Title: From George Washington to Colonel David Mason, 16 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, David

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 16th April 1778

I recd yours of the 1st instant inclosing the proceeding of a General Court Martial upon John Bates and others. I am under the necessity of disapproving the sentences as the Court was illegally constituted, no Officer under the Rank of a Brigadier commanding in a separate state, except authorised by me, having a right to constitute a general Court Martial, as I wrote to you in my last: But that the Offenders may not escape the punishment due to their Crimes, I herewith inclose you a Commission empowering you to summon another Court for their trial. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Philip Schuyler, 16 April 1778
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany April 16th 1778

Your Excellency’s Letter with the Resolve of Congress it inclosed have been laid before a Board of Commissioners of Indian Affairs convened for that purpose—The Result of their Deliberations will appear from a Copy of the Minutes of their proceedings which I do myself the Honor to inclose together with Copies of the papers referred to—I have the Honor to be &c.

Ph: Schuyler


Title: To George Washington from Cornet [John] White, 16 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: White, [John]
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Cornet [John] White, 16 April 1778. On 16 April, John Laurens wrote White: “His Excellency has received your Letter of this date giving information of the desertion of one of your Dragoons—as he will probably give intelligence of your Situation and Strength, as well as some account of the Radnor Picket, extraordinary vigilance should be used to frustrate any enterprise on the part of the Enemy, which might take place in consequence of Such intelligence. . . . Perhaps it wd be most prudent to move your quarters—if it can be done without inconvenience. P.S. I presume you have given notice to Col. [Henry Beekman] Livingston that he may likewise be on his guard” (DLC:GW).


Title: General Orders, 17 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday April 17th 1778
GeorgiaGoshen Gosport.

The Regimental Quarter Masters are directed to go into the Country and make Contracts with proper Persons for bringing in Milk and other Necessaries for the sick—Such Contracts it is expected they will compleat by the 21st instant, after which day no Passes are to be granted to any Persons whatever to go out of Camp for the Purpose of purchasing Provision of any kind.
Henceforward no officer, soldier or other Person belonging to the Army shall go or send out to purchase any of those Articles which are usually brought to Market or bargain for them any where else, than at the places appointed for Markets—Nor shall any of the Inhabitants expose their marketing for sale in any other Places—The Purchasers on Pain of being tried for Disobedience of orders and the Venders of forfeiting their whole stock brought in, and for the more effectual discovery of any breach of this order whoever gives Information of such breach will be intitled to the Articles thus illicitly sold or offer’d for sale, or their Value to be recovered from the purchasers—All Permits to go out of Camp are for the future to be granted only by Brigadiers or Officers commanding Brigades.

The Officer of the Guard at Sullivans Bridge is carefully to inspect the Passes offered there and make himself a Judge of their Authenticity.
Returns are immediately to be made to Lieutt Colo. Meade at Head-Quarters of all the parties that have joined their Regiments since the first of the present Month by the officers who march’d them to camp distinguishing the draughts from the reinlisted, and similar returns are to be made to him of such Parties as shall arrive hereafter immediately upon their coming to camp.
The Commanding officers of Regiments are reminded of the order of the 18th of last March relative to Innoculation for the small Pox and their strictest attention to it is called for to prevent taking it in the natural way.
At a division Court-Martial whereof Coll Swift was President (April 12th 1778)—Captn Darrow of Coll Prentice’s Regiment try’d for abusing the Serjt of General Varnum’s Brigade & honorably acquitted.
At the same Court by Adjournment April 13th—Lieutt Hill—tried for the same Crime and likewise acquitted—Also Adjutant Rogers of Coll Bradley’s Regiment tried for the same Crime—the Court having fully considered the Evidence on both sides unanimously acquit Mr Rogers of the Charge and in justice to Mr Rogers think themselves under obligation to declare it as their opinion, that in the whole of the dispute he acted no more than the part of a good officer and Gentleman.
The Commander in Chief approves the foregoing sentences and orders the aforemention’d officers to be immediately discharged from their Arrests.
The sentence against John Conner in yesterdays orders is approved and ordered to be put in execution tomorrow morning at the head of the Regiment to which he belongs.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Eden, 17 April 1778
From: Eden, Robert
To: Washington, George

Clarges Street piccadilly [London] 17th April 1778

Notwithstanding the different Parts, Sir, that we have taken in the unhappy differences still subsisting between Great Britain and America, I flatter myself there yet remains a mutual Share of Esteem between Your Excellency and me; And I hope you do me the Justice to think that, should the Commissioners, by whom I have the Honour of sending this, be fortunate enough to accomplish a Reconciliation, it will give me the highest Pleasure. When I inform Your Excy that my Brother, Wm Eden, whom I have a very great Regard for, is one of them, I have no Doubt of his meeting with all such Civilities as You, in your Station, can offer, or he, in his, desire. You may believe me when I assure you that he heartily wishes Success to his Undertaking; and that you will find in him as much Candour and probity as you could desire in a person you will probably have to treat with. He will assure you that I have endeavoured at all Times to do Justice to your Character, and that I shall be happy in meeting Your Excy again on the same free & freindly Terms we formerly lived. I beg my Compliments may be offered to Mrs Washington, & Mr & Mrs Custis; and have the Honour to be with great Regard, Sir Your Excys sincere freind & obedt humble Servant

Robt Eden


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 17 April 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War Office April 17. 1778

Mr de Wolffen, a Prussian officer, of the rank of lieutenant, will have the honour of delivering your Excellency this letter. He came to America to engage in the service of the United States. He appears to be extremely active and alert; and having been (as he informs us) an Aid Major to an Inspector General of Discipline in the Prussian Armies, we conceived he might be a useful assistant to the Baron Steuben: as such

we have sent him to camp. No rank or commission is yet given him: but should his services be approved of by your Excellency, they will be duly rewarded. In the mean time, such pay and subsistance may be allowed him as your Excellency shall judge proper. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedient servant,

Horatio Gates president


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 17 April 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
York Town [Pa.] 17th April 1778

I had the honor of addressing Your Excellency the 14th by Barry.
I am now to present & refer Your Excellency to two Acts of Congress which will accompany this.
1. of the 14th for empowering the Commissary of purchases to appoint & remove subordinate Officers & for divers establishments & regulations in that department.
2. of the 15th for appointing the Honorable Major General Gates to the Command of the whole Northern department of the Army & for maintaining the possession of Hudson’s River. I have the honor to be

With the highest Esteem & Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient & Most humble servant

Henry Laurens, President of Congress.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 17 April 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Princeton [N.J.] 17 April 1778

I inclose for your Excellency’s perusal the 475 No. of Townes Evening Post on Account of a publication in it in the Character of a Resolution of Congress of the 20 of february; which I suspect for a forgery. If it be it is calculated to do the most intensive Mischief, & Indeed if genuine it will I fear be unhappily attended with fatal Consequences—In the latter case however, we must bear the Tory re- of it with patience; & their comments upon it good policy will require us to Suffer to die away in Silence—But if be a forgery as from the oppressive Injustice of it, & its being under the Signature of both the President & Secretary (which I do not recollect of any other resolve) I take it to be it ought to be represented as Such as soon as possible—The fact I cannot determine, If your Excellency knows it to be an imposition (which I take it for granted you may depend upon it is if you have had no Intimations of Such an Act from Congress[)], the forgery ought to be exposed & the public disabused as soon as possible. I have the honour to be with the greatest Esteem & affection.


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 17 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 17th April 1778

scarcely a day passes but I am either applied to by different Officers for cloathing, or by persons for payment or some Business in the Cloathiers Generals department. To the first, I can give no satisfactory answer, because I am intirely ignorant of the quantity which you have on hand or in expectation—To the last, I can only refer them to you, at such a distance, that they think it very hard to be at the expence of the money and time which they must necessarily expend in going to you and which must ultimately, become a public expence, & in the aggregate amount to no trifling Sum—In a word your absence, & the incompetency of a Clerk, to answer the various applications that are daily making, throws a load of business upon me which ought to be the burthen of your own Shoulders—& which were you present you would become more intimately acquainted with & know better how to provide for. For these reasons if you mean to continue in the Office I am

obliged to insist that you shall reside with the Army or so near it, that I can, upon every application to me, for matters in your department, receive proper information from you. I should suppose that an active deputy at Lancaster could superintend the making up the Cloathing at that place, and by making you weekly returns of the quantities ready to issue, orders might be given upon a certainty, and not put Officers to the expence and trouble of going up and down to no purpose. I hear, by report, of great quantities of Cloathing purchased on continental account in every quarter. But where are they? I cannot get as much cloth as will make Cloaths for my Servants, notwithstanding one of them that attends my person and Table, is indecently, & most shamefully naked and my frequent applications to Mr Kemper (which he says he has as often transmitted to you) in the course of the last two Months. I can easily under such an instance as this give credence to the complaints of others when they assert that no attention is paid to their wants. The greatest part lately supplied has been by particular States to their own troops.
I shall be glad to see you as soon as possible, and I beg you will bring with you as exact an account as you can make out, of the Quantities of Cloathing in your own Hands and those of your Agents in the different States and it is of essential importance that the Prices of Cloaths agreeable to the resolves of Congress of the  be fixed that proper Stoppages be made & Officers and Soldiers know what they have to depend upon—at present the public are loosing and every body dissatisfied. I am &c.

P.S. Shoes, Shirts and linen Overalls should now be principally attended to.


