Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 12 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge March 12th 1778

On sunday night I had the honor to receive your favors of the 1st & 5th Instant with their Inclosures.
I am happy to find that my past conduct respecting Citizens in the correspondence between Genl Howe & myself is approved by Congress. They may rest assured, that their rights are strongly impressed on my mind, and that in all my transactions every support in my power shall be given them. I know their importance, and in my expected negociations with Genl Howe, if possible, I will exempt Citizens from Captivity. However I cannot hope to effect it, as I cannot demand it as a matter of right, since Congress themselves in their Original resolve, directing a proposition to be made for the exchange of prisoners, mentioned that of Citizens, which implied a right of capturing them. They may also be assured, that Genl Lee will not be forgotten. He has all along been a principal object in dispute, and so far from doing any thing injurious to him, his right to be exchanged & releasement are intended to be placed upon the most explicit—unambiguous footing. Indeed from the spirit of Genl Howe’s Letters, collectively taken, since his Agreement to enlarge the Officers on parole, in the first instance, & his extension of it in the last to an exchange (tho they are not free from ambiguities) it may be inferred, that on sending in Lt Colo. Campbell & the Hessian Field Officers captured at Trenton, that an exchange of all officers will immediately commence. It seems to be a point with

him, that it shall begin with them, as they have been longest in captivity. I have taken the liberty to inclose you Copies of three Letters, which have just passed between Genl Howe & myself more particularly concerning Genl Lee; in which I have pushed matters respecting him, as far as I thought it prudent at this time. Every precaution will certainly be used to prevent the Enemy gaining any advantage in the exchange of prisoners.
With great deference, I would take the liberty to observe, that Congress seem to have carried the preamble of their Resolve of the 26 Ulto, prohibiting the inlisting &c. Prisoners & deserters too far—and thro accident to have recited a fact that has never happened (at least to my knowledge) and which is injurious to us. Viz. that prisoners had been inlisted by us. If any have, it is what I never knew; However, be this as it may—if the Resolution has not been published, I could wish the preamble to be altered and only recite “that experience &c. in Deserters” only. The Resoluti⟨on⟩ itself may stand as it does comprehending a pr⟨o⟩hibition against the inlistment of both. My reasons for troubling Congress upon this occasion is, we have always complained against Genl Howe and still do for obliging or permitting the prisoners in his hands to inlist, as an unwarrantable procedure & wholly repugnant to the spirit, at least, of the Cartel. This preamble seems to admit the practice on our part, which would certainly justify it in him, and is such evidence, as must silence us in future should it stand, and afford him an opportunity for recrimination, though as I have suggested, I believe no prisoners have ever been inlisted by us—I am sure none have through compulsion.
I have the pleasure to transmit you an Extract of a Letter from Captn Barry, which will inform you of his successes. The two ships he burnt, after stripping them, and he was obliged, it seems, two days after the capture, to ground and abandon the Schooner after a long and severe engagement with some of the Enemy’s Frigates & smaller armed Vessels. It is said he saved her Guns & most of her tackle.
I also take the liberty to lay before Congress copies of Letters from Messieurs Champion—Wadsworth & Reed. From the uniformity of sentiment held forth by these Gentlemen, it is much to be feared, the measures lately adopted by the Commissioners at New Haven for regulating the prices of provision will have a disagreable effect upon our supplies of meat. How far it may be practicable to suspend their operation for a time, I cannot determine—but if it can be done, it appears we should experience many advantages from it. It is a matter of great importance, and as such is submitted to Congress for their consideration. If any thing can be done to procure supplies of provision, particularly of the salt kind, I should suppose & am persuaded it will not

be omitted. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 12 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 12th March 1778

I should have answered your favor of the 14th January before this time, had I not have been daily in hopes that I should have been able to have given you a satisfactory account of a change of Men and Measures in the North River department. It has not been an easy matter to find a just pretence for removing an Officer from his command, where his misconduct rather appears to result from want of Capacity, than from any real intention of doing wrong, and it is therefore as you observe, to be lamented, that he cannot see his own defects, and make an honorable retreat from a Station, in which, he only exposes his own weakness.
Proper measures are taking to carry on the enquiry into the loss of Fort Montgomery, agreeable to the direction of Congress, and it is more than probable, from what I have heard, that the issue of that enquiry will afford just grounds for a removal of Genl P——; but whether it does or not, the prejudices of all Ranks in that quarter against him are so great, that it would be impolitic to suffer him to return. I hope to introduce a Gentleman in his place, if the general course of service will admit of it, who will be perfectly agreeable to the State and to the public. In the mean time, I trust that General Parsons will do every thing in his power to carry on the Works, which from the last accounts, are in more forwardness than I expected.
I wish all the Men on the upper part of the River had been drawn down to the Highlands, instead of being kept to carry on an expedition, in which I never was consulted, but which, I saw from the beginning could never succeed, from a variety of reasons, which it would be needless to give you or any man acquainted with the state of the Country thro’ which it was to have passed. Those who were most sanguine, I fancy, now see the impracticability of it.
Peekskill and the neighbouring posts were, by Resolve of Congress, included in the Northern department, and the care of carrying on the Works put under the direction of the Officer commanding in that district. Genl Gates being soon after the Resolve called to the Board of War, he had no opportunity of doing any thing towards it. Whether there will be any alteration in the extent of the command this Campaign

I cannot tell, but if it falls again into that department more immediately under my particular command, you may depend that all the attention due, to posts so important, shall be paid to them. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Rufus Putnam, 12 March 1778
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Washington, George

Sir
Albany March 12th 1778

Agreable to your Exellencys orders of the 8 of February I have Caused Rolls (agreable to a form sent by the Council of the Masschusetts State with the Addition of a Collemn for the Time Inlisted for) to be made out; of the Several Massachusetts Regiments in Genl Nixons Brigade, at this Place, to be forwarded to the Assembly of that State, A Duplicate of which is herewith Inclosed, I have Also Directed Colo. Nixon to do the same, I have also Inclosed A Return made from these Rolls, and A Brigade Return of March 7th with one of Colo. Nixons Regt of Feby 7th, being the Last Come to hand, In a Letter to your Exellency of the 9th of February I Requested your Exellency to order my Commission sent by the first opportunity as Engineer with the Rank of Colonel in the Army, Agreable to Genl Orders at New York august the 11th or 12th 1776 which through the moveing State of the Army I was Prevented Receiving that Campaign, In as much as its possable that Letter might not Come to Hand, I have mentioned it again, I hope I Shall not be thought to apply for An Unreasonable thing, tis of Considerable Consequence to me and may be so to the Regiment I now Command, Espesially as it has been the Practice of Ranking the Regiments,

agreable to the Rank of the Colonels, I Shall therefore take it as a Particular Favour that your Exellency will not forget me.
I think it my duty to Inform you that Altho many are Returned Sick yet their are Really but few, for want of Cloathing and being under opperation of Curing the Itch, many are Returned Sick who are otherwise well. I have the Honour to be your Exellencys Most Obedient Humble Servent

R. Putnam


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 12 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

Sir,
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 12th March 1778

You will see by the inclosed Letter that your presence in Camp is essential to settling matters of importa⟨n⟩ce. you will therefore leave pr⟨oper⟩ instructions with the next in com⟨mand⟩ and return as speedily as p⟨ossible⟩ to Camp. I am Sir Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washingt⟨on⟩


Title: General Orders, 13 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday March 13th 1778.
Nixon—Norwales—Newport.

The Commander in Chief is informed that notwithstanding His order of 12th of January last, the Carcases of dead horses lay in and near camp and that the offal near many of the Commissaries Stalls still lay unburied, that much Filth and nastiness is spread amongst the Hutts which are or will soon be reduced to a State of Putrefaction and occasion a sickly Camp; Out of tender regard for the lives and health of His brave soldiery & with surprize that so little attention is paid to his orders, He again in the most positive terms orders and commands that the Quarter-Master General apply for men from time to time to bury such dead horses as shall lay at any considerable distance from Camp so as never to permit any of them to lay unburied and that he compel some of his Assistants to see this order strictly complied with; The Division & Brigade Qr Masters are to pay the strictest attention to it in or near their respective divisions & Brigades.
The Division and Brigade Commissaries are constantly to bury the offal & damaged provision, near their quarters—The Commanders of divisions and brigades are desired to see this order implicitly obeyed

and further that the Field officers of the day take particular notice and report any neglect thereof.
The Commanding officers of Regiments or Corps will immediately order their Qr Masters to see their respective encampments cleansed, their old vaults filled and new ones dug once a week, all filth and nastiness buried and that fresh earth be flung into the Vaults twice every day—As the above orders are essentially necessary to preserve Health in Camp, no plea of Ignorance will be admitted, and the least breach thereof severely noticed.
In case a non commissioned officer or soldier is mustered out by the Commissary of Musters the Brigadiers or officers commanding Brigades will give them discharges either to return to their own homes or to go into the Corps of Invalids at the option of the men.
They will not transfer them to that Corps unless fit to do duty in it.
A board of General officers will sit at Lord Stirlings quarters tomorrow morning ten ôClock to settle the rank of the Field officers in the Massachusetts Line.
All officers concern’d are desired to attend and prefer their pretensions.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, 13 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners of Indian Affairs

Gentlemen
Head Quarters Valley Forge 13th March 1778.

