Title: From George Washington to Major Michael Ryan, 10 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Ryan, Michael

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 10th April 1778

I recd yours of Yesterday. You know very well that by the Rules of the Army which have been and now are in force, that no officer could hold two appointments, unless by an express Resolution of Congress, and that therefore when you accepted the appointment of Brigade Major, you vacated your Rank in the line. You cannot produce an instance where a Brigade Major has returned to the line, except it may have been by the general concurrence of all the Regimental Officers who would have been affected by it. When Genl Wayne was desired to give in a list of the Officers of Pennsylvania, who were intitled to promotions as Feild Officers, he inserted you as youngest Major. The Gentlemen of my family imagining that care had been taken to settle the matter properly filled up the Commission, but no sooner was it issued, than there was a remonstrance from all the Captains against the legality of it. This brought on the enquiry, and the General Officers determined, as had been always the Case, that by your acceptation of the office of Major of Brigade, you lost the right of promotion in the line. You must be sensible that it is not in my power to violate a General Rule and to replace you in the Regimental line. But you certainly have Rank in the line of the Army, and while you chuse to continue in it are intitled to all the Respect, & Honors of any other Major—Among other matters now before Congress, for the regulation of the Army, the peculiar Case of Officers who have left the line to accep of the Offices of Adjutant, Brigade Major &ca is fully stated, and I hope something will be done to make them compensation for the loss of regimental Promotion. I am &c.

G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 10 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

Dear Sir,
Valley-forge Aprl 10th 1778.

Majr Schull leaving Camp without giving me a second oppertunity of speaking to him, prevented another offer which I had in contemplation, and which I am still disposed to make him, if it can be done without carrying with it the appearance of importunity, and consequently embarrassment, if his inclination leads to a different pursuit.
The place I had in view for him was in my family—assistant Secretary—the good character given me of this Gentn, added to the favorable opinion I have imbibed of his abilities, and prudent deportment, makes this a desirable object; and I should think myself fortunate in the success of it, provided he could be brought into the Office with his own entire consent.
The pay will be Sixty dollars and four Rations a Month—his expences trifling, as he will have the use of my Table & be found forage for his Horses.
I will now, without appologizing for the freedom I take, and the consequent trouble you will receive, request the favor of you to discover, if you can, whether the offer would be agreeable to Major Schull, or not, and let me know as soon as you can—If I have reason to believe that it would be agreeable to him to come into my Family in the capacity abovementioned, I would immediately write to him on this Subject—on the other hand if I found he had the least unwillingness I should decline all thoughts of it. I am Dr Sir Yr most Obed. & Affe. Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Israel Shreve, 10 April 1778
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Newmils [N.J.] April 10th 1778

two Day ago, by Express, I was inform’d the Enemy that Landed at Squan, Burnt the Buildings, belonging to the Works on that River, and Immediately Imbarked, the Salt and pans were not Distroyed, the Detatchment of Furmans Late Regt has not yet Joined me, I hear they are on their march, I have had no Reignforce of militia Since my Last, I have kept three Small parties Scouting below in the Neighbourhoods of Haddonfield, and Woodberry.
With the Advice of the field officers present, Last Evening I ordered the two peaces Artillery, Sick, and Cumbersom Baggage, Stores &c. to this place with a Small Guard, At the Same time Ordered All the troops Down, towards haddonfield, to Divide into Several Scouts, Commanded by proper officers, thinking this must Answer our purposes to hinder the Disaffected trading with the Enemy, Better than to keep in a body, to morrow they Are to Randvoze at Haddonfield, where I Shall be to Give further Orders, in my oppinion Such Artillery as we have, is no more than So much Lumber, the Artillery men has Gone Down with the other troops, Last night the Country was Alarmed by the Washington Galley, A Schoner, and three Armed Boats, Comeing up the River twelve miles, thinking they were Designed to Cover the Landing of troops, I Beleave their intent is to Cover the fisherry At Sinneminsin, and protect marketing.
By Virtue of your Excys Warrent, I Called a Court Martial, William Seeds was tryed, and Samuel Carter, the Militia Officers And Virtuas Inhabitants Seemed so much Dissatisfied at his being Delivered over to the Cevel Law, he being taken within Less than twenty five miles of your Excys head Quarters, to Satisfy them, I ordered him tried, his famaly are Generally Disaffected, two Brothers in Arms with the Enemy, I herewith Send the preceedings of the Court for your Excys Approbation, I shall Do every thing in my power to protect the Country, And Stop the Disaffected from tradeing. I am your Excys very Hume Servt

Israel Shreve Col.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 10 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 10th April 1778

I have the honor of yours of the 6th inclosing a passport for the Waggons with Stores for the prisoners at Winchester, which I immediately forwarded to Mrs Pemberton.
I beg leave to introduce Major General Greene to you, who is lately appointed Qr Mr General. Upon looking over the late law of this State for regulating the manner of providing Waggons for the Service, he has found out some parts which he conceives might be amended so as more fully to answer the valuable purposes intended. He will lay the wished amendments before you and the Council for your consideration, and if you think with him that the Service will be benefitted by them, I have no doubt but you will recommend them to the Assembly at the opening of the next Session.
There is a Grievance complained of by many persons, inhabitants of this State, who attend the Army in continental employ as Qr Masters, Waggon Masters, Teamsters &ca. They are called upon to do duty in the Militia, and if they do not appear, are fined to the Amount of their substitute money. This they conceive to be very hard upon them, as they are in the service of the States and ought to be as much exempted as Officers or Soldiers.
General Greene will represent this matter fully to you and point out an equitable mode of redress. He is interested in the matter as the persons who complain generally belong to his department. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Saturday April 11th 1778
Armenia—Alfred—Arnold—

The Commander in Chief earnestly calls on all officers to pay the strictest attention to the General order of 28th of January last respecting their mens Ammunition and in addition to that order, He directs that whenever a non commissioned officer or soldier is detected in discharging his Piece or otherwise wasting his Ammunition the first Commissioned Officer he is brought before shall order him to be tied up immediately and receive thirty nine lashes on his bare back; and as many soldiers contrary to good order often straggle into the Woods or by places to avoid being detected, no soldier in future to be allowed to carry his Arms and Accoutrements out of Camp unless on duty, and whenever the report of a Gun is heard in the Vicinity of the Camp, the Commanding officers of Regiments are desired to send off parties under non Commissioned officers to apprehend the delinquent & bring him to immediate punishment.

The Commanding officers of Regiments & Corps will see that [th]is order is read to their officers & men and the Commanders of Companies will be careful to inform all their men now absent of this order when they return to Camp.
At a General Court-Martial whereof Colonel Vose is President April 1st 1778—Doctor Vacke of 4th New-York Regiment tried for neglect of duty, disobedience of orders, behaving unbecoming a Gentleman and an officer, using menacing language to his Colonel & spreading false reports to his prejudice, found not guilty of either of the charges exhibited against him and unanimously acquitted with honor—Also Ensign Bloomfield of 3rd Jersey Battalion tried by the same Court for conducting in an unofficer, unsoldierlike manner in suffering himself to be surprised by the Enemy near their lines; After mature deliberation, the court are unanimously of opinion that Ensign Bloomfield is not guilty of the Charge exhibited against him and that his conduct far from being unofficerlike merits applause and is worthy of Imitation.
The Commander in Chief confirms the aforegoing opinions of the Court, and orders Doctr Vacke and Ensign Bloomfield to be immediately discharged from their Arrest.
At the same Court Ensign Kirk of Coll Grayson’s Regiment tried for suffering Major Taylor one of the officers of the day to surprise him at his Picquet, for, permitting several of his guard to be asleep with their Accoutrements off and for not demanding either the Parole or Countersign after the Guard was paraded, found guilty of the charge exhibited against him and sentenced to be reprimanded by the Commanding officer of his Regiment. The General approves the sentence and orders it to take place tomorrow.


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Barry, 11 April 1778
From: Barry, John
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Wilmington [Del.] April 11: 1778

I send by the bearer the things I have Purchased for Your Excellency, It wood have gave me grate pleasure to have had it in my power to have Complated the whole, but some of them selling so high and others not good was the Occasin—the men I have hire that your Excellency Ordered me from Camp Wants close and the[y] Grumble Very much about it—I fear thare Is some of them that will not stay unles the[y] can be suplyed With them—I think in a little time our Crusing will be At an end but I want to have one sweep more among them before we give up, we have being unhappilley blockd up here for this few days past but if the men stay will be out in a few days—Should be glad if Your Excellency wood let Me Know the time you wood want the men and the Gratest Care shall be taken that the[y] Join thare Respectave Regments—Your Excellency will oblige me Very much if you will desire General Varnum to send the men and Close by the Bearer as soon as posable if the[y] dont Come soon it will brak-up my crusing which I should be Very Sorry for as I think we can be of use for some little time yet—I Remain your Excell⟨en⟩cy Most Obedent & Very Humble Servt

John Barry


Title: From George Washington to the Continental Navy Board, 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Navy Board

Gentn
Head Quarters Valley Forge 11th April 1778

I am favd with yours of the 31st ulto. All the Articles which you send over are to be directed to the Commy Genl of purchases or his deputy in Camp and they will give Receipts upon delivery.
I have never had an answer from General Howe respecting Caps. Robinson and Galt. Our Commissioners are now sitting at Newtown to

endeavour to procure a general Release of prisoners and to settle a more extensive Cartel than has hitherto subsisted. I am in hopes if they agree, that Capt. Galt may be redeemed notwithstanding his indiscretion. If Capt. Robinson is detained I shall not fail to make a demand of him in a proper manner. I am with great Respect Gent. Your.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Erskine, 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Erskine, Robert

