hartley’s—and receive further orders from General Hand.
Malcoms regiment is to join and incorporate with Spencers. I am Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Spencer, Oliver

Sir,
Hd Qrs [Middlebrook] 9th April 1779

Col. Malcom’s regiment has been ordered to join your’s at Minisinck and is now on its march for that purpose. When it arrives, agreeable to the intention of Congress the two regiments are to be incorporated into one. Inclosed is the arrangement of the Captains and subalterns who are to compose it. After these have been selected, the remainder are to be considered as supernumeraries. The field officers are still undecided—I have lately pressed a decision; but have not received an answer. So soon as it comes to me it shall be communicated to the Gentlemen concerned. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant.
You will hold the regiment in readiness to march at the shortest notice. The Cloths you sent for have been directed to meet you at Wyoming.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Oliver Spencer, 9 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Spencer, Oliver

Sir
Hd Qrs Middle Brook April 9th 1779

Inclosed I return you the proceedings of a Court Martial held in March by order of General Hand on two Spies Land & Hicks. Hicks it seems has made his escape, and Land only remains. But as this man is an inhabitant of one of the States by the article of war for trying spies he is not subject to Military jurisdiction—You will therefore have him delivered up to the civil authority of the State to which he belongs furnishing such documents of his crime as may be in your possession to enable the law to operate upon—He can be sent to Easton and there consigned over to the civil Majestrate. Care should be taken that he does not escape. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt.


Title: General Orders, 10 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Saturday April 10th 1779.
Parole Roscommon—C. Signs Roldue. Ree.

The Commissions for the Virginia line having come to hand the commanding officers of regiments in that line are desired to apply for them at Head-Quarters.
At a General Court Martial of the line April 5th 1779—Lieutenant Philip Malleroy of the 11th Virginia regiment was tried for, “disobedience of General Woodford’s orders in not joining his regiment with all possible expedition after the publication thereof,” and acquitted.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence—Lieutt Malleroy is released from his Arrest.
At a Division General Court Martial held in the Pennsylvania line the 6th instant, Major Boyles President, Richard Hollowell a soldier in the 9th Pennsylvania Regimt tried for, “Deserting with his Arms and Accoutrements, forging a pass, stealing and attempting to go to the enemy”—The Court are unanimously of opinion he is guilty of all the charges exhibited against him and by section 6th article 1st and section 14th article 5th sentence him to suffer death, more than two thirds of the members concuring therein.


Title: Council of War, 10 April 1779
From: Greene, Nathanael,Kalb, Johann,Knox, Henry,Smallwood, William,St. Clair, Arthur,Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander),Sullivan, John,Woodford, William
To:

[10 April 1779]

At a Council of War held at Head Quarters Middle Brook April 10th 1779.
Present The Commander in Chief[,] Major Genls Sullivan[,] Greene[,] Ld Stirling[,] St Clair[,] D’Kalb, [Brigadier Generals] Smallwood[,] Knox[,] Woodford.
The Commander in Chief states to the Council, that since the last meeting of Commissioners on the subject of an exchange of Prisoners, the result of which is contained in a report of their proceedings of the 15th of December last, hereunto annexed—a deputation has been sent to Congress by our officers prisoners with the enemy, with a memorial representing their situation and requesting that some effectual measures might if possible be adopted for their liberation from captivity: And that the Honorable the Congress, in consequence, came to a resolution of the 5th ultimo, which is also hereunto annexed, authorising the Commander in Chief, “at his discretion, to negotiate and establish with the Commander in Chief of his Britannic Majesty’s forces, a Cartel, or Agreement, for a general exchange of prisoners, comprehending the Convention troops; or a more partial Agreement for any particular or definite number of prisoners; and to fix and conclude upon the terms and conditions of the said exchange, ascertaining and allowing an equivalent of inferior for superior officers and an equivalent of privates for officers, according to such proportion as has been customary, or shall appear to him to be just and equitable; and to appoint commissioners for these purposes.”
That in obedience to the foregoing resolve—He made a proposal to Sir Henry Clinton in a letter of the 14th of March, for a meeting of Commissioners to settle a general cartel; which was acceded to by him in his answer of the 31st; and by subsequent arrangements the proposed meeting is to take place on monday the 12th instant.
That as the enemy have few or no private men of ours in their hands the exchange at present must turn, on their principles, from which we have every reason to believe they will not depart, upon our giving a considerable proportion of privates in exchange for our officers in their possession; an estimate of the amount on the several propositions and ratios which have been suggested is herewith submitted—The General therefore requests the advice of the Council what number of private men consistent with justice to the officers in captivity and to the public in general, ought to be determined as the ultimate proportion, which should govern an exchange at this time and which the Commissioners on our part should be instructed not to exceed.

