Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 10 March 1780
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Albany 10th March 1780

          I have to acknowlege the Receipt of your Excellency’s Letters of the 5th & 20th Ulto—The Legislature had under their Consideration last Fall a more suitable Provision for the Officers and Privates forming the Quota of this State in the Continental Army—they were interrupted in this Business by their rising sooner than was intended, occasioned by the Expectation of the Arrival of the French Fleet—Early in their present Meeting they reassumed the Consideration of this Subject and I would fain hope that such Measures will be taken as will leave the Troops without any just Cause of future Complaint. I am sensible their meritorious Services have not been hitherto properly noticed and their present distressed Situation apologizes in some Measure for their hasty Determination to quit the Service but I could wish that in communicating this Resolution they had observed a greater Degree of Delicacy in those Expressions which respect the Legislature of the State to which they belong especially while their Memorial on this Subject was depending before them. They may nevertheless rely on my best Intentions to serve them.
          I have received from Colo. Van Schaick the Return of his Regiment and I am happy in acquainting your Excellency that exclusive of Cavalry, Regimented Artificers &c. the Quota of Troops fixed for this State for the ensuing Campaign is fully complete. I have the Honor to be with the highest Sentiments of Respect & Esteem your Excellency’s most obedt sert

            Geo: Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Royal Flint, 10 March 1780
From: Flint, Royal
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Hartford, March 10th 1780

          Though I am out of public Employment, I feel myself too much interested in the welfare of the Army, not to look with concern on every curcumstance, that is unfavourable to it—I was no less disappointed than troubled to find, that the Legislature of this State had dissolved without taken any measures to promote the Supply of the Army—This information appeared still more alarming, when I found that Col. Blane had passed through this State on to Massachusetts, without prevailing with any Person to act in his Department, on the terms he was authorized to allow—There are now no public purchasers of provisions in the State; and Col. Champion has sent off the last of his Cattle—By some accident Col. Blane failed of seeing Col. Champion, and the purchase of Beef is wholly at a stand—I determine to wait on his Excellency the Governor and his Council and endeavour to convince them of the necessity of attending to this important Object: but I assure your Excellency I have my apprehensions of your being out of Meat before the middle of next Month. I am, with the greatest Respect & Esteem—Your Excellency’s Most Obed. Servt

            Royal Flint


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Sim Lee, 10 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Thomas Sim

            Sir
            Head Qrs [Morristown] March the 10th 1780

          Since I had the Honor of writing to Your Excellency on the 20th Ulti—I have obtained Returns of some Corps, which I had not then. I find there are in Moylan’s Regiment of Light Dragoons a few Men belonging to the State of Maryland, of which I inclose You a particular Return, specifying the terms for which they stand engaged.
          I have received within a few days past the Honor of Your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d of last month. In consequence, I have informed General Gist that a Flag shall be furnished to convey Your passport to New York, respecting Mrs Chamier’s furniture &c., and I very much wish that She may receive them safe. Her peculiar circumstances and the generosity of Mr Chamier in his life time to our prisoners, as has been

frequently mentioned, seem to have given Mrs Chamier a good claim to the indulgence the Council have granted. I have the Honor to be with great respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt st

            Go: Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Reed, 10 March 1780
From: Reed, Joseph
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philad. March 10. 1780.

          The Bearer has obtained the Permission of the Authority of this State for sundry Persons belonging to the Moravian Society to come into this State from New York. The Council having every Reason to be satisfied with the general Behaviour of the Society I beg Leave to recommend their Case to your Excellys favourable Notice so far as your Orders or Permission may be necessary to the Military Officers on the Lines. And am with every Sentiment of Respect & Regard Your Excellys Most Obed. & very Hbble Serv.

            Jos: Reed President


Title: To George Washington from John Trumbull, 10 March 1780
From: Trumbull, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Lebanon [Conn.] 10th March 1780

          Having determin’d to Visit Europe, in a few Months—where Military Reputation is highly Esteem’d—and where, to have Serv’d in the American Army is a general Letter of Credit—I Beg leave to request from your Excellency a single Line expressive of my Services, and the Rank with which I was once honor’d. I should not have troubled your Excellency with this Application, had not the manner in which I quitted the Service, laid me under the disagreeable necessity of returning my Commission to Congress.
          I have requested Mr Brown to call on his Return from Philadelphia for your Commands—and shall trespass no further on your Time—than to wish you all Glory and Happiness—and to Assure you, that I am, With profound Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedient, Oblig’d And Humble servant

            John Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 10 March 1780
From: Trumbull, Jonathan Sr.
To: Washington, George

            Dr Sir
            Lebanon [Conn.] 10th March 1780

          I had the Honor to recceive your Favor of the 20th Ulto, enclosing a Return of the Troops now in service from this State, and marking the deficiencies which are to be made good for the ensuing Campaign—on the fifth Instant—previous to which the General Assembly of the State, had stated their deficiency at Eighteen hundred; and had pass’d an Act for recruiting that Number of Men with all possible Dispatch—Offering, in addition to all Continental Encouragements Three Hundred Dollars Bounty to each Man—and all those Supplies and advantages which the State have heretofore allow’d their Troops. The Number provided for by this Act will not be reduc’d, in consequence of your Excellency’s Letter, in the Hope that Eighteen hundred Nominal Men may produce us at least fifteen Hundred Effectives, in some Season. tho’ not possibly at so early a Day as the first of April, which is already at hand.
          It is hop’d that our Quota of the Army will be Satisfied and pleas’d with the Measures which the General Assembly have at length taken for the Establishment and regulation of their Pay. Tho’ sorry I am to say that, in this Instance there has been too great Delay.
          I have likewise before me, unanswer’d, a Letter from your Excellency of the 8th January last. I have been at a loss what reply to make—Of wheat We have undoubtedly an ample plenty—but the Changes of unessential Modes and Forms, as well as of the more important regulations of the purchasing Officers—are so reiterated and numerous—and the Embarrassments for want of Cash so perpetual and insurmountable, that We know not what to do.
          It would be a difficult Task for Government to command Individuals to incurr the Expence of fattening Cattle, unless, at the same time they should place before them the Hope of some reasonable reward.
          Our Treasury is too exhausted to furnish in proper Season, the necessary Sums for the recruiting Service—And our Credit is attack’d with a new and insurmountable Obstacle. Those People who are the

principals in fattening Cattle for the Army, loudly complain—that, having receiv’d no payment whatever, for the Stock which they have furnish’d the Public for some months past—they find themselves now absolutely unable to purchase lean Cattle to carry on their Business—besides that the Avails of their last Sale, will not, at this Day make good an equal number of lean. To this Effect a Number of the people of this Class presented a Memorial to the Genl Assembly a few Days since, Representing, that, unless the Debts of the Commissary’s Department were in some way discharg’d, at least in part it would be absolutely impossible for them to continue their supplies to the Army—whereas were but the past Debts paid, they could still go on for some time longer on Credit. And this Memorial, by the directions of the General Assembly, I transmit by this conveyance to Congress—urging them to Execute some plan for the Discharge of Mr Wadsworth’s Debts—or at least to put it in his power to make Experiment of a mode, which was indeed promis’d Him, when last at Philadelphia, but which promise Care has not been taken to fullfill. Of Three Millions which were then engag’d to Him an Order for only One has been obtain’d—and, of the Bills of Exchange and Loan Certificates from whose Sale even this Sum was to have been rais’d, the Bills only are sent on to the Loan Officer—and these too in Bills of so large Amount as few People are able to purchase. By which means, the Sale is totally prevented. Colo. Wadsworth had indeed engag’d a sufficient Number of Gentlemen, either Creditors, or in Trade, to have taken off nearly the Sum at once—but this Delay has render’d it necessary for many of these, on the Approach of Spring and Business, to lay out their Monies, in other modes rather than to hazard another Month’s Delay.
          Indeed, my dear Sir, our Affairs appear to me in a situation not only deplorable, but disgracefull. I can only add that whatever is in the power of this small State to Effect, for the salvation of the Country, will be executed with earnest pleasure. I have the Honor to be, with all Esteem and Respect—Your Excellency’s most Obedient and most Humble Servant

            Jonth; Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Seth Warner, 10 March 1780
From: Warner, Seth
To: Washington, George

            Bennington [Vt.]10th March 1780.
            May it please your Excellency,

          The Difficultys my Regiment Labour under are many and great—This Winter has stripp’d them quite Naked for Cloathing—My Men are entirely unfit for Duty, though in Health, for the Want of Shirts, Breeches, Stockings and Shoes—Some are entirely without Blanketts—Every Article of Cloathing in the Regiment is worn out—I find there is more Cloathing charged to the Regt than we have ever receiv’d (viz.) a Quantity of Cloathing drawn from the Stores at Fish Kill by Colo. Dubois, also 20 Watch Coats which Mr Sherman late P. Masr to my Regimt made private Sale of, and I have Reason to think by the best Accounts I have yet been able to procure that there were many other Articles which were never delivered to the Regiment—I arrested Mr Sherman almost Two Months ago, and he is now in Albany prepareing his Accounts for a Settlement with the Regiment and the Public—I have ordered him to make an immediate Settlement with the Regiment, after which I shall send him with a trusty Officer to Head Quarters to settle with the Public—Ensign Tolman (the Bearer of this) present Paymaster to my

Regt will present a Return for Cloathing which if it cannot be answered the Men must go naked—He will likewise present a Return for Cloathing for a Number of Officers who receive no Supplies from any State, and those have it not in their Power to furnish themselves—My Officers are fond to think if they had Money they could do a considerable towards filling the Regiment.
          The inclosed is a List of Men reingaged and New Recruits at the Time of that Date, since which my Officers have been and still are Recruiting—The Number of Men they have since engaged I cannot asscertain, But they have a considerable Number as they are daily scattering on to the Regimt Nine of which went through this Town yesterday, and I find, they are all in Want of Cloathing—Should be glad that a larger Number of Suits, (viz. 50 or 60) more than specified in the Return be sent. Every Soldier that engages expects to be immediately cloathed—Would earnestly request that a Sum of Money be sent on by Ensign Tolman for the Purpose of Recruiting—it being so essential to the Building the Regimt that unless we receive it soon, Recruiting Men will fail, as my Officers are not able to advance more than they have already done, which is considerab⟨le.⟩ I have 44 Men who engaged for during the War before the 23d of Jany 1779 who have not received their 100. Dollars each, which is allowed by Congress, Ensn Tolman will present a Return for the Money due to thos⟨e⟩ Men, which request that he may receive. I am with much Respect and Esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Humble Servant

            Seth Warner

            P.S. A considerable Quan[ti]ty of Cloathing which is charged to my Regt has been delivered to Capt. Thos Lee’s Independant Company of Rangers, who were anex’d to my Regt for a Time, ⟨b⟩y General Clinton.

