Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 22 December 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Head quarters, Highlands December 22d 1781.

                        I was lately informed, that a part of colonel Willett’s regiment had been inlisted by the state of New York
                            for the term of three years upon the footing of a state regiment; upon which I wrote governor Clinton for information. I
                            take the liberty to inclose his answer, and request your Excellency’s opinion and direction, apprehending you have some
                            knowledge of the intentions of the state and of Congress respecting the raising, subsisting, clothing and paying this
                            corps. The instructions from the war-office confines the distribution of clothing to the continental line of the army.
                        I have the honor to forward returns of the regiments present, as directed by your excellency’s letter of the
                            8th instant. The returns of the invalid regiment, colonel Sheldon’s, the two New Hampshire regiments, and those belonging
                            to New York and New Jersey shall be forwarded as soon as they come to hand.
                        A general distribution of clothing is taking place here. By the instructions of the secretary at war to the
                            clothier-general the british dyed clothing is to be delivered to the New Hampshire regiments, and to such other corps as
                            your Excellency or I may direct. Not knowing but you have determined on the distribution of the remainder of this
                            clothing, (british dyed,) and some doubts arrising here respecting it, induces me to address you for some directions. After
                            the New Hampshire paymasters have received for their regiments, there will remain of the brown clothing a sufficiency for
                            about five regiments. If this is given to the five Connecticut regiments, they object that it is not the uniform of their
                            line, nor is the clothing so good in their opinion as what will be made up. If it is assigned to the Massachusetts line
                            they make the same objections, wth this in addition, that if a reform of the army is to take place, when the regiments become
                            incorporated, the uniform of the whole will be destroyed. If two regiments of the Connecticut line of the brigade to which
                            colonel Olney’s regiment belongs receive the brown clothing, and the five regiments of the state are incorporated into a
                            less number, the uniformity is destroyed in that line. If the two New York regiments and the two of New Jersey and the 10th
                            Massachusetts regiment, which last is at present brigaded with the New Hampshire line, should receive the brown clothing,
                            uniformity will be preserved, except the 10th Massachusetts regiment should be hereafter incorporated into the other
                            regiments of its state, should there be a new reform. In case I should order a distribution conformable to this last
                            proposition, the states of New York and New Jersey will naturally suppose that I have make such a decision to favor the
                            troops of Massachusetts. I therefore pray that your Excellency or the Secretary at war would decide on the matter. No time
                            will be lost in case your Excellency should think it convenient to determine the matter shortly; as it is thought
                            expedient first to issue the blankets, shirts, shoes, hose, overalls, &c. which will take up some days.
                        The army has suffered exceedingly for bread, clothing, forage, &c., but the time is nearly arrived
                            when I hope they will be relieved from all their wants. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your Excellency’s
                            Most obedient servant,

                            W. Heath

                     Enclosure

                                Extract of a letter from Governor Clinton to M. Genl Heath,"Sirdated Poughkeepsie December 12. 1781.

                            “I was favored with yours of the 7th yesterday—Colonel Willett some time ago informed me that there were
                                a considerable number of men recruited for three years, but as they were chiefly from the nine months levies, their
                                clothing was worn out, and they could be of little service unless supplied. I directed him to appoint a suitable
                                number of officers to take charge of, and to make such dispositions of them as in their present situation should
                                appear most conducive to the public service; and promised him at the same time to write to you on the subject. I have
                                as yet received no regular return of them; though I am sensible that the corps is not nearly completed; but it would
                                be a public loss to discharge the few that are engaged, which unless they can speedily be supplied with clothing, must
                                be the case—I would only observe that these troops being subject to the command of the commander in chief, Congress
                                engaged to pay, clothe, and subsist them, and the state has made no provision for the purpose."


Title: To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 December 1781
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

                            Alliance off Boston December 23d 1781

                        We are Going to Sail, My dear friend, and the last Account I Hear from the shore, the first one I Am to Give
                            in Europe is a New success of General Grene—fort Anne and 300 men taken, the Ennemy litteraly
                            Reduced to Charlestown and Savahna Will Make a pretty Paragraph in the French Gazette—I Will Make it My Business to Work
                            about the Thing You Must Naturally Wish—God Grant I May Have Soon the pleasure to Serve Under Your orders and Render you
                            the little Services that a friendly Heart Can offer to A Respected Commander—As the time of My Stay in france is not
                            limited, I Wish you May Have sent Burnet—My Best Compliments Waït on the Gentlemen of Yr family, St Clair, Lee, and my
                            other friends—Congress Have Been pleased to Approve of the Conduct of the troops I Had the Honor to Command—Which
                            testimonies the General promised He would forward to our Brave Pennsylvanians—Adieu, My dear General, Most Respectfully
                            and affectionately Your friend

                            Lafayette


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 23 December 1781
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philada Decr 23d 1781

                        At a meeting with the British Naval Commissary of Prisoners at Elizabeth Town for the settlement of our
                            Accounts on the 18th and 19th inst. I find a Ballance due to the enemy of Six hundred and ninety Eight prisoners in the
                            Naval Line. From the large ballance that is due and the inconsiderable Number of prisoners we now have it is impossible
                            for me to relieve those on board the Prison Ship at New York amounting to near 500 Men and whose situation is really
                            Miserable.
                        I could wish to receive some directions from Your Excellency relative to these unhappy Men, or that I might be
                            Authorized and enabled to furnish them with some Assistance, as many of them are almost naked and have not a blanket to
                            lay on. I am sr Your Mo. Obt Hume servt

                            Abm Skinner
                            Com: Gen. Prisoners


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 23 December 1781
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philada Decr 23d 1781

                        In Obedience to Your Excellencys Commands Signified the 5th instt, I have been to Elizabeth Town and had an
                            interview with the British Commissary-- I proposed to him, (and endeavoured to effect) the Exchange of such of our Officers
                            as remain unreleased for part of the British and Foreign, lately taken at York in Virginia; but the detention of Lord
                            Cornwallis whose Exchange I am not Authorized to enter into, prevented my compleating Your Excellency’s design.
                        I endeavoured to wave the Release of His Lordship for the present, but as Mr Loring had no Authority to enter
                            into the Business without my consenting to Exchange Lord Cornwallis, an end was put, to our Negociations. I have the honor
                            to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s Mo. Obt Servt

                            Abm Skinner
                            Comy Genl Prisr


Title: From George Washington to George Campbell, 24 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Campbell, George

                            Sir
                            Philada 24th Decemr 1781.

                        I accept with singular pleasure the Ensign of so worthy a Fraternity as that of the Friendly sons of St
                            Patrick in this City: a society distinguished for the firm adherence of its members to the glorious Cause in which we are
                            embarked.
                        Give me leave to assure you, Sir, that I shall never cast my Eyes upon the Badge with which I am honored, but
                            with a grateful remembrance of the polite and affectionate manner in which it was presented. I am with Respect and Esteem
                            Sir Yr most obt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Carroll, 24 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Carroll, Daniel

                            Sir
                            Philada 24th Decemr 1781.

                        In obedience to the Resolve of Congress of the 20th Inst. I had taken up my pen to make a representation to
                            Sir Henry Clinton upon the subject of the instructions of the Legislature of New Jersey to their Delegates—But the more I
                            have resolved this matter and considered the unjustifiable conduct of our own people, sometimes acting under the authority
                            of individual States and other times by no authority at all, the more I am at a loss as to ground my complaint that it may
                            not be retorted upon ourselves—In this I am confirmed by a conversation with the Commy General of prisoners who returned
                            last night from Elizabeth Town.
                        I therefore think it essential before I write to Sir Henry Clinton, that I should have another meeting with
                            the committee, at which the Jersey Delegates and the Commy of Prisoners should be present. I will do myself the honor to
                            attend at any time which you may please to appoint. I have the honor to be Sir Yr most obt and hble Servt.