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 11th April 1778

I recd yours of the 26th March inclosing an elegant draft of part of Hudsons River. If your Affairs are in such a situation that they will admit of your attendance upon the Army I shall be glad to see you as soon as possible. Capt. Scull, who is intended for one of your Assistants, has been for some time employed in surveying the Country adjacent to the Camp. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lacey, John Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 11th April 1778

I recd yours of yesterday inclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial against sundry inhabitants for supplying the Enemy with provision,

and a Return of your Brigade. When you have gone thro’ the trials of the whole, I would recommend it to you to send such, as you think dangerous and who would join the Enemy if released, to the president, with a desire to confine them or put them to labour for five or six months, which will be the active part of the Campaign. Those whose general character has been good I would have released with an assurance of being hanged if they are taken in such practices again, and perhaps it would be well to remit the Corporal punishment of all, especially if they are people who have any reputable friends in the Country—You will observe that the Resolve of Congress for trying inhabitants by law martial expired yesterday, and therefore it will be needless to apprehend any more. If they are found going into Philada with provision you may take that and their Horses from them. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 11th Apl 1778

I have the honor of yours of the 4th instant. If Capt. Arnold makes so many difficulties before he comes into the feild he will perhaps find more after he has entered, and I therefore would rather have him drop the Scheme than take it up unwillingly.
Mr Boudinot is at present at Newtown with the Commissioners, but I will send him that part of your letter which respects the illicit trade carried on under the sanction of his flag Boats with provision and desire him to remedy the evil in the manner you point out. I will also desire him to remove the prisoners of War from your Jails.
A Resolve of Congress passed the 4th instant empowering me to call for 5000 Militia from the States of Pennsylvania Maryland and Jersey. I would not wish to distress the States but when there is an absolute necessity, but from the present poor prospect of an early reinforcement to the continental Army, I fear I shall be obliged to make the demand. If I do, I am confident that your State, notwithstanding their former exertions, will contribute their quota. I am ca.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 11 April 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Princeton [N.J.] 11 April 1778

In Answer to your Excellency’s favour of the 9th with which I am just now honoured; if Moss should be convicted, I will, on account of his having been employed by the military, interpose my offices to procure his pardon, but I am greatly mistaken indeed if he is not one of the most consummate Villains that ever was born, & this moment employed as a Spy for the Enemy—I suspect him particularly to be engaged to watch my Motions, & doubt not he would be the first man to assassinate me, if he had an opportunity. Marselis I believe is honest, & has the same opinion of Moss—I heartily wish he was no farther trusted by our Army except by way of Stratagem; & with a view to obtain full proof of his treachery. His Sister has traded with the Enemy without any view to the Service, but meerly for her private advantage, & spread such a flame of Jealousy among the people as must render this Government contemptible in their Eyes unless she is prosecuted with some degree of Vigour; & she is committed for an offence that admits of no bail—I am with great Esteem your Excellencys most humble Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel John Parke, 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Parke, John

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 11th April 1778

I recd yours of Yesterday. As you seem to think you have been treated in an unusual manner, I will give you my reasons for ordering Colo. Scammel to act as he has done. You had been repeatedly reported by Brig. Genl Scott as absent without leave and even when present inattentive to your Duty I therefore had you arrested, upon your arrival in Camp, that you might answer these charges. Finding that no person could support them in the absence of Genl Scott, who will not return under three or four Weeks, I thought it would be hard to continue you under the rigor of an arrest for so long a time, and therefore directed Colo. Scammel to release you from the Arrest; but at the same time to suspend you from command till the matter could be determined. I am sorry that peculiar circumstances render it impossible to bring on your trial as soon as I could wish, but I am determined not to admit any Officer, whose Character labours under the least suspicion, of unmilitary Behaviour to so important a command as that of a Regiment, much less of a Brigade. I am &c.

G. W——n

P.S. as to the letters you wrote to Colo. Scammel I have neither seen nor heard any thing of them.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Rufus Putnam, 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge. 11th April 1778

I have been favored with yours of the 10th Feby & 12th March to which I should have replied sooner had I not been taking some steps to inquire whether the rank of Colo. of Engineers conferred upon you August 12th 1776 would entitle you to take rank in the Massachusets line as from that time. I am inclined to think it would give great dissatisfaction to those Colonels who were elder Lieut. Colos. than you were. They allow that you have rank in the great line of the Army from the date of your appointment as Colo. of Engineers, but in the line of Massachusets they contend that you only rank from the time you were appointed to the Command of a Regiment by the State. There were so

many of the Field Officers absent who are interested in the settlement of this matter that a Board of Genl Officers who met to determine it could not effect it to their satisfaction, and I therefore wish that you would let your claim rest until it can be more fully discussed. I am Sr Your most Obet St

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Wharton, Jr., 11 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wharton, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 11th April 1778

I do myself the honor to inclose you a Resolve of Congress of the 4th instant empowering me to call for 5000 Militia from the States of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey. Much as the Army stands in need of Reinforcements, I would not wish to call upon the States for their Militia in great numbers before there is an absolute necessity. I shall therefore only make a demand at present from Pennsylvania of one thousand effective Rank and File including those at present in service under the command of General Lacey. I inclose you Copy of his Return of the 6th instant for your Government. I wish this Body of one thousand to be sent into the feild as expeditiously and for as long a time as possible If they cannot be ordered out for a longer term than the tour prescribed by law, I hope care will be taken to replace them regularly as their services expire. I have the honor to be with great Respect Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

Colo. Gibson informs me that if the Militia would mount the Guards at Lancaster, he could send forward a considerable number of continental Troops. Be pleased to apply to him and know what number will be necessary, which may be considered as part of the 1000 above demanded.


Title: General Orders, 12 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Sunday April 12th 1778.
Bemus.—Burlington. Bennington.

The Court-Martial whereof Coll Vose is President is dissolved and another ordered to sit tomorrow nine ôClock A.M. at the usual Place whereof Coll Craige is appointed President to try such persons as shall be brought before them: A Captain from each Brigade to attend as Members.
A Subaltern from 2nd Pennsylvania Brigade to attend at the Adjutant General’s Office at three ôClock this afternoon where he will receive his orders.
The Honorable Congress having thought proper to recommend to The United-States of America to set apart Wednesday the 22nd instant to be observed as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, that at one time and with one voice the righteous dispensations of Providence may be acknowledged & His Goodness and Mercy towards us and our Arms supplicated and implored—The General directs that this day also shall be religiously observed in the Army, that no work be done thereon & that the Chaplains prepare discourses suitable to the Occasion—The Funeral Honors at the Interment of officers are for the future to be confined to a solemn Procession of officers and soldiers in number suitable to the rank of the deceased with Revers’d Arms; Firing on those occasions in Camp is to be abolished.
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Vose was President April 6th 1778—William McMarth, Matross in Captain Lee’s Company Coll Lamb’s Regiment of Artillery was brought prisoner before the Court charged with desertion to the Enemy; After mature deliberation the Court are of Opinion that he is guilty of a breach of 1st Article, 6th section of the Articles of War and do sentence him to be hanged ’till he be dead.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief confirms the opinion of the Court and orders William McMarth to be executed next friday, ten oClock A.M.


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, 12 April 1778
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New Kent [Va.] April 12. 1778.

Your favor of the 15th of Feby, and your kind, tho’ short, note in my Sisters Letter of the 29th ult. I have received, (the first was very long on it’s Passage). I am much obliged to you for the trouble you took to inform me of the situation of Matters in your Army. It gives me pain to think those brave Men who with you are indeavouring to secure every blessing to us should want for any thing, but I am much more concerned when I reflect that many, if not all, their wants might have been readily and easily supplied, had the exertions of those out of the Army been any thing nearly equal to those that are in it. The Troops raised in this State seem to have been as much neglected as possible. the Governing Powers here have persuaded themselves that after the Troops left this State the Congress or Continental Officers were to supply them with every necessary, and this supposition was favored by frequent Letters from Members of Congress asserting they were well supplied, I must own I always thot it the Duty of us who staid at home to take care of those who were hazarding their Lives for us, and who were by us induced to go into the Service, and had too much reason to doubt, not only the ability, but the inclination of others to take proper care of them. I hope we have all grown wiser by experience and that the Evils which have happened for want of supplies to the Army, so far as they depend on this State, will for the future, at least in some measure, be prevented, if not, the Persons immediately employed must be greatly to blame, still many things I am afraid remain to be done to render this more certain & secure.
I am sorry I cannot congratulate you on the prospect of having a more successful Campaign than the last, but the present appearance of Things here seem rather to forbid it, I am afraid the Recruts for your Army will not answer either your expectations or the Occasion you will have for them. the law for drafting was very generally disliked and therefore badly executed, and from what I can learn instead of recruiting your Army with 2000 Men will not furnish half the number. I observe at the same time that many fine Soldiers have returned from your Army & refuse to reenlist. the dislike to the drafting prevents

