Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 29 August 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Office of Finance 29th August 1782

                  I am to request your Excellency that out of the Sums which may come to your Hands in the Manner already mentioned, You will endeavour after making the Payments of which I informed you in a former Letter, to transmit three thousand Dollars more to Mr Duer at Albany.  I am Sir with great Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Humble Servant

                     Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 29 August 1782
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                     Sr
                     Fishkill 29th Augt 1782

                  I am sorry to be under the necessity of troubling your Excellency with an account of Mr Sand’s extraordinary conduct.
                  Last sunday was a week I met Mr Sands, who told me he was so well recovered as to be able to attend to business, I wrote the same day to Mr Benson requesting a meeting of the referees and on thursday afternoon recd an answer acquainting me that Mr Smith & he had fixed on monday morning for a meeting & desired I would send notice thereof to Judge Hoburt at Sharon, which I accordingly did & on friday morning called on Mr Sands and gave him notice of the intended meeting, he told me he wished the matter would come on as he would be obliged to go to Philadelphia the first of next month.  I also sent notice to Genl Heath that the evidences might attend.
                  On monday morning all the referees and several officers from the army attended, when Mr Smith came he told us he had seen Mr Sands’s brother who acquainted him that Mr Sands had recd a letter, the evening before, which obliged him to go to Kings ferry & possibly from thence to Morristown, I thought it very extraordinary that Mr Sands did not give me the least notice of this tho he rode two or three times by my quarters that morning.
                  As Mr Sands did not return on monday evening I went to the Point the next morning on account of part of the regiment removing there that day, & to see what accomodations I could procure there for my family, the referees having agreed not to wait any longer.
                  I should have yesterday had the honour of giving you this information but was so employed in getting off the baggage, which could not go before for want of teams, & procuring provisions for the men, without which they were obliged to march on tuesday there being none in store, with some letters I was obliged to write by post, it was not in power; but flatter myself you will have the goodness to excuse this delay & do me the justice to believe me with unfeigned respect Your Excellencies Most obedient Servant

                     Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Olney, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Olney, Jeremiah

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 29th Augst 1782

                  Lieut. Wheaton of your Regiment having applied to me for permission to go into N. York, giving me the Reasons which induce him to wish to do it at this Time, which I have judged sufficient—you will be pleased to give him a passport to proceed to the Enemy’s Lines for the purpose mentioned by him.
                  Your Letter of the 27th has been received, with the Newspaper of the 24th inclosed.  I am sir Your most hum. Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Lord Stirling Alexander, 29 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Alexander, William Lord Stirling

                     My Lord
                      29 August 1782

                  Agreeably to the Orders of this day, your Lordship will be pleased to repair to Albany, as soon as is convenient, and take the Command of all the Troops in that Department; after which Colonel Reid will join his Regiment on the Mohawk River.
                  In case of any dispute, respecting command, between Lt Colo. Commandt Reid & Colo. Willet, you will, My Lord, enquire into the matter, ascertain their claims of Rank, the Commissions under which they act, and settle the dispute if practicable; if it appears that Willet is now acting in the Field, as full Colonel, he will, I suppose, take rank according to the practice established in such Cases; if otherwise, the decision may probably be made at once upon the principles already adopted; but in every Case I shall confide the accomodation of this dispute to your Lordships discreation, as well as all the minuter dispositions of Command and Arrangements of the Department.
                  One thing however, I must particularly recommend; that all superfluous and unnecessary Posts (if upon a strict examination any such there should be,) may forthwith be discontinued & broken up.
                  Major General Knox has instructions to draw from the Northward all the Ordnance Stores &c., which are not absolutely necessary there.  The Quarter Mastr Genll will also have directions to transport some of the public buildings from Albany, where they are useless, to West Point, where they are much wanted.
                  As there is a considerable Corps of State Troops, serving in the Northern Department, it is my wish, that the out Posts may be garrisoned, & the detached duties performed by these Troops, so far as circumstances & the nature of the service will admit; in order that the Continental Regiments may be kept as compact as possible, & held in a State of readiness to remove, should it become expedient to order them elsewhere at a short warning.
                  I have only further to request your Lordship to point your attention to the re-establishment of dicipline in the regular Corps, to the protection & security of the Frontiers, as well as to the general order & oeconomy of the Department; especially in the issues of ammunition, as there have been great abuses in the consumption of this Article by the Militia & irregular Troops at the Northward, notwithstanding all the measures which have been taken to prevent it; you will please therefore, my Lord, to suffer none to be issued, but upon your own Orders, in cases where it shall be judged essentially necessary.
                  Whatever of importance shall occur during your Command, and whatever intelligence shall be obtained from Canada, Your Lordship will take the trouble to communicate to me by the first conveyance.  Given at Head Quarters Newburgh August 29th 1782

                     Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 30 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Friday August 30th 1782Parole CongressCountersigns Successful CampaignPrecisely at five o’clock tomorrow morning the general is to beat, on which the tents and baggage of the two Connecticut, and three Massachusetts Brigades are to be put into the batteaux—at seven o’clock the assemble will beat when these brigades are immediately to march and embark by the right, proceeding in one Collumn to Verplanks point in the following order.First Connecticut.Second Connecticut.Third Massachusetts.Second Massachusetts.First Massachusetts.The leading regiment of the first Connecticut Brigade is to advance two hundred yards as a Vanguard and detach one company, which is to keep about a hundred yards in front of it.The boats of each regiment are to keep a breast and far enough a part to prevent interference; the Companies will embark as they are formed on the parade, and observe that order. The Colonel to be on the right and the Lieutenant Colonel on the left.Between each regiment there is to be a space of seventy five yards—between the brigades one hundred and fifty yards—and between the Divisions two hundred and fifty yards. The General and officers commanding Divisions and Brigades are to be at the head of their respective corps—the Major General fifty yards and the Brigadiers twenty five advanced of them.As soon as the troops have embarked and taken their distances (the Van being nearly opposite to little Dicks ferry on Meig’s redoubt) the rear brigade will beat a march which will be repeated to the front as a preparitive; three Cannon will then be fired from the park at West point and the Collumn will immediately get in motion—the Musick of different regiments playing alternately, if the situation of the boats will admit of it: the inspector of Music will regulate the beats.If any boat shall prove too leaky or break its oars—or from any other cause is unable to keep the line it is to turn out and follow after in such a manner as the prudence of the officer commanding it shall judge best—No batteau is to be without a commissioned officer in it.The General staff of the army except the inspector, Adjutants and Quarter Master generals who may assist in preserving regularity and order in this movement and all the baggage that is not in the batteaux with the troops are to follow at the distance of half a mile in the rear agreably to orders which they may receive from the Quarter Master general.General & Staff officers Guards are not to join their corps on this movement but may assist in transporting the baggage by water in order to prevent the necessity of waggons this by no means to be drawn into president in future.No women to be admitted into the boats with the troops on any pretence whatsoever. If the boats are insufficient to transport the troops (with their baggage) without crowding or overloading them the surplusage must march by land under proper officers. The soldiers will take care to fill their Canteens before they embark as there will be no landing for water afterwards.The Artillery annexed to the brigades will proceed by land and join their respective corps at Verplanks point.Signals (by Day).1st If any Brigade or regiment in the rear is unable to keep up, the Brigadier commanding it, is to be informed of it, and will cause a white flag to be hoisted in the boat where he is: which is to be repeated by every brigadier a head, on which the leading Brigade is to move slower.2d If the rear would have the front move faster a blue flag is to be hoisted and repeated as above.3d For landing the regimental colours will be hoisted by the leading regiment—repeated thro’ the line, and kept displayed untill the landing is effected, and the troops get to the ground.4th If a halt should be found necessary on the passage by the Commander in cheif, or officer at the head of the Collumn, it will be communicated by hoisting both flags (the white and blue) on board the boat of the brigadier a head, so as to be distinctly seen, and repeated as quickly as possible to the rear—Upon which the boats will lye upon their oars, and take great care to preserve their places, and distances in line.Signals by night.1st For moving slower—a musket is to be fired and repeated by the brigadier as in the day signal; allowing a minutes interval between each discharge.2d For moving faster, two guns in like manner.3d For landing three—Do.4th For halting—a halt must be called begining in the front and repeated from one Colonel to another distinctly, three times to the rear, to prevent mistakes, and the confusion which would consequently follow.When the signal for landing is given, the boats are to close up without crowding and row for the shore, falling in upon the left of each other, in which order they are to debark at their respective landing places. ascend the bank, and form as fast as they get up into brigade Collumns. In this order the head of each Collumn will be conducted by the brigade Qr Master to the right of its encampment, where it will display to the left, and each regiment take its own ground Stack their arms—bring up their tents—and baggage and establish their camp.The Quartermaster general will furnish the Commanding officers of brigades with the signal flaggs; which are to be carefully preserved by the Brigade Quarter masters.The General persuades himself that the officers will exert themselves to have this movement made with great order and regularity.Major General Knox will be pleased to direct all the boards, bunks &ca which have been removed out of the barracks, and used by the officers and soldiers to lay upon, to be collected this afternoon and deposited safely—If any Sutler or trader is found purchasing any of the foregoing articles from the soldiers they may depend upon not only having their licences taken from them but being otherwise punished.For Fatigue at West point &ca for seven days commencing tomorrow the 3d Massachusetts regiment.


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 30 August 1782
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                            SirLittle Britain Augt 30th 1782.

