Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 18 February 1778
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Highlands on Hudson’s River [N.Y.]18th Feby 1778

I had the Honor of receiving your’s of the 16th of January, about Eight Days Since at this Place, where I had returnd to take Charge of my Brigade—In the Present State of the Army I shall continue in my Command lest a different Conduct may prove injurious to the Cause of my Country at this critical Conjuncture of Affairs.
However my Inclination may induce me to retire to the Injoyments of domestic Happiness, I cannot think myself warranted to indulge my Wishes at a Time when so many Officers under my Command are desirous of leaving the Toils of War for the Pleasures private Life.
On my return to this Post Genl Putnam Shewed me a Remonstrance Signd by Samuel Drake & James Hunt and preferd to your Excellency. As some Parts thereof particularly respect me, and represent Facts in a most false & injurious Light, I have herewith inclos’d an Answer so far as the Charges respect Me or have fallen within my Observation.
The 16th Inst. I receivd your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th directed to General Putnam who was gone to New England. The Return requird therein of the Troops in this Department was transmitted to your Excellency before he left this Place. The other Return mentioned, I shall

forward to Governor Trumbull as soon as it can possibly be made. Almost every Obstacle with the Circle of Possibility has hapned to retard the Progress of the Obstructions in and Fortifications on the Banks of Hudson’s River. Preparations for compleating them are now in a State which afords a good Prospect of Compleating them in April, and unless some Difficulties yet unforseen should prevent, I think we cannot fail by the forepart of that Month to have them in a good Degree of forwardness.
Nothing on my Part shall be wanting to put them in a State to answer the reasonable Expectations of the Country as early as possible.
I beleive near One half of the Officers of my Brigade have not yet been commissioned; they have serv’d One Year without and are dissatisfied; if your Excellency can forward to this Post blank Commissions, I will fill them up & furnish them to those who have not yet receivd them. I am yr Excellency’s Obedt hl. Servt

Saml H. Parsons

P.S. By a Letter just receivd from Col. Webb who has gone into New York agreable to his Parole, I hear his Officers Prisoners there suffer much for Want of their Commissions. None of that Regiment have yet been Commissiond. I would beg your Excellency’s Direction what Date their Commissions are to have and that Blanks may be forwarded to commission them. Yrs ⟨illegible⟩

S. H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 18 February 1778
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Febry 18th 1778

Colo. Thornton and Captn Lewis came here last night by the latter I got your Letter. your Mare Shall be taken great care of, and Silla sent your mother if required, tho I believe she will be very unwilling to go, she haveg Cooper jack for a Husband, and they appear to live Comfortable together Lewis tells me Fitzgerrald (who is on the way I am told) is to bring the Horse you mention’d—I suppose I shall get him in a day or two.
Colo. Mason (who I shew’d your Letter of the 16th of jany) tells me he was informd of the cabal agnst you before he left Williamsburg, and some had hinted to him that R. H. Lee was one suspected of haveg a Hand in it, and as they knew the intimacy subsistg between them begd that he woud talk to Lee and discover whether any thing of the sort was in agitation or not—he did so—that Lee declares no such thing or even a hint has ever been mention’d in Congress, and that he shoud look upon it as one of the greatest Misfortunes that cou’d befal this Continant shoud you by any means whatever give up the Command of the Army, for fully Convinced he was in his own opinion, no other man upon this Continant was equal to the task—that he had often lamented the Heavy Burthen you Bore, and the difficultys you had to surmount more than any Man ever had before, for his part he look’d upon it, as one among the many favours we had recieved from above, that the Supreme being had been pleas’d to save and protect in the most miracalus digree, the only man in Whom every one coud confide in.
Mason is of opinion it is a Tory Mæneuver, for he thinks no Friend to America can be an Enemy to you, for by God which was his expression there is not nor ever was in the world A man who Acted from a more Laudable and disinterested motive than you do—and that he defyd All history to shew, a War, begun, and Carried on, under more disadvantages than the present, nor, he woud venture to affirm one that had been better conducted so far as it depended on the Commander in Chief—for that he had observd you had foreseen, and pointed out, what woud be the event of all the Blunders Commited by the diferent Legislators and that wherever you had given your opinion the event had proved you were right—and then enumerated a Number of instances to prove his assertion—Mason concluded by saying that he was convinced from the whole of his conversation with Lee, Harrison and other members of Congress, that a Faction in Congress agnst you had never existed—our Conversation passd in Alexandria before several gentlemen among whom was Mjr jennifer of maryland—Tell Mrs Washington I shall take care to comply with the Contents of

her Letter—Mr Custis is here and sets off tommorow for Wmsburg—I shall desire him to secure the Sugar and get it sent up—All well with us—I believe I shall get wheat enough out of our Crop to make a 100 or two Barrels of Common flour, which I hope to sell well—if I can Purchase any good wheat I will, for Flour I believe will sell well. Am Dr Sir your affectionate Hbl. Servt

Lund Washington


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

Head Quarters V. Forge Thirsday Feby 19th 1778.
Lebanon—Larned. Lamb.

The officers of the day are to cause strict search and inquiry to be made whether any Sutlers or other Persons whatever sell any spirituous liquors contrary to General orders, particularly near the picquets and out lines of the camp, or within a mile or two of them, and if such liquors are found in those places they are to be seized, secured and reported.
No prisoner to be sent to the Provost but such as are charged with capital Crimes.


Title: Circular to the Chief Executives of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, 19 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Chief Executives of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia

Sir
Valley forge February the 19th, 1778

For reasons that will be obvious to you, it is thought the publication of the inclosed address may answer valuable ends; and I beg leave to submit to you, whether it may not serve to increase its effect, if it were ushered into the papers of your State with a recommendatory line from yourself. If you should suppose there will be any impropriety in this, you will be pleased notwithstanding to commit the address itself to the printer. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Horatio Gates, 19 February 1778
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
York [Pa.] 19th Febry 1778:

Yesterday I had the Honour to receive Your Excellencys Letter of the 9th Inst., and earnestly hope, no more of that Time so precious to the public, may be lost upon the Subject of General Conways Letter. whether that Gentleman does, or does not deserve the Suspicions you Express, would be intirely indifferent to me, did he not possess an Office of High Rank in the Army of the U.S. for that reason solely, I wish he may answer all the Expectations of Congress—As to the Gentleman, I have no personal Connection with him, nor had I any correspondence, previous to his writing the Letter which has given Offence; nor have I since Writen to him, save to certify, what I knew to be the Contents of his Letter; He therefore must be responsible; as I heartily dislike controversy even upon my own Account—& much more in a matter wherin I was only accidentally concern’d; & am not personally interested—In regard to the parts of your Excellencys Letter Addressd particularly to me, I Solemnly declare that I am of no Faction; & if any of my Letters taken aggregately, or by paragraphs, convey any meaning, which under any construction, is Offensive to Your Excellency; that was by no means the intention of the Writer; after this; I cannot believe Your Excellency will either suffer your own suspicions, or the prejudices of others, to induce you to Spend another moment upon this Subject—with great Respect I am Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

Horatio Gates


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

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge February 19 1778

The melancholy prospect before us, with respect to supplies of provisions induces me, reluctantly to trouble you on a subject which does not naturally fall within the circle of your attention.
The situation of the Commissary’s department and of the army, in consequence, is more deplorable, than you can easily imagine. We have frequently suffered temporary want and great inconveniences, and for several days past we have experienced little less than a famine in camp, and have had much cause to dread a general mutiny and dispersion; Our future prospects are, if possible still worse: The magazines laid up, as far as my information reaches, are insignificant, totally incompetent to our necessities; and from every appearance, there has been heretofore so astonishing a deficiency in providing, that unless the most vigorous and effectual measures are at once, every where adopted, the language is not too strong to declare that we shall not be able to make another campaign.
To what causes, this is to be attributed; whether to an ill-timed and too general revolution in the department in the midst of a campaign, to its being placed in improper, hands or to a diminution of resources, and increased difficulties in the means of procuring, or to a combination of all these circumstances; I shall not undertake to decide. We have to lament, that our affairs are so situated, and it is incumbent upon us to employ our utmost efforts to ward off the ruin such a situation of things threatens. We have it in our power to do it, but our greatest activity and the fullest exertion of our resources, are requisite.
I am earnestly requesting the aid of the executive authority of those states, whence our supplies are drawn; and in persuance of this intention, I address myself to you; convinced that our alarming distresses will engage your most serious consideration; and that the full force of that zeal and vigor, you have manifested upon every other occasion, will now operate for our relief, in a matter that so nearly affects the very existence of our contest. What methods you have it in your power to embrace for this purpose, your own judgment will best suggest; the substance of my present request, is that you will contribute your assistance to turng all the supplies your state can afford, more than are sufficient for the subsistence of its inhabitants, into a channel of supplies for the army, in such way as will appear to you most effectual; and at the same time to forwarding the means of transportation, from a defect in which we suffer great embarrassments.
I am duly honored with your favour of the 28th of last month. The method, of paying the additional state Bounty that appears to me most

eligible is that of sending the money to camp, with a temporary paymaster, to be issued on warrants from me agreeable to muster rolls and abstracts, authenticated in the same manner as practiced in other cases. Any other mode, however, that may be deemed more convenient, will be perfectly agreeable to me.
I submit it to consideration, whether it might not be advisable for your Excellency, to issue a notification to those soldiers, who have been reinlisted and permitted to go home on furlough, that on their return to camp, they will receive the additional bounty, as prescribed by the act of assembly. As most of them engaged, before the Act took place or was announced, the bounty may be put upon the footing of a reward for past services. This notification may have an influence in making them more faithful and punctual in returning to camp at the expiration of their furloughs.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 19 February 1778
From: Lacey, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp Warwick Bucks [Pa.] Febry 19th 1778

