Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 20 February 1781
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Albany 20th Feby 1781

                        On the 14th Instant I had the Honor of addressing a Letter to your Excellency by Order of the Legislature,
                            representing the distressed Situation of our Frontiers and the Danger that the Inhabitants would abandon their
                            Habitations. Since my Arrival here yesterday I find their Fears increased in consequence of Your Orders for six Companies
                            to march immediately to Head Quarters, and of Reports which prevail that the Enemy were preparing to cross the Lakes,
                            which are now become passable on the Ice, and I have this Day been requested by both Houses to write to You again upon the
                            Subject, and it is still their earnest Wish that the whole State-Line should remain in this Quarter.
                        I am apprized of the delicate Situation in which this Application must place Your Excellency... Anxious to
                            afford every possible Relief to these unhappy People at a Time when you may be convinced that the general Interest of the
                            Confederacy requires that it’s Force should be directed to other Objects. The weak and distressed Situation of the State
                            must be an Apology for the Legislature in this Request and I have the fullest Persuasion that we shall receive from You
                            every Aid which You can consistently grant. I have the Honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient
                            Servant

                            Geo: Clinton


Title: From George Washington to James Clinton, 20 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, James

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 20th Feby 1781.

                        In consequence of a letter from His Excellency the Governor representing the situation of the Garrison of
                            Fort Schuyler and the Troops at Albany and Schenectady for want of Meat—I have directed the Commissary Genl to give an
                            order upon the Magazine at Richmond for two hundred Barrels of Salt provisions, which you have inclosed. Out of this, you
                            will endeavour to throw a supply of three Months (including what may be already there) into Fort Schuyler, before the
                            Roads are broken up. The remainder, with what the Agents can pick up, will, I hope, keep you going.
                        You will be pleased to order the Recruits to be sent to the Brigade as fast as they are raised. They will be
                            as easily subsisted there as detached in small parties, and will acquire discipline during the stay in Quarters. I am Dear
                            Sir Your most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Davies, 20 February 1781
From: Davies, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Chesterfield Feby 20. 1781.

                        I am directed by the board of arrangement to lay the inclosed representation before your Excellency. They are
                            not actuated by any other motives than a regard to their own rights as officers, and the general interest of the service.
                            Upon similar pretensions General Scott might have retired when General Weedon was irregularly placed over his head; and
                            General Muhlenberg, who was in the same circumstance with General Weedon, as far as respected General Woodford’s claim,
                            might with equal propriety have had his years of retirement too. To prevent these unmilitary indulgences, so exceedingly
                            disagreeable to the line, we have been driven to the measures we have adopted, confident of your Excellency’s
                            disapprobation of the attempt of any officer to place himself over the heads of others, after so long and unnecessary an
                            absence, during the most instructive period since the commencement of the war. The reasons of our opposition are more
                            fully expressed in the inclosed representation to Baron Steuben, the General by whose orders we assembled: to it we beg
                            leave to refer, trusting that the high rank of General Weedon, so far from authorizing such indulgences, will rather
                            operate against the admission of so dissatisfactory a precedent—I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect,
                            your Excellency’s most obedt humble servt.

                            William Davies Col. & President

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Chesterfield February the 18th 1781

                            Justice to ourselves and the officers under our Command has made it the duty of the Field Officers, now
                                sitting for the arrangement of the Virginia line, to remonstrate against the return of General Weedon into service. To
                                you who are so well acquainted with the confusion, disgust and resignations, which have followed such irregular and
                                unmilitary indulgences, we are persuaded we need not use many arguments. But as it is our determination to prosecute
                                this matter to full effect, and to forward copies of this representation to Congress, the Commander in chief and
                                Commanding General of the Southern department, we must beg leave to express our objections more explicitly, and at the
                                same time to assure you they are not the dictates of personal disrespect to General Weedon, but the result of a clear
                                conviction of the impropriety of his claim, and the injury we sustain by his resumption of command. Our reasons are
                            1st. Because he has been near three years absent from service, enjoying the sweets of domestic life and
                                undisturbed retirement, while the Officers, he now claims to command, have undergone all the fatigues and vicissitudes
                                of war, or endured the miseries of a tedious captivity. During this period too, new arrangements and a new mode of
                                discipline have been established, and a considerable degree of military knowledge acquired by many Officers of every
                                Rank. We cannot but therefore feel ourselves sensibly hurt with the reflection, that the Virginia line must be
                                supposed to have acquired so little improvement by all the experience and instruction their opportunities afforded
                                them, as to make it necessary to call from retirement and place over their heads, an Officer who, had long left the
                                field and of course had thrown himself out of that channel of improvement, in the art of war, with which not many
                                officers of any rank had too great an acquaintance.
                            2. Because we conceive General Weedons retiring from service was unjustifiable in itself; and that no
                                good reason can be assigned to vindicate the indulgence he claimed and obtained—If the determination made by the Board
                                of General Officers against his former claim and the Congress’s subsequent confirmation of that determination were
                                right, it is a reasonable presumption that General Weedon was wrong. It must therefore appear strange to all the
                                World, that a particular indulgence injurious to a whole line, should be granted to General Weedon, merely because he
                                had adopted a wrong opinion, and was dissatisfied with the adjudication which decided against it. If dissatisfaction
                                with the judgment of a Court is a sufficient justification for an officer’s absence from his duty in the field, an end
                                is put at once to all military order and subordination. The decision against General Weedon was made by the first rank
                                of officers in the army and approved by the highest authority on the continent: that one would think, of all men
                                    he run the least risk of having injustice done him, and of course could have the least reason
                                to be dissatisfied, and the least right to the indulgence he claimed. Submission to the decisions of the board and
                                Congress, or a resignation, we conceive, were his only alternatives.
                            3. Because it is unequal, cruel and unjust to readmit General Weedon into the army (whose retirement was
                                a voluntary act at an early period of the War) while numbers of valuable officers of various ranks, who continued in
                                service long after he had left it, have been, against their consent and without the least hope of ever resuming their
                                commands, totally excluded. Their readmission undoubtedly would be founded in much greater justice than that of the
                                General’s could possibly be; and yet every body knows that their return into the army can never be accomplished, and would
                                be followed by the total dissolution of our line.
                            4. Because it appears to us absurd, that General Weedon’s retiring sooner from service, should intitle
                                him to greater indulgences than if he had continued longer in it; for the same principles which regulated the
                                dismission of the supernumerary officers at White Plains in August 1778 would have been equally applicable to General
                                Weedon had he continued till that time in the army or had been looked upon as belonging to it. He was the youngest
                                Brigadier, and by the reduction of the regiments his brigade became reduced: all his staff officers were discharged, his command wholly taken away, and
                                himself of course rendered supernumerary: nor has he, in any of the arrangements which have been since made by our
                                line, been considered as an officer belonging to it, nor was there ever an expectation that he would again attempt to
                                take command. Indeed if any regard is to be had to the number of troops raised by the state, there does not appear to
                                be any necessity for a fourth brigadier to be added to the three already in service, and much less could there have
                                been any necessity for such addition, previous to the death of General Woodford: and yet General Weedon attempted to resume and actually exercised his command prior to that event. In short, we cannot perceive any possible reason, if he is not a
                                resigned officer, why he should not on every account be deemed as one of the Supernumeraries of the arrangement of
                                1778, especially as a furlough, whether limited or unlimited, whether obtained from the Commander in chief or any body
                                else, was not, and could not in justice be looked upon, as any exemption from the effects of that arrangement or to entitle an absentee to greater priveledges than an Officer in the field had a right to
                                enjoy. Indeed, we have great reason to believe that General Weedon himself had at times at least his doubts, whether he
                                had a the right to resume his command, otherwise we think he would have obtained some separate
                                military department, where he might have acted free from the embarrassments arising from the interference of the two
                                general officers, whose claims he had contested. An application for an appointment under the State, which we are
                                informed he made, is, if true, another proof of his sentiments on this head; as it has been a received opinion among
                                us that such an appointment would be incompatible with a continental commission in our line. Indeed, some of us have
                                heard the same sentiments respecting General Weedon’s present claim expressed at the Head Quarters of the northern army, as
                                well as by members of Congress in Philadelphia, nobody conceiving he would ever offer any pretensions either to rank
                                or command in the army again.
                            5. Because the resolution of Congress, giving him leave to retire, was founded upon an ex parte representation from General Weedon, without any hearing on the part of the line,
                                whom it matereally affected. The Officers had a right to expect some notice of his intended Application on this
                                subject to Congress. We conceive this act of neglect on his part, a circumstance of complaint on ours, and a forcible
                                objection as well against the propriety of the application as against the weight and efficacy of the resolution of
                                Congress itself; as we form far higher ideas of the justice of that honorable Assembly, than to conceive they would
                                tolerate any act, to the prejudice of a whole line of officers, through favor to any individual whatever: Nor should
                                we have thought it an unnecessary act of condescension in the General on this occasion, to have given us some
                                intimations of his intention of resuming his former rank and command, and of making application to Congress for that
                                purpose.
                            6. Because as General Weedon’s return into service appears to have been founded upon the Captivity of
                                General Woodford or Scott or perhaps both, their exchange or that of one of them would on the same principles justify
                                General Weedons retirement again; in that state of retirement he may continue for three years longer and upon the
                                death or recapture or retirement of either of those Generals, he may again resume his rank and command, and in six
                                months afterwards the War might end. Such indulgences, we cannot but conceive, would be sporting with us and the service.
                                It would be no less than authorizing an individual out of service to take, whenever he chose, that right of
                                promotion, to which the officers, who have faithfully persevered in the field, are justly intitled, as well as to
                                share in all those emoluments which their Country had allotted for them at the end of the War, as the rewards of their
                                toils and dangers.
                            7. Because the same reason which justifies the return of General Weedon into service, would authorize
                                similar claims from Colonel Crawford, Lieutenant Colonel Cropper and others who have been long absent from it. We can
                                have but little hopes of any permanent arrangements ever taking place should these irregularities be permitted. Very
                                uncommon merit and eminent services can alone, in our opinion, justify such extraordinary indulgences.
                            8. Because, in general, rank and command ought to be the rewards of constant and faithful service; nor
                                should the favours of Congress be intercepted by the intervention of those, who have withdrawn from the fatigues and
                                dangers of the war.
                            Upon the whole, should this matter be determined against us, (of which we confess we can form no
                                expectation) it must be then presumed, that it is consistent with the interest of the army to grant such indulgences,
                                as that with which General Weedon was favored; and that as a universal dissatisfaction would on this occasion follow
                                such determination against us each officer of the line, may with equal propriety claim the same permission of
                                retiring from the service of his Country, till a change of circumstances shall put it into his power to return to it
                                with propriety.
                            This is the first opportunity our dispersed situation has admitted of expressing our sentiments
                                collectively on this subject, in which, we assure you, we are unanimous.
                            We wish not to conceal them from General Weedon, and have therefore sent him a copy of this
                                representation, with this additional resolution, that until the propriety and justice of his resuming command, shall
                                have been fairly investigated, we shall refuse any orders from him.
                            We are happy in this opportunity of tendering our warmest thanks to you for your services to our Country
                                and of expressing to you that high respect and esteem with which we have the honor to be Sr Your most obedient
                                & Very hble servants