You will percieve by the inclosed Copy of a Resolve of Congress that I am empowered to employ a Body of four hundred Indians if they can be procured upon proper Terms—Divesting them of the Savage Customs exercised in their Wars against each other, I think they may be

made of excellent Use as Sevnts and light Troops mixed with our other parties.
I propose to raise about one half the Number among the Southern and the Remainder among the Northern Indians. I have sent Colonel Nathaniel Gist, who is well acquainted with the Cherokees & their Allies to bring as many as he can from thence, and I must depend upon you to employ suitable persons to procure the stipulated Number (about 200) or as near as may be from the Northern Tribes. The Terms made with them should be such as you think we can comply with, and persons well acquainted with their Language, Manners and Customs and who have gained an Influence over them should accompany them. The Oneidas have manifested the strongest Attachment to us throughout this Dispute and I therefore suppose, if any can be procured, they will be most numerous. Their Missionary Mr Kirkland seemed to have an uncommon Ascendency over them and I should therefore be glad to see him accompany them.
If the Indians can be procured I would chuse to have them here by the opening of the Campaign and therefore they should be engaged as soon as possible, as there is not more Time between this and the Middle of May than will be necessary to settle the Business with them and to march from their Country to the Army.
I am not without Hopes that this will reach you before the Treaty, which is to be held, breaks up—If it should you will have an opportunity of knowing their Sentiments, of which I shall be glad to be informed as soon as possible. I have the Honor to be Gentlemen Your most obedt Servt

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 13 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Major General Lafayette, c.13 Mar. 1778. On 20 Mar., Lafayette wrote Henry Laurens: “I sent immediately down Colonel armand. . . . the next day in sending to general washington an account of my Conduct”

(ScHi: Henry Laurens Papers). Armand carried Lafayette’s letters to Congress of 11 and 12 March.


Title: To George Washington from George Lux, 13 March 1778
From: Lux, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore 13 March 1778

Mr John McHenry of this Town has just shewn me a Letter from your A.D.C. Coll Hamilton to his Brother Doctor McHenry, requesting him to come up to Camp immediately, and, as he has not the Honor of being acquainted with Your Excellency, requests me to inform your Excellency that the Dr is unfortunately in North Carolina, but that he will immediately dispatch an Express thither, & desire him to come up immediately—Permit me, Sir, as an American to whom the Continental Officers are very dear for their Services to their Country, especially those who have been taken valiantly fighting in the cause of Liberty, to congratula⟨te⟩ your Excellency upon the happy Prospect of a speedy Exchange of Prisoners on equitable Terms: as a Friend to Dr McHenry, for whom I entertain the highest Esteem both as a Physician and as a Man, I rejoice, that he is again a Freeman, and enabled to serve his Country.
My Parents join me in presenting their most respectful Compliments to Your Lady & Yourself.
I was sorry not to have it in my power to pay my Compliments to Your Excellency, when I was last at Camp, and thank you for the peculiar Civilities you honoured me with at Cambridge, but I always found, you were busily engaged, when I went to Head Quarters, and therefore thought it would be criminal in me to intrude upon you, when so totally engrossed by the important Duties of your Elevated Station. I have the Honor to be with the Highest Esteem Yr Excy’s Obligd Hume Servt

Geo. Lux


Title: To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 13 March 1778
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Lancaster [Pa.] March 13th 1778.

There are two persons, named Hugh Hugh and Stephen McPherson, confined in the Goal of Lancaster county for uttering counterfeit continental paper bills of credit knowing them to be counterfeit, who, by their Counsel, have applied to me to procure them a flag to General Howe to request he would send certain Reuben Green, James Treat, Inglebud Mince and Thomas Dixon, whom they alledge to be witnesses on their behalf, and persons who can exculpate them from the charge, to Lancaster on the seventh day of April next, at which time & place they are to take their trial at a Court of Oyer & Terminer & General Goal Delivery to be held there. As I know no way that this can be done but thro’ your Excellency, you will act therein as you shall judge expedient & proper. I should be glad if their request was granted, as it would afford great pleasure to the Judges if these Prisoners or any others could make their Innocence appear. Your Answer in convenient time will oblige, Sir, Your most obedient and most humble servant

Tho. McKean


Title: To George Washington from William Bradford, Sr., 14 March 1778
From: Bradford, William, Sr. (1722-1791)
To: Washington, George

Sr
State Navy Board [Trenton] March 14 1778

The Board received your Excellencys Letter a few Days ago, requesting the Galleys might be dismantled and sunk—At the Time we received the Letter many of the Galleys were fitted and ready to fall down to prevent any Thing from coming up the River—Immediately on receiving your Excellencys we sent off an Express to the President of our State, for Orders, sending a Copy of your Letter; An Answer to which we have not yet got—There is now Six Galleys well manned, and this Morning went from Borden Town to carry General Wayns Brigade to Bristol, w[h]ere the Galleys will remain till further Orders—There now lays at and near Borden Town a number of Vessels to great amount of private Property, and should the Galleys be destroyed they will fall to a very few small armed Boats—The Inhabitants along the Shore are disstressed at the Thoughts of loosing the Galleys on whom they think lays their Safety—We laid your Excellencys Letter before Governor Livingston, whose advice was not to destroy them yet—Many of the heavy Cannon we should have sent off before this, but cannot get a Carriage that is able to carry them; and should a superior force come up, Orders are given to sink the Galleys, which may soon be done. The Bearer called on us for the Troops belonging to the North Carolina Regiment, but as they were all gone down the River on Duty, we hope your Excellency will excuse his not bringing them, and pray you will spare them a little Time longer—I am By Order of the Board your Excellencys most obedient Hble Servt

Wm Bradford


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 14 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 14 Mar. 1778. On 20 Mar., GW wrote to Gates, “I am honored with yours of the 7th 11th & 14 instants.”


Title: From George Washington to Major General William Heath, 14 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge March 14th 1778

Inclosed are a memorial to and a letter from the Board of War, on the subject of Mr Daniel Heister, a gentleman, who, some time since, obtained a flag from you, under the sanction of which, he went to Halifax, and was there unwarrantably seized and detained as a spy. You will be pleased, agreeable to the request of the Board, by the first flag, to remonstrate against this procedure, in a proper manner and demand Mr Heisters liberation, with a restoration of his papers and effects. I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 14 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 14th March 1778.

This will be presented to you by Count Pulaski, who from a conviction that his remaining at the head of the Cavalry, was a constant subject of uneasiness to the principal Officers of that Corps, has been induced to resign his command. Waving a minute inquiry into the causes of dissatisfaction, which may be reduced perhaps to the disadvantages under which he laboured as a Stranger, not well acquainted with the Language, Genius and, manners of this Country—it may be sufficient to observe that the degree of harmony which is inseparable from the well being and consequent utility of a corps, has not subsisted in the Cavalry since his appointment, and that the most effectual as well as

the easiest remedy is that which he has generously applied—The Count however far from being disgusted with the Service is led by his thirst of Glory and zeal for the cause of Liberty, to sollicit farther employment, and waits upon Congress to make his proposals—They are briefly, that he be allowed to raise an independent Corps, composed of Sixty eight horse, and two hundred Foot—the horse to be armed with Lances, and the foot equipped in the manner of light-infantry; the former he thinks he can readily fill with natives of good character and worthy the trust reposed in them—with respect to the other, he is desirous of more latitude, so as to have liberty of engaging prisoners and deserters from the Enemy.
The original Plan for the Lance-men, was to have draughted them from the Regiments of Horse, but as this method would produce a clashing of interests and perhaps occasion new disturbances—the Count prefers having a Corps totally unconnected with any other—my advice to him therefore is to enlist his number of Cavalry with the Continental bounty, and if it should be found consonant to the views of Congress, to allow his raising the number proposed over and above the establishment for the Horse, then he would have them on the footing of an independent Corps—if not, he might at all events have them as Draughts, and in this case there would be no ground for complaint.
With regard to the infantry, which the Count esteems essential to the Success of the cavalry—I have informed him that the enlisting deserters and prisoners is prohibited by a late Resolve of Congress—how far Congress might be inclined to make an exception and license the engaging Prisoners in a particular detached Corps, in which such characters may be admitted with less danger, than promiscuously in the line, I could not undertake to pronounce.
I have only to add that the Counts Valour and active zeal on all occasions have done him great honor—and from a persuasion that by being less exposed to the inconveniences which he has hitherto experienced, he will render great Services with such a Command as he asks for, I wish him to succeed in his application. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obedien⟨t Servant⟩

Go: Washington

P.S. It is to be understood that the Count expects to retain his rank as Brigadier, and I think is entitled to it, from his general Character, and particular disinterestedness on the present occasion.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 14 March 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 14th March 1778.