I Reced Your favour of the 8 Instant.
I am well acquainted with the Horrid Intercorce kep up between the Country and City, but, I am Sorry I have it to Say, my Strength heretofore has been So weak as Rendered it impossible for me to put a Stop to it.
My numbers begin to increase, and I expect in a few Days to be in a Condition to incamp Nearer the City, at present I have out of Better than Six Hundred Men, but one Hundred and fourty that is armed.
I expect armes to arive tomorrow Sufficient to Compleat the whole,

after which I assure your Excellency, every Measure Shall be taken in My power, to Stop the Intercorce between the City and Country.
the Enemy Comes out every night and Returns in the Day, a large party of their Horse Came up last night, to Newtown took Major Murry Prisoner, took the gratest part of his men; and all the Cloath Both at Newtown and at the fulling mill.
On the Arival of the News, that the enemy were at Newtown, I marched what Men I had armed, toward that place, but Soon found they had left it. in order to cover that party who Came to Newtown Large parties were detatched up the Oald York Road, the Road to Vancorts and the Smithfield Road, they have Seased and taken in with them Numbers of the Inhabitants.
I hear they have got Morrises Mill, one that was disabled, fit to grind again and are Using her. I Remain your Excellencys most Humb. Servant

John Lacey jur


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 19 February 1778
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

dear general
Albany the 19th february 1778

Why am I so far from you, and what business had that board of war to hurry me through the ice and Snow without knowing what I schould do, neither what they were doing themselves? you have thought perhaps that theyr project could be attended with some difficulty, that some means had been neglected, that I could not obtain all the succès and the immensity of laurels which they had promised to me—but I defy your excellency to conceive any idea of what I have Seen Since I left the place where I was quiete and near my friend, to run myself through all the blunders of madness or treachery (god knows what). let me begin the journal of my fine and glorious campaign.
according to lord sterling’s advices I went by Coriels ferry to ringo’s tavern were the worthy mister düer had given me a certain rendesvous—but there no düer to be found, and did never hear from him—from thence I procedeed by the State of niewyork and had the pleasure of Seeing the friends of america as warm in theyr love for the commander in chief as his best friend could wish—I spoke to governor Clinton and was much Satisfied with that gentleman—at lenght I got albany the 17th tho’ I was not expected before the 25th—general Connway had been here only three days before me and I must Confess I found him very active, and looking as if he had good intentions—but we know goodile upon that Subject—his first word has been to tell that the expedition is quite impossible—I was at first very diffident of this report, but have found that he was in right—such is at least the idea I can form of this ill concerted operation since these two days.
general Schuïller, general lincoln, general arnold had writen before my arrival to general Connway in the most expressive terms that in our present circumstances there was no possibility to begin an enterprize into canada—hay dep. quarter master general cuyler dep. commissary general, meassin dep. clothier general in what they call the northern departement are entirely of the same opinion—Colonel hazen who has been with great impropriety appointed to a place which interfers in the province of the three others above mentionned was the most desirous of going there—the reasons of such an ardor I think I may attribute to other motives than a mere love of the american Cause—however (tho’ he says he is himself ready in every thing Concerning his duty what I ca’nt be certain of) the same hazen confesses we are not strong enough to think of the expedition in this moment—for the

troops they are disgusted, and (if you except some hazen’s canadians) affraïd to the utmost degree to begin a winter incursion in a so cold country—I have consulted every body, and every body answers me that I schould be mad to untertake this operation.
I have been schamefully deceived by the board of war—they have by the strongest expressions promised to me, and three thousand, and (what is more to be depended upon[)], they have assured to me by wraïting two thousand and five hundred men at a low estimate—now, Sir, I do not believe I can find in all twelve hundred fit for duty, and most part of those very men schould be naked even for a summer campaign—I was to find general Stark with a large body, and indeed general gates had told to me general Stark will have burnt the fleet before your arrival—well, the first letter I receive in albany is from general Stark who wishes to know what number of men, from where, for which time, for which rendesvous I desire him to raise—Colonel bedels who was to raise too would have done something had he received monney one asks which encouragement his people will have, the other has no cloathes, not one of ’em has received a dollar of what was düe to them—I have applied to every body, I have begged at every door I could Since two days and I see that I could do Something was the expedition to be begun in five weeks—but you know we have not an hour to looze, and indeed it is now rather to be late, had we every thing in readyness.
there is a spirit of disatisfaction prevaling among the Soldiers and even the officers which is düe to theyr not being pay’d since an immense time—this department is much indebted, and as near as I can ascertain for a so little time, I have already discovered near eight hundred thousand dollars due to the continental troops, some militia, the quarter masters’s departement &c. &c. &c. it was with four hundred thousand dollars whose only the half part is arrived to day that I was to untertake the operation, and satisfy the men under my commands—I Send to Congress the account of those debts.
Some cloathes by Colonel hazen’s activity are arrived from boston, but not enough by far, and the greatest part of it is not cut of.
we have had an intelligence from a deserter who makes the ennemy Stronger than I thought—there is no such thing as straw on board of the vessels to burn them. I have sent to Congress a full account of the matter—I hope it will oppen a little theyr eyes—what they will resolve upon I do not know, but I think I must waït here for theyr answer—I have inclosed to the president the copies of the most important letters I had received.
it would be tedious for your excellency, was I to undertake the minutest detaïl of every thing—it will be sufficient to say that the want of men, cloathes, money and the want of time deprives me of all hopes about this expedition—if it may begin again in the month of june by

the last, I can’t venture to assure—but for the present moment such is the idea I conceive of the famous incursion as far as I may be informed in a schort time.
You excellency may judge that I am very distressed by that disapointement—my being appointed to the command of the expedition is known through the continent, it will be soon known in europe as I have been desired by members of Congress to write to my friends my being at the head of an army—the people will be in great expectations, and what schall I answer?
I am affraïd it will reflect on my reputation and I schall be laughed at—my fears upon that subject are So Strong that I would choose to come again only a volonteer unless congress offers me means of mending this ogly business by some glorious operation—but I am very far from giving to ’em the least notice upon that matter—general arnold Seems very fond of an diversion against niew york and he is too sick to take the field before four or five months—I schould be happy if some thing was proposed to me about in that way, but I will never ask or even seem desirous of any thing directly from Congress—for you, dear general I know very well that you will do every thing to procure me the only thing I am ambitious of. glory.
I think your excellency will approuve of my Staying here till further orders and of my taking the liberty of Sending my dispatches to Congress by a very quick occasion without going through the hands of my general—but I was desirous to aquaint them soon of my desagreable and ridiculous situation. with the greatest affection and respect I have the honor to be Your most obedient servant

the marquis de lafayette

will you be so good as to present my respects to your lady.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 19 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge February the 19th 1778.

I am to acknowledge the Honor of your Letter of the 13 Instant with its Inclosure.
The recommendation & authority to the several States in the Instances pointed out by the Resolve, if they are duly attended to, will produce many valuable consequences. The abuses complained of are but too prevalent, and require a reform. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedient servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 19 February 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 19th febry 1778.

Since writing the 13th Inst. to your Excellency by Sharp, I have received the Honour of your Excellency’s Several favours of the 3d & 8th continued to 14th Inst. together with the divers Letters & papers referred to in the latter—these were all presented to Congress & remain under consideration.
Inclosed herewith Your Excellency will receive Acts of Congress under the 5th 6th & 9th for establishing divers regulations & restraining abuses in the Army & for appointing Mathew Clarkson & Major John Clarke Esquires Auditors of Army Accounts.
Also an Act of the 17th deciding who are to be excluded from the benefit of the Months extra pay ordered by a Resolve of the 29th December.

This will be delivered to Your Excellency by the Baron Stüben who proceeds to the Army with the Rank of Captain, granted by a Brevet Commission at the Barrons Special Instance in order to guard against inconveniences which might attend him, if he should without any Commission in his pocket be made a prisoner.
Upon the arrival of this illustrious Stranger at York Town, Congress ordered a Committee consisting of Mr Whitherspoon Mr McKean Mr F.L. Lee & Mr Henry to wait upon & confer with him to pay the necessary Compliments on his appearance in America & to learn explicitly his expectations from Congress—& the Committee were directed to deliver me the Substance of their conference in writing, to be transmitted for Your Excellency’s information. All that I have received or know on this head will be seen on an Inclosed paper marked Committees conference with Baron Stüben to which I beg leave to refer your Excellency. I have the honour to be with great Respt.

The Baron declines the Commission abovementioned or any other for the present.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 19 February 1778
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Middletown Newcastle county [Del.] Feby 19th 78.

