Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 26 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town [26] Jany 1780

          I have the honor to inclose the copy of a letter from Brigadier General Du Portail. From the character he gives and which I have otherwise received of Capt. Nevin, I shall be happy it may please Congress to make the appointment solicited. As the Engineers we now have are only for a temporary service and it will always be essential to have men skilled in that branch of Military science in this country, it appears to me to be a necessary policy to have men who reside among us forming themselves during the War under the present Gentlemen. Capt. Neven has a turn to this profession which joined to his past services induce me to wish he may become a member of the Corps; and it seems but reasonable that he should have the rank and from the time mentioned in General Du Portails letter.
          I request also the directions of Congress to the Board of War on the subject of Commissions for the Officers of Sappers and Miners. These Gentlemen in consequence of the resolution of Congress for establishing the companies—underwent an examination by General Du Portail and were found the best qualified among a number of candidates—considering their appointment as a thing of course they were nominated in General

orders the [  ] of [  ] and an arrangement of them sent soon after to the Board of War for the purpose of obtaining Commissions. These I now learn they have not yet received. As probably the Board do not think themselves authorised to grant the Commissions, without the instructions of Congress, I take the liberty to trouble them upon the subject. The Gentlemen in question, several of whom left regiments in the line to come into these companies begin to be anxious about the delay. By the establishment of the Corps of Engineers the men for these Companies were to be drafted from the line; but the weakness of the Battalions has hitherto suspended it—An attempt has been made to recruit but without success—The officers till the Companies can be formed are engaged in acquiring a knowledge of the service to which they are destined against the next Campaign. These companies if any active operations are to be carried on will be very important—we feel the want of something of the kind whenever we have works to construct; but at any rate, the officers will be useful in the Engineering line to which their studies are relative and preparatory—The present number of Engineers is not adequate to the exigencies of the service. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most obet & hum. servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 26 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Israel

            Dr sir
            Head qrs Morris Town January 26th 1780

          On the 20th I received Your Letter of the 4th and was exceedingly sorry to find that you had been so severely attacked by a fit of the palsy. You have my sincerest wishes for your recovery—and I shall be happy if your next accounts announce this—or at least that there are good grounds to hope for it. I am Dr sir with great regard & esteem Yr Most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Sherman, 26 January 1780
From: Sherman, Isaac
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Camp [Jockey Hollow, N.J.] 26th Janry 1780

          I sent on to Camp last friday from the County of Middlesex an hundred and twenty one head of cattle, sixty head more will be in to day—fourteen quarters of beef, 1150 Wt of salt pork and 80 of fresh is deliver’d Mr Schuyler purchasing Commisy at Brunswic, who will send them on immediately if wanted—The pork is estimated to be equivalent to four Beeves. The whole of the grain is deliver’d at different Mills, of which there is near two hundred bushels more than the quota. The County is deficient 12 head of cattle: this deficiency is from the township of Windsor; the magistrates of which say, that it is not in their power to collect such as will answer, and desire it may be made up in grain. If this proposal shall not be agreeable, they have obligated themselves to furnish the cattle when demanded, or an equivalent in good mutton if it is not objected to. The Magistrates of the County have exerted themselves, and wou’d have collected the Articles sooner, had not the weather been so intensely cold: The inhabitants in general chearfully offered their Cattle and grain for the support of the Army—I wish to know the answer I am to give the Justices of Windsor—I shall have an opportunity of sending there to morrow. With the greatest Esteem and respect I am Your Excellys Most Obedt Servt

            Isaac Sherman


Title: Enclosure: Major General Steuben to the Board of War, January 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Board of War

              [Philadelphia, c.28 Jan. 1780]

            Delivered to the Board of War by Major General steuben on Friday Jany 28th 1780.
            The incomplete state & Extreme inequality of our Regiments of Infantry, against all good Order and regular formation, induced me last Campaign to present to H[is] E[xcellency] the Commander in Chief a Plan of formation for an Order of Battle, in which I joined Two and three Regiments together in Order to form a Single Battalion according to the Regulations. In Consequence of this Formation, the Army under Genl Washington was divided in 35 Battalions, & Eight Battalions of Light Infantry.
            Altho’ Such an Arrangement was very necessary, yet it was Very difficult to bring the Commanding Officers of Regiments to agree to it. the one insisted on the Strength of his Corps, the other on the older date of his Commission & both Claimed the Commandment in Chief of the Battalion. Hence several Representations on the part of those Officers, were producd which were accommodated; but, with the greatest Difficulty, by the Commander in Chief & myself.
            The formation of 8 Battalions of Light Infantry met with ⟨as many⟩ obstacles, & excited no fewer Clamours Som⟨e⟩ ⟨Regiments⟩ Complained of furnishing too much, o⟨thers of not furnishing⟩ Enough. This Arrangemt was however ⟨partly implemented⟩. ⟨The⟩ Eight Battalions of Light Infantry were formed, & when under Arms, the Regiments were formed into Battalions.
            Altho this formation was Extremely defective, yet it was the only one We Could adopt. The Arrival of the Nine months recruits from New England brought disorder into it in the midst of the Campaign.
            But now it is totally Subverted by the diminution of about

5000 Men whose Enlistment expires before the beginning of next Campaign.
            Some Regiments will be so diminished that it will be necessary to join four or five together to form a Battalion, others will be almost reduced to nothing. few are strong enough to form a Battalion by themselves Hence there will be very Weak Battalions with Twelve Field Officers at their Head, whilst others of the Same Strength will perhaps have but one.
            To remedy this Evil, I know but of two means: that of reforming the Officers & incorporating the Regiments, & that of Compleating them.
            The first will be dangerous & impolitic, & the latter impossible.
            If we reduce the number of Regiments in the midst of the War, We will shew the Enemy that we are not able to maintain Our Army on the present footing.
            The reformed Officers, even in preserving their appointment & rank, will be disgusted at the service, & I fear We will lose thereby a Number of good & brave Officers.
            If We preserve their Rank to restore them to their Commands in Case of Vacancies, We will Justly offend those who will remain. for Supposing that a Regimt loses several Officers in Action, it would be hard for those who have run all the dangers, to be superseded by those who have been all the while Enjoying their Rank & appointments in the midst of their families And Connexions. I dare say that the only proposal of an Incorporation will disgust most of our Officers, & I apprehend the most fatal Consequences.
            To Complete the Regiments is an Enterprize impossible to the U.U.S.S., & Supposing even that we might find a sufficient number of Recruits, We would then have so disproportionate an Army that it would be out of the Power of the States to maintain it.
            The Regiments of Infantry alone would amount according to the Establishment, to near 42000 Rank & file, add to this 3000 Cavalry, 2000 Artillery, and at least (for the proportion of Such an Army) 6000 Men for the Train of the Army, Artificers &c., and then the Army will amount to 53000 Privates without including the Officers whose Number must amount to between 5 & 6000—Which will make about 58,000 Men. And Even supposing the states should have all the necessary Means to form & maintain such an Army, it would be ridiculous to keep up a

force so superior to that We have to oppose. Thus, it appears to me that speaking of Completing the Regiments is speaking of an absolutely ill calculated scheme.
            If I am asked what means I would then propose; I will answer: That I think We must form our Army on a Number proportionable to the abilities of the States & the Operations we have to undertake.
            The first object requires an Exact Calculation on the part of our Legislators, who are best acquainted with the abilities of the different states. In this Calculation, it is not only necessary to determine the number of Men that can be assembled, but likewise the means of Arming, paying, Cloathing, & otherwise supporting them.
            The next is to determine whether we intend to act with Vigour in an offensive Campaign, or if we mean to protract the War by acting defensively; & waiting for the issue of Events. In both Cases, our Army must be reinforced more or less, for such as it is, it cannot any how stand another Campaign Besides We must determine on a regular formation, and adopt Some particular System.
            In order to oppose our Enemies in the North & in the South, & act offensively against them, our Army ought to be Considerably augmented, and sufficiently provided with all the necessaries for next Campaign In order to know what Number the Army ought to amount to Serve that object, the General who commands it & directs its operations ought to determine.
            I will however Venture to give here my Opinion, which I Submit to the Examination of the Commander in Chief, and the approbation of Congress.
            Before I enter upon any Calculation I will observe that among the number of Men, I include only the fighting Men in Rank & file, without including Even the Officers, Sergeants, Drummers, &c. & Still less the Men Employed as Waggoners; Artificers, or Servants, who are returned as Soldiers, and are not such in reality.
            supposing then that our Army is to be put on a Footing, to resist the Efforts of the Enemy in Georgia & Carolina, & not only to oppose their progress, but to dispossess them of what they have already conquered.
            That We Wish to be able to keep them close at the Northward, & be ready at Every instant to Cooperate with a fleet of our Allies, & Strike a powerful Blow, wherever we shall think proper.

            That we wish to be able to fill our Garrisons, on the frontiers, & reinforce them in case of need.
            Methinks the following Numbers will be necessary for this Purpose.

