Title: To George Washington from Samuel Phillips, Jr., 18 March 1783
From: Phillips, Samuel, Jr.
To: Washington, George

                        Sir,
                            Commonwealth of Massachusetts Boston March 18th 1783

                        Your Excellency’s Letter of the 22d of February has been laid before the General Court, with a strict Caution
                            of Secrecy, which particular parts of it required.
                        It is possible you may not have been acquainted with the pretensions of the British Ministry to hold this
                            Territory, founded as they Suggest, on the terms of the Royal Charter, under which the People of this Commonwealth held
                            their Territory, previously to this happy Revolution.
                        It is therein provided specially in the following Words, "Nevertheless, and it is our Royal Will and
                            Pleasure, that no Grant or Grants of any Lands, lying or extending from the River Sagadahoc to the Gulph of St Lawrence
                            and Canada River, and to the main sea Northward & Eastward, to be made or pass’d by the Governor and General
                            Assembly of our said Province, be of any Force, Validity or Effect, until We, our Heirs or Successors shall have signified
                            our or their Approbation of the same." They have attempted to put such a Construction on these Words as may countenance
                            their Claim to this Territory, as being no part of the State of Massachusetts, although this Claim has been determined to
                            be without foundation, & the right of this State to be indisputable, by the opinion of a former Attorney and
                            Solicitor General of the King of Great Britain, on a reference of the question to them from the Board of Trade; and should
                            the Crown have the actual Possession of them, at the Conclusion of the War, the Uti possidetis,
                            so far as it respects them, may be urged in Favor of Great Britain, very greatly to the prejudice of this and the United
                            States. That it would be thus prejudicial, we think, can admit of no Doubt, when it is considered that, that part of our
                            Country has been the principal Source from which Great Britain has derived the Benefit of providing herself with Masts for
                            her Navy. A Benefit, so essential to the very Existence of a Nation situated as she is, would hardly be relinquished; and,
                            retained by us, would be equally important to the United States.
                        But whatever Construction may be given to the above mentioned Words of the Charter, we beg leave to acquaint
                            your Excellency, that it was an Object of the British Ministers, long before the present War, to erect all the Lands
                            belonging to this Commonwealth East of New Hampshire, into a distinct Province; principally, as it is conceived, with the
                            View of better securing Masts for their Navy. It is not improbable, that they may be still guided by the same Views, and
                            should the War be protracted, and the Post at Penobscot receive a considerable Reinforcement, it will be impossible for
                            the Inhabitants, without the Assistance of disciplin’d Troops,. to withstand their Incursions, and prevent their
                            establishing Posts in other Parts, so as to give them a plausible Pretension to claim at least the whole of the Eastern
                            County of Lincoln. It may perhaps be remark’d on these Suggestions "that the Confederation of the States and the Treaty
                            with France guarranty to each State all its Territory, and therefore no Peace can be concluded which will not secure to
                            Massachusetts the Territory mention’d", but if a Construction of the Charter can be pretended, to favor the Idea, that,
                                this is no part of the United States, an Attempt of the Enemy to retain it, must promise
                            better Success than the same Attempt on any other Quarter. The Enemy are sensible of this; and that they meant to avail
                            themselves of it, is evident, from the Preparations now actually making within their Lines at Penobscot. We are well
                            informed, that they are providing Frames of Blockhouses, Pickets and other portable Materials for the more speedy
                            Fortification of such Posts as they may take Possession of in the approaching Season. They are now, according to our best
                            Information Eleven hundred strong—disciplined Troops; and we have good reason to beleive they expect an additional Force
                            to arrive, as early as the movement of Troops by Water can be safely attempted.
                        A Force so considerable, supported by a Fleet on a Coast every where indented with fine Harbours &
                            Bays, and intersected with navigable Rivers, opposed by a feeble and inconstant Militia alone, must be almost
                            irresistible. Under the present Circumstances there is reason to fear that the People in that Part of the State, awed by
                            the Threats or seduced by the Arts of the Enemy, and, impatient under the heavy Expences which they bear in Common with
                            their fellow Citizens, will become disaffected to the Cause of their Country, and give the Enemy the Hopes of finally
                            succeeding in their Wishes to gain the full Possession of that Territory. Should it therefore be judged inexpedient to
                            attempt the Removal of the Enemy from Penobscot at present, for the Reasons mentioned by your Excellency, yet we cannot
                            forbear to submit to your further Consideration, our opinion of the great Importance of securing to the United States, the
                            possession of so valuable a Part of their Country; and in order thereto, the Necessity of a
                            Competant Number of disciplined Troops for its Defence. The peculiar Advantage before recited,
                            which the Enemy may derive from a Claim to this Territory, should they be able to Command it at the Time of treating for
                            Peace or at the Period when that Event shall take Place, and which would not apply to any other Part of the United States,
                            is, we conceive, a Reason why it should be attended to in preferrence to almost any other Object—We are so sensible of
                            this, that we are unitedly disposed to put forth our whole strength in its Support; But it must be our Apology for so
                            strongly importuning the Aid of your Excellency on this Occasion, that we find the State exhausted of every Resource
                            necessary for Defence, by its unequal Exertions in the Common Cause.
                        We have not the least Doubts of your Excellency’s ready Concurrence in any judicious Plan, which may
                            contribute to the Security of the exposed Extremities of our Commonwealth; and the Protection and safety of our Eastern
                            Frontiers, whose Utility, we are assured, is very deeply impressed upon you. We are persuaded that your Excellency’s Views
                            are impartial, and that you will give such Attention to the safety and security of that Part of the United States as, in
                            proportion to its Magnitude, you shall judge, the Object deserves. In the Name & by Order of the General Court We
                            are with every sentiment of Esteem & Regard you Excellency’s most Obedient and very humble Servants

                            Saml Adams Presidt of the Senate
                            Tristram Dalton Speaker of the House of Representatives


Title: From David Humphreys to Timothy Pickering, 18 March 1783
From: Humphreys, David
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters March 18 1783

                        The General is decidedly of opinion one Guide will be sufficient to be retained in service on the Lines. I
                            have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                            D. Humphrys A.D.C.


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Pope, 18 March 1783
From: Pope, Isaac
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Wards House near Newbridge 18 March 1783

                        I have the Honor to acquaint your Excellency that a party of the Militia commanded by John Archer, last
                            Friday evening went into Morrissania by leave from Justis Hunnesvill, where they took four prisoners belonging to Col.
                            Dillancys Corps, which I Send on under the care of a Serjeant and Six men, to gather with a german, a deserter from the
                            enimy. I have the Honor to be with respect your Excellencys obedt Servt

                            I: Pope Majr comg on the lines


Title: From George Washington to Rufus Putnam, 18 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Putnam, Rufus

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 18th Mar: 1783

                        In Consequence of your Letter of Yesterday, and provided it is done with the Consent of Captains Smith,
                            Burnham, & such others as you mention to be concerned in the Decision, You are hereby authorised to appoint a
                            Board of Officers to revise & decide on the relative Rank of those Captains in the Massa. Line correcting any
                            Mistake which may have heretofore taken place between them in any former Decision—And report the proceedings to Head
                            Quarters. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 19th March 1783.

                        I have the honor to acknowledge your Excellency’s favor of the 12th inst. and to thank you most sincerely for
                            the Intelligence you was pleased to communicate.
                        The Articles of Treaty between America & Great Britain, are as full & satisfactory, as we
                            have reason to expect—but from the connection in which they stand, with a general pacification, they are very inconclusive
                            & contingent: from this circumstance, compared with such other Intelligence as I have been able to collect, I must
                            confess, I have my fears, that we shall be obliged to worry thro’ another Campaign, before we arrive at that happy period,
                            which is to crown all our Toils.
                        Any Intelligence from your Excellency will, at all Times, be very agreeable to me—but should it be in your
                            power to announce a general Peace, you could not make me more happy, than in the communication of such an Event. With the
                            highest Regard & Esteem I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & most humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Corbin, 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Corbin, Richard

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 19th Mar. 1783

                        Your favor of the 18th feby came to my Hands a few Days ago.
                        I will take measures to make an Enquiry for your Son—If he should be found in New York, it will not be for
                            me, but the Executive power of the State of Virginia, to determine, respecting his return to you—should their permission
                            be obtained, I shall take pleasure in giving him my passport without Delay. I am &ca


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin, Sr.

