Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 5 February 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            West Point 5 Feby 1783

                        Agreeably to your Excellency’s request I enclose the estimate required in your favor of the 1st instant. I am
                            sorry it is out of my power to render it in the manner you wished. But my not having any general returns of stores from
                            the War Office prevents my stating, in a summary view, the difference of the estimate from what is in possession of the
                            Continent. I am, with the highest degree of respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant

                            H. Knox.

                     Enclosure

                                West Point 5 February 1783.

                            An Estimate of Ordnance, Ammunition, &ca necessary for the Siege of New York, comprehending an
                                operation by Long Island, upon similar principles to the estimates made for the same purpose in the three preceeding
                                years—the shots and shells conformable to the ordnance in possession.

                                        York Island and its communications

                                        Cannon—
                                        Mortars—
                                        Howitzers—

                                        12
                                        pounders
                                        20
                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        20

                                        18

                                        45
                                        10

                                        18
                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        6

                                        24

                                        6
                                        13

                                        4
                                        8

                                        12

                                        Long Island and its communications

                                        Cannon—
                                        Mortars—
                                        Howitzers—

                                        18
                                        pounders
                                        20
                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        6

                                        24

                                        3
                                        8

                                        3
                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        12

                                        24 light;
                                        which may answer

                                        10

                                        4
                                        8

                                        3

                                        many purposes
                                        3
                                        13

                                        2

                                        Aggregate

                                        Cannon
                                        12
                                        pounders
                                        20

                                        18

                                        65

                                        24

                                        12

                                        Mortars
                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        26

                                        8

                                        3

                                        10

                                        19

                                        13

                                        6

                                        Howitzers
                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        12

                                        8

                                        15

                                        Shots

                                        Shells

                                        12
                                        pounders
                                        15000

                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        26000

                                        18

                                        65000

                                        8

                                        20000

                                        24

                                        20000

                                        10

                                        20000

                                        13

                                        3000

                            Fifty tons 12 & 16 ounce shots for the mortars and howitzers

                                        Paper Cartridges

                                        Cannon

                                        Mortars and Howitzers

                                        12
                                        pounders
                                        15000

                                        5 1/2
                                        inch
                                        26000

                                        18

                                        65000

                                        8

                                        20000

                                        24

                                        20000

                                        10

                                        20000

                                        13

                                        3000

                                        Powder

                                        Cannon

                                        12
                                        pounders,
                                        15000
                                        rounds
                                        at
                                        4
                                        pounds each
                                         =
                                        60,000

                                        18

                                        65000

                                        6

                                        390000

                                        24

                                        20000

                                        8

                                            160000

                                        610,000

                                        Mortars and Howitzers

                                        5 1/2
                                        inch,
                                        26000
                                        rounds
                                        at
                                        2
                                        pounds each
                                         =
                                        52000

                                        8

                                        20000

                                        4

                                        80000

                                        10

                                        20000

                                        6

                                        120000

                                        13

                                        3000

                                        12

                                            36000

                                            288,000

                                        898,000

                                        for contingencies

                                            100,000

                                        pounds
                                        998 000

                                        Cannon cartridge paper for extra service
                                        100 reams

                                        Old Junk for spun yarn to make wads
                                        20 tons

                                        Two inch oak plank for platforms
                                        30000 feet

                                        The cartridge boxes in general are old, and in case of an active campaign ought to be replaced with new
                                            ones—say
                                        15,000.

                                        at any rate, there ought to be five thousand to replace the bad ones.

                                        Musket cartridges for 15000 men, each to have three sets of 40
                                        1800,000

                                The arms in general, it may be presumed, will last throughout another year. Deficiencies can be replaced
                                with the new arms, of which there are about five thousand in store.
                            There are also in store Ten thousand damaged arms, most of which could be repaired—but there is not one
                                armorer for that purpose.
                            Observations
                            I have been constrained to place a great number of 18 pounders in the estimate, we having but very few of
                                larger calibres. The effect cannot be so great from them as from 24 or 32 pounders, the force being in proportion to
                                the weight of the shot. But as we cannot obtain the larger sizes, we may have great confidence in those which are
                                specified. The 12 pounders may answer for some of the communications.
                            All the cannon, mortars and howitzers, are in possession, at West Point and Philadelphia—it being
                                presumed those which were left at York Town have been brought to the last mentioned place. In addition to those
                                specified, twenty or thirty heavy pieces might probably be of great service. But as we have in our former designs
                                obtained all the cannon that the neighbouring States would, upon the most pressing requests furnish, it is thought
                                unnecessary to add a  that cannot be procured.
                            In case of a combined French and American force, we might be relieved from the operation of Long
                                Island—in which case, the ordnance in the estimate would, it is presumed, be amply sufficient for York Island and its
                                appendages.
                            In the former general estimates it was observed that there were many other articles which would be wanted
                                for a siege—particularly an immense laboratory preparation of fuzes, potrfires, tubes
                                for fireballs, carcasses; cordage, canvass &c. &c. all of which I would prefer to
                                have made immediately under my own direction at this place. Particular estimates for the materials, which will be very
                                considerable, may as occasion shall require be presented to Your Excellency, and the Minister of War.
                            I should have been happy to have laid before Your Excellency, in one view, the articles demanded—those on
                                hand—and the deficiencies. But as I have no return of any stores at Philadelphia or South of it, or any place Eastward
                                of this River, I am consequently incompetent to the task. It can however be obtained from the War Office. I have
                                annexed the returns of the shots and shells at Hibernia, Mount Hope and Pompton furnaces in Jersey, and at Salisbury
                                in Connecticut. These are considerable magazines and the returns are of a late date. There are very large quantities
                                of shots and shells in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
                            Report of Shots and shells,
                            at the places hereafter mentioned.

                                        Hibernia.

                                        Pompton .

                                        shells
                                        10
                                        inch
                                        2601

                                        shells
                                        8 inch
                                        371

                                        Carcasses
                                        10
                                        inch
                                        488
                                        5 1/2
                                        398

                                        shots
                                        18
                                        pounders
                                        2040

                                        shots
                                        18 pounders
                                        735

                                        12

                                        3162

                                        Mount Hope.

                                        Salisbury.

                                        shells
                                        10
                                        inch
                                        2506
                                        shells
                                        8
                                        inch
                                        5008

                                        8

                                        5010
                                        5 1/2

                                        6000

                                        5 1/2

                                        5643
                                        shots
                                        18
                                        pounders
                                        5000

                                        24

                                        1300

                                        Total

                                        Carcasses
                                        10
                                        inch
                                        488

                                        shells
                                        10
                                        inch
                                        5107

                                        8

                                        10389

                                        5 1/2

                                        12041

                                        shots
                                        24
                                        pounders
                                        2606

                                        18

                                        14443

                                        12

                                        3387

                                H. Knox Major General
                                Commanding the Artillery


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 February 1783
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            My dear General
                            Cadiz february the 5th 1783

