Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 13 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 13th 1780.

                        I have been honored with your Excellency’s favors of the 29th Novr and 4th instant. I shall communicate to
                            the Officers of the Army such of the Resolves as relate to them—I would beg leave to remark on that of the 29th Novr
                            respecting the payment for wounded and disabled Horses—that it makes no provision for any that may be left wounded upon
                            the field, and of course lost to the owners—All the former Resolves confined the payment solely to Horses killed in
                            action—the present makes it a condition, that the Horses wounded and disabled shall, upon payment of the value, be
                            delivered up to the Quarter Mastr Genl—I recollect several instances of Officers who left their Horses wounded upon the
                            Field, and who could not recover the value of them, because the words of the former Resolves, restricted the Qr Master
                            General to the payment for those killed in action.
                        I have received information from a person with whom I am unacquainted, but who I know has been employed to
                            gain intelligence, that another embarkation was going on at New York the 8th instant, and that he had himself seen the
                            greatest part of the Troops go on board. The Detachment was to be commanded by Generals Knyphausen and Phillips, and to
                            consist of 1 Battalion British Grenadiers—1 Battalion Lt Infantry—1 Battalion Hessian Grenadiers—42d British
                            Regt—Knyphausen’s Regt—2 Troops light Dragoons, and a Draft of 5 Men from each Company of the remaining part of the Army.
                            The destination was kept a secret, the Southward was the general conjecture—I have communicated the intelligence to
                            Governors Lee, Jefferson & Nash, and to General Greene.
                        I have been under the necessity of discharging the New Levies before the expiration of their time, for want
                            of Bread, of which we have yet but a very scant supply—and if our Magazines do not receive an addition before the River is
                            obstructed, and the Roads broken up, I foresee the greatest distress. I have the honor to be With the Most perfect respect
                            Your Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Phillips, 13 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Phillips, William

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 13th Decemr 1780

                        I have recd your favr of the 8th proposing the final exchange of Governor Hamilton, in an extension of his
                            parole to Europe—That Gentleman being considered as a prisoner to the state of Virginia and therefore solely at the
                            disposal of the Executive Authority thereof, I do not conceive myself at liberty to enter into any negociation upon the
                            subject—You will oblige me by informing Governor Hamilton of this—he having written to me on the same Business—Major Hay
                            is also considered as a prisoner to the state of Virginia, and at their disposal also. I have the honor to be Sir Yr most
                            obt and hble Servt


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 13 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 13th Decr 1780

                        I have to inform your Excellency, that I have received an account from New York, that another embarkation was
                            preparing at that place. The detachment which appears to be about 2500 Men is to be commanded by Generals Knyphausen and
                            Phillips. The destination was not publicly known, but supposed to be to the Southward. This information does not come to
                            me thro’ a Channel on which I perfectly depend. Should I receive it through one on which I have more confidence, I shall
                            not fail to communicate my intelligence to your Excellency. I have the honor to be with the highest Esteem Yr Excellency’s
                            most obt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 13 December 1780
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur
                                a boston le 13 Xbre 1780

                            j’arrive icy ou j’ay voulu faire un voyage d’instruction pour y admirer la belle campagne—qui a fait
                                votre Excellence. en arrivant dans ce post, jy trouver de nouvelle trè interessant qui nous donne  batiment ameriquain
                                qui se parti le 4 9bre dans la riviere du nantes. il ma donne la liste cy jointe de vaisseaux veni a brest doublé le
                                convoi—et destiné a venir en amerique avec un convoy que l’on prepare a brest. il dit quil ya un changement dans notre
                                ministere, que mr de Satine se retire, et que mr de Castries le remplace, que le mars vaisseau ameriquain de 20 canons
                                devoit partir peu de temps apres luy, chargé de depaches pour nous. quoy quil y ait  du plus
                                ordinaire dans toutes ces nouvelles, elles me paroissent cependant si circonstanciés, qu j’y trouve de la
                                vraisemblance surtout en ce qui regard l’armament. il ajoute que tous les autres vaisseaux ont été rejoindre les
                                espagnols a Cadiz pour achever la raduction de gibraltar qui est  de viandes; je monte demain
                                a cheval autour de la ville pour voir le champ de Succès de votre excellence, et je compte
                                du retour a newport dans quatre jours. je suis avec respect a votre excellence le très humble et très obeissant
                                Serviteur

                                le cte de Rochambeau

                        TranslationSirBoston 13th Decemr 1780
                             I came here, to make a journey of instruction, and to admire the brilliant Campaign which your
                                Excellency made in this Quarters. On arriving at this place I found very interesting news brought by an American Vessel
                                which leftthe River of Nantes the 4th of November. She has given me the annexed list of Vessels which are coming
                                from Brest, destined for America, with a Convoy which is preparing at Brest—She tells me that there is a change in our
                                Ministry—That Mr Sartine retires and that Monsr de Castries succeeds him—That the Mars an American Vessel of 20 guns
                                would depart a little after he’s charged with dispatches for us. Although there is something extraordinary—in all this news, it
                                appears to me so circumstantial that it gives an air of truth to what regards the Armament—He adds that all the other
                                Vessels had rejoined the Spaniards at Cadiz to attempt the Reduction of Gibralter which was short of provisions—I
                                shall get on Horseback tomorrow to view the Grounds where your Excellency had your successes, and I count upon
                                returning to Newport in four days—I am &c.

                                Rochambeau

                     Enclosure

                            List of Vessels ready to depart from the Port of Brest bound to America.

                                    The Ville de paris

                                    100 Guns

                                    The St Esprit

                                    80

                                    The Auguste

                                    80

                                    The Sceptre

                                    74

                                    The Northumberland

                                    74

                                    The Hector

                                    74

                                    The Valiant

                                    64

                            Three Vessels armed en flute laden with all sortes of Military Stores and provisions.
                            30 Transport Vessels.


Title: To George Washington from Elisha Sheldon, 13 December 1780
From: Sheldon, Elisha
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Hartford Decr 13th 1780

                        Agreable to your Excellency’s orders of the 27th ulto I marched my Regt on the way to Colchester for winter
                            Quarters. When we had arrived at Danbury, I rode forward to Hartford to wait on His Excellency the Governor and the
                            Assembly. I soon found that there was no Forage provided for the Public at Colchester, & that even some of the
                            public Stables had been removed to Lebanon for the Accommodation of the French Horse at that place. There Circumstances,
                            added to a Resolve of the Legislature of the State to Quarter my Regt in different Towns, has induced me to halt the Regt
                            for the present at Waterbury and in its Vicinity ’till your Excellency’s further pleasure can be known. I am well
                            convinced that the Troops cannot be well Accommodated in the Towns which have been pointed out by the Assembly for which
                            reason I have recommended to them the Towns of N. Hampton Hartfield
                            & Hadley in the state of Massachusetts, lying on Connecticut River about 18 mils above
                            Springfield; in those Towns we shall be more Compact, have a much better prospect of obtaining supplies of forage, and be
                            near the Magazines and Artificers at Springfield—The Governor seems to be anxious for such a movement, for which reason
                            the Regt will not be Cantoned as directed by the Assembly untill we hear further from your Excellency.
                        I am Anxious to have your Excellencys orders Respecting the Stages of Expresses from my Regiment, as some
                            more effectual steps must be taken to supply them with Forage &c. if they are Continued. I have the Honor to be
                            with the greatest Regard your Excellencys most obt & very Humble servt

                            Elisha Sheldon Col. 2d L.D.


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 13th Decemr 1780

                        I have this day forwarded a passport to New York for the Brig Jenny to proceed from thence to New London as
                            a Flag of truce with Cloathing for the prisoners at Rutland, and to carry back such of them as have been lately exchanged.
                            An Officer has permission to go with the Cloathing to Rutland and return. The Vessel is directed to lay in such part of
                            the port as the commanding Officer there shall think proper. If you have any particular instructions to give on the
                            subject, you will be pleased to lodge them at New London. I have the honor to be &c.