              S.W.

            P.S. Also request that Ensn Tolman may receive Nine Portmanteaus as there is that Number of Officers in my Regimt destitut, inclusiv⟨e⟩ of those in Captivity; Also if in Store, request Three Valisses for the Use of myself, with the Field and Staff.

              S.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Augustine Washington, 10 March 1780 [letter not found]
From: Washington, John Augustine
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from John Augustine Washington, 10 March 1780. GW wrote Washington on 6 June–6 July 1780 acknowledging “Your letter of the 10th of March” (DLC:GW).


Title: General Orders, 11 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown saturday March 11th 1780.
            Parole Trade—  C. Signs Leinster. Bedford.

          Hand’s and Maxwell’s brigades will relieve the fatigue party at the Baskin-Ridge Hospital tomorrow.
          Stark’s brigade will furnish a serjeant two Corporals and twenty men as a fatigue party to be sent tomorrow to Mr William Beard’s saw mill, near Basken-Ridge to assist in repairing the same, for the use of the Army.
          The Main Guard and Morristown Picket are to be relieved by detail every other day ’till further orders.
          The brigadiers and officers commanding brigades are desired to attend at Head Quarters punctually at 11 ôclock next monday morning.


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Udny Hay, 11 March 1780
From: Hay, Udny
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Fish Kill [N.Y.] 11th March 1780

          I have the Honour through General Howe of just now receiving an extract of your Excellencies Letter to him of 7th inst. relative to the expresses you are pleased to allow for this Department; since the Court of enquiry sat upon that occasion I have made no augmentation in the number then Counted which were five; but have made use of our spare Waggon Masters whose Horses were out in the Country recruiting, I was induced to lay my complaint before the Commander in chief of the Department not from an absolute necessity of having an immediate alteration, but from a full conviction that the time must soon approach when such an Alteration must either take place, or the Army run the risque of encountering the hardships of a second fast.
          Totally destitute of public Forage, and no stock of Provisions before hand, our dependance for both resting in no small degree on the Harmony that subsists betwixt the inhabitants of this State (particularly the Justices of the Peace) and myself, I am under the necessity of allmost constantly informing them of our situation, returning their thanks for past favours, and earnestly soliciting a continuance of their wonted Zeal; Whenever the shortest omission of this Ceremony happens, I find immediately their inclination to assist us diminishes, and that a repetition of my former requests again becomes necessary; besides this, Sir, it is to be considered that there is but one Commissary of Prov[i]sions that I know of who lives on the Post road that furnishes the supply of flour, and only two Justices of the Peace by whose means after the purchase is made, we are to gett it transferred, this prevents the new regulation of the Post from being of Any service to us, and at same time renders it excessively difficult for me to inform your Excellency what number of expresses would be adequate to the services they are wanted to perform in this Department; I should think however one at

Newburgh And two at the Village absolutely ne[c]essary, perhaps one at Kings ferry, but that will depend much on the necessity you think there is of having intelligence conveyd with certainty & dispatch betwixt You & General Howe, at this Post, unless our Granaries can be supplyd with more certainty than they have for a long time past, six will not be found too many once we had gott full employ for our Waggon Masters in their proper stations. You will please observe these are exclusive of what may be found necessary to be kept with the Army on the Lines or with the Commander in chief of the Department, He will no doubt, now that the Enemy has so easy an access to us in all Quarters, think it requisite to have a frequent intelligence to & from the lines, as on many occasions with this office, throug which all his despatches will go into the interiour part of the Country.
          I shall upon this and every other occasion be as saving of the public Money as appears consistent with their true interest, in doing which it will be my greatest pleasure to meet with your Excellen[c]ies approba[tion] being wt. the highest sentiments of respect Sir, Your most obedt & very humble Sert

            Udny Hay


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 11 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

            Dr Sir
            Hd Qrs Morristown Mar. 11th 80

          I have received Intelligence & from a person who thinks himself well informed, that the enemy have it in contemplation to pay us a visit (& in a very short time) at this Post. At the sametime that I discredit the report (at least with respect to time) I do not despise the information especially as our circumstances, & some appearances with them are not opposed to the measure.
          The effect I wish this communication to have upon you, is, to be as well informed as possible of every movement within the enemy’s lines; particularly with respect to the Assembling of Troops & Horses—& the reparation of Boats & Carriages—an Acct of which you will immediately transmit to me, & prepare with Poors Brigade & such troops as can be spared from the Point to make a forward movemt towards Kings bridge either to take the enemy in reverse, or keep them in check. Their movement in force only is to govern yours & sufficient attention is to be paid to your Works. You will readily perceive that the design of this manœuvre is to induce the enemy to look back to their rear if the Camp near Morris should be their object. In haste for I did not know of the present conveyance five minutes ago I am Dr Sir—Yr Obt & Affecte Sert

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major General Robert Howe, 11 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, Robert

            Dr Sir
            Head Quarters Morristown 11th March 1780

          Since my private letter of this morning Baron De Kalb who is on the lines, informs me, that “the enemy have taken up a large number of vessels (it seems for an expedition against this quarter) All the houses on the western and northern sides of Staten Island are taken for barracking troops. That on the 8th inst. a number of horsemen arrived on said Island together with some artillery men, and a large number of troops were to arrive there the 9th.”
          As this is confirmative of the information transmitted you in my private letter, in addition to what I have there advised in case of the enemy moving against this quarter—I would recommend the calling in such a force of Militia as you may judge adequate to the object of

your move, and that they bring with them at least 10 or 12 days provisions. Without this precaution it would be impossible to feed them from our own stock. But This measure should not be adopted till you are convinced from your own intelligence, or mine, that the designs of the enemy are directed against Morris. The information should not be equivocal but decisive. For To call in the militia without a certain[t]y in this matter would be to multiply our embarrassments without any adequate end.
          I would observe however on this subject, that altho all the intelligence is pointed at this army—and notwithstanding the circumstance of fixing on the houses on the western and northern sides of Staten Island would corroborate the idea yet it may happen that while the enemy look one way their intentions may be to operate another. But whether the posts at the highlands, or this army, be the object your precautions and measures will necessarily place you in a situation calculated to make a diversion as proposed, in our favor, or a resistance competent to your own security till you can be succored—by the collective force of the Country or from this quarter. I am Dr Sir &.

            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 11 March 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia March 11. 1780

          Your Excellency will receive herewith enclosed two Acts of Congress of the 10th & 11th Instant.
          The former containing Regulations for the Payment of Arrears due, or to become due to the Soldiery for cloathing pursuant to the Resolution of Congress of the 16th of August last.
          The latter impowering the Commander in Chief to make the most salutary Regulations possible for m[o]difying the Practice of taking Men from the Regiments to act as Servants to Officers with certain Regulations respecting Servants that may be hereafter enlisted or retained by Officers.
          Your Excellency will also herewith receive a Copy of the Sentence of the Court Martial on the Trial of Major General Arnold with an Act of Congress of the 12th of February confirming the same. I have the honour to be with the highest respect your Excy’s hble servant

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 11 March 1780
From: Kalb, Johann
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Springfield [N.J.] March 11th 1780.

          Since the Rivers are clear of The Ice and the Militia Lighthorse and Foot dismissed, I thought expedient to make Some changes in the posts heretofore established by Genl St Clair, to Secure as much as possible, all the Landing-Places and Roads therefrom Leading into the Country, from Second River down to the old Blazing Star, to get the earliest information of the movements of the Enemy, to prevent all communication and to have time to Collect the Troops if Circumstances and a Superior Force oblige us thereto, for to maintain and Support all the Posts along a Shore of So much extent, would require an army.
          Besides the Guards and Patrolles I have established Two wat[c]h Boats to lay to by day the one in Rawway River the other in Bound Creek near Newark, to be out All night plying to and fro on the Shore meeting in the Center and returning again. I intend to have another at Amboy as soon as the Commissioners shall break up. this method I think to be more conducive to get information and to prevent more effectually the Traffick, called London Trade, Which is mostly carried on by night; The Instructions I gave for that purpose, are, to oblige all Persons on the Water so being to, to be Searched, examined, confined or Seized as the case will require; No inhabitants to go out a fishing or on any other Errand but with permits from the officer of the nighest Post, and the Said officers are directed not to grant any but upon Licences from Civil Magistrates. I hope your Excellency will approve the Measure or give me orders to the Contrary.
          Genl St Clair informs me, that a Neutrality was agreed upon for amboy and three miles round during their Sitting, Whereof I have given Notice to the Troops and to the Colonels of Militia of the Counties of Essex and Middle[s]ex.
          Major Throop commanding the Posts at, and near Elizabeth Town, Who is also charged to Superintend the Flags, gives me the following intelligence. Viz. The Enemies have taken up a large number of Vessels.