the detection of deserters, and I am afraid has prevented all hopes of raising any large number of Voluntiers until it wears a little out of remembrance.
When I gave you my Opinion that nothing was to be expected from voluntary enlistments under the present regulations, to serve any long time, I was far from thinking it impracticable if the proper means to effect it were used, and I then thot & still think, that, the only method of carrying on a War successfully, altho’ Men will not encounter every hardship & danger, merely for the sake of being starved & naked & treated with contempt & neglect, yet I am persuaded numbers out of regard to their country would willingly enter the Service could they be assured that the best Provision would be made for them that our Circumstances would admit of, and that they could meet with a reward for their Service adequate to what they lost by being from their business at home, reason as well as experience convinces me of this, for of the Recruits you will receive this Spring the greatest number will be composed of such as are raised from Bounties they received from the generosity of individuals to prevent drafting, and generally one of them will be worth at least two drafted Men. If Avarice Extortion Engrossing & forestalling, at first introduced amongst us by our worst Enemies, and since extending themselves to all Ranks & Degrees amongst us, could once be publickly discountenanced & effectually prevented, you would neither want Men or any thing else necessary to secure success to your Army, but how can this be expected when numbers are allowed & make it their constant employment to enhance the value of every necessary of life and to depreciate the value of our Paper currency, a Cobler or a Taylor that was expected to reenlist in your Army for 20 Dollars Bounty may on his return home receive 1 or £200 as a Substitute for a drafted Man, or instead of 16d. a day in the Army he may receive a Dollar a day & sleep securely at home, & other Tradesmen two or three times as much. The Advocates for measures plainly tending to bring on these Evils have still retained the means of imposing on others but surely our Eyes must soon be opened and their success be nearly at an end.
I am afraid you will be disappointed in your expectations from any Law that can be made for drafting Men into the Service, such laws appear to me to be very unequal, and if they are not unjust in themselves they are sure to be rendered so in their execution, an indiscriminate draft brings Men into the Service that are unfit for it, to the utter ruin of themselves & Families in many instances, without any prospect of advantage to the Publick. a discriminate draft seems inconsistent with that liberty we are contending for, is generally disgustful, and productive of a variety of Evils, nothing seems to me so desireable as an Army composed of Men fit for the Service that is expected from them, who

willingly enter into it, & have a prospect of being rewarded for their labour, with such an Army, under your command, I am satisfied we should have all the Success we wish for, and we have every thing necessary to furnish our Quota of it, except a little more Wisdom & Virtue than we appear to possess at present, but which I hope we shall acquire before it is too late, the Money filched from us by engrossing and forestalling would have been more than sufficient for raising them & much more effectual than any draft.
The Voluntiers I recommended to you I fancy were different from what you understood them to be, I mean such as would enlist to serve as Soldiers during the active part of one Campaign, I am satisfied that if proper Steps were taken at least 5000 of these might be got, many of whom will never render any Military Service on any other terms and had they been marched to your Army with proper care, you might out of the others have enlisted more Men than you will get from the draft for 2000 to serve as long as you wanted them.
I hope you will excuse the freedom I have taken in giving you my Opinion of these matters and believe it is done with the best Intention. I shall endeavor to improve every hint you favor me with for the good of our common cause, in whatever Station I may act, and will conclude by assuring you that however appearances may be at times against it, We have in Virginia a sufficient number of Men able and willing for the Service to compose our Quota of an Army sufficient to protect us against all our Enemies, and that our internal resources and imports are fully sufficient to supply them with every necessary, if matters could once be properly conducted.
I have the pleasure to inform you that myself & Family with all your Friends in this Neighbourhood are well, and join me in tendering our Affection & best wishes to you & my Sister, I am sincerely Dear Sir Your very affectionate & obedt Servt,

B. Dandridge


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 12 April 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Doyls-Town [Pa.] April 12th 1778

I received your Excellencys favour of yesterdays date last evening. as several of the Prisoners who have been tryed live in the Vicinity of Philada,

and from their general Character, I have not the least hope or incouragement to believe they will refrain from their evil ways, and I cannot learn their friends or connections are more reputable than themselves, unless they are with the Enemy, I will remit their Corporal punishment and send them to Lancaster to Labour.
Inclosed is the tryal of one John Burk an Inhabitant of Smithfield Philada County, who the Court have Condemned to be hanged, this man from every thing I can learn has been a very great Villain, he Joined the Enemy just after they came to the City, and has been with them ever since, has frequently been out with their parties, I am told he is universally hated by the Inhabitants where he used to live, I cannot learn he has any friends of reputation nor even one Man that speaks a good word of him; I sent my Horse all through his Neighbourhood to let his Friends, or any other Person who knew any thing of him, know that his Tryal was coming on and that if they had anything to offer in his favour they were to come and make it known to the Court, but no person came near him to offer the least thing in his favour. I also sent word lower down the Country for some evidences against him, who were on their way when a party of the Enemy came out took one of my Horsemen and detered the Evidences from coming up. I am fully persuaded from every information and intelligence I can learn of the Prisoners former Character, and his present traitorous Conduct, that he is a very proper person to make an example of. I therefore Submit him to your Excellencys more judicious Judgment. And remain with respect your Excellencys Most Obedient Hble Servant

John Lacey Jur B.G.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 12 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 12th April 1778

I do myself the pleasure to inclose you a letter from the president of Congress, advising you of the promotion of yourself, Lieut. Lindsay and Cornet Peyton, I shall be glad to see you as soon as possible, that we may fix upon the other Officers for your Corps, and devise ways and means of procuring the additional Men, Horses, Arms and Accoutrements If Capt: Lindsay has not rejoined you it would be well to inform him of his promotion, and desire him to come up. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Lewis Nicola, 12 April 1778
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

Sr
Easton [Pa.] April 12th 1778

Since the Invalid Regt came to this post many robberies have been committed & laid to the charge of the Invalids & from some circumstances I feared there was but too just cause of suspicion yet all my endeavours to know the truth proved fruitless ’till yesterday when such a scene of villainy came out as I was no ways aware of, & which I think necessary to lay before your Excellency.
On wednesday night the celler & store of Mr Myres Hart, a jew & agent for the British Prisoners, was robbed, on information thereof I order diligent search to be made in every place where the Invalids had the least connection & under a store house adjoining one converted into a barrack a camp kettle was found with spirits in it, this confirmed

me in the opinion that the fact had been committed by some of them & I took every step I could think of to come at the bottom of the affair, Mr Hart offered one hundred dollars to any person who would discover where the goods were & I 40 shils. for every man concerned in the affair this did not produce any effect, on friday afternoon, when the men were under arms to be reviewed by Col. Humpton I renewed the offer of a reward & also promised pardon to any person concerned that would discover his accomplices. yesterday morning a serjeant informed me that Samuel Blackburn, a man who had been found fit for service & was to have gone to Bethlehem yesterday, had deserted, this convinced me he was concerned in the robbery & apprehended a discovery would be made before he marched, shortly after Will Sneed Drumr came & told me he was one of the persons concerned & named the rest, while I had him under examination I recd a message from Florence Mahony, whom I had confined on a slight suspicion, that he had something of consequence to say to me & when brought told me if I would renew my promise he would give me many more informations than what I was in search off, I have the honour to inclose to you the result of his examination.
Convinced by long experience that no corps of officers can keep a regiment in order if the non commissioned did not co-operate I endeavoured to promote none but such as I realy thought deserving of it yet have done it with so little judgment that I have been disappointed in almost every instance. Serjt Carrier came to the regt strongly recommended by some of his officers & behaved so well since that I appointed him a corporal, then a serjeant & would have made him Serjt major if he could write, tho it does not yet appear that he was concerned in stealing the liquor he certainly was in once receiving part, knowing it to be stole, for which I have confined him, I have so few subjects fit to be made non commissioned officers that I am greatly distressed & obliged to do the duty of every office.
Genl McIntosh has been so obliging as to take memorandums of some things I mentioned to him when enquiring into the state of the regiment, one of which I shall take the liberty to trouble your Excellency with at present; this is the want of officers to try delinquents in order to punish them. Col. Humpton told me you had authorised him to punish the men when he could not procure officers to hold a court martial, in case you cannot spare three subalterns to the regt, which I would prefer, your entrusting the same authority in my hands would be of service. I have the honour to assure your Excellency that I am with respect Sr Your most humle & obedt Servt

Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.

The discoveries having been made under a promise of pardon & as we have no evidence but Sneed & Mahony I hope your Excellency will enable me to fulfill my engagement.
Some time since a british prisoner made his escape & one of the Invalids disappeared at the same time, apprehensive that they would push for Philadelphia I sent notice thereof to Genl Lacy but have been since informed they went towards the mountain and enquired the way to Reading, inclosed I send you a description of them in case you should think it necessary to direct your parties to look out for them, also Blackburns description & such act of him as Mahony gives.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 12 April 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Letter not found: to Lund Washington, 12 April 1778. On 22 April, Lund Washington wrote GW, “Yours of the 12 Inst. is at hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Duportail, 13 April 1778
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

[Valley Forge, 13 April 1778]

Having been better informed of His Excellencys Intentions, I returned to the Hill, and examined if we could make any inclosed work, which would enable us to maintain the ground with a very small Force but I found no proper Spot. As the Summit of the Hill has both length and breadth, in whatever spot we place the work, it would only see on one or two sides, the ground by which the enemy may approach they would mount therefore on the other sides under cover and attack the Work, which then would be in the circumstances of any single detached work, unprotected by the Line and consequently incapable of defence unless we make it exceedingly strong, which would require more labour than I imagine we can at present bestow.
If the plan is to have other Troops besides those in the Redout to defend the mountain—I ask where they are to be placed—are they to be Kept on the Summit, without bordering the declivities accessible by the Enemy? the Enemy in that case will find no difficulty in mounting and when they have gained the height they will be on a level with your Troops, who except those shut up in the work being in no wise favored by the ground, will make no Resistance, and must abandon the Redout to its own Force—Are the Declivities to be guarded by Troops, to hinder the Enemy from mounting? that is exactly the Plan I am pursuing, and I only ask the necessary number of men for that purpose—thus, far from contracting our position by the means of an inclosed work on the Summit of the Hill, on the contrary more Troops would be required—since besides those employed in defending the declivity, a certain number would be wanted for the inclosed work.
I do not see therefore according to the form of the mountain, that it can be occupied in any other manner than that which we have adopted, or with fewer Troops.