Title: To George Washington from William Tryon, 17 April 1778
From: Tryon, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 17th April 1778

Having been honored with His Majesty’s Instructions to Circulate the Inclosures; I take the liberty to offer them to you, for your Candid Consideration, and to recommend that through your means, the Officers and Men under your Command may be acquainted with their Contents. I am Sir, Your very humble Servt

Wm Tryon


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 17 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 17th April [1778]

I have long been convinced that one great cause of the backwardness of the people to supply us with Articles in the Qr Masters and Commissary’s departments, has been owing to the imprudent choice of deputies in those departments, who have not only personally abused the inhabitants, but have defrauded them of great part of their dues.
So glaring an instance, of one of these improper appointments, has lately presented itself to me, that I thought it my duty to take the deputation

away from the person to prevent his doing mischief, and as he was empowered to act by Mr Thomas Edwards the Commissioner of Lancaster County, I thought it highly expedient to give you information of it, with the character of Patrick Maguire, the person named in the inclosed extensive Commission—He was hired to act, about twelve months ago, as Steward in my family, in which station he continued untill a few weeks past, when I was obliged to dismiss him. He is given to liquor, and where he dares takes the liberty, very insolent. He is totally unacquainted with the Country, or with the quality or value of the Articles wanted, and yet, you will please to observe, by his powers, that he is unlimited as to quantity quality or price. He must have been a stranger to Mr Edwards as he had but lately come from Ireland when I hired him.
I hope you will attribute this representation of facts to the true motive, which is my desire of delivering the people from the oppression which they have too long laboured under; by being harrassed and abused by persons of Mr Maguires stamp. I have the Honor to be Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I have recd yours of the 13th instant.


Title: General Orders, 18 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Saturday April 18th 1778
Hillsborough—Holland. Hancock.

In the return called for yesterday from the officers marching Parties into Camp, the General expects lists of the mens names in which distinction is to be made of the draughts, reinlisted & others—The officers are to ascertain the number that were committed to their care in the several States they marched from, and account for the difference if any there be, between that and the number they bring to Camp—They are also to note against each man’s name the Regiment to which he belongs & goes to—This order to be very strictly complied with.
Shoes and Stockings may be had at the Cloathiers store for the soldiers.
At a division Court Martial whereof Coll Swift was President (April 11th 1778) Serjeant Helmes of Genl Varnum’s  Guard tried for insulting a number of Officers and attempting (with an iron Ramrod) to strike Lieutt Hill, also for endeavoring to cause & excite a Mutiny, found guilty of the charges exhibited against him being breaches of the 3rd and 5th Articles of the 2nd section of the Articles of War and sentenced to be reduc’d to the Ranks and to receive fifty lashes on his bare back.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place tomorrow at the head of the Regiment to which he belongs.
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Craige was President (April 15th 1778) Samuel Harvy an Inhabitant of this State tried for endeavoring to supply the Enemy with Provision, acquitted and ordered to be immediately discharged from Confinement.
At the same Court by Adjournment (April 16th 1778) Thomas Fitzgerald and David Rush, Inhabitants of the State of Pennsylvania tried for attempting to relieve the Enemy with provision, found guilty of a breach of a resolution of Congress, dated October 8th 1777—and extended &c.—and sentenced each to receive one hundred lashes, on his bare back.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Theodorick Bland, 18 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 18th April 1778

I yesterday was favd with yours without date. The Season is already so far advanced, that however inconvenient it may, I plainly perceive we shall be obliged to bring our new raised Horse into the field without training. I am sorry to inform you that few of the Horse sent out last winter to recruit will be in any kind of condition, such has been the inattention of their Officer’s, and we shall for that reason be under the further necessisty of using our fresh Horses immediately. You will therefore be pleased to send forward the Recruits as fast as you can mount them, those who have not had the small pox as well as those that have. They may be innoculated as soon as they join their Regiment, and should be cautioned carefully to avoid every place where the small pox is or has lately been. As the Recruits are to be sent to the Regiment, the Riding Master should remain there also, and as a Feild Officer will be necessary to take the command I desire that Major Jameson may come on and leave Lt Colo. Temple to compleat the Cloathing of the Regiment. To pay for which you are to supply him with Money—Altho’ the recruiting of Men was not mentioned in your instructions, it was intended, and I am glad you have been going on with it. You found so great an advantage from having the Men of your Regiment mostly natives, and all of them of reputable Connections, that I need not urge to you the benefit we shall derive from having men of that Class in the Cavalry, and I therefore hope you will be attentive in your Choice. I

have not been able to obtain a correct general Return of Cavalry, but you need not be afraid of procuring too many Horses, Arms and Accoutrements. I am Dear Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 18 April 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
York Town [Pa.] 18th April 1778

I beg leave to refer Your Excellency to my Letter of yesterday by McClosky.
This will cover Copy of a Petition by several Officers Civil & Military of New Jersey to His Excellency the Governor of that State. Also Copy of a Representation by the Legislative Council & General Assembly of the same State to Congress; together with an Act of Congress of the 17th Inst. Resolved upon the Report of a Committee to whose consideration the Papers above-mentioned had been referred. I have the honour to be With the highest Esteem & Respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most humble servant

Henry Laurens, President of Congress.

P.S. Your Excellency will also find inclosed an Act of Congress of this day for forming a plan for the general operations of the Campaign.


Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 18 April 1778
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
York Town [Pa.] 18th April 1778

I expected before this to have written to you “Provision is made for the American Officers” but that Thief of Time Procrastination hath kept it off from Time to Time. The Question is now an Order of the Day and as such takes Place of every other Business When it will be determined I know not but this I know that it shall be finished one Way or the other before any Thing else Let what will happen. I am confident it will go right if something very extraordinary does not happen In the Interim Nothing is done. I feel as severely on this Occasion as you can do but it is impossible to make Men of Business out of—All will yet go well. We have determined to send Gates to Hudson’s river where he is to command very largely. But he is to receive Instructions which shall be proper. You are directed to call a Council of Major Generals in which the Chief Engineer is officially to be a Member and to which by a subsequent Resolution Genls Gates & Mifflin were ordered to repair. As these Gentlemen ought not to receive Orders immediately from Congress they are as you will see permitted to leave the Board of

War upon your Order This Amendment was for that Reason acquiesced in nem. con. Colo. Harrison will I beleive be again appointed a Member of the Board of War. This I mention by the bye I add my Wish that your Business and his Inclinations may be so ordered as to accept of it. For this I have many Reasons. Every Man of Business knows that Words are of great Weight and we receive Reports from the Board of War every Day. I need say no more except that it is not always possible to weigh Sentences with that Accuracy in a public Assembly which is practicable in the Closet. It is astonishing that Congress who certainly are not without sufficient Apprehension should at so critical a Moment as the present be so supine but this is human Nature and we must bear it. I have a Remedy in Contemplation but that as to present Exigencies will be after Meat Mustard. If you were an unconcerned Spectator it would divert you to see that altho a Majority of our House have been agreed in a certain Point ever since Mr Dana arrived here yet Nothing is done. A propos of your Council of War. Should you determine on any Thing which considering the Course of human Affairs is I confess rather improbable Let Congress know Nothing about it. A Secret should never be trusted to many Bosoms. I will forfeit any Thing except Reputation that it will not be well kept even by those necessarily confided in. I know your many Avocations and therefore I insist that you do not answer any Letter from me. Should you have Reason to write a Letter it is another Affair. Remember me to Mrs Washington. I am respectfully Sir your humble Servant

Gouvr Morris

Sunday Evening.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 18 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Putnam, Israel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam, 18 April 1778. On 29 April, GW wrote Putnam, “I recd yours of the 18th instant.”


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

Head Quarters V. Forge Sabbath April 19th 1778
IndependenceIpswich—Jamaica.

The Sub-Inspectors will each superinte[n]d the discipline of the Brigades according to the following division (viz.) Mr Ternant, Woodford’s, Scott’s & McIntoshe’s—Lieut. Coll Brooks 1st & 2nd Pennsylvania, Poor’s and Glover’s—Lieutt Colonel Davies Larned’s Paterson’s Weedon’s and Muhlenberg’s—Lieutt Coll Barber Maxwell’s, Late Conway’s, Huntington’s and Varnums.
The Orderly-Office will be opened tomorrow at General Varnum’s late Quarters between his and General Huntington’s Brigades.
The Medicine Chests of General Paterson’s and Larned’s Brigades to be sent immediately to Mr Cutting Apothecary General at the Yellow-Springs to be refill’d.
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Craige was President (April 15th 1778) Hugh Baker Forage-Master tried for pressing a horse from Daniel Yarnel without Authority for so doing, or returning the horse into the Continental Yard until Complaint was made against him, also for abusing Joseph Smedly an Inhabitant of Chester County and confining him under guard without any order or authority for so doing and taking his horse without giving a Receipt or shewing his Warrant for so doing, found guilty and sentenced to be discharg’d from the service and to have as much of his Pay stopped as will satisfy Mr Smedly for the loss of his horse.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Theodorick Bland, 19 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. Theodorick Bland, 19 April 1778. On 3 May, Bland wrote GW, “This day fort’night I did myself the Pleasure to Inform Yr Excy of my situation and prospects at this place.”