                Infantry

                23616

                Cavalry

                1000

                Artillery & Artificers

                2000

                Train of Artillery

                400

                Train of the Army including Commissaries, Quarter Masters, Forage Masters &c.
                }
                2952

                29968

            This Force might be divided in the following Manner:

                The Army under Genl Washington

                Infantry
                16000

                Cavalry
                600

                Artillery & Artificers
                1200

                Train of Artillery
                300

                Retainers &c.
                2000

              The Army under Genl Lincoln

                Infantry
                6000

                Cavalry
                400

                Artillery &c.
                600

                Train of Artillery
                100

                Staff &c.
                952

                In Garrisons

                Infantry
                1616

                Artillery &c.
                200

            To bring up our Army to these Numbers, it is neither necessary to Complete the Regiments according to the Establishment, nor to reform or incorporate them.
            Each state should only level their Regiments Each to consist of 324 Men, they ought then to divide Each Regiment into Eight Companies, & one of Light Infantry Each Company should

Consist of 36 Men, out of whom four should be drawn to be put under the Quarter Master General’s Orders, who might Employ them as Waggoners &c. and thereby save the Enormous Expence to which we are subjected, by the Considerable pay those Waggoners receive which it is known, is no less than that of a Captain of Infantry.
            The Regiments of the different states being once put on this footing, it would be necessary to level the Additional Regiments, among which that of Col. Livingston, almost reduced to nothing, and without Officers might be incorporated to level the others. When these are so levelled, they should be joined to the state Regiments, either by Lot or any other Arrangement, & completed to the Number of 324 by the states to which they shall be allotted, who ought then to make them Enjoy the same Emoluments as their other Regiments.
            With regard to the Rank & advancement of the Officers of the additional Regiments, it would be proper to preserve the advancement among themselves, & to confirm to the Commander in Chief the Authority which Congress has granted him of disposing of the Advancement of the Officers, & filling up the Vacancies of the Continental Regiments, in which there are a Number of Excellent Officers.
            The Cavalry ought to be completed, and remounted in proportion, that the whole may not Exceed One Thousand Horses.
            With regard to the Artillery, General Knox ought to be Consulted whether the Number I have proposed will be proportioned to his Operations. I have drawn this Proportion from the Armies in Europe, & the Returns of that Corps will determine how many Men will be necessary to recruit it.
            It is the Same with regard to the Civil Departments of the Staff of the Army—The Chief of Each Department ought to specify the Number of Men he has Employed, & how many he thinks he Shall want for his Operations Next Campaign. These Returns ought to be Examined by the Board of War & the Commander in Chief, & Such Persons as Congress shall appoint, finally to determine upon it.
            The Numbers of those Corps & Departments being determined upon for next Campaign, the Wants of the Army may be Easily Calculated.
            With regard to provisions & Forage, it is necessary to reckon

on a Third more than the Totality of the Army, in Order not to be in Want Besides those Magazines properly for the immediate subsistance of the Army, We should reckon on Two more well supplied.
            The 1st for a Body of Militia of 20000 Men who will join us in Case of an Expedition & this Magazine ought to be furnished for Three full Months.
            The other for a Fleet which our Allies may send us, & which should likewise be furnished with Provisions &c. for Three months.
            Besides, the Eastern states ought to Establish in Time, considerable spare Magazines, Especially of hard bread & Salt provisions.
            The General of the Artillery must without Delay furnish a Return of what he thinks he shall Want for next Campaign, and the Necessary preparations for a Siege & Bombardment ought to be made with the greatest Celerity.
            The General of the Engineers shall furnish a Return of all he Wants, Utensils &c. for the same purpose.
            With regard to the Cloathing of the Army, it is to be wished Each State would send their Recruits ready Cloathed, no matter of what Colour for next Campaign, & that whatever Cloathing the states shall collect or receive from France should be all stored up, not to be delivered till when the Campaign is over.
            But the most Essential matter is to provide ourselves with at least Ten thousand stands of Arms against the beginning of May next, without reckoning on those which are Expected from France. It is the least Number We may want in Case the Army is formed agreeable to the present Plan.
            The more difficult it is to make the above mentioned Preparations, the more the moments are precious, & the more necessary it is to do our utmost Efforts to Effect them. We are already at the End of January, If the Recruits have not joined the Regiments by the 1st of April, the Expence & Trouble of assembling them shall avail nothing.
            If the Magazines are not supplied for seven Months against the harvest, the Army is lost.
            If We cannot have at least ten thousand stands of Arms before the recruits join, the Men will become useless.
            I make no doubt of a Vigorous Campaign being carried on in

Europe. I doubt still less of our Allies assisting us Efficaciously on this Continent. It would be unhappy if we could do nothing on our side at such favorable Instants.
            Our late disappointment at the Southward should strike us: Two thousand Men more under the Orders of Genl Lincoln would have insured us the defeat of the Enemy in Georgia, & We would now have no fatal Consequences to apprehend on that side.
            I cannot forbear observing here that most of the Individuals on this Continent are tired with the present War; I wish this Consideration may induce us to do our utmost Efforts to bring it to a happy Termination in one glorious Campaign.


Title: Enclosure: List of Returns Requested by the Board of War, January 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To:

              [c.29 Jan. 1780]

            The following Returns are to be sent immediately to the Board of War.

              Infantry
              1. a General Return of the Number of Serjeants, Privates & Drummers & fifers whose times of Enlistment will expire by the first of July next Regimentally digested.
              2d A like Return of the men employed out of the Regts as in

the Commanders in Chiefs Guard, Waiters on Officers who are absent from their Regiments and in Short all those who cannot appear under Arms in time of Action Regimentally digested.
              3 A Return made out in the same manner of the men in the Hospitals and those who have been sick absent and not heard of for Six Months.
              4 an exact Return of the Arms & Accoutrements in the several Regiments & of those in the hands of the Regimental Quarter Masters.
              Each Regiment must give such a Return to the Brigade Inspecter signed by the Colo. upon honor, & the Inspecter will make out his General Return as follows:

                1 Maryld Brigade

                  Muskets
                  Bayonetts
                  Bay. Belts
                  Cartridges

                  1st Regt

                  2

                  3d

                  4th

                  Total

                  &c. &c.

              From the Day that these Returns are ordered to be made out in Genl Orders no Regiment is to Receive either from the Conductors or from the military Stores any of the Articles mentioned in the Returns or deliver any of the said articles.
              5 The General of the Artillery is to receive at the same time a Return of such of the mentioned articles as the Brigade Conductors have in their Hands.
              He must likewise have a Return of such of those Articles as are in the Ordnance Store, have a general abstract made out of it & send it signed by himself to the Board of War.
              In this Return must be inserted the arms unfit for service—& the Brigades that want Conductors & forges must specify it.

              Cavalry
              Each Colo. & Commanding Officer of a Corps will give
              1st An exact return of Officers, Non Commssd Officers & men of their Regiments or Corps.

              2 The three Genl Returns already mentioned for the Infantry.
              3d An exact Return of the Horses present with the Regiment.
              4 A Return of the Horse Equipage.
              5 A Return of the Arms like that of the Infantry.
              From the moment this order shall have been issued no Regiment or Corps must receive or deliver any Article into the Military Stores ’till the Returns have been examined and orders given with Regard to the distribution.

              Artillery
              1. Is to send immediately a Return of the Officers, Non Commssd Officers, Music, Privates, Matrosses & Waiters
              2. the three general Returns similar to that of the Infantry and Cavalry.

              Qr Mr Genl’s Department
              1. An exact return of all Officers & men employed in that Department.
              2 A Return of the men drawn out of the Line to serve as Artificers, Waggoners or Waiters.
              3d A Return of those Waggoners who receive a higher Pay than that of a private soldier, the form might be nearly thus

                  30 Men at
                  Dolls ⅌ Mo.

                  60 [Men] at
                  Do  &c.

              Commissary’s & Forage Master’s Department
              1. An exact Return of the Officers & Men employed in the several Departments.
              2 A Return of the Men drawn out of the Line & employed in these Departments.
              3. The Pay of the Waggoners & Waiters as above Article, Qr Mr Genl.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Goose Van Schaick, 26 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Van Schaick, Goose

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 26 Jany 1780

          I have been favrd with yours of the 8th and 16th instants. You will be pleased to send Adams with the necessary Witnesses down to the Highlands there to be tried by a Court Martial,

which I have directed Genl Heath to have held upon him. I return the proceedings of the Court of Enquiry which may be necessary to ground the charges agt him.
          You were right in not complying with the request for provisions and Stores mentioned in your letter of the 16th as you had no authority to grant it—neither have I any power to grant them, as the Magazines which are collected by the Continental Officers are only for the use of the troops which come under that description, or of Militia called out immediately by Congress or in consequence of their directions. I did not know that there were any snow shoes at Albany—You need not send any of those up to Fort Schuyler, only desire Major Graham to have the materials which he has upon hand made up, and the snow shoes safely kept. I am &c.


Title: General Orders, 27 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown thurs[d]ay Jany 27th 80.
            Parole Xantum—  C. Signs Yonne. Zator.