In pursuance of your Excellencys instructions I waited on Gen. Smallwood. I received from him every aid, he was able to afford. From enquiry, I found that the country between Christiana-bridge & duck creek abounded in good teams. I immediately furnished myself with a list of the several hundreds that make up the township or county of Newcastle. Into every hundred I detached partys of horse under proper officers,

with directions to call on the assessor of each hundred, whose office pointed him out as a guide & friend. From those detachments, I expect this day to have collected at this place every waggon &c. in the county which will be immediately pushed on to Dover to take in the salt provision there. My partys have orders to collect all cattle fat for slaughter, all horses suitable for draught or dragoon service. These I shall also forward whenever any considerable number may be collected. I mean to appoint persons in some centrical spot in each county to value every article that may be got. Regular books will be kept & every step will be steadily pursued by me to drain this country of all superfluous forage & provision. In the execution of this, I shall always bear in remembrance the humanity, which I know your Excellency wishes to be observed towards the inhabitants and shall most strenuously endeavor to please & oblige the people. Indeed I shall feel myself peculiarly happy if in doing the service I am sent on, no cause of umbrage may be afforded the inhabitants by me or mine. I have already notified to the people, that one object of the detachmt, is to prevent an intended expedition of the enemy, by taking away from this country, every supply necessary for armys, that can be spared. There is one measure I must entreat your Excellency will please to ordr, a proper person with a sufficient sum of money to pay off the people, before I leave the country. They universally complain of want of pay, for articles already furnished our army. Tomorrow or next day I expect to send off one hundd head of cattle from what I find already collected & those I expect to gather this day. With most perfect respect your Excellys Obet servt

Heny Lee jr

I have had a confrence with Col. Hollingsworth. There is at present no supplys of meat of any sort at Elk. Pork is expected daily. The Col. seems to have formed a just idea of the state of the army & is very active.
Fifteen waggons with pork & meat will certainly arrive at camp on or before sunday next.

H.L.


Title: From George Washington to James Mease, 19 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Mease, James

Dr Sir
Valley Forge Feby 19th 1778

There having been some suggestions that the pensylvania Troops have not recieved a proportion of the Cloathing, distributed to the Army: also, that they have not been furnished with the quantitys they

are charged with, I have to desire, that if application should be made, you will satisfye the president and Council of this State upon the subject, exhibiting to them your Vouchers and specifying to whom the Supplies were made. I am Dr Sir Your Most Obedt servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Tench Tilghman, 19 February 1778
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Trenton [N.J.] 19th Feby 1778

I was not able to get over to this place till late on Tuesday afternoon on account of the Ice. I found that the Governor had, upon the Rect of your first letter, obtained a special act to impress teams and to send them out of the State. As I knew there was not much dependance to be put upon the Returns of Commissaries, I employed myself Yesterday, in pushing forward about 50 Barrels of pork which I found here and then endeavouring to come at a true State of the Magazines in this province. They are as follow.

            Fish
            BblsPork
            Bread

            Trenton
            671
            120
            60

            Bordentown

            130

            Rackless Town

            100

            Cranberry

            60

            Black Horse

            120

            Pitts Town

            say  50
            a quantity of Bread

            671
            450
            190

The 120 Barrels of Pork returned at this place are now in the Waggons and will go off as soon as the Horses are shod. The small quantities at the other places are coming in and will be sent on as quick as possible. Not a Barrel of Fish or Bread shall be loaded till the pork is all gone.
As the Assembly is now sitting here, I have had an opportunity of conversing with Gentlemen from every part of this province, who all agree that the failure in the Commissary’s department has been intirely owing to neglect. Ten thousand Barrels of pork might have been as easily collected as one thousand which has been the extent of the purchase and one half of that trifling quantity has been consumed at the small ports here, by the sailors at Bordentown and the Commissaries and Quarter Masters themselves, who like Locusts oppress the people and consume what they gather up. In short Sir the complaints against the underlings in these two departments are universal. there is

not a Cross Road, or a Village of three houses but a deputy Commissary and Quarter Master is fixed there, to do nothing—As there were no purchasers of provisions in all this Country but two or three, the farmers salted up as much of their meat as they could, and now have it by them, two or three Barrels in a place. I met the Governor and Council of Safety last Evening and beggd of them to endeavour to fall upon some ways and means of getting this pork out of the hands of private people. The Governor intends this day to propose to the Assembly to appoint proper persons in each County to purchase up all provisions from private people for continental use, and to vest those persons with powers to seize what the disaffected or avaricious hold back. The Legislature are in a proper temper to do every thing for the good of the service, and I make no doubt but the thing will be done. This Country is exhausted of Cattle. Hug and Morris the purchasers in this district are gone down to glean what few remain.
I have not mentioned Flour because the Country is full of it, and the only difficulty will be to get it drawn to the Army.
As every thing will be in a proper train by the Morning to move on this scanty pittance of provision, I shall return to Camp then, if no new obstructions turn up in the Course of the day. People here begin to think freely and speak freely of Men and Measures. The designs of the faction are seen thro’ and the authors reprobated, as I am told by all Ranks of people. I am with sincerest Esteem Yr Excellency’s most obt Servt

Tench Tilghman

P.S. Colo. Cox is gone over to Camp. He is active and well acquainted with this Country, and would be a very proper to employ to put up provision.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 19 February 1778
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
Camp [Valley Forge] 19th Feby 1778.

It is with the greatest reluctance that I think myself obliged to add to the many things that I know perplex your Excellency at this time. But

the claim I made of being reinstated in my Rank in the line of my own State, appears to be as far from being settled as ever—I have waited with patience these three Months, & done duty in the Line under Genls Muhlenberg & Weedon, contrary to my resolution when I enter’d the Service, the latter, who appears to be the only person that objects to this peice of Justice being done me, is gone to Virginia, from whence in all probability, he will not return till the active part of the campaign commences—I think I foresee this affair must again go back to Congress before it can be finally settled, there Genl Weedon is gone, who so violently opposed my going by your Excellency’s permission in December, without he could be permitted to go allso; I therefore declined it, & have remain’d satisfy’d to waite the determination of this Committee, who now inform me it is referr’d to a Board of Genl Officers.
I conceive there would be no impropriety in that Boddy doing me Justice, from whom I recd the injury, by a missrepresentation made to them by a Gentleman I had dissobliged—It is upon that ground I have allways wish’d the matter taken up—a Board of Genl Officers may perhaps consider my condecending to Serve the last Campaign under these Gentlemen as an acquiescence on my part, & a barr to my present claim—but as I have observed to the Comtee, it never can be too late to do Justice to an [in]dividual when a Publick Boddy are convinced he has been injured.
I have allready inform’d your Excellency that nothing will induce me to remain longer in the Continental Line under the command of those Gentlemen, who were called into service long after me, & in Inferior Ranks. I must therefore ask your permission to retire, which I assure you I do with great reluctance.
I do not mean to leave your Excellency or the Troops of my State in their present situation, allmost without a Field officer, but to stay till some of these Gentlemen return to their Duty, or till Genl Muhlenburg Joins—he has been away two Months—Colo. McClanahen & several other Field Officers three Months—Colo. Mason never Join’d. I would take the liberty to inform your Excellency that those Gentlemens Corps in my Brigade Suffer much by their Absence, & to wish they might be order’d up. I have the Honour to be, with every Sentiment of respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt humble servt

Wm Woodford


Title: General Orders, 20 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters [Valley Forge] February 20th 1778. Friday.
Middleborough—McDougall McIntosh.

At a board of General Officers held Feby 19th 1778—to take into Consideration the promotion of Majr Michael Ryan and after having heard the reasons for and against it, are of opinion that his promotion to the Rank of Major in 10th Pennsylvania Regimt is irregular. The Commander in Chief is therefore obliged to suspend the appointment of Major Ryan in the said Regiment.
The same board likewise took into consideration the Memorial of Captn James Grier; after hearing his allegations in support of it and what the Majors in the Pennsylvania line promoted in the year 1777—had to offer are of opinion that though Captain Grier stood fair for promotion on the 3rd day of January 1776—yet as he was not promoted to fill up the Vacancy (which then existed) until the 7th day of march following and as agreeable to the then regulations of the Army he could not take rank from the time of the Vacancy’s happening, only, but from the time of his appointment, he has not a just claim to take rank of the Majors appointed in the State of Pennsylvania in the year 1777.
Captn Grier will therefore consider this settlement of his rank as final.
An immediate return to be made from the Virginia Line of all the men whose times have expired & who have been reinlisted, to comprehend also all those whose term of service is near expiring—of those who have reinlisted; Such as may be absent on furlough or otherwise must be distinguish’d from those present.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Elias Dayton, 20 February 1778
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