My last to your Excellency was dated the 10th Inst. ⅌ Messenger Barry.
Inclosed with this your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of the 13th.
Ordering Colonel Harrison’s Regiment of Artillery from Virginia to join the grand Army without delay—And authorizing your Excellency to order Major Genl Marquis delafayette & Major General Baron de Kalb to rejoin the Army. & also to recall Colo. Hazen’s or order any other Regiment from the Northward. I have the honour to be with perfect Regard & Esteem &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 14 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 14th March 1778

I expected you would have been at Camp with the detatchment under your command before this time but I imagine the Weather and

Roads have hindered you. I desire you will lose no time in marching after you receive this; and that you will bring with you all the Men of other Corps that are sufficiently recovered from the Hospitals and properly clad to do duty. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 March 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bordon Town [N.J.] 14th Mar. 1778

Wishing to prevent the Enemy from Receiving any benefit from the forage in the Vicinity of the River, and anxious to save as much from the Fire as possable (by Obliging the Inhabitants to carry it into the Pines) took me up more time, than I at first expected—but that Business being now perfected—I have put the Detatchment on board of the Gallies—to be landed at Bristol, where I expect to meet them by land at twelve oClock—when I shall either carry off or Destroy the Forage within the reach of the Enemy in the Counties of Philada and edge of Bucks, and drive off the Horses Cattle &Ca fit for our service, in pursuance of your Excellencies Orders thro Colonel Biddle.
The Cannon on travelling Carriages mentioned in your Excellencies Letter of the 28th Ultimo, has long since been Carried a Considerable distance above Trentown, there are a number of 3–6–& 9 Pounders on Ship Carriages on shore and on board of the Vessells in the Creek—these the Commodore Promisses to take by Water to Trentown—as soon as he and the Navy Board receives Answers to letters they have wrote on the Occasion which they hourly expect.
If it’s thought expedient to dismantle the Gallies there ought not a Single Moment to be lost in sinking the Vessells, at this place, otherwise they will Inevitably fall a prey to the Enemy—They are too Valuable and too Numerous to be lost for want of a little trouble.
I would beg leave to Suggest to your Excellency the expediency of Immediately driving off the Cattle, in Cumberland County in this state—which by the best accounts, amount to between three and four thousand Head of fine Bullocks that with a few weeks Grass would make good beef.
Colo. Hugg one of the purchasing Commissaries has wrote to Colonel

Blane on the Occasion—I wish some attention was paid to his opinion, I know him to be Industrious and very Compatent to the Business had he the proper Powers—The Resources of this State in supplying Provisions for the Army are so great that two much attention cant be paid in Covering it from the Enemy—but I fear that your Excellency has it not in your power to make a Detatchment adequate to the purpose.
I shall therefore forbear saying more on the Subject until I have the pleasure of attending you at head Quarters. Interim I am Yours most Sin[c]erely

Anty Wayne

I have Detatched Lieut. Morton of the Virginia Troops to Camp with 22 head of Cattle (one of them for your Excellencies particular use being the fattest beast in New Jersey[)].


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 14 March 1778
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bristol [Pa.] 14th March 1778 2 OClock P.M.

I am this Moment favoured with yours of the 12th Instant but wish it was not so urgent, as I am but too well assured that my presence on the Occation, on which it’s required—will give me more pain—than executing any Order—which your Excellency would please to favour me with in the field.
my presence will be Indispensibly Necessary in this place tomorrow, the next day you will be waited upon by your Excellencies Most Obt Huml. Sert

Anty Wayne


Title: To George Washington from Colonel James Wood, 14 March 1778
From: Wood, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Winchester [Va.] 14th March 1778.

I am sensible of the Absolute Necessity of every Officer Joining his Corps; and nothing shou’d have Prevented me from Joining mine, before this time, but my Extreme ill state of Health. I was Prevented by my Violent Indisposition at Bethlehem, from geting home ’till the Last of January, since which I have had several Relapses, which has greatly impair’d my Constitution, and will I fear, render it Impossible for me to Join my Regiment, as soon as I Ardently wish to do it. However, your Excellency may rely upon it, that I shall not Lose a single Day, after I am able to Travel, which I have hopes will be soon, as I hav⟨e⟩ mended surprisingly within a few Days, my Chief Complaint at present is a Considerable Swelling of my legs, and Arms, wch seems rather to Increase; but I have still hopes that it Proceeds from Weakness, and a relaxed state, and not from any Dropsical Symptoms. I have Collected near Twenty Deserters since my return, which I shall forward to Camp by the first Opportunity, and am Using every endeavour to have the Drafts in this, and the Neighbouring Counties Collected and forwarded to Camp. Our Accounts from the Westward are that General Hand is returned from an Expedition Destined against a small Indian Town, On the Guiahogo Rivere. that his Guides Deserted him, after falling in with a Hunting Cabbin, where he took six Scalps and made two Prisoners, from whence he returned, being unable to Proceed without Pilots. I am with the Greatest respect. Your Excellency’s Mo. Obt Servt

James Wood.


Title: General Orders, 15 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Sabbath March 15th 1778.
PortsmouthPitt Plato.

The General Court Martial whereof Coll Tupper is President is dissolved and another ordered to sit tomorrow at ten ôClock A.M. at the Adjutant General’s quarters for the trial of all such Prisoners as shall be brought before them—Coll Swift is appointed President—Each Brigade gives a Captain for the Court—All Evidences and Persons concerned are desired to attend, more especially those against the Inhabitants of this State, now confined in the Provost, as their trial will come on tomorrow.
Many inconveniencies & injuries having arisen to the service from the Powers exercised by officers in granting furloughs, the Honorable Continental Congress to prevent the like in future have been pleased to resolve, “That the Commander in Chief or Commander of any Department shall have full Power and Authority to suspend or limit the Power of granting furloughs or leave of absence and to reserve it wholly to himself or impart it to such officer or Officers under him as he thinks fit according as he shall judge the good of the service requires; and that no officer under Color or pretence of authority to him granted by the 2nd Article of 4th section or any other Article in the rules and regulations of War, grant any furlough or leave of absence contrary to the orders of the Commander in Chief or Commander of a department on pain of being punished for disobedience.” All officers are to pay strict obedience to the foregoing resolution and none are to grant furloughs or leave of absence on any pretence whatever except such as are authorized by General orders, and they only under such limitations and restrictions as have been or shall be pointed by the Commander in Chief.
Passes to soldiers going out of Camp are to be taken from them on their return by the officers commanding guards and to be destroy’d. The Market which has been held heretofore on the other side Schuylkill is to be held in future on the West-Side near the Bridge.
The General perceiving that there is a great abuse and waste of hides from the present mode of leaving them with the Brigades ’till exchanges can be effected, directs in future that the Commissary of each Brigade will deliver all the hides produced in the Brigade to the Commissary of Hides taking his receipt for them and keeping an Accompt

with him for the same. The Brigadiers will still continue their contracts as heretofore directed and for the performance will give orders upon the Commissary of hides who is hereby required to make returns the first day of each month at Head-Quarters of the number and weight of hides received & issued by him. The most convenient mode of delivering the hides will be to send them daily in the Brigade provision Waggons to the Commissary of Issues when they will be received by the Commissary of hides and a receipt given for them: The Commissary of hides will attend at Head-Quarters tomorrow at 10 ôClock.
At a General Court Martial whereof Coll Tupper was President March 78, Lieutt Oliver of 14th Virginia Regiment appeared before the Court charged with sending a Corporal and file of men into Coll Stewarts Regiment to seize a keg of Whiskey belonging to one of his officers without consulting Coll Stewart or any of his officers—The Court after mature consideration are of opinion that Lieutt Oliver is guilty of the charge exhibited against him being a breach of 5th Article 18th Section of the articles of War and think that however laudable Lieutt Olivers intentions were in seizing the Whiskey, or the man who sold it, the mode he fell on was by no means justifiable as many ill-consequences must necessarily follow the practice of sending a file of men into another Regiment to seize anything without an application to the Commanding officer. The Genl confirms the opinion and orders Lt Oliver discharged from his arrest.
At a Court Martial March 11th 1778. Edward Grissel tried for going into Philadelphia found guilty, being a breach of a resolution of Congress passed October 8th 1777. and since extended and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to be put in execution tomorrow morning at guard-mounting.


Title: From George Washington to William Bradford, Sr., 15 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bradford, William, Sr. (1722-1791)

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 15th Mar⟨ch⟩ 1778

I yesterday recd a letter from Govern⟨or⟩ Wharton inclosing Copy of one from you to the Council on the subject of keeping five or six Gallies manned for the protection of the upper part of the River. The Governor has very politely left the matter to my determinati⟨on,⟩ but I would not wish to interfere in a Business which is out of my line any further than by giving my advice. I cannot help thinking ⟨now as I did before⟩ that should the Enemy com⟨e⟩ up the River they will do it with a superior force and certainly carry them, but Capt. Huston thinks, with the assistance of a small work on shore, under cover of which they can run ⟨in⟩ case of necessity, that they may be prote⟨cted.⟩ I would wish you to consult Govr Livingston ⟨and⟩ the Gentlemen in the naval line upon t⟨his⟩ matter and do what to you seems best. But you will not fail to secur⟨e⟩ the Guns and ⟨Stores,⟩ of those Gallies that you strip, in the safest manner, untill means can be fallen upon ⟨to⟩ carry them away. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Captain Stephen Chambers, 15 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Chambers, Stephen

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 15th March 1778

I received your favor of the 12th Instant and am well pleased with the account of your proceedings. I have ordered a party to march with Lieutenant Quin which I hope will make you so strong, as to answer most of the objects of your Command.
With respect to the Shoes, I think you should get them. You will procure them in a way, as little exceptionable as possible, giving receipts for the number that they may be paid for. It will also be necessary to keep note of the amount & the Soldiers names & Corps to whom you may have occasion to deliver any part of them, that they may be setled for.
The Horses which you mention we shall want, if we do not get them the Enemy will. You will therefore take such, as will answer either for the Regiments of Cavalry or Waggons, and give the owners receipts, describing the quality and size of each and affixing what you may consider a just and reasonable price, that it may be paid when applied for. I need not mention to you that Horses obtained in this way, do not come within the meaning of General Orders giving the benefit of captures in some instances to the Parties who make them. You will take a particular account of all you get and report the number and prices to me when you send ’em to Camp. If the Stallion you speak of is a good one for covering, it would perhaps be wrong to convert him to another use—In such case however, you must oblige the owner to send him into a more interior and secure part of the Country where the Enemy cannot get him. This business, as I mentioned in the case of the Shoes, you will also conduct in the best at the same time in the least exceptionable manner. I am Sir Your most Obet Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. you will let me know when you expect to return to Camp, and where it is likely to meet with you should I have occasion to write hereafter.


