Farewell Address and Selected Letters

The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) (part 6)

' Generals Spencer and Arnold, who were stationed at Providence, had formed a plan for attacking the enemy on Rhode Island. When the enemy's, forces first landed at Newport, they consisted of eleven regiments of British and four of Hessians, amounting in all to about six thousand men. On the 2 1st of January two thousand of these men embarked in twenty-four transports, and sailed out of the harbor as it was supposed for New York. This diminished the numbers on the Island so much, that it was thought an attempt to dislodge them might be made with a fair prospect of success. A plan was laid for this purpose ; but there were only four thousand troops at Providence, and those mostly raw militia, and not more than one thousand more, of the same descrip- tion, were expected. This force was not deemed sufficient in quality or strength to attack, under many disadvantages, fortified posts manned by veterans ; and therefore Spencer and Arnold requested permission to call to their assistance four or five regiments of Continental troops from Massachusetts and Connecti- cut. After making considerable preparation, and some ineffectual attempts to procure men in the adjoining States, the enterprise was finally laid aside as im- practicable with the force at command. On March 3d, Washington again wrote :

" I must recall your attention to what I have before said on the subject of your intended attack. You must be sensible, that the most serious ill conse- quences may and would probably result from it, in case of failure ; and prudence dictates, that it should be cautiously examined in all its points before it is attempted. Unless your strength and circumstances be such, that you can reasonably promise yourself a moral certainty of succeeding, I would have you by all means relinquish the undertaking, and confine yourself, in the main, to a defensive opposition."

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 225

thing respecting the measure to be duly weighed, previous to an attempt, and consented, that if, after mature deliberation had of all circumstances, the officers esteem the enterprise advisable, that four or five Continental regiments may be called in aid. I suggested to him the difficulty of passing a river to attack an enemy, and of making a good retreat in case of repulse. This is obvious, and I am satisfied will not escape your attention. Whatever may be determined on I trust will be founded in prudence, and I hope crowned with success.' * * *

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL PARSONS.''

MoRRiSTOWN, 8 February, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Yesterday I received yours of the 3d Inst. Since General Heath, by his retreat to White Plains, has

' " The General is informed, that many frauds and abuses have been com- mitted of late, by sundry soldiers, who after inlisting in one regiment, and re- ceiving the Bounty allowed by Congress, have deserted, inlisted in others, and received new Bounties, for prevention of such unjust and infamous practices, commands & strictly enjoins all officers of the Continental Army to use their utmost endeavors to detect those who shall be guilty of such offences, and them having apprehended, they cause to be forthwith tried by a General Court Mar- tial, that they may be dealt with according to their crimes.

" The General thinks proper to declare that this offence is of the most enor- mous and flagrant nature, and not admitting of the least palliation or excuse ; whosoever are convicted thereof, and sentenced to die, may consider their execution certain and inevitable.

" That such impositions may be less practicable every officer engaged in the recruiting service is required to have a piece of blue, red or yellow Ribband or Tape, fixed in the Hat of each soldier recruited, at the time of enlistment, which he shall constantly wear, under pain of receiving 39 Lashes, 'till the Regiment or Corps to which he belongs is assembled and joins the Army." — Orderly Book, 6 February, 1777.

'^ General Parsons was now in Connecticut, with orders to superintend the

226 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

given the enemy time to recover themselves, I do not know at this time what can be better done in that quarter than adopting the plan you propose, of cross- ing over to the east end of Long Island and destroy- ing the forage. I am so fully convinced of the good effects of this enterprise, that I have ordered it to be done generally in the neighborhood of the enemy here, in which success has attended us to our utmost w;ish. You will endeavor at the same time to bring off all the draft-horses fit for service. Colonel Henry Livingston, of the New York State, was lately with me, and has my orders to this purport. With him you will please to concert a good plan.

From the enclosed proclamation you will be able to regulate your conduct with regard to the Tories. No form of an oath of allegiance is yet drawn up, but you can easily strike off one, that will answer the end designed. They have permission to carry in with them their necessary wearing apparel, but nothing that can possibly be useful to the enemy. Their estates must be secured till the civil power determine what shall be done. I have written to the New Eng- land States on the subject of arming the troops they are to raise. You will get their answer. You will

recruiting service in that State, and to forward the men to the army as fast as they could be got in readiness. He suggested a plan for a descent upon the eastern parts of Long Island, and inquired of General Washington in what light the inhabitants, who had taken an oath of allegiance to the King, should be considered, and whether the estates of those, who had taken an active part against the country, should be regarded as enemy's property. The inoculation of the troops for the smal!-pox caused a delay of this plan till it was too late in the season to make the attempt, they being ordered in the meantime to join the main army.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 227

please to publish the enclosed general order.' I am, &c.^

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

MoRRiSTOWN, g February, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have now before me your several favors of the 25th & 30th ulto., and of the ist instant, for which I return you my thanks. * ^ *

I should hope that General Carleton will not at- tempt to pass the Lakes, before we can get a sufficient force to oppose him. The enterprise I think will be dangerous and attended with many difficulties. However, as the defence and security of our posts in that quarter is an object of the first importance, I have written in the most urgent manner

' The order against plundering, contained in this volume, p. 187.

"Since I wrote to you on the 8th Ins. I have been compelled from the spreading of Small pox in our Army to submit to the necessity of Innocu- lation, & have accordingly ordered all the Continental Troops now here & coming from the Western States, to be innoculated immediately on their arri- val— You vi^ill therefore give orders for the Innoculating the Connecticut Troops ; and as Govr. Cook is desired to forward on the Rhode Island Troops to Connecticut for this purpose, you will also have proper attention paid to them — I need not recommend to you the greatest Secresy and Dispatch in this business ; because a Moment's reflection will inform you that should the Enemy discover our Situation they cannot fail taking advantage of it.

" You may perhaps not be able to reconcile this order with the Enterprize proposed in my former Letter agt. Long Island. If that can be carried on at the same time with Innoculation, I would by no means have you decline ; But if one must give way to the other (of which you will be the best Judge) Innoc- ulation, being of the greatest Importance, must have the preference and the Enterprize laid aside. It will be best to draw the Troops within as small a circle as possible and towards Peekskill to have them Innoculated ; by this means, if proper care is used, the danger of the Infection's spreading will be small and the Country have but little cause to dread it." — Washington to Major-General Parsons, 10 February, 1777.

228 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

to the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, to forward on their regiments with all possible expe- dition, desiring that they may not wait till they are complete, but that suitable officers may be left to recruit for the deficiencies. As to forming the nor- thern army of a mixture of troops, I think it cannot be done, under the peculiar situation of our affairs. The posts on the Lakes are much more convenient to the eastern forces, than to any other, and they can be there sooner, than to other places, where the aid of the rest is indispensably necessary and loudly called for. Another objection to the measure is, that prejudices and Jealousies have prevailed where those of different States have acted together, not- withstanding every possible exertion on my part to get them to harmonize, consider themselves as the same people, engaged in the same noble struggle and having one common and general interest to defend, to bury and lay aside all attachments and distinctions of a Local and provincial nature. These I think are not likely to be entirely done away, especially if gen- eral officers should be appointed by Congress from each State for their respective troops. Indeed, as their difficulties have not been reconcilable heretofore, I hope their acting separately will produce a laudable spirit of emulation to excel, and raise the reputation of their respective States, tending in the end to advance the Interest and weal of the whole. I have wrote to Brigr. Genl. Knox upon the subject of an Artillerist and to send you an officer that he esteems good. I could not order up Major Lamb or any particular officer lest I should break in upon the

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 229

General arrangement which comes more immediately under his direction. I am, &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Headquarters, Morris Town, ID February, 1777.

Sir,

The impossibility of keeping the small-pox from spreading through the army in the natural way, has determined us, upon the most mature deliberation, to inoculate all the new troops that have not had this disorder. I have wrote to General Parsons to fix upon some proper place, and to superintend the inoculation of the troops of your State, taking it for granted that you would have no objection to so salutary a measure, upon which depends not only the lives of all the men who have not had the small-pox, but also the health of the whole army, which would otherwise soon become a hospital of the most loath- some kind. Proper steps are taking to inoculate the troops already here, and all the Southern levies will undergo the operation as they pass Philadelphia.

I have wrote to the States of New York and Rhode Island to have their troops also inoculated, and I hope our army will by these precautions be entirely free of that terrible disorder the ensuing campaign. As the troops from Massachusetts and New Hampshire are ordered immediately up to Ticonderoga, they can (as was the case last year) be inoculated there. I am, &c.'

' " I wish you to Consider the prospect you have of raising your Regiment, for tho it is my desire to promote men of Credit to office and to rank, yet a regard to publick interest will not authorize their promotions without they can be of

230 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL KNOX.

MORRISTOWN, II February, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have yours of the ist instant, enclosing a copy of a memorial, which you had presented to the Coun- cil and House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts.' I most sincerely wish that your representation may be attended with the success it deserves, and that I could with propriety press the subject of it upon them in the manner you desire. To advise them to give the bounty of Twenty

service afterwards, and multiplying the number of Ofificers without Regiments, will not be answering the end proposed, viz adding to our strength but will be incurring a heavy and large expense. I regret much the policy of the New England States, which has given rise to so many difficulties and which I fear will be severely felt. I cannot give directions for an Extra bounty, that would be approving a measure which I have always Condemned, and which so far from being justifiable has been reprobated by Congress as impolitick and in- jurious to the public Cause. If the Gentlemen appointed in those Governments to a part of the Sixteen additional Battalions cannot make up their Corps, the truth of these observations will be verified, and happy will it be, if the measure should not extend its baneful influence elsewhere." — Washington to Colonel Henry Sherburne, lo February, 1777.

' General Knox was now in Boston to expedite the raising of a battalion of artillery in Massachusetts. The different bounties given to recruits by the dif- ferent States, particularly in New England, caused a good deal of embarrass- ment in raising the new army. Congress had resolved to allow a bounty of twenty dollars to every soldier enlisting into the new establishment for three years, or during the war. A committee of delegates from the several New Eng- land States had recently assembled at Providence, for the purpose of consult- ing on affairs common to them all, and particularly to take into consideration some method of regulating the prices of the necessary articles of life, which had become so disproportioned to the wages of soldiers and the laboring classes, that much distress was likely to ensue. This committee recommended to each of the States, which its members represented, to add a bounty of thirty-three dollars and one third to the Continental bounty of twenty dollars, in raising their quotas of the eighty-eight battalions. But, instead of the bounties pro- posed by the committee, the legislature of Massachusetts offered double that amount, or sixty-six dollars and two thirds, which, added to the Continental

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 231

Pounds to the additional battalions, as well as to their quota of the eighty-eight, would be giving my sanction to and approbation of a Measure, which I have ever reprobated, as an indirect breach of the Union, and of the Agreement entered into by their delegates in Congress to give a Continental bounty of Twenty Dollars per man and no more. But thus much I have done. I have wrote to the Council and Assembly, and have given it as my opinion, that they ought to furnish the three additional regiments of infantry and one of artillery ; because, when the Con- bounty, made the extraordinary sum of eighty-six dollars and two thirds as a gift in advance to every soldier at the time of enlisting. It was urged in explanation, that the monthly pay of the Continental soldiers was so low as to afford no reasonable inducement for men to leave their farms, and the legisla- ture chose this mode of giving them a proper compensation in preference to an enlargement of their monthly pay, which had been objected to by Congress as tending to produce dissatisfaction in the army. New Hampshire gave the same bounties as Massachusetts. In Connecticut and Rhode Island additional boun- ties were likewise given. Governor Trumbull advanced strong arguments, in a letter to Washington, in support of the justice and policy of these bounties, the basis of which was the greatly increased expenses of living since the war began, and the impossibility that the soldiers in the New England States, many of whom were married, could supply proper relief to their families from their ordinary pay. Special bounties were in some cases given by the towns.

The bounties were intended for the eighty-eight battalions only, but in Connecticut, and it is believed in the other States, the additional regiments were put on the same footing. But there was a particular inconvenience in this affair of the bounties, as it operated on the re-enlistment of the soldiers already in the army. An order had been issued by the Commander-in-chief, on the 1st of February, expressly forbidding any officer to give or promise a greater bounty, in raising men for the eighty-eight battalions, than that offered by Congress, or to enlist them from the lines of one State to serve in those of another. The consequence was, that the soldiers from the States where addi- tional bounties were allowed would not re-enlist, but preferred to wait till the times of their original enlistments should expire, and then return home and secure the bounty. Whatever may have been the necessity of the measure, it was thronged with difificulties in every mode of its application, and was a source of perplexities and vexations to the Commander-in-chief.

232 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

gress voted an addition of sixteen battalions of foot, four battalions of artillery, and three thousand light- horse, and gave the appointment of them to me, they certainly expected, though it was not expressed, that I should observe some rule of proportion in allotting them to the different States ; and a better I thought I could not follow, than the proportion settled by Congress themselves in fixing the quotas of the eighty-eight battalions. Upon this scale three bat- talions of infantry and one of artillery was but a moderate demand upon the State of Massachusetts ; for there has been raised and are now raising in the other Colonies, exclusive of the eighty-eight bat- talions, the German battalion, a battalion of riflemen lately under the command of Colonel Stephenson, and the regiment called Hazen's, or the Congress's Own, which is to consist, when compleat, of two thousand men. Each State is bound by every prin- ciple of justice and equity to furnish their proportion of the additional battalions, as much as they are of the eighty-eight; and I dare to say, if I had not dis- tributed the commissions amonof the officers of the different States, those who had been neglected would have charged me with partiality.

If the State of Massachusetts will not consent to give their assistance towards raising the three addi- tional regiments of infantry, I have urged to them the necessity of raising the battalion of artillery at least in that State, because most of the artillery-men, who served in your regiment last campaign, came from thence, and will be immediately useful. " * *

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 233

Conorress had resolved to adhere to Carlisle in Pennsylvania, and Brookfield in Massachusetts, for the places of erecting the laboratories, &c. I do not think the odds between Carlisle and York anywise material, and therefore the works will be built at the former ; but, upon your representation of the delay that will be occasioned if Brookfield is preferred to Springfield, I desire you may proceed with the works at the latter, and I will inform Congress of the neces- sity of this variation from their resolve. * * * j am, dear Sir, yours, &c.^

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL MAXWELL/

MORRISTOWN, 12 February, 1777.

Sir,

In answer to your letter of the 9th instant, respect- ing the case of the young men of Eliza. Town, who

' " The exceeding difficulty there is in procuring Spirituous Liquor with the exorbitant prices now asked for that Article, renders it absolutely necessary to stop serving it out to the troops, in a general way, till supplies can be laid in upon more easy and better terms : The Commissary General is therefore directed to issue none, except it be to fatigue parties, scouting parties, or to such troops as are necessarily employed in any extraordinary piece of duty, 'till further orders." — Orderly Book, ii February, 1777.

^ In conformity with General Washington's Proclamation, General Maxwell, who commanded near the enemy's lines at Elizabethtown, had ordered such persons, as would not take the oath required, to go immediately to the enemy. Some refused to do either the one or the other, on the ground that by the terms of the Proclamation they were not obliged to go till the expiration of thirty days. On this subject General Maxwell wrote for instructions. It would seem that many of the inhabitants of New Jersey, as intimated above (p. 202), and even those in power, were not perfectly satisfied with the Proclamation of the Commander-in-chief, issued within the borders of that State, and requiring an oath of allegiance to the United States. The following is an extract from the minutes of the Council, dated February 20th : —

"The Council, having taken into consideration the Proclamation of his

234 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

refuse to take the Oath of Allegiance to the States, or to withdraw within the enemy's lines, and dis- courage all the militia about them, I would observe, that though it is my desire to have the terms and conditions of my Proclamation religiously complied with, yet I do not intend that it shall be made a shelter for our enemies to injure us under with impunity. These fellows at Elizabethtown, as well as all others, who wish to remain with us, till the expiration of the thirty days, for no other purpose than to convey intelligence to the enemy, and poison our people's minds, must and shall be compelled to withdraw immediately within the enemy's lines ; others, who are hesitating which side to take, and behave friendly to us till they determine, must be treated with Lenity. Such as go over to the enemy are not to take with them any thing but their clothing and furniture.

