Title: To George Washington from Moses Hazen, 31 March 1783
From: Hazen, Moses
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Pompton 31st March, 1783

                        On my Arrival at this Place I called the Officers of the Regiment in this Cantonment together, and
                            communicated to them such Parts of the Conversation between your Excellency and me on the 29th Instant, respecting Major
                            Reid’s present leave of Absence, as was necessary for them to know; they all, excepting Capt. Pry, unanimously request
                            that I report to your Excellency that they still continue firm in thinking themselves much injured, and particularly
                            unfortunate that the steady, prudent, and mild Measures which they have firmly pursued since their first Remonstrance of
                            the 3rd of March 1781, have not hitherto rendered them—the Soldiers of the Regiment—and the Public that Justice which they
                            think the Nature of their Case requires; and that they are now exceedingly sorry that it has so happened that Major Reid
                            has been indulged with a Furlough before they had an Opportunity of justifying themselves at a Public Hearing, pointed out
                            by a Report of General Officers on the 23rd of January last, respecting the Matter in Question, and approved by your
                            Excellency. They have unanimously requested of me to apply officially to your Excellency, to order Major Reid to join the
                            Regiment or return to the Army without Delay, prepared to prosecute them in Manner as was in the said Report of the
                            General Officers pointed out for a Redress.
                        I beg leave to observe, Sir, that whatever may be considered as an Error, Omission, or a Crime in me, by my
                            not moving your Excellency for a Hearing before Major Reid’s leave of Absence took place, those Gentlemen under my Command
                            may not in any wise be thought wanting on their Parts; and in order to exculpate myself, I must beg to observe, that I
                            have ever conceived your Excellency’s Public Orders which regarded a separate Command, were transmitted by the
                            Adjutant-General, or his Deputy; through that Channel I have ever received your Excellency’s Public Orders at this Place
                            and elsewhere, how it has happened that those in Question, and known to be of so much Importance to the Corps, were
                            omitted, is not for me to determine: The Publication of the Proceedings of the Court appears to have been on the 21st of
                            February, and Major Reid’s leave of Absence on the 3rd of March, nine Days only between them: The Official Notice of Major
                            Reid’s Acquital did not arrive at this Place until the Evening of the 5th of March, transmitted to me by Capt. Carlile,
                            the Assistant Adjutant-General; my Time was then taken up and soon after my personal Attendance in the Execution of my
                            Duty on the Enemy’s Lines, which prevented my waiting sooner on your Excellency at Newburgh. It is not however too late,
                            if Major Reid can be brought back to the Army, and the injured Officers have a Public Investigation of their Conduct under
                            the Charges published by him, before a Reform of the Army, or the Regiment under my Command.
                        I have therefore to request your Excellency will please to fix a short Day for a Public Hearing on the
                            Officers before mentioned, and direct that Major James R. Reid attend to support the Charges which he has in the most
                            Public Manner exhibited against them. I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s most obedient And very humble Servant

                            Moses Hazen

                            P.S. I have to beg your Excellency’s leave to go to Philadelphia for a few Days only, on some Business
                                that requires my Presence in the Settlement of some Public Accounts, and other Matters that regard the Canadian
                                Officers and Men.
                            I beg your Excellency will please to fix a Day for the Investigation of the Conduct of those Officers,
                                that the Parties aggrieved may be called together and ready to defend themselves.

                            M.H.


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Pope, 31 March 1783
From: Pope, Isaac
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            New Windsor cantonment, 31 March 1783

                        I marched the 3d Massachusetts Regiment agreeable to orders to the lines at Croton river on the
                            13relieved the 2d Newyork Regiment commanded by Colonel Cochran on the 14th of march—posted the
                            regiment from right to left in the following order, The light infantry company at Stoney Point, and the first Batalion
                            company at Verplanks Point, the fourth and fifth companies at Cortlands House at the mouth of Croton, the eighth company
                            at Pugsleys abought one mile east of the new bridge the third company had an intermediate position
                            between the New bridge and Pines bridge at Fitenburoughs on the croton, the Sixth Company at Pines bridge—the Seventh at
                            Squire Deans, the Second company at the tower of Bedfor’d—posted a guard, at newbridge consisting of a Serjeant and twelve
                            privats—posted a nother guard of the Same Strength at the Ferrey near the mouth of croton—Sent a corporal 4 privates to
                            Davenports ford—Petroled along the croton river from its mouth abought two miles East of Pines bridge—Sent Scouts
                            repeatedly as low as the White plains—received your Excellencies order to give a passport to Mr Skidmore to pass to the
                            British lines—which was immediately complied with; received four prisoners of war belonging to
                            Colonel Dellancy Corps which were taken by a party of militia commanded by John Archer, which was Sent under guard to Head
                            Quarters, also two deserters one from the british army, the other from the British Navey which were Sent to Head Quarters.
                        Was relieved on the 28th of march by the first New Hampshire Regiment commanded by Major Morril—marched the
                            Regiment into this cantonment in the evening of the 20th.
                        nothing very material happened when I was on the lines. I am your Excellencies most obediant & very
                            Humble Servt

                            Isaac Pope Majr 3d M. Regt


Title: General Orders, 1 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Tuesday April 1st 1783.
                            Parole Kimbolton
                            Countersigns Limerick Monmouth

                        For the day tomorrow Major Gibbs
                        B. Q. M. Hampshire Brigade
                        For duty the 4th Massachusetts regiment.


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Zebulon Butler, 1 April 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Butler, Zebulon

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 1st April 1783

                        His Excellency directs me to reply to your Letter of the 16th of March—And to inform you that he consents to
                            your request, to be absent from Camp until the first Day of May next—I am &c.

                            J. T——ll


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters April 1st 1783

                        I have been honored with your two favors of the 19th & 26th inst. The favorable disposition of
                            Congress expressed in their late acts appears to be highly satisfactory to the Army.
                        My Papers for last year not being with me I cannot recur to the Letters which have passed on the subject I am
                            about to mention—but I recollect it was proposed some time since to alter the military Establishment so far as related to
                            the institution of Lt Colonels Commandant—and that for certain reasons I gave it as my opinion the Alteration had better
                            be postponed until after the Reformation which was to take place on the first of Janry. As the original occasion for that
                            institution has now ceased to exist, as I conceive no reasonable objection can now be made against placing all our Regts
                            under the Command of Colonels, Lt Colonels, & Majors, and as it would be a gratification to a number of very
                            meritorious Officers, I could sincerely wish Congress would take the matter up & decide upon it as early as might
                            conveniently be done.
                        There is another matter I will take the liberty to suggest to you, & to desire you will give me your
                            opinion without reserve on the expediency of it—viz. whether there could not be some general Rule devised (without
                            inconvenience or expence to the Public, or detriment to the Service) for giving Brevet Commissions of a superior rank to
                            those they now hold to all such veteran Officers as have served faithfully & bravely in the same grade ever since
                            the first of Janry 1777. For example what difficulties would there be in the way of promoting by Brevet all Lts of that
                            date now actually in service to the rank of Captns—all Captns of the same date to the rank of Majors—All Majors in the
                            same predicament to be Lt Colonels &c.
                        Perhaps it will be objected that the number would be too great—perhaps there may be embarrassments or
                            inconveniencies which I have not discover’d—Under these circumstances I should not urge the prosecution of the Idea—but if
                            those objections or difficulties should not occur, or be found to operate against it; the adoption, of the measure would I
                            am persuaded be considered as a just reward to merit, & without increasing the public expence one farthing, would
                            add greatly to the satisfaction of many very worthy & deserving Characters.
                        I am informed, by some mistake the Commissions for the Officers of the York Line (the Certificates for which
                            we collected at VerPlanks Point last Fall) have not been forwarded with the others, the Gentlemen concerned will be much
                            obliged to you for them—I am Dear Sir with the highest esteem.