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 19 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 19th April 1778

I have the honor of yours of the 1st inst. informing me of the appointment of Mr Hawkins to the Office of purchasing Commissary in

the State of Virginia. I have heard so good an account of his Character that I hope the most salutary effects will ensue. I hold myself infinitely obliged to the Legislature for the ready attention which they paid to my representation of the wants of the Army and to you, for the strenuous manner in which you have recommended to the people, an observance of my request for fattening Cattle.
Congress have just made a change in the Commissary Generals department by the appointment of Mr Jeremiah Wadsworth of Connecticut in the room of Mr Buchanan. Mr Wadsworth is a man of most extensive influence in the Eastern States, has a thorough knowledge of the Resources of those States, and possesses that most useful quality of great activity and address in Business—I shall take the first opportunity of acquainting him with your appointment of Mr Hawkins that he may cooperate with him.
I have consulted Mr Blaine the purchasing Commissary in this district upon the Subject of your letter He advises that no Cattle be immediately sent forward but those fit for present use, or in tolerable good order, as he observes that it is almost impossible to fatten poor Cattle in any reasonable time after being drove a great distance. Such as are purchased in a part of the Country which does not afford pasture must of necessity be drove on, but those that the purchasers can provide for had better be kept thro’ the summer and drove on in or about Septemr when there is plenty of Grass upon the Road. Mr Blaine recommends two Routs for the poor Cattle. The upper by Winchester, Red House, Watkins’s ferry, and Carlisle. Mr James Smith near Carlisle will provide for them. The other across Potowmack and thro’ Frederick Town. Mr George Murdoch of Frederick Town will provide pasture for those brought that way. But he begs Mr Hawkins may be pressed to send forward the Beef Cattle as expeditiously as possible.
If the Money to pay the additional Bounty to the reinlisted Men comes to my hands it shall be properly disposed of. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Regard and Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 19 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Qrs [Valley Forge] April 19th 1778

I have been favoured with your Letter of the 16th Inst.
Mr Lowry was never a principal Commissary of ours, but only acted occasionally, as a deputy, for purchasing provisions where he lived. I do not know, whether he was employed, at the time of his capture, even in this line. From this state of facts, you will readily agree with me that I can not with propriety accede to your offer. However, in order to put the fair Lady, in whose case you so obligingly interest yourself, in the possession of her Husband, I would propose that an exchange should take place between Mr Higgins & Mr Lowry. I am ready as far as depends on me, to comply with the Lady’s wishes, and it remains with you to lend your aid for their completion.
I request, that your flags, in future, may cross the Schuylkil near philadelphia, and proceed to our Out posts, by the Lancaster Road. By taking the route East of Schuylkill, they may meet with accidents from parties of Militia, for which I cannot be responsible. I am Sir with due regard Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 19 April 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mount Joy [Pa.] 19th April 1778

In pursuance of your Excellencys Orders, a Considerable Number of Horses & Cattle were collected in the State of New Jersey—in Feby and March—for which the Inhabitants Recd Certificates for the price or Weight signed by Col. Ricd Butler Duplicates of which are now in his possession and will serve as a Check against forgery or Impossition.
In these Certificates the people are Informed that some Convenient time and place for payment will be Mentioned in the publick papers to the end that they may be put to as little trouble or Delay as the Nature of the case will admit of in Receiving a Compensation for their property.
It therefore behoves us to make good this Contract as Speedily as possible—as I am Confident it will have the best Effect on the minds of the people—who when they Experience so wide a Difference in our line of Conduct from that of the Enemy—they will be Induced the more Cheerfully to supply us in future.
I therefore wish an Advertisement of this nature to be Inserted in the Jersey paper as soon as possible—viz.

Camp Valley Forge 19th April 1778

Notice is hereby given to all such of the Inhabitants of the State of New Jersey as have furnished the Detatchment which lately marched through that state under the Command of Genl Wayne with Cattle Horses Or provender for the use of the American Army or that have had any provender burnd by his Order to meet at Mount Holly on Monday the  day of May where a Commissary & Quarter Master will Attend to pay them agreeable to the Certificates Signed by Col. Ricd Butler for the Horses & Cattle—& by the Respective Officers or Quarter Masters for the forage Burned or Supplied. By order of His Excellency Genl Washington.

Interim I am your Excellencies Most Obt Hume Sert

Anty Wayne B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Lt. Col. Archibald Campbell, 20 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Campbell, Archibald
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Lt. Col. Archibald Campbell, 20 April 1778. On 23 April, GW wrote Campbell, “I was yesterday favd with yours of the 20th int [in]forming me of your arrival at Morris Town.”


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Chase, 20 April 1778
From: Chase, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
York Town [Pa.] April 20 1778

I wish some Mode could be adopted to procure the Release of our Subjects, w⟨ho⟩ are taken by the Enemy, not in Arms. Th⟨e⟩ Situation is truly distressing. Humanity and Policy combine to urge Us to take some speedy and effectual Measures to obtain their Discharge but one of two Modes occurs to Me, either to declare them not Objects of Capture, or to seise the Friends of Great-Britain, and detain them to redeem ours with the Enemy.
The Case of Mr Gunning Bedford is attended with some particular Circumstances. he was taken by a Party of our Enemy 13th of February, and has been confined in the New Jail ever since, and even threatened with Punishment as a Robber for stopping some People carrying provisions into the City. I am informed General Howe will exchange him for one——Cook, in Northumberland County.
I beg Leave to solicit your favor for Mr Bedford, he formerly held the Commission of Muster Master General, and by his Conduct can expect no favor from the Enemy.
I beg your Acceptance of my best Wishes for your Health & Happiness and You may be assured that I am Your Affectionate and Obedient Servant

Saml Chase


Title: From George Washington to the General Officers, 20 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: General Officers

Head Quarters [Valley Forge] April 20th 1778

Questions for the Consideration of the General Officers.
There seem to be but three Plans, which may be premeditated for the next Campaign; one the attempting to recover Philadelphia and destroy the enemys army there—another the endeavouring to transfer the war to the Northward, by an enterprise against New York—and a third the remaining quiet in a secure, fortified Camp, disciplining and arranging the army, ’till the enemy begin their operations and then to govern ourselves accordingly—Which of these three Plans shall we adopt?
If the first, what mode of execution shall we pursue, and what force will be requisite estimating the present numbers of the enemy in Philadelphia at 10000 men, exclusive of marines and Seamen, whose aid may be called in? shall we endeavour to effect the purpose by Storm, by regular approaches or by blockade, and in what particular manner?
If the second, shall we attempt to take New York, by a coup de main, with a small force, or shall we collect a large force and make an attack in form? in either case what force will be necessary, estimating the number of the enemy in and about N. York at 4000 men, and what disposition shall we make so as to effect the enterprise, and at the same time, to protect the country here and secure our Stores?
If the last, what post shall we take so as to keep the army in a State of Security—to afford cover to the country and to our magazines and to be in a situation to counteract the future motions of the enemy?
The Commander in chief thinks it unnecessary to make any comments, on these questions, as the General Officers will no doubt, fully weigh every circumstance proper to be considered, and sensible of the importance of the objects, to which their attention is called, will make their opinions the result of mature deliberation.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 20 April 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp N[orth] W[ales, Pa.] Apr. 20th 1778.

I inclosed in a letter Dated the 12th Inst. to your Excellency for your aprobation the Proceedings of a Court Martial, the tryal & Judgment against John Burk, Confined in my provo. this morning about four oClock he made his escape out of the Guard I expect he will make Directly to the Enemy. parties are Sent after him, but I have not the least expectation they will over take him.
my Scouting parties Randezvous at Jinkintown At Bustle town At Smithfield, & At the Billet I also keep patroles below me as far as flower Town.
the Enemy have Been at Bristol. & is Reported have taken Colo. Penrose and some other officers. they Came up in the Night and returnd Next Day.
Near two thirds of my party will leave me in two Days, from this, the President informes me five Classes is ordered to join me, one from Phil. County one from Bucks one from York and two from Cumberland County but none of them have yet arived.
Inclosed is a return of the Militia under my Commd. I Remain with the gratest Respect your Excellencys most obt Humb. Servant.

P.S. I should be glad your Excellency woud informe me What indulgence you would like Shoud be given the people of Germantown in taking down provision to their famalies as I am Much perplexed with them.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 20 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge April 20th 1778

With your Letter of the 17th Instant and it’s inclosures, I was duly honored on Saturday afternoon.
When I addressed you on the 18th, I was doubtful, whether the draught of the Bill then transmitted was not spurious and contrived in philadelphia; but it’s authenticity, I am almost certain is not to be questioned. The information from philadelphia seems clear & conclusive, that it came over in the packet, with Lord North’s speech on the introduction of it into parliament. I inclose a paper containing his speech which just came to hand. This Bill, I am persuaded, will pass into a Law. Congress will perceive by the Ministers speech, that it aims at Objects of the greatest extent & importance, and will no doubt, in one way or other involve the most interesting consequences to this Country. With great respect I have the Honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 20 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Livingston, 20 April 1778. In a postscript to his letter to Livingston of 22 April, GW wrote: “I received your favors of the 17th & 20 Inst.”