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Cheever, 15 March 1778
From: Cheever, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

Most Hond Sir
Springfield [Mass.] March 15th 1778

Sunday the 8th Inst. I was hond with your Commands Janry 15th (after the Post was gone) In Obediance I herewith Transmit you a Return of all kind of Stores under my Care in this Place Previous to Your Orders aforesaid pursuant to those Signify’d to me by Genl Knox Feb. 24th to Send to Allenstown or Lebanon in pennsilvania 3,550 stands Arms with Bayonets also the gratest part of the Lead I have on hand I immediately directed the master of the Armoury to get fixed for Service all Such Arms as required the least labour, with a View to Send on one half the demand before this month expires The majr part of the Arms recd from Boston have been Wet & are exceedingly Rusty & otherways damaged and require much labour & Time to be made fit for Service. The Armoury Consists only of thirteen men which with Other Obstacles renders it Very difficult to answer any Sudden demands which gives me much Anxiety. I have sent on Some lead & Shall Continue to Send as the Quarter master Can procure Teams for the purpose to the amount of 20 or Twenty five Tons.
I have directed the master of the Armoury to Inlist more men if he Can find those will answer the purpose, as their is work Sufficent to employ Thirty or forty men. I have now in Readiness to Send on for Allentown 1,300 arms which will be put in Boxes to morrow with out fail, & as soon as Genl Heath furnishes me with a guard, & the quarter master can procure Teams I will send as many more Arms as Can be made fit for Service. Your Excellency may depend nothing Shall be wanting on my part to hasten every thing to Accomplish your demand. You are Pleased Sir in directing your letter to Style me Commissary Genl of Milatary Stores which gives me flattering hopes in your favour, your Excellency is fully Acquainted with my Services from the begining & the Small pay allowed me untill the last year, which altho’ generously designed, by reason of the unhappy depreciation of the Continental Currency makes but littell difference. Yet never abated my Zeal & sincere regard for the Glorious Cause we are Contending for & honest Aim to Approve my Self & Conduct to your Excellency & all my Superiour Officers Acceptance. If haply I may be Successful in attaining your Approbation I shall alwayes esteeme it The most Satisfactory & honorary reward, Ardently Wishing your Excellency the Divine Aid & protection in your laborious hazardous & important Services. I have the honr to be your Devoted most Obedient and Humble Servant

Ezekl Cheever Co. Artilly


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 15 March 1778
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 15th March 1778

I have received your Letter of the 12th Instant wherein I observe you still persevere in the Procrastination of the meeting of the Commissioners.

That a Measure urged by yourself as confessedly interesting to the unhappy Prisoners on both Sides, and in which I cannot conceive you to be controuled, should be thus peremptorily suspended without any Reason assigned, carries with it the appearance of something disingenuous.
My last Letter was in my opinion clear and explicit on the Subject of General Lee; and my proposition concerning Genl Prescot might I think have obviated any Suspicion of Ambiguity on my Part.
On the Arrival of Lieut. Colonel Campbell any officer of yours of the same Rank whom you may be pleased to name shall be immediately released. Mr Ethan Allen I understand bears the Rank of Colonel. I am with due Respect Sir Your most obedient Servant

(Signed) W: Howe.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 15 March 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 15th March 1778.

Last Night Sharp arrived with your Excellency’s several Letters under the 7th 8th & 12th Inst. containing the sundry papers referred to, which shall all be presented to Congress to Morrow.
I return Sharp immediately with the inclosed Letter which had been lying a day for want of a proper Messenger, & as there appears to be a degree of solicitude that the Marquis delafayette & Baron de Kalb should rejoin Your Excellency without loss of time, I will not detain the Resolve of Congress which is within that Letter a moment unnecessarily. I remain with the highest Esteem & Regard &ca.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, 15 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Wayne, Anthony

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 15th March 1778

I am favd with yours of the 14th: This will be delivered to you by Lieut. Peyton of Capt. Lees Troop who takes 12 Horse with him, which are all that are not upon command. I wrote to you a few days ago ⅌ Express desiring you to give the proper orders to the eldest Officer of your detatchment and to repair to Camp yourself as quick as possible as the Gentlemen of Congress want to see you much on account of the arrangement of the Army. I imagine you had not recd my letter. But I desire you will come over immediately upon the Rect of this, leaving proper orders. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 16 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Paoli—Pitts-burgh. Providence.
Head-Quarters V. Forge Monday March 16th 1778.

The General Court-Martial whereof Brigadier General McIntosh is President is dissolved.
At a General Court-Martial whereof Coll Bradley was President March 7th 1778—Lieutt Armer of 1st Pennsylvania Regiment tried for behaving in many respects unbecoming a Gentleman, found guilty of the Charge exhibited against him and sentenced to be discharged the service; but in consideration of the excellent Character given the Court of Lieut. Armer and several circumstances in the mode of prosecution appearing malicious, the Court do in the strongest terms unanimously recommend him to His Excellency’s Pardon. The General approves the sentence, but in consideration of the Court’s recommendation is pleased to pardon him, yet with Abhorrence of such practices as Lt Armer has indulged himself in which are highly derogatory

to the Character of an officer, He expects this instance of Clemency will properly affect his future Conduct.


Title: To George Washington from Francis Hopkinson, 16 March 1778
From: Hopkinson, Francis
To: Washington, George

Sir
Continental Navy Board Borden Town [N.J.] 16th March 1778

I take the Liberty of forwarding the enclosed Papers by Express; earnestly requesting your Excellency would be so good as to take the most immediate & effectual Steps for the Enlargement of Captain Robinson & Captain Got. You will see by the Letters, numbered according to their Dates, the Train of Authority under which a Flag was sent in to the City with Supplies for our People Prisoners there. Captain Robinson, one of our most valuable Officers was applied to as a proper Person to conduct this Flag, on his consenting to the Change, his Wife requested Leave to accompany him, in Hopes of seeing her Mother in the City. General Howe with his usual Justice has violated the Sanction of the Flag, seized the Persons of Captains Robinson & Got, & detains them Prisoners under Pretence of their being Spies. I am satisfied this is altogether a feigned Suspicion & am very sure there is not the least Grounds for it. I have the utmost Confidence that your Excellency will take some spirited Measures for the speedy Release of Captains Robinson & Got, as every Day’s Delay of this Business will be a Day of Misery to these unfortunate Gentleman.
Capt. Robinson was Commander of the Continental Brig Andrew Dorea & Captain Got, Commander of one of the State armed Boats.
A Line by the Return of this Messenger will be very grateful to Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

Fras Hopkinson


Title: To George Washington from Captain Henry Lee, Jr., 16 March 1778
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
March 16th 78.

Enclosed are some letrs received this morning pr dragoon from Wilmington.
By intelligence from Philada we learn that a large fleet sailed from thence on friday last; they had with them a number of flat-bottomed boats. My intelligencer did not know the design of this expidition. Conjectures in the city were various. Some insinuated that Wilmington was the object; others, that they were gone on a grand forage to the lower county, and the eastern shore of Maryland. I have the honor to be with most perfect respect your excellencys obedt servt

Heny Lee, jr


Title: To George Washington from Col. Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 16 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, c.16 Mar. 1778. On 17 Mar., GW wrote to Lutterloh, “I have received your two Letters in one of

which you declare your intention to resign the Office of D. Quarter Master General”; the letter concerning the resignation has not been found.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 16 March 1778
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

[c.16 March 1778]

I had allso the honour to receive Your Excellencys Letter of the 11 instt. I waited at Moore Hall after the meeting with the Commissary General Col. Biddle till 4 oclock. and left my Men behind to bring the Letters, which I did Send on to the President & to Yorktown. I did mentione to Your Excey that I would go first to Reading & Speak with the Waggon Master General, who is the properst person, as he has Issued his orders. he did give me a proper account of all his orders and that nothing else could be done, but to order a fresh Number of 50 Waggons out of York & Cumberland County to Supply those out of Burks, Philadelphia & Chester County as not being able to furnish their Number, to that the President has Agreed & issued the orders—his Excey Mentiones that the Want of Money makes the owners Keep their Waggons from the Service, and that he had Mentioned it to the Congress. So that my Not going to Lancaster, has not been a Neglect of Service or Duty, espetially as I was not able to ride.

H. E. Lutterloh


Title: From George Washington to Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 16th March 1778

I was favd with yours of the 17th ulto in due time, and should have proceeded immediately upon the business of the enquiry had not

General Putnam’s private Affairs required his Absence for some little time: I have appointed Brigr Genl Huntingdon and Colonel Wigglesworth to assist you in this matter and inclosed you will find instructions empowering you, in conjunction with them, to carry on the enquiry agreeable to the Resolve of Congress.
You will observe by the Words of the Resolve “that the enquiry is to be made into the loss of Forts Montgomery & Clinton in the State of New York and into the conduct of the principal Officers commanding those Forts.” Hence the Officer commanding in Chief in that department will be consequentially involved in the enquiry: Because if he has been deficient in affording the proper supports to those posts when called upon to do it, the Commandant and principal Officers will of course make it appear by the evidence produced in their own justification.
I am not certain whether Genl Putnam has yet returned to Fishkill, and I have therefore by the inclosed, which you will please to forward to him by Express, given him notice that the enquiry is to be held, and have desired him to repair immediately to that post. General Huntingdon and Colo. Wigglesworth will set out as soon as they can make preparation for the Journey.
Upon your arrival at the Highlands you are to take upon you the command of the different posts in that department, of which I have advised General Putnam. Your time will at first be principally taken up with the Business you now have in hand, but I beg that your attention may be turned as much as possible to the completion of the Works or at least to putting them in such a State that they may be able to resist a sudden attack of the Enemy.
Govr Clinton has wrote his opinion very fully to Congress upon the propriety of ordering all the troops, except the Garrison of Fort Schuyler, down to the Highlands, as all prospects of carrying on the Northern Expedition seem to have vanished. I have backed his opinion forcibly with my own, and hope, if Congress see matters in the light that we do, that those troops will be inst⟨a⟩ntly brought down. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. There has been a Resolve of Congress vesting Govr Clinton with the direction of the Works erecting for the defence of the River, and requiring the commanding Officer at Peekskill to aid him in the execution of the same. Govr Clinton I understand from his civil avocations does not incline to take the immediate direction of the Business, and the late commanding Officer in that quarter has doubted from that Resolve whether his command or superintendancy extended to the Forts. To remove difficulties of this kind by which the public service

must suffer, and as I consider it essential to the nature of the command that one Officer should have the general controul and direction of all the posts in the Highlands and their dependencies and be answerable for them, you are to consider yourself as possessed of this general controul and direction and to act accordingly. If the Governor has leisure from his official duties to undertake the more immediate management of the ⟨works, it will afford you⟩ a very desireable assistance—I have written to Congress to give you every power necessary to promote the objects of your command, and in the mean time you are to consider yourself authorised as far as can depend upon me to take every measure conducive to that end. I am sensible the command will not be in itself the most agreeable peice of service and that you would prefer a part in the principal Theatre of action. But the vast importance of it has determined me to confide it in you, and I am persuaded your object is to be usefull to the public.
If you get things in a proper train by the opening of the Campaign so as that the prosecution may be assigned to other hands I shall be extremely happy to avail myself of your services in the main Army.