Excellency General Washington of the 25th of January last, whereby it appears that certain of the inhabitants of this State are required to repair to head- quarters, or to the quarters of the nearest general officer of the Continental army or militia, and ' take the oath of allegiance to the United States of America';

"Resolved, that his Excellency the Governor be requested to write to his Excellency General Washington, to know whether by the oath above mentioned is to be understood the oath of allegiance prescribed by an act of the General Assembly of this State ; and, if not, that they request to be furnished with a copy of the oath administered by virtue of the said Proclamation. "

The Governor accordingly wrote to General Washington, enclosing this resolve, to which he replied : "I fear it is not in my power to give so full and satisfactory an answer to your request, ' to explain the nature of the oath administered by virtue of my Proclamation,' as you may expect. What the style of it was, as administered by the brigadiers, to whom that business was chiefly assigned, I cannot precisely tell. My instructions to them were to insist on nothing more than an obligation in no mantter to injure the States, without reverting to the form of any prescribed law of this State. Had I known of any particular form adapted to the circumstances of its inhabitants, I would most certainly have ordered it." — Letter, March 3d.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 235

Their horses, cattle, and forage must be left behind. Such as incline to share our fate are to have every assistance afforded them, that can be granted with safety. Neither wagons nor horses must be too much hazarded in doing this business. Maj. Morris will secure Foster's cattle and sheep ; bring off all the corn, hay and oats he speaks of for the Quarter Master, who will take an account of it and settle with the owners if friendly. The effects of all Persons in Arms against us must be seized and secured. I wish this line of conduct to be observed by our parties, for which purpose you will make them all acquainted with my determination on this head. The Returns of your Brigade alarm me. I fear there is some mis- take, for which purpose I have directed Col. Bed- ford, the Muster Master General, to repair thither and examine into the matter. You will be so good as to assist him in discovering the true cause, why so many are kept in pay and so few perform service. I am, &c.^

'General Mifflin had written: "The enclosed papers were given to me with a request to forward them to your Excellency. I do not pretend to cen- sure the proceedings of the gentlemen, but I think it bad policy to confine persons, who will act the part of martyrs, and who cannot consistently with their own principles take an active part against us. If your Excellency thinks proper to order a release, it will gratify many of your friends, and pre- vent some, who wish to injure our cause from charging us with cruelty and an imitation of the enemy."

" I have not till now had time to answer yours of the 4th Instant. My sen- timents respecting the treatment proper to be observed to Martyrs coincide with yours. Lenity will operate with greater force, in such Instances, than rigor. 'T is therefore my first wish to have our whole conduct distinguished by it. Still it is not my desire, neither indeed is it within my power, to release any man from a confinement imposed upon him by the Civil power. They best know the charge, and merit of the case ; consequently should ultimately

236 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MoRRiSTOWN, 14 February, 1777.

Sir,

Since I had the honor of addressing you on the 5th Instt. no event of an important and interesting nature has occurred, unless the successes of our parties in foraging and bringing off several Horses, Waggons, and some fat Cattle, and Sheep, which were contigu- ous to and around the Enemy's Lines, are considered as such. I then mentioned that I had such a scheme in contemplation which was happily accomplished the next day without any loss. The Enemy in turn have made frequent efforts in that way, but with little suc- cess. Whenever they made the attempt, it never failed to produce a Skirmish. They have been com- mon of late, but with little damage to either side. We have certain intelligence that they have drawn the greatest part of their Troops from R. Island, and are told, that part of them have landed on Staten Island, and at Amboy with a view of augmenting their force at Brunswic.

Colo. Buckner ao^reable to the information con- tained in my last, has been tried by a Court Martial and cashiered. The proceedings and sentence I directed to be transmitted to the Secretary of the War Office, and to the printer of this State and Vir- ginia to be published.

General Lincoln is just arrived with a regiment of Massachusetts militia, about two hundred and fifty.

determine it. For these reasons I dare not comply with your request. I have enclosed a letter from Mr. Sears; the business falls within your department." — Washiftgton to Brigadier-General Mifflin, 14 February, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 237

This, he says, is succeeded by three more, which will make in the whole near eighteen hundred ; but in this I think he must be mistaken, unless those on the march are much fuller and larger than what they usually are. The whole are of the troops, that were with General Heath.

General Knox, by a letter of the 1st instant, informs me, that, on mature inquiry and examination, he finds Springfield to be more convenient and much better calculated for a laboratory and cannon-foundery, than any other part of the New England States. He adds, that a quantity of copper, tin, and other useful materials can be had there ; and that the necessary works and preparations, from these and other advan- tages, can be accomplished at least three or four months sooner there than anywhere else. In conse- quence of his opinion, which I esteem of weight, par- ticularly in this instance, and knowing the importance of these establishments and how essential they are, I have ventured to order the works to be begun there, without regard to what had been done at Brookfield, which was of but little consequence. The former, besides the many advantages mentioned by General Knox, stands on Connecticut River, and has a good navigation ; yet is entirely secure against any attempts of the enemy, being twenty miles above Hartford, where the river is narrow, and too shoal to admit vessels that can give the least annoyance. As noth- ing but the good of the service could have led to this measure, I trust it will be approved.

I have wrote the Assembly of Massachusetts State, and the Convention of New Hampshire, requesting

238 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

their good offices and exertions to promote the rais- ing of their regiments as expeditiously as possible, and to forward the whole of the quotas first exacted from them to Ticonderoga. Their contiguity to that post more than to any other, the importance of it, and General Schuyler's apprehensions, that the enemy may attempt to pass the Lake, if not on the ice, as soon as it is open, added to the great trouble, ex- pense, and loss of time it will save in marching them elsewhere, and others there, who are much more dis- tant and remote, induced me to determine so. I find the Council of the former, on General Schuyler's earnest application, before my letter reached them, had determined to send four res^iments as soon as they could be completed. I only wish the whole may be made up in a short time, and that their arrival may be early enough to prevent those inconveniences and fatal consequences, which the want of a sufficient force in that quarter would subject us to, were the enemy to pass the Lake at this time.

Mr. James Mease is now here in consequence of being appointed clothier-general. He is adjusting a plan for answering the end of his appointment, and making an estimate, to be laid before Congress, or their SecretCommittee, of such clothes as may be neces- sary to import for the army. It is with much concern, that the situation of our affairs obliges me to men- tion so frequently the want of money, especially when I am persuaded every means are used to furnish it. Our distress on this account is great indeed ; and the injury the service receives almost inconceivable ; not

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 239

a day, an hour, or scarcely a minute passes, without complaints and applications on this head. The re- cruiting of the regiments is most materially retarded by it.

Ten 0 clock, P. M. Just now a flag returned, that went to Brunswic to-day, who brought the enclosed letters from General Lee, which I do myself the honor, to transmit you, with a copy of one to myself.' I have the honor to be, &c.

' General Lee's letter to Washington, here mentioned, was dated at New York, February gth, in which he said: "As Lord and General Howe have given me permission to send the enclosed to the Congress, and as the contents are of the last importance to me, and perhaps not less so to the community, I most earnestly entreat, my dear General, that you will dispatch it immediately, and order the Congress to be as expeditious as possible." In the letter to Con- gress which was enclosed, General Lee requested that two or three gentlemen might be sent immediately to New York, to whom he would communicate what he conceived to be of the greatest importance, assuring Congress that Lord and General Howe would grant a safe conduct to the gentlemen thus deputed. He did not give the slightest clue to what such an important plan could involve, but Congress, almost unanimously decided that it was inexpedient to send any of their members to such a conference. This decision was due to a fear of the impression such a meeting would have on the court of France, as the British government had not failed to make the most of the meeting on Staten Island in September, 1776 (vol. iv., p. 401), and Deane had been much embarrassed by it in his efforts to secure aid from France. Lee was urgent, and wrote an- other letter reiterating the request, but Congress adhered to its decision, although Washington and General Greene thought there could arise no injury from accepting the proposition. John Adams saw in it an " artful stratagem of the two grateful brothers to hold up to the public view the phantom of a negotiation, in order to give spirits and courage to the tories, to distract and divide the whigs at a critical moment, when the utmost exertions are necessary to draw together an army. They meant further, to amuse opposition in Eng- land, and to amuse foreign nations by this manoeuvre, as well as the whigs in America." — yohn Adams to General Greene, March, 1777. Washington, on receiving the second refusal of Congress to entertain the idea of a conference, communicated it to Lee, who seemed to take the refusal much to heart, reply- ing on the 5th : —

" It is a most unfortunate circumstance for myself, and I think not less so for the public, that the Congress have not thought proper to comply with my

240 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 20 February, 1777,

Sir,

The principal design of this is to inform you, that we have strong reasons to believe, that the enemy are on the point of making some push. What their object is, whether to beat up our quarters and to ex- request. It could not possibly have been attended with any ill consequences, and might with good ones. At least it was an indulgence, which I thought my situation entitled me to. But I am unfortunate in eveiy thing, and this stroke is the severest I have yet experienced. God send you a different fate. Adieu, my dear General. Yours most truly and affectionately."

It was nearly eighty years before the purpose of Lee in proposing the meet- ing was discovered. The theft of some of the papers of the Secretary of the Royal Commissioners, Henry Strachey, disclosed a plan for putting an end to the war, drawn up by General Lee, and dated 29 March, 1777 — the very day on which Congress confirmed its decision not to accede to a conference. This scheme has been printed by its owner, Mr. George H. Moore, and contains the plan of a campaign to the southward, designed to cripple Virginia, Mary- land, and Pennsylvania, and so terminate the contest — on the success of which Lee " would stake his life." — Treason of Charles Lee.

To his servant Guiseppi Minghini, Lee wrote for some necessaries, and added "if any of the Dogs are with you, bring them." " Your dogs are in Virginia. This circumstance I regret, as you will be deprived of the satisfac- tion and amusements you hoped to derive from their friendly and companiona- ble dispositions." — Washington to General Lee, 16 February, 1777.

" I concur with you in the belief that the backwardness observed by the mili- tia in turning out may be fairly charged to their officers — an observation that should have its due weight with the Power that appoints them. Very many of our misfortunes originate in the want of proper attention to the choice of ofiScers. In answer to the representation of the joint meeting of the Coun- cil and assembly of this State respecting the rank of officers in their battalions, I take the liberty to observe that I know of no method freer from the charge of injustice and partiality than to refer the decision to a board of officers so soon as the battalions are raised. Before them every officer will have an oppor- tunity of advancing all his reasons for precedence. The disputes that prevailed on a like occasion at Cambridge were settled in this way to the satisfaction of them all." — Washington to Governor Livingston, 14 February, 1777.

"We are now at an enormous bounty, and with no small difficulty, recruit- ing an army of upwards of an hundred battalions. The ensuing campaign may, from the same causes, prove as sickly as the last. If the hospitals are in no

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 241

tend their own, to make a large forage and collection of provender, of what they are in great want, or to turn their views towards the Delaware, is a matter of uncertainty ; but it seems probable that one of these things they have in contemplation. Such of their troops as have returned from Rhode Island have

better condition for the reception of the sick, our regiments will be reduced to companies by the end of the campaign, and those poor wretches who escape with life, will be either scattered up and down the country and not to be found ; or if found, totally enervated and unfit for further duty. By these means the bounty is not only lost, but the man is lost also, and I leave you to judge, whether we have men enough to allow of such a consumption of lives and con- stitutions as have been lost the last campaign. For my own part, I am certain, that if the army which I hope we shall have in the field this year, is suffered to moulder away by sickness, as it did the last, we must look for reinforcements to some other places than our own States. ... I hear from every quarter, that the dread of undergoing the same miseries for want of proper care and at- tention when sick, has much retarded the new enlistments, particularly to the southward." — Washington to the President of Congress, 14 February, 1777.

" Lord Stirling did me the favor of sending to me your letter of the 8th Inst, to him, mentioning your cheerfulness to continue in service, though your brigade had returned home, and waiting my determination on that head. The readiness with which you took the field, at the period most critical to our af- fairs, the industry you used in bringing out the militia of the Delaware State, and the alertness observed by you in forwarding on the troops from Trenton, reflect the highest honor on your character, and place your attachment to the cause in a most distinguished point of view. They claim my sincerest thanks, and I am happy in this opportunity of giving them to you. Circumstanced as you are, I see no necessity of detaining you longer from your family and affairs, which no doubt demand your presence and attention. You have therefore my leave to return." — Washington to Brigadier-General Ccesar Rodney, 18 Feb- ruary, 1777.

" To obviate all difficulties that would otherwise arise on account of the dates of commissions, I have determined that all commissions in the new army shall bear date on the ist January, 1777, and then a Board of officers shall determine the precedency, which when ascertained may be settled by numbering the com- missions or some such way. I was aware of the animosities that would arise if rank was claimed agreeable to the dates in the different states, and therefore determined upon the foregoing mode, which gives an equal chance to every person, according to his former services." — Washington to Major General Par- sons, 18 February, 1777.

242 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

landed at Amboy, and with them several pieces of heavy artillery. General Howe is come over too, and, it is said, Lord Percy. Their number at Bruns- wic and the landing-place, before the arrival of this last reinforcement, was estimated from seven to eieht thousand. I have ordered the utmost vigilance and attention to be observed at our several posts, to guard against surprises, and every preparation to be made, that the weak and feeble state of our little army will admit of. At this time we are only about four thou- sand strong, a force, you will suppose, unequal to a successful opposition, if they were not militia, and far too small for the exigencies of our affairs. It is impossible to obtain exact returns, though they are daily called for, owing to the frequent and almost constant departure of some of the corps.'

Colonel [John] Nielsonof Brunswic, with a detach- ment of militia, on the morning of the i8th, surprised Major [Richard V.] Stockton, [on Lawrence's Isl- and] whom he took, with fifty-nine privates of Gen- eral Skinner's corps, killing four, and bringing away the arms of the whole, with some blankets.^ This about balances the loss of a militia guard, which a party of British troops took last week in Monmouth,

' " Sorry I am to inform you (and this I do under the rose, to be known only to those who ought to be acquainted with it,) that without it, their numbers are nearly double ours ; and what kind of troops ours are, you need not be informed, when I tell you, that we have scarce any other than militia. Unhappily for us, most of those that could be depended upon, are down with the small pox, either by inocculation or in the natural way. " — Washington to Gates, 20 February, 1777.

^ General Skinner was a royalist of New Jersey, and his corps consisted of persons of that description, who had taken advantage of General Howe's proc- lamation, and given in their adhesion to the king. An interesting sketch of these New Jersey volunteers (Loyalists) has been written by William S. Stryker, Adjutant-General of New Jersey.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 243

near the Hook. I wish to be informed how the regi- ments that are raising are to be armed, and of the provision that has been made for the same. I have reason to fear, indeed I am convinced, that there is a great deficiency in many, if not in the whole of the States, in this article. Every letter that I receive from them mentions their want, and calls for supplies.'

I have the honor to be, &c.^

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Headquarters, Morris Town, Cjj^ February 20, 1777.

A letter from you to General Heath, Inclosing a petition from the ofificers taken at Princetown for lib- erty to send one of the party into New York for their baggage, was transmitted to me by General McDou- gall, General Heath having gone to Massachusetts.

' Mr. Burke, a member of Congress from North Carolina, sent to the Gov- ernor of that State a sketch of the debate on the principal subject of this letter, which was marked with much warmth. There was a unanimous disposition, however, for using every possible effort to strengthen the army, and ample reso- lutions to this effect were passed. Journals, February 24th. One of the reso- lutions was closed with the following superfluous, not to say pompous para- graph : "it being the earnest desire of Congress to make the army under the immediate command of General Washington sufficiently strong, not only to curb and confine the enemy within their present quarters, and prevent them from drawing support of any kind from the country, but, by the Divine bless- ing, totally to subdue them before they can be reinforced." In discussing this paragraph strong indications were given of the temper and secret sentiments of the members. Mr. Burke observes : "Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina voted for expunging it ; the four Eastern States, Virginia, and Georgia for retaining it. There appeared through this whole debate a great desire, in some of the delegates from the Eastern States, and in one from New Jersey, to insult the General." In this fact we discover the silent work- ings of the spirit of hostility to the Commander-in-chief, which assumed a for- midable aspect both in Congress and in the army before the end of the year. Sparks. '^ Read in Congress February 24th.

244 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I am so sensible that these people, by remaining any length of time in the country, not only acquire a knowledge of our affairs, but spread a very pernicious influence among the people, that I think it will be best to send them immediately in, and obtain an equal number of our officers in exchange. I therefore de- sire that they may be sent towards Providence, with orders to halt within eight or ten miles, till General Spencer or General Arnold is informed of their being there, that they may direct in what manner they may be sent in, so as not to see any thing of the disposition of our troops. Be pleased to make the eldest officer sign a return specifying their names and rank, and transmit it to me.

In a letter of the 7th February you desire to know what will be the best manner of disposing of the pri- vates. I think they had better be cantoned in the country as near together as convenient ; and if any of them are tradesmen, and are willing to work at their occupations, they may be usefully employed. I have the honor to be. Sir, &c.

P. S. If you can think of any more convenient way of sending in the prisoners than to Providence, I leave it to you.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 20 February, 1777.