(it Seems, for an Expedition against this Quarter.) All the Houses on the Western and northern Sides of Staten Island are taken for Barracking Troops, that on the 8. inst: a Number of Horsemen arrived on Said Island together with Some artillery men, and a large number of Troops were to arrive there the 9th.
          I Expect to Guard against any Surprise and will Transmit to your Excellency Such accounts as Shall come to hand. With Great Respect I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedt and Very humble servant

            The Baron de Kalb


Title: From George Washington to Major General Johann Kalb, 11 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Kalb, Johann

            Dear Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 11th March 1780

          I am favd with yours of this morning—I very much approve of your keeping up water Guards, which, if alert, will prevent any passage from the Island without discovery: But, still further to prevent a movement towards you without notice, I would wish you to engage the Militia Light Horse again, to remain in service untill we see what the present indications of the Enemy mean. A knowledge of the kind of Vessels which the enemy are said to have taken up, will, in some measure, lead to a determination upon the object which they may have in view. If of the larger kind—I should hardly suppose they meant them for the passage of the Sound. I would wish you to endeavour to ascertain this point.
          There were certain Signals established for alarming the Militia in case of a serious movement, but I fear they have of late been neglected and have got out of repair—Mr Caldwell can inform you better than

any person where the Signals were placed and of the methods fixed upon for communicating the Alarm to the Country. I must request you to apply to him for the necessary information upon the subject and to lose no time in having matters so arranged that we may upon the shortest notice call in the force of the Country—You are not to depend upon the Militia for doing this, but send parties to repair any of the signals which may want it—You will be pleased to communicate any intelligence which may reach you as speedily as possible. I am &.

            P.S. Be pleased to inform me immediately of the situation in which you find the signals from Mr Caldwell’s report.


Title: To George Washington from Major William Perkins, 12 March 1780
From: Perkins, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Providence 12th March 1780

          Agreeable to your Excellency’s orders, I have collected as far as laid in my Power all the Stores in this Department together, ready for moving, excepting about a Thousand weight of Powder which Govr Bowen advised me to leave at Greenwich.
          The inclosed Return is the true State & quantity of the Stores &c. in this Department, as nearly as was possible for me to find out, tho I cannot be positive, as to the number of round Shott; for the large quantity of Snow that fell obliged me to dig in several Places for them, which makes me uncertain whether I have taken an Acct of the whole. And since the making out the Returns, I have heard of a number of Arms about Twenty miles from this Place that belongs to the States, which I am now going after.
          The Council of this State seems to claim all the Iron Pieces that is here, of which I am unknowing, therefore would desire to have your Excellency’s advice concerning them; as also supposing I should be order’d to remove the Stores, what quantity and sort must be left behind?
          I have a number of Men as yet employ’d, & if I should be obliged to stay a much longer time, must beg to be inform’d which way I am to be supply’d with money; for Genl Gates left me but little, and in case a movement of the Stores should be thought necessary, it would take considerable to enable me to do it.
          I must further desire if the Campain should open soon that a proper Person might be appointed to take charge of the Stores, and your premission to Join my Regiment. Yr Excellency’s most Obedient Hume Servt

            William Perkins


Title: General Orders, 13 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown Monday March 13th 1780.
            Parole Venerable—  C. Signs Veteran Vigor.

          A General Court Martial of the line is to sit tomorrow 10 ôclock at the new store room in Morristown for the trial of Doctor William

Shippen junior and such other persons as may be brought before them—Brigadier General Hand is appointed President—Colonels Hazen and Proctor Lieutenant Colonels De Hart and North and Majors Thayer and Grier are appointed members—a Captain from each Brigade in Camp except the second Maryland & 1st Pennsylvania and the Brigade of Artillery will also attend as members.
          By a Division General Court Martial of the Pennsylvania line held the 22nd day of February last Col. W. Stewart President—Samuel Bell and Robert Powers, soldiers of the 10th Pennsylvania regiment and Thomas Brown and Jacob Justice soldiers of the 7th Pennsylvania regiment confined for “Plundering Mr Bogart an Inhabitant near Paramus” were tried and found guilty of a breach of the 21st article, 13th section of the articles of war and sentenced each of them to be hanged, more than two thirds of the Court agreeing.
          The Commander in Chief approves the sentence.

            After Orders—
            Colonel Johnston is appointed officer of the day tomorrow in place of Colonel Ogden who is to sit on general court martial in place of Colonel Hazen—Lieutt Col. Mentges is appointed member of the same Court in place of Col. Proctor, excused.


Title: From George Washington to John Mehelm, 13 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Mehelm, John

            Sir
            Hd Qrs Morris Town March 13th 1780

          I have received Your Letter of the 9th Instant with the Extract from the Letter of the Board of War to which You refer. I think it not altogether unlikely that Mr Taylor, as well as some Others who were employed in the same way, has imposed on the public. The order he obtained for hides was in consequence of receipts produced for Shoes delivered chiefly if not wholly to the Virginia line. There was no deduction made from his claim that I recollect on account of the Work of the Soldiers. This appears highly equitable and it being conformable to the views of the Honorable Board I wish You, notwithstanding the Order which was given, to settle with Mr Taylor for any allowance to which the States may be intitled for the service of the Soldiers who worked with him & that he may receive Hides only in proportion to the Ballance. I Am sir Yr Most Obedt st.


Title: From George Washington to Major General Stirling, 13 March 1780 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Stirling, Lord (né William Alexander)

          Letter not found: to Major General Stirling, 13 March 1780. Stirling wrote GW on 19 March: “I Yesterday received your Excellency’s letters of the 5th & 13th.”


Title: General Orders, 14 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown tuesday March 14th 1780.
            Parole Vivacity—  C. Signs Wit—Wine—

          The Brigade Majors are to make accurate returns of the numbers of the company books, soldiers books & Regulations delivered each regiment in their respective brigades and the numbers of each wanting—These returns to be made by tomorrow at orderly time and delivered at the Orderly-Office.
          The State Cloathiers of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania New-York and Connecticutt are to apply immediately at the Cloathier General’s Store in Morristown for their respective proportions of cloathing.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 14 March 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir;
            Philadelphia March 14. 1780

          Enclosed your Excellency will receive a Recommendation of Congress to the several States to set apart Wednesday the 26th of April next as a Day of fasting, Humiliation and Prayer. With the highest Esteem & respect I have the honour to be your Excy’s most obt & hble servt

            Sam. Huntington President


Title: To George Washington from Major General Johann Kalb, 14 March 1780
From: Kalb, Johann
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Spring Field [N.J.] March 14th morning 1780.

          I received the honor of your Excellency’s letter of 11th inst: Mr Caldwell being at Philadelphia I confered with Colo. Jaques of the Militia of Essex County on the Subject of the Signals established for allarming the Country: I here inclose a Copy of them in all the parts of this State, I understand that those hereabout though neglected are not much impaired, I will take care to See them repaired in Essex and Middlesex Counties, by the Persons appointed thereto.
          I have not got, as yet, any particular account of the number and Size of the Vessels taken up at N. York for an intended expedition, I will inform your Excellency with all possible Speed of every occurence worth your Notice or any piece of intelligence I shall be able to get.
          The two Companies of Militia lighthorse of 15. privates each, lately employed and dismissed are willing to engage again in the Same Service, at the shortest warning if I can avoid Such an Expence to the United States I will not order them out, therefore but in case I should

find it indispensably necessary, for the Security of the passes and for information.
          I have applied to the Governor (and Expect an Answer tomorrow) for Three Boats and Watermen from Brunswick and the Vicinity to be employed as Water guards in the mouth of Rariton River, and the channel of the Sound near Amboy, as Soon as the Commissioners will break up, If he complies with my request I shall dispose of them in Such a manner as will, with those I have already established on the Sound, prevent the Enemy’s Landing any where, without discovery.
          Captain Bedkin’s lighthorse being reduced to thirteen privates, whereof Seven are dismounted, and consequently of little or no Service, as I look upon him as a good and Usefull Officer, I could wish it would please your Excellency to order him the recruiting of his Company in fixing the Number of the whole. He thinks he would find in a short time as many able Men as he would be allowed. He also, with an order from Genl Green on Mr Marsh Q.M. of Essex County at Rawway, could provide in a few days Some good horses for his dismounted men.
          I was proposed by the Commanding officers of the Connecticut Division to change their Quarters, Viz. the first Brigade from Westfield to Rawway and Spanktown, the Second from springfield to Connecticut farms and Elizabethtown but I objected to both, as for Elizabeth Town I refused absolutly as an improper place for Troops to be quartered there, and as Connecticut farm could not hold the whole Brigade it would Scatter it too much; I found also that it would not be prudent to occupy spanktn being but three miles from the Sound and rawway river navigable for Large boats up the Bridge in the middle of the Town. Their reasons are to be nearer their Posts at Newark from the Second and Woodbridge from the first, but as they do not relieve often, and a particular Detachment kept at the farm and at Rawway to relieve all the intermediate Gards and Patrolles, and expecting that in a Short time the Roads will be better, I thought proper not to make any Change—However I promised I would Submit it to your Excellency’s consideration. I have the honor to be with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble Servant

            The Baron de Kalb


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens, 14 March 1780
From: Laurens, John
To: Washington, George

              Dear General.
              Charles Town [S.C.] 14th March 1780.