Having considered the request of His Excellency the Commander in Chief “What number of private Men the Commissioners on our part may be authorised to give to procure the exchange & release of our Officers—We think they may give a Thousand but not a greater number.

Jno. Sullivan
Nath. Greene M.G.
Stirling M.G.
Ar. St Clair M.G.
The Baron de Kalb M.G.
W. Smallwood B.G.
H. Knox B.G. Artilly
Wm Woodford B.G.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Bishop, 10 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Bishop, Thomas

Bishop,
Middle brook. Apl 10th 1779.

I received your letter by Colo. Harrison—In answer to it, I shall briefly inform you, that as you have been so long a Member of my family it is not my intention to let you want while we both live; but with respect to the increase of your wages, it is a circumstance that must depend upon the Services you render in return. I am very sensible that the high prices of every necessary of life are such as not to let you, or any other man live for the same nominal Sum you formerly did—& therefore I leave it to Mr Washington to furnish you, gratis, with such a reasonable quantity of Wool & flax as he shall judge sufficient for the cloathing of your self, wife, & daughter; to be worked up by yourselves. & besides this, if he thinks your Services entitled to an increase of Wages, I have no objection to his doing it; but I can neither direct the measure, nor the sum because of my ignorance of the benefit he derives from your Services. This letter goes open under his cover, that he may be apprized of the contents; I thank you for yr good wishes—& offer mine in return for yr self wife & child. Yrs &ca
G.W.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 10 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentlemen,
Head Quarters Middle Brook April 10th 1779

I have been duly honored with your favour of the 31st of, March, which, through hurry of business has been hitherto unanswered. From the relation in several respects between the duties of the office of Adjutant General and those of the Inspectorship; I pe[r]ceive advantages that would result from uniting them in a certain degree; but I am induced notwithstanding to recommend, that nothing final may be done ’till the Baron arrives in camp. I will then speak to him upon the subject and after a conference between him and the Adjutant General, I will take the liberty to give the Board my opinion more explicitly, whether the two offices ought to be united, and in what particular manner. With very great respect I have the honor to be Gentlemen Your most Obed. servt.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners, 10 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners

[Middlebrook, 10 April 1779]

Whereas, in pursuance of full powers to me given by the Honorable the Congress of the United States, a proposition was made by me on the 14th day of March last to His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton for the settlement of a general Cartel and for appointing Commissioners to confer thereupon, which was acceded to by him on the 31st: of the same Month and by a subsequent communication on the 4th instant.
In order to carry the said proposition into effect, and to make the most liberal—permanent and extensive provision for the exchange and accomodation of prisoners of War.
You Colonel William Davies and Lieutenant Colonel Robert Hanson Harrison are hereby appointed to meet such Commissioners of suitable rank as shall come duly authorised on the part of His Excellency Sir Henry Clinton on Monday the 12th Instant at Amboy—and at any place afterwards to which it may be thought proper to adjourn.
With them to treat, confer, determine and conclude upon a Cartel for the exchange of prisoners and for all matters whatsoever which may be properly contained therein on principles of Justice—humanity and mutual advantage; and agreable to the custom and practice of War among civilized Nations; For all which this shall be your sufficient Warrant—and your engagements being interchanged shall be ratified and confirmed by me.
Given under my Hand and Seal at Head Quarters Middle Brook this 10th day of April 1779.
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners, 10 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the Exchange of Prisoners

[Middlebrook, 10 April 1779]