Sir,

Monsieur Faneuil, who some time ago laid a plan before you for raising and officering a corps of Frenchmen, waited upon me yesterday. His success,

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 245

as I expected, has been small in enlisting or rather engaging Canadians. I cannot find that he has met with more than thirty or forty, who would be willing to serve with him. He is now upon another scheme, that of raising, arming, and clothing a number of men in the French Islands. To grant a commission of that kind is without the extent of my powers, and I have therefore desired him to go forward, and lay his proposals before Congress. If they appear feasible, they may be adopted ; but I would beg leave to ob- serve, that one precaution will be necessary, that is, that the commissions of Monsieur Faneuil and his officers should depend upon the performance of their agreement for raising any certain number of men.

I have often mentioned to you the distress I am every now and then laid under by the application of French officers for commissions in our service. This evil, if I may call it so, is a growing one ; for, from what I learn, they are coming in swarms from old France and the Islands. There will therefore be a necessity of providing for them or discountenancing them. To do the first is difficult ; and the last disa- greeable, and perhaps impolitic, if they are men of merit ; and it is impossible to distinguish these from mere adventurers, of whom I am convinced there is the greater number. They seldom bring more than a commission and passport, which, we know, may be- long to a bad as well as a good officer. Their igno- rance of our language, and their inability to recruit men, are insurmountable obstacles to their being in-

246 , THE WRITINGS OF [1777

ofrafted into our Continental battalions ; for our offi- cers, who have raised their men, and have served through the war, upon pay that has hitherto not borne their expenses, would be disgusted if foreigners were put over their heads ; and, I assure you, few or none of these gentlemen look lower than field-officers' com- missions. To give them all brevets, by which they have rank and draw pay without doing any service,. is saddling the continent with a vast expense ; and to form them into corps would be only establishing a corps of officers ; for, as I stated before, they cannot possibly raise any men.

Some general mode of disposing of them must be adopted ; for it is ungenerous to keep them in sus- pense, and at great charge to themselves ; but I am at a loss how to point out this mode. Suppose they were told in general, that no man could obtain a com- mission, except he could raise a number of men in proportion to his rank. This would effectually stop the mouths of common appliers, and leave us at liberty to make provisions for gentlemen of undoubted mili- tary character and merit, who would be very useful to us as soon as they acquired our language. If you approve of this, or can think of any better method, be pleased to inform me as soon as you possibly can ; for if I had a decisive answer to give them, it would not only save me much trouble but much time, which I am now obliged to bestow in hearing their different pretentions to merit, and their expectations there- upon. I inclose you the papers, which Monsieur Faneuil originally laid before the Council of Massa-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 247

chusetts ; they may be of use if you enter into nego- tiation with him.' I have the honor to be, &c.''

TO JOSEPH REED.

MORRiSTOWN, 23 February, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Your Letters of the 13th and i8th inst, are both to hand, the last in date arrived first, — the first this morning only.

' Monsieur Faneuil's scheme was not approved by Congress. In reference to the last part of the above letter, Congress informed General Washington, that in their opinion no foreign officers ought to receive commissions in the army, who were not well acquainted with the English language, and did not bring strong testimonials of their abilities, yournals, March 14th. On the day before, the Committee of Secret Correspondence was instructed " to write to all their ministers and agents abroad to discourage all gentlemen from com. ing to America with expectations of employment in the service, unless they are masters of our language and have the best recommendations."

After having been pressed by General Washington to increase the number of generals in the army, by promotion and new appointments. Congress on the igth of February appointed five major-generals, namely, Stirling, Mifflin, St. Clair, Stephen, and Lincoln. The last was taken for the first time into the Continental service, having till now commanded the Massachusetts militia. Ten brigadier-generals were elected on the 21st of February, namely. Poor, Glover, Paterson, Wayne, Varnum, Dehaas, Weedon, Muhlenberg, John Cad- walader, and Woodford. The appointment was not accepted by Cadwalader. He had not been previously in Continental service, but had acquired much rep- utation by his command of the Pennsylvania militia.

The feeling inspired by Washington in his aides is well illustrated by a pas- sage in a letter written by Tench Tilghman to his father — a loyalist : —

"If it pleases God to spare the life of the honestest man that I believe ever adorned human nature, I have no doubt of it [freedom]. I think I know the sentiments of his heart, and in prosperity and adversity I never knew him utter a wish or drop an expression that did not tend to the good of his country, regardless of his own interest. He is blessed wherever he goes, for the tory is protected in person and property equally with the whig ; and indeed I often think more, for it is his maxim to convert by good usage and not by severity." — 22 February, 1777.

* Read in Congress March 12th.

248 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I am sorry, upon the footing you have put it, and under the apprehensions you seem to be, that I did not accept your Commission as Adjt. Genl. when you offered it, tho' your fears cannot be realized, because at that time it was mentioned in Genl. Orders, that you having resigned, Colo. Weedon was appointed Pro. Tem ; your having the Comn. in possession therefore can be no argument against your Resigna- tion— but I am to accept it at any time.

1 am sorry the Cartel Settlmt. by Genl. Conway with the French cant be found — I have lately wrote to Genl. Gates for it, who I think told me he had it. I would by no means wish you to come up merely on that acct ; especially as I have not, as yet, got any answer from Congress relative to my recommendation of you to the Command of the Horse. If they should listen to my wishes in this appointment, — if a separate Quarter Master is necessary for the Horse, and Colo. Coxe Inclines to accept it, I can have no possible objection to it, but how far the Rank of Colo, can be annexed to the office I cannot undertake to say. I would wish to think of it a little.

I believe all the Prisoners from the Eastern States are now gone in. — that they did not do it long ago is not my fault. — this I thought Colo. Miles had been satisfied of when he was out — and what method I could devise to furnish their pay, except in a currency that would not pass, I am sure I know not ; — all the hard money that could be had he must know was sent in. —

I am not a little surprised at what you mention

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 249

concerning Colo. Griffin. Before Christmas I offered him a Regiment, and the nomination of his own offi- cers,— this he refused. — Since that he has been of- fered the Lieutenant Colonelcy of a Regiment of Horse, and this he has refused. If his expectations are higher than that of a Regiment, which he was offered, (even before I was vested with full Powers to do it) the Congress are alone competent to the gratification of them, as I have no authority to go beyond what I have already offered him.

If you should have the Command of the Horse, it will be quite agreeable to me that you should have one of those that was bought at Boston,— if you have not, as they were got for that particular service by Express order of Congress and I have already re- fused Genl. Green, I could not with propriety con- sent to it, as I mean, after choosing a couple, or three, for my own use, to throw the rest into some of the Troop, or let them go among the officers.

I wish your leisure would permit you to digest a proper plan for the prevention of Desertion, and ap- prehension of Deserters that would have a general operation throughout all the United States. I have, in general terms recommended to Congress, and to all the States Individually, the absolute necessity of adopting some efficacious mode to accomplish the latter, but each will, unless some method can be adopted by or recommended from Congress, or the Commander of the Army, have some new-fangled, or inadequate schemes of their own. — In like manner, if you can give any assistance to Genl. Mifflin in an

25 o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

arrangement of waggons I shall be glad of it. One Snickers, a Gentleman on or near Shanandoah in Fredk. County, Virginia, has offered to buy a number. He is a person well acquainted in this business, and may be depended on.

I think the Congress ought not, under the present appearance of things by any means to return to Phil- adelphia. I think we are now in one of the most critical periods which America ever saw, and because the enemy are not in actual motion (by the by I be- lieve they are not far from it) every body seems to be lulled into ease and Security. — '

Would Colo. Coxe accept the appointment of Com- missary of Prisoners? — If he will, I wish to God he would repair hither immediately — I want a shrewd sensible man exceedingly for this business — and ob- taining Intelligence which offices are very correspond- ent— Let me hear from you on this point as quick as possible — the Pay may, I presume, be equal to that of Colonel. I am Dr. Sir, &c.

' " Our delicate and truly critical situation for want of a sufficient force to oppose the Enemy, who are now ready and before many days elapse, will take the field, induced me to expect, that the Troops raising in the Southern States and intended for this Army would march in Companies or half Com- panies as they were made up, without waiting for their Regiments to be compleat. Policy strongly suggested the propriety of the measure, and I requested it. But to my great anxiety and surprize I am told, that this line of conduct is totally neglected, tho' a great number of Recruits are actually engaged. I must entreat Congress to interpose again with their most pressing applications & commands, that this expedient may be adopted without a moments delay. No injury can result from it, because a sufficient number, and proper officers can and must be left to recruit the Corps to their full Complement. Nor will my fears respecting the state of our Arms allow me to be silent on that Head. Let the States be urged to send their men equipped with them and every other necessary if possible — I know not what supplies

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 251

TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.

MORRISTOWN, 24 February, 1777.

Dear Brother,

Your Letter of the 24th ulto. from Mount Vernon came duly to hand, and I thank you for the visit to Mrs. Washington. I do not recollect the date of my last to you, but nothing of any great Importance has occur'd of late. — I believe there soon will, as Genl. Howe has withdrawn great part of the Troops from Rhode Island in order to streng-then those of this State for I should think (considering the situation of our Army) some offensive operation. — If he does not there can be no Impropriety, I conceive, [in] pro- nouncing him a Man of no enterprize, as circumstan- ces never will, I hope, favor him so much as at pres- ent— But — as this is too delicate a subject for a Letter, liable to miscarriage, I will hold my tongue. — Whether his designs are against the Militia I at pres- ent command — another attempt against Philadelphia

may be in Store else where or in the power of Congress, but they must not depend upon their being furnished here with any or but with very few. No human prudence or precaution could secure, but a small part of those belong- ing to the public and in the Hands of the Soldiery, from being embezzled and carried off when their time of Service expired. Nor can the same abuses be restrained in the Militia." — Washington to the President of Congress, 23 February, 1777.

" The Cry of want of Provisions comes to me from every Quarter — Genl. Maxwell writes word that his People are Starving — Genl. Johnson of Maryland yesterday inform'd me, that his People could draw none. — this difficulty I understand prevails also at Chatham ! — What Sir is the meaning of this ? — and why were you so desirous of excluding others from this business when you are unable to accomplish it yourself ? — Consider, I beseech you, the consequences of this neglect, and exert yourself to remove the Evil & Complaints which can- not be less fatal to the Army than disagreeable to, Sir, yr. most obedt." — Washington to Commissary Irvine, 22 February, 1777.

252 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

— or which I cannot beHeve, to make his own defences more secure, time only can tell, — and a little of it, I believe, will do it.

Our Scouts, and the Enemy's Foraging Parties, have frequent skirmishes ; in which they always sus- tain the greatest loss in killed and wounded, owing to our Superior skill in Fire arms. — These, and fre- quent Desertions, tho' not of any great magnitude, serves to waste their Army, biit this is count erbalanc d by a set of Parracides who have engaged in their Ser- vice, and Inlist all our Countryme7i they can seduce.

Your remark " that you cannot depend upon the Reports of our Strength " is most litterally true — It is morally impossible that any body at a distance should know it with precision and certainty ; because while it depends upon Militia, who are here to-day and gone tomorrow — whose way, like the ways of [Prjovidence are almost inscrutable— and when it is our Interest however much our characters may [su]f- fer by it, to make small numbers appear large, it is impossible you should ; for in order to deceive the Enemy effectually, we must not communicate our weakness to any body.

It becomes every friend in every State, to hasten the Recruitine Service. It behooves them to for- ward the Levies] on by Companies or otherwise, as [soon] as possible, and believe me, it behooves every friend to the American Cause to exert his utmost endeavors to apprehend Deserters — Desertion is a growing evil — it is become a kind of business, under the present bounty — to Desert one Corps to enlist

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 253

in another. — In a word, if vigorous measures ta apprehend, and rigorous in punishing are not pursued the cause will be exceedingly injured.

If we can once get the new Army compleat and the Congress will take care to have it properly supplied, I think we may thereafter bid Defiance to Great Britain, and her foreign auxiliaries.

My warmest affections I make a tender of to my Sister and the family. — My compliments present to all enquiring friends — and with strongest assurances of unalterable love to yourself I remain yr. affecte. Brother.

P. S. Yesterday a skirmish happen'd between a foraging Party of the Enemy and a Party collected from our [out] Posts, in wch. it is said, from [what] accts. we have been yet able to [get] that the Enemy in killed and wounded must have [lost] upwards of an hundred Men — Seven Prisoners were [taken] and brought In. — Our loss was three killed — eight wounded.

TO PATRICK HENRY, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA,

MORRISTOWN, 24 February, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Mr. Walker has, I doubt not, informed you of the situation in which I have placed him, in order that he may obtain the best information, and, at the same time, have his real design hid from the world ; there- by avoiding the evils, which might otherwise result from such appointments, if adopted by other States. It will naturally occur to you, Sir, that there are some

254 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

secrets, on the keeping of which depends oftentimes the salvation of an army ; secrets which cannot or at least ought not to be intrusted to paper ; nay, which none but the Commander-in-chief, at the time, should be acquainted with.

If Mr. Walker's commission, therefore, from the Commonwealth of Virginia, should be known, it would, I am persuaded, be followed by others of the like nature from other States, which would be no better than so many marplots. To avoid the pre- cedent, therefore, and from your character of Mr. Walker, and the high opinion I myself entertain of his abilities, honor, and prudence, I have taken him into my family as an extra aid-de-camp, and shall be happy if, in this character, he can answer your expec- tations. I sincerely thank you. Sir, for your kind congratulations on the late success of the Continental arms (would to God it may continue), and for your polite mention of me. Let me earnestly entreat, that the troops raised in Virginia for this army be for- waredon by companies, or otherwise, without delay, and as well equipped as possible for the field, or we shall be in no condition to open the campaign. With every sentiment of respect and regard,

I am, dear Sir, &c.

TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.

MORRISTOWN, 28 February, 1777.

Gentlemen,

I yesterday received a letter from Lieutenant-Colo- nel Campbell of the 71st regiment, dated in Concord gaol on the 4th of this month.' The Colonel, in this

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 255

letter, gives me an account of such severity of his confinement, as is scarcely ever inflicted upon the most atrocious criminals. The following extract from his letter shows the reasons, that were given to him upon his being confined. — " The first of this month, I was carried and lodged in the common gaol of Con- cord, by an order of Congress, through the Council of Boston, intimating for a reason, that a refusal of General Howe to give up General Lee for six field- officers, of whom I was one, and the placing of that gentleman under the charge of the Provost of New York, were the motives of their particular ill treat- ment to me." He then proceeds to give a descrip- tion of the place in which he is confined, which, if true, is shocking to humanity, and not to be justified upon the most strict interpretation of the Resolve of Congress, which is as follows ; " Should the proffered exchange of General Lee, for six Hessian field-offi- cers, not be accepted, and the treatment of him as above mentioned be continued, then the principles of retaliation shall occasion five of the said Hessian field-officers, together with Lieutenant-Colonel Archi- bald Campbell, or any other officers that are or may be in our possession, equivalent in number or qual- ity, to be detained, in order that the same treatment, which General Lee shall receive, may be exactly in- flicted upon their persons."^ By this you will ob- serve, that exactly the same treatment is to be shown to Colonel Campbell and the Hessian officers, that

' Colonel Campbell had been taken prisoner in Boston harbor on board a transport, in June, 1776. See Vol. IV., p. 169. * See yournals of Congress, January 4, 1777.

256 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

General Howe shows to General Lee ; and, as he is only confined to a commodious house, with genteel accommodations, we have no right or reason to be more severe upon Colonel Campbell, who I would wish should immediately upon the receipt of this be removed from his present situation, and put into a house where he may live comfortably.

Colonel Campbell mentions the case of Captain John Walker, of Colonel Gorham's corps, who, he says, is confined in the same gaol and in the apart- ment with the common men. I know not what crime is alleged against Captain Walker ; but, I will only observe, that, unless there is a very good foundation, such treatment is impolitic, for the enemy have three hundred of our officers, whom we have little chance of exchanging, and upon whom they may retaliate.

Before I had closed my letter, I was honored with your favors of the nth and 13th instant. Nothing distresses me more, than the universal call that is upon me from all quarters for fire-arms, which I am totally unable to supply. The scandalous loss, waste, and private appropriation of public arms, during the last campaign, are beyond all conception. Every State must exert itself, and call upon its colonels to pro- duce receipts, or to account for its arms, that were delivered out to them last year. I beg you will not only do this, but purchase all, fit for the field that that can be procured from private persons, of which there must be a vast number in the government. I am, &c.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 257

P. S. I omitted to mention above, that the commis- sions of all the officers, upon the new establishment, are to bear date upon the ist of January, 1777, and the precedency to be settled by a board of officers.' I desire, for particular reasons, that the contents of the above letter may not be suffered to go beyond the Council for the present. Colonel Campbell's confine- ment may be enlarged without assigning the reasons publicly. ""

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, I March, 1777.