                                    Smith Snead Majr

                                    Jno. Gibson Col.

                                    2d Virga Regt

                                    7th Vir Regt

                                    Richd Campbell

                                    William Davies Col.

                                    Lt Colo. 7 V. Regt

                                     1st Virg. Regt

                                    Geo. Mathews

                                    prisoner

                                    Wm Darke

                                    Colo. 3d Virga Regnt

                                    on parole

                                    Lt Colo. 4th V. Regt

                                    but not of the board

                                    O. Towles Lt Colo.

                                    Jonah. Clark

                                    prisoner

                                     5thVirga Regimt

                                    Lt Col. 8 Regt

                                    on parole

                                    John Willis

                                    but not of the board

                                    Majr 5th Virginia Regt

                                    W. Croghan

                                    prisoner

                                    Thomas Posey Majr

                                    Major 8 V. Regt

                                    on parole

                                     3d Va Rt

                                    not of the board

                                    Tho. Gaskins Lt Colo.

                                     W. Russell Col.

                                    prisoner

                                    3d Virga Regt

                                     5. Virg. Regt

                                    on parole

                                     not of the board

                            The above are the names of all the Field officers present, and as far as there has been an
                                opportunity of knowing the sentiments of the five absent field officers out of captivity, as well as of those in
                                captivity, the whole of them appear to be unanimous.
                            (Copy)


Title: To George Washington from Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 20 February 1781
From: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                            a bord du Neptune en rade de Newport Le 20 Fevrier 1781
                            Monsieur

                        mr Le Comte de Rochambeau vient de me communiquer La Lettre par Laquelle votre excellence propose d’attaquer
                            avec des detachements des deux armées soutenus par La totalité de L’escadre. Les forces des ennemis
                            dans La baye de Chesapeak. Le plan de cette expedition suppose de notre Côté une superiorité navale qui est bien Loin
                            d’exister, depuis que Les Anglois ayant rematé Le Bedford et ayant été rejoints par L’America sont plus forts de deux
                            vaisseaux, et qu’au contraire, L’escadre du roi je trouve diminuée par le detachement que j’ai deja fait d’un vaisseau et
                            deux fregates pour L’objet que propose votre excellence.
                        La demande positive que m’avoient faite a ce sujet des delegués de Letat de Virginie par le canal de mr Le
                            Chev. de la Luzerne qui me fit passer L’ecrit que j’ai Lhonneur de vous envoyer, a du me persuader que ce detachement
                            seroit suffisant, et, comme je lai deja marqué a Votre excellence, je ne jugeai pas a propos de L’augmenter pour conserver
                            ici une masse de forces en etat d’en imposer aux ennemis; ni d’employer L’escadre entiere a cette expedition, a cause du
                            Long delai que cela auroit occasionnés, et du danger qu’il y auroit eu a laisser La rade de Rhode island et tous mes
                            batiments de transport sans aucune defense.
                        votre excellence sentira aisement qu’il y auroit encore plus d’inconvenients a prendre actuellement ce parti
                            qu’il n’y en auroit eu dans le premier instant du desastre des ennemis. Lescadre du roi est moins
                            forte d’un vaisseau qu’elle ne L’toit alors il faut esperance que le vaisseau puisse la rejoindre de longtemps: celle
                            des ennemis est presque entierement reparée et après que La reunion des troupes Americaines et
                            Francoises dans La Virginie put être effectuée, elle seroit a même de nous lever un combat force
                            superieure, dans Lequel Le plus grand avantage que nous pourrions raisonnablement esperer seroit de n’etre pas entamés, et
                            dont la suite seroit toujours funeste par La difficulté que nous trouverions a réparer les avaries que
                            nous aurions essuiés, et par des obstacles qui pourroient en resulter relativement a notre reunion avec Les forces qu’on a
                            bien d’attendre incessamenet d’Europe.
                        d’après toutes ces considerations j’espere que votre excellence sentira comme moi qu’il
                            faut se reposer du Loin de la punition du traiteur Arnold, et de la vengeance de l’Amerique par les
                            vaisseaux qui seroient deja partis de ce port et sur les troupes de La Virginie. je me flatte que La
                            celerité et Les secret qui ont été apportes dans cette expedition obvieront a une partie des obstacles
                            qu’y prevoit votre excellence, peut être recevrez vous, même avant cette Lettre du avis qui en annoncera Le succès. Jai
                            L’honneur detre avec respect Monsieur, de votre excellence, Le tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

                            Destouches


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Forrest, 20 February 1781
From: Forrest, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Philadelphia Feby 20th 1781