                            P.S. I have just recd information from New York, that a considerable embarkation is taking place—supposd
                                for the Southwd—but it does not come through such a channel as to demand entire credit.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 13 December 1780
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Hartford Decr 13th 1780

                        Persuant to a resolve of the Assembly of this State herewith inclosed, I have to request of your Excellency
                            that Colo. Sheldons Regiment of Dragoons sent into this State, to be quartered at Colchester, may be removed and cantoned
                            out in the Counties of Hampshire or Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts. The French Horse had previously taken
                            quarters at Colchester and other Towns adjacent, and will want all the forage that can be spared on the east side of the
                            river; nor can there be more conveniently spared on the west side than will be necessary to accomodate the publick
                            transportation. The Counties above mentioned abound in forage and it is Colo. Sheldons opinion and mine that the town of
                            Hadley in particular might well provide for the waggon Horses and the adjoining towns of Northampton and Hatfield for the
                            men and the rest of the Horses. The publick service, it is hoped would not be injured, but promoted by the Regiments being
                            immediately removed and cantoned out in that State. I hope to receive your Excellencys orders by the returning Express. I
                            am Sir, with much Respect Your Excellency’s most obedt humbl. Servt

                            Jonth; Trumbull

                     Enclosure

                                    29 November 1780

                            As a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Connecticut, holden at Hartford by
                                special Order of His Excellency the Governor on the 29th Day of Novembr 1780.
                            Resolved by this Assembly, That his Excellency the Governor be requested to Write to His Excellency
                                General Washington, desiring that Colo. Sheldons Regiment of Dragoons, be Cantonned out in some proper place in the
                                Western part of the State of Massachusets. A true Copy of Record Examined By

                                George Wylly’s Secrety


Title: From George Washington to Roger Wells, 13 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Wells, Roger

                            Sir
                             13 December 1780

                        You are to take the command of the Guard Boats, already in the River as well as of the Detachment ordered
                            from the Connect. Line to reinforce them.
                        In the first instance, you will procure from West Point, light Boats sufficient to transport the
                            reinforcement, & pay particular attention yourself to have them repaired in the best Manner, the Oars Muffled,
                            & every other necessary provided. Those Boats now employed in this service, if out of repair, should be refitted
                            in the same Manner.
                        The object of your command is, to prevent a surprize by Water, of our Posts below, including that of Dobbs’
                            Ferry; & to communicate the earliest intelligence of any Movements of the Enemy to Majr Genl Heath &c. For
                            this purpose, you will keep One or two of the Boats as far down as the Slote, the remainder at Kings Ferry or the
                            intermediate space establishing signals, to give notice of an Alarm. You may occasionally go down the River with all the
                            Boats, at Your Own discretion.
                        In case of an attempt upon the Block House at Dobbs Ferry while you may be down the River you will assist in
                            the defence of the post not by shutting yourself in the Work but by annoying the enemy without in such a manner as may be
                            concerted with the Officer within.
                        You will not fail to report to me once a week, the best information you can obtain of the State &
                            disposition of the Enemy’s fleet & Army at New York & its dependencies transmitting such News Papers, or
                            other intelligence, as you may procure to Head Quarters.
                        The greatest attention & vigilance will be necessary, in having your Men & Boats always in
                            readiness for action; to prevent a surprize, which is ever disgraceful. And in having your Command well supplied, not
                            suffering any Marauding or Plundering of the Inhabitants under pretence of their being Tories & to prevt as much
                            as possible all kind of supplies going to the Enemy & traffic with the City. Given under my hand at Head Quarters
                            New Windsor this 13th Day of Decr 1780

                            Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 14 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My dear Marqs
                            New Windsor 14th Decr 1780.

                        Soon after dispatching my last letter to you, your favor dated at Paramus was put into my hand by Colo.
                            Gouvion—yesterday brought me your letters of the 4th 5th & 5th in the Evening—and this day I have received another
                            of the 9th.
                        The Chevr De la Luzerne’s Dispatches came in time for the Post, which is the only means left me for
                            conveyance of letters—there not being as much money in the hands of the QM. Genl—I believe I might go further &
                            say in those of the whole Army—as would bear the expence of an Express to Rhode Island. I could not get one the other day
                            to ride as far as Pompton!
                        I am now writing to the Count de Rochambeau & Chev. de Ternay on the Subject of your several
                            letters—when their answr arrives, I will communicate the contents to you. You must be convinced—from what passed at the
                            interview at H—, that my command of the F— T—ps at R— Is—d stands upon a very limited scale and that it would be
                            impoliticly fruitless in me, to propose any measure of co-operation to a third power without their concurrence;
                            consequently an application from you antecedent to an official proposition from his Excellency the Minister of France—The
                            Gentn at the head of the French Armament at Rhode Island—The Congress—or myself—cou’d only be considered as coming from a
                            private Gentn; It is therefore my advice to you, to postpone your corrispondence with The Spanish Genals & let your
                            influence come in hereafter as auxiliry to something more formal & official—I do not hesitate in giving it clearly
                            as my opinion to you. but this opinion, and this business, should be concealed behind a
                            curtain. That the favourable moment of the Spanish operations in the Floridas ought to be improved to the utmost extent of
                            our means; provided the Spaniards by a sanction of their maratime force with that of his Christn Majesty undr the Commd of
                            the Chevalr de Ternay will give us a secure convoy, and engage not to liave us till the operations of the Campaign are at
                            an end or it can be done by consent of parties.
                        I am very thankful to the Minister for permitting, & to you for communicating to Genl Greene the
                            intelligence of the Spanish movements toward the Florida’s—it may have a happy influence on his measures—It may be equally
                            advantageous to the Spaniard.
                        Your expression of personal attachment to me, & affection, are flattering & pleasing
                            & fill me with gratitude—It is unnecessary I trust, on my part to give assurance of mutual regard because I hope
                            you are convinced of it—and as I have already put it absolutely in your choice to go to the Southern Army or stay with
                            this circumstance & Inclination alone must govern you—It would add to my pleasure if I could encourage your hope
                            of Colo. Nevills exchange—I refused to interest myself in the exchange of my own aid—Genl Lincoln’s were exchanged with
                                himself—and upon that occasion (for I know of no other) Congress passed a resolve
                            prohibiting exchanges out of the order of captivity.
                        Under one general head I shall express my concern for yr disappointment of Letters. our disappointment of
                            Cloaths disappt in the mode of raising men &ca &ca but shall congratulate you on the late change in the
                            administration of France as it seems to be consenant to your wishes & pregnant of hope. I am much pleased at the
                            friendly disposition of Portugal—much good I hope, will result from the combination of the Maritime powers.
                        I am in very confined Quarters—little better than those at Valley Forge—but such as they are I shall welcome
                            into them your friends on their return to Rhode Island. I am &ca

                            G: Wn


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 14 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                            Hd Qrs New Windsor 14th Decr 1780

                        Yesterday brought me the honor of your Excellency’s favor without date—but which I suppose to have been
                            written on the 5th Instt, as it accompanied a letter from the Marqs de la Fayette of that date.
                        Receive my good Sir, the expression of gratitude which is due to your Excellency, for the important
                            intelligence you have communicated relative to the designs of the Court of Spain upon the Floridas—I have transmitted the
                            acct of these interesting events to the Count de Rochambeau & Chev. de Ternay, with
                            proposition which if acceded to, I shall do myself the honor of communicating to your Excellency.
                        It would have been fortunate for the Army, if your Excellency’s feelings for its want of Cloathing could have
                            been relieved by the agreeable tydings of the arrival of the article; but alas! we are accumstomed to want, that dare not
                            flatter ourselves with relief.
                        Your Excellency’s dispatches for Rhode Island, accompanying your letter to me, came to hand the Instant the
                            Post was setting out, and was committed to his care. It is the only means of conveyance now left me since the chain of
                            Expresses which was formed by the Dragoon Horses (& worn down) have been discontinued. The Quarter Master General
                            has it not in his power, for want of money, to furnish an Express upon the most urgent occasion.
                        I anticipate with much pleasure the visit I shall receive from the Chevr de Chatteleaux, and the other
                            Gentlemen of the French Army, on their return to Rhode Island, and beg the favor of your Excellency to present my
                            Compliments to them and to Monsr Marbois. With great respect and personal attachment I have the honr to be Yr Excellys
                            Most obt & Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 14 December 1780
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur.
                                A Philadelphie le 14. Xbre December 1780

