Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 10–11 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

          sir
          Head Qrs Morris Town Decr 10th[–11] 1779

        In my Letter of the 8th in which I had the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s dispatches of the 4th Instant, just then come to hand—I advised Congress, that I had given Orders for the march of the whole of the Virginia line for Philadelphia. I am now to inform them, that the first & second State Regiments moved yesterday, & all the Regiments of the line to day, except two, which forms the Rear division. On account of forage, this mode of march was found to be more eligible than moving the whole in a body—and the necessity there was for sending all the Horses some distance from Camp, which were not absolutely essential for constant service, in order to spin out as much as possible our scanty supplies of this Article, would not admit of their being in motion sooner. The Rear division will follow to morrow—and the whole join at Trentown. At present some of the Men cannot move for want of Shoes—I hope however the difficulty will not long remain. I found on inquiry of Colo. Laurens, that some Field Artillery might be wanted at the Southward—and have ordered Six brass Six pounders to be carried with the Troops & some Artillery Officers to be sent. I should have been happy to have sent a proportionable detachment of Matrosses, but our number would not admit of it. A few however will accompany the pieces to take care of them. The Troops are under the command of General Woodford, who will set out to morrow. My Orders only extend to their movement as far as philadelphia. Congress will be pleased to direct their Ulterior proceedings. As the Abstract of the Muster Rolls transmitted in my Letter of the 18th Ulto was not so particular as I wished it to be (it being only an Average digest of the inlistments that will expire in every three months till a certain

period) I have been induced to obtain a more precise state of the Virginia Troops, specifying the number of inlistments that will expire in every month. A Copy of this I have the honor to inclose and Congress will perceive by the different columns, when their services will end, & determine what part of them it will not be worth while to send to the southward. In deciding the point, I beg leave to suggest, that the mode by which they proceed, will be an important consideration—and that whether it is by Land or Water, it will be hardly of any consequence to detach those whose inlistments will terminate by the last of February; and if by land—that little benefit—will be derived even from those who will be intitled to discharges in March. It has been thought a very good plan to grant furloughs to the Men to the first of April, who come within any of these descriptions that will inlist for the Continental and State bounties for the War, both from the importance of securing their service and as it will assist our provision supplies, which unhappily at this time, are upon a very delicate and disagreable footing. I am pursuing this method with respect to the other Troops (I am not able to say how it will succeed) and Congress may, all things considered, deem it a good measure with respect to those of the Virginia line. As to the Men belonging to the Two State Regiments who are inlisted for the War, they are peculiarly circumstanced. They reinlisted last Winter for the State boun⟨ty,⟩ and on the express condition of being furloughed at the end of the present campaign, till the 1st of April—and they insist on the performance. They hav⟨e⟩ already been very pressing in their applicat⟨ions⟩ to return home, and nothing I am pe[r]suad⟨ed,⟩ will induce them to relinquish the poin⟨t.⟩ From this State of the Virginia line—Congress will be able to form a pretty accurate judgement of what will be the situation of the Army a lit⟨tle⟩ time hence. I would farther beg leave to observe, that if they should deem it proper, either to furlough or to discharge a part of the Men⟨,⟩ on account of the short terms of their inlistments—it may be expedient that some directions should be give⟨n⟩ with respect to their Arms.
        I would take the liberty to inclose a copy of a Letter of the 9th from Colo. Biddle, on the subject of forage & the state of his department. I do not know what will or can be done⟨,⟩ but I confess I am greatly alarmed at the prospect of our supplies of

provisio⟨n⟩ which so much depend on those of forage. We are now at short allowance of flour and have been so for a Month.

          Decr 11th ½ aft[e]r 10 OClock.
          I have this minute returned from visiting the Light Troops and General Maxwell’s Brigade—which lie advanced in the Country below. Colo. Laurens took with him when he set out yesterday, extracts of intelligence with respect to an embarkation of Troops at New York, which he will have the honor of communicating to Congress. In addition to this—a great number of Guns were fired yesterday which appeared and were generally believed, to be signals—and a Deserter who left paulus Hook at three OClock the day before—informed at General Wayne’s Camp yesterday—that a fleet was then to sail with Troops on board. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Genl Woodford will have the honor of presenting this to Your Excellency. I beg leave to refer You to him for many particulars you may wish to know. I have thought it best for him to proceed to philadelphia in order to receive Your Excellencys commands, and to assist in promoting the Arrangements that may be thought necessary. The Troops will advance under the direction of the Oldest Colo. to philadelphia.


Title: General Orders, 11 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown saturday Decr 11th 1779.
          Parole Cape-Ann—  C.S.—Canton. Coryell—


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

          Sir,
          Head Qrs Morristown Decr 11th 1779.

        I have the honor to inform Yr Excellency that I have received advice from New York that a very la[r]ge embarkation had taken place (said to amount to 8000) and that the fleet containing them was at the Hook on the point of sailing—their destination reported to be for Chesapæk bay, on a combined operation in the 1st place against the French Squadron there, and afterwards to attempt the rescue of the Convention troops—Their naval force may consist of five sail of the line and two frigates of 44s besides a 50 Gun ship—The separation of the French Squadron mentioned by our last accounts from the Southward may have been a temptation to the enemy to undertake an enterprise against that part which had arrived. But it is not perhaps very probable that the Convention troops enter into the plan; nethertheless I think it prudent to communicate the intelligence to your Excellency, that you may have the goodness to direct your attention towards their security, and take any precautions which may appear to you necessary without conveying an alarm—For this purpose I request the favour of you to give immediate information to the Officer commanding at Charlotteville.
        By the report of a deserter and the firing of signal guns a great part of yesterday, I am led to conclude the fleet sailed at that time. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect & esteem Yr Excellencys Most Obedt ser.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 11 December 1779
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Mount holly 11 Dcer 1779

        I have to acknowledge the honour of your Excellency’s Favour of the 7th instant.
        If I should be so happy as to have done any Service to my Country either in Holland, or in any other instance whatsoevr, tho’ your Excellencys approbation would greatly enhance the pleasure of the Reflection, the recollection alone would be an ample recompense, & I should really enjoy it in the solemn hour of Death.
        I am much obliged to your Excellency for your kind Invitation to visit your Quarters in my return home; & was I in a humour for making Bulls I would tell you that I was fully determined to accept of your Invitation before I received it. Indeed was it not from the fear of incommoding you too much I had some thoughts of compleating at Head Quarters the full Term of 24 hours, which considering them as within 6 miles from Mrs. Livingston, & after six months absence from her; your Excellency would probably condescend to accept as a particular mark of my respect was it not that you may think such an halt no great Sacrifice in an old Fellow turnd of fifty who is nevertheless with the greatest esteem & attachment Dr Sir your Excellencys


Title: General Orders, 12 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown sunday Decr 12th 1779.
          Parole Europe—  C. Signs Elisabeth-Town Elk.

        For detachment Colonels Chambers & Swift, Lieutt Colls Woolford and Hait—Majors Winder and Leavensworth.

        A detachment under the command of Brigadier General Parsons to parade at nine ôclock tomorrow morning at the Half-Moon tavern for a fortnight’s command; they are to be provided with two days cook’d provisions; the officer commanding will receive his orders at Head Quarters and is to see that the detachment is as little-incumber’d as possible with horses and baggage; always in a condition to move at a moments notice.
        The logs and other materials prepared for the use of the Virginia troops are not to be applied to any other purpose without an order from Head-Quarters.
        Captain Bedkin is immediately to collect his troop and apply at Head-Quarters for orders.
        The whole Army is to be inspected this month by the Sub and Brigade Inspectors who are carefully to examine the Arms, Accoutrements and Cloathing of each non commissioned officer and private and to ascertain with as much precision as possible, what quantity of each is on hand and what will be wanting for the ensuing campaign; calculating from the 1st day of January 1780—to the 1st of January 1781: All cloathing received or issued since the 1st day of November to be considered as good, and in order that those returns may be uniform there will be forms left at the Orderly-Office, to which all Inspectors and other officers are strictly to adhere.
        The Commander in Chief has received certain information that a most pernicious intercourse of traffic has for a long time past been kept up between the enemy and the Country, both from the State of New-York and from this State; He has had the mortification to find that the most dishonorable aspersions have been thrown upon some officers of the army as having connived at and assisted in the intercourse—He has too intire a confidence in the officers to believe there can be the least foundation for a charge of this nature but he thinks himself bound to communicate what he has heard, as it so nearly affects their honor and is convinced it will prove an additional motive to their utmost vigilance and exertions to suppress a practice which is a scandalous breach of the orders of Congress and the laws of the particular states and which is attended with many very injurious consequences particularly to our currency; Every officer who will exert himself to detect & prevent it will intitle himself to the particular acknowledgments of the Commander in Chief; as any

one who could possibly so far forget what he owes to himself and to his duty, to countenance or be concerned in it, will not fail to be brought to the severest account: A single article is prohibited no less than any number or quantity of goods; for without this there will be no possibility of drawing a line to determine, what is, or what is not a breach of the prohibition.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of War, 12 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

          Gentn
          Hd Qrs Morris Town Decr 12. 1779

        I am honored with your letter of the 3d instant on the subject of Mr Galvan—My opinion of the qualifications of this Gentleman correspond with that of the Board; but I could not by any means recommend a compliance with his pretensions, though I should be glad to see him in some station which would afford him an opportunity of employing his talents usefully—The situation he has been in, in our army, and his want of service, in any other, would make the rank he claims appear excessive; and the conferring of it would not fail to give umbrage as well to many of his own countrymen as to our own officers. The most I can recommend is to appoint him to a majority, to be employed in the Inspectorship as circumstances may make convenient: The appointment to be dated at the time it is made.

