Title: To George Washington from Arthur St. Clair, 20 July 1781
From: St. Clair, Arthur
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philada July 20th 1781

                  I have received your Excellencys Letter of the 10th instant, and am very sorry that the Situation of Affairs and the State of the Army will not permit my being employed in that part of it under your Excellencys immediate Command. I shall therefore prepare for a southern March; but there is no probability that it can take Place very soon, as there will be much difficulty and delay in equipping the Troops after they are raised, as the State of Pennsylvania has no Money and little Credit, and there is a scarcity of the necessary Articles of Cloathing—from the present View I have of it there is little likelihood of any considerable Body being in Readiness much before the first of October—perhaps something may turn up to render it then unnecessary.
                  The Invalid Corps is at last in Motion—Nothing has delayed them so long but the Want of Money, which Colonel Nicola has been indefatigable to procure, and has succeeded for such a Sum as has got them onboard in tolerable Temper—A Day or two before their Embarkation the enclosed list of Charges against him was exhibited to me, but as they could not be enquired into here without detaining many of the Officers I thought it best to transmit them to your Excellency—They have been communicated to him, but he is not arrested upon them—the taking him from the Command of the Regiment at that Time might have been attended with Inconveniencies.
                  Lieutenant Bigham’s Court-Martial has never come to my Hands, and he remains here, at great Expence and Anxiety—if your Excellency has decided upon it, will you please to order it to be sent on.
                  This will be delivered by Major Dunn who, as I have very little Employment for him here, wishes to be in a more active Station untill there is occasion for him here—I have given him leave of Absence for a few Weeks, which he proposes to pass with the Army, and if any thing happens in that Time that may require more Gentlemen about your Excellency than those of your Family he will be a very happy Man to have the honour to be employed, and I think your Excellency may depend upon him.  My most fervent Wishes for your Success attend You—the most brilliant that can happen will not more than fulfill them, and wherever I may be I shall ever find myself highly interested in your Excellencys Fortune.  I have the Honour to be with the greatest Regard and Respect Sir Your most obedient Servant

                     Ar. St Clair

                     Should Lord Cornwallis return to N. York with all or the greatest Part of his Force will not the Pennsylvania Levies be most wanted with You?  Will you please to let me know your Opinion upon that Case—I believe you may expect all the Infantry, and that the Horse will be sent to Carolina.

                   Enclosure

                        Sir
                        Philada July 11th 1781

                     I am heartily sorry to trouble You with so disagreeable a narrative, but I flatter myself You will pardon me, as soon as You are informed, how long I have suffered the most ignominous abuse and scandalous treatments of Colonel Nicola; The Conduct of his seems so precarious to me, so that all what is good and dear to me is daily at stake and in danger by his mean and envious intrigues—The Conduct of said Col. Nicola has not only injured my personal Character in point of honour & fortune for some years past, in seeking my ruin:  but it likewise perplexes and chagrinates me as an honest Officer to be a Spectator to so fraudulent an Actor in his trust: was I to hold my peace any longer I should forever accuse myself with a Breach of trust.  Therefore I take the freedom Sir, and exhibit the following Articles of charge against the said Col. Nicola, and submit myself to offer to prove against him.
                     1.  That he has deprived me of my right without orders, of a Company in the Year 1778. and gave it to a junior Captain.
                     2.  That he has now done the same again within this week past, and has given my present Company to Captain McGowan.
                     3.  That he has discharged from the Service, hale, Strong, young Men, fit for the field and put bribe in his pocket.
                     4.  That he has made false Returns of men, both for Provision & Wood.
                     5.  That he has drawn Pay considerably for absent deserters & others, which never return’d to the Regiment after desertion.
                     6.  That he has taken George Saville late Quarter Master Serjeant out of the Guard-house, where he was confined for adulterating the officer’s Rum, without tryal or punishment, tho’ the Regiment were defrauded by sd Serjeant for 355 Gills of rum & 2 Gallons of French brandy: Notwithstanding Col. Nicola took the Serjeant’s part not only to clear him from punishment; but also sollicited the Court to give him an honest Character, when I opposed him, he left the Court and walkd off, without saying a word more, well knowing that in so doing, he did not act the honest part.
                     7.  That he neglected his duty last winter in not providing the officers on Guard at the New Goal with Candles & fire wood.
                     8.  That he has kept back the money paid him to pay to the Regimt in his own hands and applied it to his own purpose for a considerable time before he paid it to the Regiment.
                     9.  That he has disannulled due Elections, for instance: when Captn McHoton was duly elected Pay master Col. Nicola took the trust from said Officer and officiates himself as Pay master.
                     10.  That he rather gratifies the passion of Partiality than to obey orders, this recurrence will clearly shew: the Second of July orders was that the 4th instant the two oldest Captains should command the firing at the State house for rejoicing, Lieutt & Adjutt Pugh neglected his duty, and put a disrespect upon the two oldest Captains, in summoning two Junior Captains, for which I requested Col. Nicola to put said Lt & Adjt Pugh in arrest, which he refused to do.
                     The above recited facts, Sir, I commit to You and sollicit, That the said Colonel Nicola might be put in arrest if You judge consistent.  I have more of similar nature to lay to his charge, but these for brevity sake must suffice for the Present only desiring the contents hereof might obtain a candid examination and meet with due judgement—If it shall be thought inconvenient, to appoint a Court here, as the Regimint, without doubt, is under marching orders, this on my part can not hinder the prosecution, for I intend to proceed against the said Col. Nicola to prove the above recited points, either here or at the Head Quarters, or elsewhere.  I am with all dutiful Respect and with the greatest Regard, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servt

                        J: Woelpper Capt. Invd


Title: General Orders, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry Saturday July 21st 1781
                     Parole Providence
                     Countersigns PrudenceBrenton

                  For the day Tomorrow
                  Brigadier General HuntingtonLieutenant Colonel JohnsonFor Picquet  Major KnapInspector   Captain WarnerAt a General Court Martial whereof Colonel Putnam is President—Stephen Dodge Soldier in the second regiment of Light Dragoons charged with "Desertion and reinlisting in the York Levies" was tried found Guilty and sentenced to receive one Hundred Lashes on his bare back.
                  Jonathan Day Soldier in the above regiment charg’d as above, was tried found guilty and sentenced to receive one hundred Lashes on his bare back.
                  Cornelius Corbett Soldier in the 10th Massachusetts regiment charged with "attempting the life of Ensign Moses Carlton" was tried and found Guilty of a breach of Article 5 Section 2d of the Rules and Articles of War and sentenced to receive one hundred Lashes on his bare back.
                  The Commander in Chief approves the foregoing sentences.


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Louis Aragon de Sibille, 21 July 1781
From: Sibille, Jean-Louis Aragon de
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,

                     at Camp the 21st of July 1781.

                  I have the honor to send to your Excellency your Letter for Count de Grasse translated—I have endeavoured to do it as Litterally as possible.  I have, by desire of General Rochambeau, cyphered a few Lines which might have given an insight into the operations alluded to in the Letter.  I hope your Excellency will be contented; that will always be my chiefest ambition.  I am with great respect, Sir, your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant

                     De Sibille


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Louis Aragon de Sibille, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Sibille, Jean-Louis Aragon de

                  sir

                     Head Quarters Dobb’s Ferry 21st July 1781

                  I am much obliged by the Favor you have done me in Translating my Letter to Count DeGrasse & for Cypherg some Part there of—it is very necessary to keep its Contents from Discovery Your Goodness I hope will effect this for which you will please to accept my sincere  Thanks. I am every Yours &ca

                     G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Barras, Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 21st July 1781.

                  I have been honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 15th Inst.  I have no doubt but the reasons which induce you to decline the removal of the Squadron under your command to Chesapeak at this time are founded in propriety; but I am certain that could the measure have taken place, it would have been attended with most valuable consequences, more especially as from reports and appearances the enemy are about to bring part of their troops from Virginia to New York.
                  Although the detachment from your Fleet under the command of the Baron D’Angely did not succeed at Huntingdon, we are not the less obliged to your Excellency for directing the attempt to be made—If that post is maintained I think an opportunity of striking it to advantage may still be found, and I doubt not but you will readily embrace it.  I have the honor to be with very great consideration yr Excellency’s Most obt servt


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                  Gentlemen

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 21st July 1781

                  I was last Evennig favored with yours of the 16th instt—inclosing Copies of two Letters from B. Genl Knox to your Board on the Subject of forwarding military Stores to the Army—Circumstancd as I am at this Moment, with many surroundg Doubts & Uncertainties, from too many Reasons, it is impossible for me to fix on any certain Point of Time, at which I should wish to have the Stores in Camp—I have however to desire that they may all be provided, agreable to Genl Knox’s Request, & held in the most perfect Readiness to be sent on to the Army, at any Point to which Events may determine them—of which you will receive the earliest Notice.  I am &a.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                  Dr sir

                     Head Quarters 21st July 1781

                  The inclosed for General Forman is of so much importance that I do not care to trust it to a common hand.  If there should be an Officer in the Jersey Brigade who has any business in Monmouth he may be sent with it.  If there is none under such circumstances, I must request you to send one on purpose.  I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to David Forman, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Forman, David

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters Dobbs Ferry 21st July 1781.

