Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Glover, 27 January 1778
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Cambridge [Mass.] 27th Januy 1778.

I receiv’d your Excellencys Letter (yesterday) of the 8th Inst. desiring me to join my Brigade as soon as possible.
I apprehend your Excellency has not been fully acquainted with the Business I was Charged with by Genl Gates. which has been, & still will be attended with so many Difficulties as will necessarily detain me at this Post till the Embarkation of Genl Burgoyne.
I was Honour’d with the Command of Conducting him & his Troops from Saratoga to Cambridge; for the better supplying of which, & the Conveniency of the Inhabitants of the Country through which they March’d, I divided them into two Divisions. The British by Williamston & North-Hampton. The Germans by Kenderhook & Springfield, with Commys Quar. Masters & Waggon Masters for each, with particular Directions to take Bills for what supplies they Recd & give Orders on me for Payment. This Order not being fully attended to, I was Oblig’d to send Qr Mr Story back to Albany, to Collect the Outstanding Accots. when that is done, I shall Charge Genl Burgoyne with the whole, in one General Account. and as many of the Charges in my Opinion, are unjust & others extravagantly high; large sums being charg’d by the Inhabitants for Damages, in burning Fences, destroying Hay, Grain, Flax &c. also for Clothing, Furniture &c. stole out of their Houses (these Charges I know Genl Burgoyne will Object to) the Inhabitants Look to me, & expect I see them paid.
to acquit myself from Censure, I’m determin’d to lay them before the General Court, & desire that a Committee may be appointed to Examine them & make what Deductions shall appear to them to be just, which I hope will give satisfaction to both parties. when this is done I have to present it to him for Payment, & then Advertise the Inhabitants to come & Receive their Monies. I shall Lose no time in bringing the whole to a Close as soon as possible. Thus Sir, I have given an Account of what I have been doing, & still have to do at this Post which I hope will meet your Excellency’s approbation. I know of no Detachments from my Brigade left at any Post. I shall Advertise & order on all Officers

& soldiers who are absent with or without Furloughs, as well as those recover’d in Hospitals. In the mean time beg Leave to Observe to your Excellency that I have given three years service to my Country, in which I have ruined my Constitution, & so much impair’d my Health that I am by no means fit or able to serve her in the Field another Campaign. These Reasons I hope will have such weight with your Excellcy as to Recommend & Urge to Congress in favour of my Dismission; without offering others, which are Notorious to the World—which is that the pay is so small under the present Establishmt compar’d with the Enormous high Price of Clothing & the Necessaries of Life that no Officer can support himself in Camp. that being the Case, what must become of his Family. this is a matter of general Complaint, which I hope will be Redress’d or I fear the Consequences. Yesterday arriv’d in Marblehead, a Ship of 400 Tons burthen. she sail’d from Halifax with 282 Prisoners, under Convoy of a Ship of War bound for Rhode Island—she parted from the Ship in a Gale of Wind, when the Prisoners took Charge of her, & brought her in safe.
The same day arrived a Prize Ship mounting twenty 9 Pounders, taken by the Ship Portsmouth, Laden with Wines, & English Goods, bound to York. I am, Sir, with great Truth & Esteem, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt sert

John Glover


Title: From George Washington to Francis Hopkinson, 27 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Hopkinson, Francis

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge 27th Jany 1778

I received your favor of the 22d Instant by Captain Alexander, to whom I have given an order to take several pieces of Cannon with a

proper supply of Ammunition, that he, in conjunction with the other Gentleman of the Navy, may endeavour to interrupt the Enemy’s Shipping in their Passage up and down the river.
Having never found an opportunity of conveying the Letter, which you some time ago sent to me for Mr Duche, by such a channel as I thought it would reach him, I return it to you again. The contents have not been made Public. I am Sir your most Obet Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 27 January 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
[York, Pa.] 27th Jany 1778

I had the honour of writing to your Excellency the 25th by Messenger Jones.
Inclosed under Cover with this Your Excellency will receive an Act of Congress of the 21st Inst. relative to the treatment of prisoners of War, prefaced by a recital of an Act of the 19th formerly transmitted—also a number of Copies to be disposed of as Your Excellency shall judge proper. I have the honour to be &ca.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Laurens, 27 January 1778
From: Laurens, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
York Town [Pa.] 27th Jany 1778

While I was sitting in Congress yesterday a Member came in & delivered me the inclosed paper just in its present State except the broken Seals, the Gentleman’s declaration as he was putting the thing into my hand, that he had picked it up on the Stairs, was a sufficient alarm—I passed my Eye cursorily over the pages, put them into my pocket & intimated to the House, that it was an anonymous production containing stuff which I must be content with, as perquisites of Office—that the

hearth was the proper depository for such Records. I have shewn it to no body & have long hesitated upon the propriety of troubling Your Excellency with the knowledge of an attempt for which I want a proper stigma. If I have erred in my present determination I beg Your Excellency will beleive that my motives are pure, & that as I wish to avoid the very appearance of being a party Man or an Informer Your Excellency will be pleased to receive this in confidence & in the favorable light of an innocent intrusion. I am with the most sincere Esteem & Regard Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

Henry Laurens


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 28 January 1778
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Sir
Wmsburgh [Va.] Jan. 28th 1778

By the second Clause of the Act of Assembly, which I have the Honor to inclose to your Excellency, a Bounty of Twenty Dollars is directed to be paid to the soldiers composing the Virginia Corps under your Command, reinlisted.
I beg the Favor of your Excellency to inform me of the most effectual Method of managing this Business, which I wish to conduct in the Manner most acceptable to you. With the highest Regard & Esteem, I have the Honor to be Sir your most obedient & very humble Servant

P. Henry


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General William Smallwood, 28 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 28th January 1778

I recd your favr of the 26th ⅌ Express, inclosing Returns of the Maryland Companies of Artillery and the law of that State for recruiting their Battalions. Their Bounties are generous but I very much fear that nothing short of drafting will have the desired effect—The Congress having ordered Hazens Regt to the Northward for a particular purpose I have directed Major Taylor to march immediately. You will therefore detain the two Artillery Companies for the present as they will in some measure make up for the deficiency. As the Men of Hazens Regiment who are in Hospitals in this quarter will be coming in, in the Spring I have desired Major Taylor to leave a few Officers behind to receive and take care of them—I recd the silk and twist by the Express for which I am obliged, as I am for your promise of procuring the other Articles which I wrote for. I am Dear Sir Yr most Obt Sevt.


Title: From George Washington to Major Thomas Smyth, Jr., 28 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Smyth, Thomas Jr.

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 28th January 1778

I have yours of the 25th. As it is my most earnest wish to have the pay Rolls of the several Regiments brought to a final settlement, that they may from thence be regularly adjusted every month; I shall lay your letter before the Muster Master General, and if the mode you point out can be admitted, or any other adopted which will answer the desired end, I will direct him to give orders to one of his Deputies to have it carried into execution. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Walter Stewart, 28 January 1778
From: Stewart, Walter
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New Town [Pa.] Jany 28th 1778

Since I had the pleasure of writing your Excellency, I have Convers’d with General Lacey Concerning the Provisions going in such

Quantitys to Town; that Gentleman is highly disgusted with the manner in which the People in this County Act, and is determin’d to use his Utmost endeavours in putting a total stop thereto. His very great want of men at present, puts it out of his power the doing any thing of Consequence being oblig’d to draw his Pickets (formerly Station’d at, and in a line with Frankfort) to the Buck Tavern Seventeen Miles from Philadelphia; he with the few men remaining with himself is retir’d a little farther into the Country than he was, for the safety of his Baggage and Stores.
The number of Horse now remaining on this side is very small, the length of time they have been on the Station has made them too well Acquainted with the Girls, and People from Town, who I fear Seduce, and make them Commit many things highly Improper, such as Seizing flour &ca from one person, and delivering it to their favorites; for this, and many other reasons, if your Excellency thinks proper, it is really necessary a fresh Party of Horsemen who are not so well Acquainted along the lines should relieve them; otherways I fear many of them now there, will in a short time be with the Enemy.
Your Excellency mentions it has been hinted, that some of the Officers on this Station have conniv’d at Certain doings; I much fear many have, but believe it is in the Malitia line, as I have now in my Possession, passes I took from people with loaded Carts given by Quarter Masters And Clerks to Malitia Colonels.
The design in a great measure of this letter is to Acquaint your Excellency, that there is in a fulling Mill near this place, Upwards of one Thousand or twelve hundred Yards of Coatings & Cloths, belonging in general to rich Quakers, & People of this County much disaffected, who are by no means in want of Cloathing; of what Infinite Service would this Cloth be to the poor Naked Soldiers of one or two Regiments, and at the Same time not be distressing, in my Opinion any of the People to whom it belongs. could it be purchas’d it would be a happy Circumstance, but the people in General here About, dispise our money so much, that the Attempting a purchase would only occasion their Immediately getting it out of the way; I therefore thought it proper to make the matter known to your Excellency and to know whether you would Approve of my taking Possession of such as would suit our poor Soldiers, being careful to discriminate between those who could spare it, and those who could not.
The day After tomorrow the difft Comissary’s and party’s are all to be in, when we shall have finish’d our business here, and shall next Morning set off with our Stores to Camp. I should be glad to be favour’d by the bearer Lt Dean with an Answer respecting the Cloth.