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh 19th March 1783

                        I take the liberty of forwarding to your Excellency a Letter from a Mr Wormly in New York—His present
                            application I suppose is in consequence of the information I had given him that a Passport for his Return to Virginia
                            could only be granted upon his obtaining permission for the purpose from the Executive of the State.
                        I now leave his Request to its own operation & the wisdom of Government. With great regard and esteem
                            I have the honor to be Sir Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington

                            The Money sent out some time ago is still in the Hands of Colo. Smith Mr Ingles tho’ advised of it will
                                not send for it—the money for Chevr Chattelleux came out a few days Since.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Sr., 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin, Sr.

                            Dear Sir,
                            Newburgh 19th Mar. 1783

                        About the first of this Month I wrote you along letter. I touched upon the state of the Army—the situation of
                            public Creditors—and wished to know from you, as a friend, what causes had induced the Assembly of Virginia to withdraw
                            their assent to the Impost Law; & how the Continental creditors without (adequate funds) were to come at, or
                            obtain security for their money.
                        I little expected at the time of writing that letter, that we were on the eve of an important crisis to this
                            Army; when the touch stone of discord was to be applied—and the virtue of its members to undergo the severest trial.
                        You have not been altogether unacquainted, I dare say, with the fears, the hopes, the apprehensions and the
                            expectations of the Army relatively to the provision which is to be made for them hereafter. Altho’ a firm reliance on the
                            integrety of Congress and a belief that the Public would finally do justice to all its Servants, and give an indisputable
                            Security for the payment of the half-pay of the Officers had kept them amidst a variety of sufferings tolerably quiet and
                            contented for two or three years past; Yet the total want of pay—the little prospect of receiving any from the unpromising
                            state of the public finances—and the absolute aversion of the States to establish any Continental funds for the payment of
                            the Debt due to the Army, did at the close of the last Campaign excite greater discontents & threaten more serious
                            & alarming consequences than it is easy for me to describe or you to conceive.
                        Happily for us, the Officers of highest rank & greatest consideration interposed, and it was determined
                            to address Congress in an humble, pathetic & explicit manner—While the Sovereign Power appeared perfectly well
                            disposed to do justice, it was discovered the states would enable them to do nothing. And in this state of Affairs, after
                            sometime spent on the business in Philadelphia, a Report was made by the Delegates of the Army giving a Detail of the
                            proceedings: Before this could be fully communicated to the Troops, while the Minds of all were in a peculiar state of
                            inquietude & irritation, an Anonymous Writer, who tho’ he did not boldly step forth and give his name to the
                            world, sent into circulation an Address to the Officers of the Army which in point of composition, in elegance and force
                            of expression, has rarely been equalled in the English Language, and in which the dreadful alternative was proposed of
                            relinquishing the Service in a body in case the War continued, or retaining their Arms in case of Peace, untill Congress
                            should comply with all their demands—At the same time siezing the Moment when the Minds were inflamed by the most pathetic
                            representations, a General Meeting of the Officers was summoned by another anonymous production.
                        It is impossible to say what would have been the consequence had the Author succeeded in his first plans—But
                            measures having been taken to postpone the meeting so as to give time for cool reflection and counteraction, the good sense
                            of the Officers has terminated this Affair in a manner, which reflects the greatest glory on themselves and demands the
                            highest expressions of gratitude from their Country.
                        The Proceedings have this day been reported to Congress, and will probably be published for the satisfaction
                            of the good people of these United States—In the meantime I thought it necessary to give you these particulars, principally
                            with a design to communicate to you, without reserve, my opinion on this interesting subject. For notwithstanding the
                            storm has now passed over—notwithstanding the Officers have, in despite of their accumulated sufferings, given the most
                            unequivocal and exalted proofs of Patriotism; Yet I believe, unless justice shall be done, and funds effectually provided
                            for the payment of the Debt, the most deplorable and ruinous consequences may be apprehended. Justice, honor, gratitude,
                            policy, every thing, is opposed to the conduct of driving men to despair of obtaining their just rights after serving
                            Seven years a painful life in the Field—I say in the Field, because they have not during that
                            period had any thing to shelter them from the inclemency of the Seasons but Tents, & such Houses as they could
                            build for themselves.
                        Convinced of this, and actuated as I am, not by private & Interested motives, but by a sense of duty,
                            a love of justice, and all the feelings of gratitude towards a body of Men who have merited infinitely well of their
                            Country, I can never conceal, or suppress my sentiments—I cannot cease to exert all the Abilities I am possessed of to
                            shew the evil tendency of procrastinated justice—for I will not suppose it is intended ultimately to withhold it—Nor fail
                            to urge the Establishment of such adequate and permanent funds as will enable Congress to secure the payment of the public
                            Debt on such principles as will preserve the National faith, give satisfaction to the Army, and tranquillity to the
                            Public—with great esteem & regard I have the honor to be Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & H. Ser.

                            G. W——n

                            P.S. The Author of the Anonymous Address is yet behind the Curtain—and as conjecture may be grounded on
                                error—I will not announce mine, at present.

                            G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 19 March 1783
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Roxbury, March 19th 1783

                        I have been honored with yours of the 22nd ultimo, and 6th instant.
                        I beleive your Excellency’s answer to the Senate and House of Representatives of this Commonwealth,
                            respecting the eastern frontiers, was under present circumstances Satisfactory.
                        I took the liberty in mine of the 22nd ultimo to mention that my private affairs would not well admit of my
                            Joining the Army before the 15th of April, at which time I should endeavour to pay my respects at Head Quarters, several
                            circumstances in my family will not allow me without great inconvenience and injury to be earlier, later I will not be, if
                            Life and health are spared, and with this I hope your Excellency will be satisfied.
                        I will make enquiry respecting Capt. Day’s health, and ability to do duty with the Army, and whether it be
                            necessary to continue a mustering officer longer at Springfield, and there conduct conformably to your directions.
                        We are impatiently waiting the final decision of the great question, whether we are to have Peace, or War,
                            the reports are numerous and vague, but while the Commissioners continue Siting, it is an Omen in favor of the former. I
                            have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Robert H. Kirkwood, Jr., 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Kirkwood, Robert H., Jr.

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 19th Mar: 1783

                        I have received from you, an Arrangement of the Officers of the Delaware Battalion, My Approbation of it is
                            conveyed to the Secretary at War as I know no objection to it—from whom you will also be able to collect my Sentiments
                            respecting the drawing the Troops of that Battalion into one collected Body. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 19th March 1783

                        I am exceedingly obliged to your Excellency, for your communication of the 15th of this Month. The Articles
                            of Treaty between America & Great Britain, as they stand in connection with a general pacification, are so very
                            inconclusive, that I am fully in sentiment with you, that we should hold ourselves in a hostile position, prepared for
                            either alternative, War or Peace.
                        I shall confer with the Duke de Lauzun on the objects you are pleased to mention and as I have ever viewed
                            the practice of the States, in supplying the Enemy in New York with the means of subsistence, as a very pernicious one in
                             Tendency, both to ourselves & our Allies, you may depend on me to exert every measure in my power to prevent it.
                        I am at all times happy in receiving any intelligence from your Excellency, and should it be in your power to
                            anounce a general Peace, you can not make a more pleasing communication to me—persuaded of the pure and benevolent
                            intentions which animate the breast of his Most Christian Majesty I am assured, if that happy event should not result from
                            the present Negotiations that the failure will not rest on his part. I have the honor to be, with the greatest regard and
                            esteem Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and Most humble servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 19th March 1783

                        I have received from Capt. Kirkwood, the Arrangement of the Officers of the Delaware Battalion—which has my
                            Approbation. Capts—Wm McKennan & George Purvis, will by their Concent, also continue in Service, to do the Duty
                            of P. Master & Adjutant.
                        Should it be thot proper to collect that Battalion together, it is more probable that they may be called to
                            join the Main Army, than to be ordered to any other place—they will therefore remain as they are, for the
                                present.
                        The proposal mentioned in your Letter of the 8th for callg on deranged Officers to Attend the Discipline of
                            the Troops in the Main Army, meets my full Approbations—and should it be thout proper to have it carried into effect, I
                            think it may be attended with very salutary Consequences—It is not in my power, from Recollection to name the Officers,
                            who would be most suitable for this purpose—The Baron I expect will soon be on, & should the Measure be adopted by
                            Congress, the Nomination may be seasonably made. I am &c.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 19 March 1783
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General.
                            War–Office March 19. 1783

                        I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 12th instant—and to
                            enclose to you a late resolve of Congress. I am, with the most perfect respect and esteem, You Excellency’s obedient
                            servant.