                  When I request your particular Care of the inclosed, it is necessary that I should inform you in the fullest confidence, and under the strictest injunctions of secrecy, that the Count de Grasse may be shortly expected with his whole fleet from the West Indies, whether he will first appear off the Hook or the capes of Virginia is uncertain—You will be pleased immediately, upon the receipt of this, to employ proper persons to keep a look out—The moment that a Fleet of heavy ships is discovered you will dispatch an express to me, and as soon as you can ascertain whether they are friends or Foes, another; If they prove to be the former you will oblige me by going on board the admiral and presenting the letter herewith.  I have mentioned you to him as a Gentleman in whom he may place the fullest confidence—That intelligence may be communicated from you to me with the utmost dispatch you will be pleased to take some of the militia Horse into pay and station them at such distances between Monmouth and Dobb’s Ferry that they may perform the ride in twelve or fifteen hours—The Horsemen need not know the particular purpose for which they are stationed, but they must be ordered never to be a moment absent from their stages except when upon duty—The expence attending those and the persons who keep a look out I will be answerable for—You will be so good as to give me by the return of this, or in the chain which you shall establish, the present situation, number, strength, and station of the Enemy’s Ships—and as particular information of this kind may be very useful and consequential to me and to our French allies—I beg you will continue to keep me informed from time to time of any alterations which take place, either respecting their increase or decrease of numbers and strength, their different positions, and particular stations, within or without the Hook, that we may loose no advantages or suffer any misfortune for want of perfect information of the Enemy’s strength, Positions, or movements—I am with respect Dear Sir Your most obedient Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to François-Joseph-Paul, comte de Grasse-Tilly, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Grasse-Tilly, François-Joseph-Paul, comte de

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 21st July 1781.

                  Your Excellency will have been informed by the Chevr de la Luzerne of the ardent wishes of these United States to see the Fleet under your command in these Seas—will have been told of the advantages which would in all probability be the result of such a movement—how essential it would be to make an early communication of your approach, and that you would be met off Sandy Hook with such details as might be necessary for your Government.
                  In full confidence that you will be soon upon this Coast, I have the honor to inform you that the allied armies have formed a junction and taken a position about ten miles above the enemy’s posts on the North end of York Island—Their Right at Dobb’s Ferry on the North or Hudsons River, their left extending to a small River called the Brunx.  The French Force consists of about 4400 men—The American is at this time but small, but expected to be considerably augmented.  In this however we may be disappointed—and as the time of your arrival and the succour you may bring are altogether uncertain no  definitive plan of operation has been or can be fixed.  It must depend upon the situation of the enemy at the moment of your approach, and upon the force we shall be able to oppose to them in any given point.
                  The Enemy’s land force in New York and its dependencies, including some late reinforcements from England, may amount at this time to about 5000 Regular Troops besides militia, which may be about 3000 more.  but they may be reinforced from Virginia, and the event is expected, unless they should be prevented by the arrival of your Excellency upon the Coast or some other intervention.  Should they be hindered from effecting a further junction of Force at New York, that City and its dependencies are our primary objects.  Your Excellency, by being in possession of the Harbour within Sandy Hook, would give facility if not certainty to the operation, but the practicability of gaining the entrance will be with your Excellency to determine, upon your general knowledge of the place, from your own observation upon the spot, and upon the information you will receive from the Pilots who accompany you.
                  The Enemy’s naval force at New York consists at present of only six Ships of the Line—I think two of 50 Guns and a few Frigates.  The Royal Oak, a ship of the line, has lately been sent to Hallifax to receive some repairs which could not be done at New York.
                  The second object, in case we should find our force and means incompetent to the first, is the relief of Virginia, or such of the southern States as the enemy may be found in, by transporting the principal part of our force suddenly to that quarter—and that we may be ready for such an event, preparations are making to facilitate such a movement.  But of this I hope there will be no occasion, as I flatter myself the glory of destroying the British Squadron at New York is reserved for the King’s Fleet under your command, and that of the land Force at the same place for the allied arms.
                  A Gentleman of the name of Forman who will probably have the honor of delivering this to you is a person in whom you may perfectly confide and who will forward your dispatches immediately to me.
                  If you are not sufficiently provided with pilots some of the most expert and trusty shall be sent to you without delay.  I have the honor to be with perfect Respect yr Excellency’s most obt and hble servt


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                  Dear Sir.

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’s ferry July 21st 1781.

                  I have rec’d yours of the 17th; And wish it was in my power to render your situation more eligable as to the supplies of provisions &c.; Rum you say there is but little on hand, there the Garrison is more fortunate than the Army, for we have none.
                  The discription given of the Troops that compose your Garrison, I have too much reason to suppose has a very sufficient foundation, as the persons employ’d by the different States to recruit their troops seem to pay more attention to compleat the number required than to furnish able bodied men for the service.
                  The caution you use in forwarding Stores by water is very necessary, for the communication for some day’s past has been totally stop’d; at present in consequence of the return of the ships on the 18th, it is rendered as free as I can wish.
                  I flatter myself that the injury they rec’d in passing the Battery at Dobbs’s will deter them from making another attempt, one of them was sett on fire, supposed to be by a shell, in the confusion about twenty of her men leap’d over-board, one of which reach’d the shore and informs they were vastly injured as they passed.
                  When it becomes necessary to forward Stores down the river, the Qr Masters and Commissary’s will have particular Orders for that purpose.  I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Servt

                     Go: Washington

                     P.S.  The Commissary will be ordered to supply you with provision in some more convenient way than he does at present.

                     G.W.

                     N.B.  Since writing the above Colo. Pickering informs me a number of recruits have halted at fish kills please to order them immediatly to west point & all others that may arive.

                     G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas McKean, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McKean, Thomas

                  sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 21st July 1781

                  I have been honored by your Excellency’s three Letters of the 14th & 17th of this month—with the several Resolutions of Congress, & the Extracts from intercepted Letters, inclosed.
                  I am much obliged by your attention in the Communication of the Extracts, altho I had been favored with them thro’ another Channel, previous to the Receipt of your Favor—the Intelligence to be collected from them, if properly improved, I think may turn greatly to our advantage.
                  I take this Opportunity most sincerely to congratulate you Sir! on the Honor conferred upon you by Congress, in being elected to preside in that most respectable Body—happy, as I expect to be in your Correspondence, I dare say I shall have no Reason to complain of the mode of your conducting it; as from a Knowlege of your Character I flatter myself it will ever be performed with great Propriety—I take the Liberty however to request as a particular Favor, that you will be so good as to convey to me, as you have Opportunity, any interesting Intelligence which you may receive, either from Europe or respecting our Continental affairs—your Situation will put it particularly in your Power to oblige me in this Request—& be assured Sir! that a greater Obligation cannot be conferred—since for Want of Communication in this Way, I have often been left in the Dark in matters which essentially concern the public Welfare; & which, if known, might be very influencial in the Government of my Conduct in the military Line.
                  I am happy to be informed by accounts from all Parts of the Continent, of the agreable Prospect of a very plentifull Supply of almost all the Productions of the Earth—Blessed as we are with the Bounties of Providence, necessary for our support & Defence, the Fault must surely be our own (& great indeed will it be), if we do not, by a proper use of them, attain the noble Prize for wch we have been so long contending—the Establishment of Peace, Liberty & Independence.  I have the Honor to be with very great Regard & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obedient and humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 21 July 1781
From: Schuyler, Philip John
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Albany July 21st 1781 2 oClock P.M.

                  Your Excellency’s favor of the 15th Instant, I have this moment had the honor to receive.
                  Eighty four batteaus were compleated.  as to the Carpenters work, last night fourty or fourty one of  which are ready to proceed to you assoon as General Clinton orders the troops to take them.  I shall direct the Quarter master to send all the oars plank and timber which he has collected, I fear the quantity of the two last articles is infinitely short of what will be wanted, I have pressed him repeatedly to apply to Gen. Clinton for troops to aid in procuring carriages he has done it a few days since but I have not yet learnt what progress he has made, but shall Instantly urge him to every exertion, all the Batteaus will be compleatly finished by thursday next and such as Colo. Cortlandt does not carry I will direct to be sent with any sloop which may go down, Immediately after the completion of this business I propose to do myself the honor of a visit with you.
                  An Indian whom I sent into Canada the latter end of may last returned a few days ago, with two of the Caghnawaga of Canada, he left the vicinity of montreal about the fourth of this month, no troops other than Small garrisons in the fortifications in the  of Canada.  I am Dear Sir with the most Sincere affection and Esteem Your Excellency’s Obedient Servant

                     Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Charles Thomson, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Thomson, Charles

                  sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry 21st July 1781

                  I have been honored with your Letter of the 10th instt informg, that Congress, upon the Retiring of the late Mr President Huntington, had elected The Hono. Thomas McKean Esqr. to preside in their respectable Body—I shall for the future conduct my Correspondence agreable to this Information. I am sir Your most Obedient & humble Servant

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Varick, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Varick, Richard

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry 21st July 1781

                  I have received your Favor of the 19th inst. and have to assure you that I am perfectly satisfied with your Care, Attention & Diligence, being fully persuaded that no unnecessary Delay has, or will take Place thro’ your Means.
                  I have too much Reason to apprehend, that from our Circumstances & Situation at the Time, many Irregularities & much Confusion, have crept among the Papers of 1775 & 1776—I am persuaded your Care & Assiduity will reduce them to as much Order as they are capable of.
                  I think it will be very well to enter particularly the Answers & Opinions of the Genl Officers, together with the Questions stated to them & submitted to their Discussion—which may with propriety be done in a seperate Volume by themselves.
                  I am much pleased with the Quarters you have taken at Poughkeepsie, & have not a Doubt of the Security of the public papers & Concerns in your Care. I am &a

                     G.W.


