Title: To George Washington from Arthur Walker, 28 May 1781
From: Walker, Arthur
To: Washington, George

                            May it please your Excellency
                            28th May 1781

                        I cannot sufficiently express my Sense of Gratitude, for that Esteem, and good Opinion your Excellency
                            entertains for my person, and Abilities, I return your Excellency my sincere, Thanks for your Excellencies Interest with
                            the Congress, for the Honour of being preferred to the Office of Geographer General to the Southern Army, with the Rank of
                            Colonel; I shall ever pray for the Success of the Congress, and the Forces employed by them; and particularly for your
                            Excellencies Welfare, and Success in all your Undertakings; there is nothing from them, or your Excellency, but what I
                            would accept of; I therefore accept this their kind Offer, and render them all possible Thanks for their Generosity. That
                            the Divine Being would Preserve your Excellency from all Adverse Accidents & watch over your Excellency with a
                            peculiar Care, as the sincere prayer of him, who has the Honour to be May it please your Excellency Your
                                Excellencys most obliged, obedient  Servt

                            Arthur Walker


Title: General Orders, 29 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Tuesday May 29th 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        At a Garrison Court martial held at Philadelphia the 4th of April 1781 by order of Major General St Clair
                            whereof Major James Moore was President.
                        Lieutenant John Bigham of the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment, charged for "Spending or misapplying money given to
                            him for the purpose of paying the third bounty to recruits" was tried, found Guilty of the charge being a breach of the
                            4th article 12th section of the articles of war and sentenced to be Cashiered.
                        The Commander in Chief Approves the sentence. He is sorry he cannot in compliance with the Recommendation of
                            the Court restore Lieutenant Bigham to his former Rank and Command. The reasons which have been assigned by him for
                            applying the public money committed to his care to other purposes than those for which it was intended are not in the
                            General’s opinion sufficient to justify the breach of Trust.
                        At a General Court Martial held at the Park of Artillery by order of Major General St Clair and continued by
                            adjournments from the 22d to the 26th of May inclusive--Lieutenant Colonel Stephens President.
                        Lewis Seely Matross in the 2d regiment of Artillery charged with "Repeated Desertion."
                        Benjamin Harley Matross in the 3d regiment charged with "Desertion and reinlisting" and
                        Robert Barber Matross in the same regiment charged with "Desertion and attempting to go to the Enemy"
                        were tried found Guilty and sentenced to suffer Death more than two thirds of the Court agreeing thereto.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the above sentences.
                        John Hennessee soldier in the late 4th New York regiment charged "with Desertion and indeavouring to go to
                            the enemy tried by the General Court martial held at West Point the 19th instant whereof Major Moses Ashley was president and
                            William King of the 1st New York regiment charged with "Desertion" tried by the General Court martial held at West Point
                            by order of Brigadier General Patterson the 22d instant whereof Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Smith was President, were
                            found Guilty and sentenced to suffer Death more than two thirds of each Court agreeing.
                        The Commander in Chief approves the above sentences.
                        Untill a more extensive plan for exercising and manœuvring can be adopted the Commander in Chief hopes and
                            expects Officers of every rank will pay particular attention to the instruction of their recruits agreeably to the fifth
                            Chapter of the Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Army; and the Exercising such of their men as are already
                            acquainted with the different Articles explained in the fifth agreeably to the Sixth Chapter of the same Regulations.


Title: From George Washington to John Baker, 29 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Baker, John

                            Sir,
                            New Windsor May 29th 1781

                        A day or two ago I requested Colo. Harrison to apply to you for a pair of Pincers to fasten the wire of my
                            teeth. I hope you furnished him with them—I now wish you would send me one of your scrapers, as my teeth stand in need of
                            cleaning, and I have little prospect of being in Philadelpa Soon. It will come very safe by the Post—& in Return,
                            the money shall be sent so soon as I know the cost of it. I am Sir Yr Very Hble Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 29 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                        Gentlemen

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 29 May 1781

                        I have been honored with your favors of the 13th 14th. and 17th. instants. My late absence from the Army
                            prevented my acknowledging them sooner.
                        If the Uniforms which were fixed upon for the troops of the States of North and South Carolina have not been
                            ordered from Europe, I do not see that any inconvenience can attend the proposed alterations. I think, however, the Lace
                            ought to be dispensed with as altogether superfluous and very expensive.
                        It seems reasonable that a due proportion should be observed between the pay of the deputies and principals
                            in any department, and as Congress were pleased to augment the Salary of Mr Laurance the Judge Advocate General very
                            considerably by the Resolve of the 10th of Novemr there can I think be no impropriety in augmenting the salaries of the
                            Deputies also to 60 dollars per month which is what they request.
                        Sir Henry Clinton has informed me that it is not in his power to permit the transportation of Tobacco from
                            Virginia to Charles town. I imagine there are Some Commercial Regulations in the way. But he says that he mentioned
                            certain Articles to Colo. Magaw and Colol Ely which might be sent in and sold for the benefit of our prisoners; what they
                            were I do not exactly recollect, but I think Lumber and Iron. I have the honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from David Forman, 29 May 1781
From: Forman, David
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Freehold 29th May 1781

                        I mentioned in my Last Letter to your Excly That I presumed Admiral Arbuthnot was gone with the Trans ports
                            to the Southward—But the Day following all The Heavy Ships were seene Plying to the Eastward and Supposed to be gone to
                            Gardners Bay, Since Which I have heard Nothing of them untill the 27th Vizt Sunday Evening last, When Admls Arbuthnot and
                            Graves Returned to Sandy Hook—a Conveyance Offering to Elizabeth have made a Request to the Commanding
                            Officer There to take The first Conveyance to forward this to you Excly, supposing it not of Importance to Request an
                            Express. I have the Honr to be your Exclys Most Obdt Humble Servt

                            David Forman


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 29 May 1781
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

                            Dear General
                            Roxbury May 29th 1781

                        I had the honor last to address your Excellency from Hartford the 13th Instant, with a representation of my
                            proceedings to that time, The next morning Governor Trumbull, informed me, that there were seven Thousand Barrels salted
                            meat, in the State of Connecticut, which may be depended on for the army, and at least Two Thousand Barrels of Fish, with
                            Forty Hhd Rum at Hartford, and Fifteen at Philadelphia, The provisions were not all collected to the places pointed out
                            for their deposit. I earnestly requested they might be.
                        Mr Phelps, superintendant of purchases in Massachusetts, before my departure from Hartford, in formed me in
                            answer to my Letter to him, that he would exert his utmost endeavours to forward on Beef Cattle, and I have good grounds to
                            conclude, he has done it.
                        From Hartford, I proceeded to Rhode Island, the Assembly were not siting. Governor Greene, assured me that
                            no exertion of his, should be wanting to comply with the requisitions when the Assembly met, which was to be yesterday.
                            From Rhode Island, I proceeded to Boston, the Old Assembly were up. Governor Hancock, assured me, that he with his Council
                            would do all in the power of the Executive Authority, and a supply of money has been sent on to Mr Phelps. The New Assembly
                            are to meet to morrow when the requisition will have the first attention. From Boston, I proceeded to New Hampshire, the
                            Assembly had been for some time prorogued. The President and Council, represented the embarrassments of the State, both on
                            account of their finances, and the falling off of two of their western Counties to Vermont. But assured me every thing in
                            their power. Their Assembly dont meet untill the 22d Wednesday in Jun,e and the president informed me, that it was scarcly
                            possible to call them specially sooner, should he attempt it.
                        I have requested returns of the provisions Rum, and Clothing, in the several States, but found it was not in
                            the power of the executive to give them immediately. I believe the stock of Rum is but small, the Summer clothing in
                            Connecticut, in tollerable forwardness, in Rhode Island nearly compleat, and soon to be forwarded, in Massachusetts in
                            some forwardness, but by no means compleat in New Hampshire, but little prepared, and the prospect not the most promising.
                        Having delivered the several addresses, and made representations thereon, I shall continue my importunities,
                            untill I obtain Official answers from the several States, hope they will be such as will be satisfactory, as soon as I
                            obtain them shall have the honor of forwarding them.
                        I request to be informed, whether by the salted provisions to be transported from the Western parts of
                            Massachusetts, those at Springfield, as well as Great Barrington, are meant to be included, or only the latter. I shall
                            loose no time in endeavouring to execute the Commission with which your Excellency has honored me, and to return to the
                            army, in the mean time I pray, that in the arrangements for the Campaign, which from several circumstances I have reason to
                            apprehend are makeing, I may not be forgotten.
                        We have no news in this Quarter, except a report, that the British have thrown succours into Gibralter. The
                            Two French Frigates which were in Boston Harbour put to Sea the Day before yesterday. The money is in a very fluctuateing
                            situation. The Assembly have passed an act for furnishing the Quarter Master with Waggons, by empress, when necessary. I
                            have the honor to be with the highest respect your Excellencys most Obedient Servant