            The Enemys present disposition of his force and all his late operations indicate a design to attack Charles Town by a siege in form. To complete the investiture he must introduce his Ships of war into the harbour—that it is his intention appears from his fixing buoys on the bar, barricading his Ships wastes—and anchoring them in a station where they may embrace the first favorable spring-tides to enter—His Transports and Store ships have removed from Edisto Up Stono River where they lie contiguous to Wappoo Cut, which is the water communication from thence to Ashley River—At a point of the Main-Land formed by the issuing of the former into the latter, he raised in the course of a night, the 11th inst., a battery of six embrasures—This Situation naturally advantageous he will probably render very strong, and establish in it his deposit of military Stores and provisions—He then may either force a passage over Ashley River, or turn it by a circuitous march—fortify a camp on the neck and open his trenches. The best communication between his magazines and Camp will be across Ashley River, from a bluff marked Bull in your large map.
            Your Excellency will have learnt that the Commodore and all his officers renounce the idea of defending the passage of the bar—they declare it impracticable for the Frigates to lie in a proper position for that purpose—The Government has neglected to provide floating batteries which might have been stationed there—so that it has been agreed as the next best plan to form a line of battle in such a manner as to make a cross fire with Fort Moultrie, a shoal called the middle grounds being on the right of the Ships, and the Fort Advanced of the left—As it wd be the Enemys policy, with a leading wind and tide to pass the fire of the Fort, and run aboard of our Ships, the Commodore is contriving an obstruction which he thinks will check their progress—and allow

time for the full effect of our fire—The impracticability of defending the bar in the first instance appears to me a great diminution of our means of defence—We must not only have, a greater number of Shipping below, and consequently withdraw them from flanking the Enemys approaches on the neck—but are subject to the chances of a combat, which in the other case were out of the question—The Commodore has destroyed one set of the Enemys buoys and I hope he will cut away such as may have been since put down—and order the Galleys to give All possible annoyance to the enemys Ships in the act of entering.
            The Attention of the Engineers has been distracted by different demonstrations on the part of the Enemy—and they have not perfected the Line across Charles Town Neck—henceforward I hope they will confine themselves solely to completing it—and then proceed to the construction of some interior inclosed works—to prolong the defence.
            As the Enemy is determined to proceed by regular approaches—all his operations are submitted to calculation—and he can determine with mathematical precision that with Such & such means in a given time he will accomplish his end—Our Safety then must depend upon the seasonable arrival of such Reinforcements as will oblige him to raise the siege—The Virginia Line is much more remote than we could have thought it would have been at this moment—Your Excellency in person might rescue us—All Virginia and No. Carolina would follow you—The Glory of foiling the Enemy in his last great effort, and terminating the war—ought to be reserved for you—Whatever Fortune attends us I shall to my latest moment, feel that veneration and attachment which I always had for Your Excellency—And I beg leave to continue to subscribe myself your faithful Aid

              John Laurens.

            I entreat your Excellencys pardon for transmitting the annexed letter in its present imperfect state—it was a sketch which I intended to have put in better form—if time had permitted.


Title: To George Washington from Juan de Miralles, 14 March 1780
From: Miralles, Juan de
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia March 14th 1780

          With the utmost appreciation I have on the 7th Inst. received the Letter which your Excy was pleas’d to write me on the 27th Feby Ulto persuading me of the favourable part your Excy has taken in the progress which the Spanish Arms have acquired from the Enemys establish’d on the Edges of the River Mississippy. that accordg the most combined advices your Excy’s oppinion is, that the Expedition which Saild from New York the 26th December was directed to Georgia to invade the Southern States and that whatever has been their destination have destroyed the repeated Storms which happened at the time of their Sailing; that your Excy will have the goodness of Comunicate to me any advice acquired of their Operations and intentions, to the effect that in it’s intelligency the King my Master may order them which His Majesty may find more inducent and at Last your Excy has been So good as to condescend to my wishes of inspiring to Genl Lincoln to make the greatest diversion possible on Said Enemys, in the defense of the aforesaid Southern States, and that if they destine their forces Some where else, woud have all the endeavours directed to molest and distract them from their Plans; of all I give your Excy my most expressive thanks.
          All the different advices which have been received agree that certainly the Idea of the cited Expedition of the Enemy was directed to Georgia, to go from there against South Carolina, which Project no doubt has been prolonged and in part frustracted by the repeated Storms distracting many of their transports. Some perished and others Captured by the Continental Frigates of War and American Armed Vessells, all which is conducent to weackening and retard it, whilst it gives more time to Genl Lincoln to engrose the forces under his Command with them which have been Sent to him, the arrival of Some already is known, and the others were in full march, which probably may be all encorporated by this time, and in estate to face the Enemy and oppose his progress before he can do any thing of consequence, giving room at the Same time to the Arms of the King my Master to go on without much embarrass with the Operations against Mobila and Pensacola, which Conquest I consider evaquated by the Governor of the Luissiana who was to continue his Operations by Land, auxiliated by See, by the Fleet and Troops from Havannah where every thing was ready to undertake the Voyage, which the Contrary Winds and Storms had retarded as has been comunicated to me under date of December 29th.
          I have advice from Cadiz, that by the American Brig called the Achilles, Captn Thompson, who Saild from that Port the 20th Novr destined to this River, is sent to me a Packet from the Court with particular orders

to throw it over board in case of being attackd by, and obliged, to Surrend to the Enemy—It’s known that Said Vessell forced by bad weather has arrived at Martinique from where is momentary expected.
          I repeat my Self with the greatest respect to your Excys most agreable commands, and remain respectfully. Sir Your Excy’s most Obedt and Most Hble Servt.


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

            Head-Quarters Morristown Wednesday March 15th 80.

            Parole Wexford— --> C. Signs—War. Wedlock.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Jacob Bayley, 15 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Bayley, Jacob

            Sir
            Head Quarters Morris Town 15th March 1780

          Inclosed you will find a duplicate of my letter of the 9th which I have thought proper to forward by Colo. Little lest the original may have missed you.
          I was a few days ago favd with yours of the 16th ulto. Altho’ my intelligences from Canada are of a different complexion from yours, I will not undertake to say that your fears of an attack are groundless—but I do not look upon myself at liberty to authorise the raising the two Companies of Volunteers mentioned by you or to promise them pay or provision at Continental expence. If the measure is thought expedient and necessary by the State, it will lay with them to make application to Congress on the subject and obtain an order not only for the pay but for the public provision which may have been expended.
          I find, by referring to the Resolves of Congress, that the Commissioners of Indians Affairs for the Northern department were in July 1775 directed to take into consideration the case of the Indian Youths at

Dartmouth Colledge and then to pay the sum of 500 dollars towards their support. A further application in their behalf should in my opinion be addressed to the Commissioners—General Schuyler and Mr Douw of Albany are two of them, and, if I am not mistaken, a Mr Edwards of Connecticut is another. I think in point of policy we ought to cultivate the friendship of these people, as their connexions in Canada have been faithful and essentially useful to us. I am &.


Title: From George Washington to the Board of Admiralty, 15 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Board of Admiralty

            Gentn
            Head Qrs Morris Town March 15th 1780

          General Arnold has informed me by a Letter of the 6th, received the Afternoon of the 13th, that your Honorable Board had requested him to communicate to me, that they had i⟨n⟩ contemplation an expedition with several of our Frigates—and wished to know whether Three or Four Hundred Men could be spared from the Army to act in conjunction with them, and as Marines occasionally for about Two Months. He also informed me, that he had offered to command the expedition, if it should be agreable to me.
          With respect to the Troops, I beg leave to acquaint the Board, that, from the Detachm⟨ents⟩ lately sent to the Southward and the great diminution of our force besides, occasioned by the daily expiration of the Mens inlistments, i⟨t⟩ appears to me that None can be spared from the Army, consistently with prudence or policy. But should the Board finally determine on the proposed Enterprize and the Troops be essential to it’s success—I would farther beg leave to observe that, under the circumstanc⟨es⟩ of the Army I have stated—I should not think myself authorised to send them, without the concurrence and direction of Congress. And as to the second point—General Arnold’s offer to command the expedition—the matter will depend entirely on Congress,

the Board & himself. I have the Honor to be with great respect Gentn Yr Most Obedt servant

            Go: Washington.


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

            Dear Sir
            Trenton 15 March 1780

          I have had the Honour of your Excellency’s Favour of the 10th Instant inclosing a Return of the Citizens of this State inlisted in Moylands & Sheldon’s Regiments of light Dragoons.
          I am now to apply to your Excellency in pursuance of an Act of our Legislature for as many officers as your Excellency shall think necessary to be sent into the different Counties of this State for the purpose of enlisting and forwarding such Recruits as may enlist in the Service upon the Terms in the said Act expressed.
          As the officers which your Excellency may think proper to send on that Occasion, will want the Act of Assembly for compleating our Quota of Troops, I inclose 13 Copies for it, it is for their use—& am with great Esteem Dear Sir Your Excellencys Most humble & Most obedient Servant

            Wil. Livingston


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Josiah Starr and Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Sherman, 15 March 1780
From: Starr, Josiah,Sherman, Isaac
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Westfield [N.J.] 15th March 1780