Title: From Tench Tilghman to Richard Varick, 21 July 1781
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Varick, Richard

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters 21st July 1781.

                  I congratulate you upon your having waded through what I may call the mud and mire of your Business—Where you find the papers either Copies or originals much out of shape you will reduce them to an equality upon formers—all the General wants is to have them made up compact and firm and if you can do it in the manner you propose, it will be sufficient—The endorsements need only comprehend dates.
                  I really can give you no authentic intelligence from any quarter, having recd none from Genl Greene for a long time nor from the Marquis since the skirmish of the 26 of June which has been published—It appears by Rivington that there has been a partial action between the Marquis and Cornwallis on the 6. Inst.  But by his modest manner of Setting the story it has not been much.
                  We shall move a strong detachment this Evening to Kingsbridge to drive in small parties and make a perfect reconnoitre of the Enemy’s posts.  I am busy in making preparation for the move—My Compliments to all the Fair of Pougkepsie tho’ I do not know a single soul of them.  Adieu Yrs

                     T. Tilghman


Title: From George Washington to David Waterbury, 21 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Waterbury, David

                     SirHead Quarters July 21. 1781

                  The Army will make a Movement this Evening—You will march your Corps on the same route, & in such time & Manner & as to be at East Chester between daybreak & sunrise; as directed in my Letter of the 14th.  Your Troops should be supplied (if possible) with three days cooked provisions, and the Movement of the Army as well as of your Troops must be kept a secret until the Moment you march.
                  In order to prevent the Enemy from obtaining any intelligence whatever from us; I have ordered small parties to waylay all the Roads from the North River to East Chester.  I must request you will send an Active Subaltern, & 20 Men with good Guides, early this afternoon across the Feilds & Woods from your Encampment to some good position for an Ambuscade, on the side of the road leading from New Rochel to East Chester, as near the latter as may without hazard of discovery, this party must remain perfectly concealed, with Orders to apprehend all Persons going towards Kings Bridge.  It is essential your Party should not be seen by any Inhabitant, as this might frustrate the very object of our precautions.  You will be convinced, Sir by your own experience & good Sense that the profoundest secrecy is absolutely necessary in all Military Matters, & in no instance more indespensably so, than in Movements towards the Enemy’s Lines.  I am Sir with great regard.

                     P.S.  After you have given all the necessary Orders, I could wish you would come to Hd Qrs & dine with me, as I may have many things to communicate personally to you.


Title: General Orders, 22 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters near Kingsbridge Sunday July 22d 1781
                     Parole Versailles
                     Countersigns Lauzun
                  Le Val
                  For the day Tomorrow
                  Major General LincolnLieutenant Colonel FernaldMajor KeithInspector Captain ConverseThe Troops will lay on their Arms and the officers will pay attention to their Platoons.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 22 July 1781
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Wethersfield July 22d 1781

                  I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the 4th inst. since which I have sent forward about 30 more Remounts to Camp, & I wish I could add that they were proper for the service.
                  The Mechanicks whom I have employed are bringing in the Articles which they have been preparing for the Regt, which will be immediately packed, & as soon as I have settled my Accounts with the Auditors, I shall set out with the few Dragoons I have with me, & all the Horses, furniture &c. for Camp.  I trust I shall not be detained more than six Days from this Date—I have the Honor to be, with the most respectful Attachmt Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

                     Benja. Tallmadge


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 23 July 1781
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Freehold 23d July 81

                  I had the Honr of Receiving your Exclys favr of the 21st Inst. this Evening by Mr Rhey and will with pleasure do every thing in my power to Comply with every direction—the greatest difficulty will be in Imploying Horsemen to forward Inteligence with that allertness that your Excly will expect and I Could Wish—I will however send out in the Morning and if possable engage a Number Equal to perform the Tour from this place to head Quarters in the Time your Excly has affixed.
                  I have very Lately obtained from New York a List of the British Line Ships on This Station and I Belive one that May be depended on—Unfortunately the List is at prest out of my Hands that Cannot Give your Excly there Names, the Next Conveyance shall forward it—there Number is Eight the Royal Oak of 74 Guns one of the Number is gone to Hallifax to be Repaired of the Damage she Recd off Gardners Bay and is Expected will not be in Condition for Sea this season—the Frigates I have not been able to learn the Number of.
                  Saturday the 21st of this Inst. Adml Graves with Six or Seven Ships of the Line Sailed from his Station off Sandy Hook the Wind at South West—the Fleete Steared about South East, there distination not known, but Conjectured to Convoy Lord Cornwallace from Chesapeak to New York—I have the Honor to be Your Exclys Most Obdt Humble Servt

                     David Forman


Title: General Orders, 24 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry Tuesday July 24 1781
                     Parole Williamsburgh
                     Countersigns Jamestown
                  York
                  For the day tomorrow
                  Major General ParsonsColonel GreatonFor Picket  Major B. PorterInspector  Captain DrewAny persons that have taken up or shall hereafter take up any horses or oxen in or near camp belonging to the public are directed to deliver them to Major Cogswell Waggon Master General immediately after so taking them up on pain of being tried and punished for disobedience of orders.
                  The Commander in Chief proposes to review the Continental Troops regimentally—The Adjutant General will notify the regiment to be reviewed a few hours beforehand when the Colonel (if not upon duty) and other officers of it and all the Men must be present or satisfactorily accounted for—For this purpose the rolls of each company must be present and called in the presence of the Commander in Chief.
                  The Major General of the Division and Brigadier or Officer commanding the Brigade to which the regiment belongs are to be present at these reviews and are to be informed of the Time and place accordingly.
                  The Commanding Officer of Artillery at Dobbs ferry will have a Centinel so posted as to see any movement of Shipping at the Enemy’s Posts at King’sbridge and is the moment he is certain that a Vessel is coming up the river to fire a Gun as a signal thereof.
                  When lest this should not be heard Colonel Sheldon is to dispatch a Dragoon with the intelligence.


Title: To George Washington from William Hull, 24 July 1781
From: Hull, William
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Camp Phillipsborough July 24th 1781.

                  Capt. Crocker having represented that his Circumstances are such as render it absolutely necessary that he should leave Service, on his own very pressing Request. has obtained my approbation, and if agreeable to your Excellency, request he may obtain a Discharge.  The necessary Certificates are obtained that his public Accounts are adjusted.  I am Your Excellencys most Obedt Servt

                     Wm Hull Lt Colo. Comdr
                     3d Masstts Regt


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 July 1781
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                        24 July 1781

                  Genl Lincoln presents his most respectful compliments to his Excellency Genl Washington & beg to offer the following hints
                  The murders Robbing and disorder in our rear and on one flank point to the necessity of throwing out parties to prevent them—The inhabitants from incontestible evidence are aiding and abetting in these high hand offences and must I think be brought under certain regulations before they can be prevented they now conceal the low thieves & give to them the alarm that our party are out by blowing the Horn & other ways—I beg leave to suggest the following as a plan which in my opinion will add to Our peace & security.
                  That the inhabitants be possed of certain credentials received from Head quarters or by such persons shall be appointed by your Excellcy to give them by which they may be distinguished from our more open enemies—That blowing the Horn, & ringing of Cow bells, making fires by which a smoke may be seen at a distance raising signals on poals hanging out signals at  or other buildings or in any other notify the enemy of our approach shall denominate such persons inimical and be the ground of their removal.  That a  Captain well acquainted with the country with 50 men be thrown into & scout in our rear to remain at least a 7 days before they be relieved that a like number & for the same time be thrown on our left to scout between that and the Sound in conjunction with Gen. waterbury men that these parties appointed by the several Divisions in rotation and that it be an injunction on the Maj. Generals to select proper offcr & men for this purpose That Colo. Scammel detach in front & as far as  Hill in certain proportion of his men that all the party be enjoined never to remain more than ten hours in one position and that on no account what ever they remain the night where they appear in the afternoon & evening vigilance &  will secure the party & give  & quiet  to our camp.