Title: From George Washington to John Banister, 21 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Banister, John

Dr Sir
Valley forge April 21st 1778

On saturday evening I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 16th Inst.
I thank you very much for your obliging tender of a friendly intercourse between us; and you may rest assured, that I embrace it with chearfulness, and shall write you freely, as often as Leisure will permit, of such points as appear to me material and interesting.
I am pleased to find, that you expect the proposed establishment of the Army will succeed; though it is a painful consideration, that matters of such pressing importance and obvious necessity meet with so much difficulty and delay. Be assured the success of the measure is a matter of the most serious moment, and that it ought to be brought to a conclusion, as speedily as possible. The spirit of resigning Commissions has been long at an alarming height and increases dayly Applications from Officers on furlough are hourly arriving—& Genls Heath of Boston, McDougal on the No. River ⟨and Mason,⟩ of Virginia, are asking

what they are to do with the appliants to them. The Virginia line has sustained a violent shock in this instance not less than ninety have resigned already, to me, the same conduct has prevailed among the Officers from the Other States, though not yet to so considerable a degree, and there are but too just grounds to fear, that it will shake the very existence of the Army, unless a remedy is soon, very soon applied. There is none, in my opinion, so effectual, as the one pointed out. This, I trust, will satisfy the Officers, and, at the same time it will produce no present additional emission of money. They will not be persuaded to sacrifice all views of present interest, and encounter the numerous vicissitudes of War, in the defence of their Country, unless she will be generous enough on her part, to make a decent provision for their future support. I do not pronounce absolutely, that we shall have no Army, if the establishment fails; but the Army we may have, will be without discipline, without energy, incapable of acting with vigor, and destitute of those cements necessary to promise success on the one hand, or to withstand the shocks of adversity on the other. It is indeed hard to say, how extensive the evil may be, if the measure should be rejected or much longer delayed. I find it a very arduous task to keep the Officers in tolerable humour and to protract such a combination in quitting the service, as might possibly undo us forever. The difference between our service and that of the Enemy, ⟨is⟩ very striking. With us, from the peculiar—unhappy situ⟨a⟩tion of things, the Officer, a few instances excepted, must break in upon his private fortune for present support, without a prospect of future relief; With them, even, Companies are esteemed so honorable and so valuable, that they have sold of late from 15 to 2200£ sterling, and I am credibly informed, that 4000 Guineas have been given for a troop of Dragoons. You will readily determine how this difference will operate—what effects it must produce. Men may speculate as they will—they may talk of patriotism—they may draw a few examples from ancient story of great atchievements performed by it’s influence; but, whoever builds upon it, as a sufficient basis, for conducting a long and bloody War, will find themselves deceived in the end. We must take the passions of Men, as nature has given them, and those principles as a guide, which are generally the rule of action. I do not mean to exclude altogether the idea of patriotism. I know it exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting War can never be supported on this principle alone—It must be aided by a prospect of interest or some reward. For a time it may, of itself, push men to action—to bear much—to encounter difficulties; but it will not endure unassisted by interest.
The necessity of putting the Army upon a respectable footing, both

as to numbers and constitution, is now become more essential than ever. The Enemy are beginning to play a game, more dangerous than their efforts by arms, tho these will not be remitted in the smallest degree, and which threatens a fatal blow to American independence, and to her liberties of course: They are endeavouring to ensnare the people by specious allurements of peace. It is not improbable they have had such abundant cause to be tired of the war, that they may be sincere, in the terms they offer, which tho far short of our pretensions, will be extremely flattering to minds that do not penetrate far into political consequences; but whether they are sincere or not they may be equally destructive, for to discerning men, nothing can be more evident, than that a peace on the principles of dependance however limited, after what has happened, would be to the last degree dishonourable and ruinous. It is however much to be apprehended, that the idea of such an event will have a very powerful effect upon the country, and if not combatted with the greatest address, will serve at least to produce supineness and disunion. Men are naturally fond of peace and there are symptoms, which may authorise an opinion, that the people of America, are pretty generally weary of the present war. It is doubtful, whether many of our friends might not incline to an accomodation of the grounds held out, or which may be, rather than persevere in a contest for independance. If this is the case, it must surely be the truest policy to strengthen the army and place it upon a substantial footing. This will conduce to inspire the Country with confidence—enable those at the head of affairs to consult the public honor and interest, notwithstanding the defection of some and temporary inconsistancy and irresolution of others, who may desire to compromise the dispute; and if a Treaty should be deemed expedient, will put it in their power to insist upon better terms, than they could otherwise expect.
Besides the most vigorous exertions at Home, to increase and establish our military force upon a good basis; it appears to me adviseable, that we should immediately try the full extent of our interest abroad and bring our European negociations to an issue. I think France must have ratified our independance, and will declare War, immediately on finding that serious proposals of accomodation are made; but lest from a mistaken policy, or too exalted an opinion of our powers from the respresentations she has had, she should still remain indecisive, it were to be wished proper persons were instantly dispatched, or our envoys already there instructed, to insist pointedly on her coming to a final determination. It cannot be fairly supposed, that she will hesitate a moment to declare War, if she is given to understand, in a proper manner, that a reunion of the two Countries may be the consequence of procrastination. An European War, and an European alliance would

effectually answer our purposes. If the step, I now mention, should be eligible, dispatches ought to be sent at once by different conveyances, for fear of accidents. I confess it appears to me, a measure of this kind could not but be productive of the most salutary consequences. If possible, I should also suppose it absolutely necessary, to obtain good intelligence from England—pointing out the true springs of this manuvre of ministry—the preparations of force they are making—the prospects there are of raising it—the amount, and when it may be expected.
It really seems to me from a comprehensive view of things, that a period is fast approaching—big with events of the most interesting importance. When the councils we pursue and the part we act, may lead decisively to liberty, or to Slavery. Under this idea, I cannot but regret that inactivity—that inattention—that want of something—which—unhappily—I have but too often experienced in our public affairs. I wish that our representation in Congress was complete and full from every State, and that it was formed of the first abilities among us. Whether we continue to war, or proceed to negociate, the wisdom of America in Council, cannot be too great. Our Situation will be truly delicate. To enter into a negociation too hastily, or to reject it altogether, may be attended with consequences equally fatal. The wishes of the people, seldom founded in deep disquisitions, or resulting from other reasonings than their present feeling, may not entirely accord with our true policy and interest: If they do not, to observe a proper line of conduct—for promoting the one and avoiding offence to the other, will be a work of great difficulty. Nothing short of Independence, it appears to me, can possibly do. A peace on other terms would, if I may be allowed the expression, be a peace of War. The injuries we have received from the British Nation were so unprovoked—have been so great and so many, that they can never be forgotten. Besides the feuds—the jealousies—the animosities that would ever attend a Union with them—besides the importance, the advantages we should derive from an unrestricted commerce—Our fidelity as a people—our gratitude, our character as men are opposed to a coalition with them as subjects, but in case of the last extremity. Were we easily to accede to terms of dependence, No nation upon future occasions, let the oppressions of Britain be never so flagrant and unjust would interpose for our relief, or at least they would do it with a cautious reluctance and upon conditions most probably that would be hard, if not dishonourable to us. France by her supplies has saved us from the yoke thus far, and a wise and virtuous perseverance would, and I trust will, free us entirely.
I have sent Congress Lord North’s speech and two Bills offered by him to parliament. They are spreading fast through the Country, and

will soon become a subject of general notoriety—I therefore think, they had best be published in our papers, and persons of leisure and ability set to work, to counteract the impressions, they may make on the minds of the people.
Before I conclude, there are one or two points more upon which I will add an observation or two. The first is, the indecision of Congress and the delay used in coming to determinations in matters referred to ’em. This is productive of a variety of inconveniences, and an early decision in many cases, though it should be against the measure submitted, would be attended with less pernicious effects. Some new plan might then be tried; but while the matter is held in suspence, nothing can be attempted. The other point is, the jealousy which Congress unhappily entertain of the Army, and which, if reports are right, some Members labour to establish. You may be assured, there is nothing more injurious—or more unjustly founded. This jealousy stands upon the common, received opinion, which under proper limitations is certainly true, that Standing Armies are dangerous to a state—and from forming the same conclusion of the components parts of all, tho they are totally dissimilar in their nature. The prejudice in Other Countries has only gone to ’em in time of peace—and then from their not having in general cases, any of the ties—the concerns or interests of Citizens or any other dependence, than what flowed from their military employ—in short from their being mercenaries—hirelings. It is our policy to be prejudiced against them in time of War—and tho they are Citizens, having all the ties—& interests of Citizens, and in most cases property totally unconnected with the military line. If we would pursue a right system of policy, in my opinion, there should be none of these distinctions—we should all be considered, Congress—Army &c., as one people, embarked in one cause—in one interest; acting on the same principle, and to the same end. The distinction, the jealousies set up, or perhaps only incautiously let out, can answer not a single good purpose. They are impolitic in the extreme. Among Individuals, the most certain way to make a man your Enemy is to tell him, you esteem him such; so with public bodies, and the very jealousy, which the narrow politics of some may affect to entertain of the army in order to a due subordination to the supreme, civil authority, is a likely mean to produce a contrary effect, to incline it to the pursuit of those measures, that may wish it to avoid. It is unjust, because no order of Men in the thirteen States have paid a more sanctimonious regard to their proceedings than the Army; and indeed, it may be questioned, whether there has been that scrupulous adherence—had to them—by any other. for without arrogance, or the smallest deviation from truth it may be said, that no history, now extant, can furnish an instance of an

