Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands June 5. 1782.

                  The day before yesterday captain Walker, one of your excellency’s
                     aides-de camp, called here and gave me several papers respecting the issues of
                     provisions under contract, and expressed your desire to have the sentiments of
                     some officers on them. I yesterday convened the officers commanding brigades;
                     colonel Stewart, who is one of the company of contractors, met with them—the
                     papers left by captain Walker, were taken up, read, and attentively considered.
                     As there appears to be a difference of sentiment in the proposals made to
                     messieurs Sands and his amendment made thereto which he presented your
                     excellency, a new plan was sketched out, which I take the liberty to enclose
                     with the other papers. The officers who met were unanimous in opinion, and
                     colonel Stewart will endeavour to reconcile it to the contractors; it is
                     therefore submitted to your excellency. Perhaps it may be well to add one per
                     cent more in the draughts to the troops—The five per cent was divided, and two
                     given to the contractors to compensate them for the encreased number of
                     draughts to companies; but I think it will be but just to allow four per cent
                     to the troops—and this was expressed by several of the officers after the
                     proposals were finished.
                  The several matters of dispute, complaint, and grievance against
                     the contractors, &c. which have arisen and subsisted between the
                     beginning of January and first of May, the officers are of opinion should be
                     brought to such investigation as your excellency may think proper having the
                     fullest confidence that you will see that justice done the army which the
                     principles of equity and honor require.
                  Enclosed your excellency will find a request from the officers of
                     the several brigades of this part of the army, that you would be pleased in
                     their name to address the minister of France on the auspicious birth of the
                     Dauphin, with congratulations thereon, as to your excellency may seem proper,
                     in which the general officers join, that it may be considered as the request of
                     the whole. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s
                     Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath

                     P.S. The 3d Massachusetts brigade and 10th regiment were to
                        join in the request to your excellency to address the minister of France on
                        the birth of the dauphin—they will most certainly
                        do it unanimously—But the distance to the 10th regiment has prevented the
                        paper coming in season—and least it may delay your excellency in writing by
                        the post, I thought it best not to detain the others longer—When that is
                        received, it shall be forwarded.

                     W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 5 June 1782
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,
                     Highlands, June 5. 1782. 3 o’clock
                     P.M.

                  I have just received the enclosed from the 3d Massachusetts
                     brigade and 10th regiment, who were unanimous in the request, and happy in the
                     opportunity to express their sentiments.
                  I am sorry to inform your excellency, that a distressing want of
                     provisions has again taken place—Some of the troops have been two days without
                     meat and without liquor—They have had bread, and that is all. Many officers
                     dined this day on pea-soup, without a morsel of meat—And there was a complaint
                     in the 3d brigade this morning among the men, that they were so faint they
                     could not go on duty. In a whole regiment scarcely a single dollar in money can
                     be mustered—The pound of bread and pound of meat is the principal dependence
                     of both officers and men; and if these are not regularly issued, both must
                     inevitably suffer. Whether the fault is with the contractors or with the
                     states, I do not know; but it is certain the troops at this instant on account
                     of subsistence, are in a most distressed situation. The magazines at the post
                     are totally empty, and should any of the troops be called to move, in a few
                     hours march they would faint on the road. It gives me pain to make this
                     representation, but it is my duty to do it. I have the honor to be With the
                     highest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                     W. Heath

                     P.S. Between seventy and eighty recruits have just arrived
                        from Massachusetts—which in general, appear to be good—they are from the
                        rendezvous of Springfield. When the party marched it was upwards of
                        eighty—ten deserted on the road.

                     W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 5 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 5th June
                     1782

                  I have the honor of conveying to your Excellency, the inclosed
                     address of the Officers of the American Army under my immediate Command, on the
                     auspicious birth of a Dauphin.
                  Happy in this oppertunity of presenting to you this United
                     testimony of respect and veneration for your Royal Master, I pray you to
                     believe that I enjoy the highest satisfaction in having such an occasion of
                     manifesting to your Excellency, the very particular pleasure I feel in every
                     event which affects the happiness of his Most Christian Majesty—especially in
                     one which is so interesting & important to his domestic felicity—& so pleasing to his people. I have the honor to be with the highest
                     respect Your Excellys Most Obedt & Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                         c.5 June 1782

                     Amid the general expression of Joy on the auspicious birth of
                        a Dauphin, permit us, the Officers of the American Army, to offer more than a
                        silent approbation of those Sentiments and Congratulations which have been
                        presented by Congress the representative body and sovereign power of the
                        United States, through you to our great and illustrious Ally on this happy
                        event.
                     There are circumstances, Sir, which render that, which in a
                        degree is pleasing to all, particularly so to some; the harmony and
                        friendship which subsisted between the Troops of your august Sovereign and
                        us, during the last Campaign (when the only contention lay in endeavours to
                        exceed each other in acts of emulation and brotherly kindness) give us this
                        pre-eminence.
                     The blood freely offer’d on both sides which was spilt in the
                        same Trench and often mixed in a common stream, the support of those rights
                        which are interesting to the feelings of humanity and the priviledges of
                        freemen, is such a cement to the friendship of the two Nations, as nothing,
                        but a departure from the principles of the Union, which Heaven
                           avert! can ever dissolve.
                     Not to participate then in the general satisfaction occasioned
                        by an event which adds to the felicity of a Monarch, who may be viewed in
                        the same moment, as the father of his own Nation and protector of the
                        liberties of others; and which contributes so much to the happiness of a
                        People to whom we are allied in interest and affection, would be an argument
                        of great insensibility on our part.
                     That divine providence may shed its choicest blessings upon
                        the King of France and his Royal Consort, and favor them with a long, happy
                        & glorious reign; that the Dauphin may live to inherit the virtues
                        and the Crown of his illustrious progenitors; that he may reign over the
                        hearts of a happy and generous people, and be among the happiest in his
                        kingdom, is our sincere and fervent wish. In behalf of the Army.

                        Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters June 5
                        1782

                  Colonel Olney writes me that he has taken up and confined at
                     Providence Ensign Johnson of the Rhode Island Regiment for shamefully deserting
                     from his Arrest occasioned by his ungentleman like conduct towards you.
                  I shall be obliged to you to inform me what you know of the
                     Affair, that I may be able to give the necessary directions. I am.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 5th June
                     1782

                  I have made Enquiry respecting the 1000 Arms you complain of
                     being Detained—No Orders of mine are or can be produced to justify this
                     Detention—I can’t absolutely ascertain the true Reasons—but believe the
                     failure has happened ’thro Mr Ruddock, the D.Comy of Military Stores, who
                     says he had conceived an Idea that 1000 Stands only were Ordered; &
                     that Number are gone on.
                  I forward to you a Representation which has this Day been handed
                     to me from our naval Prisoners in N.York—which was presented by two
                     Gentlemen, prisoners themselves, who were permitted to come out on parole With
                     this Application. Considering myself to have no Authority in naval Matters, I
                     have told these Gentlemen that their Representation should be conveyed to you—I have however, from a Commiseration of their Suffering, taken upon me to write
                     to Admiral Digby on the Subject—a Copy of which Letter I inclosed for your
                     Observation—The Complaints of these unhappy, miserable, people have been so
                     often reiterated to us, that I feel myself exceedgly interested for their
                     Relief.
                  Will you take this Matter into your most serious Consideration—and procure some speedy & decisive Measures to be taken whereby the
                     Sufferings at least may be abated, if an Exchange cannot be effected—I much
                     fear that the Department of naval Prisoners is not under the
                     best Regulation—especially in the different States & in Europe—by
                     which means many Prioners captured on our part, are lost & not applied
                     to the purpose of Exchange.
                  I am &c.
                  The Clothier Genl Should be directed to send on the Frocks for
                     the Army as soon as possible—or the Season for themas be lapsed.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     My dear Sir,
                     Newburgh 5th June 1782