          By a division Court Martial of the Maryland-line, Major Deane President—Lieutenant Hugo of the 5th Maryland regiment was tried for, “Beating wounding and abusing in a cruel manner sundry soldiers belonging to the 2nd Maryland regiment” and acquitted.
          By the same Court Captain Price of the 2nd Maryland regiment was tried for “Gaming with Cards for money”—for “Neglect of duty, Gambling, Behaving in a manner unbecoming the character of an officer”—for “Secretly striking Lieutenant Duvall with a cane when he was executing his duty”—for “Disorderly and mutinous conduct in the presence of the soldiers of the regiment and for abuse after being reported for other crimes[”]—acquitted of the 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th charges and found guilty of the 5th charge, the 1st part of the 6th charge

and the 7th charge and sentenced to be reprimanded in division orders.
          The Commander in Chief approves the sentences.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 27 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town January 27th 1780

          Having considered the Act of the 27th of December directing the dismission of the Express riders and a subsequent On⟨e⟩ of the 14th of January, in consequence of my Letter founded on the former, the op⟨e⟩ration of which I had in some measure suspended—it would be improper for me to continue the suspension longer in any degree, or to direct any Expresses to be retained, except with the main Army and at posts where there are commands. From this view of the subject it will be necessary for you to govern yourself by the first mentioned Act with respect to the Expresses, except in the following instances—the main Army—the Post in the Highlands and at Fish Kills and at Fort Pitt. With the first you will continue Ten—One at the post in the Highlands—Five at Fish Kills—and one at Fort pitt. I am Dr Sir with great rega⟨rd⟩ Your Most Obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Moses Hazen, 27 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 27 Jany 1780.

          I have recd your four favs. of yesterday, the last of which did not reach me untill this morning. Before the last came to hand, I had given directions to Genl St Clair to prepare himself to go down to you—to make enquiry into the situation of matters below, and in conjunction with you, to endeavour to find out

whether it will be possible to retaliate upon the enemy, and if not, whether some different position of our Guards will not be necessary in future. General St Clair will not be down before the Morning. He will have orders to endeavour to carry into execution any plans which you may have formed and which from circumstances may seem feasible, but from the present strength of the Enemy, I do not conceive that any thing upon a large scale can be attempted—surprizes, by small well conducted parties, seem most likely to promise success. I have, ever since the North River was passable, conceived the practicability of such a plan as Colo. Willets. He may be desired to be making enquiries, and if he finds good reason to beleive that he can make a descent with success, I will cheerfully consent to the trial of the experiment. I imagine the Bulk of the enemy’s transports are in Newtown Creek upon Long Island, which may be more safe and accessible than Turtle Bay.
          I sincerely hope you may find an opportunity of Revenge in some way or other. You have not acknowledged my letter of the 25th. Be pleased to say whether you received it.
          If Colo. Willet chuses to come up to fix his plan with me, or to pick out any particular Men for the purpose, he may be indulged. There are the Men of Webbs Regt cloathed in Red, who I think well calculated on that account for such an enterprize. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 27 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 27th Jany 1780.

          I have received your several favors of the 17th—18th 21st and 23d of this month.
          As it will be less expensive to Major Painter, and to the public, to have his tryal held in your quarter, you will be pleased to

order a court martial for the purpose. I return you Col. Scammels letter on the subject.
          Bostwicks letter which came in yours of the 18th is very ambiguous. At first view one would imagine the scribbling done without any design. The figures some memorandum; and that the paper had been picked up, and used by the writer without his knowing any thing of what was within. This at least is the charitable explanation; and is, perhaps, such a one as he would give whether innocent or guilty. Your suggestion however may be well founded, and the writing altho unintelligible to us, may not be so to the enemy. But as the paper does not afford sufficient proof of criminality, I would imagine the best thing we can do, is to have a watchful eye over him (which may be accomplished through the means of Colonel Hay)—and to wait for some further evidence before we either call upon him for an explanation of the writing, or proceed to any open steps in the matter. You will take such measures to this effect as may appear most proper. I transmit you Bostwicks letter.
          Lt Williams has received fifty thousand dollars for the purpose mentioned in your letter of the 21st. This sum (which is as much as can be spared at this time) with what Mr Reed can save from paying off the troops, may answer the present exigency. Upon application for money to discharge the Continental bounty, you will direct a roll containing the names of the reinlisted men, which is to be the foundation of your order or warrant.
          I wish as far as possible to oblige you with the indulgence you have requested. We are by no means at this time complete in officers—which makes your stay the more necessary were it compatible with your health. If howe[v]er, it is in such a state, as you may judge a journey, and relaxation from military duty essential to your recovery, you have my permission on Genl Howe’s arrival, which I supppose will be near the time you have affixed. I make no doubt, but you will proportion your absence as much as possible to the circumstances of the army, and continue it no longer than may be indispensible for your health.
          With regard to Majr Bowman’s experiments in gunnery, I have no objection to their being made, provided you are satisfied with their usefulness, and if not attend[ed] with too great an expenditure of Amunition. Sir James Jay has also requested leave to make some tryals in gunnery which you will be pleased

to indulge, taking the necessary cautions to prevent the militia’s being alarmed.
          Mr Reed I expect will be with you, by the time this letter may come to hand. His instructions for his removal, could hardly have more than reached him at the time of your writing. I am Dr Sir, Your obt & hble servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Mr Adams, a Store keeper of the hospitals at Albany, charged with peculating stores, will be sent down by Col. Van Schaick, with witnesses &c.—for tryal by a Court Martial.


Title: To George Washington from Major General William Heath, 27 January 1780
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Highlands [N.Y.] January 27th 1780.

          The last night between eleven and twelve oClock a fire broke out at west point in the Building occupied by Colonel Marshall, and Mr Whiting the D. Q. Mr of the Garrison. The Fire began in the inside, and (as is Supposed), in the wooden mantle piece of the Chimney, had got to such a head that the first discovery was the whole bursting out in flames. Several Persons who were asleep in the House, had Scarcely time to Save themselves by escaping in their Shirts.

          The public, as well as individuals, have Suffered considerable loss—The former in a number of Tents the Q. Master’s Books and papers, and indeed, the whole of the Stores of that department deposited in that place, return of which, as Soon as can be ascertained, will be transmitted to the quarter master General.
          Colo. Marshall has lost part of his Baggage, Mr Whiting a considerable part of his, Capt. Sewall the muster master, & Mr Francis, their Baggage Commissions, Swords and all their cloathes except what they had on. These Gentlemen are in great distress. I apprehend they intend to address your Excellency for relief. It was with extreme difficulty that the adjacent building was Saved, that Side of which next the fire is scorched to Coal. Had this building taken fire the Magazine would have been in great danger, if not lost, as the Garrison would have quitted the Fort from apprehension of instant destruction. I Submit it to your Excellency whether it is not Surprizing that the importan⟨t⟩ works of Fort Clinton and fort Putnam are both destitute of proper magazines for the ammunition when So great a quantity is deposited in them. The Powder in the former is lodged in one of the Bomb proofs. This bomb proof on the outside next the area of the Fort is faced with fascines, and the wooden building abov⟨e⟩ mentioned within a small distance of it. Should this take fire when the wind is fresh at North or N. West it would be almost a miracle if the magazine escaped.
          This building I have determined to have removed immediately, and afterwards the Powder will not be So Secured in the Bomb proofs as I could wish.
          Your Excellency will find enclosed a petition of Lt Peabody of the 7th Massachusetts Regiment for leave to resign his commission, and the Certificates required by your Excellencys orders.
          A Captain Flowers and Lieutenant Snow Sent on command to Springfield the last Fall to receive and forward on the Levies, are applying for the reimbursement of their expences while on that command—They inform me that the other officers who were Sent on that command have had their Accounts Settled by orders from your Excellency.
          As I do not know what allowance has been made to others, I request directions with respect to these.
          Colonel Mead at Horseneck has written me that the Enemy, chagrined at his late enterprize, at Morrissania, are meditating

one on him. He wishes as a Support, to have a detachment of Continental Troops Stationed near the purchase, which will form a chain with our Lines; but as the north river is now frozen down to New York, and troops may more expeditiously pass up on the Ice than by the roads, I have cautioned the Troops on the Lines to keep a Sharp look out on that Side for the Security of the post at Kings-ferry; and our present numbers and circumstances will not admit of a further detachment.
          I do not know what instructions or orders your Excellency may have given to General Poor at Danbury; but, if you Should think proper to order a detachment of about one hundred men from that Brigade to take post near the purchase, it would compleat our chain from the North River to the Sound, and, I think, not only circumscribe the Enemy to narrow limits, but effectually break up the infamous practice of trade and traffick with them, which has in a most disgracefull manner for a long time been prevailing.
          Provisions or goods are almost daily taken going in to, or coming out from the Enemy.
          Having had the pleasure this day to hear by Some officers from the main army that a good Supply of Flour &c. is on hand, and that the ration is encreased to one pound p. day, besides an allowance of Indian meal, and the Troops here being yet kept to the reduced ration, and often not able to obtain even that; I again request Some relief i[f] it can be granted. If there were any magazines within our reach I would not request this, but every one of them in this quarter were exhausted before the army went to Winter quarters, and Since that time the Season has been Such as to prevent the Mills grinding a Sufficiency to relieve even our daily wants. I have the honor to be With the greatest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient Servant,

            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 27 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 27th Jany 1780.

