Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 1 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 1st March 1778.

I have received your Letter of the 27th Ulto and in answer to your question respecting the right of command in Officers of equal rank in the Infantry and Cavalry, I am to inform you that there is no other preeminence in our Service than what arises from Seniority; The Officer whose Commission is of prior date commands all those of the same grade indiscriminately whether of horse or foot.
You will afford General Wayne all the assistance in your power, and the rather as the Service in which he is engaged is of great importance

—a sufficient number to furnish men for keeping a look-out, and preventing any sudden enterprise of the Enemy against his parties is all that is requisite. I am Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 1 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir,
Head Q⟨ua⟩rters, Valley Forge 1st Mar⟨ch⟩ 1778.

Yours of the 27th ulto was delivered to me by Express and that of the 28th by Colo. proctor, who saw the British Ships and Craft on their return, they had passed Marcus Hook. He says it was reported that they had burnt Salem, he does not know the truth of this, but he saw a great smoke in that quarter.
When I heard last from Genl Wayne he was at Haddenfield, and I hope will return safe with his detatchment and the Cattle he has collected.
In mine of the 25th Feby you will find directions about the officers Wives taken in the Brig Symetry. I shall be glad to know whether you have ever found the physical Manuscripts that were on board that Vessel as the Gentleman to whom they belong has wrote to me again concerning them. I am Dear Sir, &c.


Title: General Orders, 2 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge March 2nd 1778, Monday
Burke—Bristol. Bucks.

The General Court Martial whereof Coll Cortland is President is dissolved and another ordered to sit tomorrow ten ôClock A.M., at the Bake House, whereof Coll Chandler is appointed President—Each Brigade gives a Captain for the Court—A serjeant from each brigade is to sent to the Court as orderly, daily.

The Execution of Joseph Worrell is postponed to a future day.
Whenever the Brigade Quarter Masters are ordered to furnish the Quarter Master Genl’s office with any returns from their respective departments and do not immediately comply therewith they may depend upon being tried for disobedience of orders.
After orders, March 2nd Coll Bradley is appointed President of the Court Martial vice, Coll Chandler.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 2 March 1778
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Camp Valey Forge March 2 1778

Having been detained in New York on the business committed to me by your Excellency, much longer than could have been expected, think it my Duty to take the earliest opportunity of Communicating a Report of my Proceedings and the Reasons of my Conduct.
On my Arrival in Jersey I wrote to Sir Henry Clinton for permission to pass to New York, for the purpose of visiting our Prisoners &ca as per paper No. 9—and received an Answer through Mr Loring which is in No. 10—When arrived at the City, was received with great Politeness and Civility, and put under no other restraint than being informed, that they trusted to my prudence for a proper behaviour.
My business here being to inquire and find out the real State of our unfortunate Brethern, and not to negotiate any general Principles I thought it prudent in the first Place, to make it a point to know the Tempers and Characters of the particular Persons I had to do with, and then endeavour to improve it to the advantage of our miserable Prisoners—Having for several Days visited the different Places of their confinement, and made every Inquiry in my Power, I beg leave to report to your Excellency the result of the whole—That I found the Hospitals in tollerable good Order, neat and clean and the Sick much better taken care off than I expected—That the Sugar House appeared comfortable and Warm, having a Stove in each Story and Shutters to the Windows—The Prisoners also being well Cloathed and each of them having a good Blanket, may stand through the Winter very well, especially as they are not crouded, being now reduced in the whole to about 400, two hundred of whom, are in the Sugar House; the rest being in the different Hospitals—Some of the Privates appear to be a sett of sad Villains, who rob each other of their Cloaths and Blanketts, and many of them sell their own Shoes, Blanketts, and even Shirts for Rum.

That the Provissions for the Privates are Issued in the proportion mentioned in Paper No. 5.
That in the Provoost, I was greatly distressed, with the wretched Situation of so many of the human Species—That on meeting all the Prisoners of War together in a Room, in Company with Mr Loring I heard their Complaints and took Notes of the Accusations on which they were severally confined in order to found a Representation to Major Genl Robertson in their favour—They repeated to me instances of the most shocking barbarity in presence of the keeper of the Provoost, whom they charged as the Author—As the beating and knocking down Officers of Rank and distinction on the most triffling Occasion, locking them up in Dark, damp Dungeons, for asking more Water than usual in Warm Weather; or for not going to bed immediately on being ordered by the Serjeant—Officers have been locked up in the Dungeon for examination, and left there without farther inquiry, or any Charge brought against them for many months—That besides Prisoners of War, there are many inhabitants here, as Committee Men, Commissioners, Oppressors of the Friends of Government &ca &ca who are wretched beyond description—That Inhabitants and Persons in Civil Departments when taken, are sent to the Provoost without distinction, and at present there seems to be no redemption for them.
That on my stating the Case of each of these unhappy men as contained in Paper No. 2 and delivering it to General Robertson, he very humanely agreed to the discharge of all the Officers (excepting seven) on their Parole; and gave me the strongest assurances that he would not allow of Such a Power in the Serjeant of the Provoost, but would put a stop to it immediately—That the Officers on Long Island, are boarded out amongst the inhabitants, in the most convenient manner, and appear to be very comfortable and Healthy. They amount to about 250.
They have been compleatly cloathed and money advanced to them for other Necessaries, to the amount of about £30 per man.
That there have been issued to the Officers and Privates Cloathing as per Return No. 11.
That on a rough Calculation I am now in advance, and indebted upwards of £22.000—for the Cloathing Board &ca which is daily accumulating at the Rate of 500 Dollars a Week for Board only.
That to answer the pressing necessities of our Prisoners I have been obliged to stretch my Credit to the Utmost—That not being able to obtain the least Aid from the State of Jersey, have been put to the greatest difficulty to make remittances not being able to procure above 300 Barrells of Flour, for want of means of Transportation; and altho’ I have employed the best men I could meet with for the purpose, can get nothing done effectually without my personal attendance.

That finding the Officers running into unnecessary Expences for mere Ornament and finery, by which the Debt would greatly accumulate, and the difficulty of making remittances increased, I put a Stop to it by orders as pr No. 6.
That from the Enemies returns of Prisoners (which I rather think to be large) there are 50 Officers at Home on Parole—235 on long Island, 8 in New York—46 deserted their Paroles—282 Privates at Home on Parole—1821 Privates in dispute and 451 in the Sugar House and Hospitals.
That on attending the Provission Store and examining the Provission then issuing, found the meat tolerably good, the Biscuit musty and indifferent, but the same as issued to the British Soldiers. That the Provissions are divided by persons chosen by the Prisoners from among themselves, and if not embezzelled in the Carriage from the Store, must be received by them in the Proportion allowed—This might be prevented by a Subaltern Officer on his Parole, attending the issuing and Carting—That I have allowed the Privates an addition of two Pounds of Beef, and as much Bread per Week, making up in the whole, a full Ration pr Man pr Day—also as much Wood as is necessary for their Comfort, which has saved the Lives of many, this Winter, who otherwise must have perished.
That altho’ the above appears now to be the State of the Prisoners in New York, from my personal Observation while visiting the several Departments; yet I think it my Duty nevertheless to add to this Report, which I received from the unanimous representation of both Officers and Privates—Vizt That this Alteration has taken place within a short time past, in a great measure by the Industry and attention of Mr Pintard our Agent in New York, who has employed special Nurses in the Hospitals, added to the supplies for the Sick, and done every thing in his Power for the relief of the unhappy Sufferers (Vid. Dr Mallets Letters on the Subject of Nurses No. 8) But Mr Pintard being forbid going to the Provoost, his Care cannot extend to those confined there, except as to sending them Provissions, and fire Wood.
That on applying to General Robertson, for carrying into Execution the Agreement relative to the Exchange of Prisoners on Parole, as far as the officers sent into New York would apply; and particularly for liberating Major Genl Lee, in Exchange for Major General Prescott who had arrived in New York several Weeks past; received for Answer, that General Robertson knew of no such Agreement having never received any Information or instructions from Sir William Howe on that subject.
That having repeated my Applications for the relief of the seven remaining Officers in the Provoost, I could not succeed, and as the objections

agt the liberation of Smock Whitlocke and Skinner are rather triffling and they being exactly in the same predicament, with the Officers lately taken on Staten Island, it is but Justice due to these unhappy Men, immediately to confine those officers Prisoners with us, on the same Principles—That the officers on Long Island conceive it would be greatly to the public Advantage to perfect a general Exchange, even at a considerable Loss, as the great Number of our brave country men who daily fall a sacrifice to the severity of their Captivity, calls loudly for speedy relief. The Principal Officers also assure me, that the Privates in dispute were sent out by General Howe, in consequence of their earnest Application.
That having had several Conversations with General Robertson on the Subject of the Prisoners, he urged the Settlement of the past Board, due from our Officers, as it has not been paid by Genl Howe—He admits the Propriety of the mutual Accounts being speedily liquidated and the Ballance paid, as by that means the inhabitants will be induced to treat them with greater kindness—That on Letters arriving from Genl Howe, relative to the orders issued by us, for preventing their purchasing Provissions with us West of New Jersey, General Robertson thought that Genl Howe must have misunderstood the matter; and therefore desired me to state the Facts, which I did a Copy whereof is in Paper No. 4—General Robertson approved of a fair Barter of Cloathing for Provissions so that it was not abused to the fitting out our men for a Campaign and proposed (to obviate the difficulty) the leaving the Blankets of every exchanged Soldier, with our Agent for the use of the Prisoners remaining behind—That with these Letters from Genl Howe order⟨s⟩ also came for sending Genl Lee by the first man of War to Philadelphi⟨a⟩ to give his Parole to Genl Howe in Person—I objected to the impropriety of a Winter Passage, when a Journey by Land was so much shorter and easier, but as this could not be done without farther Orders, General Robertson wrote to Genl Howe on the occasion and General Lee being anxious and uneasy, begs your Excellencys interference as speedily as possible.
That after finishing the Business of the Military Prisoners, I waited on Commodore Hotham, and informed him that Mr Pintard having obtained Provissions and Cloathing for the Sea Prisoners had been refused the liberty of sending them on board of the Prison Ship notwithstanding the pressing necessities of those suffering People. He informed me that he could not know Mr Pintard, or any other Person but his own Commissary, and that he would not suffer any Cloaths purchased in New-York to go on board without Lord Howes express orders, but that any Provissions sent to the Commissary appointed by him, should be distributed I applied then for the enlargement of the