Title: General Orders, 2 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Wednesday April 2d 1783.
                            Parole Nymph.
                            Countersigns Ode_Pindar

                        For the day Lt Colonel E. Vose
                        B. Q. Mr 1st Massachusetts Brigade
                        For duty the 3d Massachusetts regiment.
                        The following principles being adopted in the settlement now commencing with the Army, it is desired that
                            they be attended to by the officers concerned viz.—First—The Accounts to be made out regimentally and include every
                            officer and soldier, except those mentioned in the third and fourth articles, following for the time he actually belonged
                            to the regiment—The transfer of officers or soldiers from one regiment to another, is to be noticed in the rolls; and the
                            pay accordingly to cease in the one regiment and commence in the other.
                        2d Three regimental rolls to be made out, one to include the time from June 1st 1778. to August 1. 1780—and
                            another from August 1st 1780 to January 1st 1782, and the other for the year 1782, which are to be seigned by the pay
                            master & officer who commanded the regt, as far as it can be done.
                        3d The officers who have been prisoners to be settled with for the time they were prisoners, individually and
                            not in the Regiments.
                        4th Regimental officers while they acted in the Staff of the Army are also to be settled with individually on
                            Certificates from the heads of the Departments in which they served.
                        5th The officers and men of the Commander in chiefs Guard to be settled with in their respective Lines and
                            regiments.
                        The regimental Pay Masters will call on the Quarter Master Genl for the necessary paper.
                        All the Drummers and Fifers in this Cantonment off duty will assemble tomorrow morning ten o’clock at Mr
                            Hiwells hutt for inspection and further instruction.


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Duché, 2 April 1783
From: Duché, Jacob
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Asylum, Lambeth, April 2, 1783

                        Will your Excellency condescend to accept of a few Lines from one, who ever was, and wishes still to be your
                            sincere Friend, who never intentionally—sought to give you a Moment’s Pain, who entertains for
                            you the highest Personal Respect, and would be happy to be assured under your own Hand, that he does not labour under your
                            Displeasure, but that you freely forgive, what a weak Judgment, but a very affectionate Heart once presumed to advise.
                        Many Circumstances, at present unknown to you, conspired to make me deem it my Duty to write to you.
                            Ignorance & Simplicity saw not the Necessity of your divulging the Letter. I am convinced, however, that you could
                            not, in your Public Station, do otherwise. I cannot say a Word in Vindication of my Conduct but this, that I had been for
                            Months before, distressed with continual Apprehensions for you and all my Friends without the British Lines—I looked upon
                            All as gone; or that nothing could save you, but a rescinding the Declaration of Independency.
                        Upon this Ground alone, I presumed to speak—not to advise an Act of base Treachery—My Soul would have
                            recoiled from the Thought—not to surrender your Army, or betray the righteous Cause of your Country—but at the Head of
                            that Army, supporting & supported by them, to negociate with Britain for our Constitutional Rights.
                        Can you, then, join with my Country in pardoning this Error of Judgment? Will you yet honour me with your
                            great Interest & Influence, by recommending, at least expressing your Approbation of, the Repeal of an Act, that
                            keeps me in a State of Banishment from my Native Country, from the Arms of a dear aged Father, and the Embraces of a
                            numerous Circle of valuable & long-loved Friends.
                        Your liberal, generous Mind, I am persuaded, will never exclude me wholly from your Regard for a mere
                            Political Error; especially, as you must have heard, that since the Date of that Letter, I have led a Life of perfect
                            Retirement, and since my Arrival in England have devoted myself wholly to the Duties of my Profession, and confined my
                            Acquaintance to an happy Circle of literary & religious Friends.
                        I have written to my Father & to many of my Friends largely on this Subject, requesting them to make
                            such Application to the State of Pennsylvania in my Behalf, as may be judged necessary & expedient. Should this
                            application be honoured with Success, I know of nothing, that would more effectually satisfy my Desires in a Matter of
                            such Importance to myself & my Family as a Line or two from your Excellency, expressive of your Approbation of my
                            Return.
                        Temporal Emoluments are not wanting to induce me to remain for Life on this Side the Atlantic. I have been
                            most hospitably received & kindly treated by all Ranks of People. And I should be ungrateful not to acknowledge in
                            the strongest Terms my Obligations to those, who have placed me in the easy & comfortable Situation I now enjoy.
                            It is not Necessity, therefore, but unalterable Affection to my Native Country, that urges me to seek a Return.
                        With every good Wish & Prayer for your best Felicity, & my most hearty Congratulations on the
                            happy Event of Peace, I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most obedt & humble Servant

                            J. Duché


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Parker, 2 April 1783
From: Parker, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Contractors Office April 2d 1783

                        On the arrival of the Packet at Philada with Dispatches from the Count De Estaing, Announcing the
                            Preliminaries of a general Peace to have been signed at Paris on the 20th of January, the Honble the Secretary at War, was
                            pleased to write Sir Guy Carleton on the Subject of a Contract for the supply of Provisions to the Army under his Command,
                            & recommended myself & Compy as persons proper to make such supplies. This letter I had to honor to
                            deliver to Sir Guy Carleton on the 24th Instant, but no Official Accounts having at that Time reached New York prevented
                            the Commanding Officer in that City from entering into engagements of such a nature with persons in our Situation: and I
                            was obliged to return without effecting this object. I have therefore to request your Excellency to grant me the proper
                            passports to return to that City, that I may be ready, on the arrival of such Intelligence to compleat the business that
                            was recommended by the Secretary at War. I am constrained to make this application to your Excellency from the dangerous
                            situation in which we shall be placed as Contractors for the American Army should the supply of the British Army pass
                            thro’ other Channels. The great scarcity of Beef in the Country gives us the most alarming apprehensions, & fully
                            convinces us, that it will be out of our power to supply the American Army, should other persons purchase the supplies
                            which will soon be required in the City of New York, at an enormous advanced price, & with ready Cash.
                        These Motives have induced me to trouble your Excellency with the present application; & I flatter
                            myself that a compliance with this request will not be deemed inconsistent with the public good. I have the honor to be,
                            with perfect Respect your Excellency’s most obedt & hbe servt

                             Danl Parker


Title: General Orders, 3 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Thursday April 3d 1783
                            Parole Quebec.
                            Countersigns Ringwood. Sunbury.

                        For the day tomorrow Major Knap
                        B. Q. Mr 3d Brigade
                        For duty the 6th Massachusetts regiment.
                        Brigadier Genl Huntington, Colonels Cortlandt, and Nicola, are to constitute a Court of Inquiry to assemble
                            on the 15th of May next at Westpoint or such place as shall be appointed by the president, and examine into the conduct of
                            Brigadier Genl Hazen and several officers of his corps relatively to the assertions which have been made concerning them
                            by Major James R. Reid at different times and particularly in his Defence before on General courtmartial in the month of
                            December 1780.
                        Major Reid and all persons concerned will attend accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Nathanael Greene, 3 April 1783
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Charles Town April 3d 1783.