At least The only improvement we can make, is to strengthen our Profiles, and increase the obstacles of Brush, Palisades &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 13 April 1778
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Head Quarters Boston April 13th 1778.

I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 25th Ultimo.
On Wednesday next the British Royal Artillery and advance Corps of the Troops of the Convention are to march for Rutland, where they are to be quartered—Temporary Barracks are to be immediately erected, and the other Corps are to follow.
About Three Hundred Soldiers have been and now are undergoing the opperation of the Small pox—I shall forward them as soon as they are able to endure the fatigues of the march. I have put a stop to further inoculation, and agreeable to the signification of your pleasure have ordered all Soldiers to march without delay and join their respective Corps.
The ill consequences of enlisting deserters I have represented to Council, and have also in the most solemn manner forbid the recruiting Officers enlisting of them.
A Flag sails in a few days for Halifax when I shall pay strict attention to your Excellency’s injunctions as expressed in yours of the 14th Ultimo the receipt of which I omitted to acknowledge in my last.
I cannot conclude this letter without representing to your Excellency the great and almost insuperable embarrassments under which we labour here on account of the insufficient Supplies of money, 200,000 Dollars is all that has been received by Mr Hancock the Dy paymaster since the year commenced. He has received an order on the Loan Office at Providence for 100,000. Dollars more; but not a farthing of it can as yet be obtained. 250,000, Dollars have been sent to providence for the use of that post. The fuel Supplied the Troops of the Convention from the time of their arrival here to the 20th of March amounts to 96,521, dollars, and I suppose the quanty supplied the other Troops and Guards at the different posts to as much more[.] Duck & Lead have been purchased to the amount of 50 or 60,000, dollars, The transportation of Cloathing, and Stores of every kind to the Arsinals and to the Army is almost continual, and the expence surprising, to these may be added five or six Months pay due to the Guards, Artificers &c. We have been borrowing almost the whole winter on public & private Credit until it became nearly impossible to borrow longer. The arrival of the money has induced those of whom we have borrowed or

who have supplied us, to call for their dues, and has almost at one convinced us how vastly insufficient the Monies are which have been sent for the present exigencies, I apprehend your Excellency will say, this you should represent to Congress, I do my dear General in every Letter that I write them, and I take the liberty to represent it to you also, that I may not be thought to neglect business, which it is impossible for me to perform without the necessary Supplies of money.
A few days since I paid Capt. Hopkins of Colo. Moylan’s Regiment 18,000 Dollars to enable him to discharge his Accounts of Boots, Saddles, Bridles, Caps &c. purchased for the Regiment. Major Blackden I expect every moment to present an account of nearly the same amount; but our pay Office is now entirely exhausted, in short scarcely an hour passes without calls for money from one quarter or other, the transportation of Stores must stop and the service unavoidably suffer—no exertion of mine shall be wanting, I am willing to spend and be spent; but without the means, embarrassment, vexation & disappointment are our constant attendants.
I expect every hour to receive a large Sum of Gold & Silver from General Burgoyne; but the least advantage cannot be derived from it here, it being to be forwarded directly to the Treasury in Pensylvania. I have the honor to be with much respect Your Excellency’s Obed. St

W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 13 April 1778
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fish Kill [N.Y.] 13th April 1778

I am honored with the Receipt of your Favors of the 31st Ultimo & 6th Instant. The inclosures in the last have been forwarded agreeable to your Orders. No Service would be more agreeable to me than an Attack upon New-York, could I recommend it consistent with any probable Prospect of Success. But the Condition & Strength of these posts,

utterly forbid it. Especially when the consequence of a misfortune in the Attempt, is duly considered as it may affect the Supplies to your Army, and the general influence such an Event may have on the Operations of the Campaign. When I have more Leisure I shall enumerate the Reasons on which I give this Opinion. For the present I beg Leave to refer your Excellency to that of Governor Clinton & General Parsons. Six Companies of Colo. Vanscaick’s Regt are arrived here, they march to morrow Morning; the other two are expected by the first Wind; and shall march without Delay. About a Hundred men have pass’d this to Day belonging to Corps from the Bay & New-Hampshire, on their way to the grand Army. Colo. Hazen’s & Nixon’s Regiments are here, the latter I ordered from Harrison’s Purchase. I have lately been three Days at West-Point, the Fort is by this Time so enclos’d as to resist a sudden Assault of the Enemy. But the Heights near it are such, that the Fort is not tenable, if the enemy possess them. For this Reason we are obliged to make some works on them. It will require 5,000 men effectually to secure the grounds near the Fort, which command it. And these Objections are almost to all the Points on the River, proper to erect works to annoy the Shipping. Mr Kosciousko is esteemed by those who have attended the works at West-point, to have more Practice than Colo. Delaradiere. And his manner of treating the people more acceptable, than that of the latter; which induced Genl Parsons & Governor Clinton to desire the former may be continued at West-point. The first has a Commission as Engineer with the Rank of Colonel in October 1776—Colonel Delaradieres Commission I think is dated in November last, and disputes Rank with the former, which obliges me to keep them apart; and avail the Service of their Assistance in the best manner I can devise. This seems to be the Idea recommended by the Board of war, in consequence of a reference of Congress to them, on the Subject of Disputes relative to the Construction of the works. If your Excellency should think proper in this state of those Gentlemen to order Mr Kosciousko to join your Army, whenever I am honored with your Commands on this Head, I shall dispatch him. Several Officers of Merit from mere Necessity, have press’d me for a Dismission from the Service; which I have refus’d, till I have your Directions on the Matter. The Court of Enquiry finishd the 5th Instant; but I have been so hurried; that I have had no Time to peruse the Papers. Some Reinforcement is gone from New-York to Philadelphia, but the several Deserters disagree about the Number & Corps. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s very humble Servant

Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Matthias Ogden, 13 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Ogden, Matthias

Dr Sir
Valley Forge April 13: 1778

I received your favor of the 9th Inst., by Colo. Barber.
The liberation of our Officers from their confinement, is certainly a desireable object—yet I am not satisfied, that we could fully justifye our conduct in effecting it in the manner proposed. But, be this as it may, it appears to me, that the attempt, supposing it to succeed, would

not be founded in principles of a large and general expediency. It would afford relief to a few men, and subject a far greater number, perhaps Six times as many, to the inconveniences of a stricter & much more limited confinement than they now experience. Our Officers, in the hands of the Enemy, are permitted to be on Long Island through favor, for their better accomodation—If we by an attempt should release Twenty or Thirty, every indulgence would be withdrawn from those remaining, and they, and all future prisoners would be so closely & uncomfortably placed, that they would not be liable to the same accidents. Besides, a breach of Honor would certainly be objected against the Officers released; for it would be said, right or wrong, that they, at least, had consented to the measure, if not planned it. Those considerations, without taking into view, how far the proceeding would be justifiable, are opposed to the scheme and induce me to decline it. Were it to be prosecuted, I certainly should have no objections to your conducting it. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Shippen, Jr., 13 April 1778
From: Shippen, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
General Hospital Manheim [Pa.] 13. April 1778.

I have the honor to enclose your Excellency a general Return of all the sick & wounded in the hospitals of the united States at the termination of the last campaign.
From the most exact accounts Dr Brown the Physician general & myself have been able to collect; the number of our deaths dont exceed 1000 or 1100 men since April 1777, which, considering our want of many necessarys which were not to be purchased—our great scarcity of Cloaths to give warmth & preserve cleanliness—The necessity we were under to move our sick in the most inclement season more than 100 miles; with many othe⟨r⟩ distressing circumstances, among which none is more striking than the hard duty & great fatigue these poor naked brave fellows have perform’d & suffer’d during a long & active campaign & severe winter.
After all this Sir, to see such a return, one would think should silence the Tongue of Malice itself. I am sure it will give pleasure to your humanity, & I flatter myself reflect credit on the officers of th⟨e⟩ medical department. In a few weeks I expect all our sick will be collected into 4 or 5 places. If the hospitals are determined to be sacred I shall be proud of an early intimation of it from your excellency, as my future movements will be determined by that circumstance. It will be a great relief & happiness to our poor sick soldiers if you can contrive some

mode of paying them while in a hospital. cant that service Sir be included in the duty of the officer who attends at each Hospital? As I wish to preserve your Excellencys good opinion more than any other man’s; I would take the liberty to encroach on your time while I related facts & Exhibited proofs & certificates which I have in my possession to show my faithfulness & integrity, & my Adversarys baseness; did I not flatter myself you are convinced that his persecution arises entirely from revenge & dissappoi⟨nted⟩ ambition. Pardon Sir ⟨my ta⟩king up so much of your valuable Time, & believe me with most respectful compliments to your Lady & warm wishes for Your future glory & Success Your Excellencys truly affectionate & very humbe Servt