The aforegoing Writing contains the proceedings of Congress on the 5th Ulto on the subject of your meeting at Amboy on Monday next. You will make these the rule of your conduct; And if you cannot establish a general Cartel with the British Commissioners, comprehending the Convention Troops, agreable to the Resolution—and to which end the power you have received from me to day is only adapted.
You will then take up the business on a more limited Scale according to the alternative mentioned by Congress—and make a more partial agreement for any particular or definite number of prisoners—fixing and concluding upon the terms & conditions of such exchange; and ascertaining and allowing an Equivalent of inferior for superior Officers—and an equivalent of privates for Officers—according to such proportion as has been customary or shall appear just; Not exceeding however in any equivalent that may be given in private Men the number of One thousand—on the exchange of three hundred & thirty One of our Officers or a greater number.
Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 11 April 1779
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
Artillery Park [Pluckemin, N.J.] 11 April 1779

The Captain-Lieutenants of Artillery have desired me to forward the enclosed letter to your Excellency. It respects their pay, which, by a resolution of Congress last April or May, was reduced from 40 to 33 1/3 dollars per month, without any reason assigned for its being done. The Committee of Arrangement, when at White Plains in September last, assured them that they would lay their representation before Congress, not doubting but the grievance therein complained of would be instantly redressed. Since that period the Captain-Lieutenants have heard nothing of the matter. I am, with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servt
H. Knox B.G. Artillery


Title: From George Washington to William Patterson, 11 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Patterson, William

Sir.
Head Quarters Middlebrook 11th April 1779.

I have received your letter of the 3d Inst.
considering the great difficulties attending the immediate prosecution of discover[i]es, I would therefore wish for the present to postpone the employing the person you hint at—till you have an opportunity of consulting with general Hand on the subject, (who will soon be in your quarter) and taking his opinion or till my further advice on this business.
If in every instance the expence is to be as large as in Hick’s case, I am really at a loss what to think on the subject—It looks as if we should either be obliged to suspend the matter, or that the result will not counterbalance the expence. I am sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 12 April 1779
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
        providence 12th April 1779 One o Clock P.M.

Since I had the Honour to write Your Excellency my Letter of this morning I have received the inclosed intelligence from Canada and Rhode-Island.
By a Letter the Issuing Commissary has this moment received from Mr Colt, There is hopes the Supply of Flour will be continued; Though we have only Twenty Barrells in Store at present I cannot persuade myself there has been any Natural Scarcity of That Article, Avarice, and Monopoly, must have Caused the Emptyness of Our Magazines of Bread. I hope some Sensible, and Spirited Measures, will be Speedily Adopted by The Legislatures of the Different States; to prevent the further banefull Effects, of these pernicious Evils, I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Servant
Horatio Gates


Title: From George Washington to Edward Hinman, 12 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Hinman, Edward

sir
Head Quarters, Middlebrook 12th April 1779.

I herewith send you the papers which you transmitted by your letter of the 5th instant for my information in Colonel Hazens’ case.
Altho’ it has always been my endeavor to prevent incroachments on the rights of the citizen, I have to regret, that any dispute should happen with an officer of the army—But as your complaint will come more naturally before the officer commanding the troops in your State—you will be pleased therefore, to refer the particulars to him. He has full powers to take cognizance ⟨of⟩ the misconduct of the officers under his command. Moreover, his nearness to the transaction gives him a better opportunity of knowing all of the circumstances, and hearing both parties, while my remoteness, must render me less competent to this purpose. I am sir your most hble servt
G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 12 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 12th April 1779

I have been honored with yours of the 4th and 7th instants.
Inclosed you have the proceedings of the Court Martial held, by order of Congress, upon the Officers of the Elaboratory and Deputy Qr Mr at Springfield, upon a representation from the Council of Massachusetts. I also inclose a letter which I received two days ago from Majr Harnage in behalf of himself and Capt. Hawke both of the 62d Regt British. Should not an exchange take place in which these Gentlemen may be included, it will be an act of humanity to indulge them, under their peculiarity of circumstances, with a liberty of joining the Corps to which they belong, by making use of a Water Conveyance as far as possible: But as I did not think it proper to comply with the request without the concurrence of Congress, I must beg the favr of you to lay the Major’s letter before them for their determination. I transmit you the York papers of the 7th and 8th and have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt Servt
Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 12 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Middlebrook] 12th April 1779.