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 24 July 1781
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                     Sr
                     Trenton July 24th 1781

                  I have at last the honour of addressing your Excellency from this place after encountering more obstacles than I conceived the nature of the business would admit of.
                  As I conceive it impossible that an officer at the head of a corps directed to hold itself in readiness 37 days, & final orders received 26 days before it was put in motion should escape censure from persons unacquainted with circumstances I, who have always been anxious to act right on all occasions & have ever made private considerations give way to the duties of my station, take the liberty to trespass on your time by circumstantially relating every step taken since I received the first information of your intention to call the regt to West point, which I am persuaded your generosity will pardon.  I am further induced to take this step by the consideration that, except a small part at the conclusion, this narrative may be laid aside for a leasure hour.
                  Saturday the 9th of June his Excellency the President informed me that I should immediately receive an order to march the regiment to West point, the monday following I went to the Secretaries office & found that the Board of war was directed to take order in the matter, I repaired to the War office & found that nothing more had been done, neither did I hear any thing further ’till the 13th when I received an order to hold the regt in readiness to march at a moments warning, the next morning I waited on the Board & gave in returns of what necessaries were wanting for the regt & also applied for some money as there was 10 months pay due.  Things remained in this situation ’till the 24th when I received your Excellencies orders which I immediately communicated to the Board, my returns for such camp necessaries as were requisite were called for & orders thereon given, & I was informed we were to receive three months pay.
                  In one or two days Congress passed a resolve that we should be paid three months pay & a warrant was ordered for 4000 dollars new Emission; as soon as I was informed of this I waited on his Excellency & acquainted him that such a sum was far short as three months pay exceeded 7000 dollars, supposing a paper dollar equivalent to a hard one, but that as a few days before a part of Col. Moylan’s horse had received three months pay at 4 for one we flattered ourselves we should be put on the same futting, I was directed to apply to the Board of war & desire that a report might be made specifying the full sum.  In consequence of this the Board immediately reported that seven thousand & a few hundred dollars specie were requisite to pay the regt which, at 4 for one, amounted to 29800 dollars.
                  This point being setled on monday the 2d last & the militia to mount guard the day following I conceived every difficulty removed and proposed embarking the men on wednesday; but was disapointed & some days elapsed before I could discover whether Congress had taken up the report, at last one of the members told me that an unsuccessful application had been made to the Counsil of the State & an afterwards an attempt equally fruitless to borrow the money, this last information gave me room to hope that a small premium might induce some person to advance the money, on which I mentioned to the officers that tho we received the money in paper at 4 for one we should be obliged to exchange it for hard at 5 for one, paper money not being current, or that by offiring 5 1/2 we might get the business done, they approved of the idea & I made the proposal to Mr Morris who gave me little hopes, that afternoon a Jew broker mentioned the affair to me in such a manner as gave me room to suppose Mr Morris had applied to him, he further told me the money could be procured on the terms propsed but could not be paid all together; I informed the officers of this & it was agreed I should propose to Mr Morris that as much money as was requisite for the officers under orders as would enable them to quit the town with , to give the soldiers one months pay before they marched & their daily pay on the road should be given when the warrant was obtained, that the officers & men who remained behind would be paid in 14 days and the residue to me 7 days after we got to West point, he desired some time and on my return at the hour appointed he told me the money could be procured on those terms, of which I immediately gave notice to Congress & requested the warrant.
                  Flattering myself that our affair was now brought to a conclusion I was greatly surprised not to hear any thing of the warrant & that tho I waited on the President & consulted several members I could obtain no positive information tho I had reason to believe that the exchange of four for one occasioned the difficulty.  My patience being exhausted by these delays I, yesterday was a week, waited on the president, represented the detriment that might be done to the service by our being so long detained & requested to know the intention of Congress, he promised he would lay the matter before that assembly & I should be informed of their determination; I waited at the State house in the afternoon at the hour when Congress usually break up & was told by the Secretary that the matter had been long since referred to the Board of war, which was authorised to draw for what money was requisite for the regt surprised at not hearing this sooner tho I had daily spoke to some member & waited on the Board.  As the Board was not then sitting I waited on Genl Cornel & told him my information & requested to know the resolution of the Board as I was determined to go immediately to the Qr Mr Genl & apply for shallops to be ready on wednesday afternoon—& that I should exert my utmost endeavours to get the regt off with or without money; the Genl directed me to call on the Board in the morning & approved my resolution.  I directly went to Col. Miles who told me he could not immediately promise shallops but that he expected some continental schooners up the river & would send me notice when they arrived.
                  The day following I waited on the Board & was informed they had agreed to allow but three months pay at dollar for dollar, I represented the bad consequence of making such a difference between corps & that I was persuaded the regt would consider it as a great injury done them, my remonstrance had no other effect but to produce an offer of 6 months pay on the same terms, to this I replied I could not engage for the regiment but would take the money on account to be charged to the regt on the same terms as the rest of the army was paid or to be paid, which was at last agreed to and a warrant given me for 15,000 dollars of which I directly gave notice to Mr Morris & that the money in proportion, on the terms before mentioned, would be called for immediately after dinner, which was accordingly done & the money recd.  As soon as I returned to barrack I gave orders for the regt to embark the afternoon of the following day & gave notice of the terms I had procured, business prevented my being on the parade that evening at roll calling but on my return was informed the men seemed much dissatisfied & declared they would not march if they were not put on the same footing with Moylans regt & Col. Myles’s people, who had been paid a few days before at four for one, as I had directed the regt to be assembled the following morning at 7 o’clock to receive the money I took the opportunity to argue with them, & assisted by the other officers endeavoured to prevail on them but fruitlessly & was much discouraged in my hopes of succeeding better another time by the regularity of their proceedings, no man in liquor being permitted by his comrades to speak & the rest but one at a time when all their grievances were enumerated, this appeared to me the result of deliberation not of hasty passion, in this delemma I consulted Genl St Clair who advised me to let the matter lie ’till I had notice the shallops were ready.
                  On thursday about noon I recd a note from Col. Miles informing me that one shallop was ready & he expected another the following tide, of this I informed the Board of war & ordered the regt to assemble at 1/2 after two, I also directed my clerk as Town Major, being prevented myself by business, to make a calculation what each man share of 15000 dollars would be, in case we could not persuade the men to agree to the former terms, as, if the men could be persuaded to take their parts of that sum Mr Morris had generously agreed to let us have the money that was to have been paid in West point, he informed me that it came to 7 hard dollars a man.
                  Being fully prepared by what had passed on the former occasion I represented to the men that West point being much nearer Boston, from whence most of the clothing was drawn, they had a much better chance of being supplied there than in Philadelphia.  That from the best information I could procure I believed that post well supplied with provisions & that they would not there be exposed to the distresses they had so often felt in Philada.
                  To the men from the States of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, who were uneasy at removing so far on account of their depreciation, I represented that should the resolve of Congress & the steps I had taken in consequence thereof fail I made not the least doubt of your Excellencies affording them every assistance they could reasonably expect.  To those from N: England & N: York it was evident their chance would be bettered.  After much arguing by the officers on one side & the men on the other it was at last agreed that every man who was entitled to pay for September, October & November should receive 7 hard dollars, those who had claims to only part of that time should receive in proportion,  those who had not would have money advanced to them, & that no stopages should be made on account of depts, so that they should have 24 hours to see their acquaintances, these points being setled they were immediately paid, least they should retract, & all was over by sun set.  In justice to the men I must mention that the pleasure of returning under your more immediate command had much weight in inducing them to comply.
                  On friday afternoon as many men as could be collected were embarked on board the only vessel as yet furnished, the larger number being on board I determined to come here to see of the waggons were provided in consequence of a litter I wrote to Col. Nelson & rations were to be procured, & having given proper directions to Capt. McGowen to send on board as many men as the vessel could carry & order them up as soon as possible under the care of proper officers & follow me to Trenton as soon a second shallop could be procured, & if he did not find me there to proceed to the Point.
                  I set out early on saturday morning & when I came here Col. Nelson told me he had not a single waggon but had sent to the country to have a proper number collected if possible; as for rations I found meat only for one day; I went on sunday morning to Mr Insler—the contractor at Pennytown who wrote me word he had not any meat on hand but would do his endeavours to procure some if possible, tho he had no money to pay for it he was so obliging as to come over here yesterday morning & renew his promise, a brigade of waggons also came in from Morristown, from which we are to be supplied if none from the country can be procured.
                  Yesterday before dinner part of the regt arrived here having marched from Kerbrights landing & waggons were sent to bring some that were unable to march & the baggage.
                  Capt. McGowen informs me that seeing no prospect of another shallop he embarked all the men he could collect which crouded them very much but that as they were to depart at 9 o’clock at night & he hoped they would have a short passage he flattered himself no inconvenience would attend it his expectations were however frustrated & the passage very tedious, by which, excess of drinking many had suffered but I hope one days rest will enable them to proceed.  Inclosed I send a return of the party as it now stands.  By the returns made to me I find 2 Corps. & 6 men had either deserted or were lying drunk in some part of the city.  Three of four men that I proposed to leave behind us unfit for duty were so unhappy at not going with the regt that I thought it would be cruel not to indulge them, I hope this will meet your approbation.
                  I propose setting out at 5 o’clock this afternoon as I intend marching only morning & evening, I presume our marches will be from 12 to 15 miles a day, possibly fatigue & bad weather may some times oblige us to halt.
                  Genl St Clair communicated to me a letter he recd from Capt. Woelpper containing several charges against me, many of them of such a nature as certain you will think its necessary to have them strictly enquired into, I entreat your Excellency that a court martial may be appointed as soon as possible after we get to West Point.  The more a man of integritys character is scrutinised the brighter it appears.
                  I am sorry the many transactions I had to narrate have spun my epistle to such a length, but rely on your goodness for pardon.  I have the honour to assure your Excellency that I am with respect Sr your most obedt Servt

                     Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.


Title: From Tench Tilghman to Anonymous, 24 July 1781
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Anonymous

                     Dear SirHead Quarters July 24th 81.