And Am with Much Esteem And respect Yr Excellency’s Most Obedient Servant

Walter Stewa⟨rt⟩ Col. 13th R⟨mutilated⟩


Title: From George Washington to Major John Taylor, 28 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Taylor, John

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 28th Jany 1778

Previous to yours of the 26th inst: I had received directions from the Board of War to send part, or if they could be spared, the whole of Colo. Hazens Regt to Albany. Their numbers are so reduced that it is not worth while to make a division, and I therefore desire that you will immediately march with all that are fit for duty. As your nearest Rout will be thro’ Bethlehem you will cross the Schuylkill at or near this Camp. For the better accommodation of the Men at this Season of the Year, I would have you march in two divisions one or two days apart. As the march will be heavy advise the Officers to take no superfluous Baggage and see that the Men do not encumber themselves with any more than

necessary Cloathing. Considering the Climate they are going to, you should endeavour to equip them as warmly as possible. You will necessarily leave some men behind who are invalids, and others who are in the hospitals will be coming in as they recover, you will therefore leave a sufficient Number of Officers to take care of them. I am Sir Yr most obt Servt

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 28 January 1778
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Mount Vernon Janry 28th 1778

Yours of the 9th Inst. came to hand yesterday The Trees Shall all be planted agreeable to your Wishes It has so hapned that Triplett as yet has not signd a Bond for the Conveyance of the Land which he has agreed to let you have, notwithstandg I apply to him every Week—he cannot fix on what he will have more than an equal Number of Acres—he thinks his Land of more Value than yours, I pressd him to say What I must give him, told him I was anxious to inform you that there was an End to the Bargain, and haveg now by Mrs Washington a good opportunity to do so, he promised he woud get Mr McCarty & Mr Chichester to Look over the Land & fix on what they thought shoud be pd as an Equivolent for the differance in Quality, and to give me Notice when they come, & at the same time sign our agreement, but as yet he has given me no notice—Yet I am convince’d he intends to do it, and has no Interested views in putg it off—Still I am at a loss Why it is put off—I have shewn Mr Massey the Bond & agreement which I drew—he says they will be Bindg on Triplett to make you or your Heirs Deeds—but thinks my enterg in to an agreement to compell you to make Triplett Deeds for an Equal Number of Acres will not be Bindg on you, unless I had a Power of Attorney from you—I told him I had several Letters from you, Authoriseg me to make any agreement, as Exchange for that Land—he sd it woud be best to Execute Deeds on Both sides at once—but this I told him cou’d not be done as Triplett was not Satisfy’d with the present Boundry between you and him, John West haveg told him in his life time, that you Claim’d more Land than you had a Right to—therefore I was willing to have such writeg drawn as woud compell you Both to make Deeds hereafter, he then sd What I had wrote woud do, for at any rate if it woud not compell you it wou’d Bind me to make good any damages to Triplett. I will have the matter finishd soon if Possible.

Colo. Stone once offerd me his Land & I believe for 30/ Marryland Currency pr Acre—of this I informd you—Stone after that went into the Army and I have never heard more about it—but will now enquiere more into it. Since I mention’d Becks Land to you—I have since wrote you it was sold—and that before I had the least chance to get it—the owner himself informd me it was for sale, & that he woud take 35/ pr Acre—I told him I woud go and see it within 3 days from that time, and he promised to meet me on the Land, but before the time expired he sold it to another—as he was a Maryland man I suppose he meant that Currency.
You say you have purchased a Coverg Horse the Sooner he gets here the Better—that he may be got in good order—his Blood you say is good—Remember to send his Pedigree and if his Ancesters are of Royal Blood, & he handsome much money may be made by him—Mrs Washington crosses the River to day in order to go to Camp—Captn Thos Triplett attends her there—I fear she will have a bad journey the Roads being Froze—My Lip is not well, tho I think Better than it has been—Mrs Washington will get to Camp as soon perhaps as this Letter—she can answer all your enquirys—our Family Stocks &c., are all well except a few Negroes who are generally Sick—I hope to see you in the month of march between this and then, I will see all your Tennants that I may be able to give you every Satisfaction in your enquierys. Am Dr Sir your Affectionate Servt

Lund Washington


Title: General Orders, 29 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Thirsday Jany 29th 1778.
NorthumberlandNorway. Norton.

The Commanding Officer of each brigade is to appoint a Captain daily to visit the sick of his Brigade in or near Camp, to examine whether they have proper attention paid them and are furnish’d with every thing their situation requires as far as circumstances will allow—Likewise an orderly-officer every day to inspect the hutts to see whether cleanliness is observed in the soldiers quarters and proper means taken to keep the roofs weather-proof.
The Commissaries in future to issue a quart of salt to every hundred pound of fresh beef.


Title: General Orders, 30 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Friday Jany 30th 1778.
PortugalPrussia Poland.

At a General Court Martial whereof Col. Clark was President January 23rd—William McMarth of Captain Lee’s Company of Artillery tried for desertion and stealing an horse from General McIntosh acquitted of the charge of desertion but found guilty of the Theft, being a breach of Article 5th Section 18th of the Articles of War and sentenced to receive one hundred lashes on his bare back and have one half of his pay stoped monthly from him ’till General McIntosh is fully satisfied. The Court on account of the Prisoner’s having sustained heretofore the character of a good soldier, recommend him to His Excellency’s clemency with respect to the corporal punishment.
The General remits the stripes, approves the rest of the sentence and orders it to take place.
At a General Court-Martial whereof Major Church was President January 26th—Ensign Cook of 12th Pennsylvania Battalion tryed for leaving his guard before he was properly relieved (it being an Out-Guard) found guilty of a breach of 4th Article of 13th Section of the Articles of War & unanimously sentenced to be cashiered with Infamy.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place immediately.


Title: From George Washington to General William Howe, 30 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Howe, William

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] January 30th 1778

I have duly received your Letter of the 19th Ulto.
It is unnecessary to enter minutely into its contents; since the inclosed Resolutions of Congress will shew you, that the matter is now put upon a footing different from that mentioned by Mr Boudinot, which, at the same time you will be pleased to consider as final and decisive, and to regulate your measures accordingly. I shall be glad as soon as possible to be favoured with your determinations in consequence, especially on those parts numbered in the margin of the Resolves; to which I must request a speedy & explicit answer.
There is one passage of your Letter, which I cannot forbear taking particular notice of. No expressions of personal politeness to me can be acceptable, accompanied by reflections on the Representatives of a free people, under whose authority I have the honor to act. The delicacy I have observed in refraining from every thing offensive in this way, intitled me to expect a similar treatment from you. I have not indulged myself in invective against the present Rulers of Great Britain in the course of our correspondence—nor will I even now avail myself of so fruitful a Theme.
The Quarter Masters permitted to go with the Cloathing appeared to me sufficient for the purpose: For tho the prisoners are in different places, yet they lie chiefly on a direct communication. If upon any future occasion you should conceive a greater number requisite, you will inform me of it previous to their coming, and I shall be ready to comply as far as I think myself justified—Whether your sending out more than One British Quarter Master was an encroachment upon the spirit of the Agreement between us shall not now be a matter of discussion, but can it be said there is any thing in it, that can reconcile the coming out of Captn McCleod. I have the honor to be with due respect Sir Yr Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, 30 January 1778
From: Lutterloh, Henry Emanuel
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Janry 30 1778

The inclosed return is brought to me this evening by the person I did send of[f], according to Your Excellencys order.
Your Excellency was pleased to Send to me about the worn out horses—I have Send of Since we have been here 380 horses; to day went of a party for which I got with the greatest difficulty the drivers, and the rest remains here, for Want of Men to go of with them. I have made long ago the regulation to Send these old horses up in the Country to distand farm yards, by which I prevent the great difficulty to provide for them, and the horses are better taken care of. but for Want of hands I must allso defer that in General, as at present all the Soldiers are drawn of at once from driving Teams, I am put to the greatest distress—and a great Numbers of Teams are turned in and I do not Know how to Supply all Teams I am continually called upon. My plan of Inlisting drivers is gone in the different parts of the Country. but they will

not come in so Soon. I must therefore beg your Excellency will be pleased to order a certain Number of Soldiers to drive so long till the New Men come in. I Spoke to the adjudant General about it. and as soon as I have them, I shall Send of the Tents & the same Waggons can bring back Stores from Reading. I have the honour to be with profound Respects Your Excelly Most obedient & most humble Servant

H. E. Lutterloh


Title: From George Washington to James Nourse and Alexander White, 30 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Nourse, James,White, Alexander

Valley Forge January 30th 1778

By a Letter from Genl Lee of the 30th Ulto, which came to hand the 26th Instant, he seems to be anxious about the state of his Farm & Affairs and requests me “to recommend the care of them to you & Mr White.” I have taken the earliest Opportunity to inform you of his desires on these subjects, and have no doubt but you will render him every service in your power. I am happy to acquaint you, that though

he is still a prisoner, his condition is comfortable, being on parole in the City of New York and treated with much Civility. It is highly probable, that he will soon be enlarged under that restriction, as Major Genl Prescot is ordered to be sent in for that purpose on the same terms. I am Sir

Go: Washington


Title: Proclamation on Market at Valley Forge, 30 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head Quarters, Valley-Forge, January 30, 1778.