                        Persuaded that your Excellency, would wish to have good information upon every subject, before you take your
                            ultimate determination upon a place of operations, I shall take the liberty of laying before you a slight sketch, of the
                            political disorders, & military resources of the Southern States. As I am entrusted with the command here; the
                            people will expect it of me, and as your Excellency seems to give some latitude in your letter for marching the Troops, I
                            wish to lay the circumstances before you for your final determination. The Subject is connected with political happiness,
                            & national security, three different ways, in its military operations, its revenue, & the protection from
                            the ravages of the Enemy, which the different parts of the Confederation have a right to expect. The first you want no
                            information upon. The second & third so far as they may be effected in this department I will endeavour to lay
                            before you. In the first place Georgia is much divided in its politicks, without revenue, or public credit, incapable of
                            great exertions, and surrounded on every side, with British and Savage Enemies. They could not from the utmost exemption
                            keep more than 200 Militia in the field in cases of the most eminent danger. Perhaps a greater number might be got out for
                            a short time, but a greater force could not be kept up.
                        South Carolina is without revenue, torn to pieces by divisions, many internal enemies, its Capital without
                            fortifications, or stores for its defence. Trade exposed, & Agriculture languishing. For this situation no great
                            exertion could be expected from it. Twelve or fifteen hundred Militia might be got together, in four or five weeks upon
                            some great occasion, but the State could not keep on foot, more than 500 Militia, nor could they even this number, but
                            from the steady zeal and extensive influence, of men & Officers of particular districts.
                        North Carolina is numerous, but its laws are feeble. Government without exertion, the inhabitants scatter’d
                            over an immense country. The difficulty of drawing a force together under these circumstances is inconceivable; and with
                            every exertion on the part of Government, and as good a disposition prevailing among the people, as may be expected. I do
                            not believe more than five or six hundred men could be obtain’d, for the support of the two Southern States, and even
                            those could not be collected in less than five or six weeks, which would give full time, for the enemy to prosecute any
                            place of operations to effect. While the Enemy’s object, & destination is uncertain, every state will save some
                            apprehensions for themselves, which will retard a combination of our force, and after all the pains & difficulty
                            of collecting it, it cannot be kept long together. For want of Armouries, & for open establishments in the
                            different States, the greater part of the Militia would be useless for want of Arms. Plans for remedying this evil, have
                            been repeatedly recommended to them but without effect. Their Militia laws are upon the worst footing in the world, and
                            insuperable are the difficulties in effecting a reform. Several attempts have been made, but without success. A people so
                            circumstanced can make but little opposition.
                        Within a few days I have received intelligence from Augustine, that three British Regiments were expected
                            there from New York. What degree of credit is to be given to this intelligence you will be a better judge than I. If they
                            arrive Augustine will be formidable. There is at that place now, upwards of 600 regular troops, and betwixt 7 &
                            800 Refugees. which would join in a Military expidition. Their desperate situation, will render their conduct intrepid
                            & enterprising. Should the whole of this force be pointed against the two Southern States, it must complete their
                            ruin. Several frigates it is said will be station’d on this coast. This would facilitate an enterprise. And after the
                            troops are gone which are now under marching orders, it will be possible to stop the progress of the Enimy for a time, if
                            at all untill they overrun the two Southern States. There will remain in this department about 300 horse and 8 or 900
                            infantry; but the greater part of the North Carolina troops term of service expires in a few months which will leave us
                            only 400 infantry, and these for the protection of an extent of Country, for more than 600 Miles.
                        Cavalry can give no protection to Charles Town, and divided as our infantry must be, for the protection of
                            Georgia, we have not a force to prevent the enemy, from ruining and laying Charles Town under contribution. Both these
                            States, in this defenceless condition, will leave trade and agriculture too insecure for the purposes of revenue, and that
                            is a great object. Without it they can neither conduct their own affairs, or pay their quota of the Continental expense.
                        In this representation, I wish not to be understood to have aggravated a single circumstance. nor to urge a
                            different disposition of the Continental force, than is perfectly conformable to your views, and the great National
                            objects. All that I wish is to give you every light on the subject which may be necessary to govern your ultimate
                            determination. The People here have suffer’d much and seem to expect protection, founded upon the general principles of
                            confederation. To these they add, the impossibility of paying revenue, if their trade is left exposed, and their property
                            subject to new depradations. Merchants I fear will not hazard their property, in parts so much in the power of the enemy.
                            What probability there is of their being attack’d and what consequences may result from it. Your excellency can better
                            judge than I can.
                        It seems to be the prevailing opinion, that the Independance of the United States, will be acknowledged, even
                            if the War continues, & that offensive operations against the United States will be discontinued. But while the
                            enemy hold New York, I think the contrary may be expected, and that with me will be the grand criterion, by which to
                            decide upon their future intentions. And even this will not be conclusive, for they may relinquish offensive operations
                            for a time, and renew them to the Southward by & by, just upon the close of a peace. And these States are
                            naturally weak, remote from support, ill fitted for trade, and may serve as a grand asylum for the Tories, I conceive an
                            enterprise of this sort, is no improbable conjecture.
                        Two reasons operate forcibly, for moving the force Northwardly, one is an attempt upon New York: the other
                            the troops are extremely dissatisfied with the climate. The deaths of the last campaign hang heavy upon the minds of the
                            Soldiers. The terrors of the climate operate with more power, than the force of the Enemy. And I cannot but have my
                            apprehensions, alarmed from a late instance in the Cavalry. The whole of the First Regiment mutinied, and took up their
                            line of march for Virginia. Major Swan had been in Charles Town on business and met them on their march, with their
                            Officers, some distance in the rear. With some difficulty he got them back. Inclosed is a copy of his letter on the
                            subject. Altho the badness and scarcity of provison is made the ostensible cause, I believe the true one was a desire to
                            get to Virginia. And I am afraid if any new operations should happen in the Country, Troops will be brought with
                            difficulty to march for its support. I pity the situation of the inhabitants nor are they fully sensible in my opinion of
                            their real danger. Their plan of policy is rather opposed to their general safety. The intelligence of the three regiments
                            coming from New York to Augustine, I had some time ago, but I paid no regard to it, till a second account to the same purport
                            arrived. which happend within a few days and since I wrote you the letter which will accompany this. I am with great esteem
                            Yr Excellencys most obedient humble Servant

                            Nath. Green

                     Enclosure

                                Dear General
                                Eutaw March 28th 1783

                            Guess my surprize & concern this morning about seven o’clock, twelve miles from this place, when I
                                met the men of the Regiment marching in the most orderly & regular manner, without a single Officer to be
                                seen, various were my first ideas, it was some time before the real one occurred, Vizt a general Mutiny.
                            Upon my enquiring for the Officers, I was informed they were some distance in the rear. I ordered them to
                                halt, and wheel to the right, which they complied with after a considerable hesitation. Then I ordered them to inform
                                me, from what cause they were instigated to their present conduct. I was informed by the Serjeants that they had been
                                starving several days, that they had been for a considerable time past; flattered with their allowance of rations, as
                                soon as the Contractor arrived, That he had been a week or ten days with the Regiment, that all the supplies he had
                                Issued were two days rations of poor Bull beef, unfit for use, that they had been promised pay from time to time, that
                                those promises were never attended to more than the others, that they were left in a sickly Country (which they had
                                assisted to conquer) to starve, both men & horses and that their determination was to go & lay
                                themselves & swords at the feet of the Executive of Virginia, and implore pardon & protection. In this
                                situation I found myself much at a loss how to act. Their complaints were, in many instances, too true, at the same
                                time I disapproved the mode and manner of representation. However, these truths induced me to the side of Unity. I
                                ordered silence & harangued them, complimenting their former bravery and sufferings, and reprobating their
                                present conduct & behaviour, and concluded by ordering them immediately to return to their
                                duty; in reply, they assured me they would die & live with me, even starve with me, and
                                that they would return with me, if I would pardon their past conduct. This I thought proper to do, even with all the
                                bad consequences which might attend it, beleiving that the least. I hope this part of my conduct will meet your
                                approbation, they are now in their Quarters & seem pretty quiet. I have been farther induced to inform them,
                                their grievances shall be laid before you, from whose known humanity & partiality in favor of the Soldier they
                                have every thing to hope. If they can have their provissions with a prospect of a few months pay, every thing will be
                                restored. I have the honor to be Your humble servant

                                J. Swan


Title: From George Washington to Moses Hazen, 3 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Hazen, Moses

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Aprl 3d 1783

                        The Adjt General transmits you by this conveyance the Order of this date for a Court of Inquiry &c. I
                            shall expect you will forward the Letter addressed to Major Reid with the greatest rapidity it also contains a transcript
                            of the Order.
                        I consent you should go to Philadelphia for a few days, but desire your absence may not be protracted beyond
                            what is absolutely necessary. I am Sir &c.

                            P.S. I intended to have spoken to you respecting relieving Captn Donhin from the stationary command of
                                the Block House in the Clove—you will please to have it done as soon as may be.