Sir
Morris County [N.J.] Februar. 20th 1778

Confiding in your known and admired candor I beg leave to address you on a subject of great delicacy and to me very interesting & important. Sensible that your Excelency has been frequently interrupted with resignations from the Officers under your command ’tis not without reluctance that I pray your attention to a subject of this nature. With the greatest sincerity I say it—I could never be happy should my conduct Occasion Any uneasiness in the gentleman I esteem as the most amiable of characters & the grand dependance of my country.
Certainly I need not intimate that my present request to your Excellency for leave to resign my commission, originates not from any the least dissatisfaction with my commander in chief. Nor can I Suppose that I shall appear to your Excellency on this Occasion as one timedly shrinking from danger or the hardships of a military life, How I have behaved in danger let others say who have had the Ocular proof & to whose testimony I can cheerfully submit; and that I have shared with my Regiment the severest hardships of the campaign is a fact which needs no proof. although my difficulty in strugling with the common hardships has been peculiarly trying, as my health has been in a very impaired condition thro the whole campaign, yet as our hardships were the greatest in junctures the most critical & important my attachment to the service would not admit the thought of consulting either my ease or health, In short my conscience assures me that I hold no private consideration dear in comparison of the public good. What then your Excellency will probably demand can induce me to add one to the number of the resigned. I answer the ill state of my health impaired at the beginning of the campaign & ruined to such a degree as to render me, I fear incapable of discharging my duty with that reputation I could wish for myself & that essential benefit I could ever desire to render to my country. I am well persuaded could I lay before your Excellency the situation of my famely suffering as they do from the public enemies of my country & from the more secret & base plunderers pretending at the same time the attachment of countrymen & friends that your generous compassion would be engaged in my favour and admit that those considerations should have a secondary or circumstantial weight at least.
I should have waited upon your Excellency in camp some time since had not a severe turn of the rheumatism prevented. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s most obedient Humble servant

Elias Dayton


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 20 February 1778
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Wmsburgh [Va.] Feb. 20th 1778

you will no Doubt be surprized at seeing the inclosed Letter, in which the Encomiums bestowed on me are as undeserved, as the Censures aimed at you are unjust. I am sorry there should be one man who counts himself my Friend, who is not yours.
Perhaps I give you needless Trouble in handing you this paper. The Writer of it may be too insignificant to deserve any Notice. If I knew this to be the Case, I should not have intruded on your Time which is so precious. But there may possibly be some scheme or party forming to your prejudice. The inclosed leads to such a Suspicion. Believe me Sir I have too high a Sense of the obligations America has to you to abet or countenance so unworthy a proceeding. The most exalted merit hath ever been found to attract Envy. But I please my self with the Hope, that the same Fortitude & greatness of Mind which have hitherto braved all the Difficultys & Dangers inseparable from your Station, will rise superiour to every Attempt of the envious partisan.
I really cannot tell who is the writer of this Letter, which not a little perplexes me. The Handwriting is altogether strange to me.
To give you the Trouble of this, gives me pain. It would suit my Inclination better to give you some Assistance in the great Business of the War. But I will not conceal any thing from you, by which you may be affected. For I really think your personal Welfare & the Happiness of america are intimately connected. I beg you will be assured of that high Regard & Esteem with which I ever am Dear Sir your affectionate Friend & very humble Servant

P. Henry


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

Sir
Camp Bucks [Pa.] Febry 20th 1778

My people have taken Several persons going to Market Some of which is now Confind in my provo. three Young Fellows in perticulal, who were going to the Enemy with an entent to Stay with them, they had Meal on their Backs, which they Confess was for Market, they were flying to escape their fines in the Militia.
if your Excellency would Direct I would be glad, to try and punnish them here, as it is So far to Head Quarters that it is dificult to git the Evidences, there.
William Biles, who has been with the enemy Since they Came to Philada was taken coming to Deliver himself to the Mercy of his Country, he Says, and was Braught to My Camp. I have Sent him to Mr Wynkoops one—of the Magis[trate]s of Bucks, for a tryal. I am your Excel. obdt Sevt

John Lacey ⟨Jur⟩


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Mifflin, Jr., 20 February 1778
From: Mifflin, Jonathan Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Reading [Pa.] 20th Feby 1778

On the other Side is a Copy of a Letter I received Yesterday from the President of the Board of War on my Way to Potts Grove to establish a Magazine at that Place which I think proper to transmit to you Excellency.
Your Excellencys Letter of 15th Int was received a few Minutes before Col. Hooper & Capt. Falconer left this Town—The Cattle in this County have been chiefly collected by Mr Patton Commy of Purchases—I had taken Measures for collecting what Supplies could be obtained of the Meat Kind but in Consequence of Genl Gates Letter I have put the Business intirely into the Hands of Mr John Lasher & Mr Valentine Eackirt the Commissioners appointed by the Assembly of this State.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Nourse, 20 February 1778
From: Nourse, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War Office [York, Pa.] the 20th Febr. 1778.

I beg leave to inform your Excellency that in Consequence of the Resolution of Congress giving The Revd Mr Batwell of Yorktown, the alternative of taking the Oath of Allegiance to the state of Pennsilva. or going into the City of Philada in order to embark with his Family for Europe, that agreable to his choice the Board have given him, a Passport for himself, his Wife, two Children, his Wife’s Mother & a maid servant, to the out post of your Excellency’s Army, where they are to stay until further passport shall be obtain’d—This Letter is to give your Excellency the necessary Information, & to request Passports may be granted agreable to the pass signd by order of the Board of War. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most obt & most humble servt

Joseph Nourse


Title: From George Washington to Major Benjamin Tallmadge, 20 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 20th Feby 1778.

I am glad to be informed by your Letter of the 9th Inst. that you are established in quarters, where you are likely to have means of putting your men and horses into good Condition; As you have been so successful in contracting for boots and Leather Breeches, I would not have you confine your views in these articles, to the precise number that may be wanted by your Regiment; but wish that you would extend them in such a manner as to be useful to the other Regiments.
The Sums which may be wanted to fulfill your agreements must be drawn from the Quarter master General in whose hands a fund is established for defraying all expences of this kind.
It gives me pain that there should be any delay in the important business of providing Remounts, this matter among others is under the consideration of the Committee of Congress, and nothing can be done in it ’till their determination is known—I am &c.


Title: General Orders, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge saturday Feby 21st 1778.
Naples.North. Nichols.


Title: From George Washington to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 21 February 1778 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Armstrong, John

Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. John Armstrong, 21 Feb. 1778. Tench Tilghman wrote at the bottom of the last page of Armstrong’s letter to GW of 5 Feb.: “Ansd 21.”


Title: From George Washington to Captain Thomas Cartwright, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Cartwright, Thomas

Sir
Head Qrs Valley forge February 21st 1778

I was favoured last night with your Letter of the 14th Instant and with its inclosure.
As no person under our present Military system can appoint a General Court Martial but the Commander in Chief or Commanding General in a particular state, I cannot determine on the proceedings transmitted. Those sent by major General, the Marquiss de la Fayette, he omitted to deliver. I have written to Colo. Gibson respecting Lts McMichael & Dickenson & ordered that they should be tried again. The causes of complaint contained in General Wayn’s order for their trial I have inclosed him, and return you the proceedings in the case of the latter. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Duer, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Duer, William

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge feby 21st 1778

I am favoured with yours of the 16th instant, communicating the intelligence you had received, respecting the scheme of investing this

camp and cutting off its supplies. Your being unacquainted with our present position and the circumstance you mention of an intimation from General Sinclair, of the possibility of such an event, very naturally occasioned Biddles insinuation, to make the impression it did on your mind. But it is a project which appears to me totally impracticable with the enemy’s present force, or even with one much greater; and I believe the experiment will hardly be made. The extensive line or rather circle they must occupy, to keep up the communication from post to post, necessary to intercept our intercourse with the country would so divide and string out their force, that they would be very little able to defend themselves at any given point, and would expose themselves to ruin in case of an attack from us. I am inclined to believe you must be under some misapprehension, with respect to General Sinclairs observations; and that he alluded to something else than an investiture. I am with much regard Sir Your most Obedt Serv.

P.S. We have one bridge nearly completed—Defects in the Qr Masters department have delayed it hitherto.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge Feby 21st 1778

At General Knox’s departure from camp, I directed him to forward the artillery at albany, to some proper depository in this quarter, convenient for rendering them useful in the next campaign. My motives for this were, that in case of an augmentation of this army, we should stand in need of a much larger train than we now have in the field, and ought besides to have a reserve to answer the demands of contingencies.
In consideration of the difficulty of transportation at this season, it was thought adviseable to postpone the removal of the cannon, from albany, ’till early in the spring, when the situation of the North River would permit their being brought a great part of the distance, by water, which would be the most expeditious and least expensive way. In the meantime, the navigation to albany being impracticable, it was imagined, they would be intirely safe, in remaining there; and that it would be inexpedient to remove them, into New England, which, if they were to come to this army, must occasion a good deal of unnecessary expence, trouble & delay.
By a letter, I have just received, from General Knox, I learn that five and twenty field pieces and two Howitzers, had arrived at Farmington in Connecticut, sent there by your order. I must beg the favour of the

Board to inform me, whether they may have any particular reasons, or views with regard to the disposal of that artillery, or what may remain in albany, unemployed in the Northern expedition, which may not coincide with my first intentions. If not, I should wish to give immediate directions to have the artillery at Farmington forwarded on its rout to this State, in doing which, no time is to be lost, as I am informed, the roads from Connecticut to Hudson River across the mountains, will become impassable, when the Spring fairly opens. I have the honor to be Sir your most obet Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel George Gibson, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gibson, George