                            Le Colonel Fleury et le Chevalier Du Plessis Mauduit, qui ont eu l’honneur de servir sous les ordres de
                                Votre Excellence, desirent être admis aux avantages que le Congrès a accordés aux Officiers qui n’ayant pas d’employ
                                actif dans l’armée par sa nouvelle composition doivent cependant recevoir à la paix la demi paye ainsi que ceux qui
                                sont dans le service immediat. J’en ai parlé à quelques membres du Congrès qui m’ont assuré que ces Messieurs servant
                                dans le moment actuel dans une Armée employée directement à la cause commune, ils pouvoient esperer la même faveur que
                                les Officiers retirés si Votre Excellence vouloit bien prolonger leur Congés par une permission particuliere. Sachant
                                d’ailleurs qu’ils ont été assés heureux pour meriter par leur conduite Vos bontés, j’ose Vous supplier de les leur
                                accorder de nouveau dans cette occasion, etant bien persuadé qu’ils feront tout au monde pour en meriter la
                                continuation.
                            Vous connoisés les sentimens d’attachement et de respect avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur De
                                Votre Excellence le très humble et très obeissant Serviteur,

                                Le chr de la luzerne

                        TranslationSirPhilada 14th Decemr 1780
                            Colonel Fleury and the Chevr Duplessis who have had the honor to serve under the orders of your
                                Excellency, are desirirous of being admitted to the Advantages which the Congress have allowed to those Officers, who
                                not having an active employ in the Army by the new arrangement, are intitled to receive, after the peace, the Half
                                pay, as well as those who are in immediate service. I have spoken about it to some Members of Congress, who have
                                assured me, that those Gentlemen actually serving at this time in an Army employed in the common cause, may expect the
                                same favors as those Officers who retire, if your Excellency pleases to prolong their Furlough, by a particular
                                permission. Knowing, besides, that they have been so happy as to merit, by their conduct, your good opinion—I venture
                                to interest myself in their behalf upon the present occasion, being well persuaded that they would exert themselves to
                                the utmost to merit a continuation. You know the sentiments of Attachment with which I have the honor to be
                                &c.

                                Le Chevr de la Luzerne


Title: From George Washington to James Livingston, 14 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, James

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 14. 1780

                        You will be pleased to make & transmit to Head Quarters immediately, a Return of Your Regt specifying
                            the States to which the Non Commissd Officers & Privates respectively belong—And also the number of Foreigners,
                            who are not reckoned as the quota of any particular State. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Francisco Rendón, 14 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rendón, Francisco

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 14. 1780

                        I have the honor to inform you that I have just received intelligence from New York, that another embarkation
                            was preparing at that place; the Corps of which it is said to consist, will amount to about 2500 Men; it is also reported,
                            this Detachment is to be under the Orders of the Generals Knyphausen and Philips; and supposed to be destined to the
                            Southward. Although the information is not thro such a channel, as to demand entire credit, I thought it expedient for you
                            to be apprised of it; when the Matter is more fully ascertained I shall not fail to give you such farther particulars as
                            may be necessary to subserve the interest of his most Catholic Majesty. I have the honor to be

                            P.S. I was duly honored with Yours of the 28th Novr.


Title: To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 14 December 1780
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

                            Jersey-Camp, Pompton 14th Decr 1780

                        Yesterday I received a letter for Your Excelleny which I suppose contains intelligence of Importance,
                            & which I should have forwarded immidiately but had no means of conveyance. The public horses are all sent out of
                            Camp, & I have neither a Dragoon nor Express to convey dispatches of any kind. I trust Your Excellency need only
                            be informed of this inconvenience in order to remedy it.
                        Our huts are going on exceedingly well. The weather has hitherto been remarkably favorable. I am Your
                            Excellency’s Most Obedient Servt

                            I. Shreve Col. Comdt


Title: General Orders, 15 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Friday December 15th 1780

                        The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolutions.
                        In Congress December 4th 1780
                        Resolved. That no officer of the line of the Army of the United States without express authority from
                            Congress for that purpose, make any contract or bargain or give any orders for the purchase of Articles for the use of the
                            Troops in the departments of the Clothier General—Quarter Master General—or Commissary General of Purchases—except in
                            Cases of necessity for provisions and Forage for detachments or parties in places where the same cannot be drawn from the
                            public stores or Magazines.
                        Resolved That Mr Simeon De Witt be appointed Geographer to the Army in the room of Robert Erskine Esqr.
                            deceased.


Title: To George Washington from John Buchanan, 15 December 1780
From: Buchanan, John
To: Washington, George

                            The Memorial of John Buchanan
                            May it please Your Excellancy
                            West point Decr 15th 1780.

                        Your memorlist Sweth that he has ever since the begining of the Year 1766 been in Publick Service; And has
                            not for allmost three years had any pay for his Services, Nor Cloathing except two Shirts and a pair or two of Shoes.
                        Your memorlist would be glad that your Excellancy would consider his situation, And point out a method for
                            him to get his pay and Cloathing according to his Appointment As the Q: M: refuseth payment he not being appointed by him
                            Your Excellancy will likewise be pleas’d, to remmember, that your memorlist has not been Accknowledged by any of the
                            States nor has had any State priviledges.
                        And as there is but little prospect of money at present would be glad of Your Excellancy’s order for some
                            Cloathing as He is in great necessity. I am Your Excellancy’s Most Humble Sarvant

                            John Buchanan


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 15 December 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir:
                            Poughkeepsie Decr 15th 1780

                        Immediately on the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th Instant stating the Distresses of the Army
                            for want of Bread I issued my impress Warrant to Colo. Hay for upwards of four thousand Barrels of Flour. I am not yet
                            informed what his Success has been: but to induce the Proprietors to part with it with less reluctance and thereby render
                            the Measure more effectual I have authorized him to engage to replace it in kind or to pay the current Price for it in a
                            short Period. The former Engagement I do not believe we shall be able to perform consistent with the Safety of the Army
                            & our complying with the latter will depend on the purchasing Officers being furnished with Money by Congress as
                            our Treasury is entirely exhausted. I must therefore entreat your Excellency’s Interposition so that if it is possible the
                            purchasing Officers may be enabled to fulfil my Engagements as it will greatly assist our Exertions which it may be
                            necessary to make on any future emergency. Indeed if the Agent could by any Means have a small Supply of Cash it would
                            enable him to relieve us as far as the Resourses of the State woud extend from our present Embarrassments.
                        I am informed that the Troops of our State are become so utterly destitute of Clothing as not only to be
                            unfit for Duty but that many of them must greatly suffer as the cold Season advances—I explained to your Excellency the
                            Hopes I had of providing for them and every possible Exertion will be made to effect it. If in the mean time they could
                            obtain some small Relief from the public Store it would not only render those now in the Service contented but promote the
                            recruiting Service. I am informed there are some Suits at New Burgh of the Uniform of our Regiments and I am encouraged by
                            the above Motives to request your Excellencys Order for these in their favor: if it can consistent with Justice to the
                            other Troops be granted. I have the honor to be with great Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servant

                            Geo: Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Charles-René-Dominique Sochet Destouches, 15 December 1780
From: Destouches, Charles-René-Dominique Sochet
To: Washington, George