Inclosed you have the last General Return of Ordnance and Military Stores which I have recd from the Board of War; of which You will take a Copy. There appears to me a very great deficiency of many Articles, particularly of small Arms, powder and Lead. But you will be pleased to examine it critically and report to me what are in your opinion wanting that I may lay the estimate, without loss of time, before the Board of War—As you must be sensible of the necessity of keeping a Return of so disagreeable a complexion as much a secret as possible, be pleased to give a hint of this kind to the person who copies it. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 12 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Middlebrook] 12th April 1779.

A writ having been served upon an Officer of the Maryland line by one Dickinson for impressing a small quantity of Forage by order of Lieut. Colo. Adams, he drew up the inclosed state, to shew me the necessity which he was under of having recourse to that method of procuring the Forage and the offers which he afterwards made to satisfy the owner. I confess it is extremely difficult to draw a line and leave any thing to the discretion of an Officer where a positive law exists; but there are cases, in which it is almost impossible for an Officer to go thro’ all the forms required; and if Colo. Adams’s representation is to be relied on, his situation was of that kind. The Officers complain that there is too general a disposition, to refuse Forage, prevailing among the Inhabitants, and they think it extremely hard to be subjected to the expence and trouble of civil suits when the exigencies of the service absolutely oblige them to impress by their own authority. I make no doubt but they may sometimes exert their power in an unjustifiable manner, but it may also be presumed that the inhabitants may be in their turn to blame—by obstinately refusing to part with what they can spare unless regularly compelled.
I am determined upon my part ever to discountenance and check any thing that looks like a wanton and unnecessary violation of the law by the Military, and it is to be wished that the Gentlemen in the Civil departments would, upon applications being made to them for redress, endeavour to investigate the causes of complaint, and if the Officers appear to have really acted upon the necessity of the case, advise an amicable compromise, rather than a suit. I have the honor &.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 12 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

Sir
Hd Qrs Middlebrook 12th April 1779

Your favors of the 8th and 11th instant, with the several news-papers came duly to hand.
I have no objection to Mr Wolfen continuing in his present duty. However, it may be necessary to have the men relieved by a fresh party, that the fatigue may be equally borne by the whole corps, that is in case of its being severe.
I have the same idea of the impropriety of such inlistments as you have detected—In the present instance you may repay the bounty money (should it come within what has been allowed) to the person who inlisted the soldier, and detain him in the Jersey troops if it can be made agreeable—I shall take such measures a⟨s⟩ may appear expedient to stop this practice.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Maxwell, 12 April 1779
From: Maxwell, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Elizth Town [N.J.] 12th April 1779

Since I had the pleasure of writing to Your Excellency yesterday I have had some intiligence cannot yet pronounce it certain Viz: that about 200 men from long Island had landed on Statten Island last friday, and that a company of Artillery men with some Field pieces was to be on the Island today.
Some day last week they had laid a plan to go up the River as far as Fort Lee or further with between one & two thousand Men and land, and push for Hackinsack to rescue two robbers that was condemned there, a good many of the boats and men had gone out of the East River into the North but a contrairey wind stop’d them; and the two Men being hanged last friday I suppose that Expedition is intirely at an end.
This accompanys a New York paper of the 10 Inst. wherein some person endeavouring to support the carracter of Lord North seems to have no relish or taste for a French War at present.
I inclose the proceedings of a General Court martial which if consistent I would not wish to approve of, however I submit it to Your Excellency. This Officer was arested by Coll Daton when he was Officer of the day, You see the charg. We had two Officers tryed last Summer or fall for the same crimes and might have had half a dozen tryed for the same crimes but we never could break one. The Judge advocate told when here that it was contrairey to the rules established at Head Quarters for an Officer to be a Member and an evidence which Capt. Vorheis was, he has told some truth in the conversation between Snowden and me but far from the whole of the truth. To this mark* in his evidence is right and then I went on thus, that I did not think him injured in his rank that it was of no use for me to call a board of Officers for him, for they wo’uld be the same that had setled it already, and agreeable to an order of Congress. He said then he would do no duty till he was redressed, I told him I thought there should be no officer here without doing duty, if he attempted it he did it at his own risk—He said he would resign if he was not redressed, I told him that if he did I dared venture to say his resignation would be accepted of, He said we took that method to drive Officers out of the service, by crouding others younger over their heads, so that they could not stay; I told him I did not know an Instance of what he mentioned, but whereever an Officer thratned With laying down his commission I would always accept of it, was his quallifycations ever so good. He said he would apply to Head Quarters or to His Excellency but never meant he should do it personaly. less he should be broke You will see his answer to the Augt was direct disobeydiance without having any referance to me. I think if he was tryed by a Court at Head Quarters there would be no opposition to breaking him, and some example must be made here or duty will be shamefully neglected.
I inclose You a letter from Major Howell with his Commission he says his sercumstances will not permit him to stay any longer in the service. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedient Humble Servant
Wm Maxwell