W. Shippen jr.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 13th April 1778

Since writing to you yesterday I have been conversing with the Commy General of purchases who informs me that there are considerable quantities of provision at the Head of Elk and Charles town which will lay very much exposed if you are suddenly withdrawn from Wilmington. I would therefore only have you send off what Baggage and Stores you conveniently can, and wait my farther orders for marching. In a late general order I recommended it to the Officers immediately to divest themselves of as much Baggage as possible, and I would therefore think it would be most prudent for the Gentlemen of your division to send theirs home or near home and not trust it to frequent removals, by which a great loss has always been incurred. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 13 April 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Wilmington [Del.] April 13th 1778

I was favor’d with yours of Yesterdays Date, & your Orders shall be strictly complied with respecting the choice of Officers and Men who may be best qualified to execute the Service you have in view.
I have no Baggage or Stores here but such as cou’d readily move in the Regimental Waggons at half an hours warning with the Troops—but if you view our Detention here necessary, ’till the Stores and Baggage lodged at Faggs Manor, and Nottingham are removed, to some place of greater Security (which certainly will be proper) it will be some Days before that can be effected, The Sick and Hospital Stores at Newport, and those under Inoculation with their Stores about two Miles back from this, will require a removal, and also about 200 Cask of Biscuit which our Bakers in this Division have baked, this Step I judged proper to adopt from the great quantity of Flour lodged in this Neighbourhood, & the Service the Biscuit will be of on sudden excursions, & much more might have been baked, cou’d Waggons have been procured to bring in the Flour, and remove the Bread which as it has been baked, has been lodged at one Millers Mills—I shall immediately proceed on the removal (with all possible dispatch) of the Sick &c. to Nottingham, the Stores to the most remote part of Octorara Creek on the Susquehannah, where our Tents & heavy Baggage were lodged, from whence the Waggons will be ordered up with our Tents & such Baggage as may be necessary for the ensueing Campaign, after the removal is compleated—The Tents, Marques and such part of the Quarter Masters Stores as were lodged at Faggs Manor, captured in the Brig Symetry, I shall forward to General Greene as I imagine the Army will want them, shou’d the above Measures appear Exceptionable, or Circumstances shou’d require the immediate March of the Division, without waiting to cover the Removal of the Stores, your further Orders can be put in execution in half an Hour after they are received—but if we wait till the Stores are moved I am afraid it will take the best part of the Week, from our Force in Waggons & the difficulty of procuring More.
Yesterday Morning 50 Men from a Frigate and Sloop landed at one Porters below Newcastle 6 Miles, and were getting Grain & Stock off, I detatched a Party and all the Waggons to be had—(except such as are always held ready for a sudden Move) with Orders to remove the Grain to Christiana Bridge wch is within three or four Miles, this Man has 1000 Bushells of Corn, & 2000 of Wheat lying on the Shore, which he has had repeated Orders to move, but hitherto to no Purpose, & The Grain will be moved Tomorrow & I have ordered the Party to burn his Hay if he does not also move it—these Waggons will be a draw back to

the Object in View but as they were at this Duty Yesterday I thought it best not to order them off till Tomorrow—when I expect it will be finished—We have drew latterly chief of our Supplies from that part of the Country to Christiana from whence they are brought down in one of the Captured Sloops—this Measure I judged best as the Stores & Forage in that part lye most exposed to the depredations of the Enemy—As you seem to recommend a Circular March to avoid a possibility of being intercepted I don’t know but I shall touch at Fags Manor in my way up—but shall submit this to further Inquiry.
50 Sail have passed up within this two Days 30 of which are Transport Ships & Brigs the remainder Sloops &c. which seem to be loaded the Transports are light and appear to have no Troops on Board they passed up under Convoy of a 64 & a Frigate in haste remain with sincere Regard Your Excellencys most Obedt & very Hbl⟨e Servt⟩

W. Smallw⟨ood⟩


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General George Weedon, 13 April 1778
From: Weedon, George
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Fredericksburg [Va.] April 13th 1778

I am honored with your favr 15th Ulto which only this day got to hand, Also the one by Genl Woodford inclosing a Resolution of Congress Ratifying the report of a board of Officers respecting my rank.
I have coolly and impartially considered every Circumstance attending this extraordinary change. I have advised with many friends on the Subject. I have endeavoured to devest myself of little Punctilios and place it on the most generous Military scale I possibly can, but cannot with my own feelings, And with the Coroberating Opinion of many of your friends, as well as my own, pursue any other line of Conduct Consistent with my honor than to refuse Service under those that have been so long my Junior Officers and who have taken such ungenerous Steps to obtain precedence, particularly General Woodford, whose former conduct on Mercers and Stephens’s promotion surely Cancel’d every claim to rank previous to that Time. His resignation is confessed by Congress in their Resolve of 21st Febry 1777 where they Assign as a reason for Giving John Cadwallader, and many others rank of him, that

he had quited the Army. He also Acknowledges it himself in a letter to me of 17th March 1777 declairing my Seniority and Congratulating me on my Appointment to Brigr Genl Saying: “I have heard within these few days of the late promotions, let me with much Sincerity give you joy, and assure you I shall serve with pleasure under my Old Friend.”
Nor was there any signs of discontent that ever came to my knowledge, till Joseph Jones went to Congress by whom a petition was presented and a resolution obtain Exparta, giving him and General Scott rank of me. This I believe passed that House on the 12th of Novr and on the 2d of Decr your Excellency was pleased to shew me the resolve at white marsh which had only that day come to your hands. This was the first knowledge I had of General Woodfords pretentions to any former Claim, tho’ it had been some time before Congress. The Committee that came to the Army ware Directed to enquire into it. Those Gentlemen had Generals Woodford, Scott, & myself before them the day before I left Camp. and after being furnish with facts respecting the dispute, told me I had no Occation to stay any longer as they ware then fully informed of every circumstance, & tho’ disagreeable would determine on it in a few days, And notwithstanding Genl Woodford positively refused to submit it to any other set of men, It is afterwards laid before a board of Officers and again reported an Exparta. I make not the least doubt but those Gentlemen Divested themselves of every Vestige of Partiallity, but what grounds it was taken up on, or what presedent they followed, I cant pretend to say. As I have never had an Opportunity of defending my rank in any one Instance but before the Committee who I expected was to have setled it.
I informed your Excellency, And I also informed the Committee, that I should have no Objections to General Scotts taking Precedence of me, provided all Similar promotions out of the line of Succession was deranged, so as not to make me the only Instance, Indeed I wished it for the peace and felicity of the Army. but what must the world think when they see me tamely Submit to be banded about like a football, and subject my reputation to the command of every Individual? will they not naturally conclude that I am Callus to honor? I would ask if Generals Mercer & Stephens ware now in service whether Genl Woodford would at this day be placed at the Head of the Virginia line over them. If not why over Genl Muhlenburg & myself, I apprehend the case is exactly Similar. If he was disgusted by Stephens’s promotion so as to leave the Service & retire into the body of the people, why would he again Accept an Appointment under him, and not declair his intentions publickly, and if after so long Service as an inferior Officer he has a right to relative rank, has not every officer who have resigned in consequence of Irregular promotions, the same pretentions. The absurdity

of his claim must strike the meanest Capacity, and that evil spirit Intrigue was never more Strickingly Obvious.
The great desire I have of retaining your Excellencies good wishes has induced me to be thus particular in justification of the conduct I shall pursue, you have known my Services as an Officer for many years, and I hope you will do me the justice to say I have ever discharged my duty. I have ever held your advice as sage and friendly, nor nothing would ever make me deviate from it, but a train of injuries and unheard of Injustice offered my honor as an Officer, None of which do I charge you with, having ever experienced the reverse. I shall only add that I cannot serve in the present Arrangment which is diametrically oposite to all Military Usage, and without Example in Ours, or any other Army on earth. I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of esteem & Regd Your Excellencies most Obt Most H’ble Servt

G. Weedon

P.S. I have advised Congress of my determination, and have desired them to proceed to the appointment of some other person, in order that the service may not suffer on my Accot.

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Wharton, Jr., 13 April 1778
From: Wharton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
In Council Lancaster [Pa.] April 13th 1778

I had the honor to receive your Excellencys letters of the tenth and eleventh instant. The first by Major General Green Quarter Master General. This Gentleman communicated to Council his sentiments respecting the waggon law, and left with them some hints for their consideration. The law perhaps may be altered for the better, tho’ it is not so deficient as it appears at the first view; it was made to provide for the army in a general way, and if the deputy Quarter Masters had made timely application for waggons, there would have been but little cause of complaint; and notwithstanding there is no provision in the law for cases of real emergency, it is nevertheless the opinion of Council that there may be instances which will fully justify the Quarter Master General, his deputies and the officers commanding detachments, in impressing waggons. If the law had given authority to the military to impress, there would have been some reason to fear that very little attention would have been paid to the regular mode of calling upon the farmers, whereby the burthen might possibly be very unequal: As it now stands the necessity of the case, must justify the measure. Respecting the other grievance which your Excellency hints at, That of Waggoners Quarter Masters Teamsters &ca, great difficulty arises, either in exempting them from, or obliging them to pay the substitution money. It is alledged that many of them have entered into the waggon service and the Quarter Masters line for a short time meerly to evade the law, in expectation that by this means they may neither serve their tour of duty nor pay the fine. If a regular enlistment was made to serve for a year, or perhaps a shorter time, upon producing a certificate to the Lieutenant of the County, I think he would exempt them from the fines, and this has really been the case in many instances, and its the opinion of Council that such exemption is justifiable; and therefore I purpose to instruct the Lieutenants on this head.
Your letter of the eleventh enclosed a resolve of Congress empowering you to call upon the states of Pennsylvania Maryland and New-Jersey for five thousand militia in consequence of which you request from this state one thousand effective men. I wish there was no occasion to call upon the militia at this time as they are about to prepare the ground for summer crops; and there are other reasons that induces me to wish very sincerely that we had no occasion for their services in the field: I am sure your Excellency would not demand them if they could be dispensed with. Council apprehending there was a necessity to keep up near that number under General Lacey, gave orders some time since to the Lieutenants of the Counties of Cumberland, York, Northampton Bucks and Philadelphia, for as many as they

thought would be sufficient, I find however they have not turned out to my wishes: I shall give such further orders as I hope will answer your Excellencys expectation, reserving as many here for guards, as the number of Continental troops now employed on this business.
It is proper however to inform you that at the request of Congress, I ordered five hundred of the militia to guard the stores, two hundred at Easton, one hundred at Bethlehem and two hundred at Reading. I have the honor to be with much respect Your Excellencys very humble servant

Tho. Wharton jun. Prest


Title: General Orders, 14 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters Valley-Forge Tuesday April 14th 1778.
Denmark—Delaware. Dartmouth.