                        To His Excellency George Washington Esquire Generall and Commander in Chief of the Armies of the Thirteen
                            United States of America
                        The memorial of Thomas DeWees late Barrack Master of Philadelphia, Humbly Sheweth.
                        That a few Weeks Ago he was tried by a General Court Marshal, Sentenced to be Broke And to have the Sentence
                            thereof Published in the English & German News Papers.
                        Your memorialist in the most Supplicant manner begs and Intreats Your Excellency from Your Honourable and
                            Generous Sentiments, that You will please to Remitt the last part of the Sentence, I mean the publication, as it will be
                            the means of Ruining a disconsolate Wife and a Small but Growing Family, besides a large Family Connection, numbers of
                            whom has faithfully Served their Country, and has the Honnour of being Known by Your Excellency, I beg Sir, for the
                            distresses of the Afflicted, that you in Your Goodness Will Grant my Request, And in Real Gratitude Your Memorialist as in
                            Duty bound, will Ever Pray.
                        We the Subscribers Members of the General Court Martial by Which Mr Thomas DeWees Was tried, Beg leave to
                            Recommend him to Your Excellency’s Clemency, in Particular on Account of his Wife and Family

                            Thomas Forrest President
                            Members Leonard Cooper Captn
                            Wm Mattox Cptn

                            Jonn Leigh Lieut.

                                 Lt Indd
                            Andw Nixon Capt.

                            We the following subscribers, beg leave, to intreat your Excellency to revoke that part of the sentence
                                prayed for in this Petition; which will alleviate the distresses of an Afflicted family.

                            Thos Procter
                            A. McLane


Title: From George Washington to Elbridge Gerry, 20 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Gerry, Elbridge

                            Dear Sir,
                            New Windsor 20th Feby 1781

                        The Mail of last Week brought me your favor of the 7th.
                        Never having entertained a doubt of your friendship, the trouble you have taken to remove a supposed
                            suspicion of it, would have given me concern were it not overballanced by the pleasure I felt at receiving, in the same
                            instant, fresh assurances of your esteem & regard for me.
                        Declarations thereof on your part, require candor & confidence on mine.
                        I do not scruple therefore to confess that, I was not a little hurt by the implications, and the general
                            complexion of Mr Lovels letter—and was not a little embarrassed in determining upon a proper line of conduct for me to
                            observe on the occasion.
                        Conscious that (neither directly nor indirectly) no Act, Word, or thought of mine had given birth to the
                            motion—transmitted you—It was not a very pleasant thing to see a letter published, the natural interpretation of which,
                            held out very different Ideas.
                        The paragraph immediately following the motion, is perfectly enigmatical to an uninformed Mind, but from the
                            context and other circumstances, must be supposed to relate to the same person and subject—I have heard it did not—but the
                            combination was remarkable—and its falling into the hands of the enemy and being exposed to public view! unfortunate. With
                            great esteem and regard I am—Dr Sir, Yr most Obedt hble Serv.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 20 February 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia February 20. 1781

                        Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed, a Resolution of Congress of this Day, by which you will be
                            informed that all the Continental Troops, from Pennsylvania to Georgia inclusive, are to compose the southern Army, except
                            Marylands Corps and such of the Pennsylvania Line as are on Command on the western Frontiers.
                        Congress deemed themselves under a Necessity of adopting the Measure of ordering the Pennsylvania Line to the
                            Southward without consulting your Excellency, from the late Intelligence received from that Quarter, and supposing you on
                            your Journey to New Port: considering at the same Time that if the Plan suggested in my other Letter which accompanies this, which proposes sending the french Forces to the Southward, should take Effect or any other Circumstances should render it
                            incompatible with the Good of the public Service to send the Pennsylvania Line Southward, your Sentiments might be known
                            and the Orders countermanded before that Line could be put in Motion.
                        Your Excellency’s two Letters of the 13th have been duly received. The Paper you mention, addressed to
                            President Reed, was inclosed through Mistake by my Secretary, but I do not find any Paper that ought to have been enclosed
                            in Lieu of it. I have the Honor to be with very high Respect Sir your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble
                            Servant

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 20 February 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            In Congress Feby 20th 1781.

                        You will perceive by the Enclosed Copies that a Reinforcement to the british troops in the southern
                            department has arrived in North Carolina. Congress wish you to be well informed of some Circumstances which render the
                            situation of that department peculiarly in want of succour which can only be given by the troops of our Ally.
                        The people of North Carolina in that part last invaded are destitute of arms & Military equipments,
                            and so great is the distance of that Country from the only Magazines from which they could be supplied and so great and
                            almost insurmountable are the difficulties of transportation that there wants cannot be relieved in time to preserve them
                            from the ravages of the Enemy. The people in the western parts of that Country are fully occupied in the Arduous
                            Opposition to the forces under lord Cornwallis. The States of Virginia & North Carolina have it not in their power
                            to Cloathe & Equip troops for the field, and the disappointments in receiving supplies from Europe render it
                            impossible for Congress to give them such aid as will be effectual.
                        Congress wish you Sir, to take into Consideration all those circumstances and many others which are peculiar
                            to that department, and produce such weakness as the public resources are not able to remedy in time for their effectual
                            protection, & which are well known to you—And they desire you to urge all those Considerations to the Commanders
                            of the fleet & army of our Ally, and if it should not very Materially interfere with the general dispositions
                            designed for those forces to take the spediest measures for their reinforcing the Army in the southern department or if
                            this be not Eligible to make such dispositions as may create a diversion.
                        Congress hope that the damage sustained by the british fleet in the late storm has Occasioned a change of
                            circumstances so favorable to the forces of our Ally as to render them superior to the Enemy, and in Condition to perform
                            this Essential service to the United States without danger of being exposed to a superior force. This measure is no less
                            important than that of Opposing the Enemy with a well appointed & well equipped force in place of a force composed
                            of troops perhaps destitute of every thing requisite for keeping the field. By order of Congress

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 20 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My dear Marq.
                            New Windsor 20th Feby 1781

                        The inclosed are your Instructions, in the prosecution of wch if you should receive authentic intelligence of
                            the Enemy’s having left Virginia—Or by adverse fortune the detachment from Monsr Destouches has lost its superiority in
                            that State and disabled thereby to cooperate with you—You will return with the Detachment under your Command, as the enemy
                            cannot be effected by it while they have the command of the Water but the Detachment capitally injured by committing
                                it  the  water  Your success. I am Darqs Yr most Obt & Affe Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 20 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Feby 20th 81