          I have been honoured with your Excellency’s favor of the 21st inclosing a Report from the Board of War, upon the application of Colonel Armand for promotion to the Rank of Brigadier in the service of the United States, on which, Congress have been pleased to request my opinion.
          I am ready to acknowledge the Grounds, on which, Colo. Armand founds his pretensions to higher Rank, so far as they respect the disinterestedness of his Conduct—his Zeal—Activity—Bravery and intelligence: But I cannot admit the plea, of his being intitled to promotion, on account of his length of service in his present Rank—He should consider, that upon his entering our service, notwithstanding he had either not been at all, or but a short time, in that of France, he received a Commission much higher than those which had been conferred upon many of his Countrymen of long standing in the military line—which is a very substantial reason, why, he should not expect as rapid promotion from his present Rank, as if he had commenced with an inferior one.
          His supposition that he may, if promoted, be employed without giving umbrage to, or interfering with the Officers of the line, would be found, upon experiment, contrary to his expectations. Nearly the same jealousies and discontents would arise in the minds of those Officers who were superseded, as if they were doing duty together, and actually under his command. The injury is substantially in the Act of promotion itself, and removing the Object of it to a distance is in reality little or no alleviation to the feelings of the Officer who conceives himself hurt.
          The Board of War seem, in their Report; to have made very judicious distinctions between Colo. Armands pretensions to preferment, and the expediency of granting it: And, I cannot but give it as my opinion, tho’ it is a delicate matter and what I would not have wished to have been consulted upon, that the promotion in question would involve many disagreeable consequences, and that there is therefore a necessity for waving it.
          A further objection, to the promotion of Colo. Armand, is, that several Foreign Officers of the same Rank would

immediately, and not without reason, think themselves slighted, if not gratified with the same Marks of favor: And these, if conceded, would contribute still more to the depreciation of our Rank, which is already, by the lavish manner of conferring it, held too cheap. It must have a very extraordinary appearance in Europe, to see such a number of Gentlemen of low or no Rank at all in their own Countries, and many of them very young Men, returning General Officers: and, I should imagine, would have an ill operation even with respect to themselves.
          I approve of the Idea of incorporating the late Count Pulaski’s and Colo. Armands Corps. By increasing his Command, you give him fresh testimonials of your opinion of his military Abilities, and afford him greater opportunities of distinguishing himself. Should there be a vacant Lieutenancy in those Corps when united, I would take the liberty of solliciting the Commission for the Chevalie⟨r⟩ de Fontevieux, a young Gentleman of Family, who has for some time borne that Rank by Brevet, and served the last Campaign with reputation as a Volunteer. I have the honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s Most obt and humble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 27 January 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            sir,
            Philadelphia January 27. 1780

          Your letter of the 24th Instant was duly received and laid before Congress.
          After the most mature deliberation, Congress from a full conviction of your knowledge of the subject, and that the honour and interest of the United States in the matter of negotiating

and settling a Cartel may safely be trusted in your hands, have passed the enclosed resolves, and committed the whole to your prudence & discretion.
          By the second resolution they have repealed the final part of the resolution of the 11th Instant, leaving the settlement of ⟨the⟩ Accounts to negotiation and that the demand of the money at this Juncture by the Treasury might not embarrass you, they have ordered the Board of Treasury to suspend the requisition, until the proposed negotiation for exchange of prisoners is finished; so that you are left to act upon the common principles of equality, Justice, and propriety, as if that Act had never passed.
          As our Treasury is empty of hard Money & Congress relied on the payment of the Debt due for the Convention Troops to defray the Expences & Debts of our Officers in Captivity, I trust that Circumstanc⟨es⟩ will not escape your Excellencies Notice; though at the same time you will be satisfied it is the intention of Congress a demand of that debt should not be made an Ultimatum, or a preliminary to prevent a Cartel in other respects admissible.
          As Congress have been pleased to refer this negotiation wholly to your Excellency without any Direction or expressing their sense on any particular Articles which you had requested,
          The Event of the proceedings on the Subject must meet with their approbation. I have the honour to be with great respect your Excy’s hble Servant

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to the Justices of Morris County, N.J., 27 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Justices of Morris County, New Jersey

            Gentln
            Head qrs Morris Town January 27. 1780

          I had this morning the honor to receive Your Letter of the 25 Instant. You will permit me to assure You Gentlemen, that I entertain the highest sense of the exertions which have been made by the Justices and the Inhabitants of this County to relieve the distresses of the Army in the article of provision; and I think it but right to add, that from these exertions and those of the Justices & Inhabitants of the state of Jersey in general, the Troops & in them the public, have derived the most important & happy benefits.
          There is nothing Gentlemen I wish so much, as security to the Subjects of these States in their persons & property—and any events that interrupt this affect me sensibly. Those you represent I feel in a peculiar manner—and I entreat you to be satisfied, that no means in my power shall be wanting to put a stop to every species of such practices in future. If any in the mean time should unfortunately take place, the Offenders if they can be pointed out by the Inhabitants, shall be subjected to the most condign punishment.
          With respect to the prison & County House—I shall request the Quarter Master General to examine the damage which the Troops have done to it—and to have it repaired as far as circumstances will permit. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Gentn Yr Most Obedt st.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Caleb North, 27 January 1780
From: North, Caleb
To: Washington, George

            sir,
            Camp Near Morristow[n] 27th Janry 1780

          Agreable to my Instructions, delivered the Letter, with which I was honoured; to the Magistrates of Monmouth County; who

Agree’d to furnish the Quantity of provisions required, provided I would Assist them with a Guard, where Necessary, this I consented to and Accompanied them myself for several days, during which time we procured, by purchase, and impress, the following Quantity of provisions Forty Sevin Barrels Beef and Pork with Fifty Barrels of Ship Bread, which was taken on Board a Brig near Middle Town—the full Quantity of Grain, which is sent to the Neighbouring Mills; with Orders to be prepared for Immediate Use; and One Hundread and Six Head of good Cattle chiefly from the Townships of Shrewsbury and Middle Town; as being most in the power of the Enemy—by my Instructions a Commissary was to be sent me; but as none came, the Magistrates with me thought Proper to Appoint Mr Lloyd formerly a purchasing Commissary in said County; to Execute this business, he being best Acquainted with the stock and Disposition of the People of the place—Ninty Barrels of Flower is Already Manufactured and Come on to Camp with the Cattle, Beef, Pork, and Bisquet.
          finding that I could be of no farther service in this business: and being well Assured that the Compliment would be made up, and sent on as soon as possible—thought proper to return to Camp. I have the Honour to be your Excellen⟨cy’s⟩ most Obedient, and Verry Hube servt

            Caleb North L. Colo. 9th P.R.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Waterhouse, Sr., 27 January 1780
From: Waterhouse, Joseph Sr.
To: Washington, George

            Scarborough [District of Maine]the 27th Jany 1780
            May it Please your Excellency

          The Humble Petetion of Joseph Waterhouse containing the Perticulars of my son Joseph Waterhouse belonging To Colo. Jackson Regiment in the Continential Army the unhappy Circumstances of the said Joseph being as I Understand under Sentence of death by the Martial law for the Crime of disertion.
          Your Petetioner Prays That Your Excellency would take into Your Wise consideration the Unhappy Circumstances of the said Joseph the Criminal now under Sentence of death by your Excellencys Compasion in granting the said Joseph your free & full Pardon: as also from your Excellencies feeling Compassion for his fellow Creature but also from Motives as follows—The unhappy Joseph the Criminal has here in Town a wife & Two Children under difficult Circumstances and Cheifly Renderd so by the absence of her unhappy husband who—for the love of his Countrey & the firm attachment to Liberty has Scacrificd all That was near and dear to him for the sake of himself and Posterity altho’ his present Conduct is not to be Justified and the Seeming Reverse to what I have heretofore Related but Persons may be guilty of and Contract gross Errors but yet may mean Right at heart nevertheless. And also myself I have a free mind & love of my Countrey and would not be guilty of Countenancing or giving Any Encouragment to so vile & detrimental Injury to the common Cause but look upon the Martial Law to be Wholesome good & Just to Support Peace & good Order in the Camp: I have been for the Support of Liberty ever Since this Unhappy dispute began and have had three Sons engaged in the Service of their Countrey the most part of the Time &c.
          And Your Petetioner Prays Your Excellencies Wise & benevolent Compassion for my Unhappy Son at the footstool of your Mercy by granting him your Excellencies full and free Pardon—And your Petetioner in duty bound shall ever Pray

            Joseph Waterhouse


Title: General Orders, 28 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown friday Jany 28th 1780.
            Parole Athens—  C. Signs Athol. Athos.

          Lord Stirlings division is to reinforce the Main Guard with a Subaltern, four Serjeants four Corporals and thirty six men.
          The General is astonished and mortified to find that notwithstanding the order issued on the 29th of last month and his exhortation to the officers to prevent it, that the Inhabitants in the vicinity of camp are absolutely a prey to the plundering and licentious spirit of the soldiery—From their daily complaints, and a formal representation of the Magistrates on the subject, a night scarcely passes without gangs of soldiers going out of camp and committing every species of robbery, depredation and the grossest personal Insults: This conduct is intollerable and a disgrace to the army, and if any thing can aggravate it, it is that these violences are committed on the property and persons of those who on a very late and alarming occasion, for the want of provisions, manifested the warmest attachment to the army by affording it the most generous and plentiful relief: It has also been reported that when detachments are relieved and are returning to camp, the soldiers straggle, maraud and plunder in the most shameful and injurious manner; The General trusts and insists that the officers will exert themselves and take effectual measures to prevent all such practices in future.
          Proper Camp guards agreeable to the Regulations are to be immediately appointed, from which patroles are to be sent to the environs of camp; If any soldiers are found straggling out of the chain of centinels after retreat-beating they are to be brought

by the patrole to the officer of the guard, who is authorized and required to give them one hundred lashes upon the spot; and if any are found perpetrating robberies or other violences thay are to receive from one hundred to five hundred lashes at the discretion of the officer.