Title: To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 3 April 1783
From: Putnam, Rufus,Paterson, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Cantonment, New Windsor April 3d 1783

                        It appears by representations made to us, that when the honorable the Secretary at War was in camp the last
                            fall, and lately in this Cantonment, that he gave encouragement to those interested, that the Lieutenant Colonel
                            Commandants of Regts in the line of Massachusetts should receive Colonels commissions & the eldest Majors be
                            advanced to Lieutenant Colonels, so far as the vacancies admitted. A conviction of the propriety of this step, as well as
                            the solicitations of the gentlemen concerned, prevails on us to request that your Excellency would be pleased to exert
                            your influence with Congress, and the Secretary at War, that the gentlemen of this description may have their desires
                            complyed with, as soon as convenient.
                        It is presumed that a multiplicity of engagements, &c. has effaced the rememberance of this measure
                            from the memory of general Lincoln, or unquestionably it would have been effected ere this.
                        We have no doubt that if your Excellency sees the propriety and reasonableness of this request, but that it
                            will be speedily accomplished; and we are with profound and respectful Sentiments of esteem and respect, your Excellency’s
                            devoted, and most obedient humble servants

                            John Paterson B. Genl
                            R. Putnam B. Genl


Title: To George Washington from John Searle, 3 April 1783
From: Searle, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Madeira 3d April 1783

                        The Bearer Capt. Wm Thomas of the Scooner Freemason, belonging to & bound for Maryland being the
                            first opportunity that has offer’d for your Excellency’s Neighbourhood Since the War, We with the Greatest Pleasure embrace
                            it, most Sincerely to Congratulate You on the Independence of the United States of North America being so Happily fix’d,
                            & on the General Peace, which has Since taken Place in consequence thereof. This Happy Event, in which Your
                            Excellency Under God was Undoubtedly the Principal Agent, must for ever occasion Us, as Natives & Welwishers to
                            America, as well as all others in that Predicament, to Revere the Great General Washington as long as we live, &
                            We most Ardently Supplicate the Almighty to Grant Your Excellency a long Series of years, Attended with the most Perfect
                            Health & Felicity, that you may live to See & Enjoy the Great Benefits that must Necessarly Result to all
                            the Inhabitants of that New Empire, from this Great & Glorious Event. We call to mind with great Pleasure the
                            Honor which your Excellency conferr’d on Us before the War, of Ordering our House to Ship the Madeira Wines which you had
                            then Occasion for, which Circumstance may however from a Multiplicity of Affairs of so much greater Consequence have
                            escap’d your Memory, but it has not escap’d Ours; And as we are inform’d that choice Old Madeira Wines are exceedingly
                            Scarce & Dear in the United States, we Presum’d it might not be disagreable to your Excellency to receive a small
                            temporary Supply of that Article to go on making Use off untill it may be agreable to you to Comunicate Your orders to Us
                            for a larger One; We therefore have taken the Liberty to put a Couple of Pipes of the choicest Old Madeira Wine of a most
                            excellent Quality & fine Amber Colour on board the Scooner Freemason Capt. William Thomas, which we heartily Wish
                            safe to you & that they may prove to your Excellency’s Liking & for which We inclose Capt. Thomas’s Bill
                            of Lading, & also the Invoice of their amount being £72 Sterling, which when Your Leisure admitts off, You will be
                            pleased to order to be deliver’d for our Accounts to our Relation & Friend Lewis Pintard Esqr. of New York, wch we
                            presume may be more agreable to you than to order it to be paid in Europe, as you us’d to do on former Occasions, but
                            whichever of the Two may be the most Pleasing to Your Excellency, will be the most Agreable to Us. We have desir’d Messr
                            Charles Crookshanks & Co. of Maryland, who are the Owners of the Freemason to take the greatest Care of these
                            Wines, untill it maybe Your Excellency’s Pleasure to Order them to be sent to the place of your Abode, & we are
                            persuaded they will do so Accordingly, & as what we have done on this Occasion is purely from a Motive of giving
                            you Pleasure. We shall be extreemly happy in hearing that it meets Your Approbation, And Whatever
                            farther Supply of that Article which you may have Occasion for from Madeira You may Rely on our Shiping with the greatest
                            Punctuality on receiving your Excellency’s Directions, & that it shall be most Excellent Quality. We most
                            Sincerely Wish your Excellency all Possible Health & Felicity, and have the Honor to be with the Highest Respect,
                            Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most Faithfull Humble Servants

                            John Searle & Co.

                     Enclosure

                                Madeira 3d April 1783.

                            Invoice of Two Pipes of Choice Particular Old Wine Ship’d on bd the Schooner Freemason Capt. William
                                Thomas for Acct & Risk of His Excellency General Washington, & consigned Messr Charles Crookshanks
                                & Co. Merchant at Oxford in Maryland, Vizt
                            H.E. G.W. 2 Pipes of cl: Partr old wine with all Charges on bd £72.—.— Sty

                                E.E.
                                John Searle & Co.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Varick, 3 April 1783
From: Varick, Richard
To: Washington, George

                            SirHead Quarters April 3rd 1783

                        The Adjutant General transmits You by this Conveyance the Order of this Date for a Court of Inquiry &c. —I shall expect you will forward the Letter addressed to Major Reid with the greatest Rapidity; it also contains a transcript of the Order. The above is a true Extract & the only part of the Letter of the 3rd  April 1783 which respects Major Reid.

                            Richd Varick Recordg Secy to the Command in Cheif


Title: General Orders, 4 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Friday April 4th 1783.
                            Parole Tranquility
                            Countersigns Urbanity Virginia

                        For the day tomorrow Major Graham
                        B. Qr Mr 2d Massa. Brigd.
                        For duty the 2d Massa. regiment


Title: From George Washington to Theodorick Bland, 4 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

                            Dear Sir,
                            Newburgh 4th of April 1783

                        On Sunday last the Baron de Steuben handed me your obliging favor of the 22d of March—Permit me to offer you
                            my unfeigned thanks for the clear & candid opinions which you have given me of European politics. Your reasonings
                            upon the conduct of the different Powers at War would have appeared conclusive, had not the happy event which has been
                            since announced to us. and on which I most sincerely congratulate you, proved how well they were founded.
                        Peace has given rest to speculative opinions respecting the time & terms of it—The first has come as
                            soon as we could well have expected it under the disadvantages which we laboured; and the latter is abundantly
                            satisfactory. It is now the bounden duty of every one, to make the blessings thereof as diffusive as possible.
                        Nothing would so effectually bring this to pass as the removal of these local prejudices which intrude upon,
                            & embarrass that great line of policy which alone can make us a free, happy, & powerful People. Unless our
                            Union can be fixed upon such a basis as to accomplish these certain I am we have toiled, bled, and spent our treasure to
                            very little purpose.
                        We have now a National character to establish. & it is of the utmost importance to stamp favourable
                            impressions upon it—let justice then be one of its characteristics, & gratitude another. Public creditors of every
                            denomination will be comprehended in the first. The Army in a particular manner will have a claim to the latter. to say
                            that no distinction can be made between the claims of public creditors, is to declare that there is no difference in
                            circumstances. or that the Services of all Men are equally alike.
                        This Army is of near Eight years standing, Six of which they have spent in the Field without any other
                            shelter from the inclemency of the Seasons than Tents or such Houses as they could build for themselves without expence to
                            the public. They have encountered hunger, cold, & nakedness. They have fought many Battles & bled freely.
                            They have lived without pay, and in consequence of it, Officers as well as Men have subsisted upon their Rations. They
                            have often, very often, been reduced to the necessity of Eating Salt Porke or Beef, not for a day, or a week only, but
                            months together without vegetables or money to buy them; or a Cloth to wipe on. Many of them to do better, and to dress as
                            Officers, have contracted heavy debts, or spent their patrimonies—the first see the Doors of Gaols open to receive
                            them—whilst those of the latter are shut against them. Is there no discrimination then—No extra exertion to be made in
                            favor of Men under these peculiar circumstances, in the hour of their Military dissolution? Only if no worse cometh of it,
                            are they to be turned a drift soured and discontented, complaining of the ingratitude of their Country, & under
                            the influence of these passions to become fit subjects for unfavorable impressions, and unhappy dissentions—for permit me
                            to add, tho’ every Man in the Army feels his distress, it is not every one that will reason to the cause of it.
                        I would not from the observations here made, be understood to mean that Congress should (because I know they
                            cannot, nor does the Army expect it) pay the full arrearages due to them till Continental or State funds are established
                            for the purpose. They would, from what I can learn, go home contented—nay thankful to receive what I have mentioned in a
                            more public letter of this date, and in the manner there expressed. And surely this may be effected with proper exertions.
                            or what possibility was there of keeping the Army together if the War had continued, when the Victualling, Clothing,
                            & other Expences of it, were to have been added.
                        Another thing Sir (as I mean to be frank & free in my communications on this subject) I will not
                            conceal from you. it is, the dissimilarity in the payments to Men in Civil & Military life. The first receive every
                            thing—the other get nothing, but bare subsistence—they ask what this is owing to? & reasons have been assigned,
                            which, say they, amount to this—that Men in Civil life have stronger passions & better pretensions to endulge them,
                            or less virtue, & regard for their Country than us. otherwise, as we are all contending for the same prize,
                            & equally interested in the attainment of it, why do we not bear the burthen equally?
                        These & other comparisons which are unnecessary to enumerate, give a keener edge to their feelings
                            & contribute not a little to sour their tempers. As it is the first wish of my Soul to see the War happily
                            & speedily terminated; & those who are now in Arms return to Citizenship with good dispositions; I think
                            it a duty which I owe to candor & to friendship, to point you to such things as my opportunities have given me
                            reason to believe will have a tendency to harmony, & bring them to pass—I shall only add that with much esteem
                            & regard I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obt & Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 4 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 4th April 1783