Sir,

I was this evening honored with your favor of the 23d ultimo, accompanied by sundry proceedings of Congress. Those respecting General Lee, which prescribe the treatment of Lieutenant-Colonel Camp- bell and the five Hessian field-officers, are the cause

' General Washington was authorized by Congress to settle any disputes in the army respecting rank. Journals^ 12 February, 1777. But, notwith- standing this power, it was his custom to refer all cases of this sort to the deci- sion of a board of officers.

'^ " I last night received the favor of your letter, and am much obliged by the opinion you are pleased to entertain of me. I am not invested with the Pow-

,.ers you suppose ; and it is as incompatible with my authority, as ray inclina- tion, to contravene any determinations Congress may make. But as it does not appear to me, that your present Treatment is required by any resolution of theirs, but is the result of misconception, I have written my opinion of the mat- ter to Colonel Bowdoin, which, I imagine, will procure a mitigation of what you now suffer. I have also requested, that inquiry be made into the case of Captain Walker, and proper steps taken to remove all just cause of complaint concerning him. I shall always be happy to manifest my disinclination to any undue severities towards those, whom the fortune of war may chance to throw

..into my Hands. — Washington to Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, i March, 1777. At the same time that Colonel Campbell wrote to General Washington, he also sent a long letter to Sir William Howe, which was forwarded through the

258 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

of this letter/ Though I sincerely commiserate the misfortunes of General Lee, and feel much for his present unhappy situation, yet, with all possible def- erence to the opinion of Congress, I fear that these resolutions would not have the desired effect, are formed in impolicy, and will, if adhered to, produce consequences of an extensive and melancholy nature. Retaliation is certainly just, and sometimes neces- sary, even where attended with the severest penal- ties ; but, when the evils which may and must result from it exceed those intended to be redressed, pru- dence and policy require that it should be avoided. Having premised thus much, I beg leave to examine the justice and expediency of it in the instances now before us.

From the best information I have been able to obtain. General Lee's usage has not been so disgrace- ful and dishonorable as to authorize the treatment decreed to those gentlemen, were it not prohibited by many other important considerations. His con- finement, I believe, has been more rigorous than has been generally experienced by the rest of our officers,

hands of the Council of Massachusetts, and in which he described the situa- tion in very expressive language. He acknowledges having received kind and proper treatment till this resolve of Congress for retaliation, but gives a revolt- ing picture of his condition in Concord gaol. See his letter in the Remembran- cer, vol. v., p. 138. Colonel Campbell was a member of Parliament for Dum- fermline in Scotland.

' " Resolved, that the Board of War be directed immediately to order the five Hessian field-officers and Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell into safe and close custody, it being the unalterable resolution of Congress to retaliate on them the same punishment, as may be inflicted on the person of General Lee." — Jour- nal, February 20th. Congress assigned, as a reason for this resolve, the let- ter from General Howe to General Washington, dated January 23d.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 259

or those of the enemy, who have been in our posses- sion ; but, if the reports be true, received on that head, he has been provided with a decent apartment, and with most things necessary to render him com- fortable. This is not the case with one of the officers comprehended in the resolves, if his letter, of which a copy is transmitted, deserves your credit. Here retaliation seems to have been prematurely begun ; •or, to speak with more propriety, severities have been and are exercised towards Colonel Campbell, not jus- tified by any that General Lee has yet received.

In point of policy, under the present situation of our affairs, this doctrine cannot be supported. The balance of prisoners is greatly against us ; and a general regard to the happiness of the whole should mark our conduct. Can we imagine, that our ene- mies will not mete the same punishments, the same indignities, the same cruelties, to those belonging to us, in their possession, that we impose on theirs in our power ? Why should we suppose them to pos- sess more humanity than we have ourselves ? Or why should an ineffectual attempt to relieve the dis- tresses of one brave, unfortunate man, involve many more in the same calamities? However disagreeable the fact may be, the enemy may at this time have in their power, and subject to their call, near three hun- dred officers belonging to the army of the United States. In this number there are some of high rank ; the most of them are men of bravery and of merit. The quota of theirs in our hands bears no proportion, being not more than fifty at most. Under these cir-

26o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

cumstances, we should certainly do no act to draw upon the gentlemen belonging to us, and who have already suffered a long captivity, greater punishments than they have experienced and now experience. If we should, what will their feelings be, and those of their numerous and extensive connexions ? Suppose the treatment prescribed for the Hessians should be pursued, will it not establish what the enemy have been aiming to effect by every artifice and the gross- est misrepresentations, I mean, an opinion of our en- mity towards them, and of the cruel conduct they experience when they fall into our hands, a prejudice which we on our part have heretofore thought it politic to suppress and to root out by every act of lenity and kindness? It certainly will. The Hes- sians would hear of the punishment with all the cir- cumstances of heightened exaggeration, would feel the injury, without investigating the cause, or reason- ing upon the justice or necessity of it. The mischiefs, which ma}^ and must inevitably flow from the execution of ourselves, appear to be endless and innumerable.

On my own part, I have been much embarrassed on the subject of exchanges already. Applications are daily made, by both friends and enemies, to com- plete them as far as circumstances of number and rank will apply. Some of the former have com- plained, that a discrimination is about to be adopted, perhaps injurious to their reputation, and certainly depriving them of their right of exchange in due course, as established upon the principles of equality proposed last year, acceded to by both parties, and

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 261

now subsisting. The latter charge me with a breach of faith, and call on me to perform the agreement.

Many more objections might be subjoined, were they material. I shall only observe, that the present state of our army, if it deserves that name, will not authorize the language of retaliation, or the style of menace. This will be conceded by all, who know that the whole of our force is weak and trifling, and com- posed of militia (very few regular troops excepted), whose service is on the eve of expiring. There are several other matters, which mio-ht be mentioned upon this subject, would time and opportunity per- mit ; but as they will not, I beg leave to refer you to Colonel Walker, who will deliver this, and give satis- faction to any inquiries that may be deemed neces- sary. Persuading myself that Congress will indulge the liberty I have taken upon this occasion, I have only to wish for the result of their deliberations after they have reconsidered the resolves, and to assure them that I have the honor to be, &c.'

' Read in Congress March I2th.

On the main subject of this letter, Congress resolved. "That General Wash- ington be informed, that Congress cannot agree to any alteration in the resolve passed on the 6th of January ; and, as to the complaints of Colonel Campbell, it was never their intention that he should suffer any other hardship, than such confinement as is necessary to his security for the purpose of that resolve." — Journals, March 14th. In communicating this resolve, the President of Con- gress observed : "The obvious distinction of General Howe in his treatment of General Lee, who is notoriously committed to the custody of the provost, and denied his parole, while our other officers are admitted to it, was the ground on which Congress proceeded when they passed that resolve (of January 6th), the intention of which was to show that in proportion as severities against him were increased, the same treatment should be exercised on six field-officers." — Letter, March 17th.

" During the last campaign, the greatest part of the army were, at a considers-

262 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO ROBERT MORRIS.

MoRRiSTOWN, 2 March, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 27th ultimo came to my hands last night. The freedom, with which you have com- municated your sentiments on several matters therein contained, is highly pleasing to me. For be assured Sir, that nothing would add more to my satisfaction, than an unreserved correspondence with a Gentleman of whose Abilities and attachment to the Cause we are contending for, I entertain so high an opinion as

ble Continental expense, well armed; from whence I had hopes, that in arming our new one, no very great difficulty would obstruct us. But, in opposition to all my orders, and notwithstanding my utmost vigilance, most of the regiments, going off at different times, from different places, and under different circum- stances, took off with 'em many public arms that were put into their hands. These, no doubt, are still in possession of the individuals, who bore them away ; and may, I should suppose, with little expense and some activity in the officers, aided by the supreme civil power in each State, be regained to the public. Un- less some such step as this is adopted and attended with success, I fear we shall not be able to furnish a sufficient number for our soldiers. Satisfactory answers to my repeated applications on the subject have not yet been favored me with by Congress, so that I am still a stranger to the resources they have. It there- fore behoves each State, in addition to my endeavors, to exert its most unwearied activity in arming its quota, before they march for the field. Our situation and prospects compel me, in the most pressing manner, to call your attention tow- ards expediting the recruiting and equipping of your battalions." — Washing- ton to the Convention of New York, i March, 1777.

The embarrassment about fire-arms, which threatened to be serious and alarming, was happily relieved by the arrival of two vessels from France in the month of March : one at Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, with a cargo of about twelve thousand fusees, one thousand barrels of powder, blankets, and military stores on account of the United States ; and the other at Philadelphia, with eleven thousand fusees, of which six thousand belonged to the United States, and the remainder were purchased by Congress for the public service. This fortunate supply, added to those already in use, was enough to equip the whole army for the approaching campaign, and was of the utmost importance. Congress voted that five thousand of the fire-arms brought into Portsmouth should be delivered to the Council of Massachusetts. Three thousand were re- ceived by Connecticut, and more than two thousand by New Hampshire.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 263

I do of yours. Letters, however, being liable to various accidents, make a communication of thoughts that way rather unsafe. But, as this will be conveyed by a gentleman on whom I can depend, I shall not scruple to disclose my Mind and situation, more freely than I otherwise should do.'

' This letter was in reply to one, which Mr. Morris had lately written, re- marking on a previous letter from General Washington to him, in which the prospects of the future, particularly in regard to the movements and designs of the enemy, were depicted in sombre colors.

" I do not like to be sanguine," observed Mr. Morris, " and yet it is neces- sary in a contest like this we are engaged in to view the best side of the picture frequently. Remember, good Sir, that few men can keep their feelings to themselves, and that it is necessary for example's sake, that all leaders should feel and think boldly in order to inspirit others, who look up to them. Heaven, no doubt for the noblest purposes, has blessed you with a firmness of mind, steadiness of countenance, and patience in sufferings, that give you infinite ad- vantages over other men. This being the case, you are not to depend on other people's exertions being equal to your own. One mind feeds and thrives on misfortunes by finding resources to get the better of them ; another sinks under their weight, thinking it impossible to resist ; and, as the latter description proba- bly includes the majority of mankind, we must be cautious of alarming them.

" I hate deception, and cannot wish any thing like it should ever escape you ; but I really think if the bright side of our affairs were sometimes to be painted by your pen, or sanctified by your name, it would draw forth the exertions of some good men sooner than distress does from others. I hope you will excuse me for this stjde of writing, which almost amounts to confidential ; and, were I sure of such being received in the same light in which I write it, I should lament to you the absence of many great, good, and valuable men from Con- gress ; for, if great care is not taken, that body, so respectable from the nature of the appointment, the importance of its object, and the respectable characters of its heretofore individual members, will lose great part of its weight and conse- quence in the eyes of our own people. We have now to lament the absence from the public councils of America, of Johnson, Jay, R. R. Livingston, Duane, Deane, W. Livingston, Franklin, Dickinson, Harrison, Nelson, Hooper, Rutledge, and others not less conspicuous, without any proper ap- pointments to fill their places, and this at the very time they are most wanted, or would be so, if they had not very wisely supplied the deficiency by delegat- ing to your Excellency certain powers, that they durst not have entrusted to any other men. But what is to become of America and its cause, if a constant fluctuation is to take place among its counsellors, and at every change we find reason to view it with regret ? " — Letter, February 27th.

2 64 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

The Reasons, my good Sir, which you assign for thinkinof General Howe cannot move forward with his army are good ; but not conclusive. It is a descrip- tive evidence of the difficulties he has to contend with, but no proof that they cannot be surmounted. It is a view of one side of the picture, against which let me enumerate the advantages on the other, and then determine how we would act in his situation General Howe cannot, by the best intelligence I have been able to get, have less than ten thousand men in the Jerseys and on board of transports at Amboy. Ours does not exceed four thousand. His are well dis- ciplined, well officered, and well appointed. Ours raw Militia, badly officered, and under no Government. His numbers cannot, in any short time, be augmented. Ours must be very considerably, and by such troops as we can have some reliance on, or the game is at an end. His situation with respect to horses and forage is bad, very bad, I believe ; but will it be better ? No ; on the contrary, worse, and, therefore, an induce- ment, if no other, to shift quarters. General Howe's informants are too numerous, and too well acquainted with all these circumstances, to suffer him to remain in ignorance of them. With what propriety, then, can he miss so favorable an opportunity of striking a capital stroke against a city, from whence we derive so many advantages, the carrying of which would give such eclat to his arms, and strike such a damp upon ours ? Nor is his difficulty of moving so great as is imagined. All the heavy Baggage of the Army, their Salt provisions, (and flour, their stores, &c.),

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 265

might go round by water ; whilst their superior num- bers would enable them to make a sweep of the horses for many miles around about them (not already taken off by us).

In addition to all this, his cominof himself to Bruns- wic, his bringing troops which cannot be quartered, and keeping them on shipboard at Amboy, with some other corroborating circumstances, did induce a firm belief in me, that he would move, and towards Phila- delphia. I candidly own, that I expected it would happen before the expiration of my proclamation ; the longer it is delayed, the better for us, and happy shall I be, if I am deceived. My opinions upon these several matters are only known to those, who have a right to be informed. As much as possible I have endeavored to conceal them from every one else ; and, that no hasty removal of the public stores should take place, thereby communicating an alarm ; it was, that I early recommended this measure, and have since been urging it, well knowing that a meas- ure of this kind, set hastily about, when the enemy were advancing, would give unfavorable impressions, and be attended with bad consequences. To deceive Congress, or you, through whose hands my letters to them are to pass, with false appearances and assur- ances, would, in my judgment, be criminal, and make me responsible for the consequences. I endeavor, in all these letters, to state matters as they appear to my judgment, without adding to or diminishing aught from the picture. From others my sentiments are pretty much hid.

266 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I wish, with all my heart, that Congress had grati- fied General Lee in his request. If not too late, I wish they would do it still. I can see no possible evil that can result from it ; some good I think might. The request to see a gentleman or two came from the General, not from the Commissioners ; there could have been no harm, therefore, in hearing what he had to say on any subject, especially as he had declared, that his own personal interest was deeply concerned. The resolve to put in close confinement Lieutenant- Colonel Campbell and the Hessian field-officers, in order to retaliate General Lee's punishment upon them, is, in my opinion, injurious in every point of view, and must have been entered into without due attention to the consequences. Does Congress know how much the balance of prisoners is against us ; that the enemy have, at least, three hundred officers of ours in their possession, and we not fifty of theirs ; that Generals Thompson and Waterbury are subject to be recalled at any time ? Do they imagine that these officers will not share the fate of Campbell &c ? Or, possibly, by receiving very different treat- ment, mixed with artful insinuations, have their re- sentments roused to acts highly injurious to our cause. It is much easier to raise a ferment of this kind than to allay it. Do they know that every arti- fice is now practising to prepossess the Hessians with an idea of our mal-treatment of their countrymen (in our possession); that we are treating them as slaves ; nay, that we mean to sell them ? And will not the close confinement of their first officers be adduced as

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 267

strong evidence of this ? Congress therefore should be cautious how they adopt measures which cannot be carried into execution without involving a train of evils, that may be fatal in their consequences. In a word, common prudence dictates the necessity of duly attending to the circumstances of both armies, before the style of conquerors is assumed by either ; and sorry I am to add, that this does not appear to be the case with us ; nor is it in my power to make Congress fully sensible of the real situation of our affairs, and that it is with difficulty, (if I may use the expression,) that I can, by every means in my power, keep the life and soul of this army together. In a word, when they are at a distance, they think it is but to say, Presto begone, and every thing is done. They seem not to have any conception of the difficulty and perplexity attending those, who are to execute. In- deed, Sir, your observations on the want of many capital characters in the senate are but too just. How- ever, our cause is good, and I hope Providence will support it.

If the resolve of Congress, respecting General Lee, strikes you in the same point of view it has done me, I could wish you would signify as much to that body, as I really think they are fraught with every evil. We know that the meeting- of a Committee of Con- gress and Lord Howe stopped the mouths of many disaffected people. I believe the meeting solicited by General Lee would have the same effect.' But

* Mr. Morris accorded in opinion with General Washington on this point. He said in reply : "I wish with you, that they had complied with General

268 , THE WRITINGS OF [1777

the other matter, relative to the confinement of the officers, is what I am particularly anxious about, as I think it will involve much more than Congress has an idea of, and that they surely will repent adhering to their unalterable resolution.

I have wrote you a much longer letter than I ex- pected to have done when I sat down ; and yet, if time would permit, I could enlarge greatly on the subject of it ; but, at present, shall beg pardon for taking up so much of your time, and only assure you that I am, most sincerely, dear Sir, &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Sir,

Headquarters, Morris Town, 3 March, 1777.