                                a Bord du duc de Bourgogne En Rade de newport le 15e xbre December 1780

                            Jay l’honneur dinformer votre Éxélance que ce jour d’huy 14 Du moys, nous avons Eu Le malheur de perdre Mr
                                Le Cher de Ternay, qui Est mort, àprés huit jours de maladies, qui n’a parù gràve que Les deux dernier.
                            mon Encienneté au service de sa Majesté, me Laisse Le Commandement de son Escadre, Le premier Coup d’oil
                                d’une nature aussy Etandüe, Est faite pour m’etone, ayant aussy peù de moÿens, par Les secours trop
                                Lents d’europe, mais son Éxélance peut ètre persuadee, de tout Le Zèle et La Bonne volontè dont un militaire peut etre
                                ànimé, et des sentiments du profond Respec avec Lesquel jay l’honneur dêtre de son Éxelance Le tres humble et tres
                                obeissant serviteur

                                Destouches

                        TranslationNewport the 15: Decemr 1780.
                            I have the honor to inform your Excellency that this day we had the misfortune to lose the Chevalier de
                                Ternay who died after eight days sickness, which did not appear dangerous till two days before his death.
                            My standing in the service of his Majesty leaves me in the command of his Squadron—The first view of so
                                weighty a charge embarrasses me, having so small Means on account of the succours from Europe being so tardy—But your
                                Excellency may be assured of all the Zeal and all the willingness with which a soldier can be impressed, and of the
                                profound Respect with which I am &a

                                Destouches


Title: To George Washington from Mordecai Gist, 15 December 1780
From: Gist, Mordecai
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Annapolis 15 Decemr 1780

                        Yesterday the General Assembly of the state pass’d an Act to call in the Continental & states money
                            at Forty for One, and an order to give a better circulation to the New Currency no Continental money is to be issued in
                            payment for any contract after the 20th March Next. The  Law is repealed—a Bill from the House of
                            Delegates for the Confiscation of British property is now before the senate and is generally believed will pass.
                        They have Authorizd an Officer of Major Lees Legion to purchase sixty Two Horses for that Corps on the
                            Credit of the state of Maryland from compleating this quota and granting Supplies for the Army. I
                            expect will be adopted Next Month.
                        The Post is Just setting out from this place wch Obliges me to write in hast. I have the Honor to be With
                            perfect Respect & Esteem Yr Excellency’s Mo. Obdt Servt

                            M. Gist


Title: From George Washington to Catharine Littlefield Greene Miller, 15 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Miller, Catharine Littlefield Greene

                            Dr Madam
                            New Windsor 15th Decr 80

                        I have the pleasure to inclose you a letter from Genl Greene which came under cover to me. I fear you will
                            find it of old date, as the one accompanying it was of Novr the 19th—since which I have not heard from him.
                        If you will entrust your letters to my care, they shall have the same attention paid to them as my own,
                            & forwarded with equal dispatch to the Genl.
                        Mrs Washington who is just arrived at these my Qrs joins me in most cordial wishes for your every felicity;
                            & regrets the want of your Company—remember us to my namesake—Nat—I suppose can handle a Musket. With every
                            sentimt of esteem & regd I am Dr Madm Yr Most Obedt Ser.

                            Go: W——n.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 15 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Garrison West Point Decr 15th 1780

                        I some days since signifyed to Colonel Hazen, your opinion respecting the Arrest of Major Reid—I this morning
                            received his answer; Coppy of which I take the liberty to enclose.
                        We are now turning our attention to the salting a quantity of the Beef in bulk at this Post—Colonel Hay has
                            also proposed its being done in hutts, at the Connecticutt & New Hampshire Quarters. The obstacles are the want of
                            boards or planks, for erecting & secureing proper places—The materials cannot be procured here—A quantity of
                            boards &c. expected here, have been stopped at New Windsor, or New Burgh—Perhaps they are wanted as much there as
                            here—if they are not I wish a part of them might be spared, to compleat the Store; as the Beef Cattle are every day
                            wasteing, & the Season nearly arrived, when it will be very difficult, if possible to execute the business. I have
                            the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                                 14 December 1780

                            Extract of a letter from Colonel Hazen dated Fish Kill 14th December 1780
                            I have received your letter of the 12th current and observe the Contents with respect to Major Reids
                                Arrest. The charges against him are of such a nature that I cannot withdraw the Arrest—nor are the Witnesses all here
                                that will be wanted in support of the charges—I wish not to add to Major Reids misfortune by prolonging the time of
                                his confinement—But at the same time his conduct has been such in the regiment (tho undiscovered) that merits but
                                little indulgence in his present situation, which unavoidably in me he has plunged himself into—It is unnecessary if
                                not improper for me at this time to enter into a detail of facts & circumstances with respect to Major Reids
                                arrest; but thus much I may venture to say, that should your honor suppose I am warranted in the charges exhibited
                                against him, his present sufferings are not severe. if otherwise I conceive I have fixed a crime on myself, which I
                                hope not even to be guilty of. The time that I at first mentioned to your honor, for Major Reids tryal, was the latter
                                end of this, or the beginning of the next month; which is drawing near—Sooner I am affraid the evidences will not be
                                ready, as some of the witnesses are at a distance, and other kinds of testimony are now in Congress. I have taken
                                every necessary precaution to have them all here by the time proposed, & hope I shall not be disappointed.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 15 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 15th 1780

                        I have been honored with your Excellencys favor of the 6th and two of the 9th Inst. The manner in which
                            Congress have been pleased to express their approbation of the Conduct of Major Tallmadge, and the Officers and Soldiers
                            under his command, cannot but be very flattering to them, and will I am certain have a happy effect in encouraging the
                            spirit of enterprize in the Army.
                        A Paragraph in the enclosed New York Paper confirms that part of the Letter of the 17th of October from
                            Europe, which Your Excellency has been pleased to transmit to me, which mentions the intention of the British
                            Administration to send further reinforcements to America. This is a matter which cannot, in my opinion, be too soon
                            communicated to the several States, with a pressing sollicitation to take measures that will effectually fill up their
                            Regiments in the course of the winter. From what I can learn, some are putting the matter upon the very precarious footing
                            of voluntary inlistments—and others substituting fines where the men demanded are not produced in the several districts. I
                            am very much mistaken if by the first mode, any considerable number of Men are to be raised at this time of day—and, from
                            the latitude given in the last, money will, in many instances, be paid to excuse personal service—The last hope of the
                            Enemy is built upon our inability to raise a new Army, and they are probably preparing to push us in our enfeebled
                            state—The means of reestablishing ourselves, with proper and spiritual exertions, are within our reach; and should they in
                            the spring instead of only the remnants of our veteran Regiments meet Battalions filled with Men whose services are
                            permanent, they must either give up their object; of choice, or with the assistance of our Allies, we shall be in a
                            condition to force them to it.
                        The accession of Holland and Portugal to the Northern League of Neutrality will be undoubtedly very
                            embarrassing to Great Britain—But this, I think, may be relied upon, that the more she is insulted and oppressed by the
                            European Powers, the more she will endeavor to revenge herself upon us—She can make no impression upon them, and she will
                            therefore bend her whole force against us, in hopes of possessing herself of such an extent of territory in America, as
                            will enable her to insist upon terms, should a negociation take place, which may be highly derogatory to the honor and
                            interests of these States.
                        I will take the liberty of mentioning the necessity of altering the Route of the Post, from Philadelphia to
                            the Eastward, more especially, that part of the way from the North River to Hartford. Two Mails have lately been taken on
                            the lower road in Connecticut, and as the Post must always be at stated places at certain times, the Mail may be taken off
                            weekly, by landing a small party from Long Island. I am the more anxious to have the change made, as I have scarcely any
                            other mode of forwarding my Dispatches: for such is the situation of the Quarter Master General, that he can seldom
                            furnish the Expresses with Means of travelling. The Route I would propose, is, from Philadelphia to Morris
                            Town—Ringwood—New Windsor—Fish-Kill—Litchfield—Hartford &c.—This may perhaps occasion another rider to go to the
                            sea port Towns in Connecticut, but this will be better than risquing the most important public Dispatches upon that Route.
                            I have the honor to be With the most perfect respect, Your Excellencys Most Obedient Hble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 15 December 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia December 15. 1780