                        I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency the inclosed Copies of a Letter and Papers which came to
                            my Hands last Evening from Sir Guy Carleton: they are of such a Nature, that I have tho’t proper they should be
                            communicated to Congress. I give them to your Excellency for that purpose.
                        Altho the Complaints of the Indians may not be perfectly candid; it will rest with Congress to decide how
                            far, in our present Circumstances, Policy & Humanity coincide, to prevent as much as possible, the further
                            proscecution of Hostilities against those people. I have only to observe, that the late Acts of Cruelty complained of in
                            the Speech of the Indians, have not been committed under my Direction, or by any parties of Continental Troops; nor have
                            they been sanctified by any Orders from me. I rather think those Acts of Hostility have been conducted with the approbation
                            at least, if not under the Authority of individual States—How far such practice is consistent with the Rules of propriety,
                            or the principles of policy, Congress will be the best Judge—for myself, I confess, my Mind revolts at the Idea of those
                            wanton Barbarites which both sides have, in too many Instances, been the unhappy Witnesses to. With the highest Respect
                            & Esteem I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedient and Most humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                            Dear Sir,
                            Newburgh 4th April 1783

                        The same Post which gave me your two letters of the 25th of March, handed me one from Colo. Bland on the same
                            point.
                        Observing that both have been written at the desire of a Committee of which you are both members—I have made
                            a very full reply to their subject in my letter which is addressed to Colo. Bland—and supposing it unnecessary to enter
                            into a compleete detail to both—I must beg leave to refer you to Colo. Bland’s  (A sight of which I have desired him
                            to give you) for a full explanation of my ideas & sentiments.
                        I read your private letter of the 25th with pain, & contemplated the picture it had drawn with a
                            astonishment & honor—but I will yet hope for the best. The idea of redress by force is too chimerical to have had a
                            place in the imagination of any serious Mind in this Army; but there is no telling what unhappy disturbances might result
                            from distress, & distrust of Justice and as the fears and jealousies of the Army are alive, I hope no resolution
                            will be come to for disbanding or seperating the Lines till the Accts are liquidated. You may rely upon it, Sir, that
                            unhappy consequences would follow the attempt. The Suspicions of the Officers are afloat, notwithstanding the resolutions
                            which have passed on both sides any act therefore which can be construed into an attempt to seperate them before the Accts
                            are settled will convey the most unfavourable ideas of the rectitude of Congress—whether well or ill founded matters not,
                            the consequences will be the same.
                        I will now, in strict confidence, mention a matter which may be useful for you to be informed of. It is that
                            some Men (& leading ones too) in this Army, are beginning to entertain suspicions that Congress, or some Members
                            of it, regardless of the past sufferings & present distress—maugre the justice which is due to them—& the
                            returns which a grateful people should make to Men who certainly have contributed more than any other class to the
                            establishment of Independency, are to be made use of as mere Puppits to establish Continental funds—& that rather
                            than not succeed in this measure, or weaken their ground, they would make a sacrafice of the Army and all its interests.
                        I have two reasons for mentioning this matter to you—the one is, that the Army (considering the irritable
                            state it is in—its sufferings—& composition) is a dangerous instrument to play with. the other, that every
                            possible means consistant with their own views (which certainly are moderate) should be essayed to get it disbanded
                            without delay—I might add a third—it is, that the Financier is suspected to be at the bottom of this scheme—If
                            Sentiments of this sort should become general, their operation will be opposed to this plan; at the same time that it
                            would encrease the present discontents. upon the whole—disband the Army as soon as possible but consult the wishes of
                            it—which really are moderate in the mode—& perfectly compatible with the honor, dignity, and justice which is due
                            from the Country to it. I am with great esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 4 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

                            Sir
                             Head Quarters April 4th 1783

                        I have received your favor of the 31st Ulto—As yet no official information of a general Peace has yet
                            arrived, I can undertake to make no definitive arrangements for taking possession of the City of New York—and can only say
                            at present, that, for the reasons you suggest, I think there will be a propriety in your going early into Town whenever
                            the communication shall be opened, whether with or without Your Detachment will depend upon circumstances, & may
                            be a matter of future consideration—It will not however be amiss for the Troops to have their Cloathing & every
                            Article belonging to them in the best possible Order. I am Sir &c.


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 5 April 1783
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                            Constitution Island 5 April 1783

                        A regimental courtmartial was yesterday held in the Invalid regt & brought to me for approbation, on
                            reading I found part of the sentence contained matter exceeding the authority of an officer commanding a regt as a
                            discharge must be the consequence. I therefore take the liberty to submit it to your consideration, but beg leave to
                            observe that the man bears a very bad character, has never suffered in the service, his only disability being the loss of
                            a finger last war which was the ostensible reason of his being transferred but I am assured the real one was his
                            unworthyness. He is enlisted for the war & declares he will take his discharge as soon as the peace is declared,
                            if his dismission is deffered ’till that period he will receive the same honourable discharge as meretorious soldiers.
                            Having detailed these circumstances, which I think requisite for your Excellencies information I beg leave to assure you I
                            am with respect Your Excellencies Most obedt Servant

                            Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Bayley, 6 April 1783
From: Bayley, Jacob
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                            Newbury 6th April 1783

                        The Bearer Ezra Gates a Soldier in late Colo. Hazens Regt was wounded the fifteenth of June last by a Shot
                            from the Enemy at which time they attacted my House, and as a Friend and Sufferer I now recommend him to your Excelency,
                            when Colo. Hazen marched from hence in 1779 he was left Sick of a feavor of which he Did not recover for near a year,
                            after which he Did Duty in Majr Whitcombs Care, after which not being caled for was Employed in Scouting and with the New
                            hampshire Troops which have been ocationally Stationed here, Genl Hazen will Inform.
                        We have no news in perticular from Canada neither Do I Suppose we have need to trouble our Selves about it,
                            or about our Internal Enemy as I Suppose the Independance of the United States of America is So Established that the Gales
                            of Hell Cannot Prevail against them, I thank Your Excelency for the Every thing you have done for me, this place, the United
                            States, and the Cause of Truth, and tho, I Should never See nor hear from your Excelency more, Shall rejoyce that I have
                            been, and if need Should be, to be for ever your Excelencys Most Devoted obideant Humble Servant

                            Jacob Bayley

                            P.S. Your Excelencys Caution to me not to put too much Trust to Deserters from the Enemy and my own
                                Exsperience has taught me not to trust them nor any Trator any further than I could See them. Since the 15th of June
                                last when the Enemy attacted my House, I have trusted none amongst us, I observe that Spies from the Enemy have been
                                pased, and Still pass, but I believe they are too late to do us much Damage.
                            My Greatest Concern has been how the United States Should be Bounded Northward and westward as a matter
                                of the Greater Importance to them tho, by Every circumstance we have reason to hope matters will be Settled to our
                                Satisfaction But I find Since I wrote that Immisarys are propagating very Industriusly that vermont is not Included in
                                the United States and it will be much to the advantage of the people to be under British government as they will
                                Intirely be clear of the charge of the war. In Short Every motive is made Use of to Induce the people to be of that
                                opinion, is it possiable, can we Settle with Britton and nothing left, as matters are not to my Knowledge Settled
                                Excuse me for this hint.
                            My Son is returned from Captivity on parole.