        The reasonings of the Board with respect to the different corps mentioned in their letter are perfectly just—in addition to which it is to be observed, that the Artillery is already provided with a Brigade inspector—The cavalry and one or two small independent corps alone remain unprovided. But I should think it preferable not to designate him to any particular corps, and to put the manner of employing him upon the footing mentioned above—His knowlege application and industry will I am persuaded render him useful. If the Mustering department should be annexed to the Inspectorship as has been proposed the appointment of some additional inspectors will become necessary—I have the Honor to be with great respect Gentn Yr Most Obedt st

          G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 12 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

          My dear Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town 12th Decemr 1779.

        I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the 22d October by Colo. Laurens, to whose information, I am indebted for a very particular account of the situation of affairs to the southward. I had, previous to his arrival, been furnished by Congress with Copies of your dispatches by Major Clarkson, who came forward himself to Head Quarters. By him, I had the mortification of hearing of the ill success of the allied Arms before Savannah. While I regret the misfortune, I feel a very sensible pleasure in contemplating the gallant behaviour of the Officers and Men of the French and American Army, and it adds not a little to my consolation, in learning, that, instead of the mutual reproaches which too often follow the failure of enterprizes depending upon the cooperation of troops of different nations, their confidence in and esteem for each other is increased. I am happy in beleiving that the delicacy and propriety of your conduct, upon every occasion, has contributed much to this agreeable circumstance.
        Before Colo. Laurens’s arrival, the two Regiments of North Carolina had marched, and immediately upon finding, from your letters and from him, the reduced state of your Continental force, and the little dependance to be put upon the precarious supplies of Militia, I submitted to Congress, the propriety of detaching the whole of the Virginia line, expressing, at the same time, my willingness to part with them, illy as they could be spared, should they judge it expedient after a full consideration of all circumstances—Congress having determined upon the propriety of the measure, the troops began to move the day before yesterday, and I hope the whole will be under march this day, should not the weather prevent them.
        I have strongly recommended the transportation of them by Water, if Vessels can be procured and a Convoy ensured—The advantages of this over a march by land are too obvious to need mentioning.
        The unhappy System of short inlistments operates just now most forcibly upon the troops in question, as well as upon the whole line of the Army. Altho’ the total amount of the Virginians is at present upwards of 2500, I do not imagine it will be

practicable to move more than [ ] Rank and file to South Carolina, as the times of the remainder would expire by their arrival at Charlestown. About 150 of the two State Regiments had been reinlisted last Winter upon promise of a furlough this, which must be complied with.
        I shall take the liberty, in my turn, of referring you to Colo. Laurens for a minute account of our circumstances and situation, and I am happy in having the testimony of so able a judge and so good a man to witness, that the utmost has been done by me, to afford relief to the Quarter, which so loudly and with so much reason calls for assistance. I am with sincere Esteem My dear Sir Your most obt and hble Servt

          Go: Washington


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

          Dr Sir
          Hd Qrs Morris town 12th Decr 1779

        I have been favored with your Excellencys letter of the 7th. The Troops left at the No. Rivr & East of it & the large detatchments which we have been obliged to make to the Southward, and the times of service of so many of the troops nearly expiring, will unavoidably prevent me from affording that effectual cover to the frontier posts which I could wish. However, you may be assured, that I shall take such measures for this purpose as

our circumstances will admit, and give them as much protection as can be compassed by our present force. It is to be lamented that the time for wch the Regimt of this state was raised is abt to expire as it is indispensibly necessary that the most effectual check should be given to the contraband trade carried on with new-York—and which I fear I shall not be able to effect by the detatchments we may be able to spare from this army. I have the honor to be with the greatest regard & esteem.


Title: To George Washington from Philip Schuyler, 12 December 1779
From: Schuyler, Philip
To: Washington, George

          My Dear Sir
          Albany December 12th 1779

        An opportunity offers, and Surely I ought not to let It pass without Intreating you to Accept the warmest Acknowledgements of a grateful heart for an Attention which has afforded me the first of pleasures as It was Strongly Stamped with the Marks of Friendship.
        A Religieous of the Recollet order Is arrived here from Canada he is come away as he Says with leave of his Superior and of the Bishop of Canada. I will not Anticipate his tale as he will soon have the honor of presenting himself to You being to set of[f] In the Morning In the same sled with the bearer of this.
        I hope Your Lady will have arrived before this reaches You, and I Indulge Another that we shall have the happiness of giving

you both and the Gentlemen of Your family a hearty Welcome to this fire Side In the course of the Winter my best wishes attend all about Yours. I am Dear Sir Most Affectionately & sincerly Your Excelleny’s Obedient Humble servant

          Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Major William Hudson Ballard, 13 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Ballard, William Hudson

          Sir,
          Head Quarters Morris town 13th Decemr 1779

        I have received your letter of the 26th of November which with the papers inclosed I have transmitted to Governor Clinton and requested his interposition to prevent the prosecutions, if upon inquiry he has reason to believe them vexatious. It were however to be wished the effects taken had been reported with their owners to the Committee and subjected to their disposal. Perhaps it may be adviseable to see the Governor yourself and give him a more particular explanation—If you choose to do this, I have directed General Heath to grant you a leave of absence. I am Sir Your most Obedt & humble servant.

          P.S. The money which arose from the sale of the effects (left in Lt Col. Whitings hands) must be subject to the Governor’s order.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 13 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

          Sir,
          Morris Town Decr 13th 1779

        I have the honor to inclose your Excellency sundry papers received from Major Ballard respecting the effects of certain disaffected persons taken and sold on the frontier. You will perceive he is in danger of being prosecuted for felony. There appears not from the face of the papers to have been any thing blameable in Major Ballards conduct as he only acted in obedience to his orders on which must be charged whatever irregularity there may have been in the affair. As the good of the service sometimes requires things to be done in the military line, which cannot be supported by the civil law, prosecutions of this kind may discourage officers from the discharge of their duty. It were therefore to be wished they could be prevented; except where there are appearances of oppression or fraud. Nothing of this offers itself in Major Ballard’s representation; though it is difficult to judge without hearing the other parties. I take the liberty however of troubling Your Excellency with the affair that unless you have reason to believe there has been a spirit of plunder in the transaction, you may have the goodness to interpose your influence for preventing the intended prosecutions—To make this the more practicable I have directed the money which arose on the sales said to be deposited with Lt Col. Whiting to be paid to Your Excellency’s order. But, if on inquiry any of the officers seem to have been actuated by improper views, I wish them to suffer the penalty of the law, and shall be ready to promote every measure for doing justice to those who have been injured. With

every sentiment of respect and regard. I have the honor to be Yr Excellency’s Obedient & humble servant.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 13–17 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

          Dear Sir
          Head Qrs Morris Town Decr 13[–17] 1779

        I have received Your Letter of the 7th Instant, with Copies of the papers to which you allude. As the appointment or promotion of Officers does not in the least depend on me, I can not undertake to give you directions, in either of the cases, in which you request it; however since they are before me, I shall offer my sentiments with respect to them. As to the case of Majors Maxwell & Ballard, if the former was arranged to the 15 Regiment, (Colonel Bigelows) and which his Commission will shew—the nominating the latter for that Majority must evidently have proceeded from a mistake, and as his right to promotion was in consequence it seems, of Major peters’s rise. This upon your representation will be easily rectified.
        The Case between Major Hull & Major Cogswell is of more delicacy and very important, and I am exceedingly concerned at the proceedings which have obtained with respect to it. They will if adhered to, as it appears to me, lead to very extensive and interesting consequences—to unhinge an Arrangement which has cost so much time and so much pains—and to the revival of a part of the various mischiefs and distractions which have so long torn the army to pieces—the disputes about rank. The settling of these has been a work of near Two years—and in no line