army’s suffering such uncommon hardships as ours have done, and bearing them with the same patience and Fortitude—To see men without Cloat⟨hes⟩ to cover their nakedness—without Blankets to lay on—without Shoes, by which their Marches might be traced by the Blood from their feet—and almost as often without Provisions as with; Marching through frost & Snow, and at Christmas taking up their Winter Quarters within a days March of the enemy, without a House or Hutt to cover them till they could be built & submitting to it without a murmur, is a Mark of patience & obedience which in my opinion can scarce be parallel’d. There may have been some remonstrances or applications to Congress, in the Stile of complaint from the Army, & slaves indeed should we be if this priviledge was denied—on account of their proceedings in particular instances; but these will not authorise, nor even excuse a jealousy, that they, are therefore aiming at unreasonable powers—or making strides dangerous, or subversive of Civil authority. Things should not be viewed in that light, more especially, as Congress in some cases have relieved the injuries complained of, and which had flowed from their own acts.
I refer you to my Letter to yourself & Colo. Lee, which accompanies this, upon the subject of money for such of the old Virginia Troops, as have or may reinlist.
In respect to the Volunteer plan, I scarce know what opinion to give at this time. The propriety of a requisition, on this Head, will depend altogether, on our operations. Such kind of Troops should not be called for, but upon the spur of the occasion, and at the moment of executing an enterprize. They will not endure a long service, and of all Men in the military line, they are the most impatient of restraint and necessary government.
As the propositions, & the Speech of Lord North must be founded in the despair of the Nation of succeeding against us—or, from a Rupture in Europe that has actually happend, or that certainly will; or from some deep political Manœuvre; or from what I think still more likely, a composition of the whole would ⟨it⟩ not be good policy in this day of uncertainty and distress to the Tori⟨es,⟩ to avail ourselves of the occn & for the sevl states to hold out Pardon &ca to ⟨all⟩ delinquents returng by a certain day? They are frightned, & that is ⟨the⟩ time to operate upon them—Upon a short consideration of the ma⟨t⟩ter it appears to me that such a measure wd detach the Tories from the Enemy, & bring things to a much speedier conclusion & of cour⟨se⟩ be a mean of saving much public treasure.
I will now be done, and I trust that you will excuse not only the length of my Letter, but the freedom with which I have delivered my sentiments in the course of it, upon several occasions. The subjects

struck me as important and interesting—& I have only to wish that they may appear to you in the same light. I am Dr sir with great regard Your Most Obedt sert.


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 21 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

Dear Sir,
Valley-forge Apl 21st 1778

I have been favoured with your Letter of the 29th Ulto.
I think with you, that a Sterling debt cannot with any degree of propriety, be discharged in currt money at 33⅓ pr Ct because Bills will cost the purchaser 200. & have lately sold at 230. In this proportion most commodities have risen—But, as you do not raise many things for Sale,

as Rents and Currt Money debts are discharged without having regard to this great difference, and the depreciation of the Paper money from the quantity emitted; and as it would be equally hard upon you to pay at this advanced exchange as upon Mr Custis to receive at the old rate I should think the best way for both of you wd be to let the debt stand till some more favorable oppertunity offers to discharge it as I have no Idea that matters will long remain in the situation they are at present. Taxation must, I think reduce the price of every thing and restore the money to a proper degree of credit. with very sincere estm & regard I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affecte H. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 21 April 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston April 21st 1778

Mr Deane Brother to the Hon. Silas Deane Esqr. being on his way to Congress Charged with Dispatches of the most Happy & Interesting nature to the United States of america and being anxious to proceed Immediately I have not Time to write Save to Congratulate your Excellency on the Court of France having acknowledged the Independence of these United States and having entered into Two Treaties with our Agents One of amity and Commerce the other of Defence guaranteing our Independence & Territory Great Britain is in the greatest Consternation Lord North has Changed his Tone Commissioners are to Come out to treat with us, The Safest way is Sword in hand, all Europe appear to be preparing for war Imagining that your Excellency will Immediately have the particulars from Congress I will not add but that I have the Honor to be with great respect your Excellency most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Stephen Moylan, 21 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. Stephen Moylan, 21 April 1778. GW wrote Moylan on 29 April, “I recd yours of the 21st instant.”


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

My Lord,
Tuesday Evening [Valley Forge, 21 April 1778]

When your Lordship proposed meeting at General Knox’s Quarters to deliberate on the Subject of my propositions, I readily assented, without attending closely to the matter, or considering how far it accorded with my ideas & views; I therefore, as it is by no means my intention to have the collective opinion of the Officers upon the points mentioned would wish the meeting might be avoided, and that each Gentn would give me his sentiments seperately, in writing, that I may compare one with the other—weigh and digest the whole—and take my measures accordingly.
Not knowing whether your Lordship did really appoint the meeting, or not, I now enquire, begging at the same time that it may not be held for the reason before mentioned, and others I could give your Lordship. I am very sincerely Yr Lordships Most Obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 21 April 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mount Joy [Pa.] 21st April 1778

I took the Liberty (some time since) to Suggest to your Excellency the Idea of making an Offensive Campaign against such place as afforded the Greatest prospect of Success to us & Injury to the Enemy—but the Object will depend upon your force—the first and most Desireable would be Mr Howe’s Army—the next New York.
The Question will then arrise how is our Army to be supplied and the Stores Secured—the Answer is that Magazines of Provision & forage must be Defused through each State so as not to have so large a Quantity in any one place as to become an Object Sufficient to Induce the

Enemy to form an Expedition against, and the Military Stores Secured at Sun Bury on the Susquehannah—a position Difficult of access and Defended by a Garrison that would Oblige the Enemy to make use of a Considerable force with Artillery—and that in the Heart of a Country well Effected One Hundred & thirty Miles N.W. of Philadelphia—for which if they were to March that City and New York would be left in our power—or by Dividing their Army give us an Oppertunity of making a Capital Stroke.
On the Contrary if we Continue on the Defensive it will be in their Power to Harass us at pleasure, and lead us a March that would Debilitate and Destroy your Army more than a Severe Engage[men]t the time and place of Action will lay with them which probably will not be the most favourable to us.
Many Reasons both Political and Prudential points out the expediency of putting the Enemy on the Defensive—their plan of Operations (perhaps) already formed in England will by this means be Disconcerted—it will Oblige them to Avacuate New York or Phila.—or one or the Other with it’s Garrison must Inevitably fall into our hands—In either case the fruits of two hard Campaigns—at the expence of much treasure, Blood, & time—would be lost to Brittain and their Glory forever tarnished—whilst the arms of America would become Respected at home, and Shine with Redoubled Lustre though the Courts of Europe.
Should you move for the North River the Militia of New York and the Eastern States will at a Call, Crowd to your Camp—and being so lately flushed with Conquest—will hope the same good fortune on this Occation—and should Mr Howe attempt to Succour Mr Clinton, it will in all probability be productive of the most happy and Glorious Consequences—for a Conquering Army finds no Difficulties.
It would be presumption in me to take up your Excellencies time any longer on a Subject that I am Confident has not escaped your Serious thought—I shall therefore only Assure you that whatever part may be Assigned to me I shall always—and on all Occasions be ready to serve you with the best Service of Your Excellencies Most Obt and very Hume Sert

Anty Wayne


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

Head-Quarters V. Forge Wednesday April 22nd 1778.
Massachusetts—Maryland Middlesex.

The Forage-Master General is without delay to appropriate a sufficient number of Wheat fields in the Vicinity of Camp to serve as Forage Ground; to allot to each Brigade an extent proportion’d to it’s Strength which is to be clearly mark’d out and to make a report of the whole at Head Quarters and to the Quarter Master General as well as a particular Return to each Brigade Forage Master for the Portion assigned to his Brigade.
The Commanding Officers of Brigades are to give strict orders to prevent mutual Encroachments by exceeding the limits assigned to each.
Lieutenant Cyrus De Hart is appointed Pay-Master to the first New-Jersey Regiment vice Mr Aaron Ogden (resigned) and is to be respected as such.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 22 April 1778
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp [Valley Forge] Aprill 22d 1778

Being just returned from German Town, I beg leave to inform your Excellency that I was happy enough to perfect the Exchange of the following Officers, for those of equal Rank due to us from the Enemy, which I hope will meet with your Excellency’s Approbation. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Servt

Elias Boudinot Com. Genl of Prisonrs


Title: From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 22 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Charles

Dear Sir,
Valley-forge Aprl 22d 1778

Mr Boudinot, at Comy Lorings request, met at German town yesterday; from whence he is just returned, after having agreed on a final exchange of yourself and other Officers with that Gentleman.
That delay may not produce danger, I shall send in a flag tomorrow for your parole—when obtained, I shall most cordially, and sincerely, congratulate you on your restoration to your Country, and to the Army—I could not however refrain, till this happy event should take place, rejoicing with you on the probability of it, and to express my wish of seeing you in Camp, as soon as you possibly can make it convenient to yourself, after you are perfectly at liberty to take an active part with us; of which I shall not delay giving you the earliest notice.
I have received your favour of the 13th Instt from York—the contents shall be the subject of conversation when I have the pleasure of seeing you, in a condition to mount your hobby horse, which I hope will not, on tryal, be found quite so limping a jade as the one you set out to york on. I am sincerely & affectionately Dr Sir yr obt sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 22 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 22d April 1778

I am favd with yours of the 13th instant. I am perfectly satisfied with your delay of the enterprise proposed to you, as I am certain it has been founded upon substantial reasons.
Congress having, by their Resolve of the 15th inst., directed Genl Gates to resume the command of the Northern department and to repair forthwith to Fishkill for that purpose; I imagine he will proceed immediately thither. Upon his arrival here, I must desire you to return to this Army and take the command of your division.
As Colo. La Radiere and Colo. Kosiusko will never agree, I think it

will be best to order La Radiere to return, especially as you say Kosiusko is better adapted to the genius and temper of the People.
It is painful to reflect upon the number of valuable Officers who have been obliged to quit the Service on account of the disproportion between their pay and every necessary of life. I do not yet know what Congress will determine as to the new arrangement and provision for the Army, but if the Gentlemen mentioned by you are such as will be an acquisition to the Service, I would wish you to endeavour to persuade them to remain untill they see what Congress will do. If they cannot be prevailed upon to wait till that time, you will see that they are not indebted to their Regiments or to the public and give them discharges. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 22 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Robert Morris, 22 April 1778. On 27 April, GW wrote Morris, “I have your favr of the 22d instant.” The cover sheet of the letter, docketed “Manheim 22d Apl 1778 from Robt Morris Esqr. Ansd 27th,” is in DLC:GW. A few scattered words are readable in the margin of the cover’s verso: “of wh . . . shou’d . . . with Public . . . discreet.”