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 24 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia Decr 24th 1781

                        I do myself the honor to inclose Your Excellency the report of the Commissary General of Prisoners who has
                            just returned from Elizabeth Town—As it contains a refusal on the part of the Enemy to proceed in the exchange of
                            Officers except Lord Cornwallis is included, I must request the further instructions of Congress upon the subject. I have
                            the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellencys most Obt Humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 24 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir
                            Philadelphia Decr 24th 1781

                        I have received your favors of the 12th and 18th Instants—Doctor Cochran is of opinion that the season is
                            favorable for the innoculation of all those who have not had the small pox. The new Contractors have agreed to furnish
                            Stores necessary for the Patients, and the moment things are in readiness, you will be pleased to have the work begun.
                        The Cloathing for the Rhode Island Regiment which had been prepared last Summer by the State, has been
                            ordered down here; Should it not have left the North River, the Subalterns party may take it in charge. If it should have
                            come forward, the party must nevertheless join the Regiment.
                        It is not now material whether the returns called for in mine of the 8th are transmitted, as others, of a
                            particular discription, have been required by Congress, and the Adjutant General has furnished his Deputy with you and the
                            Commanding Officers of the York and Jersey Lines with forms for their Goverment in making them out.
                        You will be pleased to inform me what Officer of the New Hamshire Line will take the command upon General
                            Starks retiring for the winter—If he should not be fully competent to the purpose, another must be sent up.
                        I am glad to hear you are so well supplied with provisions and I hope the Troops are by this time getting on
                            some of their new Cloathing—I may on these accounts venture to hope that you will spend a happy and merry Christmas—a
                            thing that has not happened for some years past. I am with much esteem Your Obt Hum. Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 24 December 1781
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Williamsburgh Decr 24th 1781

                        I received this evening your Excellency’s Letter of the 10th instant.
                        The Cartel The New Blessing after having unloaded its cargo at york has already set sail for New york, all
                            the Loadings for that same place, that shall be adressed to me by Mr Ross will have the passports which
                            your Excellency desires.
                        I have Learnt by the common report, that your Excellencys seat has suffered by the fire. We are Likewise
                            plagued with it in this town, where we have no water nor Buckets to put it out tho’ we give all the succours we can, with
                            the greatest promptitude. The Wing of the College where we lodged our wounded officers has begun to be burnt down, we
                            carried away all the sick, and all the furniture, but could only think about hindering the communication of the fire with
                            the main building. Last night, the same accident happened to the Palace in which was the American hospital, all the sick
                            were saved as well as the greatest part of the effects, and we hindered the fire from communicating to the neighbouring
                            houses, to mine specially; it is the  one occupied by your Excellency, it was covered all the
                            night Long with a rain of red hot ashes. We have put all your sick in the Capitol, and to day
                                they have had all which it was possible for us to furnish
                            them with, at Colonel Menzies’s requisition I have  a guard to beset round it to
                            prevent the same accident, and I have caused the precautions to be tripled for the police of the
                            establishment of our hospital at the College.
                        A French seaman who is just now arrived from Wilmington had a pass from the Aid de camp Mr
                            Butler which proves that the americans had retaken possession of that town on the 15th of Last month
                            and that major Craig had evacuated it on the 13th with the British garrison. I am with respect and personal attachment
                            Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant

                            le Cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Skinner, 24 December 1781
From: Skinner, Abraham
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philada Decr 24th 1781

                        In my Letter to your Excellency yesterday, I mentioned the situation that the naval prisoners were in at New
                            York and also my inability to afford them that relief they Stood in need of; In addition to that Letter, I beg leave to
                            inform your Excellency, That those Prisoners are chiefly the Sailors Captured on Board of Vessels belonging to the
                            different Ports of the United States, employed by the individuals of those States, and not in Continental Service.
                        That the many partial Exchanges made by the Several States individually, have frequently deranged my Accounts
                            with the Enemy and prevented my Releasing those Men whom a Seniority of Capture entitled to a preference of Exchange, and
                            consequently has obliged many of them to quit the Prison Ship and enter into the British Navy & Army.
                        That from the 17th Sept. 1780 I have endeavoured to have the whole of the naval prisoners thrown into one
                            Common Stock, and from that I have Released (as far as was in my power) the eldest prisoners in the hands of the Enemy.
                        That from the neglect of the Officers and others who have frequently Captured Prisoners at sea, landed them at
                            insecure places, and permitted their Escapes, I am indebted to the Enemy 698 Men which I am unable to pay and which will
                            always be the case unless some general and extensive plan is Ordered to be pursued, the whole
                            of the naval Exchanges regulated thro one Office, and Individuals effectually prevented from interfering in the Release of a
                            prisoner belonging to any particular State.
                        permit me therefore Sir,to suggest to you the aforegoing facts and to beg I may receive such Instructions
                            relative to the receiving Exchange and supporting the naval Prisoners as your Excellency should think
                            sufficient; I am Sir Your Mo. Obt Hble Servt

                            Abm Skinner
                            Com. Genl Prisr


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Gilpin, 25 December 1781
From: Gilpin, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                        Sir
                            Head of Elk December 25, 1781 Cacil County State of Maryland

                        I am sorrow to truble your Excellency On the Present Unfourtenate Accident-- One of the Inhabitents of this
                            Place hath Been Shot Dead at the Hous Where a Small Partie of Soulders had their Billet-- In Consequence the Coroner hath
                            held a Jury of Inquest of Lawfull Men upon the Body who upon hering the Hole Evidence Returned an their Inquisition that
                            the Person was Murdered and that the same was Commited by a Negro Souder in the Servis of the United States upon which it
                            Becums my Duty as one of the Justics of the Peace for the County aforesaid to Committhe offender to
                            Close Goal for tryal. But find him arrested By Martial Law and under Gaurd and Mager Rudulph & Captain Benson has
                            Doughts whether the ort to Give him up upon which we have Muetally a Greed to Wate your Excellencys further order in the
                            present unhapy affair. Sir I am your Excellencys Most Obedent Humble Servent

                            Josh Gilpin


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 26 December 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General

                            Head quarters, Highlands December 26. 1781.

                        I have been honored with yours of the 15th and shall act conformably.
                        I shall aid colonel Pickering in any measure he may think necessary for the further security of the boats.
                            Repeated and pointed orders have been given for their preservation, and directions sent to have them carefully laid up,
                            before I left Peeks-kill.
                        On the night of the 23d instant captain Williams of the New York levies with twenty-five volunteer horse,
                            made an excursion to Morrisania and took and brought off one captain, one lieutenant and seven men prisoners, without any
                            loss on our side. Captain Pritchard with a detachment of regular troops moved down to cover the retreat of the horse, if
                            necessary, but the enemy did not pursue them. One of the prisoners, a very intelligent man, and who lived nearly opposite
                            to Morrise’s house on York–island, informs me that he was in New York on saturday last, when an embarkation of troops was
                            taking place, part of which he saw embark, that he was informed by captain Depeyster, that general Leslie had written to
                            general Clinton that unless he was reinforced with nine hundred men he could not defend Charlestown—that a greater
                                number than nine hundred were to embark, Depeyster
                             near six thousand—that part of them were destined for Charlestown, others for Georgia and St Augustine—that
                            Robinson’s corps and the New York volunteers were to embark. He also saw them putting dragoon horses on board, and saw
                            several sloops fitted for their reception—They appeared to be bringing down to the wharves large quantities of baggage.
                            He was informed they expected to have the whole on board by the next day (Sunday last.)
                        I have this day had five deserters from Arnolds corps with their horses &c. complete. They were a
                            patrole sent out from a foraging party near Phillips under the command of a corporal who brought them off.
                        On receiving your Excellency’s orders some time since, I directed Mr Pomeroy, deputy quarter master at
                            Hartford, to forward on to this place the thousand barrels of salted provisions which were shipped for the Chesapeak. He
                            soon after wrote me, that those provisions were unloaded and stored at Providence—that it would be extremely difficult if
                                impossible to get them up Connecticut river to any suitable place from whence he could transport
                            them here, and proposed sending them up the sound to Stratford river, and from that place convey them here. I had doubts
                            on my mind as to the safety of this measure, and desired him to consult the governor and council on the best and safest
                            way of transportation. He writes me this evening, that he had consulted governor Trumbull and his council on the subject,
                            that they have given him an answer, that as the provisions have been delivered to the continent, it might be improper for
                            them to give an order, as it might be attended with hazard. And thus the matter remains. Mr Pomeroy writes me, a gentleman
                            is coming on who will offer to exchange a quantity of provisions in this vicinity for a part of that at Providence. This
                            may be a lucky circumstance: but if this should not take place, or only in part, I wish your opinion and direction as to
                            running the hazard at this season of bringing them down the Sound.
                        A company of soldiers raised on the Susquehannah under expectations of remaining in that quarter &
                            since annexed to the Connecticut line, have been constantly complaining of their hard fate. Their case, as I have seen in
                            some of their papers, has been before both your Excellency and Congress. The enclosed were this day handed to me, by which
                            it seems governor Trumbull at least consents to the discharge of several of them. But I am aware that if these are
                            discharged, numbers of others will immediately apply—At the same time the families to which the
                            petitioners belong appear to be in distressed circumstances. I request your Excellencys opinion and direction in the case.
                        The smallpox I fear will spread so much in the army as to compel us to go into inoculation. I have the
                            honor to be With the highest respect Your Excellency’s Most obedient servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Francis Mentges, 26 December 1781
From: Mentges, Francis
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Williamsburg the 26 Decr 1781