                  I have this morning received your Favor of the 22d which Immediately laid before his Excellency.  He says before he can order a Court of Enquiry he must have somewhat to ground it upon, which can be Nothing but Charges regularly exhibited by Mr Sleight, or whoever else have been your Accusors, because a Court cannot proceed upon what Mr Sleight may or may not have said, and which he may refuse to appear before a military Court to prove.  you will therefore call upon Mr Sleight for a Copy of his intended Charges & know of him whether he will prosecute the matter before a military Court—If he will his Excellency will immediately order one—If he will not, & you can prove that he has circulated Reports injurious to your Character, your remedy is I think in civil Law.  I go on a Presumption that Sleight is not in the Service, & that he cannot be compeld to appear by any Authority of the Commandr in Chief.  I am very Sincerely yours &a

                     T: Tilghman


Title: General Orders, 25 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs Ferry Wednesday July 25 1781
                     Parole  Luxemburgh
                     Countersigns  Bourdeaux
                  Lisle
                  For the day Tomorrow
                  Brigadier General GloverColonel H. JacksonFor Picquet  Major SpurrInspector  Captain SmithThe Commanding officers of regiments are desired to use every possible endeavour to instruct the recruits in the essential parts of their duty as fast as they join their respective Corps that they may be qualified for actual service.
                  Lieutenant Kirkpatrick late of Colonel Spencer’s regiment is appointed Captain Lieutenant in the Corps of Sappers and miners and is to be respected and obeyed accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 25 July 1781
From: Barras, Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de
To: Washington, George

                        Monsieur,
                        A Newport le 25. Juillet 1781

                     J’ai reçu-la Lettre que Votre Excellence m’a fait l’honneur de m’écrire le 21. de ce mois.  Je ne vous répéterai point tout ce que je mande à M. de Rochambeau qui vous en fera part.
                     Je dispose tout ici pour que rien ne retarde les opérations dont on Sera convenu.  Je n’entrerai pas dans de plus grands détails, parceque n’ayant pas de chiffre avec Votre Excellence, il est plus prudent de la renvoyer à la lettre que j’écris à M. le Comte de Rochambeau.
                     Je suis avec respect, Monsieur, De Votre Excellence, Le très humble et trés obéissant Serviteur,

                        barras

                  TranslationNew Port R.I. July 25th 1781Sir,TranslationI have received the letter which your Excellency did me the honor to write me on the 21st of this month—I will not repeat to you all that I have said to M. de Rochambeau who will impart it you.
                     I have disposed of every thing here in such a manner that nothing shall retard the operations which may happen—I will not enter into particular details because having no cypher with your Excellency it is most prudent to give them in the letter which I shall write to M. Le Count de Rochambeau.  I am with respect &a.

                Enclosure

                        Newport 25th July 1781

                     I have received my dear General your letter of the 15th of this month and that of the 21st.  I have sent to Mr Granchain the two wh. were for him.  General Washington has without doubt made you acquainted with the enterprize agt Huntington which was unsuccessful.
                     The Frigate Surveillante arrived some days since from Boston.  All the Carpenters of the Squadron are busy repairing the damage she sustained in the Combat which she had upon her return from St Domingo.  I hope that she will be fit for sea about the 6th of next month.
                     There is arrived in this port a schooner which left the Cape the 6th Inst.  The Captain says the Concorde arrived there the Evening before his departure, that there were no other Vessels of War, but that they were expected every day.
                     I understand by the way of Boston that the Squadron of Mr de Grasse departed from Grenada the 19th of June for Martinico.
                     Another Vessel arrived at Boston, left Martinico the 25 of June, she left the squadron of Mr de Grasse there, which would depart under Eight days for the Cape with a very considerable Convoy.  The English army were at Barbadoes, there has been no other engagement but the first with which you have been made acquainted.  They knew of no reinforcement having been received by the English from Europe.
                     According to my Calculation the Count de Grasse ought to arrive about the 10th of this month at the Cape, and would depart the 15th or 18th.  So that I presume he may be here about the 10th of next month.  Upon the first news which I shall receive, whether it shall be of his arrival or of his approach to the Coast I shall upon the instant dispatch a Courier to give you advice.
                     I have seen the sketch of the Business in hand—you are more convenient than I am to enquire of the people of the Country whether there is Water enough at sandy Hook for the Squadron to force a passage.  I can assure you that while the Count de Estaing was there he sent an officer to sound the Entry of sandy Hook—that the officer deposed in full Council at which I assisted, that there were but 17 1/2 feet Water at the Entry—That Count D’Estaing offered then to the American pilots which the Congress had furnished 50,000 Crowns if they would under take to carry the Squadron in, which they refused.  It may be however that the deposition of the officer may be true and yet not exact—For the pilots out of ill intention may have made him sound the shallowest part.
                     I will not repeat all what I have before written to you upon the desire which General Washington expresses that the Squadron under my command should go to Chesapeak—I grant that the Royal Oak not having joined the Squadron which is at the Hook, I should not only be in condition to fight them, but moreover I might flatter myself with gaining an advantage.  I would observe to you only that it would not be possible for me to depart before the arrival of the Convoy which I expect from Boston, and which cannot be here so soon as I wish.  Besides having appointed this for the place of Rendezvous with Mr De Grasse, I think it for the good of the service that I should wait him here.  I prepare every thing, that upon  the moment of his arrival all may be ready.
                     I have already sent up to Patuxet many of my Transports, That I may put on board the Squadron the greatest part of their Crews, which however will not yet compleat those of the Vessels included in the detachment of Mr de Choisey.  If in the mean time the project for Chesapeak should take place, I shall so arrange matters as to take with me all the Vessels except the Fantasque and Isle of France which can furnish me a considerable number  of Men and which would be of little service in the Rivers in the interior parts of Chesapeak.  If the expedition to Chesapeak takes place it will be indispensably necessary that the transports should be with the Squad &ca .
                     Translation, DLC:GW.  Enclosed in Barras to GW, 25 July 1781.


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 25 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

                  Dear Custis,

                     Camp near Dobbs ferry 25th July 1781

                  Your letter of the 11th, covering certain proposals which were made by you to Mr Robt Alexander, came safe by the last Post—I read the latter with attention, and as far as I can form a judgment without seeing the mortgage, or having recourse to the original agreement, and the missive, which may have passed, think they are founded on principles of liberality & justice.
                  How far the purchase on your part, and the Sale on Alexanders was a matter of speculation at the time of bargaining, yourselves, & the nature of the agreement, can alone determine—If from the tenor of your contract you were to pay paper money—If this paper money was at that time in a depreciated state; and the difference between it & specie fixed & known; and if more over, Alexander like many others, entertained an opinion that it would again appreciate, so as that a paper dollar would be of equal value with a Silver one—it might be more just than generous (when we consider that Paper is, in fact, worth little or nothing) to let him abide the consequences of his opinion, by paying him in depreciated paper: because the presumption is, that he would have made no allowance for appreciation, tho’ the former should be of equal value with the latter—pound for pound—But this, as I have before observed, depends upon the nature of the bargain, and the light in which the matter was understood at the time it was made by both parties.
                  If the bargain was unaccompanied by particular circumstances, and had no explanatory meaning, but simply imported that so much money was to be given for so much land, to be paid on or before a certain period—it is certainly optional in you to discharge it at any time you please short of that period—but I conceive that this can only be done by an actual tender of the money—and, that there is no legal obligation upon Alexander to take your Bond (with any security whatever) and that the only chance you have of his doing it, is the fear of loosing the original debt, or the interest of it by refusing the tender you propose to make him of £48,000 at this time; for I lay it down as a maxim, that no man can be compelled to change the nature of his debt, or later the security of it, without his own consent.
                  I have before said, that for want of the mortgage, or a better knowledge of all the circumstances attending your bargain, it is impossible for me to give a decided opinion—Your proposals appear to me to be fair & equitable, but what views Alexander may have had, & how far he is prepared to obtain those views, by written or other valid proof, I am unable to say—As an honest man he ought to be content with justice—and justice I think you have offered him.
                  You may recollect that I disliked the terms of your bargain when they were first communicated to me, & wished then, that you might not find them perplexing & disadvantageous in the issue—as I now do that you may settle the matter with honor, & satisfaction to yourself.
                  It gave me pain to hear that your people had been so much afflicted with sickness, & that you thought your Son in danger—It would give me equal pleasure to learn that he, & the rest of your family, were restored to perfect health—That so few of your Country men have joined the enemy, is a circumstance as pleasing to me, as it must be mortifyingly evincive to them of the falacy of their assertion, that 2/3 of the people were in their interest, and ready to join them when oppertunity offered—Had this been the case the Marquiss force and the other 1/3, must have abandoned the Country.
                  I am much pleased with your choice of a Governor—He is an honest man—active, spirited & decided—and will, I am perswaded, suit the times as well as any person in the State.  You were lucky, considering the rout by which the enemy retreated to Williamsburg to sustain so little damage.  I am of opinion that Lord Cornwallis will establish a strong post at Portsmth—detach part of his force to New York—and go with the residue to So. Carolina.
                  I returned yesterday from reconnoitering (with Count de Rochambeau & the Engineers of both armies) the enemy’s works near King’s bridge—we lay close by them two days & a night without any attempt on their part, to prevent it—they begun, & continued a random kind of Canonade, but to very little effect—I am waiting impatiently for the men the States (this way) have been called upon for, that I may determine my plan & commence my operations.  My best wishes attend Nelly (who I hope is perfectly recovered) & the little girls—my complimts await enquiring friends—and I am Sincerely & affectly yrs

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 25 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Dayton, Elias

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’s ferry July 25th 1781

                  I have rec’d your’s of the 23d, you must consider your present post of importance and the nearer you are to the point to be defended the greater will be its security it would therefore be more proper should the ground be eligable to pitch your Camp as near as possible to the Block than to occupy a position one or two miles either to the right or left.
                  The sending your horses to pasture even at the distance of three miles would not render you subject to the inconveniencies and the post to that hazard that might originate from your taking a similar position with the Brigade.
                  I should thank you for information whether the Letter directed to Genl Forman is forwarded and by whom.  I am Dr Sir yr