                        Enclosed you will receive the Copy of a resolve of Congress of the 14th Instant, refering the Petition of
                            Coll Loring, & Papers therein mentioned, which are also here with enclosed; to your Excellency. I have the Honor
                            to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most obedient & most humble servant

                            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 15 December 1780
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Trenton 15th Decr 1780

                        Since the repeal of our Act appointing a State Commissary of Prisoners, to which the Legislature was induced
                            by the recommendation of Congress, we are frequently embarrassed about the exchange of our Citizens captivated by the
                            Enemy, whether on duty as Militia, or unarmed in their Habitations; Some complain of Partiality, and others think it hard
                            that they cannot reap the benefit of the Reprizals they make, at the risque of their lives, on the Inhabitants within the
                            Enemy’s lines, for the express purpose of redeeming their Friends from Captivity, Since the repeal of the said Act, the
                            exchange of Prisoners seems to be intirely committed to the care of the Commissary General of Prisoners; Whether that
                            Gentleman, being an Officer of Congress, thinks himself accountable to the Authority, of this State as far as respects our
                            Citizens, prisoners with the Enemy, I know not; but it appears highly reasonable that we should, thro’ some Channel or
                            other, be enabled from time to time to learn how far the Regulation of Congress relative to the exchange of Prisoners
                            "taken by the particular Subjects or Troops of New Jersey, or by the private Vessels of War fitted out in this State" is
                            regularly complied with, these being expressly made exchangeable for the Subjects and Inhabitants of this State. To your
                            Excellency he doubtless is accountable; but how far the multiplicity of your Business permits you to superintend that
                            Department, I cannot pretend to say, Our Legislature I presume would not, without reluctance re-appoint a State Commissary
                            of Prisoners, and thereby revive the inconveniences pointed out by Congress as resulting from various Directions, and
                            devirs Commissaries independent of each other. They cannot at the same time disregard the Complaints of our Inhabitants
                            respecting the partialities said to be Committed in the present management of Prisoners, nor refrain from wishing to
                            establish some practicable mode of investigating the Source of the Clamours so frequently raised upon the occasion and for
                            removing in future the Cause from which they spring.
                        I address your Excellency on this interesting Subject at the request of the Council, and hope to be honored
                            with a line in answer as soon as your leisure shall permit.
                        Mr Halstead, one of our most vigilent Magistrates and greatly distinguished for his Zeal and Patriotism, and
                            thence particularly obnoxious to the Enemy, who sent a party on purpose to take him, is under great Embarrassments about
                            his exchange, and hopes your Excellency as far as may be consistent with established Rules, will facilitate his
                            Liberation. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most Obedt Humble Servant

                            Wil: Livingston

                            Sir
                            being the person within named & Exchanged since this was wrote, that your Excellency need not be
                                unnecessarily troubled I Concieve it my Duty to Inform you of my Exchange but as this Letter relates to Other Business,
                                of Importance to the State I should be Deficient in Duty in Neglecting to forward it. your Excellencys Most Obdt
                                Humle servt

                            Matthias Halsted


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Osgood, 15 December 1780
From: Osgood, Samuel,Phelps, Oliver
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Springfield Decr 15th 1780

                        We are constrain’d from the present Situation of our Business, to trouble your Excellency with a
                            Representation of our Prospects with Regard to forwarding future Supplies to the Army; & also the Plan this
                            Commonwealth has laid for filling the Magazines with salt Provisions. The General Assembly upon receiving the Requisitions
                            of Congress for Supplies for 1781 immediately determined to comply therewith; as to the Quantity of salt Provision
                            demanded; & laid a specific Tax to be collected in all, by the 20th of February next, amounting to about sixteen
                            thousand Barrels of Beef; with Directions for us, to have the whole Quantity salted.
                        As this Tax is the only Fund we have for supplying the Army, if we should proceed to Barrel the whole of it,
                            we shall not be able to forward any more live Cattle; If your Excellency should Judge that it will be of more Importance
                            to have part of the Cattle forwarded alive, than to have the whole barreled, your Directions in this Matter will be
                            sufficient Justification of our Conduct—We have tho’t that Springfield & Richmond, or some other Town in the
                            County of Berkshire near to North River, will be convenient Places for depositing the Beef, if agreeable to your
                            Excellency.
                        We cannot apprehend that there is any Probability of procuring so large a Quantity of Beef in this State at
                            this late Season of the year; But we hope that what we have already delivered for salting & what we shall now
                            procure will form a Magazine of some Consequence. We have the Honor to be with every Sentiment of Respect Your
                            Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servants

                            Samuel Osgood
                            Oliver Phelps


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 15 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de,Ternay, Charles-Henri d’Arsac, chevalier de

                            Gentlemen
                            New Windsor 15th December 1780

                        Two days ago, I did myself the honor to inform His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, that Sir Henry Clinton
                            was making another embarkation—this is since confirmed by other accounts, but I have received none yet which fix the
                            particular Corps or numbers, with certainty—though all agree, that this detachment is intended as a reinforcement to Lord
                            Cornwallis—that it is to consist of about 2500 Men, and that it is the intention of the enemy to push their operations to
                            the Southward, this Winter, in the most vigorous manner. Official information is likewise lately received, that this is the
                            resolution of the British Cabinet, and that, for this purpose, a powerful reinforcement is to be sent to America, with all
                            possible dispatch.
                        When it is considered, how essential it is to the Independance of the United States, and how important to the
                            interest of their Allies, that the common enemy should be obliged to relinquish their conquests in South Carolina and
                            Georgia—Your Excellencies will, I am confident, agree in opinion with me, that no means ought to be left unessayed, to
                            endeavour to dislodge them, in the course of this Winter and next Spring.
                        It is needless for me to enter into a detail of the situation of our affairs to the Southward—Your
                            Excellencies must know, that from the great loss of Men—Artillery and Stores in Charlestown, and from the defeat of our
                            Army near Campden, we can only hope to reassemble such a force, and that chiefly of raw troops, as will prevent the enemy
                            from extending their conquests over North Carolina. To attempt the reduction of Charlestown, supposing we had Men
                            sufficient for the purpose, is a thing impracticable, while the transportation of Artillery and of all kinds of Stores
                            proper for a Seige must be made from hence by land.
                        I am informed by the Marquis de la Fayette, who is still at Philadelphia, that a Vessel had just arrived at
                            that place from L’Orient, which port she left the middle of October; but as he makes no mention of the second division of
                            land and sea Forces expected in America to reinforce the Army and Navy at present under your Excellencies respective
                            Commands, I am led to believe that, that much desired event is more remote than, under present circumstances, is to be
                            wished.
                        A peice of intelligence, which has been communicated to me in confidence by His Excellency the Minister
                            Plenipotentiary of France, has turned my attention towards a new object, and brought into my mind the outlines of a plan,
                            which, if it can be acceded to by the parties necessary to its execution, may be attended with the most solid and
                            permanent advantages. The communication of His Excellency the Minister is, that the Court of Spain have in contemplation
                            two expeditions against the British settlements in the Floridas—Pensacola and St Augustine. The first, consisting of 4000
                            Men convoyed by eight Ships of War, had sailed from the Havanna the 16th of October. The force destined against the last
                            was twelve Ships of the Line, besides Frigates and Bomb Ketches, and ten thousand Troops. Those were to leave the Havanna
                            some time in the present Month.
                        The plan, with which I am impressed and which I would submit to your Excellencies considerations, is, the
                            propriety of attempting to combine our Forces with those of Spain, for the purpose of totally subduing the common Enemy,
                            not only in the Floridas, but in the States of South Carolina and Georgia.
                        It is not for me, at this moment, to enter upon a detail of the Business. My general Ideas are, that a
                            proposition or request should be made to the General and Admiral of the Spanish Forces (and through them to the Governor
                            of the Havanna if they are not themselves at liberty to accede to the proposal) to cooperate with us conjunctively, or by
                            diversion, for the purposes I have mentioned. In case they do accede, their Ships of War are to be sent, as soon as they
                            have made good the debarkation of their troops at St Augustine or at any other given point, to form a junction with the
                            Squadron of His Most Christian Majesty at Rhode Island, and take under their Convoy, the French and American Troops
                            destined for the expedition against Charlestown—The first of which will be embarked at Newport, the last at Philadelphia.
                            I should make such drafts from this Army, as would amount to two thousand Men at least. His
                            Excellency the Count de Rochambeau would, I should hope, be able to detach double that number, and leave a sufficiency,
                            with the Militia who might be called in upon the occasion, to give security to your Works—Hospitals and spare Stores,
                            should you chuse to leave the two last behind you. These Corps and the troops which will be collected under the command of
                            General Greene, in conjunction with the force which may be furnished by the Spaniards, in the manner aforementioned, will
                            form an Army not to be resisted by any, which the British can draw together in that quarter, and capable of effecting the
                            utmost wishes of the Allied powers.
                        It is unnecessary for me to remark that the Basis of my plan and proposition is, that the Combined Fleets
                            shall be decidedly superior to that of the enemy, and that they shall cooperate to the completion of the enterprize, or
                            untill it shall be abandoned by general consent.
                        To ensure so essential a point as that of a naval superiority, the propriety of a further requisition to the
                            Admiral commanding his most Christian Majesty’s Fleet in the West Indies is submitted to your Excellencies judgments.
                        I persuade myself, that your Excellencies will view these propositions with an eye to all their consequences,
                            and candidly approve or reject them, as they appear to you practicable or proper. In making them, I am solely influenced
                            by motives of general good, and would not wish them carried into execution, unless they shall be deemed as conducive to
                            the interests of the Powers who have generously stepped in to our Relief, as to those of the United States.
                        Should the plan happily meet your Excellencies approbations, I have to request that the Chevalier de Ternay
                            would be good enough to dispatch a Frigate, if one can be spared, with the substance of these propositions to the Generals
                            of his most Catholic Majesty. Duplicate and Triplicate of which I will endeavour to forward via Philadelphia. If the
                            communication is to be made, no time is to be lost in doing it, and procuring an answer. I think I could, in a month from
                            hearing of the proposition being agreed to on the part of Spain, be ready to embark at Philadelphia, if the state of the
                            River Delaware will admit of it.
                        I cannot conclude this letter without mentioning an argument, which, in my opinion, ought to induce the
                            Spaniard to accept of these propositions. The force which the British will be able to draw together in South Carolina and
                            Georgia will be so superior to the American, that they may, without putting matters to the risque, leave small Garrisons
                            in Savannah and Charlestown, and throw such a reinforcement into St Augustine, a very strong fortification, as will, in
                            all probability, defeat the enterprize: Whereas, if they find that measures are pursuing to divest them of those
                            acquisitions, which I am convinced they mean to make the Basis of a negociation, I think it more than probable, that they
                            will abandon the Floridas to their fate, and exert themselves to the utmost to retain the only apparent compensation for
                            their vast expenditure of Blood and Treasure—Besides this—the Spaniard ought to reflect, that while Britain is in
                            possession of Georgia and South Carolina, he must hold the Floridas by a very precarious tenure, or by a very expensive
                            one. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Yr Excellencies Most obt and humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 December 1780
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Hartford Decemr 15th 1780