                        It is with the greatest mortification I am to acquaint your Excellency of the accident happnd on the Night of
                            the 22 instant, by a fire brocke out at the Palace, where the General Hospital was Keept, and the whole Building was
                            consumed, lukely, the sick & wounded were saved—but One—who perished by the flames—it is generaly thought the fire
                            was laid in to the lower Rooms, where no sick were, by Negroes or disaffected persons—I am now Necesetated to call your
                            Excelle. attention from Busseness of greater moments—& lay before your Execll. the distresses I labour under as
                            superintenting Officer & beg to refer to my letter of the 29 ultimo wherein I mentioned your Execl. the bad
                            Managment and suplys of the Hospitals, caussed by the surgeons—& stuarts, who are only accountable to the Purveyor
                            general of the Hospitals for the Exspendetur of the stores—the Distress now of the sick is much greater since they lost all
                            the trieffle of Cloathing they had and are mostly naked, I received Chex for 130 shirts, but neither money, nor thread to
                            have them made. I therefore begd the Ladies of this place to make them out of Charity, which they
                                Chearfuly did, I beg your Excely to have Cloathing forwarded to enable me to send the Convalesans,
                            to their Regts and the desabled to the invald Corps, likwis will your Exy be pleased to have some Money send On, that the
                            Officers who were left with me, may transport the Convalescens—I transmited a general Return of the
                            Hospitals to the Adjt general specifying the Names and Regts the Men belong to. I have the Honor to be with the highest
                            Esteeme Your Excel. Ob. hb. Servt

                            F. Mentges

                            N.B. at the Hospitals
                            at Williamsburg 113
                             Petersburg 21.
                             Hanover  29.

                             =163. Men


Title: To George Washington from Dr. Thomas Bond, Sr., 27 December 1781
From: Bond, Dr. Thomas, Sr.
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                             December 27. 1781.

                        "The American Philosphical society held at Philadelphia for promoting usefull knowledge" beg leave to welcome
                            Your Excellencys return from your late glorious expedition.
                        Sensible of the influence of civil liberty on the purposes of their institution, they have always conceived
                            their interests as a society to be dependant on the great cause of their country; indebted to former successes of the
                            American arms under Your Excellency’s command for the revival of their labours, they have considered this as one motive
                            among many of affection for your person; the additional security in the pursuits of science derived from the late capture
                            of a British army, forms a considerable part of their joy at that happy event, and will heighten the lustre of Your
                            Excellencys character in the eys of your country, of the world and of posterity.
                        The society embrace this opportunity of joining in the general testimony of gratitude, for the services
                            rendered in the late campaign by the fleet and army of our Great Ally; it is with pleasure they reflect that this tribute
                            is due to a nation who have long excelled in arts, as well as in arms, and with whose literary characters it has been
                            their ambition, from the time of their institution, to cultivate a correspondence.
                        We think ourselves peculiarly happy in this opportunity of assuring Your Excellency, that we not only feel
                            the warmest affection and respect for your private virtues, and public services; but that we consider it as one of the
                            chief honors of our society, that we have Your Excellencys name in the List of our Members. By order of the society.

                            Th. Bond Vice President


Title: To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 27 December 1781
From: Dayton, Elias
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Chatham December 27th 1781

                        Enclosed is an account of their present force in New York and its dependencies, handed to me by a person who
                            I believe is well informed.
                        Unluckily for me, on sunday night a party of militia from second river, crossed over to Bergen and went into
                            a house near the fort where they made prisoners a Capt. Harding and McMichael—the former was paroled, but the latter
                            being known and demanded by one of my officers as a deserter, is now confined in irons at this place as such. He says it
                            will be improper for him to make his escape a second time, as it would only serve to render him suspected on the other
                            side. I have been asked whether he could not be exchanged for Pool, Bruin, Woodruff and Blackledge, all of whom have been
                            very serviceable to us, & are now confined in Irons, in their dungeon as criminals. I pretended to be doubtful,
                            whether a Deserter could be exchanged on any terms; however, the proposal is made by his friends to General Clinton, whose
                            determination upon the subject I expect to hear in two or three days.
                        The 37th, 40th & 42d Regiments with a detachment of nearly 1000 Hessians are embarking for
                            Charlestown, to be convoyed by the Bedford & Prudent—the remainder of their ships are cruising to intercept a
                            McGilliam who is expected in a frigate from Holland with a supply of cash for Congress. I have the Honor to be yr Excelys
                            most obdent Servt

                            Elias Dayton

                     Enclosure

                                    c.27 December 1781

                            Royal Artillery.......................300
                            British Grenadiers....................700
                            22nd Regiment.........................340
                            37th..................................360
                            38th..................................380
                            40th..................................180
                            42nd..................................500
                            54th...................................380
                            57th.................................340

                             3780
                            Barton’s..............................380
                            Bushirk’s.............................270
                            DeLancey’s............................300
                            K.A.D.................................140 Lt Colo: Thomson
                            American Legion.......................180 G. Arnolds
                            Loyal Foresters....................... 70
                            Dets. of different Corps..............300
                            17th Light Dragoons..................250

                             5670
                            Germans including
                            Cavr Jagers &c..................... 6000

                             11670


Title: From George Washington to John Hanson, 27 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, John

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 27th Decr 1781

                        I have been honoured with the Resolve of Congress of the 20th Inst., directing me to make Inquiry into the
                            powers and conduct of the Board of Directors to the Associated Loyalists in New York. I shall pursue such steps, as will
                            be most likely to promote the ends which Congress have in view.
                        I have taken the liberty, of inclosing the Copies of two letters of the 23d and 24th Instant, from the
                            Commissary General of Prisoners, setting forth, the debt that is due from us on account of Naval prisoners—the Number
                            remaining in Captivity—their miserable situation, and the little probability there is of procuring their release for want
                            of proper Subjects in our hands.
                        Before we proceed to an enquiry into the measures which ought to be adopted, to enable us to pay off our
                            debt, and to effect the exchange of those who still remain in Captivity—a matter which it may take up some time to
                            determine—Humanity and policy point out the necessity of administring to the present pressing wants of a Number of the
                            most valuable subjects of the Republic—Had they been taken in Continental service, I should have thought myself
                            Authorized in conjunction with the Minister of War to have applyed a remedy, but as the greater part of them were not, as
                            appears by Mr Skinners representation I must await the decision of Congress upon the Subject.
                        Had a System some time past planned by Congress, and recommended to the several States, been adopted, and
                            carried fully into execution, I mean that of Obliging all Captains of private Vessels, to deliver over their prisoners to
                            the Continental Commissaries upon certain Conditions, I am persuaded that the Numbers taken, and brought in to the many
                            ports of the United States, would have amounted to a sufficiency to have exchanged those taken from us: But instead of
                            that, it is to be feared that few in proportion are secured, and that the few which are sent in, are so partially apply’d,
                            that it creates great disgust in those remaining; The consequence of which is, that conceiving themselves neglected, and
                            seeing no prospect of relief, many of them enter into the Enemy’s service, to the very great Injury of our trading
                            interest—Congress will therefore I hope, see the necessity of renewing their former, or making some similar
                            recommendation to the States.
                        In addition to the motives abovementioned, for wishing that the whole business of prisoners of War might be
                            brought under one general Regulation, is another of no small consideration—which is, that it would probably put a stop to
                            those mutual complaints of ill treatment which are frequently urged on either part.
                        For it is a fact, that for above two years we have had no reason to complain of the treatment of the
                            Continental land prisoners in New York, neither have we been charged with any improper conduct towards those in our hands.
                        I consider the sufferings of the Seamen for some time past, as arising in a great measure from the want of
                            that general regulation which has been spoken of; and without which there will constantly be a great number remaining in
                            the hands of the Enemy. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & very
                            Humble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Holden Parsons, 27 December 1781
From: Parsons, Samuel Holden
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Middletown Decembr 27th 1781