                  Colo. Hazen’s sending an officer under the capitulation of York
                     Town for the purpose of retaliation, has distressed me exceedingly. Will you be
                     so good as to give me your opinion of the propriety of doing this upon Captain
                     Asgill should we be driven to it for want of an unconditional prisoner.
                  Presuming that this matter has been a subject of much
                     conversation, pray, with your own, let me know the opinions of the most
                     sensible of those with whom you have conversed.
                  Congress by their resolve have unanimously approved of my
                     determination to retaliate—the Army have advised it—and the Country look for
                     it—But how far it is justifiable upon an officer under the faith of a
                     capitulation, if none other can be had, is the question?
                  Hazen’s sending Captn Asgill on for this purpose makes the matter
                     more distressing, as the whole business will have the appearance of a farce, if
                     some person is not sacraficed to the Manes of poor Huddy; which will be the
                     case, if an unconditional Prisoner cannot be found, and Asgill escapes.
                  I write to you in exceeding great haste, but beg your sentiments
                     may be transmitted as soon as possible (by Express) as I may be forced to a
                     decision in the course of a few days. I am—with much sincerity and Affect. Dr
                     Sir Yr Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 5 June 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     War Office June 5. 1782

                  I have been honoured with your favors of the 28th and 29th
                     Ultimo—Monday is assigned for coming to the choice of a Judge Advocate. I hear
                     that Col. Ramsay, Col. Ennis and Major  are in nomination. I have not the pleasure of knowing either
                     of them but it is said by those who do, that they are Men of Education and
                     abilities.
                  I gave Congress an extract of your Excellencys letter with Sir
                     Guys answer to you on the subject of removing the inhabitants of South
                     Carolina—both are committed.
                  I have conferred with Mr Morris on the complaints of the Officers
                     against the operation of the new Contract he will be particular in his answer.
                  I have no doubt but when the system you are forming, by which the
                     issues are to be regulated reaches Mr Morris he will so settle the matter with
                     the Contractors as to give general satisfaction. I have the Honour to be Dear
                     General with the highest Respect Your Excellys most obed.
                     Servant

                     B. Lincoln

                     P.S. I expect to have the pleasure of seeing your Excelly at
                        head Qr. Tuesday next. Congress have resolved that the commander in chief
                        & secretary at war take order for enlisting.


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 5 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

                     Dear Sir,
                     Newburgh June 5th
                     1782

                  I was honored with your favor of the 27th Ulto by the last Post.
                     The extract from the Marqs La Fayette’s Letter--which you were so obliging to
                     send me--is, in substance, the same as the one he has written to me himself.—On some points he
                     is more particular in his letter to you—on others, mine is more full; A copy of
                     which, if I had a Cypher established with you, I would have sent; but am afraid
                     to entrust it without; either to the Mail, or a common Express.
                  What may be the real intention of the present Ministry,
                     respecting America--or what effect the Naval Action in the West Indies may have,
                     upon the intended operations of this year; and consequently upon the Powers at
                     War, is difficult to say. There is however, one plain line chalked out for us;
                     by pursuing which, we cannot err and it gives me pleasure to find that Congress
                     are inculcating this by a deputation from their own body.
                  If Rodneys victory is as decisive & important as the New
                     York Gazettes endeavour to make it; and the New Ministry should not be too much
                     buoyed up by it; there is no measure so likely to produce a speedy termination
                     of the War as vigorous preparation for meeting the enemy in full expectation of
                     it. If they are only playing the insidious game, this will make them think of
                     Peace in good earnest.
                  We had the pleasure of Mrs Livingstons and Mrs Montgomery’s
                     Companies some days in last Week--they left us early on Sunday morning in
                     perfect health--Mrs Washington presents her best respects to your Lady
                     & self--to which please to add those of Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt &
                     Most Hble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 5 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

                     Head Quartrs Newburgh, June 5th
                     1782

                  General Washington’s compliments to Mr Governr Morris.
                  If Mr Morris should have postponed his report, respecting the
                     business entrusted to him by Mrs Lloyd, ’till information could be had from
                     hence, of the conveyance of her Packet to Mr White; the General prays him to
                     present his compliments with it, and assure her, that the packet went by a
                     returng Flag in less than 24 hours after it came to his hands.
                  The General entreats Mr Morris to add further, that nothing will
                     give him more pleasure than to be honored with the commands of that Lady,
                     whenever she shall find occasion to write to England. Her letters by Post,
                     under cover to the General, will be more certain of a safe passage to New York,
                     than by any other conveyance; and he shall be happy in becoming the means of
                     facilitating her wishes.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 5 June 1782
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General
                     Middletown 5th June 1782

                  You certainly fully understood me, when you suppos’d me fixed in
                     my Determination of leaving the Army at all Events; the Reasons I then assignd
                     were such as I could not surmount, and they continue in full force to this
                     Time.
                  but the Matter being undecided, when I last saw you, whither a
                     Derangment of General Officers would take Place, agreable to a Resolve of
                     Congress, and that being the only Mode in which I could retire without
                     relinquishing all Hope of Compensation for pasd Services it was your
                     Excellency’s Advice to write to the Minister of War on the Subject; on his
                     Answer to my Letter I wrote your Excellency the 17th of May and have receivd
                     your Answer of the 28th: my Design was solely to know whither your Excellency,
                     whom we justly esteem our Friend & Patron, could not place me in such
                     Circumstances as would answer my Wishes without making my Resignation absolute,
                     so as to preclude myself from all Hope of Satisfaction for former Services.
                  On the Subject of resuming a Command again in the Army, I meant
                     to be understood that if any such Emergency should happen that more General
                     Officers should be wanted than were at the Time in Service. I should not be
                     averse to taking Command again for a short Time during the Continuance of such
                     Necessity; but the Reasons which prevailed with me to retire are still in full
                     Force against returning to a fixed, Stated Command in the Army.
                  But since tis not within your Authority to grant me the
                     Indulgence requested, I must apply to Congress for the Liberty I wish for or
                     for an absolute Discharge, which shall not be delay’d beyond the next post.
                  Col. Durkee of the first Connectt Regt was buried last Thursday.
                     I am with every Sentiment of Esteem Dear General yr most Obedt Servt

                     Saml H. Parsons


Title: From George Washington to Abraham Skinner, 5 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Skinner, Abraham

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters June 5
                        1782

                  You will on obtaining permission from the Enemy proceed to New
                     York and examine into the State & accomodation of our prisoners,
                     & report, on your return. I am sir Your Most Obedt Servant

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Watson Tadwell Watson, 5 June 1782
From: Watson, John Watson Tadwell
To: Washington, George

                     (Duplicate)
                     Sir
                     New York June 5th 1782.

                  The Arrival of Captain Ludlow of the Brigade of Guards, in this
                     place, brought us intelligence of a Conduct so very extraordinary, that the
                     Annals of History furnish no Anecdoete of a similar Proceeding.
                  The astonishment of all orders of Men was equal on hearing the
                     Account, but having the Honor at present of commanding the Brigade in which
                     Captain Asgill is an Officer, I felt myself too interested, not to wait on the
                     Commander in Chief to learn his Opinion.
                  He did me the honor to inform me that upon this, as upon every
                     other occasion, his endeavour should be exerted to put himself perfectly in the
                     right. that he presumed in an affair of this importance General Washington
                     would be as cautious not to put himself in the wrong.
                  So far only, am I justified in speaking of the Commander in
                     Chief; but as Captain Asgills commanding Officer, I think it right to inform
                     you, that Lipponcot a Prisoner confined on suspicion of being accessary to the
                     death of Huddy—having been brought before a General Court Martial for that
                     Offence, urged the incompetency of that Court to try him, & refused to
                     plead—in consequence of this, the Court was adjourned with the design of
                     consulting the Crown Lawyers.
                  A Council was called for the purpose of investigating every thing
                     that might be offer’d upon that subject.
                  The prisoners Plea has been overuled & in my situation I
                     consider it my duty to inform you, that the Members of that Court Martial are
                     again order’d to Assemble for going on with the tryal of the Prisoner
                     Lippincot. I am Sir Your humble Servant

                     Jno. W.T. Watson Lt Col.
                     Comdg Brigde of Guards


Title: To George Washington from Meshech Weare, 5 June 1782
From: Weare, Meshech
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Hampton falls June 5th 1782