Go: Washington

After reading Genl Putnams letter, please to seal it.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 16 March 1778
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Camp Westpoint [N.Y.] 16th March 1778

On the 14th Inst. I had the Honor of receiving your Letter of the 7th of March and also one of the 8th containing a Copy of One of the 5th of March.
I Shall pay a particular Attention to forwarding the Work of the Boats designd for transporting Over, as well as to those which are to be improvd for Defence on Hudson’s River. I have orderd all the Boats & other Craft on the River to be collected in different Places & put in the best possible State immediately, I have not yet a Return, when that is made, I shall be able to give your Excellency a particular account of them. When I was last at Poughkeepsie, the Gun Boats were in Such a State as to give Hopes of their being fit for Use within a few Weeks, and as Governor Clinton has been kind enough to take upon himself the Direction of them I think we may hope to see them compleated soon. I will send to Albany and know the State of the Boats there; as the River will be soon clear of Ice I will order down such Boats and other Craft as can be had there fit for transportation over the River.

If the Chain is compleated we Shall be ready to Stretch it over the River next Week. a Sufficient Number of Chiveaux de Frize to fill those parts left open last Year are ready to Sink; as soon as the Weather and State of the River will admit it to be done.
I hope to have Two Sides And One Bastion of the Fort in some State of Defence in about a fortnight, the other Sides need very little to Secure them; there’s a prospect of having five or Six Cannon Mounted in One of our Batteries this Week. I think the Works are going on as fast as can be expected from our very few Number of Men, total Want of Materials Provided, and of Money to purchase them. We have borrow’d, and beg’d, and hir’d Money to this Time; I have several Times advanc’d my last Shilling toward Purchasing Materials &c. and I beleive this has been the Case with almost every Officer here; As we Still live, I hope we shall accomplish the Works on the River in Season if the Enemy move with their Usual Caution and Tardiness; when I hope Congress will repay what has been advanc’d, and cannot think us blameable if we have been compel’d to Subject the Country to some extra Expence to save the public Credit & forward the Business intrusted to our Care. By a Letter from Genl Putnam, I shall expect his Return to this Post by the End of this Week he has Purchas’d Three 18 pounders mounted on traveling Carriages which are on the Road from Boston.
The Contents of your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th Shall be particularly attended to. if no other Difficulties appear than at present offer themselv⟨es⟩ to view, perhaps an Attempt may be made within Eight Days, much sooner it cannot be for Reasons I will hereafter give. the Letter of the 5th referd to in that of the 8th not having come to hand gives me some concern, as that falling into the Enemy’s Han⟨d⟩ may wholly defeat Us; I shall be unwilling to make the Attempt unless it should arrive safe: the Horse mentiond by your Excellency cannot be had One Horseman only being at this Post, at present; but some other Mode may be Substituted. I am yr Excellency’s Obedt hl. Serv⟨t⟩

Saml H. Parsons


Title: From George Washington to James Bowdoin, 17 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bowdoin, James

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 17th March 1778.

It gives me inexpressible concern to have repeated information from the best authority, that the Committees of the different Towns

and Districts in your State, hire deserters from General Burgoynes Army and employ them as Substitutes, to excuse the personal Service of the Inhabitants.
I need not enlarge upon the danger of substituting, as Soldiers, men who have given a glaring proof of a treacherous disposition, and who are bound to us by no motives of attachment—to Citizens, in whom the Ties of Country, kindred and sometimes property are so many Securities for their Fidelity. The evils with which this measure is pregnant, are obvious, and of such a serious nature, as makes it necessary not only to stop the farther progress of it, but likewise to apply a retrospective Remedy and if possible annul it as far as it has been carried into effect. Unless this is done, altho’ you may be amused for the present, with the flattering Idea of speedily completing your Batallions; they will be found at or before the opening of the Campaign, reduced by the defection of every British Soldier, to their original weak condition, and the accumulated bounties of the Continent and the State will have been fruitlessly sacrificed—indeed Mr Burgoyne could hardly if he were consulted, suggest a more effectual plan for plundering us of so much money, reinforcing Mr Howe with so many men & arms, and preventing us from recruiting a certain number of Regiments—To say nothing of the additional Losses in desertions among the native Soldiers, which may be dreaded from the contagion of ill example; and the arts of Seduction which it is more than probable will be put in practice.
This matter demands your immediate attention, and I flatter myself that on a due consideration of the mischiefs which must inevitably flow from the pernicious practice remonstrated against, you will not delay the application of the most extensive and efficacious Remedy. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir Your most obedt Servant

Go: Washingto⟨n⟩


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 17 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 17 Mar. 1778. On 25 Mar., GW wrote Gates: “I was yesterday favd with yours of the 17th by Major Campbell.”


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 17 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Head Quartrs Valley Forge, 17th March 1778

On saturday I had the Honor to receive your favor of the 10th with the Resolutions alluded to.
Inclosed I take the liberty to transmit an Extract of a Letter just received from Genl Parsons. This, as well as the Letter which I inclosed you yesterday from Governor Clinton, will shew the confusion in the management of affairs on the North River. I informed Congress then, that I had sent General Mcdougal to take the Chief command there comprehending the Forts, which appeared to me the only effectual means for curing all disorders & promoting the Public Service. To remove all impediments, it were to be wished that Congress would invest him with every necessary power for carrying into execution the objects of his command; and it might be well, if they were to extend to any future commanding Officer, as it would prevent those difficulties, which have heretofore arisen from their having been considered as merely personal.
I am more and more in sentiment with Governor Clinton, on the propriety and absolute necessity of drawing the Troops from the northward to reinforce and carry on the Works in the Highlands. From the information I have from Colo. Radiere, who has just come from thence, I find that the intended defences are far less advanced than I had any idea of. According to him little or nothing is yet done, tho’ I have repeatedly and constantly urged the prosecution of them with all possible industry. The inclosed Copies of my Letters to Genl Putnam will shew, that I have uniformly pressed the closest attention to the business,

tho’ it might be inferred from Genl Parson’s Letter, that there had been some inconsistency in my orders. There remains but a little time to do a great deal in, and I fear that no exertions now will be sufficient to place things in that Quarter, on the secure and respectable footing we could wish. However we should do the most we can, & if the works cannot be as compl[e]at as they ought, the Troops will be there, and a reliance must be had in their bravery to repel any attempt that may be formed against them. I have the Honor to be With great respect Sir, Your most Obet hum. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Benjamin Lincoln, 17 March 1778
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My Dear General
Hingham [Mass.] March 17th 1778

Would not an early attempt upon the city of New-York by part of the Continental Troops, and the Eastern Militia be attended with great probability of success? Indeed if there was but a small prospect of our carrying the city it appears to me, that our collecting a respectable body of men in its vicinity would be attended with many good effects; as thereby we should probably divide the enemy, put them on the defensive & oblige them to govern their movements by ours—We should be in a good situation, to guard the North River, and even give succour to

the northern parts of the State of New-York, should Britain be so infatuated as to attempt a second invasion thereof—We should there receive an easy supply of provisions and forage—We should draw the enemy from an open champaign country, to one strong by nature, less favourable to their designs, and more friendly to ours—We should have our rear open to a strong and plentiful country, filled with men friendly to the common cause—We should bring back the war to a climate, more healthy at least for the New-England people, than a southern one; for which reason the militia could with greater ease be drawn forth—We should avoid those inconveniences, which necessarily arise from the want of provisions and forage, when our whole force is collected in one camp; and have an opportunity of fighting the enemy in detachment, which is of importance to us, as a considerable proportion of our men will be undisciplined.
I hope these suggestions do not convey the most distant idea of a measure injurious to the Southern States. Nothing can be farther removed from my mind, than the thought, that the cause can be supported but by our most vigorous, united and confidential exertions. We are all embarked on the same bottom, and shall be saved or lost together. Should the union be broken and we find ourselves sinking, in vain will the Southern States lay the blame of the sad event upon the Northern, or the Northern recriminate upon the Southern.
I am happy to inform your Excellency, that my wounded leg daily acquires strength, & there is no present appearance of any further exfoliations. It is a little shorter than the other; however the defect I hope to supply by a corked shoe, & that it will not be long before I shall be able to walk. I am my dear General with sentiments of regard and esteem your affectionate humble Servant

B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 17 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 17th March 1778.