                            B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 19 March 1783
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General.
                            Virginia, Gunston Hall, March 19th 1783.

                        My Motives for troubling Your Excellency, at this particular time, are Motives of Humanity. Mr Lawrence
                            Washington Junr who will deliver this, has been unfortunately engaged in a Duel, or rather an Affray, with Mr Philip
                            Alexander of Chotanck; in which his Antagonist was mortally wounded, & died six or seven Days after.
                        I have taken some pains to inform myself of the real Truth of the Case, and have seen several Testimonials,
                            signed by unprejudiced persons of Credit: and tho’ Mr Washington may not be strictly justifiable in a
                            legal Sense, I am entirely of Opinion that He has done no more than any Man of Sensibility & Honour wou’d have
                            thought himself obliged to do, under the same Circumstances of provocation. Mr Alexander appears to have been, in every
                            Instance, the Aggressor; the provocation given Mr Washington was of the most interesting, & aggravating kind—An
                            Attempt to blast the Reputation of a young Lady of Family, & Character, allied to him, by the nearest Ties of
                            Blood. This is one of the few Cases, which does not admit the usual Reparation of other Wrongs, in a Court of Justice; a
                            Young Lady’s Character being of too delicate a Nature to be submitted to such an Investigation: and however false the
                            Defamation, however generally disbelieved, the Injury is lasting!
                        The Custom of the World, the Manners of the Age we live in, the Voice of Nature, calls upon Relations
                            & Friends to redress an injured Person, who from the natural weakness & Incapacity of her Sex, is deprived
                            of the Means of doing it. Mr Alexander, after refusing to accept a Challenge, and professing to act upon the defensive,
                            added fresh Injurys to those He had already offered, and continued to insult & abuse Mr Washington, in the
                            grossest Manner: and when they afterwards met at a public place, and walked out together, fired his Pistol first (at no
                            more than a Yard’s Distance) with a manifest Intention to kill the other, before He knew whether it was Mr Washington’s
                            Design to act offensively, or not; the Ball miss’d him, tho’ so very close, that the Powder burn’d his Face. Mr Washington
                            instantly step’d back, and drawing a Pistol from his Belt, under his Great Coat, shot the other in the Body; which brought
                            him to the Ground. This was done in the Sight of many People; and I think proves, that Mr Washington, in firing his
                            Pistol, acted upon the defensive.
                        The only Circumstances against him are, his former Challenge, and his having desired Mr Alexander, that Day,
                            to walk aside with him. Upon the whole, tho’ I think Mr Washington may safely stand his Tryal, and trust himself in the
                            Hands of an honest, & impartial Jury; yet He has been judiciously advised to absent himself, for the present,
                            until Men’s Passions & Prejudices have subsided; as He must first be tryed, by an examining Court in the County,
                            where the deceased had many Relations & Friends: and the Circumstance of Mr Alexander’s remaining wounded, and his
                            Life despaired of, several Days before He died; during which time, most of the Neighbours visited him, has contributed,
                            not a little, to heighten the Prejudices against Mr Washington. Such Spectacles naturally excite our Compassion, and of
                            Course, our Resentment against the Man who has been the Cause; our Passions are too much inflamed to consult our Reason;
                            and it is not until cool Reflection returns, that we are capable of enquiring into the Merits.
                        For these Reasons, Mr Washington has determined to pass a Month or two in the Army; if You shall be pleased
                            to permit him to act in it, as a Volunteer.
                        I am well apprized of Your Excellency’s strict Attention to the Authority of the Civil-Power; and thoroughly
                            sensible how greatly & justly it has endeared Your Character to Your fellow-Citizens; I shou’d therefore be one of
                            the last Men in the World, who wou’d presume to recommend to Your Countenance, or Protecton, either a Criminal, or a
                            Fugitive from Justice; but I think, in my Conscience, that this Young Gentleman has been rather unfortunate, than
                            culpable; and am assured, and convinced, He means to return, and submit himself to a fair Tryal, by the Laws of his
                            Country; if the Friends of the deceased, after due Reflection, shall judge fit to prosecute him; which according to the
                            best of my Judgment, I think I shou’d not do, if Mr Alexander had been my nearest Relation. I can truly declare that I
                            have not the smallest Connection, or even Acquaintance, with either of the Parties. I own I can’t help feeling, as a Man, and as a Father, for old Mr Lawrence Washington; who is a very worthy
                            Man, and is exceedingly distressed by this unhappy Accident. Your Excellency’s permitting his Son to remain, for a short
                            time, in the Army, will alleviate his present Distresses; and in a little time, I hope He will have nothing to fear.
                        I sincerely wish You Health, and every Felicity; and with Sentiments of the highest Respect & Esteem,
                            I have the Honour to be Your Excellency’s most affectionate & obdt Sert

                            G. Mason


Title: From George Washington to John Pierce, 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Pierce, John

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh 19th Mar. 1783

                        I am sorry to be trouble some, but as you did not answer a question in my last, I am obliged to repeat it. I
                            mean that one, which respects General McDougall. My reason for it is; that Gentleman applied (within the space mentioned
                            in my last) for a Sum for Secret Services—not having the means of compliance, I was obliged to have recourse to
                            Philadelphia—where I obtained money, & find in my Accts that Genl McDougall is charged with the Sum he required of
                            me—but whether my application to Phila. was in his name or my own, I am somewhat doubtful—if the first, & he
                            should be charged there, there must, in that case, be some error in my Accts—If on the contrary—all is right—& I
                            wish to be satisfied perfectly of this fact. I am with much esteem Sir Yr most Obedt Ser.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to William Stephens Smith, 19 March 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Smith, William Stephens

                            Dear Sir
                            Head Quarters Newburgh March 19th 1783

                        The Commandr in Chief has recied A Letter from a Mr Richd Corbin of Laneville in Virginia— desiring him to
                            cause Enquiry to be made for his Son Dicky, who left his Father in the Year 1775—and went to
                            England to secure family Claim to an Estate in England & in Jamaica—The Father is informed that his Son is now in
                            N. York, & wishes to get a Certainty of the Fact—His Excellency desires you to takes measures, such as you shall
                            think proper, to gain some knowledge of the Young Gentleman, & if in N. York, to give us what Information you can
                            obtain of him.
                        The inclosed Letter for Sir Guy Carleton was transmitted to the Comr in Chief, by Mr Livingston Secty of
                            foreign Affairs—You will please to forward it to N. York, takg notice, for your future Government, of the Exchange that
                            has been agreed to by Doctr Franklin.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 19 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

                            Dear Lund,
                            Newburgh 19th March 1783.