******

It gives me pleasure to hear that your State has come to the resolution of granting the colonial bounty to Colonel Webb's additional regiment ; and if the other States will do the same, it will in a great meas- ure obviate the objection which I made to their grant- ing a higher bounty than was allowed by the Re- solves of Congress. The reasons which you gave

Lee's request, and when I sent forward those despatches to Baltimore, I wrote my sentiments to some of the members. I must hint to you what I take to be one of the most forcible arguments, that has been used in Congress against this measure. I have not heard that it was used, but it occurred to me on read- ing General Lee's letters ; I mean the effect it might have at the court of France, should they hear, as they undoubtedly would, that members of Con- gress visited General Lee by permission of the British Commissioners. The meeting with Lord Howe at Staten Island last summer injured Mr. Deane's ne- gotiations much, and retarded supplies intended for us." — Letter, March 6th,

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 269

for a deviation from the Resolve carry weight with them, but I assure you, you are mistaken when you think that the necessaries of life are cheaper to the Southward than the Northward. It is true that less clothing is sufficient for them ; but as they manufac- ture little among themselves they are obliged to pay most extravagantly for what they wear.

The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) (part 7)

I have ordered the Clothier General to supply each State with their proportion of what clothing, of different kinds, are in the public stores ; but you must be sensible that a very full proportion of the clothing purchased for the use of the continent, out of the prize vessels, must be brought on for the use of the Southern Continental troops, as the country from whence they come furnishes scarce any woollen goods. To prevent confusion and disappointment in future, I beg that no clothing may be stopped upon the way without a particular order from the Clothier- General or myself. * * *

Inoculation at Philadelphia and in this neighbor- hood has been attended with amazing success ; and I have not the least doubt but your troops will meet the same.

As I have, in many of my late letters, mentioned the distress that the continent in general is under for the want of arms ; I need only repeat to you the ne- cessity that there is for making a strict collection of the public arms, and purchasing such as can be ob- tained from private persons.

Some time ago General Schuyler wrote to me, and informed me that there were a g^reat number of arms

270 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

at Albany, wanting repair. I directed that they should be sent down to the most convenient place for that purpose ; but perhaps that may not yet be done. You will therefore please to make inquiry into the matter and if they remain there, have them repaired and put into the hands of the troops.

All the arms fit for the field have been constantly repaired as fast as it could be done. What I call useless, are such as are so light and thin in the bar- rel that they would not bear a charge with safety, at

the best, much less after being eat up with rust. * * 4t * * *

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL ANDREW LEWIS.

MoRRlSTOWN, 3 March, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I was much disappointed at not perceiving your name in the list of major-generals lately made by Congress, and most sincerely wish that the neglect may not induce you to abandon the service.' Let me

' In the list of promotions on the 19th of February, Congress had entirely omitted Brigadier-General Arnold, and raised five junior officers over him to the rank of major-general. This measure was deeply regretted by Washington, who valued highly the military abilities of Arnold, and v/ho considered the good of the service to require a strict regard to the customary rewards for pro- fessional merit.

" We have lately had several promotions to the rank of major-general, and I am at a loss whether you have had a preceding appointment, as the newspapers announce, or whether you have been omitted through some mistake. Should the latter be the case, I beg you will not take any hasty steps in consequence of it, but allow proper time for recollection, which I flatter myself will remedy any error, that may have been made. My endeavors to that end shall not be wanting." — Washington to Arnold, 3 March, 1777.

Arnold wrote in reply : " I am greatly obliged to your Excellency, for inter- esting yourself so much in my behalf in respect to my appointment, which I

:777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 271

beseech you to reflect, that the Period is now arrived, when our most vigorous exertions are wanted, when it is highly and indispensably necessary for Gentle- men of Abilities in any Line, but more especially in the Military, not to withhold themselves from public employment, or suffer any small Punctilios to per- suade them to retire from their Country's Service. The cause requires your aid ; no one more sincerely wishes it than I do. A candid reflection on the Rank

have had no advice of, and know not by virhat means it was announced in the papers. I believe none but the printer has a mistake to rectify. Congress undoubtedly have a right of promoting those, whom, from their abilities, and their long and arduous services, they esteem most deserving. Their promoting junior officers to the rank of major-generals, I view as a very civil way of requesting my resignation, as unquahfied for the office I hold. My commission was conferred unsolicited, and received with pleasure only as a means of serving my country. With equal pleasure I resign it, when I can no longer serve my country with honor. The person, who, void of the nice feel- ings of honor, will tamely condescend to give up his right, and retain a commis- sion at the expense of his reputation, I hold as a disgrace to the army, and unwor- thy of the glorious casue in which we are engaged. When I entered the service of my country, my character was unimpeached. I have sacrified my interest, ease, and happiness in her cause. It is rather a misfortune, than a fault, that my exertions have not been crowned with success. I am conscious of the rec- titude of my intentions. In justice, therefore, to my own character, and for the satisfaction of my friends, I must request a court of inquiry into my con- duct ; and, though I sensibly feel the ingratitude of my countrymen, yet every personal injury shall be buried in my zeal for the safety and happiness of my country, in whose cause I have repeatedly fought and bled, and am ready at all times to risk my life. I shall cautiously avoid any hasty step (in consequence of the appointments which have taken place), that may tend to the injury of my country." — Letter, dated at Providence, March nth.

Again, " In my last I intimated to your Excellency the impossibility of my remaining in a disagreeable situation in the army. My being superseded must be viewed as an implicit impeachment of my character. I therefore requested a court of inquiry into my conduct. I believe the time is now at hand, when I can leave this department without any damage to the public interest. When that is the case, I will wait on your Excellency, not doubting my request will be granted, and that I shall be able to acquit myself of every charge, which malice or envy can bring against me." — March 17th.

272 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

you held in the last War, added to a decent respect for the Consress's Resolve " not to be confined in making or promoting General Officers to any reg- ular Line," to the propriety of which all America submitted, may remove any uneasiness arising in your mind on the score of neglect. Upon my honor I think it ought. A steady perseverance in promot- ing the public good, and regular discharge of the du- ties of your office, which in my opinion you can emi- nently perform, must and will, in the course of the approaching campaign, secure to you the unfeigned thanks of all good Men, and obtain from Congress that Rank, which perhaps you may think is now your undoubted right. The present Exigency requiring all the Continental troops at and near this place, and consequently a number of General Officers to com- mand them, you will please to repair hither, so soon as you can possibly make it convenient. I acknowl- edge the receipt of several favors from you the last campaign. The Multiplicity of Business engaging my whole attention, as it prevented my answering them, must plead my excuse. In hopes of seeing you soon, I am, dear Sir, &c.'

' Brigadier-General Lewis resigned his commission in the service, which was accepted by Congress on the 15th of April.

" By some Resolves of Congress, just come to my hands, I find, as I hoped and expected, your name in the new appointment of brigadiers, but perceived at the same time, that you were named after Muhlenberg and Weedon. The reason assigned for this was your having resigned your former rank in the service of the continent. You may well recollect, my dear Sir, that I strongly advised you against this resignation. I now as strongly recommend your acceptance of the present appointment. You may feel somewhat hurt in having two officers placed before you, though perhaps never to command you, who once were in- ferior in point of rank to you ; but remember, that this is a consequence of your

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 273

TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL ROBERT H. HARRISON.

INSTRUCTIONS.

Differences in opinion having arisen between General Howe and myself, respecting the construction of a proposition made the 30th of July, and acceded to the ist of August last, for the exchange of prisoners, whereby it was stipulated, " that officers should be given for officers of equal rank, soldier for soldier, and citizen for citizen ; " — for the accommodation of these differences, and to remove every just cause of complaint on the part of the enemy, if such there be, you are to meet any officer, not of infe- rior rank to yourself, who shall come properly authorized to treat upon the subject, and to adopt such measures, as you shall deem adequate to that end.

Experience having also shown, that the agreement above re- cited is not sufficiently definite to answer all the salutary purposes intended by it, nor sufficiently comprehensive to include the various cases incident to the state of prisoners, you are hereby vested with full power and authority to devise and conclude upon such improvements, in aid of the same, as shall appear necessary for establishing a more regular and explicit mode of Exchange, as well with respect to the prisoners who have been, as those who shall be hereafter taken ; making mutual provision for such an allow- ance to pay all necessaries, as their comfort and welfare during their captivity may require ; and, finally, to treat, determine, and agree upon all matters whatsoever relative to prisoners of war,

own act, and consider what a stake we are contending for. Trifling punctilios should have no influence upon a man's conduct in such a cause, and at such a time as this. If smaller matters do not yield to greater, if trifles, light as air in comparison with what we are contending for, can withdraw or withhold gen- tlemen from service, when our all is at stake and a single cast of the die may turn the tables, what are we to expect? It is not a common contest we are engaged in ; every thing valuable to us depends upon the success of it, and the success upon a steady and vigorous exertion. Consider twice, therefore, before you refuse. In case of acceptance, which I wish and expect, I have to desire that you will repair immediately to head-quarters, as general ofiicers are exceedingly wanted to assist in arranging the new army ; at all events let me hear from you as speedily as possible." — Washington to Brigadier-General Woodford, 3 M arch , 1777.

274 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

on the principles of justice and humanity, and conformable to the most civilized customs and usages, for the greater ease, con- venience, and security of all captives belonging to the armies under our respective commands ; for all which this shall be your sufficient warrant ; and your engagements, being mutually inter- changed, shall be ratified and confirmed by me. Given under my hand and seal at Head-Quarters in Morristown, this 4th day of March, 1777.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Morristown, 6 March, 1777.

Sir,

I do myself the honor to transmit to you the en- closed copy of a letter from General Lee received by a flag on Tuesday last. You will perceive from thence his wishes and expectations of seeing some members of Congress, in consequence of his letter upon that subject. None of the passports which he mentions were sent out, though the letter came by General Howe's permission, as the others did. I should be happy to relieve his anxiety, as far as I can, by sending in Major Morris; but this I cannot do till a safe-conduct is granted.'

The more I consider the resolves respecting Lieu- tenant-Colonel Campbell and the Hessian officers, the more convinced I am of their impolicy. The proposition made by Congress for the exchange of prisoners, and which by their direction was trans- mitted to General Howe, was founded on principles

' The letter from General Lee purported to be written chiefly to request his aide-de-camp, Major Jacob Morris, to visit him in New York ; but he also re- newed the strong desire, which he had before expressed in a letter to Con- gress, of having an interview with some of its members, who should be deputed for the purpose.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 275

of equality in number and in rank. From hence no demand, as a matter of right, can be made of Gen- eral Lee's releasement for any officer or number of officers of inferior rank ; whatever is or might be done in such instances, would be of favor and indul- gence. The only cartel, that now subsists, is the one I have mentioned. This, so far as it goes, is a bene- ficial one ; it recognizes the rank of our officers, and insures their discharge from captivity whenever we are possessed of a like number belonging to them, and of the same rank. If on our part it should be violated, if it is not observed, surely it will and must cease to be obligatory on General Howe. What consequences may then ensue, I leave to your con- jecture. If it be objected, that the above observations, and what I said in my former letter, prove that no treatment received by our officers should be retaliated on theirs, my answer is, that the proportion of officers in their hands is at least six to one in ours. This consideration, supposing we had a right to demand General Lee's liberty, would be of great weight, and sufficient to prevent, in my opinion, the execution of the resolves. I have the honor to be, in haste, your most obedient servant.'

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Headquarters, Morristown, Sjj^ 6 March, 1777.

I flattered myself, that I should never again be under the necessity of trespassing upon the public spirit of your State, by calling upon her for another

' Read in Congress March 12th.

276 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

supply of militia ; but, such has been the unaccounta- ble delay in the recruiting of the Continental battal- ions, chiefly owing to the long time, which unhappily elapsed before the officers were appointed, that I see no prospect of keeping the field till the new levies can be brought into it, but by a reinforcement of militia. For want of proper laws in the southern govern- ments, their militia never were well regulated ; and since the late troubles, in which the old governments have been unhinged, and new ones not yet firmly es- tablished, the people have adopted a mode of think- ing and acting for themselves. It is owing to this, that, when a summons is issued for militia, those only turn out that please, and they for what time they please, by which means they sometimes set ofif for their homes in a few days after they join the army. From this state of facts, you will perceive, that I put no great dependence on the militia from the southward, and I must therefore once more entreat you to endeavor to prevail upon two thousand of the militia of your State to march immediately to Peekskill, and there wait for further orders ; their time of service to con- tinue at least six weeks after they arrive there.

I am persuaded, from the readiness with which you have ever complied with all my demands, that you will exert yourself, in forwarding the aforementioned number of men, upon my bare request. But I hope you will be convinced of the necessity of the demand, when I tell you in confidence, that, after the 15th of this month, when the time of General Lincoln's mili- tia expires, I shall be left with the remains of five

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 277

Virginia regiments, not amounting to more than as many hundred men, and parts of two or three other Continental battaHons, all very weak. The remain- der of the army will be composed of small parties of militia from this State and Pennsylvania, on which little dependence can be put, as they come and go when they please/ I have issued peremptory orders to every colonel in the regular service, to send in what men he has recruited, even if they amount to but one hundred to a regiment. If they would do this, it would make a considerable force upon the whole. The enemy must be ignorant of our numbers and situation, or they would never suffer us to remain unmolested ; and I almost tax myself with imprudence, in commit- ting the secret to paper; not that I distrust you, of whose inviolable attachment I have so many proofs, but for fear the letter should by any accident fall into other hands, than those for which it is intended.

If your militia should make any objection to com- ing this way on account of the smallpox, you may assure them, that, if there is the least danger of tak- ing that disorder here, they shall come no farther than Peekskill (I mean those that have not had it), where they may take the places of the Continental Yorkers, who I am obliged to keep in garrison there, having no other troops to secure the forts and passes upon the North River. I am, &c.^

' " I think you were right in not putting any thing to the risque of a miscar- riage, for until we get our new army properly established, it is our business to play a certain game, and not depend upon militia for any thing capital." — Washington to Ge7ieral Spencer, ii March, 1777.

^ A militia bill was depending in the New Jersey legislature, admitting of a

278 . THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GATES.

MORRISTOWN, 10 March, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have the pleasure of yours of the 7th instant, and am sorry to find, that General Cadwalader has de- clined a commission in the Continental service. Al- though I often wished in secret, that you could be brought to resume the office of adjutant-general, I never even hinted it, because I thought it might be disagreeable to you for the reason, which you your- self mentioned, " that you commanded last campaign at the second post upon this continent," and that .therefore it might be looked upon by you as a degra-

composition for actual service from £'}, to £10. " In this situation of things," wrote the governor, " I despair of being able to execute the requisition of Con- gress. ... I cannot make our assembly sensible of the importance of an effectual militia law ; or if they be, they are so unduly influenced by the fear of disobliging their constituents, that they dare not exert themselves with the requisite spirit for the exigencies of war." To this Washington replied : —

" How can an assembly of gentlemen, eye-witnesses of the distresses and incon- veniences, which have their principal source in the want of a well regulated mili- tia, hesitate to adopt the only remedy that can remove them ; and, stranger still, think of a law, that must necessarily add to the accumulated load of confusion ? For Heaven's sake, entreat them to lay aside their present opinions ; and, wav- ing every other consideration, let the public good be singularly attended to. The ease they design their constituents, by competition, must be delusive. Every injurious distinction between the rich and the poor ought to be laid aside now. The enemy cannot remain much longer in their present situation. Their peace, for some days past, indicates preparations to move. When they do, your Assembly may perhaps wish, that their militia were in the field. I have en- deavored to cut off the communication between Bergen and New York, hav- ing received intelligence of it a few days ago." — To Governor Livingston, 8 March, 1777.