                            W. Heath


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 29 May 1781
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philada May 29th 1781

                        I find by several letters that have come before my view, you have been informed of what has passed between
                            Congress and my self relative to the office of Superintendant of Finance. The unmeritted abuse I had
                            formerly received as the reward of Exertions as disinterested and pure as ever were made by Mortal Man
                            had determined me against a very public Station, and God knows my Sentiments are not changed; Contrary to my inclination
                            to my Judgement and to my Experience have I consented to make an other Attempt in favour of this poor distressed Country
                            at a time when only one consideration could have influenced me thereto, that only consideration is, the absolute Necessity
                            of a Reformation being attempted and the difficulty of getting any other person on whom Congress could agree. If my
                            abilities were equal to the undertaking I might have less dread & less reluctance but conscious of my own deficiency
                            I cannot help trembling at the prospect before me, at the same time could I depend on that steady Support which I ought to
                            receive from Congress from the Governments of the Several States, and from the Worthy part of the Citizens of every State,
                            I shou’d be encouraged to expect that the Sacrifices I am asking wou’d not be in vain, and believe me Good Sir, that
                            Inspired with a virtuous Emulation from your bright Example I will not begrudge all I shall feel and suffer; if my Country
                            derives real benefit from my Exertions, Since I have agreed to engage in this move these Herculean Labours I promise
                            assiduity in the pursuit of what I shall think Honest Measures, calculated to promote a vigourous Collection of Revenue and
                            an Œcomonical Expenditure of it. If I can by plain Systems and punctual performance of engagements restore Confidence If I
                            can by degrees bring about a Revenue nearly proportioned to our Expences, and by punctual pay, constant supplies of
                            Provisions and Regular Cloathing encourage Your Army and thereby give some ease to your Fatiques and Anxiety I shall be
                            more than paid for every exertion, but when I look at the detail by which all these things are to be accomplished When I
                            consider the difficulty of getting disinterested able Men for assistants, when I reflect on the opposition to be expected
                            from those who are my personal Enemies and from those whom Ambition, Envy, disapointment and disgrace will make Enemies
                            not only to my person but to my measures. Where am I to look for support. I shall answer the question by telling you
                            Candidly I depend in the first instance on the integrity and disinterestedness of my own Conduct, and next on those
                            Virtuous Men whom such Conduct will engage in my Favour, and to You Sir, as the first of that Class: but at the same time
                            that I thus bespeak your favour, I scorn to ask it on any other terms than those of desert. I may err in Judging of Men measures & things but I think it will never be a supported
                            charge against me that I have done Wilfull wrong. In short I have promised nothing but honesty and assiduity and
                            these I trust will not be wanting As to the rest, I must rely on the best information intelligence assistance and advice
                            that I can procure from you. I have much to express in this way and I woud fain hope that a force, Candid sincere
                            Communication may take place between us, much confidential intercourse must ensue and I promise myself that you will never
                            regret the having placed it with me if so it should happen. I am not fairly intended on the Execution of my Office yet,
                            that being delayed a while that I may meet our assembly once more and that I may clear myself of private business.
                            Congress however are pressing Committees & Conferences on me contrary to stipulations, one of which was that they
                            shou’d give time to form my arrangements and carry on the present Campaigne under the old ones,
                            without expecting aid from me therein, but you will see by another letter I shall address to You this date, that I am
                            obliged to engage and as it is for your Relief I shall rejoice if my letters produce the Effect expected from them, I
                            expect to have the pleasure of a personal interview with you either at Camp or here before long, I say here because some
                            Members of Congress have thought Your presence here might be very usefull which is all that I know in that Respect, I am
                            glad you approve of my sending Genl Robertsons Command. Mrs Morris joins in the Sincerest Compts to Mrs
                            Washington and Yourself, be assured You have no greater admirers nor any more tru9ly attached to you; I am Dr Sir Your most
                            Obedt hble Servt

                            Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 29 May 1781
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Philada May 29th 1781

                        A Committee of Congress having communicated to me the distress of Your Army for want of Bread and shewn me a
                            Motion that had been made in Congress in Consequence thereof, but which was Committed in order to a Conference with me on
                            the Subject. I found myself immediately impressed with the Strongest desire to afford you Relief and also to avoid such
                            measures as are proposd in the said motion, such being calculated like too many others that have been adopted to procure
                            immediate relief, at the same time Sowing the seeds that never fail to produce plentifull Crops of future distresses and
                            disapointments, Not being prepared in my official Character with Funds or means of accomplishing the supplies you need, I
                            have wrote to Major Genl Schuyler and to Thomas Lowrey Esqr. in New Jersey requesting their immediate Exertions to procure
                            upon their own Credit 1000 bbls of flour each and to send the same forward in parcells as fast as procured to Camps
                            delivered to your Excellincys order and I have pledged my self to pay them in hard Money for the Cost & charges
                            within a Month Six Weeks or two Months, I shall make it a point to provide the Money being determined never to make an
                            engagement that cannot be fullfilled for if by any reasons I shou’d fail in this respect I will quit my Office as useless
                            from that Moment. I hope therefore the letters written will produce the flour very soon at Camp and I rather chose to
                            direct the delivery of it to Your Excellancys order than to send it into the hands of the Commissaries because there
                            are many assertions made (whether with Truth or not I do not pretend to decide at this time) that Provisions are not
                            delivered out with that Oeconomy which circumstances like ours require, and if you have any reason to suppose there is
                            foundation for such reports, perhaps it wou’d be time well spent to appoint an Officer to attend the receipt and delivery
                            of this flour. I desired the Gentn to have the weights marked on the head of every barrell in order that proper Account
                            might easily be taken thereof at Camp, and if the Superintendg Officer attends to this, to the quantity of Rations that
                            of right shou’d be delivered daily, sees that no more are given out, he will finally be able to ascertain the whole Account
                            and shew what the consumption is or ought to be, shou’d you think this matter worthy of your attention it is probable
                            that such a mode of Issuing under proper checks may now be devised and experimented as will lay the ground Work for future
                            regulation all which I only offer as hints which you will make use of or not, as your own situation and circumstances will
                            permit, but this is certain, we must introduce the Stricktest Oeconomy into the Issuing departments or the Army will for
                            ever be exposed to wants which are not less disgracefull than painfull. I sent the letters by Mr Govr Morris who promised
                            to call at Mr Lowrys House to enforce the execution of business there, & to send the Letter for Genl Schuyler to
                            your Excy that it might be forwarded by Express. I have the honour to be Dr Sir Your Excellys most Obedt

                            Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from Francisco Rendón, 29 May 1781
From: Rendón, Francisco
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia May 29th 1781

                        In due time I received Your Excellencys most esteem’d favor of the 2d Inst. and observe by it the
                            distinctions Your Excellencys goodness bestow on me; I beg the acceptance of my most sincere gratitude; I have defferred
                            the honor of replying to it hitherto, in momentary expectations of some Important News from the Havana to acquaint Your
                            Excellency’s with.
                        Yesterday I received a Packet from the Captain General of Said Place deted 10th Inst. who only mentions that
                            it was very provable the Town of Pansacola be by that time Conquered by His Catholick Majesty’s Arms, the Last Accounts
                            received there dated the beginning Instant from General Galvez anouncing it so; but having found therewas more Troops in
                            that Garrison than what was Expected when the Expedition went from the Havana a New Reinforcement was sent there, with
                            what and the Troops before Pansacola already therewas an Army of about Six thousand Troops who had taken Possetion of all
                            the Posts and that the Town was the only one unsubdue.
                        The Combined Fleets which sailed in Chace of the English Squadron that was seen from the Island of Cuba had
                            not been meet with, but that they keep on the Coast of said Pansacola untill it be surrendered. I expect soon to hear of
                            these favourable News to have the honor to put them under Your Excellencys knowledge. With the greatest respect I remain
                            Sir Your Excellencys most Obedt and most Humble Servant

                            Francisco Rendon


Title: From George Washington to John Sullivan, 29 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Sullivan, John

                            Dear Sir,Head Qrs New Windsor May 29th 1781.