Sea Officers on Parole, but he answered that this could not be done, as no Sea Prisoners were ever admitted to that Indulgence.
Having obtained permission I visited Captain Manley on board the Preston, who appears dejected with his long and close Confinement That on earnestly soliciting his Exchange for Captain Furneaux of the Syren, was informed that it could not be done without orders from Lord Howe.
That there are 58 Officers and 62 Sea Men on board the Prison Ships, who suffer greatly and die daily vid. Letter No. 7—That on my Arrival at New York I was distressed to find, that the most unfair and ungenerous partial Exchanges had been and was then carrying on from the State of Connecticut. Mr Joseph Webb was then there the second time by Virtue of a Flag of Truce from Govr Trumbull Copy whereof is No. 1.
That on finding a Number of Officers and privates exchanged by Mr Webb, contrary to their due order, I put a Stop to it and directed the oldest in Captivity to take their place. That the difficulties arising from this Practise, not only as to the Confusion it causes in my department, but also in the Jealousies and uneasiness raised among the other Officers, call for immediate relief.
That it has been proposed for the purpose of healing all past breaches, and putting the affairs of Prisoners on a proper footing, by expediting a general Exchange, that Persons appointed by your Excellency and General Howe shall meet together near Philadelphia and make a final Settlement of all disputes relative to Prisoners and negotiate a Cartel in future.
I cannot close this Report, without taking Notice of the Candour and Politeness with which I have been treated by Genl Robertson, Mr Loring and the Gentlemen with whom I had public Business in New York.
Permit me also to assure your Excellency, that notwithstanding I have unexpectedly taken up so much time in this Business yet that I have not wasted a moment that could be avoided: the many delays necessarily attendant on Services of this kind especially with Gentlemen who have so many other Avocations, would have given me more uneasiness, had I not known that no Employment could have given you more satisfaction than relieving the distresses of our miserable Captives—How far I have succeeded, the list of Prisoners entirely relieved (No. 3) and the Prisoners themselves will best determine.
In order farther to satisfy you on this Head, as well as to possess you with every Transaction on this occasion—I enclose a Journal of them kept to assist my own memory while in the City.
If I have been so happy as to merit your Excellencys approbation, shall think my Attention, Labour and fatigue amply repaid. I have the

honor to be with great respect & Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obed. humble ser.

E. B.

P.S. I had almost forgot to mention that having received the fullest assurances from our Officers, that a poor Woman had saved the Lives of a number of our Prisoners by exerting herself in serving them far beyond her Abilities, and that she was now in a suffering Condition for want of Provission, I thought it prudent to send her a Present of 5 Barrels of Flour.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 2 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 2 Mar. 1778. On 9 Mar., GW wrote to Gates, “I have been this day favd with yours of the 27th February and of the 2d 3d and 4th instants.”


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 2–5 March 1778
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My dear friend,
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] March 2[–5]. 1778

I wrote you by the Baron De Steuben, & by an express that went from Genl Heath. In the last I mentioned Mr Hancock. Do not find out in any way whatsoever, that he hath concerned himself at all about the late subject of conversation: & expect from circumstances that the scheme of changing is dropt, from observing that the voice of the public is against it. There were a few hints also upon the head of treachery in a certain department. And if you have never recd any prior intimation, you will be thankful to me for taking the liberty of saying, that tho’ no one does or can suspect you, yet it is thought that you have some treacherous person about you, that betrays you & our affairs to the enemy. It is more than a twelve month back since I heard it from a gentleman very conversant with the army, tho’ not belonging to it, a native of Pensylvania⟨.⟩ I could not bring my heart to write to you, upon the subject, it being a matter of so delicate a nature. But having heard the like lately from one of considerable note & well known to your Excellency, I cannot in faithfulness be longer silent. Jealousy has fixed upon the late Col. now Genl Joseph Reed Esqr. Should he be that thorough paced lawyer, you may possibly, my dear Sir, by laying circumstances together—his endeavours to acquaint himself with your sentiments, designs & other secrets—with many other particulars that may occur—be able to satisfy yourself, s⟨o⟩ as to gain an opportunity of detecting

him. I remember that when he returnd to Philadelphia after his first coming with your Excellency t⟨o⟩ Cambridge, he wrote you a long letter of a very discouraging cast, which was judged by some of your friends to be the effects of great imprudence. I know that, before the commencement of hostilities, he was a writer in the Philadelphia papers, but concealed it from all his connexions in that ⟨qua⟩rter, which makes me conjecture that he was none of the heartiest on the side of liberty. But what I lay the most stress upon is, conversation that passed between him & an officer of rank when you was in the neighbourhood of Haerlem. They were riding in company; & the officer talked with him freely upon his conduct in exclaiming so against & reproaching the New England troops & told him that he took the readiest method to break the army into pieces. He answered, the sooner it was disbanded the better. What did he think that we should stand it against G. Britain! We could not do it. They would be too much for us. Many things to this purpose he said in his conversation to the officer, who from the strong complexion of his discourse, from that time put him down in his own thoughts as being no very true friend to the cause. Should you think proper to ask him whethe⟨r⟩ he ever said any thing of this kind in the neighbourhood of the heights of Haerlem, I have the officer’s consent to give you his name, who is a gentleman of veracity & courage, & not to be intimidated. Should Genl Reed have left the army to sit in Congress, I shall be fearful whether his real or pretended prejudices against the New Englanders will not operate there to the producing more hurtful divisions than what were occasioned by them in the army. He either means ill or knows to little of human nature, that he is not well qualified for conducting to public advantage, in a body composed of persons drawn from the several united States, having their peculiar manners & different modes & sentiments, owing to education & the circumstances of the people where they lived. Thought it was acknowledged that you discouraged the reflections cast upon the New Englanders, yet such was the manner in which they were abused by Colo. Reed when Adjutant General, that the disaffection between the southern & northern troops in consequence of it, got to that height, that those of Pensylvania & New England would as soon have fought each other as the enemy. The Field Officer from whom I had my information had never been ill-treated by him, but declared that had he been used by him as others, he would have been the death of him. I would humbly recommend it to your Excellency’s consideration, how far Genl Reed, when his conduct has been so partial & prejudicial, & he appears to be more formed for dividing than uniting, is worthy of your confidence, whatever assurances you may have of his integrity.
Mar. 3. When at Boston yesterday was informed that a couple of men

from the neighbourhood of Dartmouth went upon Rhode Island got the counte⟨r⟩sign, mixed with the people unsuspected, learnt that Ld Howe had sent home all the women & children with the invalids, & that the troops were to b⟨e⟩ ready to embark by the 20th inst., to go & join Genl Howe at Philadelphia. Mentioned it to Mr. Mersereau & desired, that as an express was sent off from Genl Heath’s to day for your Excellency, he would take care th⟨at⟩ you was inform’d of it. This proposed movement looks as tho’ ⟨it was⟩ the intention of the enemy to collect their whole force together, bef⟨ore new recr⟩uits can reach you. Am much afraid, that this State will fail y⟨ou⟩ both in time & numbers. Unless our public affairs are conducted with ⟨mutilated⟩ disinterestedness, I cannot conceive how we shall be able to make a stand much longer against the enemy, if no change in En⟨gland’s po⟩licy prevents their bending their whole force against us: I sent you a long letter the last thursday in answer to your favour of Jany 23d. And from that greatness of mind which shewed itself in yours, was induced to communicate certain paragraphs out of letters I had seen, which otherwise the tenderness of friendship would have prevented. I observed to you that they were not wrote by any military man, & should have added nor by any one of the Congress.
Mar. 5. The present morning reminds me of the glorious manoeuvre of your Excellency’s, this time two years, which will be handed down to posterity from age to age. I must congratulate you afresh on the honours of that day. Wish you had equal advantages to what you then enjoyed for driving the enemy from Philadelphia. But it is Omnipotence only that can work without means. I hope to see Col. Marshall in town to day. Mrs. Gordon is so disinclined to parting, that I believe she must remain upon the Continent & take her chance. The Americans act too much by fits & starts; I hope before matters are become irremediable they will give into some spirited exertions that with the blessing of God will prove our deliverance. Col. Quincy charged me to present his respectful compliments to you. Mrs Gordon joins me in the like to self & Lady. I trust that I shall ever be mindful of you, & pray that besides seeing the salvation of the country, you may see the salv. of the Lord to your own eternal happiness. I am with sincerest esteem & affectionate regards your real friend & most humble servant

William Gordon

Respects to Mess[r]s Harrison & Gibbs


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 2 March 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton 2d March 1778