                        I have ordered a detachment to be made at this post to rendezvous at Peeks Kill the 19th instant, which
                            together with another to be formed at Morris Town from the Jersey troops will amount to about twelve hundred Rank
                            & file.
                        The destination of this detachment is to act against the corps of the enemy now in Virginia in conjunction
                            with the Militia and some ships from the fleet of the Chevalier Des touches, which he informs me sailed the 9th instant
                            from New Port.
                        You will take the command of this detachment, which you will in the first instance march off by batalions
                            towards Pompton there to rendezvous and afterwards proceed with all possible dispatch to the Head of Elk.
                        You will make your arrangemts with the Qr Master General concerning the route you are to take—concerning
                            transportation, tents, intrenching tools and other articles in his department of which you may stand in need; with the
                            Commissary General concerning provisions; with the Clothier concerning clothing, shoes &c. And with General Knox
                            concerning the artillery and stores you will want for the expedition. The result of these several arrangements you will
                            report at Head Quarters.
                        When you arrive at Trenton, if the Delaware is practicable and boats are readily to be had, you will save
                            time by going from thence by water to Christeen bridge, Marcus hook or Chester but if you cannot
                            avail yourself of this mode you must proceed by land, by the route which the Qr Mr and Commy may designate as most
                            convenient for covering and supplies.
                        You are not to suffer the detachment to be delayed for want either of provision forage or waggons on the
                            route; where the ordinary means will not suffice with certainty you will have recourse to military impress.
                        You will take your measures with the Qr Mr General in such a manner that vessels may be ready by your arrival
                            at the Head of Elk to convey you down the bay to Hampton Road or to the point of operation and you will open a previous
                            communication with the officers Commanding the ships of His Christian Majesty to concert your operations and to engage him
                            to send (if it can be spared) a frigate up the bay to cover your passage without which, or some other armed Vessels might
                            be otherwise insecure.
                        When you arrive at your destination, you must act as your own judgment and the circumstances shall direct.
                        You will open a correspondence with the Baron De Steuben who now commands in Virginia informing him of your
                            approach and requesting him to have a sufficient body of Militia ready to act in conjunction with your detachment. It will
                            be adviseable for him to procure persons in whom he can confide well acquainted with the Country at Portsmouth and in the
                            Vicinity, some who are capable of giving you a military idea of it and others to serve as guides.
                        You should give the earliest attention to acquiring a knowledge of the different rivers but particularly
                            James’ River, that you may know what harbours can best afford shelter and security to the cooperating Squadron, in case of
                            blockade by a superior force.
                        You are to do no act whatever with Arnold that directly or by implication may skreen him from the punishment
                            due to his treason and desertion, which if he should fall into your hands, you will execute in the most summary way.
                        Having recommended it to the Count De Rochambeau to detach a land with the naval force that might be destined
                            for Chesapeak bay (though from the disposition which has already taken place it is not probable that land forces will be
                            sent yet) if the recommendation should be complied with, you will govern yourself in cooperation with the Officer
                            commanding the French troops agreeable to the intentions and instructions of His Most Christian Majesty of which you were
                            the bearer, and which being still in your possession it is unnecessary for me to recite.
                        You will keep me regularly advised of your movements & progress, & when the object of the
                            detachment is fulfilled (or unfortunately disappointed) you will return with it by the same Rout, if circumstances admit
                            of it and with as much expedition as possible to this Post. I wish you a successful issue to the enterprise and all the glory which I am persuaded you will deserve


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 20 February 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Newport February 20th 1781.

                        I received yesterday your Excellency’s Letter of the 15th inst. I immediately sent it to the Chevalier
                            Destouches, who sends me this moment his answer which is joined to this Letter.
                        It is most certain that the Ch. De La Luzerne, at the requisition of Congress and of the Governor of
                            Virginia, had only asked from Mr Destouches the Assistance of Some Frigates, and of one ship of the Line, and had not
                            mentioned any transporting of Troops, that Mr Destouches has done all in his power to send off with all possible Speed
                            this little Squadron. It is likewise most certain that he is now less Strong than the English who had been reinforced by
                            the return of the America in good order, and the masting of the Bedford, and that Mr Destouches
                            is weak’n’d in proportion of the Detachment which has been asked for Virginia.
                        If he had sooner received your Excellency’s last plan, perhaps he would have been decided to go out with his
                            whole fleet, Your Excellency may be assured that your orders for the detachment of 1000. men would have been executed by
                            the Land army, and tho’, (within a road entirely open, when it is deprived of all the navy artillery, which now defends
                            it, but which is necessary for the armament of the Ships) I had perhaps remained here exposed with all the convoy of
                            Transports, the greatest part of which could not pass the Bar at Providence, Yet nevertheless, we would have assumed a
                            fierce countenance, and we would have endeavoured if we had been attacked to have the honor of it.
                        The news of Count D’Estaing’s success over the fleet of Admiral Hood are yet arrived here by a schooner that
                            on the 1st of this month set sail from Cape François. the private Letters say it is very Sure. I sincerely congratulate
                            your Exellency upon General Morgan’s success against the Van guard of Cornwallis’s army, and I always expect to have the
                            pleasure of seeing you here as soon as your affairs will permit. I am with respect and personal attachment, Sir, Your
                            Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant

                            Le cte de Rochambeau

                            I regret very much that your Excellency’s Letter did not arrive before the Departure of the detachment,
                                which The Chr Destouches has thought necessary to send speedily to Virginia, but certainly it will fill the object, if
                                Arnold is too well intrenched, of hindering him from making any further motions, or plundering up into the rivers.
                                Till now, those in Gardner’s bay seem not to have been advised of the going out of this little squadron.


Title: From George Washington to Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 20 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]

                            Dr Sir
                            Hd Qrs New Windsor Feby 20h 81

                        I have duly received your letters of the 29th of January and  1st of February containing an account of the
                            enemy’s motions ’till that period, and of your dispositions to counteract them. The effect you mention of deranging the
                            measures of the state for succouring General Greene was to be expected—it is however an evil of the most serious nature
                            and I am persuaded if the enemy continue in the state, as their force is not large, you will do every thing in your power
                            to make the defence as little as possible interfere with an object of so much the more importance as the danger is so much
                            the greater—From the picture General Greene gives of his situation everything is to be apprehended if he is not powerfully
                            supported from Virginia.
                        The storm mentioned to you in my last has given our allies a temporary superiority, which they have employed
                            by detaching a sixty four and some frigates to Chesapeak Bay. These I hope will have arrived before this reaches you. The
                            remainder of the fleet is ready to support this detachment. Convinced that a naval operation alone will probably be
                            ineffectual and that Militia would be unequal to the reduction of Arnold in his works, I have detached a corps of twelve
                            hundred men from this army chiefly consisting of the light infantry, of course commanded by the Marquis Dela fayette,
                            which will I hope arrived at the Head of Elk about the Sixth of March to embark there and proceed down the bay to Hampton
                            Road, or the point of operation. This corps will carry with it some heavy artillery but if you can procure any in addition
                            it will be of great importance. I am to desire you will make such arrangements with respect to the Militia and will take
                            such a position as you judge will be most conducive to the success of the enterprise. The Marquis Dela Fayette will open a
                            correspondence with you for this purpose.
                        When the French squadron appears you will immediately open a correspondence with the officer commanding,
                            acquainting him with my intention, and your preparation, and you will have ready pilots well acquainted with the
                            navigation of the several rivers, to put on board, that he may want no assistance of this sort in our power to give. I
                            have requested the Governor to aid you in procuring the pilots, and in every other matter in which his aid may be of use
                            to you.
                        If the fleet should have arrived before this gets to hand, secrecy will be out of the question; but if it
                            should not have made its appearance, you will conceal your expectations and only seem to be preparing for defence.
                        The ships will bring you some arms and stores which had arrived at Providence for the State of Virginia.
                        Arnold on the appearance of the fleet may endeavour to retreat by Land through North Carolina: if you take
                            any measures to obviate this, the precaution will be advisable. Should we be able to capture the detachment with its
                            chief, it will be an event as pleasing as it will be useful.
                        All I can recommend with respect to Col. Armand corps at present is that you will station it at some proper
                            place to repose and attend to its discipline and equipment. The Quarter Master General is to provide horses. The Colonel
                            himself is gone to France to procure cloaths arms and accoutrements. Congress have made no other provision for recruiting
                            the corps than in a resolution of the 2d of January last directing that a sufficient number of volunteers might be drawn
                            from the line to complete the corps, when the state of the regiments would admit of it—not to exceed five from each
                            regiment. I am with very great esteem and regard D. Sir Yr Obed. servt.