were there more difficulties found or more attention paid by the different Boards in adjusting matters, than in this of Massachusetts. In the very last instance—this alone, as You well know, employed Seven General Officers Eight or Nine days with the greatest assiduity—and the Arrangement was confirmed by Congress to whom it was submitted and Commissions issued accordingly. If the Arrangement is not adhered to and the principles of promotion recommended by the Resolution of the 24 of Novr 1778 and injoined by that of the 28th of June last, All the labor that has been bestowed will have been to no purpose—and we shall be all a float in confusion again. The matter will not rest with the present case; but the present case will produce an infinity of claims, against the investigation of which, at least policy and the good of the service most strongly decide. And yet I dont see how they are to be refused, if the Arrangement & principles of promotion are once departed from. From a long and happy experience of their disposition, as well as the expressions in their present correspondence with you—I am most fully convinced the General assembly wish nothing more than to promote the order & tranquility of the Army, & that if they could but have conceived of the consequences to which their decision will probably lead, they would have never adopted the proceeding in this case.
        What I have said with respect to the proceeding in favor of Major Cogswell is founded now particularly on the inexpediency and impolicy of departing from the Arrangement and the Rules which have been established to govern promotions—and which in my opinion of themselves, independent of all other considerations should prevail: But besides these, from some peculiar circumstances attending the case—I will consider the Grounds which seem to have influenced the Honourable the Assembly in their determination. These were, according to the president’s Second Letter of the 26th Ulto—Major Hull’s not being in the list of the Officers appointed by the state—Major Cogswell’s being a Captain before him in 1775—and his having been commissioned by the Court as a Major the 1st of January 1777. With respect to the first, Major Hull was not appointed by the State to the majority in Colo. Jackson’s Regiment—he was appointed by me at the intercession of several Officers in the State line—and not without authority. I however, reflecting on the points which are considered as difficulties, cannot but regret the event, altho

he is an Officer of great merit and whose services have been honourable to himself—and honourable and profitable to his Country. In the first instance, in order to expedite the raising of a new Army which the exigency of our Affairs pressingly required, to supply the place of the Old which was soon to dissolve—Congress left it to the Governments of the several States by their Resolution of the 16 of September 1776, to appoint the Officers and fill up vacancies; but this was not granted by them, as a subsisting power; because on the 22d of Novr following they were pleased to resolve “to send me blank Commissions and to impower me to insert therein the names of such Officers as I might think fit, not revoking the appointments which had been made by Commissioners from any of the States”—and which they farther enlarged and extended “to the filling up of vacancies” by a subsequent Resolution of the 27th of Decr. It was under the authority of these Acts and at the request of several of the State Officers—that I appointed Major Hull to Colo. Jackson’s Regiment, but not till after the Gentleman (I believe a Mr Swasey) who had been nominated by the State, had resigned or refused to accept the Commission. I have been thus particular on this point that you may see I did not exercise a power which I was not invested with. But the appointment would never have proceeded merely from this power—there were solicitations for it as already mentioned—and I was then persuaded as I still am, that a Good Officer would and ever will be an Object of the State’s regard. As to the second ground—Major Cogswell’s being a Captain before Major Hull in 1775—I must observe at that period when the latter was promoted a Major—there were no fixed and established rules of rising in the Army. Our military arrangements had not provided for this with certainty and the business was sometimes conducted on one ground—some times another—and not upon the principle of lineal succession as a fixed mode—and therefore Major Cogswell, then a Captain, could not claim to be promoted of right to the majority in Colo. Jackson’s Regiment. If lineal succession or priority of Commission is to be established now, as a principle of promotion existing at that time—certain and fixed—and if it is in one case—it will be difficult to refuse it in another, the Arrangement of the Massachusetts’ line may be subverted by similar claims and similar determinations. And with respect to the third reason—Major Cogswell’s having

received a Commission as Major dated the 1st of January 1777—there was certainly a mistake in carrying the date back to that period; for if I understand the matter right and I believe I do—his promotion from a Captain was in consequence of Major Vose & Lt Colo. Vose’s—which took place on the appointment of the then Colonel Patterson, a Brigadier. This did not happen till the 21st of February and of course, no Commission that Major Cogswell received of a prior date to the last could be regular. The same mistake, if my recollection serves—happened in the case of Colo. Vose, whose Commission was dated the 1st of January 1777—tho his rank as Colonel originated in the appointment of General patterson. This, of justice & necessity—was corrected, as has been the case in many other instances. But I need not have mentioned many of these points to you—as you must remember them from the share you had in the Arrangement. In a word—policy at least required a strict adherence to the arrangement and the principles of promotion established—and there has been no injustice done Major Cogswell. perhaps by your representation you may be able to get matters put right again—and I am sure you can scarcely render any more essential service than prevailing on the Honourable Assembly to preserve the Arrangement inviolate and to pursue the Rules of promotion which have been established. There seems to be something peculiarly hard in the case of Major Hull. He might as I have been long since told, been arranged a Lt Colo. in the Connecticut line by the Committee of Congress at White plains in 1778—but many of the Massachusetts Officers discovered great uneasiness at the idea of his being taken from them—and he himself, hoping that all were content with his services & rank, generously refused the Offer and determined to remain where he was. But he has a better title than this. I only mention it as a trait of his character. Nor do I mean by any thing I have said, with respect to him, to take in the least from the merits of Major Cogswell. It has not been the practice in any case that I know of, for Officers promoted by the States since the Arrangement to act by Warrants. Their promotions and appointments have been certified I believe by transmitting the Warrants or a List of them to the Board of War for Commissions, by which alone they have acted. I could wish this mode might be generally pursued—as the Board, having the Arrangement of the several lines before

them, have it in their power to correct mistakes or at least to represent them; which they have done in several instances already. If Officers were once to act under warrants—it might be more difficult to remedy errors. And besides, Military propriety and the nature of the thing seem to determine, that an Officer of the States can only act under their Commission—and it has been understood that the Warrants mentioned in the Act of the 8th of March—were to be the basis on which the Board are to proceed in issuing Commissions. Our Commission system unfortunately is very complex—and unless the States will be accurate and adhere strictly to the principles of promotion, which is enjoined & explicitly required by the Act of the 28th of June last—we shall always be in troubled water and the service embarrassed with unhappy feuds.
        I return agreable to your request, the Copy of Major Hull’s Memorial.
        I cannot determine at present when the Light Infantry will rejoin their Regiments. Circumstances may arise, such as a large Detachment of the Enemy being sent from New York to admit of it, without any very probable injury. But without this, it may be necessary to keep them embodied.
        From the state of our Arsenals and the difficulty of obtaining supplies of Arms and Accoutrements—I am convinced your particular attention will be given to having those in the hands of Men whose services expire, retained & properly secured with the Commissary.
        17th Your favor of the 14th came to hand last night—and I am happy to find You are relieved with respect to supplies of bread & I hope they will continue. Our distresses here on the same account have been equal to those you have experienced—they still subsist and what is more alarming—the prospect of seasonable relief is at least very precarious. The condition of the Qr Mr & Other departments for want of money is fully before Congress and they will without doubt, do all in their power to keep matters in train. I am convinced You will meet with every support Governor Clinton can give & I am persuaded Colo. Hay’s exertions will not be wanted in any instance. I am exceedingly pleased to hear the attempts to reinlist the Troops succeeds so well. I am Dr Sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obt sevt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Maxwell, 13 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Maxwell, William

          Sir,
          Morris Town Decr 13th 1779

        General Parsons, with a detachment, is under marching orders towards the Sound: When he arrives at the place of his destination he will give you notice, and, you will march your brigade immediately to camp. If any part of your men should be so bare of cloathing as to be incapable of mar[c]hing you may leave such behind under the care of proper officers ’till cloathing can be sent to them; though it will be best if it can be done that the whole should march; they will be the sooner supplied and the transportation will be saved. Part of your cloathing is already here and the rest coming on. You had best send your state Clothier & Col. Spencer’s Pay Master forward to receive your proportion and have it ready for distribution when the troops arrive. The State Clothier will bring with him an exact return of all the state cloathing in his possession. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 13 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

          My dear Sir,
          Morris town Decr 13th 79

        I have the pleasure to find that the Artillery is at leng⟨th⟩ ready, & that the rear of the Virgin⟨ia⟩ troops will march early to morr⟨ow⟩ morning. By advices this day received from Congress, it seems to be their intention that the whole shall move by water from the head of Elk to Williamsburg, & thence by land to South Carolina. I wish it were practicable to send them by Water, but by this arrangement I take it for granted it is not. I am apprehensive as the troops pass through their own State, the March will be attended with very considerable desertions; but I rely upon your vigilence & care that you will take every preca⟨u⟩tion for preventing it as far as will be possible—The most rigi⟨d⟩ discipline will be indispensible for this purpose. A Chain of Sentries round every incampment will be the best security.
        I sincerely wish you and the troops under your command a comfortable march and a speedy arrival. The interests of America may very essentially require the latter, towards which I am perswaded you will do all in your power. Nothing will make me

happier than to hear at all times that the Virginia line distinguishes itself in every qualification that does honor to the military profession. Its composition is excellent—and a strict attention to discipline will always entitle it to vie with any Corps in this, or in any other service.
        They are going into a new & probably important field; to act with troops to whom they have been hitherto strangers—This ought to prove an additional incitement to a spirit of emulation. My affection for the troops, & my concern for the credit of the army under my command, as well as for their own credit make me anxiously desire the Officers may exert themselves to cultivate that perfection in discipline on which the usefulness & reputation of a Corps absolutely depends. Similar motives joined to a regard for the honor of the state to which they b⟨e⟩long, will, I am confident, be f⟨elt⟩ with all the force they deserve⟨;⟩ and will inspire them to a zealo⟨us⟩ & punctual discharge of their duty in all its parts. for here permit me to add, that though bravery & good conduct in time of action are very essential, yet they are by no means the most material parts of an Officers duty—To train & prepare men for the field (without which no exertion in the moment of action will avail much)—To supply their necessary wants as far as circumstances will enable—To restrain licenc⟨i⟩ousness—To support the honor ⟨&⟩ dignity of the Corps—To be att⟨en⟩tive to the cloathing (seeing that it is always in place; in order; and well put on without which there is little difference in appearance between a soldier in rags & a Soldier in uniform)—To have the Arms, ammunition, & accoutrements always in order—In a word—To abide strictly by Military rules, regulations & orders—These constitutes the essence of a Soldier, and are characteristic of good Officers—Without these no Service can be well conducted, and every service must be disagreeable, sluggish, & expensive; partaking more of the nature of Militia than the regularity of well organized troops, which ought, & may, move like clock work where the componant parts discharge their respective duties with propriety & exactness.
        I entreat you to communicate what I have said to the Gentn of the line; and at the sametime to assure them of my warmest esteem & best wishes for their welfare & success. With the truest regard I am—Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Ser.