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 22 April 1778
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon April 22d 1778

Yours of the 12 Inst. is at hand—lately I recieved a Letter from Colo. Lewis wherein he informs me he cannot learn who has Blairs Bond, nor who is authorised to recieve his Debts, & that he believes he did not appoint any one to do it before he left the Country—I shall write to Mr Mercer concerng it & other matters as you mention.
I shall not go among your Tenants over the Ridge until I return from Camp, at present Mr Custis and my self think to set off for Camp next week.
Custis was Honourable elected a Delegate for this Cty last monday, he got more than three times as many Votes as Broadwater, Mason was first Elected—Colo. Basset who is here was yesterday Enoculated for the small Pox, he pretends not to be affraid, yet you may discover he is much alarmd.
I am affraid the Shads are done runing if so I shall be cut short in my expectation, & not make more than half as much by fishg as I expected, they were disappointed in getg Salt so soon as was expected, therefore I coud not be supplyd with it, at any Rate done or not done

run[nin]g I shall clear £200. by it, & if they are not gone double it—Herrings they make no use off, but I think they had better cure them as they cannot get shad—We have had much Wet weather the whole winter & spring, which has put us rather Back in our plantation worck the Crabs, Thorns, Cedars &c.—which we planted this Spring for Hedges appear to be all liveg the Locusts at the North End of the House are all putg out I believe not one of them are dead, the Variety of Trees at the South End are also alive, most of them I hope will live.
The Ship G. Washington is Launc[h]e’d butt lays deep in the mud in Occoquan how long she will continue so is uncertain—not long I hope, they say she will be got out the first high tide—I have got Continantal Loan office Certificates on your Ac[coun]t for £1200.
of all the Worthless Men liveg Lanphier is the greatest, no art or temptation of mine can prevail on him to come to worck notwithstandg his repeated promises to do so—I wanted much to get the Window finishd in the Pedimont that I might have the garret Passage plaister’d & clean’d out before Mrs Washington return—beside this the scafflg in the Front of the House cannot be taken away before it is finishd—this prevents me from putg up the Steps to the great Front Door, a worck I want Harry young to be about—I think he will be here to day and stick to his worck.
We have some of our people sick, among them is Ariana a child of Alice’s who I believe must Die—worms I believe is the cause of its illness the others not Bad—make my Compliments to Mrs Washington & tell her I shall take care to bring or send the Cotten she wrote for, & that I recieved the letter she mentiond—Her grandchildren are two Beautys, & in good health—Am Dr Sir your affectionate Servt

Lund Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Bowdoin, 23 April 1778
From: Bowdoin, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston April 23. 1778

Mr Robt Temple, at whose request this is written, waits on your Excy to procure the favour of your assistance in the Settlement of his Account

against the united States. He would be glad also to be favoured with your permission to go to Ireland, where he has friends and connections, and where he can employ himself to the advantage of his family in the farming way. He found his Farm at Charlestown in So ruined a state, that it will require a great length of time, and great expence upon it to put it in a condition to answer the purpose of supporting his family: and it would be again, if the enemy should attack Boston, so much in the centre of military operations, that he would have reason to expect that all his expence upon it would be lost. He is desirous therefore of going to Ireland with his family: where, he tells me he can procure accommodations for them on one of the Several Farms, of which he had the offer of Leases on advantageous terms, when last there. I give yr Excy joy on the good news from France, & the effect it appears to have had on the british ministry. Wishing most ardently that yr operations in the ensuing Campaign may be crowned with Success I have the honour to be with the most perfect Esteem Sir Yr Excellency’s most obed. hble Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, 23 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Campbell, Archibald

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 23d April 1778

I was yesterday favd with yours of the 20th int [in]forming me of your arrival at Morris Town. Give me leave to congratulate you upon the prospect of your exchange, which will be immediately effected, Mr Boudinot having given orders to his deputy to accompany you to Elizabeth town where I expect you will meet Lt Colo. Allen.
I am sorry that a variety of obstacles have prevented your exchange before this time, but I can assure you that no proposition has ever been made in your favr but has been acceded to on my part. I wish you a

happy sight of your family and Friends and am with Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Thomas Conway, 23 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Conway, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Thomas Conway, 23 April 1778. GW wrote Gouverneur Morris on 18 May: “I am told that C—nw—y (from whom I have received another impertinent Letter dated the 23d Ulto demanding the commd of a division of the Continental Army) is, through the medium of his friends solliciting his Commission again.” Conway wrote Henry Laurens on 18 May, “I have wrote to you, Sir, the 22d of Last month and Likewise to General Gates presidt. of the Board of War, and to General Washington commander in Chief” (Laurens PapersPhilip M. Hamer et al., eds. The Papers of Henry Laurens. 16 vols. Columbia, S.C., 1968–2003., 13:327). There Conway indicated that his letter to GW was similar in content to Conway’s letter to Laurens of 22 April, for which, see ibid., 169–70.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 23 April 1778
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

[Valley Forge, 23 April 1778]

As to the first question—whether we ought to attack General How in his lines—I adhere to what is contained in my last memorial—Unless we have 25 thousand resolute men armed with good muskets and bayonets (for the latter will be necessary here) we ought not to think of it.
It is not in my power to discuss the second relative to the Attack on New York, as I am not acquainted with the topography, nor have ever seen any particular plan of the Town, or the fortifications in its vicinity and at Kingsbridge—I shall remark only that the expedition against N. York ought not to be attempted at the expence of the Army opposed to General How, for if this army should cease to be in condition to make head against the british—the latter would attack it, dissipate it, and march uncontrouled through Pennsilvania and Jersey—it is I presume needless to point out the consequences.
but if without prejudicing this army, we may have besides, a number of Troops which intelligent and experienced Officers acquainted with N. York and its vicinity, judge sufficient to attack it—in that case doubtless the attempt may be made—but measures must be prudently taken.
Lastly, as to the third object of discussion—what are the positions to be taken by this Army acting on the defensive—it appears to me that there is a previous important point to be decided—because all our operations ought to be subordinate to it—this point is, to know, in case of our armys suffering a check and not being able to maintain its ground here, in what direction our Retreat is to be made in preference—towards the blue mountains? on the other side of the Susquehannah? on

the other side of the Delaware? by determining this, we shall determine where the grand magazines of the army are to be formed—& then we shall be governed by these two considerations in the choice of our positions as well as in all our movements.
As for the determination of this capital point, vizt Whether, in case of a check we are to go to the North, to the South, or to the West—mature deliberation is required—we are to consider, supposing the communication between the Northern and Southern States cut off, which of the two will be able to furnish the most numerous army, and provide it best with subsistence and Stores—as this is not proposed for our examination, I shall say nothing more on it.

Chev. duportail.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 23 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge April 23: 1778

I take the liberty to transmit you a Letter, which I received yesterday from Governor Tryon, enclosing the draughts of the Two Bills, I forwarded before, with his certificate of the manner in which they came to his hands; accompanied by his more extraordinary and impertinent request, that through my means, the contents should be communicated to the Officers & Men of this Army. This Engine of Ministry, from Governor Livingstons account, is very industriously circulating Copies of these Draughts, in obedience to their and his Royal master’s mandates. The Letter, which I inclose, & a Triplicate came to hand at one time. Some future conveyance, it is probable, will present me the Duplicate.
I would also take the liberty to inclose you the Evening post No. 475 which Governor Livingston was so obliging as to send me yesterday. Were we not fully satisfied from our experience, that there are no artifices—no measures too black or wicked for the Enemy or their adherents to attempt, in order to promote their views, we might be astonished at the daring confidence, in defiance of the opinion of the World, manifested in a publication in this paper, purporting a Resolution of Congress of the 20th of February. This proceeding is infamous to the last degree, and calculated to produce the most baneful consequences, by exciting an opposition in the people to our drafting system, and embarrassing, at least, the only probable mode now left us, for raising Men. I think it of great importance that the Forgery should be announced in the most public manner, and am the more induced to this opinion from Govr Livingston’s account of the disagreable operation it has had, and is still likely to produce, if not contradicted. If it is, & with a few strictures, I should hope that it will excite, in the breasts of all our Countrymen, a just and generous contempt of the Enemy for such a dirty—wicked proceeding.
I was last night honored with your favor of the 18th Instant with the proceedings alluded to. A general plan of operations for the campaign is indispensibly essential to be settled. I have thought much upon the subject and some propositions respecting it, were put in the hands of all the General Officers here on Tuesday Evening, for their consideration. I also intended to send a Messenger this day to meet General Gates, supposing him to be on his way to Hudson’s river, and to request, his call at this Camp, that we might enter into a full and free discussion of the point. There is not a moment to be delayed, in forming some general system, in my opinion, and I only wait the arrival of Generals

Gates and Mifflin, to summon a Council for the purpose. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Yr Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. It is confidently reported and I have little doubt of the truth of it, that Sir Wm Howe is recalled, & that Genl Clinton is to succeed him in command. I have also the pleasure to transmit a List of sundry Officers exchanged on the 21st Inst.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Stephen Moylan, 23 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. Stephen Moylan, 23 April 1778. On 13 May, GW wrote Moylan, “You mentioned in a letter of the 23d April that you understood some members of Congress were dis-satisfied with the determination of Rank between Colo. Bland, Baylor, Shelden and yourself.”