Title: To George Washington from Francis Barber, 21 February 1781
From: Barber, Francis
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Mendham huts Feby 21st 1781

                        I yesterday morning received your Excellency’s letter adressed to the commanding officer of the brigade
                            respecting the formation of the two Light and three other companies. The present circumstances of the brigade will, I
                            fear, not afford the companies to be larger than forty men each, especially the three battalion companies, yet you may
                            rely upon it that every exertion is making to comply with the order punctually. I shall be happy to receive your
                            Excellency’s orders in proper season to enable me to pay a timely obedience. This I mention, on account of your letter
                            which was dated the 16th not arriving before the 20th.
                        The Commissioners have renewed their investigation of the soldiers enlistments, a business
                            attended with great perplexity. There is scarcely a single man who does not apply for his discharge & evidences
                            are even produced to invalidate explicit enlistments. Most of the men bring witnesses from the country, who conduct rather
                            in the stile of advocates.
                        If your Excellency’s orders for the command for  this brigade be private, it will be
                            proper to direct them to myself. If they be adressed to the commanding officer of the line, they are
                            liable to be broken open, under some pretence or other, which was the case with your last letter. I am Sir, with perfect
                            esteem & respect your Excellency’s most obedient & very humble servant

                            F. Barber
                            Lieut. Col. Com. Brig.

                            P.S. Colonel Dayton has not yet arrived.


Title: To George Washington from Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 21 February 1781
From: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                            Monsieur:
                            a bord du Neptune, en rade de Newport Le 21. Fevrier 1781

                        j’ai depêché il y a quinze jours, comme j’ai eu Lhonneur de le marquer a votre excellence, un vaisseau et
                            deux fregates pour cooperer avec Les troupes de Virginie, et tacher detruire Le parti qui depuis un mois ravage Les côtes
                            de cet etat. d’apres Les vents qui ont regné j’ai tout Lieu de croire que cette division de L’escadre du roi est entrée
                            dans La baye de chesapeak vers le 12 de ce mois, et Le coup doit être actuellement porté, au moins pour ce qui regarde la
                            destruction de la flotte et de son escorte. dans Le cas, cependant ou Le succès de L’expedition n’auroit été aussi
                            complet qu’il y a Lieu Lesperer, je donne ordre a la fregate L’hermione, qui est prête a faire voiles, de proteger le
                            passage des troupes que votre excellence destine a joindre Les milices de la Virginie, et je charge mr de La Touche det
                            tacher par tous des moyens possibles de faire parvenir au commandant de la division L’ordre de rentrer dans La baye de
                            Chesapeak, si Les troupes d’Arnold n’avoient pas encore mis bas Les armes.
                        pour favoriser encore plus Le succès de cette expedition et empêcher des ennemis, qui jusqu’ici semblent n’en
                            avoir pas connoissance, d’y apporter aucun obstacle, je vais chercher a Leur donner de l’inquietude en ordonnant de
                            concert avec mr Le Comte de Rochambeau, des preparatifs, qui Leur annonceront de la part de L’escadre entier Le projet
                            d’une expedition. J’ai L’honneur d’être avec respect, Monsieur, de Votre excellence Le tres humble et tres obeissant
                            serviteur

                            Destouches


Title: From George Washington to Jacob Gerhard Diriks, 21 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Diriks, Jacob Gerhard

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters February 21st 81

                        I have received your letter of the 9th instant. I feel for the disagreeableness of your situation and should
                            be happy the circumstances of the service would enable me to make it better—but you are sensible of the difficulties in
                            the way of employing officers not attached to corps, in our service.
                        It is true that the arrangement of Col. Armands legion has been left to me; but it is now fully officered.
                            With respect to Col. Hazen’s corps the following extract from the act of Congress of the 3d of October, respecting it will
                            inform you on what footing it now stands. It is there resolved That the Regiment commanded by "Col. Moses Hazen be
                            continued on its present establishment, and that all non commissioned officers and privates being foreigners, belonging to
                            any reduced regiments and corps be incorporated therewith, and all volunteers from foreign
                            states, who are now in the service or may hereafter join the American army be annexed to the
                            said regiment." By this you will perceive that you cannot be incorporated with that regiment as an officer of it with your
                            present rank; because its former establishment is still in force. Though the natural construction of the last clause of it
                            does not comprehend you, yet if it could be desireable to you to serve with that corps merely as a volunteer, it certainly
                            could not but be agreeable to me.
                        If any thing should occur in which you can be employed consistent with the establishment and tranquillity of
                            the army, it would give me pleasure to promote it. I am with great consideration Sir Yr most Obedient & humble
                            servant.


Title: From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 21 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

                            Dear Sir,
                            New Windsor Feby 21st 1781

                        My Visit to the French Army at Rhode Island has been delayed by important business & must necessarily
                            be retarded a while longer. There are particular reasons which make me anxious to have you along with me in this tour. If
                            it is not inconvenient to you therefore to leave Philadelphia immediately, I should be glad if you would join me as soon
                            as possible—That I may know certainly whether you can or cannot accompany me I pray you to write me by express; &
                            if you come, to name the day I may hope to see you at head Qrs.
                        I directed the Qr Mr Genl (Colo. Pickering) a few days ago, to establish a Chain of Expresses between this
                            & Philadelphia for the speedy transportation of Letters—write by these & request the Qr Mr in Phila. to
                            forward the letter with all possible dispatch as I shall wait your answer & govern my departure by it. I am with
                            Sincere esteem & regard—Dr Sir Yr Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 21 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 21st February 1781

                        I had the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 5th by General Warner, to whom I gave every
                            advice and assistance relative to the distribution of the generous donation of the State to their old Soldiers.
                        This well timed gratuity has had, I am informed, a most happy effect, and I have not the least doubt, but if
                            the future Supplies of pay—Cloathing and provision, the two last in particular, are more regular than they have been for
                            some time past, that the troops, instead of exhibiting those marks of discontent, which had in a manner pervaded the whole
                            army, will re-assume their wanted good temper, and chearfully perform those duties, which can only be expected or
                            extracted from men, who have no just cause of complaint.
                        Give me leave to congratulate your Excellency upon the late brilliant success of our Arms to the southward,
                            and to hope that your next will afford me the pleasure of hearing of your perfect recovery. I have the honour to be With
                            the highest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedient servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Humpton, 21 February 1781
From: Humpton, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 21st Febry 1781.

                        I take the liberty to inclose the memorial of Mr Thos Dewes likewise the request of the President &
                            other Members &c. of the Genl Court Martial in his behalf; soliciting that Your Excellency in consideration of his
                            Family conditions would please to remitt the latter part of his sentence. He is fully sensible of his Crime and has told me
                            it was committ’d from an error in his judgement & not with any bad intent to injure the Public—As I was his
                                prosecut (thro’ the intercession of his friends) on my part have no objection—and on Account of
                            his Brother who lived at Vally Forge I could wish that your Excellency would order the Sentence not to be publish’d—I mean
                            the latter part. I am with the highest regard & esteem You Excellency’s most Obedt Humb Sert

                            Rich. Humpton Col. 6th P. Regt


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 21 February 1781
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia February 21. 1781

                        Since my Letters of yesterday addressed to your Excellency were forwarded by Express, Despatches from Genl
                            Greene are come to hand, Copies of which are enclosed No. 1 & 2.
                        The Intelligence they contain is of such a Nature that it is deemed expedient to give your Excellency the
                            earliest Information of it.
                        From the Tenor of General Greenes Letter I am lead to believe, that the Troops landed at Wilmington N.Carolina mentioned in Governor Nash’s Letter and Governor Jeffersons enclosed in mine of yesterday, are a Detachment from
                            Charles town; That Lord Cornwallis, enraged with Disappointment at the Defeat of Tarleton, is pushing an Enterprize at all
                            Hazards.
                        No farther Intelligence from the Enemy in Virginia is come to hand since my Letter of the 14th Instant. I
                            have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem & Regard your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble
                            Servant

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 21st Feby 1781.