                        Yesterday when I wrote by Doctr Vasche I had not Discovered the P.S. of your Letter till he was gone.I must therefore Agreable to Your Request Inform Your Excellency that Although it gives me pain to think of Retiring from Service, Yet at the same time I cannot Consistent with my Honor or My feelings think of joining the Army Untill Congress puts it in my Power to Serve them with Honor by doing me Justice, And Although I have been so Partially Superceeded by them I cant help but think they will repair the Injury when Opportunity Offers.Therefore though I mean to withdraw from the Army I would not be Understood As Resigning my Commision Untill I Receive Satisfaction from Congress  for the late Injury or my past services.I am Much  Oblidged to Your Excellency for the Indulgences Already granted And doubt not you will Continue them Untill the pleasure of Congress be known. I have the Honor to be Your Excells Most Obedt Humle Servant

                            James Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Peter Corne, 30 August 1782
From: Corne, Peter
To: Washington, George

                        May it Please your Excellency
                            Highlands 30th August 1782

                        To give a hearing to this my Simple narrative of facts—I Did apply at the Comandants Office in New York for a flag to Come to Stanford in Connecticut my request was givin in writing expressing the name of the Place as before mentiond I was truly Ignorant of your Excellencys Orders that Dobbs ferry was the only Place where admittance could be given. the fault lays with the person from whom I received it but I am unhappily the Sufferer I would not wish to do an act inconsistant with rgularity—& Shall be happy your Excellency will Consider me in that light—my motive in coming was to Transact private Buisines of a long Standing betwixt a Mr Platt at Stanford & my Self & no other inducement the unlucky Accident that has befell me is of great Detrement to my family & buisiness I hope your Excellency will condisend to make the matter as easy as Consistancy will admitt of as I know my Self innocent of an intended missconduct—& I pray your Excellency will not lay the fault to me—& I hope for a libration from Confinement—I Shall be very thankfull. & am Your Excellencys Most Obt H. Servt

                            Peter Corne


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Durie, 30 August 1782
From: Durie, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            NewBurgh August 30. 1782

                        The Army being under orders to remove from their present position, and the impracticability of my proceeding with them, from an accident, (the loss of some money) induce me to represent to your Excellency the disagreable situation I am in, by not being enabled to discharge the Expences I have incurr’d here, for subsistence, and the far greater difficulty it would put me under by removing at present. The only prospect I have is by going to Jersey provided I can obtain your Excellency’s permission, for absence for a few days, in which time it is probably I may be able to procure a small Sum to support me during the time Mr. Skinner remains from the Army.This representation is from unavoidable necessity, and my sensations are much wounded on the occasion, that I should be under such circumstances, after so short a time, as to render an application of the kind to your Excellency necssary.If this meets with your Exellencys approbation, I shall return as early as possible to the Army. With the greatest respect, I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Mo. Obed. & Hum. servt

                            Thomas DurieDy Com. Prisr


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 30 August 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Office of Finance 30. Aug. 1782
                        Sir,
                        My Letter of the twenty night which is enclosed I have written for two Reasons one that you may be informed and I may Hand justified in every Respect should the Event take Place the other which is the principal on that you may found a warm Application on it to the States—You will I hope keep this entirely to yourself. You will see that I have not entrusted a View of it to Secretary or to any of the Clerks—The Effect of you Application must depend on raising a very general Alarm. I have the Honor to be with great Esteem and Respect you Excelly most obedient & humble Servant

                            R.M.


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Sheldon, 30 August 1782
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

                            SirCortlands Manor near Hyts on the Plains, Friday Augt 30th 1782

                        I take the earliest opportunity to inform Your Excellency, that my Regt arrived here this morning. After halting a few hours I shall remove the Regiment into the Vicinity of Veals ford, on the North side of the Croton, which I imagine will be as near to Pines Bridge as we may advance with any prospect of procuring a tolerable Supply of Forage—At that place I shall wait your Excellencys further Orders.Under the present Regulations of this State I am at a loss how we shall be supplied with forage, as my Forage Master can procure non for Certificates—In the state of Connecticut the Regt has been well supplied with forage procured by Certificates only—The Regt has been supplied with Provisions from the magazines formed by the State of Connecticut to Carry them thro’ this month. After that Period I shall wish Directions when to procure a further supply. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Regard your Excellencys most obt Humbe. servt

                            Elisha Sheldon Col. 2 Rgt L. D.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Van Cortlandt, 30 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Van Cortlandt, Philip

                        Sir
                            Head Quarters 30th Augt 1782

                        In my letter of the 25th I desired you to send an Officer to Head Quarters to report your arrival at King’s Ferry—The Encampment upon Verplanks point being marked out, you will have no occasion to send up the Officer, but upon your arrival at Stoney Point send over your Brigade Qr. Mast. to Verplanks—He will there find Mr Demler an Asst. of the Qr. Mast. Genl who will shew him the Ground for the Brigade. As soon as he has made the necessary arrangements you will cross and encamp.


Title: General Orders, 31 August 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Verplanks point Saturday Augst 31st 1782
                     Parole  New York.
                     Countersigns Verplanks
                  Stoney point
                  The Commander in cheif cannot help expressing his thanks to the officers commanding divisions, brigades, & corps, and to the Adjutant and Quartermaster generals for their very punctual attention to the orders of yesterday. by which the first considerable move that has been attempted by water was made with the utmost regularity and good order.The Brigade Quarter master will see that the boats of their respective brigades are moored at their own landings in such a manner as to be perfectly safe in all weather—The stakes to which they are fastened, must be so well driven as to yield to no wind.The Quarter master general will furnish materials for repairing the boats, and the Brigade Quartermasters are to see that it is immediately done by men of their own brigades.The rear guards of the Camp are to have a charge of the boats and not to suffer any of them to be used without orders in writing from the brigade Quartermasters, countersigned by the Brigadier, or office commanding the brigade—All persons to whom boats are delivered agreable to these orders are to be responsible for them.No Noncommissioned Officer or soldier except those having the badge of Military merit is to go off the Island or penninsula on which we now are encamped without a pass in writing from the Commanding officer of the regiment to which he belongs—If any should be found off it contrary to this order they are to be deemed Deserters & tried accordingly—or if any soldier is discovered attempting a passage over the Creek any where but at the bridges on the public roads leading to Peekskill and Tellers point it will be considered as disobedience to this order, and he will be punished accordingly.Twenty men properly officer’d are to be placed as a picquet at each of the above bridges and will see these orders duly executed: after the publication of which it is hardly necessary to forbid marauding or injury of private property in any shape whatever; but if there are soldiers so lost to all sense of duty and the rights of Citizens—that they will in defiance of orders attempt these things they may rest assured of being brought to a summary trial and exemplary punishment.This order to be read at evening roll call every saturday during the Campaign.The Light infantry are to be advanced in front of the army, and take the best ground at or near the fork of the roads leading to this place and peekskill—they will keep out proper picquets and small scouts to patrol as far as Croton independent of the battalion on the lines.A Sub serjeant two corporals a drum & fife and twenty privates from the first Connecticut regiment for picquet at the bridge on the right: the same from the first Massachusetts regiment for Picquet at the bridge on the left.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 31 August 1782
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                        Sr
                            Dobbs Ferry 31st Augt 1782. 7 oClock A.M.

                        I have the Honor to inform your Excellency of Capt. Greene’s Return, without being able to Obtain permission to go into N. York, his Letters were Sent in—he brot out with him yesterdays paper, & as he Intends Immediately to Sett out for Philad. & Chuses to Take the paper with him—I have thought proper to give your Excellency the Inclos’d Extracts from it. I have the honor to be with Great Esteem Your Excellency’s very Obed. Devoted Servt

                            J. Olney Lt Coll Comd. post Dobbs Ferry


Title: To George Washington from James Lovell, August 1782
From: Lovell, James
To: Washington, George

                            SirAugust 1782

                        The inclosed containing an Official Remittance of Money is recommended to you for Conveyance by one of your Expresses, from your most humble Servant

                            James Lovell


Title: To George Washington from Peter Corne, 1 September 1782
From: Corne, Peter
To: Washington, George

                            May it Please your ExcellencyWest point 1t Septr 1782

                        To permitt me to memoriall you on the Subject of my unfortunate Situation Occasiond by having Obtaind a flag for Stanford in Connecticut my Application for it at the Commandants in New York was deliverd by my Self to Capt. SinClair the Secretary in writing & plainly Expressd the words Stanford in Connecticut—I Assure your Excellency by every tie of Honor & Honesty I was Ignorant that Dobb’s ferry  was the only post where flags could be admitted I do declare to all intents & purposes I was innocent of doing any thing wrong or in the least degree infringeing on your Excellencys Orders, however I am the unhappy Sufferer as being the only Ostensive person present & have nothing to relieve me but Your Excellencys goodness in considering this Narrative in the true & impartiall State I have related it after which I flatter my Self I Shall appear to your Excellency in the light I have mentiond—& I pray your Excellency that if you find it Consistant I may be relievd as Soon as possible—I am now at the Expence of 30/ a day for hire of the Sloop—& 24/ for three men but my Absence from my family & Buisiness is Still of more Consequence which I hope & dare Say your Excellencys humane Sensations will easily point out & if your Excellency has no reason to think me blameable in this unlucky undertaking I hope I Shall be speedily relievd—I am Sorry it happend. I am Your Excellencys Most Obedt Humble Servt