                  From various Reports and Concuring Circumstances there has long
                     been a Suspicion that a traiterous Correspondence was carried on between some
                     persons in Vermont so Called, and some Brittish Officers in Canada—By
                     information I have just Receiv’d by Capt. Bailey, this matter seems to be put
                     beyond Doubt, And it Appear’d to me highly proper that your Excellency should
                     be immediately inform’d, of what Intelligence has been gain’d Respecting this
                     Matter.
                  Capt. Bailey waits on you for this purpose, And will lay before
                     your Excellency, All the information hitherto Obtaind, which is chiefly gain’d
                     by Mr Johnson, who by all the information I have from persons of Character and
                     Reputation, Appears to be Honest and Sincere, and his information to be
                     depended on. His Situation is Critical, And so is that of the People in those
                     parts. If an Exchange could be Obtaind for Mr Johnson, I apprehend it might be
                     of great Service, And more full Discoveries made. Capt. Bailey can give more
                     full Information Respecting the Situation Mr Johnson and the People are in. I
                     have the Honor to be With every Sentiment of Respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obt
                     & Humle Sert

                     Meshech Weare


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Gillon, 6 June 1782
From: Gillon, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                     Sir.
                     Philadelphia June 6th 1782

                  Capt. Montgomery not proceeding at the time I expected, prevented
                     forwarding to your excellency by him the 2 boxes, had the honour of writing to
                     you about the 4th of March last: they are now on board the south Carolina,
                     ready to be delivered to any person, your excellency will please to appoint to
                     receive them. With very much respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s
                     most obedient & most humble servant

                     A. Gillon


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 6 June 1782
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                     Sir

                        6 June 1782

                  I have the honor to transmit Your Excellency the monthly return
                     of the Army under my command. I am Your Excellency’s Most Obedient &
                     Most Humble Sert

                     N. Greene


Title: To George Washington from William Greene, 6 June 1782
From: Greene, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Warwick State of Rhode Island June 6th 1782

                  I received your Excellency’s favour of the 25th Ulto. by Doctr
                     Craick and laid it before the Council of War who have appointed a person to
                     assist him in procuring suitable buildings for the reception of the sick,
                     likewise to Provide such necessary as the Doctor may require. Shall afford him
                     every assistance in my Power to Effect the purpose of his errand here. I am
                     with Esteem and regard Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                     W. Greene


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 6 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 6th June
                     1782

                  I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency, for the
                     Observation of Congress, the inclosed Correspondence, which passed between Sir
                     Guy Carleton and myself, in Consequence of the Resolution of Congress, conveyed
                     to me by the Minister of War, refusing a passport for Mr Morgan to go to
                     Philadelphia with Dispaches from the British Commander in Chief.
                  No mention of his dispatches has been made since mine of the 21st
                     of May—nor any thing passed between us since Sir Guy’s Letter to me of the 23d.
                  It may be in the power of Congress to account for this silence
                     better than I can. With great Esteem & Respect I have the Honor to be
                     Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient & most humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 6 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                     Dear General,
                     Head-Quarters 6th June
                     1782

                  I have recd yours of Yesterday—I am sorry to hear that Desertion
                     still prevails—To render this Practice less frequent, I wish you would order
                     the Officers commanding at the different Rendezvous in Massachusetts, to give
                     Directions to those Officers, who are charged with the Conducting of the
                     Recruits to Camp, in case of Desertion on the March, to return to them
                     immediately descriptive Lists of the Deserters, that they may take Measures for
                     their Apprehension.
                  It gives me much Pain to hear that the Distresses of the Army,
                     from the Want of Provisions, yet continue, although I have done every Thing in
                     my Power to prevent them. I am just informed by Colo. Stewart that Beef has
                     arrived, which will afford you Relief for the present; and I hope that in
                     future you will not experience any Want of that Article. I have the Honor to
                     be, Dear Genl with great Esteem, Your most humble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 8 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                      saturday June 8.
                        1782
                     Parole
                     C. Signs

                  The General was highly pleased with the appearance of the first
                     Massachusetts Brigade yesterday under Arms, and was very well satisfied with
                     thier Manoeuvering: the firing might have been better, and he fears the Locks
                     or flints of the Musketts were in bad order, as many of them missed fire—the
                     Officers commanding the Light Infantry should impress upon the men the
                     necessity of taking deliberate Aim whenever They fire and see that they do it
                     when it is in their power—It is the effect of the shot not the report of the
                     Gun that can discomfit the Enimy and if a bad habit is acquired at exercise it
                     will prevail in real Action and so vice versa.


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 8 June 1782
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters June 8th
                     1782

                  Benjamin Cattle Esquire an inhabitant of South Carolina lately in
                     the Continental Army and one of the Governors privy Council has been in
                     a declining state of health for a long time. It has been recommended to him by
                     his physician, and friends to go to the Northward by winter to New York for the
                     recovery of his health, and General Leslie has been polite enough to grant him
                     the necessary passports for the purpose. Should he wish to go into the country
                     to the Northward I beg you will be kind enough to furnish him with  proper
                     passports; and I take leave to recommend him to your particular notice as a
                     gentleman of fortune, great merit and singular worth. I am with great respect
                     Your Most Obedt humble Servt

                     N. Greene


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 8 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 8th June
                     1782

                  Inclosed is the System of Issues which I mentioned in my last—It
                     has been submitted to principal Officers of the Army—is
                     agreeable to them—& in the Absence of Mr Sands, has been fully
                     & freely consented to by Colo. Chas Stuart in the Name & on
                     Behalf of all the Contractors—It remains only to obtain your Approbation—if
                     that is given, & the System takes place, I hope most of the present
                     Uneasinesses on the Score of provisions will subside—All the Difficulties
                     complained of in a former Letter to the Sectry at War—are
                     agreed by Mr Sands, "to be Submitted to such equitable
                     mode of Decision as I shall direct"—to Effect this Determination, I propose to
                     lay the whole Matters of Complaint before three judicious indifferent Men,
                     chosen agreable to the Mode proposed in the Contract—& shall endeavor
                     to have the Matter closed as soon as possible.

                     I am obliged to Mention again to you the Want of Beef to the
                     Army, this Failure has again been experienced since my last Writing to you—Mr
                     Sands being now in Phila. you will have an Opportunity of full Conversation
                     with him on the Subject. No Magazines of Salted provisions have yet been placed
                     in the Deposits of West point. I am &c.

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from George Reid, 8 June 1782
From: Reid, George
To: Washington, George

                     Dr Sir
                     Albany 8th June 1782

                  I was Hon’d with a letter from your Excellency adressed to Colo.
                     Tupper, dated the 29th ultimo, in which you wish the Contl Troops together as
                     near as Circumstances will admit. As soon as all the N. York State Levies
                     arrive, I hope I shall be able to have the second Regt (which is at present
                     very much scattered) Collected at Fort Plaine, the most central post on Mohawk
                     River, and where they will be ready to Operate, wherever there may be Necessity
                     the first Regimt have not been Seperated; but Garrison Saratoga—Several small
                     parties of Indians have made their appearance near Mohawk River lately. The
                     Week before last, a scout of our people fell in with one of the Enemy in the
                     night; when several shots were exchanged from both parties, by which we had two
                     men wounded; the enemy scamperd Off, and left three Indian packs on the ground;
                     by which it is supposed some of them must have been Mortaly wounded.
                  I must inform you that we are almost destitute of Cartridges in
                     this Quarter; the few that are on hand, are much too small being made for the
                     Militias arms—I wish a Quantity of Musquet ball, Cartridge paper, &
                     thread, may be Ordered on as soon as possible; there is powder in store
                     sufficient for the present.
                  The Quarter Master at this post is destitute of almost every
                     thing we stand in need of. If a supply of papper, in particular, is not sent
                     very soon, every thing in this District will be throwd into Confution.
                  My Dr sir, give me leave to inform you, that about six or seven
                     weeks since, I had the Missfortune to fall with my horse, whereby I Received a
                     very bad hurt, which Occasioned my not Joining here untill the last of May, on
                     my arrival Colo. Tupper pressed on to Joine his Regt. I wait you further Orders
                     or Commands, and am with the greatest Esteem Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hble
                     Servt

                     Geo. Reid


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 8 June 1782
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Williamsburgh 8th June 1782.