                        I do myself the honor to communicate, to your Excellency, a circumstance which I hope will be followed by the
                            most salutary consequences to the State of Virginia in particular, and which may ultimately have the happiest effect upon
                            the interests of America in general.
                        The Chevalier des Touche, commanding His most Christian Majestys Squadron in the harbour of Newport, finding
                            himself enabled, since the late misfortune which happened to the British Fleet in Gardner’s Bay, to make a detachment, has
                            dispatched a Ship of the Line of 64 Guns and three Frigates to Chesapeak, in hopes of finding there and destroying the
                            Fleet under the direction of Arnold. The French Ships sailed the 9th inst. from Newport with a fair Wind. They have taken
                            on board a quantity of Arms, and Cloathing which had arrived there on account of the State of Virginia.
                        It is more than probable, that these Ships will have arrived in the Chesapeak, before my letter reaches you,
                            but should they be retarded by adverse Winds or other accidents, your Excellency need not be told that the most profound
                            secrecy will be necessary on such an occasion, for should the least hint escape, and Arnold come to the knowledge of it,
                            he would not hesitate to take the opportunity of pushing out of the Bay. The Ships once arrived at their Stations—The
                            matter becomes of public notoriety without any disadvantage.
                        From an apprehension that the enemy may take such a position as will enable them to defend themselves and
                            their shipping without a land cooperation, and knowing that Militia cannot be depended on for the vigorous measures that
                            it may be necessary to pursue, I have put a respectable detachment from this Army in motion—It is commanded by Major Genl
                            the Marquis de la Fayette. It will proceed by land to the Head of Elk, at which I calculate it will arrive by the 6th of
                            March at farthest, and will fall down the Chesapeak in Transports.
                        I have written to the Baron de Steuben by this conveyance—given him the foregoing intelligence—and some
                            directions relative to the position which he is to take with the Militia—collecting Magazines &ca.
                        It will be highly necessary that an immediate—safe and expeditious communication should be opened between the
                            Commanding Officer of the French Squadron and the Commanding Officer on shore. In this, and every other measure tending to
                            promote the public good, I am confident of your Excellency’s assistance, and I have desired the Baron to make application
                            to you in every case where your countenance may be wanting. The Marquis de la Fayette, who is the senior Officer, will
                            take the command upon his arrival.
                        I recollect but one thing further, which will require your Excellency’s more immediate attention, and that
                            is, the business of providing the most experienced and trusty Bay and River Pilots (should it not have been done before
                            this reaches you) and sending them to the commanding Officer to be forwarded to the Fleet. This trouble must necessarily
                            devolve upon your Excellency or some Gentlemen appointed by you, because our Officers, being Strangers, might be imposed
                            upon in this most material point. With the highest Sentiments of Respect and Esteem I have the honor to be Your
                            Excellency’s Most obt and humble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. Should you have occasion to write to the Marquis de la Fayette, let your first letter go by land
                                under cover to the Qr Mr to the Head of Elk. Any subsequent ones by Boats to the same place, because they will meet
                                the transports in the Bay.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 21 February 1781
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sr
                            Phila. 21st Feby 1781

                        I beg leave to mention to you a young Gentleman captured by the Enemy when the Buckskin fell into their hands
                            in Chesapeake Bay and who was put on shore under parole and wishes to be discharged from the Obligation as soon as
                            possible as he conceives it restrains him not only from acting in the Field should the situation of his Country require
                            his Services but even from attending the Hospitile for his instruction wch he is very desirous of doing The person I speak
                            of is Dr Jno. Lewis a son of the late Mr Charles Lewis whose name I mentd to you some years ago while he was in New York
                            and being refused the liberty of coming out was at length obliged to return to Great Britain. His parole is I think
                            singular as it extends only to his not doing or speaking any thing to the prejudice of the Enemy
                            without the clause of rendering himself when called for.
                        You will receive from the president a Copy of a Report which has passed in Congress in consequence of Col.
                            Harrisons communications—you will also be informed of the arrival of Provost with a reinforcement to the Enemy in the
                            South and of his progress since his arrival Arnolds position at Portsmouth Provost in North Carolina and Cornwallis in
                            South Carolina will I fear effectually obstruct the supplies from our state or so delay them as to render Greenes
                            situation critical. If the French Ships from Rhode Island shall suceed in their enterprise in the Chesapeake the event
                            will be propitious and produce the happiest effects. Our state will be thereby further aided by a supply of 1000
                                stand of Arms and some Stores retaken in the Comiti and sent forward in one of the French Frigates.
                            The arrival of Provost and the great want of Arms in the Southern States it must be confessed presents a rather gloomy
                            prospect and under this temper of Mind you will receive a Letter reiterating what has I think been several times
                            intimated, a desire that you will pay particular attention to the Southern department. I wish we could but content
                            ourselves with a communication of Facts and any reflections upon them for illustration leaving the combination and
                            execution of the various operations of a Campaign to those whose business it is to project and execute them. P. Jones’s
                            arrival gives us no releif in cloathing or Arms, a disappointment the more to be regretted as our wants increase yet we
                            know not whom to blame—Jones will I expect unfold this dark and as yet mysterious business. I presume you must have been
                            informed that Virga has receded from her former instructions to her Delegates in Congress respecting the claim on her part
                            to the free Navigation of the Mississippi wch if approved by Congress will probably bring abt an alliance with Spain and
                            an acknowledgemt of our Independence. No doubt this event if it takes place will give us more Credit in Europe but we pay
                            dear for it. We are abt appointing the Officers who are to be at the head of our great departments, yesterday Mr Morris
                            withe a vote agt him (tho S.A. and his Colleague Genl W. declined to ballot) was chosen Financier—I cannot say he will
                            accept but have some hopes he will—our Finances want a Necker to arrange and reform them—Morris is I believe the best
                            qualified of any our Country affords for the arduous undertaking we shall in a day or two appoint the Officers for the
                            foreign affairs and the Marine—I wish we had Men in these Offices as well qualified to execute them as Morris in the
                            Treasury—some however that are nominated if they can be chosen will do very well. We are under
                            difficulties abt the War Office, least any person we could now put into it may answer so well as the present Commissrs
                            this may and I suspect will postpone that appointment. with great esteem Dr Sr Yr aff. servt

                            Jos. Jones


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Olney, 21 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Olney, Jeremiah

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 21st Feby 1781.

                        You will immediately upon the receipt of this send forward to the Army the Recruits which have come to the
                            places of rendezvous, and you will also collect and send on any others which may be scattered.
                        You will if possible cloath them in the State, but if the Cloathing should not be all ready, you will procure
                            what will make them comfortable and let the remainder follow—Circumstances require that there should be as little delay as
                            possible in the punctual execution of this order—You will be pleased to let me hear from you with a return of the number
                            of Men which may be shortly expected from your State. I am Sir Your most obt Servt


Title: From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 21 February 1781
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters N. Windsor 21st Feby 1781.

                        The inclosed, as you may suppose, requires the utmost dispatch—There were some time ago relays of Expresses
                            stationed between Govr Jefferson and the president of Congress—If that Chain is yet kept up, it will be the speediest
                            conveyance—If it is not, His Excellency requests you to send off a trusty Messenger immediately with the letter and give
                            him orders upon the Quarter Masters on the Route for a change of Horses and of Men if necessary. I am Yr most obt and hble
                            Servt

                            T. Tilghman
                            A.D.C.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 22 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 22d Feby 1781.

                        You will put the detachment of 250 Men ordered in mine of the 16h inst. under the Command of Majr Genl the
                            Marquis de la Fayette. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 22 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                            (Private)

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 22d Feby 1781.