Lieutenant McKenny is appointed to do the duty of Brigade Major in Late Conway’s Brigade ’till Major Stagg returns and is to be accordingly respected.
The Brigade Quarter Masters will apply tomorrow for their respective Proportions of Paper.
The Medecine Chest from General Greene’s Division to be sent immediately to the Yellow-Springs to be refill’d. A return to be made of such Regiments have no Chests to Mr Cutting Apothecary General of the Middle Hospital who will supply them.
The General was very much pleased in a ride through the Lines yesterday to see what attention some of the Brigadiers had paid to his orders respecting the Neatness and Purity of their Camp, He wishes it had been general, but the case was otherwise and (notwithstanding repeated orders enjoining Cleanliness) the smell was in some places intollerable, owing to the want of Necessaries or the Neglect of them; He therefore and for the last time (without proceeding to Extremities) requests that all kinds of Dirt and Filth as well that in Front, Rear and between the Hutts as what shall be found on the Parade and before the doors be raked together & burned or buried as the Case may require.
The Regimental Quarter-Masters are to see that Necessaries where wanted are immediately dug and that fresh Earth be thrown into them every morning.
The Brigade Quarter Masters are to see that the Offal at the Slaughter-Pens for their respective Brigades is burned daily; they will be answerable for the Neglect of these duties and will without Fail be arrested for the smallest inattention to them.
Centinels from the Quarter-Guards are to be posted at proper places who are to make Prisoner of any soldier who shall attempt to ease himself any where but at a proper necessary & five lashes are to be immediately ordered him by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment to which the delinquent belongs for the offence and disobedience of orders. That soldiers may not ignorantly offend against this order it is to be read to them frequently and the serjeants are to take Care that all New-comers are inform’d thereof or they will become answerable themselves.
The General observing that many Hutts are without straw—The Quarter Master General will therefore provide it for the soldiers to lodge on.
At a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Vose was President (April 6th 1778) Doctor Sackett Surgeon’s-Mate of 14th Virginia Regiment,

tried first, For repeatedly neglecting to visit and procure necessaries for the sick of the Regiment, 2ndly For absenting himself and going to the State of New York without leave, acquitted of the first charge, but found guilty of the second, being a breach of 5th Article 14th Section of the Articles of War & sentenced to be reprimanded by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment to which he belongs.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place tomorrow.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 14 April 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
York Town [Pa.] 14th April 1778.

In obedience to the directions of Congress, I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant.
Congress with great concern perceive that your sensibility is wounded by their resolutions. Placing the firmest confidence in your prudence, abilities and integrity they wish to preserve that harmony

with you, which is essential to the general weal. You may rest assured that far from any intention to give you pain, their regulations have no other motives or end but the public good. They therefore hope that you will not in future be distrest by apprehensions as injurious to their honor as they are to your own feelings.
However different the views of Congress may seem to you now from what you supposed them to be when you entered into your late engagements with general Howe, Congress certainly had nothing in view but a proper respect to the dignity, safety & independence of these States.
the duplicity of general Howe, and authentic information, that the gentlemen appointed by you to negotiate the cartel, held opinions repugnant to the sense of Congress, constrained them in a matter of such high moment, as forming a general cartel, to express their sentiments in an explicit manner; lest they might have only to lament, when it was out of their power to remedy a misapprehension on points deeply affecting in their judgment, the safety & honor of these states.
Congress expected that you would consider their resolutions of the 30 Ult. in the light of private instructions calculated to shew their sense with respect to the general outlines of the proposed cartel: a practice usual with the supreme power of every state in similar cases.
You observe that a strict adherence to all the resolutions of Congress must of necessity destroy all idea of a cartel; but as a distinction can easily be made betwixt such of the resolutions of Congress as flow from general principles of policy, and those which arise from circumstances which have rendered a variation from time to time necessary, it is conceived that an attention to this discrimination will rid you of those embarassments, which you may, at first view, think yourself entangled with.
The resolution of Congress of the 19 December respecting the mode of settlement for supplies to the enemy’s prisoners seems not to have been sufficiently attended to. It is left at the option of the enemy to pay either in coin dollar for dollar or in provisions &c. equal in quantity and kind to what is furnished. Whatever objections may be made against the first mode, there surely cannot be a more just and equal ratio than the latter. Genl Burgoyne lately made the same objections on this point, which occurred to you; but on being reminded of the alternative offered by the resolution; he acquiesced, and the victualling ships are now actually delivering provisions in payment for what they received. The Commissaries of prisoners on each side may pass receipts for the rations received expressing the quantum of each article received for the subsistance of the prisoners in the power of the contracting parties and the balance may be paid in provisions or in coin, at the option of either party. The mode suggested by you is liable to

this strong objection, that it would lay us under the necessity of furnishing the enemy’s prisoners with us as well as ours with them with provisions; which certainly would be a capital advantage to them, if we consider the distance whence they must derive their supplies.
The resolution of the 30 December was a measure naturally flowing from the treason acts, which the respective states have passed in consequence of the express recommendation of Congress. On a mature deliberation, they are convinced that a deviation from it would be subversive of our character as an independant people & inconsistent with sound policy. No act of Congress can suspend the operation of the laws of the different states, and therefore they cannot consent that any measure should be adopted in the proposed cartel which may contravene this resolution. It does not however appear to Congress that any embarrassment will arise in this matter unless the enemy should insist upon an article in the cartel That Americans taken in arms shall be intitled to the benefit of an exchange. Under the terms of “Officer for Officer, soldier for soldier” &c. which are generally used in cartels, traitors would no more be included by the laws of nations than deserters. The carrying this resolution into practice can depend only on the will of the several states who in this respect must be presumed to be governed by principles of policy, of which they must necessarily be competent judges.
With respect to the resolution concerning genl Lee, at his request, Congress are willing that you should wave his exchange for major general Prescot as a preliminary article; it is however their intention that no cartel be acceded to unless it be expressly admitted therein, that general Lee be exchanged for general Prescot.
Congress have taken measures for purchasing such Articles of capt. Cotteneau’s cargo as are necessary for the Army.

By order of Congress
Henry Laurens, President


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 14 April 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Princeton [N.J.] 14 April 1778

I have your Excellency’s favour of the 11th. Rather than not have an early Campaign, I quite approve of the Resolution of Congress of the 4th instant, & whatever proportion of the 5000 you shall call for, out of this State, I will use my best Endeavours to muster.
I send this by one Ernest lately of the State of New york, a most unfortunate honest man, who has been driven at least three times from his different habitations with the loss of his property. I know the delicacy of Recommendations, but there are so many without merit who eat the bread of the public, that if any thing could be done for those poor objects who have been ruined on account of their Whiggism in a

way in which they could render proportionable Service to their Country, I know your Benevolence requires no Arguments to excite your Exertions. He is on his way to Congress to the New york Delegates. I am with the greatest respect Dear Sir Your most humbl. Sr.

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Lewis Nicola, 14 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Nicola, Lewis

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 14th April 1778

I have recd yours of the 12th containing an accot of the Robberies committed by sundry Soldiers of your Corps. I would have you by all means confirm your promise of pardon to those two who made the discovery. Colo. Humpton is certainly mistaken. I never gave him any power to punish by his own authority when he could not make up a Court, as it would have been delegating a power to him which I never thought I had the least power to assume. As a great number of Officers are passing and repassing Easton, detain some of them a day or two and constitute a Regimental Court Martial and bring the offenders to tryal. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Israel Shreve, 14 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Shreve, Israel

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 14th April 1778

I recd yours of the 10th instant inclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial against William Seeds and Samuel Carter. I confirm the Sentence

of the former and desire he may be executed at such time and place as you may think most proper.
I cannot confirm the Sentence against Carter untill I have consulted Governor Livingston upon the matter. Introducing martial law into this State was intended to remedy the weakness of the Civil; But in the State of New Jersey, where there is a law framed expressly for the purpose of trying inhabitants taking Arms on the side of the Enemy, I think su⟨c⟩h persons should be delivered to the civil power. When I have the Governors determination upon this matter, you shall hear from me. In the mean time secure the prisoner. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 14 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

Sir.
Valley-forge April 14th 1778.