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

Sir
Camp [Valley Forge] April the 23d 1778

Agreeable to Your Excellencys Requisition to the General Officers, I have investigated the proposition and endeavourd to form my opinion, with regard to the three General plans of Operation propos’d for the ensuing Campaign—I shall begin with the last plan propos’d Vizt “The remaining Quiet in a secure fortified Camp, disciplining & Aranging the Army, till the Enemy begin their Operations, & then to govern ourselves accordingly.[”]
This in my humble Opinion would be by far the least Eligible plan of the three, I do not think there has been a time since the Commencement of this War, in which it was so necessary to make some spirited effort, as it will be at the opening of this Campaign, and should the Main Army under Your Excellencys Command remain inactive it would add much to the Allmost universal Langour, which at this time too much

prevails thr’o out the Continent; The only real Good we could reap from this plan, would be the Arranging and disciplining the Army, which th’o great in itself & Obvious to the discerning few, is not of the splendid kind which the People in General wish & look for, & which is so necessary in our present Situation to keep the Bulk of the People together; Success alone in consequence of this plan, could Justify the Measure to the Country & to Posterity; but Fortune is a Jilt.
secondly. “The Attempting to Recover Philadelphia and destroying the Enemys Army there.”
This, if it could be effected would terminate the dispute, and establish the Independency of America. The solid Advantages that would Accrue to America from the Execution of this plan, would Justify the risque & Compensate for the loss we should probably sustain in the Execution of it. If the Enemys Force consists of Ten thousand Men, besides Seaman & Marines, they will be Able to Man their Works fully, and as a Measure of this kind cannot be carried into execution, without the Enemys perceiving our Intentions for some time, before the plan is ripe, they will have time to Compleat their System of Defence, & effectually prevent the carrying it by Storm, or perhaps by regular Seige with any Number of Men We shall be Able to bring against them; so that the only Method in my Opinion would be to Reduce the City by Blockade to effect this 25000 at least, will be required on this side of Delaware—15000 of these to take post as near the City as possible, extending the Line from Delaware, to Skulkill—with sufficient Works to prevent the Enemy from making an impression or Surprising the Line—The remaining 10000 to be posted on this side of Skulkill, their Camp to be fortified, and if possible, (as I think it is) to extend to Delaware, to prevent the Enemy from receiving Supplies thr’o that Channell—The Whole Militia of the Jersey State to Occupy the Jersey Shore opposite the City and as low as Billingsport.
The last plan proposd—“The endeavouring to transfer the War to the Northward, by an enterprise agt New York.[”] is I must Confess my favorite; If nothing was gained by the enterprise but transferring the War to the Northward the Advantage would be great, as the Country is so much better Calculated, not only for supplying the Army, but we should be in the Neighbourhood of States, where the Militia would be ready & willing to turn out on any emergency to Join the Grand Army, a Militia well Affected, Well Armd & to be depended on—but there is also the greatest probability that New York will fall into our hands The Enemy in their present Situation, cannot maintain both Cities, if they send strong Reinforcements from Philadelphia, that City must fall if they keep their force together in Philada New york must fall—Another Reason that weighs forcibly with me, is, We shall in a little time have all

the succours we can expect from the Southward, so that our expectation of Assistance from that Quarter to carry on an expedition agt Philada will be small, An Enterprise agt New York is, as I have often heard a favorite Scheme with the Eastern States & New England would pour forth her Thousands, to carry the plan into Execution—20000 Men would be necessary to invest the place, as We should then be Able to carry it, even if the Enemy should Reinforce the Garrison before we could get into the City—how these Men are to be disposd of, I shall not pretend to say, as I am only Acquainted with the Situation of the place from the Map—To Cover & protect this State, an Army of Observation consisting of 7 or 8000 Men, besides the Militia of the State, should be left to Watch the Motions of the Enemy in Philada & to make an Attempt on the City in case the Enemy should send considerable Reinforcements to the Relief of New York—our Military & other Stores ought to be removd on the other Side of Susquehannah to prevent a possibility of their being destroyd by the Enemy—If this plan is adopted, every Measure should be taken to induce the Enemy to believe our principal Force was intended to Act agt Philada & no part of the Army move towards New York untill every thing is ready for the enterprise for should the Enemy be deceivd by Appearances before they could reinforce New York, the place might be carried by a Coup de main, & their Valuable Stores fall into our hands. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Obedt hble Servt

P. Muhlenberg


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Paterson, 23 April 1778
From: Paterson, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Valley Forge] April 23d 1778

My being unacquainted with the Situation & ground on which the Enemy are Incamp’d renders me incapable of being a Suitable Judge of the Method of attacking them either at New York or Philadelphia.
In forming a Judgment of a Matter of such importance, a Consideration of the most Capital Advantages ought to be the Object of Attention—before I proceed to the first Question from which I think the greatest Advantages will arise, I shall give my Objections to the two latter.
An Attempt on New York by Coup de Main con⟨s⟩idering the Distance and the impossibility of moving without the Enemys Knowledge, I think impracticable, bending our main Force in a Regular Way against it would require our principal Attention and prevent our Operations

in any other Quarter, and if attained could only be considered as a partial Advantage.
Taking Post in a fortified Camp for the purposes of disciplining and arranging the Army &c. would perhaps be loosing the best Opportunity we shall ever have of bringing the Controversy to a Conclusion in our Favour.
By a Distruction of their grand Army, all the Collateral Branches will fall of Course, and a final Period be put to the War; should we leave this State with the main Body of the Enemy in possession of its Capital would they not imagine we had withdrawn our Protection from them, and think it their Interest and Duty to accept of Terms which may be proposed to them by Great Britain, which by all means ought to be prevented.
I should imagine the first Plan proposed, the one we ought to pursue, the particular Method of carrying it into Execution, your Excellency will excuse me from describing, being (as I said before) unacquainted with Philadelphia, but should think that the Army ought to be divided into three Bodies, One in the Jersys, one between the two Rivers, and one on this Side the Schuylkill, which Bodies in the whole ought (in my Opinion) to consist of thirty Thousand Men & that we ought not to attempt a Storm, but advance by regular Approaches.
This Position will oblidge the Enemy, to leave the City, give us Battle, or wait their Reinforcement the first probable, the second desirable, the third improbable. I am your Excellencis most Obedient and very humble Servant

Jno. Paterson


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 23 April 1778
From: Poor, Enoch
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Valley Forge] Apriel 23d 1778

Your Exellency having been pleased to Submit to the Consideration of the General officers three plans of Operation for the ensuing Campain, one the Attempting the recovery of Philadelphia, another an enterprize against New York, the third to remain quiet waiting the motions of the Enemy—I am of Opinion that the Attempting to recover Philadelphia would be attended with many Difficulties and would require a larger force than Can be Supplied with Provisions, to attempt it by Storm I think too hazardus an undertaking and by regular Approaches or by Blockade I think they may Defend it as long as their Provisions last as they have 4 or 5 miles between their redouts and the

mouth of Schuylkill—third plan of remaining Quiet in Camp I would Explode—I think the 2 plan of forming an enterprize against New York to be the most ellijeble, and for this purpus the troops from the States east of the Delaware River, would in my Opinion be fully Sufficient for the Interprize, whilst those of the Southward of Delaware with the Militia might Cover the Country and Secure our Stores here, as I am entirely unaquainted at New York and the differant posts held by the Enemy Cant print out the mode for atact but must leave that part to those who are better acquainted. I am Sir your most obedt and Very Humble Servt

Enoch Poor


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 23 April 1778
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

[Valley Forge] April 23d, 1778.