Title: To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 28 January 1780
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

            Sr
            Farmindell [Prince George County, Va.] Janry 28th 1780

          Having been a few days ago honord with a Letter from the President of Congress, informing me of their Acceptance of my Resignation, I feel myself impelled by every vertuous consideration on Quiting the Military Line, to testify to Yr Excellency the gratefull Sense I have of the many favors and the Patronage with which you have honord me while I have served under your Command; And to assure yr Excellency that I most cordially wish you every kind of felicity, that your great exertions and your Unwearied endeavors for the good and happiness of others so amply entitles you to enjoy in this life, and for endless ages. I am

Sr with the most perfect esteem & respect Yr Excellency’s Most obedt & very Humbl. Sert

            Theok Bland


Title: From George Washington to James Gray, 28 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Gray, James

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 28 Jany 1780.

          I have recd yours of the 18th Inst. with the Monthly Returns of the Augt issues. It will still be necessary that I should be furnished with Returns by you, notwithstanding the department is immediately under the direction of the Board of War, or I cannot without them check any irregularities which may take place at the different posts. If you can shorten your Returns by only giving me the Issues and what remains on hand, it will be sufficient to answer my purposes. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Sewall and Ensign Aaron Francis, 28 January 1780
From: Sewall, Henry,Francis, Aaron
To: Washington, George

            May it please your Excellency,
            West point, Jany 28. 1780.

          We the subscribers having suffered the loss of all our baggage in the late unfortunate fire of the Quartermaster’s store at this post—urged by the extremity of necessity, & emboldened by the advice of Major-General Heath, beg leave to solicit your Excellency for relief, in such manner as may be judged most consistent with justice & equity. We forbear a particular detail of our loss, & only request present relief.
          From the intense severity of the present season—the great scarcity of the article of cloathing—the total insufficiency of our pay to procure it at private sale—together with suffering heretofore the like losses, without receiving any public reparation—we humbly conceive ourselves fit objects of public generosity: On this presumption we have the greatest confidence to hope for such supplies of blankets, shirts, shoes, stockings, &c. from the public store, as will relieve our present sufferings.
          If it should not be thought consistent for these articles (which are but a small part of our losses) to be furnished us gratis—we have only to request the privilege of purchasing them, with such other articles as we are in absolute need of, from the public store.
          We beg leave to mention Mr Timothy Whiting A.D.Q.M. Genl being absent on furlough, & Mr John White a Clerk in the store, who are partners with us in our present sufferings—and recommend them to your Excellency’s particular consideration.
          Having the fullest confidence, Sir, in your benignity, justice & humanity—we submit our case to your wise determination, & shall rest satisfied with the event. We have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedient, Humble servants,

            H: sewall, Capt. 12th Mass. regtAaron Francis Ensn [11]th Mass. regt


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Walton White, 28 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: White, Anthony Walton

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 28th Jany 1780

          Inclosed you have the Certificate requested in yours of the 18th: You will, upon obtaining your Commission, proceed without delay to south Carolina and take the command of the 1st Regt of Dragoons. By the Regulations of the Army, there will be only one more Feild Officer, (a Major,) to the Regiment, as it will be commanded by a Leiut. Colo. Commandant; Lieut. Colo. Temple must therefore take your place in Colo. Moylans Regt Major Jameson of the 1st Regt being intitled to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the 2d will, I imagine, have left south Carolina before your arrival. The Majority of the 1st cannot be immediately filled, as the Ranks of two of the eldest Captains of the line is undecided. As soon as that matter is determined, the Officer intitled to the Vacancy shall be sent forward to you, should it not fall to one of Colo. Baylors Captains, who will be upon the spot—I wish you much happiness in your new command and success in whatever you may undertake as I am Sir yr most obt Servt.


Title: General Orders, 29 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown saturday Jany 29th 1780.
            Parole Bethlehem—  C. Signs Boston. Bath.

          The Court Martial whereof Major General Howe is President is adjourned ’till their proceedings receive the determination of Congress; but the Members in the mean time will return to their duty in the line.

          A General Court Martial of the line to sit tomorrow at Mr King’s in Morristown for the trial of all such persons as shall be brought before them: Colonel Richard Humpton is appointed President.


Title: From George Washington to Elbridge Gerry, 29 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Gerry, Elbridge

            Dear Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris-town 29th Jan. —80

          I received your obliging Letter of the 12th—I am sorry to find that Congress had not at that time made any requisitions of Men from the States, as it appears to me that the army without reinforcements, by the expiration of the inlistments of so many men and of the service of the new levies as they are called, will be much more reduced than will be compatible with our interest & policy. It was in part from the probability that such an idea as the one you suggest to have obtained with some, might take place, that I was induced to mention in my letter of the 18th of

Novr, the essential difference between an army on Paper & its real efficient force, & to illustrate the point by contrasting the column of the present fit for duty in the return transmitted, with that of the total.
          The hopes indulged from the beginning of the contest to the present day from time to time, that a peace would soon take place, have been the source at least of great expence—and they may still prove so and the means of protracting the war.
          There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy—and from this perswasion—and the effect you justly observe the contrary on our part might have on the mind of the Court of France & also on that of Spain, I think it would be right for us to hold forth at least, every appearance of preparation & vigor, & really to do what our abilities & the circumstances of our finance may well justify. The latter I own is a most important consideration, but I cannot judge how far the state of it may, or may not require retrenchment and a spirit of œconomy or indeed inactivity in our affairs. You will however perceive by a letter to Congress of the 18th by Baron Steuben, that I have again mentioned my opinion of the propriety of placing the Army on a more respectable footing than it will be at the opening of the Campaign, without their interposition; and that I have offered the same in my letter to you—Mr Livingston and Mr Matthews.
          With respect to provision—the situation of the army is comfortable at present on this head, & I ardently pray that it may never be again as it has been of late. We were reduced to a most painfu⟨l⟩ and delicate extremity. such as rendered the keeping of the Troops together a point of great doubt—The exertions of the Magistrates & inhabitants of this state were great & chearful for our relief.
          I have had my attention much engaged by a variety ⟨of⟩ pressing business & must rely on ⟨your⟩ endulgence to excuse an earlier acknowledgement of your favor. I am Dr Sir With great regard & esteem Yr Most obedt Serv.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Moses Hazen, 29 January 1780
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Cranes Mills [N.J.] 29th January 1780

          I have received your Excellencys letter’s of the 25th and 27th Instant. I am Happy in Genl St Clairs arrival here to look into the Situation of this post, which in the present Condition of the Roads and Ice in the Sound, I think to be a Critical one, I have Informed Genl St Clair of my Instructions, Contoonments, guards, and Pickets, and the reasons that Induced me to make the alterations from those of General Irvings—I have Paid the Closest attention in gaining every Neccessary Information of the enemys Strength and position, and am Sorry that I have not been able to Collect Such favourable Intelligance as would have Justified an attemp on the enemies guards Pickets Posts or Contoonments—on last wednesday evening the enemy on the Island ware in motion to attack our Contoonments—they ware to march in three Columns the one to Cross at amboy one at New Blasing Starr and the other at mosses mills—which movement Colonel gray who is Posted at Raway had Information of by 7 oClock in the evening—But the enemy being alarmed with Something on a large Scale Intended from us on that Night Desisted from their project, and put themselves on the Defensive.
          Your Excellency will Please to remember that I mentioned the Necessity of having a Greater number of Horse to Patroll this Country as the best Security for the Detachment and the Country—I must confess that I never Thought our advance guards and Pickets to be Secure—at the Same time I did not expect after the precautions which I had Taken and the repeated exhortations given, that any of them would have been So Shamefully Surprised—I am Conscious in having Done my Duty to the best of my Judgement with respect to them—and so fortunate was I in having obtain’d Such Intelligance as Induced me to believe

the enemy would make an attempt on the very Night, or the preceding one which they did, which was Communicated to all the officers Commandg Pickets guards or Battallions—on Tuesday at one oClock in the morning I called for Capt. Bedkins Compy of Horse acquainted him of the enemys Design, and reminded him of the Danger our guards Pickets and Contoonments ware in; I then Told him that on that or the following night the enemy most Probably would make the attemp; That he must go to Elizabeth Town with his Troop and Patroll every road and avenue leading into that place or our Contoonments; That it would be Necessary for him to have Two videt Centinals mounted at the Commandg officers door in order to bring me and the Commanding officers of Battallions Intelligance of any movements of the enemy—Yet his whole Troop of Horse might have been Carried of[f] to the enemy by Two or three Torys not Having a Single Sentinal over them: he Says in his own Justification that he followed Major Ecclestons order’s be that as it Will they Neither of them followed mine—Yet I have the DisHonr of Loosing my Pickets throught their Neglect—By my Instructions one half of the Picket at Elizabeth Town Consisting of a Major Two Captans four Subalterns ware to be on guard and patrolls relieved every Day and the whole Picket Relieved every T⟨wo⟩ Days—These are Circumstances which It may not be Improper your Excellency Should be acquainted with—The Picket at Newark was equally Surprised the Soldie⟨rs⟩ lodged in the academy, the officer in a Private House not a Patroll out—this also was Contrary to the orders which he received from me I Have the Honr to be Dear Sir Your Excellencys Most obed. and very Hume Servant