I scarce know which is greatest, my astonishment or vexation, at hearing of the present low Condition of your horse—To have them in good order against the period, wch is now just at hand, you were exempted from the fatiegues of a Winter Campaign, & permitted to retire to the best quarters the Country afforded for the express purpose of recruiting them. I depriv’d myself of the advantages of their Services, which were essential both for the security of my Camp, & stopping the intercours with the City—but for what purpose did I do this? Why to furnish the Officers & Men it seems with oppertunities of galloping about the Country and by neglect of the Horses reducing them to a worse condition than those which have been kept upon constant & severe duty the whole Winter—How you can reconcile this conduct to your feelings as an officer, and answer it to your Country I know not. I am Sir &ca

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for Prisoner Exchange, 15 April 1778
From: Commissioners for Prisoner Exchange
To: Washington, George

Camp Valley Forge April 15th 1778

To His Excellency George Washington Esquire General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
We the Commissioners appointed by Your Excellency, “to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention for the exchange of Prisoners of War, and for all matters whatsoever which may be properly contained therein” beg leave to report—
That, agreeable to Your Excellency’s orders, on monday the 6th of April, we met at New Town, in Bucks County, the Commissioners appointed by General Sir William Howe, for the purposes as expressed in their commission, “of taking into consideration all past transactions, relative to the exchange of prisoners, to adjust the differences that have so long subsisted in regard to them, to remove all difficulties, that may arise, in carrying into execution a general exchange of prisoners, with

both parties, at this time, and finally to establish a regular, and explicit cartel for the future.”
The next day we entered upon business. The Commissioners, on the part of General Howe, opened it, by informing us that he had been made acquainted with our objections to his commission, but that he would not consent to the alteration, we had proposed respecting an insertion of the powers, under which he acted: That he meant the Treaty to be of a personal nature, founded on the mutual confidence and honor of the contracting Generals; and had no intention either of binding the nation, or extending the cartel beyond the limits and duration of his own command. They declared themselves ready to treat with us on this footing and with their present powers, which they deemed adequate to the purposes of our meeting.
In answer, we assigned them our reasons at large for thinking there was a material defect, in their powers which must render any Treaty, we could form, nugatory and unequal; nugatory, because the private faith of an individual could not in the nature of things be a competent, or proper security for a treaty of public import; and unequal, because, on the one hand, from the express terms of our powers, the public faith would be plighted for our engagements, and on the other, General Howe alone would be bound for the performance of theirs.
The Commissioners from General Howe, in the course of the discussion intimated an impropriety in treating with us, on a national ground, in a contest of such a nature as the present which might imply an acknowledgement inconsistent with their claims. We observed to them that if there was any inconsistency at all, it would operate equally against the forming a cartel, on any principle whatever, and against the whole business of exchange; but that the measure was calculated for mutual advantage and must justify itself on its expediency and necessity. We supported our observation by precedents, drawn from practice, in like cases; and in order to obviate every scruple, and to remove, as far as was in our power, every impediment to the execution of our commission we proposed, that a clause should be admitted into the cartel, declaring that no expressions contained in it should be construed to affect the political claims of either country, in any thing, not directly necessary to the due and faithful observance of the Treaty. This we thought a good expedient for reconciling difficulties on both sides.
We agreed to come to a final determination the next day.
We met accordingly, and after some mutual explanations, we informed General Howe’s commissioners, that on the most mature deliberation, we found ourselves obliged to adhere to our objections to their commission and could by no means think ourselves authorised to treat with them unless their powers were made correspondent to our

own. They then proposed, that two of their number should immediately proceed to Philadelphia, to consult General Howe again upon the subject. This proposal we chearfully assented to in hopes that he would ultimately put it in our power to answer the desireable purposes of our appointments.
On the return of these Gentlemen from Philadelphia they informed us that General Howe persisted in the idea, of a personal treaty on his part, and refused to enlarge his powers, by the declaration required, on ours. We then proposed to state our objections in writing and to receive their answer in the same manner: The former, we did, as follows—

The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency General Washington to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and Convention for the exchange of prisoners of war and for all matters whatsoever that may be properly contained therein—
Having examined the powers on the part of General Sir William Howe to his commissioners, and compared them, with their own, observe a difference, which in their apprehension, is very essential and important: General Washington, in his commission, expressly declares it to be given in virtue of full powers to him delegated; General Sir William Howe, in his commission makes no acknowlegement of any authority by which he acts.
It appears to be the intention of the respective Generals mutually expressed in their powers to do an extensive and permanent act, which shall not only effect a settlement of past differences, and a general exchange of prisoners, for the present; but shall extend to the establishment of a regular and explicit cartel in future. The objects of this cartel will not be wholly of a military nature; but will include matters of very interesting civil concern. It is apprehended, that the power of entering into a Treaty of such importance is not naturally inherent in military command, and that it cannot be exercised by either of the Generals, as an official act, meerly, in virtue of their military capacities; but must be founded on special authority, delegated for the purpose. This authority, according to reason and universal practice, ought to be declared, otherwise it will not appear, nor have the least efficiency or operation.
That if this authority does not exist, the negociation can have no sufficient foundation. It must rest solely on the footing of personal confidence. The public faith cannot be considered as pledged, for the performance of any engagements, in consequence of it, and these may of course be overruled at pleasure. Could the credit of individuals be supposed great enough, in preservation of personal honor to prevent the interference of superior authority—their influence could not, at any rate, extend beyond their own command and should the casualties of war remove them, their successors would not be, in any manner, bound by their engagements.
In fine, it is conceived, there would be a manifest impropriety in conducting a business of this nature on personal ground, as such a measure would be destitute of that validity, which the solemnity of a public act, alone can give, and which the magnitude of the objects it is intended to comprehend, indispensibly

requires. Personal confidence, or the mutual credit of individuals is too slender and unsubstantial a basis, for concerns of so great variety and extent, as the Treaty, in contemplation must necessarily involve.

William Grayson
Rob: H. Harrison
Alex: Hamilton
Elias Boudinot

            New Town

            April 10th 1778

            To
            Colonel Charles O Hara

            Colonel Humphrey Stephens

            Capt. Richard Fitzpatrick

In return, the commissioners, on the part of General Howe, delivered us a paper, containing a writing, as follows,

The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency Sir William Howe, to take into consideration all past transactions, relative to the exchange of prisoners, to adjust the differences, that have so long subsisted in regard to them, to remove all difficulties, that may arise in carrying into execution a general exchange of prisoners, with both parties at this time, and finally to establish a regular and explicit cartel for the future; having received the objections made to the commission, under which, they act, from the Commissioners appointed to meet them for similar purposes by General Washington, are much concerned to find, they are likely to prove an obstruction to the execution of so desireable a purpose; They conceive the powers delegated to them by their commission to be sufficient and ample, for effectually accomplishing the purposes therein contained; and hereby declare themselves ready and desirous of immediately entering upon a Treaty with the Commissioners appointed by General Washington, for carrying into execution the different objects of their commission.

Charles O Hara
Humphrey Stevens
Richard Fitz Patrick

            New Town

            April 11th 1778

            To
            Colonel Grayson

            Lt Col: Harrison

            Lt Col: Hamilton

            Elias Boudinot Esqr.

We immediately prepared a reply to the foregoing writing which we offered to General Howe’s commissioners; but they refused to read it alleging, that if we could not meet them on the commission they now had, the negociation was at an end. We then read to them the reply we had prepared, to the following effect—

The Commissioners appointed by His Excellency General Washington, to confer, determine and agree upon a Treaty and convention, for the exchange of prisoners of war, and for all matters whatsoever that may be properly contained therein are inexpressibly concerned to find—

That the Commissioners on the part of General Sir William Howe should think it necessary to make the objections stated to their powers and supported as they apprehend by the most conclusive reasons, an insurmountable obstacle to the progress of a negociation intended to answer the most benevolent and estimable purposes.
As General Sir William Howe must be supposed fully empowered, to enter into the Treaty, his commission imports, they can conceive no sufficient reason, for not declaring his powers, and would flatter themselves, that nothing can be easier, than to remove the cause of their objections, and to proceed in the business on admissible terms. They are ready and solicitous to treat on fair, proper, and equal ground; such as will give efficacy to their proceedings and place a public act on the foundation of public authority.

William Grayson
Rob: H. Harrison
Alex. Hamilton
Elias Boudinot

            New Town

            April 11th 1778

            To
            Col: Chs O Hara

            Col: Humpy Stevens

            Capt. Richard Fitz Patrick

We shall be happy if our conduct on this occasion meets with Your Excellency’s approbation. We were fully sensible of your solicitude for the success of a Treaty designed to provide an effectual and durable remedy, for those calamities, with which the state of captivity has been hitherto afflicted. We are sorry the views of General Sir William Howe were so far different from yours as to render them impracticable. Your powers to us were the standard, by which we were to judge of the sufficiency of his—The former are founded on the broad basis of national faith; the latter on the narrow one of private faith. A dissimilarity, in so material a point, appeared to us a solid, and on our part, an insuperable objection. We considered the formation of a Treaty, by which such momentous concerns would be affected; with no other sanction, than the personal honor and interest of an individual—not only as incompatible with our commission; but as repugnant to reason, to the nature of the business, and to common usage, in similar cases. A Treaty so formed would, in our conception, be merely nominal or at best of temporary operation—certainly ceasing with personal command—liable, at any time, to be violated by public authority, without the imputation of public dishonor, and highly derogatory to the dignity of these United States.