I have received your two Letters in one of which you declare your intention to resign the Office of D. Quarter Master General—I write you to retain it if possible ’till some proper person arrives here to take your place—leaving the variety of business which necessarily comes before the acting person in that department to be managed by those whose knowledge and experience have been altogether limited to inferior branches of duty is necessarily productive of great confusion—this you cannot but be fully sensible of, and I hope it will be a sufficient argument, to prevent your retiring so suddenly from the department as to occasion a prejudice to the Service. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General La Rochefermoy, 17 March 1778
From: La Rochefermoy, Matthias-Alexis
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Baltimore march the 17th 1778

I have had the honnour to write Several times to your Excellency, to Beg the favour of Being Employ’d under his orders. I can’t Determine my Self to Leave the army in the Begining of a Campaing; tho I think an injustice is made to me in Not Giving me the Commission of a major General, which I think I do Deserve by my Services.

Give me Leave to Lay before your Exellency that I have been in this Continental Service these two years, and do’nt believe any Body may Say any thing Contrary, But I always did Exactly my duty. I hope all Kinds things from your Excellency having the honnour to be with Respect of your’s Excellency the most humble and obedient servant

derochefermoy b.g.


Title: From George Washington to William Bradford, Sr., 18 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bradford, William, Sr. (1722-1791)

Sir
Hd Qrs V[alley] F[orge] March 18th 1778

I am favor’d with yours of the 15th which you will find fully answer’d by a letter which I wrote you upon the 14th Inst. by Capt. Huston. as the No. Carolina Troops, now serving on Board the Gallies, are exceedingly wanted with their Regts I must insist that they be sent to Camp immediately on their return from below under the care of some officer of Foot, or one of the officers of Light Horse to prevent their stragling. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Dwight, Jr., 18 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Dwight, Timothy Jr.

Sir,
Head Qrs Valley forge 18th Mar. 1778.

I yesterday received your favor of the 8th Instt, accompanied by so warm a recommendation from Genl Parsons that I cannot but form favorable presages of the merit of the work you propose to honor me with the dedication of.
Nothing can give me more pleasure than to patronize the essays of genius, and a laudable cultivation of the Arts & Sciences, which had begun to flourish in so eminent a degree, before the hand of oppression was stretched over our devoted Country: and I shall esteem myself happy, if a Poem which has employed the labor of years, will derive any advantage, or bear more weight in the world, by making its appearance under a dedication to Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Flower, 18 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Flower, Benjamin

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 18th March 1778

As seven of the Gallies at Bordentown are to be stripped and Sunk, not having men sufficient to work them, I desire you will send down

travelling Carriages to remove the fine heavy Cannon belon[g]ing to them. If you have not carriages ready for the whole; send down as many as you have, with orders to remove part of them at first some distance from the Water, and then return for the remainder—I depend upon your doing this immediately upon receipt of my letter, as the Cannon are liable to be taken away or destroyed should the Enemy come up the River and we have none of equal weight to replace them. I am Sir Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 18 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir.
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 18th March 1778.

I have the honor of transmitting you the inclosed letter from General Smallwood, giving intelligence of the Enemys motions on the Delaware, and his conjectures respecting their object—the account he has heard of troops being on board the Vessels, is confirmed by the relations of deserters and others, who agree that a considerable number of men have been embarked—and add that they took seventeen days provision with them—from this circumstance it is scarcely to be imagined that they are ordered on a Sea Voyage—The proportion of small Vessels in the Fleet makes it probable that they have in view to collect forage or attempt the destruction of the Salt-works, and both these ideas are favoured by accounts from the City.
As soon as their intentions are certainly known, they shall be communicated; in the mean time, I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Catharine Wilhelmina Livingston, 18 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Catharine Wilhelmina

Camp—Valley-forge 18th Mar. 1778.

General Washington having been informed, lately, of the honor done him by Miss Kitty Livingston in wishing for a lock of his Hair, takes the liberty of inclosing one, accompanied by his most respectful compliments.


Title: To George Washington from William Livingston, 18 March 1778
From: Livingston, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton 18th [March] 1778

I trust your Excellency will excuse me for obtruding my Sentiments on a Subject to which I profess myself altogether incompetent. I cannot but think that some of the light Horse would be more advantageously stationed in Gloucester & Salem than at this Place & New-German Town in Jersey, not only because Grain & forage is more plenty in the former, than in the latter which have been almost exhausted; But because the counties below are more exposed to be plundered of their Provender by the Enemy & stand in need of more Troops at present than Trenton & especially German Town into which n⟨o⟩ hostile Irruptions can be apprehended. I am With great Esteem your Excellency’s Most Obdt Servt

Wil: Livingston


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 18 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 18th March 1778

I am favd with yours of the 7th inclosing a letter from the Revd Mr Dwight to whom I have written upon the matter proposed by him.

I am sorry to hear that any seeming inconsistency in my letters should among other things have retarded the execution of the Works, but if you will revert to my letters of the 2d and 27th of Decemr you will find that my orders were express to keep the Troops, meaning the main Body of them, steadily to work. I mentioned a liberty of sending out light parties towards the plains, because they were necessary not only to curb small foraging parties of the Enemy but for the security of the Camp.
To reconcile all matters and to obviate the jealousies and prejudices that whether well or ill founded had taken place, I have ordered Genl Mcdougal to take the command at the Highlands, and vested him with full powers to superintend the whole, at least untill Congress have determined whether the command of the forts and the superintendency of the Works shall be distinct and independant of that of the department. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Thomas Proctor, 18 March 1778 [letter not found]
From: Proctor, Thomas,Sargent, Winthrop,Doughty, John,Clark, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. Thomas Proctor, Capt. Winthrop Sargent, Capt. John Doughty, and Capt. Thomas Clark, 18 Mar. 1778. On 23 Mar., GW wrote Proctor, Sargent, Doughty, and Clark, “Business has prevented my answering yours of the 18th.”


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel William Stephens Smith, 18 March 1778
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Lancaster [Pa.]March 18th 1778

I have this Day Recd your Excellency’s Letter of the 14th Instant repeating the Orders that I was honour’d with when I had last the Pleasure of waiting on you & must confess that it gives me considerable unneasiness that I should ever give your Excellency the trouble of repeating your Orders. But I can with truth assure your Excellency that upon my return to this Place I Issued Orders for my Men to hold themselves in readiness to March at the Shortest Notice & should have marchd according to your Request if the Roads & Wheather would have permitted as your Excellency was so Polite as to observe in your Letter.
I shall march on Saturday or Sunday next Wheather permitting & upon my Arrival at the White Horse shall Wait on your Excellency for my Orders to proceed to the advancd Post of the Army which I hope your Excellency still intends Honouring me with—If your Excellency

should have any doubts arriseing in your mind concerning the propriety of my Behaivour in this particular I would wish that Coll Gibson’s sentiments might be taken on the Subject he being Commanding Officer at this Post must be acquainted with the Reason for my Delay for I should be render’d extreamly unhappy if I had the least suspission that your Excellency harbour’d a single Sentiment to my Disadvantage particularly that of Neglect of Duty which I hope your Excellency will never find me Guilty of. I remain with the utmost Respect Your Excellency’s Most devoted Servt

Wm S. Smith


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 18 March 1778
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon March 18th 1778

your Letter of Feby 28th is at Hand as also the one by Captn Triplett. Lanphier was here some little time past, after some conversation with him I found he had very little thoughts of worckg here much more—he said money woud not purchase the necessarys of Life and that he must endeavour to make them—findg I coud do nothing better with him, I told him if he wou’d stick to his worck and endeavour to finish it—I wou’d make him a present at shearg time of 40 Wt of Wool and next Fall 30 Barrels of Corn—he has promised that he will be here very shortly and stick close to the worck, and that nothing but Sickness shall take him from it—had I not have made him the above offer—he woud not have worckd for 10/ a day nor his man for much less—his delays has made us use much more plank than woud have been sufficient, for I have once or twice purchased more than enough I thought to do the worck, Inch plank is 18/ pr C. but I have engaged some at 14/ which I shall send to the Furnice for, immediately least they shou’d forget the agreement. I fear it will be very difficult to get shells and if to be got, at a very high price, I wish your conjectures of our Privateer may not prove true several difficultys attend her—the guns for her lay at Hampton we cannot get a vessle to Venture there to bring them up, the St Albans a 74 gun Ship lays there, which frightens them, a Sail Maker cannot be got, so that they are not made so Quick as we want them, they are made by the Captn and a few Sailors—but in such demand are seamen that we cannot keep a man more than 3 or 4 days before some one persuades him off, by secretly temptg him with more wages, so it is with Carpenters, Still I am in hopes she will get out, my little Fortune

will not well bear that she shoud be lost—The Court who presided over our Draughtg Law in this Cty, was so exceedgly complisont that they woud not Suffer me to take a chance for a prize—there was no law to exempt me, and they were sworn to do the worck impartially—but I am thinking it will all be to do over again—the people murmer and say our Draught was not agreeable to the letter of the law[.] in other Ctys officers as well as men drew, here it was judge’d that it never was intended that the judges should judge themselves, therefore they did not draw—by which means one Colo. & two Captns (Single men) took no chance for a prize—but a Better reason will oblige them to draught again the men who were draughted cannot be found.
Our Volenteer Scheme will turn out as I expected I have not been able to learn that more than 20 men within the State have as yet offerd—that is 20 more than I expected—By your Letter I shoud suppose you were apprehensive I intended to leave you—I hope for the Future you will entertain a better opinion of me than to believe that while you are encountering every danger and difficulty, at the Hazard of your life and repose, giveg up all domestick happiness, to serve the publick and me among them, that I shoud attempt to take the advantage of you by screwg up my wages or leavg your estate to the care of a Stranger—at my time of Life it is time to think of getg a Home, and enterg into a different State of life if ever, but all this I will forego and endeavour the best I can for you whilst you are away.
Happy I am to hear that shame and disgrace is likely to Fall on your Secret Enemys—Mr Custis came up from Wmsburg last night—he tells me he was a Day or two with the Governer whilst below—that he told him he had pushd R.H.L. very close several times and that he had declared in the most solemn manner his innocence or that there ever was a design or intention by any the members of Congress that he knows off to displace you—in short he talkd to the Governer as he did to Mason[.] Colo. Nelson openly and Publickly charged and taxd him with it, but he again in the most solemn Manner deny’d it—the Freeholders of King Wm will not give there Vote unless the candidate promises to prevent if possible R.H.L. from ever being in any publick office—some of the Ctys refused to be draughted unless they were first assured that you were at the Head of the Army—If R.H.L. is innocent it is a pity he shoud lay under the suspicion of Guilt.
I shall attempt to make Molasses, Sugar, Rum &c. from Corn next Fall—I believe I shall not attempt makeg Tobacco—some of our Negroes are Sick otherways all well—My Compliments to Mrs Washington & believe me Dr Sir your affectionate Hbl. Servt

Lund Washington

P.S. I will send your mare to Custis Horse.