                     G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew von Heer, 25 July 1781
From: Heer, Bartholomew von
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia July 25th 1781

                  Your Orders dated the 13th instant for marching my Troops immediately to Camp I received by Board of War this morning.
                  I am sorry to inform Your Excellency That my Troop has remained in the same Situation as represented in my last; No Horses provided, neither is there any prospect to; None I could get of any Q. Mrs Department; Likewise I applied for pistols, Swords, & other articles of accoutrements, But very few received.
                  Upon many Applications to the Board of War for payment is no hope for any Contenting the men, of Whom a great many their Time is expired would be willing to serve the Country, But no Encouragement for them—This is the fourth Time I travelled to the City on the Subject for geting ever THing provided for my Troops, for which never any Expences have been allowed to me, neither could get any money on account for my support In public Bussiness; & I do’nt really Know, how I shall support the Troop in marching them to Camp; it seems hard to them to march without having received any pay these sixteenth months—myself & the officers find to themselves difficult for any longer Support in the Service; They have allready represented to me to resign, But I Still have encouraged them to Stay in hopes that they would seen Justice done—It is very disagreable to me to represent  Excellency, If no Redress will come,  I am compell’d myself to quit the Service as I find it hardly possible to Support me any longer—no accounts have been Settled with me, Since I raised the Troop & still cannot hope any Settling Either of Q. Mr or forage Mr neither for my Recruiting accts, whereby I have advanced money in good Time.
                  I Shall send Your Excellency a Small Number of men, mounted under the Command of an Officer to reinforce the others—If any money for Recruiting would be given to me I will be Sur, I could march my Corps compleat to Camp.
                  I Shall beg Your Excellency to consider the Case, That Therefore would be provided, & I not Stopped from the Duty, which your Excellency would  to me.
                  I Shall do myself the Honour to wait upon your Excellency as speedy as I may be dispatched from the Board of Treasury, where I am obliged to settle the accounts of Depreciation if possible.
                  I Shall Thank for your Excellency’ Kindness to grant me an answer as soon as convenient.  I remain with the greatest Respect Your Excellency most humble & most obedient servant

                     Barthw von Heer Capt. L. Dr.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 25 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 25th July 1781.

                  I have been honored with your favor of the 10th announcing your resignation of the Chair of Congress and the Election of Mr McKean to that important Station.
                  I flattered myself with the hopes of an opportunity of personally acknowledging the attentions which I received from you during your presidency; but as I find you could not with convenience make a visit to the Army on your way home, I am constrained to take this method of returning my thanks and expressing my sincere wishes for the reestablishment of your health.
                  I am exceedingly happy to hear that our political Affairs begin to assume a new and pleasing appearance, which, if continued, will I hope have an influence upon the Military—That department is yet labouring under every difficulty and distress, and there seems to me little chance of its being releived from the debility to which it is reduced; for notwithstanding my pressing requisition for men, and the more pressing occasion which there is for them, at this moment I may almost say I have not received one Man since my last demand.
                  The station which you have lately filled with so much honor has given you an opportunity of making yourself intimately acquainted with our real situation, and a representation from you to your state will naturally have more weight than that of a stranger to public affairs—Be assured sir you cannot employ your time better at home than in constantly impressing all Ranks with the necessity of recruiting and supplying the Army.  I have the honor to be &c.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 25 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McDougall, Alexander

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobbs’ Ferry. July 25th 1781

                  I request you will regularly report to me, the number of Militia which shall arrive from time to time, at your Post.  I am Dear Sir Your Most Obed. Servt

                     Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Hurlbut, 25 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hurlbut, John

                  Gentlemen

                     Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 25th July 1781

                  I have recd your favor of the 5th with Copies of letters from Governor Reed to Colonel Hunter Lieutenant of Northumberland County and to the Commissioner of purchases for the same County.  These letters contain no orders of any kind whatever to Capt. Mitchell, but barely relate to supplying the present Garrison with provisions, which by arrangements made by me are to be furnished out of the supplies demanded by the Continent from the State of Penna.  Capt. Mitchell cannot therefore with propriety draw any thing from Mr Seward.
                  You may be assured Gentlemen that it is my inclination as well as my duty to carry the intent of Congress fully into execution and that I should not scruple to remove an officer from command were I to find proof of his having acted with partiality either towards the State of Pennsylvania or that of Connecticut, but as it does not appear, by the testimony which has been produced by you, that Capt. Mitchell has yet conducted himself in a manner to deserve censure, I cannot consistent with military Rule remove him from his present command.  I am &ca.


Title: General Orders, 26 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Thursday July 26th 1781
                     Parole Annapolis
                     Countersigns Baltimore
                  Elk.
                  For the day tomorrow
                  Brigadier General PattersonColonel SwiftFor Picquet  Major OliverInspector  Captain RobinsonThe Court Martial whereof Colonel Putnam is President will assemble tomorrow morning at 10 ô clock.


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Cornell, 26 July 1781
From: Cornell, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     War Office July 26. 1781

                  The Board have been honoured with your Excellencys letters of the 9th 17th and 21. Instant.  We shall be always happy in promoting the Views of Congress and never more so than we can contribute to your Relief and in some measure make your life agreeable under the fatigues and dangers to which you are unavoidably exposed—The Cash you mention you will see by the enclosed Estimate No. 1. was ordered before the receipt of your letter and the Board expected was sent forward with the other Articles contained in the Estimate No. 2. but were since informed it was not—fresh Orders have been given and we will endeavour to see them executed The Remainder of the Stores contained in the Estimates are ready—together with forty eight dozen of Red Wine and will go from this place immediately—Two dozen Silver Tumblers and two dozen Spoons are making and will be sent as soon as finished.
                  A Person to act as Steward or Caterer in your family will be procured and sent to you if a proper person can be found that will undertake that Business—as much depends on such a person and a responsibility in the Procurers we dare not promise to send one immediately but can assure you nothing shall be wanting on our Parts.
                  Nothing since the Receipt of your letter hath been done respecting Procters Regiment.
                  The Commissary of Prisoners at Lancaster—hath been made acquainted with the Agreement of the Commissioners respecting Chaplains that had or might hereafter be taken prisoners with Orders for its taking effect.
                  Had General Knoxs letter of the Tenth Instant come to hand before we wrote you last.  It would have saved us the Trouble of writing and you of answering—you may depend we shall govern ourselves altogether so far as respects the Removal of Stores to the main Army by your Requests and in the mean time shall endeavour to have every thing in the most perfect readiness possible and should they be wanted we flatter ourselves they will be forwarded in a manner that will in some sort answer your Expectations.  As we are convinced you are sensible of your Embarassments for want of Money at the same time we cannot help observing that it appears to be the Wish of the Superintendant of finance to give us every assistance in his power.  We have the Honour to be with the highest Respect Your Excelly most obedt ser.

                     Ezek. Cornell
                     By order

                     Since Col. Blaines Return the Superintendt of finance has informed the Board he will furnish the 1000 dollars.

                   Enclosure

                           c.14 July 1781

                     Estimate of sundries wanting for the use of his Excellency General Washingtons Table and the price the principal part of the articles calculated for a two Months supply.
                     250. lb. Cheese1/10 1/2 £23.  8.932. Gallons Brandy7/612.150. t. double refined Sugar14. 1.3400. Powder      do9d.15.20 lb. Green Tea35/35.2. Casks Raisins 12.200 Coffee11d.9.3.4370 Hams1/18.10.12. Bottles Mustard15/9.6.    do     Ketchup15/4.10.1. Box Lemons10.1. Barrel Limes 10.12. Bottles Olives20/12.12. Bottles Oil15/9.2. doz. China Cups and Saucers9.6 double Bowles25/7.10.12. large Table Cloths£560.Diaper for 6 dozen Napkins25.12 lb. almonds4/611.2 Bbls Irish Beef 4. half Barrels Pork1 Keg of Butter supposed32.2 Tea Potts and a Milk Pot6.10.2. Quintals Cod fish6.12 Kegs pickled Oysters4.10.4 Kegs Sturgeon3.10.Cinnamon Cloves Nutmegs and Pickles7.10.48 doz. Bottled Beer36.30 Gallons Shrub33. 15.6 doz. Block tin plates (if to be got)or else Pewter16.10.6 doz. Knives and forks 4.10.2. doz. Block Tin half pint Tumblers  3.Contingent Table Expences 375.    £834.18.4
                     Eph. Blaine
                     4. Barrells Spirits
                     400 Smoaked Tongues
                     6. Barrells Biscuit
                     Bd of Admiralty

                        3 Pipes of Wine

                        Copy


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 26 July 1781
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

                  sir

                     Head Quarters 26th July 1781

                  I am directed by the Comander in Chief to transmitt to you the inclosed Copy of Charges made against Majr Moreman, by Capt. Billings—upon which His Excellency desires you will order Majr Moreman under an Arrest—At the Same Time the General desires that Majr Moreman’s Charges against Capt. Livermore may be transmitted to the Adjutant General, who has Order to have Capt. Livermore put into Arrest, as soon as the Charges are exhibited—as he was not to be seen last Evening.
                  A Court will be ordered for the Trial of the Gentlemen upon their several Charges.  I am most respectfully sir Your &ca

                     J. Trumbull


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 26 July 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                     My dear General
                     Malvern Hill July 26th 1781