                        I have been favoured with your two letters of the 2d & 17th of May; the former reached me at
                            Weathersfield after I had met the Count de Rochambeau at that place—from which time to the present moment, my whole
                            attention has been so occupied by a variety of concerns, that I have been hitherto involuntarily prevented from doing
                            myself the pleasure of writing to you.
                        No arguments were necessary to convince me of the great public utility which would result from the success of
                            the plan you proposed laying before Congress. Had I been unapprised of the advantages which might be derived to our cause
                            from a successful attempt, or even a powerful diversion in that quarter, the reasons you have offered, would have carried
                            irrefragable demonstration with them and induced me to be of your opinion. But the perplexed, distressed &
                            embarrassed state of our affairs on acct of Supplies (with which you are well acquainted). The languid efforts of the
                            States to procure men, and the insuperable difficulties in the way of transportation, would I apprehend, have rendered the
                            scheme (however devoutly to be wished & desired) abortive in the first instance. And I must inform you, there is
                            yet another obstacle, which makes the attempt you have suggested, absolutely impracticable with
                            the means you propose, but which I dare not commit to paper, for fear of the same misfortune which has already happened to
                            some of my letters.
                        You will have seen, before the receipt of this, by my public letter to Congress of the 27th Inst., the result
                            of the deliberations of the Count de Rochambeau and myself at Weathersfield. That plan, upon the maturest consideration,
                            and after combining all the present circumstances and future prospects, appeared (though precarious) far the most eligable
                            of any we could possibly devise while we are inferior at Sea. The object was considered to be, of greater magnitude, and
                            more within our reach than any other—The weakness of the Garrison of New York—the centrical position for drawing
                            together men & supplies—and the spur, which an attempt against that place, wd give to every exertion, were among
                            the reasons which prompted to that undertaking, & which promised the fairest prospect of success, unless the enemy
                            should recall a considerable part of their force from the Southward. And even in this case, the same measure which might
                            produce disappointment in one quarter, would certainly in the event afford the greatest relief in another.
                        While an oppertunity presents itself of striking the enemy a fatal blow I will perswade myself, the
                            concurring exertions of Congress, of the several States immediately concerned, and of every individual in them, who is
                            well affected to our cause, will be wanted in yielding every possible aid on the occasion—At this cris., while I rejoice
                            at the appointment of the Minister of Finance—I have sincerely to regret that the Ministers of the other departments have
                            not also been appointed especially a Minister of War—At the same time I am happy to learn, the mode of promotion is on
                            the point of being finally established. With the highest Sentiment of regard & esteem I am Dear Sir Yr Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tallmadge, 29 May 1781
From: Tallmadge, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Hartford May 29th 1781

                        I have the Honor to enclose Your Excellency two letters which have just come to hand. The one signed S.G. is
                            from a Person heretofore unknown in my private Correspondence, but from whom I should expect important services if he
                            could be engaged in this way. I have the Honor to be, most respectfully, Your Excellency’s most obedt Servt

                            Benja. Tallmadge

                     Enclosure

                                    c.27 May 1781

                            Lusboke}Hessian Regts be from Kings bridge about 4 miles on the Road to NY. And
                                several Companies detachd from British Regts with themCrauhause
                            57th British Regt: lie Just above fort Washington at Fort Niphausin

                            38th do lie at Harlem at a Place called Laurel Hill
                            42d &22d Do duty at Horns Hook and in and about TownTwo Hessian Regts do duty in town

                            43d British went with the Fleet for the Delaware or Chesepeak}Abt 200042 Regts Anspakers went with the FleetPart of the 86th & part of the 46th British went with  150 Hessian
                                Jagers went with the Fleet

                            1st Regt British Grandadiers lie at New Town on Long Island
                            2d Do at Jamaica
                            Colonal Wodnis Hessian Jagers about 600 or 700 lie at Heriks on
                                the North Side the Plains
                            17th Light Horse Commanded by

                                 lye at Heampstead
                            At Loyds Neck Detachments from Several New raisd Regts to the Amount of 600 perhaps Seven hundred
                            On Staten Island 2 Regts amount on the Island 1200
                            2 Frigates only in New York Harbour except the Confederacy
                            Whole troops in & about NY not to exceed 4500
                            S.G.N.B. Governor Robinson is Going to the Southwart to take Genl Phillips’s place who it is said died of Sickness.
                                     Arnold cannot it Seems be trusted alone. An Expedition from K.
                                bridge may soon be expected perhaps after Foriage. Last Tuesday 22 May all the Troops on the Island were marching for
                                N. York at 11 oClock at night they were ordered to Return to their quondam Quarters. They had got
                                as far down as Howards on wednesday they marched back.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                 May 27th 1781

                            Your favour of the 13th Instant hath come to hand—And note the contents—I have
                                proposed the affair to the person mentiond in your last but can only Send him down at times, he cannot reside there at
                                present—And cannot procure any person at yet to do it—Austin Roe hath Just returned from
                                    New York but brings nothing material Pensacola is taken by the Spaniards and then a Fleet
                                prepairing to sail for Urope, probably will be ready in about ten days, their said to be Conveyd by five Ships of War—The Troops were all orderd to leave Long Island a few days past but before they got to Brooklin
                                were orderd to return to their quarters—again what this menover was for cannot Say—It is reportd that the Second
                                division of French have arrived at Boston—You desired to know the State of the enemy at
                                Kingsbridge—I have directd an enquire there most certainly very  there. But I think you cannot Surprise them and were you to make any movement there You may
                                depend they could move their Whole force then in twelve Hours: Their regular Troops certainly doth
                                not much exceed four Thousand. And I am assured that the Militia and others that they could muster in an emergency
                                would amount to five Thousand more Some Say Six—I have forwarded the papers regular—And have expended the ten Gines.
                                A few days past Several Men from New Haven were at Setauket. Two of them were named Thompson and
                                Brothers further cannot describe. They Brought on Shoes and Flower and other necessairies of life. Then a person came
                                to New York this week I Suppose you are not unacquainted with his errand—hope he hath renderd a
                                good account—I am in hast and remain your very Humble Servant

                                Saml Culper

                                General Phillips is dead and General Robinson Commonly Called Old Jemmy goes to take the Command in
                                    Virginia.

                                    Words in Square brackets are translations of code.


Title: From Edward Hand to Goose Van Schaick, 29 May 1781
From: Hand, Edward
To: Van Schaick, Goose

                            Sir
                            Orderly Office New Windsor 29th May 1781

                        His Excy desires you will please to give him the Former Characters of William King, & John Henny sic, soldiers in your regiment, and under sentence of Death for
                            Desertion, that he may thereby judge which of them mercy may with the gratest propriety be extended to should he find it
                            consistant with the good of the service to pardon either of them. I am Sir with much respect &ca


Title: General Orders, 30 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To:

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Wednesday May 30 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns

                        The Honorable the Congress have been pleased to pass the following Resolves.
                        By the United States in Congress assembled May 4th 1781, Resolved, That Thomas Hutchins be appointed
                            Geographer to the Southern army with the same pay and emoluments as are allowed to the Geographer of the main army.
                        May 8th 1781
                        Resolved That the Commander in Chief be and he is hereby authorized and directed to arrange the brigade
                            Chaplains of the several state lines serving with the Army; and the commanding General of the southern army those of lines
                            serving with that army so as to retain in service no more Chaplains of each line than are equal to the number of Brigades.
                        That every Chaplain deemed and Certified to the Board of War to be supernumerary be no longer continued in
                            service and be entitled to have their depreciation made good and to the Halfpay of Captains for life.
                        Resolved that the commanding General at West Point for the time being receive the extra allowance granted by
                            Congress to an officer commanding in a seperate department untill the further order of Congress.
                        As a considerable proportion of the troops in this Army will consist of recruits but little accustomed to
                            military service, and as the season for commencing the Campaign is so near at hand as to afford but a small opportunity at
                            best of initiating them in the duties of their profession, the General is extremely sollicitous that the intermediate
                            space between the present moment and that of taking the Field should be wholly occupied in disciplining and forming them.
                        He calls upon the officers of every rank in the most earnest and pressing manner to devote themselves
                            personally and unremittingly (agreeably to the orders of yesterday) to an object of such vast importance to their own
                            Reputation as well as the Good of the Public Service.
                        The Adjutant General will be pleased also to superintend the Exercising and manœuvring of the troops so far
                            as their dispersed situation and the other duties of his office will permit; he will begin with the Guards of the
                            Commander in Chief, and attend the Cantonments of the other Corps at such times as he shall appoint; he is requested
                            likewise to report with great precision from time to time the State of the discipline of the several regiments noting the
                            extraordinary proficiency that any particular Corps may make and the apparent want of it which may be visible in any
                            others.
                        As soon as the Army is drawn together the Commander in Chief will judge for himself of the attention which
                            shall have been paid to this order.
                        Colonel Hazen’s regiment to hold itself in readiness to march on the shortest notice.
                        The Adjutant General will inspect the Rhode Island regiment on Saturday next it is therefore ordered to be
                            in as collected a state as possible and under Arms for that purpose at six ôclock in the morning of that day.


Title: From George Washington to Board of War, 30 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Board of War

                        Gentlemen

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 30th May 1781.

                        Inclosed are the Copies of the letters and papers from the Marquis de la Fayette transmitted in yours of the
                            26th.
                        I have recd Mr Carletons letter of the 22d inclosing one from Capt. swan on the subject of what he conceives
                            an injury respecting his Rank. As he states no particulars, I do not know upon what he founds his claim to the Majority of
                            the 1st Regt—But of this I am certain, that the date of his present Commission can alone determine the point, as he
                            entered the service— a Captain the beginning of the year 1777— and consequently can have no prior claims. I have the honor
                            to be &c.
(June 5th Duplicate)The Original was intercepted in the last Mail with the Copies of which it is impossible for the Gentlemen of my family to make out Duplicates, at prest and perform the other indespensable duties of the Office.


Title: To George Washington from James Clinton, 30 May 1781
From: Clinton, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Albany May 30th 1781

                        I have the honor to inclose your Excellency a Copy of a Letter from Genl Schuyler, the Contents of which will
                            inform you of the Measures which were adopted to acquire the Intelligence, of which, I also transmit, you a Copy Mr Fox who, you will please to observe, is the principle Agent acquited himself with so much
                            address that he obtained the Enemy’s fullest Confidence, the original Letters, after they had been accurately transcribed
                            were forwarded on to Canada, and in a few Days a Packet in answer may be expected, unless Smith (who has absented himself
                            since the 26th inst.) should counteract the Plan, by escaping into Canada, tho’ it is probable he has only retired to wait
                            the Success of his Letters, as he has a family in this place, and is under heavy Bonds. Patrick Smith, his Brother is gone
                            to New York with a Packet, it is expected he will return as he has given out, that he intended only for Philadelphia.
                        Doctor Smith had the Governor’s Permit to proceed with a Flag to Canada, in exchange for Captain Wood, but
                            for prudential Reasons I was obliged to detain it. Higginbottom who is now confined in Goal was to have acted in the
                            absence of Smith; and tho’ we have the clearest Evidence against him, Circumstances require his trial to be postpon’d. We
                            conceive it will be most prudent to send him to West point, there to remain in Irons, untill, the Affair is brought to
                            maturity, we shall wait your Excellency’s Direction on the Subject—Smith should have been confined, but the Information
                            was received too late. I have every reason to believe that there has been for sometime a chain of Intelligence, from New
                            York & Canada, and that it is not confined to this State alone Mitchell who is the chief Armourer, is doubtless
                            connected with Smith in this Affair, as his Son is the person hinted at in Smith’s Letter, who whent off with a Packet some
                            few Days since.
                        There is a certain Thomas Reid now in this Town who was formerly Paymaster to this Department, he has a
                            Servant, a Soldier in the Connecticut Line, who says his time of Service is expired, but he has no Discharge, they both
                                 untill some time after my arrival, when I prevented it. Whether he is in the Service or not is
                            uncertain; but I have reason to believe from his Connection with the Persons above mentioned, that he has at least
                            furnished them with Intelligence; he informs me that his Resignation was not accepted, as his Accounts were unsettled.
                        I informed you in my last that a considerable Quantity of Flower had been impress’d the greater parte of
                            which appear to be the property of the french Agents, which bring restored, reduces our Magazines. A small Quantity of
                            Beef, Fish, and Cattle has also arrived.
                        From the Contents of the Enclosure your Excellency will readily perceive that the force now in the Department
                            is insufficient to cover the Frontier under our present Circumstances, I flatter myself that you will make such
                            Arrangements and afford us such Assistance as you may judge our Exegencies may require.
                        As the Subject of this Packet was too  to be crouded in the Compass of a Letter, and
                            as the Contents are of more Importance than ordinary, I have judged it most prudent to send Major Popham my Aid de Camp in
                            whose abilities and Integrity I have the utmost Confidence, to whom I beg leave to refer you for further Particulars, and
                            who can inform you of the Difficulties under which I labour. I have the Honor to be Sir your Excellency’s most obedt
                            Servt.

                            James Clinton

                     Enclosure

                                Copy of a Letter in Dr Smith’s Hand writing, supposed to General Haldimand—Intercepted 27th May 1781.

                                Albany 9th May 1781.

                            Your Excellency may learn from this that when I received your Instructions &ca I was obliged at
                                that Time to put myself into a place of Security, as there were heavy Charges laid against me, I thank God I have
                                    baffled that Storm—Your Commands are observed and the better part of them faithfully executed,
                                the particulars of which, I hope, in a short Time to have the Honor to acquaint you of verbally—Now is the Season to
                                strike a Blow on this place when Multitudes will join provided a considerable Force comes down, The sooner the Attempt
                                is made the better, let it be rapid and intrepid, carefully avoiding to sour the Inhabitants Tempers by savage
                                Cruelties on their defenceless Families—If a few Hand Bills, intimating pardon protection &c. &c. was
                                sent down and destributed about this part of the Country they would effect Wonders, and should your Excellency think
                                proper to send an Army against this Den of persecutors Notice ought to be given ten Days before by some careful and
                                intelligent person to a certain Mr Farson in Bulls Town, who will immediately convey the Intention to the well
                                affected of New Scotland, Norman’s-Kill, Helbarrack, Nisquitaw &c. all in the Vicinity of
                                Albany. The plan is already fixed and should a formidable Force appear I make no Doubt provision and other Succours
                                will immediately take place, a few Lines of Comfort in print from your Excellency to these people would make them the
                                more eager in prosecuting their Design, and if the Vermonteers lie still, as I have some Hopes they will, there is no
                                Fear of Success, No Troops is yet raised.
                            There is a Flag from this place shortly to be sent perhaps I may go with it, I expected before this Time
                                I would Be removed from my present Situation &c. &c.