Title: General Orders, 19 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Thursday March 19th 1778.
Thomas—Truro. Tunbridge.

The Commander in Chief directs that the officers be very attentive to the water their men drink—The little springs about Camp from which they have been accustomed to supply themselves during the winter will in their present state become extremely impure & pernicious in the approaching warm season; as it is a matter essential to health it is expected that officers will without delay take measures to provide good water for their men by having the springs opened and

cleared and Wells sunk in proper places with barrels to preserve them taking care to have them frequently emptied and cleansed to prevent an accumulation of Filth.
To prevent a false Alarm notice is hereby given that a Cannon will be discharged at the Park of Artillery tomorrow at Sunset.


Title: Circular to the Brigade Commanders, 19 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Brigade Commanders

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 19th March 1778

As it is found necessary for the purpose of establishing uniformity of discipline and manœuvres in the army to appoint an Inspector General—and in order to form a well organised Body of Instructors it is proposed to have Sub-Inspectors to superinted divisions or larger portions of the army according to their number—and Brigade-Inspectors to be charged with the Instruction of Brigades, which last officers are to be chosen in the Brigades respectively. I have to desire of yo⟨u⟩ to make choice of a Major from the Regiments under your command, whose activity, Intelligence, Address and decided Taste for this kind of employment, qualify him in a superior degree for the office.
The importance of the object and the little time which remains for executing what is necessary to accomplish it, render every moment precious; you will therefore without loss of time, make the choice and give me notice of it.
The Brigade Inspector retains his rank, but is to be exempt from the duties of the line during the exercise of his office. I am Sir your most Obet Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. As the danger of delay in this business is more to be dreaded than any other inconvenience—if no Major should be present possessing the qualities required, any other officer in whom they are united, and who is ready at once to assume the functions of his office may be taken.


Title: From George Washington to a Continental Congress Camp Committee, 19 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Continental Congress Camp Committee

Gentn
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 19th March 1778

Agreeable to General Reeds request I inclose you a list of the Field Officers in the Pensylvania line.
The Board of General Officers upon reconsidering Colonel Putnams claim of Rank in the Massachusetts line and having before them his pretentions in consequence of his appointment as Engineer, have determined to place him in the arrangement next to Colonel Wigglesworth. I am With the greatest respt Gentn Your most hum. Servt

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel David Grier, 19 March 1778
From: Grier, David
To: Washington, George

19 Mar. 1778. Since a previous letter of 24 Jan. mentioning “the Injustice done me as to Rank,” he understands that “a reduction and new Arangment of the Army is immediately to take Place.” The effects of his late wound have made him “unfit for the fatigues of another Campain. . . . And as a number of worthy Officers must now be left out think it my duty now to leave the Army in Order that my Place may be Supplied with some Officer more Capable of Enduring the hardships of War.”


Title: To George Washington from General William Howe, 19 March 1778
From: Howe, William
To: Washington, George

⟨Sir,
Philadelphia 19th March 1778

In Consequence of an Order from Mr Thos Bradford (One of your Commissaries) to Mr Emanuel Eyre of Trenton to Ship 50 Barrels of Pork⟩ for the Use of the Prisoners in Philadelphia, and two Tons of Hay for their Cattle, Mr Eyre on the 6th Instant wrote to Mr Ferguson requesting him to apply to me for a Passport for the Shallop Polly, Isaiah Robinson Master, manned with 3 Hands, to proceed hither with the abovementioned Articles. I accordingly authorized Mr Ferguson to transmit a Passport to Mr Eyre for the purpose desired—On the 14th the Shallop coming down was brought to by one of His Majesty’s Ships; and upon Examination it was found that Mr Isaiah Robinson, who had been represented as Master of the Shallop, was in Fact the Captain of the Andrew Doria Frigate, and that Nathaniel Galt Captain of the Argus armed Gun Boat, was one of the Hands with which she was manned.
As Captains Robinson & Galt appeared in assumed Characters I ordered them agreeably to the established Rules of War to be confined. I am with due Respect, Sir, Your most obedient Servant

W. Howe


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Thomas Proctor, 19 March 1778
From: Proctor, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir
Artillery Park [Valley Forge] March 19th 1778

To submit to injuries wilfully commited would be implicitly giveing up the point, as well the honour we mean to support on this stage of time; Especially where characters are wounded, and secretly vilefied. The matter I wish to convey to your Excellency is the infringements of Colonel Crane, and his Colleigues, to sully the honour of my Regiment, by insinuations through different channels. I therefore think it a duty I owe myself, and the Gentlemen I have the honour to command, to promote if possible Harmony in the Brigade, by due subordination, and to stop the growing insults of the Commadant. And tho in the present case I am constraind to take notice of, and espouse the cause of Captain Procter as my relative, do submit my actions to be

scrutanizd by any; Sensible I am free from partial conduct, to Officers and men, And in order to prevent a multiplyed discussion of facts, that were significant in themselves; and pointed with envy, shall confine myself and present the inclosd papers, as they were simply transacted, that Justice may be dealt to the parties through your Excellencys known candour, which may in future prevent usurping authority of sporting the characters of Officers by Arresting of Gentlemen for sundry days as may appear, and then to discharge A Court duly comven’d for their trial, with insults in Brigade orders, while the Officer still continues arrested and waits to be he⟨ard⟩. I am with all due Respect Your Excellencys devoted and most Obet Servant

Thos Proctor Colonel of Artillery


Title: General Orders, 20 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday March 20th 1778.
Wolfe—Wales. Warrington.

At a Division Court-Martial whereof Majr Johnson was President March 15th 1778. Lieutenant Davis of Coll Angell’s Regiment (he consenting

thereto) tried for swearing on the evening of 2nd instant after being warned for duty that if he could not get rid of that tour he would feign himself sick for he was determined not to do it & would suffer himself to be cashiered with Infamy before he would go and for refusing the tour accordingly.
The Court after the most mature deliberation, unanimously adjudge Lieutt Davis guilty of a breach of 21st Article of 14th Section of the Articles of War and sentence him to be discharged the service as ordered in said Article.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately.


Title: To George Washington from Captain John Barry, 20 March 1778
From: Barry, John
To: Washington, George

Dr General
Wilmington [Del.] March 20th 1778

Inclosed You have an Invoice of the Goods taken from On Board the Schooner Alert & Ships Mermaid & Kitty the Intrenching Tools You mentioned are Stolen by the Inhabitants together with about one fourth Part of the Cargo taken out of the Vessels I Should Be much Obliged to Your Excellency to Appoint Some Person at Middletown or Order them there to purchase what things You may Judge Necessary for the Army as I wish they may have the Preference, the Capturers In general Expect the Articles to be sold at Publick sale in about ten days from this Date, I likewise Send You a Rough Draft of New York Island which Probably may Be of Service to You.
The Enemy have forty Sail of Vessels up Salem Creek & about thirty more On the Delaware abreast of the Creek they have from the Best information I Can collect about fifteen hundred Men Landed & am Satisfied their Intent is for Stock & forage Shall By the Earliest Opportunity Transmit to Your Excellency Every movement of the Enemy I Posibly Can Collect. Subscribe myself Your Excellencys Most Obednt Humbe Servt

John Barry


Title: From George Washington to the Commanding Officer at Alexandria, Virginia, 20 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Commanding Officer at Alexandria, Virginia

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 20th March 1778.