            Moses Hazen

            P:S. Inclosed your Excellency will Receive a Return of the Detachment and a New York gazette.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Enoch Poor, 29 January 1780
From: Poor, Enoch
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Danbury [Conn.] January 29 1780

          The Ten thousand doll. I received for recruiting I find very inadequate to the purpose, must therefore request another grant of the like sum—upwards of 70 men have already inlisted and many others are inclining—Capt. Leigh the bearer of this will wait on you by whom I wish the money might be forwarded.
          The Difficulties that have arisen from a scarcity of flour in this quarter have called for my utmost exertions together with the assistance of my officers, but I have now the satisfaction to find that no further distress will probably arise from that cause, and general contentment amongst my Troops—in this situation I must once more beg indulgence to retire for a time to my family and pay some attention to domestic matters which at this juncture demand it—the Command of my Brigade will devolve on Colo. Cilley whose capacity and attention render him worthy of the command.
          Major Norris of the 3d Regimt has applied to me for a furlough which I am unable to grant consistent with Genl Orders, at his earnest request I represent his case to your Excellency believing his necessity to be pressing (viz.) the Division of an estate which requires the present time—the Regt being small and the next in command a good Officer I wish his request might be granted.

          The situation of my Officers and soldiers in point of cloathing being very bad, if there be any in store it would at no time be more acceptable than the Present—of this Capt. Leigh our Sub-clothier can inform. I am with much esteem your very h’ble Servt

            Enoch Poor


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 29 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

            Dr Sir
            Head Qrs Morristown 29 Jany 1780

          You will be pleased to forward the inclosed letter by flag. It is from a Mr Ranselair, who comes particularly recommended by Gen. Schuyler. As he is impatient for an answer, as soon as one reaches you, I wish to have it sent up by express.
          I want to be informed in what manner the troops are accommodated as to quarters, or whether any part of them are put to inconvenience on this account. I shall be somewhat influenced by this circumstance, as to the continuing or recalling the detatchment which went down under Col. Hazen. I am Dr Sir &c.

            G. W——


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 29 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

            My Lord.
            Head Quarters Morristown. 29th Jany 1780.

          The present condition of the ice, opening an easy communication to all parts of the enemy, and thereby affording them occasions to make attempts on such of the officers of the army, as may be most remote from its protection: This, with other reasons, which must occur to your Lordship, induces me to request that you will, as soon as possible, choose such quarters as may give perfect security in this respect. When the ice breaks, I would flatter myself your Lordship will have an opportunity of returning to your present quarters. I am my Lord, with great regard, your Lordships most obt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 30th Jany 1780

          By advices received from General St Clair who is on the lines, it appears that the enemy have augmented their force considerably on Staten Island, and at Pawlus Hook. From this circumstance, and their impressing sleds (as it is said on Bergen neck) it would seem as if they had some offensive operation in view. I have therefore to request that you will use your best endeavours for the purpose of removing the forage which may be collected at and near the lines to this place. The largest quantities, and that most exposed will naturally claim the first attention. Besides, the forage making larger detatchments from this army necessary for its security, and thereby increasing the routine of duty, and distressing the inhabitants—there is still another strong reason why it should be removed, the superior ease with which it can be transported at this season.
          I have received your letter of —— representing the state of your department, and have transmitted a copy thereof to Congress. I am Dr Sir Your obt servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 January 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Morris Town Jan: 30th 1780.

          In consequence of your Excellency’s letter to me of this morning I am about to dispatch Mr Brown and Mr Durie below the mountains to the forage Officers with orders for the removal of

the public forage. I have also written to the forage Officers and inclosed them copies of your Excellency’s letter on this occasion, urging them to exert themselves to give success and dispatch to the business. In addition to these steps I have addressed the Revd Mr Caldwell to give his aid in calling out teams, & rousing the inhabitants to facilitate the removal of the forage. I am in hopes the measures I have taken will put every thing in a train agreeable to your Excellency’s intention.
          I am told there is a great quantity of forage on Barbadoes Neck which is altogether in the power of the Enemy. Will it not be worth while to attempt to get it off? If any thing of the kind is attempted there must be a military order for the purpose, with a press warrant to take all the teams in the Country for it’s removal. This forage never can be had for the use of the Army in any other way; and it will be next to impossible to support the Army through the winter without obtaining forage in this way or some other besides by contract. I am with great respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble servt

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, 30 January 1780
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Morris Town 30th Jany 1780.

          I have this Evening receiv’d several Letters from Colo. Hay: copies of two of which I inclose to Your Excellency for your perusal. They contain representations of the encreasing difficulties, in the Quarter Master’s Department, at the Post of Fish Kill. It is nothing more than I expected; but only things are drawing

to a crisis a little earlier than I had conceived of. I am confident no Man in America can do more to support the business, in the district, than Colo. Hay can; and I am confident no Man is better disposed to exert himself than he is. But his situation, as well as all the Staff, in every quarter, is distressing beyond description.
          If the present force cannot be supported at West-Point, and its dependencies, will it not be best to detatch a part into the Country? Happily the rest may be supported; and by attempting to keep the whole in Garrison they may be obliged to quit altogether.
          Major Hale is here, who is perfectly acquainted with Colo. Hay’s business; is going to Philadelphia, and will represent the state of the Post to the Treasury. Perhaps they may grant him some relief; tho’ I am afraid it is not in their power. I am, with great Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Hume Servt

            Nath. Greene Q.M.G.

            P.S. Colo. Hay inclos’d a copy of a Letter from Colo. Bostwick, Deputy Commissary General of Forage at Fish-Kill, in which he says a great part of the Forage, engag’d by the Agents, and not paid for, is now selling for private use, the People being determined to wait no longer for their Money.


Title: From George Washington to Major Henry Lee, Jr., 30 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

            Dr Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown 30th Jany 1780

          I have received your favor of the 26th incloseing one from Capn McLane to you of th[e] 15th.
          However Capn McLanes services may entitle him to consideration yet he is neither singular in his sacrifices nor situation. There are numbers in the line, who have been as long Captains—and without promotion as himself. This is one of those circumstances incidental to all services. But with regard to his request—the formation of new corps rests by no means with me, nor if it did—I could not recommend the proposal to Congress at a time when the seperate corps now in service experience so many inconveniences, and are supposed too numerous. Capn McLane however may be assured that my opinion of his military merits would induce me to do every thing in his favor consistent with propriety. I wish you an agreeable winter, and am Dr Sir.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Arthur St. Clair, 30 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: St. Clair, Arthur

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 30th Jany 1780.

          I have been favd with yours of the 28th and 29th. Your reasons for preferring patrols, and those chiefly of Horse, are so conclusive, that I would wish you to endeavour to engage about twenty to serve while the Sound is passable upon the Ice. If they will find their own Forage, it will be more convenient than to supply them from the public Magazines. They shall be allowed accordingly. One Mr Marsh offered, a few days ago, to raise that number upon the shortest notice. Colo. Ogden knows him, and can inform you where he is to be found. As soon as the patrols are instituted, I think it will be prudent to withdraw all the small Guards from the points, and even from Elizabeth Town and New Ark in the Night. A Captains Guard should go every morning to the former to receive and forward Flags—As the number of Horse, I have mentioned, will be, of themselves, too few, you

will mix patrols of foot with them. If these do their duty on the main Road along the Sound, which the Enemy must cross, our main Body cannot be surprized: But, to give them more perfect security, I am of opinion that they may fall back into a chain of cantonment upon a line with Westfield, but of this, and every other matter, you will consider and determine. Our Magazines of Hay ought principally to engage our attention, as they will probably that of the Enemy, and I would therefore wish you, always, in making your disposition, to have regard to them.
          I will bear in mind your hint of the expediency of sending down whole Corps instead of detachments from the line—The Connecticut Brigades having more natives than any others would best answer the purpose, but there are, at present, some objections which I will mention to you when I see you.
          Be pleased to direct regular Enquiries, by judicious Officers, to be held upon the Officers who commanded the advanced Guards and pickets the night of the 25th that such of them, as appear guilty of neglect, may be brought to trial. This is the only method of procuring justice to the public and to individuals.
          I have written to Docr Cochran and have directed him to send down Surgeons and Dressings, which I thought had been already provided.
          Having in this letter answered the several matters mentioned by Colo. Hazen, I have not written to him by this conveyance. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. There are certain signals ⟨e⟩stablished for calling out the Militia in case of Alarm. Be pleased to make yourself acquainted with them, that you may communicate them upon occasion.