Title: To George Washington from Aaron Ogden, 6 April 1783
From: Ogden, Aaron
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Jersey cantonement April 6th 1783

                        I attended at Head-quarters yesterday immeadiately after my arrival in camp, and now by desire of your
                            Excellency, shall endeavour to relate those circumstances, which induced me to go to the city of New York; upon this
                            occasion I feel myself extremely unhappy, lest, I may have incurred a displeasure, which I had flattered myself I had
                            hitherto avoided, during the course of a long war: but I am in hopes, your Excellency will be of opinion, that intention
                            in some degree stamps criminality, and that your goodness will incline you, to view the following simple narration of the facts
                            in the most indulgent light.
                        I was met in Elizabeth-town by Mr Lewis Morris who informed me that he was charged by Congress, with
                            dispatches for Sir Guy Carlton, containing an account of a general peace, and that he was much fatigued having ridden all
                            night—he therefore requested me to procure a boat and men, with all expedition, to transport him to Staten-Island, he also
                            wished I would accompany him as he was unacquainted with the nature of flags: I exerted myself, in having a barge with ten
                            oars immeadiately prepared, and intoxicated with the glorious news of peace of which Mr Morris was the bearer, I agreed to
                            attend him as the officer bearing the flag, as far as Staten-Island, he having assured me, that all officers civil and
                            military were dsired to give him their aid—In this, I confess, I acted unthinkingly and unadvisedly, and I am pained
                            beyond expression, if I have thereby given any cause of dissatissfaction to your Excellency.
                        On our arrival at the post on Staten-Island, (no boat being there ready) the officer commanding left it
                            optional with Mr Morris, either to wait till a proper barge could be procured, or to proceed to the city in his own,
                            saying, that the flag would be a sufficient passport, and therefore that there was no necessity of having one from him—Mr
                            Morris to prevent delays, chose the latter, and repeated his wish that I should still attend him as the flag officer, and
                            that on my return I would satisfy the oarsmen for their services, as he himself expected to remain some days in the city;
                            I therefore proceeded on with him; it was near evening when we arrived, and the crew was so fatigued by rowing so great a
                            distance, almost the whole way, against the tide; that it was next to impossible to return immeadiately, I therefore by
                            leave of the Commandant, remained in town that night together with the boats crew and as soon as the tide permitted next
                            morning, returned with them to Elizabeth town, leaving Mr Morris in the city, who gave me his thanks for the services that
                            I had rendered him, in expediting his passage.
                        I beg permission to repeat my most earnest request that your Excellency will not judge of my conduct (in this
                            affair) by the strict rules of military propriety, but, if I have committed any errors, that they may be considered as
                            unintentional, and therefore pardoned.I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect, your Excellency’s most obedient
                            & very humble servant.

                            Aaron Ogden


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Parker, 6 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Parker, Daniel

                            Sir
                            Newburgh 6th April 1783

                        Permit me to thank you for your obliging offer of Services in New York—Upon second thoughts, I decline
                            purchasing any thing at that place. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From Benjamin Walker to Thomas Turner, 6 April 1783
From: Walker, Benjamin
To: Turner, Thomas

                            Sir,
                            Head Quarters April 6. 1783

                        I have it is command from His Excellency the Commander in Chief to transmit you the inclosed Copy of a Letter
                            from the Minister of France and to direct your compliance with its contents by affording every possible asistance in
                            forwarding the Prisoners to Philadelphia. I am &c.

                            B. W——r


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

                             Monday April 7th 1783
                            Parole Canada
                            Countersigns Dissolution Event

                        For the day tomorrow Lt Col. Cummings
                        B.Q.M. Hampshire Brigade
                        The Maryland Detachment gives the Fatigue.
                        The Jersey regiment the Guards tomorrow.
                        At the General Courtmartial of which Colonel Micheal Jackson is president—Micheal Smith, Jonas Newell, John
                            Blake and Nathan Curtis soldiers of the 1st Massa. regt charged with breaking open the house of Mr James Munnell on the
                            evening of the 17th of March, insulting and abusing the Inhabitants and attempting to kill Captain James Frye and Captn
                            Benjamin Ellis when in the execution of their office, and robbing them of a Hatt. were tried.
                        The Court on consideration, are of opinion that none of the charges are supported against either of the
                            prisoners and do acquit each, and every of them.
                        Elijah Buckman a soldier in the 2d Massachusetts regt (by appeal) was tried at the same Court, charged with
                            throwing stones at Lt Ame’s hutt and breaking the window on the evening of the 17th March last.
                        The Court on consideration are of opinion that the charge is not supported against the prisoner and do acquit
                            him.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the opinion of the Court with respect to Smith, Newell & Curtis, also
                            of Buckman and orders them to be released.
                        The Court martial of which Colonel Micheal Jackson is president is disolved.


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 7 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 7th April 1783

                        I have been honored with your Excellencys Letter of the 31st of March—enclosing an Extract of a Letter from
                            General Haldimand, accompanied with an Extract of a Speech of the Indians of the Six Nations.
                        The speech I conceive to be rather uncandid—having good reason to believe that the severities the Indians
                            have experienced have been drawn upon themselves by their own barbarous Conduct. But as these Transactions have not been
                            under my Direction, I am unable to speak of them, but as I am authorized by Report—The Cruelties excercised on both sides
                            are entirely repugnant to my Ideas—The Death of Colo. Crawford, I do not think was so justly procured as the Indians
                            declare; for I think I am authorised to say, that he was not in the least concerned in the unhappy Massacre of the
                            Moravian Indians. Your Excellencys Letter, with its enclosures, have been transmitted to Congress, who will take such
                            measures as their wisdom shall direct.
                        Not having received any official Accounts of Peace, it is not in my power to give General Haldimand those
                            Communications upon that happy Event, which your Excellency intimates—or that my own benevolence would dictate. I have
                            the Honor to be sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From David Humphreys to Elias Dayton, 7 April 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Dayton, Elias

                            Sir
                            Hd Qrs Aprl 7. 1783

                        The Negro Boy, whom it is said Captain Ballard attempted to sell, waits upon you with this—he reports that
                            the Person who pretended to purchase him consents to give up the Bill of Sale, upon his obtaining a Certificate that Captn
                            Ballard had no right to dispose of him as a Slave—Justice & Humanity require the Matter should be enquired into, that,
                            in case it shall appear the lad is free, or was not the property of Captn Ballard. Captain Ballard has nevertheless
                            presumed to sell him for a Slave—the former may be liberated from his bondage & relieved from his apprehensions,
                            & the latter prosecuted in a suitable manner if practicable—These are the Commander in Chiefs sentiments, and he
                            requests you will take the trouble of causing the Investigation to be made, & Justice to be done in the premises—I
                            have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                            D. Humphrys
                            A.D.C.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 7 April 1783
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Office of Finance 7th April 1783

                        I enclose the general Accounts of my Administration to the Close of the last Year. These may Satisfy
                            Curiosity but they must give Pain to every good American and ought to Cover with Confusion those men who are the Authors
                            of our Negligent Supineness. I am Sir very sincerely Your most Obedient & humble Servant

                            Robt Morris


Title: From David Humphreys to Lewis Nicola, 7 April 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Nicola, Lewis

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters April 7th 1783

                        I am commanded by His Excellency the General to inform you he has received & taken into consideration
                            the Proceedings of the Court Martial referred to him by you—whereupon it is his pleasure that you should order the
                            sentence against William Ryan of the Invalid Regt to be carried into execution—I have the honor to be with great respect
                            Sir.

                            P.S. I return the Proceedings of the Ct Martial.