                            Peter Corne

                    P.S. my Buisiness at Stanford was with Mr Stephen Platt who lives there to Settle an Account of Merchandize which was tranacted in the Year 1772 for fear things Should be thrown in Confusion by unforeseen Accidents


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 1 September 1782
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            Freehold 1st Sepr 1782

                        When I had the Honr to write to your Excly the 28th Ulto I had no kind of doubt but I should in a day or two have had very Particular Accts from New York.I am at this time very Uneasy booth on Accts of the Persons, and the Accts I expected from them.On Monday last a Deserter from Sandy Hook Mentioned a Report that some Troops were embarking; Wednisday Afternoon the Mate of a Small Schooner that Sailed from Sandy Hook Sunday Evening last and Captured on Monday off Barnigot was brought up here—on his Examination told me that on Saturday the 24th he saw a Number of Hessian Troops embark on board five large Ships in the North river.This Morning Two Saylors, as They say deserters from the Warwick of 50 Guns on Saturday Morning Early.They Say the Warwick and Two Frigates Sailed Yesterday as a Convoy to five large Transports with Soldiers for Hallifax—The Number of Troops said to be 1500 or 2000—Similar reports from other persons and the person Imployed to keep a look out from The Highlands of Middle Town in his Diary haveing Noted Nine Sails falling through The Narrows in The Evening of Fryday last—Saturday Morning he goes on and says is Very foggy—at Ten OClock the fogg blown off—Winds at West discovers five Ships and one Man of War double deckker he Supposes forty or fifty Guns Standing to the Eastward &c. so far coroberates the Report of the Five Saylors of this Morning that I am fully perswaded there Report is well grounded—it is allso Reported that the American Troops of the British Army are now paying off and Expect to be discharged—That Sir Guy Carlton has directed those Merchts who Intend to follow the British Army to be prepared by the 24th Inst. and that very greate confusion prevails amongst the people called friends to Government—I am still in hourly Expectation of the Return of those persons gone in.if they are not detained I shall be able to give on there Arrival very particular Accts and Would have waited a day or two longer had not I conceived it Important for Your Excly to be Informed of the Small Hallifax Fleetes sailing. I have the Honr to be Your Excly Most Obdt Servt

                            David Forman

                    British Ships of War on the American StationLyon64 Guns Now off SandyhookAdament50 Guns New Yorklately Come from Charles Town as a Convoy to the Transports that brought the Savannah GarrisonAssurance40 Guns New YorkChatham50 Guns, Sailed from Sandy Hook the 18th Inst. on a CruizeCenturion50 Guns, Sailed from Sandy Hook 16th Inst.Warwick50 Guns at New YorkAmphion36 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook 12th Inst.St Margaretta32 Guns at New York repairing the dammage She recd, in An Action with a french Frigate on this CoastQuebeck36 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook 16th Inst.Charles Town28 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook about Six Weeks agoe but Expected to return to New YorkMagiciene40 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook with the Charles Town and not yet returnedPearl32 Guns Now at Sea Cannot affix when she went outJason32 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook 15th Inst. and was Taken by the french the 20th Inst. as is saidBellisarius28 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook 12th Inst.Vestal28 Guns at Sea, is not known what day SailedMentor20 Guns at Sandy HookTriton28 GunsPerseverance36 Guns—Gone to HallifaxAusterly36 Guns Now at Sandy HookGrana28 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook 20th Inst.Garland24 Guns at SeaAmphatrite24 Guns Sailed from Sandy Hook 13th Inst.Hussar28 Gunsat Sea Cannot Assertain when they went outNarcissa28 GunsSloops of WarAvenger14 GunsFury16 GunsHornet14 GunsOtter14 GunsSavage16 GunsMentor16 GunsRaccon14 GunsA Floating Battery.She Carryes 22 Guns 18 pounders 16 Guns 12 pounders at Sandy Hook.Fire Ships.Blast and fire Brand.Three Ships Burden about 300 Tons Each, Eight large Brigs and Spowes, loaded with Stone for Sinking in the Chanell—They are all furnished with Cables of 22 Inches, and Anchors in proportion for the purpose of keeping them fixed in the Chanell way Should they find it Necessary to Sink them.


Title: To George Washington from John Hanson, 1 September 1782
From: Hanson, John
To: Washington, George

                            SirPhiladelphia Sept. 1st 1782

                        Your Excellencys  letter of the 28th ult. enclosing an Extract of a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton I received last Evening. tomorrow Morning they shall be laid before Congress and as soon as they decide on the Several matters you have been pleased to recommend to their Consideration their Resolutions thereon Shall be immediately transmitted. I have the honor to be With the highest respect and regard Your Excellencys most obedt & very humble Srvt

                            John Hanson


Title: To George Washington from David Hopkins, 1 September 1782
From: Hopkins, David
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            Baltimore 1st September 1782

                        In the spring of 1781 it was determined in the war office that there was a vacant Majority in the 1st regiment of  Light Dragoons, by the resolve of Congress 3d October 1780—myself being the Senior Captain in the Calvary made application for the commission, but a surefit of Sickness that I had soon after, and the 1st regiment of Leight Dragoons at the Same time in South Carolina, prevented my pursuing of it to effect before fall, then the mode of doing business in the war office was changed, I applied to the minister of War, After about two months I was diverted from the war office to the State of Virginia to obtain the appointment.Captian Swan now claimed the Same vacancy on some pretence, I do not rightly know what, his appointment as Captain is 10 days later than mine.Col. Davis Wrote me that on the 20th of May (last) it would be determined between Captains Swan Watts & my Self, Sickness prevented my personal attendance at that time, tho I did not fail to Send my claim well Authenticated but I never heard that they were recd—I did not hear from Col. Davis until 11th of last month, he wrote me then, that a board of Officers (to whom the Governor had refered it) reported in Captain Swans favour, conditionally, that is if I did go to South Carolina in four months, and lay, in my claim, to General Grene then Capt.— Swan was to be preferred—I immediately wrote Col. Davis for the proceedings of the board, which I received 28th of last month, and inclose it.Your Excellency my pleaserecolet that Major Fantluroy’s appointment of Captain and mine are on the same day 21st January 1777 it was decided in favour of Major Fantluroy by Colonel Moylan, who at the time of appointing as gave him the preference.I shall attend at head Quarters on any other plan your Excellency will please to order to obtain my rank, I understand it has been reported that I had no intention of continuing in the army, no Such expression ever went from me, nor have I any thought of retiring from the service as yet.
                        I am your Excellencies Obedient Hble ServtDavid Hopkins


Title: From David Humphreys to David Hunt, 1 September 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Hunt, David

                        Sir
                            Hd Qrs Ver Planks Point Septr 1st 1782

                        It is the pleasure of His Excellency the Commander in Chief, that you put yourself under the Orders of Col. Sheldon who is appointed to command at Bedford and in that quarter.  I am Sir Your Most Obd. Sert

                            D. Humphrys Aid de Camp


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 September 1782
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General,Paris September the 1st 1782

                        The bearer of my letter, Chevalier de Lambert, a French gentlemen, will do himself the honor to wait upon you, and I beg leave most earnestly to recommend him to your Excellency’s kind patronage.—You know, my dear General, I have ever been averse to the introduction of foreigners in our army, and since I am in France I have been deaf to every application of that sort. In the present instance, however, Chever de Lambert is recommended to me by one to whom I am devoted by every ties of respect and friendship, and yet I could not have brought myself to grant the Comtesse de Tessé’s request had I not been made certain that Chever de Lambert intends to remain in America. So that he may be considered as a countryman, and wholly devotes himself to the service of the United States. I do not wish him to enter into a foreign Corps such as Armand’s Legion, but would request his being placed into some of the lines or one of the regiments of Dragoons. I have written to Gal Lincoln on the subject and would be heartly obliged to your Excellency to have him employed by some of the States in their Continental lines as it has been the case with Mr. Marcellin of Clel Stuard’s regiment. God grant, my dear General, I may be with you before you get this letter! But at all events permit me once more to present you with the heartly assurance of my respect, gratitude and friendship. Happy in your sentiments for me, as well as those which for ever devote me to you, I shall, to the last moment of my life, glory in the name of your best friend, and nothing can exceed the high regard, the warm affection I have the honor to be with, My dear General, Your obedient servant and devoted friend

                            Lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                        Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Verplanks point 1st Septr 1782

                        I was yesterday honored with your favors of the 19t and 22d ulto. I shall order a particular enquiry to be made into the Auditor and Comptrollers observations upon the issues of provisions and shall inform you of the result.I think it necessary to inclose you the Copies of letters which I have lately received from Brigadier General Clinton 30th Augt and 25:28th Augt Colo. Shepard on the subject of the promotions to which they conceive themselves intitled, with my answer to the latter 25th Augt—You will perceive, that they put their continuance in service, upon the determination of Congress to promote them or not—It is therefore much to be wished that such determination could be had, that they might either be satisfied or know at once that their expectations are in vain. Colo. Van Schaick of the York Line keeps himself out of service upon the same principles.These matters put me into a disagreeable situation—I am both to force an Officer into service who conceives himself injured in his Rank, and I cannot at the same time look upon myself justified in permitting him to remain at home till his case may be decided upon.I inclose a Copy of a final and compleat arrangement of the Captains of the Massachusetts line, confirmed in General Orders of the 3d of May last—Be pleased to order new Commissions to be issued agreeable to the several Numbers and Dates.The late New York papers announce the evacuation of Charles town as a matter which would certainly take place soon after the 7th of August—I have upon this information written to Major Genl Smallwood and Colo. Butler to send forward to this Army the Recruits of Maryland and Pennsylvania which are at Annapolis and Carlisle. I enclose the letter under flying seals to you, that you may take the sense of Congress upon the matter before the orders are carried into execution.Congress having determined what troops should compose the Southern Army, I do not think myself absolutely at liberty to withdraw these which are already there or to stop the reinforcements intended for them without first consulting Congress and which I mean to do thro’ you—So long ago as the 18th of March last, I calculated, from appearances, upon the evacuation of the southern States, and I then wrote to General Greene to hold himself in readiness to march to the Northward the moment such an event should seem certain. In my Idea the Infantry appertained to the two Carolinas and Georgia will be sufficient to be left in the southern Quarter—The South Carolina Regiment of Artillery having been refirmed, it may be thought necessary to leave the small remains of Harrison’s and late procters there. It will be necessary also to consider what Corps of Horse shall remain—If Armands Legion have not yet moved from Charlottesville—They certainly ought not to proceed. After having consulted Congress and made the proper arrangements you will be good and to inform Major Genl Greene of the results that he may govern himself accordingly—The difficulty and enormous expence of supporting Troops to the southward are sufficient inducements to draw off as many from thence as we possibly can.The whole Army, the Garrison of West point excepted, which is left under the command of Major Genl Knox, moved down to this Ground yesterday—I have sent Major Genl Lord Stirling to Albany to take the command of the two Continental Regiments and the Sate Troops upon the Northern Frontier—The York and jersey lines have joined me here. I have the honor &c.

                    I have recd yours of the 28th ulto inclosing a list of The passengers wanting to go to So. Carolina: I shall make the necessary application to Sir Guy Carleton.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Olney, 1 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Olney, Jeremiah

                            SirHead Quarters 1st Septemr 1782

                        I have received your two favors of the 31st of Augst with their Inclosures.All Letters coming from N. York to Dobbs Ferry, are to pass to Head Quarters for Inspection—No Letters are to be admitted in N. York, but such as pass thro Head Quarters, except those which may be franked by the President of Congress, the Secty at War—or the Governors or Executives of the different States—this to be a standg Instruction at your Post, & to be delivered over to the Officers succeedg in that Command.

                            I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 1 September 1782
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            Veal’s Ford Septr 1st 1782

                        Agreeable to the Genl Orders of the 7th Ulto I beg leave to recommend Serjt Elijah Churchil of the 1st  Company of  Lt. Infantry, 2d Regt Lt Dragoons to be enrolled in the Book of Merit & to receive the honorary Badge to be conferred for  Singularly meritorious Conduct, for the following Reasons—viz.  1st In the surprisse of Fort St George on Long Island on the morning of the 23d of Novr ‘80, Serjt Churchil was in the Advance of the Column under my more immediate Command & got him fired on by the Sintinel within ten Yards of the Gate which led within the Stockade, he killed the Sentinel & by that means prevented his shutting the Gate, & which greatly facilitated our Attack upon the armed  Fort.  2d. In the Surprise of Fort Slongo on Long Island on the morning of the 3d of Octo ‘81 Serjt Churchill was in the Advance Guard, where he again signalized himself by being among the foremost in passing the Abbatis, & getting into the Fort.  His Conduct while On Detachment  under my immediate Command, has moreover been uniform & meritorious, & I beg You to recommend him Your Excellency, for such military distinction as his Services may have merited. I am &c.

                            Bn. Tallmadge


Title: From George Washington to William Van Deursen, Sr., 1 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Van Deursen, William, Sr.

                            SirVerplanks point, 1st Sepr 1782

                        I have the pleasure to acknowlege your favor of the 23d of May last, which came to my Hand not long since, with the Book you was so good as to take the charge of from John Hanson Esqr in St Croix.
                        I am much obliged by this Attention, and the Care you have taken in the Conveyance of this present to me—also for the Information you are so kind as to give me of Mr. Hansons Health. I am Sir Your most Obedient & humble Servant
                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Van Deursen, Sr., 1 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Van Deursen, William, Sr.

                        sir
                            Head Quarters Verplanks. 1st Septemr 1782

                        I have the pleasure to acknowlege your Favor of the 23d of May last, which came to my Hand not long since, with the Book, which you was so good as to take the Charge of from John Hanson Segt. in St. Croix.I am much obliged by the Care you have taken in the Conveyance of this present to me—and for the Information you are so kind as to give me of that Gentlemans Health. I am sir Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: General Orders, 2 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Verplankpoint Monday Septr 2d 1782
                        For the day tomorrowMajor General HoweLieutt Colonel BarberMajor FishBrigade Major Hicks
                  Parole  Penobscot Countersigns Hallifax St JohnsThe Jersey and york brigades are immediately to send for the boats assigned them.Three Cannon fired successively from the Block house will be the signal of an alarm, at which the troops will parade under arms in front of their respective Encampments and wait the orders of the Commander in chief.The troops will hasten to complete their bowers and accomodations as soon as possible—untill thursday next their time may be devouted to this purpose. The general by frequently passing along the line will have an oppertunity of Judging which corps are most remarkable for their attention to regularity and even elegance.The Vaults should be shaded with interwoven boughs so as to cover them as much as possible from view.Brigade and regimental Quartermasters will wait on the Quarter master general tomorrow morning at nine o’clock, they will make a thorough examination of the springs about camp & report whether there will be a sufficiency of water for the army.Captain Haskell of the 4th Massachusetts regiment is appointed Aid de camp to Major General Howe and is to be obeyed accordingly.The 1st Jersey regiment will relieve the picquet at the bridge on the right and send a guard of a Corporal & six men to the Quartermaster generals this evening.The 4th Massachusetts regiment will relieve the picquet at the bridge on the left; and the guard at the forage magazine at the same time.All the Drummers and fifers off duty will assemble on the grand parade tomorrow morning 9 o’clock to receive the instructions of the inspector of music.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Jansen, 2 September 1782
From: Jansen, Elizabeth
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            Dobs ferry Septr 2—82

                        being a Distrest Refugee from New York—I obtaind permition from his Excelency Governor Levingston to go in, with a View of Receiving Some Cash Due to Us in that Place—for the Support of our family, I Came to this place, and was Sent on Board with a flag, and not hearing from My friends there Who I Expected Would have got me a permit there—Was Set on Shore & Conducted to the Village Where I Remaind Unitll I Could Know the Commander Pleasure—which was to Send me Back to this place—perfectly Ignorent of the Strickness of the Law—I have Every Wish to Support, have Inocently Offended, by bringing three hats & two Silk hankercheifs. Which are Detaind by the Commander of this port Until Your Excellencys Pleasure is Known—Should an Unpremeditated Offence be pardond, I Shall be your, Excellency, Most Obliged

                            Eliz. Jansen


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 2 September 1782
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                            West Point, 2 Sept. 1782.

                        Enclosed is a state of the case of a Mr Corney. Gen. McDougall speaks well of him, as a person of honor, although opposed to us. It appears to me that this place is rather improper for him, except he is to be kept for a long time. I beg your Excellency’s immediate directions concerning it. I am, with great respect, Your Excellency’s most obedt servt

                            H. Knox.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 2 September 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General,
                            War Office September 2d. 1782

                        I have the honor to enclose a copy of the State of the enquiry by Connecticut respecting the time when Lieutenant Colonel Huntington should take rank as Such.It has been before Congress—they have referred it to me to take order thereon—I have to request that Your Excellency would direct the Matter to be enquired into as soon as may be if your Excellency should think on reading the papers that farther enquiring is necessary—for it has been a long while depending—and, if there should appear to be a mistake in the date of either of the commissions, new ones will be sent. I have the honor to be, with sincere esteem, my dear General, Your most obedt servant

                            B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 2 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                        Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Verplanks Point 2d Septemr 1782

                        Since my letter of yesterday which will accompany this, I have recd your two favors of the 28th ulto by General Potter and Colo. Magaw. From them, and on account of a letter which I have received from the Delegates of South Carolina, there is an indispensable necessity for your making the application to Congress, which I recommended, in order to know, whether any, or what part of the Army shall be removed from the southward in case the enemy evacuate Charles town.In my answer to the letters from the Council and Assembly of Pennsylvania which were brought by the Gentlemen appointed to confer with me—I have informed them generally—that I have no objection to the employment of the Pennsylvania Recruits and Hazens Regiment, upon the service for which they are requested, provided the first is agreeable to Congress, and you can be furnished with a relief for the last, to guard the prisoners at Lancaster. I have also informed them—that if Congress agree to the expeditions in contemplation, you will furnish such necessary Stores as are under your direction, and that you are at liberty to concert, with Gentlemen who may be acquainted with the Country which it is proposed to penetrate, a plan of operations and to give directions to the commanding Officers accordingly. I have, after this, taken the liberty of telling them candidly that I forsee an insurmountable difficulty to putting the expeditions in motion, which is, a want of Money—provided it is to come out of the Continental treasury, and which I plainly percieve is their expectation ultimately if not immediately. You are too well acquainted with our distresses on the score of Money to enumerate them—Had it not been for this, I should have been for carrying into execution what you call the Northern Expedition, and which, if successful, would have struck at the root of the evil we are now experiencing—But alas—how was that to be done, when we could hardly find means of moving the Army from the Highlands to this place by Water, and now we are here, with scarcely a Horse attached to us, we shall find it difficult eno’ to subsist—I do not imagine you will be able to get the troops in question further than the Frontier—That alone may afford temporary relief and protection to the inhabitants.I cannot at present promise the cooperation, or rather diversion, which you recommend upon the Mohawk River. The troops in that Quarter, consisting of the two New Hampshire Regs and one State Regiments of New York, are rather for defence than offence—Major Ross, with a party of three or four hundred British and a numerous body of Savages and Irregulars is at Oswego, and would not fail to meet any number of Men which we might advance so far up the Mohawk as to give any jealousy—However—if the Western expeditions are prosecuted, and the troops to the Northward should be then continued in that quarter (which they will not be should there be any occasion for them below) I will endeavour to make any practicable diversion with them.The letter from the Delegates of south Carolina, to which I alluded, goes to a request, that the whole Army in south Carolina may be left in that State, even should the enemy evacuate it. The request is grounded upon a representation of Govr Mathews, in which he sets forth the dangers to be apprehended from the number of disaffected and dissatisfied people in the State—It will be with Congress to determine how far a compliance will be deemed reasonable—And you will be pleased to communicate their determination to Majr Genl Greene. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to William Moore, 2 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Moore, William

                            SirHead Quarters Verplanks Point 2d Septemr 1782

                        I was yesterday honored with your Excellencys letter of the 28th ulto by General Potter and Colo. Maguire and am very sorry to hear that the Indian Ravages upon your Frontier have become so extensive and of so alarming a nature—I beg you to believe that every thing that depends upon me shall be done to check them—For this purpose I have agreed that the Pennsylvania Recruits collected at Carlisle if it meets the approbation of Congress under Colo. R. Butler and Genl Hazens Regiment at Lancaster shall be put upon the service you request, provided the Secretary at War can be furnished with the means of safely guarding the Prisoners of War at Lancaster—I have written to him to this effect, and have requested him to furnish such necessary Stores for the expeditions in contemplation as may be under his direction and, in short, to accede to such plans of operation as may be concerted between himself and Gentlemen acquainted with the Country which it is proposed to penetrate—My ability extends no further—Candor now obliges me to inform your Excellency that I foresee infinite difficulties attending the putting the expeditions in motion and all arising from one source, want of Money. It is with the utmost difficulty we now find means of subsisting the Army lying still in the Feild and upon the Bank of the Hudson, where supplies are easily transported by Water—I cannot form a judgment of the expence which will probably be incurred as the Gentlemen appointed to confer with me did not bring with them the estimates which are alluded to.As I have given my sentiments to the Gentlemen above mentioned in a fuller manner than I have expressed them herein, I beg leave to refer your Excellency and the Council to them for a more particular detail. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                            Dear SirHead Quarters Verplanks Point 2d Septemr 1782.

                        I have had the honor of receiving your Cypher of the 17th and letter of the 20th ulto Should the money alluded to in the first be paid into my hands, it shall be applied as you direct.I should have had hopes from yours of the 20th that all difficulties between you and the Contractors had been settled, had I not received a letter from Mr. Walter Livingston dated at Morris town the 31st of last Month and in which he informs me that Mr. sands had gone forward to Philada with fresh Complaints, and that he was very apprehensive of the consequences—I can only hope his fears are ill grounded.Mr Gouveneur Morris having signified to me that it will be inconvenient to him to attend as one of the Commissioners at the proposed meeting, I shall be under the necessity of appointing some Gentleman of the Army in his stead. As the matter relating to accounts will probably be the first entered upon, I shall be glad to know whether those depending upon us are in any more forwardness than they were before, and whether Mr Skinner is possessed of them. If he is not, he, or some person who has been conversant in them, should be prepared to attend the Commissioners—Skinner would be preferable to any other, because he will be at the same time perfectly acquainted with all transactions in the department of Commy of Prisoners. I imagine he is at this time in Philada.If you have any fresh matter which you would wish inserted in the instructions which I am to draw for the new Commissioners, be pleased to furnish me with it as soon as possible.  I only wait an answer to some points which I have proposed to Congress, to enable me to fix the time and place of meeting. I have the Honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 2 September 1782
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            Dobbs Ferry 2nd Septr 1782, 8. oClock P.M.

                        I have the Honor to Inclose your Excellency Several Letters for Inspection Recd from Mr Jno. Taylor Commsy of Cloathing &c. in the British army—this Gentleman arriv’d at this post, at Sunsett & Introduc’d himself by presenting this Inclos’d pass port, Sign’d by Genl Hazen, which (from Your Excellency’s Instructions for the Commanding Officer at this post) appears to be insufficient for the Granting a Flagg of Truce, have therefore thought it my Duty to Detain him (at Mr. Lawrence’s) untill I am acquainted with your Excellency’s pleasure on the Subject, Should Mr. Taylor & the Sargt with their Two horses have permission to pass, there are no Boats here Suitable to Carry the Horses—The Bearrer Sargt West goes up in the morning by land—he is on Foot & will wait your Excellency’s answer. I have the Honor to be with Esteem Your Excellency’s very Hume Servt

                            Jereh Olney Lieut. Colo. Comdr Dobbs Ferry

                    P.S. Since Writing the above Mr Taylor informs, the officer of the day, he sent wish his Horses to goin to N. York, there being to many Letters to inclose him have Sent thim in a Packett.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 2 September 1782
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            Cantito—near Bedford—Septr 2d 1782

                        In my last I informed Your Excellency that I had made Proposals to a certain Person (formerly an Officer in one of the Refugee Corps,  & who is exceedingly intimate at Head Qrs) that he should assist in Communicating Intelligence from New York. I have just recd the enclosed papers from him, with his request Communicated thro’ Capt. Brewster, to have an Interview with me on the business which I proposed to him. Your Excellency will see his request, & if it should be thought best to employ him I will permit him to Cross, privately, or go over myself. I shall wait Your Excellency’s Orders before I write him on the Subject.I wrote to S.C. & S.G. the purport of your Excellency’s late Instructions, but have no intelligence of Consequence from either of them, Sickness having prevented both of them from attending to the business proposed.The Boat will cross again as soon as I hear from Your Excellency. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

                            Benja. Tallmadge


Title: From George Washington to John Rutledge, 2 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Rutledge, John,Izard, Ralph

                        Gentlemen
                            Head Quarters Verplanks Point. Septr 2d 1782

                        I was yesterday honored with your favor of the 17th ulto, accompanied by a representation from His Excellency Governor Mathews, of the disagreeable situation of Civil affairs in the State of South Carolina, and requesting that, in consequence thereof, the Orders given to Majr Genl Greene in March last, may be suspended.You do me justice, Gentlemen, in saying, you are satisfied my attention extends equally to each of the United States. My Letter of the 18th of March last to Majr Genl Greene, a Copy of which I inclose, will I flatter myself, convince you, that your Opinions were not ill founded: For the reasons given at large in that Letter, I directed Genl Greene, immediately upon the indication of an evacuation of Charlestown, to prepare to march the Army, then under his Command, to the Northward, I added, what Troops shall, in that case be left in the Southern States will be a matter of future discussion: I had not then the least doubt, but by the time in which I looked for an evacuation, the States of North Carolina, So. Carolina & Georgia would have such a force in the Field, as would with the addition of perhaps a few Cavalry & Artillery, be sufficient for their immediate security, and those were the Troops which I had it in contemplation to leave to the Southward. It was impossible for me at that time to have foreseen that the three Southern States would have had so few Men in the Field, or that South Carolina would have had so disagreeable an occasion for a standing force after the removal of the Enemy.Whatever may be my inclination to gratify you, in the request now before me I do not look upon myself at liberty to direct so large a part of the force of the Union to be left to the Southward, after the foreign Enemy has abandoned those States, without the concurrence of Congress; more especially as that Honble Body have from time to time, determined what Troops should be assigned to the service of that Quarter.Upon the first intelligence from New York of the intended evacuation, and before the receipt of your Letter, I had, thro’ the Secretary at War submitted to Congress, the propriety of withdrawing the Troops, from Virginia to Delaware inclusive, from South Carolina, and I now take occasion of repeating the matter, thro’ the same Channel: you will then have an opportunity of urging Governor Mathews’s request. I have the honor to be, with great regard & esteem, Gentlemen Your Most Obedient Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters  Verplanks point Septr 3d 1782
                     Parole  Westmoreland
                     Countersigns Bergan  Rappan

                  For the Day TomorrowBrigadier General PattersonColonel DaytonMajor MaxwellBrigade Major Walker
                  For the greater security of the present encampmt the Commander in cheif directs that in addition to the picquets Posted at the two bridges one of equal strength be posted on the Isthmus between the heads of the two Creeks and a chain of sentinels form’d from the beach on Havrestraw bay passing in Front of Head Quarters near the March as far as the ground is open_thence along the heights on the Margin of the cleared Land untill the Line strikes the road leading to Lents bridge, thence through a small orchard and road in the wood to a Landing on the North river—When the number of men necessary to form and keep up the Chain of Centinels round the Camp is ascertained they are to be formed into picquets properly officered & posted at convenient distances.
                  The second Newyork regiment will give the picquets for the bridge on the right and the Isthmus tomorrow, it will also furnish the Quarter Master Generals guard—the guard for the Quarter master generals stores and half the picquets necessary to form the Chain round the Camp—The right Massachusetts regiment will give the Picquets at the bridge on the left the guard for the forage yard—half the picquets for the Chain, and a serjeant, corporal and twelve fatigue for the inspector—The whole of these regiments except the fatigue which may march from the regimental parade will form on the grand parade immediately after troop beating: from the grand parade having first detached the established guards and picquets they will march; the second Newyork regiment to the place where the Chain begins on the right and the eight Massachusetts to where it strikes the north river on the left.  Colonel Greaton and Lieutenant Colonel Van Dyck who yesterday reconitred the ground are requested to conduct them till they meet in the center, posting sentinels at proper distances as they goe on—having ascertained the number of men necessary to complete the chain—the officers of the day with the adjutant genl will draw a picquet or picquets in proportion from each regiment sufficient to keep up the chain and post them as already directed, after which the remainder if any there be may return to camp.
                  Returns of all horses public and private with the army to be made to the Quartermaster general tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock—No forage will be issued for any horses not mentioned in these returns.
                  The Inspection and Muster of the Army for month of August to take place on the following days.
                  Jersey  Linethe 6th instantYorkdo7th1stConnectt. Brig.8th2dConnectt.do9th1stMassa.do102ddo...11th3ddo_12th
                  The regimental Quartermasters to call at the inspecters Marque (upon the right of the army) for the necessary rolls.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Canfield, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Canfield, Samuel

                  Sir,

                      Head Quarters September 3d 1782

                  I am favord with your Letter of the 28 August, which was deliverd me by Lt Bull together with Mr Corne and three other prisoners, who came out in flag to your Post contrary to the Regulations in that respect.
                  As it appears that Mr Corne was ignorant that flags were confined to Dobbs ferry and as he has otherwise a very good character I have thought proper to permit him to return with the other Prisoners & the Troops which you will please to order to be deliverd to him.
                  I must at the same time express to you my thanks for your Conduct in this affair and am Sir Yr very hum. Sert


Title: From George Washington to Anne Stillwell Bartow de Visme, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Visme, Anne Stillwell Bartow de

                     Madam
                     Head Quarters 3d Sept. 1782

                  The request you make is of such a nature that I cannot comply with it without the concurrence of His Excellency Governor Livingston—If that is obtained, I shall with pleasure direct the officer commanding at Dobb’s ferry to permit the desired interview.  I am Madam Yr &c.


Title: From George Washington to David Forman, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

                     Dear SirHead Quarters Verplanks Point 3d Sept. 1782

                  I have recd your favors of the 28th ulto and 1st Inst. your accounts of the embarkation of the Foreign Troops correspond exactly with others immediately from New York—I had not before heard of their sailing—I hope no accident will befall your emissaries.
                  General Carleton sent me out the proceeding of the Court Martial upon Lippencut, by which he was acquitted, on proving to the satisfaction of the Court that he acted under the orders of the Board of Directors to the associated Loyalists—General Carleton does not however justify the proceeding upon the acquittal of Lippencut, he on the contrary reprobates it in the most unequivocal terms and says he has given orders to prosecute the enquiry still further—I have given him no answer, but have transmitted a Copy of the proceedings to Congress and await their determination before I take any further Steps—I, in the mean time, keep a British Captain in close confinement.  I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 3 September 1782
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Freehold 3d Sept. 1782 Evening

                  This day arrive Sevin Ships of the line and three Frigates as is Supposed from the best Judgement that my People on the Shoor Could make through a Remarkable Foggy day—they were first discoverd about 15 Miles South of Shrewsberry at Ten oClock this Morning but so faintly as not to be able to determin What they were—this afternoon they Come abrest of Sandy Hook—my Observer there Judges Sevin of them line Ships the others frigates—but says he dare not be Certain—I am further this Moment Informed that they Run a Privateer on Shoor to the Southward—that the Captn of her says there are 14 Line Ships besides frigates—that your Excly may have the Earliest Notice possible have determined to forward this Imperfect Acct and will my Self Ride down this Night inorder as Soone as possible in Morning Collect a particular detale of the force. I have the Honr to be Your Excely Obdt Servt

                     David Forman


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 3 September 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Camp Verplanks point Sept 3rd 1782

                  In Obedience to the General orders of the first Instant attended by the Field officers of the Day and Quarter Master General (the Adjutant General being Absent) yesterday the  approaches leading to this Encampment and the extent of the creeks, and find that the Isthumus between the heads of the creeks is nearly three Quarters of a mile wide through which there is an avenue easy of access to Cavalry and Infantry and not difficult for Light artillery, that the creeks from their Sources to the Bridges both on the right and Left may be generally forded by footmen at low Water—that all things considered the best mode for preventing our own Soldiers going off or an Enemy approaching the Camp unpreceived will be best effected by forming a Chain of Sentrys from the Banks on Haverstraw Bay, passing in front of your Excellencys Quarters near the marsh and then a long the heigths on the margin of the cleared land, untill the Lines shorten the road leading to Lents Bridge thence through a Small orchard and road in the wood to a Landing on the north River, The Camp Guards of the army will be sufficient for this duty, if properly disposed of; but if the advancing the camp guards to the distance necessary should be thought incompatable with the Idea of established camp guards the duty may be done by Corps a Regiment from each wing furnishing the one half of the Guards, including a picket of a Subaltern and Twenty men at each of the Bridges and at the avenue through the Isthumus which will be necessary.
                  The Quarter Guards of the New Jersey, New York, Connecticut third and Second Massachusetts Brigades can furnish a Sentinel for the Security of their Boats, the first Massachusetts Brigade having  a Corporal and three men must be mounted for the purpose—Should the Camp Guards be moved a considerable distance, it may be worthy of consideration how Sentinels are to be furnished for the Colours and the Commanding officers of Regts.  The whole is Submitted per

                     W. Heath
                     M. General of the Day


Title: From George Washington to Robert Hoakesly, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hoakesly, Robert

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 3d Septr 1782

                  I have received your Application dated N. York 24th Augst.
                  From a Consideration that you was allowed your own Time at York Town, for settling your Affairs—and that your former Character & Conduct have afforded no Encouragement for Indulgences of the Nature you mention, I must inform you that your Request cannot be granted.  I am Your Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Hoakesly, 3 September 1782
From: Hoakesly, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     New York Sepr 3d 1782

                  To His Excellency General Washington The Memorial of Robert Hoakesly British Merchant Prisoner on Parole.
                  That your Memorialist was made Prisoner at York Town in Virginia and having left his Business unsettled, request that your Excellency will be pleased to grant him a Passport, to go from New York to Philadelphia and Virginia, as some of the Gentlemen are in Philadelphia that I have business with and having obtaind permission from His Excellency Sr Guy Carleton and your Memorialist as in duty bound shall ever pray

                     Robt Hoakesly


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 September 1782
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Westpoint 3 September 1782

                  I have seen your Excellencys favor of this date directed to General McDougall, and myself.  For my own part I can have no objections to any service your Excellency shall think proper to employ me in, and I know of nothing to prevent my being in readiness to meet the Gentlemen from the Enemy, by the 16th or 18th instant.  There will be some arrangements necessary on our side with respect to the accommodations of the place where we shall meet, provision of Forage, and meats &c. which must be particularly attended to before the meeting takes place.
                  General McDougall seems to decline the commission for reasons which Major Baylies will give your Excellency.  I wish he might be prevailed upon to accept it, but I am apprehensive he will still continue of his present opinion.  I am Sir with the highest Respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

                     H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 3 September 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Philadelphia Sept. 3d 1782

                  It has just been hinted to me, in a private way, that as Count Rochambeau expects soon to embark for Europe he would be glad to receive & carry with him the two peices of ordnance given him by Congress—If the peices are here and you will send what you wish should be engravened on them I will have it done here & the peices forwarded.  I have the honor to be My dr Genl with affection & esteem Yours

                     B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Walter Livingston, 3 September 1782
From: Livingston, Walter
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Fish Kill Sept. 3d 1782

                  In compliance with your Excells. request to know the State of our Magazines I have enquired of Mr Joshua Sands who informed me there was 160 bb: of Salt Beef, 77 of Pork, 26 of Vinegar, 17 of Soap & 7 of Salt—Whiskey there is none neither is there any expected.  I ordered two Hhds of West India Rum and 53 Tierces of French Rum to be sent on from Morristown together with 1 Box of Soushong and 4 Box of Bohea Tea, 9 Boxes of Sugar and about 150 Br of Coffee which articles will be at Kings ferry this week—From a conversation I had each evening with Mr Bacon one of the Beef Contractors he left me no room to doubt but that, that article could be plentifully Supplied.
                  There is not more flour than will Supply the Troops twelve days including 460 bb: at Morristown which I ordered Mr Erskine who had them in charge to send on immediately which I have sent him word not to delay them a moment, part of that quantity may be at Kings ferry by tomorrow evening—There is very little Flour in this State to be purchased at present occasioned by the extreme drought—Col. Lovrey informed me that there was no flour to be had in Jersey—Philadel. is the only market from whence it can be procured for a precent Supply and the Contractors have not cash  and forward it from that place.  I have wrote to Mr Richardson Sands to purchase 500 bb: at that place and send it to Morristown—If Mr Morris will furnish him with Money or Credit it can be done otherwise it will be out of his power—These 500 bb: will be a Supply for Six days and may be here before what is on hand is expended and in the mean time the Contractors will purchase all that can be procured in this State in full confidence of receiving a Supply of cash from Mr Morris—If Your Excellency thinks this Supply too Scanty, its my wish that a quantity be ordered from Philadel: that may be deemed adequate to your wishes.
                  If the Public Teams could meet the Teams that will bring in the flour from Trentown, no time would be lost.  The Trentown Teams will Cart no farther than Morristown—If the Public is to pay any part of the Cartage so much will be saved, if not the Contractors can be charged with the expence.
                  I have taken the liberty to enclose you my letter to Mr Sands and request it may be sent by your Express.  Your Excells. Most Obt Humle Servt

                     Walter Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander,Knox, Henry

                  Gentlemen

                     Head Quarters 3d Septemr 1782

                  I have concluded to name you on the part of the United States, as Commissioners, to meet those of Sir Guy Carleton, for the purposes of settling a general Cartel of Prisoners &ca agreeable to the inclosed Resolutions of Congress.
                  I have therefore to desire you Gentlemen to undertake that Business and if any previous preparation is necessary, that you will be pleased to attend to it as early as possible; as I wait only for a reply to some Queries put to Congress before I make out your Instructions, and appoint the Time & place of the Meeting, which are to be announced from me to Sir Guy Carleton.
                  The proceedings & report of the late Commissioners are sent to you by this Conveyance, and are at your Service by way of preparation, or in Course of transacting the Business.  I am Gentlemen Your most Obedient Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 3 September 1782
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Dobbs Ferry 3rd Septr 1782,

                  I have the Honor to acquaint your Excellency, that in a Flagg of Truce Granted a few days Since Mrs Johnson a Refugee Lady from New York & Resident of Monmouth County, was permitted to pass to the Enemy’s Guard Ship—She having a pass port from his Excellency Govr Livingston to go into New York, but it being not of her power to obtain permission for that purpose, She Return’d this day in a Flagg Granted by the Enemy, She has Brought with her (from within the Enemy’s lines) three Small Common Hatts & Two Silk handk—these articles tho of little value, She Sayes will be a great loss to her, & Represents her Case as Extremely necessitous indeed, having no property only but what is in the power of the Enemy & being oblig’d to live on the Bounty and Generosity of her Friends—but how far these Considerations can or ought to have influence, is not for me to Determine, my duty Points alone to the propriety of a punctual observance of orders, I have therefore Detain’d the articles (& the Lady Residing at So great a distance Inclines to wait) your Excellency’s Determination—Lieut. Wheaton has Return’d without accomplishing his Wishes—he has brought with him a Small Hamper Containing a few Necessarys presented to him by his Parents in New York, and for which a pass port was Granted by Sir Guy Carlton, altho I Conceive no impropriety in his accepting it—yet as Lt Wheaton is off my Regimt, it Renders my Situation as Commanding officer at this post the more Delicate, I could therefore wish to Conduct in the matter, so as to avoid Even the Shadow of Sensure—I have for these Reasons retain’d the Hamper with its Contents, Lieut. Wheaton goes up in the Morning & will have the Honor to wait on your Excellency for permission to Receive it.  I have the Honor to be with much Esteem Your Excellency’s very Obed. huml. Ser.

                     Jereh Olney  Lt Colo. Comdr
                     The post at Dobbs Ferry

                     P.S.  Inclos’d a line from Mrs Johnson, which She desir’d me to Send with this.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Verplanks Point Septr 3d 1782

                  I am just favored with your Letter of yesterday mentioning a certain Person you propose to be employing, in communicating intelligence from N. York; tho’ I cannot say I rely perfectly on any of the Class to which this person belongs—yet as you appear to be acquainted with him & his circumstances I shall submit the arrangement of the matter entirely to your discretion—Only remarking, that as we appear to be on the eve of some great Event, it is important that I should be furnished with as early & important information as can be possibly obtained.  I am Sir with great regd your Most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 3 September 1782
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Poughkeepsie Septr 3rd 1782.

                  The Necessities of the Writers employed under my Direction as well as my own, and the Poverty of the Q. Master Department had in great Measure anticipated the Relief afforded by the last Supply of Money transmitted to me by Mr Morris on the 3rd of June, on Account of pay.  By that I was enabled to pay off the discharged Writers the Ballances of their respective Demands and to Messrs Sickels & Glean to Feby included; so that there now remains due to them as follows.

                  Mr Zachs Sickels for 6 Mos. Servicefrom 1st March.                              300 Dolls.
Mr Oliver Glean for 6 Mos.—from 1st March.      300 doMr George *Taylor Junr for 4 Mos. from 1st May.   200 do  800 Dolls.*Mr Taylor has recd no pay as yet.
                  I had wished to postpone this Application till some Time in the beginning of October when the Congress Letters will be recorded to Decr 1781, the Civil Letters to 30th June 1782 & the Military Letters to Novr or december 1780. with Indexes complete to such of those Volumes as shall be then filled; And when I shall discharge one of the Writers; But their repeated & pressing Solicitations for above a Month past reduce me to the Necessity of requesting now, that Your Excellency will be pleased to make a Requisition on Mr Morris for pay in their behalf.  I have the Honor to be with the most perfect Respect & Regard Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

                     Richd Varick


Title: From George Washington to Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil, 3 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Vaudreuil, Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de

                  Sir,
                     Head Quarters 3d Septemr 1782 2 oClock PM

                  The followg Information, is this Moment come to my Hand, from the best Authority.
                  Viz. "On Friday Evening the 30th the Warwick of 50 Guns—with 5 large Transport Ships, with 1500, or 2000, Troops on Board sailed from N. York Harbour bound for Hallifax—And at ten oClock the next Day 6 Ships supposed to be the same were seen from Middletown standg near Sandy Hook to the Eastward with the Wind at West."
                  I make no Delay to transmit this Intelligence, that your Excellency may judge if it is possible for you to intercept these Ships on their passage.
                  At the Time of the above, no Information was received of the Arrival of any British fleet from the West Indies.  I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de Vaudreuil, 3 September 1782
From: Vaudreuil, Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                        Monsieur
                        A Boston le 3e 7bre 1782.

                     Je m’attendois a tous momens a voir paroitre l’Escadre Angloise, c’est ce qui m’a fait retarder a répondre plutôt a la lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’ecrire le 27 Août dernier; aussitôt que je l’ai recue j’ai fait rentres deux Vaisseaux qui étoient en croisiere depeuis qu’il fussent coupés.  Sir sam: Hood n’a point été vû dans cette partie, puisquil n’a pas rèlâche a Newyork, il faut qu’il ait fait route pour Hallifax.
                     Je vous prie, Monsieur, de recevoir mes sinceres remerciments des informations que Votre Excellence a prie la peine de me donner et des assurances qu’elle voudra bien me faire part de ce qui parviendra a sa connoissance.  C’est avec d’empressement que je ne le puis témoigner a Votre Excellence que je desire trouver les occasions de vous marquer toute ma reconnoissance et vous donner des preuves de la Haute consideration—et du respect avec lequel j’ai l’Honneur d’être De Votre Excellence Le trés Humble et trés obeissant serviteur

                        Le Mis de Vaudreuil

                  Translation
                     I delayed answering your Excellencys Letter of the 27 Ulto expecting every moment to see the English Squadron appear—and I had called in the two Ships I had and Cruising fearfull least they might be cut off Sir Sam Hood has not yet been seen on this Coast—and as he has not enterd New York I immagine he must have gone for Hallifax.
                     I beg your Excellency to accept my sincere thanks for the information you have been pleased to give me and for your assurances that you will continue to acquaint me of what may come to your Knowledge—nothing will make me more happy than to have an Oppo. of proving to your Excelly the high consideration & respect with which I have the honor to be &c.

                        Le M. de Vaudreuil


Title: General Orders, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Verplanks Point Wednesday Septr 4th 1782
                     Parole Albany
                     Countersigns Orange,Ulstre