I have your Excellency’s favour of the 22d instant and am very happy to find that the State of New Jersey possesses so great a share of your Esteem, which I hope it will never forfeit by any remissness in such Exertions as it is capable of making. I am convinc’d the State is not behind hand with you in mutual regard; and as for the personal friendship of your humble Servant, if it is worth having at all, you have it upon the solid principles of a full Conviction of your disinterested Patriotism; and will continue to have it, while that Conviction continues to exist, all the Devils in hell, and all the envious intrigues upon Earth, notwithstanding.
With respect to a Company of our light horse, either your Excellency has mistook me; or I have had the misfortune to misapprehend you—In your Letter of the 4th instant, you say, that Brigadier General Count Pulaski informs you that “there are three Troops of Jersey horse

who would enter into the Continental Service if they could obtain my consent,” and you conclude your Letter by saying that if it is agreable to me, that the horse above mentioned should be taken into the Service, I would be pleased to signify it to you by a line—In answer to this part of your Excellencys Letter, I acquainted you in mine of the 16th that I thought we could not spare more than one Troop. This one I meant to spare upon the terms your Excellency proposes with respect to the three you requested, I mean that of my giving my consent to their inlisting in the continental Service, supposing that measures would upon that, be directed by your Excellency to inlist the amount of a Company out of our several Troops, or one particular Company, if a whole company should be willing to enter, which by the way is not very probable. Your Excellency in your favour of the 22d desires me to send immediately to the Camp the Troop of horse I can spare. It is not in my power Sir, to order any of them in the continental Service. To save however the time it would take to inlist them in the manner that I apprehended they were expected to be, I have requested Capt. Arnold of the Morris County horse (whom I take to be the best officer in our Cavalry) to engage as many volunteers as he can out of his own company, and to make out the full complement out of any of the others, who are willing to engage.
I have spent three days at Princeton in pursuance of a Resolution of Congress of the 9th instant, to examine into the Quarter Master’s & commissary’s department, & find that by removing the supernumeraries, & regulating a few abuses, the £64.10.3 which that Department now costs the continent per diem to supply about 200 sick with wood & Provisions, may be reduced to £21.15.2. I shall give Congress the clearest proofs, of the most unparrallelld mismanagement. At this place I expect to find matters full as bad.
I am at a loss how to dispose of the Deserters who are frequently sent to me by our Militia. If there be any resolutions of Congress to that purpose, I am not possessed of them. To confine them as Prisoners appears rather too rigorous. To give them an unrestrain’d Liberty of dispersing thro’ the country at pleasure, would naturally put the Enemy upon sending spies under the guise of Deserters. Your Excellencys Sentiments upon the Subject will oblige Your most humble Sert

Wil: Livingston

P.S. If your Excellency can point out a better mode of procuring a troop of our horse than the one I have directed Capt. Arnold to pursue (a copy of my letter to whom I inclose you for that purpose) I shall chearfully adopt it. The Enemy make some appearance in the Delaware about 10 mile above Philadelphia—The Galley men refused to

go down for want of pay & provisions. Collo. Borden our Loan officer, who was here this morning has advanced Collo. Bradford cash; & I have engaged to press waggons to bring down their Provisions from the Country to replace what Mr Borden will lend them at Borden Town.


Title: From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Navy Board, 2 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Navy Board

Gentlemen,
Headquarters Valley Forge March 2d 1778

As the Gallies can now be of no service in the River, and the enemy have it in their power to get them into their possession, with all their cannon and stores, I beg leave strongly to recommend it to the Board, without delay, to evacuate them of their cannon and stores; and—removing these to a place of security, in some interior part of the country—to carry the Gallies up into some of the creeks, and have them sunk. If there should be any other vessels belonging to the state in the river, I would mean to comprehend them; and if there should be any stores at Bo⟨rden⟩ town, or other places on the river—these also ought to be removed to a place of safety. We can reap no advantage from keeping the Gallies, cannon and stores in such an exposed situation; and if they should fall into the hands of the enemy, which they would in all probability do; the gallies would be useful to them, and the cannon and stores would be no inconsiderable loss to us. I am Gentlemen Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 2 March 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excy
Camp Valley Forge 2d March 1778

I Remember to have Troubled yr Excy Last Summer with Solicitations in favor of Capt. Sullivan begging your Excys influence in his behalf with Congress—at white Marsh I was informed by General Knox & by the Commissary of prisoners that Capt. Bliss was paid off that if my Brother would Come to Camp there would be no Difficulty in his receiving his money—I wrote him & he has at a most amazing Expence Come to Camp, & finds himself Disappointed I know Capt. Bliss is in the Line of the Army & I as well know General Knox informed me that he Entered him at whitemarsh as a Captain in the Artillery The preference given to Capt. Bliss gives me much pain—if it was to be given to him who Deserved it most by his Conduct in the field Colo. Sherburne would readily inform yr Excy to which of them it was Due—I have petitioned Congress Several times in behalf of my Brother & I can See no Reason why he Should be more unfortunate than others but because I Commenced advocate for him, Congress are most industriously Striving to Disgust & Even to Ruin those who have done most for them. I beg to know from yr Excy if any thing can possibly be Done for him, that I may Direct him how to proceed. I have the Honor to be with much Respect Your Excellenceys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan

P.S. whatever may be the fate of my Brother I am bound to Acknowledge your Excellys goodness in doing all that Lay in your power to Serve him—The Distinction made between him & Capt. Bliss owing to General Knoxs friendship for Bliss is rather unfortunate as my Brother So Sensibly Feels it.
I think the Conduct of Congress with Respect to those Hostages would Disgrace a Senate of Barbarians—I am Determined to Lay a State of the Case with my own Comments before the world They in the first place Disapproved the Treaty because Genl Arnold (as they said) had no Right to make it: yet they not only Continue him in Command but have promoted him most other States hav⟨e had⟩ modesty Enough to Cover their Breach of faith ⟨by⟩ ⟨B⟩reaking the Commanding officer—by ⟨the⟩ Resolves of Congress the Case stands thus The Hostages are never to be Redeemed They are never to be promoted or Considered in the Line of the Army & unless the Savages of America or of Britain will Send for them and put them once more in Torment they are to Draw neither pay or Rations—but Should they again be Thrown into Those Dungeons they once experienced they will as a recompense allow them Common wages provided the Savages Continue their Cruelty.

I feel too warm to Say more upon the Subject—This will be Accompanied by another Letter the principal prayer of which I hope may be granted for more Reasons than I have there Set Down indeed I have many weighty Reasons for wishing to Quit the Service. I am Yr Excys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 2 March 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Camp Valley Forge March 2d 1778

Nothing can be more painful to me than the Repetition of a request which is known to be Disagreable to a Commander to whom America in General & myself in particular Stand So much indebted—after So

polite a Refusal as I have once had I Should have Remained forever Silent upon the Subject: did not pure necessity which knows no Law Compell me to repeat my request—I Sincerely Lament my being Compelld ⟨to d⟩iscover my Situation & my feelings & hope that ⟨my⟩ Long Silence upon the Subject will be Look⟨ed upon⟩ by your Excellency Rather as Evidence of pati⟨en⟩ce ⟨than⟩ as a mark of my having the gift of Complaining without Cause—I Shall Repeat Facts. when Britain First begun to Send Troops to Boston I began at great Expence to Maneuvre Troops as well in the Eastern part of Massa. as in our own State This not only occasioned a Loss of Time but The Loss of money was Enevitable I then Served the publick part of Two years in Congress: between the Sessions of Congress I undertook to Dismantle the Fort at Pescataway The Continent have Received & used the Cannons Small Arms Powder &ca which were at my Expence Removed into the Country at the Distance of a number of miles for which I have never had the Least Reward or have I the Least probability of it—Since I have been in the Service I have been rather unfortunate. I have been Robbd at Long Island Newyork New Rochell & at Peaks Kill. The Last of those Losses I never Suspected till I was on my Return from New England & had arrived within a mile of the place—I Lost at those Several times Ten Suits of Cloathes Compleat A Large Quantity of Linnen all my Camp Equipage a valuable Military Library &ca &ca I have notwithstanding weathered out the Campaign but have neither Cloathes or Equipage to begin another or money to purchase. I have Lost three horses in the Service which I am not able to Replace & though one of them was killd in Action & the others in Different Service Congress will make me no Recompence. under those Circumstances I have but two ways Left one is to Quit the Service Entirely & the other to Quit it for a Season to prepare myself for greater Fatigues & Losses—I need not mention to your Excy how inadequate The Eight pences allowed by Congress is to the Support of an officer my first Letter has hinted it I am Sure your Excy can See the Justice of the hints. I have mentioned two ways of Relief for myself—my first Letter has Shown the necessity as well as a Letter I wrote to Colo. Harrison from Princeton in June Last—could I be permitted to have my Choice it would be the former as I have Suffered too much & Received too Little for the Fatigue I have Endured if This Licence can be procured without Trouble to your Excellency & without my Incurring yr Excys Censure it will much oblidge Dr General him that is with Every Sentiment of Gratitude & Respect yr Excys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 2 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 2d March 1778

Yours of the 26th from Mount Holly came to hand last evening. I am pleased to hear that you had so good intelligence of the designs and motions of the Enemy that you were enabled to withdraw your detatchment from Haddonfeild before they invested it.
Considering the disproportion of your strength to that of the Enemy all that can be expected of you is to wait upon and circumscribe them as much as possible. You will not fail to make use of your utmost exertions to destroy all the Forage within their reach, because I imagine they are more in want of that than any thing else.
I have wrote to Genl Pulaski to give you all the Assistance that you can with the small Body of Cavalry that he has at Trenton.
I can give you no other directions than to throw as many obstacles as you can in the way of the Enemy to prevent them from executing their plan to any great extent, and I know of no way more effectual than driving off all the Cattle and Horses that you possibly can and destroying the Forage that you think they would carry off. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 3 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Tuesday March 3rd 1778.
Cromwell—Carthage. Chatham.