Sir
Head Qrs Valley Forge February 21st 1778

I last night received your Favor of the 17th Instant.
The same reasons which prevented me determining on the sentences of the Court Martial, ordered by Major General the Marquiss de la Fayette, apply against the proceedings of the Court directed by General Wayne in the case of Lts McMichael & Dickinson. I make no doubt Colonel Hubley will have shewn you my Letter of the 14th on that subject. Under our present Military System none can appoint General Courts Martial but the Commander in Chief or Commanding General in a particular State—Hence it follows, that the proceedings of a Court otherwise appointed must be irregular. I sent Colo. Hubley an order upon that occasion for constituting a New Court, not only for the trial of Mansen & the Other Criminals who had been convicted, but for All Offenders that might be brought before it. If the Court is sitting, they will try Lts Wm McMichael of the pensylvania State Regiment & Lieut. Henry Dickenson of 5th Virginia Regiment, on the charges contained in the inclosed paper. If it is not you are to assemble One of which you will be president.
I not only excuse but thank you much for your conduct respecting Rations. At a time when the Army was nearly experiencing a famine and wanting every possible supply of provision, It would have been highly inexpedient for the Officers at Lancaster to have drawn more Rations than what you allowed—Nor shall the Staff with my consent ever receive their back claims of this nature in provision—No part of the Army

has been allowed the indulgence, supposing they had a right to claim it, which however is very questionable if not altogether inadmissible, and there can be no reason why the Staff should have a preference.
With respect to the Sick—Houses must be provided for their accomodation, and the Convalescents ought to be separated from them. Nor should the latter be discharged too soon as fit for duty, as their coming out in a weak feeble state can answer no valuable purposes, but on the contrary may bring on relapses and Ultimately the loss of their lives. Our situation for want of Cloathing is distressing—Our demands are great & universal and our supplies but scanty & trifling—to give to one part of the Army is to take from Another. However I wish the Cloathier General to furnish the Sick, both patients & those under the denomination of Convalescents upon your order and those of the Officers appointed to attend the Hospitals in future, with such necessaries as they may really require. In such case you & the Officers will be very particular in describing the Companies & Corps to which the Men belong their names and the Articles they stand in need of; and regular information must be transmitted of the supplies they obtain to the Commanding Officers of their respective Regiments that abuses may not be committed and the Men prevented from loosing and disposing of what they receive. The Cloathier General & his assistants will of course know their Issues & to what Corps which will be a check when drafts are applied for again.
We shall certainly want many Horses for our Dragoons—Of this however you will say Nothing—as the proprietors will regulate their prices, at least, in proportion to our necessity—I would wish you to have an Eye to the Horses you mention and to inform yourself as well as you can of their number & of the characters of the holders—but in such away as to prevent every suspicion of design.
Your report of the Surgeons is extremely pleasing and I hope they will continue to exert themselves, to answer the purposes of their appointment and to promote the interests of their Country & the cause of Humanity. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Hollingsworth, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hollingsworth, Henry

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 21st feby 1778.

Your Letter of the 18th gives me pleasure by informing me that you have employed two active persons for the purpose of collecting Cattle and other articles of provision for the use of this Army, and that your brother whose zeal and knowledge of the Country will render him exceedingly useful is likewise exerting himself in this business; I am persuaded he will need no spur to his activity, if he is sensible of the important and critical Service which it is in his power to render—With respect to the money which seems to be so essential to the success of this matter, as Mr Blaine the Deputy Comy Genl of purchases is going into the Country where the collections are making, I will desire him to be as well furnished with this requisite as Circumstances will allow, in order to prevent any unwillingness and Jealousies in the minds of the Inhabitants on this account—I am Sir Yours &c.


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 21 February 1778
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 21st Feby 1778.

Although my Letter of the 5th Instant has in great measure anticipated the Answer requisite to your’s of the 20th and 30th of January, I shall make no Apology for troubling you with a few observations, in consequence of the papers you referred to me, which I hope will preclude any farther declamatory Complaints on your part, and well founded Remonstrances on mine, upon the Subject of the Treatment of Prisoners.
No Report has been lately transmitted to me concerning the Situation of the Prisoners at New York; but I conclude, that if any Officers there, have been more strictly confined than others, the Severity must have proceeded from some particular Irregularities in their Conduct when more at Liberty. Being also unacquainted with the Mode adopted at that Place, of receiving Flags of Truce by Water, it is equally out of my Power at present to explain the Delay complained of on the Arrival of your Provision Sloops; but I conceive it to be not contrary to Custom in such Cases to hold the people of Vessels so arriving, under a certain Degree of Restraint until they are ordered to return. I am likewise a Stranger to the Rules that may have been found necessary to establish concerning the Sales of Provisions at New York. I shall write however by the first Opportunity, to Sir Henry Clinton, who commands in that District,

and whose Regulations in these Points have, I am confident, been framed with the utmost Propriety. Exclusive of this persuasion I cannot help observing, that Mr Boudinots Representation of Circumstances within my immediate Knowledge has been such, as should prevent my giving much Credit to the Report he has made of those at a greater Distance from Explanation.
It is asserted, from the Evidences procured by that Gentleman, that your Officers, Prisoners with us, have not had any Allowance for their Subsistence, although it is notorious that all the Officers who have been boarded in the Country, were for a considerable Time allowed Two Dollars each ⅌ Week. If that Allowance is discontinued, the Hardship must be placed to the Accompt of those who should have supplied Cash for the Expence, or at least have pledged themselves for the Payment.
With Regard to the Conversation said to have passed between Mr Boudinot, and Mr Ferguson my Commissary, upon the Subject of Cloathing, I can only assure you that it has been very differently related to me by the latter, whose Veracity I have no Reason to suspect. But I have repeatedly given you full Information of the Quantity and Quality of Provisions issued to the Prisoners, as well as of my Indulgence to them in the Article of Clothing; and therefore I do not think it necessary to trouble you with farther Assurances on these Subjects: Nor will you expect I should seriously contravert the Absurdities that have been officially reported as Facts, relative to the insulting, starving, stripping and forcing Prisoners to inlist.
The Complaints of the ill Treatment of the Officers, Prisoners in Philadelphia, are equally without Foundation. Substantial Reasons, independant of several early Instances of Misconduct, rendered it highly inexpedient to grant the Liberty of this Town to your Officers in general. It will not be denied that I offered them every Indulgence that could with Propriety be admitted until an Exchange should take place, or a more extensive Parole could be granted, provided the principal Officers would be responsible that the inferior Class should confine themselves within the Limits prescribed, and refrain from any illicit Correspondence. As they did not think proper to accept this Offer, there remained no Alternative with Respect to any Degree of Liberty they might otherwise have had.
In consequence of the various Representations that had been made of the State of the Prisoners, I formerly proposed that you should send a Deputy Commissary to visit them. The Object was, that you should obtain a faithful Account of their Condition and Treatment. Mr Clymer, one of your Deputy Commissaries, came hither accordingly and was admitted. Of his Report, no Notice has been taken, whilst full Credit is affected to be given to Evidence collected by Mr Boudinot from Prisoners

who had made their Escape, and from Inhabitants whose Principles had induced them to depart from the Towns in our Possession.
If there are amongst you who pretend to suppose me capable of encreasing the Miseries of the unfortunate, or of inflicting lawless Punishments on the Guilty, they will not scruple to circulate a Suspicion at least, that whatever I advance is only with a view to palliate a Conduct which I cannot justify to Humanity. In order to invalidate the ungenerous Impressions which may be thus attempted to be made upon the Minds of the credulous, and not in any Hope of giving Satisfaction to the willing Authors of such Calumny, I transmit to you the Declaration of Mr Thomas Franklin your Agent for Prisoners in Philadelphia, which completely refutes all those Aspersions that have been so studiously and systematically thrown out upon this Subject, for the worst of Purposes.
For the Honor of a Country, which notwithstanding her present unnatural Rebellion, may again be dear to Great Britain, I should be happy if a Testimony in Favor of the Treatment of the Prisoners in your Hands, equally conclusive with that from Mr Franklin, could be adduced. But the Severity exercised against the British Prisoners in general has been often a Subject of fruitless Remonstrance: and although I do you the Justice to believe that your Exertions on their Behalf, have not been wanting, the Imputation of Cruelty towards them, by other Persons in Power, is nevertheless too justly founded. This Observation is supported by notorious Facts, and therefore in making it, I neither search for an Occasion of expressing personal Politeness to you, nor of throwing unmerited Reflections on those whose Authority you uphold.
Amongst many Instances of the Treatment to which I allude, the most recent and perhaps the most flagrant, was a Resolution that our Agents in the Country should be no longer permitted to purchase any of the Necessaries of Life for the Prisoners in your Possession. It is true that this extraordinary Resolution has been lately modified by a Permission to purchase Provisions from your Commissary (but from him only) and at such Prices as he may think proper to exact. In this Case, Cruelty is removed, to make Room for Imposition and public Injustice. Such a Restriction is without Precedent, and can in no Degree be justified by my Conduct towards your People. If it be as much your Wish as it is mine, to avoid future Altercations concerning the Subsistence of Prisoners on both Sides, you will agree with me that until the Mode of supplying Provisions is finally determined by the Cartel, full Liberty should be granted to the Prisoners or their Agents for purchasing Provisions under proper Restrictions. For very obvious Reasons, you cannot expect that I should grant a general Permission for the Importation of Provisions by Water, as well as by Land; particular Passes however shall be given for that Purpose, upon a previous Requisition from you, as