" In my opinion, the present time is of infinitely greater worth than is gener- ally supposed. Vain and useless will all our civic institutions, however wise, prove, unless the state of independence, in which alone they can operate, is se- cured, and as this must necessarily depend on the success of our arms, military preparations should possess an eminent degree of our deliberations and care." — Washington to Governor Livingston, 9 March, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 279

dation. But you cannot conceive the pleasure I feel when you tell me, " that, if it is my desire that you should resume your former office, you will with cheer- fulness and alacrity proceed to Morristown." Give me leave to return you my sincere thanks for this mark of your attention to a request of mine, which, now you give me an opening, I make, and at the same time assure you, that I look upon your resumption of the office of adjutant-general, as the only means of giv- ing form and regularity to our new army. I had in vain cast my eyes upon every person within my knowl- edge and found none that I thought equal to the Task except one Gentleman, Major Apollos Morris, but his character and his Intentions are of too dubious a •Nature to intrust with an Office of such high impor- tance. I shall be glad to receive a line from you, mentioning the time that you will leave Philadelphia, because I intend sending General St. Clair down to take your command.^

I am informed that General Putnam sent down to Philadelphia in irons Major Stockton, taken upon the Rariton, and that he continues in strict confinement. I think we ought to avoid putting in practice, what we have so loudly complained of, the cruel treatment of prisoners. I therefore desire, that, if there is a ne-

' The President of Congress had written to General Gates on the subject of his discharging again the duties of adjutant-general. In reference to this let- ter Gates wrote to Washington : " I own I was surprised at the contents, and the more so, as it was not preceded by one on the same subject from your Excel- lency. Unless it is your earnest desire, that such a measure should directly take place, I would by no means consent to it." He never resumed the office of adjutant-general. On the 25th of March he was directed by Congress to repair immediately to Ticonderoga and take command of the army there.

28o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

cessity for confinement, it may be made as easy and comfortable as possible to Major Stockton and his offi- cers. This Man, I belie\e, has been very active and mischievous ; but we took him in arms, as an officer of the enemy, and by the rules of war we are obliged to treat him as such, and not as a felon. I shall be glad if you will bring with you as exact a return as possi- ble of the number of troops in Philadelphia, and try to form some opinion of the time in which they will be able to come forward. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL WOOSTER.'

MORRISTOWN, 11 March, 1777.

Sir,

I was a good deal surprised to find yours of the 2d dated from Rye. Supposing there was a real neces- sity of your retreating from New Rochelle, you cer- tainly ought to have returned immediately upon the enemy's dropping their design, if they ever had any, of attacking you. All accounts from your quarters complain loudly of this retreat, as a most injudicious Step, as it gave fresh Spirits to the disaffected, and re- tarded the removal of Forage by the Convention of New York, the very end that your troops were prin- cipally intended to answer. As there is now a cer- tainty, that the enemy have drawn the greatest part of their force from New York and Long Island, you may safely fall down again towards Kingsbridge,

' General Wooster had resigned his commission in the Continental army, and was now in command of the Connecticut militia.

777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 281

which I desire may be done immediately, and that you may do all in your power to keep the enemy as strictly confined as possible to the Island of New York.

It appears to me, that the fault was more in your officers than in Stanton, for they should not have suf- fered him to come on shore, farther than was neces- sary for his business. I therefore desire that he may be suffered to depart with his flag of truce, and told never to return again, without giving proper notice to an officer.' I am. Sir, yours, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

MoRRiSTOWN, 12 March, 1777.

Sir,

It is of the greatest importance to the safety of a country involved in a defensive war, to endeavor to draw their troops together at some post at the open- ing of a campaign, so central to the theatre of war, that they may be sent to the support of any part of the country, which the enemy may direct their mo- tions against. It is a military observation, strongly supported by experience, " that a superior army may fall a sacrifice to an inferior, by an injudicious divi- sion." It is impossible, without knowing the enemy's intentions, to guard against every sudden incursion,

' In regard to this affair General Wooster had written, that John Stanton had lately gone into New York, and come back with a flag of truce from Gen- eral Howe to take a widow lady and her effects into the city. Stanton was per- mitted to land with his flag, and then he went to New Rochelle, passing through General Wooster's camp on the way. Under these circumstances General Wooster detained him, and wrote to the Commander-in-chief for advice.

282 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

or give protection to all the inhabitants. Some principal object should be had in view, in taking post, to cover the most important part of the country, in- stead of dividing our force to give shelter to the whole, to attempt which cannot fail to give the enemy an opportunity of beating us in detachments. As we are under the necessity of guessing at the enemy's intentions and further operations, the great object of attention ought to be, where the most proper place is, to draw our force together from the eastward and westward, to cover the country, prevent the enemy's penetration, and annoy them in turn, should our strength be equal to the attempt. There is not a State upon the continent, but thinks itself in danger, and scarcely an officer at any one post, but conceives a reinforcement necessary. To comply with the de- mands of the whole is utterly impossible, and, if attempted, would prove our inevitable ruin.

From the enemy's situation in Jersey, (collecting their force at Amboy and Brunswic, and from their intentions last fall, confirmed by every piece of intel- ligence we obtain this spring,) it scarce admits a doubt of Philadelphia being an object in view at the opening of this campaign. If this be their aim, it appears to me highly probable, (their army being greatly reduced since the commencement of the last campaign,) that they will bring round all the troops from Canada to reinforce 'em here. What serves to confirm me in this opinion is the facility with which a Junction can be made this way, the necessity they are under of a reinforcement, and the great security the

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 283

command of the Lakes gives them against our incur- sions into Canada. Under these considerations, I cannot help thinking much too large a part of our force is directed to Ticonderoga. Peekskill appears to me a much more proper place, where, if the troops are drawn together, they will be advantageously situ- ated to give a support to any of the eastern or mid- dle States. Should the enemy's designs be to pene- trate the country up the North River, they will be well posted to oppose them ; should they attempt to penetrate into New England, they are well stationed to cover it ; if they move westward, the eastern and southern troops can easily form a junction ; and, be- sides, it will oblige the enemy to leave a much stronger garrison at New York. But, even admit- ting the enemy pursue their first plan, they will be by no means disadvantageously posted to reinforce Ticon- deroga, and cover the country of Albany. I am very sure the operations of this army will in a great degree govern the motions of that in Canada. If this is held at bay, curbed, and confined, the northern army dare not to attempt to penetrate.

It appears to me of great importance to the suc- cess to the next campaign, to give this army some capital stroke in the early part of the season. Nothing can enable me to do this, but a junction of the eastern and southern forces. The recruiting ser- vice to the southward has been so protracted, for want of a Regular arrangement amongst the recruit- ing officers, that, with the difficulty of clothing and arming the troops, it must unavoidably be late in the

284 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

season before a sufficient force can be drawn together to check their progress, without the assistance of a very considerable part of the eastern troops. The ruin of this army is desirable for many reasons. It will free the country from their present distress, and prevent the army in Canada, (if it continues there,) from making any movements. But above all, should the enemy be coming from England with a strong reinforcement, to destroy this division of their force will totally ruin their plan of Operations for the next campaign, and perhaps discourage them from any further attempts. But suppose the enemy should, contrary to our expectations, (which I cannot help thinking is against all probability,) attempt to pene- trate the country by the way of the Lakes, the forts being properly garrisoned and supplied with provi- sions, the cattle and carriages drove off, it will be im- possible for them to effect it.

If we should draw a large force together at Ticon- deroga, and the enemy make no movement upon the Lakes, but collect their whole strength here, they would be an useless Body of Troops there, while the service here might suffer an irreparable injury for want of 'em. The disaffection of Pennsylvania, which I fear is much beyond anything you have conceived, and the depression of the people of this State, render a strong support necessary to prevent a systematical sub- mission ; besides, the loss of Philadelphia would prove a very great and irreparable injury, as we draw from thence almost all our supplies. It will signify nothing to have our frontiers strongly guarded, while

[777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 285

the enemy are ranging at large in the Heart of the Country. For these and many other reasons, that will readily occur to you upon reflection, I have come to a resolution to alter the route of some part of the Bay forces, and to draw eight regiments of them to Peekskill, from whence (by water) they can soon pro- ceed to Albany if occasion shall require, or move elsewhere, according to circumstances. This meas- ure I have been more inclined to adopt, as I find part of the York regiments are gone to Ticonderoga, contrary to my expectation or design. * * *

I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.'

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 14 March, 1777.

Sir,

I was honored several days ago with your Let- ter of the 25th Ulto., with its Inclosures, the receipt of which was omitted to be acknowledged in my last. — Could I accomplish the important objects so eagerly wished by Congress, — " confining the enemy within their present quarters, preventing their getting sup- plies from the country, and totally subduing them be- fore they are reinforced," — I should be happy indeed. But what prospect or hope can there be of my effect- ing so desirable a work at this time ? The enclosed return, to which I solicit the most serious attention

^ " I concur with you in opinion that every reason is against making any al- lowance in cash to such officers as may not chuse to keep the number of horses allowed them. No person must think of drawing a single shilling of public money as a perquisite." — Washington to Major-General Mifflin (Q. M. G.), 13 March, 1777.

286 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

of Congress, comprehends the whole force I have in Jersey. It is but a handful, and bears no proportion, in the scale of numbers, to that of the enemy. Add- ed to this, the major part is made up of militia. The most sanguine in speculation cannot deem it more than adequate to the least valuable purposes of war. The reinforcements mentioned to be drawn from General Heath were merely ideal ; nearly the whole of the eastern troops, who were with him, being here before. They were only engaged till to-day ; and to- day they leave the camp. Their service has been of pretty long continuance, and almost the whole of the winter months. What prospect there may be of im- mediate succors from other quarters, I know not ; but from the militia of this State I cannot expect to derive much more aid. Those who are well affected have been so frequently called from their homes, that they are tired out, and almost profess an abhorrence of the service ; nor have I heard as yet, that any Con- tinental troops are on their way. I have written to the brigadier-generals in most of the States upon the subject, and also to the colonels, urging them by every motive to exert themselves in filling the regiments, and to forward them on.

I confess. Sir, I feel the most painful anxiety when I reflect on our situation and that of the enemy. Unless the levies arrive soon, we must before long experience some interesting and melancholy event. I believe the enemy have fixed on their object, and the execution will surely be attempted as soon as the roads are passable. The unprepared state, in which

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 287

we are, favors all their designs ; and it is much to be wished, that they may not succeed to their warmest expectations. On recurring to the last promotions of brigadiers, I find the number appointed to be short of what I took the liberty to recommend, and not competent to the exigences of the service, supposing the whole in office before, and those lately created, con- sent to act, which I have reason to believe will not be the case. I shall only beg leave to refer you to my for- mer letters upon this subject, and to assure you, that many disadvantages will result from not having a sufficient number of officers of this rank. We have always been deficient in this instance ; and certain I am that the service has been greatly injured by it. The proportion I mentioned was full small, and in my opinion should not be dispensed with.

I would also take the liberty of mentioning again, having received no Answer upon the subject, that set- tling the Hospital plan and Establishment becomes more and more necessary ; it is an Object of infinite importance, and the difficulties of doing it on a proper foundation, will be great, if not almost insur- mountable should it be deferred till the Campaign opens and the Enemy begin their Operations. The benefits of the institution will soon be known — the want was severely felt in the course of the last year.

There is one thing now which claims in my opinion the earliest attention of Congress, I mean the pay of the Regimental Surgeons and that of the Mates. These appointments are so essential that they cannot be done without. The pay in the first instance, is so

288 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

low — so inadequate to the services, which should be performed, that no man sustaining the character of a Gentleman and who has the least medical abilities, or skill in the profession can think of accepting it. That in the latter is so paltry and trifling, that none, of the least generosity of sentiment, or pretensions to merit, can consent to act for it. In a word these are in- conveniences of an interesting nature — they amount to an exclusion of persons who could discharge the duties of these offices, and if not redressed, there is not the smallest probability that any can be prevailed on to enter them ao-ain.

There are several matters also, which I referred to Congress some time since, and upon which I have not received the result of their deliberations. One in- quiry about the state of Arms and Ammunition I am peculiarly anxious to be satisfied in.

From the inconveniences and injuries to the Ser- vice of late, for want of money, I am induced to re- quest that the strictest regard should be had to fur- nishing the paymaster with constant and sufficient supplies. On Sunday he received 500,000 dollars, half of which is already expended and the Ballance in a day or two will be entirely swept away, without dis- charging the several claims. By his report, the Commissary here requires an immediate draft, for 600,000 and the Militia returning and about to leave the Camp, 120,000 more. The expence incurred by calling on them so frequently is almost incredi- ble. Besides these, there are several arrears due the Old troops and to most of the General & staff officers.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 289

P. S. I fully intended to transmit to you a general return, but T am not able to make it out with preci- sion. However, from the most accurate estimate that I can form, the whole of our numbers in Jersey, fit for duty at this time, is under three thousand. These, nine hundred and eighty-one excepted, are militia, and stand engaged only till the last of this month. The troops under inoculation, including their attendants, amount to about one thousand.'

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SULLIVAN.

MoRRiSTOWN, 15 March, 1777.

Do not, my dear General Sullivan, torment your- self any longer with imaginary slights, and involve others in the perplexities you feel on that score. No other officer of rank, in the whole army, has so often conceived himself neglected, slighted, and ill treated, as you have done, and none I am sure has had less cause than yourself to entertain such Ideas. Mere accidents, things which have occurred in the common course of service, have been considered by you as designed affronts. But pray. Sir, in what respect did General Greene's late command at Fort Lee differ from his present command at Baskenridge ; or from yours at Chatham ? And what kind of separate command had General Putnam at New York ? I never heard of any, except his commanding there ten days before my arrival from Boston, and one day after I had left it for Haerlem Heights, as senior offi- cer. In like manner at Philadelphia, how did his

' Read in Congress 19 March, 1777.

290 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

command there differ from the one he has at Prince- ton, and wherein does either vary from yours at Chatham ? Are there any peculiar emoluments or honors to be reaped in the one case and not in the other ? No. Why then these unreasonable, these unjustifiable suspicions ? Suspicions, which can an- swer no other end, than to poison your own happi- ness, and add vexation to that of others. General Heath, it is true, was ordered to Peekskill, so was General Spencer, by the mere chapter of accidents (being almost in the country), to Providence, to watch the motions of the fleet, then hovering in the Sound. What followed after to either, or both, was more the effect of chance than design.

Your ideas and mine, respecting separate com- mands, have but little analogy. I know of but one separate command, properly so called, and that is in the Northern Department ; and General Sullivan, General St. Clair, or any other general ofificer at Ti- conderoga will be considered in no other light, whilst there is a superior officer in the department, than if they were placed at Chatham, Baskenridge, or Prince- ton. But I have not time to dwell upon subjects of this kind. In quiting it, I shall do it with an earnest exhortation, that you will not suffer yourself to be teased with evils, that only exist in the imagination, and with slights, that have no existence at all ; keep- ing in mind, at the same time, that, if distant armies are to be formed, there are several gentlemen before you, in point of rank, who have a right to claim a preference. I am, with regard, dear Sir, your most obedient, &c.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 291

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GREENE.

instructions. Sir,

The necessity of having the Congress well inform'd of many matters essential to the well being of this army, and the Imprac- ticability of doing this fully by Letter, have induced me to request you, (who intimately know our Circumstances,) to repair immedi- ately to Philadelphia for this purpose. — at the same time to know how we are to be supplied with arms and many other articles, of wch we are exceedingly deficient. — To enumerate the several matters of information necessary to be given, and the inquiries proper to be made, would be as needless as endless — your own good Sense, assisted by such hints as you have reed, will be abundly. suiifit.

2J^^ But I would have you enquire of the quartermaster Genl., how he stands provided with Tents, — ammunition Carts, or Wagons for Intrenching Tools, and Hatchets or Tomahawks — also of the comy. of stores how he goes on with his Castings of Cannon — making cartridges, (of which numbers should be in readiness) and in general what forwardness the business of the Elaboratory is in, & urge him to the most diligent discharge of the duties thereof.

3 As the Establishment of the horse with respect to the Pay, seems to be upon an unstable footing and it is indispensably necessary that both officers and men should know what they have to depend upon — I should be glad if the pay could be settled upon such a just and liberal footing as to give satisfaction to the Parties.

2. One thing in particular I beg of you to Impress strongly upon Congress, and that is the necessity of keeping the paymas- ter regularly supplied with the article of Cash. — without it, every thing moves slowly on ; and many, and great disadvantages flow from the want of it ; as we have most wofuUy experienced of late in numberless Instances.

Given at head-Quarters Morristown this i8th day of Mar 1777.

1^^ Two or three things however, I must in a more particular manner recomd to your attention — the one is, the embarrassment

292 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I am laid under with respect to carrying the Exchange of Prison- ers into Execution (agreeable to the cartel settled with Genl Howe) on account of the confinement of Lt-Colo Campbell, & the Hessian Field-ofificers.

Another (See 2).

Another (See 3).'

TO MAJOR-GENERAL MIFFLIN.

MORRISTOWN, 18 March, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I very sincerely congratulate you upon your late promotion. The purport of this letter is private. Your design in restraining the Waggon Master, from buying and selling Horses, I highly approve, because I am well assured, that a contrary practice would be introductory of a great deal of fraud, and imposition upon the public. But as it is more than probable that, in the course of service, many Horses will be so worn down as to render it beneficial to the public to have them sold, I should be glad, in that case, and no other, to come in as a common purchaser of a parcel of Mares, to the number of even fifty or hundred.