In the beginning of the War every Motive induced us to act upon the defencive Matters are now changed, & the Disposition of the People at large, indicates the Improbability of ever collecting so large a Force as we shall be able to do for the ensuing Campaign. We must improve upon the remaining Sparks of public Virtue, and endeavour to give the Enemy a mortal Wound before their Reinforcements can arrive from Europe. Without obtaining some capital Advantage, the Mind may be too well prepared to receive Submission & Slavery. A successful Attack upon Philadelphia would undoubtedly effect the most desirable End. To accomplish this we must form three Camps either equal, & one of

them superior to the Enemy’s supposed Force; But as the City is approachable only on one Side, the Siege would resolve itself into a Blockade, & baffle all our Efforts, if their Provision & Stores should serve them ’till the arrival of their Reinforcements.
To make up so large an Army, we must have Recourse to Militia in part. Virginia and New England are too distant to expect much from those Quarters. Pennsylvania and Maryland are badly armed & accoutred, & worse sentimented. The collecting sufficient Magazines & Provisions to this Place would be difficult, if not impossible, Whereas the Southern Supplies would tend to support a moderate Force, & the eastern, a large Force near that Country. In short, every Motive would excite us to remove the Seat of War, without an absolute Certainty of Success here—To effect the former, or probably give the Enemy an important Blow, I must beg Liberty to propose the Out Lines of this Campaign’s Operations.
To reduce New York, will require Ten Thousand Men, disposed of in the following Manner: five Thousand should cross Harlem River below the Hights, one part of whom should form a Line to prevent a Junction between the Troops at Fort Washington & in the City; The other part should proceed immediately into the City. Two Thousand should pass over to Long Island, in different Places, to secure the Troops there; Two Thousand should cross also to Staten Island for a similar Purpose; And one Thousand might shew Themselves near Fort Indepen[den]ce, as well to draw the Enemy’s Attention, as to prevent an Imbarkation at Phillip’s or Dobb’s Ferry. You may deceive the Enemy by appearing in great Force here—collect in the Southern Recruits as fast as possible; Call in a considerable Body of Militia from this State and Maryland; Move near the Enemy & be in a Disposition to fight him; In the mean Time stop the Eastern Recruits in Connecticutt; Send forward a proportion of officers to equip and form them; Imperceptibly almost, you may file off with the Troops east of Delaware River, leaving all the others, with militia, to make a Front against the Enemy in Philadelphia. This Disposition will cover your Stores in this Country. In All probability the Enemy will detach four or five Thousand Men from Philadelphia to save New York, that being an Object essential to the Idea of conquering America. It is not probable however, that his Judgment of your Intentions would be so soon formed as to take his Measures in Time. You may add doubts to his Deception by making a Shew opposite the City with The Troops destined for Staten Island. Should his Reinforcement reach New York before its Reduction, to command, to a moral Certainty, Events, order previously a Camp of Ten Thousand Militia to be formed at or near Newhaven—These may be called in to strengthen your Army while the Army left in Pennsylvania may act immediately against the City Should only a part of the Force be detached

from Thence; Should the whole leave Philadelphia, you have gained yr Point by removing the Seat of War, & the Army here may cross the Delaware & form a Camp in Jersey or join as Circumstances may require.
Should the Enemy evacuate New York upon your appearing in great Force against it; You can return to this Country nearly as soon as they, & will have obtained a most capital Advantage. Upon that Supposition, and other Circumstances that will suggest themselves, a part of the eastern Militia may be usefully employed against Newport, where a considerable Number of Prisoners, & Quantity of Booty would fall into our Hands.
The sooner the Troops could be assembled for these Operations the better—I imagine the first of June would be the most favorable Time. Any Delays or Miscarriage in so great a Plan would more probably prepare the People at Large for Submission to the Power of Great Britain. A splendid atchievment would fire their Minds anew, & give them an additional Confidence in their own Importance. As therefore the Attempt upon New York is more likely to succeed than that upon Philadelphia, And as the best of Consequences would result from Victory in either Case, I must prefer New York as the principal Object. I have no Copy of this. But am your Excellency’s most obdt Servant

J. M. Varnum.


Title: From George Washington to the Virginia Delegates, 23 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Virginia Delegates

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Valley Forge 23d 1778

I have the honor of yours of the 16th instant. I know of no more eligible mode of remitting the 30,080 dollars for payment of the additional Bounty to the reinlisted Men of the Virginia Regiments, than by giving a special order to the paymaster General to pay that Sum to me or my order. I only beg, that the Gentlemen of the treasury Board may be reminded that as pay is due the greatest part of the Troops from the month of January, they should look upon the 30 M dollars as extra, and therefore send a sum besides adequate to the exigencies of the Army. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 23 April 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mount Joy [Pa.] 23rd April 1778

I have endeavoured to Investigate the Questions Offered by your Excellency—and am fully and Clearly of Opinion—that the Recovery of Phila. and the Distruction of the Enemies Army there—are the first and greatest Objects—but in Order to Effect this—it will Require at least Twenty five Thousand Effective men—i.e. Eighteen thousand in front of their Lines—five thousand in New Jersey—and two Thousand on the West Side of the Schuylkil—all the Meadows on the Delaware & the Mouth of Schuylkil ought to be Immediately laid under Water—and a Number of Boats on travelling Cariages for the purpose of passing such Rivers or Creeks as the case may Require.
A Number of Morters or large Howitz with some heavy Cannon on travelling Cariages will be wanted with the Army in the Jersey—to annoy or Destroy the Enemies fleet in case they should Attempt to lay in the River any where between Chester and Phila.
Thus by having in front of the Enemy a Body of Troops posted in the Vicinity of Germantown—Superior of their whole force—they dare not Venture out on that Quarter, without subjecting themselves to the most eminent Danger—nor can they make a Detatchment into the Jersey Sufficient to Dislodge the Troops Stationed there without leaving their Lines Naked—or Open for the Grand Army to Enter—all Supplies of Provision Provender & fuel will thus be totally cut off—they will therefore be necessitated to Avacuate the City or Surrender Prisoners at Di[s] cretion in the Course of two or three Weeks—Otherwise give you Battle in front—should they attempt this—it will be the Signal for the Troops in the Jersey to throw themselves aCross the Delaware below the Town and possess themselves of the Enemies Works—for which purpose the Gondolas ought to pass Phila. keeping under the Jersey shore as soon as the troops are thrown into that State, where they will afford a Mutual protection to each Other.
But if your Excellency will not have a force Adequate to this buisness—New York should be the next Object in force—leaving a light flying Army of about twenty five Hundred men to Cover Pennsa—small Magazines of Provision & forage should be laid up in each State—and so Defused as not to have in any one place a Sufficient Quantity to become an Object to Induce the Enemy to form an Expedition against—the Military Stores ought to be Immediately Secured at Sunbury on the Susquehannah—a position Difficult of access—and may be Defended by a Small Garrison, and should the Enemy be ever so Desirous of Carrying them—they can’t Effect it but in force—which should they attempt—they must March One Hundred & thirty Miles N.W. of Phila.

and into the Heart a Country well Effected & through Mountains & Defiles which would be Rendered Impracticable by your flying Army—beside the Distance would be so great, that the Troops Destined for New York might be trown beetween them and Phila., and in all probability Effect their total Ruin.
I am against the latter Disposition i.e. of Remaining quiet in Camp & waiting the Enemies Motions—I have already given my Opinion in full on that head as well as Other matters—the 21st Instant to which I beg leave to refer your Excellency. Interim I am Your Excellencies Most Obt & very Huml. Sert

Anty Wayne B.G.


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

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday April 24th 1778
Otway—Orford—Oxford.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 24 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir,
H. Qrs V[alley] f[orge] April 24th 1778.

In the affair of Princetown the winter before last, a box was taken from the enemy, which by appearances was supposed to contain a quantity of hard money. It was put into a small ammunition cart, on the spur of the occasion and has since disappeared. I am informed there were some suspicions at the time against one Crane, a Capt. Lieutenant in the artillery—who, it was imagined had converted the box and its contents to his own use.
The inclosed letter to Mr Hamilton gives some reason to believe those suspicions were not without foundation; and if any method could be fallen upon to detect the villainy, and recover the money, or some equivalent for it, it would not be amiss. I am not able to give you any clue to the discovery further than to refer you to Mr Kip; whom I have desired to communicate to you all the information he may be possessed of, on the subject. Crane it seems, lives in Orange county, within your government. I am with much Respect & Esteem Sir Your most Obed. Serv.

G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 24 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 24 April 1778

It being indispensibly necessary that some general plan of operation should be settled for the present Campaign; and perceiving that Congress have been pleased to appoint you to command on the North River—I am to request, if you should not find it too inconvenient, that you will make a digression from your route thither, and favor me with a call at this Camp, that we may enter upon a discussion of the point, and form some general System. The propriety of this measure, particularly at this advanced period, will be so obvious to you, that it is unnecessary to add upon the subject. I am Sir yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Thomas Mifflin, 24 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mifflin, Thomas

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 24 April 78

In conformity to a Resolve of Congress, of which the inclosed is a Copy, I am to inform you that a Council of War, at which I request your attendance, will be held at this place to deliberate and determine upon the measure recommended by Congress.
As the meeting of the Council, will depend upon the arrival of Genl Gates, to whom I have written, you will be pleased to enquire of him when he will be here, and regulate yourself accordingly. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 25 April 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
War Office [York, Pa.] April 25th 1778

The former Board, addressed your Excellency on the Subject of General Thompson’s Exchange for a Brigadier General Hamilton captured at Saratoga & now at Cambridge. You were pleased to undertake the Negotiation of the Matter & for that Purpose transmitted a Copy of the Board’s Letter to General Heath. General St Clair has conversed with Brigadier Hamilton who is very desirous of being exchanged. I am therefore to request your Excellency will be pleased to inform the Board what Progress has been made in the Matter & if you can put the Business in a proper Train we are conscious you will take every Step to procure the Exchange of so valuable an Officer as General Thompson who thinks himself rather hardly used by being overlooked on a former Occasion. There are three Brigadiers at Cambridge, Hamilton, Specht & Goll. Your Excellency will no Doubt think it best to propose the Exchange for either of these Gentlemen; & if General Heath can procure the Exchange of any other Officers for Officers under the Convention it will be very eligible for him to do it as your Excellency must be convinced for a Variety of Reasons. with Great Respect, I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellencys most obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates president