Title: To George Washington from William Malcom, 29 October 1780
From: Malcom, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Albany October 29 1780

                  In my letter of the 25th I had the Honor to give your Excellency
                     a full relation of every material Circumstance that hath taken place in this
                     department since the  last—This moment only I am
                     favored with your letter of the 16th—The Three months Levys of my Brigade are
                     this day arrived in town & will be discharged—indeed they cannot be
                     prevailed upon to remain longer & it was with difficulty that they have
                     been kept since the 15 when properly their times of engagement expired—Harpers
                     & pawlings Regts also of the Brigade will serve untill the first of
                     Dec. the former in Fort Scuyler, to be relieved by Wesenfels
                        Weissenfels—the latter posted on the Frontier of Ulster & Orange County—towards the Delaware.
                  This State hath pass’d a Law to raise 700 men to replace the
                     three months men in the Brigade under my command and I had consented to remain
                     in this Quarter with them—A sentiment in your Excellencys Letter hath changed
                     my Resolution—I most certainly will not be Commanded by any Colonel unless his
                     Commission is of an older date—perhaps I may have mistaken your Excellency’s
                     meaning—I am rather inclined to Rush so because I told you Sir, when I took
                     this Command that it would be under my Continental Commission—To avoid
                     disputes. Congress shall determine this matter before I
                     Serve again—Although at the same time nothing can make me
                     more unhappy than to be held in such a Situation.
                  Your Excellency may depend upon it, that I have done every thing
                     in my  for the public good—and I will Venture to say
                     that not only Fort Scuyler, but the Frontier Settlements of the State would
                     have been abandon’d if it had not been for the Exertions which I have made—The
                     Governor, every officer in the dept. & the Inhabitants will give
                     Testimony in my favor—If the means in my hands were not equall to end—It is not
                     my fault—Before I leave this place I shall think it my duty to dispose of
                     Harpers Regt when relieved, and of Such of the new raised Levys as may by that
                     time come in—This very Valuable Country on the Rivers above this place will be
                     desolated by the Spring—I am confident that if your Excellency were properly
                     acquainted wth their importance, they would be Guarded like a magazine—a Scout
                     from Fort Scuyler ordered to attempt the destruction of the
                     Enemys Boats have fallen into their hands—about 40 men—To Reinforce the
                     Garrison I have order’d the Levys in Wisenfiels
                     Weissenfels Regt to push up instantly with a small supply
                     of provisions—the Residue of the Regt it seems is to Halt for your orders at
                     Schenectady—It will require very considerable exertions to maintain the
                     Frontier posts this Winter—if they are evacuated the inhabitants come in with
                     the Troops. At present there is very little provision. what
                     there is I have sent to the Fort Viewing it as the first object.
                  I am Suspicious that there will be bad news from the north parts
                     of the State—towards the Grants are long—My information
                     although pretty good are not sufficent to Accuse. I have the
                     Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt &
                     very H. St

                            W. Malcom

                        The prisoners are gone this day to fishkill.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 29 October 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Newport 29th 8ber 1780

                  The Frigates and the person you know set sail yesterday under a
                     very strong North East wind. May Almighty God conduct them, and may they arrive
                     safe at their destination. I believe that the English fleet that was before us
                     is returned to Sandy-hook; There is no appearance of its having got into
                     Gardner’s Bay, because the Ships that were left there, according to the reports
                     from New London, had set sail, the 26th inst. to Join them. a Flag that has
                     brought here the prisoners of a Privateer that Carries Your Excellency’s name
                     that has been taken by the Enemy eight days since, is commanded by the same
                     Lieutenant of Arbuthnot that we had already seen. He has told us that Rodney
                     was Labouring at New-york under the; V—l Distemper, that he waited for the
                     Cork fleet to have salt provisions, and that he was after that to go back to
                     the Leeward islands. The Governor Trumbull is very willing to receive at
                     Lebanon Lausun’s cavalry, and I expect to make him go there Directly. I am with
                     respect Sir your Excellency’s most obedient and humble servant

                     le Cte de Rochambeau


Title: General Orders, 30 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Totowa Monday October 30th 1780
                     Parole Norwalk
                     Countersigns N; E
                     Watchword Now

                  For the day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     PattersonColonel MarshalLieutenant Colonel SumnerMajor PriorBrigade Major MooreAt a General court marshal Philadelphia September 27th
                     1780—Colonel Francis Johnston President, Doctor James B. Sharpe was tried for
                     "Disobedience of orders" found guilty, being a breach of Section 2d Article 5th
                     of the Articles of war and Sentenced to be reprimanded in general orders; but
                     the court considering the peculiar situation in which the Director General
                     placed Doctor Sharpe by having ordered him not to receive Sick into the
                     Hospital without the order was previously countersign’d by him or a senior
                     surgeon which order the Court are of opinion is not warrantable, do therefore
                     recommend it to the Commander in Chief to remit the sentence.
                  The General is sorry to disagree in opinion with the Court as the
                     order given by the Director General appears to him founded in Expedience and
                     the common practice of Service as well as consonant to the spirit of a general
                     order of the 21st of January 1778.
                  Doctor Sharpe is releas’d from Arrest.
                  At a General court martial of the Line whereof Colol Bailey is
                     President the 16th instant Colonel Thomas Procter of the Artillery was tried
                     upon the following charges.
                  1st Mustering men in his regiment as soldiers that were not
                     actually doing the duty of Soldiers and returning them on command when they
                     were doing the duty of Servants in his and other families in the city of
                     Philadelphia.
                  2dly Discharging Soldiers of his regiment for Sums of money.
                  3dly Fraud in the settlement of his recruiting accompts.
                  4thly Signing a false Certificate to a return for Quarter master’s
                     Stores.
                  5thly Discharging a number of able bodied men from his regiment
                     to the great prejudice of the Service.
                  The Court are of opinion that Colonel Procter is not Guilty of
                     either of the Charges exhibited against him and do acquit him with Honor.
                  The General entirely approves the determination of the Court: He
                     cannot help remarking that the prosecution on the part of Captain Porter was
                     vexatious groundless and illeberal; it is with pain too he has seen several
                     instances for some time past where personal pique has given birth to
                     prosecutions as unjust as they were indelicate and improper.
                  Colonel Procter is released from his Arrest.
                  Duplicate Returns of the names of all the officers in the
                     Infantry Artillery and Cavalry to be made out regimentally and signed by the
                     commandants of regiments and Corps specifying their ranks and dates of
                     Commissions; Those of the Artillery Cavalry Additional regiments and Corps are
                     to designate the States to which their officers respectively belong.
                  Those officers on the Staff are also to be noted in a Seperate
                     Column according to their several staff appointments, agreeable to the Form
                     herewith given.
                  These returns to be transmitted without delay to the Orderly
                     Office.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 30 October 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     West point October 30th 1780

                  I was yesterday honored with yours of the 28th Instant.
                  Your reply respecting provisions Rather increases my
                     apprehensions of want. The late depredations of the Enemy in Tryon County will
                     I fear also greatly curtail our supplies of Flour from that quarter.
                  Our late accounts from the Northward are favorable. it is said
                     the Enemy were retiring with great precipitation and our people pursuing them,
                     and it was thought would overtake them. I have receiv’d nothing officially, if
                     at any time I do, it shall be immediately transmitted to your Excellency.
                  Brigadier General Clinton leaves this place today to proceed to
                     Albany. I have the honor to be, With the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s
                     Most obedient Servant

                     W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                      Oct. 30th 1780

                  It is impossible, my Dear Marquis to desire more ardently than I
                     do to terminate the Campaign by some happy stroke; but we must consult our
                     means rather than our wishes; and not endeavour to better our affairs by
                     attempting things, which for want of success may make them worse. We are to
                     lament that there has been a misapprehension of our circumstances in Europe;
                     but to endeavour to recover our reputation, we should take care that we do not
                     injure it more.
                  Ever since it became evident that the allied arms could not cooperate this campaign, I have had an eye to the point you mention, determined
                     if a favourable opening should offer to embrace it; but so far as my
                     information goes, the enterprise would not be warranted. It would in my opinion
                     be imprudent to throw an army of ten thousand men upon an Island against Nine
                     thousand, exclusive of seamen and militia—This from the accounts we have
                     appears to be the enemy’s force. All we can therefore do at present is to
                     endeavour to gain a more certain knowlege of their situation and act
                     accordingly. This I have been some time employed in doing but hitherto with
                     little success—I shall thank you for any aids you can afford. Arnold’s flight
                     seems to have frightened all my intelligencers out of their senses. I am
                     sincerely and Affectionately Yrs


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 October 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                  My Dear General

                     Light Camp October the 30th 1780
                  In our Conversations upon Military operations, you often have
                     told me that Since the Beggining of the Campaign Your Eyes were turn’d towards
                     a project upon which I generally agree in Opinion with you, and Beg Leave to
                     offer some Observations.
                  Far from Lessening My desire of finishing the Campaign By Some
                     Brillant Stroke, the project of Staten island, tho Miscarried, has strengtened
                     My opinions as I have Clearly Seen By the details of this operation that we
                     should in all human probability have Succeeded and that our men were fully
                     equal to Any enterprise of this kind.
                  My Reasons for wishing to undertake some thing Are these 1st Any
                     enterprise will please the people of this Country, show them that when we have
                     men we do not Lay still, and even a defeat (provided it was not fatal) would
                     have its good Consequences 2dly the French Court have often Complain’d to me of
                     the inactivity of that American Army who Before the Alliance had distinguish’d
                     themselves By theyr Spirit of enterprise—they often have told me, your friends
                     Leave us now to fight theyr Battles and do no more Risk themselves—it is
                     Moreover of the greatest political importance to let them know that on our side
                     we were Ready to Cooperate—Be sure, My dear General, that many people’s interest
                     will be to let it Believe that we were Not Ready,
                     and if any thing may engage the Ministry to give us the ask’d for support it
                     will be our proving to the Nation that in our Side we had
                        been Ready—So far was the chevalier de la Luzerne Convinc’d of this
                     (and on this point the Minister’s interest is the Same with ours) that he was
                     Made happy By my mentionning to him the Staten island affair. I well know the
                     Court of Versailles, and was I to go to them, I would think it very impolitical
                     to go there Unless we had done some thing 3dly it is more than probable that
                     Mediators will interfere this winter into a Negotiation—There England will
                     say, how Can we give up people whom we Consider as half Conquered—Theyr Best
                     fortified City has been taken By an army not much superior to the people that
                     were to defend it—theyr Southern Army was Routed almost as soon as look’d at By
                     the British troops—Newyork is so much ours that they dare not approach it, and
                     Gnl Washington’s army does not exceed five thousand men—What shall France
                     answer principally Now that from the letters I have Receiv’d I find that the
                     charlestown affair has Brought our Arms into Contempt—But what difference if
                     France might say—the American army has taken sword in hand your Best works—They
                     have offered to you the Battle upon your own island, and perhaps, may they add,
                     (for News encrease in travelling) are they now in possession of Newyork.
                  Upon these Considerations, my dear general, what I want is
                     this—to find an expedition which may wear a Brillant aspect, which affords
                     probable advantage, and an immense tho’ very Remoted one, which if
                     unsuccessful does not turn fatal to us, for the loss of two or three hundred
                     men half of them being inlisted for two months I don’t consider as a ruinous
                     adventure.
                  The Bazis of the plan will be that Fort Washington Being in our
                     possession may with the Fort Lee Batteries protect
                     our crossing North River, and be a security for our Retreat, principally if
                     some works are added on the point of Reimbarkation—the taking of Fort
                     Washington we may demonstrate to be very probable, and upon that point you are
                     of my opinion.
                  The Ennemy have on the upper part of the island from fifteen
                     hundred to two thousand men who would immediately occupy all the other upper
                     posts—Theyr army on Long island would Repair to Newyork, and there would also
                     Retire the troops posted at harlem.
                  As soon as Fort Washington would be ours, the army should Cross
                     over to the island, and those of west point arrive in the same time (which
                     Calculation may be easely done) so that we would effectually or possess all the
                     upper posts or Cutt them off from theyr Main Army. Some militia would come to
                     our assistance and as those posts are not well furnish’d with provisions we
                     should take them at least by famine.
                  The ennemy’s army Consist of nine thousand men—they must
                     Certainly leave one thousand in theyr several posts—Fifteen hundred of them at
                     least will be either kill’d at Fort Washington or block’d up at Laurel hill
                        &c.—They will then have Between six or seven
                     thousand men to attak ten—the two thousand militia (in supposing that they
                     durst take them out) I don’t mention Because we may have four thousand militia
                     for them—under such circumstances is it probable that Sir Henry Clinton will
                     venture a battle? if he does and By chance Beats us we Retire under Fort
                     Washington—But if we Beat him, his works will be at such a distance, that he
                     will be Ruin’d in the Retreat—if on the Contrary, principally if he knows that
                     the French army is Coming and if we spread the Report of a second division or
                     Count de guichen Being upon the Coasts he will keep into his works, and we will
                     some way or other Carry the Upper posts—when we are upon the spot we may
                     Recconnoitre Newyork and see if something is to be done—if Clinton was making
                     a forrage into the jersays I would be clear for pushing into the City.
                  if we undertake, the Circumstances of the weather make it
                     necessary that we undertake immediately—I would move the Army as soon as
                     possible to our position near the New Bridge—This movement may invite Clinton
                     into the jersays and Bring us nearer to the point of execution.
                  Tho’ my private glory, and yours, my dear general, Both of which
                     are very dear to my heart, are greatly interested not so much for the opinions
                     of America But for those of europe in our doing some thing this Campaign, I
                     hope you know me too well to think I would insist upon steps of this nature,
                     unless I knew that they are politically necessary, and have a sufficient
                     military probability. I have the honor to be Yours

                     Lafayette

                     The 600 men of Lauzun’s legion might be got in twelve days—if our movements had no other effect but to make a diversion in favour of
                        the Southward it would on that footing meet with the approbation of the
                        world, and perhaps impeach the operations of gnl Leslie.


Title: From George Washington to James Livingston, 30 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, James

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 30th October
                     1780

                  Lieutenant Meydenger will deliver Mr Joshua smith into your
                     custody. You will immediately send him by Water from Kings ferry to General
                     Heath at West Point, under charge of an officer with a proper Guard. You will
                     likewise forward all the dispatches which Lt Meydenger will deliver you. I
                     am Sir Yr most obt


Title: To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 30 October 1780
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Fish-Kill 30th Octbr 1780

                  Your Excellency would long ere now have heard from me but I
                     delayed writing till I could give you some information of importance. Before
                     Genl St Clair releived me, I had intimations from Some members of the
                     Legislature that they wished to see me before they broke up, which was
                     agreeable to my intention. When he arrived, I immediately went there and spent
                     a week with them till they adjourned, which I am perswaded was not ill spent.
                     I gave them a particular detail of our Public affairs, so far as I was capable,
                     and alarmed them with our Conditions—it had its proper effect. They have passed
                     very decisive Laws for filling up their regts for the war, but express
                     their desire to Congress, that one of the five may be incorporated into four.
                     They have also passed Tax Laws to the utmost ability of the State. The
                     Commissioners, appointed to meet the Convention at Hartford, are men of
                     enlarged minds, fully informed of our civil defects and inertions as well as
                     the feeble State of the Army. They are instructed and empowered to agree on the
                     necessity of a Continental Executive, with Powers Similar to those mentioned in
                     the inclosure No. 1.
                  In short Sir, a great majority of the Legislature have a proper
                     Spirit for the times, and so far as our Safety depends on their exertions we
                     have nothing to fear. To remove all doubts of the intention of the Legislature
                     in Electing me a member of Congress, they were pleased to Express it in a
                     Letter, copy of which I take the Liberty to inclose you. It appears by it, that
                     they consider my civil Capacity but a secondary one to my Military, and in this
                     relation to the army I wish to be considered by the Commander in chief; and I
                     beg that no unmilitary delicacy may be observed to me while in the Field from
                     my connection with the civil. Whether I am acting in the civil or Military
                     line, I have but one object and that is to promote the best interest of this
                     distressed Country. I was honored with your Favor of the 24th instant, which
                     anticipates the application I purposed to make, when I should be ready to go to
                     Congress, and the Campaign Judged at an end. I now wait only for means to bring
                     me out of Philadelphia when it shall be thought proper for me to take the
                     Field. I own I fear, and have much reason to fear, I Shall not be able in
                     Congress, to answer the Virtuous expectations of the Army and my
                     Fellow-citizens, but shall endeavor to do my duty. I have the Honor to be with great  , Your Excellencys most obedient and most Humble Servant

                     Alexander McDougall

                Enclosure

                        In Senate octor 10th 1780

                     A Message from the Honble the House of Assembly was received with the Following Resolution for concurrencement.“Resolved unanimously, that the Delegates from this State be
                        instructed to declare in Congress, that it is the earnest wish of this
                        State, that Congress should, during the War, or until a perpetual
                        Confederation shall be compleated, exercise every Power which they may deem
                        necessary for an effectual Prosecution of the war; and that whenever it
                        Shall appear to them, that any State is deficient, in furnishing the Quota
                        of men money provision or other—Supplies required of Such State, that
                        Congress direct the Commander-in chief, without delay to march the Army or
                        Such part of it as may be requisite into Such State, and by a military Force
                        compel it to furnish its deficiency.
                     Resolved that his Excellency the Governor be requested, to
                        transmit a Copy of the aforesaid Resolution to the Delegates from this State
                        in Congress. Resolved that this Senate do concur with the Honble the House
                        of assemby in their Said Resolution.”

                        Extract from the Minutes
                        Robt Benson Clk of the Senate

                Enclosure

                        Sir,
                        Poughkepsie octor 1780

                     It is with pleasure we execute the Commands of the Senate and
                        assembly, by informing you that they have chosen you a Delegate from this
                        State in Congress.
                     The Legislature were induced to Elect you not only from a
                        Confidence in your abilities and integrity, but they conceived, that at this
                        juncture, you would be peculiarly Serviceable in our Public Councils.
                     The preparations for the ensuing Campaign will doubtless be
                        the most important object of the deliberations of Congress—during the
                        winter, and at that Season it is Supposed you may be Spared from the army
                        without injury to the Service, and be able to attend in Congress, and give
                        them very useful information respecting military matters.
                     It was judged necessary to explain to you the motives of the
                        Legislature in your Election, least an intention might be presumed to call
                        you out of the Field. It is this wish, that you Should Still retain your
                        Command in the Army, and it is left in your discretion to attend in Congress
                           only when you Conceive it can be done
                        consistent with the duties
                        required of you in your Military Capacity. We are with high Esteem Sir,
                        your very Humble Serv. By order of the Senate

                        Pierre Van Cortlandt Presdt By order of the Assembly
                        Evert Bancker Speaker


Title: To George Washington from George Mathews, 30 October 1780
From: Mathews, George
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Long-Island October the 30th 1780

                  When the more important duties of your Excellency’s station can
                     spare a moment I beg your attention to the feeling and forlorn state of your
                     Officers of the ninth Virginia Regiment taken at the battle of German-Town.
                  It was a matter of equal surprise and concern to me to find that
                     the State of Virginia made no provision for my Regiment with the rest of their
                     troops and on an event so feeling and interesting it is easier for your
                     Excellency to conceive than for me to express my feelings Among the evils it
                     produced was having the Regiment incorporated with another and from a
                     resolution of Congress arranging the Army the Officers in captivity to return
                     home supernumerary while much Junior ones remained in service.
                  From what cause that neglect proceeds is as difficult for me to
                     conceive as it is for my feelings to surmount the injury A captivity of three
                     years has given me frequent opportunities to reflect on the manner of my being made prisoner
                     and on the most mature deliberation can acquit my feelings
                     as an Officer and a soldier to God your Excellency and my Country but should
                     you sir have reason to think otherwise I must beg you will reserve me for the
                     sole victim of your resentment and my Country’s revenge and treat Lieut: Colol
                        D the Officers of my Regiment and those of the
                     Virginia Line taken at the same time with that notice and respect that brave
                     and good Officers have right to expect from your Excellency and who are
                     certainly entitled to a better fate from their Country than being supernumerary
                     while Junior ones remain in service I have the honour to be with due respect
                     and real esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Very Humble Servant

                     Geo. Mathews Col.
                     of the Lat 9th Virga Rigm.


Title: To George Washington from John Mathews, 30 October 1780
From: Mathews, John
To: Washington, George

                     My Dear Sir
                     Philadelphia Octr 30th 1780

                  I Received your Excellencys favor of the 23d
                     inst. a few days ago by Genl Greene. And am extremely obliged to you for your
                     kind care & attention respecting my application for Mrs Mathews’s going
                     to Carolina: permit me at the same time to assure you Sir of her most gratified
                     acknowledgemt for your benevolent intentions towards her. I was surprized the
                     Board of War had not wrote to you about the flag however, the matter seems now
                     to be pretty well fixed.
                  I am made happy by Congress having at last agreed on the plan for
                     the army, on such a footing as is likely to produce the desired effect. Had they
                     but done this at first, there would have been little doubt of its success, but
                     there is yet room to hope for important benefits from it, tho’ late.
                  By a letter Thursday received from the Governor of Virginia, we
                     learn the enemy have landed at Portsmouth in that state. I suppose a little
                     time will point out their real object. I hope Genl Greene will not be detained
                     above a day or two longer here. I am Dear sir with the most sincere esteem Yr
                     Obedt Servt

                     Jno. Mathews


Title: To George Washington from Amasa Soper, 30 October 1780
From: Soper, Amasa
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Camp at Totaway Octor 30 1780

                  Early in the Summer I joined Camp from the recruiting Service
                     with a determination to have left the Army Immediately but finding myself
                     Arranged to the Light Infantry Company which was then Draughted from the
                     Regiment and Imbodied.
                  Thought it then improper to pursue my determination And now would
                     have defered the matter ’till the close of the Campaign but circumstances
                     Obliges me to Apply to Your Excellency.
                  I have served in the Army Since the Commencement of the war and
                     have no Inclination to leave it from Any Dislike to it or my Commanders but
                     from the Situation of my Private Affairs.
                  Therefore most humbly request your Excelly to Accept my
                     Resignation and Greant me a Dismission from the Army I am with all respect Your
                     Excellencys Obt Servant

                     Amasa Soper Capt. 10th Massats Regmnt


Title: To George Washington from Seth Warner, 30 October 1780
From: Warner, Seth
To: Washington, George

                     Hond Sir
                     Bennington 30th October 1780

                  Doubtless your Excellency has before now been informed of the
                     Misfortunes that have lately befallen the Troops on the Northern Frontiers,
                     especially the Regt I had the Honour to Command stationed at Lake George, the
                     Particulars and Circumstances of which are too lengthy to enlarge upon by way
                     of Letter therefore beg Leave to refer you to the Bearer Capt. Moulton for a
                     more minute Information. However would inform your Excellency that on the
                     Morning of the 9th Instant a Body of about One Thousand of the Enemy appeared
                     before Fort Ann (a Piquet) and demanded the Fort, which was accordingly
                     Surrendered by Capt. Adial Sherwood the Commander, himself and Fifty men
                     becoming Prisoners of War; after which the Enemy took their Rout thro’
                     Kingsborough and Queensborough burning & destroying all before them, to
                     Fort George then commanded by Capt. Chipman with between Sixty and Seventy Rank
                     and File exclusive of Commissioned and Non Commissioned Officers, the Remainder
                     of the Regt being on different Detachments on Discoveries across Lake George
                     &c., Previous to their arrival at Fort George, the Garrison having been
                     two Days destitute of Provisions, Capt. Chipman had sent an Express to Fort
                     Edward for Supplies, who at a little better than a Miles distance was fired on
                     by a party of about Thirty of the Enemy, and made his Escape and gave him the
                     only information he had recd of their being on the Coast, he judging their
                     Number not to exceed Forty or Fifty and being anxious to revenge the many
                     Losses the Regt had sustained during the Season by their several detached
                     Parties which generally consisted of an adequate Number, thought that a Number
                     not exceeding Fifty, including Officers, under the Command of Capt Ths Sill was
                     amply sufficient to repel those Invaders, but unhappily Capt. Sill no sooner
                     made the Attack on the Enemies Front which gave way, but soon found himself
                     charged in Front, Flank and Rere by a Superiority of
                     British, Indians and Tories, and after a short but smart Resistance, Capt.
                     Sill, Ensigns Eno, McLowrey with Fifteen non Commissioned Officers and Privates
                     were killed and since found on the Ground; Lt Payne and Ensign Lighthall were
                     wounded and taken with the rest of the Detachment, except Ensign Grant who made
                     his Escape with about Fifteen Men by an Effort thro’ the Enemies Lines. The
                     Enemy having thus overcame Capt. Sill and his Party immediately proceeded to
                     invest the Fort and on their Arrival were several times fired at by a Field
                     piece, they then sent a Flag to demand the Surrender of the Fort, Capt. Chipman
                     finding the Impracticability of defending it with so small a number surrendered
                     on Capitulation, the Articles of which are inclosed. Had Capt. Chipman recd the
                     least Information from the Commanding Officer at Fort Edward (who was by an express from Fort Ann at the hour of Eleven
                     in the Evening of the 9th Instant, advertised of their Approach)  they were on their March and in so large a Number, he
                     would not have sent out that detached Party, and by that Means might have saved
                     the Fort, or at least have prevented it being taken till a Reinforcement might
                     have arrived.
                  The remainder of my Regt being few in Number and in a destitute
                     and naked Condition I have furlough’d to the 1st Decr next, but however few are
                     always ready and anxious to persevere in the Cause and are
                     actuated with a principle to retrieve their Losses.
                  I am sorry to inform your Excellency that by Reason of Mr William
                     Sherman my late Regimental Paymaster’s Elopement, and the Loss the Regt has
                     sustained in their Accounts and other papers at the Surrender of the Fort notwithstanding the Articles of Capictulation to the Contrary, it will be
                     impossible for me to Liquidate the Public Accts although it is very evident
                     there is a considerable Ballance of Cash and Cloathing in Arrears to the Regt.
                     On my arresting Mr Sherman in order to bring him to an Acct the Civil Authority
                     in Albany interposed on acct of his Private Debts, notwithstanding my sending
                     an Officer to bring him to the Regt and the application of that Officer to the
                     Commander for his assistance and representation of the Injustice of preferring
                     a Private to a Public Settlement and recd for answer that the Military must be
                     subservient to the Civil, by which means Mr Sherman had an opportunity to elope
                     from his Arrest both Civil and Military, which occasioned my sending Col.
                     Safford in Pursuit of him to Connecticut and which may readily excuse his
                     Absence from Fort George when taken, and notwithstanding every Exertion in my
                     power, at a very great Expence he has eluded every Search and hitherto escaped
                     the Hands of Justice. I have to Honour to Subscribe myself Your Excellencies
                     Most Obt & Hum. Servt

                     Seth Warner

                     P.S. I must Request your Excellency’s Warrant on the Pay
                        Masr General for two Months Pay for the Officers of my Regiment on Account;
                        to be delivered to Captain Moulton and that your Excellency will send me
                        Directions concerning the Mustering of the Regt from 1st or 10th Decr last; and how
                        I shall conduct with the remains.

                     S.W.

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Fort George October 11 1780

                     as it is reported to me that there is a Small party of Savages
                        near Blody pond you will immediately take forty eight men officers included
                        and proceed on the main road untill you make discoveries of them Keeping
                        Sufficient advanced and flank guards in such a manner as to prevent being
                        Surrounded—if you find a large party you will immediatly retreat to the
                        fort—except they should be Savages only, in which Case you will attack and
                        immediatly Charge uppon them.

                        Jno. Chipman Capt. Commandt


Title: General Orders, 31 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Totowa Tuesday October 31st 1780
                     Parole Pittsburgh
                     Countersigns Platt: Quin.
                     Watchword Prepare

                  For the day TomorrowBrigadier General
                     WayneColonel BradfordLieutenant Colonel NewallMajor BallardBrigade Major Van LaërTwelve waggoners to be draughted from the line and sent to the
                     Orderly office tomorrow 12 ô clock. Two masons from the Pennsylvania Line to be
                     sent at the same time.
                  The officers composing the general court martial whereof Colonel
                     H. Jackson is President, are to return to their duty in the line.
                  While we continue in the present position the Post rider will
                     leave camp at noon every Thursday instead of Friday morning Letters therefore
                     must be handed to the post office (at the Park) in time for the mail to be made
                     up in that hour.
                  At a general court martial of the line Fishkill October 25th 1780
                     Colonel Hazen President—Colonel Elisha Sheldon of the 2d regiment of Light
                     dragoons was tried on the following charges.
                  lst. Injuring the public service by discharging without proper
                     authority from said regiment, a number of men inlisted upon continental bounty
                     and encouragement to serve during the war.
                  2dly. Defrauding the public by selling and exchanging away
                     regimental horses and converting the avails to his own use.
                  3dly. Defrauding the officers and soldiers of his regiment of
                     plunder taken in action and converting the avails to his own private use.
                  4thy. With unofficier and ungentlemanlike behavior.
                  The court are of opinion that he is not guilty of either of the
                     charges exhibited as aforesaid, and do acquit him with Honor and a full
                     Approbation: and the court on this occasion think it a duty further to add that
                     the charges did not originate from a Zeal or desire to serve the United States;
                     but rather thro’ private animosity pique or prejudice that the prosecution is
                     vexatious and Malicious; and that doctor Darius Stoddard the Complainant is
                     justly chargeable with all the expence attending the court martial on the Trial
                     of Colonel Elisha Sheldon.
                  His Excellency the commander in Chief confirms the opinion of the
                     Court and orders Colonel Sheldon to be released from Arrest.
                  At the General court martial of the line whereof Colonel Bailey
                     is president, the 20th instant, George Berrien and James Berrien Boatmen, were
                     tried for "Breaking open a box of cloathing, or suffering it to be done whilst
                     under their care, and taking Six pair of leather breeches--five pair of boots
                     and one pair of Shoes belonging to the officers of Colonel Nixon’s regiment."
                  The court on mature consideration are of opinion that the charge
                     against the Prisoners is not supported.
                  The Commander in Chief approves the opinion of the Court, and
                     orders George Berrien and James Berrien released from Confinement.


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 31 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                     GentnHead Quarters near Passaic Falls 31st October 1780

                  You will oblige me by forwarding the inclosed to Colo. Wood, as
                     expeditiously as possible. It contains orders to send down Brigadiers Genl
                     Spetch and de Gall of the Convention Troops, to whose exchanges sir Henry
                     Clinton has consented. The Gentlemen are both old and infirm and it is
                     therefore to be wished that they may accomplish their long Journey before the
                     severity of the season sets in.
                  I have recd Mr Stodderts favor of the 28th with Colo.
                     Jacksons Commissions. I have the honor &c.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 31 October 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir.
                     Pokeepsie Octr 31st 1780

                  I have to acknowlege the Receipt of your Excellency’s circular
                     Letter of the 18th Instant covering a Return of the Troops credited to this
                     State and also your Letter of the 21st inclosing Mr Duers letter with the
                     Information respecting Mr Thos Smith.
                  The Legislature previous to their rising provided for the
                     completion of the Quota of contl Troops of this State during the War, and
                     charged me with the execution of it whenever it should be ascertained what were
                     the number to be raised by this State.
                  By the new Arrangement of the Army, a Copy of which has been
                     transmitted me by the President, the Quota assigned this State is two Regiments
                     of Infantry & one of Artillery. From the Return transmitted me by your
                     Excellency it would appear that our Deficiency is three hundred &
                     thirteen: But lest I may have misapprehended the Return or error in my
                     calculation I wish to have the number ascertained by your Excellency before I
                     issue my Orders for raising the Men; especially as they are to be apportioned
                     to the different Counties, and any mistake in the aggregate number would be
                     productive of Embarrassment and Delay. The moment I am favored with your
                     Excellency’s Answer on this Subject the Business will be commenced and I have
                     little Doubt that it will be effected in due Season. I am unhappy to find that
                     Congress have left an opening for temporary Inlistments in their new
                     Arrangement—Experience has taught us that there are States who will avail
                     themselves of it; by which means our hopes of a permanent Army will be
                     defeated.
                  I will deliver the Information respecting Mr Smith to the
                     Commissioners for Detecting Conspiracies who will be able to make such
                     Enquiries as to ascertain the Truth of it—at any rate it may be proper to
                     direct his removal from his present Residence.
                  Since writing the above I received the enclosed Information from
                     Genl Ten Broeck & I have in consequence ordered out a considerable body
                     of Militia to that Quarter—Gansevoort’s Regiment is properly situated to aid in
                     opposing the Enemy. I have the honor to be with great Respect & Esteem
                     Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant

                     Geo. Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 31 October 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Philadelphia October 31st 1780

                  On my arrival at this place I laid your Excellency’s letter
                     before Congress and addressed them on the business of the Southern department.
                     I am happy to inform you that my appointment is perfectly agreeable to their
                     views and wishes. But I am sorry to acquaint you that from the best account I
                     can get of the State and condition of the troops in that quarter, nothing is to
                     be expected from them, unless large supplies can be forwarded from the
                     Northward. They are altogether without clothing and blankets, and totally unfit
                     for any kind of service. To carry them into the field in this condition will
                     only fill the hospitals and sacrafice the lives of a great many valuable men.
                     Arms are not less wanting than clothing, and Waggons as much as either. Men I
                     believe may be had if it was in our power to equip them for the field. But how
                     we shall do this is difficult for me to imagine. Congress can furnish no money,
                     and the Board of War neither clothing or other necessaries. Indeed the prospect
                     is dismal, and truly distressing.
                  I beg your Excellency to urge unceasingly the necessity of
                     forwarding supplies for the southern Army, as it will be impossible to carry on
                     a winter campaign without clothing.
                  I have laid before Congress an estimate of our wants; but there
                     is not the shadow of a prospect of their being furnished unless constant
                     attention is paid to the business. And I am apprehensive as soon as I am gone,
                     and no one left to urge our wants they will soon be forgotten.
                  The late success of the Militia against Col. Ferguson, I am in
                     hopes will be attended with good consequences. It will give a severe check to
                     the Tories and spirit and confidence to the Whigs. A report prevails this day
                     that Lord Cornwallis has retreated precipitately from Charlotte towards Camden.
                  The detachment of the Enemy that sailed lately from New York are
                     landed at Portsmouth in Virginia; and it is said the shiping are pushing up the
                     rivers. The troops have taken possession of the great bridge, by which I am
                     told they command all the lower Counties.
                  How to employ our little force if we are attacked both in
                     Virginia and N. Carolina at the same time is difficult to determine. My first
                     object will be to equip a flying Army to consist of about eight hundred horse
                     and one thousand Infantry. This force with the occasional aid of the Militia
                     will serve to confine the enemy in their limits and render it difficult for
                     them to subsist in the interior country.
                  I see but little prospect of getting a force to contend with the
                     enemy upon equal grounds and therefore must make the most of a kind of partizan
                     war untill we buy and equip a larger force.
                  Such was the difficulty of getting provisions and providing the
                     means of transportation that Genl Gates writes in his last letter that the Army
                     was in the utmost danger of disbanding.
                  Congress have invested me with the same powers they gave to Genl
                     Gates, and annexed Maryland and Delaware to the Southern department.
                  The arrangement of the Army has taken place, and I hope upon a
                     footing which will render it more respectable than it has been, provided the
                     business of Finance can be got into some regular order: but that is our
                        weak side; and I wish our distresses may be painted in
                     their true colours to the Minister of France, as he intimated
                     to Baron Steuben that your Excellency did not appear to be
                     apprehensive of any difficulty from the State of our affairs.
                  I have made application to the Merchants of
                     this city for clothing for the Southern army; but they excused themselves as
                     having engaged more already than they can perform. I intend to try to put
                     subscriptions on foot in Maryland and Virginia for the purpose of supplying
                     clothing. Whether it will produce any good or not time only can determine. At
                     any rate I shall have the satisfaction of having done all in my power; and if
                     there is not public spirit enough in the people to defend their liberties, they
                     will deserve to be slaves.
                  General Knox promissed to send forward a company of Artillery if
                     your Excellency approved thereof. I wish they may come forward without loss of
                     time. This State have promissed to lend me one thousand stand of Arms upon a
                     promise of their being replaced which I beg your Excellency to give an order
                     for, as this was the only footing they could be obtained upon. I have the honor
                     to be with every sentiment of respect and esteem Your Excellency’s Most
                     Obedient Humble Servant

                     Nath. Greene
                     M. General


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 31 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters near Passaic Falls Octr 31st 1780

                  Upon the representation of Mr Morey that two Negro Men belonging
                     to him, were detained as Soldiers in the Massachusett’s Line, contrary to his
                     inclination, I gave directions to Brigadier General Glover to appoint a Board
                     of Officers to enquire into the Justice of his claim, and to report the facts
                     with, their opinion thereon—A Copy of this Report I now do myself the honor to
                     inclose to you.
                  As Mr Morey is a subject of your State, and the question appears
                     to be how far the several circumstances stated in the Report ought to affect
                     his property—I have thought proper to refer the Matter to Your Opinion; having
                     no object in view but a desire that equal justice may be done to the Public and
                     the Individual concerned. I have the honor to be Your Excellencys Most
                     Obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 31 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters near Passaic Falls Octr 31st 1780

                  I have received your Letter of the 24th Instant. As the character
                     and circumstances of the Prisoners at West Point are much better known to you
                     on the spot, than they can possibly be to me, I have only to request that you
                     will use your discretion with respect to them. The Proceedings of the Court on
                     Burtiss have never been in my hands.
                  There is I am informed by Gen. Irvine, a Chest belonging to Col.
                     Koscuiszko containing principally Papers of a public nature; which General
                     Greene had determined to have removed from Mrs Warrens to a place of more
                     security—but in the hurry of business might have omitted. If the chest still
                     remains at West Point, you will be pleased to take it into Your charge, or have
                     it removed to a place of safety—As the Drafts & Papers are of
                     consequence to the Public. I am with great regard Dear Sir Your Most Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 31 October 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     West Point October 31st 1780

                  Conformable to the signification of your pleasure in yours of the
                     29th June last, I take the liberty to enclose an amount of such of my extra
                     expences at Rhode Island, as were paid by me, and request your order thereon
                     for the ballance. The General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island politely
                     passed a resolve directing their purchasing commissary to furnish the
                     commissary of Issues with such provisions &c. as were necessary for my
                     table while I remained in that State, and all the other supplies were furnished
                     by the Commissary accordingly.
                  The season is now nearly arrived when it will be necessary to
                     take up and secure the chain. Many of the buoys are become so water soaken as
                     to be on the point of sinking and will grow more so every day as the cold
                     encreases. I think it ought to be taken up at farthest by the middle of next
                     month. it may be easier done sooner. As this is an important as well as a
                     difficult piece of business, and was the last year conducted with great skill
                     and dexterity by Colonel Tupper, I would request, if it is agreable to your
                     Excellency, and not disagreable to him; that he may be sent to superintend the
                     business. it will not take up any considerable length of time.
                  The enclosed Letter from Colonel Hay just now came to hand.
                     Apprehending that it was on the subject of supplies, on which General Greene as
                     well as myself, had written to Colonel Hay, I openned the Letter. this letter
                     contains all the particular intelligence I have yet received from the
                     Northward. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s
                     Most obedient Servant

                     W. Heath


Title: From Caleb Gibbs to William Irvine, 31 October 1780
From: Gibbs, Caleb
To: Irvine, William

                     Dr Sir
                     Hd Qurs 31st Octr
                     1780

                  His Excellency requests you will be pleased to attend at Head
                     Quarters at 12 oClock this day. I am With great Respect Your most Obedt

                     C. Gibbs, Mldt Guards


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 31 October 1780
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                     Sr
                     Philada 31 Octob. 1780

                  I am sorry to be under the necessity of calling off your
                     Excellencies attention from matters of moment to listen to a difference between
                     the gentlemen of the medical department & me, but the good of the
                     service, by a preservation of proper discipline, requires I should state facts
                     & request your directions.
                  Some time since a refusal from the doctors of the hospital to
                     receive some sick soldiers, sent there by my order, in consequence of a request
                     from the doctor attending the hospital in the barracks, was productive of a
                     general court martial, the proceedings of which, I am informed are now before
                     you.
                  About the 19th of this month I thought it necessary, as there was
                     an alteration in the department, to remend the doctors that the time for making
                     the returns to the adjutant genl, agreable to your orders transmitted to me by
                     him, was approaching, I therefore wrote a note to Dr Shippen requesting he
                     would direct the return to be sent to me, & in future by the 20 or 21
                     of each month that I might forward it by the following post. The post day
                     arrived without my hearing any thing from the doctor or receiving the return;
                     being engaged that morning by letters & other business I desired the
                     doctor of the Invalid regt to call at the hospital for it, he informed me Dr
                     Berry, the principal of the hospital, had taken it to town; I delayed sending
                     my letter to the post as long as possible & was obliged to send it
                     without the return, I continued in daily expectation of receiving it ’till the
                     27th when I wrote to Dr Berry, a copy of my letter accompanies this, No. 1
                     & received the answer No. 2. Greatly surprised at the purport of it,
                     & thinking it a duty incumbent on me to support the dignity &
                     authority of my station, I wrote No. 3 to the doctor & sent it by Lt
                     Pugh, to whom I gave written instructions No 4. On his return he informed me
                     the doctor accepted the arrest.
                  In the afternoon Dr Jackson came to me & told me it was
                     not the custom for the doctors to make returns to the Superintending officer,
                     but that the hospital books were open to his perusal & he might make
                     his return from them. I replied this was quite new to me, that Dr Smith,
                     predecessor to Dr Berry, & Dr Otto made their returns, that if Dr
                     Shippen or Dr Berry had informed me this was the usual method I should not have
                     made any objection, as it was a matter of indifference to me how I received the
                     necessary information provided I was enabled to comply with the orders of my
                     superiors. Had this been the only point in controversy between the doctors
                     & me you should not have been troubled with it, tho from the best
                     information I can procure from Col. Humpton & other officers &
                     doctors, I find the above is not the most usual method & Doctor Jackson
                     has since owned he spoke only from the practice in the hospital he attended.
                  Forty years service as an officer has not only informed me that
                     every person in military employment is bound to obey orders, but has convinced
                     me of the necessity of the regulation, & that it is adopted in all
                     armies in Europe. If the person receiving the order thinks himself injured he
                     has a right to complain, before the execution thereof, if time, and the
                     presence of authority superior to that of the person issuing the order,
                     permits, if not he is to obey & seek redress afterwards. I am fully
                     satisfied that in Europe every officer commanding in camp, garrison or post has
                     a right to know the strength & circumstances of every body &
                     thing military in the place, this the good of the service often requires, but
                     no event rendering such information necessary since the command here has
                     devolved on me as senior officer, I never required returns from any department,
                     being averse to giving trouble from no other motive than a wanton display of
                     authority; but this right being now contested, I think it requisite, for the
                     preservation of discipline, the point should be determined.
                  In all new institutions precedents should be carefully attended
                     to, as bad customs may acquire sanction by practice. Obedience to orders from
                     my superiors, as well as enforcing obedience to such as I conceive necessary
                     is, from long practice become habitual to me, wherefore you may be assured I
                     shall comply, with due submission to your determination in both points of
                     controversy between me & the gentlemen of the faculty. Permit me to
                     assure your Excellency that I am with respect Sr Your most obed. Servt.

                     Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.

                Enclosure

                     No. 1SirBarracks 27-28 October 1780
                        27 Octr 1780I expected the return of the sick would agreeable to Orders
                        have been sent to me last tuesday to be forwarded to Head Quarters, but was
                        disappointed nor have I reced it since. must therefore request it be sent to
                        me immediately, & one every month in such time that it may be sent
                        by the 1st post after the 20th as his Excellency requires their being
                        returned to Adjutant Genls Office by the 25th of every Month, I am Sir your
                        most Obedt Servt

                        Lewis Nicola Col. Invds
                        Supt of Hospitals

                     To Doctor Berrey
                        or Senr Doctor attendg the Hospital
                            at the Bettering House.

                     No.2SirPhilada Octr 27th 1780I have receivd your letter of this day, & beg leave to
                     inform You I am too well acquainted with that line of my duty to delay making
                     returns to the Officer who has a right to demand them.
                  To Superior Authority on my own departmt & orders of
                     Congress I hold myself amenable, but am entirely ignorant of all Orders which
                     oblige me to make a return to You, or any other Superintendent Officer
                     whatever. With due respect I remain sir your most obedt.

                     B. Berrey P. & S.

                     No. 3SirBarracks 28th Oct. 1780I reced yours of yesterday date & own I read it with
                     astonishment as I cannot conceive how you coud refuse Obedience to an order
                     your predecessors have complied with for years past.
                  You say you are too well acquainted with the line of your duty,
                     to delay making returns to the Officer, who has a right to demand them. I am
                     sorry to say, Your Conduct evinces the contrary, & that I am
                     necessitated to inform You the superintendg officer has a right to inspect into
                     every thing relating to the Hospital under his care; medicament &
                     aliment for the sick Excepted; & to demand returns of the sick,
                     & the Officer commands at any post where an Hospital is, has a right to
                     order returns to be made to him, of the State thereof, whenever he thinks
                     necessary, as well as of every other department under his command.
                  As Field Officer superintendg the Hospital, in this State, I
                     demand a return of the Hospital under Your Care to be made to me this day;
                     & as Commanding Officer, I order Your Complyance with the above. Lt
                     Pugh the bearer has orders in case of refusal, to put you under Arrest,
                     & as from the Stile, & purport of your letter, I have reason to
                     suppose You will not submit to the Arrest; he is directed & authorized
                     by Me, to compel You thereto by force, to bring You to the barracks a prisoner,
                     & confine You in an Officers Room, under the care of one or more
                     Sentries, if necessary.
                  Nothing but the obligation I am under to preserve discipline
                     would induce me to go to this Extremity, & I hope Your Complyance with
                     the first or second of these directions & orders, will render the last
                     unnecessary, which will give much Satisfaction to Sir, your humble Servant
                  Lewis Nicola Col. of Inv. Commy

                  To Doctor Berrey

                     No. 4SirBarracks Octr 28. 1780You are hereby directed to go to the House of Dr Berrey, Senior
                     docter of the Hospital in the Bettering House, & deliver to him the
                     open letter herewith given to You, requiring his making a return to me this day
                     of the sick under his Care should he refuse,You are to put him under Arrest,
                     requiring him to remain a Prisoner in his house without going therefrom unless
                     by permission from me or any other Officer that may succeed me in the command
                     of this post, In case he refuses to accept this Arrest, You are with military
                     force if necessary, to bring him up to the Barracks, & confine him in
                     the Room prepared for Capt. Reily, under the Care of such Sentries, as You may
                     think necessary.
                  You are to proceed in this business with as much decency
                     & politeness; as the nature thereof will admit, & not proceed
                     to the last Extremity, unless compelld thereto by a repeated refusal on the
                     Doctor’s part, to comply with the Order for the return, or to submit to the
                     Arrest in his own House.
                  Lewis Nicola Col. Inv. Commy.

                  To Lt Pugh Adjnt to the Invd Regt


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 31 October 1780
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     War Office Octr 31 1780

                  The Board have been honoured with your Letter desiring their
                     Ideas of the Meaning of the Words the Line of the
                     Army in the Resolution of Congress of the 10th April last. We beg to
                     inform your Excellency that we understand the phrase in its greatest Latitude
                     comprehending all Officers of the Army holding military Rank.
                  The Commission to Capt. Gilman is directed to be altered
                     agreeably to your Excellency’s Desire. We have the Honour to be with the
                     highest respect your very obedt Servants

                     Richard Peters
                     By order


Title: From George Washington to William Phillips, 31 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Phillips, William

                     Sir,
                     Head Quarters Prackness Octr 31
                     1780

                  I have received your letter of the 23d and have directed my
                     Commissary of Prisoners to accede to the exchange of the two Brigadiers you
                     mention, on terms which I have pointed out to him and conformable to his former
                     instructions.
                  I have sent an order—to the Commanding officer at Albemarle
                     barracks for expediting the coming on of those Gentlemen to Elizabeth Town as
                     you propose. I have the honor to be Sir Your most Obedt servant


Title: To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 31 October 1780
From: Schuyler, Philip John
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Saratoga October 31st
                        -November 1780