                        It will be indispensably necessary that we should be informed of the preparations or movements of the Enemy
                            in New York during the absence of the detachment under the command of the Marquis de la Fayette. You will therefore be
                            pleased to employ some of the most trusty persons within your knowledge upon this Business. My principal apprehensions are
                            for the posts up this River—They will therefore pay particular attention to any thing which looks like a move this way—as
                            preparation of Boats—embarkation of Cannon—Stores &ca. There will be a chain of Expresses between Morris Town and
                            this place—you will communicate your intelligence by them. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 22 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor Feby 22d 1781

                        I received two days since the letter which you did me the honor to write me of the 7th instant.
                        The desire you express of being useful to these states, evinced by the measure you have adopted to rid the
                            coasts of Virginia of very troublesome and destructive neighbours has a title to our acknowledgements. I hope the ships
                            you have sent will meet with immediate success, but I am rather apprehensive the enemy will be able to secure their
                            vessels under the protection of land-batteries.
                        The Count De Rochambeau will have communicated to you my propositions. The detachment mentioned to him has
                            marched and may arrive at the head of Elk, by the fifth or sixth of next month, to proceed thence by water to the point of
                            operation. The information you were pleased to give me that you held the remainder of your fleet ready to protect your
                            expedition in the bay was an inducement for accelerating its motions. If you have it in your power to block up Arnold in
                            the bay, and make such a general disposition with your fleet as will at the same time prevent succours going from this
                            quarter to him, I shall flatter myself that a co-operation by land, will effect the reduction of the corps in Virginia, and
                            the ships will then of course fall into your hands. I an sensible the safe return of the America may make a material
                            difference in your arrangements; but however this may be I wait your determination to regulate my ulterior measures.
                        If the late important intelligence of the success of Count D’Estaing is conformed we may flatter ourselves
                            that it will at once lead to a decisive and glorious issue of the war. I am impatient to have it in my power to
                            congratulate you on its certainty. With sentiments of perfect consideration and attachment I have the honor to be Sir Your
                            most Obed. servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                        Dear Marquis

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 22d Feby 1781

                        Inclosed you have a letter under a flying seal to Genl St Clair. Upon your arrival at Philada you will learn
                            with a degree of certainty from Genl Wayne—Colonel Butler—Colo. Stewart and other Officers who you will find in town
                            whether it will be possible to deriv such a reinforcement from the Pennsylvania line, in time to answer your purpose, as
                            I have mentioned in the letter—Should those Gentlemen be of opinion that it may be done, you will lose no time in
                            delivering or forwarding the letter to General St Clair and agreeing with him upon the time at which the detachment shall
                            be at the Head of Elk—I think if they can certainly follow you in
                            days, you will derive advantage from their services, for it will take you some time to make a debarkation of your troops
                            and stores, and prepare matters for an operation, should you find the enemy in a situation to dispute their ground.
                        You will not fail to give the Quarter Master due notice of this second embarkation, should it be about to
                            take place, that he may have the transports in perfect readiness—And you will        reach not the necessity of having thirty days provision for them at the place of embarkation. Should it be deemed impracticable to form the Battalion
                            or the half Battalion in the proper time, you need not deliver my letter to Genl St Clair.
                        Inclosed you have a letter for the Officer commanding the Jersey Brigade—The five Companies from thence and
                            the three under the command of Majr Reid are to form a Battalion to be commanded by Lt Colo. Barber.
                        You will probably find Colo. Charles Stewart Commy of Issues in Philada it is his proper business to make
                            the arrangements of provision, he is very active and intelligent and will do every thing in that way that you direct. With
                            my best wishes for your health happiness and success I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 22 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

                            Dear Sir,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 22d Feby 1781.

                        I have recd your favrs of the 17th and 18th inst. In respect to the prisoners taken by Capt. Brewster I shall
                            not think myself justifiable in consenting to any of their exchanges, untill they have been sent to the State of
                            Connecticut for further examination; for from the report made to me by Capt. Brewster and from your account they are a
                            most pernicious and dangerous gang, upon all of whom the State may possibly have some civil hold.
                        I am amazed that Lt Coll Huntington should again trouble the line with a claim of Rank which he has often
                            been told, upon same applications, had not the least foundation. There never was a lineal promotion in the 16th Regiments
                            and he can have no right to his present Rank but from the 10th day of October 1778 the time of Lt Coll Livingstons
                            Resignation. Lt Colo. Gray is wrong in supposing that Lt Colo. Huntingtons Commission is antedated—These two points are so
                            clear that they need no farther investigation; and as to any disputes that may subsist in the line of Captains, they ought
                            in my opinion to have been settled before the new arrangement was made out and forwarded to the Bd of
                            War. To go into a revisal of Claims and make perhaps an intire alteration of what had just been
                            transmitted would betray so much inconsistency, that I cannot consent to the measure—There may be
                            similar discontents in every line of the Army and they would think themselves from a precedent of this nature, entitled to
                            a new hearing. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 22 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

                            Sir,
                            Hd Qrs New Windsor Feby 22d 81

                        Capt. Walker has communicated to me some discoveries made of a plot among the tories of Stratford and
                            Fairfield Counties of which I have directed him to give you the particulars. It seems a clue has been found to it which if
                            rightly improved will enable us to detect the affair in all its extent and punish the principals and their accomplices.  I
                            need not observe to you of how dangerous a tendency combinations of this nature are nor of how much importance it is to
                            put an effectual stop to them.
                        Your knowledge of the country and characters of the people will enable you best to conduct the investigation,
                            and as you live in one of the counties where it seems to originate, you may do it with the less risk of suspicion.
                        I am therefore to request you will undertake the affair in the manner you think most likely to succeed and
                            will set about it immediately. You may want a party of men, when you have matured the discovery to seize the persons
                            concerned. These you may take from the Connecticut line as a guard to the part of the country where they will be
                            necessary; in the present state of our force they cannot exceed a subalterns command.
                        The two points most essential will be to detect any characters of importance who may be
                            concerned in it; and if possible to get into our hands the register of the associators names.
                        The person who will serve you as a spy must be assured of some generous compensation such as will be an
                            object to his family and secure his fidelity. This I leave to you to manage. I am with great regard Sir Yr most Obedient
                            servant.


Title: From George Washington to Walter Stewart, 22 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Stewart, Walter

                            Dr Sir,
                            Hd Qrs New Windsor Feby 22d 81

                        I have received your letter of the 11th instant and thank you for the account you give me of the operations
                            and prospects relative to your line. It is unfortunate that any thing should have happened to put a stop to the
                            subscriptions of the Merchants which would no doubt have been very useful. I sincerely hope the legislature will take
                            decisive and effectual measures to furnish its complement. It is certain no state in the union has it more in its
                            power—and by the accounts I receive, it appears not to be doubted, that all the states to the Eastward from this
                            inclusively will have their batalions full or nearly so.
                        I have been well informed of your exertions during the whole of the unhappy disturbance in your line—they do
                            you honor and afford a fresh motive to me for that esteem which you have always possessed. I am with very great regard Dr
                            Sir Yr Obedient servant


Title: To George Washington from John H. Wendell, 22 February 1781
From: Wendell, John H.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Albany 22nd Febry 1781.

                        Actuated by a warm Desire to promote my Countrys Weal at an early period of the War I entred its Service in
                            the Line of the State of New York—Several Circumstances render it at present extremely inconvenient to remain in the Army,
                            and my private Concerns require a greator Attention than I can possibly bestow on them amidst the active Avocations of a
                            Military Life—Permit me therefore to beg your Excellency to accept my Resignation which I hereby make of the Commission
                            which I received as a Captain in the first Regiment in the Line of the State of New York, I have the Honour to be with
                            every Sentiment of Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & Verry Humble Servt

                            J. H. Wendell Captn


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 23 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                            Gentlemen
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 23d Feby 1781

                        I have been honored with your favor of the 17th inst. I am so well convinced not only of the policy, but of
                            the justice of giving support to a tribe, who have manifested so strong an attachment to us as the Oneida have done, that
                            I shall endeavour to select, from our the scanty supply of Cloathing, such Articles as are least suitable, on account of their
                            quality, for the troops, but which will serve to make the Indians, at least, comfortable, and send them up to General
                            Schuyler as soon as the navigation is open.
                        I can promise nothing certain on the score of provision—The troops at Albany and Schenectady have been, all
                            the winter, most distressed on that account—When our magazines are full, the Indians will participate—when scanty—they
                            must share accordingly. With the greatest Respect I have the honor to be Gentn Yr most obt


Title: From George Washington to Caleb Brewster, 23 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Brewster, Caleb

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 23rd February. 1781.