          We view with anxious concern the uneasiness among the Officers in the Connect. line, owing to their distressed situation with respect to Cloathing. Having for a long time been inured to Arms, and influenced

with a desire of promoting the honor and glory of their Country, they wish to continue in a mode of life so correspondent with their inclinations could they do it with decency and honor. But while they see Officers of other lines genteelly cloathed, the contrast between their and our situation is too stricking not to excite disagreeable sensations, as it evidently demonstrates that our wants do not originate from the inability of the state we are members of, but must take their rise from some other source.
          They are willing to forego every consideration for the good of the public which their situation will admit of; and it is with reluctance we are now reduced to the necessaty of assuring your Excelly, that the greater part of the Officers cannot possibly continue two months longer in service. To recount their distresses is a disagreeable task, and what we would wish to avoid; but duty demands a proper representation should be made of them, not only, that your Excelly should be acquainted with their situation, but in case their is no prospect of a supply, to stand in vindication of their soliciting a discharge, which we are fully persuaded will be the case unless something is soon effected for their relief.
          Many Officers have not more than two shirts, and indeed are almost entirely destitute of every necessary article of cloathing and in the present depreciated state of our currency it is not in their power to supply themselves. In the connecticut line, there are but a few if any Officers of affluent Fortunes, therefore their principal dependence is upon their Wages—many, when they engaged in the Army were possessors of some property, which their deficiency of support has compelled them to expend, and now are reduced to a dependence on the public allowance.
          The repeated encouragements from the state having failed, we are doubtfull whether they ever will take up the matter upon a generous and proper Scale; we therefore desire your Excelly will be pleased to inform us, whether there is any other source from whence we may expect to be furnished with Cloathing.
          The impracticability of paying that attention to discipline when troops are so scatter’d as ours, the expence Officers are obliged to be at on this command, induces us to solicit (if consistent with your Excellys pleasure) to be relieved. With the greatest respect and Esteem, We have the honor to be, Your Excellys, Most Obedt hume servts

            Josiah Starr Colo.I. Sherman Lieut. Col. C[ommandant]


Title: To George Washington from Major General Steuben, with enclosure, 15 March 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To: Washington, George

              Sir
              Philadelphia, Mar[ch] 15th 1780

            Since the Departure of the last Letter I had the honor to write You, I have not in the least advanced in the Affairs which I had proposed to see brought to a Conclusion. Before it is known whether the Number of Regiments is to be preserved or whether an Incorporation is to take place, it is impossible to make any Calculations for the formation.
            I have exerted all the means in my Power to persuade Congress to determine that important Question, & to adopt a system whatever that Your Excellency & the Chiefs of the several Departments might make their Arrangements in Consequence, but it seems that the ill state of our Finances, has stopt all the Wheels of the whole Machine.
            The Board of War have given a report, in which the Incorporation of a fourth part is proposed—This report contains the same Plan, which, I beleive, Chancellor Livingston has imparted to Your Excellency. Several Motions have been made, to Consider & determine upon this Object, but hitherto, the decision has been deferred.
            The month of March is more than half Spent, & I shudder, my dear General, when I think of the many important Arrangements that are still to be made between this Time & the opening of the Campaign There is not a Day but I run from the one to the other to make representations to them on the necessity of determining the present Business. The Day before Yesterday, I went to Mr Chr Livingston, & I declared to him that I was ready to set off for the Army seeing that my presence here was of no kind of use. He requested me to defer my Departure, & communicate my Opinion to the Board of War of the formation of the Army for next Campaign.
            As this Object had already taken up my Attention for some time, & I had Calculated & ballanced the good & Evil that might result from an Incorporation, & being entirely persuaded that such an Operation in the present Crisis, & at the beginning of a Campaign for which We are in general so ill prepared, would be dangerous, I have not hesitated a moment to give my Opinion in writing, I enclose here a Copy of it to Your Excellency.
            The Board of War is to send to morrow that Paper to Congress, & I am in Expectation for the Effect it will produce.
            You know, my dear General, that I have always wished to See our Regiments stronger, but I believe it will be prudent, to make use in the present Crisis of the simplest means, which is that of leaving the Corps such as they are, & reinforcing them as well as we can.
            An Incorporation whatever, will be a General Alteration in the Body of the Army, & that at the Very moment perhaps when it should act.

            Besides, as our Army will have this Campaign Such a great Number of Recruits We must be able to rely on Our Officers for the maintaining of good Order among the troops. And the less is the Mass of an Undisciplined Body, the easier it is to him who has the direction of it, to make it act, & restore it to Order, in case of Confusion.
            The Vacancies of Subalterns in several Regiments, appear to be one of the motives, which might the most strongly ingage us to an Incorporation. But I believe that the Nomination might be suspended till the End of the Campaign, and as our Companies are not Very Strong, I believe that two Officers for Each will suffice. Provided the Brigadiers take care to send no Officer on furlough during the Campaign, see that none are Improperly Employed out of the Regiment, that the Field Officer’s Company shall have two subalterns, & the other Companies, One when the Captain is present, & two when he is absent. The Officers employed as Quarter Masters & Paymasters, might Even keep the Administration of their Companies, & be only dispensed from the service of the Line.
            By these means, the Number of 18 or 19 Captains & Subalterns would suffice to do the service of a Regiment, & each Regiment might keep five or six Vacancies.
            Besides the Numberless Inconvenien[cies] which I fear from an Incorporation or Reduction of the Regiments, I find that the proportion which is wished to be Incorporated, is the most difficult Thing to determine.
            If We leave that proportion to the Choice of the several states, We shall have Regiments of 600 Men, while others shall consist only of 150—which I consider as the source of all disorders in an Army.
            The proportion being fixed—Suppose it to be the fourth part.
            It results this Question: How many Regiments is each state to reform? Now for instance Massachusetts has—15 Regimts[,] Pennsylvania—11[,] New Jersey—3[,] Delaware—1.
            With such a disproportion I do not see how a fourth part can be reformed, without great difficulty & Confusion.
            such an Alteration requires such Extensive Calculations & such mature Deliberations that We have not time to undertake Either at such an advanced period.
            I have received Yesterday the honor of Your Letter of the 6th inst. The post has tarried three Days.
            It is with the greatest satisfaction that I see You have Collected the returns of the deficiencies of Men.
            I feared the difficulty of this Collection, so much the more as I know the neglect & want of exactness of several Officers on an Object of the Importance of whatever is called Return, & it is with sorrow that I must

observe to Your Excellency that the Board of War has not yet received the General Return of January last, & that that of December as well as several of the preceeding Months are Extremely imperfect.
            A necessary Calculation has made me ask lately for a Return of Genl Poor’s Brigade at the War Office, & that Brigade has not been carried into any of the General returns, ever since last spring when it joined Genl Sullivan’s Corps.
            This object & several others which I Shall Submit to the Consideration of Your Excellency will Engage me to join the Army as soon as possible. I am with the greatest respect sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient & very humble Servant

              steuben


Title: Enclosure: Major General Steuben’s “Proposals for the formation of our Army for the next Campaign,” 13–15 March 1780
From: Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, baron von
To:

              [13–15 March 1780]

            The distribution of the Number of Men, which Each State is to furnish for next Campaign, permits us to Complete our Regiments of Infantry in the Line, to a Number, indeed, Below the Establishment, but which puts it, however in our Power to form Each Regiment into a Battalion, without changing the Principles of Formation, already Established in the Regulations.
            If We put Each Regiment on the Footing of 317 fighting men, Exclusive of the Commissd Officers, Drummers & Fifers, & divide Each into Nine Companies, then Each Company will Consist of 35 Men under Arms, including the Serjeant Major & Quarter Mr Serjeant, & A Brigade of four Regiments, will be Composed of 1268 fighting Men, & the 15 Brigades now at the Grand Army, will make a Body of Infantry, of 18703 Men under Arms.
            According to this Calculation, We shall have about 3000 Infantry, more than We had last Campaign, tho’ We had then the Brigades of Virginia & that of No. Carolina, which are now at the Southward.
            We have nothing to do then but to Collect our Recruits, as Quick as Possible, to make our Regiments Equal, to Exercise the Troops, & to fill in some Regiments some Vacancies of Subalterns in order to have the number of Officers necessary for the service.
            We shall then avoid Every kind of reform & Incorporation which would unavoidably occasion a great deal of Discontent in number of Officers, who on account of their personal merit, & the Effectual Services they have rendered their Country ought not to be Exposed to those Disagreements.
            Besides, Every Incorporation requires necessarily a New Formation which could not be arranged without Employing a Vast deal of Time; it is, one might say, a new Creation, rendered more difficult by the

disputes about Rank & seniority, to which such Arrangements are always subjected.
            When I examine scrupulously the motives which can induce us to lessen the number of our Regiments, I find none strong enough to balance the Inconveniencies, which will necessarily result from it.
            The Season is already so far advanced that We scarce have Time enough to collect our Recruits, to Exercise them, & to form our Battalions & Companies for the service of the next Campaign.
            At a time when a Thousand important Objects take up the Attention of Congress & the Commander in Chief, they will be incessantly troubled with Endless Representations if an Incorporation Should take place.
            Several other difficulties which I could specify, will unavoidably arise, instead of this, if We leave for the present Campaign, the Army on the ancient footing, we shall have Time Enough to make a better calculated Plan, to lessen the number of the Regiments, & render them more formidable, which Plan might be put into Execution at the End of the Campaign.
            With regard to the Additional Regiments I think that in granting them leave & money to recruit about 300 Men, they might be preserved on the same footing as those belonging to particular States.
            Colo. Gist’s Regiment is joined to the Virginia Division, it wants, to be Completed, 164 Recruits which might be Enlisted in that state. Those of Colos. Webb, Sherburne & spencer want in all 289 Recruits to be on the footing of the others. These might be levied in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and New England.
            Colo. Jackson’s Regiment had at the last Review, the complete Number of 317 Men & does not want to be recruited.
            The only difficulty lies with Colonel Hazen’s Regiment, who insist on a particular Agreemt made with Congress, whereby his Regiment is to Consist of 20 Companies, of which he has however given up Two, So that his Regiment composed of Eighteen Companies, would make Exactly a double one, He is provided with Field Officers, & even with Captains, in Consequence of this formation, but he wants subalterns & Privates—His Regiment is partly composed of Canadians as well Officers as Soldiers—These have a right to claim the Protection of the United states, however difficult it may be to satisfy all their Pretensions.
            What I might propose on this Object would be to Incorporate Colo. Livingston’s Regiment, as the weakest & mostly composed of Canadians, with that of Colo. Hazen.