To the Inhabitants of the States of Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, and Delaware.
The good people of the State of Pennsylvania, and particularly those in the vicinity of this Camp, having expressed a desire of furnishing the Army with the produce of the country were Markets regularly established for that purpose: In order to encourage so laudable a design, I have thought fit to make known, that on the second Monday in February, at eight o’clock in the morning, the Market will be opened at the Stone-chimney Picket, in front of the Camp, and that the same will be continued on every Monday and Thursday following at that place: That on every Tuesday and Friday the Market will be held on the east side of Schuylkill, near the New-Bridge: And on every Wednesday and Saturday, in rear of the Camp, near the Adjutant General’s Office. That a Clerk of the Market, an inhabitant of this State, will attend on the respective days and at the places before mentioned, whose duty it shall be to protect the inhabitants from any kind of abuse or violence that may be offered to their persons or effects, and to see that they receive pay for their articles according to the prices hereafter mentioned, and for others not particularly enumerated in like proportion, viz.

            £.s.d.

            Fresh Pork
            per lb.
            0.1.0

            Roasting Pig
            do
            1.6

            Mutton
            do
            0.10

            Veal
            do
            0.10

            Fat Turkey
            do
            1.4

            Fat Goose
            do
            1.0

            Fat Ducks
            each
            3.9

            Fat Fowls
            do
            2.6

            Fresh Butter
            per lb.
            3.9

            Firkin ditto
            do
            3.0

            Hogs Lard
            do
            3.0

            Cheese
            do
            3.0

            Sausages
            do
            3.9

            Eggs
            per dozen,
            1.6

            Rough-skinned Potatoes
            per bushel,
            10.0

            Spanish ditto
            per do
            7.6

            Turnips
            do
            5.0

            Cabbages
            per head,
            1.0

            Onions
            per half-peck,
            2.6

            Beans
            per quart,
            1.3

            Sour-crout
            per half-peck
            3.9

            Apples
            do
            1.6

            Dried ditto
            do
            3.9

            Indian Meal
            do
            2.0

            Leaf Tobacco
            per lb.
            4.0

            Vinegar
            per quart,
            2.6

            New Milk
            do
            1.0

            Soft Soap
            do
            1.0

            Cyder
            per barrel,
            4.0.0

            Small Beer
            do
            1.10.0

The Clerk of the Market is also to take effectual care that there be no fraud in weight or measure, and that whatsoever is offered to sale be of good quality.
All persons coming to the Markets aforesaid, for the purpose of supplying them, or returning from the same, may depend their carriages and cattle shall not be impressed or otherwise detained. The inhabitants are to take notice that they will not have liberty to receive from the Soldiery, any kind of cloathing or military stores in pay for their provision, or upon any pretence whatsoever.
It is hoped that all persons well affected to their country, both for their own advantage and from a regard to the accommodation of the Army, will manifest their zeal upon this occasion, and chearfully contribute to the success of a plan intended to answer the most valuable purposes.

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Webb, Jr., 30 January 1778
From: Webb, Joseph Jr.
To: Washington, George

May it Please your Excellency
Newyork Janry 30th 1778

I Enclose you a Copy of my Flag from His Excellency Govr Trumbull & wou’d let you know that after a most fatigueing Jaunt, we arrived safe here with General Prescott, Capt. Barrington his Ade de Camp & the others mentioned in the flag except Majr Huntington who being an Officer in the Army they thot cou’d not consistantly be addmitted He’s return’d—I am treated by the first in power with the greatest politeness and am allow’d to Enquire particular about the American Prisoner’s and must say I cou’d wish a general Exchange might take place in an Honorable way—I have applied for Cloathing & Monies for the British Prisoner’s Quarter’d in Connecticut. But find the 40th Regt 55th & Several other’s are at Philadelphia & nothing to be done for ’em unless application can be made to the Several Pay Master’s &c. in consequence of which I have thot it best to send the Bearer to you beging you, if Consistant to Allow him to Pass into Philadelphia & Return as soon as may be to me with the Necessary Order’s—The British Prisoner’s with us are much in want; I hope the step’s I have taken will meet with your Excellency’s Approbation and that the Bearer may soon safe return to me where I shall wait with impatience—you’ll Observe by the flag it was proposed I shou’d offer Col. Lawrence for my Brother, but I find it not agreeable I sincerely hope the first proposal make take place & that Colo. Campbell may be acceptable to your Excellency—I have to accquaint You that I had the pleasure of waiting on General Lee this day who is Extreemly well & for this Month past has been Allow’d the City at large, is treated with much Civility & politeness.
you’ll further please to Observe My flag says General Prescot is to be Exchanged for his Equal Rank by me, of that they know nothing of but as his parole run’s he’s to remain here the particular’s I conclude you know much better than myself.
His Excellency General Robertson has been polite Enough to say he even wishes me to veiw the Hospitals &c. &c. & examine ’em in the most Critical Manner; as yet I confess I have not but Expect to before I leave this; I am to carry back Colo. Lawrence & Colo. DeLancy who will remain untill duly Exchanged—I am your Excellencys most Obt H. Servt

Joseph Webb


Title: General Orders, 31 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Saturday Jany 31st 1778.


Title: To George Washington from Col. Israel Angell, 31 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Angell, Israel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Col. Israel Angell, 31 Jan. 1778. On 1 Feb., GW wrote Angell: “I am favoured with yours of yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Ephraim Blaine, 31 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Blaine, Ephraim

sir
Moore Hall [Pa.] January 31st 1778

This Letter will accompany one from the Committee of Congress requiring your attendance at this Place. In addition, I shall Inform you that by a return from the Commissary of Issues we have only 90 head of Cattle in Camp, and the troops only served for this day; Moreover that he Knows not of any supplies Coming on. It also appears by the said return that there is only 560 Barrels of Flour this I mention for your Government. I am sir Your very Hble Servt

Geo. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 31 January 1778 [letter not found]
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, 31 Jan. 1778. On 10 Feb., GW wrote Gates: “I have been favd with yours of the . . . 31st ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge January 31st 1778

I have been honored with your several favors of the 14th 19th 22d & 25th Inst. in due order with their Inclosures, which shall have my attention. My application in preparing and digesting matters for the consideration of the Committee who are now in Camp prevented me acknowledging them before. The packet for Governor Livingston which accompanied the first Two, I transmitted him the next day by a careful hand and hope it got safe to him.
The inclosed Copy of a Letter and Memorial from General Foreman I would take the liberty of laying before Congress. Supplying the Army with Salt is a matter of infinite importance, and if it can be accomplished, it is very much to be desired. How far General Foreman may succeed in his Experiments I cannot determine; But from every account there is a favourable prospect of his manufacturing a considerable quantity of this necessary and essential article. For the greater security of the works against the Enemy’s Tenders &c. he prays to be furnished with a guard of Fifty men. His requisition is submitted to Congress, and they will be pleased to determine upon it in such manner as they may think proper. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 31 January 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir,
Valley-forge Jany 31st 1778.

I this morning received your favor of the 27th Ulto.
I cannot sufficiently express the obligation I feel to you for your friendship and politeness upon an occasion in which I am so deeply interested. I was not unapprized that a malignant faction had been for sometime forming to my prejudice; which, conscious as I am of having ever done all in my power to answer the important purposes of the trust reposed in me, could not but give me some pain on a personal account; but my chief concern arises from an apprehension of the dangerous consequences, which intestine dissentions may produce to the common cause.
As I have no other view than to promote the public good, & am unambitious of honours not founded in the approbation of my Country, I would not desire in the least degree to suppress a free spirit of enquiry into any part of my conduct that even faction itself may deem reprehensible.
The anonymous paper handed you exhibits many serious charges, and it is my wish that it should be submitted to Congress. this I am the more inclined to, as the suppression, or concealment, may possibly involve you in embarrassments hereafter; since it is uncertain how many, or who may be privy to the contents.
My Enemies take an ungenerous advantage of me—they know the delicacy of my situation and that motives of policy deprive me of the defence I might otherwise make against their insiduous attacks. They know I cannot combat their insinuations, however injurious, without disclosing secrets, it is of the utmost moment to conceal—But why should I expect to be exempt from censure—the unfailing lot of an elevated station? Merits and talents, with which I can have no pretensions of rivalship, have ever been subject to it. My Heart tells me it has been my unremitted aim to do the best circumstances would permit; yet, I may have been very often mistaken in my judgment of the means, and may, in many instances deserve the imputation of error.
I cannot forbear repeating that I have a grateful sense of the favourable disposition you have manifested to me in this affair, and beg you will believe me to be with sentiments of real esteem and regard. Sir Yr much obliged & Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 31 January 1778
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton [N.J.] Jany 31st 1778.