                        I have received yours of the 14th—Your return mentions the names of Eight prisoners sent to the Provost
                            Guard—Genl Parsons says only six were committed—You should enquire of the Corporal who had them in charge, how this
                            happened.
                        It is not in my power, at present, to spare any further number of Men for your detachment, as I am obliged to
                            call in many guards, and weaken other necessary ones to support the garrison of West point.
                        You will dispose of the Boat, and what you took in her, for the benefit of the Captors.I am sir Your Obedt
                            Hble servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 23 February 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 23rd Feby 1781

                        In a letter of the 18th I hinted to you that the detachment which was then forming might be five or six Weeks
                            absent from this post—possibly it may be longer, and advance us into a season when the enemy, if they are in force and
                            circumstances at New York, may endeavour to avail themselves of our weakness.
                        To provide against this, I have as you are already informed, wrote pressingly for the Recruits of
                            Massachusetts Bay—Rhode Island &c.—to be hastened to the Army. I shall direct the commanding Officers of the
                            Militia of Ulster—Orange and Dutchess to have their Men in readiness to repair to West point upon the first Alarm, and the
                            firing of the Beacons. I would have you make the same request to those of West Chester.
                        Independent of this, I shall request Govr Livingston to have the Jersey Militia properly arranged and held in
                            readiness to oppose any invasion of that State, by the way of Elizabeth Town &ca—And I earnestly request that your
                            disposition for defending the several Works at and in the Vicinity of West point may be perfect, and so arranged, as that
                            no confusion may take place, or delay happen, if we should be suddenly called on. Let every Work have water and provision
                            in it, and the commanding Officer of each informed of his duty, and the part that is expected of him.
                        Besides these, let the Officer commanding the Water Guards be directed to use the utmost vigilance, and
                            instructed to obtain the best intelligence he can of the movements at New York. The Officers commanding at Stony and
                            Verplanks Points must be ordered to defend those posts to the last extrimity. The Beacons upon Butter-Hill and the
                            Mountain opposite the Village of Fishkill, should be examined, and put in order to fire at a moments warning.
                        Providing for and giving security to the different Works you will consider as the great objects of your
                            attention. Every other consideration is secondary and must yeild to them—for which reason I think you had best further
                            reduce the command upon the lines to a patrol of 50 Men under an active Captain. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            The application to the Militia of West Chester may be delayed awhile as perhaps it would indicate to
                                the enemy too immediately & too strongly our apprehensions.


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Henry, 23 February 1781
From: Henry, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Albany 23. February 1781

                        Anxious to aid in supporting the Cause of my Country, I entered early into its Service—But the Domestic
                            Affairs of my Father in Law who lately died as well as those of my own induce me to retire.
                        Those Reasons (considering at the same Time my Reluctance to continue under the new Arrangement) will I hope
                            be deemed sufficient.
                        I beg Leave therefore to resign and hope your Excellency will be pleased to accept of my Commission. I am with
                            the greatest Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient and very Humle Servant

                            Nathaniel Henry


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 February 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Pompton February the 23d 1781

                        Your letter of yesterday is just Come to Hand, and its Contents shall Be ponctually obei’d—the Addition of a
                            Pennsylvania detachement would Be very Advantageous, and I will try to get it under the Circumstances and in the way which
                            you have pointed out—I Had already writen to the Commanding officer of the jersay troops Respecting the detachment, and to
                            Colonel dayton to Request Intelligences—Your letters to Both will Be sent either this evening or to morrow Very early—In
                            this late Case I shall myself Be the Bearer as I intend to set off at Sun Rise for Morristown.
                        The detachement had a great trouble to Cross the ferry and made afterwards a long march though Bad Roads—They
                            Halted last night within eight miles of the Yellow House, and Came up to it this morning—But the Rain was so hard, and the
                            Road was so Bad that I Have Halted them at this place (the Hutts Being thre miles out of the way) where they are getting
                            provisions, And where the waggons are collected—to morrow they will sett off and the day after arrive at the Hutts in
                            Morristown—I Have sent Back an officer per Bataillon with orders to get some more Baggage for the officers who Came
                            totally unprovided, and to Have it Carried in two impressed waggons to Morristown where I will leave them orders for theyr
                            junction with us—inclosed I send to your Excellency the Return of the wanting Cloathes which Have been Carefully examined
                            by Clel Smith (the jersay troops excepted) and which it would Be very important to forward as soon as possible.
                        to morrow Morning I will set off for Morristown, there make proper Arrangements for the Reception of the
                            troops, the jonction of the jersay detachement and such precautions as will deceive as much as possible the ennemy—I will
                            also write to Clel pickering, and when every thing will Be settled set off myself for Philadelphia.
                        Mr de Castaing Aide de Camp to Gnl du Portail is Arrived Here last Night and Brought me dispatches from
                            france Arrived By the Ariel under Command of Paul jones—My letters are of An old date excepted one from doctor Franklin
                            which I Have the Honor to inclose—Chevalier de La Luzerne writes me word that his dispatches are also of an old date and
                            say Nothing—I am told there are some more for me at philadelphia But they Certainly are of a private nature—My only letter
                            from Count de Vergennes is a quadruplicate of the 3d of june—Mr de Sartine writes an answer to my letter from Boston
                            Relating to some Recommendations in favor of the officers of the frigate Hermione—perhaps Mr de Rochambeau will Be Happier
                            than the Chevalier and myself or will Have letters for us—We cannot fail to Receive soon Answers to our letters By the
                            Amazone.
                        How disappointed I Have Been in Hearing that the Ariel Brought No Cloathing your Excellency will easely
                            Conceive—This Circumstance would Nevertheless, be in favor of what Paul jones gives as His opinion wiz. that Mr de La
                            touche treville is Coming here with 11 ships of the Line and 8000 men—He also thinks that Count d’estaing is gone with 22
                            ships of the Line to the West Indias—Mr de Castaing will Beg your permission to Bring the dispatches to Count de
                            Rochambeau.
                        Chance or a design of the Ennemy has thrown in my way a man who gives a very Bad account of Himself—He left
                            Newyork the day before yesterday and I was going to put Him under guard—But I made him previously some questions that
                            might mislead Him respecting my projects—in the Course of His examination He said that Colonel Robertson was going with
                            500 men to Reinforce Arnold.
                        I then Asked How Many ships of the line the Ennemy Had in Newyork—He said five under Admiral greaves—I
                            asked if He Heard of the gale of wind that Had disabled the British ships—He Answered—No. Upon my asking the Names of
                            these five ships He Could only make out three—The Iras who He says Had Been upon a cruize
                            towards Charleston But Has already Been five weeks in New york—The Bumont of 50, and the
                            Ledrout French india man of 50 also—this last is not Considered, I think as a ship fit for any action, and must Be out
                            of the question—I ask’d if the Hospital ship was there—He said yes But unfit for action.
                        My Confidence in this man is But small, and He was not even Consistent in what he said since He Had so much
                            exagerated His first accounts—I don’t even like the History He gives of Himself—But thought the matter too important not
                            to Have Him sent to Head Quarters to which Mr de Castaing will Conduct him immediately—If my informations at Morristown
                            Corroborate this Account, I shall Be able to forward it to Philadelphia and from thence to the Commander of the French
                            ships with less uncertainty.
                        Supposing the account to Be true it would make the British force about equal to ours, and the Naval
                            Commanders at Chesapeak Bay and Rhode island ought to know it that they may govern themselves accordingly—The Iras whom (By the way) I did not Hear of Before this time, and the 50 if existant would Be
                            superior to the French 64 and the frigats—But Having never Heard of that ship, and as the Iris
                                Frigat may Be mistaken for a ship of the Line By that man, I do not Credit an account which you would Have got
                            Heretofore. With every sentiment of Respect and the most tender attachement I Have the Honor to be dear general Your most
                            Humble Servant and affectionate friend

                            Lafayette

                            Will your Excellency please to present my Respects to Mrs Washington, Mrs Hamilton, and Compliments to
                                the family.