Title: From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 30 January 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Schuyler, Philip

            My dear Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris town 30th Jan. 80

          Your fair daughter, for whose visit Mrs Washington & myself are greatly obliged, did me the honr to present your favor of

the [ ] Instt—for which and the several useful hints (if it should be in my power to extend my views to St Johns) contained in it, you have my hearty thanks—To the several matters for investigation, mentioned in my letter of the 25th Ulto, permit me to add a further enquiry into the place and manner of securing the enemys Vessels on lake Champlain. this is become essential from accidental information recd the other day which, though not delivered as authentic, has at least the semblance of truth—it is that the enemy during the frost scuttle & sink their vessels under the Guns of St Johns—Should this be the fact there is not an object to compensate the fatiegue, hardships, and risks to which troops must be exposed in such an enterprize (if other matters shd answer) nor could I stand justified for exposing them to these, or the public to the expence, which would arise from the expedition.
          I am perfectly in sentiment with you respecting the policy of making friends of those Indians we have lately chastised & all others & of the expediency of doing it at this time—The hour of victory, we are informed by Lord North is the time for negotiation—That hour so far as they are concerne⟨d⟩ is come—& it would be wrong, in my judgment, to force them, irrecoverably, into the Arm⟨s⟩ of the enemy. To compel a people to remain in a state of desperation & keep them at enmity with Us, when no good is to be expected from it & much evil may follow is playing with the whole game against Us. If any security therefore can be had of their Aid (if circumstances should require it)—or neutrality under all circumstances we should, by being rid of a dangerous & distressing Foe (which they certainly are) be relieved of a heavy expence, and acquire more freedom to our arms in other quarters—and, which is a consideration of no small weight, must embarrass the enemy not a little in the field—the cabinet. & at negotiation if matters come to this.
          How far my good Sir would it be practicable if the Indians should be disposed to more than a neutrality, either by themselves or with the aid of a few Men in disguise, to sieze the Fortress of Niagara? a proof like this, of returning friendship, would be interesting & masterly; but from the numbers adequate to the execution of such a plan who must be brought acquai⟨n⟩ted with the scheme it, more than probably wd be known to the Ene[m]y & of course be defeated. Next to this, would it be possible to

surprise it ourselves, without their aid (or with the assistance of a few trusty guides only before the frost breaks up) by a rapid movement of an adequate number of Men in sleds from Fort Schuyler? The enterprize, more than probably, would be very unexpected, & consequen⟨t⟩ likely, on that account, to succeed if the Wood Creek—onondago River—& border of the lake ontario were in such a state as not to impede the progress of Slaies with proper degree of rapidity.
          If there are obstacles in the way of either of these projects which may seem too difficult to be surmountd, cannot some successful attempt be made by a detachment from the garrison at Fort Schuyler—The Indians—or a party of both—on the Vessels in lake ontario which are, I believe, usually laid up at buck Island?
          I need not tell you that these are crude, undigested thoughts, thrown out more with a view of learning your sentiments of them, than as the result of deliberate thinking—If you should hold a treaty, or have a meeting with the Indians such information may be derived from the most intelligent of them, as to shew how practicable either of the projects here mentioned is.
          There is no doubt but that Lake Champlain is sufficiently closed—but how long may we expect it to continue so? Will the Snow be any impediment to the Passage of Slaies to St Johns? Is it known whether the borders of Lake Ontario (especially the hither side wch is the most exposed to the boisterous Winds) are ever so frozen as to admit a passage for Slaies? What may be the difficulties of getting from Fort Schuyler to Oswego?
          Since the date of my last we have had the virtue & patience of the Army put to the severest trial—Sometimes it has been 5 or Six days together without bread. at other times as many days without meat—& once or twice two or three days without either—I hardly thought it possible, at one period, that we should be able to keep it together, nor could it have been done but for the exertions of the Magistrates in the several Counties of this State, on whom I was obliged to call—expose our situation to them—& in plain terms declare that we were reduced to the alternative of disbanding or catering for ourselves unless the Inh[abitan]ts would afford us their aid—I allotted to each County a certn proportion of flour or grain, & a certain Number of Cattle, to be delivered on certain days—& for the honor of the Magistrates &

good disposition of the people I must add that my requisitions were punctually complied with & in many Counties exceeded nothing but this great exertion could have saved the army from dissolution, or starving; as we were bereft of every hope from the Commissaries. at one time the Soldiers eat every kind of horse food but Hay. Buck Wheat, common wheat, Rye, & Indn Corn was the composition of the Meal which made their bread—As an army they bore it with a most heroic patience—but sufferings like these accompanied by the want of Cloaths, Blankets &c. will produce frequent desertions in all armies & so it happend with us tho it did not excite a single mutiny.
          I hope your advice to Colo. Van schaick respecting the diminution of Horses has had the desired effect, otherwise I shall follow it by an order—I strictly enjoined this upon General Heath at the Highland Posts & Genl Poor at Danbury—& made it a first object with the main army the moment It got to this ground; the necessity of it being apparent.
          I furnished Mr Van Ranselaer with a flag to convey a Letter to New York requesting leave to go in which was a necessary compliance with the rules of the enemy—No answer is yet receivd but every aid on my part shall be given to comply with your request when it is.
          I have the pleasure to inform you that Miss Schuyler is well as you will probably learn from her own pen as she has promised to give me a letter to put under my cover to you. Mrs Washington & the Gentn of my family join in best respects & good wishes and I am with sincere regard and affectn Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & oblig⟨ed⟩ Servt

            G. W——n


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

            Head-Quarters Morristown Monday Jany 31st 1780.
            Parole Denmark—  C. Signs Danube. Dee.

          The General observes with great concern that too many officers are daily absent from camp by which the discipline of their respective corps must necessarily be much neglected and many disorders ensue—To this is, in a great measure, to be attributed the shocking spirit of licentiousness now prevailing among the soldiery—The late capture of some officers on the lines who were not there on duty ought to be a caution against the like practices in future—Gentlemen taken in this manner may assure themselves that they will not be exchanged in turn, but will be postponed as long as possible & the Commissary of Prisoners will be instructed accordingly.
          The General calls upon the officers commanding divisions, brigades and regiments to take effectual measures to prevent a continuance of these irregularities and, in general, to effect a more strict observance of the Regulations established by Congress than has hitherto obtained; tho, He is far from wishing to impose unnecessary restraint upon officers, or to refuse them any reasonable indulgence, yet he cannot think of tolerating excesses, subversive of the service and productive of every ill consequence.
          A Brigadier and a Field-Officer of the day will as usual superintend the police of the camp and the service of the guards, and will see the regulations for both carefully executed; the General expects a pointed attention.
          In the present scarcity of General officers with the Army, the Colonels commanding brigades will roll in the duties of the day instead of brigadiers: The old and new officers of the day will

attend Head Quarters daily at one ôclock; the former to make report of the transactions of the preceding day and the latter to receive any new orders the Commander in Chief may have to give.


Title: To George Washington from Silas Condict, 31 January 1780
From: Condict, Silas
To: Washington, George

            Sire
            Morris Town 31 Jany 1780

          Without any other Oppology than a real concern for your Excellencies Safty inseperably connected with the publick good, I take the liberty to Suggest My apprehensions respecting Your Excellencys Cituation, which I do not think so secure as I could wish, while the frost Makes firm passing into Jersey from every part of the Enemies lines.
          I do not pretend to know what precautions are taken to prevent a Surprize at Head Quarters, or to Secure the Commander in Cheif, in case of a bold attempt to take him. perhaps My fears arise only from My Ignorance. but the Importance of the Object, May induce them to hozard an attempt, and will fully justify every Means to be ready to recieve them. they do not want for Malicious Interprizeing Guides, well acquainted with every Road And Safe passage to and from hence. the possibility of a party of Horse coming here undiscovered I cannot doubt. the probability of the undertaking and the Success of Such an enterprize I cannot determine. some time must necessarily elapse before succours could be had from the Army of which they are not Ignorant. It truely gives Me pain to trouble your Excellency with My Suspiscions on this subject if they are groundless. I have to Ask pardon for the freedom I have taken, your Excellencies Candor will I doubt not, Impute this freedom, to the Sincere regard that I have to your Excy and the publick. I have the

Honour to be with the greatest Respect your Excellencies Most Obt Hume sert

            Silas Condict


Title: To George Washington from Major General Arthur St. Clair, 31 January 1780
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

              Sir
              Spring Field [N.J.] Janry 31st 1780

            In consequence of your Excellencys wish to have a small Body of Horse engaged during the Ice’s remaining passable, I came here to consult with Mr Caldwell upon the most proper method of carrying it into Execution—He is of Opinion that it may be done, but with some difficulty: and that it can scarcely be expected that they will provide their own Forage—however we shall make the Attempt; and only wait for Mr Marsh’s return who is now at Morris Town—I should be very glad your Excellency would determine what their Allowance will be, as without some express Stipulation there is little prospect of their engaging—In the mean time upon an Application to Governour Livingstone, to order them out, a Company of Militia Horse that is formed in this County might be employed as Patroles.
            The Signals for calling out the Militia have been very much neglected, and are down in some Places and I cannot find who has the Care of them—I have requested Mr Caldwell to have them reestablished and proper Persons appointed to give the Alarm in case of Necessity, but I am not certain but this may interfere with some Regulation of the State, which some time ago, put that Matter into the Care of the Militia Generals, and it has gone into the Hands of the subordinate Officers in Gradation untill it is no Bodys Business.
            A small Party of Refugees slipt in last Night about nine oClock betwixt our Guards, and carried off several of the Inhabitants, two Sleighs & Horses and a Yoke of Oxen, and retired immediatly they came over near Moss’s Mills and returned by the same Route but too suddenly to be overtaken—they were conducted

by one of the Hatfields, and these Fellows have so perfect a knowledge of this part of the Country that it is next to impossible to prevent things of this kind: at the same time it is extremly mortifying that they should happen with impunity.
            I shall pay strict Attention to the Forage Magazines as possible, they are however much dispersed, which at the same time that it renders them more difficult to be preserved, makes them less an Object to the Ennemy. the principal One is I understand at Quibble Town.
            Colonell Hazen wishes to know if it is probable that he will be soon relieved, as some of his Party are in want of Shoes and some other Articles of Cloathing which, in case it was not, he would send up for. I Am Sir Your Excellencys most obedient Servant

              Ar. St Clair

            Colonell Hazen has found himself under the Necessity to arrest Colonell Howard, so that the Battallion has no field Officer.