          Go: Washington


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

          Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday Decr 14th 1779.
          Parole  C. Signs

        Major Anderson is immediately to join the detachment commanded by Genl Parsons, vice Major Church who is sick.
        The Virginia troops being detached to the southern department (where Major General Lincoln commands by order of Congress)—Major General Lord Stirling is appointed to the command of the division composed of Maxwell’s & Hands brigades.

          In Congress December 6th 1779.
          Resolved—That all officers who have been, or shall be indulged with furloughs and who have not joined or shall not join their corps at the expiration of the times limited therein, and all officers absent without leave, shall, when practicable so to do, be personally notified, and directed by the commanding officer of the corps, to join their regiment or corps in a reasonable time after receipt of such notification, & in case of neglect or refusal so to do, or give satisfactory reasons for their remaining absent therefrom, a Court Martial on proof made of such notice given and consequent neglect or refusal shall proceed against such absentees in the same manner as if they were present and such absence & neglect or refusal to appear or give satisfactory reasons for their continuance of absence shall be sufficient cause for cashiering by judgment of a Court Martial, the officers so notified and neglecting or refusing.

          That when from the want of information of the residence of any absent officer or officers, the commanding officer of the corps or regiment shall not have it in his power to send a personal notification he shall publish in the Newspapers of the State where such absent officer or officers belong and usually reside, an order requiring generally all absent officers belonging to such corps or regiment to join the same in a specified time; and in case of neglect or refusal to appear within the time limited or before the sitting of the Court-Martial, if such space of time in the opinion of the Court, be reasonable and proper, such absentee or absentees shall be proceeded against in like manner with those receiving personal notice.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 14 December 1779
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear General
          Robinsons House [N.Y.] Decr 14th 1779

        The last evening I was honored with yours of the 12th enclosing one to Major General Howe which I have forwarded to him.
        The Troops at this Post have experianced the most distressing want of Bread Since your Excellency passed into the Jersies, every exertion has been exercised for their releif both in this vicinity and at a distance it has at length been Obtained, and as their is now plenty of water I hope the like will not be experianced again, His Excellency Governor Clinton has given me assurances of every assistance in his power to render my Command easy.

        Forage is extremely Scarce and on this the Land Transportation Solely depends Colo. Hay is indefatigable but is much embarrassed for want of money He informs me that, this is the principal Sour[c]e of the want The Farmers will not part with their Forage on Credit as they observe by the Time of Payment the money is depreciated one Quarter the Service will be much promoted by affording him Speedy assistance I Some time Since ordered off all the Saddle Horses except one to a Regt and all the waggon Horses not wanted for immeditate Service in hauling Provisions Fuel &c. &c. The Former are gone to the nine Partners, the latter to Shaaron.
        no Intelligence of Consequence from below—The reinlis[t]ment of the Troops is Successfull—Glovers Brigade are Hutting below Budds Nixons are in their old Hutts. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servt

          W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 14 December 1779
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Fish: Kill [N.Y.] 14th Decr 1779

        I have this moment receivd the inclosd from —— by Express. he writes me that the detail of intelligence he sends me is particularly given your Excellency in his letter to you, so that I need not trouble you with a Repetition—His discontent seems to increase, and if I may credit his accounts he has some reason for it, for his trouble Risk & Expence as he sets it forth, exceed his Emoluments. He has done away Every doubt I had of his character, I am persuaded he is faithful, and his Utility is Undoubted, we must sir contrive to fix him, Especially now when it is probable he has Establish’d a chain which will make him of more importance than Ever. He expresses the warmest desire of communing thro’ me only; says he has run too great a Risque in being known to so many, and that a continuance of it might not only indanger his Person and property, but might lessen his Consequence Even to us, by losing him the Confidence of the Enemy. I shall therefore if your Excellency has no Objection furnish him with two or three good Expresses, to Enable him without delay to transmit any intelligence he may receive. You will please favour me with your sentiments upon this subject as soon as possible. Some time since one of my Parties not knowing Lt R——t took him Prisoner. We have Apparently treated him very ill in order to prevent the Enemy’s having any Suspicion of his being in our Interest. this man as an Emissary has been intelligent Punctual and useful, the Enemy now offer an Exchange for him, and appear anxious to get him back, they have sent up a man by —— for him, but I delay his Exchange because I think they will give almost any Body for him, and it is not impossible that Your Excellency may have some Person you would wish to redeem[.] —— wishes to have some Returns and intelligences of Seeming importance to send in by R——t; if he has not mentiond this in his letter you will please furnish him should it be proper, which I persuade my self, you will think it. R——t reluctantly renews his Agency, he says what the Enemy give him will not support him, that his captivity and his losses Consequent to it have put him in a situation so reduced that it is impossible for him to subsist if he is not assisted by us, but if he is he will resume and

Continue his Avocation for one Season more. he has been and may be very useful, and I think I may Venture to add faithful, and being Employ’d by the Enemy has much in his Power, you will oblige me by directing me how to proceed with him in this matter. Some of the movements of the Enemy Puzzle me; that a large Embarkation for the southward will take place I think almost certain, and yet their Rough shoing their Horses shews that those Corps can not be going there, because When Horses go a Sea Voyage their Shoes are always taken off, that they may not cripple one another & themselves, and Rough shoes in a warm Climate and Level Country would be absur’d. I think it far from being impossible that some Operations against our Posts & magazines may be in contemplation, and this Supposition appears the more probable as by various ways it is reported to be intended by them, and as it may be Attempted withou[t] retarding or injuring their Southern Schemes. I shall be anxious to hear from your Excellency And I am Dear Sir with the most Affectionate Respect your Excellency’s Most obt Very hum. servt

          Robt Howe


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 14 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

          sir
          Head Quarters Morris-town 14th Decr 1779.

        I have had the honor of your Excellency’s favors of the 7th and 10th, with their respective inclosures.
        The act to regulate the proceedings of officers absent on furlough, or otherwise, has been communicated to the army in general orders. In consequence of the resolution of the 10th, directing a successor to Col. Bland, in the command at Charlotteville, I have appointed on this occasion Col. Wood of the 8th Virginia Regiment, and shall give him orders to repair to this post as soon as possible. I have the honor to be with great respect, your Excellency’s, most obt servt

          Go: Washington

          P.S. since my last intelligence transmitted to Congress on the subject of the embarkation from New-York, I have been informed (tho’ not in such a manner as to give it perfect authenticity) that a number of boats, with cavalry, were taken on board. The same account says the fleet sailed on the 12th.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Charles Scott, 14 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Charles

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town 14th December 1779.

        I am glad to find by yours of the 16th ulto that you had nearly surmountd the difficulties attending the march of the troops from Petersburg—I have no objection to you proceeding yourself to the southward, which I hope will afford that releif to your disorder, which you expect—You will give the most pointed orders to the Officer who shall be left to bring on the Rear, not to lose a moments time in getting them under march.
        I am confident that you did every thing in your power to promote the public good at as small an expence as possible, and we must in this instance, as in many others, attribute the monstrous nominal sum of Doctor Shores Acct to the unhappy depreciation of our Money. I am &.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 December 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Light Infantry Camp Second River [N.J.]14th Decr 1779
          Dear General

        No part of the Enemies fleet had sail’d yesterday morning—nor do I think had any Considerable Embarkation taken place altho’ everything is undoubtedly ready for the purpose.
        the Inclosed written Intelligence is to be depended up[on]—the person is again gone in & has it in his power to procure the most authentick Information.
        You’l find a few very artful Insidious pieces in some of the Inclosed papers—Rivingtons of the 8th contains ⟨one⟩ or two tolerable performances in that way pray how are our Magazines of flower—we have now been four days without a particle—the troops are suffering extremely—will you be so Obliging as to Order us a supply of this Essential article the soonest possible—perhaps a Warrant for thrashing out some wheat in the Vicinity of this Camp may be advisable—notwithstanding Mr Rivingtons Premature & Invidious Resolve for Congress.
        Capt. Pendleton complains for want of Artillery men in place of those whose times are expired—an order may be Necesary for the purpose, as he has not men to Work his Guns. I am your Excellency’s most Obt Hume Ser.