soon and as often as our Situation will prudently admit: And as I am sincerely anxious that every other Matter relating to Prisoners should be put on the most satisfactory Footing, I desire to be understood, that I will readily grant Passports (As I formerly proposed) for Deputy Commissaries, or Officers appointed by you, to visit Monthly the Prisoners at Philadelphia, New York, and Rhode Island, who may “count their Numbers, and certify their Rolls”—on Condition that you allow the like Privilege to Officers of my Appointment, assuring me at the same Time that your Authority will have sufficient Weight to prevent any Interruption to their Progress, and any Insult to their Persons. A late Event (of which I must here trouble you with a Detail) renders it necessary that I should demand this Assurance on your Part.
On the 16th of last Month, I sent out Clothing and Necessaries for the British and Hessian Prisoners, under the Conduct of Quarter Master Sandford and others, with the proper Passports, and a Letter to you upon the Occasion. After having travelled, not without some Difficulties, about sixty Miles, a Carpenter, a Conductor and a Serjeant of the Party, were unwarrantably seized and committed to Jail; the Two former under Pretence of their having uttered counterfeit Paper Money, and the latter for having some in his Possession. Upon the Interposition of General Wayne, the Serjeant was soon released, but the Carpenter and Conductor are still detained. On the 24th the Party pursued their Journey, and, in the Evening, halted nine Miles beyond Lancaster. At Midnight the Quarter Master was called out of his Bed by Colonel Smith, who communicated to him an Order, he had received, (founded, it seems upon Mr Boudinot’s Report of Grievances suffered by the Prisoners in Philadelphia) for seizing their Persons, Waggons, Clothing, Horses and Baggage. This Order was accordingly carried into Execution; and the whole Party were kept Prisoners from the 24th to the 28th when by an Order of your’s, transmitted by Colonel Fitzgerald, they were set at Liberty, and informed that they might proceed. But upon examining the State of the Waggons and Horses, it appeared that they had been much used since the Seizure of them; that the former were damaged, and the latter, from hard Labor and Neglect, so disabled as to render it a Matter of great Uncertainty whether it would be possible for them to accomplish the Journey. It was likewise discovered that the Packages and Baggage had been plundered of some of the public Stores, and of no inconsiderable Quantity of wearing Apparel and Necessaries belonging to the Party. They intended nevertheless to attempt the Prosecution of their Business as soon as the Waggons and Horses should be in a Condition to move. But in the mean Time, several Persons who seemed to be in Power, were very illiberal in their Reflections, and disputed not only the Propriety of our Officers

thus traversing the Country, but even your Authority to grant them a Pass. At last, a General Conway appeared, who also declared his Opinion against permitting them to go forward, notwithstanding the explicit Orders which had been issued by Colonel Fitzgerald in your name[.] Other Officers contended for a due Obedience to your Authority, & it seemed finally to be understood that the Party should be allowed to proceed. Upon Consideration however of the Interruptions and Maltreatment they had already experienced, of the Fatigue their Horses had undergone, and of the equivocal Acquiescence shewn to your Passport, even by those who might be supposed to be under your Command, the Party very prudently determined to return to Philadelphia, rather than again expose themselves to Insult, Imprisonment and Plunder, by a vain Attempt to pursue the Object of their Journey. For your more particular Information of the Outrages committed on the abovementioned Occasion, I enclose an Extract of Mr Quarter Master Sandford’s Report. To call upon you for the due Punishment of the Offenders in this Instance, would I am sensible, be a fruitless Requisition. But I trust that I do not in vain demand from you Restitution of the Articles plundered, as specified in the Report, and that you will immediately send to our Barrier the Carpenter and Conductor who were imprisoned at Lancaster. I must also insist on your ordering Serjeants McMahon and Cameron who were seperated from the Party on the Road, to be delivered up, together with their Horses Arms and Accoutrements. These are merely Points of Right, which I will not doubt your Inclination or Power to accommodate; unless it be true that these last mentioned Serjeants, marching under the Sanction of your own Pass, were treacherously carried off from the Rear of the Party, imprisoned in Lancaster Jail, and cited to Trial for their Lives, upon the Suggestion of their being Spies. This Circumstance is attested by Serjeant Thompson, whose Deposition I enclose, as it contains a Proof of very unprovoked Barbarity exercised against a Number of Invalids, who were taken about two Months ago in the Brig Symetry near Wilmington on the Delaware. By this Deposition it appears that these defenceless Prisoners, lame, sick, and wounded, were beaten with Clubs: That two of them, the Deponent & Grierson, were wantonly thrown over board into the River, the latter of whom was drowned: & that William Savage an Invalid of the 17th Regiment, in a State of extreme Debility, was left all night in the long Boat, where before Morning he was so much frost bitten that the Skin and Flesh dropped from his Hands and Feet: It was unnecessary to add, that the unfortunate Man perished in consequence of such merciless Treatment. The Survivors, after having been robbed even of their Blankets, were, and I conclude still are closely confined, together with many others, amounting in the whole

to one hundred and forty, Officers and private Men without Distinction, in Lancaster Jail.
By a Deposition of Thomas Wileman (which I also enclose) you will learn that he and another of my Dragoons, when they were taken Prisoners near Derby, were stript, of their Watches, Money, and Shoes, by four of your Captains, two of whose Names are Mitchelson and Davis. His Relation of the Murder of Eight British Prisoners, and of the wounding of eighteen more with Bayonets, though not unexceptionable, is too circumstantial to be wholly without Foundation. But why do I dwell upon particular Instances, when a general System is not only threatned, but openly avowed, and attempted to be justified upon the savage Principle of indiscriminate Retaliation? A Principle unsupported by the Rules of War, abhorred by every civilized Country, and solemnly condemned by the Law of Nature. It is in America only, where a Set of Men are to be found, who affecting the Character of Legislators, retaliate upon the Innocent. God forbid that I should be provoked to follow so horrid an Example. The common Soldier, taken in Arms against his King, guilty as he is of the Crime of Rebellion, shall not become the Object of a retaliating Punishment. It is only against the Authors of Cruelty that Retaliation can be made consonant with Justice.
I have entered thus largely into the various Points of our military Disputes, in Hopes of finally closing the Subjects of Complaint and Recrimination. But before I conclude this Letter I shall add, agreeably to your Expectation, a few Words concerning those in my Possession who are not reckoned amongst the Military. Several Persons, not actually bearing Arms, have been secured by my Order: Many others have been seized by the exasperated Inhabitants of different Parts of the Country, and delivered into my Hands. All these Persons were notorious Abettors of the Rebellion, Members of Committees, Collectors of arbritary Fines, and Oppressors of the peaceable Inhabitants. The Line of Treatment which might be observed respecting them, has been strongly marked by the Sufferings of many of His Majesty’s faithful Subjects in the revolted Colonies. You are not ignorant that Numbers, even of the most respectable Gentlemen in America, of that Description, have been torn from their Families, confined in Jails, and their Property confiscated; that many of those in this City, whose religious Tenets Secured them from Suspicion of entertaining Designs of Hostility, have been ignominiously imprisoned, and without even the Colour of a judicial Proceeding, banished from their tenderest Connections into the remotest Part of another Province. Nor can it be unknown to you that many have suffered Death, from Tortures inflicted by the unrelenting Populace, under the Eye of usurped yet passive Authority; that some have been

dragged to Trial for their Loyalty, and in cruel Mockery of Law, condemned and executed; that others are now perishing in loathsome Dungeons; and that penal Edicts are daily issuing against all who hesitate to disavow by a solemn Oath, the Allegiance they owe, and wish to pay, to their Sovereign. Words are wanting to express the due Detestation of such Enormities: If it be asked who are the Authors of them, I must lament, for the Sake of public Justice, that I can yet answer only by a general Description, that they are Men, who trampling on the legal Constitution of their Country, have aspired to the very Summit of Despotism, and look down with Contempt on the Law of Nature and of Nations. I am with due Respect, Sir, your most obedient Servant

W. Howe


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Henry Knox, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge Feby 21st 1778

I duly received your favour of the 18th of January, which hurry of business has prevented my answering sooner.
As transportation, at this season, would be ⟨difficult tedious⟩ and expensive, I approve of the plan you adopted ⟨with respect to⟩ the cannon at albany; but that no risk may be run, and in order to have them as early as possible, so near the scene of action, as that we may be able to make use of them, if necessary, it is my wish, the moment the river

is sufficiently open to permit it, they may be brought forward with all speed. It would be altogether improper to send them to Springfield.
Neither does it appear to me eligible to send the small arms at albany, so far out of the way. If those requiring it, can possibly be repaired there, it ought to be done; or if they cannot, and it is practicable in this Quarter, they ought to be sent to the Armouries, this way. Nothing but necessity and its being impossible to have the business done otherwise will justify their being sent to Springfield—to be brought from thence to this army.
I am exceedingly apprehensive, from the immense waste, which has constantly attended them, that we shall be very much distressed for arms, at the opening of the next Campaign. I am also much afraid that without the greatest care we shall come far short of having a sufficiency of Cartridge boxes—These are matters to which I most urgently request your particular attention—that every possible exertion may be used to avoid a deficiency in such essential articles.
I dare say you will in your absence be very usefully employed; but your presence here, to superintend your department at large, is so extremely requisite, that I flatter myself you will make a point of rejoining the army as expeditiously as circumstances will admit. I am with real regard & esteem Sir Your most hum: Servt

[Go: Washington]

P.s. I this moment received your letter of the 21st of Jany. I shall immediately write to the Board of War on the subject of the artillery sent to Farmington, and transmit you directions concerning them, so soon as I receive an answer; but would not have you wait, till those arrive, at Boston, as I cannot help expressing my fear that the business of your department will be exceedingly behind hand, as Flower is not yet able to look into it, with that degree of attention it requires.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lacey, John Jr.