                        Would acquaint your Excellency, we have just receivd Intelligence from New York, by three different ways
                            & in such a manner, that we have great Reason to think the Enemy are meditating a Blow against this State—The
                            traitorous Arnold, it is say’d, is prepareing to come out with three or four british Regiments in order to penetrate into
                            the Country, and it is very probable it will be by the way of Kingsbridge—’Tis certain considerable preparations &
                            movements are makeing for some notable Attempt—Think it my Duty to give you this early Intelligence; that your Excellency
                            may take such Measures, as you may judge requisite thereon.
                        We have upon this Occasion put our Militia on the sea Coast, in Readiness—And have ordered one thousand Men
                            forthwith to march to the western Frontiers—You are sensible the great Advantage it will be to have a sufficient Body of
                            regular disciplined Troops for the Militia to form under & cooperate with—Doubt not therefore You will think it
                            necessary & expedient & will readely afford all the Assistance in your Power from the Continental Army,
                            upon this Emergency, especially if the Enemy should move out in Force against us—whatever Intelligence further may come to
                            hand, relative to this Movement, shall take Care forthwith to forward and must request your Excellency to do the like. And
                            am with due Respects Your Excellencys most Obedt humble Servant

                            Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de Vioménil, 15 December 1780
From: Vioménil, Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur,
                                Newport Le 15. Xbre December 1780

                            En l’absence de M. Le Comte de Rochambeau qui est allé a Boston, J’ai l’honneur d’informer votre
                                Excellence que nous avons perdu ce matin M Le Cher de Ternay à la suite d’une fiévre de quelques jours. M. Le Cher
                                Destouches qui lui succede au Commandement de l’Escadre du Roi, est un officier de mérite, et qui se conciliera
                                parfaitement avec M. Le Comte de Rochambeau, sur tout ce qui peut avoir trait aux dispositions faites et arrêtées a
                                hartford par votre Excellence dans le mois de Septembre dernier.
                            C’est d’alleurs avec bien de lEmpressement que je saisis cette occasion de suplier Votre Excellence de
                                recevoir avec bonté l’hommage de mon admiration pour ses vertus et toutes les autres qualités qui la distingue d’une
                                maniere aussi particuliére, aussi que celui du trés profond avec lequel Je Suis, Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très
                                humble et trés obeissant serviteur

                                Vioménil

                                P.S. Je Suplie votre Excellence de vouloir bien faire passer le plus promptement possible a M. Le
                                    Cher de la Luzerne Les depêches que je prens la liberté de lui adresser cijoint pour ce Ministre.

                        TranslationSir,Newport 15: Decemr 1780
                            In the Absence of the Count de Rochambéau who is gone to Boston, I have the honor to inform your
                                Excellency that we have this Morning lost the Chevalier de Ternay from a Fever of some days—Mr le Chevr des Touches
                                who succeeds him in the command of the Squadron of the King is an officer of Merit, and who will accord perfectly well
                                with the Count de Rochambeau upon all the dispositions made and agreed upon with your Excellency at Harford in Septemr
                                last.
                            It is besides with great earnestness that I seize this opportunity to entreat your Excellency to receive
                                this mark of my admiration of the Virtues and all the other qualities which distinguish you in so particular a
                                manner—and of the profound respect with which I am yr &c.

                                Viomenil

                                I entreat your Excellency to forward with as much speed as possible the dispatches for the Chevr de
                                    la Luzerne.


Title: From George Washington to Simeon DeWitt, 16 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: DeWitt, Simeon

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 16th 1780

                        I have the pleasure to inform you, that you are appointed by the Honble The Congress to succeed the late Mr
                            Erskine, as Surveyor to the Army; and have to request that you will attend at Head Quarters, as soon as may be. I am, with
                            great regard Sir Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. You will be pleased to bring the Papers of the Office with you.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 16 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 16th 1780

                        In answer to your favor of yesterday, I have to observe, that it appears to me there can be no propriety, in
                            arresting an Officer, in ordinary cases, a long time before he can be brought to tryal; And that in the instance of Major
                            Reed, upon his being brought before the Court, they would be the proper Judges, whether the Proceedings should be
                            postponed, ’till further evidence was obtained. In the mean time, I see no reason why he should be detained in more rigid
                            confinement than is commonly practiced in cases of arrest.
                        With respect to Joshua Ferris, Notwithstanding there is no doubt of the justice of the former sentence
                            against him—it may possibly be best to suspend the matter, to inquire further into his character, and let the sentence
                            still hang over him.
                        I have taken Measures to know what Boards can be spared by the Quarter Master General, for the purposes you
                            mention.
                        If any Deserters should come from the Enemy, you will be pleased to order them to be sent to Head Quarters. I
                            am Dear Sir With very great regard Your Most Obed. Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew von Heer, 16 December 1780
From: Heer, Bartholomew von
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New Palz Decbr 16th 1780.