          Anty Wayne

          8. O Clock P.M. Colo. Putnam has this Moment Returned from 10 Miles S.E. of South Amboy where he was Reconnoitring the Enemy & Corroborates the enclosed Intelligence of no part of the Fleet Sailing except 12 Top sail Vessels which went out this morning.

            A.W.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel James Wood, 14 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wood, James

          Dr Sir,
          Morris Town December 14th 1779.

        Colonel Bland having obtained permission to resign, and Congress having directed me to appoint a successor I am induced from a confidence in your judgment care and prudence to make choice of you for the purpose. You will therefore proceed as soon as you can possibly make it convenient to Charlotteville and take the command at that post. Col. Bland will communicate to you the instructions he has received from time to time, which you will punctually observe together with any others you may hereafter receive from The Governor of Virginia; and I would recommend to you to consult Col. Bland very particularly on the objects of your command, as he will have it in his power to give you useful information. The proper management of the Convention troops will require great circumspection. While I do not wish you to show them any unnecessary rigor, I wish you to be extremely cautious not to grant any improper indulgences. To avoid this you may frequently have to resist a great deal of importunity; I am persuaded you will not permit any thing inconsistent with the good of the service. Any propositions you may receive on Exchanges or other matters to which your instructions are not competent, you will impart to Congress and request their orders. I am with very great regard Dr Sir Your most Obedt servant.


Title: General Orders, 15 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown wednesday Decr 15th 79.
          Parole Berlin—  C. Signs Boston. Brunswick—


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 15 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Sir
          Morris Town Decr 15th 1779

        I have directed General DuPortail to meet you tomorrow morning that you may in conjunction with him examine all the grounds in the environs and make a written report to me without delay of the different spots which appear most proper to be occupied in case of any movement of the enemy towards us, pointing out the comparitive advantages and disadvantages of each.
        You will consider the several positions as relative to an army of ten thousand men in two lines, Three divisions in the 1st and two divisions in the second—This I propose for the order of battle as far as the nature of the ground will permit. I am Sir your most Obed. ser.
        Be pleased to send the inclosed immediately to General DuPortail and propose an hour of meeting.


Title: To George Washington from John Laurance, 15 December 1779
From: Laurance, John
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from John Laurance, 15 Dec. 1779. GW wrote John Morgan on 17 Dec.: “Inclosed you have the Copy of a letter which I

received from Mr Laurance the Judge Advocate.” Morgan then wrote GW on 27 Dec.: “Your Excellencys Letter of the 17th Instant, inclosing the Judge Advocates of the 15th came to my hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Spotswood, 15 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Spotswood, Alexander

          Dear Sir,
          Morris-town Decr 15th 79

        Your favor of the 21st of Novr did not come to hand till the last Post—Mine in the same Month under cover to Mrs Washington has no doubt been forwarded to you.
        I waited in continual expectation of my Nephews return for a good oppertunity to send the Sorrel, but as he seems to have an inclination to remain longer with the Army I embrace Captn Burwells offer of taking the horse to you. He goes from me in very good order, and I have no doubt of his being delivered so to you.
        I will take the horse you had of Lt Colo. Washington as Men take their wives—better for worse—and if he should prove a jade & go limping on—I must do as they are obliged to do—make the best of a bad bargain. Your directions for his winters treatment shall be followed.
        If you should not have succeeded in purchasing the horse you had in view at the time your letter of the 21st was wrote I have only to entreat that you may not put yourself to any trouble in pursuit of one in a hurry, but when you do buy to let your choice light on a good bay—be it horse or mare—either of which will suit me.
        We have, after our disappointment in the intended cooperation with the French-fleet against New-York repaired to this place⟨—that is to a wood in the vicinity of it—for winter quarters. My love to Mrs Spotswood, & complimts to Mrs Campbell. I am Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & obligd Servt

          Go: Washington⟩


Title: From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 15 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

          Morris-town Decr 15th 1779

        I had the pleasure of receiving a few days since by Capt. Bruin your letter of the 1st instant. I assure you, my Dear Sir, I am sensibly touched by so striking an instance of your friendship, at a time and in a manner, that demonstrates its sincerity and confirms the opinion I have always entertained of your sentiments towards me. I wish you to believe, that your uneasiness on the score you mention had never the least foundation. A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words are the true criterion of the attachment of his friends, and that the most liberal professions of good-will are very far from being the surest marks of it. I should be happy that my own experience had afforded fewer examples of the little dependence to be placed on them.
        I am particularly indebted to you for the interesting information you give me of the views of a certain party. Against intrigues of this kind, incident to every man in a public station, his best support will be a faithful discharge of his duty, and he must rely on the justice of his country for the event.
        I flatter myself it is unnecessary for me to repeat to you how high a place you hold in my esteem—The confidence you have experienced and the manner in which you have been employed on several important occasions testify the value I set upon your military qualifications and the regret I must feel that circumstances have deprived the army of your services—The pleasure

I shall always take in an interchange of good offices in whatever station you may hereafter be placed will be the best confirmation of the personal regard with which I have been and am very truly and sincerely Dr Sir Your most Obedient & humble servant.


Title: General Orders, 16 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown thursday Decr 16th [1779]
          Parole Copenhagen  C. Signs Dresden. Dundee.


Title: Circular to the States, 16 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Sir
          Head Quarters Morris town 16th Decemr 1779.

        The situation of the Army with respect to supplies is beyond description alarming, it has been five or six Weeks past on half allowance, and we have not three days Bread or a third allowance on hand nor any where within reach. When this is exhausted we must depend on the precarious gleanings of the neighbouring country. Our Magazines are absolutely empty every where and our Commissaries intirely destitute of money or credit to replenish them. We have never experienced a like extremity at any period of the War. We have often felt temporary want from accidental delays in forwarding supplies; but we always had something in our Magazines and the means of procuring more. Neither one nor the other is at present the case. This representation is the result of a minute examination of

our resources. Unless some extraordinary exertions be made by the States from which we draw our supplies there is every appearance that the Army will infallibly disband in a fortnight. I think it my duty to lay this candid view of our situation before your Excellency, and to intreat the vigorous interposition of the State to rescue us from the danger of an event, which if it did not prove the total ruin of our affairs, would at least give them a shock from which they would not easily recover, and plunge us into a train of new and still more perplexing embarrassments than any we have hitherto felt. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most ob. & hble Servt

          Go: Washingto⟨n⟩


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 16 December 1779
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Fish-Kiln [N.Y.] 16th Decr 1779

        Having furnish’d —— with Expresses, And directed him to forward any Circumstances of intelligence to Morris Town, and having settled other arrangements, I shall in order to attend the Court Martial set out and hope to arrive at Head Quarters by the 20th at farthest. I have had some accounts from New York since I wrote your Excellency last, but they being similar to those receiv’d by me from —— and which Consequently have been Convey’d to your Excellency by his letter which I transmitted I need not here subjoin them—I am Dear Sir with sincerest Regard and Greatest Respect Yr Exc[e]llency’s most Obt Servt

          Robt Howe


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 16 December 1779
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Williamsburg Decr 16. 1779.

        I take the liberty of putting under cover to your Excellency, some Letters to Generals Philips & Reidesel, uninformed whether they are gone into New York or not, and knowing that you can best forward them in either Case.
        I also trouble you with a Letter from the Master of the Flag in

this State to the British Commissary of Prisoners in New York, trusting it will thus be more certainly conveyed than if sent to Mr Adams. It is my Wish the British Commissary should return his Answer through your Excellency or your Commissary of Prisoners, and that they should not propose under this pretext to send another Flag, as the Mission of the present Flag is not unattended by circumstances of Suspicion, and a certain information of the Situation of ourselves and our Allies here might influence the Measures of the Enemy.
        Perhaps your Commissary of prisoners can effect the former method of Answer.
        I inclose to you part of an Act of Assembly ascertaining the quantities of Land which shall be allowed to the Officers and Soldiers at the close of the War, and providing means of keeping that Country vacant which has been allotted for them.
        I am advised to ask the attention of your Excellency to the Case of Colo. Bland late commander at the Barracks in Albemarle. When that Gentleman was applied to, to take that Command, he attended the Executive here, and informed them, that he must either decline it, or be supported in such a way as would keep up that respect which was essential to his Command, without at the same time ruining his private fortune.
        The Executive were sensible that he would be exposed to very great and unavoidable expence, they observed that his Command would be in a department separate from any other, and that he actually relieved a Major General from the same Service. They did not think themselves authorized to say what should be done in this Case, but undertook to represent the matter to Congress and in the mean time, gave it as their Opinion that a decent table ought to be found for him.
        On this he undertook the command, and in the course of it incurred expences, which seemed to have been unavoidable unless he would have lived in such a way as is hardly reconcileable to the Spirit of an Officer, or the reputation of those in whose service he is—Governor Henry wrote on the Subject to Congress. Colo. Bland did the same; but we learn that they have concluded the allowance to be unprecedented and inadmissable, in the case of an Officer of his rank. The Commissaries on this have called on Colo. Bland for reimbursement: a Sale of his Estate was about to take place, when we undertook to

recommend to them to suspend their demand, till we could ask the favor of you to advocate this Matter with Congress so far as you may think it right, otherwise the ruin of a very worthy Officer must inevitably follow.
        I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most obedt & most humble servt

          Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 16 December 1779
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

          Sir.
          Freehold [N.J.] 16th Decbr 79.