                        I did not write to you by the last Post—I was too much engaged at that time, in counteracting a most
                            insiduous attempt to disturb the repose of the Army, & sow the seeds of discord between the Civil &
                            military powers of the continent, to attend to small matters. The Author of this attempt, whoever he may be, is yet behind
                            the Curtain; and as conjectures might be wrong, I shall be silent at present.
                        The good sense—the Virtue, & patient forbearance of the Army, on this, as upon every other trying
                            occasion which has happened to call them into action, has again triumphed; & appear’d with more lustre than ever.
                            But if the States will not furnish the supplies required by Congress, thereby enabling the Superintendant of Finance to
                            feed, clothe & pay the army—if they suppose the war can be carried on without money, or that money can be borrowed
                            without permanent funds to pay the interest of it—if they have no regard to justice, because it is attended with
                            expence—if gratitude to men, who have rescued them from the jaws of danger & brought them to the Haven of
                            Independence & Peace, is to subside, as danger is removed—If the sufferings of the Army, who have borne, &
                            forborne more than any other class of Men in the Ud States; expending their health; & many of them their all, in
                            an unremitted service of near eight years in the field—Encountering hunger, cold and nakedness, are to be forgotten. If it
                            is presumed there is no bounds to the patience of the army; or that when peace takes place, their claims for pay due,
                            & rewards promised may die with the, military non-existence of its member. If such, I say, should be the sentiments
                            of the States; & that their conduct, or the conduct of some, does but too well warrant the conclusion—well may
                            another anonymous addresser step forward, & with more effect than the last did, say with him, "You have Arms in
                            your hands, do justice to yourselves, & never sheath the sword, ’till you have obtained it." How far Men, who labour
                            under the pressure of accumulated distress, and are irritated by a belief that they are treated with
                            neglect, ingratitude, & injustice in the extreme, might be worked upon by designing men, is worthy of very serious
                            consideration.
                        But justice, policy, yea common Sense, must tell every man that the creditors of the Continent, cannot
                            receive payments unless funds are provided for it; and that our National character, if these are much longer neglected,
                            must be stamped with indelible infamy in every Nation of the world where the fact is known. I am, &ca

                            G: Washington


Title: General Orders, 20 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Thursday March 20th 1783
                            Parole Amboy.
                            Countersigns Boundbrook, Carlile.

                        For the day tomorrow Major Graham
                        Brigd. Qr Master Hampshire Briga.
                        For duty the 4th Massachusetts regiment.
                        The Commander in chief desires the Brigadiers and Commandants of Brigades will report to him on monday next
                            the Manoevring Ground they have fixed upon for their several commands—as it is expected the season will soon admit the
                            commencement of the daily Exercises.


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 20 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 20th Mar. 1783

                        I am at a loss how to regulate my Conduct in consequence of the Letter you have transmitted to me, addressed
                            to Sir Guy Carleton, relative to the Exchange of Capt. Fage, agreed upon by Doctor Franklin.
                        Several Exchanges, made in the same manner in Europe, by Doctr Franklin & the Marquis de la Fayette,
                            have been referred to Congress, for their approbation, so long ago as last fall; but I have yet no reply from that Hone
                            Body, to direct me in the Demand I should make of any Officers, in return for those released by us to the Enemy.
                        I am led to conjecture, that this silence of Congress, has in it, some particular Meaning—And, as their
                            resolutions are directly opposed to any partial Exchanges, I have made no request for any American Officers in return for
                            British Officers, exchanged by those Agreements in Europe.
                        I shall transmit Mr Secretary Townshends Letter to Sir Guy Carleton, without naming any Gentleman on our
                            part—And at the same Time, I will be exceeding glad, if you will obtain from Congress, their Instructions, how far I may
                            be authorised to make any demands in consequence of these Exchanges. With great Truth & Regard I have the Honor to
                            be Sir Your Most Obedient & Most humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 21 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 21st March 1783

                        I have the Honor to transmit to Congress, a Copy of a joint Letter from Sir Guy Carleton and Admiral Digby to
                            me, which accompanied the enclosed Treaty signed at Paris the 30th of Novemr which I take the earliest opportunity to
                            forward, agreeable to their Desire. With the highest Esteem & Respect I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Excellencys
                            Most Obedient and Most humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Guy Carleton, 21 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Carleton, Guy,Digby, Robert

                            Head Quarters Newburgh, N.Y.

                            Gentlemen
                            21st March 1783

                        I have been honored with your joint Letter, dated the 19th instant, enclosing a Treaty signed at Paris, on
                            the 30th of Novemr last, which, agreeable to your Desire, has been transmitted to Congress, without Delay. I am,
                            Gentlemen, Your most Obedient and Most humble Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 22 March 1783
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                            Philadelphia March 22d 1783

                        I have taken the liberty to enclose to your Excellency a letter addressd to Genl Carleton on acct of two
                            Valuable Servts who iloped from me in the month of May 1781 who are both as I am informd in New York, and as I have been
                            told in the Service of some officers of the British Army—shd Yr Excellency concieve the smallest impropriety in the
                            application which I leave open for your perusal I shall cheerfully desist from prosecuting it and request that you will
                            suppress it—if Yr Excelly shd think otherwise—I must sollicit your goodness to give it an introduction—and shd it be
                            attended with success—that you will be pleased to order the negroes to be secured untill I can be advertized of their being
                            returned when I will immediately send for them. I must add that nothing but the sanction of a solemn treaty, would ever
                            have induced me to think of such an application not withstanding the Multiplied losses I have sustaind of that kind during
                            the Invasion of the State of Virginia—I need not repeat my entire confidence in your Excellencys prudence as well as
                            goodness or that I am Yr most obedt Servt

                            Theok Bland


Title: To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 22 March 1783
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                            Philadelphia March 22d 1783

                        That I have not availd myself of the liberty of writing to you, which your Excellency’s request when you left
                            this place would have Authorized me to take, has been owing in a great measure to the State of things, which offer’d no
                            subject sufficiently interesting to engage your attention; the Indulgence of Speculative opinions in Politics, concerning
                            events that might take place, was in my view a field too wide even for Imagination to range in, much too Extensive of
                            Course to be comprised within a letter—I nevertheless felt the Honor you did me Sir in the proposal to open a
                            correspondence in which I must be so great a gainer. Time, which brings all things to light, has in part unravelld the
                            intricate clue of Politics—And America begins to have a prospect of the end of those struggles in which You Sr have born
                            so distinguishd and disinterested a part—The Preliminary Articles between Great Britain and America points conclusively
                            to the great objects for which the United efforts of these States have been so long exerted, opens a view of the System of
                            Politics which that Court has adopted—and unfolds the Misteries of the Conduct which the Politic Carleton has observed
                            ever since his last arrival in America—The Present British Ministry appear to see clearly the importance of appreciating
                            the Confidence of the People of America they have wisely therefore determined on Men and directed their Measures to that
                            end the pacific and concilatory measures adopted in America were to be the Harbingers of Still greater Concessions in
                            Europe, the one without the other would have been Abortive—They have at length discoverd the Value of our Connection with
                            France—they feel the loss of us—they see the impossibility of recovering us—they have therefore bid for our future good
                            Will—They have placed us in a Situation to know and feel our own Value—whatever may be their Idea of their offers and
                            concessions it appears to me that their effects are irrevocable, and that the full stream of Independence will flow from
                            them—no future declaration on their part, will or can do away our Independence in the Eye of every other power in Europe—the justice of our Cause and of course the Injustice of theirs is tacitly acknowledged in every article of the treaty; but
                            particularly in giving up the Idea of restitution to the Tories. The affixing the boundaries of the
                            United States as stipulated in the Articles appears to me of great importance, as it amounts to a guarantee against the
                            Claims of every other Power—those Boundaries and the Navigation of the Missisipi having been guarantee’d to great Britain
                            by the treaty of Paris, and no other Power could have ceded them to us—they have thus fairly said to the other powers of
                            Europe—Who bids more? What now must be the Conduct of the court of France? will she say you have given America too much—no
                            surely—this she cannot say without unfolding a declaration that the objects of the War which were specified in our
                            treaties of Alliance & Commerce were not the real but only the ostensible objects I cannot suppose the good faith
                            or the Policy of that enlightened and generous court wd hazard even the appearance of such an Idea being entertained. Will
                            she Insist on America continuing the War from a Principle of Gratitude in the aid she has received from her Ally during
                            the War? on this Question—I wd observe that America owes much to the assistance and Support of France—But is her Gratitude
                            to be Taxd for the payment of the debt? has not France received Principal and Interest for her aid, in the effective dismemberment of the British Empire? Is not the first object of every independent State,
                            gratitude to its own Citizens in the consideration of their welfare, their preservation, their Happiness, which most
                            intimately concerns this government which they have establishd for those Ends alone? would it therefore become America
                            after having Explicitly declared the end and object of their alliance in the 2d Article of the treaty, and enter’d into a
                            solemn Engagement for the Same purpose in the 8th article the treaty—that the principle of gratitude alone shd lead them
                            to Spill the Blood of their Citizens, to oppress them with a load of Taxes—to Sustain in her Bowels and on her Commerce
                            all the Horrors of War for the purpose of acquiring or preserving the possessions of Spain, who has spurnd her offers of
                            Connection—who has ever refused to acknowledge her a Nation—Those Considerations lead me Sr to Conclude that the Wise and
                            Politic Court of France will certainly close with such offers from that of Great Britain, as
                            may be reasonable, and will Bring the War to a Happy Conclusion—and leave our ally in that Honorable and distinguishd
                            Situation among nations, which her Arms and her Magnaminous Councels in this Intricate War have so justly entitled her to
                            hold viz. the dispencer of liberty to an oppressed people and of Signal benefits to all her Allies, at the same time that
                            she reaps the most capital advantages to herself and diminishes in so great a degree all those which her rival possesst
                            over her previous to the commencement of the Present War—Thus Sr have I unfolded to you my crude Ideas of our political
                            Situation, at this important epoch, and with diffidence submit them to your superior Judgment—you will find them purely
                            dictated by my love to my native Country and a Zeal for its future and present happiness independent of every other
                            consideration. I well know that no person exceeds yr Excellency in those Sentiments, happy shall I be if mine coincide
                            with yours—and still more so sh’d they be honord with an elucidation by your more matured and perspicacious Judgment, for
                            which I have ever entertaind the most unfeignd respect.
                        I have I fear so far exceeded the bounds of your Patience as to prevent me at this time from saying any thing
                            on the present Situation and prospects of our Internal Policy—the steps we are persuing in Congress to Establish Public
                            Credit, and call forth our resources will I hope prove effectual, and enable us to do Justice to the Merits of our Brave
                            and Virtuous army—This day has given us a Fresh Proof of their exalted Merit & Patriotism—and it is with Pleasure I
                            inform Yr Excellency—that your dispatches containing an account of their meritorious conduct on a late occasion arrived in
                            Congress almost Simultaneously with the final Passage of some resolutions which had been prepared, and received the assent
                            of Congress for the Commutation of the half Pay to the whole Army the Particulars of which Yr Excelly will probably
                            receive as soon almost as this reaches you. On this event I felicitate You Sr with the same Sincerity that I am Yr most
                            obedt & very Humbe Svt