Title: General Orders, 13 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Tuesday April 13th 1779.
Parole Underwald—C. Signs Urgel. Uma.

Lieutenant Colonel Dabney is appointed to superintend the hospitals in Jersey.


Title: To George Washington from a Board of General Officers, 13 April 1779
From: Board of General Officers
To: Washington, George

Camp, MiddleBrook April 13th 1779.

We the board of General Officers, directed by Your Excelleny in Genl orders of the 8th of this Instt, to sit for the purpose of arranging, settling the Rank, and dating the Commissions of the Officers of the Maryland Line, Report.
That we have thoroughly investigated the claims of all the Contending officers, from Colonels to Captains inclusive; and have decided upon those contested rights from a collective view of the Circumstances; governing our sentiments and opinions by the appointments and intentions of the State, by the rights and claims of former commissions in actual service, and by the Resolutions of Congress, vesting the State with a right of appointing their own officers.
Inclos’d is the arrangement which we have unanimously agreed to; and are clear and decided in our opinion, that it is the only just, and equitable settlement of the Rank that can be made.
Your Excelleny will observe but one alteration of the Rank of any officer in this arrangement, different from that which was made by a Board of General officers at the White plains; save the changes which have happend by deaths and Resignations.
In the Line of Colonels, Richardson disputes Rank with Price. Gist being made a Brigadier Genl is out of the Question. The Board have decided in favour of Price. The state of Maryland by a Resolve of the 14th & 15th of January 1776, gave the Field Officers of Colo. Smalwood’s Battalion, the right of Commanding any Field officr of whatsoever Rank in the Flying Camp, or in the Militia belonging to the State. However heterogenious this may appear in a military view, it is evident that it was the intention of the State, that it should have that operation. And as there are no other principles, or Resolutions that can be admitted to decide upon this question but those which originated with the state, it appears clear to us, that Price has the precedence. And what serves to illustrate this matter further is, Price and Gist’s being appointed the first Colonels in the state upon the Continental establishment. There is another reason which may be added. Colo. Hall, who was superior to Colo. Richardson in the Flying Camp, concedes to Price’s and Gist’s superior Rank. Altho this cannot alter the nature of the claims, yet it serves to confirm what has before been observ’d—that all the Officers in Smalwood’s Battalion held superior Rank of any in the Flying camp.
The next disputed case is between Colos. Stone and Gunby. At the time that Colo. Smalwood was promoted, the Regiment was upon a state establishmt altho’ in Continental pay; consiquently Stone had a right to a Majority, which gave him precedence to Gunby thro’ all the succeeding promotions.
The State, altho’ they appointed them both to the Rank of Lt Colo., clearly consider’d Stone as the oldest in Ranking him first, and afterwards appointing him a full Colo. before they did Gunby.
Major Stewart claims superior Rank of all the Majors. His claim is founded upon Watkins’s resignation. But Watkins’s resignation being previous to the Resolve of the State of the 9th of Octr 1776 for incorporating the independent Companies into a Regimt, Watkins’s Lieute., of right should have succeeded him, as the Officers rose by Companies; and therefore Major Stewart’s claim is without foundation. Had Watkins’s resignation happen’d after the incorporation, Major Stewart being the oldest Lieutenant, would of right have succeeded him.
The claims of Captain Windor and others claiming upon the same principles with him, are totally inadmissable. We have given him the highest Rank in the grade in which he stands, but we conceive it out of the power of the state, after having once made the appointments, to alter the grades upon any other principles than those which the Congress have pointed out for promotions; and therefore they could not delegate such a right to Your Excellency. But supposing the State had clearly such a right, yet we think the exercise thereof would be productive of the greatest degree of confusion and discontent.
The relative rank & promotions of all Subalterns, being confin’d to the Regiments, and there being a Resolution of Congress, authorizing promotions upon the right of vacancies, we beg leave to recommend the further settlement of this business to a Committee of Field Officers in the Maryland Line. One from each Regiment, excepting that which the Rank of the Officers is to be settled in, to set upon the Committee.