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Ludwick, January 1780
From: Ludwick, Christopher
To: Washington, George

            May it please your Excellency
            Morris Town Jany 1780

          Permit me to lay before you a matter of the greatest importance to an Army, viz. that of supplying it with Bread.
          With two ovens, now at this place, we can furnish 1500 Loaves, of Bread daily, one of said ovens, is out of repair and ready to fall, which can be prevented by building a new one adjoining it, this will support the old one, and enable me to furnish 750 loaves more ⅌ day, and amount to 2250 loaves, which at 5 lb. each, woud nearly Supply the Army.
          Now for the want of this Oven, the best flour is Issued to the Army in lieu of Bread, consequently the bad only, together with Buck wheat and Indian Meal is sent to the Bake house, from which it is impossible to make good Bread, whereas if the whole was mix’d and bak’d we shoud have passable Bread and no flour Condem’d and wasted as is to frequently the case.
          I would beg leave to recommend that no flour be condem’d in the Army, but sent to the nearest Magazine as it will all with proper care make good Bread.
          I must further beg leave to recommend that a Committee of Inspection be appointed in the Ar⟨my⟩ whose business it shall be to Inspect the Magazines of Provision, Bake house &c. and to furnish such necessaries from time to time as may be found wan⟨t⟩ing for the safety and convenience there of. as the Bake house particularly has for some time past entirely neglected. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencies Most Obedt & Most Humble Servt

            Christoffal LudwickBacker [Baker] mahster


Title: From George Washington to Silas Condict, 1 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Condict, Silas

            Sir,
            Hd Qrs Morris-town Feby 1 1780

          I am much indebted to you for your obliging letter, and the concern you express for my personal safety. The apprehensions

you have are very naturally suggested by my present situation rather remote from the army; but as the possibility of such an attempt as you mention had occured to me, precautions, which I think will be effectual, have been used to guard against it. So far from the hint you have given requiring any apology, it is a proof of your regard which has a claim to my warmest acknowlegements. With very great esteem I am Sir Your most Obedt & humble serv.

            G. W——n


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 1 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 1st Feby 1780.

          I am exceedingly sorry to find by yours of the 26th ulto that you are again involved in difficulties on the score of Bread. I flatered myself that your wants on that account had been overcome, and that you would not have been again distressed throughout the Winter. We are in a better situation than we were, but we may yet be said to be living from hand to mouth, never having more than two or three days provision in Store. Our dependance is upon the continuance of the Frost, which is very favorable for transportation, tho’ it stops the Mills. Upon the receipt of your letter I directed the Commissary to send over all the Flour from Easton and Sussex County, which had been intended for this Army, to the Highlands. If I am not misinformed by him, your present want of Bread arises from want of water to grind the Wheat, of which he says there is a quantity in the Mills. If nothing better can be done, I would advise you to order down a parcel of that and let it be delivered to the Men, who by beating and husking it, may boil it, and make a tolerable substitute for Bread. If Indian Corn can be obtained, it will answer better. We were in our late distress reduced to take the foregoing methods.
          I am confident Governor Clinton will take every practicable measure to releive you, and should we obtain a more than

expected supply of Flour from the Southward, part shall be sent forward; but really at present we can spare no more than what I have mentioned as ordered from Sussex and Easton. I wish you to use every exertion to keep the troops together, and in their present Cantonments. If once suffered to disperse, a thousand ill consequences follow.
          I observe by the late General Returns a deficiency of some Regiments in your command. I must beg you to call upon your Dy Adjutant General for a punctual compliance in this respect, which is always necessary, but more than commonly so in the fluctuating state of our Army, which, from a variety of causes, differs materially every Week. Without this I am constantly at a loss for the real strength of your posts.
          I hope your next will afford more pleasing prospects of your situation, which will be truly agreeable to Dear Sir Your most obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 1 February 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            sir,
            Philadelphia February 1. 1780

          I am honour’d with your Excellency’s favours of the 26, 27, & 29. ulto which have been laid before Congress.
          Enclosed you will receive an act of Congress of the 31. ulto (a Copy of which is transmitted to Governor Livingston)— Expressing the high sense they entertain of the attachment and Zeal of the Magistrates and Inhabitants of the State of New Jersey int the Common Cause and their ready and effectual Exertions in furnishing provision for the Army under your Excellencies

Command. I have the honour to be with the highest respect your Excelly’s hble Servt

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: From George Washington to Colonels George Mathews and John Ely and Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ramsay, 1 February 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Mathews, George,Ely, John,Ramsay, Nathaniel

            Gentn
            Head Qrs Morris Town Feby 1st 1780

          By the Letter You were so obliging as to bring me from Congress Yeste⟨r⟩day, I find they have been pleased to authorise me to negociate and settle a Cartel for an Exchange of prisoners. In consequence of this authority, I shall be ready to appoint Commissioners to meet Others from the British Commander in Chief—at any time & place which may be thought convenient for the adjustment of so important and desireable a work. This You will be pleased to communicate to Major General Phillips—and I would willingly hope that the proposals concerted between him & You, which so far as they go, are generally upon just & liberal principles may be improved into an Agreement that will be attended with mutual and permanent advantage. I have the Honor to be with great regard & esteem Gentn Yr Most Obedt st.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 1 February 1780
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Philada Feby 1st 1780

          As I make it a rule never to claim any share of your attention without some sufficient cause, it gives me pleasure when an occasion does offer to pay my Compliments with propriety. Don Digges (a Gentn whom I do not know), residing in Theneriffe has given me the present opportunity, by shipping a Pipe of fine old wine onboard a Schooner Called the Hancock Capt. Scott intended for this place, which my Friend Mr Pasley requests I shou’d take charge of and forward it to You, it is marked G.W. & branded Pasley. You know with how much alacrity I shou’d have executed this Commission but the Schooner was forced from our Coast by the Severe Weather and got into Edenton in No. Carolina where I have requested Messrs Hewes smith & Allen to receive this pipe of Wine and keep it in their Custody untill orders from you or some person by Your authority appear for its removal, as I did not know but the Commissaries or Quarter Masters might find a better mode of transporting it to Camp than they or I could but if this conjecture is not well founded I

shall most readily take measures for bringing it forward on the opening of the Navigation.
          Mrs Morris joins me in the Sincerest & best wishes for health & happiness to Mrs Washington & your Excellency assuring You that you wou’d make us happy by a Visit to Philada during this long Severe Winter. We will endeavour to amuse you & afford some relaxation from the severity of discipline & duty which your exalted Station keeps You in the constant exercise of. With the most sincere regard & Veneration I am Your Excellencys, most obed. hble ser.

            Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Stephen Moylan, 1 February 1780
From: Moylan, Stephen
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Colchester [Conn.] 1st February 1780

          I have the honour to inclose the returns of the 2d & the 4th Regiments of Light Dragoons for the month of January, and at Same time to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencys Letter of the 14th ultimo by which I am orderd to comply with the requisitions of Governor Trumbull for the assistance of Cavalry Shoud they be found necessary to enforce the execution of the Laws to prevent the trade carried on from this State with the enemy, which Shall be obeyed.
          I am informd that the Authority of this town have memorialisd to the executive power of the State Setting forth the impossibility of their being capable of Quartering the two Regiments in this place during the winter, indeed they have good reason for it, as it will be a difficult matter to find Qrs even for one, to have them in Such a manner, as the men can be convenient to attend their horses, the 4th Regiment are at present from absolute necessity dispersed full five miles—and by the inclosed from

Major Tallmadge Your Excellency will See how the 2d are Situated—had, the plan, for quartering the two Regiments, which was first formd, taken place, they coud both have been well accommodated, and I will dare to Say at Less expence to the publick, than they will be at present. I am Sorry to find that there is little probability of our haveing grain to recruit our horses with after a hard duty the Last Campaign one quart ⅌ day is what the Qr Master tells me can be allowed. I mention this, that your Excellency may not expect to See the Horse, in order for doing duty at the opening of the Campaign, you may be assured Sir, that nothing on my part Shall be wanting to bring them in the best condition which the circumstances will allow of—what Major Tallmadge mentions in his report of the 2d respecting the flour & cloathing is common to both Regiments—I am Sorry to trouble your Excellency on those disagreeable Subjects, as I am informd you must have too many representations of this Sort from the Army with you. I Should however think myself deffective in my duty, to be Silent thereon. I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most ob. H. St

            Stephen Moylan Col. Com. L.D.