                  After the enemy had taken Fort George and Fort Ann and burnt the
                     Farm houses and barns In the northern part of this district and destroyed all
                     most the whole of those in Kings and Queensborough townships, they retired to
                     Ticonderoga in the vicinity of which place they Continued until the 22d Instant,
                     and then fell down the Lake to about ten miles north of Crown point, On
                     Wednesday the 25th the whole embarked In their batteaus and proceeded towards
                     St Johns, but were soon met by an express boat which brought them all back, On
                     the Evening of that day a reinforcement arrvid of between five and 14 hundred,
                     my Informant left them on the thursday morning but without being able to learn
                     their Intentions, he supposes they amount to about Fifteen or Sixteen hundred,
                     Including Indians and Tories. Capt Chipman of Warners regiment who Commanded
                     at Fort George when It was surrendered returned here yesterday, on parole as he
                     Says to remain until May next unless exchanged, and that they have agreed to
                     take any person whatever for him but wish to have a Dr Smith, a tory residing
                     at Albany. What Induced this Indulgence to Chipman I know not. various are the
                     Conjectures, and unfavorable to Chipman before his return It was reported by
                     some of his own men that he frequently went Into the woods near Fort George
                     alone, and Continued for hours together. I inquired of one of his officers, who
                     declared he had heard of such report, but declared It to be false as he would
                     have known It, being then at the fort. About Eleven this morning I received a
                     letter from Mr John Williams concerning Copies of Letters from Colo. Eathan
                     Allen and Colo. Webster of the Charlotte County Militia, copies whereof I have
                     the honor to Inclose; Sending a flag to Vermont for the purpose of exchanging
                     prisoners appears to me only as a cover to Some design of the Enemy, and gives
                     me much uneasiness, especially as rumours prevail that the person whom Your
                     Excellency was Informed to have been In New York In July last is negotiating
                     with the Enemy and that he has been in New York but I cannot learn that any one
                     can positively ascertain either of these facts I shall attempt an Investigation
                     of the truth.
                  Gen. Heath in a letter of the 21st Instant to Colo. Gansevoort
                     Intimates as If his regiment was to return to west point If he does, this part
                     of the Country will be so entirely exposed that I make no doubt but the
                     Inhabitants will leave their plantations. I have therefore to Intreat Your
                     Excellency to permit It to remain In this Quarter.
                  November 1st About twelve last night I received another letter
                     from Colo. Webster Copy whereof I also transmit. by these
                     Letters from a Justice Clark and Mr Williams I find Allan has dismissed his
                     Militia, and that It is believed a Compact has been made with him, Indeed
                     Webster Intimates It as your Excellency will perceive by his last letter.
                     Should this really be the Case, It will be a most disagreable Circumstance and
                     unless a Speedy Interposition takes place the Consequences may prove extreamly
                     prejudicial to the Common Cause; The Militia are so harrassed that I much doubt
                     If we shall be able In time to collect a body sufficient to oppose the Enemy If
                     their force is such as stated In the letters and Information. I have however
                     hoped that the Severe Snow & rain Storm which now prevails, will at
                     least retard their March if not oblige them to return to Canada. Be so good as
                     to make my Compliments to Colonel Hamilton and the other Gentlemen of the
                     Family and to advise the former that I cannot do myself the pleasure to answer
                     his favors of the 17th & 21st inst; as this is the last sheet of paper
                     I have. I have taken the liberty to leave this under flying seal for the
                     perusal of Governor Clinton. I am Dr Sir with every affectionate Sentiment, and
                     perfect Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedient Hum

                     Ph; Schuyler

                     His Excellencys General WashingtonI am this moment Informed that the person I have alluded to
                        In this letter, has been in Canada about Six weeks ago, but the Information
                        is not such as I can depend upon.

                Enclosure

                           c.31 October 1780

                     SirHead Quarters Castleton Vt. 29th Octor
                     1780Last evening I received a Flag from Major Carelton Commanding the
                     British Troops at Crown point with a proposal from General Haldermand
                     Commanding in Chief in Canada for Settling a Cartel for the Exchange of
                     prisoners.
                  Major Carelton has pledged his faith that no Hostilities shall be
                     committed on any Posts, or Scouts within the Limits of this State during the
                     negotiation.
                  Least your State should suffer an invasion in the Interim of time
                     I have this day dispatched a Flag to Major Carelton Requesting that he extend
                     Cessation of Hostilities on the Northern posts & frontiers of New York—you will therefore Conduct your affairs as to Scouts &ca only on the
                     defensive untill you hear further from me. I am &c.Ethan AllenColo. Webster to be Commanuated to Col. Williams and the
                        other posts on your frontiers. } a Copy.
                  The above  I received the 30th instant & immediately
                        dispatched a copy for the perusal of General Schuyler, and by him to be sent
                        to Colo. Gansevort making no doubt but the General would make it Circular
                        in the proper Channel—I called a Counsel of my Officers—to see what we had
                        best do (as General Allen had dismissed his Militia) upon the whole our
                        fears were rather increased as diminished—The best accounts of the Enemys
                        numbers is 15 or 1600 Hundred and has got a fresh Supply of provisions
                        &c. with a reinforcement as to numbers uncertain—In writing of this
                        I have recieved the following Express.
                     Fort Warner October 30th 1780 7 OC. P.M.By certain intelligence received by Lieut. Cox of my
                           detachment who return’d this day at 1 O’Clock at Fort Vengeance from a
                           Scout he informs that yesterday at 2 O’Clock past meridian he saw five
                           Ships some Gondolas a great number of batteaus so that the Lake look’d
                           black for a mile in length all sailing to the Southward—he saw them from
                           their March at Crown point Sail some Miles. A great number of fires  towards Putnams point now burning—These are to
                           notify you to give a good look out for I believe that they intend to make
                           a forced march on the New York frontiers. I am &c.Ebr Allan Majr
                           Commandga CopyN.B. General Allan is on his way home. I am afraid the Enemy have
                           out Genera’l him. Alexr WebsterI remain at Granvail near Skeensborough
                           and about three hundred Men of the Enemy comes this way which is very
                           likely to me unless I am imediately reinforced they will
                           be upwards of 5 to one. I keep a good Scouts from South to East bay. I shall be glad to be Informed by the returning Express what I have to depend
                           upon. I am with due respect Your Humble Servt
                        Alexr Webster

                     General Schuyler will please to read the above &
                           if Col. Gansevort at Fort Edward will please to send
                           him a Copy & Send one to Gen. Ten broak who is
                           requested to forward it to the Governor.

                Enclosure

                           31 October 1780

                     SirRheeport Vt. about
                        break of day of the 31st Octo. 1780Majr Ebr Allen who Commands at Pitsford has sent an express after
                     me to this place informing me that one of his Scouts at one or two of the Clock
                     P.M. of the 29th out from Chimney point discovered.Four or five Ships &
                     Gun boats & batteaux the lake Covered black all making Sail to
                     Ticonderoga Ships flying to & from the Vessels to the batteau giving
                     orders & the foregoing is quoted from his letter Verbatum.But I
                     cannot imagine that Majr Carelton will violate his Truce I have sent Majr Clark
                     with a flag to Majr Carelton particularly to confirm the Truce on my part I
                     have given him to understand that no hostilities will be permitted on my part
                     & likewise to intercede on the behalf of the frontiers of N. York.
                  That the motion of the british may be on their design I know not
                     you must judge for yourself & Send out scouts to further discover the
                     condition of the enemy. Major Allen thinks they have a design against your
                     state from Your Humle Servant Eathan Allantrue copy
                  Received this  about this day eleven o’Clock A. M. and am persuaded our
                        situation is truly dangerous. I expect to hear by some of my Scouts Every
                        moment that the Enemy is at hand and If we are obliged to leave this place
                        the Inhabitants will move off, and there is no telling where It will end.
                           I make no doubt but at first sight It will appear
                           that the Grants have left us to ourselves either to stand or fall. I
                        hope the most speedy exertions will be used to oppose the Enemy. I have out
                        strong and active Scouts and beg a Speedy answers. I am with great Esteem
                        Your Humble Servant

                        Alexr Webster

                        N:B: Gen. Schuyler will please to read the Inclosed and
                           give the Commander at Fort Edward notice and Immediately send this Forward
                           to Gen. Ten Broeck who is required to give the Governor
                           notice I hope you have received mine of this date and will take of the
                           difference, pray faver me with a little writing paper
                           or I shall be prevented giving Information.


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 31 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Skinner, Abraham

                     Sir,
                     Hd Qrs Prackness Octr 31st
                     1780

                  In a letter from Major General Phillips of the 23rd, he proposes
                     to exchange of Brigader Generals Spetch and De Gall, for any two of the three
                     Brigadiers, Thompson, Waterbury and Irvine.
                  I have already instructed you respecting General Thompson. It is
                     my wish that you exchange the Gentlemen of the Convention troops above
                     mentioned, as well as Generals Phillips and Reidesel; but I make it a condition
                     to the exchanges of these General Officers that General Du Portail and the
                     other characters particularly mentioned to you by Congress and the Board of War
                     be included.
                  Generals Specht and De Gall are immediately to come on to
                     Elizabeth Town, so that it is necessary you should inform me as soon as
                     possible, whether our proposals are accepted. I am, Sir, Your Most Obed Serv


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Vose, 31 October 1780
From: Vose, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                     Camp Octr 31st
                     1780

                  Captn Orrangh Stoddard of the 1st Massachusetts Regt haveing Represented  his circomstance as such he cannot aney longer Continue in the service I would therefore Recomend him for a discharge as it will be no detrement to the Regiment his leaving the service at this time.