Nath. Greene M.G.
Stirling, M.G.
Ar St Clair M.G.
The Baron deKalb M.G.
H. Knox B.G. Artilly
Wm Woodford B.G.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 13 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Middle Brook 13th April 1779.

I yesterday recd the inclosed from Capt. Von Heer. As I do not know how he has been supplied heretofore with the Articles he now calls for, I cannot determine upon the propriety of the present application. I can only say, if it appears that they are necessary, he ought to be furnished with them—If The Quarter Master supplied him in the first instance with Horses he can I suppose remember whether he was, as he asserts, obliged to take such as were not proper for the Dragoon service. If the purchase was left to himself and he bought up such as were not fit he ought to be answerable. At any rate, it is perhaps better that he should make a shift with those he already has, than to give the enormous price at present asked for but indifferent Horses. Should the Quarter Master have any on hand of a lighter kind than those Capt. Von Heer complains of and they can make an exchange, there can be no objection to a thing of that kind. I am &.


Title: To George Washington from Royal Flint, 13 April 1779
From: Flint, Royal
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Camp Rariton [N.J.] April 13th 1779.

However unwilling I am to trouble your Excellency with an application that is not of official importance, yet the situation of my affairs obliges me to ask a furlough for a few weeks. I am persuaded your Excellency will indulge me in this request, when you are acquainted with the occasion of it.
I take the liberty of mentioning that previous to my entering the office in which, I now act, I was employed on business for the state of Connecticut. The concerns of that employment were so extensive that I was not able to close my accounts with the state, before it became necessary to attend to the duties of my new appointment. I am now requested by their treasury board to prepare for a settlement as soon as the circumstances of my present service will make it practicable. The Comisary General has given his consent & desired me to obtain your Excellencys permission that I may now repair to Connecticut for that purpose.
To prevent every chance of injury to the army from my being away; I have engaged Mr John Chaloner one of the Purchasing Comisaries to reside here during my absence. His long experience in public business & great assiduity to whatever he undertakes will render him fully capable of performing any service my duty requires.
It cannot be precisely determined how long I shall find it necessary to be gone, but should imagine I need not be absent from camp above six weeks. Your Excellency may be assured that I will loose no time in the execution of my business & will return to this army as soon as that is compleated. I am with great respect your Excellencys most obt & hbl. Srvt
Royal Flint


Title: From George Washington to Captain Bartholomew von Heer, 13 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heer, Bartholomew von

Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 13th April 1779.

The inclosed to the Board of War is upon the subject of yours of the 8th. You will therefore wait upon them with it.
If your health will not permit you to return to Camp so soon as you expected, you have, agreeable to your request, my permission to remain ten or twelve days beyond the limitation of your furlough. I am &.


Title: To George Washington from Peter Scull, 13 April 1779
From: Scull, Peter
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War-Office [Philadelphia] 13th April 1779.

I have been favor’d with your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th Instant; and with regard to what you mention of the omissions in commissioning the Ensigns in the Virginia line, I beg leave to observe, that where such mistakes have occurred, it has been owing to the omissions having been first made in the arrangement that has been return’d to us. Wherever it was noted, that an Ensign had the rank of a Lieutenant, he was commissioned in that way; only that he was (in the regiment to which he belonged) to be considered in the former capacity and was to do duty in his own Corps as an Officer of that rank.
In a very few days the Commissions for the Rhode Island & Pennsylvania Lines shall be forwarded to Head Quarters. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most hb. Serv.
P. Scull Secretary


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt, 13 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Cortlandt, Philip Van

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Middle Brook 13 April 1779.