                                25th May N.B. This I expected should reach you before now but had no opportunity—Excuse Haste. The N.B. is in another Hand Writing.
                                Copy of another paper in the same Hand writing & taken with the above.
                                Fort Stanwix
                                April 20th 1781.
                                This post is garrisoned by about 260 Men under the Command of Colo: Courtlandt—It was supplied with
                                    provisions about the 14th of last Month and Brandt was to early to hit of their Sleighs—He was there the 2d took 16
                                    prisoners—a nine Inch Morter is ordered from Albany to this Fort, to be supplied against the latter End of May.
                                    The nine Months Men when raised are to join Courtlandt’s.
                                25th May—Fort Stanwix is entirely consumed by Fire, except two small Bastions—some say by Accident
                                    but it is generally thought the Soldiers done it on purpose as their Allowance is short provisions stopt from
                                    going there which was on its way.
                                John’s-Town.
                                At this place there is a Captain’s Guard.
                                Mohawk River.
                                There are no Troops or warlike preparation (as yet) making in this Quarter, but it is reported that
                                    as soon as the three Years and nine Months Men are raised they will erect Fortifications—from this place and its
                                    Vicinage many Families have moved this Winter and it is thought more will follow the Example this Spring.
                                Schenectady.
                                This Town is strongly picketed all round, has six pieces of ordinances 6 pounders, Block Houses
                                    preparing—It is to be defended by the Inhabitants who (except about a Dozen) are for Government—There are a few of
                                    Courtlandt’s Regiment here—A large Quantity of grain stored here for the use of the Troops, large Boats building
                                    to convey heavy Metal and Shot to Fort Stanwix.
                                Albany.
                                No Troops at this post except the Commandant General Clinton and his Brigade Major, Works of all
                                    Kinds stoped for want of provisions and Money, the sick in the Hospital and their Doctors starving 8th May—No
                                    Troops yet in this place, a fine Time to bring it to Submission and carry off a Tribe of Incendiaries.
                                Washington’s Camp.
                                The Strength of this Camp does not exceed 2500 provisions of all Sorts very scarce—Washington
                                    & the French have agents through the Country buying Wheat and Flour—He has sent to Albany for all the
                                    cannon quick Match &c. that was deposited there Desertions daily from the different posts—The Flower of
                                    the Army gone to the Southward with the Marquis de la Fayette.
                                May 8—They say Washington is collecting Troops fast.
                                Southern News.
                                on the 15h March Lord Cornwallis attacked General Green at Guildford Court House in North Carolina
                                    and defeated him with the Loss on Green’s side of 1300 Men killed, wounded and missing, his Artillery and two
                                    Ammunition Waggons taken and Generals Stevens and Huger wounded.
                                May 25th—Something very particular happened lately between here and New York, Much in the Kings
                                    Favor, but the particulars kept a Secret.
                                Eastern News.
                                The Inhabitants between Albany and Boston and several precincts drink to the King’s Health publicly
                                    and seem enchanted by the late proclamations from New York—By a person 10 Days from Rhode Island we have an
                                    Account that the Number of Land Forces belonging to the French does not amount to more than 900—That when he left
                                    it he saw two of the french Vessels from Chesepeak much damaged and towed in, that several Boats full of wounded
                                    was brought and put into their Hospital and that only three Vessels out of the eight which left the Island escaped
                                    the Remainder brought into York Sheepout Eastward of Boston is acting on the Vermont principle.
                                State of Vermont.
                                The opinion of the people in general of this State is that its Inhabitants are artful and cunning
                                    full of Thrift and Design, about 15 Days ago Colo: Allen and a Mr Fay was in Albany—I made it my particular
                                    Business to be twice in their Company at which Times I endeavored to find out their Business and an Enquiry I
                                    understood from Colo: Allen that he came down to wait on Governor Clinton to receive his Answer to a petition
                                    which the people of Vermont had laid before the Assembly; that he had been twice at the governor’s Lodgings and
                                    that the Governor refused to see or speak to him—Allen then swore he might be damned if ever he would court his
                                    Favor again, since that Time they have petitioned the Eastern States to be in their Confederacy, to no purpose. I
                                    heard Allen declare to one Harper that there was a North pole and a South pole and should a Thunder Gust come from
                                    the South they would shut the Door opposite that point and open the Door facing the North. 8th May—By this Time it
                                    is expected they will be friendly to their King—Various opinions about their Flag.
                                Saratoga.
                                At this post there is a Company belonging to Van Schaick’s Regiment lately come from Fort Edward
                                    which Garrison they left for want of provisions & here they are determined not to stay for the same
                                    Reason—A Fort erecting here by General Schuyler 250 Men at this place.
                                Fort Edward.
                                Evacuated.
                                Now is the Time to strike a Blow in these parts—a party towards John’s- Town by way of Diversion and a
                                    considerable Body down here will effect your wish.
                                General Intelligence.
                                Norman’s Kill, Nisquither, Hellbarrack and New Scotland will immediately on the Arrival of his
                                    Majesty’s Troops join and give provision—Several Townships East of Albany and South East are ready to do the
                                    like—Governor Trumbull’s Son was hang’d in London for a Spy: he had several Letters from Dr Franklin to some Lords
                                    which were found upon him—No mention in the last Fish Kill papers that Green obliged his Lordship to retreat as
                                    has been reported, the Cork Fleet of upwards of 100 Sail are safely arrived in York—No hostile Intentions on Foot
                                    against the province of Canada.
                                May 25th I just received a Line from Y.H. but before his Arrival I dispatched a
                                    Courier on the point of a sharp weapon to which I refer you and lest that should miscarry I send you my Journal
                                    from which and the Extract sent forward you may (if it arrives) form something interesting—For Gods sake send a
                                    Flag for me—My Life is miserable—I have fair promisses but Delays are dangerous.
                                With the above was taken another paper in the same Hand Writing of which the following is a Copy.

                                    Y.H. is disobedient and neither regards or pays any Respect to his parents—If he did he would
                                    not contribute to their Disquiet by coming down contrary to their Approbation and repeated Requests.
                                The necessaries you require are gone forward last Tuesday by a person which the Bearer will inform
                                    you of, I wish he was in your Company and you all safely returned &ca. My Life is miserable—A Flag—A Flag
                                    and that immediately is the sincere wish of

                                H. Senior

                        N.B. The paragraphs marked  image  were in another’s Hand writing, supposed to be Shepherds.Examined and compared with the originals May 8th 1781.

                     Enclosure

                                Dear Sir,
                                Saratoga May 24th 1781.

                            The Evening before last I was favor’d with Your’s of the 22d inst. The Agent whose Intelligence was
                                transmitted from below, and whom I shall in future call Mr Fox, I placed on the road so as to have a full View of
                                Higgenbottom, he declares him to be the very Man we suspected here; after Mr Fox had run Higgenbottom, he returned to
                                his Station, where he met with five of the Enemy whose Confidence he so far obtained, as to be entrusted with Letters
                                written on the Spot to persons at Albany, whose Names I forbarr to mention, for fear of Accident, they contained
                                nothing Material, except the Arrival of the Enemy in force at Crown point and Ticonderoga with this Expression in one,
                                "we shall make rare work with the Rebels" and except a request to be kind to the British Deserter,
                                and a Direction to a third Person communicating the watch word by which the Deserter was to make himself known; this
                                clearly evinces his Character, & I think he should be closely confined in the Dungeon, untill his execution,
                                which I hope will be speedily done. A small party, of which I have also had Intelligence is
                                about here, & I have great hopes of their being received this night. Captain Gray is returned, he has not been
                                near enough to determine the Enemy’s force, but sufficiently so to discover that by their fires, they are numerous, is
                                it not strange and subject of suspicion that the Vermontiers should not afford us any Intelligence of the Enemy’s
                                Approach; as they must certainly know of their Arrival at Crown point and Ticonderoga. The Letters I have mentioned
                                observe that Col. Allen is at Isle au noix with a flag.
                            Pray communicate the Contents of this Letter to the Governor and General, and urge both the Necessity of
                                sending troops to this Quarter with all dispatch. If any are arrived at Albany hasten them up.
                            If the weather will permit I hope to have the Pleasure of seeing you on Saturday Evening. I am Dear Sir
                                Your’s &.

                                Ph. Schuyler


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 30 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Huntington, Samuel

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 30. 1781

                        I am honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 23d and 24th Insts. I am sorry that you took the trouble to
                            transcribe the Dispatches from General Greene, as I had received them immediately from him. It is to be regretted that so
                            small an accident should have turned the fortune of the day before Campden. The General’s conduct however in the action,
                            and the perseverance with which he pursues his plan, notwithstanding his disaster, do him infinite honor.
                        There have been various reports for several days past that a further embarkation was taking place at New
                            York, and some have even gone so far as to suppose a total evacuation of the place was in contemplation. I have an account
                            thro a pretty good channel, as late as the 27th Inst. in which nothing of the kind is mentioned. There had been some very
                            uncommon movements among the Troops upon Long Island, which may have given rise to the Conjecture I have spoken of. My
                            informant says that Pensacola is taken, and that General Robertson goes to Virginia to Succeed General Phillips. I have
                            the honor to be With great respect & esteem Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Servant

                            Go: Washington

                     June 5th (Duplicate) The original was intercepted by the Enemy.