                  For the day tomorwBrigadier General HuntingtonColonel SheppardLieutenant Colonel SproatBrigade Major Converse
                  At a general courtmartial held at Westpoint whereof Colonel Micheal Jackson is president the following prisoners were tried.
                  Dennis Clemeshaw a soldier charged with Desertion from the regiment late Colonel Lee’s, also Job Ripley of the 3d Massachusetts regiment, Jason Makepeace of the 5th Massachusetts regiment; Thomas Grant, and James Johnson, recruits for the Massachusetts Line: severally charged with "Desertion" were found guilty and sentenced each to receive one hundred lashes on his naked back.
                  Caleb Fitch soldier of the 2d Connecticut regiment charged with desertion found guilty and sentenced to receive Twenty five lashes each morning for four mornings successively amounting to one hundred lashes on his naked back.
                  Job Smith of Colonel Lees Legion for "Desertion and joining the enemy" found guilty of Desertion but acquitted of joining the enemy sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his naked back.
                  Timothy Becket of the 5th Connecticut regt charged with "deserting and attempting to goe to the enemy" The Court on consideration are of opinion he is guilty of the charge yet considering his youth and former good behavior they only sentence him to receive twenty five Lashes each morning four mornings successively amounting in the whole to one hundred lashes on his naked back.
                  Hugh Jones of the 3d regiment of artillery charged with deserting to the enemy in December 1779 the court are of opinion the charge is not supported and do acquit him.
                  The Commander in chief approves the opinions of the Courtmartial and orders that the prisoners belonging to the regiments now on this ground be sent for, and brought to their respective regiments, and their sentences executed at such time as their respective commanding officers shall direct.
                  Hugh Jones to be released from confinement and return to duty in his regiment.
                  The Commander in chief upon visiting the different landing places yesterday was sorry to see the General orders of the 31st ultimo respecting mooring the boats totally neglected by the Jersey, York, and 1st Connecticut brigades, and but partially attended to by all the remainder except the first Massachusetts—the Jersey and New York brigades having but just received their boats were somewhat excusable—he is pleased to direct that the following mode of mooring be hereafter observed—each boat by both head and stern, to a strong well driven stake—at such distance from the shore that they cannot ground at low water this will prevent them from falling foul of each other in rough weather—the Quartermaster General will furnish rope for the purpose—till it can be obtained—Grape vine or hickory withs may be used the General expects an immediate and punctual compliance with this order and assures the Brigade quarter Masters that if he again finds it neglected he shall call upon them in a more disagreable manner.
                  The Boats are not to be taken from the landing places but upon the most emergent and necessary occasions.
                  Untill further orders the Camp guards may be discontinued and in their room such small guards established as the officers commanding brigades and Divisions find necessary for the security of their boats, furnishing Sentries for their Colours, Commanding officers of corps &ca.
                  As there is such a scarcity of water in the camp all persons are forbidden to wash or cook at the springs in front of the line—these may be done with equal if not greater convenience in the river.
                  A noncommissioned officer and eight Dragoons from Captn Vanheers Corps will mount every day with the guards untill further orders, for the purpose of scouring the environs of the camp, the noncommissioned officer commanding the party will receive particular instructions from the Adjutant general.
                  As the Commander in cheif proposes receiving the Line on Saturday next, the relief for Dobbs ferry and the fatigue at Westpoint will not march untill Sunday.
                  For duty tomorrow 5th Connecticut & 5th Massachusetts regiments.


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

                  sir

                     Head Quarters 4th Septemr 1782

                  Miss Delancey has this Day made pressing application to me to get into N. York—I have informed her, that no admission from me can be granted to any persons in civil Capacity, without the Approbation & permission of the Executive of the State to which they belong.
                  Miss Delancey is therefore referred to your Excellency; if your permission is granted her, my Duty will be merely official.  I have the Honor to be sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Verplanks Point Septr 4th 1782

                  I do myself the honor to inform your Excellency that the whole Army, the Garrison of West Point and its dependencies, and two Regiments to the Northward excepted, assembled at this place on the 31st ulto—I have appointed Majr General Lord Stirling to the Command of the Continental & State Troops at the northward, and Majr Genll Knox to that of West Point, at which place most part of the Corps of Artillery are left for the present.  The principle part of the Troops from the Highlands were brought down by Water; this I did, not only to save land transportation, but to try in what time a large number of men could embark, debark, & move a given distance by Water.
                  I have chosen this position on account of its convenience for Wood cutting, a very great quantity of which will be wanted for the Winter firing of the Garrison of West Point, and to avoid the expence of keeping a number of Horses in the Field, our supplies being principally brought to this Camp by Water.
                  I have received intelligence, which may be depended upon, that five Transports, supposed to have on board about 1500 foreign Troops, sailed from New York on saturday last, under convoy of the Warwick of 50 Guns; it is said they are bound for Halifax.  I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Dr Sir
                     Head Quarters 4th Sepr 1782

                  Yesterday Colo. Olney transmitted to me from Dobbs Ferry, a passport given from Gen. Hazen, admitting Mr Taylor, a British Commissary of Cloathg to pass from Lancaster into N. York with his Servants & Horses—mentiong in the passport that Liberty had been given by the Secty at War for this purpose.
                  My Genl Instructions at that post mentiong that no passports are sufficient, but such as are signed by the President of Congress—Secty at War—or Govrs or Executives of the several States, Admission could not be given without sendg to Head Quarters.
                  I take the Liberty to mention this Circumstance to you—& beg when Permission is given to any prisoners of War to go into N. York, that their passports may be signed by yourself—and the going in of Horses may be particularly attended to by you, & not permitted but in very extraordinary Cases.  I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 4 September 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                  Dear General,
                     War office September 4th 1782

                  I have been honored with your Excellency’s Letters on the field Commissary of military stores’ department.
                  Enclosed are the resolves of Congress establishing the department.  I am, with sincere esteem, my dear General, Your obedient servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Amelia Leigh Lloyd, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lloyd, Amelia Leigh

                     Madam;
                     Head Qrs Verplanks point 4th Septr 1782.

                  A mind susceptible of disappointments, and pained by suspence, can readily enter into the feelings of others, under similar circumstances—Be assured then, that your Letters shall suffer no delay—no disappointment in my hands.  Nor will I keep you one moment in suspence, with respect to the receipt, or delivery of them.
                  Actuated by these motives, I have the honor to inform you, that the last Post brought me your favor of the 20th ulto, & that the packet for Mr White has passed my lines, for New York.
                  I pray you to be assured, that nothing which can contribute to the happiness of Mrs Lloyd, will be deemed a trouble, by her most hble & obedient servant

                     G. Washington

                     P.S.  Be so good as to present me to Mr Lloyd & let him know that his Letters to Major Murray, and Mr Watson went in, some days ago.


Title: From George Washington to James Lovell, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lovell, James

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters 4th Septemr 1782

                  I have recd yours inclosing a packet for the Honble Mr Morris, which I shall forward by the first safe conveyance.  I have the honor to be Sir yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 4 September 1782
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     West Point September 4th 1782

                  When I had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of yesterday by Colonel Bayliss, the fever was on me, which prevented my giving it a written answer: And therefore requested him to inform your Excellency, that under other Circumstances, than mine were at this time, I should be happy to execute your Excellency’s intentions, but that it was out of my power, for that I was unable to furnish myself with the proper Necessaries to appear in Character, as a Commissioner to meet those from the enemy, for the purpose of settling a general Cartel of prisoners.  Besides my Health is so impaired, that I cannot discharge the honorable trust your Excellency intended to repose in me, with that propriety and advantage to the Country, or Reputation to myself; which the Nature of the Commission demands.
                  The horses and Cloathing necessary to enable me to appear decently in Character, is now out of my power, and my Spirits are so affected by my disorder, that I should dishonor your Judgment and the Country—For I can with great truth assure your Excellency, that I am totally disqualified, to do any public duty, which requires fatigue, or close attention, and it is extreamly mortifying to me, that this is my unfortunate Condition: Although it would give me great pleasure to have it in my power to execute the most distant wish of my Chief.  I have the honor to be your Excellencys most obedient and most humble Servant.

                     Alexr McDougall


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters Verplank’s Point 4th Sept. 1782

                  Previous to the meeting of our Commissioners, who will be Majors General Heath and Knox, I am under the necessity of applying to you to provide the means of their support while they are upon the Commission—I shall propose Orange town as the place of meeting—I should suppose five hundred Dollars, and that in Specie (as they will be in a part of the Country where paper will not be negotiable) will be as little as can be calculated upon, as they can derive no assistance from public Stores—the time of meeting will be in ten days from hence at farthest—I shall therefore be much obliged to you for furnishing the above sum before that period—indeed it will be indispensable, as our Gentlemen cannot possibly proceed without it.  I have the honor to be with very great Respect and Esteem Dear Sir yr most obt and hble servt.

                     P.S.  I forward a packet by Mr Wells which I recd from Mr Lovell.
                     The sum of money brought out by Mr Wells is so short of your expectation and that in Gold, that I have thought it most advisable to send it forward by him—It would not answer the payments you directed and I did not look upon myself at liberty to average them.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 4 September 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters 4th September 1782

                  I am under the necessity of enclosing you the Copy of a letter I have this day received from Mr Walter Livingston, with that of one from him to Mr Richardson Sands.  From these you will perceive to how precarious a situation we are reduced in regard to the Article of Flour—the Quantity for which Mr Livingston calls upon Mr Richardson Sands is so very trifling, that it is scarcely worth attention, and I clearly foresee, that if some of the Gentlemen, concerned in the Contract besides the Mr Sands’s, do not interfere, the Army will shortly be out of Bread—In my opinion, except you are convinced that some of the Contractors besides the Sands’s, will undertake to procure the Flour, you had best direct the purchase yourself.
                  The Contractors seem long since to have dropt the Idea of issuing Rum or any kind of Spirit—you will see by Mr Livingstons letter that he had purchased 53 Teirces of French Rum, but that there were no other prospects—The Army are now going upon a very heavy fatigue—that of cutting six thousand Cords of Wood for the Winter firing of West point—the Soldiers already complain of the stoppage of their Rum when only upon common duties—with how much more reason will they do it, when it will become really essential to carry them thro’ the hard service upon which they will be put.
                  It gives me pain to be so often under the necessity of applying to you upon matters with which in reality you ought never be troubled; but as I can scarcely even lay my Eyes upon any of the acting Contractors, I am obliged to make our distresses known in time, that you, having the staff in your hands, may apply the remedy and make the stoppages accordingly—I would beg your attention to the Article of Rum as well as Flour—Vinegar, an almost equally essential Article, is hardly ever issued, or if it be, it is of so vile a quality, that it is not much better than sour Water—In short, I must say, that Mr Sands’s whole conduct too plainly indicates an intention to make every thing to himself at the expence of the Army and the public.  I am with every sentiment of Regard Dear Sir yr most obt and hble servt.