' Printed from the draft in Washington's own MS.

"The difficulty if not impossibility of giving Congress a just idea of our sit- uation and of several other important matters requiring their earliest attention by letter, has induced me to prevail on Major-General Greene to wait upon them for that purpose. This gentleman is so much in my confidence, so inti- mately acquainted with my ideas, with our strength and our weakness, with every thing respecting the army, that I have thought it unnecessary to particu- larize or prescribe any certain line of duty or inquiries for him. I shall only say, from the rank he holds as an able and good officer in the estimation of all who know him, he deserves the greatest respect ; and much regard is due to his opinions in the line of his profession. He has upon his mind such matters, as appear to me most material to be immediately considered ; and many more will probably arise during the intercourse you may think proper to honor him with ; on all which I wish to have the sense of Congress ; and the result of such delib- erations as may be formed thereupon." — Washington to the President of Con- gress, 18 March, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 293

I have many large Farms and am improving a great deal of Land into Meadow and Pasture, which cannot fail of being profited by a number of Brood Mares, the getting of which, may, perhaps, come easier and readier, in this way than any other. I again repeat, that it is upon the presumption the good of the service requires such sales, that I mean to become (as another person) a purchaser. But could wish, nevertheless, that it might be done without any mention of my name, well knowing that the most innocent and upright actions are often misconstrued, & that it would not be surprising, if it should be said, that I was defrauding the public of these Mares by some collusion or other.

I should not care how low in flesh, or even crippled, they are, provided I could get them home ; but I should not like to have them old, and would prefer Bays, though I shall not object to any color. If such Sales are found necessary, you can, I dare say, easily manage the Matter so, in my behalf, as to keep my name out of the Question. My best respects to Mrs. Mifflin with truth and sincerity — I am &c.

TO ROBERT ALEXANDER.

MORRISTOWN, 20 March, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have waited, as I think you must do me the jus- tice to acknowledge, with a good deal of patience, to see if you were disposed to fulfil your agreement with me, respecting the Land I purchased of you in Maryland. As I hear nothing of your intentions of carrying this matter into execution, and see no

294 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

greater prospect of its being done now, than when the bargain was first made, I cannot help considering the affair in a point of view very unfavorable.

I think, any Gentleman, possessed of but a very moderate degree of influence with his wife, might, in the course of five or six years (for I think it is at least that time) have prevailed upon her to do an act of justice, in fulfilling his Bargains and complying with his wishes, if he had been really in earnest in requesting the matter of her ; especially, as the inducement which you thought would have a powerful operation on Mrs. Alexander, namely the birth of a child, has been doubled, and tripled.

It is not a very favorable time I acknowledge, to purchase Lands upon the water ; but as this purchase still corresponds with the views I first set out upon, and I have waited your time for the completion of it, with a degree of patience which few others in my situation would have done, I hope you will give me no further cause to complain of your delays ; for I cannot help repeating, and the world will believe, that the fault is not in Mrs. Alexander, but yourself, if matters are procrastinated any longer. I am. Sir &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Headquarters, Morris Town, 23d March, 1777.

Sir,

I am honored with yours of the 8th and 10th in- stant, the first accompanying an account of the Com- mittee of Simsbury against prisoners who were sent there by my order. There is no part of the charge to be objected against, but that of ^9-6-0 said to be

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 295

for the expense and trouble of the Committee them- selves. I cannot see how either could have been incurred in so trivial a matter, or if any, that it could have been so large a proportion. However, I think the State had better pay what is reasonable and right, and make a Continental charge of it.

I wish you may not have been deceived in the forwardness of your regiments, for I can assure you the returns fall far short of what was given out. Chandler's, Swift's, and Charles Webb's, by General Parson's letter of the 6th instant, had only eighty men each, though the latter sent his son down some weeks ago, and drew four hundred stand of arms, as- suring me that his father had as many men ready. None of the other regiments were half full. Durkee's had only one hundred and forty men. From this state of facts it is evident that if the most spirited exertions are not made, the enemy will take the field before we can draw a sufficient head of men together to oppose them. I am informed that the State of Massachusetts have called upon their different dis- tricts to furnish as many men as are sufficient to make up their quota of eighty-eight battalions, and that they have succeeded by this mode far better than if they had proceeded in their usual line of enlistment. I don't know whether your State can exercise such powers, but if you can, you could never make use of them at a better time. From the pres- ent appearance of the weather, the spring promises to be a forward one ; and from every account, the enemy only wait for good weather and good roads to take the field.

296 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

The reinforcement of Russians spoke of by Gov- ernor Wentworth, is mentioned in several letters that have been thrown out, I believe with an intent to divide and intimidate. For although I do not doubt but they would employ Russians, or any other barba- rians, to accomplish their designs, I do not think there is a probability that they can be here shortly, if at all.

Governor Livingston informed me a few days ago, that he understood that Governor Franklin, by some means or other, continued to carry on a correspond- ence with Mr. Hugh Wallace, of New York, and a gentleman of the name of Livingston, who went into New York and took protection, but not liking his situation returned again, informed upon oath, that he heard that Governor Franklin granted protections to such as would take them in Connecticut ; and that one Shackles, of Middletown, carried on a corre- spondence with Miles Sherbrook, of New York. This, Livingston says he had from Sherbrook's clerk. I don't know that the foregoing amounts to positive proof against Governor Franklin, but it ought, at least, to put you on your guard, and have him narrowly watched.

I have the honor to be. Sir, your most obedient servant.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 29 March, 1777.

Sir,

I last night had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 26th Instt. accompanied by sundry Resolves of Congress and some other papers.

[777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 297

The arrival of the Arms — Locks and FHnts you have been pleased to mention is a most fortunate and happy event — I join you most sincerely in congratu- lations upon the occasion.

I have not yet obtained a certain account of the expedition against and destruction of Peekskill. In- formation of those events has not been yet transmitted by Generals McDougall, Clinton, or the Convention of the State/ There is no doubt but that the town is destroyed, and with it some stores ; neither the quality nor amount of them is known. It is said that it was done in part by our own people, when they found that they could not prevent them from falling into the enemy's hands. The ships and troops have gone down the river again.^

' General George Clinton was appointed by Congress, on the 25th of March, commandant of the forts in the Highlands, with the rank of brigadier-general. On this occasion the Commander-in-chief wrote to him as follows: " I con- gratulate you most cordially on your late appointment to a command in the Continental army. I assure you it gave me great pleasure when I read the resolve, and I wish that your exertions may be crowned with a suitable suc- cess."— Letter, March 31st. The appointment had been recommended to Congress by the Convention of New York.

' After the departure of General Heath for Massachusetts, the command at Peekskill devolved on General McDougall. Military stores and provisions to a considerable amount had been collected at that place, which tempted Sir William Howe to project a scheme for destroying them. To prepare the way, an American officer, who had been captured at Fort Washington, was sent out as exchanged, being escorted with a flag to General McDougall's outguards. This officer reported, that the enemy talked publicly of making an excursion into the country, with the design of taking off the forage, and that they intended to effect it by three divisions, one to proceed up the Sound to Mamaroneck, an- other from Kingsbridge by the centre road, and a third to land at Tarrytown. A conversation of this kind had doubtless been held in the hearing of the officer, that the intelligence thus conveyed by him might draw off the attention of Gen- eral McDougall from the real point of attack. As he had only two hundred and fifty men at the post, he took no other steps in consequence of this report.

298 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Mr. Kirkland, the Oneida missionary, arrived here this week with a chief warrior and five other Indians of that nation. They had been to Boston, and came from thence to this place to inquire into the true state of matters, that they might report them to a grand council to be shortly held. They said things were so falsely and variously represented by our ene- mies through their agents, that they did not know what to depend on. I invited them to go to Phila- delphia ; but they declined it, declaring they were

than to prepare for removing the stores to places of greater safety at Forts Montgomery and Constitution.

Before this was accomplished, however, nine or ten sail of the enemy's ves- sels appeared in the North River near Tarrytown, and two of them ascended as high as Teller's Point, twelve miles below Peekskill, on the evening of the 22d of March. The next morning at nine o'clock the whole fleet was under sail, and at twelve they anchored in the bay at Peekskill, consisting of the Brune frigate, two ships and two brigs, three galleys, and four transports, with some small craft, the whole under the command of Colonel Bird. At one o'clock about five hundred men in eight flat-boats landed at Lent's Cove, on the south side of the bay, having four pieces of light artillery drawn by the sailors. This force being double that under General McDougall, he retreated to the hills beyond the town towards the Highlands, giving directions for destroying such stores as could not be removed. At the same time he sent orders to Lieutenant-Colonel Willet to leave a subaltern's command at Fort Constitution, and march a detachment to his assistance. The British kept possession of the town till the next day, when it was found that a party had advanced to a high ground flanked by a wood. Here they were attacked by Colonel Willet in the afternoon, and a smart skirmish ensued. The party retreated to the main body, and in the evening, favored by the light of the moon, they all embarked, and sailed down the river. Nine of the enemy were killed and wounded in the skirmish with Willett, and four were killed at the creek while attempting to burn the boats. The Americans had one man mor- tally wounded by a cannon-shot. The loss of provisions and stores was consid- erable, and the principal object of the enemy was effected. — General Mc- Dougall's MS. Letter, March 29th ; Sir William Howe's Letter to Lord George Germaine, April 1st. General Washington expressed his full approbation of General McDougall's conduct, and wrote to Congress, that he conceived every prudent step had been taken, and as good a disposition made as the small number of troops would admit.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 299

well satisfied with what they had seen, and that they were authorized to tell their nation all they had heard from the enemy was false. Being told that France was assisting us, and about to join in the war, they seemed highly pleased ; and Mr. Kirkland said he was persuaded it would have a considerable effect on the minds of several of the nations, and secure to us their neutrality, if not a declaration and commence- ment of hostilities in our favor. I showed them every civility in my power, and every thing that I thought material to excite in them an idea of our strength and independence. After staying two days, they set off for their nation, expressing their desire of the most speedy return to the council, and professing the most friendly sentiments towards us.

I have the honor to be, &c.^

TO ELIAS BOUDINOT.

MoRRiSTOWN, I April, 1777.

Sir,

I am authorized by Congress to appoint a commis- sary of prisoners. The pay will, I expect, be about sixty dollars a month ; the duty, except as to con-

' Read in Congress March 31st.

" The Office of adjutant-general being vacant, by the resignation of Colonel Reed, and the power of appointing a successor with me, I am induced, from the good opinion I entertain of your attachment to the Interest of the United States and your Military character, not only to make a tender, but most heartily to wish your acceptance of it. It will give me much pleasure if the offer meets your concurrence ; and, if it should, I must request that you will lose no time in repairing to head-quarters ; the arrangement of the new army and the good of the service requiring that the post should be immediately filled. The pay I presume you are acquainted with ; but, lest you should not, I think proper to mention, that it is a hundred and twenty-five dollars a month. Should circum-

300 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

finement, not hard, at least after the business is once put into a proper train. Close attendance on the army will be requisite, in order to receive and dis- tribute the prisoners to places assigned for their con- finement, at each of which some person should be stationed to see that they are taken care of, that they receive what is allowed them, and that proper ac- counts are kept of the expenses. The most trouble- some part of this office will be to obtain accounts of the expenses already incurred ; for, after this is once done, the business may be put upon such a footing, as to be managed with regularity and ease.

I intend to annex another duty to this office, and that is the procuring of intelligence. The person en- gaged in the department of commissary of prisoners will have as much leisure, and better opportunities, than most officers in the army, to obtain knowledge of the enemy's situation, motions, and (as far as may be) designs. Thus, Sir, in concise terms have I given you a sketch of the duties of a commissary of prisoners, and my expectations from him, and now give me leave to ask if you will accept the appointment. With very great esteem and regard, I am, Sir, yours, etc.^

stances put it out of your power to accept it, an event I hope not to happen, and which would give me concern, you will be pleased to send the Express, with the enclosed Letter to Colonel William Lee ; Otherwise you will retain and return it to me upon your arrival, which I trust will be in few days. — Wash- ington to Colonel Pickering, 30 March, 1777. See Washington to Congress, 24 May, 1777.

' Mr. Boudinot accepted the appointment, and was commissioned on the 15th of April. Colonels Hand and Charles Scott were promoted by Congress to the rank of brigadier-general on the ist of April, and Colonel Learned the next day. General Armstrong resigned on the 4th.

" I have to lament, that the Expressions intended to thank the late Council

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 301

TO GOVERNOR COOKE.

MORRISTOWN, 3 April, 1777.

Sir,

I am honord with yours of the i8th of last month.

The late ample arrivals of arms at Philadelphia and at Portsmouth, added to those which we before had, puts us out of all further uneasiness on account of that necessary article. The eleven hundred and seventy-six stand, which you received from the Con- tinental agent at Boston, will be very near the num- ber wanted for your two Continental battalions when complete ; and I desire that they may be carefully collected from the militia, to whom any part of them were lent, and applied to that purpose. The effects of granting extravagant bounties, and of raising bodies of men upon colonial establishments, now ap- pear, from the returns of the low state of your Con- tinental battalions. From the first cause, the men are taught to set a price upon themselves, and refuse

of Safety for easing me of a part of the heavy Load I bear in forming our new army could be so misunderstood by your Board. I rejoiced at hearing, that they had not only appointed their officers in the first instance, but arranged them likewise, and desired that in future I should fill up the vacancies as they happen, intending thereby to save you the trouble and prevent delays." — Wash- ington to the Pennsylvania Board of War, 2 April, 1777.

The expressions referred to were contained in a letter to the Council of Safety, dated March 28th, as follows : "By the late powers granted to me by Congress, I had a right to fill up all commissions under the rank of brigadier- general ; but, as I thought the Conventions, Assemblies, or Councils of Safety,, of the different States, were best acquainted with the persons proper to fill the necessary appointments, I was pleased to see that you had completed your arrangements yourselves in the first instance. In order to prevent the inconveniences and delays, that may arise from any vacancies, that may happen in future, remaining unfilled, I shall take the liberty to make the appointments, always taking care to pay a due regard to seniority where merit is equal."

302 THE WRITINGS OF l^-j-ji

to turn out, except that price is paid ; and I am in- formed in some instances, in Massachusetts, one hundred pounds lawful money per man has been paid. It is also evident, that the raising of the colonial brigade for fifteen months retards the Con- tinental enlistments ; for General Spencer in a letter of the 26th of March writes to me, that the first has five hundred men, and the last but three hundred and eighty, about half of whom have had the smallpox ; and he adds, that General Varnum was only then preparing hospitals for the inoculation of the remainder. Strange that this should have been neglected so long, when my orders were given on the 3d of March, to provide quarters and to inoculate immediately.

You certainly overrate the Number of the Enemy upon Rhode Island, if they consist of only six Hes- sian and two British regiments. The Hessian regi- ments, when they came out complete, did not exceed six hundred men each, and the British two hundred and fifty each. Now, if they have decreased by Casualties in proportion to the other troops in the British army, they are scarcely more than three thou- sand ; a number too small to make any attempt upon the Main. I am convinced, from every appearance, that they intend to leave Rhode Island, where they have wintered comfortably, and kept up a consider- able diversion, and join their main Body in this Province. How I am to oppose them, God knows; for, except a few hundred from Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, I have not yet received a man of the

,777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 303

new Continental levies. So far from being able to consent, that your Continental battalions should remain at home, supposing the enemy should con- tinue upon the Island, that I am obliged, in the most positive Terms, to order every Man, who has had the smallpox, to come immediately forward, and those who have not, so soon as they are recovered. I have written to General Varnum to the same effect. As it is my duty to afford equal protection to every part of the continent, you may be assured, if I thought there was any real danger to be apprehended from the enemy at Rhode Island, that, instead of drawing the Continental troops from that quarter, I would add to their numbers. But, when there is every probability of their coming away, and, sup- posing they should stay, as the internal strength of the country would hinder them from setting foot upon the main, I think I am excusable in drawing every man in the Continental service (except those in- tended for the northern department) to this point, to give opposition to the grand army of the enemy, who, unless they are checked, will, in turn, overrun every State in the Union.

As the safety of the whole confederacy depends upon each State's furnishing the quota of men al- lotted to it, I must call upon you in the most press- ing manner first to endeavor to complete your allot- ment by the usual methods ; but, if your men will not turn out voluntarily, notwithstanding the great encouragement given by the State, I beg you will, if your powers are adequate, insist upon each district's

304 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

furnishing a certain number, as they have done in Massachusetts. If neither of these modes can be fallen upon, to good effect, we may as well give up the cause. I have the honor to be, &c.

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL ARNOLD.

MoRRiSTOWN, 3 April, 1777.