                  In the Moment I was writing to your Excellency, I received a
                     Confirmation of the Success of the Engagement on the 12th of April which by all the
                     Reports from the Cape, Port au prince & all the Intelligences for N.
                     York & Jamaica seem very bad for us.
                  I was proposing to you that as there was not yet any plan for the
                     Campaign decided at our Court and as I waited with the greatest Impatience for
                     the arrival of the duke of Lausun, I thought that it was suitable to march the
                     corps towards new York, that jointly with your Army, we might hinder the Enemy
                     from sending any forces to the Aid of Jamaica. These Bad News overthrow quite
                     that military speculation, so that I see no more reason for that march of the
                     french Corps to join yours unless there be political ones
                     which I must submit to your reflection and to your orders. The Captain of a
                     flag arrived Yesterday from N. York, assures that he had sailed with 36
                     Transports escorted by 3 Ships of War going to Charlestown &
                     Savanna—they are empty and it is believed they are gone to evacuate those
                     places. If that be the Case, all their Forces being assembly there, their Is
                     nothing more for you to do If the Army moves that Way—We
                     must assure a protection to York & Westpoint where will stay our Navy
                     and heavy Artilery, by a body of militia which Virginia must
                     furnish, to which I would add five  french Troops and considering the Resolution
                     of the British parliament not to carry on an offensive War on the Continent, I cannot
                     see any good proceeding from the March of the french Troops on new York; on the
                     contrary I think it might engage Carleton to send a Detatchment and make some
                     undertakeing against our Ships when the Army would Be at a great Distance, as
                     he might undertake against the french without
                     deviating from the Resolution not to carry on any longer an offensive War on
                     the Continent to endeavour to reduce America by force—Such Sir are my
                     Observations, I communicate them to the Chevalier De la Luzerne &
                     submit them to the reflections & orders of your Excellency. I am
                     &c.


Title: From David Humphreys to Hezekiah Wetmore, 8 June 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Wetmore, Hezekiah

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh June 8.
                     1782

                  I have it in charge from His Excellency the Commander in Chief to
                     direct that you should remove your Office to West Point, as soon as room can be
                     made in the Barracks for your accomodation by the Officers going into Tents.
                  A principal object is to prevent detachments & reduce the
                     number of Guards as much as possible. A Single Sentinel from the Main Guard at
                     West Point will then answer all the purposes for which six Men or More will
                     otherwise be required. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt.


Title: General Orders, 9 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters Newburgh sunday June 9th
                        1782.
                     Parole
                     C. Signs

                  Some doubts having arisen respecting the nature and extent of
                     Major General Heaths Command since the order of the 4th of April last, the
                     General thinks proper to direct that all the troops in the state of New York at
                     and below Fish Kill are to be considered as under the immediate orders of him
                     or the senior Major General present, till the Army is drawn together and the
                     order of Battle formed.


Title: To George Washington from Pierre De Peyster, 9 June 1782
From: Peyster, Pierre De
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Windsor June 9th 1782

                  Not having the Honour of being admitted into your Excellencies
                     presence yesterday, must take the Liberty of addressing you upon the subject of
                     my Detention and beg your Excellencies indulgence a few moments that upon being
                     taken into Custody and detained by Colonel Ogden (upon Suspicion as he informed
                     me of being in the Enemies employ) thought the proceeding illegal and
                     contrary to the rights I was intituled to as a Citizen especially as the Laws
                     of New Jersey Amply provides for the
                     punishment of all crimes committed against it, to which Laws
                     I looked upon my self only Ameniable and that the Civil Magistrate was
                     undoubtedly the proper person to take Cognizance of the matter. the Colonel
                     told me he had your Excellencies Order to transmit the Charges to the Governor
                     and to take his determination upon it; (When in fact the Governor by the Law
                     and Constitution of the State has nothing to do with it) however the Governor
                     submitted it to the Council for their Opinion who at first determined agreable to
                     what has been transmitted to your Excellency by Colonel Dayton which
                     determination the Govr instantly sent off to the Colonel; the Next day the
                     Council considered the matter and gave it as their edict to the Governor that
                     he had better not interfere in the Case of Mr Depeyster: (A Copy of which was
                     handed to your Excellency yesterday) the Express arriving with the first
                     Determination of Council, Colonel Dayton instantly sent me off to your
                     Excellency, and whether the Governor will trouble or hurry himself with writing
                     off another Express with the Second Opinion of Council is uncertain;
                     immediately upon being taken into Custody I took the opinion of the Best
                     Council in the State who all agreed that my Detention by the Military was
                     illegal and that the Matter was only Cognizable by the Civil Law and that I
                     ought immediately to be delivered over to the Civil Authority with whatever
                     Charges where alleged against me—A habeas Corpus was Issued
                     by the Judge of the Supream Court for me to be Brought before him on the 3
                     Inst. which warrant Colonel Ogden refused to Comply with; I
                     mention those particulars to shew your Excellency that the Civil Authority was
                     ready to take Congizance of it and thought it a matter that Comes wholly under
                     their Jurisdiction; therfore must plead the Rights of a Citizen which I’m
                     Confident your Excellency will shew a disposition to vindicate and that I may be delivered to the
                     Laws of the State to which I owe Allegiance and think myself only Ameniable to;
                     Shoud a Military tryal at any rate take place and terminate in my favour it
                     does not by any means Screen me from Civil Law So that Shou’d that be the Case
                     I am to receive two tryals for one offence—The Ill state of health that I
                     daily experience and have Labored under for the two years past will I hope
                     Induce your Excellency to continue my Confinement while here in such place
                     that I may have the advantage of procuring such things as I stand in immediate
                     need of for its restoration. I am with the greatest Respect your Excellencies
                     Most Obedient and Very Humble Servant

                     Pierre De Peyster


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 9 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters June 9th
                     1782

                  I take the liberty to inclose the within representation of
                     Colonel Nichola for your directions, as it relates to Orders issued from the
                     War Office.
                  Some of the Prisoners who come on with your Passports to go into
                     New York seem to Expect that they are to carry in their Horses—to prevent any
                     discussion of this matter when they arrive I would wish it to be mentioned in
                     the Passports whether they are to carry their Horses with them or not at the
                     same time I would observe that if permissions of that nature are granted
                     indiscriminantly the best Horses in the Country will be carried to the Enemy.
                  Majr Villefranch has represented to me the absolute want he is in
                     of proper Instruments for executing his duty as Engineer—having lost all those
                     he has hitherto used which were his own property—there is a set to be had at
                     Albany for about Fifteen Guineas—and I could wish he might be enabled to
                     purchase them.
                  The Musters & Inspections for the Months of March
                     & April will come to you by this Conveyance—I have also inclosed to
                     the Superintendt of Finance the general plan for a System of Issues which has
                     gained the Approbation of the Army & Contractors—I wish you will exert
                     your Influence to have it bro’t into effect as speedily as possible—that the
                     Uneasiness which we have so alarmingly experienced, may subside. I am
                     &c.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Butler, 10 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Butler, Richard

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters. 10th June
                     1782.

                  I have received your Favor of the 1st with the several proceedgs
                     of the Court Martial.
                  In Consequence I inclose to you Copy of the
                     Genl Orders approvg the Sentence of the Court against Thomas Glen—with a
                     Warrant for his Execution—Accompanying these, you will find the petition of
                     Glens father in Behalf of his unhappy Son—I feel much for the poor old Man,
                     but the Son seems to have been an Adept in Villainy—However in Consideration
                     of the parents Distress & Character, I submit to the Determination of
                     yoursilf & the principal Officers at the post, the expediency &
                     necessity of carrying the Warrant into Execution or not—Upon your Decision
                     therefore, takg all Circumstances into Consideration, I consent that Glen may
                     be pardoned or executed, as you shall think proper to direct.
                  The Trial of Capt. McCurdy I have not had Time fully to consider—at first reading however it appears singular in all its
                     parts—I shall take time to give it a more attentive perusal, & inform
                     you of my Opinion. I am sir &c.