                            Theok Bland


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 22 March 1783
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            March the 22d 1783

                        I rece’d Your Excellencys Favor of the 5th of Febry a few days ago, and encouraged by Yr offer inclose
                            another Letter to Lord Fairfax, supposing it cannot be improper to inform a Person abroad of any Act that may essentially
                            affect his Interest, as a Law is supposed to be a matter of public Notoriety. Yet in this I refer myself to Yr Excellencys
                            determination.
                        I have written to Mr Randolph mentiong that neither of us think the Suit ought to be dismissed, yet desiring
                            his opinion and that he would take such Steps as may be proper; and if I should recollect any Paper that may be useful
                            will apply to Mr Washington for it.
                        We have had great and increasing hopes of Peace from time to time, which have also been often damped. but our
                            last Advice is that the Preliminary treaty between Gt Britain and the States is actually signed. If it should happen when
                            I am next favored with a Line that Your Excellency can give a Confirmation of it or that France has also concluded one I
                            shall hope to hear it; for tho’ I have not found myself at Liberty to concur in the public measures yet I do sincerely
                            rejoice in the present Prospect; and hope that that Amor Patriae which has glowed in my breast almost ever since I knew
                            the meaning of the words will continue to the End of Life. A Man may love his Country tho’ he should mistake in the means
                            to promote it’s Interests. Hoping the Time will not be long before I can personally pay my Respects, I remain Yr
                            Excellency’s Obliged & affect. hble Servt

                            Bryan Fairfax


Title: From Benjamin Walker to Timothy Pickering, 22 March 1783
From: Walker, Benjamin
To: Pickering, Timothy

                            Sir
                            Head Qrs 22 Mch 1783

                        The Officers of the day Report a defficency of Camp Kettles—Straw also is much wanting.
                        The Commander in Chief wishes to know—whether the want of kettles arises from their want of Care or whether a
                            proper allowance has not been issued what the allowance is and how long a Kettle is to last & if any on
                                hand. Also if any Measures are taken to procure Straw. I am Dr Sir Your very Obed. Servt

                            Ben. Walker A.D.C.


Title: General Orders, 23 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                             Sunday March 23d 1783
                            Parole K.
                            Countersigns L. M.

                        For the day tomorrow Major Porter
                        B. Q. M. 2d Massa. Brigade
                        For duty the 8th Massachusetts Regt
                        The Light Infantry Companies, to be compleated to the Establishment viz to 5 Serjts 2 Dr. & f. & 68 Rank
                            & File each.


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 23 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

                            Sir,
                            Newburgh March 23d 1783

                        In a letter which I have lately received from the Marquis de la Fayette, he expresses a wish that my
                            sentiments respecting his absence may be communicated to Congress. To comply with his desire, and not because I conceive
                            the testimony of my approbation of it is wanting, I give your Excellency the trouble of this Letter.
                        Congress have had too many unequivocal proofs of the Zeal—the attachment to—and important exertions of this
                            young nobleman in the American Cause, to entertain a doubt of the propriety of his present absence—Sure I am that his
                            return will be as soon as he can make it subserviant to the Interest of this Country—These being my Sentiments, I
                            communicate them without reserve. I have the honor to be with great respect Yr Excellencys Most Obt & Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 23 March 1783
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia 23d March 1783 9 O’Clock P.M.

                        Your Excellency will give me the utmost credit, when I assure you, that it is with the most unfeigned Joy,
                            that I congratulate your Excellency and the whole army on the confirmation of the signing of the definitive Treaty of
                            peace by all the belligerent powers, on the 21st of January. This happy event has just been announced by an Express from
                            on Board a Sloop of War in the River, dispatched by the Count D’Estaing and the Marquis de la Fayette from Cadiz on the
                            14th of February, in hopes that she might arrive before those sent from France and Britain. All hostilities had ceased in
                            Europe and the same happy event was to take place here on the 20th instant. These are not official dispatches, but as
                            there can be no doubt of the event I thought it of the highest consequence to give your Excellency and my fellow Citizens
                            of the Army the earliest notice of this glorious end of all their toils and labours.
                        I duly recived your Excellency’s letters by the Express, containing the proceedings of the Army which gave
                            Congress and every Friend to the Army the highest satisfaction.
                        The commutation of the half pay was passed yesterday by nine States in Congress, which adds greatly to our
                            general Joy. I wrote your Excellency by the Baron Steuben, which I hope has got to hand. I have the honor to be with the
                            highest respect and esteem, Your Excellency’s Most obedt & very humb. Sert

                            Elias Boudinot


Title: From George Washington to François-Claude-Amour, marquis de Bouillé, 23 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Bouillé, François-Claude-Amour, marquis de

                            Sir,
                            Head Qrs at Newbg 23d March 1783

                        Tho’ a stranger to your person, I am not so to your character—of the last, I have the honor to Rank myself among
                            the first of your Admirers. Under the sanction of this profession, which I assure you is sincere, permit me to introduce
                            to your Excellencys Civilities, Maj. Gouvion, a Colonel in the American Service of distinguished abilities, and of whose
                            intelligence, bravery & Zeal, I have had the Most unequivocal proofs.
                        On whatever Expedition your Excellency may embark, & in whatever enterprises engage, my warmest
                            wishes shall attend you. and if it be possible that you may encrease the Military fame which at present is so high—I have
                            the honor to be With every considn of respt and Admirn—Yr Excellys Most obt and most Hble Servt

                            Go: W


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 23 March 1783
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Freehold 23d March 1783