                        Were You But Such a Man as julius Cæsar or the king of Prussia, I should Almost Be sorry for You at the End
                            of the Great tragedy Where You are Acting Such a Part—But With My dear General I Rejoice at the Blessings of a Peace Where
                            our Noble Ends Have Been Secured—Remember our Valley forge times, and from a Recollection of Past dangers and labours, We
                            still will Be More pleased at our Present Comfortable Situation—What a Sense of Pride and Satisfaction I feel, When I think
                            of the times that Have determined My Engaging in the AmeriCan Cause! As for You, My dear General, Who truly Can Say You
                            Have done all this, What Must Your Virtuous and Good Heart feel on the Happy instance Where the Revolution You Have Made
                            is Now firmly Established—I Cannot But Envy the Happiness of My Grand Children When they Will Be about Celebrating and
                            Worshipping Your Name—to Have Had One of their Ancestors Among Your Soldiers, to know He Had the Good fortune to Be the
                            friend of Your Heart, Will Be the Eternal Honour in Which they shall Glory—and to the Eldest of them, as long as My
                            Posterity will last, I shall Delegate the favour You Have Been pleased to Confer Upon My Son George.
                        At the Prospect of a Peace, I Had prepared to Go to AmeriCa—You know me too Well, My dear General, Not to Be
                            Sensible of the Pleasure I Anticipated in the Hope to Embrace You, and to Be Reunited With My fellow Soldiers—Never did
                            Any thing Please me so much as the delightfull Prospect I Had Before me—But on a Sudden I Have Been obliged to differ My
                            darling Plan, and as I Have at Last Been Blessed with a Letter of Yours, I know You Approve of My Lengthtining My furlough
                            Upon Political Accounts—the enclosed Copy of a letter to Congress, and My official letter to Mr Livingston Which I Request
                            Him to Communicate to You, Will fully inform You of the Reasons that Urge me to Post off to Madrid—from
                            there, it Will Be Better for me to Go to Paris, and in the Month of june, I will Embark for AmeriCa—Happy, ten times Happy
                            will I Be in Embracing My dear General, My father, My Best friend Whom I love with an Affection and a Respect Which I too
                            well feel, Not to know it is impossible for me to Express it.
                        in my letters to Congress, You Will Also See that, independant of the Plans I Had Been Permitted to propose
                            to You, in the Execution of Which We Were to Have an immense Naval and Land force, it Had Been at last obtained I should
                            Enter Canada—I Had My Hopes to Embrace You at Mont Real, or at least to Be Met there By a detachment from the Army—the
                            Necesity of a diversion Was the Ground Upon Which We Had obtained the King of Spain’s Consent—But Now those schemes are
                            Over, and we Must Rejoice at the Happiness of those You Have Rescued from the Hands of British tyranny.
                        Now, My dear General, that You are Going to Enjoy some Ease and Quiet, Permit me to propose a plan to you
                            Which Might Become Greatly Beneficial to the Black part of Mankind—Let us Unite in Purchasing a small Estate Where We May
                            try the Experiment to free the Negroes, and Use them only as tenants—Such an Example as Yours Might Render it a General
                            Practice, and if We succeed in America, I Will chearfully devote a part of My time to Render the Method fascionable in the
                            West indias—if it Be a Wild scheme, I Had Rather Be Mad that Way, than to Be thought Wise on the other tack.
                        I am so Anxious, to Hear from You, My dear General, and to let You Hear from me that I Have Sent My own
                            Servant with a Vessel upon whom I Have prevailed to set Him a shore on the Maryland Coast—Before I leave france, I Hope I
                            Will Receive Your Answers, and I will Be directed Where to find you on My Arrival—Upon that intelligence I depend to
                            Regulate My Course, and if you are at Home I Shall steer for the Bay of Chesepeake.
                        independant of My Public Letter to M. Livingston, There is a Private one which He Will Also
                            Communicate—Amongt the Many favors I Have Received, I would take it as a Most flattering Circumstance in My life to Be
                            Sent to England With the Ratification of the American treaty—You know it is But an Honorary Commission, that would Require
                            the Attendance of a few Weeks, and if Any Sedentary Minister is Sent, I would Have the pleasure of introducing Him—this,
                            My dear General, is Entirely Confidential.
                        Your influence, My dear General, Cannot Be Better Employed than in inducing the People of America to
                            strengthen their fœderal Union—it is a Work in Which it Behoves You to Be Concerned—I look Upon it as a Necessary
                            Measure—depend upon it, My dear General, that European politics will Be Apt to Create divisions Among the States. Now is
                            the time When the Powers of Congress Must Be fixed, the Boundaries determined, and Articles of Confederation Revised—it is
                            a Work in Which Every Well Wisher to America Must desire to Be Concerned—it is the finishing Stroke that is Wanting to the
                            Perfection of the temple of Liberty.
                        As to the army, My dear General, What Will Be its fate? I Hope their Country will Be Gratefull—should the
                            Reverse Be the Case, I Would indeed feel Very UnHappy—will part of the Army Be kept together? if not, I Hope we
                                wont forfeit our Noble titles of officers and soldiers in the American Army—so that in Case of
                            danger We May Be Called upon from Every Quarter, and Reunite in the defense of a Country Which the Army Has so
                            Effectually, So Heroïcally Served—I long to know What Measures Will be taken—indeed, My dear General, I depend upon Your
                            Goodness for a Very Minuted letter—not only on public Accounts, But also Because I Want to Be Acquainted With Every one of
                            Your Personal Concerns.
                        Adieu, Adieu, My dear General, Had the Spaniards got Common sense I Could Have dispensed with that Cursed
                            trip to Madrid—But I am Called Upon By a sense of My duty to America—I Must go, and the differ the Happy Voyage—My Best,
                            Most Affectionate Respects Waït Upon Mrs Washington—Now we are Going to Quarell, for I Must Urge Your Returning With me to
                            france—Her Accompagnying You there, is the Best Way I know off to Compromise the Matter, and so she will Make Mde de
                            Lafayette and Me Perfectly Happy.
                        I Request Your Excellency Will please to Present My compliments to tilmangh, George, and all the
                            family—Remember me to all My friends in the Army—I am so Hurried in Sending the Vessel a way that I will write to them By
                            other Opportunities—they know My love to them, and I Have a Grateful sense of their friendship—Be so kind My dear General,
                            to Remember me to Your Much Respected Mother—Her Happiness I Heartly Partake—Adieu, once More, My dear General—With Every
                            Sentiment of Love and Respect I am for Ever Your Most devoted and Affecionate friend

                            Lafayette


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 5 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                        Sir
                            Head Qrs 5 feby 1783

                        Your Lre. of the 27th of January is received.
                        In answer to that part of your letter of the 15 January, which respects the appointment of a Brigadier for the State of Connecticut I am to observe that when the Secretary at War was at Verplanks point last fall it was agreed to be the best plan for future Promotions to divide the Continent into districts and when a Vacancy happend for a General Officer the oldest Officer in the district should fill it—All the New England States compose one district—in which Massachusetts has three Brigades Connecticut one & the Troops of New Hampshire & Rhode Island may after their reduction compose another—the four former Brigades have their Brigadiers—and if General stark is to remain in Service, he will undoubtedly claim the latter, in that case there is no Vacancy; but Should General Stark from ill health, or any of the causes which have kept him so long at home, be unable to continue—his retiring will make a Vacancy for Colonel Swift, who is the Oldest Colonel in the District Colonel Swift is a very deserving Officer & could do honor to the appointment.As you may not have been able to collect from my Letter to General Green so full an account of the disposition of his Troops as you wish I am now to inform you that it is proposed to retain  to the Southward for the present—the Virginia Calvary & Lees Legion—One compleat Regiment of Maryland & one of Pensilvania—the remainder of the Infantry Southward of the Carolinas are to be sent to their respective States to recruit.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 5 February 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Office of Finance 5th February 1783.