A Guard house at Sullivan’s Bridge over Schuylkill is to be immediately built on this side; The officer of the guard is to suffer no non commission’d officer or soldier to pass over from Camp without leave in writing from the Commanding officer of his Regiment.
The Quarter Master General is to delay no time in causing this guard house to be built.
The General is informed that notwithstanding the repeated orders which have been issued to prevent soldiers from straggling that the Country round Camp and to a considerable distance is full of them; He once more calls upon the Commanding officers of Regiments and Companies to attend to this matter, as well to prevent the Mischiefs resulting from this pernicious Practice to the Inhabitants, as to be prepared at all times against any sudden attempt of the enemy; He has no doubt but that every Brigadier and Officer commanding a Brigade has taken proper Pains to shew every Regiment it’s Alarm Post to which they are to repair upon any Alarm at the firing the usual signal Guns.
All the Major Generals and Brigadiers are to meet at Lord Stirlings Quarters at ten ôClock tomorrow in the forenoon when they will take into Consideration a Claim of Rank by Generals Muhlenberg, Weedon, Woodford and Scott according to a Case stated and such papers as are referr’d to in it, which will be transmitted and report their opinion as to the Precedence they shall hold with respect to each other.
At a Brigade Court Martial whereof Coll Burr was President (Feby 27th 1778,) Ensign Maxwell of Coll Malcom’s Regiment tried for propagating a scandalous report prejudicial to the character of Lieutt Enslin—The Court after maturely deliberating upon the Evidence produced could not find that Ensign Maxwell had published any report prejudicial to the Character of Lieutt Enslin further than the strict line of his duty required and do therefore acquit him of the Charge.
At a Brigade Court Martial whereof Coll Strobogh was President

(Feby 27th) Captn Hercules Courtney of Coll Proctor’s Regiment of Artillery tried for neglect of duty in leaving Camp when officer of the day; also for disobedience of orders in lodging out of Camp without permission, who plead guilty to the above crimes—The Court after duly considering the Prisoners crimes find him guilty of a breach of Article 2nd Section 13th & Article 4th Section 13th of the Articles of War and do sentence him to be dismissed the service.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the aforegoing sentences and orders Ensign Maxwell to be discharged from his Arrest & Captain Courtney to be immediately dismissed the service.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 3 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 3 Mar. 1778. On 9 Mar., GW wrote to Gates, “I have been this day favd with yours of the 27th February and of the 2d 3d and 4th instants.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 3 March 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp Crooket Billet [Pa.] March 3d 1778

I reced your Excellencys favour of the 2d Instant at Seven oClock this evening. it is true I refused the Drover a Guard for the Cattle and the reasons were on Account of the Smallness of my Numbers.

four Hundred troops Newly Arived from Cumberland and York Countys but only One Hundred of them at that time had reced any Arms, and near half of them was without Flints. About fifty of Chester County Militia made up my whole force, and the times of those fifty Expired the evening the Application was made and next Morning their Arms were Delivered up. I advised the Drover to take a Course further Back in the Country, where I concluded they might Pass without Danger. In this Condition I was not Abel to furnish the Guards and Patroles Sufficient for the safety of my Camp Nevertheless had I Suspected the Least of Danger from so great a Distan[ce] from the Enemy I should have sent what Men I had Equipt with them.
When the former Classes was Discharged the Arms were Sent to Allentown and Col. Antises, to be Repaired, those Men Newly Arived Came without Arms, and it was for some time before we could by any Means get them Back, for the want of Waggons.
I have near fourty Men in Camp un Armed at this time, the teams has been gone Six Days and have not yet returnd with them, the Flints did not Arive till Last night.
Proof is very hard to find against those taken on the Roads going to Market, Sufficient for Conviction Unless what Marketing they have in their Custody will be Sufficient.
Israel Roberts One of the Prisoners is Charged of Pasing Counterfit Mony and Carrying on a trade with the Enemy, as Soon as I can Collect the Evidences I will Send him Over for tryal.
The Enclosed is a Report of the Strength of the Brigade two parties of Better then One Hundred is at Present on Command escorting Cattle to Head Quarters.
I have Ordered One hundred and fifty to Bartholomew Agreeable to Order.
I have moved my Camp to this place, but will be so Weakened by those Detachments that I Shall be Obliget to Return Back to the Cross Roads. My Scouting Parties go Down as far as Shoemakers On the York Road, and to White Marsh on the Germantown Road, and to Bustle town on the frankford Road. I Remain Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

John Lacey jur


Title: To George Washington from Colonel George Nagel, 3 March 1778
From: Nagel, George
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Chesnut Hill [Pa.] March 3d 1778

I am just Returned With the Party under My Command. from the Rising sun. I had Great Expectations of drawing out a Party of thier Horse, to Where I had my troops Posted, but it Was Not in my Power, the[y] Did Not Venture from their Picquet of 200 Men and two field Pices. Which Was Posted at three Mile Run.
I was fortunate Enough to fall in With two Deserters from Colnl Cranes Train of Artilerey and a fiew Market People Close by their Picquet.
The Communication on the Germantown and Ridge Roads I have Intirely Cut of[f]—and shall Make an Execution on the York and frankfort Roads to Night. When I Expect to Intercept a fiew Butchers that I am told is to Drive in Cattle this Evening or to Morrow Morning.
I have Got Information of 26 Hogsheads of Vinigar in Germantown. If you Would Please to order me a fiew Waggons shall have it in My Power to Convey it of[f] s⟨mutilated⟩. Since that; Reinforcement of the Enemy ⟨has⟩ Went into the Jersey the ⟨mutilated⟩ Not Left their Lines—I am ⟨Your⟩ Excelencys Most obedt Sevt

Geo: Nagel Colo.

since I wrote the Within, I have Received information that the⟨re⟩ are but Verey few Troops Now in the City. so Verey few that the officers are Oblidged to Patrole the Lines, and that they Suffer No Person to Leave

the City this three Days—Every Information that I Can Receive says the Greatest Part of the troops are in the Jerseys, that they have Lef scarcely as Many troops in the City as are suficient to Guard the Lines.
I have Been on the Lines Every Nigh since I have Been in this side. But the Bad Weather Was Much against me. I am as Before yours

G. Nagel


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 3 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 3d March 1778.

This will be delivered to you by Monsieur de Pontieres, to whom Congress has been pleased to grant the brevet of Captain in the Cavalry; this you will observe gives no title to rank or promotion in the line—you are therefore to consider him merely as an Officer à la suite, and to employ him in such way as will be most likely to conduce to the good of the Service. I am Sir Your humble Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 3 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 3d March 1778.

I have received your favor of the 28th Ulto informing me that you were proceeding with a part of Blands Regiment to join General Wayne; you will have received my instructions relative to the Service which you are to render.
Your intention to resign is founded on reasons which I presume make you think the measure necessary—I can only say therefore that it will always give me pleasure to bear testimony of the Zeal and Bravery which you have displayed on every occasion.
Proper measures are taking for completing the Cavalry and I have no doubt of its being on a respectable footing by the opening of the Campaign. I am Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 3 March 1778
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

Mon General.
3 Mars 1778. aux Environs de Hadenfield [N.J.]

Nous avons Livré Le Combat aux Anglais mais L’infenterie a arrivé un peu tard et en petit Nombre, de La façon que Les anglais on Hardis ont marché sur avec 3 Pieces des Canons et 600 Infenterie que jais vu moi meme notre infanterie et La Cavalerie du comencement attaquent apré se defendoit de pie ferme ⟨mait?⟩ cedant toujours Le terrain revenoit a la charge on ma blaisse de Dragons 4 Chevaux tué 3 estropié totalement et 3 autres legeremens blaissé J’ais perdû aussi dans cette affaire mon cheval qui m’a couté biein chere et etoit exçelent il a perdû d’un cou d’feu a sa jambe Vous me permetrais mon General de choisir en entendant un autre cheval parmis les Dragons avant que je trouvs un á ma pensée Jais L honeur de dire a V. E. que Les dragons fasoient des merveils ils son bons Soldats mais menquent de tous ils perdront L’envi de bieins Servire. a La poursuite de L’enemis J’ais pris 7 Prisoniers parmis Le quels il se trouvs un Capitain d’un Vaisso qui etant Curieux de reconoitre de pre nos maneuvres a tombé dans Les files tous Les autrs sont de Ma⟨telots⟩ qui Coupoient Le bois et etoient coupe par notre Cavalerie avent cet attaque jais Les allarmé La Nui de La façon quis se sont retire precipitement en meme tems de Hatienfield et ma patouile ⟨illegible⟩ a fait an leurs poursuite un Prisonier qui a avoue quils etoient 1200. avec 4 pieces des Canons Voila La detaile Çe quil regards le General Weyne je Luis ais fait entendre qu’il a abusé de Son encienete et qu’il saye que ses ordres ne me regardent pas vu de L’Ordre particulié que j’avois dé V. Ex. et de plus que je doit etre excipe de touts [autres] ordres com le Comendent de La Cavalerie et qui n a pas entré autrement dans Les Services que de n’etre Soumis qu au Chef de L’Armé mais que mon Sele pour les Services surpasse cette poi[n]t d’Honeur et qu apres une Conoissa⟨nce⟩ je ferais tous çe qu’il trouvera aventageux d operer j’ai agis de meme et je ne peu pas me plaindre en autre chose du General au Contrere apre sa facon d’agire etoit trop honette que je ne Luis rends La justice. je repets A V. E. que Les chevaux sont trop necessairs cette partie quelle

etoit avec moi ne peu plus a Couse de Movaise chemin aussi si je trouverais che queque Quaquer un bon chevale je l’emporterais Le General Weyne a an 20. Ile n’e me les don pas attenda⟨nt les⟩ Ordres Jais L’honeur d’etre de Votre Excelence Le tres humbl et tres obeissent Serviteur

C. Pulaski Gnl of Cav⟨alrie⟩

à La poursuite dé L’enemi jais repri que que betaile et jais La brule une Parti de Son Foine.