                     P.S. I inclose to you the Depositions in Case of Reed—it is
                        impossible for me to decide upon it—you will call a Court of Enquiry to
                        determine upon his inlistment And if it appears that he has a Right to his
                        Discharge you will give it him—I send you a Blank for that purpose.
                     Sergeant Andw Nelson, I wish you to prevail upon him, to remain
                        in Service if possible—your Recommendation of him as a good Soldier is very
                        pleasing, & forms a Reason for me to wish him to be retained, but if
                        no perswasions will prevail upon him you will give him a Discharge which I
                        have inclosed.
                     The prisoner John Glover, who is recommended by the Court—I
                        consent should be pardoned.


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 10 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 10th June
                     1782

                  In compliance with my promise made to Lieut. General Robinson in
                     my Letter to him of the 4th of May, Enquiry has been made into the
                     circumstances of the Detention of Hetfield & Bagely; the result of
                     which, I do myself the Honor to transmit to your Excellency; and is contained
                     in the inclosed Copy of a Report made by Chief Justice Brearly of the State of
                     New Jersey, to His Excellency Governor Livingston, explaing the Reasons which
                     have induced the civil power of that State to apprehend & detain those
                     persons; an Extract of the Governors Letter to me also accompanies this Report.
                  As these persons have not been taken, nor are holden under the
                     military power, it is unnecessary for me to make any Observations on the
                     subject. My general Opinion however, on cases of this Nature, is contained in
                     my Letter of the aforementioned date, to General Robinson, an Extract of which,
                     so far as relates to this Business, is inclosed for your Excellency’s
                     Observance. I have the Honor to be sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and most
                     humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 10 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters June 10th
                     1782

                  It is extremely painfull to me, to have continually to remark on
                     the irregular manner in which business seems to be conducted at your Post. In
                     my Letter of the 27th May, I directed Colo. Ogdin to transmit Governor
                     Livingston a particular State of the circumstances respecting Mr de Peyster and
                     to take his orders, and if the Governor directed him to be delivered to the
                     Military, to send him with all the papers to Major General Heath. Instead of
                     this being complied with, the Prisoner is sent to Head Quarters without even a
                     single line from anybody, or a single paper respecting the matter; whilst the
                     Prisoner alledges that the Civil Authority has taken the matter up, and did
                     actually issue an Habias Corpus which Colonel Ogden refused to pay any regard
                     to.
                  I must request that you would immediately transmit me Copies of
                     all the papers that have passed with the Civil Authority on this occasion, and
                     every other information you are possessed of. In a matter of so serious a
                     nature as the Trial of a Citizen for his life, it is certainly necessary that
                     we should be well assured of the legality of our proceedings, and till this is
                     the case nothing can be done in the affair. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Pierre De Peyster, 10 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Peyster, Pierre De

                     sir
                     Head Quarters 10th June
                     1782

                  I have received your Letter of this Date. Not having been
                     furnished by Colo. Dayton with Copies of what has passed between him &
                     the Civil powr of your State respectg your Case, I shall
                     suspend all proceedings with you, untill I shall receive those papers, and have
                     already written to Colo. Dayton for them—In the mean Time, you will be
                     indulged to remain in your present Situation. I am sir Your
                     &c.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Digby, 10 June 1782
From: Digby, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New York 10th June 1782

                  My Feelings prompted me to grant Messrs Aborn and Bowen
                     Permission to wait on Your Excellency to represent their miserable Situation,
                     And if Your Excellency’s feelings on this occasion are like mine you will not
                     hesitate one moment releiving both the Brittish and Americans suffering under
                     confinement. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Very Obedient Servant

                     Robt: Digby


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 10 June 1782
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                        Monsieur
                        A Philadelphie le 10 Juin 1782.

                     J’ai reçu la lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de
                        m’ecrire le 5. de ce mois. Je vous prie de permettre que je fasse parvenir
                        par vous à l’armée Americaine ma reponse à l’adresse que vous avez bien
                        voulu m’envoyer. Les Sentimens qu’elle contient ne peuvent qu’etre
                        infiniment agréables à S.M. Je m’estime heureux d’etre chargé de lui faire
                        parvenir ces temoignages du respect et de l’attachement d’une portion aussi
                        distinguée des Citoyens des Etats unis et de la part qu’ils prennent à sa
                        Felicité domestique et au bonheur de la nation Française. Je suis avec un
                        respectueux attachment Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le três humble et três
                        obeissant serviteur

                        Chev. de la luzerne

                  TranslationPhiladelphia 10 June 1782Sir,
                     I have reced the Letter your Excellency did me the honor to
                        write me the 5th Inst. & beg leave to transmit thro you to the
                        American Army my Answer to the Address you was pleased to Send me—The
                        Sentiments contained therein cannot but be extremely agreable to His Majesty
                        and I esteem my self happy in being charged to transmit him this testimony of
                        the respect & attachment of so distinguished a part of the Citizens
                        of the United States & of the part they take in his domestic
                        felicity and the happiness of the French nation. I am with Respectfull
                        attachment Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedt &c.

                        signed Chev. de la luzerne


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 10 June 1782
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                        A Son Excellence Monsieur le Général Washington Commandant
                        en chef et à Messieurs les Generaux et autres officiers de l’armée
                        américaine Sur la rivière de l’hudson.Messieurs 10 June 1782

                     Je transmettrai à S.M. l’adresse que vous avez bien voulu me
                        faire parvenir au sujet de la naissance d’un heritier de la Couronne. Elle
                        apprendra avec beaucoup de satisfaction la joye que cet événement vous a
                        inspirée et elle Verra avec plaisir que cette même armée qui a donné tant de
                        preuves de courage et de Patriotisme, avec laquelle Ses troupes ont combattu
                        un ennemi commun, dans un concert et dans une intelligence parfaite,
                        S’empresse aujourd’hui à témoigner que rien de ce qui touche la nation
                        françoise ne lui est étranger.
                     Le jeune prince dont la naissance est l’Objet de vos
                        felicitations, Messieurs, entendra dès son enfance raconter les actions
                        glorieuses par lesquelles vous avez assuré l’independance et le bonheur d’un
                        Vaste continent. Les noms de vos illustres chefs lui seront repetés, lorsque
                        voudra lui citer des exemples de desinteressement, de constance, de bravour
                        et de toutes les vertus militaires. Il a vu le jour dans le moment ou la
                        victoire couronnoit nos deux nations; Cette Circonstance est un présage
                        fortuné de la gloire future et annonce qu’il sera un jour le soutien de
                        l’independance ainsi que de l’alliance qui unit la France aux treize Etats.
                     La vénération que vos vertus et vos actions m’ont inspirée,
                        Messieurs, augmente le plaisir que j’ai a être auprès du Roi mon maitre
                        l’organe de vos sentiments. Je vous prie d’etre persuadés que personne n’est
                        avec un respect plus sincere que le mien Messieurs Votre très humble et très
                        obeissant Serviteur

                        Le che. de la luzerne

                  Translation
                     To His Excellency General Washington Commander in Chief—The
                        Generals and other Officers of the American Army on Hudsons River.
                     GentlemenI shall transmit to his Majesty the address you have been
                        pleased to send me on the birth of an Heir to his Crown—It will afford him
                        infinite Satisfaction to find with what Joy this Event has inspired you and
                        he will see with pleasure, that the same Army which has given so many proofs
                        of Courage and Patriotism and which has in the most perfect harmony and
                        concert with his own Troops fought the common Enemy, now hastens to show
                        that nothing which affects the French Nation can be indifferent to them.
                     The Young Prince, whose birth is the object of your
                        Congratulations will from his Infancy hear recounted the glorious Actions by
                        which you have effected the Independance and happiness of a Vast
                        Continent—And when they would cite to him examples of disinterestedness
                        Constancy Courage & every other Military Virtue they will repeat to
                        him the names of illustrious chiefs.
                     He is born at a moment when Victory has crowned both our
                        Nations, this circumstance is a happy presage of his future glory and
                        promises that he will one day be the support of your Independance as well as
                        of the Alliance which unites France with the thirteen United States.
                     The Veneration that your Actions and Virtues have inspired me
                        with, Gentlemen, augments the pleasure I have in conveying your Sentiments
                        to the King my Master. I beg you to be persuaded that no one is with more
                        sincere Respect gent. Your very humble and Obedient Servant