                        Agreably to his Excellency’s Orders I have made a Return of my Troop concerning men & Horses,
                            Cloathing & Accoutrements drawn since the 1th Septbr 1779 to the 15th of Decbr 1780, Likewise inclosed the Return
                            of Officers & Men concerning the Depreciation which Return has been demanded by the Adjutt Grl to be sent to Board
                            of War.
                        I have the Honour to acquaint Your Excellency, That in my last being at Newwindsor have represented the
                            present situation of my Troop being in quartered in this Neighboorhood, where I find the greatest Difficulty of being
                            Supplied with forage, If the whole Troop Shou’d remain here.
                        Coll Tillman mentioned, That I wou’d receive an Answer at next saturday instant of His Excellency’s Resolve
                            & Destination.
                        The Difficulty of getting Reparations done for Saddles & Accoutrements, which is very much wanting,
                            & impossible to have it done here, likewise other Reparations to the Troop compels me to beg Your Excellency’s
                            Leave of Absence If the Troop Shou’d not be removed.
                        As all the Clothing Articles are under the Hand of the Taylors in Pensilvania, obliges me to overlook the same
                            & hurry on, That the Cloathing & necessary Articles, which the Men are in want of, get
                            supplied with, & likewise to settle my Accompts & prepair the necessary Articles wanting for the Troop;
                            likewise take off such Horses unfit for present Use. I am waiting with the greatest Regard upon Your Excellencys Answer
                            having the Honour to be Your Excellency’s Most humble & Obediant servant

                            Barthw von Heer
                            Capt. of Light Dragoons


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 16 December 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia December 16. 1780

                        Your Excellency will receive enclosed, the Copy of an Act of Congress of the 12th Instant, directing that the
                            Garrison at Wyoming be relieved (if you shall Judge that Post necessary) as soon as may be, by Troops from the Continental
                            Army, not belonging to the Line of Pennsylvania or Connecticutt, or Citizens of either of the said States.
                        The present & future Garrison are to be supplied by the Commissary General from the Magazines of the
                            Continent. I have the Honor to be with the highest respect your Excellency’s most obedt & most hbble Servant

                            Sam. Huntington Presidt

                            P.S. I have been honour’d with your letters of the 8th and 13th instant.


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 16 December 1780
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Philadelphia december the 16th 1780

                        Your favor of the 8h inst. Never came to hand Before last Night. My former letters will have explain’d to you
                            my sentiments Relating to a journey south ward. I Most heartly thank You, My dear General, for the kind and friendly
                            letters you have been pleas’d to send to me. I am so happy in your friendship that every mark of Your affection for me
                            Gives me a degree of pleasure which far surpasses all expressions.
                        As I have writen to you Before, My dear General, there is an intelligence of some ships and troops having
                            been put in Readiness at Brest. There is A Possibility of a Spanish officer waiting on you for the sake of A Cooperation.
                            We Are also to expect news from my friend the New Minister of the french Navy, and Before they arrive You Would not like
                            My departure.
                        Two other Reasons have Weight with Me. The first that if the ennemy make this detachement without which
                            Nothing Material will happen in the South ward, and if the intelligence is true about the fast Recruiting of six month
                            men, there is (Not a probability) But a possibility of some thing to be done in This Quarter. The Second is that for
                            Reasons I will explain to you When we Meet a visit from You to the french Army is to be much wish’d, and in this case you
                            will be Glad that I may accompagny you.
                        Under this Circumstances, to which is Added a Natural Reluctance to part from You and this Army, and some
                            idea that upon the whole My Staying will be More agreable to You, I think, my dear General, that unless New intelligence
                            Comes I Will soon Return.
                        Clel Laurens persists in Refusing to Go and hopes Hamilton may be sent whom he thinks better Calculated for
                            the purpose. But I don’t Believe Now that this plan may be effected, and in that Case I should advise Laurens to accept of
                            the Commission provided he is Merely a Messenger and Not an envoy
                            that would Supercede the old doctor.
                        The assembly of Pensilvania have pass’d a Bill for theyr officers which seems Satisfactory to them. Before I
                            Go, I will Still intrigue for the affair of filling up the Bataillons. Mifflin Behaves perfectly well. Adieu, my dear
                            General, most affectionately and Respectfully Yours

                            Lafayette

                            My Best Respects waït on Mrs Washington and Compliments to the family.


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Pintard, 16 December 1780
From: Pintard, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Baskenridge 16th Decr 1780.

                        Since my last of the 6th Inst. I have received Your Excellency’s favor of the 9th and have been giving the
                            Subject thereof the most serious Consideration—Nothing short of the most thorough Conviction that my longer Stay in New
                            York could be neither advantagious or Honorable to my Country or myself, would have led me to sacrifice my whole Fortune
                            in that City for the Present, or to have left my fellow Citizens in Captivity, to suffer for want of proper attention—From
                            the best information I can get from my Family & Friends I am well convinced that I could not return to my late
                            Charge without great Personal Danger, unless I would submit to measures which I could never reconcile either to my own
                            feelings or the Interest of my Country—Nothing has raised this personal aversion To be checkedto me,
                            but a strict attention to the distresses of the Prisoners and an honest attachment to the welfare of my Country, as I have
                            religiously avoided every appearance of real offence to the Enemy on every Occasion whatever I most cordially wish for my
                            own Interest, as well as that of my Country, I could return with Propriety, as I have no Expectations here but that of
                            spending what little property my Family has brought out with them—I could wish Your Excellency was fully possessed with
                            the absolute necessity of sending in a Person of Character, Estate & strictest Integrity—The Enemy does not regard
                            any Person who is not of estimation with their own People, a Man ought to be above the danger of temptation in Money
                            Matters, and it will require the best Principles to prevent the Effect of the Maneuvres with which
                            they try every Person with whom they have to do—the gentn You mention I do not think would Answer for many reasons some
                            of which I do not chuse to mention—it is necessary the Commissary there should understand Mercantile Business or he will
                            be Cheated out of 2/3ds of his Expenditures—He should be a Citizen of some of the States & at all times subject to
                            the recall & the Justice of Congress or You can put no Confidence in him—I know of but one Man I could heartily
                            recommend that is Mr John Franklin now at Philada lately Banished from New York, this could be no Objection as they intend
                            to send a Men here under the like Circumstances—If he could not be had, I am told Mr Abraham Brashier is out of Business
                            and would Accept of it—His Character I am informed is unexceptionable as a Whig, but I dare say Your Excellency is better
                            acquainted with him than I can be since this dispute. I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Regard Your
                            Excellencys most Obedient Humble Servant

                            Lewis Pintard


Title: From George Washington to Ludwig Weltner, 16 December 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Weltner, Ludwig

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor Decr 16th 1780

                        as Soon as your Regt have Drawn their Cloathing you will march all the Non commissioned officers and private men
                            Belonging to the State of Penncila, to the Winter Quarters of the troops of that State Near Morris Town and their
                            deliver them up to Brigad. Genl Wayn—you will March those Belonging to the State of Marryland on towards Fredericktown sending an Officer to Brigadier Genl Gist at Baltimoretown to inform him their of, that if he Should Prefer their going
                            to Baltimoretown Reather then Frederick he May Send you Notice of it, you will use your utmost endeuer to Keep your men from Deserting before they are Delivered up to  Lines
                            to Which they Respectively Belong, you Will Make me an Exact Return of the Names and Ranks of the Officers of your Regt Which is to be
                            Transmitted to the Board of warr and upon Which they will be Entilted to Draw their half Pay for Life, Sir I am  Your Most ob. Servt
                    Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 17 December 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Garrison West Point December 17th 1780