Title: General Orders, 4 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Wednesday March 4th 1778.
Durkee—Dunkirk. Dresden.

As the Field Officers of the day are often so busily employed in visiting the Guards, the day they are on duty as not to be able to wait upon the General. He desires the pleasure of their Company to dine with him the day after when relieved.
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Cortlandt was President (Feby 26th 1778.) Captn Cox of 10th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for absenting himself from his duty and the Regiment upwards of three months without leave; Upon mature deliberation the Court are of opinion that Captn Cox has been neglectful of his duty, being a breach of Article 5th Section 18th of the Articles of War and do sentence him to be reprimanded by the Brigadier General or Officer Commanding the Brigade to which he belongs in the Presence of the Officers of the Brigade.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place tomorrow morning at roll-calling.


Title: Instructions to Colonel George Baylor, 4 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Baylor, George

⟨Sir,
[Valley Forge, 4 March 1778]

It being adjudged advisable to augment the Cavalry in Continental Service by an addition of One Lieutt One Sergeant one Corporal and twenty two privates to each Troop, and that the States of Virginia and North Carolina should furnish Six hundred Horses for this purpose.

You will receive from the Comee of Congress (sitting at Moor-hall) direction respecting the means to obtain these; with which you will repair to Virginia, and as soon as possible consult Colonel Bland who is requested by Letter to aid you in this business & to whom you are to participate the means and furnish a Copy of these Instructions, on the most effectual mode of accomplishing this purchase with œconomy and dispatch.
In purchasing these Horses you are not restricted to price on the one hand; nor by any means to launch into acts of extravagence on the other—good Horses are wanting, & for such the customary prices must be given—take none less than a quarter blooded, nor under fourteen and a half hands high sound and clean made—they are not to exceed twelve years old, nor be under five, this Spring—Any kind of bays would be preferred; but, as the time is short in which they must be procured, & the service without them will suffer, you must not stand upon colour. Pacing Horses, Stone horses, & Mares must be avoided.
Colo. Bland and yourself will fix upon proper places of rendezvous for the Horses when purchased, where provision is to be laid in for their support, and where every proper means is to be used for the exercise & training of them—you will so concert matters as not to interfere with each other, thereby enhancing the prices of Horses & rendering the purchase more difficult & expensive.
You will, each of you, use your best endeavours to obtain Saddles & other accoutrements for the number of Horse aforementioned—and procure also as many Swords and pistols as you can. To enable Colonel Bland to perform his part of this business you are as before directed to furnish him with the money & certificates. To add any thing with a view of impressing you with an idea of the great importance of this business, & the⟩ dispatch necessary in the execution, is, I am persuaded, totally useless—your own observation and judgement will point this out in the fullest and clearest manner—but I am to desire that both you and Col. Bland will give me early and regular information of your proceedings and prospects. Given under my hand at Head Quarters, Valley forge this 4th day of March 1778.

Go: Washington

P.S. As you will probably receive partly Cash and partly Loan-Office-Notes for the purchase of horses abovementioned, you are to take particular instructions from the Treasury board respecting the negociation of those Notes.


Title: To George Washington from William Buchanan, 4 March 1778
From: Buchanan, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
York Town [Pa.] 4th March 1778

On the 14th Ulto I had the Honour of recieving your Excellency’s Letter, in Baltimore. Both my duty and Inclination prompted me to answer it much sooner, but a severe Fit of Sickness, out of which I am even yet but very imperfectly recovered, has ⟨here⟩to prevented me—Words can not pain the Distress I feel in being at the Head of a Department, the Deficiencies in which, have occasioned your Excellency so much Uneasiness, and been so detrimental to the Service. To add to my Unhappiness, all the Exertions in my Power to use, have not enabled me to give a more exact or pleasing Account of our future Prospects in the victualling Department, than is contained in the inclosed—It was drawn up in Obedience to an order of the Board of War, requiring me to give an Account of the present State of the several Departments in the purchasing Business, and the Reasons of the Want of Vigour and Misfortunes in each, and is the best, indeed, the only Answer in my Power to give to your Enquiries respecting our Expectations in the Spring—I take Pride in copying from your Excellcy and suspending Imputations—The Enquiry into the Deficiencies of the Purchasing Department, now on Foot at my Request, will, I flatter my⟨self⟩ fix them properly, and remove many which have been thrown out on this Subject, with as little Candour as Judgment. I have the Honr to be—yr Excellencys mo. Obdt & very hble servt

Wm Buchanan C: G. of P.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 4 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 4 Mar. 1778. On 9 Mar., GW wrote to Gates: “I have been this day favd with yours of the 27th February and of the 2d 3d and 4th instants.”


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 4 March 1778
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon March 4th—1778

Your Horse and Letter by Fitzgerald was deliverd me on Saturday last—the Horse is rather poor, I think he is rather likely than otherways—he is much swoln about the Ancles otherways appears to be well—I shall endeavour to Fatten him—make him look as well as Possible and then let it be known that I have a Horse for the purpose of Coverg. I shall ask 15 or 20 Dollars for the season the latter if he improves much, the former if he does not.
At length I have prevaild on Mr Wm Triplett to Sign a Bond for the Conveyance of the Land below the Mill Race including the Race—but I was oblige to give him more than the Value of his Land—He is to be

alow’d to take off the Timber provided he does it betwen this and the year 1782, to have an Equal Quantity of your Land and 20/ pr Acre extraordinary, you to be at the expence, makeg and recordg Deeds, and measureg the Land in short he is to be at no expince, these are the best terms I coud get, I think he has exacted too much but am glad it is done with.
I have Re[ceive]d of Mr Robt Adam £1254.19.—which appears to be the amt of his Mortgage and all other Ac[coun]ts—3 years and two months Interest upon the Mortgage the Ballance upon setling the open Ac[coun]t was due from him, beside the above Adams has paid in your absence to Mrs Washington £98. or there abouts, and to me £150—I believe the Ac[coun]t is setled right, when I come to Camp I will bring it and explain it to your Satisfaction—I have a great Mind to put the Money into the Continantal Loan office, but perhaps it woud be proper to get your approbation first. I shall also bring with me a Copy of all Moneys pd or Re[ceive]d by me on your Ac[coun]t together with a Copy of our ⟨private⟩ ac[coun]t agreeable to your desire—your Mother has wrote to me to send Silla down to her—which I shall do—but am very sorry to part her from Jack. He Cryes and Begs, sayg he had rather be Hang’d than seperated. Your Brother Charles wrote to me the other day by the overseer from there, recommendg another Hand with a Horse to be sent to the plantation as you will see by the Inclosed—I sent none.
All the ground that we have proper for makeg Tobacco we are under the Necessaty of putg in Flax otherways we shoud make no Flax, for it requires Strong Land to bring Flax—therefore I begin to believe I shall not attempt makeg Tobacco, yet I am not altogether determined about it. We have very little Land that will bring pumkins they will only grow to advantage where the ground is Rich—However I will have them planted in all places where there is a probability of growg them. I find from experience there is a fine spirit to be made from persimons, but neglected to gather them for that purpose, only got some for the purpose of makeg Beer, but next Fall if I live every one on the Land shall be gather’d. We have a Deep Snow and very Cold Weather. All our people &c. are tolerable Well—the Mare you sent by Captn Lewis has something the matter with her but I can hardly tell what. She Staggers about at times, with some kind of giddyness or weakness in the Loins, I had her Bled and have given her a Drench or two of what was thought proper, she eats Hearty, yet continues as above I am oneasy about her, but will do every thing to save her—I hope she is not likely to make a Dye of it—my Compliments to Mrs Washington and am Dr Sir your affectionate Servt

Lund Washington

P.S. My Lip is still sore—but I think it will soon be well. Craik has given me some thing lately that will make a ⟨cure⟩.


Title: General Orders, 5 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Thirsday March 5th 1778.
Eugene—Egham. Essex.

As Persons, Inhabitants of this State are often brought and lodged in the Provost-Guard upon charge of being disaffected or for other reasons which upon examination before a Court Martial appear groundless and those persons consequently subjected to needless Imprisonment;

The Commander in Chief therefore desires that in future the Adjutant General would before commitment refer the Cases of such as appear to him not to come under cognizance for a breach of a late act of Congress for punishing of persons for going in or coming out of Philadelphia for certain purposes therein described, to the Judge-Advocate, in order that if he does not think the charges well supported by the Evidence, the prisoners may be immediately discharged.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 5 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 5th March 1778

It being judged advisable to augment the Cavalry by an addition of one Lieutenant, one Serjeant, one Corporal and twenty two privates to each Troop, a great number of Horses will be wanting for such augmentation and to replace those worn down by the last Campaign. It is proposed that six hundred should be purchased if possible in Virginia and North Carolina and that Colo. Baylor and yourself should superintend this Business. Colo. Baylor will be furnished by the Treasury with Money for this purchase, a proportion of which he will deliver to you. He has full instructions for his government, a Copy of which he will give to you and by which you are to regulate yourself.
I am so well assured of your Zeal for the Service that I shall give you no further directions than to act perfectly in concert with Colo. Baylor and to advise me regularly of your success in this Business. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Charles Craig, 5 March 1778
From: Craig, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir
Reading [Pa.] 5th March 1778

I beg Leave to inform your Excellency that the situation of my Private Affairs obliges me to request permision to quit the service.
That is the Motive, Sir, which is my principal inducement to resigning; but there are several additional reasons that render my continuance in the Army impracticable. The Promotion of Major Washington who was my inferior in point of rank, I cannot view in any other Light than as an oblique Reflection upon my character as an officer; & I should at that time have applied for Liberty to resign, had not my attachment to the cause & a regard for my own Honor induced me to suspend it till the close of the Campaign.
In Justice to my reputation I must Likewise observe that many insinuations were thrown out at Head Quarters respecting my conduct at the Lines; which were extremely unjust & Malicious, And it gave me great Pain to find that they appeared to have some Weight with your Excellency.
These are circumstances, Sir, that must distress any Man of Sentiment, & I presume your Excellency would not require any other reasons for my Wishing to Leave the Army were they the only ones I had to adduce—I have the Honor to be with the Utmost attachment & respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obt & Most Hubl. Servt

Chs Craig


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 5 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 5th March 1778

I am favd with yours of the 20th Feby inclosing a letter from Lieut. Coune of the 62d Regt to Genl Howe. I shall send in the letter and shall have no objection to his Exchange if Genl Howe consents.
As Ensign Winslips health does not admit of his remaining in the Service, I would have you accept of his resignation.
The wax which you mention to have sent forward is not yet come to hand. Having wrote to you fully on the 27th ulto I have only to recommend the continuance of the removal of all supernumerary Stores from Boston. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 5 March 1778
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Wmsburgh, March 5th, 1778.