Willm Grayson
Rob: H: Harrison
Alex. Hamilton
Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 15 April 1778
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Jamaica Plain [Mass.] Apr. 15. 1778

When you have perused the enclosed, pray you to put it under cover & forward it to Genl Gates. Should not Genl Burgoyne have practised bribery & corruption, he might propose the question from what he had seen heard & observed while at Cambridge: but the question reminded me of what was wrote you the 12th of Jany. Some things I have heard since have tended to corroborate my suspicion. I have been assured, that Fort Stanwix was within an ace of being lost for want of powder—that a part of Col. Weston’s regiment was in the Fort—that repeated application was made at Albany for ammunition, but none

sent—that Col. Weston’s Lieut. Col. being down, determind upon having it, went & saw to its being put into the boats & accompanied it up the Mohawk river, but was too late to get in every boat, the last falling into the hand of the enemy—that upon the Lieut. Colonel’s getting into the Ferry he told the commander before several of the garrison, that it was reported below that the Fort was to be given up, that he would defend it while the garrison would stand by him, & that if he (the commander) went into any measures to deliver it up he would immediately put him under an arrest. However there was not any thing in the conduct of the commander that ever shewed an inclination of surrendering it. But it is said, that an Oneida friendly Indian with the enemy, before Ty was taken, gave another Oneida friendly Indian the opportunity of hearing the enemy officers declare when together in consultation, that Ty & Stanwix were to be given up. I remember that I left Ty Oct. 5. 1776, got to Albany the monday following, at the desire of Genl Gates mentioned on the tuesday morning that he was expecting the powder &c.—recd for answer that it was going to be sent off that very day, but for several days after the engagements on the Lake, the last of which was on the 13th, he had not more than two ton, from whence I infer that he had not recd &c. The mention of these things I think may be of service, as your Excellency being commander in chief is concern’d in the whole plan of operations offensive & defensive.
I wish you may not suffer for want of the re-inforcements. Very unhappily, our General Court instead of applying themselves the last winter to the business of providing for the opening of the Campaign, were employed in framing a constitution. They have now been sitting a fortnight, but I do not learn that any thing effective has been done. Possibly several may be afraid of going into vigorous measures lest it should endanger th⟨e⟩ir approaching election. Tis vexatious & melancholy to see how strangely & absurdly men act. However infinite Wis⟨dom may br⟩ing good out of their foolishness. The scheme of a change being laid before the publick ere it was ripened, tended to prevent it, & the voice of the people was so against it, that no one would dare to own that there was any such design. it was denied by some that I am morally certain were seeking it. Had not Col. Marshall’s absence from Boston prevented my conversing with him, I should have omitted some particulars which I informd you had been wrote respecting the camp, as I afterwards learnt from him that they were not truths; however it might be as well that your Excellency should know what had been circulated.
I most heartily pray that You may be preserved & succeeded this campaign to the utmost of your wishes. Mrs Gordon joins in sincere respects to Self & Lady, with my dear Sir, your Excellencys most affectionate friend & humble servant

William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 15 April 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Princeton [N.J.] 15th April 1778

The Letters from General Winds, & Coll Dayton of which your Excellency has the Copies enclosed (together with my Answer to the former) I recieved yesterday—I would not chuse unnecessarily to embroil myself with General Campbell on the one hand; nor on the other, suffer the Officers under me to be imposed upon by the insolence of Troops who seem to take every occasion of Assuming Airs of superiority, & treating us with disdain—General Campbell has made a constant practice of sending his flags by a set of dirty Villains who are traitors by the Laws of this State, & who being intimately acquainted at Elizabeth Town, & frequently not sufficiently watched by our Militia Officers at that Post, generally made it an Opportunity of sowing the seeds of disaffection among their old Cronies—Tho’ I thought this very uncivil espicially after having remonstrated against it, yet as it might be military,

and those miscreants were deserters from the State, & not from the Army, I have put up with it, But as I cannot persuade myself (however sacred a flag may be supposed to be) that it can protect a Deserter from the punishment incurred by his desertion from the Army in which he was enlisted, I thought it best to order his detention ’till your Excellency’s pleasure was signified on the Subject. Possibly there may be some irregularity in his Enlistment, of which he means to take the Advantage—General Maxwell will be able to satisfy you on that Point & I shall farther direct Genl Winds, agreeably to your Excellency’s directions to me.
Our Legislature has been so dilatory in framing the Law for rasing our Quota of Troops destined to reinforce the grand Army, that it puts me out of all Patience.
The Letter from the Committee of Congress on the Subject of purchasing horses & which I transmitted to the House for that Purpose has been mislaid, & I cannot recollect the mode therein prescribed for the Payment, tho’ I remember the Executive was to be furnished with the material by the first of May—As the time is rather too short to write to Congress on the Subject & to have an Answer in Season, if your Excellency can enlighten me in the matter, I shall take it as a favour—I expect by the day to be surrounded with Duns, & I have lived long enough in the world to know that nothing is to be done in it, without money. With the greatest Esteem and most ardent wishes for your Success I have the honour to be Dear Sir your Most Obedt Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: General Orders, 16 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Thursday April 16th 1778.
Friburgh—Fitzwilliam. Fitzgerald.

The Commander in Chief directs that only one Sutler be allowed to each Brigade, who shall have one Sutling Booth within the limits of the Brigade (and shall sell liquor at no other) where he shall sell his liquor at the following prices to the officers and men of the Brigade to which he belongs and on no Pretence to any other under penalty of having his whole stock seized and being rendered incapable of ever serving as sutler in the Army again—Whiskey, Peach Brandy Apple-Brandy, Cordials of all kinds and any other home-made spirits at 15/ pr gallon—pr quart 4/ pr pint 2/ pr half pint 1/3—West India spirit pr quart full proof 15/—a bowl of toddy containing half a pint of spirit 7/6—no persons whatever besides such licensed sutlers or Commissaries sent by particular States shall sell liquors of any kind in Camp or within seven miles of Camp under penalty of having their whole stock seized without payment for the use of the Army—except that the Quarter-Master General is authorized to allow one or more houses of Entertainment to accommodate Travelers and Strangers who must necessarily be in the Vicinity of the Camp—The persons receiving their license for that purpose, giving sufficient security not to vend their liquors to any person belonging to the Army. The Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades are to report to the Adjutant General the names of the sutlers of their respective Brigades and when any change happens they are to report it accordingly.
A ration for the future shall consist of a pound and an half of flour or bread, one pound of beef or fish or three quarters of a pound of Pork and one gill of whiskey or spirits—or a pound and an half of flour or bread, half a pound of pork or bacon, half a pint of Peas or Beans one gill of whiskey or spirits—The Commissary is directed to issue rations to the Army from time to time agreeable to either of the foregoing Estimates according to the State of Stores in Camp.
William McMarth under sentence of death is reprieved ’till further orders.
At a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Vose was President (April 8th 1778) John Conner of the 9th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for—1st desertion to the Enemy—2nd taking the Oath of Allegiance to the King of Great-Britain acquited of the first charge, but found guilty of the second, being a breach of the 5th Article, 18th section of the Articles of War, and as he did not return to his Regiment after leaving Philadelphia is an addition to his crime they sentence him to receive 50 lashes and rejoin his Regiment.

At the same Court Lieutt Orr of 10th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for ungentlemanlike behavior and conniving with Serjeant Hughes in secreting stolen Goods—secondly for countenancing him in carrying off and offering for sale a Molatto Slave belonging to Major Shaw, found guilty of the first charge exhibited against him being a breach of 21st Article 14th section of the Articles of War & sentenced to be discharged the service.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately.
At the same Court James Gorden a soldier in 2nd Virginia Regiment tried for 1st desertion a third time—2nd Forging a discharge—3rd reinlisting in 12th Pennsylvania Regiment, found guilty of the several charges exhibited against him, being breaches of the 1st and 3rd Article of the 6th section of the Articles of War and sentenced to receive three hundred lashes at three different times—one hundred for each crime.
The General approves the sentence & orders the execution of it, so far as extends to 100 lashes at the head of the Regiment to which he belongs.


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 16 April 1778
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 16th April 1778

At the earnest Request of Mrs Higgins who desires to have the Honor of waiting upon you, I am induced to trouble you with this Letter by her to offer Mr Lawrie (one of your principal Commissaries) in exchange for her Husband and Mr Clarke, both Deputy Commissaries & under the Convention of Saratoga. If this proposal meets with your approbation; I shall immediately give up Mr Lawrie’s Parole; and trusting that the fair Lady will be a more prevailing Advocate in obtaining your Compliance for the Return of her Husband than I can possibly

presume to be, I decline urging any thing further in favour of her Request. With due Regard I am Sir, Your most obedt Servant

(Signed) W. Howe

P.S. Mrs Moore, a Relation of Mrs Higgins’s will attend her, in which I hope you will not see any Impropriety.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 16 April 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Henry Beekman

Sir.
Head Quartrs [Valley Forge] 16th April 1778

I have just received your favor of this date inclosing a Letter To the Marquis La Fayette.
your proposition to entrap some of the Enemy’s parties, is a matter I could wish, and think it may be effected, & in order the better to enable you to attempt it, have directed the Commanding Officer of Colo. Morgans Corps, to repair as soon as he can to your post; & in conjunction with your force to form such plan as you may determine most likely to produce success. I shall only say that I wou’d have you exceedingly cautious, & secret, in the scheme. I am Sr Yours &c.

G. W——n

P.S. It will be necessary for you to inform Lt Colo. Smith of your design as his aid may be wanted.