Sir
Head Qrs Valley Forge Feby 21st 1778

I received your Favors of the 19th & 20th Instant.
With respect to the three Men you mention to have taken, when going to Philadelphia, I wish you to examine them & the Witnesses on the subject and to punish ’em in such manner, as they may deserve. If there is any of them, who appear to be great Offenders, & to be proper

Objects for Capital punishment, you will send them to Head Quarters with the Witnesses, that he may be tried by a General Court Martial here.
I am informed, there still remains a considerable Quantity of Hay at point no point, notwithstanding the large Supplies the Enemy have obtained from thence. This, it is more than probable, they will attempt to get away before it be long—since all accounts agree, that the forage they collected heretofore is nearly expended. As it is of infinite importance to distress them in this Article, and prevent them obtaining further Supplies, I must request that you will devise some method immediately for destroying All the Hay at the place I have mentioned. The business should be conducted, with great address and secrecy, and suddenly, by an Active party under active and Enterprising Officers—If this is not the case, or the design should be previously talked of or communicated, it is almost certain the Enemy will be informed of it, and will not only find means to prevent the execution of the plan, but will take measures to cut off the party. The situation of the place is somewhat peculiar and difficult—This is an additional motive for secrecy and the greatest activity—If the party could go on One way & come off another, it would be highly eligible, and it appears to me if they could return their retreat would be the more secure. Guides in whom you have the strictest confidence should be provided—if the Officers appointed to command the party are not acquainted with the Routes themselves—but in procuring them if they are necessary you must use much caution & management. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

G. Washington

P.S. If there is any Hay towards Dunks’s ferry or any where else which you suppose will be liable to the reach of the Enemy that should be destroyed if you cant remove it.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 21 February 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 21st febry 1778

I had the honour of writing to your Excellency the 19th by Barry—Under the present Cover Your Excellency will be pleased to receive—An Act of Congress of the 19th for seperating the Troops included in the Convention of Saratoga & for other purposes.
of the present date for appointing by Your Excellency’s Order a Major

Genl to releive Major Genl Spencer in the Comand of the Troops at Rhode Island.
And for hastening supplies of Meat & Forage to the Camp.
Another Act of the present date for appointing proper persons without delay to fill the several Offices of the Quarter Master’s department.
In consequence of the Act of the 19th Your Excellency is requested to suspend the transmission to Sir William Howe of the requisition for passports for Vessels to transport Fuel &ca to Boston for the subsistence of Genl Burgoyn’s Troops until Congress shall have further deliberated on that matter. I have the honour to be with very great Esteem.


Title: From George Washington to Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 21st Feby 1778.

I have received your Letter of the 19th inst. informing me of the measures which you have taken for supplying our wants, and the prospects which you have of success—Your application to the Assessors of the several hundreds, was extremely judicious, and I have no doubt that by your activity and prudent management you will avail yourself of all the resources of the Country without giving unnecessary umbrage to the inhabitants. Mr Blaine Deputy Commy Genl of Purchases is to call at Head Quarters previous to his setting out for the Neighborhood in which you are making collections of Cattle &ca. I will give him instructions to be as well provided as possible with Cash, in order to inspire the people with confidence and facilitate the execution of your plans—I am Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge Feby 21st 1778

I have been duly favoured with yours of the 10th instant.
You intirely misconceived my intention, with respect to the mode proposed of furnishing your division with shoes. I did not mean, that a shoe manufactory should be established for the purpose; but only, that you should contract with private persons, in the way of barter, to furnish you with such a number of shoes, and to be paid for them, at stipulated rates, in raw hides. This is the mode, which has been, with success, persued in several instances, and which, I should be glad, if you can find an opportunity you would embrace.
With respect to the proposition from Governor Johnson, I have no objection to your sending the officers required. You know the scope of his requisition, and what the ends of it demand, and will act accordingly.
You mention some scruples, as to the operation of our articles of war, with regard to intentional, or attempted desertion. Cases of mere intention, unexpressed in any act, notwithstanding the confession of the criminal, I do not conceive, to fall within the meaning of that article, which particularly relates to desertion, or to be susceptible of capital punishment; but where intention and any act, expressive of it, correspond, I think there can be no doubt of the propriety of construing it into desertion, and inflicting the sentence of the law. When a man is found at an improper distance from camp, or in circumstances that

indicate an attempt to desert, he is certainly to be considered and treated as a deserter. If not the attempt, or nothing but the full execution of his design, were to be deemed desertion, the crime could never, or very rarely be ascertained; for in order to that, it would be necessary, the soldier should have been actually with the enemy and afterwards recovered. When difficulties occur, the spirit rather than the letter of the law is to be consulted; and this appears clearly to be intended by that part of the oath prescribed to Courts Martial, which declares “that when any doubt shall arise which is not explained by the articles, the court is to determine, according to conscience, the best of their understanding and the custom of war in like cases.” I am with great regard Sir Your most Obedt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Sullivan, 21 February 1778
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp [Valley Forge] Feby 21st 1778

I have The Honor to Inclose yr Excellencey a pitiful Letter from My Man of The Intelligent Countenance by which appellation he was well

known Last Campaign & gave us the best Intelligence we Ever had. I beg your Excellencey to Let me know what answer I am to give him & whether any Thing is to be Done for him.
I have heard from various Quarters that the Enemy are about Embarking & Say they are bound to England I wish The Truth of This might be ascertained—for if any part of The Troops Embark from Philadelphia I am Convinced it is with an Intention to Relieve Mr Burgoine. Genl How may Spare 5000 men from the City & have Enough to Defend it agt an assault he may Take 3000 from New york &c. & Leave Tolerable Garrisons he may add 2000 from Rhode Island & Leave five hundred with the Ships to Guard the Island and with Ten Thousand men with Such a forced march as they made at Danbury Relieve Genl Burgoyn & his Troops in 24 Hours & by putting Arms in their Hands become So powerful as to Crush (for a Season) all opposition. Exclusive of The Real advantages that must Result to the British Nation from this Maneuvre The Howes must Consider it as the most Splendid action of Their Lives To Relieve Their Boasting and Even Malicious Rival—Sent here with an Intention of Eclipsing them: Lord Howe is now at Newport (no Doubt) making preperations & I fear the Stroke will be Sudden & almost unexpected. I think Some Farmer Should be hired at any Expence to go into Philadelphia to Examine into These Reported preperations & take with him as a pass a Waggon Load of The Country produce—If there be any weight in Those hints your Excys wisdom will Direct what is best to be Done. I have the Honor to be with the Highest Esteem Yr Excellenceys most obedt Servt

Jno. Sullivan


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Woodford, 21 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Woodford, William

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 21st feby 1778.

It gives me pain that a Dispute of so delicate a nature as that which makes the subject of your favor of the 19th inst. should be left undetermined and continue the source of uneasinesses in Officers who deserve well of their Country—This matter will not as you seem to apprehend be returned for the consideration of Congress, they have already refered it to their Committee in this Camp, the members of which judging themselves incompetent to the decision of it have as you know desired A State of the case to be laid before a Board of Genl Officers whose Sentence is to be final—As there would be but few members to compose a Board at the present moment, I thought it would be more

satisfactory to all parties that this business should be postponed to some ⟨future da⟩y when the presence of a greater number of Officers will afford an opportunity of obtaining their Sense more generally upon the subject—and this is the only reason why it was not entered upon immediately.
You are already possessed of my Sentiments Sir with respect to your retiring from the Service—it would give me concern that you should quit the Army at any time, but more particularly on the eve of a Campaign the events of which are likely to be critical and perhaps decisive—if notwithstanding all the arguments which I have repeatedly used to dissuade you from returng your Commiss⟨ion⟩ to Congress, you are inflexibly determined on the measure I can only say that it will occasion great Regret in Dear Sir Your.
P:S: If you are desirous of having the board of Genl Officers assembled at this time, I have no objection as I only delayed it on the consideration above menti⟨oned.⟩


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Woodford, 21 February 1778
From: Woodford, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Genl
[Valley Forge, 21 February 1778]

I am favor’d with your very obligeing answer to my Letter of the 19th. as this unfortunate affair of mine is to be finally settled by a Board of Genl Officers, I could wish a larger number were present, but as that is not likely to be the case in any short time, I could wish the matter to be taken up as soon as it is convenient to your Excellency. I am with much respect Your Excellencys Obliged humble Servt