                  I Had Some days ago the Honor to write to Your Excellency and informed you that a detachement from the British Army would probably embark at Portsmouth.  The two Bataïllons of Light Infantry and the Queen’s Rangers were certainly, and the Guards with one or two British Regiments, were likely to Be, ordered upon that service.  My Conjectures Have proved true and 49 sails fallen down in Hampton Road the departure of which I expect to Hear every minute.
                  A prisoner British officer lately mentionned Lord Cornwallis himself was going—  However I think General Leslie is the man who Commands the embarked troops.  Pottowmack and the Cheseapeak are the announced objects—but I think the true destination is New york.
                  I Have directed men of observation to send me intelligences Respecting the movements of the fleet.  Horses will Be Ready upon the Road and an officer sent the moment I Hear of their sailing.  Some days ago I Communicated my Conjectures to the French Admiral, ut question if my letters could arrive safe.
                  It appears the Ennemy Have some Cavalry on Board.  The Conquest of Virginia and the establishment of British power in ths State, Having not succeeded to the expectations of the British court, a lesser Number Might Be sufficient to the present purposes, and two thousand Men easely spared.  So that I do not Believe the present embarkation is under that Number.
                  So far as a land force can oppose naval operations and naval superiority, I think the position now occupied By the main Body of our small army, affords the Best chance to support the several parts of Virginia.
                  On his precipitate Return from Amelia County Colonel Tarleton suffered some loss from militia light parties.  With the Highest Respect I Have the Honor to be, my dear General Your most affectionate servant

                     Lafayette

                     The Charon 44, and three frigats with two 20 guns ships form the convoy of the fleet.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 26 July 1781
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     In Congress July 26th 1781.

                  I have the Honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette to Major General Greene dated the 1st Instant, and also Copies of several Letters between General Lord Cornwallis & the Marquis respecting Prisoners.
                  These Papers having been just now read in Congress, I send them on to your Excellency by Express, that you may have the earliest Information possible of the Situation of the British Army in Virginia.
                  My private Conjecture is, that after leaving a strong Garrison at Portsmouth, Lord Cornwallis intends to proceed with the rest of his Army to New York, excepting perhaps his Cavalry, which may probably be sent to Charles town, as they could not be of so great Benefit at New York as there.
                  If the Count de Barras could intercept his Lordship on his return to New York, it would be a glorious Enterprize.  I wish it was attempted.
                  I shall not detain the Express on Account of any other Communications at present, and shall therefore subscribe myself, with the utmost Regard, Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble Servant

                     Tho. M:Kean President


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 27 July 1781
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                     dear general
                     27 july 81

                  I was so much vexed two or three days ago by a Certain idea that i Cannot but submit it to your excellency.  I  that in the last Conference Count de Rochambeau to that admiral du barras and all the officers of the fleet pretended that it was not possible to force the entrance of the harbour of new york where there are some ships to defend it.  if so, why would not admiral du barras in this absence of the british fleet Render himself master of the harbour no Risk. he Could penetrate every where & i am surprised that the british left so the harbour and this makes me believe that there is some thing in their plan which we do not penetrate. may be a jonction with Rodney somewhere but if the harbour Cannot be forced admiral du barras should not bein danger in it.  i am with great Respect dear general your excellencys Obedient humble servant

                     duportail


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 27 July 1781
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                     observations generales sur la maniere

                  de passer sur l’isle
                        de newyork 27 juillet 1781

                     Si l’on considere la nature du local dans la partie septentrionale de l’isle de newyork, on reconnoitra, je pense, que Ce n’est pas une Chose fort difficile que de prendre poste de l’autre Coté de Spitten duvil

                     creek. on peut etablir sur la montagne qui est de Ce Cote cy du creek, des batteries si fortes que l’on voudra avec lesquels on forcera bientot l’ennemy d’abandonner le fort Charles et des lors on sera maitre de King’s bridge.  l’ouvrage sur Cox hill est tres peu de chose par luy même et sera facilement enlevé l’epée à la main, si toutefois l’ennemy y restoit aprés l’evacuation ou la prit du fort Charles.  Ce que je ne Crois pas. l’etat faible dans lequel il laisse Ce fort sur Cox hill nous montre quils ne se proposent nullement de defendre cette partie avancée de l’isle.  leur veritable front de defense est depuis laurel hill jusqu’au fort tryon.
                  Supposons donc que nous sommes maitres de King’s bridge et même que nous avons pris poste de l’autre Coté, il s’agit maintenant de voir Comment nous penetrerons en avant.  Considerant la pente du terrain en avant des forts laurel hill et tryon sa nature pierreuse à Ce quil me semble, et la position de Ces forts entre eux qui est telle que les tranchées qu’on Conduiroit vers l’un seroient vus de revers et à dos par l’autre, je pense qu’il n’est pas gran praticable de les attaquer Regulierement, qu’il faut le faire de vive force.  Sans doute on s’y prenant Comme il faut on peut Reussir, mais pourtant Cela est hazardeux.  ainsi je prefererois la maniere suivante de sétablir sur l’isle de newyork.  C’est de passer en batteaux la Riviere d’harlem et de prendre porte hardiment entre newyork et le fort washington dans quelque endroit qu’on ne peut veritablement determiner que quand on sera sur l’isle.
                  La grande difficulte est Celle de debarquer et prendre pied.  sur Cela il faut Considerer deux Cas.  Celuy ou nous aurions une flotte francoise dans le sound et Celuy où nous n’en aurions pas.  dans le premier nous n’avons pas à Craindre d’etre troublé dans la Riviere d’harlem par les vaisseaux galeres ou batteaux armés de l’ennemy. nous aurons une bien plus grande quantité de bateaux pour passer nos troupes  nous pouvons choisir le lieu du debarquement sur une bien plus grande etendue de terrain et par consequant à le surprendre bien plus aisement; nous aurons bien moins de troupes à Craindre pour nous Combattre de l’autre Coté parceque l’ennemy peut moins se degarnir sur longue island et à newyork même. la Reussite me paroit donc très probable, elle l’est beaucoup moins assurement dans le second Cas Celuy où nous n’avons pas de flotte françoise dans le sound, mais elle ne me paroit pas encore impossible avec beaucoup de troupes et beaucoup de temps.
                  La Riviere d’harlem depuis laurel hill jusqu’à morissania n’est pas asses large pour permettre a des batiments armés d’y Rester Contre les batteries que nous pouvons etablir de distance en distance sur le Coté est ainsi si nous avions un nombre considerable de bateaux, si on peut les faire arriver secretement par terre
                     ou bien à partir du lieu qu’on auroit choisi pour s’embarquer, en Reunissant d’ailleurs tous les moyens qui servent à tromper l’ennemy, je pense que l’entreprise Reussiroit.  Car il faut songer que de son Coté il ne laisse pas d’etre dans une situation embarassante.  S’il Repand ses troupes sur toute  l’etendûe du terrain où nous pouvons debarquer il ne sera en force nulle part, s’il les Rassemble en un seul endroit, nous pouvions debarquer  toutes nos troupes, de nous former et de marcher a luy, et Comme nous devons luy estre Considerablement superieure par le nombre ou nous le detruirons ou l’obligerons a se Retirer. il ne faut que l’efrayer ensuite de se voir les trois forts washington, laurel hill et tryone derriere soy occupés par l’ennemy. Il ne sera question que de  et  porter Convenablement un Corps pour observer et tenir en Respect leurs garrison, jusqu’a  ce qu’on ait les moyens de les attaquer  s’il en est besoin,
                  Car je penche a Croire que sitot que l’ennemy nous verroit etably sur L’isle il se hateroit dévacuer ces forts par la Riviere du nord.
                  La premiere Chose Comme de Raison à faire des qu’on seroit sur l’isle et qu’on n’auroit plus d’ennemi à une certaine distance est de Choisir le lieu le plus propre pour la Communication avec Ce Coté cy  si les anglois n’evacuoient pas les forts et que l’attaque qu’on en tenteroit de rive
                      au moins de laurel hill ne Reussit pas, il faut avouer que Ce ne seroit pas une petite difficulte de passer le gros Canon et les munitions &a pour prevenire tout accident,  les troupes debarquées devroient avoir pour 10 ou 12 jours de  avec elle.
               Nombre de troupes à debarquerQuoique Ce soit une Chose dangereuse pour l’ennemy que de tirer des new york la plus grande partie de ses forces pour s’opposer à notre debarquement ou nous venir    embattre apres, parce qu’en Cas de defaite, il exposeroit la ville à estre prise d’emblée  Cependant il pourroit le faire s’il voyoit quelque apparence de succès.  nous devons donc luy estre Considerablement Superieur et vu que l’ennemy a sur nous de grands avantages tels que la Connoissance du local, des dispositions qu’il peut preparer d’avance ou qu’en Cas de malheur nous n’avons pas de Retraite ou du moins elle est fort difficile, je voudrois que Cette superiorite fut à peu près du double.  ainsi supposant que les anglois ont dans ce moment-ci 8000 de troupes, Reguliers et autres, supposant de plus que dans le Cas ou nous n’avons pas de flotte francoise dans le sound, il peut marcher à nous avec 5000 hommes, j’en voudrois debarquer 10000 sur l’isle-il nous faut de plus de Ce Cote cy d’harlem un autre Corps Considerable pour assurer notre Communication, nos subsistances et si l’on Considere la multitude de postes qu’il exige pour sa surete le long du sound de la Riviere du nord et vis a vis de King’s bridge tant que l’ennemy seroit maitre des forts, je ne crois pas que Ce corps doive estre moindre que 5 a 6000 hommes. au Reste Ce nombre ne doit pas nous faire perdre, parcequ’après tout supposant 8 mille hommes dans newyork, il ne seroit pas Raisonnable d’en entreprendre le siege sans flotte avec moins de vingt et je pense que si on ne peut l’entreprendre, il ne faut pas passer par l’isle.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 27 July 1781
From: Nelson, Thomas, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                     My Dear sir
                     Richmond July 27th 1781