                        After a long Confinment to a sick bed, I have just recovered Strength to be brought Home; and am able to
                            attend to a little Business though I have not strength to go abroad.
                        The Board of War in a Letter to me of the 23d of October, directed that the disabled Officers of the
                            Connecticutt Line might, if they consented, go out of Aervice as retireing Officers, a Copy of which Letter is enclosed. I
                            have applied to all those who were reported as disabled Officers, of which Number Major Abnor Prior
                            Capns Parsons & Weed, Lieutnts Belding & Farmer of the Connecticutt Line desire to
                            retire upon the Terms Offered, & request to be reported to the Board of War as retiring Officers. Col: Durkee and
                            the others who are Invalids refuse.
                        I most heartily congratulate your Excellencey on the important success of the Campaign under your immediate
                            Direction; by which our Country must derive the greatest advantage if they have Spirit to
                            improve this Event properly. I am with the greatest Esteem your Excellencys Obedt Servnt

                            Saml H. Parsons


Title: From George Washington to Dr. Thomas Bond, Sr., 28 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Bond, Dr. Thomas, Sr.

                            Sir
                             28 December 1781

                        Permit me, through you, to return my warmest thanks to the American Philosophical Society, for this very
                            polite mark of their attention and esteem.
                        I have ever set the highest value upon the honor which was conferred on me, when admitted into a Society
                            instituted for the noblest of all purposes, that of "promoting useful knowledge"—and have long wished for an oppertunity
                            of rendering myself, in some degree, worthy of my election. Happy am I therefore, in receiving this public assurance from
                            my Fellow Members, that my Services, upon a late important occasion, have contributed to give them "an additional security
                            in their pursuits of Science."
                        It is peculiarly pleasing to me to observe, how universally—how justly—and with how much gratitude we
                            acknowledge the obligations we are under to the Navy & Army of our illustrious Ally, for their noble &
                            generous exertions. It will not fail to cement the growing Union between the two Nations, and will be a proof to the
                            Generals—the Officers—and the Men who have so bravely fought and bled in our cause that we are not forgetful of their
                            merits and Services. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem—Sir Yr Obt & Very Hble
                            Ser.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 28 December 1781
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Philadelphia Decr 28th 1781

                        The representatives of the United States in Congress assembled have been pleased in their resolves of the
                            29th of Oct. last to express the high sense they entertain of your Excellencys illustrious services in the cause of your
                            country and particularly for the late August event in Virginia, and also to direct that some of the brilliant trophies
                            obtained under your auspices should be presented to you as the most conspicuous monument of their respect and approbation.
                        It is a peculiar happiness that so great a gratification of my private feelings should be involved with my
                            public duty in transmitting to your Excellency these truly noble proofs of the gratitude of America.
                        I have only to add that I hope the period is near when an honorable and lasting peace shall crown your Labors
                            and that you may long live in the enjoyment of the richest feast of a virtuous mind, the conciousness of having
                            contributed to the happiness of your country. I have the honor to be Dear General with perfect esteem your Excellencys
                            most obedient servant

                            B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 28 December 1781
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Winchester Decemr 28 1781

                        Prior to your Excellency’s Answer to my Letter respecting the Prisoners of War in this County Capt. Barclay
                            of the 76th British Regiment had applied to me for permission to go to New York, or if that could not be granted, to go to
                            Head Quarters in order to sollicit your Excellency’s Permit to that Purpose he informs me that he is Paymaster to the
                            Regiment, that the Officers Prisoners here are in the greatest want of Money, and that he had advanced large Sums to the
                            Officers who are paroled to New York, and if they should go to Great Britain which he expects before
                            his Accounts are settled, that he will sustain most considerable Losses from these Considerations, and Colo. Wood refusing
                            to do any thing in the Matter, having he says recd no Direction from the Secretary at War, I have thought proper to grant
                            leave to Capt. Barclay to go to the Neighbourhood of your Excellency’s Quarters (should you be in Philada) in order to
                            apply for your further Permission. I have pointed out a particular Route for his Journey, & directed him to
                            Germantown where he will wait yr Excellencys Directions, as I thought it might be improper for him to go into the City. I
                            have the honour to be your Excellency’s most Obedt humbe Servt

                            Danl Morgan


Title: To George Washington from John Connolly, 29 December 1781
From: Connolly, John
To: Washington, George

                        May it please your Excellency.

                             Decembr 29th 1781.

                        I have been in this City upwards of two Weeks, & yesterday to my great surprize was committed to the
                            City Jail, by an Order from the President of this state, for a supposed infraction of my Parole given in Virginia.
                        As the state of this matter will probably be laid before you by the Secretary at War, I have humbly to
                            Request that your Excellency will be pleased to make the necessary inquiry into my Conduct, for whence it will appear that
                            I have by no means violated the spirit of my Obligation as a Prisoner of War.
                        My very low state of health, my long train of misfortunes, & particular Situation not unknown to your
                            Excellency, will I hope, operate so far in my favor as to mitigate the harshness of my present treatment. I have the honor
                            to be very Respectfully your Excellency’s most Obedt & very humble Servt

                            Jno: Connolly


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Forrest, 29 December 1781
From: Forrest, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                            Please your Excellency
                            Philadelphia Decemr 29th 1781

                        In compliance with your several request’s of 8th October, I have inclos’d a Certificate from Capt. Porter
                            Commdr of the Regt of my having enlisted a man in the room of Jno. Harris I discharg’d for incapacity of service.
                        The Opinion of the Court of Enquiry held in consequence of a charge exhibited by a Major Eustace.
                        As soon as I receiv’d Your favour of the 8 of October I made Application to Messrs Howell & Johnston
                            Auditors for the Army, who inform’d me that their books were at Fish Kills, & they were Suspended and could not
                            give me a Certificate, however I am at Liberty to Assure Your Excellency on my honor I never Receivd from the State of
                            Pensylvania or the United States any mony for the purpose of Recruiting or any other whatever, Except that of pay or
                            Deprication, that I have settled my Accompts with the State and Receiv’d a Certificate of £900—Specie due me.
                        I also Inclose a Certificate from Mr Peirce Pay Master Genl which I hope will be sufficient to Satisfy Your
                            Excellency I am not indebted to the United States, but they to me at Least twenty months pay, for the want of which I am
                            reduced to the necessity to go to Sea to procure a Living for my family Which seems somewhat hard after Six years
                            & some months service. However, my Friends are about to make up for me a Consignement to the West Indes, could I be
                            so happy as to meet with Your Assistance in procuring me my pay, apart of it, or a Loan Office Certificate to the Amount,
                            that I might Sell it at a Small Dicount to Enable me to put in a Small adventure on my own Accounts, should ever be
                            acknowledged as a particular Mark of Your goodness by your Excellencys Most Obt Humbe servt

                            Ts Forrest

                     Enclosure

                                    25 August 1781

                            A Court of enquiry held at Philadelphia August 25th 1781 Whereof Colonel Humpton is President to enquire
                                into a Complaint exhibited against Lt Coll Forrest for discharging a Man of the fourth Regt of Artillery and receiving
                                therefor three half Johannes, made the following Report, Vizt The Court having duly considered the evidence for and
                                Against Coll Forrest are of Opinion, that as Commanding Officer of the Regiment he was vested
                                with Power to discharge the Said Man, and it also evidently Appears to them the three half Johannes which Col. Forrest
                                receivd was not for any Clandestine Use or private Emolument but for the sole purpose of procuring a better man in his
                                Stead.
                            General St Clair accepts the report of the Court, and is happy to add to it his own Sentiments that the
                                transaction so far from having the Least dishonorable Appearence, Strongly marks Lt Coll Forrest’s Attention to the
                                Good of the Service. Lieut Coll Forrest is released from his arrest.