I have the honer to inform your Exclly of three Troops of horse belonging to the state of New Jersy well accoutred & their horses in best order, & the Gentlm. are verry desirious to go down to the lines.
I received a letter from Major Jameson that the party of men now under the Command of Capt. Craig is to be releived, as I have send of all the Arms & accoutrements of the Cavalry to be repaired & the men are badly Clothed, should be Glad if your Excellency would write a few lines to Govonor Livington as the officers & Gentleman in the Different Troops are willing to take that duty for a few weeks, which would recruite the men & horses now on Command Verry mush.
I must not omit mentioning a Circumstance, thoug. of the most Trivial nature, yet a little embarrasses me, A waggoner belonging to the Brigade on honest inoffensive Countryman, having undisignedly taken a mainger from the Stable of (one Clumn) to feed his horses, the latter maliciously, without informing me of the matter, took a writ against the waggoner & put him in Jail, by which means his Team was neglected the Gears lost, on being informed of the affair, I took the waggoner into my Costody where he remains a prisoner—my Ignorance of the civil Law induced me to referr the matter till I could be further advised—I am with respect your Excellys Most obidt Humbl. Servant

C. Pulaski, ⟨General⟩


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General John Cadwalader, January 1778
From: Cadwalader, John
To: Washington, George

[January 1778]

The establishing a continental Army at the beginning of the american War was found impracticable—Those Reasons which induced Congress

to object to such establishment at that time, I imagine, still appear equally powerful, if not strengthened by many circumstances that have since happened—But if Congress was now convinced that the Establishment was a bad one; so great a change, as is proposed, might create infinite confusion—From the disposition we have already discovered among the officers, there is little Reason to believe that the mode of chusing officers would be agreeable—Every officer would expect to be promoted, & those who were disapointed would be disgusted, The Constitutions of the States of america are so various & the manners, disposition & interests of the people so different that they will ever consider themselves independent of each other; except when a foreign Power makes an attack on any one; in which case, from our situation, it must certainly be our interest to unite—But tho the Confedracy may se[c]ure us against attacks from abroad, we have great reason to believe that many disputes about Boundaries, and other matters, may arise, that may involve us in a war among ourselves—That such disputes may happen I am far from thinking improbable & therefore it may be very proper for each State to raise its own Quota & have the recommendation, if not the appointment, of its own inferior officers—I belive that all the States in America have now nothing in view but to establish their Liberties; but every prudent man will, like a good officer, provide for holding the advantages he has gained by a victory—If two or three States, by a constant attendance in Congress should gain too great a Share of Influence, & make an ill use of it; they might not only secure all the power & authority in the Army to their own States, but all the military knowledge—The knowledge in artillery & Engineering ought to be diffused thro’ the different States—Those States who look forward will be prepared to defend themselves either jointly or separately, by promoting military knowledge, by providing Cannon, small arms & every other necessary, independent of each other—Tis an old saying “that the best way to prevent a war is always to be prepared to engage in one.[”] These Considerations & many others that must occur upon reflection, induce me to think the measure proposed is a wrong & dangerous one.
If the Number of Regiments according to the present Establishment will raise more men than the Service requires, some plan should be fallen upon to reduce them; but I am far from thinking the number too great—Let some plan be adopted in each State for filling up their Regiments—It appears to me that drafting is the only effectual mode.
Reserving the Right to Congress of appointments without regard to seniority, appears to me to be a very proper Power—The promotion of the Service is what we all aim at—why then should an officer take offence because another is put above him, who can best serve the public?

This power, however, may be made an ill use of; and at the same time that I contend for the mode, I would wish to see it exercised only in such Cases where an officer had emminently distinguished himself, or where his merit was very evident—If the power had never been abused, the Exercise of it would never have been complained of.
The order of Knighthood is a title totally inconsistent with our present plans of Government; and, as well as I remember, every Title of Nobility has been objected to by the Congress, or, at least, by some of the States in their declaration of Rights—Knighthood, tho’ not absolutly expressed, is certainly included in the Title of Nobility; and would alarm the common People with Fears that might very much affect, at this Time, the general Cause.
The Applications from officers for leave to resign are so general, that unless some remedy can be applyed to cure this great & growing Evil, the Consequences must be fatal to the Army & to America—The high price of every necessary of life (owing partly to a real scarcity, partly to the unbounded avarice of Forestallers, & greatly to the depreciation of our money) renders it impossible for any officer in the Army to live on his pay—This I take to be the principal cause of this alarming Evil—To remedy this immediatly, deserves the most serious consideration of Congress—The Farmer has raised the price of his Grain, the mechanic & every other person employed for the equipment of the Army have raised the price of labour & every article they have for sale—The officer only is employed at the old prices tho they are to pay an equal proportion of the Tax in future—a reasonable addition to their pay is just & necessary.
The Rank given to officers out of the Line certainly tends to lower the value of Commissions—I think this might be regulated without danger.
Some provision for officers widows appears to me to be very necessary; but I cannot say what will be the best mode of establishing a Fund—Perhaps something similar to the Establishment in England might answer in our Situation—These points once settled to the satisfaction of the officers, it appears to me that all the other Regulations recommended would naturally follow, if the General Officers are obliged to do their duty.


Title: To George Washington from Major General Nathanael Greene, January 1778
From: Greene, Nathanael
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[January 1778]

The commencement of the American war was so singular—it’s duration so uncertain—the hopes of reconciliation so strong, that our defence began, and has been continued rather by temporary expedients, than from any proper and fixed establishment.
In the early stages of the dispute, the novelty of war was so great—the spirit of patriotism so high, and the abhorrence of slavery such that the people flew to arms regardless of their famelies, fortunes and pleasures which they were about to give up, to engage in the service of their Country. Every body expected a short and speedy issue to the unhappy dispute, and every one felt a perfect freedom to make the necessary sacrafices to bring about a proper reconciliation; that the basis of our future freedom might be so grounded as to admit of no more political shocks: with these flattering hopes the Army struggled through the first campaign and necessity obliged them to persevere in the second. The third has been prosecuted upon an establishment laid in the second, and altho it made more ample provision for the Officers than had been before, yet it is found to be very unsatisfactory. The duty as Citizens—the glow of patriotism and the honors of the field are found insufficient to bind people to a service, that subjects them to a loss of fortune, to give up all the pleasures of domestick life and engages them in a hazardous & fatigueing line of duty, with but very few of the common comforts of life. However melancholy the consideration, it is a serious truth, that there is a greater disinclination to the service at the close of this Campaign, than has ever been discovered before—it is true the campaign has been severe, but not more so than may be expected while the war continues—People begin to think coolly, they compare their condition in the field with that at home—the situation of their famelies, & their future prospects grow into objects of importance. to return into private life with a ruined fortune—with a broken constitution, after years of hard servitude—there to sink into neglect & almost contempt, are comfortless considerations to every mind that looks forward to the natural consequences that will result at the termination of this war. I believe Sir, the Officers of this army begin to view their situation in this light, they cannot concieve themselves bound by any ties either private or publick, that oblige them to continue in a service that makes a certain sacrafice of a few, for the common benefit of the rest of the Society—they cannot concieve either the justice or policy of this measure; every Officer sais he is willing to bear a part of the common burden, but a very few have resolution enough to engage under such a hopeless prospect as the present institution exhibits to the view of every one in the service.

It signifies nothing Sir, to complain of the decay of private or public virtue, or to tax the Americans with the want of spirit and resolution to combat difficulties. The only enquiry that is necessary, is to find whether the war can be prosecuted upon the present establishment, if not, what other can be substituted to remedy the present evils complained of.
The foundation of American liberty would be more sure, & the superstructure with far less difficulty erected, if the love of ease, pleasure and wealth were not so predominant—but these are the materials, and with these the Pile must be erected or not at all.
It is unnecessary to search out the causes of these evils, it is sufficient to satisfy ourselves that they do really exist—to find the remedy is the only necessary enquiry—to fix upon some plan that will be satisfactory to the Officers, and the least expensive to the public, will be our true interest & national policy.
Experience shews us in many instances that men are often more influenced by a certain & durable support, than by a more liberal provision of a short & uncertain duration; Gentlemen who have a certain character and appearance to maintain—through life, will feel themselves tolerably easy, when there is such a provision made that with the strictest oeconomy they can support themselves, maintain their character, preserve their dignity & standing in Society.
To silence all the complaints of the Officers upon this head, to honour & reward their faithfull services—to make commissions more valuable, & the owners more attentive to duty—to promote a stricter dicipline, and render the army more respectable; I would beg leave to recommend putting the Continental Officers in the service of the United States upon a regular establishment for life, nearly similar to that of the British, with the liberty to buy in and sell out from a Captaincy downwards, but no man should have the priviledge of purchasing a commission in a regiment to the prejudice of the Officers belonging to it, untill they had first refused, after that a stranger may purchase Commissions under this denomination, to be rated at a certain value and made transferable. The commanding Officer of the regiment to have a negative upon an Officer’s selling out or others purchasing in, he being more immediately interested in the reputation of the regiment will be more circumspect & attentive to the qualities of his Officers—and to render them in some degree dependant upon the Commanding Officer of the regiment, will preserve that subordination & respect due from inferiors to superiors; But as the articles of Confederation invest each State with the previledge of nominating all regimental Officers, no one to be allowed to purchase into a regiment unless he is from the State to which the regiment belongs.
I should think the Congress or the Board of War with the advice of such of their Generals as they may think proper to consult, should previous

to the establishment of the Army, determine upon what plan they will carry on the war, whether upon a principle of force or oeconomy.
It is almost an established maxim in European Politicks in war that the longest purse will remain masters of the field. If Great Britain is not able to triumph over us by a superior force she will change her system & try to subdue us by the length of the dispute—she will be led to this measure upon the supposition of her having more internal & external recources of money & war-like stores to enable her to prosecute the controversy to the greatest lengths—she will endeavour to distress our trade cut off our supplies & multiply our calamities by her ravages, to induce the Inhabitants to wish for peace upon any terms. We have great reason to expect from the wealth, pride & corruption of the british Court, that they will leave no stone unturned to subjugate America. We have always flattered ourselves with a speedy issue to the contest, founded upon the general discontent of the British nation, or of their want of wealth to continue it. But if we are to judge of what will happen in future from what has past, I fancy there is no great reason to rely upon this opinion Pride and Ambition are so deeply rooted in British politicks, & the Court are so united in their measures, and the Ministers so much masters of the national wealth, that one may with great reason expect the whole national strength to operate against us untill their finances fail, or some European power interposes.
The present plan of prosecuting the American war with the Militia is so very expensive, that were our finances infinitely greater than they are, & our Military resources much more numerous than they be, they would be found very inadequate to the demand upon the present system.
The short term for which the militia are called out, the numerous sick and great desertion that commonly prevail among them, render it necessary to have double the number in motion that would constitute a sufficient force, if they were engaged for a longer time, not to say any thing of the difference between a young soldier and a veteran—their pay and subsistance are so very expensive—the loss of arms and waste of Amunition so intolerable, that no funds or magazines are equal to the demand. Such a numerous Militia is a great cause of the depreciation of our money, besides, it stagnates almost every branch of business; murmur & discontent prevail among the people, & want & distress in the Army.
There are not only the fore going injuries which arise from calling out the Militia—but there is a much greater mortality in the Army—Society is deprived of many valuable members. People that are unacquainted with a camp life, are doubly exposed & generaly suffer in that proportion.