Title: To George Washington from Nathan Rice, 30 May 1781
From: Rice, Nathan
To: Washington, George

                        May it please your Excellency

                            West Point May 30th 1781

                        The Bearer Captain Cooper of the 4th Massachusetts Regt hath represented to me that the peculiar situation of
                            his family renders his continuing longer in service very inconvenient. & wishes to have permission to resign.
                        Captain Drew who was formerly in the same Regiment, but being a Prisoner when the late arrangement was made,
                            was by mistake derangd— he is anctious to continue in service & is ready to take Captain Coopers Place, could it be permitted. I could wish if your Excellency thinks proper that Captain Cooper might be indulged in his request. He
                            hath obtaind the necessary Certificates. I have the Honor to be with the utmost respect Your Excellencys most Obedt very
                            humble Servant

                            N. RICE Majr Commanding the 4th M. Regt


Title: From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 30 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, William Stephens

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 30th May 1781

                        I fully intended in my letter of the 14th to have desired you to return to this Army, but I might possibly in
                            the hurry of Business have forgot to give the Gentleman who wrote it instructions to that purpose.
                        Should this find you in Philadelphia, you will look upon yourself fully at liberty to return, or proceed to
                            the southward, should your inclinations lead you to prefer that service to this. I am with great Regard Dear Sir Yr most
                            obt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. It is by no means improbable that the Campaign in this quarter may be as active as to the
                            Southwd


Title: To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de Ternant, 30 May 1781
From: Ternant, Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Philadelphia May the 30th 1781

                        As I am flattered with the hopes of a speedy exchange, by the kind exertions of Count de Rochambeau &
                            Chevr de Barras, & wish most earnestly to return to activity immediately after, I shall beg your Excellency to
                            honor me with your orders about my future destination in the army—Col. Armand wrote me before he sailed for Europe, that
                            your Excellency intended I should be arranged to his legion: but I have not heard, since, what had been ultimately
                            determined about it—The Baron Steuben, before leaving Philadelphia—expressed also, his wish, to me, that I might continue
                            in the department of the Inspection & was to propose it to your Excellency—My Knowledge of the
                            Sother States, on the other hand, & certain readyness, in speaking & writing the
                            foreign languages, might perhaps under the present circumstances, of combined armies & fleets, render me of Some
                            further utility near your Excellency’s person; & this I can assure you, would be a most flattering thing to me—But
                            your Excellency knows best, from my past services, in what line I can be most usefull, & I shall always be
                            disposed & happy, to do whatever you may think proper to order. I am with the greatest respect &
                            attachment your Excellency’s most obedient & humble servant

                            Jn Ternant


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

                            Head Quarters New Windsor Thursday May 31st 1781
                            Parole
                            Countersigns.

                        Lieutenant William Eysandeau of the 5th Massachusetts regiment is appointed untill further orders to
                            superintend the General Military Hospital.


Title: To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 31 May 1781
From: Barras, Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de
To: Washington, George

                            Monsieur.
                            a nieuport le 31 may 1781.

                        jay l’honneur de vous informer quayant eté instruit par un battiment venant De la guadeloupe que lescadre
                            commandêe par monsieur de grasse avoit rencontré lescadre angloise a latterrage de la martinique quaprés un combat assés
                            long les anglois avoient eté battus, que les francois seroient emparés de deux vaisseaux ennemis et qu’ils etoient a la
                            poursuite des autres, quoy que cette nouvelle ne doive etre pas regardêe comme certaines jay creu quelle meritoit quelque
                            consideration, ainsy que des represantations qui mont eté faite concernant le depart de lescadre du roy pour allér prendre
                            station a boston.
                        toutes les considerations ont decidê a tenir un conseil de guerre sur le vaisseau le duc de bourgogne composê
                            des officiérs generaux de l’armée de terre et capitaines le vaisseau du commendant de lescadre, mr le comte de
                            rochembeaud nous en fait passér le resultat, jespere que votre excellence voudra bien se pretêr a la demande que monsieur
                            de rochembeaud et moy vous faisons de portér les milices qui doivent restés a nieuport a mille hommes a la place de cinq
                            cent qu’il etoit decidé qu’il devoit y avoir, comme etant conforme a la deliberation du conseil, et neccessaire a notre
                            sureté permanante, independenment dun ordre de votre excellence pour en convoquér un plus grand nombre si les
                            circonstances le requeroit, avec les lettres pour les gouverneur de boston et etat de rhodisland, a la demande de monsieur
                            le comte de choisy brigadier des armées du roy qui commandera le detachement des troupes de terre.
                        je suis avec respect de votre excellence Monsieur votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur

                            barras


Title: From George Washington to John Parke Custis, 31 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, John Parke

                            Dear Custis,
                            New Windsor May 31st 1781

                        (On Saturday last I returned from a Conference held with the Count de Rochambeau at Weathersfield, and found
                            Mrs Washington very unwell, as she had been for five or six days preceeding, & still continues)— Her complaint was
                            in the stomach, billious, and now turned to a kind of jaundice, but she is better than she has been, though still weak
                            & low. As she is very desirous of seeing you— and as it is abt the period for her returning to Virginia, I should
                            be glad, if it does not interfere with any important engagements, if you could make her a visit. That you may not be
                            alarmed, & on that acct use unnecessary speed, I think it incumbent on me to add, that I do not conceive that she
                            is in any kind of danger.
                        (We have not yet heard what is become the detachment that left New York the 13th Inst. and do not know whether
                            it was destined for Virginia— Cape Fear— or else where. It is now strongly reported, & believed by numbers, that
                            the enemy are about a total evacuation of New York but I shall suspend my opinion of the matter till there is clearer
                            evidence of it.
                        The States this way are miserably slow in sending in their Recruits for the Army, and our supplies come in
                            equally tardily whether the season, & the prospects before them, will produce any change I am unable to say)— I
                            join Mrs Washington very sincerely in affectionate regards for yourself, Nelly, & the Children (and am with much
                            truth Yrs

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Glover, 31 May 1781
From: Glover, John
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Marblehead 31 May 1781

                        I had the Honor to receive your Excellencys Letter of the 9th instant, but not till this day. I have for Six
                            weeks past been Confined to my house with a Slow fever, a part of the Time to my bead During which, had no expectations of
                            being able to Joine the Army this Campaign; but Thank God am now geting better; your Excellency may be Assured, I Shall
                            Set off for Camp as Soon as I find myself able, to Prosecute the Journey.
                        By a Ship which arrived two days Ago; we have the agreeable intilligence, that a fleet of Twenty two Sails of
                            the Line & 200 Transports were arrived at Martineco, from france and that ten days before they arrived, they
                            parted with foure Saile of Line, a number of transports 6000 Troops, on board; bound for Newport. I have the Honor to
                            be Dear Sir your Excellencys Most Obt Hbl. Sert

                            Jno. Glover


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 31 May 1781
From: Jones, Joseph
To: Washington, George