                                Ar. St Clair Major Genl
                                Mattheww McConnell Actg I. Major

                     Enclosure

                                Phila. Decr 3d 1781.

                            This may Certify that Lt Col. Thomas Forrist Enlisted & paid the Bounty to Robert Young to serve
                                in the Pennsa Regt of Artillery for & During the Present War, in Room of John Harris who was Discharged by sd
                                Col. Forrist as unfit for the Duty of a Soldier.

                                Andrew Porter Captn
                                Commt Pennsa Regt Arty

                     Enclosure

                                 Pay Office Decemr 31. 1781.

                            This may certify that Lieut. Colo. Forrest, has pay due him in the old money from Jany 1. 1780 to Augt 1.
                                1780—except the sum of eight hundred thirty seven dols & 60/90 old Emission which he received from me on
                                account of the same on the 2d Sept. 1780—and that he has received no pay since Augt 1. 1780 except two hundred and
                                eighty five dols of the Pena New Emissions which he received from me on the 31st Jany 1781.
                            And that he does not stand charged with any other monies in this Office.

                                Jno. Pierce Paym. Genl


Title: To George Washington from Edward Hand, 29 December 1781
From: Hand, Edward
To: Washington, George

                            Sir

                                c.29 December 1781

                        The exercise of my duty in the Inspectors Department during the last Campain having afforded me frequent
                            opertunities of being a witness to the Ill effects of the present mode of paying The Troops, I think it my duty to
                            communicate my observations on the subject to your Excy and at the same time offer a remedy which I think may remove the
                            inconveniences this branch of the Military System labours under.
                        At Present The Regimental P. Master not only draws the whole pay and Cloathing for his regiment, but
                            distributes them to individuals at such times & in such proportions as he finds convenient to
                            himself—generally without consulting the Captain when I inspected the Troops last Summer the Captains were ignorant
                                wat necessaries their men had recd & were obliged to have recourse to the P. Mr Accts wch
                            the Soldiers often disputed—or giving himself the trouble of inquiring how the Soldier applied the last money he recd or
                            what care he takes to preserve his necessaries indeed this necessary enquiry is foreign to his duty—and if properly gone into, more than any one man in a Regt can do.
                        Thus left to himself the Soldier as soon as he receives his pay flies to the Sutler and lais it out in Grog,
                            or rather pays for what he has Already drank, for the Sutler knowing that he can dispose of his pay without controul will
                            credit him, taking care to charge in proportions for his liquor to the great prejudice of the Service & ruin of
                            many a Good Soldier—This I say will be Generally the case tho the soldier may not at the time have a Shirt to his Back, or
                            a Shoe or Stocking to his feet—This Captain Inspects his necessaries, finds his Coat & Breeches hanging in Rags
                            about him, his Shirts, Stocks. & Shoes entirely gone but to what purpose is this discovery? The Soldier has not a
                            penny left to pay for mendg or replacg them—his Captn has the mortification to see him for the whole season appear like a
                            vagabond & two thirds of the time return him unfit for duty for want of Cloaths, without having it in his power, to
                            relieve him. Whereas if the Soldiers pay passed thro his Captains hands he might oblige him to lay it out to the best
                            advantage, he would even have it in his power from time to time to provide for his immediate necessities by procuring him
                            small Articles on Credit, Certain of being able to pay for them the next pay day—he could furnish the means of mending
                            his Cloaths as soon as he discoverd any defect in them, which, as he must necessarily examine his compy every day, would
                            be as soon as it happen’d, and whilst it was yet easie to be done—he could Contract with women in the Regt for making
                            mending & washing the Soldiers linnen & Stockings, with Shoe Makers for making & mending their
                            Shoes, &ca on reasonable terms—I say on reasonable terms, because the value of all work done for the soldiers by
                            persons belonging to their own Regt should be fix’d by a Board of Officers, the Woman who refused to comply with their
                            reasonable decision, Should not only be prevented the Advantage of drawing Rations but, Drum’d out of Camp & the
                            Tradesman from working at his trade on any Acct. In a word His Captain would by this means become the Soldier’s guardian,
                            and his own honor, added to the credit he must receive from his Companies Good Appearance, would be Sufficient inducements
                            to him to exert himself for their Advantage.
                        every person the least conversant in military Matters must have observed that the Soldiers yearly Allowance
                            of small articles of Cloathing are insufficient to keep him clean & comfortable, admitting them to be regularly
                            supplied & of the best quality—he must, or ought, to buy for himself, Shirts, thin Jackets, drawers Stockings,
                            Shoes, &ca for which his pay if well applied is amply sufficient—I will venture to say that as matters now stand,
                            the extra consumption of the Single Article of Shoes amounts to as much money in the Year as would furnish all the
                            necessary Small Articles and this Heavy expence the Continent must bear, or loose the service of the Soldier.
                        It may be said that in the begining the Captains paid their Companies, yet the men were not better cloathed
                            than at present, that the public moneys were Subject to embezzlement, & Congress troubled with frequent complaints
                            from the Soldiery of their being defrauded of their Pay—this I will readily Acknowledge but must observe that at that time
                            Subordination was little known in the American Army—almost a daily Change of Officers took place—those that Continued in
                            Service were not instructed how to keep regular Accts & the Accts as kept were not Subject to Inspection.
                        I have already endeavoured to demonstrate the Advantages that would arise from giving the Captains the
                            payment of Their Comps. and Shall now point out a plan by the observance of which I think, will put it out of the Captns
                            Power to defraud his men, or Injure the Community—& at the same time give him an opertunity of doing both an
                            essential Service—let the Regimentl Pay Mastr, as at present, Make out the Abstracts & draw the Pay &
                            Cloathing for their respective Regts. The Pay Master Genl will doubtless compare their Abstracts & demands for
                            Cloathing with the Master Rolls & make them agree—when the R.P.M. has it in his Power to distribute Pay or
                            Cloathing—let the Commandg officer of the Regt announce it in orders, & direct the Commandg Officers of Comps. to
                            attend to receive their Several proportions for which the P.M. Should take their Rects in a Book kept for the purpose—every Companies Monthly Abstracts should be Seperately & fairly enterd in the pay M. Books and the Commg Officer
                            of the Compy rect for the Amt taken at the foot of the Abstract. on the face of the Abstract, (a Copy of which the Captn
                            should receive with the money) must be noted all  especially the pay retaind for Absent men, or
                            advanced for such as have joind since the last muster.
                        the Captn must keep a Book, subject to Inspection, in which he shall have a Seperate Acct with each non Commd Officer & Soldier of his Compy.  These Accts to be Acnowledged
                            & Sign’d by the men at every Settlement—besides this Book let him be Obliged to deliver
                            Monthly, or as often as a Settlement Can be made, to the Commg Officer of his, Regt an Abstract of the Ballance of his
                            mens accts Sign’d & acknowledged by themselves in the following form Vizt.
                        We the non Commd Officers & private men of Captn A. B’s Compy in Col. C. D’s Regt do hereby
                            Acknowledge that we have been regularly Settled with for our Pay and every other just demand Against the Sd Regt &
                            Compy from the day of our Several enlistments to this day of   17  and that the Ballances opposite our names are just.

                            Form


Title: From George Washington to Maryland Officer Commanding at Head of Elk, 30 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Officer Commanding at Head of Elk, Maryland

                            Sir
                            Philada 30t Decemr 1781.

                        I am informed by Joseph Gilpin Esq: a Justice of the Peace at the Head of Elk, that an inhabitant has been
                            killed by a Soldier, and that the Coroners Inquest has returned it Murther—You will therefore immediately deliver the
                            offender up to the Civil Authority; and I Shall depend upon your taking all possible pains to prevent any accident of the
                            like kind in future. I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Gilpin, 30 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Gilpin, Joseph

                            Sir
                            Philada 30th Decemr 1781.

                        I am exceedingly sorry for the accident of which you inform me in yours of the 25th. The only reparation I
                            can make, is to order the Soldier to be immediately given up to the Civil authority, for which purpose I enclose a letter
                            to the commanding Officer at the Head of Elk.
                        I take it extremely kind of you, Sir, to have made an application to me upon the present occasion. You
                            undoubtedly had a right by Law to have secured the Offender by virtue of your own authority. I am &ca.