                        le chev: de la luzerne


Title: From David Cobb to Waggon Master General, 10 June 1782
From: Cobb, David,Washington, George
To: Waggon Master General,Waggoners

                     Head Quarters June 10th
                     1782

                  The Commander in Chief directs that the Waggoners engaged to
                     serve the Campaign with the Waggon Master Genl shall not be inlisted into any
                     of the Regiments during the term of their engagements as Waggoners, and all
                     those who have inlisted shall be delivered up to the Waggon Master General.
                  David Cobb Leut Colo.
                  Aid de Camp


Title: From George Washington to John Morin Scott, 10 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, John Morin

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 10th June
                     1782

                  In reply to your Favor of the 4th I inclose you, Copies of the
                     Resolutions of the House of Representatives of the State of So. Carolina, the
                     consequent Resolve of Congress thereon, & my Letter to Sir Guy Carelton
                     on the Subject of the So. Carolina Inhabitants.
                  These Resolutions not appearing to me to be sufficiently explicit
                     as to the Manner in which those persons had been removed from Charlestown, I
                     was obliged, in order to put the Matter on a tolerable footing, to extend the
                     Idea, by saying that they were sent off by Orders of the British Commanders;
                     without knowg the particular Reasons the enemy would assign for this Treatment,
                     or being acquainted with the real Circumstances under which the Inhabitants
                     left their State. But supposing that it would be alledged, that they were sent
                     off as persons factious, disaffected & dangerous to the British
                     Government, they would think the request of a very extraordinary Nature,
                     & would consider their Compliance in the Light of conferring a high
                     Obligation, especially by bearing the Expence of their Transportation—On this
                     Ground I considered the Request as asking a Favor; and in that View of the
                     Subject, I made the Observation you allude to—And I think, from Sir Guys
                     Letter, and his Ease of Compliance, I was not mistaken in my Ideas of the Light
                     in which the British Commander has viewed this Requisition. I have the Honor to
                     be Sir Your most Obedient humble Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 10 June 1782
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                     Sir

                        10 June 1782

                  Before I can give an Answer to the Questions which your
                     Excellency has proposed to my Considerations, I conceive it will be necessary
                     to take a comparative View of the Troops which the Enemy have actualy on the
                     Continent: and those which we may have a Probability of bringing into the Field
                     the ensuing Campaign. In the first Instance the Force the enemy may have at
                     Halifax is not comprehended; and in the latter I will not pretend to estimate
                     the Number of Militia which we may be able to collect in Case of Necessity. The
                     ballance into these stand thus.     British TroopsRegular at N. York........9,000Militia...................3,000Garison at Charles t......3,000Do at Savana................700                         15,700     Allied ArmyContinental Army to the Northd......10,000French Troops........................4,000Southern Army........................2,000                                    16,000This Ballance alone sufficiently proves that Superiority of
                     Numbers cannot be among the Motives to undertake a vigorous offensive Campaign;
                     much less to attempt the Seige of Places fortified by Nature as well as by Art,
                     such as New York & Charles Town.
                  The three Propositions simply tend to the Enterprize against New
                     York. The first presupposes the Enemy’s Force in that Garison to be such as I
                     have stated; that they retain Possession of the Harbour, and have a naval
                     Superiority on the Coast. The second, that they have the above Force by Land,
                     keep Possession of the Harbour, but lose the Superiority at Sea, in either of
                     which Cases, any Attempt against the Garison appears to me absolutely
                     impracticable, even ’tho our Numbers should be doubled by the Militia.
                  The Position of the enemy is on three Islands, when ever we
                     attack one, the others must be kept in Check. If then the enemy should consist
                     of twelve thousand Men, and the allied Army of twenty four thousand, the latter
                     must be divided into three Parts, each consisting of eight Thousand Men. The
                     Points of Attack are the Passage at Kingsbridge, the Higths of Brooklyn, and
                     the Works on Staten Island, between which, the shorter Line of Communication is
                     from twenty to twenty four Miles, with a river between each. How then is one
                     Corps to support the other, in Case of a superior Attack, which the Enemy may
                     easily make as they possess every possible Advantage by Water? and even
                     supposing we should obtain Possession of either Island, which Position should
                     we take to cover our Flanks from the enemy’s Force by Water? and if we should
                     be so unfortunate as to have any one Division defeated, what mode of retreat is
                     left, while the enemy keep Possession of the Water?These reasons alone
                     sufficiently convince me of the Impropriety of such an Undertaking so long as
                     the enemy retain Possession of the Post, and rivers by which the Islands are
                     surrounded.
                  As soon as a superior Fleet has blocked up the Harbour, our
                     principle Object, I conceive; will be long-Island, in which the greater Part of
                     our strength will be employed in carrying the Works on Brooklyn, either by
                     storm or regular Approaches, and erecting Batteries to bombard the City and
                     Fleet in the Bay; but even then it will be necessary that our Frigates should
                     be in Possession of the Sound, and that Batteries should be erected on our
                     Flanks, to command the River.
                  The last proposition supposes that we were in Possession of the
                     Harbour and had the superiority at Sea. In this Case, we should be highly
                     reprehensible if we did not make the Attempt; yet even then, I would wish to
                     have the most pointed Assurances, that the Fleet destined for this Service
                     should remain long enough to effect a Cooperation on the Occasion.
                     It would also be necessary to make an exact Estimate of
                     the Number of Troops and the Means which we possess to make the Attempt.
                  If the Enemy should abandon the southern States and collect their
                     whole Force at New York, it would amount to sixteen thousand Men; and by
                     recalling our Troops from thence we should amount to nearly the same Number: If
                     they retain the Possession of Charles Town, & Savana, General Greene’s
                     Army must also remain their, and then we shall be in the same Proportion of
                     fourteen Thousand to fourteen Thousand.
                  It would in my opinion be no less difficult than hazardous to
                     attack the Enemy in their present Position, with less than double their Number,
                     or twenty eight Thousand Men. If the States of Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode
                     Island, New York, Connecticut and Jersey, could send four Thousand Men as Rank
                     and File into the regular Army, it would then amount to fourteen Thousand
                     continental Troops, four Thousand French and ten Thousand Militia: with this
                     Force and not less than this, I conceive we may make the Attempt with a
                     probability of Success.
                  But independant of the Troops, we should make an accurate
                     Estimate of the Artillery, Engineers, Quarter Masters, and Commissary’s
                     Departments, that we may not find ourselves embarrassed with those Difficulties
                     which always attend the Want of the Means necessary for the several Branches of
                     the Army.
                  Thus, Sir, have I given you my Opinion on the Subject, which you
                     did me the Honor to submit to my Consideration altho’ I cannot forbear
                     expressing to your Excellency my Fears, that the Suppositions on which the
                     Questions are founded will never be realized. The late unfortunate Defeat of
                     the French Fleet in the West Indies, the Improbability of collecting a Force
                     sufficient to carry on the Seige, and the Difficulty, I had allmost said the
                     Impossibility of supporting them afford but too just Grounds for this
                     Suggestion.
                  However altho’ our peculiar Situation renders it hazardous to
                     undertake an Opperation which demands more Force and greater Resourses than we
                     at present possess: yet I am not of Opinion that we should permit the Campaign
                     to waste away without improving those Advantages which are within our reach;
                     should it therefore be thought advisable to recall the French Troops from
                     Virginia. I should conceive the Army would be formidable enough to move down
                     and take an advantageous Position at or near the White Plains; and if by the
                     Addition of Recruits or Militia, our Situation would admit of our making a
                     Diversion with the two York Regiments and Hazen’s added to those of Hampshire,
                     towards the Garison of St Johns in Canada by the Way of the Cohos, I am
                     persuaded it would be attended with the most salutary Consequences. I have the
                     Honor to be with the greatest Respect Your Excellencys most obedt Servt

                     Steuben Maj: Genl


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 11 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh June 11.
                     1782