                        I have received your Letter of the twenty ninth of last Month which gave me much Pain as the Subject of it
                            appears to have affected your Mind in a Manner very distant from my Apprehensions. I myself never saw any Resolution of
                            Congress limiting the Number of Rations to Women &c. but took it up on the Suggestion of the Secretary at War as
                            the proper Standard when we were seeking for a Standard. I know not how far any Abuses had in that Respect prevailed. With
                            your Consent I knew there could be none. It was however represented to me that the Drafts of Rations for Women under some
                            of the Contracts were enormous. In a general System therefore it became necessary to establish a certain Rule. The
                            Uncertainty of Drafts made by Officers, had destroyed that Clearness and Precision which is essential in the Settlement of
                            Accounts. To obviate that Mischief the Subsistence was devised. There remained only the Differences as to the Number of
                            Women and Children. When I have fully explained my Conceptions on the Subject you will clearly see that neither the
                            Secretary at War nor myself had the most remote Idea of interfering in your Administration. Taking it for granted that
                            there was such a Resolution as that mentioned it would follow that the Number allowed was either equal to the Number
                            existing or greater or less. If equal there could be no Doubts. If greater it was to be presumed that the Officers would
                            appropriate the Surplus to some Decorations of the Corps or other like Objects. If less the first Question which could
                            arise would be whether the Number ought not to be reduced. And if not the second would be how should the Surplus be
                            provided for. To this last the Answer is clear. The Commander in Chief or Commanding General is indubitably empowered to
                            dispose of the public Property in Cases where the good of the Service requires it. A special Order would therefore be
                            given to the Contractors for issuing fifty additional Rations per Day, or more if necessary to any particular Corps. This
                            Order would support the Contractors Accounts and obtain the Provisions wanted. The Accounts for the several Corps would
                            all remain Simple and clear as before, and the only Inconvenience would be the Surplus, drawn by some Corps. On this Subject
                            I must observe 1st. That tho’ this Inconvenience be real with Respect to the Corps under your Excellencys immediate Command
                            it is not so perceptible elsewhere, and in many Instances the general Rule will remedy an improper Excess. 2ly. That this
                            general Rule for our own Troops will apply to the Case of british Prisoners of War who have Herds of Women with them. And
                            3ly. That the great Advantages which result from reducing every kind of Charge to an absolute Certainty so that a perfect
                            Clearness may obtain in all public Accounts is sufficient to overbalance much greater Inconveniencies.
                        I again repeat my dear Sir that as there was not in my own Mind so I am perswaded there was not in General
                            Lincoln’s the most distant Idea of Interference in the Line of your Department. An hundred different Occasions may arise
                            in which it will be necessary for you to dispose of public Money, Provisions and Stores and I hope you will never hesitate
                            on such Occasions at giving the proper Warrants.
                        You know our Situation and therefore I am sure you will never incur undue Expence and the kind Assurances you
                            have given of Support to my Arrangements would have quieted any Doubts on that Subject if I had been capable of harboring
                            them. With most sincere Esteem I am my dear Sir your most obedient humble Servant

                            Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to Peter Muhlenberg, 5 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Muhlenberg, Peter

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh Feby 5th 1783

                        I have been duly favored with your Letter of the 13th of Janry and have written to Governor Harrison that it
                            was much to be wished, the Obstacles mentioned by you might be removed, & that measures might be taken during the
                            Winter for forming the Troops now in the State with the Detachment, which I imagined would be send back by General Green
                            from So. Carolina, into a compleat Regt or Regts, in such a manner as that they might be properly appointed & fit
                            for service at the opening of the next Campaign—I doubt not you will contribute your utmost exertions towards
                            accomplishing so interesting & desirable an object—with great regd I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 February 1783
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh Feby 5. 1783.

                        The inclosed estimate is calculated on the supposition that the army under your Excellency’s command, will be
                            composed of

                                    9
                                    major generals

                                    10
                                    brigadiers

                                    30
                                    regiments of

                                    1
                                    Hazens

                                    infantry, of 500

                                    2
                                    N. Hampshire

                                    men each exclusive

                                    8
                                    Massachusetts

                                    of officers, viz.

                                    1
                                    Rhode Island

                                    3
                                    Connecticut

                                    2
                                    N. York

                                    2
                                    N. Jersey

                                    8
                                    Additional

                                        3

                                    Light Infantry

                                    30
                                    formed into

                                    12
                                    brigades

                                    2
                                    regiments of artillery, each of 500 men exclusive of officers

                                    1
                                    legionary corps (Sheldon’s) complete

                                    1
                                    Independent troop, Von Heer’s.

                                    3
                                    companies of sappers & miners.

                                    With the usual staff.

                        In the article of tents, I have made no allowance for the militia that may be called into service; because
                            the number of tents necessary to cover them (say 6000 men) if required at the time the militia shall be called for, could
                            be provided and brought into the field by the time they would be assembled. But in the article of camp kettles, I have
                            adverted to the destruction to which they are so subject, & to the militia because a dry season, like the last,
                            would render it impracticable to get them made in the summer, for want of water for the rolling mills: and those now in
                            possession of the troops will be burnt out by the opening of the campaign.
                        I know not but I have over-calculated on the regular force. Your Excellency having mentioned eight additional
                            regiments complete, I was led to estimate on every regiment now here as full, at least to five hundred men; instead of
                            their real force. But I did not observe it, until I had finished the estimate. This, however, will not materially affect
                            any articles, excepting those of camp equipage, unless the number of regiments be reduced. And considering the accidents to which camp equipage is liable, perhaps the surplus above
                            the real force may not be amiss.
                        If it is not intended to remount the dragoons of Sheldon’s & Von Heer’s corps, the heavy article of
                            dragoon horses with their furniture, may be struck out.
                        I have conformed to the established allowances in every case which appeared consistent with the service:
                                but in the regulations of Congress there are divers omissions. No provision is made for
                            transporting the baggage of the medical department, the geographer or clothier. I have also made some small alterations in
                            other instances; which will appear by the particular estimate of teams, which I beg leave to inclose. Neither have I
                            calculated the forage agreeably to the last regulations: because I have every reason to expect the ration will be fixed as
                            formerly; the committee of Congress being all of opinion it should be. The difficulty has been, not that the allowance was
                            too small, but what was allowed could not be obtained: to add to the ration, therefore, was only to increase the public
                            embarrassment. But I have reckoned on forage as necessary for the regimental paymasters & two or three others who
                            are omitted in the regulations. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                            Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 6 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                            My dear Sir,
                            Newburgh Feby 6th 1783

                        I have the pleasure to inform you that your Packet for Govr Greene which came enclosed to me (in your private
                            Letter of the 12th of December) was forwarded in an hour after it came to my hands by a Gentleman returning to Rhode
                            Island (Welcome Arnold Esq.)—there can be no doubt therefore of its having got safe to the Governor.
                        It is with a pleasure which friend ship only is susceptible of I congratulate you on the glorious end you
                            have put to hostilities in the Southern States—the honor and advantages of it, I hope & trust you will live long
                            to enjoy. when this hemisphere will be equally free is yet in the womb of time to discover—a little while however tis
                            presumed, will disclose the determinations of the British senate with respect to Peace or war as it seems to be agreed on
                            all hands that the present Primeir (especially if he should find the opposition powerful) intends to submit the decision
                            of these Matters to Parliament. The Speech, the Addresses—and Debates for which we are looking in every direction, will
                            give a data from which the bright rays of the one; or gloomy prospect of the other may be discovered.
                        If Historiographers should be hardy enough to fill the page of History with the advantages that have been
                            gained with unequal numbers (on the part of America) in the course of this contest, & attempt to relate the
                            distressing circumstances under which they have been obtained, it is more than probable that Posterity will bestow on
                            their labors the epithet & marks of fiction for it will not be believed that such a force as Great Britain has
                            employed for eight years in this Country could be baffled in their plan of Subjugating it by numbers infinitely
                            less—composed of Men often times half starved—always in Rags—without pay—& experiencing, at times, every Species of
                            distress which human nature is capable of undergoing.
                        I intended to have wrote you a long letter on sundry matters but Majr Burnett popped in unexpectedly, at a
                            time when I was preparing for the Celebration of the day; and was just going to a review of the Troops, previous to the
                            Fue de Joy—As he is impatient, from an apprehension of the Sleighing failing—and as he can give you the occurrences of
                            this quarter more in detail than I have time to do, I will refer you to him. I cannot omit informing you however, that I
                            let no oppertunity slip to enquire after your Son George at Princeton, & that it is with pleasure I hear he enjoys
                            good health, is a fine & promising boy.
                        Mrs Washington joins me in most Affectionate regards, & best wishes for Mrs Greene &
                            yourself. With great truth & sincerity & every sentiment of friendship, I am—Dr Sir Yr most obt &
                            Hble Ser.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Amelia Leigh Lloyd, 6 February 1783
From: Lloyd, Amelia Leigh
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Annapolis Febry 6th 83