By an Express which Colo. Finnie sent to Camp, I inclosed you an Anonymous Letter, which I hope got safe to Hand. I am anxious to hear something that will serve to explain the strange Affair which I am now informed is taken up respecting you. Mr Custis has just paid us a Visit, & by him I learn sundry particulars concerning Genl Mifflin, that much surprize me. ’Tis very hard to trace the Schemes & windings of the Enemys to America. I really thought that Man—its friend; However I’m too far from him to judge of his present Temper.
While you face the armed Enemys of our Liberty in the Field, & by the Favor of God have been kept unhurt, I trust your Country will never harbour in her Bosom the Miscreant who would ruin her best

Supporter. I wish not to flatter; but when Acts unworthy honest men are used to defame & traduce you, I think it not amiss but a Duty to assure you of that Estimation in which the public hold you. Not that I think any Testimony I can bear, is necessary for your Support, or Private Satisfaction, for a bare Recollection of what is past must give you sufficient pleasure in every Circumstance of Life. But I cannot help assuring you on this Occasion of the high Sense of Gratitude, which all Ranks of Men in this your Native Country, bear to you. It will give me sincere pleasure to manifest my Regards & render my best Services to you or yours. I don’t like to make a parade of these Things, & I know you are not fond of it; However I hope the Occasion will plead my Excuse.
The Assembly have at length empowered the Executive here to provide for the Virga Troops serving with you with Clothes &c. I am making provision accordingly & hope to do something towards it. Every possible Assistance from Goverment is afforded the Commissary of provisions, whose Department has not been attended to. ’Twas taken up by me too late to do much. Indeed the Load of Business devolved on me is too great to be managed well. A French Ship mounting Thirty Guns that has been long chased by the English Cruizers has got into Carolina as I hear last Night. Wishing you all possible Felicity I am my dear Sir your ever affectionate friend & very humble Servant

P. Henry


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 5 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 5th March 1778

I have your favors of the 4th and 16th Feby. I have not yet recd any answer from the Board of War respecting the Artillery at Farmington.
I would not have you keep any more of the new Arms in the Magazines to the Eastward than you think will be absolutely necessary for the Recruits coming on to the Army, what number that will probably be you can best judge who are upon the spot. I do not know what steps Congress intend to recommend to the States for filling their Regiments, but I am certain that nothing short of the measure you mention will prove effectual. The Committee now here wrote upon this subject to Congress very soon after they arrived, and pointed out the necessity of falling upon some spirited measures for reinforcing the Army, but they have not yet recd any answer, and I very much fear that the States will each proceed in different ways most of them feeble and ineffectual.
From what I have heard I imagine that the Northern Expedition will fall through, and I therefore hope that what Arms are repaired at Albany and are already fit for use may be brought down this way. But I cannot help again urging you to give the strictest orders to the different Commissaries of Stores to have the old repaired with the greatest industry, as I am certain we shall find the want of them should we draw such a head of Men together as we ought to expect.
Should you not receive orders from the Board of War for the purchase of Lead, Flints and every other article of military Stores which we shall want, I think you will be fully justifyable in doing it upon the best terms you can, for you may depend the owners will enhance the prices as they find our necessities increase.
I beg you will have all the Artillery and Mortars removed from Boston, more especially as matters are now circumstanced, for I should not be surprised if the Enemy; looking upon themselves as no longer bound by the Convention, should attempt to liberate Genl Burgoine’s Troops.
I shall be glad to see you at Camp as soon as you have made the

proper arrangements to the Eastward and am Dear Sir Yr most obd. Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 5 March 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 5th March 1778

The present Messenger will deliver to your Excellency with this, a Letter which I had the honour of writing the 1st Inst. & which has been detained by Susquehana.
Inclosed herewith Your Excellency will be pleased to receive the following Acts of Congress.
1.  2d March. for appointing a Quarter Master General & two Assistant Quarter Masters general & for other purposes in that department.
2d.  2d & 3d March Containing divers Resolves relative to Lieutt Genl Burgoyne & the embarkation for Europe of himself family & Servants.
3d.  4th March. Empowering Your Excellency to employ in the Service of the United States a Body of, not exceeding 400 Indians.
I have the honour to be with the highest Esteem.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Ebenezer Learned, 5 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Learned, Ebenezer

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 5th March 1778

In my orders of the 8th January last I did not mean to comprehend Van Shaiks and Livingstons Regs. I only meant that you should send forward the small detatchments belonging to those Regiments of your Brigade now here.
General Heath in his last letter transmitted me Copies of the Certificates which you inclose me respecting your State of Health. He mentioned your desire to resign as you found no probability of recovery at least so far as to bear the fatigues of a Campaign. I wrote him word that I thought you might under such Circumstances quit the service with honor having worn yourself out in the Cause of your Country.
The Officer who informed you that a complaint had been lodjed against you for embezzling public Stores must have been misinformed himself or have done it with an ill design, for, I assure you I never heard of it before. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 5 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir,
[Valley Forge] 5th March 1778.

I learn from undoubted authority that General Clinton Quarters in Captn Kenedys House in the city of New York which you know is near Fort George and by the late fire stands in a manner alone. What Guards may be at or near his Quarters I cannot with precission say & therefore shall not add any thing on this score least it should prove a mis-information—but I think it one of the most practicable (and surely it will be among the most desirable & honorable) things imaginable to take him Prisoner.
This House laying close on the Water & a retired way through a back yard or garden leading into it what if you have whale Boats (8 or 10) but want of secrecy can prevent the execution in the hands of an enterprizing Party. The imbarkation might even be (and this I should think best) at Kings ferry on the first of the ebb and early in the evening—Six or eight hours with change of hands would run the Boats under the west shore & very secretly to the City and the flood tide will hoist them back again; or a party of Horse might meet them at Fort Lee.
I had like not to have mentioned that no Ship of War is in the North River (was not at least ten days ago, nor within 400 yards of the point—all being in the East River—I shall add no more—this is dropt as a hint to be improved upon or rejected as circumstances point out and Justify. I am &ca

G. W——n


Title: General Orders, 6 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday March 6th 1778.
Ferdinand—Farnham Fez—


Title: From George Washington to a Continental Congress Camp Committee, 6 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Congress Camp Committee

Gentn
Valley-forge Mar. 6th 1778

However inconvenient, & distressing to the Service in this quarter it may be to part with another Majr General, yet, in obedience to a resolve of Congress I must do it, if neither Genl Putnam nor Heath, in the judgment of the Comee, will answer the purposes of the Command at Rhode Island.
The Comee best know the designs of Congress in assembling a body of Troops in that State; consequently, what kind of an Officer (under our present circumstances) may be made to answer—They also know with more certainty than I do, what will be the determination of Congress respecting Genl Putnam, and of course whether the appointing of him to such a command as that at Rhode Island would fall within their views; it being incumbant on me to observe, that with such materials as I am furnished the work must go on, whether well, or ill, is another matter: if therefore he, and others, are not laid aside they must be placed where they can least injure the Service.
Generals Arnold & Lincoln will not, by Doctr Browns acct just from Albany, be able to take the Field till June—with great respect I am Gentn Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from a Continental Congress Camp Committee, 6 March 1778
From: Continental Congress Camp Committee
To: Washington, George

Sir
Moor Hall [Pa.] 6th March 1778.

Upon considering the Matter referred to the Committee by your Letter of this Morning We are of Opinion that a very able Officer should have the Command on Hudson’s River. And if Either Putnam or Heath must be sent to Rhode Island we should prefer the former. A new arrangement may be made by Congress before the opening of the Campaign especially if Genl Gates should (as we suppose he will) incline to take the Field. The committee Sir sensible that you are best acquainted

both with the Characters of Men and the Exigencies of the Service beg you will make such Disposition as on the whole shall appear most eligible. We are Sir your most obedient & humble Servants

Fra. Dana by Order


Title: To George Washington from John Coryell, 6 March 1778
From: Coryell, John
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sr
Coryells Ferry [Delaware River]March the 6th 1778

I Recd yours of the 1st instant the third at night & am Determined to serve you according to your Directions If Possable the Badness of the weather has hindered me to proceed on with any more Boats since my Last but Expect to Start the Remainder in two or three Days that I now have at my Ferry & when they are gone I will go after the Rest I am afraid I cant Bring up any Cannon in the Fleet Boats If there should be any Dur[ha]m boats below as I Expect there is I kno I Can Bring up Canno[n] in them and Will I have ingaged a number of Brave watermen for the purpose & I am dr Sr your Humble sert

Jno. Coryell

P.S. there was a number of peaceis of Duck Left at my place I had to press sleds to move them to Reading & I Kept one for the use of my self & men; If it Cant be spared it is not Cut I will send it on.