                            My dear Sr
                            Phila. 31st May 1781

                        I am this moment Conformed that Mr Rutlige is going to Head Quarters and have stolen out of Congress to give
                            you a few lines to impress upon you the necessity of taking some immediate step for the succour of the southern Departmt.
                            The Marquis’s Letters will inform you of his situation and will of itself without being enforced by me shew the distress
                            that must soon fall upon our State if not speedily succoured—For some days I have waited with impatience to hear from you
                            not doubting your anxiety for the southern States had determined you to measures for their support as far as you have the
                            means in your Power. This expectation and an opinion entertained that you must be fully informed of the late intelligence
                            from Europe has delayed my writing to mention those matters. The proposed mediation of the Imperial Court cannot be
                            declined by the belligerent Powers although delayed by France and Spain for a Short time to know the dispositions of the
                            States. The most powerfull exertions are necessary not only to give weight to the Negociations of our plenipotentiary but
                            to recover our lost territory to prevent the difficulties of the proposition of uti possidetis—Congress are giving the
                            necessary communications to the States and are endeavouring to stimulate them to emulation at this conjuncture which more
                            than ever calls for our own exertions in consequence of our disappointment from France—The need for money though will it is
                            to be hoped enable us to do something beyond what it would otherwise be in our power to effect—Virga receiving so little
                            aid from the North occassions many of her Citizens in their Letters to the Delegates to insinuate that as they are at ease
                            and in safety they care not for the southern States—This notion is but too prevalent and is of dangerous tendency to
                            slacken the efforts of the people and more readily dispose them to submission. I hope Your deliberations with Ct
                            Rochambeau have determined  relinquishing the Idea of a certain Conquest for the present and shew yourself in Virginia
                            where I think you Name and presence wod be of infinite service—but my dear Sr I mention these things with the utmost
                            deference to your own Judgment and feelings which I am sure are equally touched with my own for the distress of numbers in
                            Virga and as prompt to relieve them as any person on Earth and I am satisfied will do so as far as in your power
                            consistent with the general welfare. We have before us a proposition for sending aid of Militia from this State and
                            Maryland but of all assistances these are the worst and wod avoid them if there was a prospect of more effectual support.
                            Supplies of Arms are gone on and geting ready to go on but these have been greatly delayed for want of money, the weight
                            that defeats every exertion. Adieu. Yr aff. hum. Servt

                            Jos. Jones


Title: From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 31 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

                            My dear Marqs
                            New Windsor May 31st 1781

                        I have just returned from Weathersfield at which I expected to have met with the Count de Rochambeau
                            & Count de Barras, but the British fleet having made its appearance off Block Island, the Admiral did not think it
                            prudent to leave New port. Count Rochambeau was only attended by Chevr Chattellux—Generals Knox and Duportail were with
                            me.
                        Upon a full consideration of our affairs in every point of view an attempt upon New York with its present
                            Garrison (which by estimation is reduced to 4500 regular Troops & about 8000 irregulars) was deemed preferable to
                            a Southern operation as we had not the Command of the Water. The reasons which induced this determination were the danger
                            to be apprehended from the approaching Heats—the inevitable dissipation & loss of Men by so long a march—and the
                            difficulty of transportation—but above all, it was thought that we had a tolerable prospect of expelling the enemy or
                            obliging them to withdraw part of their force from the Southward, which last would give the most effectual relief to those
                            States. The French Troops are to March this way as soon as certain circumstances will admit, leaving about 200 Men at
                            Providence with the heavy stores and 500 Militia upon Rhode Island to secure the works.
                        I am endeavouring to prevail upon the States to fill up their Battalions for the Campaign, if they cannot do
                            it upon better terms, and to send in ample and regular supplies of Provision—Thus you perceive it will be sometime
                            before our plan can be ripe for execution, and that a failure on our part in men and Supplies may defeat it; but I am in
                            hopes that the States in this quarter will exert themselves to attain what has long been a favourite & is an important
                            object to them.
                        We have rumours, but I cannot say they are well founded, that the enemy are about to quit New Yk altogether.
                            Should they do this we must follow them of necessity, as they can have no other view than endeavouring to sieze &
                            secure the Southern States, if not to hold them finally, to make them the means of an advantageous negociation of Peace.
                        I take it for granted that your last dispatches inform you fully of European Affairs and that you can judge
                            from them of the probability of such an event as I have mentioned taking place. As you have no cypher by which I can write
                            to you in safety, and my letters have been frequently intercepted of late I restrain myself from mentioning many matters I
                            wish to communicate to you.
                        I shall advise you every now and then of the progress of our preparations—It would be unnecessary for you to
                            be here at present, and I am sure you would not wish to leave your charge while you are so near an enemy, or untill you
                            could deliver them up to General Greene or to another officer capable of exercising the command which you are in—You will
                            always remember My dear Marquis that your return to this army depends upon your own choice and that I am with every
                            sentiment of esteem regd & Affecte Yr Most Obedt Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. My public letter contains an answer to your several favors. We have just heard from New York that
                                Genl Robinson is going to supply the place of Philips.


Title: From Tench Tilghman to Timothy Pickering, 31 May 1781
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Pickering, Timothy

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor 31st May 1781

                        When Capt. Von Heer went into Quarters last Winter he delivered up thirty Horses to the Dy Qr Mr Genl which
                            were worn down, in hopes of being able to draw better in the Spring. But I imagine he will find himself mistaken. As the
                            Corps is a most useful one for Camp duty, His Excellency wishes to know whether you have any hopes or expectation of
                            getting proper Horses for it, if you have not, be pleased to give the Bearer an order to the Qr Mr at Reading Lancaster
                            and that neighbourhood to let Capt. Von Heer have thirty of the best Horses in their possession. I dont know what else can
                            be done.
                        The Inspectors and Adjutants are greatly distressed for want of orderly and Company Books. By the last
                            General Return of Military Stores there appears to be 386 Rheams Writing paper in Philada. His Excellency wishes you to
                            make inquiry if it be of the proper kind, and if it is, endeavour to have part of it made up into Books and some brought
                            forward to the Army. I am Dear Sir Yr most obt Servt

                            Tench Tilghman A.D.C.


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

                            Sir,
                            Newport, the 31. May 1781.

                        I have the honor to send to Your Excellency, the piece of news which I have received from Lieutenant Colonel
                            Ledyard. his nephew’s report, after his arrival from Guadeloupe, seems to me related with so many particularities, that it
                            has the greatest appearance of truth. We must wait for its confirmation; that piece of news has been productive of what I
                            hope will please your Excellency. The Count de Barras, instead of going to Boston, according to his orders, has held a
                            council of war, the result of which I send here inclosed. I hope your Excellency will send as quickly as possible, an
                            order that the militia to stay on this island be raised to the number of a 1000. they will be joined by 400. men that I will
                            leave under the orders of Mr De Choisy, Brigadier General and a very good officer. I think that the State of Boston may
                            furnish the 500. men that have been demanded by the council of war, for the surety of the Squadron, and that it is
                            suitable that your Excellency should send to Mr De Choisy an order for the convocation of a greater number, in case of
                            need, together with Letters for the Governors of Boston and rhode island State. It is useless to say to your Excellency
                            that one of the chief reasons that decided the Council of war to keep the Squadron at rhode island, was the fear least
                            America should Look on this change from Newport to Boston as a retreat; the Desire to be nearer for our future operations,
                            when the superior naval forces that we have reason to expect in the course of the summer, shall be arrived in these Seas,
                            has been another reason. Your Excellency knows very well that the harbour of Boston is very unfavorable in this season, by
                            reason of the S.W. winds that blow almost continually. The junction of Mr De Barras, with the forces that might come would
                            perhaps be delayed for a month, and consequently all the operations which depend on it I must earnestly beg of your
                            Excellency to grant to the navy, the additional militia that it asks for its surety. It is due to the unanimity shewn as
                            to the desire to be readier to be usefull to the common cause. I am with respect and personal attachment Sir, Your
                            Excellencys most obedient most humble Servant

                            Le cte de Rochambeau

                            I beg of your Excellency to forward this in closed Letter to the Ch. de la Luzerne, by a confidential
                                person, because I have not had time to cypher it.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir,
                                New London 29th May 1781