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 30 December 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                        Dear General,

                            Head quarters, Highlands December 30th 1781.

                        With mine of the 22d I had the honor to forward the returns of the regiments in quarters here as called for
                            in yours of the 8th. I have since received returns from the New Jersey regiments and invalids. Those from the New
                            Hampshire line, New York line, and Sheldon’s regiment are not yet come to hand—as soon as I receive them they shall be
                            forwarded.
                        Some time the last winter your Excellency was pleased to order a board of officers to revise the former
                            report of the board of officers on the rank of the captains of the Massachusetts line, some of whom thought themselves
                            injured. The board reported to your Excellency; but an approbation or disapprobation of the report, was never expressed—several of the captains remain very uneasy, and I believe there are very apparent grounds for some of them being so. They
                            are frequently applying to me on the subject. I wish, if your Excellency has no objection to the report, that it may be
                            made known generally; if there are objections to it in a general view, that where there are evident mistakes in the dates
                            of commissions to the injury of others that they may be corrected. It is said captain Haywood of the 6th regiment has a
                            commission dated some months before it ought to have been, by which he takes rank of captain Tisdale of the 3d regiment
                            and captain Ebenr Smith of the 6th, both are older officers. I am informed captain Haywood does not dispute their right,
                            but, having the commission, holds it. This I believe was rectified by the board of officers in their report, but remains as
                            before with the officers and frequently excites uneasiness. I have the honor to be With the highest respect, Your
                            Excellency’s Most obedient servant,

                            W. Heath


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 30 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

                            My dear Sir,
                            Philada 30th Decr 1781

                        You have enhanced the value of the Trophies with which Congress have been pleased to honor me in their
                            Resolve of the 29th of October, by the polite and affectionate manner of presenting them.
                        When I consider how much I am indebted, for this singular mark of public esteem, to the exertions of the
                            General & indeed all the other Officers who accompanied me to that rich Field of Glory to the Allied Arms, I feel
                            a sensation of gratitude which I cannot express. Believe me sincere when I assure you, that I hold myself under very
                            particular obligations for your able & friendly council in the Cabinet & Vigor in the Field. I am with much
                            truth My dear Sir Yr very Affect. H: Ser.

                            Go: Washington


Title: General Orders, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters Philadelphia Monday December 31. 1781

                        The General Court Martial whereof Major General Baron Steuben is President is to assemble on Wednesday next
                            at ten ô clock AM.
                        Colonel Nicola of the Invalid Regiment and Major Olney of the Rhode Island regiment are appointed Members
                            vice Colonel Humpton and Major Burnet whose duty obliges them to leave the City.


Title: From George Washington to William Galvan, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Galvan, William

                             31 December 1781

                        Monsieur Galvan entered the service of the United States as a Lieutent in the 2d Regt of South Carolina in
                            Septemr 1776. In January 1780 he was promoted to the Rank of Major and served that Camapign in the Light Infantry of the
                            Army under my immediate command—In the beginning of the present year he was appointed to a command in the detachment
                            formed under Major Genl The Marquis de la Fayette for the support of the State of Virginia. For His services upon that
                            occasion he has received very honorable testimonials from the Marquis—His Health having obliged him to quit his command
                            in the line, he acted at the Seige of York as Division Inspector and performed the duty of Major of the Trenches to Major
                            Genl Baron de Steuben.
                        In the different services upon which I have had occasion to employ Majr Galvan, I have found him Zealous—brave—active and intelligent—and I have every reason to believe that he has upon all other occasions conducted himself
                            equally well. Given under my Hand and Seal at Philada the 31st of Decemr 1781.


Title: From George Washington to Allan McLane, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: McLane, Allan

                             31 December 1781

                        Allen McLane Esqr. was appointed a Captain in one of the Sixteen additional Continental Regiments of Foot
                            commanded by Colonel Patton, in the beginning of the year 1777, and by his activity and industry soon joined to the
                            Regiment with a full Company.
                        Upon the dissolution of the Sixteen Battalions, and the incorporation of the Officers and Men into other
                            Corps—Capt. McLane was, in July 1779, appointed to the command of the Infantry of Major Lees partizan Legion.
                        In February 1781, upon the new arrangement of the Army, he retired upon Half pay for life. From the
                            Certificates of which Captain McLane is possessed, it appears that he was very early active in the cause of his Country:
                            And from the time of his joining the Continental Army, I can testify that he distinguished himself highly as a brave and
                            enterprizing partizan.
                        During the Seige of York, he was intrusted by the Board of War with the delivery of dispatches of importance
                            to His Excellency the Count de Grasse, which Commission he executed with great celerity; and was afterwards very servicable
                            in reconnoitering and bringing intelligence of the strength and disposition of the British Fleet off the Chesapeak. Given
                            under my Hand and Seal at Philadelphia the 31st day of December 1781.

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Clinton, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, Henry

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 31st Decemr 1781.

                        I do myself the honor to inclose the duplicate of a letter, which I had written to your Excellency on the 6th
                            of this month. I have reason to beleive the original miscarried between this place and Elizabeth Town. I must entreat such
                            attention to it as the importance of the subject requires.
                        I have been honored with your Excellencys favor of the 14th, and should have transmitted the passports
                            therein requested, by this oppertunity, but for the following circumstance. It has been determined to make a change of
                            disposition in the Cantonments of the British and German prisoners of War. The British are all to be collected at
                            Lancaster and Philadelphia. The Germans in other Towns of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. They are now moving their
                            Quarters, and the moment they are settled in them, the passports shall be forwarded. I have thought it needless to renew
                            that mentioned in mine of the 6th for the reasons just mentioned. I have the honor to be with due Respect Your
                            Excellency’s Most obt and hble servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Nathanael Greene, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Greene, Nathanael

                            My dear Sir
                            Philadelphia 31st Decemr 1781.

                        Since my last of the 19th inst. I have recd information, which does not admit of a doubt, that an
                            embarkation has taken place at New York, it is said to consist of three British Regiments and a detachment of the Hessian
                            Grenadiers. They may probably have sailed by this time, but of this I have no certain accounts—They are to be convoyed by
                            two ships of the Line and two or three Frigates—It is conjectured they are destined for south Carolina. If so, they will
                            in all probability be there before this reaches you.
                        We have rumours of an action between you and the British near Charlestown, but I do not pay much regard to
                            the report. I am with greatest Esteem My dear Sir Yr most obet and hbl. servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Heath, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Heath, William

                            Dear Sir—
                            Philadelphia 31st December 1781

                        I have received your favour of the 22d Instant, and have consulted the Secretary at War upon the manner of
                            disposing of the remainder of the British Cloathing—He is of opinion with me that your proposal of delivering it to the
                            10th Massts. Regiment, which will remain Brigaded with the New Hampshire line, and to the Jersey and York lines, will be
                            the only way of preserving a compleat uniformity in three Brigades—You will therefore proceed in the deliveries
                            accordingly. It is to be wished that the Ground was of a proper Colour, but under our circumstances we must wear such as
                            we have upon hand.
                        Inclosed you have a Copy of the Resolve which passed at the time the State Regiment of New York were proposed
                            to be raised. By this it appears that they were to be subsisted and Cloathed by the public upon certain conditions which
                            have not been comply’d with. I cannot therefore direct a delivery of Cloathing to them: But as I think the Corps an useful
                            one, I would recommend it to the State to make application to Congress on the Subject, and if I should be consulted, I
                            will promote their representation. I am Dr Sir Your most Obedt Humble Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. I am anxious for the Returns called for by the Assistant Genl agreeable to a form transmitted. Be
                                pleased to hurry them—yours of the 26th is just come to hand.


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia 31st Decr 1781.

                        My last to Your Excellency was on the 16th inst. I have since that received information that an embarkation
                            has taken place at New York—It is said to consist of three British Regiments and a detachment of Hessian Grenadiers. They
                            may have sailed by this time, but of this I have no certain accounts. They are to be convoyed by two Ships of the Line and
                            two or three Frigates. It is conjectured they are destined to south Carolina.I have just received Your Excellency’s favor
                                 which I will take the pleasure of acknowledging more
                            particularly in my next. I have the honor to be With the highest esteem Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble
                            servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Varick, 31 December 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Varick, Richard

                            Dear Sir
                            Philada 31st Decemr 1781.