                  I am informed by casual report that a Captain of the 57th Regt
                     British, lately taken by Captain Hyler at the Light House, is on his Parole at
                     Elizabeth Town, or in that vicinity, as it is improper he should remain at any
                     place so near the Lines, & as I am informed he is wounded in such a
                     manner as to be incapable of being removed to a distance, I wish you to pay
                     immediate attention to the Matter, & to have him without loss of time, taken into safe custody,
                     conveyed to the Jersey Line or some other place of security, & guarded
                     in such a manner as that he cannot possibly make his escape, at the same time
                     that you must be answerable for his safe keeping you will be pleased to have him
                     treated with every species of tenderness & delicacy his circumstances
                     may require, & his situation will admit. I am Sir &c.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 11 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 11th June
                     1782

                  After writing to you Yesterday, your Letter of the 8th came to
                     me—a Letter from Justice Symes, remandg Mr Depyster to be delivered over to the
                     civil power, accompanied yours.
                  I more & more lament the Conductg of this Matter—your
                     knowg that a habeas Corpus was taken out to rescue the prisoner from the
                     Military, ought at least to have Occasioned your delaying to send on Mr
                     Depyster, until you had obtained my further Instructions—Some fatality seems
                     to attend this Business, & I fear is such, as will prevent any thing
                     being effected for the Detection of Mr Depyster in his Correspondence—On
                     Enquiry I can learn nothing of Cadmus, unless it is that he has been so loosely
                     kept, that he is suffered to be taken off. by which means your principal proofs
                     will be defeated.
                  Mr Depyster is now delivered over to the Civil Authority of the
                     State that he may be bro’t to his Trial upon a civil process—It rests
                     therefore upon you & Colo. Ogden to use your utmost Industry &
                     Vigilence to obtain & produce every Evidence in Support of the Charge
                     that can possibly be come at—This I shall rely upon—The paper said to have
                     been taken from the prisoner, & which you sent to Maj. Genl Heath, is
                     now returned to you by Ensn Hopper.
                  You will inform me as early as possible the present Situation of
                     Capt. Asgill, the prisoner destined for Retaliation—and what prospect he has
                     of relief from his Application to Sir Guy Carleton, which I have been informed
                     he has made thro his Friend Capt. Ludlow. I have heard noting yet from N.York
                     in Consequence of this Application—His Fate will be suspended ’till I can be
                     informed the Decision of Sir Guy but I am impatient least this should be
                     unreasonably delayed—the Enemy ought to have learnt before this, that my
                     Resolutions are not to be trifled with. I am &c.

                     P.S. to Colo. Dayton
                     sir11th June 1782I am informed that Capt. Asgill is at Chatham, without Guard,
                        & under no constraint—This if true is certainly wrong—I wish to
                        have the young Gentleman treated with all the Tenderness possible,
                        consistent with his present Situation—But untill his Fate is determined, he
                        must be considered as a close prisoner & be kept in the greatest
                        Security—I request therefore that he be sent immediately to the Jersey
                        Line, where he is to be kept close prisoner, in perfect Security ’till
                        further Orders.


Title: From David Humphreys to Henry Sewell, 11 June 1782
From: Humphreys, David
To: Sewell, Henry

                     Dear Sir
                     Head Quarters Newburgh June 11th
                     1782

                  In answer to your favor of the 9th (which is just come to hand) I
                     am directed by the Commander in Chief to inform you; that when it was proposed
                     Lt Col. Popkin should go to Boston to superintend the recruiting Service, the
                     General conceived it would be at the same time a matter of private convenience
                     as well as of public utility—that as he does not know that he is authorized to
                     promise any public Money for the expences of the Recruiting Service, & not
                     having given any pecuniary encouragement to the other Officers employed in any
                     branch of that duty, he cannot think himself at liberty to do it in the present
                     instance—if therefore Col. Popkin does not choose to go without looking to the
                     Public for the Payment of his extra expences, another Officer may be appointed
                     for the purpose. The General farther observes that he believes it will be
                     impossible for the Quarter Master to furnish a bathorse, both on account of the
                     scarcity of public Horses, & the appropriation of those on hand to
                     other Services.
                  As to the size of Recruits, His Excellency is of opinion that
                     none ought to be accepted under five feet two inches high; & that Boys of
                     that stature, whose limbs are not spread & who have not acquired
                     strength & firmness to perform the exercise & bear the fatigue
                     of service are by no means proper subjects to make Soldiers of, therefore much
                     must be left to the judgment & discretion of the Mustering Officer, to
                     whom it is His Excellencys wish that Gen. Heath will give such further
                     instructions as he may judge proper. I am Dear Sir With great regard

                     P.S. Pray what directions did you give respecting sendg
                        back the Dragoon who came with a flag to Croton.

                     Capt. Sewall


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 11 June 1782
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Burgh June 11th 1782.

                  When I was last at New York on enquiry, I find the Prisoners in
                     possession of the Enemy (in the Military Line) amount to about forty in number,
                     who are proper Subjects of Exchange and taken in Arms; the greatest part of
                     those Men, were made prisoners by Colo. DeLancey’s Corps, and the Enemy wish to
                     Release them for an equal Number of DeLancey’s Men confined at Fish Kill and
                     West point.
                  The Ballance of 495 Men still remains due from the Enemy, and
                     they ought to send out every prisoner they have towards the payment of it, but
                     it seems Sr Henry Clinton has allowed Mr DeLancey the liberty to exchange his
                     own Prisoners: Those in the Sugar House at New York are in this situation—they
                     are healthy and their place of Confinement is roomly and tolerably Comfortable:
                     As soon as they are Exchanged, that prison will be appointed for the Sea
                     Prisoners and considering those circumstances I beg leave to Submit to your
                     Excellency’s determination, whether I may give an equal Number of DLanceys Men
                     for those in the Sugar House—The moment I am Authorized to do this, the
                     business can be compleated at Dobbs Ferry, and the Exchange made upon the Lines,
                     as I would not wish to send those prisoners first, and thereby put it in the
                     power of the Enemy to take an undue advantage which I am Convinced they are
                     disposed to do. I shall thank your Excellency for your Commands and remain Your
                     Mo. Obt Servt

                     Abm Skinner
                     Comy Genl Pris.


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 11 June 1782
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     New Burgh June 11th 1782

                  In Obedience to your Excellency’s Commands of the 6th Instt I
                     have had an interview with the British Commissary on the Subject of the
                     situation of the American Naval Prisoners at New York, and proposed to him to
                     Exchange those now in our hands, for an equal Number of those on board the
                     Enemy’s prison Ships.
                  This proposal he will not accede to, as appears by his Letter in
                     Answer to one I wrote him; Copies of which I inclose for your Excellency’s
                     perusal.
                  The Enemy Still continue their designs to oblige our Seamen to
                     enter into their service. I was not permitted to visit their Prison or Hospital
                     Ships, but I am Authorized to say, that their situation is truly deplorable,
                     and tho’ many of them are put on two of the Islands in the Harbour of New York
                     and some pains taken for the treatment of the Sick, yet from the Nature of
                     their disorders (being of a putrid kind and very similar to the plague) the
                     greatest part of those unhappy Men must die in a very Short time. I have the
                     honor to remain Your Excellencys Mo. Obt Servt

                     Abm Skinner
                     Comy Genl pris

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        New York June 9th 1782

                     From the present Situation of the American Naval prisoners on
                        board your prison ships, I am induced to propose to you the exchange of as
                        many of them as I can give you British Naval prisoners for, leaving the
                        Ballance due to you to be paid when in our power. I cou’d wish this to be
                        represented to His Excellency Rear Admiral Digby and that the proposal cou’d
                        be acceeded to, as it wou’d relieve many of those distress’d men and be
                        consistent with the humane purposes of our office. I will admit that we are
                        unable at present to give you seaman for seaman and thereby relieve the
                        prison ships of their dreadfull Burthen; But it ought to be remember’d that
                        there is a large Ballance of British Soldiers due to the united States since
                        february last; and that as we have it in our power, we may be disposed to
                        place the British Soldiers who are now in our possession in as disagreeable
                        a Situation as those Men on board the prison ships Are. I am Sir Your Most
                        Obt Servt