In October last, His Excellency Governor Clinton informed me, that a Colo. Cantine, who I believe lives somewhere in the neighbourhood of Rochester, was remarkably well acquainted with the Country between the North River and the Susquehannah, and of the most practicable Routes from the one to the other. If he is within your reach be pleased to make the following enquiries.
What is the nearest distance from the North River to Anaquaga and to Tioga upon the Susquehannah—whether there are any Roads already made, and of what kinds they are? if none—whether the face of the Country is such that Roads can easily be made?
Whether in the nearest Route from the North River to Tioga you do not go thro’ or very near Anaquaga, or if that should be somewhat out of the way how far?
Whether the face of the Country upon the shortest Route from the North River to the above places is the best adapted to make good Roads. Because a Route, tho’ some what more distant, if the Roads were better, would be preferable to the nearest thro’ difficult ways—In short, I would have you enquire what Route, taking distances—Roads—Waters and other circumstances into consideration, would be most advisable from the North River to Susquehannah, so as to strike the latter at a convenient place to reach Anaquaga and Tioga particularly the last. If you can meet with any other persons besides Colo. Cantine acquainted with the Country before mentioned you may collect their Accounts likewise, as by comparison I can form a better judgment—Be pleased to transmit me the intelligence by Express as soon as you have obtained it—I am &.


Title: General Orders, 14 April 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Middle-Brook Wednesday April 14th 1779.
Parole Venice—C. Signs Vincent— Verden.

At a Brigade General Court Martial held at Elizabeth-Town the 10th instant, Lieutenant Colonel Brearly President.
Lieutenant Snowden of the Jersey Brigade was tried for “Disobedience of orders and neglect of duty on the 4th instant.”
The Court after mature consideration are of opinion that from the General’s expressions mentioned in Captn Van Voorhees testimony Lieutenant Snowden had reason to consider himself exempted from duty ’till his claim of rank was settled and therefore do find him not guilty of the charges exhibited against him.
The General is sorry he cannot agree with the Court in opinion: General Maxwell’s reply related by Captain Voorhees is susceptible of different interpretations and it appears by Ensign Bishop’s evidence that Lieutenant Snowden did not found his refusal to do duty upon General Maxwell’s exemption, but declared that “He intended to exempt himself; Lieutent Snowden’s conceiving himself agrieved in rank was no justification for disobeying a regular order & refusing his tour of duty: He should have represented his case and applied for redress to the Commander in Chief and in the mean time continued to perform the duties of his station.
Lieutenant Snowden is released from arrest.
At a Brigade General Court Martial held at Middle Brook the 7th of January last, Lieutenant Colonel Adams President John Williams of Captain Winder’s Company, William Parson’s of Captain Ewing’s Company—John Williams of Lieutenant Piatt’s Company, of the 1st Maryland Regiment, were tried, the two first for, “Desertion with an intention of going to the enemy” and the latter for the same Crime and “Persuading others to go along with him”—found guilty of the charges exhibited against them and sentenced (two thirds of the court agreeing) to suffer Death.
The Commander in Chief confirms the sentences, but John William’s of Winder’s and William Parsons of Ewings Company being recommended by their officers as soldiers of general good character who were probably seduced into their present crime are pardoned & to be released from confinement.
At the General Court Martial of the line where of Lieutt Colonel Harmar is President—Joseph Hall, Fifer in the 7th Maryland regiment and Adam Stevens of the 3rd Virginia Regimt were tried on the 7th instant for, “Attempting to desert to the enemy from the Bonamtown guard”—found guilty of intending it and sentenced each to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back.
The General approves the sentences and orders them to be put in execution tomorrow at the heads of their respective regiments.
At the same Court Lieutenant Dougherty of the 6th Maryland Regiment was tried. 1st—”For sending Captain William Dent Beal a challenge to fight a Duel.” 2nd—”Unofficer, and ungentlemanlike conduct in associating and playing ball with Serjeants on the 6th instant.”
The Court having considered the charges against Lieutent Dougherty, the evidence and his defence are of opinion that he is guilty of them; the 1st charge being a breach of the 2nd article, 7th section, and the 2nd charge being a breach of the 21st Article 14th section of the rules and articles of War and do sentence him to be cashiered.
The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence and orders it immediately to take place.