Every thing is due to the spirited exertions of the Militia since the commencement of the war, but it is much against our national interest to prosecute it upon a plan, that multiplies our expences—stagnates all kinds of business and deprives society of many of it’s most usefull members.
The want of oeconomy in the management of our National funds and military resources, may be as ruinous in it’s consequences as the want of power or national strength—money is the sinews of war, and an army cannot be supported without magazines, for its subsistance, and military Stores for it’s appointments. I confess I think there is more reason to fear our funds and military stores will fail us than the want of men—but the present plan for carrying on the war is ruinous to our funds—destructive to our magazines—& fatal to our men.
I would recommend the following plan for new modeling the Army. I shall give my reasons hereafter for giving the preferrence to this establishment.

            1. Lt Colo.
            27. Serjeants.

            1. Major.
            18. Drums & fifes.

            9. Captains.
            1. Serjt Major.

            9. Lieutenants.
            1. Qr Mr Serjt.

            9. Ensigns.
            1. Drum Majr.

504. Rank and file.
The Quarter Master and Adjutant, to be appointed from among the Subalterns, and be allowed such additional pay as may be equal to their extraordinary services.
Upon this establishment there will be twenty nine Commissioned Officers, forty eight non commissioned, & five hundred and four rank and file. Each company will consist of fifty six privates—One Company should be a light Infantry Company, to act either with or without the regiment, as the nature of the service shall require. The light infantry to be always filled from the regiment, those serving in the light infantry companies upon good behaviour to be promoted to Serjeants, as vacancies happen in the Regiment. Experience has shewn us how necessary a good body of light infantry are. A good Corps of chosen troops, may by acting together give a favourable turn to an action that could not be obtained if they were dispersed among the regiments at large. In almost every action there is but a very small proportion of the Army that engages, the rest stand ready to support them, and the fate of the day commonly declares in favour of those who push their advantages in the first of the action, and by a judicious disposition secure what they have gained.
A great army unless they are well cloathed & appointed cannot render such signal service to the States, as a lesser force properly provided;

Cloathing, Arms & Accoutrements, are as essential as men—to have men without Cloathes—without Arms or Acoutrements, they are only a burden to the States: and to have a great number of Regiments without men, the Officers are a useless expence and a charge to the Continent. Our force should be greatly superior to that of the enemies—but it must be proportioned to our abilities to raise, cloathe, equip & pay—to attempt any thing further would betray our weakness & prove destructive to our true national interest.
I should think if every State was to furnish their full compliment of Battalions, compleated to the present plan—to gether with eight of the last sixteen; it would constitute a sufficient force, and be as many as we could Cloathe, pay & equip.
A light-infantry company with each of these Battalions, will form a very formidable Corps of light troops, to be under the command of Officers appointed from the line, and formed into as many Battalions & Brigades, as will render them the most active & usefull.
Upon the present establishment, the Battalions are very far from being full & a great number of supernumerary Officers are constantly upon pay, these have been and ever will be a great burden to the Continent. And was a Regiment to be compleated upon the present establishment, they would be very unweildy, unless they were very well diciplined which is not to be expected, unless there is more time to do it in.
Military rank is of such a nature and of such consequence in the army that to preserve order & promote good government, to silence faction and discourage intrigue—to restrain vain glory and stimulate to an honest ambition, it is of the highest importance that it’s true principles be ascertained and known. Altho’ rank may be said to have no substantial good in it separate from command; yet as it is considered a badge of military distinction no Officer can give it up without incurring such a degree of military contempt, as must render him truly unhappy. Rank under this consideration is an object of such attention, that it becomes one of the strongest motives to great and dignified actions, the human breast is capable of feeling. The hopes of obtaining and the fear of loosing it, is a continual spur to ambition and military enterprize. Where the principle of rank is uncertain & dependant upon a variety of claims there is such a door open for Art, intrigue and Cabal that the whole military system may be kept continually disordered by a few designing men, who are more solicitous to obtain than ambitious to merit promotion. Harmony in an army is so essential to it’s operations that a legislator cannot too carefully guard against every thing that will have a tendency to interrupt it. Ambition is a noble principle, under proper restrictions, but becomes dangerous to the happiness of mankind when left at liberty to seek it’s objec⟨t⟩ without principle or virtue for it’s guide.

The great reason therefore for establishing rank must be to confine this boundless ambition, to discourage all kinds of art & circumvention, and excite a laudable emulation and spirit of enterprize.
Progressive rank appears the best calculated to answer those valuable purposes, altho’ it may be objected to; because it ensures promotion without special merit, & may silence those aspiring feelings which are so necessary to military greatness. Yet experience shews us that men are more afraid of marks of disgrace, than they are ambitious for applause: And notwithstanding it be a fixed principle, that rank be progressive, yet the Idea of merit should always accompany it; and if a man is entitled to promotion in a progressive line, and is without merit, he should be excluded from the right of promotion.
This principle has ever been found amongst Military Gentlemen, a sufficient motive, to a faithfull discharge of duty, & a forcible argument to great & noble actions.
If merit only was to be the principle of promotion, actions from a variety of interpretations will admit of such different complections, that persons might often get rewarded through artifice, when they had but small pretentions therefor; this will excite resentment in those who are injured, which cannot fail of keeping up a perpetual war, among the Officers—distract the councils—and retard the operations of war. Envy and revenge have a great influence upon men; persons promoted out of the common line unless their merit be very conspicuous will become objects of common envy, and the injured will ever manifest their resentment. That which is often intended as a benefit to an Officer sometimes proves his greatest misfortune, by incurring the general displeasure of the army, and instead of making him more respectable it often renders him truly contemptible.
To confine the line of promotion to the respective States independant of one another, destroys a necessary cement among the whole, for instead of forming one great Army from the collective force of each, it establishes a number of little petty armies wholly unconnected with each other. The troops being all raised by free States totally independant of each other, it fixes a perfect equality among the commanding Officers, let their nominal rank be what it may. It is easy to concieve how difficult it would be to direct such a force to any given point, where there are so many jarring interests to act in concert; the want of union among the whole and the equality among the commanding Officers of each, will ever prove a great deduction from the force and activity of the Army.
There will not only these evils arise from such an establishment, but others much greater. If the reputation of the Officers is not dependant upon the success of our arms collectively, every Officer will be for

pursuing such measures, as will give him the highest reputation in the State to which he belongs; this will draw us into a local policy too confined for the common interest. The sentiments of honor are so refin’d in an army, and jealousy & envy so prevalent; that there would be great danger of one of the Bodies counteracting another, merely for the sake of disgracing it’s Commander.
That system must be bad, which opens a door for so many evils. Our true policy would be to consider the army but as one body, the wish, end & desire of every Officer the same; then our operations would be like a well organized machine, harmony, method, subordination and order, would be observed thro’ the whole. It is contrary to the genius and spirit of the army, to submit to a command that has been subordinate; and these difficulties increase as characters become more conspicuous.
Regimental officers seldom interfere with one another, but when a person is appointed a General Officer, every contrast becomes obvious.
If the local policy of each State would admit of the Battalion’s being formed upon this progressive and subordinate plan, the army would be the most perfect and harmonious; but as the prejudices of the people are too confined for such a system, the evil can only be corrected, by giving the General Officers a common interest in the operations of the whole: both with respect to their reputation and future promotion. If a General Officer can rise only in the line of his own state, then he has only to make his court to them, without regard to the common interest; and experience shews us that particular interest is often opposed to the general good.
As I have not time to enlarge upon this subject, I shall only add, I would recommend a regimental progressive Rank—to the Field Officers a progressive rank in the line of the State, untill they arrive to the rank of General Officers; and then to rise progresively in a Continental line, the Congress ever reserving to themselves the right of rewarding particular merit.
I can think of but two principles to promote the Colonels to Brigadiers upon, that will be consistent with the gen[i]us and spirit of the Army, and preserve some kind of equality between the States in furnishing General Officers in proportion to the Regiments they send.
The first is that the oldest Colonels throughout the line should be promoted as vacancies happen or as the service requires an increase of Officers: this would be the most military & best calculated to do justice to the claims of individuals, but as the oldest Officers pretentions was founded on accidental circumstances—such as the war’s commencing in some particular part of the Continent, the Superior right of the State, may overbalance the justice of that claim. It appear⟨s⟩ to be the design of Congress in the Articles of Confederation to exercise the exclusive