                        I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from You a short time since inclosing some letters from New York for
                            which I am exceedingly obliged to you—I must beg the favor of You to forward the inclosed Packet for my Friends in England
                            in which You will much oblige Sir Your Humble Servant

                            J. Lloyd

                            Mr Lloyd begs to unite with mine his best respects to Your Excellency and Mrs Washington.


Title: From Benjamin Walker to Timothy Pickering, 6 February 1783
From: Walker, Benjamin
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                             Thursday 6 February 1783

                        The General wishes for a duplicate of the inclosed to send with the Estimates Genl Knox’s Estimates not being
                            arrived—if Mr Lloyd goes—an Express must be held in Readiness to go with the dispatches. Yr Very humble

                            Ben. Walker A.D.C.


Title: General Orders, 7 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Friday February 7th 1783
                            Parole Dartmouth.
                            Countersigns Epsom, Philadelphia.

                        For the day tomorrow Major Morrill.
                        For duty the 4th Massachusetts regiment.
                        The Commander in chief orders it to be signified to the troops of this Cantonment that he was yesterday
                            perfectly satisfied with their appearance in general, He thinks proper however in justice to his own observations and the
                            reputation of those corps which made the most respectable figure, to observe that the distinction hereafter will be
                            publickly noticed unless an attention shall take place before another Review.
                        The regimental paymasters are desired to apply at the Cloathers store in Newburgh for a proportion of
                            blanketts.


Title: To George Washington from William Barber, 7 February 1783
From: Barber, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Camp near New. Winsor Feby 7th 1783

                        I have the Honor of inclosing to Your Excellency the Abstract of Musters for the Month of December,
                            accompanied by Inspection Returns of the several Regiments and Corps for the same Month, except of Hazens, and Sheldons,
                            which were so detached as not to admit of any with tollerable Accuracy.
                        As I have remarked every thing I saw worthy of Notice, in the several Regiments at the Foot of their
                            respective Returns, it would be needless to mention those Particulars in this Adress.
                        The Arms are generally in good Order, except a few Bayonets wanting in almost every Regiment, these, with
                            Care, may be replaced, without returning the Muskeets—Many of the Cartridge Boxes are of a bad kind and getting out of
                            Repair—they ought to be exchanged, were there any in Store—There is a great Difficiency of Drums in every Regiment—The
                            Cloathing in general has been as well preserved as the Nature of the Service, perhaps would allow—The Coats of the first
                            Jersey and second New York Regts, have been nearly turned; and repaired, their Hatts have also been cleaned, and newly
                            bound—The military Appearance, and Oeconomy of those two Regiments, in every Respect, are highly commendable, and without
                            Exception exemplary to every other in the Army—The New-Hampshire Line is greatly behind in every military View—The
                            Cloathing of the other Lines, particularly the Coats, will admit of usefull Alterations, such as will add to the
                            Appearance and Comfort of the Troops, and they are now in a proper State to be so dealt with—it is to be wished that
                            Facings and other Materials could be furnished for this Purpose. and should the Business be set about, it might not be
                            improper to caution the commanding Officers to adhere to a strict Uniformity in having it executed, as I have observed in
                            some Regiments Attempts have been made by Individuals, who appear to have had the Liberty of exercising their own
                            different Tastes.
                        Those Regiments who had not recieved Shirts before the Inspection, are now supplied with one pr Man, unless
                            another can soon be delivered; they will not render the Service that may be expected, the Soldeir being destitute of a
                            Change.
                        The mounted Troops of Sheldons Legion are badly armed, their Pistols are broken and out of Repair, and their
                            Swords of various Kinds,—they have new Swords in Store, but for Want of Scabbards they cannot be used—their horse
                            Furniture is still worse than any other Part of their Equipage—but as there are few Men at present mounted (only 78) these
                            may be better equiped by selecting for them, the best Articles from the whole, and applying the Residue to make the
                            necessary Repairs—There is neither Spurs, curry Combs nor Brushes in the Corps—The Arms of the Infantry are getting out of
                            Repair for Want of an Armourer and Utensals, many will be thrown aside, which the least Repair would preserve.
                        It was with great Difficulty I could make only a Muster of Hazens Regiment, serving by Detachments from Dobbs
                            Ferry, to Hackensack, Pompton, and the Clove—The Men are extreemly destitute of Cloathing, the commanding Officer accounts
                            for it by his not having received his due Proportion for the last Year—Their Arms are generally bad, and many out of
                            Repair, (except the german Recruits who have new Arms, and in excellent Order)—The Regt is formed at present into eight
                            Companies, which are very unequally proportioned, some of them having upwards of an hundred Men in them, others not half
                            so Many—There are a great many Absentees scattered all over the Continent, some have not been seen, or perhaps heard
                            of, for near two Years—There are also several Men in the Regiment actually unfit for the Duties of a Soldier who ought to
                            be otherwise disposed of—I did not take a List of them, General Hazen aledging they could not remove from their present
                            Quarters until Spring.
                        Your Excellency will easily concieve how impossible it was for me to make the Inspection and Muster of the
                            Army sooner, when you consider that I had the whole Duty to do Myself in the detached State of some of the Corps—This Part
                            of our Duty is not only fatiguing, as the Journeys are long, but it is consequently attended with Expence, however
                            adequate my private Purse may be to such Exegencies, I cannot account upon what Principle it aught to be opened to answer
                            such necessary public Purposes, If the Public does not make a sufficient Provision for Myself and Horses—Your Excellency,
                            I trust, cannot expect, I will visit those detached Corps.
                        The Absence of all the Officers in the Department, but Myself, leaves me more Business than I am well able to
                            perform; I shall however be punctual to the utmost of my Power, if your Excellency wishes, and the Purposes of the Public,
                            should not be fully answered, I flatter Myself it will not be attributed to any Neglect of mine—I have the Honor to be
                            Your Excellencys most obedient And very Humble Servant

                            W. Barber, Major, &
                            Asst Insr N. Army


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 7 February 1783
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Roxbury February 7th 1783