                        Abm Skinner Com. Gen. Prisr

                Enclosure

                        Sir
                        New York June 9th 1782

                     I have recieved your letter of this date and laid it before is
                        Excelleny Rear Admiral Digby Commander in Chief &c. &c.
                        &c.; who has directed me to give for answer, that the Ballance of
                        prisoners owing to the British, having proceeded from lenity and humanity on
                        the part of himself and those who Commanded before his arrival, is Surprized
                        you have not been induced to offer to exchange them first; and untill this
                        is done, cannot consent to your proposal of a partial exchange leaving the
                        remainder as well as the British prisoners in your hands to linger in
                        Confinement.
                     Conscious of the American prisoners under my direction being
                        in every Respect taken as good Care of, as their Situation And ours will
                        admit; you must not believe that Admiral Digby will depart from the justice
                        of this measure, because you have it in your power to make the British
                        Soldiers who are prisoners with you more miserable than there is Any
                        Necessity for. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

                        David Sproat Commissary
                        Genl for Naval Prisoners


Title: From George Washington to John Barry, 12 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Barry, John

                     Sir
                     Head Quarters 12th June
                     1782

                  I have to acknowlege your Favor of the 30th of May.
                  It has ever been my Wish to mitigate in every respect as far as is my
                     power the disagreeable Circumstances attendg a State of War—this general
                     Disposition, as well as a Desire to oblige you, would operate strongly in favor
                     of a Compliance with your Request in behalf of your Friend; but unhappily some
                     Dispute between the Contendg Parties, at present prevents all Exchange; but on
                     principles inadmissible on our part. The Case of Capt. Austine has been
                     committed to the Comy of Prisoners, who, I am informed has written to Govr
                     Trumbull on the Subject.
                  I have no advice of the french fleet mentioned by you, but what
                     is contained in your Letter—no Notice of their Arrival in the Chesapeak has
                     reached me. I am Sir Your &c.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 June 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Dear General,Head-Quarters, 12th June 1782

                  Immediately on the receipt of your letter covering Colo. Van
                     Schaick’s request to you that he might remain out of camp, until Congress
                     should take up and determine on the matter of his promotions, I laid them both
                     before Congress who referred them to me. In my report I observed that although
                     the several States, by the Articles of Confederation, had delegated to Congress
                     the power of appointing all General Officers, and had not confined them in
                     their choice to any particular rules, yet Congress themselves had found it
                     necessary to apportion such appointments among the different States nearly in
                     proportion to the number they were severally to raise—By this mode there are
                     now many General Officers, who were young field-Officers, when others were
                     Colonels and none remain so—The policy and even justice of this measure were
                     so conspicuous that it was generally acquiesced in as necessary. If Congress
                     should at this time promote Colo. Van Schaick to the rank of Brigadier, because
                     he has been superceded, it would open such a door for promotions as would
                     greatly embarrass Congress to shut, for the State of New-York has already a
                     full proportion of General Officers—I therefore was fully in Opinion that
                     Colo. Van Schaick could not be promoted; but that in consideration of his long
                     services, he have leave to retire with the same emoluments as Officers who
                     retired from service under the resolutions of Congress of the 3d & 21st
                     of Octr 1780. Colo. Van Schaick’s friends opposed the report, hoping to do more
                     for him; by that means it was lost, so that he is neither promoted nor has
                     liberty to retire. I have the Honor to be, My dear General, With profound
                     respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 June 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                  Dear General,

                     Head Quarters, 12 June 1782

                  Since I had the honor of writing on the subject of the arms, I
                     find that the detention of them arose from a blunder among the officers, and
                     that they do not now pretend that they have any orders on that subject.
                  The state of our naval prisoners is pitiable indeed, and ought to
                     claim every attention—Their distresses are from several causes—to obviate
                     them and if possible give perfect relief, is now the subject of the
                     deliberations of Congress—The Matter has been some time before them—They find
                     many embarrassments in the Way of a system which will answer their wishes—Indeed until the several States will throw the whole matter into the same
                     hands, under the direction of Congress, and our masters of vessels will, with
                     more punctuality, bring in their prisoners, and until an Agent or Agents are
                     appointed in Europe to receive & support the prisoners landed in the
                     several Ports, I see little prospect of matters becoming much better. Your
                     Excellency is mistaken with respect to the power I have over the marine
                     prisoners; to safe keep is all the connexion I have with them.
                  I have no complaint to prosecute against Mr Johnson; It was not
                     my wish to have him arrested. If his leaving the camp without permission is not
                     to be noticed, I have no objection to his being discharged.
                  I am fully in opinion that the British Officers, who obtain
                     permission to go into New York, should not carry in their horses. If any
                     Passports are applied for in future, care will be taken to prevent this.
                  I think, Sir, you had better give an Order on the Paymaster in
                     favor of Major Villefranche for the fifteen Guineas—I am confined in my
                     draughts on the Paymaster to the pay and rations of the Army; otherwise I
                     should have no doubt of giving the order immediately, for I think the Measure a
                     necessary one, & do approve of his getting the instruments. I have the
                     honor to be My Dr General with perfect esteem your Excellencys most Obedient
                     servant

                     B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 12 June 1782
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                  My Dear General

                     Head Quarters June 12th 1782

                  From the present state of our finances, the temper and
                     disposition of the several States in general and the little hope we have of
                     farther aid from France–it becomes absolutely necessary to take a view of our
                     present establishments and enquire whether any new arrangements can be made
                     consistent with justice policy & the good of the service. I have
                     therefore to offer to your Excellency consideration the following questions.
                  Can or cannot the number of Regiments of infantry be reduced?
                  Can or cannot the Corps of Artillery be reduced as also of the
                     Horse?
                  Can or cannot there be any new system introduced into the several
                     staff departments?
                  I have minuted these questions as a basis of private conversation in the discussion of them many
                     other matters will probably be called up. I am yours affectionately Yours

                     B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 12 June 1782
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Office of Finance 12th-13 June 1782

                  I presume that General Lincoln will have made your Excellency
                     acquainted with the Situation of Affairs here. It becomes my Duty to mention
                     one Circumstance for your Determination which I will adhere to even tho it
                     should contravene my own Opinion not only because I have a firm Reliance in
                     your Judgement but because you are in a better Position to be well informed of
                     the Facts. It is with great Pain I learn that the few Taxes raised by the State
                     of New York instead of being applied in Discharge of their Quota are all
                     appropriated to particular Purposes. My Information on this Subject may be ill
                     founded but having applied to the Governor for the Laws of the State relative
                     to Revenue which I have not received I am obliged to take it upon verbal
                     Communications Supposing the Fact to be as stated I am inclined to think that
                     at least the Levies raised by that State should not be fed at the continental
                     Expence. The Expenditures on those Levies I cannot precisely ascertain but I
                     believe it to be somewhere between five and Six thousand Dollars monthly. This
                     Expence at a Moment when the Wheat and Flour collected in that State is as I am
                     informed held up untill Money can be sent from hence to purchase it at a high
                     Price appears to be improper. There may perhaps be good Reasons for it but it
                     may also be considered as unnecessary Profusion. Your Excellency can best judge
                     what ought to be done but you may rely on it that we can very ill afford any
                     Expence in our present Situation. I have the Honor to be with great Respect and
                     esteem Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and humble Servant
                  Robt MorrisJune 13
                  Since writing the above of the twelfth I have received your
                     Excellency’s Letter of the eigth—To which I shall make no particular Answer at
                     present having as I had the Honor to mention in a former Letter referred the
                     whole of that Business to the secretary at War. I am &c.

                     R.M.


Title: From George Washington to Jeremiah Olney, 12 June 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Olney, Jeremiah

                     Sir
                     Head Quarter 12 June
                           1782

                  It appears that Mr Johnson made an irregular application to
                     Resign and his Commission not being accepted he was guilty of indecent
                     behaviour towards the Sicritary at War and finally broke his Arrest and went
                     off—The Secritary at War is willing to pass over his Conduct towards him, but
                     such a wilfull disobedience and Contempt of Orders as Mr Johnson has been
                     guilty of—besides breaking his Arrest cannot be excused.
                  If Mr Johnson is Sensible of the Impropriety of his Conduct and
                     will immediately Join his Regiment to answer the Charges against him you may
                     release him from his Confinement but if you think that he will pirsist in his
                     contempt of Orders and will not Join you may send him under Guard to his
                     Regiment in Camp. I am.