right of appointing General Officers, without regarding the proportion, farther than is found consistent with the public interest, or the just claims of individuals.
The second principle which I would propose is to make a roster of all the States, & let them have appointments in the same proportion, as the States furnish Regiments.
The many disagreeable disputes that have arisen this campain between the Staff of the Army, & the Officers of the line; upon the prostitution of rank, so lavishly bestowed upon the Staff, points out the necessity of some alteration.
Rank looses it’s consequence in the Army like all other marks of distinction in civil life, when it is made too common. It is an extraordinary mark of respect in a military institution, given as an earnest to the Officers, to fortify them to face the dangers of their profession—when this badge of distinction is granted in common to the civil with the military line of the army, it looses it’s value and importance in the estimation of the latter—besides it is looked upon as an infringement of the Staff upon the honors of the line, which they want to share without being subject to the dangers of the field, the only proper price to be paid for the title.
Both departments are injured from such a prostitution of rank the Staff get above the duties of their station, and the Officers in the fighting department, begin to despise titles that can be purchased at so easy a rate. The present establishment must excite endless jealousies between the two departments the one for assuming, the other because their rights are invaded, which must ever prove a great hindrance to business and even those of the Staff, that do not presume upon their rank often feel the resentment of the fighting department; because the disgust is not only against individuals, but against the institution itself.
It must be inconsistant with every principle of good policy to degrade rank—by doing it you destroy one of the strongest motives to enterprize that can be held up to excite Ambition, in addition to this, you sap the very foundation of military honors and rob the public of that advantage which might result from a judicious distribution of them. We see in many instances men are fonder of honors than pecuniary rewards; and public oeconomy as well as the State of our funds, suggest the necessity of cultivating this disposition.
I cannot see rank in any respect necessary to the execution of the duties of the Staff department. I would not allow it to any but those that hold it in the line, unless it is the present Aid de Camps, who cannot be discharged, without injustice to many deserving characters.
The principle part of the Staff may be taken from the line that is necessary to be with the army, but to hold no rank but what they hold in the line; I would have one Brigade Commissary—one Brigade Quarter

Master, & one Brigade Forage Master, and no more. The Quarter Master General should be with the Army, and employ contractors to procure all kinds of materials for the use of it.
The numerous Staff that is now in employ, the complicated manner in which the business is executed and the impositions that are practiced upon the public, are grown into national greviences; and demand some immediate redress. Persons in these departments are often men without principle, without honor or honesty; and only improve their power to oppress the Country & defraud the public—Instances of this nature are almost daily complained of.
The Clothier Generals department has been one continual source of disappointment & complaint we have severely felt the fatal effects in the course of this campain; Some thousands of soldiers have been rendered unfit for duty for want of Cloathes, particularly Shoes & Stockings.
I cannot think the evil will be fully remedied untill every State undertakes to cloathe their own troops—greater exertions will be made in this way than any other; the Officers complaints & the Soldiers sufferings, where there are such a numerous connection as subsists between the civil and military departments cannot fail to rouse their attention & animate a proportionable exertion.
A Clothier Genl should still be continued, who should have agents in each State where large quantities of cloathing are to be sold, to purchase for the Continent at large—to supply the defects of any particular State, and to replace any extraordinary loss. Great quantities of cloathing will be wanting for these purposes. If there are regimental pay masters allowed, they should also have it in charge, under the direction of the commanding Officers of the Regiment, to provide such necessaries as it may have occasion for.
The mode of recruiting the Army I have given my opinion upon so fully upon a former occasion, that it’s almost unnecessary to add any thing here: but as the present plan may lay a foundation not only for the next Campain but for the whole war, and perhaps serve as a precedent for future generations, it becomes an object of great importance. If the several States can bring the Militia to a draft, there will never be any danger of the want of men—there will be a great saving of money & there will be no necessity for such a large number of standing forces; because, when men are to be raised by voluntary inlistments, the difficulty of recruiting always increases as our dangers & distresses multiply.
I can see no reasonable objection to drafting; it is perfectly consistant with the strictest principles of liberty, where all are put upon the same footing, & every body must allow that Society has a claim to the personal services of every individual, & when the security of the State requires it, the legislatures must have a right to tax accordingly.

I think it probable that some of the States, will be able to fill their Regiments by Voluntary inlistments, but as this is uncertain, and as it is incompetent to the emergencies of a precarious war; I could wish to see the principle of drafting established, if it was only for the sake of fixing a precedent for the future. The States may either draft for one or three years, just as the powers of Government are found to be adaquate.


Title: General Orders, 1 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters [Valley Forge] Sunday February 1st 1778.
RockinghamRichmond Rutland—

The Brigade Quarter-Masters are to call on the Assistt Quarter Master General at the Adjt Genl’s Office tomorrow morning at ten oClock for their proportion of 320 camp kettles.

In Congress June 10th 1777.

Resolved, That the Commissaries General of Purchases & Issues and their respective deputies for neglect of duty or other offences in their respective offices shall be subject to military Arrest and trial by Order of the Commander in Chief or any General Officer commanding a Division of the Army, Post or Department where such neglect of duty or offence may happen; & the respective Assistants of the Deputy Commissaries General of Purchases & Issues shall for the same causes be liable to military arrest as Commissioned Officers in the Army, by any General Officer or any Officer commanding a detach’d post to which such Assistants may be assign’d.

The General directs that due attention be paid to the foregoing resolve.
The General Court Martial whereof Coll Clark is President is dissolved.


Title: From George Washington to Colonel Israel Angell, 1 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Angell, Israel

Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st Feby 1778.

I am favoured with yours of yesterday. As it is my wish to cut off the intercourse with Phila. as effectually as possible, I desire that no passes

may be granted by you to any persons upon any pretence whatsoever; and that you will do all in your power to apprehend those who attempt to go into the City with marketting. There is no way so likely to put a total stop to this practice as making an Example of some notorious offender: If therefore you can hear of any person who has made a practice of going to Philadelphia with provisions or horses I would wish you to take pains to have him apprehended. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Serv.

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Theodorick Bland, 1 February 1778
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Sr
Farmindell [N.J.] Feby 1st 1778

As My Regt was destitute of a Paymaster when I quitted Camp, from the Resignation of Mr Joseph Egglestone who Resigned with Yr Excellencys Permission, I have taken the Liberty, to propose Mr Duncan Rose, who is now on his way to Camp & has promised me that he will make what haste he can to arrive there soon, to fill that post; he is a Gentn whose firm attachment to the American Interest, whose abilities & integrity have been long known to me, & are so generally known in this Country, that I shd think it almost needless to mention them to yr Excy, were I certain that he was personally known to you. Col: Mead & many others of the Principal Officers from this state are well acquainted with him & I doubt not can give yr Excy such an account of him as will render him an Eligible person to supply the Vacancy to which he is now recommended by Yr most obedt Svt

Theok Bland


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 1 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

Dear Sir,
Valley-forge Feby 1st 1778

I will just write you a few lines in acknowledgment of your Letter of the 14th Ulto; which was detaind by the Posts not being able to cross Susquehanna, till the Evening before last. I congratualte you upon the birth of another daughter, & Nelly’s good health; & heartily wish the last may continue, & the other be a blessing to you.
The money received for your Land was, I think, well applied, unless you could have laid it out for other Lands, more convenient—which method I should have preferrd, as Land is the most Permanent Estate we can hold, & most likely to increase in its value. Your Mamma is not yet arrived, but if she left Mount Vernon on the 26th Ulto as intended, may, I think, be expected every hour—Mead set of yesterday (so soon as I got notice of her intention) to meet her. We are in a dreary kind of place, and uncomfortably provided—for other matters, I shall refer you to the bearer, Colo. Fitzgerald, who can give you the occurrances of the Camp &ca better than can be related in a Letter. My best wishes attend Nelly & the little ones⟨, &⟩ with sincere regard I am & shall ever remain Dr Sir Yr Most Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Major John Jameson, 1 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Jameson, John

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 1st Feby 1778

The quantity of provision, Flour especially, that is carried into Philada is by all accounts so great that the British Army is well supplied with almost every Article. The Committee of Congress now here having expressed a desire that this pernicious intercourse may be cut off as effectually as possible, I know of no other way to prevent the supply of Flour but disabling the Mills as we have not Guards sufficient to stop all the roads. You are therefore in concert with Genl Lacey to fix upon a certain time and attempt to disable all the Mills upon Pennepack, Frankfort and Wissahicken Creeks, beginning Morrises at Frankfort, Vanderens on Wissahicken and Lewis’s at Pennepack and proceed as far as the people usually come out for Flour. As it will be impossible for you to remove the stones, I am advised to take off the spindles and saw off the spikes of the water wheels This you will therefore do as soon as possible, the whole must be began upon the same time, that you may have proceeded some distance before the enemy can get notice. You must be fully sensible of the necessity of secrecy, and therefore none should be intrusted but the Officers who are to execute the Business, and those should be such who have no connections in the part of the Country where the Mills are. Nothing will convince the Markett people that we are in earnest till an example is made of one of them, and I therefore desire you will use your endeavours to apprehend some notorious offender against whom there will be proof and send him here for Trial, seize all the provision and the horses & Carriages drove by women & Boys, many of whom are employed as they think indulgence will be allowed on Account of Sex and Age. I am Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Colonel Henry Beekman Livingston, 1 February 1778
From: Livingston, Henry Beekman
To: Washington, George

Sir
May it please Your Excellency
Camp Valley Forge 1st Febr. 1778

The Enclosed I send you at the Request of Captain Samuel Sacket, and Captain Timothy Hughs of Colonel James Livingston’s Regiment and as I have no Reasonable Objection against the proposed Exchange, have refered them to Your Excellency, Only Observeing, that if it meets with Your Approbation and Colonel James Livingston is perfectly Satisfied with these proposals which I Shall Acquaint him with, when Captain Hughs returns to Albany: That I would wish Captain Hughs and his Volunteers to Arrive here before Captain Sacket and his Men Depart for Albany. I Am Sir with the Greatest Respect Your Excellencies Most Obt Humble Servt