                        My Brother Mr Ezekiel Forman and his Wife have obtained permission from the States of Maryland, Pensylvania
                            & New Jersey to go into New York for the purpose of endevouring to make a sittlement with Hugh Wallace of that
                            place respecting a large sum of Money in his Mr Wallaces hands as Executor to the estate of John Neilson Unkle to the
                            pesent Mrs Forman—The testator dyed in the infancy of Mrs Forman and directed the Money to remain in the Hands of the
                            Executors Vizt of Waddle Cunningham then a Mercht in New York (but now residing in Ireland) and the before Mintioned Hugh
                            Wallace, and to keep it at Interest for her use untill she should Arrive at the age of twenty one years—That period has arrived since the British held possession of New York—In 1779 my Brother applyed for and obtained
                            permission to go in, but finally declined makeing use of it least some political suspisions might arrise,
                            And would still decline on the same principles was he not well Informed that Hugh Wallace the only remaining
                            Exct. in America is shortly to leave the Continent for Europe and will if not inabled to make a
                            Settlement with him in New York very probably loose the whole—the passports My Brother has obtained
                            from Govr Livingston permits his Bringing out from New york any sum of Money he may receive.
                        But as we are Informed Mr Wallace is one of the proscribed persons by the State of New
                            York my Brother is apprehensive there will be greate dificulty in Bringing him to a settlement if
                            payment is demanded in Money, As Your Excly is well Informed the police of New York does not retrospect to any contracts
                            prior to the establishment of that office, but leaves every former transaction to the pleasure of the parties—my Brother
                            therefore Concludes that allthough there is very little probability of receiving Money from Mr Wallace—that he might very
                            probably receive in payment property that Wallace As a Mercht holds in his hand and Could not Conveniently either turn
                            into Money or Convey to Europe.
                        On that presumption my Brother engaged mi to wait on Your Excly and solicit a permit to bring out from New
                            York any Kind of Goods wares or Merchendize (Goods of British Manufactor Excepted) that he may be able to recover from Mr
                            Wallace in lieu of his demand or in case of an evacuation while he may be detained in New York a protection from your
                            Excly for any property he may recover and have in his possession—I had appointed
                            this Morning to set out for the purpose of waiting on Your Excly but have unexpectedly received Notice to attend a Jury of
                            partition in which I am Materially Conserned that debars me the Honour of a personal attendance and
                            Induces me to make that request in writing that I would not have done personally in
                            a Matter less Important to a Family of whose Attachments and Integrity I presume there cannot be a possable doubt.
                        I would therefore intreat Your Excly if not absolutely incompatible—to furnish to Ezekiel
                            Forman passports for bringing the property he may recover from New York & a protection for his property in New
                            York if an evacuation should take place while transacting his business to be applyed as the Occasion may be. I have the
                            Honour to be Your Excly Most Obdt Humble Servt

                            David Forman


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 March 1783
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            West Point 23d March 1783

                        I have found it necessary to relieve the Company of Artillery under the Command of Capn Lt Fenno stationed
                            at Kings ferry, and shall replace it with another Company from Colonel Lambs Regiment, under the orders of Captain
                            Fleming, in whom may be placed the most entire confidence.
                        The mode of doing duty at Kings ferry, by which the Commanding Officers are charged every fortnight, will be
                            urged by Capt. Lt Fenno as the cause of the losses which have happened. If your Excellency should think proper to have a
                            Commanding Officer who should be responsible to you for the security and preservation of every thing concerning the
                            Garrison, I would take the liberty to recommend Captain Fleming, as one every way qualified for that purpose, and would
                            answer for him that he would punctually obey every instruction that you should be pleased to give.
                        I am obliged to relieve Captain Lt Fenno by a circumstance in a late return which he leaves unexplained,
                            which is 18 Barrels of Powder damaged he ought to have informed the time when, and how it
                            became so—And for sending me the return of all the ordnance & stores of the two Garrisons loose
                            and open by a Soldier of his Company. For these two circumstances he must answer before a Court of inquiry or a Court
                            Martial. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedient servant.

                            H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My dear Marqs
                            Hd Qrs Newburgh 23d Mar. 1783

                        I have to acknowledge, the honor of your favors of the 14th & 24th of October and 4th of Decr; to
                            thank you for the warm and affectionate expression of them; and to congratulate you & Madame La Fayette on the
                            birth of a daughter—Virginia I am perswaded, will be pleased with the Compliment of the name; and I pray as a member of it
                            she may live to be a blessing to her Parents.
                        It would seem that none of my Letters (except one by Colonel Gemat) had reached you when you last wrote—I do
                            not know how to acct for this—My last letter to you went by the Chevr Chartellux which could not have arrived—the others
                            were committed to the care either of the Chevr de la Luzerne or our Secretary of Foreign Affairs at Philadelphia, to be
                            forwarded by such conveyances as might offer.
                        I am fully perswaded My dear Marqs of your Zeal in the American Cause—I am sure you adopted the plan you are
                            now in the execution of as the most likely, tho’ a little circuitous, to serve it—and I shall express to Congress who I
                            know have an exalted opinion of your zeal, abilities & faithful Services, My entire approbation of your conduct;
                            & the purity of the motives which gave rise to it. Your pursuit after honor and glory will be accompanied by my
                            warmest wishes, & you have my sincere congratulations on your promotion, & Command in the French Army.
                        As it is your wish, I have given Colo. Gouvion my consent to meet you at the rendezvous appointed
                            him—& he sets out with all the alacrity of a friend to attend it. You must receive him as a precious loan because
                            I esteem and value him and because it is to you only I would part with him. I should be happy, if I could speak decidedly
                            upon any plan of Operation on the American theatre in which the Naval & Land forces of His Most Christian Majesty could
                            be combined; but such is the State of our finances—such the backwardness of the States to Establish funds—& such the
                            distress of the Army for want of them that I dare give no pointed assurances of effectual cooperation lest I should,
                            unintentionally, be guilty of deception—especially as my estimates & sentiments respectg the ensuing Campaign are now
                            pending before Congress for decision. Last year, while I had the prospect of a vigorous campaign before me (founded on the
                            hope of Succours from your Court) I took a comprehensive view of the Enemies Situation & our own—arranged the whole
                            under different heads, and digested plans of attack applicable to each—this I have put into the hands of Colo. Gouvion to
                            Copy for you—and with the alterations occasioned by the change of circumstances—& such other information as you will
                            receive from this Letter & from him will enable you to judge as fully as I can do (in my present State of incertitude)
                            what can be attempted with such a force as you can bring at either of the places mentioned therein.
                        No requisitions by Congress, have yet been made of the States for Men—whether this proceeds from the present
                            State of the public funds and little prospect of bettering them, or the hope of Peace—or partly from both, does not lye
                            with me to decide—but so the fact is—so far indeed were they from requiring Men to recruit the Battalions of last year
                            that several of them have been reduced, and the Non-Commissioned & privates incorporated in their respective State lines—This however has not otherwise reduced our efficient force than by the diminution of Commissioned Officers—but all Corps
                            that are not fed with Recruits must dwindle, from the deaths, desertions, and discharges incident to them—the last of
                            which you well know,operates more powerfully in our Army than most others. Our present force, tho small in numbers is
                            excellent in composition—and may be depended upon as far as the first are competent. About June the total of this Army exclusive of Commissiond Officers may
                            be computed at 9000 & by October it will have decreased near 1000 Men by the discharge of so many whose term of Service
                            will have expired.
                        I am impressed with a belief that no Militia could be drawn out previous to the arrival of a French fleet, and Land force on the Coast—I am not sanguine that
                            many could be had afterwards—but certain it is, there would be great difficulty in subsisting and providing for them, if
                            it should be found necessary to call for their aid; hence it appears, that little or no dependence is to be placed on any
                            other Troops than the Continentals of this Army. These would require very little previous Notice for an Operation against
                            New York, which is the only Post of importance the enemy have within the United States; and indeed the only one against
                            which they could move for want of transportation, or the means to obtain it.
                        Penobscot is a secondary object; unassailable but by means of a Naval superiority—with wch the place might
                            soon be carried without the aid of American Troops; to call for which would spread the alarm and waste time for an
                            unnecessary purpose.
                        Motives, My dear Marqs, of friendship and candor have given birth to the freedom of this communication, on my
                            part—good sense & prudence will point it to proper objects, on yours—and on your honor and discretion I can firmly
                            rely—It only remains for me to add, for your further information that since May last (when my thoughts on the plan of
                            Campaign for 1782 were digested as they are now sent to you) Charles Town & Savanna having been evacuated—&
                            Troops (Recruits principally) having arrived from Europe; the Enemies Posts have been strengthned. New York agreeably to
                            the Estimates of General Greene and Major Burnett which I inclose by 3000 men; Hallifax & Canada from European and other
                            Accts, by the like number—and Penobscot by 3 or 400 more—these being the only changes which have happened since my
                            statement of the Enemys force in May last, you will be able to bring the whole into one view & determine accordingly. It
                            is reported that a number (some say seven) British Regiments are about to Embark for the West Indies; by other accts the
                            whole are said to be going thither but there is not, I believe, any orders for either yet come to hand; in this momt
                            everything with them is suspended.
                        Your polite & friendly offer to my Nephew, claims my grateful acknowledgments; I wish he was in a
                            condition to avail himself of it. He has been in a declining state of health near 12 Months—but was something better the
                            last time I heard from him. McHenry has left the Military and embraced a Civil walk of life; by which act he has
                            disqualified himself from answering your purposes. The Vessel you gave us room to expect, is not arrived; but Gouvion will
                            go to Philadelphia & seek a passage from thence—He can tell you more forcibly than I can express it how much we all
                            love & wish to embrace you—when, how, or where this will happen you best can tell. for myself particularly, I hope it
                            is unnecessary to repeat to you, that whether during the continuance of the War—or after the olive branch shall have
                            extended itself over this Land (for which I most devoutly pray) I shall be happy to see you on Columbias shore—The
                            Inhabitants of my humble Cottage will salute you with the richest marks of grateful friendship wch to a mind susceptible
                            as yours is will be a greater feast then the luxuries of the East; the Elegancies of Europe—or the ceremonies of a Court
                            can afford—Adieu. believe me always My dear Marquis Yr Most Obedt & Affecte