                        I have recd your favor of the 18th—I have no objection to your taking either Mr Fonda or Mr Ray into employ,
                            whichever you may think most proper for the business—provided the former is not in the Continental service, for I would
                            not take an officer from the line of his duty.
                        The Books shall be put in hand and forwarded to you as they are finished.
                        If the Writers work eight Hours pday agreeable to stipulation and make up for any lost time, it will, I
                            think, be better than making a pecuniary allowance for extra service. It may happen that very material business, or
                            necessary relaxation may now and then require a day—I would not in such case exact a return—You will be a judge how far to
                            extend such indulgence.
                        I would prefer the Index No. 2 because it will bring the Contents more into general View than No. 1—The Books
                            must be fully written before you can begin to Index them, and it will only occasion the trouble of counting how many
                            letters there are in the Volume to the same person and leaving space accordingly.
                        I shall attend to the Contents of your letter to Colo. Trumbull, who is at present in Connecticut, and
                            endeavour to obtain some assistance for you in the way of Money, from the Financier. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Yr
                            most obt Servt

                            P.S. I have since writing the above spoken to Mr Morris—If you will make out an Acct of the sums now
                                due—I will obtain a payment in part.


Title: Extracts from Correspondence of British Officers, 1781
From: Clinton, Henry
To:

                                1781

                        Sir Hry Clinton to Ld G. Germain 9th & 12th of June 1781. Informs of the reinforcement of 1500 Men
                            under the Comd of Colo. Marsh of the 43d Regt going to join Ld Cornwallis in the Chesapeake at that time.
                        Sir Hry Clinton to Ld G. Germain 7th Sepr  1781—had embarked 4000 Troops with which he shd proceed to relieve
                            his Lordship, as soon as he new the passage was open. that instead of 3 Battns from the West Indies
                            only one very weak one had arrived—That instead of receiving a reinforcement from Ld Cornwallis as he expected last year
                            he had been obliged to detach abt 8000 Men to his Lordship besides leaving in Carolina the 3 Regiments from Ireland.
                        Sir Hry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis 25th Septr 1781—A unanimous opinion of a Council of War to embark in the
                            Kings ships 5000 Men by the 5th of Octobr (expected) to relieve him.
                        Sir Hry to Lord G. G.the same.
                        A Note to Sir Hry Clintons Letter to Genl Cornwallis Sepr 30th & duplicate Octr 3d says that the
                            Fleet and Adml Graves came down to the hook on the 17th & Sailed the 18th with 7149 Troops.
                        Sir Hry Clinton to Earl Cornwallis 11th June 1781—since Octr last had sent from N: Yk to Chesapeak 7724
                            effectives—his own effective force at that time was only 10,931—is himself threatned at N: Yk & wishes to have in
                            succession the two Bn: of L: Inftry 43d, 76th or 80th—2 Battn of Anspach Queens Rangers Cavalry &
                            Infantry—& 17th Dragoons with such a propn of Artilly as cd be spared—These never were.
                        Extracts from the Corrispondence between Lord Geoge Germain, Sir Henry Clinton & Lord ConwallisIn a note on Lord G. Germains Letter to Sir Hry Clinton of the 3d of Jany 7. 1781—It is said that Sir Hry at that period had in New York 15,000 Regular Troops besides 6,000 Militia. 1000 Rects had Embarked at Gravesend  to join the 3d  19th & 30 Regiments under Colo. Gould for Charles Town.
                        Feby 17th 1782 Genl Arnold to be sent to Virginia to Establish a permanent Post.
                        Lord Geo: Germain to Sir Hy Clinton March 2d 1781 Mentions a German Corps of 2,600 assembling at BremenLake for Embarkation.
                        L: G Germain 2d May—The German Troops were to sail from Bremen Lake & proceed to New York the 3 British Regts (3d, 19th & 30 th) & the Recruits he trusted were well on their way to Charles Town—3 more Regimts were to come with Rodney from the Leeward Islands.
                        Ld G. G. 4th of June 1781. From the beginning of this year to the present date upwards of 6,000 Men Germans had been sent to Sir Henry.
                        L G G July 7th—hoped the 3 Regts & 1000 Rects from Ireland were arrived—that 2,800 Germans would soon be with him—that he need not wait for the 3 Regts from the West Indies, as the Season  for offensive operations would be over  before they could join him.Note to a Letter from Lord Cornwallis to  Ld G. Germain 23d Augt 1781. Sir Hry Clinton returned with 5 or 6000 Men to New York from Chl. Town.


Title: Questions and Answers about York Island, 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                                1781

                        Questions: 1 How many Batteries are there between Laurel hill & Fort Tryon, along the line of
                            Pallisades?
                        Answers: Only one which is commanded by the Work on Laurel Hill—it has four  18 pounders in it.
                        2 Are they all open Batteries?
                        It is open in the Rear.
                        3 Are they under the command of the close redoubts?—and could the men allotted for their defence remain in them
                            if an Enemy was possessed of the close redoubts?
                        It is, as before mentioned, commanded by Laurel Hill. Men could not remain in it under the Fire of Laurel
                            Hill Fort.
                        4 Have the close redoubts of Fort Tryon, and laurel hill Cannon in them?
                        They have.
                        5 If they have how many in each?
                        Fifteen pieces of all sizes in Laurel Hill fort—know not  how many in fort Tryon.
                        6 Do they and the Batteries command the road and the plain between the Barrier gate & Kings
                                bridge?

                        They do.
                        7 Is there any work at the Barrier gate?—of what kind?—and how is the Guard there cover’d & secured?
                        The Battery under Laurel Hill Fort commands the Barrier Gate. A Serjeant and 12 are at the Barrier—They have
                            a Guard Room within 20 paces of the Gate.
                        8 Is there any ascending the hill from the North River half way betwn Fort Knyphausen and Fort Tryon so as to
                            avoid being discovered at the Hutts?
                        There is, provided you could make a landing undiscovered by the pickets along the shore.
                        9 Has the Fort at Laurel hill any, and what name?

                        Fort George.
                        10 What is the name of the Fort at the mouth of Spiten devil?
                        Cox Hill Redoubt. it is in bad repair.
                        11 What the name of the Redoubt at the bridge?
                        Prince Charles’s Redoubt.
                        12 What is the name of the Man where Tryon’s former quarters were & Arnolds Corps now is?
                        Quinn does not know nor does Middleton.
                        13 Supposing Troops were Marching from the White House to Laurel hill, how near would they be to the House by
                            the Orchard, below Fort Knyphausen in their March?
                        Troops might file off to the Right between Morris House and the Blue Bell and leave the latter 200 yards upon
                            their left—but there would be danger of being discovered by the Guard in Morris’s Barn and other small Guards along the
                            Road.
                        14 How far is it from that House to the Barrier Gate?
                        About a quarter of a Mile, Middleton say a Mile.

                            15 Is the Fort on Laurel hill calonnade    for defence on the inner side? next the White House?

                        The heavy Cannon at present point towards the Bridge but they may be shifted.
                        16 Is the parapet of equal thickness
                            on that side? and are there  & Cannon pointing that way?
                        It is, and there are Entrances in it.

                            17 is the gate of Laurel hill Fort secured at night—and on what is it?
                        The Gate is next Morris House. The large Gate is barred at Night. A small door to admit the releif is cut out
                            of the Gate.
                        18 Where is the provision for the Troops at the No 80 at the Island kept? What store have they?
                        Near Kertrights House. A store built on purpose.


Title: Washington’s Observation Respecting the 1781 Campaign, 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                                1781

                        If the Count de Grass should arrive before the expected reinforcement reaches New York—more especially if he
                            brings a land force of 2000 Men—or can possess himself of the harbor of New York. We ought to prosecute the operation
                            against New York with the Men we have & the chance of obtaining more.
                        If on the other hand a reinforcement of 2000 Men should come from Virginia before the French fleet arrives at
                            the hook, & the French should not have double that number of Land forces on Board their fleet—should not be
                            decided by superior at Sea—& will not agree to stay till the operation is at an end, or to some fixed given
                            period—say the middle of November—I think the enterprize agt New York would be fruitless and ought not to be undertaken—But
                        If the Naval superiority is on our side, that we ought, without losing a moment, to transport the French
                            Troops, & such part of the Continental Troops as shall be deemed necessary to Chesapeake.
                        The situation of the two Fleets—the time the French Squadron will remain on this Coast—and how far it will
                            engage to co-operate in a further under taking at Charles town must determine further operations—A second detachment..Stores &ca—might be preparing for Charles town which the operation against Portsmouth in Virginia is in hand—provided the fleet will engage to cover the enterprize.