                  As a bad apology would be worse than none, I shall not attempt to make any for my long silence, but rely on your goodness for pardon.
                  It is probable you may have heard of the high honor my Country have done me by electing me to govern them at this interesting period.
                  To have declin’d the appointment, might have indicated timidity, I therefore accepted it, with a determination to exert every power I possess to give energy to Government, and security to the state.
                  The very extraordinary Manuver of Lord Cornwallis into this Country, and his marching up & down thro’ different parts of it, will I suppose make a great noise in Europe; But when the Geography of it and its circumstances are known, I flatter myself the British Troops will not have acquir’d so much military fame nor shall we suffer so much disgrace as may at first be attributed to both—At the begining of every Invasion our force is inconsiderable, but rather than make no appearance of opposition, we take the feild with the few we can collect.  The Enemy superior to us in appointment and numbers, with the assistance of their ships, can make good their landing where they please, but they seldom chuse to attempt it where they expect opposition, generally above us, which obliges us to move after them, lest they should cut off our retreat, and get the Country of us.  They have never indicated much inclination to fight.
                  Tarlton, by sudden incursions into parts of the Country where he did not expect opposition, has collected a number of Horses, that have enabled him to run about paroling Citizens, whom he has taken in their beds.  Whenever a force sufficient to oppose them has been collected, they have always retreated immediately.  It is certain they have done much injury both private & public, but I have this consolation, that they are further from making a conquest of the State than when they enter’d it.  I do not believe ten Men have join’d them.  They have made Whigs of Tories.
                  You could not have made the Virginians more happy in a Commander than in the Marquis.  They have great confidence in his bravery & Conduct.  His regard for the Civil rights of the People, and His attention to the preservation of their property is very pleasing to them.  In short his Character is held in the highest estimation by them.
                  A Considerable embarkation has taken place at Portsmouth.  They now lie in Hampton Road.  They have had fair Winds either to go up the Bay or to New York, but have not taken advantage of them.  There are among us some who think Lord Cornwallis intends to land at the head of Elk and march from thence to Philadelphia, sending his Cavalry up the Easternshore to join him at Elk.  But this appears chimerical.  How ever should he affect such a thing his name will be up indeed.  I am my Dear General with the most cordial esteem Your Obedt & very Hle Sert

                     Thos Nelson jr.


Title: From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 27 July 1781
From: Humphreys, David
To: Pickering, Timothy

                  Dear Sir

                     Head Quarters July 27 1781

                  I have spoken to His Excellency—He has no objections to your going to Newborough for two or three days, he requests you to take charge of the Letter for Gen. McDougal.
                  The General also desires you to see General Du Portail before you go to West Point, respecting the Materials for the Chevaux de Frize which Genl Du Portail has in contemplation.  He likewise requests you will make particular enquiry concerning the Boats Timber & Plank; and take measures with Gen. McDougall to bring the Boats immediately from Wappings Creek to West Point, & have them laid up in the manner, which has been directed with regard to the Boats from Albany.  I am Dear Sir Your most Obedt Servt

                     D. Humphrys Aide De Camp


Title: To George Washington from John Pray, 27 July 1781
From: Pray, John
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir.
                     Dobbs Ferry July 27th 1781

                  A few days ago Colo. Worme was out and order’d all the people, (between phillips & Kings bridge) to Cut their Hay & bring it on the bank of the River, that the ships Might take it off, in consequence of which about twelve Tun is already brought & stacked Just below phillips, on the bank of the River, should your Excellency think it not worth while to bring it off, & think proper to distroye it, I can illegiblely do it.  some people informs me that they shall not comply with the order.  I have the Honor to be with Every Sentiment of Respect & Esteem your Excellencys most Obedient & Very Humble Servant

                     Jno. Pray Capt.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Scammell, 27 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Scammell, Alexander

                  Dr Sr

                     Head Quarters July 27. 1781

                  I am informed by Capt. Pray of the Water Guard that there is a quantity of Forage, lately deposited on the Banks of the North River between Philips & Kings Bridge, by Order of Col. Wurmb, for the purpose of being transported by Water to the Enemy.  You will be pleased to have a Party of Infantry & Cavalry detached, from Your Command & Col. Sheldon’s Corps, to ascertain at what place or places the Hay is, whether it can be brought off, what quantity there is supposed to be, & how Many Carts or Waggons will be necessary for the transportation.  I shall expect your Report as soon as conveniently may be.  With great regard I am Dr Sr &c.


Title: To George Washington from Philip John Schuyler, 27 July 1781
From: Schuyler, Philip John
To: Washington, George

                     Dear Sir
                     Albany July 27th 1781

                  Yesterday one hundred and seven Batteaus were compleatly finished.  I should have desisted when one hundred were finished, but as the materials for Seven more were prepared, and that they would probably be lost, I concluded It best to work them up into boats.
                  General Greene in his letter to Congress Observes that the Enemy have only Charlestown in south Carolina, and Savanna in Georgia left; Is ninety six then reduced, or is that post in North Carolina?  I am Dear Sir with every respectful and affectionate sentiment Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

                     Ph: Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Silvanus Seely, 27 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Seely, Silvanus

                  sir

                     Head Quarters near Dobb’s Ferry 27th July 1781.

                  I am informed By Colo. Dayton that a Number of Militia collecting from the State of N. Jersey & Rendezvousing at Morristown, have dispersed to their Homes for Want of Provisions at the Place of their Rendezvous—to prevent Any Misfortune of the like Nature in future—I have to Desire that you imediately march off to Dobb’s Ferry all the Militia which are already collected—& let the Remainder, as fast as they are drawn out, rendezvous at the same Place, or at Tappan, where they will join the Jersey Brigade You will be pleased to give me Information of your Proceedings from Time to Time, as the Collection is made.  I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 28 July 1781
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                     Sir,
                     Dobb’s ferry July 28th 1781

                  I have just received the intelligence from below, of the arrival of a large fleet at the hook on wednesday last.  It is said to contain near four thousand men and generally supposed to be the army under Lord Cornwallis.
                  Should there be any foundation for the above, I have reason to expect every hour, a confirmation of it, by an officer whom I sent to Newark the day before yesterday for the purpose.  I am your Excellencys most obedient Hbe servant

                     Elias Dayton


Title: From George Washington to Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 28 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle

                  Dear Sir,

                     Camp July 28th 1781

                  The subject you have written upon, is equally perplexing and incomprehensible to my understanding—I will talk more fully to you there on when we meet at two O clock.  In the meanwhile I am—Dr Sir, with much estm & Regd Yr most obt Sert

                     Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 28 July 1781
From: McKean, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                     sir,
                     Philadelphia July 28. 1781

                  Your Excellency’s Favors of the 6th, 16th, and 21st Instant came safe to hand and were read in Congress.  Inclosed herewith you will receive an Act of Congress of the 16th respecting Brigadier McIntosh, who has lately arrived in this City from Charles Town; he is on his Parole.
                  The last Dispatches from Colonel Laurens, our special Minister at Versailles, give further Proofs of the sincere Attachment of our good Ally to our Cause and Country; but as I am induced to believe you have had Information from him of the Contents, I need not descend to particulars.  Nothing of Importance has occurred since my last.  I have the Honor to be, with very great Respect, sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

                     Tho. M:Kean President


Title: From George Washington to James Parr, 28 July 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Parr, James

                  Sir

                     Head Quarters Dobbs’s Ferry 28h July 1781.

                  I am pleased to find by a letter from His Excellency president Reed that you have accepted of the command of the Corps of Rifle Men which are to be raised in Pennsylvania and that there is a probability that the Men will be obtained—As their services are immediately wanted, you will be pleased to send them to Camp in parties from 20 to thirty under the charge of an Officer.
                  I observe by the recruiting instructions that the Men are to be paid for the use of their Rifles if they bring them into the feild—this leaves the matter optional, and if a considerable part of them should come un armed we shall be put to very great difficulties on that account, as we have but few Rifles belonging to the Continent—you will therefore recommend it to the recruiting Officers to procure as many Arms in the Country as they possibly can.  I am Sir your most obt servt.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 28 July 1781
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                  Sir

                      28th July 1781

                  From the Inteligence I have receivd from the Country and from my own Observation, I am convincd that the Inhabitants in the Rear of the Army are intimately connected with the Refugees who are on the Roads in our Rear & at many Times form part of the Robbers who are constantly distressing the Inhabitants & render it dangerous to pass the Roads.  I would therefore propose as a further Security that no Persons under the Description of Volunteers be permitted to assemble in arms in the Rear of Camp: unless they are put under the Command of such officers as shall be appointed by your Excellency accountable to you, and that where there is Reason to beleive any other Inhabitants harbour or give Inteligence to the Refugees they shall be remov’d.  a further Regulation appears to me necessary to prevent plundering the Inhabitants in our Rear; I know of None better than to order all Plunder taken to be delivered to the Commissary or Quarter Master General; whither taken by the Regular Troops or Volunteers on pain of Imprisonment.  I am yr Excellency’s Obedt Servt

                     Saml H. Parsons