        Such has been the disposition of the British fleet since the first expectation of the Count De estaign that no time would admit my passing troops on the hook but in a storm.
        I have taken advantage of the four which have happened since in this county, & after most laborious endeavors have been each time defeated by the lowness of the tides (having many bars to cross) occasioned by the violence of the winds.

        My attempts have been made with the greatest secrecy. The garrison have received no notice of them, so that the enterprize may still be carried into execution.
        The season is getting cold, & my men are perfectly bare of cloathing, having not yet received the annual allowance for 79. I therefore propose to wait for a change in both the above circumstances as they are very important towards the success of the attempt.
        My last accounts from N. York mention no appearance of excu[r]sions, or embarkation of troops. The British General it is supposed awaits the arrival of a packet which is daily expected.
        My intelligence from the fleet indicates a probability that an attempt will be made on the Count de Grass. They are ready for sea & are waiting for a frigate which had been dispatc⟨hed⟩ on the first notice of the Counts being in chesapeak, to Admiral Parker.
        No doubt the plan is to meet a reinforcement from Admiral Parker if to be spared, previous to any attempt. I have the honor to be sir with the most profound respect Your Excellencys most obt sevt

          Henry Lee Junr


Title: To George Washington from Col. Stephen Moylan, 16 December 1779
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Col. Stephen Moylan, 16 Dec. 1779. GW wrote Moylan on 25 Dec.: “I have received your two letters of the 15th and 16th of december.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 December 1779
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

          Meeker’s House in Springfield [N.J.]16th Decbr 79
          Dear General

        The Embarkation in New York was not completed this Morning, by information of a Gentleman who left the City this Morning.
        The Number designd to be imbarked is said to be 8400; Ld Rawdon’s Corps, and Skinner’s Brigade except Buskirk’s Regiment, and two british Regiments left Staten Island the 14th for New York said to be designd as part of the present Embarkation, the Object is understood, in New York, to be Charls Town in South Carolina; tis by some said the Troops will sail in Two Divisions one of 2000 & remainder in the Second Division—All the Small, arm’d Vessels, are to go with this Fleet, under Command of Commodore Collier All the Men of War have fallen down to the Hook, part of them are to convoy this fleet and part a fleet for England—this is all the Inteligence I have obtaind since my coming to this Place.
        I beleive a regular Channel of Inteligence can be establishd immediately to New York, but the undertaker must have it made his Interest to pursue so hasadous a Business; I am suspicious that the Inducements before have been a permission to trade (but of this I am not certain) this Licence I am by no Means at Liberty to grant or even wink at, nor am I authorised to promise Money; if your Excellency thinks it necessary for me to do any Thing in the Matter your Directions shall be punctually complied with.
        The Conduct I observe on the Arrival of the Flag from New York induces me to beleive it has been made A Mode of traffick with the Enemy; at that Time All parts of the Country are collected and exceedingly desirous of going on Board, And I beleive they have too frequently been indulged in the Practice; but as I had receivd no particular Orders on the Subject I directed the Officer of the Guard to receive all such Persons as had passports from the Executive Authority of any of the States;

and to suffer no other Persons to land: to send on Board such as had Licence to go into New York, exchange Letters & order the flag to return—I beg your Excellency’s Directions how far I am to seise Effects coming from New York, by some Letters I have seen I have Reason to expect some Effects sent to my Superior Officers may fall into my Hands & perhaps some of the first Families in the State may have dealt to a small Amount at different Times with their Friends in New York. I am with the greatest Respect Yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

          Saml H. Parsons


Title: General Orders, 17 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown friday Decr 17th 1779.
          Parole—New-Haven—  C. Signs North-Castle Natick.

        Lieutenant Colonel Barber is to do the duty of Sub-Inspector in Major General Lord Stirling’s division and Lieutt Colonel Regnier in the division composed of Clinton’s and Stark’s brigades.
        Colonel James Livingston’s regiment now in General Stark’s brigade to be annexed to and immediately join General Hands brigade.
        The following is to be considered as our general order of battle; The army to form in two lines; the first composed of three divisions, the second of two.
        The 1st line to form from right to left, thus 1st Maryland. 2nd Maryland. Hand’s. Maxwell’s. 1st Connecticutt. 2nd Connecticutt[.] The 2nd line from right to left, thus—1st Pennsylvania 2nd Pennsylvania—Clinton’s Stark’s.
        The firing of two pieces of Cannon from the spot pointed out

in the order of the 1st instant will be the signal of Alarm—the several brigades are then to form on their respective parades and when marched to their Alarm-Posts to take their places in the line in the foregoing order.
        The regimental surgeons to make returns to the Director General of the Flying Hospital next monday at Doctor Canfield’s, where they may draw the necessary stores; In those regiments where the surgeons and mates are absent the regimental officers of Police are to send in the returns.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Edward Hand, 17 December 1779
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Camp near Morris Town 17th Decr 1779

        I am perfectly satisfied that your Excys reasons for desiring the continuance of the Genl Officers in Camp for the present are Good.
        Yet as my Case is somwhat singular and as leave of Absence at any other time than the present, can’t answer the purposes for which I wished to Obtain it, I beg leave to enumerate my most pressing reasons for troubling your Excy at this particular juncture, leaving to yourself the fixing the time for my return, should you be pleased to indulge me, at the sametime Assuring you that on the least notice from any Gentn of your family

I will immediately Attend, if my presence be deemed necessary sooner than the term first Alloted.
        My Wife who is very dear to me, is in daily Expectation of being brought to bed, & has not been Able to make the necessary provision for such an Event, Add to this the impossibility of procuring her the Assistance I could give, if her case should happen to be super Natural, a circumstance which too often attends persons in her situation—and if it pleases God to restore her to health, she will not, after the begining of March next, have a House to put her head into without my immediate Assistance—tho I have made early application to my Friends to remove that difficulty. I am sir with much respect your Excys most Obedt & most Hble Servt

          Edwd Hand


Title: To George Washington from John Mitchell, 17 December 1779
From: Mitchell, John
To: Washington, George

          Sir
          Philada 17th Decemr 1779.

        I have the honor of your Excellency’s favor of the 14th instant and would immediately have set off for Camp agreeable to your desire but the Business of my department is at present in such a situation as renders it next to impossible for me to be absent. The Virginia troops cannot be furnished with necessaries and means of proceeding on their Route if I am absent, nor can the duties of my department be exercised by any other in the present critical situation—The River being froze up, and the Navigation stopped, the Army cannot have the provisions forwarded but by me, and I find my personal attendance and all the influence I can make but barely sufficient to enable me to do it—add to this the scarcity of Money which makes it essentially necessary for me to be present to endeavour to make the people easy under the many disappointments we are unavoidably obliged to give them.
        I have given in every information to a Committee of Congress in writing, that I know of respecting Major General

Arnold—My principal Clerk has also been qualified before Mr Paca a Member of Congress and his evidence taken in writing—Those will I hope be sufficient. I request your Excellency will be so indulgent as to think the Reasons I have given sufficient, for not immediately setting off for Head Quarters which I should have done, if in my power. But if your Excellency should think it necessary for me to attend the trial of Major General Arnold, and leave the Business here in the situation it is in, I will immediately obey your commands. As nothing can give me more pleasure than to shew my respectful attention to every order or wish of your Excellency, being with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt and most humble Servt

          Jno. Mitchell D.Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to John Morgan, 17 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Morgan, John

          Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town 17th Decemr 1779.

        Inclosed you have the Copy of a letter which I received from Mr Laurance the Judge Advocate after he had examined and considered the several papers transmitted to me by Congress on the subject of your Complaints against Docr Shippen, which were put into his hands, in order that he might form the Charges for his Arrest. It is my wish and intention to arrest the Doctor as soon as it can be done and to bring on his trial immediately after those of General Arnold and Colo. Hooper are finished: But you will perceive by the letter from the Judge Advocate, that you have not laid the charges with sufficient certainty and precision on which to found an Arrest and which must be done before it can be made. I therefore request that you will furnish me as soon as possible with the specific charges which you mean to prefer against him, as without they are more particularly defined the Business cannot be proceeded upon. I am Sir Your most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Ludwig Weltner, 17 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Weltner, Ludwig

          Sir
          Hd Qrs Morristown 17th Decr 1779

        I have been favored with your letter of the 7th.
        A warrant has been issued and the money recieved by the officer employed on this occasion for the whole amount of the abstracts, and that expended for reinlisting.
        There being no arrangements formed for recruiting in the country, and the State bounties for short services so greatly exceeding the Continental, as to afford small prospect of success in such attempts, all I can do is to recommend to your best

endeavours the reinlisting those men whose times of service are nearly expiring before their leaving the regiment, upon such encouragement as is allowed by Congress; that is to every soldier or man reinlisting for the war a bounty of 200 Dollars, and a gratuity to the office[r] of ten.
        With regard to commissions to the officers you have named it is not at this time in our power to take up the matter And At least till some further arrangements take place things must remain in their present situation. I am &.