                            By return of the Boat I sent on Long Island I am Informed that there was an Embarkation about taking
                                place in New York, and that a number of Horses which was Ordered to be furnished for Government service by the
                                Inhabitants at the East end of Long Island by the 10th Inst. after being sent up were all Ordered back again without
                                paying any expences attending them, Capt. Fosdike of the Privateer Randolph who arrived here last Night I am informed
                                that last Thursday evening he saw ten Ships which he suppos’d to be Arbuthnots Fleet, close in with the Land south
                                side of Long Island, better than half way from Montauk Point to New York, standing to the Southward and Eastward under
                                very small sail the Wind then E.N.E. blowing fresh and looking like a Gale coming on.
                            Capt. Youngs Ledyard a Nephew of mine Arrived here last evening from Guadaloupe, by him I Learn that a
                                French Fleet had arrived Off and at Martinico consisting of 155 Sail with a Number of Troops from 7 to 10000, twenty
                                eight of which was Ships of the Line including four which was employed as store Ships, and that sometime before this
                                Fleets arrival at Martinico a Number of Ships said to be from 5 to 9 Sail of the Line with Transports parted with them,
                                Bound to North America, that on the Approach of the French Fleet near Martinico, Vessels that was kept out to give
                                the necessary Information respecting the British Fleet, which was Cruising for the French Fleet, came athwart the
                                French Fleet in season and gave the Information relative to the English Fleet, upon which the French Fleet after
                                taking care of their Convoy went in pursuit of the English Fleet, and soon came athwart them, when a severe Engagement
                                took place which lasted for some time; the French Fleet consisted of 20 Sail of the Line, after which was Joined by
                                four sails from Fort Royal, the English Fleet consisted of 17 Sail of the Line, after the two Fleets engaged some time
                                the English Fleet made off, and was pursued by the French Fleet which prevented their geting into St Lucia, after
                                which a Vessel Arriv’d at Guadaloupe and gave an Account that the French Fleet had taken two of the British Fleet that
                                fell in the rear, and was in pursuit of the others—The Engagement took place the 29th April between the two Fleets.
                            the Boat I sent to Block Island has not yet returned this day two Ships was seen between Block Island
                                & Montock Point—the French ships which is said to be coming to North America am told are from 74 to 90 guns,
                                shall do all in my power to give Your Excellency the earliest Inteligence respecting the Movements of the Enemy. I
                                have the Honor to be your Excellencys Most Obt Servant

                                Wm Ledyard

                                beg your Excellency will please to inform the Admiral of this, should have wrote him but not
                                    knowing his Name did not no how to direct a Letter for him. W.L.

                     Enclosure

                                    31 May 1781

                            In the Council of War, assembled on board the Duke de Bourgogne, on the 31st May 1781.
                            His Excellency General Washington having demanded of the Count de Rochambeau to march with his army into
                                the Continent, and the instructions which the Count de Rochambeau has received from his Court Bearing, that in the
                                case of his evacuation from Rhode island, the squadron shall leave it and retire to Boston, if it can be done with
                                Surety and without compromising itself, The Count de Barras has required that a council of war composed of the General
                                and Principal Officers of the Land forces and Navy, be assembled, to examine whether, in the present circumstances and
                                tho’ there be no more impediment from the enemy to the Squadron retiring to Boston, It would not be advantageous to
                                the King’s Service that the Squadron stay at Rhode island, and whether it can be done with Surety.
                            1st Proposition.
                            By the stay of the Squadron at Rhode island, will it be in a better position than at Boston to cooperate
                                with the naval forces, which we have reason to hope will arrive from the West indies in the course of the Summer?
                            Decisions of the Council.
                            It has been unanimously decided, that for the Success of the operations that could be undertaken and for
                                the honor of the King’s arms, it is Suitable that the Squadron should stay at Rhode island, and that this position in
                                the present circumstances, is preferable to that of Boston.
                            2d Proposition.
                            Can the Squadron stay in Surety at Rhode island, that island being only guard’d by American militia, with
                                four hundred French troops which the Count de Rochambeau would leave there?
                            It has been decided that, considering the well known weakness of the Garrison at New york, occasioned by
                                the differents detachements that have been made out of it, the British are not in a condition to attack Rhode island
                                with considerable forces, and that the detachment which the Count de Rochambeau would leave there, joined to a
                                thousand militia to stay continually that will be demanded to General Washington, to which a greater number would be
                                added in case of need, will be Sufficient to guard Rhode island, and cover the sSquadron by Land.
                            3d and Last Proposition.
                            The contrary winds having made it impossible to the sSquadron to go out, about the 18th of this month, as
                                likewise the position of the British fleet, as the Count de Barras had proposed, to protect the approach of the Convoy
                                that set sail from Brest on the 22d of March, is it suitable that the sSquadron should now go out on that account?
                            It has been unanimously decided that the going out of the Squadron in the present moment, might very much
                                delay the departure and operations of the Land Army as it would carry away a very considerable detachment that it had to
                                compleat its crews: that, besides, that inconvenience would not be probably compensated by an advantage whatsoever as
                                it is not likely that the Squadron can be of any help to the convoy, which having set sail 71. days ago, should arrive
                                at Boston, before the Squadron could be in the points where it would be possible to meet it, and that consequently the
                                Squadron must not go out.

                                        Signed by

                                        Signed by

                                        Le Chr Bernard de Marigny

                                        La Villebrune

                                        Chadeau de La Clocheterie

                                        Le Chr de Medine

                                        Le Gardeur de Tilly

                                        Le Chr De Lombard

                                        Le Mis de Laval

                                        La Grandiere

                                        De Lauzun

                                        Destouches

                                        Beville

                                        Custine

                                        Viomenil

                                        Choisy

                                        Viomenil

                                        Le Chr De Chastellux

                                        Le Cte de Rochambeau

                                        Barras


Title: From George Washington to Elisha Sheldon, 31 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Sheldon, Elisha

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 31. 1781

                        You will immediately put your Corps under marching orders &  make every possible provision for a
                            movement. It is the intention of this order, that the whole of the Infantry and all of the Cavalry who have been, or can be
                            prepared for the feild, should be held in the most perfect readiness to march on the shortest notice. Whatever articles
                            there are in the Stores, which are absolutely necessary for your men before they march, you will draw on your own Return, taking care not to extend the Return beyond the Articles now
                            actually wanting, & which cannot be dispensed with, and reporting the same, together with a minute state of yr Regt
                            on your arrival at the Army.
                        As you will before this time be able, to determine what the State of Connecticut will do respecting mounting
                            & equipping the Dismounted Dragoons of your Regt—if there should be a probability of effecting this, and it cannot
                            be compleated previous to your marching, in that case you will be at liberty to leave an Officer (and a few Dragoons if
                            necessary) to assist in collecting and bringing on the Horses & Accoutrements and carrying the resolution of the
                            State effectually into execution. I am Dr Sir Your Most obedt Servant


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge, 31 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Tallmadge, Benjamin

                        Dear Sir

                            Head Quarters New Windsor May 31st 1781

                        I have duly received your favor of the 29th. The inclosed Letter for Colonel Sheldon, I entreat you will
                            forward by the first safe conveyance. With great esteem & regard I am Dear Sir Your Very Hble Servt


Title: From George Washington to Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de Villefranche de Genton, 31 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Villefranche de Genton, Jean-Louis-Ambroise, chevalier de

                            Sir
                            Head Quarters New Windsor 31st May 1781

                        You will be pleased to repair to Albany and put yourself under the orders and command of Brig. Genl Clinton.
                            I am &c.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 31 May 1781
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

                            Dear Lund;
                            New Windsor 31st May 81.

                        I returned last Saturday from a conference with the Counte de Rochambeau at Weathersfield, on Connecticut
                            River, & found your letter of the 9th Instt; & the last Post brought me another of the 16th.
                        We have heard nothing yet of the detachment (consisting of about 2000 men) which left New York the 13th
                            Instt, nor do we know whether those Troops were bound for Virginia, North or South Carolina, or elsewhere. A report
                            prevails, and is believed by some, that the enemy are about to quit New York altogether, but I shall withhold my opinion
                            of the matter yet a little longer—If such an event should take place it will be an evidence in my mind that they expect matters are drawing to a conclusion and that they have a
                            mind to get as fast hold on the Southern States as possible.
                        I have already given you my opinion (in some late letters) with respect to my moveable property—after
                            removing the most valuable, & least bulky articles the rest, with the buildings, must take their chance. I am
                            prepared for the worst that can happen to them, to hear therefore of their being plundered, or burnt, will be no surprize
                            to me. In case a body of Troops should come into that part of the Country (belonging to the Enemy) public as well private
                            considerations, require that Horses & stock of all kinds should be driven out of their reach.
                        Mrs Washington who has been very sick for more than ten days, & still continues so, joins me
                            sincerely in offering best wishes to you and Mrs Washington & Milly Posey. I am Dr Lund Yr Affecte Servt

                            Go: Washington

                            P.S. By your figures in your letter of the 9th I do not know whether the number of your lambs is 118 or
                                218.