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

                             Tuesday April 8th 1783
                            Parole Farrago
                            Countersigns Gusts. Harmony

                        For the day tomorrow Major Porter
                         B. Q. M. 1st Massa. Brigade
                        The Jersey regiment gives the Fatigues.
                        The Jersey battalion the Guards tomorw.
                        The sixth Massachusetts regt to hold itself in readiness to relieve the Hampshire
                            regiment on the Lines.
                        Captain Simeon Lord (late of the 2d Masachusetts regt) is appointed Assistant Adjutant General and to be
                            respected accordingly—his appointment to have effect from the first day of February last.


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 8 April 1783
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Poughkeepsie April 8th 1783

                        Be pleased to accept my warmest Thanks for the very agreable Communications made by your Excellency’s Letter
                            of this Date which I have this Moment received.
                        I sincerely congratulate your Excellency on this most interesting Event.I have the Honor to be with the
                            highest Respect & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

                            Geo: Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 8 April 1783
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                             8 April 1783

                        I have received your Excellency’s letters of the 31st of March & 4th of April, the last to day—The
                            one to Col. Bland as members of the Committee has been read in Committee confidentially and gave great satisfaction. The
                            idea of not attempting to separate the army before the settlement of accounts corresponds with my proposition—That of
                            endeavouring to let them have some pay had also appeared to me indispensable. The expectations of the army as represented
                            by Your Excellency are moderation itself—To morrow we confer with the Superintendant of Finance on the subject of
                            money—There will be difficulty, but not we hope insurmountable.
                        I thank your Excellency for the hints you are so obliging as to give me in your private letter. I do not
                            wonder at the suspicions that have been infused, nor should I be surprised to hear that I have been pointed out as one of
                            the persons concerned in playing the game described—But facts must speak for themselves—The Gentlemen who were here from
                            the army; General McDougall who is still here will be able to give a true account of those who have supported the just
                            claims of the army, and of those who have endeavoured to elude them.
                        There are two classes of men Sir in Congress of very Different views—one attached to state, the other to
                            Continental politics—The last have been strenuous advocates for funding the public debt upon solid securities; the former
                            have given every opposition in their power and have only been dragged into the measures which are now near being adopted
                            by the clamours of the army and other public creditors—The advocates for Continental funds have blended the interests of
                            the army with other Creditors from a conviction, that no funds for partial purposes will go through those states to whose
                            citizens the United States are largely indebted—or if they should be carried through from impressions of the moment would
                            have the necessary stability; for the influence of those unprovided for would always militate against a provision for
                            others, in exclusion of them. It is vain to tell men who have parted with a large part of their property on the public
                            faith that the services of the army are intitled to a preference—they would reason from their interest and their
                            feelings—these would tell them that they had as great a title as any other class of the community to public justice, and
                            that while this was denied to them, it would be unreasonable to make them bear their part of a burthen for the benefit of
                            others—This is the way they would reason & as their influence in some of the states was considerable they would
                            have been able to prevent any partial provision.
                        But the question was not merely how to do justice to the creditors, but how to restore public credit—Taxation
                            in this Country it was found could not supply a sixth part of the public necessities—The loans in Europe were far short of
                            the ballance and the prospect every day diminishing—The Court of France telling us in plain terms she could not even do as
                            much as she had done—Individuals in Holland & every where else refusing to part with their money on the precarious
                            tenure of the mere faith of this country, without any pledge for the payment either of principal or interest.
                        In this situation what was to be done? It was essential to our cause that vigorous efforts should be made to
                            restore public credit—it was necessary to combine all the motives to this end, that could operate upon different
                            descriptions of persons in the different states—The necessity and discontents of the army presented themselves as a
                            powerful engine.
                        But Sir these Gentlemen would be puzzled to support their insinnuations by a single fact—It was indeed
                            proposed to appropriate the intended impost on trade to the army debt and what was extraordinary by Gentlemen who had
                            expressed their dislike to the principle of the fund—I acknowledge I was one that opposed this; for the reasons already
                            assigned & for these additional ones—That was the fund on which we most counted—to
                            obtain further loans in Europe it was necessary we should have a fund sufficient to pay the interest of what had been
                            borrowed & what was to be borrowed—The truth was these people in this instance wanted to play off the army against
                            the funding system.
                        As to Mr Morris, I will give Your Excellency a true explanation of his conduct—He had been for some time
                            pressing Congress to endeavour to obtain funds, and had found a great backwardness in the business—He found the taxes
                            unproductive in the different states—he found the loans in Europe making a very slow progress—he found himself pressed on
                            all hands for supplies; he found himself in short reduced to this alternative either of making engagements which he could
                            not fulfil or declaring his resignation in case funds were not established by a given time. Had he followed the first
                            course the bubble must soon have burst—he must have sacrificed his credit & his character, and public credit
                            already in a ruinous condition would have lost its last support. He wisely judged it better to resign; this might increase
                            the embarrassments of the moment, but the necessity of the case it was to be hoped would produce the proper measures; and
                            he might then resume the direction of the machine with advantage and success—He also had some hope that his resignation
                            would prove a stimulus to Congress.
                        He was however ill-advised in the publication of his letters of resignation—This was an imprudent step and
                            has given a handle to his personal enemies, who by playing upon the passions of others have drawn some well meaning men
                            into the cry against him—But Mr Morris certainly deserves a great deal from his country. I believe no man in this country
                            but himself could have kept the money-machine a going during the period he has been in office—From every thing that
                            appears his administration has been upright as well as able.
                        The truth is the old leaven of Deane & Lee is at this day working against Mr Morris—He happened in
                            that dispute to have been on the side of Deane & certain men can never forgive him. A man whom I once esteemed,
                            and whom I will rather suppose duped than wicked is the second actor in this business.
                        The matter with respect to the army which has occasioned most altercation in Congress and most
                            dissatisfaction in the army has been the half pay—The opinions on this head have been two—one party was for referring the
                            several lines to their states to make such commutation as they should think proper—the other for making the commutation by
                            Congress and funding it on continental security—I was of this last opinion and so were all those who will be represented
                            as having made use of the army as puppets—Our principal reasons were 1st by referring the lines to their respective
                            states, those which were opposed to the half pay would have taken advantage of the officers necessities, to make the
                            commutation far short of an equivalent—2dly The inequality which would have arisen in the different states when the
                            officers came to compare (as has happened in other cases) would have been a new source of discontent—3dly such a reference
                            was a continuance of the old wretched state system, by which the ties between Congress and the army have been nearly
                            dissolved—by which the resources of the states have been diverted from the common treasury & wasted; a system
                            which Your Excellency has often justly reprobated.
                        I have gone into these details to give You a just idea of the parties in Congress. I assure you upon my honor
                            Sir I have given you a candid state of facts to the best of my judgment—The men against whom the suspicions you mention
                            must be directed are in general the most sensible the most liberal, the most independent and the most respectable
                            characters in our body as well as the most unequivocal friends to the army—In a word they are the men who think
                            continentally. I have the honor to be With sincere respect & esteem Yr Excellcys Most Obed. servt

                            A. Hamilton

                            I am Chairman of a Committee for peace arrangements—We shall ask your Excellency’s opinion at large on
                                a proper military peace establishment. I will just hint to Yr Excellency that our prejudices will make us wish to keep
                                up as few troops as possible.
                            We this moment learn an officer is arrived from Sir Guy Carleton with
                                dispatches—probably official accounts of peace.


Title: To George Washington from George Muse, 8 April 1783
From: Muse, George
To: Washington, George

                            Honorable sir
                            Virginia Caroline april 8th 1783

                        I am in want of Cash To answer Publick Claims—You are Indebted To me £40.0.0 for mine and servants Expences
                            To fort Pitt In consequence of the Lands agreed on pr Bond and attending on the divition with Doct. Craig and Capt.
                            Bronaugh—I shall be oblige to you To Point out when I can receive the Cash—at which time & Place I will present a
                            state of the acct If required—Please write me by first Post—I rejoice in your Success of a Peace—and am yrs Very
                            Respectfully

                            Geo. Muse

                            P.S. I have apply’d to Mr Lun Washington—that application will be sent you—by Promise from Mr
                                Washington To be more Explecit—the charge is for my Travels to & from Fort Pitt.