                        We have had no arrivals since my last except the Cato at Marblehead whose passage
                            was nearly as long as the Fortune which arrived at Boston, consequently has brought no late
                            news.
                        The Inhabitants of the Eastern parts of this State, are much alarmed at the growing Power and force of the
                            enemy at Ponobscot, and the preparations which are said to be makeing at that place, The Garrison was reinforced some time
                            since, and is said now to consist of near nine hundred men, and that a further reinforcement is expected in the spring,
                            they are also frameing several blockhouses, which are supposed to be intended to be in readiness to be removed and erected
                            with expedition at some other place, it is also said that a New Government is to be formed in that Quarter, to be called
                                Acadia, which will probably be an asylum for many of the refugees, the British are
                            extending their influance among the Inhabitants of the country between Ponobscot and Kennebeck, and should the war
                            continue unless some speedy and effectual measures are adopted that part of the Country will be lost, it is probable that
                            the settlement of the eastern boundary of this State may cause some altercation in the negotiation for Peace, as it has
                            been heretofore disputed, it has been thought on our side, that the Line ought to run as far east as the River St Croix, while the British contend for a line more Westerly, as far as Ponobscot at least, it
                            is really an object of great consequence being one of the best countries in America for Masts,
                            a consideration of importance both to us, and our Allies, it has also a good soil, is well situated for the makeing of Fish,
                            and Ponobscot has an excellent harbour for the largest ships, I cannot therefore but feel ever Anxious for the decision of
                            the Jurisdiction, And should the war continue, from present appearances and the state of things, I think the Public are
                            threatened with more injurious consequences in that Quarter, than in any other part of the United States. I have the honor
                            to be most respectfully your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath

                            P.S. I have this day received the enclosed letter from General Glover in answer to mine to him,
                                respecting his servants who are Soldiers. W.H.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Mhead 5th Feby 1783

                            your Letter of the 27th Ulto has been received, but not Till yesterday. I have taken every measure in my
                                Power, to procure two men to serve as Substituts in the romes of my two negro boys, (my owne Property), whos Times of
                                Service, as Soldiers, will expire in Feby 1784; but all to no effect; I had Therefore, Determined to Send them on to
                                Camp: and had made applications to Colo. Popkins, Previes, to the recipt of your Letter, to Send them with a party of
                                recruits; which will not be redy to go off, under three weeks; my Waggoner and Steward, I Sent on immediately on my
                                receieing Permistion to retire; and have Since been, inform, They have Joined their regiments; at the Same Time,
                                Should have Sent on my two negro boys; had I not been previously indulged by his Excellency, (which I acknowledge a
                                favor) to have them Discharged, on my Procureing two men to the Acceptance of the Mustering officer in Boston, To
                                Serve in their romes. This I am, Sorry to Say I have not been able to do, tho, a Man has been Sent out in the Country
                                (at my expence) to procure them, which I beg his Excellency, may be Aquainted with. I am With Respect Sir your Most
                                Obdt Hble Servt

                                Jno. Glover


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Hobby, 7 February 1783
From: Hobby, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

                            Sir.
                            Camp 7th Febuary 1783.

                        I feel my self unhappy in Troubling your Excellency Again After the Discussion of the Court Respecting my
                            Negro Servant. wod only wish to Observe that they have given it as their Appinion, that my Remedy Lays in the State in
                            which he was Inlisted In Answer to which, I wod say, that from the Circumstances Attending his Inlistment &
                            Mustering I am precluded from Every Remedy—had I been in the State at the time of his Inlistment, my only and sure Remedy
                            wod have been in an Immediately Application to the Muster Master of the State, where the matter wod have Ended, and as
                            that which was my Ne Plus Ultra, fails me at Present, and a Total loss of him must Interely
                            Ensue, I wuld wish your Excellency wod be disposed, that this Circumstance might Engage one moment of yr Excellencys
                            Attention. Am your Excellencys Obliged hum. Sert

                            Jon. Hobby


Title: From David Humphreys to Jonathan Hobby, 7 February 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Hobby, Jonathan

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh 7 February 1783

                        As the Court of Enquiry upon a reversal of their Proceedings are still of opinion that the Negro man claimed
                            by you is legally holden to serve the term he is inlisted for, & that your only remedy is against the State—The
                            Commmander in Chief does not think himself authorized to discharge the Sd Negro, unless another Man is obtained by the
                            State, or otherwise to serve in his room. I am Sir With great respect Your Most Obedt Servt

                            D. Humphrys A.D.C.


Title: From George Washington to Michael Jackson, Sr., 7 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Jackson, Michael, Sr.

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh Feby 7th 1783

                        I am excessively sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of informing you that the 8th Masstts Regt was
                            one of the Corps alluded to in the orders of this day, as not having made that elegant appearance at the Review yesterday
                            which was expected—Let me entreat & conjure you, Sir, in the most forcible terms, and let me enjoin it upon both
                            Officers & Men, that the greatest possible exertions should be made to put the Regt in a more respectable
                            condition before another Review: in order to save me the irksome task of carrying into execution what I have promised
                            in the orders of this day, and them the otherwise inevitable disgrace of being held up to public view in a disagreeable
                            manner.
                        These observations will be understood to apply only to the Battalion Companies; for in justice to the Lt
                                Company, I must say, that I thought very few if any in the Line made a more soldierlike figure. I am
                            Sir with great regard.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Lansdale, 7 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lansdale, Thomas

                            Dr Sir,
                            Head Qrs Newburgh 7th February 1783.

                        It gave me very sensible pleasure to observe at the Review yesterday, the very great alteration for the
                            better in the appearance of the Mary land Detachment, which had taken place, since I last saw them under Arms.
                        Be pleased to make known to the Officers & Men the satisfaction I experienced on this occasion; and
                            at the same time to acquaint them, that I anticipate the day when this Detachment will rival if not surpass in excellence
                            the oldest & best Troops in the American Service.
                        I feel as much pleasure in passing this encomium on it; as I did pain at writing my former letter of the 25th
                            Ulto on the contrary appearance of your Corps &ca. I am—Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Peter Muhlenberg, 7 February 1783
From: Muhlenberg, Peter
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Winchester Barracks Febry 7th 1783

                        Since I had the Honor of addressing Your Excellency last Month; I have recd a Letter from The Governor
                            informing me, that the necessary steps are taken to enable the recruiting Officers to March their Men to the Rendezvous.
                            & that The Executive will do every thing in their power to recover the Deserters—The Governor likewise directs me
                            to stop any further proceedings against Captn Fox, as He is convinced the Captain is totally inocent of the Charge.
                        The weather has been so severe, & Conveyance so precarious that but few returns are come in for last
                            Month. such as have come to hand, I do myself the Honor to transmit to Your Excellency. I have the Honor to be, with the
                            highest respect Your Excellencys Most Obedt humble Servant

                            P. Muhlenberg

                     Enclosure

                            Report of the Officers on the Recruiting service: Jany 1783

                                        Captain
                                        Anderson
                                        2

                                        Cowherd
                                        2

                                        Hogg
                                        1.

                                        Minnis
                                        6

                                        Lieutt
                                        Miller
                                        9.

                                        Captn
                                        Pendleton
                                        1

                                        Lieutt
                                        Vandevall
                                        1.

                                        Walker
                                        3

                                        Captn
                                        Kirkpatrick
                                        6.

                                        Williams
                                        10

                                        Bohannon

                                             8

                                            49

                                P. Muhlenberg B.G.


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 7 February 1783
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Providence 7th Feby 1783.

                        I have this day been Hond with your Excellency’s favr of 24th Ulto Incloseing an act of Congress of 31st
                            Decer Respecting the Reduction of the Rhode Island Regmt &c. &c. on 1st March—I am Sorry I Cannot give your Excellency a more favourable account Respecting Raising men to Compleat the
                            Regmt. the State have not yet made the Least provision for Effecting it—the Genl Assembly will not meet untill 24th Inst.
                            & I doubt if the State will Even then take the matter up with their Usual Spirit—the hope of peace Seams to Lull
                            them to Sleep, & Quite leads them off their Ground—Should the State Take measures for
                            Compleating the Regmt, I Shall advise your Excellency of it as Speedily as possible. I have the Honor to be with Great
                            Esteem Your Excellency, Obed. Hume Ser.