Title: General Orders, 18 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown saturday Decr 18. [1779]
          Parole Westmoreland  C. Signs Woodstock. Wells.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Rufus Putnam, 18 December 1779
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

        Letter not found: from Col. Rufus Putnam, 18 Dec. 1779. GW wrote Putnam on 20 Dec.: “I have your favr of the 18th.”


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 18 December 1779
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          Camp [Jockey Hollow] 18th December 1779.

        The above is an Extract of the last Letter I have received from Colo. Richardson on the Subject of his Rank & Resignation, which you will observe fixes the latter on the 22d October 1779—and relinquishes Pay and Subsistence from the first of March last—but in a Letter antecedent to this (dated the first of July) on the above Subjects, he intimates, that he should wish to relinquish his Pay and Subsistance from the Time the Arrangement was approved and published, which with respect to the Rank of Field Officers and Captains took place not ’till the 16th April, and that of the Subalterns not ’till the 27 May following.

        This Circumstance I imagine he was not acquainted with, but supposed the Arrangement was published on the 1st of March—in justice to him I have been induced to make this Remark, as I am satisfied he meant not to disclaim Pay & Subsistence ’till the Rank was published, & his Pretensions set aside—it will therefore rest with you to determine, and order on which of these dates his Pay and Subsistence shall cease—I have inclosed his Commission to be indorsed, and transmitted to him, and am with great Regard Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Servt

          W. Smallwood


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 18 December 1779
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

          Light Infantry Camp Second River [N.J.]18th Decr 1779
          Dear General

        I have nothing new from the Enemy but hourly expect my Mercury, Was I to hazard an Opinion it would be that no Embarkation takes place until the Sun has paid his visit to, & on his return from the tropic of Capricorn, for Seamen Always dread the tropical, more than the Equinoctial storms, and shou’d Sr Harry Clinton possess those talents necessary to Constitute a Genl of so powerful an Army as he now Commands, shou’d he have fortitude to bear the Calumny of the World & tacitly Commit his Military Character to a temporary Damnation, his business is still to keep up the Idea of an Embarkation until we have Hutted, sent off our horses, a great proportion of our Officers absent on furlough, & the term of Service of a large part of our Army expired—I say (shou’d he be the General)—he will then make a Rapid push in full force for our Debilitated Camp—where if he shou’d be unfortunate, he can’t sink lower than he already is, but if successful, his Military Character will shine with double Lustre—and put him in a Condition to act in any other Quarter, leaving a small Garrison at New York, as it would require some time for us to recover our loss, or be in a Situation to disturb or put them in Danger, whilst he might roam at large with Impunity.
        I had forgot to mention the Difficiency of Field Officers with this Corps, there being only three on the Ground exclusive of Major Moore, who was on his way from Phila. to Camp, when your Excellency did me the honor to call at my Quarters—I have detained him ever since to take charge of the two Pennsa light Companies that were in Colo. Febegers Regt which I have annexed to Colo. Butler’s until your Excellency’s pleasure is known.

        The shoe’s have not yet arrived, nor has the Maryland line furnished any men in place of those whose term of service are expired.
        two or three such nights as the last will give an Opening for either us or the Enemy to strike—I therefore wish the men & Shoe’s, so as to be prepared for either.
        You’l have goodness enough to excuse this freedom & believe me in ever[y] vicissitude of fortune, ready to serve you with the best Service of your Excellency’s most Obt & very Hume Sert

          Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 18 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

          Dr Sir,
          Morris-town Decr 18th 1779

        My Nephew George Augustine Washington (Son of Charles) seems to have a warm desire to enter the Service—altho’ I think it rather late in the day, contest I should say—to begin a military career yet in gratification of his wishes I shd be glad to endulge him if there is any Ensigncies which want filling in the Virginia line.
        Should this be the case, and he is recommended to the State, I should be glad to receive their approbation as soon as may be that a Commission may be obtained from the board of War—after which I shall keep him for some time doing the duty of Ensign in my guard at least till he can be rigged & made somewhat acquainted with his duty as an Officer.

        I have not mentioned this matter to any but yourself nor is it my wish that it should take place if it interferes in the smallest degree with the rights, or reasonable expectation of any others—if he is appointed at all I could wish it were to one of the oldest & best Regiments. With great regard I am Dr Sr Yr Most Obt Servt

          G. Washington


Title: General Orders, 19 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown sunday Decr 19th [1779]
          Parole Tuscany—  C. Signs Tiverton Troy—

        The General Court Martial appointed the 29th of May last for the trial of Major General Arnold whereof Major General Howe is President is directed to meet at this Town the 20th instant to resume the trial.
        The Court will consist of Majr Genl Howe President Brigadier Generals—Maxwell, vice Woodford absent—Smallwood, Knox, and Stark, vice, Irvine challenged—Colonels—Bradley vice Wood absent—Humpton, vice Harrison absent, Hall, Gunby—Cortlandt vice Moylan absent, Hazen vice R. Butler challenged—Dayton vice Popkins absent, Sherburne vice Harmar challenged.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 19 December 1779
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

          Dear Sir
          Mount holly [N.J.] 19th Decr 1779

        I had the honour & the Mortification last Night of your Excellency’s Favour of the 16th instant. To find our Troops in want of Bread at the close of so glorious a Campaign; & to think of

administring such cause of triumph & Exultation to the Enemy, & of Disgrace & Astonishment to all Europe, requires no uncommon fortitude to bear with any tolerable patience. I am perhaps the better enabled to support myself under it, as I have been gradually fortified against it, by having for some time past anticipated the dreadful Event; & the Measures which I thought naturally led to it having for some months given me daily and nightly Disquiet.
        It is not my Disposition Sir to excuse myself from any trouble by which I can render my Country essential Service (whether in the immediate line of my Department or out of it) by a fruitless crimination of others; which tho’ it may ease the Stomach of the Satyrist by discharging his resentment, will not fill those of the Soldiery with Food. It is not by reproaching others, but by the most vigorous Exertions of our own, that we can now hope to feed, a meritorious, & too much-neglected Army. But notwithstanding this, every virtuous Citizen of America will think himself entitled to complain when after issuing in about twenty months (I have reason to think I speak from good Authority) to the Departments of the Commissary & Quarte[r] Master General above one hundred & thirty millions of Dollars, we are in the most perillous Predicament, & the Army on the Point of disbanding for the want of Supplies. I can not say that I am greatly disappointed having ever been apprehensive of this Disaster while I have seen the meanest officers in those Departments growing rich, without any other conceiveable means than by those of Fraud & peculation. It is therefore become indispensible, & absolutely so, to put those purchases into the hands of the respective States where the Supplies are furnished, to request their management of them, & to apply the Taxes raised, to this Effect, or such part however as may be necessary. Three or four purchasers or Contractors in this State could I am confident, supposing the appointment to be judicious, do more than the thirty or forty now employed. It gives me new Spirits to find that Congress is About adopting some thing similar to this plan; & our assembly, tho’ they have so long, I have reason to think Will not rise till they have put the matter on that footing with respect to this State—This however will be too slow in its operation to afford immediate relief to the Troops—Had I recev’d your Excellency’s Letter but two hours sooner, I should immediately

have laid it before the house—But They were just adjourned till Monday morning—when it came to hand I shall not fail therefore to urge them to morrow not to wait for the supplies collecting by the Commissioners lately appointed for that purpose, but to adopt by resolve more vigorous Measures than those Commissioners are authorized to carry into Execution & To prepare the way for this, I have not thought it any breach of Sabbath, to spend part of this day in colloquing with some of the leading Members, who promise me to exert every nerve in providing the most speedy & effectual remedy for our present Distress.


Title: From George Washington to James Wilkinson, 19 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wilkinson, James

          sir
          Morris Town Decr 19: 1779

        From the wretched & miserable condition of many of the Troops for want of their Cloathes, Many of them being absolutely naked, I must urge again in the most earnest terms, that you will use every possible & Instant exertion to have the Cloathing as formerly directed, brought forward that it may be delivered. The public service as well as the dictates of humanity require that it should be done without a moment’s delay. That there may not be any impediments on the score of transportation—You will apply to the Quarter Master Genl & inform him it [is] my desire that every practicable exertion should be made to get the Cloathing down. I am sir Yr Most Obedt servant.


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 20 December 1779
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

          Sir,
          War Office [Philadelphia] Decr 20. 1779.