                            G.W.

                            P.S. Under cover of this Letter, you will receive a duplicate of the one written to you by the Chevr
                                Chattellux, and a Copy of my letter to Congress approving your conduct.


Title: To George Washington from Lewis Nicola, 23 March 1783
From: Nicola, Lewis
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                            Fishkill 23 March 1783

                        I am sorry the misconduct of any officer of the Invalid regt should lay me under the necessity of troubling
                            your Excellency, but unfortunately the cast is so, & in consequence of Capt. Baileys drawing
                            his months pay from the regimental paymaster & likewise from the deputy pay master general, this latter gentleman
                            refuses paying any money at all on account of the regt till the matter is adjusted, I have therefore directed Lt Hall,
                            paymaster to the regiment, to wait on you as he can more fully explain the case and give you such information as you may
                            think necessary, after which I request you will give such directions as you may judge best for the relief of the regt.
                            Capt Baileys leave of absence expires the 14th of next month. I have the honour to assure you I am with respect Your
                            Excellencies Most obedt Servent

                            Lewis Nicola Col. Inv.


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 23 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 23d Mar. 1783

                        Your favor of the 21st was delivered to me last Evening.
                        You will please to give Capt. Douglass permission to pass within the Enemy Lines, agreeable to his
                            recommendation from Major Turner. But at the same Time, you will, as from me, declare positively to Capt. Douglass, that the
                            proposed Communication for the Exchange of Marine prisoners, mentioned by him, to be opened by Way of Elizabeth Town, will
                            not, by any means, meet my Consent—and that no other places than those now permitted, will be admitted by me, Vizt Dobbs
                            Ferry & New Bridge.
                        I have no Objection to your proposed Visit to Camp—you will please to use your own Time for the purpose.
                        The sending to Philadelphia, the Money you have on hand, may probably be negociated, with very little
                            Trouble, with the Contractor or the Paymaster—this you will be able to do when you come to Camp. I am with much Regard sir
                            Your most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de Vioménil, 23 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Vioménil, Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de

                            Sir,
                            Hd Qrs Newburgh 23d Mar. 1783.

                        It was with pleasure more easily to be conceived than expressed that I heard of the safe arrival of the Kings
                            Fleet, & the Troops under your Command at Porto Rico. When I adverted to the superiority of the British Fleet, at
                            that time, in those Seas—and how much it was the interest of it, to intercept the Squadron under the orders of the Marqs de
                            Vaudraille on its passage thither I was not with out my uneasy hours on acct of those Troops for whom we had contracted
                            habits of affection & whose Arms & gallantry could have avail them but little in a Naval combat.
                        That honor & glory may attend you—that health & happiness may be dispensed to the Troops
                            under your Orders—& that your enterprises, of whatever kind, may be exercised with success, none can wish more
                            sincerety than I do. I could not let Colo. Gouvion (to whom I pray your Civilities, & they cannot be bestowed on a
                            more worthy Man) depart with out bearing with him this testimony of my remembrance of a Corps to whom gratitude &
                            every other consideration—public and private has bound me—I will not to individual Characters only but to all Yr Brothr
                            the offrs offer my best respects & warmest wishes—It cannot be necessary to add how much I should rejoice to see
                            them in the same Camp with us again, or with what esteem and regard I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt &
                            Most H. S.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle Duportail, 24 March 1783
From: Duportail, Antoine-Jean-Louis Le Bègue de Presle
To: Washington, George

                            dear general
                            philadelphie 24 march 1783

                        permit me to Congratulate you upon the Certain news of a peace to which your excellency has so much
                            Contributed. i hope that you will be satisfied with it and to see that great work so happily Consummated. i am with the
                            greatest Respect and attachment your excellencies the most obedient and humble servant

                            duportail


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 24 March 1783
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia March 24th 1783

                        Your Excellency will before this reaches you have received a letter from the Marquis De la Fayette informing
                            you that the preliminaries of peace between all the belligerent powers have been concluded—I congratulate your Excellency
                            on this happy conclusion of your labours—It now only remains to make solid establishments within to perpetuate our union
                            to prevent our being a ball in the hands of European powers bandied against each other at their pleasure—in fine to make
                            our independence truly a blessing: This it is to be lamented will be an arduous work, for to borrow a figure from
                            mechanics, the centrifugal is much stronger than the centripetal force in these states—the seeds of disunion much more
                            numerous than those of union.
                        I will add that Your Excellency’s exertions are as essential to accomplish this end as they have been to
                            establish independence—I will upon a future occasion open myself upon this subject.
                        Your conduct in the affair of the officers is highly pleasing here—The measures of the army are such as I
                            could have wished them and will add new lustre to their character as well as strengthen the hands of Congress. I am with
                            great truth & respect Yr Excellencys Most Obed. ser.

                            A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 24 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters March 24th 1783.

                        In order to facilitate and expedite the communication between the Post of Dobbs Ferry and Head Quarters
                            (which must be kept up principally by Runners) I have to request you will give Orders for forwarding expeditiously by a
                            trusty Non Commissd Officer or Soldier as far as Kings Ferry (where the senior Officer has Instructions on the subject)
                            all Dispatches from Head Quarters to Dobbs Ferry—and also that you will send to Head Quarters by the same mode of
                            conveyance or in any manner you may judge best, all Letters, Papers, and Dispatches coming from the Lines or Advanced
                            Posts, addressed to me, or either of the Gentlemen of My Family. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 24 March 1783
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                            Monsieur.
                            A Philadelphie le 24. mars 1783.

                        C’est avec la joye la plus vive et la plus sincere que j’ai l’honneur d’informer Votre Excellence de la
                            conclusion de la paix. Elle couronne de la maniere la plus heureuse Vos travaux et les efforts des Etats unis. Vous
                            partagerés surement la satisfaction complete que cet evenement me cause et je prends toute la part possible à celle que
                            Vous eprouverés. Vous avés contribué d’une maniere si efficace à conduire cette guerre à une heureuse fin que la paix doit
                            être en grande partie considerée comme Votre ouvrage et je me rejouis avec tous Vos concitoyens de ce qu’elle va Vous
                            rendre à eux et de ce que Vous allés jouir au sein de la paix du bonheur d’avoir été le principal instrument de leur
                            liberté. Je n’ai point encore reçu officiellement cette nouvelle, Monsieur, mais elle n’en est pas moins certaine et je
                            Vous supplie de permettre que j’offre à Messrs les Officiers de Votre Armée et à toutes les troupes Americaines mes
                            felicitations et le tribut de respect du à leurs vertus et à leur courage.
                        J’ai l’honneur d’être avec un respectueux et inviolable attachement Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le très
                            humble et très obéissant serviteur,

                            Le chr de la luzerne

                            P.S. Je Vous prie de vouloir bien presenter mes respectueux hommages à Madame Washington et lui dire
                                que je partage toute la joye qu’elle eprouvera comme epouse et comme citoyenne.