                Colo. Hazen returns his Regiment
                    400 men

                Colo. Livingston his
                103

                In all
                503

            Colo. Hazen Should then be ordered to divide his Regiment into 18 Companies each of 28 men, which would make the Number of 504 men & to form it into 2 Battalions.
            With regard to the Cavalry, my opinion is that as in the present Circumstances, it is impossible to put those Regiments on the footing of the 1st Establishment, it is however necessary to determine their number & formation.
            I propose then, the same means as for the formation of the Infantry, i.E. without incorporating or reforming Regiments, or Even Changing the ancient formation, but only lessening the number of Men & Horses in Each Regiment, that the Totality of our Cavalry may not Exceed the number of 1000 Horses.
            The Corps of Cavalry which we have at present, are Four Regiments of Horse, The Corps of Light Horse under Major Lee, & the Maréchaussée.
            Each Regiment should then be completed to the Number of 204 Men, well mounted, including the Non Commissioned Officers & Trumpetters.
            Each Regiment might be divided into Three Squadron, Each Squadron to Consist of 68 Horse.
            Each squadron should then be divided into 2 Companies, Each Company to Consist of 34 Men, including the Non Commissioned Officers & Trumpeters.
            Each Company ought to have six Supernumeraries on Foot, Consequently, Each Regimt should consist of 204 Horse, & 228 Men on foot.
            Major Lee’s should still Consist of 150 Horse, as it does now, his Infantry should only be completed.
            The Maréchaussée ought to remain on the first Establishment of Forty Horse.
            With regard to Colonel Armand’s Legion it ought to be left to the discretion of General Lincoln to put it on the footing he shall think most Conducive to the Good of the service.
            Thus the Cavalry without the above mentioned Legion will not Exceed the Number of 1006 Horses, in the Northern & southern Armies.
            I cannot, however, forbear observing that as long as our Cavalry have no Carbines, to guard themselves in their Quarters, I wish Each Regiment should be joined by 150 Foot, otherwise it will never be in our Power to Employ our Cavalry on the Lines, & We Shall be obliged to place them behind our Camps, where they will be always of very little Service.


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 15 March 1780 [letter not found]
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Lund Washington, 15 March 1780. Robert Hanson Harrison wrote GW on 6 April: “On looking over the papers transmitted by Mr L. Washington in his letter of the 15th of March” (see also GW to Lund Washington, 11 April).


Title: General Orders, 16 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown thursday March 16th [1780]
            Parole Yawn—  C. Signs Zany. Zaffer.

          The General congratulates the army on the very interesting proceedings of the Parliament of Ireland and of the Inhabitants of that Country which have been lately communicated; not only as they appear calculated to remove those heavy and tyrannical oppressions on their trade but to restore to a brave and generous people their ancient Rights and Freedom and by their operation to promote the cause of America—Desirous of impressing on the minds of the Army, transactions so important in their nature, the General directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for tomorrow the 17th, a day held in particular regard by the People of that nation—At the same time that he orders this, he persuades himself that the celebration of the day will not be attended with the least rioting or disorder—The officers to be at their quarters in camp and the troops of each state line are to keep within their own encampment.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Burgin, 16 March 1780
From: Burgin, Elizabeth
To: Washington, George

            Kind General
            Philada Marcth the 16 1780

          When I Vew the Kind Prvidence of God in Delivering me Throw So many Dificultys I think I Canot Give him Sufficient Praise At the Same Time I Feel a hart Full of Gratitude For the Many Favours I have Recevd From Your Excelency Your Order: For Rations for my Self and Children Are Punktily Obeyd Wicth is Great Releif to me in A Strange Place I Recev’d a Kind Letter From Your Aidicamp Informing me that Your Excelency had Recomended me to the honerable Continential Congress—Congress have Refferd me to the Board of War In Whose house I now Live Rent Free & in Some Measure as Comfortable As one under my Distitute Situation Could Expect. I Should Be Glad to See a French Fleett Surrounding New York By Watter & the Brave Americans Storming the Lines By Land & Were I a man I Think I Should not Want Courage to Be one of the Foremost in Mounting one of their Strongest Fortreses Pardon me Dear Sir For these Expressions Probaly an Annesity of Mind For the home W[h]ere I Lived Comfortably With my Children Caused me to Drop Them & Tho I Beleive With an Unshaken Faith that if Those Creatures Who now Pos[s]es[s] New York Dont Sneak of[f] as they Did From Boston Philada & Rode Iland the[y] Will one Day or Other Be Cannonaded out in the mean Time I Should Be Glad I Were Able to Putt my Self in Some Way of Buiseness to Suport my Self Children Without Being Chargeable to Congress Accept of my hearty Thank For all the Favours I have Receved thus With my Prayrs

For Your Welfare I Conclude & Make Bold to Subscribe My Self Your Excelency Most Obeident Humble Servant

            Elizabeth Burgin


Title: To George Washington from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Campbell, 16 March 1780
From: Campbell, Richard
To: Washington, George

            May Please Your Excellency
            Pittsburgh March the 16th 1780

          I take the Liberty to Inform you the Strength & Circumstance Of the 9th Virga Reigt in the Western Department as I now Command in the Absence of Col. John Gibson.
          The Strength of the Reigement at this Time is not More than Two Hundred men for within this Fifteen days I have discharged a Hundred men that was Entitled to their Discharges & Onley Enlisted for three years & their Times being Exp[i]red that they Engaged for.
          But the Remainder of the Reigt is for During the War, but I Can assure your Excellency from the Depreation Of the Money & the Encouriagement of Settelling the Kentucky Lands that it is impossible to Recruit our Reigement In this Cuntery, Therefore i Should wish to have the Reigemt from this quarter if your Excellency Thought Proper, for Reasons if We are Continued in this Department it will not be in Our Powers to Recruit any Part of our Reigt & there are Several Gentlemen in the Reigt that would wish to have it in their Powers to make Themselves Acquainted with Millitary Decepline, & the Rules of the Armey which is not in their Powers when they are Kept in The Woods & Stationed at Differant Posts.
          I Can Assure your Excellency that I think it would Be for the Good of the Reigt & the Service to have them Removed from here, for the Reigt have been Raised in this Countery & thus have So many Acquaintances & the Opening for Setteling the New Cuntery that they are Constantly Deserting.
          But as Colonl John Gibson Commands the Reigt and his Connections

in this Country i make no do[u]bt but he would wish the Reigt Continnued in this Department, But I Can assure your Excellency it is the wish of the Officers to be Releaved if it would meet with Your Approbation.
          If your Excellency thinks Proper to Con[t]inue the Reigt in this Department, I will thank your Excellency for leave to Join Some Other Coare for the Ensuing Campeign Or Some Other Command as The Reigt is but Small & a Sufficient Number of Officers To the Reigiment & Two Field Officers Besides myself, when I Stept forth in the Armey it was my determination to Render my Cuntery Ever[y] Service, In my Power & wish to be allways where i Could take an Active Part, & as there has Been Officers Ordered from Differant Reigts To Command Troops to the Southward, I Should be Glad to meet with the Same Indulgance if Your Excellency Thought Proper I am Sensible Your Excellency is not Unacquainted with my Charrector While with the Meine Armey therefore I Will not Trouble you Any Further & hope to Receive Your Excellencyes Answer. I Have the Honr to be Your Most Obedient & Hble servant

            Richard Campbell Lt Colol 9th Virga Reigemt


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 16–17 March 1780
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

              Dear Sir
              Highlands [N.Y.] 16th[–17] March 1780

            I have been honourd with your Excellencys favours of the 11th Instt, one of them Reach’d me on the Evening of the 14th, the o⟨ther⟩ Early in the morning of the 15th. I had received informations Similar to yours and had written to your Excellency upon the subject and was just

Sending off by Express whe⟨n⟩ your letter arrived and render’d his goi⟨ng⟩ un[n]ecessary.
            I had also written to Governor Clinton handing him the intelligence I had receiv’d, and had by express order’d Poors Brigade to hold it Self in Readiness to act on a moments warning, and I flatter my self had taken all the measures necessary that my situation would admit. After giving Governor Clinton A detail of the intelligence I had receiv’d I wrote him thus—“In consequence of this Sir I have order’d Poor’s Brigade to hold it Self in readiness to move on a moments warning, & shall have all here prepar’d to Act as Occasion shall require If I find this Post not their Object (A Circumstance however far from being impossible tho’ their Operations at present wear a different Aspect) and that they are moving in Force against his Excellency—I shall with Poors, and with all the Troops that can with propriety be spared from hence Call their Attention to their Rear by a movement towards their lines, Against which I shall Act as Circumstances point out. In which case Sir, or if they come out against me, I shall, it is probable, need the assistance of a Part of your Militia, and tho’ I would by no means wish them Embodied or Call’d forth Unless necessity makes it requisite, (of which your Excellency shall receive the Earliest Information) yet I take the liberty to suggest as a measure not u[n]necessary, that they should be warned to be ready lest Occasion should require it, & If Militia must be called into the Field, I would hint to your Excellency, that they should be Order’d to bring with them twelve or fourteen days Provision our Stores not affording an Adequate supply”—This sir is an Extract from What I wrote the Governour.
            I have nothing of importance that is new from the lines, all accts Concur to shew that the Enemy meant some movement and by their preparations those movements were to be important. By the way of long Island I hear that the militia of King and Queen Counties are regularly traind once a week, that they have been orderd to wear Uniforms but have refus’d, that most of the Hessians who were canton’d on long Island had remov’d or were removing to york Island that three Regiments were said to be Destin’d for west Indies, & that the Hessians were Exceedingly unruly and discontented. I have Persons down for intelligence that I expect will give me fuller information.
            I would not wish at any time to trouble Your Excellency with a Detail of Grievance that can not be remedied from your Quarter, and which I have Excerted my self by every means in my power to remedy by Operations here, But it is my Duty to inform you that I apprehend an Approaching want of provision Our present Stock is by no means adequate to the Critical Situation of Affairs, and unless the Roads mend it will be lessening every day. Reiterated orders have been sent to the