Henry B: Livingston


Title: To George Washington from George Slaughter, 1 February 1778
From: Slaughter, George
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Febuary 1st 1778

The abrupt manner in which you was pleased to refuse me leave of absence: the difficulties and hardships that an American Officer inevitably labours under; the ridicule, that I shall probably incur from the unthinking, for my apparent mutability of temper, would I Apprehend, deter the generality of mankind from an Application Similar to this: but the attachment I have to your Excellency, for the faithfull discharge of the important trust you hold, & the Ardent desire that posseses me of Supporting the Just claims of my Country, Urges me on with an irresistible

impulse to ask for the post, that I resigned, perhaps rather rashly—I hope however, your Excellency will not think so, when I inform you that domestick calamities was the only cause; The misfortune of haveing my house burnt, & my family daily threatened with the small pox, which had got it before I reached Virginia—made my presence at home absolutely necessary. I should have mentioned The above particulars to your Excellency, had not the hasty manner in which you was pleased to answer me rendered it impracticable—had the post I possesed, been a lucrative or an easy one, I would sooner have lost my right hand, than have been mean enough to petition for a reinstation; but your Excellency must know that money cannot be saved by a Commissioned officer in the American service, and pleasure seldom to be met with unless it arise from the reflection of discharging our duty as good and faithfull soldiers—if my reenstation can take place with propriety, it will afford me great satisfaction; if not, I hope I can Acquiesce without murmuring, and serve my country to the utmost of my power in a civil Capacity—I have the Honour To be your Excellencys, Most Obedient Hble Sert

George Slaughter


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Bond, 2 February 1778 [letter not found]
From: Bond, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Bond, Jr., 2 Feb. 1778. On 3 Feb., GW wrote Bond: “In answer to your letter of yesterday.”


Title: General Orders, 3 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarters V. Forge Tuesday Feby 3rd 1778.
TiconderogaToledo. Taunton.

A report having circulated that Mr Jones, Deputy Commissary General of Issues had granted a pass to a woman to carry thirty pounds of

butter into Philadelphia; The matter was fully inquired into and appears to be without foundation.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Bond, Jr., 3 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Bond, Thomas Jr.

Dr Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge 3d Feby 1778

In answer to your letter of yesterday I am sorry to inform you that however willing to oblige your father and yourself, I do not think I can with propriety comply with your request. I cannot suppose your father would mean to make the least ill-use of the privilege he wishes for; but every indulgence of this kind becomes a precedent for others, and you will easily be sensible that it must be inexpedient, to admit any person to a free intercourse with the country, who is actually in the power of the enemy. It is necessary all communication should be intercepted between the Country and City, which I am endeavouring to effect. I am Dr Sir

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elias Boudinot, 3 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Boudinot, Elias

Dear Sir,
Head Quarters Valley Forge 3d Feby 1778

A Letter from Congress will accompany this containing two resolutions relative to prisoners. You will perceive by them that Congress go upon the presumption of our furnishing our prisoners in the Enemy’s hands wholly and intirely with provisions. Their fixing no rule for liquidating and accounting for the rations heretofore supplied by the Enemy, is a proof that they do not intend them to continue, but expect our prisoners will hereafter be altogether victualled by ourselves. This is a matter it will be necessary to attend care fully to—both that a competent supply be immediately ready for the purpose, and that there be no deficiency in future—otherwise the consequences may be dreadful, for the past conduct of the enemy gives too much reason to apprehend, they would not be very apt to releive want, which we had undertaken wholly to administer to. I am with regard Dear Sir Your most Obedt servant

Go: W——n


Title: From George Washington to Henry Laurens, 3 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Laurens, Henry

Sir
Valley Forge February 3d 1778

On the  Ulto I had the honor to receive your Favor of the 27th with the Copies alluded to. As the proceedings of Congress in this instance seem to imply, that our Unfortunate people in the hands of the Enemy are to be victualled by us, I have only to wish that the Supplies may be constant & plentiful. I have transmitted your Letter to Mr Boudinot who is out of Camp, and have requested his most pointed attention to this business. I have also written to Genl Howe upon the occasion and inclosed him One of the Copies. In my next I shall take the liberty of transmitting you a Copy of my Letter to him on this head, and of some Others which have lately passed between us. I have the Honor to be with great respect Sir Your Most Obedt servt

Go: Washington

P.S. I wish a Supply of money to be sent as soon as possible—Our distresses for want of it are not easily to be described—What Mr Palfrey brought with him was not sufficient to pay the Troops for Novemr by 250 or 300,000 Dollars. The demands were immense, most of the Eastern Troops having had four or five months pay due ’em & some more. The army now in general has three months pay in arrear exclusive of the months Extra pay, and besides this the Quarter master is pressing for large drafts for the purposes of his Department, tho he has received a proportion of the money which came with Mr Palfrey.


Title: To George Washington from Ephraim Blaine, 4 February 1778
From: Blaine, Ephraim
To: Washington, George

Camp Valley Forge Feby 4th 1778

A Few Queries for the Consideration of His Excellency General Washington, & the Honorable the Committee of Congress now sitting at Moore Hall.
1st  As this is the Season for procuring the Stall’d Beef, and a time we shall be Necessiated to Issue Pork, would allowing the Soldiery 1½ lb. Bread or Flour & ¾ lb. Beef or Pork be a sufficient ration untill there is an appearence of a more Plentiful supply of the Article of Meet.
2nd  Could not some Method be imediately taken to induce the Farmers to put up one or more of their Grown Cattle to feed which might be in good order for Beef by the Month of April & May to deliver for the use of the Army.
An address from His Excellency to the People for that Purpose might be of great service.
I will undertake to Circulate them through my district, and make not the least doubt it will produce near three or four Thousand Head of Good Cattle.
3rd  There are a Number of Cattle along the Beaches near Cape May, & Little Egg Harbour in Jersey. are they in danger of the Enemy? would it not be prudent to have them Collected without delay & places prepard to have them fed for Beef.
4th  What ought to be given for Barrel’d Pork seized from People near the Salt Works—the Value those People hold upon their Salt, and was obliged to give will advance it far above what I can think of Giving—Underneath is an Estimate I have made.

            220 lb. Pork @ £5 ⅌ct
            £11. 0.0

            ½ Bushel Salt @ 20 Drs
            3.15.

            Barrel
            .15.

            £15.10.0

5thly  Should not some Method be taken to secure a Large Quantity of Whiskey—the People pay no regard to the Law pass’d by the Assembly of this State for regulating the prices. and no Spirited Measures are persued by the Executive Authority to put those Laws into execution—ought not large Quantities of Whiskey to be purchased for the ensuing Campaign.

6thly  Ought not some Method be taken to secure all the Beef Cattle in North Carolina & the back parts of Virginia for the Army & Stop Forestallers from Buying any, those persons have been a great injury to the publick, and have greatly added to the extravagant prices of every article wanted for the Army.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Henry Knox, 4 February 1778
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Boston February 4th 1778.

I wrote to your Excellency from Springfield concerning the Cannon which were sent from Albany to Farmington in Connecticut, and that I had determin’d to wait your further directions about them, as I suppos’d Genl Gates must have had some particular object in view by ordering them to that place. The greater part of the Cannon that arriv’d at Portsmouth have been brought to this Town by Water, to save the expence of land carriage, and which with 17 others that arriv’d in Town, will be sent off to Springfield immediately. The Mortars are not yet arriv’d but are hourly expected.
There are great quantities of lead and other Military Stores, absolutely necesary for next Campaign, in this and the other neighbouring Sea Ports, but the prices are so extravagantly high that I am almost afraid to order them to be purchas’d, especially as I have not yet receiv’d the directions of the board of War for which your Excellency desir’d me to write to them.
Money in all the Public departments here is excesively scarce insomuch that public Bussiness is at a stand for want of it, and it is not to be borrow’d, as the Merchants and monied people declare they have not half enough for a medium of trade.
The Agent for Cloathing Mr Otis asserted to me that if he was properly supported with Money he should be able to purchase Cloathing sufficient for 30,000 men by the first day of next month; and from the exertions he has made I have not the least doubt of his performing it—He has sent on 7000 suits & is making up 5000 more. Goods of every kind are here in great plenty, but very high priced—the people say they are falling every hour, and have fell 40 ⅌Ct within this month past; if so they must have been nearly infinite, as imported articles are now six times as much as they were formerly. Nothing but heavy taxes will reduce the prices and enable the Continent to carry on the War.
The Legislature here appear to be fully sensible of the importance of filling up their quota of the Army, but fear the people will not bear the propos’d mode of drafting. This is a debilitated way of thinking, and I have no doubt were Congress to press the matter and leave no alternative, that your Excellency would in April find yourself at the head of a powerful body of forces fully equal to all exigencies.
Should the Continental Army not be fill’d up so as to enable you to act with Vigor and decision I deprecate the consequences. New England would upon an emergency turn out Ten or twelve thousand men to assist the Continental Army: this indeed is their passion, it is what they ardently wish. I assert this from the information which I have

receiv’d from all classes of people. Were these to be employ’d agreable to a hint of your Excellency’s and a proposal which I had the honor of making, I have not the least doubt of the event being glorious—In every point of view in which I have been able to place the proposition the conclusion has been favorable for the attempt.
I expect soon to receive directions from the Board of War respecting the Stores, but should they not arrive in time I shall endeavor to make such provision as the next Campaign may demand, & hope the exigencies of the Service will justify my conduct. I am in hopes to have every thing in such readiness as to be able to sett off for Camp the beginning of next Month. I am with the utmost respect & attachment Your Excellency’s most Obedient Humble Servant

H. Knox B.G. Artillery


Title: From George Washington to William Livingston, 4 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, William

Sir
Head Quarters Valley Forge 4th Feby 1778

Brig. Genl Count Pulaski informs me that there are three Troops of Jersey Horse who would enter into the Continental Service for a short time if they could obtain your Excellency’s consent—They will be a very great releif to our Horse if they can be spared and will answer another very valuable purpose. We find that our common Dragoons are not proof agt the Bribes offered to them by the people who constantly are carrying provision to the City of Philada, so that instead of cutting off the intercourse they encourage it by suffering many to pass who pay them for it—If it is agreeable to you that the Horse abovementioned should be taken into the service be pleased to signify it to me by a line. I have the Honor to be with Respect Yr Excellency’s most obt Ser.