J.C.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 6 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 6th March 1778

As the Season approaches fast when we may expect to draw together a considerable reinforcement to the Army, I cannot help having apprehensions that we shall be at a loss for Arms and Accoutrements for them. The last Returns that I obtained from the Commissaries on this side the North River were very imperfect, as the Stores were then on the remove from Bethlehem and Allen Town to Lebanon and Carlisle, nor have I recd a regular Return from the Eastward for some time past. I am therefore much at a loss how to form a judgment, with any degree

of accuracy, of the number that may be depended upon by the opening of the Campaign. You will oblige me by ordering an abstract to be taken from the latest returns and sent to me. The number of Arms in the different Elaboratories wanting repair are very great, but I am fearful that there is neglect in the Armourers department, owing to the inactivity of the person at the Head of that branch, who I am told is almost superannuated.
As the neighbourhood of Philada is the place where the Army will rendezvous in the Spring, I think it will be necessary to draw the Arms from all our remote Magazines to those in our Rear, and I have for this Reason desired Genl Knox to send all the new ones (except those wanted for the Recruits) from the Eastward to this State, and to have the old repaired with the greatest industry. I do not know whether we have any public Arms to the Southward, but if we have, I think they ought for the same Reason to be brought forward in time. even from Charles Town.
The State of Virginia has voted a very considerable number of Men, who are to serve for six Month, and it is more than probable, that if other States should find it difficult to procure their quota of continental Troops that they may adopt similar expedients. I take it for granted that they will all depend upon the public magazines for Arms, and it will be a mortifying and discouraging circumstance should we not be able to supply them.
I am also apprehensive that the scarcity of leather will occasion a scarcity of Accoutrements. From what the Commissary of Hydes informed me some time ago, his prospects of dressed leather are distant, he having put out a great quantity to be tanned which will not be fit for service untill next Fall.
The Cartouch Boxes made in this Country are generally very bad, and I see little chance of their being made substantial and fit to turn the Weather untill we can bring our manufacture of leather to a greater perfection, which is only to be done by letting it lay much longer in the Vatts than we can afford under our present wants. Military accoutrements of the leather kind are said to come exceedingly cheap and good from France and I would therefore suggest the propriety of ordering a quantity from thence, if it should not have been already done. The Hydes of the Cattle killed in the Army might then be in a manner totally applied to procuring Shoes for them, by making contracts to exchange one for the other. Had not this method been fallen upon, the Soldiers must have been rendered totally unfit for service, as they could not get supplied upon any other terms, but in a very small degree. I have very little doubt but contracts of this kind may be so extended as to procure a constant supply of good shoes for the whole

Army. This is a matter worthy of the attention of the Board, as we have suffered more for the want of Shoes than for any other Article & those imported from France affording little more than a days wear. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 6 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 6th March 1778.

I defered replying to your favor of the 2d inst. on the Subject of Capt. Sullivan, ’till I should have an opportunity of assisting my memory relative to the Resolve of Congress of the 19th Jany, by consulting some papers in which the Substance of it is recited I find it in the following words, so far as concerns the particular question before us—“All Continental Officers prisoners with the enemy, either while in confinement or on parole, so long as they continue Officers of the United States, are entitled to their Pay and Rations, liable to a deduction for what they may have received in confinement.” The principle upon which a distinction in favor of Capt. Bliss was founded, is here plainly established—the fact being once allowed that he was continued in the Service, he has an undoubted claim to the privilege granted to persons of that description—and Capt. Sullivan who is deficient in this only requisite is as clearly excluded from the benefit of the Resolve—I do not inquire at present into the equity of the principle, but merely cite the Resolve for your information.
You are fully possessed of my Sentiments on the Contents of your other Letter, and if I were to enter into the matter I could do no more than repeat what I have already said to you on the subject. I am Dr Sir &c.


Title: General Orders, 7 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge March 7th 78—Saturday
Granby—Germany. Grantham.

The Commander in Chief orders and directs that Captures of Provisions actually going into Philadelphia must be made under the Eye and by the approbation of a Commissioned officer and no Forfeitures otherwise will take place: Provisions so taken will be for the benefit of the Captors & an authentic Certificate of their being properly taken, from the officers commanding parties and delivered to the Commissary; The Commissary of Purchases in Camp will pay for them.
All officers are strictly injoined to use the greatest caution in the matter, that it may not be made a pretext for plundering & injuring the well affected Inhabitants.
Aaron Ogden Esquire is appointed Pro-tempore Brigade Major in General Maxwell’s Brigade and is to be respected accordingly.
At a Brigade Court Martial whereof Lt Coll Burr was President March 2nd 1778—Lieutt Robert Lyon of 6th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for absenting himself from the Regiment without leave, found guilty and sentenced to be reprimanded in Brigade orders.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately.
At a General Court Martial (March 4th 1778) whereof Coll Bradley was President Lieutt Young tried for neglect of duty and disobedience of orders; The Court upon mature deliberation are of opinion that Lieutt Young is not guilty of the Charge exhibited against him and do acquit him.
The Commander in Chief confirms the sentence and orders Lieutt Young to be immediately discharged from his Arrest.
After orders. Coll Livingston is appointed President of the General Court-Martial (adjourned ’till tomorrow ten oClock) vice, Colonel Bradley.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 7 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 7 Mar. 1778. On 20 Mar., GW wrote to Gates, “I am honored with yours of the 7th 11th & 14th instants.”


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Gibson, 7 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gibson, George

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 7th March 1778

I am favd with yours of the 2d instant, inclosing Copy of your requisition to the Deputy Qr Masr General for Waggons with his answer thereon. I have had so many complaints of the difficulty of procuring Waggons under the late law, either thro’ the deficiency of it, or the inactivity of the officers in the execution of it, that I have wrote fully to the president upon the occasion and have inclosed him a copy of your letter so far as it respects the subject.
I recd yours of the 22d Feby with proceedings of the Court Martial upon Marsen, Myer and Harvey which are under consideration. I have also a letter from Lt Colo. Hubley of the 26th Feby inclosing depositions respecting the conduct of the British Serjeants who left the Flag lately near Lancaster. You shall have my determination upon that matter and upon the sentences of the Court in a short time.
I am exceedingly obliged to the Gentlemen of the Virginia line for their offer of part of the Cloth provided for them by the State, but as I am well assured that their own wants must be fully if not more than adequate to the supply, I cannot think of depriving them of any part of it at this time. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 7–8 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge March 7[–8]th 1778

I take the Liberty of transmitting you Copies of three Letters from Genl Howe of the 14th & 21st Ultimo, & of the 2d Inst., with their Inclosures. The unhappy Violation of the Flag of Truce has laid us under no small Embarrassments, and has afforded the Enemy good Grounds

for Complaints & Triumph at the same Time. This, however, is the natural Consequence & must ever be the Case, where different Powers counteract each other in Matters of the most delicate Importance. There are some Circumstances attending this Affair, which it may possibly be in the Power of Congress to throw Light upon—If they can, I shall be obliged by their Assistance.
March 8th In Consequence of the Letters, which have lately passed between Genl Howe & myself particularly those of the 5th & 10th Ulto, Copies of which I had the Honor to transmit you in mine of the 8th continued to the 14th, I was about to send Commissioners to meet those appointed by Genl Howe for adjusting the disputed Points between us—carrying into Execution an Exchange of Prisoners & improving the old Cartel, as far as it might be practicable, for their better Accommodation in future. This Meeting was to be the 10th Inst.; But yesterday morning, Dunlap’s paper of the 4th, being put into my Hands, I found that a Resolution had been made the 26th of Feby, calling for all Accounts against Prisoners in our Hands, & declaring that no Exchange should take place till the Ballance due thereon to the United States, is discharged. Some of the States are not required to exhibit their Claims till the 1st of June. The Time that would be taken to adjust them & make a Delivery of the Prisoners, would more than exhaust all the ensuing Summer.
This Resolution I cannot consider as an intended Infraction of my Engagements with General Howe, yet it’s Operation is diametrically opposite, both to the Spirit & Letter of the Propositions made on my Part & acceded to on his. I supposed myself fully authorized “by the Instructions & Intentions” of Congress to act as I did, and I now conceive, that the public, as well as my own personal Honor and faith, are pledged for the Performance.
By the Direction of Congress, I, in the first Instance, stipulated with Genl Howe an Exchange of Prisoners, Officer for Officer of equal Rank—Soldier for Soldier & Citizen for Citizen. This Agreement they have ever approved and repeatedly declared their Willingness to carry into Execution. Their Resolution of the 24th March last empowered me, on Condition of General Lee being declared exchangeable, not only “to proceed” to the Exchange of Prisoners, according to the Principles and Regulations of the Cartel before agreed on, but also to enter into such further Principles & Regulation⟨s⟩ as should appear to me most proper and advantageous. A subsequent Resolution of the 6th of June holds forth the same Language—sanctions my Conduct & Reasonings in the Negotiations about that Time on the Subject, and directs an Adherence to them. No Event has occurred since that Period, by which I could conclude, there was any Alteration in the Views of Congress. So far from it, that all my late Letters, breathing the same Spirit with the