Commissaries of Every sort in this Department, to forward what they have on hand, and to strain Every Nerve to procure all they can, Every necessary Application to the Civil Authority has been had, for Even every magistrate has been Individually Address’d, and his assistance requested in the most pointed terms, and I believe all have been and are Strenuously Endeavouring to supply us But sir I fear that the supplies can not be had in the requisite quantities, and should this be the case the Efforts tho’ laudable will not be attended with the wish’d for success. Should the Roads however mend an immediate want will be prevented, and as some Active Commissaries have not written in a manner totally discouraging, I hope for the best and that we may Spin it out till the new crop arrives.
            The works progress much More slowly than I wish, Our numbers will not admit of a very large Fatigue, beside this the want of Teams which we have no Forage to support, is a capital hindrance; I have written to the Governour to Assist us with Teams, by Calling Out those of the substantial Farmers who are Capable of bringing or sending their own Forage and if we obtain them we shall go on with More Facility—I should have Ventured to have taken Teams in the Neighbourhood, but those who had them have no Forage & have mostly sent their Horses to Places remote.
            I am preparing the chain and shall put it Accross the moment the River will admit of it Now I have mentiond the Chain permit me in a few words to Express to your Excellency, the doubts I have of its Sufficiency (in this private manner) when I Consider the amazing impetus with which a Vessel Under full sail and Calculated for this purpose may be made to come in contact with this kind of Obstruction tho’ Even so well Constructed, I have my fears that no single work of this kind will be Effectual, Especially as it is to be expected that more than one Vessel will be appropriate to the Business, that should the first be brought up, her whole weight assisted by Tide and wind will be upon the chain, and will aid and Cooperate with the shock of the next Vessel One Chain behind another the last so near the first that the Vessels will not have space to regain their way would be most likely to Succeed, and if this can not be done Every single Chain should in my humble opinion be assisted with a proper number of Anchors and Cables.
            I am aware that it is Said that the turn in the River will Occasion a Vessel so Much to lose her way, that she will not much more than drift against the chain, but I have taken the Angles and am fully persuaded this Circumstance of security is Overated. Excuse my Dear General my mention of this matter, the Opinion impress’d it self upon me, and I should not have treated your Excellency with that sincerity I ought, and always mean to do, had I not mention’d it.

            The number of Fatigue men not being sufficient to carry on the new works and properly secure the Old & most important I have thought it adviseable to Confine the Engineers to the latter, as those in this time of Expectation, are our principal dependence.
            I would wish to receive your Excellency’s particular instructions as to Stoney & Verplanks Points, Your Excellency cannot but be sensible that should the Enemy think proper to make them an Object, they will come out with a force adequate in their Opinion to the Undertaking, and Endow’d with Every military requisite. In that case would you have the Garrisons take the consequences of an Investiture, and Defend the Posts to the last Extremity, And shall I attempt to support them in Force or by Harrassing and annoying the Enemy retard & perplex their Operations.
            These and Every other instructions I receive from you shall be obey’d with As much Exactness as pleasure. I come now my Dear sir to a part of my letter as disagreeable to my Self as I fear it will be to you, and which I would not pain you with did not duty Exact it of me, I mean the Exceeding weak state of our Troops. Having direct’d Officers to make themselves Perfectly Acquainted with their Posts & the means of Defending them General Paterson writes me that “I am surpris’d at our weakness, it will not be in my power to Parade in a case of sudden Emergency more than six hundred men”—The inconvenience however Sir if alarm happend would be remedied by moving over Troops from their cantonments on this side, but an almost proportionate weakness pervades the whole—Under these Circumstances it may possibly be requisite to call down a part of Poors Brigade, but you are the best Judge of this. There are many men however Return’d not fit for duty from their want of shoes, and these notwithstanding will act with Vigour Should an Enemy approach, and under Providence I shall not [fail] to make the Enemy think the Task an arduous one should they undertake it. Shoes are to be had as I am inform’d in this Neighbourhood, but an order of General Heaths having not been complied with, & no new order at present to direct the Clothier as from the Character I have of him I suppose he Acts upon proper foundation. information upon this Head given me by your Excellency would much Oblige me.
            I do not think that I have any Right to give orders to the Horse in their present situation, and if I had at this season I should not Excuse it but from absolute Necessity and with great caution I however thought it necessary to drop Colo. Moylan a hint of the information receiv’d of the Enemy’s movements, that he might not be Wholly unprepar’d should it become necessary for him to move.
            Colo. Govion is at work at Verplanks & is in a good way. ⟨mutilated⟩ Sir the Defences shall proceed with the Expedition our Situation will

admit. With Every Circumstance of the highest Respect & sincerest Affection I am Sir Your Excellency’s Most obt Very hum. servt

              R. Howe

            17th at night The Express Could not be provided till now.


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Michael Jackson, 16 March 1780
From: Jackson, Michael
To: Washington, George

            Dear General.
            West Point [N.Y.] March the 16 1780

          I send by Capt. Page the Subalterns Commissions of my Regiment which through Mistake come rong—am very sorry to give Your Excullency, any more Trouble, but I found it impossable to settle it any other way—could wish they might be forwarded, as soon as conveniant, as a Number of the Officers are Obliged to do duty Under their Ranks. I am Dear General with Esteem Your Excullencys Most Obident & very Humble Serveant

            Michl Jackson Colo. 8 Massatts Reigt

            P.S. its a Genl Time of helth among the Troops.


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 16 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

            Dr Sir.
            Head Quarters Morristown 16th March 1780.

          I have received your Excellencys letter of the 8th of this month, in favor of Capn Fitzrandolph. The Captains known zeal and usefulness entitle him to consideration; and I shall be very well pleased, if we can effect any thing towards his relief or releasement. At present commissioners

from the enemy, and on our part, are sitting at Amboy, for the purpose of an exchange of prisoners. Should the parties be happy enough to agree [u]pon terms of a general cartel, your Excellency may be assured that in carrying it into effect, I shall give directions that his exchange be made an object. But if no agreement of this kind takes place, I cannot promise an exclusive or partial exchange for the Captain. The lengthy confinement of many of our officers, some of whom have been prisoners since the affair of Long Island, has alone made them extremely sensible of any exchange which has the least appearance of partiality. This, besides the infringing the order established for carrying on partial exchanges, which gives the preference to the oldest officers in captivity, will put it out of my power to do any thing in this line, especially under the present state and circumstances of our prisoners. With the most perfect regard and esteem, I have the honor to be, Dr Sir Your Excellency’s obt & hble servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Major General Alexander McDougall, 16 March 1780
From: McDougall, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Fish-Kill [N.Y.] March 16th 1780.

          Last night I was honored with your Excellencys favor of the 9th instant; And am extreamly Sorrey, that the State of the General officers is Such, as to be distressing to you and injurious to the Service.
          It is very painful to me, to be in any degree the Cause of either; And it would give me great pleasure to have it in my Power to remove it. Since I have had the Honor of Serving under your orders, I have Studiously and chearfully endeavored to bear my part of the burden of the Service, from a full conviction, that the Commander in chief had an intolerable Share of it; and I wish it was as much in my power, as it is my inclination to render it lighter. After I got Setled in these Quarters about two months, the Symtoms of my disorder was rather flattering, insomuch that I entertained hopes, of being able to join the Army, whenever the Severity of the weather Should be over. But Since that season has passed,

and changeable weather in extreames has Suceeded, those hopes have left me. I find on every change from warm to Cold Raw weather, that I am Still in the Same Condition, and have but litle expectation of being in a Condition to do duty, till the Setled warm weather arrives. If happily I find my Self fitt for the field, before that, Your Excellency may rest assurd I Shall not loose a moments time in Joining the Army. I have the Honor to be with great truth, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most Humble Servant.

            Alexr McDougall


Title: To George Washington from Colonel James Wood, 16 March 1780
From: Wood, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Charlotteville [Va.] 16th March 1780.

          The Inclosed are Letters from Brigadier General Hamilton, who Commands the Convention Troops, to Major General Phillips in New York, the Brigadier Desires me to Inclose them to your Excellency, with a request that they may be forwarded by the first Flag. the Letters were Examined by me, before they were Sealed; they Contain besides Several matters respecting the internal police of the Convention Troops, a representation of the Scarcity of Provisions, which has Prevailed at this Post for Some time past, he mentions the Difficulty the Troops labour under, in being Obliged to Give the most Exorbitant Prices for the Necessaries of life, and particularly enumerates the Prices of Some Articles. I mention these Particulars that your Excellency may Judge of the Propriety, or impropriety, of Suffering Information of this Kind to be Communicated to the Enemy. when I took the Command at this Post, I found it in the Most Alarming Situation for want of Provision and Forage, Owing I Believe in a Great Measure, to the Extreme Severity of the Winter, and the Purchasing Commissary not being Supplied with an Adequate Sum of money in the fall of the year, when a Sufficient Quantity of Beef and Pork, might have been readily Procured. On this Subject I have wrote Very Fully to the Board of War.
          a Number of the Officers of Convention who are Valitudinary, are exceedingly Desirous of taking the Benifit of the Ensuing Season at the Warm Springs in Augusta and Berkeley, if they Can Obtain Permission. this Indulgence I am not at liberty to grant, by the resolution of Congress of the 21st August last, unless the Indulgence is Approved by the Board of War, or Your Excellency. I shou’d do great injustice to the Troops of Convention, if I did not inform You, that their Conduct Since I have had the Command, has been Perfectly Consistent with good

Order and Propriety. I have the Honor of Inclosing your Excellency the Present State of the Convention Troops. I am with the Greatest respect Yr Excellency’s Very Obt Servt

            James Wood.