        We have received from Colo. Sheldon a letter and return of cloathing for his regt—of the latter a copy is inclosed. The

Commissions he requests we shall send him, except his own & capt. Hoogland’s, which will be suspended until their dates are settled by your Excellency. The cloathing demanded being for a complete regiment, upon the expectation of recruiting to the full complement, we declined issuing orders for it; and beg leave to refer to your Excellency’s determination what number of suits shall be provided, upon a consideration of the orders for levying recruits & the prospect of obtaining them; & request you to favour us with this determination, or that you would immediately direct Messrs Otis & Henley to provide the necessary cloathing, as your Excellency shall think proper. We shall ourselves give orders for providing boots & Buckskin breeches sufficient for all the horse. Colo. Sheldon asks for horses to remount his dragoons—he supposes at least one hundred to be necessary to complete 200 horse. He also wants a brass helmet for each man. But as no plan is yet settled relative to the appointments of the cavalry for the next campaign, we must suspend our orders for horses & helmets, until it is determined what number of dragoons shall be mounted; which will depend on your Excellency’s opinion.
        We have had divers applications of officers of the horse for their commissions: but no arrangement being yet settled, we are obliged to deny them. This renders them uneasy; and this uneasiness will increase when they find Colo. Sheldon’s are issued. We doubt not your Excellency will as soon as tis practicable caus⟨e⟩ this business to be adjusted. We suppose that appointments & promotions in the horse, artillery and additional battalions (except where the latter have been incorporated with the line of a state) are still at the disposal of Congress; and therefore chiefly depending on your Excellency’s decision.
        We beg leave here to inform your Excellency of the frequent applications of aids de camp & brigade majors for commissions; we mean those who were appointed before the 27th of May 1778. A resolve of Congress of the 5th of June 1776, gives the rank of Lt Colonels to your Excellency’s aids, & that of Majors to the aids of Major Generals. Under that resolution we find many (& we do not know but all) claim a right to command on detachment all officers of inferiour ranks. As we were apprehensive of uneasinesses among officers in the line, we have forborne issuing any such commissions. A few we find received commissions—long ago; none that we know of since the 27th of May 1778. We

beg your Excellency will favour us with your sentiments on the subject. We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedt servants.

          By order of the boardTim: Pickering


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 20 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

          Sir,
          Morris Town Decr 20th 1779.

        The distress of a great part of the troops for want of Cloathing, particularly in the essential article of shoes, which would render them useless, should circumstances require the activity of the army, induces me to request your exertions to give the Clothier the assistance he may stand in need of for bringing on his supplies—These have been delayed much longer than I expected for want of the means of transportation; and it is certainly of very great importance in the present posture of things that we should have it in our power to avail ourselves of the

whole of our small force on an emergency. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant.
        The Cavalry will be ordered to Colchester.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 20 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town 20th Decr 1779

        I have been favd with yours of the 30th November and 16th Inst. The practice of trading under the cover of procuring intelligence has grown to such a height that there is an absolute necessity of putting a stop to it. To avoid giving any umbrage to the Government of the State, I would have you confine your observations to the sailing of the fleets from New York, and whenever any capital movement takes place, communicate it immediately to the president of Congress as well as to me—Desire those who keep a look out to endeavour to distinguish the number and size of ships of War, whenever a fleet sails.
        If you can find convenient and safe Winter Quarters in the County of Monmouth, I shall prefer it to your drawing off towards Burlington, as the forage in that Quarter will be wanted at Trenton, from whence we shall draw our supplies of provisions that come from the southward. If the Country where you are will afford Forage for more than your own Corps, I can reinforce you with some detached troops of Horse.
        Should the opportunity which you have long waited for present itself, I intirely confide in your prudence in the execution of the business. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.

          P.S. Be pleased to take the first opportunity of returning the dispatches for Count D’Estaing.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Rufus Putnam, 20 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

          Dear Sir
          Head Quarters Morris Town 20th Decr 1779.

        I have your favr of the 18th inclosing a Return of the number of Men in your Regt of Light Infantry, and the quantity of Cloathing which each detachment has drawn from the Regiment to which it properly belongs in the line; from which it is evident, that you have not had justice done to you. When the distribution of Cloathing was made at West point, it was in the following proportion.
        ¾ the number of Coats to the number of non Commd Officers and privates borne upon the Muster Rolls and intitled to Cloathing.
        ¾ the Number of Vests ⅌ do
        ½ the Number of Breeches ⅌ do
        ⅓ the number of shirts ⅌ do
        ⅓ the number of Hose ⅌ do
        792 Blankets to the whole line.
        This was in proportion to the stock on hand, and as it is known that a considerable number of Men are borne upon the Muster Rolls more than are present, it was imagined the delivery then made, would furnish most of the Men inlisted for the War, and those who had a length of time to serve—indeed the General order injoined the commanding Officers of Regiments to have regard in the distribution to the length of service—However, that the Men may be releived as soon as possible, you will be pleased to make out a Return of the Cloathing actually wanting to make them comfortable, and it shall be delivered the moment it comes down from New Windsor. I will send up a Copy of the Return you transmitted me, to General Heath and will direct him to make enquiry into the reason of so very partial a distribution—perhaps some of the Cloathing may yet remain with the Regiments—If it does it may be sent down—If not—the Men

under your command must be fully supplied here, and the Officers above must account for the manner in which they have disposed of what they drew. I am Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

          Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Captain James Rivers, 20 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Rivers, James

          Sir
          Head Quarters Morristown 20th Decr 1779.

        It does not rest with me to enter upon such a parole exchange, as that proposed in your letter of the 2d and 21st of Novr. Nor while the obstructions exist that have been unfortunately thrown in the way of general and partial exchanges, can any thing take effect in this line. When these are removed, it will give me pleasure to concur in measures for your exchange, and to promote the relief of all those in captivity.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 20 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

          Dear Sir
          Hd qrs [Morristown] Decr 20. 1779

        I have reconsidered the point, with respect to placing General Gist on the Court Martial for the trial of Genl Arnold, in your room—and as there are reasons to induce me to wish, that the Court first appointd should suffer no change but such as very pressing circumstances require—it is my desire that you should continue, if it can be done without an essential injury to You. The Trial I hope will not take up a great deal of time—and as the Evenings are long—You may still be preparing and making your arrangements for your journey. I am with great regard & esteem Dr sir Yr Most Obedt st

          G. Wn


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 20 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

          Dr Sir
          Head Quarters Morristown 20th Decr 1779.

        I have been favored with your letter of the 18th.
        Of the objects that claim the enemy’s attention it is difficult to determine which is their choice. Should circumstances prevent them making detatchments, or from the prosecution of any remote enterprise, which they may have designed, and their whole force be thereby detained in this quarter, such an attempt as you have suggested is by no means improbable. The doing of something would become a matter of necessity. It would appear, however, that much of their present seeming embarrassment is owing to the Count De Grasse, with his squadron remaining on our coast.
        I should not have the smallest objection to Major Moore’s continuing with you, did not his duties in the line of the army, as brigade Major, and brigade inspector, render his presence here indispensible. That I may be enabled to complete the field officers in which you are deficient, you will be pleased to return the number wanted, and the lines from which they are to be drawn.
        I have directed an equivalent of men from the Maryland troops, for those whose times of service have expired, and have left you. The two Pennsylvania companies may remain in Col. Butlers regiment, where you have placed them, at least for the present.
        The shoes have not yet reached us, nor is there a single pair in the store. I am not less anxious than you are, to have the men speedily furnished with this article, and shall give you notice the moment they arrive.
        Our situation with respect to provision, or flour, is no wise preferable to yours. Nothing is left undone to bring forward a proper supply; till this can be effected you must eke out your quota with as much parsimony as possible. I am Dr Sir Your obt & hble servt

          Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 21 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To:

          Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday Decr 21st 1779.
          Parole  C. Signs

        The General Court Martial whereof Majr General Howe is President will assemble tomorrow at Norris’s tavern in Morristown—Brigadier General Gist is appointed a member of the Court, vice Brigadier General Smallwood, who is obliged to be absent—General Stark being indisposed Colonel Spencer is added as a member.
        When men are discharged the service the officers will be responsible that their arms, accoutrements &c. be delivered to the brigade Conductors, or Commissary of Military Stores, where no brigade Conductors are appointed.
        It has been represented that some officers quarter’d in the neighborhood of camp, draw the wood for their own use from the encamping grounds of the corps to which they belong; this practice not only increases the inconvenience to the proprietors of the lands on which the army is quarte[re]d but will tend to distress the service by consuming the wood on the spot for the use of the troops and obliging them hereafter to draw their supplies from a distance; The General therefore desires those Gentlemen will in future while they remain in houses supply

themselves from the lands on which they are quartered and give orders on the Quarter Master General for payment.


Title: From George Washington to Captain William John Darby, 21 December 1779
From: Washington, George
To: Darby, William John

          Sir
          Head Quarters Morristown 21st Decr 1779.

        I wish it were in my power to give a satisfactory answer to your letter of the 4th Novr. Unfortunately certain obstructions have been thrown in the way of both general and particular exchanges, which must prevent any thing from taking place in your favor. When these are removed It will give me pleasure to concur in measures for your relief or exchange. I am Sir.