former, and pointedly signifying my Wish to bring about a general Exchange—if not with an express, at least, met with a tacit Approbation. Genl Howe at length, by Profession, if not in Reality, is willing to perform the Agreement on the Conditions, required by me and confirmed by them.
It may be said, that with whatever powers I was originally vested to negociate an Exchange, the Resolution of the 19th Decr last was an Abridgement of them, so far as to annex a new Condition—the Settlement & Payment of Accounts previous to it’s taking place. I had no Conception of this being the Case, in the present Instance, However the Letter may warrant the Construction. Besides the common Principle of preventing the Inconveniences, necessarily resulting from allowing the Enemy to make their Payments in paper Currency, I had Reason to imagine, that General Burgoyne’s Army was more particularly the Object of the concluding Clause. This Interpretation I the more readily adopted; for, exclusive of the Affairs of that Army, I verily believed that from the confused—defective State of our Accounts relating to Prisoners, there would be a considerable Ballance in favor of Mr Howe. Nor was the Situation of our Accounts the only Reason for this Belief. The Prisoners in our Hands, especially those Westward of the Delaware, as I am informed, have been in a great measure supported by their own Labor and at the Expence of the Enemy, who have had Agents constantly among us. If this is the Case, the Reason of the Resolve not applying, the Effect ought not of Course.
But perhaps it may be thought contrary to our Interest to go into an Exchange, as the Enemy would derive more immediate Advantage from it, than we should. This I shall not deny; but it appeared to me, that on Principles of genuine—extensive Policy, independant of the Considerations of Compassion and Justice, we were under an Obligation not to elude it. I have the best Evidence, that an Event of this Kind is the general Wish of the Country—I know it to be the Wish of the Army—and no one can doubt, that it is the ardent Wish of the unhappy Sufferers themselves. We need only consult the Tide of Humanity & the Sympathies natural to those connected by the Cements of Blood, Interest and a common Dread of Evil, to be convinced, that the prevailing Current of Sentiment demands an Exchange. If the Country, the Army, and even the Prisoners themselves had a precise Idea of our Circumstances, and could be fully sensible of the Disadvantages, that might attend the giving our Enemy a considerable Reinforcement, without having an Equivalent, they might perhaps be willing to make a Sacrifice of their Feelings to the motives of Policy. But they have not this Knowledge, and cannot be intrusted with it—and their Reasonings, of Necessity, will be governed by what they feel.
Were an Opinion once to be established, and the Enemy & their

Emissaries know very well how to inculcate it, if they are furnished with a plausible Pretext—that we designedly avoided an Exchange—it would be a Cause of Dissatisfaction & Disgust to the Country and to the Army—of Resentment & Desperation to our captive Officers and Soldiers. To say nothing of the Importance of not hazarding our national Character, but upon the most solid Grounds, especially in our Embryo-state, from the Influence it may have on our Affairs abroad—it may not be a little dangerous to beget in the Minds of our own Countrymen a Suspicion, that we do not pay the strictest Observance to the Maxims of Honor & good Faith. It is prudent to use t⟨he⟩ greatest Caution, not to shock the Notions of general Justice a⟨nd⟩ Humanity universal among Mankind, as well in a public a⟨s⟩ a private View: In a Business, on the side of which the Passions are so much concerned, as in the present, Men would be readily disposed to believe the worst and cherish the most unfavourable Conclusions. Were the Letters that have passed between General Howe and myself from first to last and the Proceedings of Congress on the same Subject, to be published with proper Comments, it is much to be feared, if the Exchange should be deferred ’till the Terms of the last Resolve were fulfilled—that it would be difficult to prevent our being generally accused with a Breach of good Faith. Perhaps it might be said, that while the Enemy refused us Justice, we fondly embraced the Opportunity to be loud—persevering—incessant in our Claims, but the Moment they were willing to render it, we receded from ourselves and started new Difficulties. This I say, might be the Reasoning of speculative Minds, and they might consider all our Professions as mere Professions, or at best, that Interest and Policy were to be the only Arbiters of their Validity.
Imputations of this Nature would have a tendency to unnerve our Operat⟨ion⟩s, by diminishing that Respect and Confidence, which are essential to be placed in those, who are at the Head of Affairs, either in the civil or military Line. This, added to the Prospect of hopeless Captivity would be a great Discouragement to the Service. The ill Consequences of both would be immense—by encreasing the Causes of Discontent in the Army, which are already too numerous, & many of which are in a great measure unavoidable—by fortifying that unwillingness, which already appears too great—towards entering into the Service, and, of Course, impeding the Progress both of d⟨ra⟩fting and recruiting—by dejecting the Courage of the Soldiery, from an Apprehension of the Horrors of Captivity—and finally, by reducing those, whose Lot it is to drink the bitter Cup, to a Despair, which can only find Relief, by renouncing their Attachments, and engaging with their Captors. These Effects have already been experienced in part from the Obstacles that have lain in the Way of Exchanges; but if these Obstacles

were once to seem the Result of System, they would become tenfold. Nothing has operated more disagreeably upon the Minds of the Militia, than the Fear of Captivity on the Footing it has hitherto stood. What would be their Reasonings, if it should be thought to stand upon a worse?
If a present temporary Interest is to be a ruling Principle, it is easy to prove, that an Exchange can never take place. The Constitution of our Army, in respect to the Term of Service, for which our Men engage, and the Dependence we are obliged to place on the Militia, must for ever operate against us in Exchanges, and forbid an Equality of Advantages. Should it be said there are times, when it might be more peculiarly unequal and injurious—and that the present is such, on account of the weak condition of our Army—I answer, that the Delay necessarily involved in the previous Negociation on the Subject—in delivering the Prisoners from time to time, in small Numbers, and receiving others in their Stead, and the Mode of Delivery at different Places, will nearly bring the Matter to the Point we could wish, and give us Leisure to reinforce this Army, if it is to be done at all, so as to obviate in a great Measure, the ill Consequences apprehended. But if the Argument of Interest, on a partial Scale, be pursued as far as it will go, not only the general Consideration thrown out above, but special ones, apposite to every Situation, will present themselves, that we ought not to exchange. Now we ought not, because our Army is weak, When the season is more advanced and it is Time for the Campaign to open—we ought not, because our Army may be strong, and it will be our Business to avail ourselves of our own Strength and the Enemy’s weakness, to strike some decisive Blow, if they by the Protection of ⟨t⟩heir Shipping and impregnable Works, should be able to baffle our Attempts, ’till the Period of Reinforcements from Europe arrive—it will surely then, not be our Interest to add Numbers & Strength to an Enemy already sufficiently numerous and strong. Thus, by a Parity of Reasoning, the golden Æra will never come which is to relieve the Miseries of Captivity—our Service must become odious⟨—⟩those who are out of it will endeavour to keep so—and those who are in it will wish to get out of it. Every Prisoner the Enemy makes will be his Soldier—rather than submit to a rigorous and despairing Confinement.
If we do not seize the present propitious Moment, when the Necessities of the Enemy press them to reasonable Terms, to form and establish a liberal Cartel, it is not impossible in the Vicissitudes and Reverses of War, that a Time may come, when we should wish we had embraced it, and Interest may strongly impel the Enemy to decline it, except on the most unequal Conditions. True Policy, as well as good Faith, in my Opinion, binds us to improve the Occasion.

There are however some Ambiguities in General Howe’s Conduct, which require Explanation and ought to put us upon our Guard. I determined to make the Affair of Citizens, viz. to procure an Exemption from Captivity for them if possible, or if not, since it cannot now be demanded as a Matter of Right—to fix their Exchangeability upon the easiest and most unequivocal Foundation, an indispensible Preliminary to any further Procedure; and at the same Time, to secure the Exchange of General Lee and all other Officers who have been the particular Objects of exception.
The Interview intended between General Howe’s Commissioners and those on our Part on the 10th Instant is now postponed. I cannot doubt that Congress, in Preservation of the public Faith and my personal Honor, will remove all Impediments that now oppose themselves to my Engagements, and that they will authorize me, through Commissioners appointed for the Purpose, to negotiate a more extensive and competent Cartel, upon such Principles as may appear advantageous & founded in Necessity, any Resolutions heretofore to the contrary notwithstanding; and I must request that they will favor me with their Answer by the earliest Opportunity.
The Work from it’s Nature will be difficult. Tw⟨o⟩ Parties are concerned whose Interests ⟨are more⟩ than opposite in a common View. We shall endeavour to act for the best, and to promote the public Service, as far as possible; though we may not be able to answer the Expectations of all; But it should be remembered, that altho’ General Howe’s Want of Men affords a Prospect of favourable Terms; yet he will not be disposed to sacrifice, to it, all Considerations of general Advantage, in a Contract of such a Nature; and it is not even to be hoped that it can take place, except on Principles of mutual Benefit.
I persuade myself, that the Freedom I have taken, in delivering my Sentiments so fully upon this Occasion, will readily be excused; as it proceeded from a Desire, to place the Motives of my Conduct in a just point of View, and from an Opinion of Duty that led me to a free Discussion of a Subject, which, considered in all it’s Lights, will appear to comprehend Consequences of the first Delicacy and Magnitude. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 7 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 7th March 1778

In a letter from Genl Putnam of the 13th ulto he informed me that there were two large Scows and several Gun Boats upon hand and that the timber for two floating Batteries was cut but the work not began. I must beg your attention to the compleating of these several kinds of Craft and to the repairing of any others that may want it. We shall have occasion for the common Boats to transport men, baggage and Stores with expedition when we are drawing our Reinforcements from the Eastward, and for the armed Boats and Batteries to keep open the communication should any of the Enemy’s Vessels attempt to interrupt it—Genl Putnam wrote me at the same time that some Boats were building at Albany but did not know in what forwardness they were be pleased to inform yourself and urge the necessity of having them finished. I am Yr &c.