Title: From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Hezekiah Wetmore, 24 March 1783
From: Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr.
To: Wetmore, Hezekiah

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters 24th Mar. 1783

                        On Representation to the Genl, of the Conduct of Capt. Riley of the Invalid Corps—& complaint from
                            the Regt of a Stoppage of their pay from you on that acco. His Excellency has given instructions to Colo. Nicola, to have
                            Capt. Riley arrested, & brot to Trial for the Impropriety of his Conduct—And in the Mean Time it is his
                                Excellencys pleasure that you proceed in grantg pay to the Regiment, supposing that you will be
                            refunded your advancement to Capt. Riley, I am sir &c.

                            J. T——ll


Title: General Orders, 25 March 1783
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Newburgh Tuesday March 25th 1783
                            Parole Quadruple.
                            Countersigns Rotterdam, Scotland

                        For the day tomorrow Major Reading
                        B.Q. Mr York brigade
                        The Maryland Detachment gives the Guards tomorrow The Jersey regiment gives the fatigues
                            tomorrow.

                        By the United States in Congress assembled March 18th 1783.
                        On the report of a Committee to whom was referred a Letter of the 12th of March from the Commander in chief.
                        Ordered That the Superintendant of Finance lay before Congress an account of the payments made to the Army in
                            consequence of the resolution of the 25th day of January last—and what sums the states of the public Finances will enable
                            him to pay to the Army at present—and also that he communicate to Congress what steps have been taken towards setling the
                            accounts of the Army since the said Resolution.
                        The New hampshire regiment will march on thursday next, to relieve the third Massa. regimt on the Lines.


Title: To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 25 March 1783
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

                            Sr
                             c. 25 March 1783

                        Many Events have lately occurrd which have occasioned me to trouble your Excelly with my Correspondence of
                            Private nature—I now take the Liberty of Writing to you by desire of a Committe of which I have the Honor to be one, to
                            whom your very Interesting dispatches to Congress of the 15th of this month were committed. You will without doubt have
                            been informd Sr & have received with Pleasure the Intelligence of the Vote for the Commutation having passd
                            Congress the Same day on which Yr Excellency’s dispatches containing the truely sensible and Patriotic Resolutions of the
                            Officers of the Army convened by Yr Excellency’s Authority were received. On that happy event I most Cordially
                            Congratulate you Sr and my Quondam Brother officers—I think it must give the most sensible Pleasure to every Friend of
                            this Country—that an event so interesting shd take place—at the very moment that a Certainty of Peace was announced—And
                            that the Civil and Military at that Critical Juncture shd so harmonize on the Capital object of their Wishes—this event
                            will I trust Eradicate from the minds of every Generous & thinking Man in the United States in whatever Station he
                            may be every Vestige of Suspicion which those of an opposite Complexion might have endeavord to Implant—If my Conceptions
                            of the Sense of Congress are right—I think I can assure Your Excellency—that all those Suspicions which may have been
                            entertaind—of want of Gratitude to the Army or a desire to do them complete and ample Justice, are totally groundless—Your
                            Excellency I hope knows too well my Candor to Imagine I wd attempt to deceive—If I have built my opinions (on this head)
                            on an erroneous Idea of Congress, the Moment Such error is discoverd by me I shall think myself unpardonable not to
                            disclose it. You Will perceive Sr by the Enclosed rough Copies No. 1 & 2 which the Committe have had under their
                            Consideration, what is their Sense and what they have reason to think is the Sense of Congress—We have thought it necessary
                            to make to you Sr a Confidential communication of our Sentiments in hopes that you will favor us with your opinion thereon
                            at large.
                        Our doubt arises solely from this Consideration—viz. that the Enormous Expence of keeping the whole Army in
                            the field untill their "Accounts are Liquidated—the Ballances accurately ascertaind, and Funds
                                Established for the Payment, would be productive of the most Ruinous Consequences to the United States—might
                            occasion Clamors among the Citizens—Embarrass the Measures which Congress mean to take and so effect their Finances as to
                            render it impossible to comply with what the Army most desire viz. a punctual discharge of the debt due to them, on
                            settlement. Your Excellency will I think require no Argument to shew the force of these observations—I will say nothing of
                            the effects which ever have and ever will arise from keeping a large Army in the Field in a state of Inactivity, without
                            any other object to employ their minds on, than their past sufferings and present distresses a relief of which must be
                            inevitably removed to a further distance by the very means they appear to point out—to procure it. Altho the resolutions
                            of the Army on the Address to them by Yr Excellency are perfectly explicit, and breathe the most entire confidence in the
                            Justice of Congress—and the Sincere Intentions of that Body towards them—Yet lest some latent Spark of Suspicion
                            undiscoverd by the Convention, shd unexpectedly discover it self, and laying hold of an ambiguous Expression or even the
                            silence of Congress on some material point—does not Yr Excellency concieve an Explicit and full declaration of Congress
                            not only of their Intentions to do Ample Justice but of the mode by which it is to be done as far as demands on them, will
                            be proper? Shd You Sr think proper to offer any amendment to either of the Enclosed resolutions or to start any new
                            Idea—that may be thought more effectual than those they contain—you may be assured of their being laid before the Committe
                            in the most Confidential manner and of receiving all possible attention—Altho I write now at the request of the committe
                            you will be pleased to consider this communication, as not of a Public or official nature and communicable only to those in whom the most entire confidence is reposed—I need not inform your Excelly of the
                            earnest desire which the Committe have to make their report on this Subject as speedily as possible—as you are fully
                            apprized of the necessity of it, renderd, in my opinion, the more necessary by the great and Glorious event which has been
                            so lately Announced to us of a General Peace—On which occasion I most Cordially and Sincerely Congratulate Yr
                            Excellency—with an assurance, that Peace or War will never change in me the Unalterable affection and Esteem with which I
                            am Yr Excelly’s most obedt & most Humb. Svt

                            Theok Bland

                            P.S. You will excuse Sr the hasty manner in which this has been written—as a fear of loosing the
                                opportunity by the Post has deprived me of the power of revising it.

                                "Rough Copies No. 1 & 2" not translated.

                     Enclosure

                                    c. 25 March 1783

                            No. 1 That they be further informed that Congress will Take the most Speedy and effectual measures to
                                Settle the accounts of the whole Army as well for the half Pay, or commutation if accepted as for the arrearages due
                                to them in the most ample and Satisfactory manner—and will devise the best and most efficacious means of Providing
                                funds for the discharge of the Interest and Principal found due to them on such Settlement—and assure the Army that
                                Congress will not direct any Line or corps to be disbanded untill they be respectively Marchd to a Rendevous within
                                their respective States, and their accounts shall be finally settled & adjusted.
                            No. 2 That he be further informed it is the Intention of Congress to effect the Settlement of the
                                accounts of the Respective lines previous to their reduction and that Congress are doing and will continue to do every
                                thing in their Power towards procuring Satisfactory securities for what shall be found due on such Settlement.


Title: To George Washington from John Ellis, 25 March 1783
From: Ellis, John
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Worcester 25th March 83

                        Your former acts of hospitality and kindnesses will ever make strong and flattering impressions on my mind.
                        You will but do me justice to believe I have never lost sight of you in the course of your dangers and
                            difficulties—however widely we have acted in our sentiments & politicks—They make no alteration in my friendship.
                        The Political creed is out of the question with me.
                        The revolution you have caused, & brought about, by your superior judgment, & adroitness, and
                            the liberty you have fixt on the Continent of America, merits that veneration, I have long cherished
                            for your exalted Character—Mankind are lost in admiration; and posterity will become your harmonious panygyrists.
                        I am awkward in bestowing praise notwithstanding, it is so highly merited—and which inspires the pen of every
                            Man—but be assured, Sir, I have now considered it one of the most pleasing, & proudest events of my life to say I
                            know you, and that I am under a thousand Obligations to you.
                        I beg my respects to your family & Mr Calverts. I have the honor to be with all possible deferance,
                            truth, & regard—Sir, Your obliged, & devoted

                            J.J. Ellis Majr