                            Jereh Olney


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 7 February 1783
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh Feby 7. 1783.

                        The conductor whom I sent to Albany with blankets for Colo. Willet’s regiment is returned. He arrived there
                            the 4th before sunset; and has delivered the blankets to Colo. Willet, together with ten guineas which I sent to prevent
                            any little difficulties and delays, which even so small a sum of money might obviate. He has brought no letters for your
                            Excellency. I am, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obedt servant

                            Tim: Pickering Q.M.G.


Title: From Rufus Putnam to David Humphreys, 7 February 1783
From: Putnam, Rufus
To: Humphreys, David

                            Sir
                            Huts, 3d Mass: Brigade February 7th 1783

                        Agreeable to the Directions of the commander in chief in your official letter of the 4th Inst; the court of
                            enquiry appointed respecting the Negro man claimed by Mr Hobby have revised their former proceedings, the result of which
                            you have enclosed. I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient Humble servant

                            R. Putnam B. Genl

                     Enclosure

                                Feby, 7. 1783

                            The Court met again agreeable to order And having reconsidered their former opinion together with such
                                further reasons as Mr Hobby had to offer in support of his claim to the discharge of his negro, And altho’ the court
                                cannot think his right of demanding it because the Negro is his slave can be considered as valid Any other way than
                                through the authority of the State; yet as they are Sensible it will be Severe on Mr Hobby to put his interest as an
                                Individual in a scale with that of the public and as a process in the State will be attended with delay and expence in
                                pitty to Mr Hobby they Submit the matter to the General to do as he shall think proper.

                                Moses Knapp Major and President


Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 7 February 1783
From: Anonymous
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Camp February 7th 1783

                        This letter, which begs of your Excellency the favour of a perusal begins with a confission of a fault, even
                            while in the verry Commission of it; for indeed I confess, I do not think myself entitled to the freedom I now venture to
                            take; but what will not a Man hazard when hope rouses him from despair!
                        Alas how often has my honest avarice of the approbation of the good and worthy, been ready to expire with the
                            groans of a dying character! Nay how long have my fond hopes, of Contributing something to the cause of virtue and my
                            Country, been buried deep in despair; My hopes however now Revive and like a desperate Man who can lose nothing but
                            possebly may gain something, they dare to look forward, even to some industrious honour and virtuous repute. But lest
                            these exclamations may run too far without being plain and expressive in their designs, I will beg leave, immediately, to
                            say that I have often been deeply penetrated with a painful sense of the lost and ruined character of the Chaplains of the
                            Army! In saying this I do not mean to Arrest the personal characters of my brethren in Order to exculpate and sanctify
                            myself; for I believe that form of Confession which will suit one of us will not be very improper for the whole department.
                            I have a long time been fully convinced that no men in the Army have been more criminally deficient in their duty than
                            we have been; yet at the same time I hope I shall not be blamed for saying that the Coldness and inattention of many of
                            the Officers, who Command Brigades, deserve some blame also. But I am certain, notwithstanding this, that the Chaplains of
                            no Army in the World have had either so much encouragement to perform their duty, or so much Respect from their Commanders
                            in Chief, as the American Chaplains have had both from your Excellency, and from Congress.
                        In order to support our reputation in the Army, and to strenghten our hands for the faithful discharge of our
                            duty, Sir, you have condescended to honour us with invitations as personal as respect could dictate and as public as
                            General Orders could announce. It is, however, too much a truth, in my opinion that our Conduct has wearied your patience,
                            though it is very great, and placed us in the estimation of the Army so much below contempt as not to be accounted worthy
                            of the honour even of being punished! the distress & bitterness of grief, urges me to say, what in an other
                            situation my diffidence would not Suffer me even to think! but before I go any farther I will plead guilty, and promise
                            reformation so far as my efforts can effect it. Had it not been an established principle with me that there ought to be
                            Chaplains in All Armies, and especially in the American Army, I should long before this time have deserted the life of a
                            Camp, and have sought an honest character wherever there was a prospect of obtaining it.
                        I now drop this painful subject, I change my ground, and instead of troubleing your
                            Excellency aney longer with my complaints and confessions, I appear in the character of a petitioner: and I think I can
                            with more boldness offer my petition when I consider that whatever will effect the Chaplains of the Army will equally
                            affect and govern myself—Confiding then in your goodness and generosity, I beg, and if I ask any thing amiss, I will hope
                            to be pardoned since all that I mean to request is dictated, I think, by an honest zeal for the good of the Army and the
                            recovery of our Clerical reputation; I do therefore request that only one third of the Chaplains be permitted to be absent
                            from the Army at the same time, and then only by particular permission, obtained from Head Quarters, when it is their
                            regular tour of absence, and does not prevent this previlege from extending itself equally to every Chaplain. It is also
                            requested that the Chaplains be directed to visit the Hospital each one in his weekly tour of that duty.
                        As soon as the public Building is capable of receiving the Troops it is desired that they may be ordered to
                            attend every Sunday. Did I not fear it would be too presuming, I would venture to believe that the whole Army, or however
                            as many as may be spared from other duties, can, in four Assemblies, attend divine Service on the same day.
                        Shall I say that the second Brigade Massechusetts can Constitute one Assembly and meet at
                            ten O.Clock—the New Hampshire and New York may Constitute a seacond Assembly and meet at twelve OClock—A third assembly
                            may be made up of the New Jersey and the Maryland troops, and the third Brigade Massachusetts; they may
                            meet at two O.Clock—General Patterson’s Brigade being on the ground and requireing no length of time to
                            return to their quarters, can better constitute the last Assembly of the day at four OClock. But I stop, I am affraid I
                            have taken too much liberty. However as this letter is of a private nature and only attempts to communicate what I wished
                            to express in your presence, this freedom may be the more pardonable.
                        In a word, I beg that your Excellency, will be pleased to point out some mode to the Troops for their regular
                            and constant attendance on devine service every Sunday, and for the more steady attendence of the Chaplains with the Army.
                        Will your Excellency be pleased to order the Chaplains who are Absent, to return to their Brigades; or direct
                            the officers Commanding Brigades to call them into Camp as soon as possible. With the most ardent wishes for your felicity
                            of every kind, and I cannot allow any body to wish your happiness with more sincerety and warmth of heart then I do—I am
                            Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient Most devoted Humble Servant.


Title: General Orders, 8 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Saturday February 8th 1783
                            Parole Gilead.
                            C. signs Hartford—Illonois.

                        For the day tomorrow Major Reading.
                        For duty the third Massachusetts Regiment.
                        At the general court martial of which Colonel Michael Jackson is president—Ensign Ricker Sedam of the 1st
                            Jersey regiment charged with seizing a cow belonging to the husband of Catherine Leggett under pretence of its being
                            designed for the enemy, and afterwards carrying the same Cow below the Lines and selling her there—Was tried—The court on
                            consideration are of opinion that Ensign Ricker Sedam did seize a Cow belonging to the husband of Catherine Leggett and
                            that he sold the same Cow a few rods below the Lines—they are also of Opinion that he had a right to seize the Cow, but he
                            ought to have had her condemned, before he sold her, which was not the case, yet considering all the circumstances
                            attending the transaction they think him excusable.
                        The Commander in chief approves the opinion of the court and releases Ensign Sedam from Arrest.
                        At the General court martial of which Colonel Zebulon Butler is president—Thomas Stevens a soldier in the 3d
                            Massachusetts regiment, charged with using insulting Language to Lieutenant Smith of the 6th Massa. regiment when
                            crossing the river at Westpoint, and afterwards striking Lieutenant Smith several times, was tried. The court on due
                            consideration find Stephens guilty of a breach of part of article 5th section 2d of the rules and articles of war, and
                            sentence him to have his honorary Badge taken off at the head of the regiment to which he belongs, and receive one hundred
                            lashes on his naked back.
                        The Commander in chief approves the sentence of the Court, but remits the infliction of the punishment in
                            consideration of the orders of the 6th instant.
                        All officers going on Furlough-Command, or any other business which calls them from Camp, are directed to
                            leave orders on the paymaster, for their subsistence, during their absence.