Title: From George Washington to Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 4 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To: Pulaski, Casimir

Sir
Head Quarters [Valley Forge] 4th Feby 1778.

I have received your two Letters of 29th and 31st of last month; the forming any considerable Deposit of Forage at Trenton, while you have so small a Force to protect it does not appear to me advisable, as the Enemy may with the greatest facility destroy it.

My approbation of Capt. Craigs appointment was signified in my last Letter; I cannot at any rate consent to your giving Mr Zelienski the Commission of first Lieutenant; his Character has not yet been cleared from a charge of a very serious nature brought against him by Colonel Moylen, and this circumstance apart, which is of itself a sufficient reason for at least suspending his appointment—there may be a concurrence between him and other Officers who may have better pretensions. a Court Martial ought immediately to be held for the Trial of this Gentleman in pursuance of the order given long since—I am not at liberty to take notice of any exparte relation in affairs of this nature, whatever evidence you may have in favor of Mr Zelienski will properly come before the Court, and when I am furnished with their proceedings I shall be able to judge of the matter.
The Committee have now under consideration, the means of recruiting and remounting the Cavalry, their determination will be transmitted for your government, as soon as it is made.
You will be pleased to transmit me an exact Return of the Cavalry immediately—and hereafter to continue to make accurate weekly Returns—I am desirous of submitting your Pattern Saddle to the inspection of the Committee, you will therefore send it to Camp without delay.
As Mr Worsham is so well recommended by the Officers of his Regiment, I have no objection to his filling one of the vacancies in it. I am Sir &c.

P.S. Inclosed is a Letter to Governor Livingston relative to the three Troops of Jersey horse.
The bearer will deliver one thousand Flints for the ⟨use of the Cavalry⟩.


Title: To George Washington from Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski, 4 February 1778
From: Pulaski, Casimir
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton [N.J.] 4 Febry 1778

I join the letter from et prisoner, It wil determined mi answer. The Cavalry is Placed according to Instruction from Colonel Bidel. I remain hier with the detachement of Lenceurs. I mean If Your Excely approved of to March toward Borlington in this time. Our Magazin wil be form sufficient for to furnish the Whole Cavalry fifteen Days by Soch Time we shal biguin the Gnrl Exercise I Report further, that in Eastown thi Meirchents & treats Men ar not wiling to deliver thi Necessaris wanting for want of Money. I hope Your Excely wil order to Satisfye them If I recollect the first letters I wrote, particularly the Article of the Horses end about the Commission for Colonel Kowacz with Authoryty to Comend a detachement as a Colonel hi wil bi of more Sarvices in on Attak as in other Duty I have thi honor to bi with respect Your Excellencies most obedient and humble Sarvent

C. Pulaski Gn. of Cavalry

Pray Excuse mi If I have wrote false it being the first ⟨word⟩ of my Inglish.


Title: General Orders, 5 February 1778
From: Washington, George
To:

Head-Quarter’s V. Forge Thirsday Feby 5th 1778.
VandaliaVermont Vidona.

In Congress June 10th
Resolved, That for the future the Quarter Master or other Person drawing provision for any Regiment Corps or Detachment shall on the last day of every month make out an abstract of the number of retain’d rations due to each officer respectively and also the number of each part of a ration due to each regiment corps or detachment and deliver the same to the respective issuing Commissary who shall compare it with his books and finding it right shall certify thereon that the several charges in the abstract are just & that such a sum as he shall find to be due should be paid to the respective Pay-Masters of the Regiment Corps or Detachment who shall annex the said abstract to the Pay-Roll, that the Pay-Master or Deputy-Pay-Master General of the district may pay and he is hereby required to pay such ration abstract to the Regimental Pay-Master who is directed to pay the respective officers and soldiers and take their receipts; and when any regiment Corps or detachment or Issuing Commissary is ordered to leave a Post before the

end of a month, the ration abstracts shall be made up to the time of his or their leaving their post and certified by the Commissary as aforesaid.
It is expected that due attention will be paid to the aforegoing resolve and no abstracts for retain’d rations or back allowance to be received or deemed valid unless certified as specified therein.


Title: To George Washington from Major General John Armstrong, 5 February 1778
From: Armstrong, John
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Carlisle [Pa.] 5th Feby 1778

My unacquaintance at coming to this place, with the Complexion of Congress & exertions of that body for the approaching Campaign has prevented me the pleasure of writing you sooner; and the little I yet know far short as it must be of your better intelligence, can only serve as a farther expression of that line of duty I have long determined to pursue.
My apprehensions are Still painful with respect to the Strength of your Army, the true means of augmenting it, & the dangers of delay, as well in regard to Congress as the primomobile, as to the inactivity of the several States—If the conjecture is just what must occasion the defect—the want of an early attention to Capital points, a degree of lethargy, or delusion? I have not used this last phrase from any disrespect, not doubting their Political Virtue, but from hearing even lately that particular members of Congress have Said their Army was large enough, making mention of numbers nearly the double of what I have ever known to be the fact & qouting your returns as their Authority. Troops unfit for Service or necessarily dispersed are little better than paper Soldiers & distinct from the effective body necessary in the field. The Quotas of the respective States whatever that may be, ought to be filled up by drafts from the militia perhaps for one year only—but the States too, are infected with some incidental or political disease, not to be rem[ed]ied by a formal resolve & recommendation almost forgotten. An habitual dependance on Militia, is in our Circumstances an improper mean as well in the political as the martial point of view—States remote from the Scene of action cannot well or at least will not contribute an equal proportion with other States who from their proximity must be greater Sufferers & inevitably sustain a more complicated loss—Pennsylvania ought now most ardently to wish the Strength of the Continental Army & Sparing of her Militia; two Armies the One living & the Other preying upon her vitals—Her tilage, and manufactures greatly Obstructed, Her Navigation entirely precluded, whilst

devastation not only threatens her Northwestern frontiers but has actually made it’s progress—Soon therefore without some particular interpossition of Providence must this State be exhausted & famine Succeed or become a contemporary of the Sword.
The principal Objects of the Canada Expedition I can not pretend fully to know, but confess I have no great opinion of making experiments, when One thing is needful on the essential business plain, the great Objects of both Armies being now drawn into narrow bounds and the principal work of both so plainly marked out, that he who runs may read. A descent upon Canada must divide our Strength, but will not in my Opinion that of General Howe, and if even Successful the effects wou’d appear to be but Shortlived unless they shou’d be followed up & maintained in a way at present not easy to conceive, nor can the early publication of this enterprize favour the designe—however, out of the eater sometimes cometh meat. There is also somewhat said of a different Expedition or rather a body of Observation to be form’d in Connecticut near the Sound distinct as I apprehend from that at Peeks-Kill, to be Commanded by an Officer of high rank in yr Army & now with you—On this permit me only to Say, that shou’d such a measure be found necessary, the appointment of the Officer to Command wou’d most naturally come from you—Stratagem and device are good things when well judged, but the doctrine of so much distribution & so little contribution is not easily digested—had the Efforts of Congress & the Several States been vigorously exerted for Some time past in filling up their Regiments, Such measures had been more consistant.
On Suppossition that the number of Continental Regiments shou’d be Lessened, what is to be done with the Extra-Officers, disbanding at this time being very disagreeable—If a proposal of keeping them in full pay up to their respective ranks for the ensuing Campaign were cordially made them, on condition of their forming themselves into a body of Volunteers with some pleasing Name, to act as light troops or any way you shall think proper: this if their numbers are worth attending to is the best mode of conciliating that I can think of, as well as to derive the greatest good that may be expected from them.
I intend in a few days to go Over to York where I shou’d be glad to See Genl Reed but Scarcely expect him So Soon, and from thence may probably write you next. Genl Potters discipline when in Chester County perhaps in some instances Carried too high, and a principal part of it rather unfortunate in point of time, just as the men were discharged, has made a disagreeable clamour, this with a few other incidents, and a crude reflexion thrown out by some Gentn from Camp in a well wrote but imprudent letter, has given more disgust to the Militia West of the Sasquehanah than I knew any thing of until I got to the River—but time & farther experience will I hope wear of the prejudice as the

offended and their friends are chiefly Whigs. I have the honr to be Yr Excellencys Most Obedt humbl. Servant

John Armstrong

P:S: Suppose Such Officers as may be reduced were kept on half pay with a promise of Supplying the vacancies that may happen—but such a promise if general, I see wou’d be attended with inconvenience—perhaps some of them attentive to business might be agreeably employed in Some office in the Staff &c.

J.A.