                     Joseph Vose Colo.


Title: From George Washington to James Wood, 31 October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wood, James

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters near Passaic Falls 31st Octobr 1780

                  Major General Phillips has informed me that Sir Henry Clinton has
                     consented to the exchange of Brigadiers General Spetch and de Gall with the
                     officers of their suite and their attendants—I have acceded to this proposal,
                     You will therefore immediately permit those General officers with their
                     families to repair to Elizabeth Town, by the Route of Lancaster—Reading—and
                     Easton, avoiding any cantonment of the army in their way thro Jersey. I am with
                     great Esteem, Dear Sir yr most obt Servt


Title: From George Washington to Denis-Jean-Florimond Langlois de Montheville, marquis Du Bouchet, October 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Du Bouchet, Denis-Jean-Florimond Langlois de Montheville, marquis

                     Sir

                        October 1780

                  I have been made happy by the receipt of your letter of the 28th
                     of September, and regret that I had not an opportunity at Hartford, of assuring
                     you personally of my esteem. Confirmed by what I have seen myself, in the high
                     opinion of his abilities and personal qualities, with which the reputation of
                     the Count De Rochambeau had impressed me, I learn with peculiar pleasure, his
                     obliging partiality for me, and my satisfaction is complete in the assurance
                     you give me that your army in general participate in his sentiments. They have
                     too much merit not to possess all my esteem. The zeal with which they came to
                     the succour of this country, and their good conduct since will be a new cement
                     of the alliance. Every day brings me Fresh proofs of the growing affection and
                     admiration of the inhabitants who are witnesses to it. I hope another campaign
                     will be more favourable to their wishes than the past and will reward them with
                     those laurels and with that glory, which I am persuaded they will deserve.
                  I beg my compliments to Cols. Fleury and Du Plessis, with every
                     assurance of my friendship. With great consideration I have the honor to be Sir
                     Your most Obed. servt


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, October 1780
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General

                        October 1780

                  About the 27th of August last a neighbour of mine shewed me a
                     Letter which he received from a friend of his in New York, informing him that
                     he had received the money on a Debt due to my Informant from a person lately
                     dead; and that if he could procure a flag and come to New York he would pay it
                     to him. He requested my assistance in procuring a flag for the purpose, I
                     accordingly wrote to General Arnold in his behalf; informing him that I knew
                     the person in question to be friendly to the Country and of such a character
                     that he would faithfully perform whatever engagement he made. General Arnold
                     after detaining him until the 30th of August, without giving him any reasons
                     for his detention, granted him a flag and then brought from his private room
                     the letter addressed to John Anderson which has since been delivered to your
                     Excellency. He informd the bearer that it was a letter from a friend of his
                     which he had inspected, at the same time pointing that it had been sealed with
                     a wafer which he had broken and afterwards sealed with wax. This he desired the
                     bearer to be careful of and deliver with his own hand if he went into New York
                     or to the Commanding Officer of the outpost if he did not. The person to whom
                     it was committed went into New York and effected his business; but the
                     extraordinary precaution which Arnold had used respecting the matter excited
                     his curiosity to examine the manner in which it was sealed, and finding the
                     wafer had not been broken as Arnold had told him, he suspected it might contain
                     something illicit, and upon consulting some of his friends there, concluded to
                     bring it back again; and on the 10th of September brought it and delivered it
                     to me. It should have been forwarded earlier to your Excellency but as I
                     supposed it to refer merely to commerce chose rather to make it a subject of
                     private conversation than of letter; on my arrival your Excellency was just
                     leaving camp, so that it was left to the illegible  of the
                     horrid event to detect his unsuspected instrument. I am yr
                     Excellency’s Obedt Servt

                     Sam. H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, October 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia Octr 1780

                  I had the honor of adressing your Excellency
                     under date of the 23 Ins. and am this moment favord with your Letter of
                  Your Excellency does justice to my Sentiments in supposing that
                     it is my highest ambition to render myself usefull to the United States—If I
                     can be more so to the Southward than in this Department I go with pleasure and
                     it is this Idea alone that lessens the regret I feel in leaving the Army under
                     your Excellencys immediate Command.
                  With respect to the Arrangement of my Department I must refer
                     your Excellency to my last—the only wish I have to prefer is that those
                     Officers whom your Excellency has chosen & who have hitherto assured me
                     with so much Credit in the Department may be continued and their situations
                     made as Elligible as possible. I have the honor to be with great respect Your
                     Excellencys most Obedient and very hum. Servt

                     Steuben
                     Maj. General


Title: Washington’s Memorandum, October 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                        c.October 1780

                  Opposition
                  If the Enemy should make a movement towards this Army by the way
                     of New–Ark—or Elizabeth Town—The pass at Crane’s gap should be immediately
                     possessed and a look out had at the other passes more to the right—at the
                     sametime, the right Wing should cross the River and extend towards the Notch of
                     the Mountain while the Army—except such part as may be necessary to secure the
                     gorge of the Mountain by Totowa Church—should incline that way. If timely
                     notice is had of the Enemys landing—or intention of Landing at either of the
                     above places, the light Corps of the Army may be advanced to the right instead
                     of the Right Wing.
                  If the enemy come by the way of the No. River—the present
                     disposition of the with a Reinforcement sent to the Notch is as good as can be
                     till the point of attack can be discovered.
               Removal of BaggageIf the enemy advance by the Rout first mentioned above—The
                     Baggage is to be sent to Pompton—That of the Right Wing is to take the Rout by
                     Colo. Deys—the two bridges—Dodds—& through Pompton plains—That of the
                     left Wing & light Corps by Vanhoutes—Geo: Decemes—Marcellus’—and Ogdens
                     Iron Works—The Parke of Artillery. The Baggage of the Commander in Chief—and
                     General Staff—is to pass Colo. Deys & proceed by Nicholas Jones and
                     David Browns to Pompton.
                  If the enemy should advance by the way of the No. River—The
                     Baggage in that case is to move to Ramapaugh bridge by Jennings’ Tavern—The
                     Right Wing—Parke of Artillery—and Genl Staff to proceed to the two Bridges by
                     Colo. Deys—The left wing to the same place by Vanhoutes &
                     Ryersons—Thence over horse Neck-bridge—& the whole to ascend the hill
                     above Ramapaugh bridge. The Baggage of the sevl Corps of horse to go with the
                     Baggage of the parts of the Army they are ordered to join.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 1 November 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General,
                            West point November 1. 1780

                        I am just honored with yours of the 29th ultimo. the severity of the Storm has been such that Smith has not
                            been able to cross the River. When he comes he shall be proceeded with agreable to your directions.
                        The Letters to Governor Clinton &c. shall be forwarded with dispatch.
                        I had the honor of addressing your Excellency on the 26th ultimo respecting the several culprits who are
                            under sentence of death. I wish your answer as soon as may be convenient. I have the honor to be With the greatest Respect
                            Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 1 November 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters Prackness Novr 1st 1780

                        I have the honor to request you will lay before Congress the inclosed memorial, handed to me by the Marquis
                            De la Fayette; one from the Canadian families which have taken refuge from Albany complaining that they have not for some
                            time past received the provisions allowed them by Congress—Another from a Captn Traversy containing a demand for money due
                            while employed by Major General Gates for secret services which the removal of General Gates from the command he held at
                            the time prevented his being paid.
                        As to the first I have taken the liberty to direct General Clinton who commands at Albany to have the
                            Canadian families furnished with a ration for each individual ‘till further orders, I hope Congress will approve this step.
                        In the affair of Captn Traversy I could do nothing but refer him to Congress with an assurance that they
                            would satisfy all his just demands. He is the bearer of this letter.
                        The Case of those Canadians who have attached themselves to our fortune is in general deplorable—and both
                            justice and humanity make it infinitely to be desired,  it were in our power to make some better
                            provision for persons who have left their own country, and involved themselves in every kind of distress in compliance
                            with our invitation. There have been of late frequent representations to me of their sufferings, I am persuaded Congress
                            will do every thing their means will permit for the relief of these unhappy people. I have the honor to be With perfect
                            respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & humle servt

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