The Director General and the other Gentlemen of the Faculty having determined that it will be more convenient to innoculate all the Levies that have not had the small pox, at or near the Camp, I desire that you will suffer none of them to be detained at Alexandria or George Town for that purpose. If the small pox should be in either, the troops are not to halt at or enter them. The Officers commanding the different detatchments are to be directed to march them slowly that they may not be overheated by exercise and thereby put in a habit prejudicial to innoculation. They are to make diligent enquiry whether the small pox be at any Houses upon the Road, and if it is to avoid them carefully. When the Officers arrive within a day or two’s march of the Camp, they are to send forward to inform the Surgeons, that proper accommodations may be prepared for them—Should there be any

places intended for small pox Hospitals below Alexandria, a Copy of these orders is to be sent to the Officer commanding who is to obey them punctually. This is intended to extend to the Troops of North Carolina as well as those of Virginia. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Horatio Gates, 20 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Gates, Horatio

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 20th March 1778

I am honored with yours of the 7th 11th & 14th instants. As soon as General Green enters upon the Office of Qr Mr General he will attend to the Stores at Reading and have all, that are not immediately or soon wanted for the Army, removed to a place of greater safety—I am obliged for your attention to the Article of Paper with which I hope we shall be in future better supplied—I do not think much credit is to be given to the intelligence communicated in yours of the 14th because the number of Horse mentioned is more than the Enemy have at present, and if they had them, they would not risque them so great a distance. They cannot possibly march any Body of Horse or Foot from Philada upon the Rout mentioned in the information without being discovered by our patrolls—But that we may be prepared, should such a scheme be in agitation, I have strengthned our advanced picket w[it]h 200 Men.
A few days ago one of our scouting Parties fell in with and took four fine teams going into Philadelphia two of them belonged to one Evan Griffith who lived about one mile from York Town. The other two belonged to one Dorsey who was killed in the Skirmish. Griffith made his Escape and went into Philada. Inclosed you have the examination of two of the Waggoners who were taken. By enquiring who are Griffith’s acquaintance some further discoveries may be made. From what we have found out in several late instances the Enemy are attempting by all ways and means to procure a recruit of Horses. I am obliged by the full information of the State of our Arms, Artillery, Ammunition and other Stores given in yours of the 14th If there are not Bayonets and Cartouch Boxes to the Muskets returned servicable, there will be found a great deficiency of the first, and almost a total want of the latter as appears from the return transmitted. You must be sensible that not a moments time is to be lost in providing these necessary Articles and I therefore take it for granted that no exertions on your parts will be wanting to procure them. I am endeavouring to have the

deficient Bayonets for the Army made up by Armourers drawn from the line.
I perfectly agree with you as to the necessity of collecting a battering train of Artillery, and I think Springfield & Carlisle the places mentioned by you, very proper to deposit them. Springfield is also the proper place to deposit the spare Stores to the Eastward, but as it appears that all the Arms and Tents from all the Magazines will be wanted by the Army, they should without loss of time be moving towards Carlisle. Nine or ten of the 9 Inch Mortars should also be brought forward. The Field Artillery, heavy twelves and the twenty four pounders that were at Albany and such other military Stores as will not be immediately wanted down the River, will be ordered on by General Knox and what are not wanted here sent to Carlisle. That place will then be the grand Arsenal of all Artillery & Stores on this side of Hudsons River as Springfield will be of those on the East side. I am getting the heavy Cannon that were saved out of the shipping upon Delaware mounted upon travelling Carriages, they are very fine Iron 18 and 24 pounders and I suppose will amount to about twelve. If we should take a post below the City, they, with the heavy Brass Artillery and the Mortars will be of the greatest use to us, but the Cannon will be too heavy to move any great distance. I have the honor &c.

P.S. I shall be much obliged to you for hurrying on those Levies towards the Camp, who march thro’ York. We have hitherto found that a vast many of them have stragled and have been lost before they have reached the Army by making repeated Halts.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General John Lacey, Jr., 20 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Lacey, John Jr.

Sir.
Head Quarters Valley Forge 20th March 1778

Sunday next being the time on which the Quakers hold one of their general meetings, a number of that society will probably be attempting to go into Philadelphia. This is an intercourse that we should by all means endeavour to interrupt, as the plans setled at these meetings are of the pernicious tendency. I would therefore have you dispose of your parties in such a manner as will most probably fall in with these people, and if they should, and any of them should be mounted upon Horses fit for the draft or the Service of Light Dragoons I desire they may be taken from them and sent over to the Quarter Master General, any such, are not to be considered as the property of the parties who may seize them, as in other cases. Communicate the above orders to any of the officers of the Continental Army who may command Scouting parties upon your side of the Schuylkill. I am Sir Your most hum: Servt,

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Stephen Moylan, 20 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Moylan, Stephen

Dr Sir,
Valley forge. Mar. 20th 1778.

As Count Pulaski has left the Command of the Horse never, I believe, to return to any general command in it again, I have to desire that you will repair to Trenton, and take upon yourself the comd of that Corps till Congress shall determine further on this head.
You will use your utmost endeavours to have the Cavalry belonging to the four Regiments (now in N. Jersey) put in the best order possible, that they may take the field with some degree of eclat. Not a moments time should be lost in repairing the Saddles and other accoutrements; & getting the Troopers Arms compleated & repair’d—In a word, the Season calls for the utmost vigilance, and without descending to the Minutiæ, I shall in general require that you will use your utmost skill & industry to equip in the most œconomical manner your own Regiment, & cause the others to do the like.
Inclosed are orders to the commanding Officers of these Regiments to obey you—You must immediately send a relief for the party near the Enemys lines in Phila. County—It is to consist of Men of approved attachment commanded by active vigilant Officers. I am &ca.

P.S. I entreat that you will keep the Officers with the Men for the purposes of fitting them Horses &ca for the field this campaign.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Samuel Holden Parsons, 20 March 1778
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Fishkill [N.Y.] 20th March 1778

By a Variety of Accounts from New York the Enemy design a Speedy Mov’ment from thence about Thirty Transports are ballast, Cannon taken on Board & Troops marchd from Kings Bridge to the City last Sunday where their Destination is I cannot conjecture from the Informat⟨ion⟩ I have recd, I hope not Up th⟨is Rive⟩r until our Defence is more perfect; I this Moment hear the Fleet Saild the Day before Yesterday and are said to be bound Eastward, they went toward the Hook from New York. your Excellency’s Letter of the 5th I recd the 18th Inst. & Shall pursue your Directions. I am yr Excellency’s Obedt hl. Servt

Saml H. Parsons


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Silvanus Seely, 20 March 1778
From: Seely, Silvanus
To: Washington, George

Head Quarters Elizth Town [N.J.] March 20th ’78

I have received information of the embarcation of Troops from New-York and have taken Various methods to find out there numbers and destination.
There is four Regts of them two of Hessions & two of British and there numbers (as near as I can find out) are two thousand three hundred.
I am informed they take on Board Ninety days Provision and the common report is that they are destined for Philadelphia They began to Embark about the 16th Instant—I cannot larn that they have taken any flat Boats on board as yet (altho’ they have bin preparing them for som time past) but as they will be the last artical put on board perhaps they may take them in at ⟨their⟩ sailing. I am Sir, your Most Obedient Huml. Servt

Silvs Seely Coll Commandant


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General William Smallwood, 20 March 1778
From: Smallwood, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Wilmington [Del.] March 20th 1778

The Enemys Fleet still remain down below Reedy Island, except such Transports as conveyed off the Invalids &c.—various accounts of the Numbers, from 1,200 to 2,000, some are said to have marched down by Land, others to have landed from the Fleet near Salem, they have plundered, and were the other Day carrying off Forage, the Jersy Militia took & sent over here nine of their Seamen, they landed a Small Party on Wednesday, and took out a Private Boat from Hamborough—They give out their Intentions are to destroy our Salt Works at Egg Harbour, to collect all the Forage adjacent to the River on both Sides, and to destroy this Place & Marcus hook in their Way up—I have ordered the removal of all the Hay that possibly can be carried from the River course, and have a Party below for that purpose and to burn such as cannot be moved, shou’d they attempt a Descent on this Side the Delaware—Capt. Rumford is just setting out, which prevents my adding more, than that I have the honor to remain with sincere Regard Your Excellency’s very Obedt Hble Sert

W. Smallwood


Title: To George Washington from l’Abbé de Valent, 20 March 1778
From: Valent, l’Abbé de
To: Washington, George

Monseigneur,
lisle jourdain le 20 mars 1778

Philadelphie ne Se Vantera pas d’avoir Essayé nombre de Sieges Sans avoir êté prise, Sa réduction n’a êté refusée a plusieurs grands Capitaines que parce quelle etoit reservée pour Couronner Votre prudence, Votre Constance, et Votre Valeur. Dans cette expedition a jamais mémorable le Vainqueur et les Vaincus y trouveront chacun leur avantage. Philadelphie Vous sera obligée de l’avoir faitte passer d’une Domination Bizarre et inconstante Sous la Douce obeïssance pour S’unir a des provinces qui ne cherchonct que leur Liberté. et Vous Monseigneur, Vous avés trouvé dans sa Vigoureuse et opiniatre resistance et dans la Conquette que Vous en avés fait, tout ce qui peût flatter La noble ambition d’un grand Guerrier et La gloire de la Nation.
Les Lauriers que Son excellence vient de Cueïllir êtant d’une nature a ne se fletrir jamais, il sera toujours temps de Vous en faire de nouvelles Couronnes, aussi j’ose aprés une foule d’Eloges et de felicitations du premier ordre que Vous avés reçû Vous offrir La mienne, elle part du Coin de la gascogne, elle est simple Sincere inspirée par la plus humble et respectueuze affection.
Monseigneur le Comte de Lowendal m’honnora de sa réponce aprés la prise de Bergopsom Sur la felicitation que je luÿ fis. j’ay plusieurs lettres de Ce Seigneur. je serois Bien flatté dêtre honnoré d’une de Son Excellence. je prieray le Roy des Rois quil Vous Conserve Longues années pour soumetre les Ennemies qui ont Voulu prendre de force les provinces dont Vous etes le Soutien et le protecteur. je suis avec un profond Respect De son Excellence Monseigneur, Le plus humble et le trés obeïssant serviteur

labbé dé Valéntpretre grand chantre au chapitre de lisle jourdaindiocese de Toulouse sur la route dauch


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 20 March 1778
From: Varnum, James Mitchell
To: Washington, George

Sir
Camp Valley Forge March 20th 1778.

Upon the pernicious Principle that Officers have a Right to leave the Service when they please I must mention the within mentioned for Discharges, And am your Excellency’s most obdt Servant

J. M. Varnum.


Title: General Orders, 21 March 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Saturday March 21st 1778.
Andover—Acton Alton.

The Brigade Inspectors are desired to attend at Head-Quarters on Monday morning at ten ôClock precisely.

The Brigadiers and Officers commanding Brigades are desired to make exact returns to the Adjutant General tomorrow at Orderly-time of the number of rounds of ammunition that each of their men are furnished with & what quantity of spare Cartridges are in the hands of their respective Quarter-Masters.