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Kinney, 8 February 1783
From: Kinney, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Pompton Feby 8th 1783

                        I beg leave to inform your Excellency that on the 3d Instant, I went to Bergen at the Solicitation of my
                            Mother, who has been unwell a long time for the purpose of giving her the Benefit of procuring a few Oysters, which was
                            recommended to her by a Physician to be the only relief for her Indisposition. I left her at the House of Mrs Brown were
                            she wished to remain for a few days, and on my return was solicited by a Mr Caleb Brewen of New Ark, to take in a Bed
                            which he said belonged to a Man who had lately made his escape from New York, and for which he had Governor
                                Livingstons pasport, I took him & his Bed into the sleigh and proceeded for New Ark,
                            shortly after he fired a pistol which he said was by accident, uppon which I was stopped by Lieut. Stewart of General
                            Hazens Regmt who informed me; that in Consequence of the Pistols being fired, several sleighs had turned about &
                            Drove back, which he suspected were loaded with contraband Goods, I informed him I knew nothing of them, and urged to
                            drive on, he refused; He however made me his prisoner, and sent me to Genl Hazen (Under the Charge of a Corporal) from
                            whom I have in vain solicited leave to go to my Fathers, at New Ark in Order to procure Evidences in
                            my favor, to prevent the Condemnation of my sleigh and Horses—I concieve my Treatment to be exceeding hard
                            and unprecedented—If their was any Crime to be laid to my charge—If going to Bergen was a Civil, or
                            Military Offence, I am willing to answer. I refer my case to your Excellency and doubt not but I shall
                            recieve perfect Justice. I beg leave further to acquaint your Excellency my Furlough is nearly expired. at the expiration
                            of which I should wish to Join my Regiment. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Very Obedt Servant

                            Abrm Kinney
                            Lieut. 2nd Regt Dragoon


Title: From George Washington to Ezra Newhall, 8 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Newhall, Ezra

                            Sir
                            Head Qrs Newburgh Feby 8th 1783

                        I am excessively sorry to be under the disagreeable necessity of informing you that the 5th Masstts Regt was
                            one of the Corps alluded to in the Orders of this day, as not having made that elegant appearance at the review yesterday,
                            which was expected—Let me entreat & conjure you Sir, in the most forcible terms; and let me enjoin it upon both
                            Officers & men, that the greatest possible exertions should be made to put the Regt in a more respectable
                            condition before another Review: in order to save me the irksome task of carrying into execution what I have promised in
                            the orders of this day, & them the otherwise inevitable disgrace of being held up to public view in a disagreeable
                            manner—I am Sir with great regard &ca.


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 8 February 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dobbs ferry 8th Feby 1783

                        Inclosed is a Letter from New York directed to me your Excellency will observe it contains permission for me
                            to enter the City by way of Paulus Hook.
                        It appears to me necessary that the Flag orders should come from Head Quarters as it may not be proper for an
                            officer commanding to issue Flag orders for his own conveyance.
                        Mr Merrit has finished his business and returned—so that the flag orders need not contain any other persons
                            than myself and servant, the Lieutenant of the flag and a small Escort whose names I will insert in the margin. I have the
                            honor to be Your Excellncy’s Most Obedient Servant

                            W.S. Smith Lt Colo. &ca

                            P.S. The Sybel, a french 44 gun frigate was this morning brought into Yorkdismasted.

                            W.S.S.


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 8 February 1783
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Dobbs’s Ferry 8th Feby 1783

                        Inclosed I have the honor of forwarding to your Excellency the papers of the 3d 4th &5th instant The
                            Enemy are anxiously expecting the arrival of a Cutter from Europe, said to be on her way—on the 6th 60 Guineas were laid to
                            30, at the Coffee House in favour of a peace upon her arrival. I am Your Excellency most Obedt Ser.

                            W.S. Smith Lt Colo.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 8 February 1783
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Feby 8th 1783.

                        I have this Evening reviewed the Paper of the 29th ulto containing the Charges & the Specification
                            thereof from B. Genl Hazen in behalf of himself and twenty four Officers of his Regiment against Lieutenant Thomas Edwards
                            Judge Advocate of the Army; And find that the Complainants impeach Mr Edwards in three genl Charges, Vizt

                                    1.
                                    “Want of Abilities and a regular judicious System in the Office and Duties of a Judge Advocate.”

                                    2.
                                    With “Want of Candour and Impartiality in conductg Prosecutions as Judge Advocate in Courts Martial.”

                                    3rd
                                    With “Neglect of duty in the Office of Judge Advocate.”