                        I take the liberty to enclose a representation made to me by Mr Frye Ensign and Paymaster to the 9th
                            Massachusetts Regiment. He has been a faithfull & diligent Officer. I beg leave to submit his case to your
                            Excellencys consideration. It will I believe be agreeable to him to join the Corps of Invalids at Boston if you think
                            proper—I am informed that there are one or two other Officers, nearly in the same predicament as they are not
                            supernumeraries they cannot retire on the benefit of half pay—Enclosed also are the proceedings of the former General
                            Court Martial on the tryal of Joshua Ferris. They were obtained from Major General McDougall; and did not come to my hands
                            untill this morning.
                        For some days we have been discharging six of the New Levies per Day from each regiment. Their numbers are
                            now very much reduced. Shall we continue to discharge this number daily, untill the whole are gone, which will be soon; or
                            lessen the number; or desist from discharging any more untill their times expire. I have the honor to be With the greatest
                            respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,

                                    c.17 December 1780

                            Being deprived of my Hearing, to a degree which Renders me unfit for the service of my Country in the
                                Field, and also lays me under many Disadvantages, as to making my way thro’ Life—Emboldened by a Consciousness of four
                                Years faithfull Service to my Country, in which time my Infirmity has come upon me; I beg leave to approach Your
                                Honor, Humbly Requesting you would be pleased to Consider me, as one Possessing but small Interest, the Locallity of
                                which, is such, as will not afford me an immediate Support. And that it is as much from an Inclination to continue a
                                Soldier, or Necessitous Circumstances, which my past Services have been productive of: As in Avaricious Spirit, that I
                                now Solicit the continuance of my Commission.
                            I have Labour’d thro’ my Duty for several Months past, in hopes the New Arrangement of the Army, would
                                give me Opportunity to retire upon a more Advantageous footing than to Resign, But since it does not, I Pray your
                                Honor, might be pleased to permit me to Retire for a few Months, so that I may be in a situation, to make use of some
                                Means, for the recovery of my Hearing; which, if propitious Heaven sees Cause to Restore, I shall willingly Return to
                                Service again. Or grant me a Transferrence to the Corps of Invalids at Boston, where I may prehaps, be of some service
                                in the Glorious Cause of our Independence, and Reap the Benefit of my Commission in the same time.
                            With the fullest Relyance upon the Justice, and Humanity, of Your Honor’s disposal of my now Useless
                                Person. I am Sir—With the greatest Respect, Your Honor’s Most Obedt Humble Servant

                                Nathaniel Frye
                                Ensn Paymaster to the 9th Massachusetts Regiment


Title: To George Washington from Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von] Steuben, 17 December 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron [von]
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Richmond in Virginia December 17th 1780

                        Your Excellency has doubtless been informed by General Green of his intentions to leave me in this State. I
                            have hitherto deferred writing myself in hopes of being able to give a more favorable account of my Operations—the account
                            however is by no means so flattering as I could wish.
                        I found every thing here in the utmost confusion, the exhausted State of the Finances obliged the ixecutive
                            part of administration to be carried on by temporary expedients, a mode which must in the end prove ruinous to any State
                            and its effects are perhaps more visible here than in any other part of the Continent in every thing which related to the
                            Military not the least order was to be found, the Quarter Masters Department as well as every other was without a Head and
                            the few Articles which had been collected in the public Magazines were, on the late Invasion, distributed irregularly to
                            the several Corps of Volunteers & Militia. I have done all in my power to get them back, but I fear that a great many
                            Articles will be lost to the Public.
                        I am sorry it is out of my power to give your Excellency an exact account of the Troops in service belonging
                            to this State they are so dispersed it cannot be collected.
                        Under General Muhlenberg I found about 1100 Men inlisted for various terms 18 Months 8 Months & 3 Months in
                            general Naked & badly Armed. besides these he had with him the remains of the two state Regiments consisting of
                            about 120 Men for the War. These Troops were commanded by Officers of the different Virginia Regiments who were left here
                            by Genl Scott since then they have been dispersed about the Country & some of them joined general Muhlenberg on
                            the late Invasion there are many still dispersed who, notwithstanding they have been called in by repeated Advertisements
                            published by Genl Muhlenberg have not yet Joined.
                        Under General Morgan to the southard are a Company of Coll Gibsons state Reg. and several small Detachments,
                            of which I have yet receivd no returns, these are also commanded by Officers of the Difft Regiments.
                        General Stevens has with him a Body of 3 Months Men who have I suppose joined General Green.
                        Besides the above the state had Raised at a great Expence a Corps of Volunteers under Brig. General Lawson to
                            serve for Six Months great part of their time expired before they could be assembled and on the Invasion of the state they
                            were orderd to remain they had not however joined General Muhlenberg when the Enemy left the state and so little of their
                            time remaind then unexpired that the Legislature thought proper to dismiss them—they were said to consist of seven or
                            eight hundred Men—I reviewed them at Petersburg and found only 57 Cavalry and 283 Infantry under Arms.
                        The 3 Months Men Consisted of about 200 Rifle Men as they had only Six Weeks to serve I was induced to dismiss
                            them on principles of Oeconomy.
                        The 9th Virg. Reg. Commanded by Colo. John Gibson Garrisons Fort Pitt is consists of about 150 Men and is
                            compleat with Officers.
                        This is the exactest account I can collect of the Military force of this State.
                        The moment I was assured the Enemy had left the state I pressed the Discharge of the Militia & other
                            Corps who were then only exhausting our already too scanty Magazines they were accordingly dismissed and every precaution
                            taken to collect from them the Articles they had receivd from the public these I was anxious about as I knew we should
                            want them to Equip the Men destined for the southard.
                        From every information I had received I was led to believe I could reinforce General Green with Lawsons Corps
                            and at least 800 Men from General Muhlenbergs Command—I immediately orderd the whole to Assemble at Petersburg and hasted
                            there myself to put my design in execution but here I found myself excedingly disappointed. Lawsons Corps were orderd to
                            be dismissed unless they would engage for a longer term & this they refused—the Men under Genl Muhlenberg I found
                            in a most distrest situation—so intirely destitute of Cloathing that it was impossible to get them to March—with the
                            greatest difficulty I procured Articles sufficient to Equip 400 Men whom I sent off the 13 Instant under Coll Green—the
                            remainder I orderd to Chesterfield Court House a healthy Spot where Barracks have been built for their reception—I have
                            represented their distrest situation to Government & am promised that something shall be done for their Relief—my
                            intention is to send them on the moment I can put them in a Condition to march and to do this all my powers shall be
                            exerted.
                        Coll Lees Legion arrived here the 8 Inst. and yesterday marched from Petersburg they will join General Green
                            in about 15 or 20 Days I furnished him with 25 good Men as this states Quota towards recruiting his Corps.
                        I am afraid the Arrangement of the Virginia Line on the new Establishment will be attended with many
                            difficulties—the Officers of the state Regiments and those of the additional Regiment have their different pretensions on
                            which it will be difficult to decide, from the dispersed state of the Officers it will be impossible to make any
                            Arrangements here I shall therefore call in all the Officers who intend to remain in the service, to Chesterfield from
                            whence they will conduct the Recruits to the Army and when the whole are collected there the new Establishment can take
                            place.
                        I am at a loss what to do with respect to Colo. Gibsons Regiment at Fort Pitt—as I cannot immagine it to be
                            your Excellencys intention to compleat it to the new establishment & still leave it at the Fort the Regt now
                            consists of 150 Men & is fully Officerd, I would beg leave to propose to your Excellency to form the 150 Men into
                            two Companies to be left at the Fort commanded by 2 Capts & 4 Subalterns and to order all the other Officers to
                            the Genl rendezvous at Chesterfield I shall be glad to receive your Excellencys orders in this respect.
                        The Legislature have not yet determined the number or mode of raising their Quota A Bill is now depending
                            & I believe has this day passed the Ho. of Delegates to raise Men by Voluntary Inlistment for the War on a bounty
                            of 10,000 Dollars paid now & 300 Acres of Land and a Negro at the Expiration of the War—the Deficiency to be
                            drafted for 18 Months & receive 6000 Dolls. with great respect & esteem I have the honor to be Sir Your
                            Excellencys most Obedt and very hum. Servant

                            Steuben