Title: General Orders, 1 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To:

                     Head Quarters, Philadelphia January 1. 1782.
                     Parole.
                     C. Signs.

                  Contracts having been made for Supplying the Troops of the United States at various posts with provisions, The Officers are in future not to draw any rations on public Account but will be paid in Money at the Close of each Month the amount of the several rations respectively allowed them by Congress, but for their greater convenience it is agreed that the Contractors shall Supply them with the whole or so many of the rations allowed as they may think proper to draw for, and the pay master General or his Deputy will at the close of every Month settle with the Contractors and after paying them for such Articles as the Officers have drawn pay each Officer or the paymaster of his Regiment the balance due him.  No Officer except such as Command Corps in this City are in future to draw Wood from the Quarter Master, but at the end of every Month each Officer shall be paid for the Wood he is allowed at the average price paid by the Quarter Master during that Month.
                  A return to be made immediately to the Adjutant General by each Officer of the Number of Servants they respectively have distinquishing those who are soldiers from those who are not.


Title: From George Washington to Archibald McCallister, 1 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: McCallister, Archibald

                      1 January 1782

                  Archibald McCallister Esqr. was appointed a Lieutenant in the Maryland line early in the Commencement of the present War and from the Certificate which he has obtain’d from his Commanding officer (upon his resignation) it fully appears, that during his continuance in the Army of the United States he acted with the Bravery & good Conduct of an Officer and the Reputation of a Gentleman.
                  I can testify that in consequence of his Gallant Behaivour in the Storm of Paulus Hook under the Command of Major Lee (on which occasion he led the advanced Guard) he was complimented by Congress with a Brevett Captaincey, and as far as his Conduct came under my immediate Observation, he alway’s acted with propriety.  Given at Head Quarters In Philadelphia this first Day of January 1782.

                     G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Chittenden, 1 January 1782
From: Washington, George
To: Chittenden, Thomas

                     Sir
                     Philadelphia 1st Janry 1782.

                  I received your favour of the 14th of November by Mr Brownson.  You cannot be at a loss to know why I have not heretofore, and why I cannot now, address you in your public Character, or answer you in mine: But the confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me gives me an opportunity of offering you my sentiments, as an individual wishing most ardently to see the peace and Union of his Country preserved, and the just rights of the people of every part of it fully and firmly established.
                  It is not my business, neither do I think it necessary now, to discuss the origin of the right of a number of Inhabitants to that tract of Country formerly distinguished by the name of the New Hampshire Grants, and now known by that of Vermont.  I will take it for granted that their right was good, because Congress by their Resolve of the 7th of August imply it, and by that of the 21st are willing fully to confirm it, provided the New State is confined to certain described Bounds.  It appears therefore to me that the dispute of boundary is the only one that exists and that, that being removed, all further difficulties would be removed also and the matter terminated to the satisfaction of all parties.  Now I would ask you candidly, whether the claim of the people of Vermont was not for a long time confined solely or very nearly to that tract of Country which is described in the Resolve of Congress of the 21st of August last, and whether, agreeable to the tenor of your own letter to me, the late extension of your claim upon New Hampshire and New York was not a more political manoeuvre than one in which you conceived yourselves justifiable.  If my first question be answered in the affirmative, it certainly bars you new Claim, and if my second be well founded, your end is answered and you have nothing to do but withdraw your Jurisdiction to the confines of your old limits, and obtain an acknowledgement of Independence and sovereignty, under the Resolve of the 21st of Augst for so much Territory as does not interfere with the ancient established Bounds of New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  I persuade myself you will see and acquiesce in the reason, the Justice and indeed the necessity of such a decision.
                  You must consider Sir, that the point now in dispute is of the utmost political importance to the future Union and Peace of this great Country.  The State of Vermont, if acknowledged, will be the first new one admitted into the Confederacy, and if suffered to encroach upon the ancient established Boundaries of the adjacent ones, will serve as a precedent for others, which it may here after be expedient to sell off to make the same unjustifiable demands.  Thus in my private opinion, while it behoves the Delegates of the States now confederated to do ample justice to a Body of people sufficiently respectable by their numbers and entitled by other claims to be admitted into that Confederation, it becomes them also to attend to the interests of their Constituents and see that under the appearance of Justice to one, they do not materially injure the rights of others.  I am apt to think this is the prevailing opinion of Congress and that your late extension of Claim has, upon the principles I have above mentioned, rather diminished than increased your Friends, and that if such extension should be persisted in, it will be made a common cause & not considered as only affecting the rights of those States immediately interested in the loss of territory, a loss of too serious a nature not to claim the attention of any people.
                  There is no calamity within the Compass of my foresight which is more to be dreaded, than a necessity of coercion on the part of Congress, and consequently every endeavour should be used to prevent the execution of so disagreeable a measure.  It must involve the Ruin of that State against which the resentment of the others is pointed.
                  I will only add a few Words upon the subject of the negotiations which have been carried on between you and the Enemy in Canada and in New York.  I will take it for granted, as you assert it, that they were so far innocent, that there was never any serious intention of joining Great Britain in their attempts to subjugate your Country; but it has had this certain bad tendency, it has served to give some ground to that delusive opinion of the enemy and upon which they in great measure found their hopes of success, that they have numerous Friends among us, who only want a proper opportunity to shew them-selves openly, and that internal disputes and Feuds will soon break us in pieces, at the same time the seeds of distrust and jealousy are scattered among ourselves by a conduct of this kind.  If you are sincere in your professions these will be additional motives for accepting the terms which have been offered (and which appear to me equitable) and thereby convincing the common enemy that all their expectations of disunion are vain, and that they have been worsted at their Weapon deception.
                  As you unbosomed yourself to me, I thought I had the greater right of speaking my sentiments openly and candidly to you.  I have done so, and if they should produce the effects which I most sincerely wish, that of an honourable and amicable adjustment of a matter, which, if carried to hostile lengths, may destroy the future happiness of my Country, I shall have attained my end, while the Enemy will be defeated of theirs.  Believe me to be with great respect Sir Your most Obt & hume Servt

                     G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 1 January 1782
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                     Sir
                     Freehold 1st Janry 1782

                  In my last I did mention to your Excly that a fleete was preparing to sail—I Could not form any Opinion of there distination.

                     Tey Sailed on Thursday last and Werere Convoyed by Two Frigates and Two Sloops of War—The Transports were 15 Square rigged Vessels and four Sloops and Schooners—last Evening one of my secret Intelligencers come up to my House—he says the fleete Carryed Troops to Charles Towon, Two Regts of Hessions and some new Troops, in all about 1000 Men.  He allso adds that Lord Cornwallace went to Europe in the robust Ship of War a 74—But that prior to her going to sea she had all her guns Taken out—that she was in so wreck’d a state as not to be fit for servace with them onboard.
                  My Intiligence from New York has of late been intirely Broaken up, Occasioned by a fellow from this Country Joining the enemy & swareing against Eight diffrent Persons that they went to New York by my permission &c.—however the persons he swore against may be guilty in other Respects, I am happy to say they never were imployed by me—it did However for a Time give sutch a shock to my inteligencers untill the Names of the Accused persons were made known that I was intirely Neglected by them—they are again recovering there Spirits and I shall I hope be enabled to give your Excly a Tolerable good Acctg of what they are doing.
                  Stratin Island is I believe at this time in a very defenceless State There Grand Works at The Flagg Staff excepted—Should your Excly think it Necessary I believe I Could get a very good Statement of there force situation &c.—Enclosed your Excly has my Acctg of Expenses for the Years 1780 & 81—I would not have Troubled Your Excly with them had I been able to Compleat there full pay without your Exclys assistance—but I really am drained to the last Shilling.  I have the Honr to be your Exclys Most Obdt Humble Servt

                     David Forman

                     P.S.  I have discharged the person from the Highlands together will all the Horsman.