Wm Woodford


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

Head-Quarters Valley-Forge Feby 22nd 1778—Sunday.
Orkney—Ormond—Otway—

The Commissary General is, if possible to keep the Camp well supplied with rice for the use of the sick; if rice cannot be had, Indian meal is to be provided in it’s place; and as this is an article that can at all

times and under all circumstances be had no excuse will be admitted for the neglect.
He is every monday to make a return of all his issues in the course of the week and of his stock on hand in Camp, and on the first day of every month the issues in the month preceeding are to be carefully made out and forwarded to the Commissary General who is to return the whole in one view as soon after as possible to The Commander in Chief—A Monthly Return is also to be made of the quantity of provisions and other articles in the Commissary’s department.
The regimental Surgeons are desired to be more punctual in making returns of their sick to the Chief Surgeon of the flying Hospital present on every Monday.
At a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Cortlandt was President (Feby 17th 1778) Thomas Scott of 5th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for desertion and unanimously acquitted: Likewise Thomas Lawler of 4th Pennsylvania Regt tried for deserting to the Enemy the 5th of October last, found guilty and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back well laid on—Also James Low of 13th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for the same Crime found guilty & sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back—Also John Henry of 7th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for the same crime & acquitted.
Likewise Thomas Whitney of Coll Bowman’s Company of Artillery tried for the same crime found guilty and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back well laid on.
At the same Court William Harris of 9th Pennsylvania Regiment tried for getting drunk, threatning the life of one Cameron and knocking him down, also for striking the Corporal of the quarter Guard after being confined, and Dennis Kennedy of 9th Pennsylvania Regt tried for striking and abusing said Cameron and threatning to desert as soon as he got shoes & cursing Congress; William Harris found guilty of striking the Corporal of the Guard, being a breach of Article 5th section 18th of the Articles of War and sentenced to receive thirty lashes on his bare back—Dennis Kennedy found guilty also of the charge alledged against him and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back.
The Commander in Chief approves the aforegoing sentences and orders those against Lawler Low, Whitney, Harris and Kennedy to be put in execution tomorrow morning at roll-call at the heads of the regiments to which they respectively belong.
Scott to be immediately released from his confinement also Henry who is to join his regiment.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 22 February 1778
From: Johnson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Annapolis 22d February 1778.

I this Moment received your Letter of the 16th Instant with its Inclosure I have within a few Days past received Letters on the same Subject

from the Board of War and also from Members of the Congress from this State—the first Intimation or indeed Apprehension I had of any Difficulty in your Supplies of provisions was about the tenth of January and every Assistance which I thought could be given by the Executive power of this State was immediately given—the Embarrasments of the Gentleman in the purchasing Department I believe have proceeded rather from the want of a preconcerted plan and timely Orders for the purchase than any other Cause however Sir as Things are circumstanced we must now look forwards for the Remedy I am glad Henry Hollingsworth is employed and shall in a few Days send some provisions to him the Assembly is to sit in a few Days and I have no doubt but what can be spared from this State will be collected and forwarded I hope Virginia and Maryland can and will yet supply the Army if they can be fed for a little while with what is [in] the neighbourhood. With the greatest Respect and Esteem—I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most obedt hble Servt

Th. Johnson


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 22 February 1778
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Dover [Del.] Feby 22d 78.

We meet with good success in collecting cattle, very few horses are got; this proceeds from the scarcity of that article in this country, fit for the use of an army. We experience every assistance from our friends, and altho the opposite party, which is by far the most numerous in this state, are very sullen on the occasion, yet the wisdom of the measure is so apparent & the behavior of the soldiers employed on the service so lenient, that we have been troubled with no sort of discontent.
Being engaged yesterday in sweeping the marshes which abound in cattle I have thought it necessary to advise your Excellency particularly on that head. This country is lined on the river with extensive marshes. The inhabitants living adjacent, are cheifly friends to the enemys of America. The conveniency of their local situation, and the high price given for provision in the city, have urged them to great preparations for making fortunes in the ensuing spring. They have not contented themselves with their old stock which is astonishingly large, but have

entered into a kind of league with the disaffected in the forests. In consequence of this connexion great quaintitys of the heavy country oxen (the marsh cattle are small) are gradually & clandestinely collected on the marsh; the grass will early in the spring fit them for slaughter, & the British army will possess an inexhaustible fund of live stock. In the single county of Kent, there is not a less number than three-thousand head. This is a fact. Kent county in Maryland abounds in forage, more than sufficient for to feed all the marsh stock of this state. The superfluous wheat and other forage might be collected at the same place from the lower counties; by assembling all the stock of the lower country there, they may be fattened, & will afford large magazines of cattle for the American Army. The Cows with calf might be sold to those persons in the back country whose farms have been ⟨mutilated⟩ & will afford stocks for ⟨mutilated en⟩suing campaigns. I wou⟨ld⟩ advise that the people on the river be left only a sufficient number of milch cows for the support of the respective familys. Your Excellency will please to instruct me on this subject. Col. Hollingsworth could probably point out the cheapest mode of supporting the cattle. I am with the most perfect esteem your Excellencys most obedient servt

Heny Lee jr


Title: General Orders, 23 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Monday Feby 23rd 1778.
Peru—Poor. Paterson.

Brigadiers and Officers Commanding Brigades to meet tomorrow morning ten ôClock at General Sullivan’s quarters to make a just distribution of the cloathing in the Cloathier General’s department now in Camp and near at hand on it’s way to it, in proportion to the real necessities of the men, in order to which the Commanding officers of Regiments and Corps are to make an exact return of the wants of their men to their respective Brigadiers and officers Commanding Brigades before the time prescribed for their meeting: The board in their distribution are to have particular regard to the Artillery and other Corps not attach’d to any particular State having consequently no chance of other supplies, and are to make them an allowance accordingly—The Officer commanding Morgan’s Light Corps will furnish the board with a return of the wants of the men under his command regimentally digested, for which they are to make as generous and effectual proportion as circumstances will permit—Duplicates of the returns to be made to the commanding officers of the respective Regiments from which these men were drafted, who are to take proper notice of the same in their regimental Accounts.
This is not meant to exclude them from a share in the State Cloathing

which has been or may be furnish’d, but on the contrary the Brigadiers are directed to see that strict justice be done them in this respect.
The Regimental Pay-Masters who have not yet delivered to the Pay-Master General their abstracts for the extra month’s Pay are order’d to do it immediately. They are also to deliver in the remainder of their abstracts for the months of December and January without delay.
Some of the abstracts for the extra month’s pay having been delivered to the Pay-Master General without being signed by the Brigadier, the Pay-Masters are to take the same back that they may be propertly compleated.
The Quarter Masters belonging to General’s Scotts and Muhlenberg’s Brigades and the Corps of Artillery who drew the cloathing for the same at White-Marsh are desired to send the Regimental Receipts for the proportion delivered each Regiment immediately to the Deputy Clothier General as there is a necessity for the same. And all officers having private Accounts with them are again desired to call and settle them.


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Cooke, 23 February 1778
From: Cooke, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence [R.I.] February 23d 1778.

I have been favoured with your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d instant inclosing a Proposal made to you by General Varnum for recruiting the two Continental Battalions raised by this State.
I laid the Letter before the General Assembly at their Sessions on the Second Monday in this Month, who considering the pressing Necessity of filling up the Continental Army, and the peculiarly difficult Circumstances of this State which rendered it in a manner impossible to recruit our Battalions in any other way, adopted the Measure. Liberty is given to every effective Slave to enter the Service during the War, and upon his passing Muster he is absolutely made free, and entitled to all the Wages, Bounties and Encouragements given by Congress to any Soldier inlisting into their Service. The Masters are allowed at the Rate of £120 for the most valuable Slave, and in Proportion for those of less Value. The Number of Slaves in this State is not great, but it is generally thought that 300, and upwards will be inlisted. I am with great Respect Sir, your Excellency’s Most Obedt humble Servt

Nichs Cooke


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 23–26 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge Feby 23d[–26] 1778

I am honored with your two favours of the 14th and 18th instant, with their inclosures.
With respect to the subject of the former, to obtain redress in the case of Mr Heister, the mode suggested in the postcript appears to me the most eligible; and I shall take the first opportunity to transmit a copy of your letter to General Heath, with the directions required.
I shall take the measures necessary on my part to comply with the views of Congress in the regulations which have been made in the Ordnance department; and should be happy, did any additional ones occur to me, that might conduce to the advancement of the department, to submit them to the board; but at present, there do not.
Some time since, General Knox showed me an estimate of ordnance and stores, for the use of the ensuing campaign, which he intended to lay before the board. I should be glad to be informed, what prospects there are of procuring the requisite supplies. I am extremely apprehensive, that we shall suffer much, and have the operations of the campaign, greatly retarded and enfeebled from a deficiency in some essential articles, unless the most strenuous exertions are employed to make the ample provision, of which we shall stand in need. The board, I doubt not, will feel the importance of doing every thing in their power to prevent a deficiency of this kind; and will bestow their utmost attention and zeal upon a matter of such interesting consequence. I have the honor to be With much respect Sir Your most Obed. ser.
P.S. 26th Inclosed is a piece of intelligence, I have just received; to which I beg the attention, of the board and that they will take proper measures to apprehend Robinson.