Title: General Orders, 17 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head Quarters Morristown friday March 17th 1780.
            Parole Saints—  C. Signs—Patrick Shelah—


Title: To George Washington from the Board of War, 17 March 1780
From: Board of War
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            War Office [Philadelphia] March 17th 1780

          We have been favoured with yours of the 8th Instant. We have the Honour to enclose a Copy of the Paragraph in our Letter of the 18th Ulto to Otis & Henley relative to the Cloathing for Colo. Sheldon’s

Regt. The Measures we have been enabled to take for the Equipment of the Cavalry have been very much confined by the situation of the Public Finances which are in so miserable a Condition that we find it, not only in this but in every other part of the Supplies necessary for the Troops, needless to give directions, where we know our Officers are not able from thier want of Cash to provide. All our Hopes are fixed on the expected Supplies from Europe, which however we should not have depended upon, had we been supported in our endeavours to furnish the Troops independent of this expectation. But as the Treasury could not furnish Money we thought it needless to involve either ourselves or the Officers under our directions in the Persecution of being dunned for Debts it would have been impossible to pay. Indeed the Public Credit is so bad that but few would have trusted—We hope to have Leather Breeches and Caps for the Horse, & we presume the Commissy Genl of Military Stores will be able to furnish the Articles in his Line. But as it seems probable that the Regiments could do tolerably with less than their Returns call for, it were to be wished, the officers would barely ask for what only is totally deficient. We shall however give orders for the whole and if possible they will [be] procured. Moylan’s Regt had when they passed thro’ Philadelphia an ample equipment last Year & yet thier demands now are great in every respect. We suppose the Horse being much detached are more subject to losses & Waste The expences of the Cavalry are so enormous that it will be impossible without the European Supplies to provide for them even Accoutrements Cloathing & Necessaries. As to Horses they are out of the Question. While we are on this subject we beg to ask Your Excellency whether any regulations have ever been made as to the number of Horses allowed to the Cavalry Officers respectively; If not we submit it to your Excellency whether it would not be adviseable to issue an order ascertaining the number of Horses, for which each Officer of Cavalry, respectively shall be allowed Public Forage, in the same Manner as you have regulated the Infantry: This order would be a rule of Conduct to the different Out Posts & prevent a Number of abuses, which have resulted from this Matter having not been ascertained.
          We directed the Commissary of Hides here to make 700 pairs of Boots & we hope Capt. Starr of Connecticut will procure 300 more; but every thing is so uncertain from the want of Cash, that we cannot form any positive Opinion as to the Numbers they will be able to furnish. There are a considerable number of saddles, Bridles & other Articles proper for Light Horse at Springfield, but we have not a return of them, so as to enable us to specify the particular Articles. If an Officer was sent to that place Colo. Cheever would shew the Articles & they might be applied as far as they will go. We believe that they are not of the best Kind, but if

they will in any wise answer the purpose they should be used in our distressed Situation. As we have taken no other measures for the Supply of the Cavalry than those before Mentioned; we presume Your Excellency will think proper to give an order on the Quarter Mastr Genl to procure all the Articles in his Line not in Store. We have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect & Esteem Your very obedt Servants

            Richard PetersBy Order


Title: To George Washington from Major General Robert Howe, 17 March 1780 [letter not found]
From: Howe, Robert
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Robert Howe, 17 March 1780. GW wrote Howe on 21 March: “I have before me your two favors of the 16 and 17th instant.” GW wrote in the same letter: “I return the proceedings of the Court martial transmitted in your letter of the 17th.”


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 17 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

            Sir
            Head Qrs Morris Town March 17th 1780

          I am sorry to inform Congress that I am again under great apprehensions on the score of our provision supplies. There is not now in camp and within it’s vicinity, more meal & Grain than will furnish the Troops with Five days bread, notwithstanding the exertions that have been made to lay in a supply; and I fear from the badness of the Roads and the difficulty of procuring Teams, that it will be hardly practicable to draw relief in time from the more distant Mills in the State, at which Congress will observe by the Inclosure No. 1 (the Return of Colo. Dunham, Superintendent of State purchases) that there is a small quantity both of Meal & Grain in Store. I have written to this Officer and urged him in the most pressing terms to exert himself to bring on a supply.
          With respect to meat—the Issuing Commissary’s Return No. 2, will shew the quantity in the Magazine at this place. This by an economical & scanty issue, may serve for about Forty days. When this is expended, I do not know how the Army will be subsisted with this Article. I find from the account of one of Colo. Dunham’s Assistant’s, that there is very little if any meat to be expected from this State, which exerted

itself so very considerably on a late occasion; and from a Letter of the 25th Ulto, just received from Colo. Blaine, of which I have the honor to transmit a Copy, the prospect of obtaining a supply from Connecticut, which was chiefly relied on, seems to be little better; at least for some time. Besides this Letter, which is rather of an old date, I have received One from another Gentleman, dated at Hartford the 10th Instant, informing me “that the Assembly had dissolved without having come into any measures to promote the supplies of the Army—and that Colo. Blaine had not prevailed on any person to act in his department on the terms he was authorised to allow; that there was no public purchaser of provisions in the State and Colo. Champion had sent off the last of his Cattle.” I thought it my duty to communicate these interesting points.
          On the 9th Commissioners from the Two Armies met at Amboy on the subject of the proposed exchange of prisoners, who are still together. I shall do myself the Honor to transmit the Result of their proceedings, by the earliest opportunity, after they are known. I have the Honor to be with the greatest respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt st

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Mitchell, 17 March 1780 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mitchell, John

          Letter not found: to John Mitchell, 17 March 1780. Mitchell wrote GW on 25 March acknowledging “Your Excellencys favors of the 17th & 20th.”


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Daniel Brodhead, 18 March 1780
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

            Dear General
            Fort Pitt [Pa.] March 18th 1780.

          The Savages have already begun their hostilities—last sunday they killed five Men at a Sugar Camp upon Raccoon Creek in Yoghagania County & took prisoners three Girls & three lads. It is generally conjectured that the Delawares perpetrated this Murder, but it is possible it may have been done by other Indians. If the Delaware Nation should declare against us, this frontier will be greatly distressed, as many other Nations who have hitherto been neuter will join them, and my Force is by no means sufficient to protect the Settlements. I have inclosed to the Adjutt Genl a return of the Troops for the Month of February since which near to fifty men have been discharged from the 9th Virga Regt and many more will expect their discharges very soon.
          I have lately been favored with a Letter from Colo. Clark declaring his readiness to cooperate with me in every Measure I shall Undertake either for the reduction of one of the Enemies posts or against the Indian Towns. He is now at the Ilinois and will be considerably reinforced in the course of this Spring. He proposes throwing up some Works at the Mouth of Ohio River. If your Excellency can possibly spare a small reinforcement of well appointed regular Troops for this District I will pledge my Honor to be as Active as circumstances & Situation will admit.
          I am exceeding anxious to receive a line from you And have the Honor to be with the most perfect regard & esteem your Excellencies most Obedt Servt

            Daniel Brodhead


Title: General Orders, 19 March 1780
From: Washington, George
To:

            Head-Quarters Morristown sunday March 19th 1780.
            Parole Bacon—  C. Signs Beef. Brandy.

          Two trusty soldiers from each regiment of Infantry and a good active serjeant from each brigade with their Arms Accoutrements, Blankets, Packs &c. are to assemble on the grand parade tomorrow morning at troop beating—The officers of the day will have them formed into Platoons and the Brigade Major of the day will march them to Head-Quarters where they are to join His Excellency’s Guards ’till further orders.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 19 March 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Passy [France] Mar. 19th 1780.

          I beg leave to introduce to your Excellency’s Acquaintance & Civilities, Monsr le Chevalier De Chastelleux; Major General in the French Troops, now about to embark for America, whom I have long known and esteem’d highly in his several Characters of a Soldier, a Gentleman, & a Man of Letters. His excellent Book on Publick Happiness shews him the Friend to Mankind, and as such intitles him wherever he goes to their Respect & good Offices. He is particularly a Friend to our Cause, and I am sure your Excellency will have great Pleasure in his Conversation. I have the honour to be, with great Respect Your Excellency’s most obedt & most humble Servant

            B. Franklin


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 19 March 1780
From: Franklin, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Passy, March 19 1780

          Count Christian and Count William de Deux Ponts Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment of that Name are now abount to embark for America. As Possibly they may before their Return visit your Army, I beg leave to introduce them to your Excellency and to Recommend them to your Civilities as young Gentleman well known to me, of Excellent Character and zealous Friends to our Cause and Country, With the highest Esteem and Respect, I have the honour to be, Your Excellency’s &c.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Huntington, 19 March 1780
From: Huntington, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia March 19. 1780

          I do myself the honour to transmit your Excellency the enclosed Intelligence No. 1 & No. 2 this Moment received from Charles Town South Carolina. And have the honour to be with the highest respect your Excellency’s hble servt

            Sam. Huntington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 19 March 1780
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Williamsburg Mar. 19th 1780.

          Since writing to your Excellency on the subject of the expedition against Detroit, the want of men, want of money & difficulty of procuring provisions, with some other reasons more cogent if possible & which cannot be confided to a letter, have obliged us to decline that object. I thought it therefore necessary to notify this to your Excellency that no expectations of our undertaking it may prevent any enterprize of that kind which you may have had in contemplation. that nest is too troublesome not to render the relinquishment of the attempt to destroy it very mortifying to us. I have the honor to be with all possible esteem and respect Your Excellency’s, Most obedient humble servt

            Th: Jefferson