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

                             Wednesday April 9th 1783
                            Parole Judicial
                            Countersigns Iver Ives.

                        For the day tomorrow Lt Colonel Maxwell
                        B. Q. M. 3d Massa. Brigade
                        For duty the 1st York regiment.
                        At the General courtmartial of which Colonel H. Jackson is president—Andrew Russel, Phenias Aston, Robert
                            Conick, John Smith, Abner Wheeler and Thomas Aston soldiers in the Massachusetts Line—were tried
                            and convicted of having inlisted by fictitious names, and desertion—and sentenced, Robert Cornick to
                            receive fifty and the others one hundred lashes each on their naked back.
                        Thomas Colburn of the Massachusetts Line, Arthur Thrasher and Silas Henry of the late 9th and Stephen Orcut
                            of the 6th Massachusetts regiment, were tried by the same Genl court martial convicted of Desertion and sentenced to
                            receive each one hundred lashes on his naked back; Arthur Thrasher to receive his punishment by 25 lashes at a time, four
                            successive mornings.
                        Abraham Wilson of the 2d New uork regiment was tried by the same General
                            courtmartial convicted of disorderly conduct and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his naked back.
                        The Commander in chief approves the foregoing sentences and directs the punishments to be inflicted
                            accordingly.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 9 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 9th April 1783

                        I have the Honor to transmit to your Excellency the Copy of a Letter which I received Yesterday from Sir Guy
                            Carleton, by the Hand of Capt. Stapleton Deputy Adjut General to the British Army.
                        I should have sent it off instantly by Express for the Information of Congress, but being told by Capt.
                            Stapleton, that Dispatches had been sent out by Sir Guy Carleton & Admiral Digby, by Way of Elizabeth Town, for
                            Philadelphia, the Morning that he left the City, I concluded that there was not a necessity of so great Expedition. With
                            the highest Esteem & Respect I have the Honor to be Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 9 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 9th April 1783

                        I feel great satisfaction from your Excellencys dispatches by Capt Stapleton, conveying to me the welcome
                            enunciation of your having received official Accounts of the Conclusion of a general Peace, and a Cessation of
                            Hostilities.
                        Without official Authority from Congress—but perfectly relying on your Excellencys Communication, I can at
                            this Time, only issue my Orders to the American Outposts to suspen’d all Acts of Hostilities, until further Orders. This
                            shall be instantly done—and I shall be happy in the momentary Expectation of having it in my power to publish to the
                            American Army, a general Cessation of all Hostilities between Great Britain & America.
                        To your Excellencys Observations respecting particular Articles of the Peace I am obliged to reply, that it
                            rests with Congress to take measures for the Observance of all the Articles contained in the provisional Treaty. Your
                            Excellency may be assured that as soon as I receive my Instructions from the Sovereign Power of these United States, I
                            shall rejoyce in giving every facility in my power to carry into compleat Execution, that Article of the Treaty which
                            respects the restitution of all prisoners of War—being perfectly disposed to contribute, as much as possible, to the
                            diffusing the happy Effects of this great Event.
                        I have to thank your Excellency for the Assurances you are pleased to express of your readiness to cultivate
                            that spirit of perfect good Will & Conciliation, which you wish should take place between the King of G.
                            Britain and the United States, and the Citizens & Subjects of both Nations; And I beg Sir, that you will please to
                            accept a Tender from me, of reciprocal good Will & Attention, accompanied with sincere Congratulations to your
                            Excellency on this joyfull restoration of Peace & general Tranquility; and with an earnest wish, that, resting on
                            the firm Basis of mutual Interest & good Will, it may prove as lasting as it is happy. I have the Honor to be With
                            much Consideration Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 April 1783
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia April 9th 1783

                        Congress having appointed a committee consisting of Messrs Maddison Osgood, Wilson, Elseworth and myself to
                            consider what arrangements it will be proper to adopt in the different departments with reference to a plan; I am directed
                            by the Committee to address your Excellency on the subject of the military Department.
                        The Committee wish Your Excellency’s sentiments at large on such institutions of every kind, for the interior
                            defence of these states as may be left adapted to their circumstances and conciliate security with oeconomy and with the
                            principles of our governments: In this they will be glad you will take as great latitude as you may think necessary; and
                            will therefore omit entering into any details.
                        The Committee apprehend it to be the intention of Congress to lay down a general plan to be carried into
                            execution as circumstances will permitt; and that in attending to such dispositions as the immediate situation of the
                            Country may require, they are chiefly desirous of establishing good principles, that will have a permanently salutary
                            operation. I have the honor to be Yr Excellency’s Most Obedient servant

                            Alx. Hamilton
                            Chairman.


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 9 April 1783
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters. 9 April 1783

                        Your Excellencys request respecting the Prisoners which you expect from N. York by Way of Dobbs Ferry, has
                            been communicated to the Intendant of our naval prisoners, who is at that post—and I trust Measures will be taken to give
                            such relief & Assistance as may be needed.
                        The Letter for Capt Macarty, was forwarded by a Gentleman going directly to Portsmouth. I have the Honor to be
                            &c.


Title: To George Washington from Robert R. Livingston, 9 April 1783
From: Livingston, Robert R.
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philadelphia 9th Apl 1783

                        I am now to reply to your Letter of the 29th of March, & again to offer you my congratulations on the
                            farther evidence of a general peace having been concluded & ratified—I enter into yr Excellencys feelings on this
                            interesting event the prospect of being soon relieved from the cares, the distresses, the Labours, the
                            difficulties which for the last seven years have embittered your enjoyments—the consciousness of having merited the
                            gratitude & esteem of the present and future generations, the hope of seeing your country in full possession of
                            the blessings you have so largely contributed to procure for her, must excite emotions which will perhaps make the best
                            part of your reward, at least in this world—How much is it to be lamented that shadows, clouds, & darkness still
                            obscure our future prospects? But sir, while the depravity & interestedness of which you so justly complain
                            pervade the mass of the people, which our Legislatures are beset by factions while Justice is kept waiting at their door,
                            while national faith, & national honor as things of little moment, we can hardly hope that our distresses will
                            terminate with the war. Already I see a wish in men of influence in their states to elude the operation
                            of our treaty advantagious as it is to us And I much fear that in some States so little integrity will be found as to lead
                            them only to refuse to pay the debts contracted with England notwithstanding the express stipulation in the treaty—I
                            should send your Excellency a copy of the Marquis De Lafayettes letter to me were this to go by any other conveyance than
                            the common post—The paragraph you send me contains the outlines of it.
                        Nothing would give me more pleasure than to be able to promote this object of his as I feel the obligations
                            he has imposed upon us—But I am satisfied that the measure would meet wth very great difficulty in Congress, where
                            notwithstanding the generous conduct of our ally many view her with jealous Eyes and reasons (which to say the least) are
                            plausible, may be urged against it. The honor of the nation seems to require that it should be represented by a
                            native—that it should not appear to act under foriegn influence—too close a connection with France might render her foes
                            jealous of us—the court of St James’s might consider this as an insulting step, a variety of other considerations of a
                            similar nature oppose themselves so much to this measure that tho my personal friendship for the Marquis induces me to
                                concur with your Excellency in your wish that he may be gratified as far as possible. Yet I have
                            barely reconciled myself to it, when I have & shall have reason to hope that I may propose it with success I shall
                            leave no means unessayed to effect it. Comparing the present treaty with our provisional articles I am at a loss to
                            determine whether hostilities ceased between us & Great Britain the 3d of Feby the 3d of March or the 3d of April
                            as our treaty seems to imply it is to take effect from the signature of the treaty between France & Great Britain
                            hostilities must have ceased on their ratifying it. if hostilities were to cease between us at the same time that they
                            ceased between them & France, then it becomes a question what is meant by as far as the
                                western Islands &c.? If it means, as one would suppose, in the same latitude, then hostilities ceased on
                            a very considerable part of our coasts on the 3d of March—If it refers to the actual distance thus the
                            term of two months must be given—This is a very important question on the determination of which much
                            property will depend—I have the honor to be Dear Sir with very great respect & esteem Your Excellencys Most Obt
                            hum. Servt

                             Rob. R. Livingston