                        As the Specification of the Charges are too prolix for Recapitulation in this place, I shall by Leave to
                            refer to them & take the Liberty of making some Observations on such as require that notice.
                        1st General Head.
                        1. Article. I only observe that this Charge, if true, ought possibly to have had due Weight &
                            Consideration in the original Appointment of Mr Edwards to the Office with which he is honored; but cannot at this day be
                            a Subject of Prosecution before a military Court. As to the 2nd Article of Charge I am lead to observe generally, that it
                            was wrong in any Court Martial, in a legal point of View, to admit any Matter to be offered in Evidence which was not
                            mediately or immediately pertinent to the Charges before the Court, either on the part of the Prosecution or Defence; And
                            it was equally so to admit of any Inferences or Observations which do not naturally and necessarily arise from the Tenor
                            of the Evidence offered in the Prosecution or Defence of such Charges: But supposing it to be a fact that at a Court
                            Martial wherein Mr Edwards sat as Dy Judge Advocate, certain Aspersions had been admitted by the Court &
                            countenanced by him in a prisoners Defence which afterwards were judged to be erroneous; Yet whether Mr
                            Edwards as Judge Advocate in Chief stands now amenable to the public for any injudicous or Total Want of regular System in
                            that Department, when he was only a subordinate Officer; Or for an Error in Judgmt or a Wrong Decission of his own at that
                            Time will hardly bear a Question; and there remains no doubt that he is not to be held accountable for a Wrong Decission
                            of the Court, who, upon no principle whatever are bound by his Advice, Opinion or Direction; And from
                            Mr Edwards’s, then rank and standing in the Army, It is not probable, as General Hazen does presume that the Court were wholly influenced by his Ideas of Propriety or Impropriety & decreed accordingly, in the Admission of extraneous Matters in Major Reids then Defence.
                        It is certain that Mr Edwards’s Ideas (if wrong before) appear to have been perfectly correct &
                            consonant to the Rules of Legal Propriety, in refusing to admit a Charge in this Court founded on supposed Aspersions in a
                            Paper called Major Reids Defence in a former Court Martial; which supposed Aspersions, if really such & not
                            warranted from the Course of the Evidence admitted to be given on that Trial, that Court ought to have expunged from their
                            Proceedings & put an End to further Litigation.
                        It is equally certain that the Admission of that Defence in Evidence against Major Reid would have been
                            wholly improper unless the whole proceedings with the Orders therein could have been brought before
                            this Court, that they might determine from the face thereof whether every Matter, supposed to be and charged as
                            Aspersions, were not strictly warranted from the nature of the Case or the Evidence offered either on the part of the
                            Prosecution or Defence is whether a proper Punishment had not been already inflicted for the same Offence. It is a Maxim
                                in that Standard of Justice, the Common Law of the Land, that no man shall be
                            punished a second Time for the same Default.
                        It is beyond a doubt that a Court Martial cannot be appointed to review & correct the proceedg of
                            another Court, which has already had the Confirmation of the Genl in Chief & is carried into full Effect; who
                            alone has the Controul of the Proceedings of such Court & will most probably reprobate the Errors of that Court
                            & censure any undue Liberties which the too great Indulgence of the Judges has admitted to Defendants.
                        As to the 3rd Point. How far Mr Edwards handed to the Court, at the Instance of Major Reid, any erronious
                            Quotations of Common Law Cases cannot be asscertained from the Proceedings & must therefore
                            rest in the Testimony of Bye Standers uninterested in the Events of the Prosecution, in Which View
                            neither B. Genl Hazen or any of the 24. Officers in whose behalf he interests himself can be considered; If Mr Edwards
                            unfairly stated Cases to answer Mr Reids purposes it was uncandid & in that View criminal.
                        I must here observe that it is easy to admit Manuscript Quotations of Common Law Cases
                            on any Occasion; It is wholly inadmissible in Common Law Courts, upon this just & prudent principle, that it is
                            not the highest Evidence which the nature of the Case was capable of; And the Books from which such Cases were transcribed
                            on the Spur of the Occasion, were certainly within the Reach of either Party & ought to have been adduced to the
                            Court. Whatever may have been the Conduct of Mr Edwards on this Occasion it can only affect him personally & not
                            the Decission of the Court on this point, as it appears to have been proper. The Remainder of this Specification is
                            noticed under the second Head.
                        on the 4th Point I conceive the Judge Advocate acted Right & has acted with Propriety as Chief in
                            receding from the supposed Error in Judgment & practice, which was imputed to him as a Subordinate Officer. On the
                            5th Point. Altho the Truth of it is questioned I conceive the Charge to be trifling & to reflect on the Judgment
                            of the Accusers, in mistaking a matter of Delicacy for Want of Abilities & a regular
                                judicious System.
                        I now come to the Specification under the second General Head, And on the first Article I only
                                mention, that I have so fully noticed it in the second Article of the first General Head, that it
                            would be waste of Time & paper to add more, than that it appears Mr Edwards has acted properly in departing from a
                            Wrong Precedent, which took place at a Time when he was a Subordinate Officer & less versed in the Duties of his
                                Office. 2ndly Whether Mr Edwards has been guilty of this Charge remains to be investigated as I
                            mentd under the 3rd Article of the preceding Genl Head. As also whether he was guilty of neglect or Disingenuity
                            respecting the Law Cases adduced.
                        I must here again notice, that Mr Edwards is held to be responsible for a supposed Criminality in determining
                            not to profer to the Court, Cases which he thought inapplicable & in great Measure for the Decission of the Court, who appear to have judged for themselves on the State of Facts before
                            them. But if Mr Edwards designedly neglected or suppressed any such Matters as were pertinent to the Issue to be tried
                            & necessary for the Information of the Court he was criminal as a Man of Candour & Impartiallity; but
                            whether or not this will affect the proceedings of that Court, where the Law Cases were Acts of Supererrogation is before
                            noticed.
                        There are also charges against Mr Edwards for refusing the written ex parte Testimony of One Andw Luckey upon
                            a Charge of fraud; which does not appear to have been the Act of Mr Edwards but the Decission of the Court, against its
                            Propriety as it was not taken under the Sanction of competent Authority & agreeable to the mode prescribed.
                        The written Testimony of Captn Duncan was also refused with Propriety; because
                            Captn Duncan was in Court & the Law prefers the highest Evidence possible, where the Court, from seeing the
                            Witness in his Manner might judge of the probable truth of his Declarations upon both & the Parties might moreover
                            cross examine him. And written Testimony is never admitted in Courts of Common Law, but in peculiar Circumstances where
                            the Benefit of the Witness is Viva voce or living Testimony cannot be had on the day of Trial;
                            This is rare & in those Cases it is done by an Order of the Court pendg the Suit & the Parties notified to
                            attend.
                        the third Charge is neglect of duty, in suppressg the Testimony of Witnesses who were called upon to prove
                            certain Acts of Major Reid which were imputed as Frauds & which acts were admitted by him, but their Criminallity
                            denied & accounted for by Major Reid in his defence, So that all that Chain of Witnesses on that Point were
                            unnecessary & for that Reason refused to be examined, Which Propriety of Conduct in Mr Edwards is censured by his
                                Account.
                        The Remainder of the Charges under this last General Head are comprised in my Observation on the 2nd Article
                            of the 1st Genl Head. And secrecy only to be dressed in different Language suited to paint the supposed
                            Criminality of the Charges against Mr Edwards & his participation in the Crimes of Major Reid. And then I closed
                            with a Repetition of the whole.
                        Thus I have committed to paper such Remarks as I thought pertinent in the State of the Charges exhibited
                            against Major Reid; And find on a Comparison of the Memorial with the Charges that Complainants have not thought proper to
                            avail themselves of every material Charge suggested in the Memorial. I have the Honor to be very respectfully Your
                            Excellencys Obedt Servt

                            Richd Varick


Title: To George Washington from Marinus Willett, 8 February 1783
From: Willett, Marinus
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Fort Herkemer 8th Feby 1783

                        After a variety of dificulties we are furnished with every thing necessary to proceed on our march—I expect
                            we shall encamp this night ten or twelve miles above this—If too many horses dont give out, Nor any other Insurmountable
                            obstacle occur, I hope to be able to execute the business at the time mentioned in your excellencies letter of the 2d of
                            this Instant.
                        The mode that has been taken to procure Sleighs has laid us open to cival prosecutions—This is a matter I did
                            not advert to untill after I had sent of my last letter to your Excellency from Albany. And then it was too late or I
                            should have applyed to your excellency for a Warrent of Impress, Which by the laws of our State would have prevented the
                            possibility of Danger of any such kind of prosecutions—If however it may not be conceived Improper I could wish Your Excellency still to provoid a Warrent Dated
                            previous to the Sixth of this Instant, the time when the Impresses were begun below. I have the honor to be with the most
                            profound respect Your Excellencies most obedient servt

                            Marinus Willett


Title: General Orders, 9 February 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Sunday February 9th 1783
                            Parole Kendal.
                            Countersigns Lincoln, Montgomery.

                        For the day tomorrow Major Fish.
                        For duty the 6th Massachusetts regiment.
                        A Board consisting of all the General officers in this Cantonment and at the Garrison of Westpoint to
                            assemble at such place as shall be appointed by Major Genl Gates on thursday next to take into consideration certain
                            points contained in a memorial of Brigadier Genl Hazen in behalf of himself and a large majority of the officers of his
                            regiment, relative to the proceedings of Courts martial, the duties of a Judge advocate and the conduct of Mr Edwards the
                            present Judge advocate, the particular objects of inquiry will be pointed out by the Commander in chief. The parties
                            concerned are directed to attend and exhibit such Documents and information as shall be thought proper, and the Board are
                            requested to report their opinion thereon as soon as may be.
                        The inspection and muster of the Troops in this Cantonment will be made for the month of Jany upon the
                            following days.

                                    The first Massachusetts
                                    brigade
                                    the 12th instant

                                    Jersey
                                    do
                                    13th

                                    Hampshire
                                    do
                                    14th

                                    3d Massachusetts
                                    do
                                    15th

                                    2d & 8th Massa.
                                    regiments
                                    16th

                                    5th Massachusetts
                                    regt
                                    17th

                                    York
                                    Brigade
                                    20th