Dear Sir,

. I am this day favd. with yours of the 26th last month and a few days ago with that of the i ith. It is needless for me to say much upon a subject, which must undoubtedly give you a good deal of uneasi- ness. I confess I was surprised when I did not see your name in the list of major-generals, and was so fully of opinion, that there was some mistake in the matter, that, I, (as you may recollect,) desired you not to take any hasty step, before the intention of Congress was fully known.' The point does not now admit of a doubt, and is of so delicate a nature, that I will not even undertake to advise. Your own feel- ings must be your Guide. As no particular Charge is alleg'd against you, I do not see upon what Ground you can demand a Court of Inquiry. Be-

' " I am anxious to know whether General Arnold's non-pronaotion was owing to accident or design ; and the cause of it. Surely a more active, a more spir- ited, and sensible officer fills no department in your army. Not seeing him, then, in the list of major-generals, and no mention made of him, has given me uneasiness ; as it is not to be presumed, being the oldest brigadier, that he will continue in service under such a slight. I imagine you will lose two or three other very good officers, by promoting yours, or any one's, over them. My public letters will give you the state of matters in this quarter, and my anxiety to be informed of the reason of Arnold's non-promotion gives you the trouble of this letter." — Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 6 March, 1776.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 305

sides, public bodies are not amenable for their Ac- tions. They place and displace at pleasure ; and all the satisfaction that an individual can obtain, when he is overlooked, is, if innocent, a consciousness that he has not deserved such treatment for his honest exertions. Your determination not to quit your pres- ent command, while any danger to the public might ensue from your leaving it, deserves my thanks, and justly entitles you to the thanks of your country.

General Greene, who has lately been at Philadel- phia, took occasion to inquire upon what principle the Congress proceeded in their late promotion of general officers. He was informed, that the members from each State seemed to insist upon having a pro- portion of general officers, adequate to the number of men which they furnish, and that, as Connecticut had already two major-generals, it was their full share. I confess this is a strange mode of reasoning ; but it may serve to show you, that a promotion, which was due to your seniority, was not overlooked for want of Merit in you. I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL PARSONS.

MORRISTOWN, 3 April, 1777.

Dear Sir,

My Letters of the 20th and 29th Ulto. will convey evident proofs to you of my extreme sollicitude re- specting the assembling of our Troops ; and yet, as I have but too much reason to believe that dissipation in some and the comfortable enjoyment of domestick pleasures in others, have had an unhappy Influence

3o6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

upon the conduct of the recruiting officers, I must again repeat the urgent necessity there is for the officers of every denomination exerting themselves to the utmost in bringing forward the new Levies.

Genl. Howe is vigorous in his preparations; the troops at Rhode Island, from the best Intelligence I have been able to get, were about to imbark ; a num- ber (to the amount it is said of 3000) have actually imbark'd from New York and Amboy ; and are now at the watering place near the Narrows. — In short, the Campaign is opening, and we have no men for the field — If this is owing to the causes above mentioned, the officers imployed in the Recruiting Service must expect to be answerable for the consequences. If they have done their duty, and it proceeds from un- willingness in the men to inlist, the Government must have recourse to coercive measures ; for if the quotas required of each state cannot be had by vol- untary Inlistment, in time, and the Powers of Gov- ernment are not adequate to drafting, there is an end of the contest ; and opposition becomes vain — I therefore wish you to see Govr. Trumbull and con- verse with him on the Importance of this subject, for delay in obtaining the men, falls very little short of not getting them at all. — If the Enemy, for want of men to oppose them, can march through the country in triumph, or if the opposition is so feeble as to become ineffectual, and, our Army thereby destroyed by piecemeals, the bad effects of either is much easier to be conceived, than described, and should be avoided if possible. —

First.

Second.

Colo. Chas. Webb

2. Colo. Huntington

. . Wyllys

4. . . Bradley

. . Douglas

6. . . Chandler

. . Durkee

8. . . Swift.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 307

The Eight Regiments of your State I would have divided into two Brigades as follows. —

I.

3. 5- 7-

The first Brigade to be under your immediate com- mand— the second to be under the care of the eldest Colo, (superintended by you) till Genl. Spencer ar- rives, or a Brigadier is appointed to it. — All the officers and men of these Brigades to march im- mediately to Peekskill, except such as have not had the Small Pox, and are now under Inoculation, — and except such officers as are necessary for the care of the Sick, and for Recruiting ; which ought to be at- tended to, and prosecuted, with all possible vigor. — take care to give me previous notice of the arrival of these Troops at the Kills, that (if the exigencies of affairs require it) they may be immediately ordered on to head Quarters without loss of time. I am, &c.

PROCLAMATION RESPECTING DESERTERS.

Whereas many soldiers, lately enlisted in the Continental army, not content with the generous bounties and encouragements granted to them by Congress, but influenced by a base regard to their interest, have re-enlisted with and received bounties from other officers, and then deserted ; and whereas it is presumed, that many, fully sensible of the enormity of their crimes, would return to their duty, were they not deterred by an apprehension of suffering the severe punishment lately inflicted on those found

3o8 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

guilty of desertion ; I have thought proper to issue this my proc- lamation, offering free pardon to all those above described, as well as to those who have deserted from other motives, who shall voluntarily surrender themselves to any officer in the Continental army, or join their respective corps before the 15th day of May next. And I do strictly enjoin all officers in the army under my command, and entreat the good people of these States, to use their utmost endeavors to apprehend and secure such deserters, as shall not avail themselves of the indulgence offered by this proclamation. Given under my hand at Head-Quarters, at Mor- ristown, this 6th day of April, 1777.'

TO GENERAL HEARD.

MORRISTOWN, 7 April, 1777.

Sir,

Inclosed I transmit you a copy of a late resolve of Congress, by which you will perceive that in bringing the militia into the field, strict regard is to be had to

* " The pay abstract of the tenth regiment of Connecticut militia, from Octo- ber to January last, was this day presented to me for paymt. The very unrea- sonable disproportion of officers induced me to decline giving orders for the payment. I must beg the favor of you to have some mode adopted, by v/hich the public treasury may be eased of such extraordinary demands. Impositions of this nature are provided for in future by Congress ; but how we are to remedy those, that have happened, I am at a loss to determine. I can only say, that nothing shall pass through my hands, that may be construed into the slightest approbation of such impositions. I have enclosed the abstract for your consideration." — Washington to Governor Trumbull, 7 April, 1777.

" I must insist that you will not in a single instance abate your attention to the purchase of arms. The late arrivals will not supply the Continental arms. They must therefore be proportionately delivered out ; and he who depends en- tirely on being supplied from these funds and omits purchasing all the arms within his reach, will be greatly disappointed. The campaign is on the very eve of opening. A decisive blow at the beginning will leave the fortunate party very little to do for some time afterwards. Now if the officers in direct disobedience of my repeated orders, wait at their respective homes in good quarters till they are pleased to think they can conveniently leave them, I must take the field with little more than my family, and lose this important oppor- tunity."— Washington to Samuel B. Webb, 7 April, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 309

the number of men, and only a due proportion of officers, both with respect to rank and number, is to be called out to command them. More than these will not be paid, as it would impose an unreasonable burthen on the public. There have been horrid abuses in this way ; it has been heretofore customary to see almost as many officers as men in the pay abstracts, that have been brought before me. And what is, if possible, a still greater enormity I have reason to believe it is too often a practice for officers who command parties to assume the rank of their superior officers, who happen to be absent, and to draw pay equivalent to it, under the absurd idea of their acting in their stead & capacity.

I desire your careful attention to the remedying these things in future, as the tenor of the before mentioned resolve will be rigidly adhered to ; and supernumerary officers may expect to receive no pay for their unnecessary services ; and those who are guilty of such an assumption of rank will make them- selves liable to punishment.

I find that the Brigadiers of this State have each a particular power only to call out the Militia of a par- ticular district. On this account, unless the Governor should have regulated the matter himself, it will be necessary that the Brigadiers should agree among themselves, on one of their number to take the actual command of the troops in the field ; more than one will not be wanted for the purpose.

I shall deem it indispensably Incumbent on the acting Brigadier to enforce upon all the officers

310 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

under him the necessary practice of making exact returns to him of their several parties and to impress it upon them, in explicit terms, that no abstracts they shall present will be paid, unless they are first certi- fied under his hand ; in doing which, his duty and reputation demand he should accurately compare the abstracts with the returns that have been previously made. Any neglect, or want of care, in this particu- lar, will manifest an unpardonable disregard to the public good. I am &c.

TO COLONEL REED OR COLONEL COX.

Head Quarters, Morristown, 7 April, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I am informed, there is a certain Mr. Smith, who has been lately taken up by General Lincoln as a spy and sent to Philadelphia under that character. I believe for several reasons, that he is the man who was imployed by you to act for us, in that capacity, and that the apprehending him is a mistake, which may be attended with ill consequences. Lest he should be precipitately tried and punished, I must beg you will interpose in the affair without delay, and if you find him to be the person I suspect he is, take measures to have him released. I should be glad indeed, that some management miofht be used in the matter, in order to turn the circumstance of his being apprehended to a good account. It would be well to make him a handsome present in money to secure

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 311

his fidelity to us ; and contrive his releasement, in such a manner, as to give it the appearance of an ac- cidental escape from confinement. After concerting a plan with him, by which he will be enabled to be serviceable to us, in communicating intelligence from time to time, let him make the best of his way to the Enemy, under the idea above intimated, — that is, as a fugitive from the persecution and danger, he in- curred among us, for his known friendship to the enemy. Great care must be taken so to conduct the scheme, as to make the escape appear natural and real. — There must be neither too much facility, nor too much refinement, for doing too little, or over- acting the part would alike beget a suspicion of the true state of the case. I am, &c.

TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL HOWE.

MoRRiSTOWN, 9 April, 1777.

Sir,

I take the liberty of transmitting you a copy of a paper addressed to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Wal- cott of your army, which came enclosed in a letter from Lieutenant-General Lord Cornwallis. It is with peculiar regret, I am constrained to observe, that this illiberal performance of Colonel Walcott's is obviously calculated to answer a less generous pur- pose, than that of merely effecting an exchange, con- tains a gross misrepresentation of facts, and is a palpable deviation from that delicate line, which I expected would mark his conduct, as a man of candor

312 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

and ingenuity.' That gentleman has censured two articles insisted on by me through Lieutenant- Colonel Harrison, at their meeting of the loth ultimo, "as groundless, unprecedented, and incon- sistent with any degree of reason or common sense," though founded, as I conceive, in the clearest principles of Equity and justice. Not contenting himself with this, which would have given me no concern, he has assumed the privilege of mutilating and misstating those articles in such a manner, as to change their meaning, and to adapt them to the unfair conclusions he wished to establish.

Having premised these things, and being charged in direct and positive terms by Colonel Walcott, who acted under your authority, with a violation of the Agreement made between us for the Exchange of prisoners, and called upon for a performance of the same, I think it necessary to explain the motives of my conduct, and the grounds on which those articles or objections stand. In respect to the first, I freely repeat, that I do not hold myself bound, either by the

' In consequence of General Howe's suggestion, that some person should be appointed by General Washington to meet a British officer for the purpose of settling the differences, that existed in regard to the exchange of prisoners, Colonel Harrison had been selected for this purpose, and received his powers and instructions on the 4th of March. A meeting took place between him and Colonel Walcott, the British commissioner. It proved ineffectual as to the points at issue ; and there was another meeting on the 2d of April, when, as the parties did not agree, Colonel Walcott presented to Colonel Harrison a paper, which the latter considered so objectionable in its temper and contents, that he would not receive it, although it was brought prepared, and was hence pre- sumed to have been approved by General Howe. As Colonel Harrison refused to be the bearer of it to General Washington, it was sent out by a flag, under the cover of a letter from Lord C-ornwallis. Walcott's demand and Washing- ton's reply were published by order of Congress.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 313

spirit of the agreement, or by the principles of justice, to account for those prisoners, who, from the rigor and severity of their treatment, were in so emaciated and languishing a state, at the time they came out, as to render their death almost certain and inevitable ; and which, in many instances, happened while they were returning to their homes, and, in many others, immediately after their arrival.

You must be sensible, that our Engagement, as well as all others of the kind, though in the letter it expresses only an equality of rank and number, as the rule of exchange, yet it necessarily implies a regard to the general principles of mutual compensa- tion and advantage. This is inherent in its nature, is the voice of reason, and no stipulation, as to the condition in which prisoners should be returned, was requisite. Humanity dictated that their treatment should be such, as their health and comfort demanded ; and, where her laws have been duly respected, their condition has been generally good. Nor is this the language of Humanity alone ; justice declares the same. The object of every cartel, or similar agree- ment, is the benefit of the prisoners themselves, and that of the contending powers. On this footing, it equally exacts, that they should be well treated, as that they should be exchanged. The reverse is, therefore, an evident infraction, and ought to subject the party, on whom it is chargeable, to all the damage and ill consequences resulting from it. Nor can it be expected, that those unfitted for future service by acts of severity, in direct violation of a Compact, are

314 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

proper subjects for an exchange. In such case, to return others not in the same predicament, would be to give without receiving an Equivalent ; and would afford the greatest encouragement to cruelty and in- humanity. The argument, drawn from the mere cir- cumstance of the prisoners having been received, is of no validity. Though, from their wretched situa- tion, they could not, at that time, be deemed proper for an exchange, yet our humanity required that they should be permitted to return among us.

It may, perhaps, be fairly doubted, whether an ap- prehension of their death, or that of a great part of them, did not contribute somewhat to their being sent out when they were. Such an event, whilst they remained with you, would have been truly interest- ing ; because it would have destroyed every shadow of claim for a return of the prisoners in our Hands ; and, therefore, policy, concurring with Humanity, dictated that the measure should be adopted. Hap- py had it been, if the expedient had been thought of before these ill-fated men were reduced to such ex- tremity. It is confessed, however, on all sides, that, after their delivery, they still continued your prison- ers, and would be so till regularly exchanged.

I acknowledge, that I should, and I have been al- ways willing, notwithstanding this concession, to ac- count for every man, who was in a proper condition and fit to be exchanged at the time they came out, so far as the proportion of prisoners with us would extend. With what propriety, or upon what founda- tion of justice, can more be demanded ? This has

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 315

been proposed, or, what is the same, was most clearly implied in the first article or objection made by Lieu- tenant-Colonel Harrison, and illiberally rejected since, as inconsistent with any degree of reason or common sense. Painful as it is, I am compelled to consider it as a fact not to be questioned, that the usage of our prisoners, whilst in your possession, the privates at least, was such as could not be justified. This was proclaimed by the concurrent testimony of all who came out ; their appearance sanctified the assertion ; and melancholy experience, in the speedy death of a large part of them, stamped it with infallible cer- tainty.

In respect to the second article insisted on, your discriminating Major-General Lee from other captive ofificers belonging to the American army demanded my particular attention. I was authorized to con- clude, from your laying him under peculiar restraints, and from your letter of the 23d of January last, that you considered him in a singular point of view, and meant to exclude him from the common right of ex- change, stipulated for all officers in general terms- This distinction, the more injurious and unwarrant- able, as you never excepted him, though you knew him to be an officer in our army at the time, and long before the Agreement was entered into, made it my duty to assert his right in an explicit manner, and to endeavor to put the matter upon so unequivocal a footing, as to insure his enlargement, whenever an officer of equal rank belonging to your army should be in our power. This was attempted by the Article,

3i6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

and nothing more ; nor is any other inference to be drawn from it. It is true, a proposition was made, since his captivity, to give a certain number of offi- cers of inferior rank in exchange for him ; but it was not claimed as a matter of right. What name, then, does that proceeding merit, by which it is suggested, that the immediate release of General Lee had been demanded, without having an officer of equal rank to give for him ? The suggestion cannot be supported by the most tortured exposition, nor will it have credit where candor is deemed a virtue, and words preserve their form and meaning.

As to the charge of delay in not returning the prisoners in our hands, the dispersed situation of those, taken at a more early period of the war, through the different States, arising from the circum- stances of their captivity and a regard to their better accommodation, made their detention for a consider- able time unavoidable. When the agreement sub- sisting between us took place, the speediest directions were given to have them collected, that an exchange might be effected. This was done in part, and at a juncture when motives of policy opposed the measure, but were made to yield to the rigid maxims of good faith.' We were pursuing the exchange, and continued our exertions to accomplish it, till the mis- erable appearance, indicating an approaching catas- trophe, of those sent out by you, made it improper.

' The following clause was here inserted in the first draft of the letter, but it was omitted in the transcript sent to General Howe. — " Happily we found an equivalent, so far as their number went, in those returned from Canada, and who had experienced the humanity of General Carleton."

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 317

Foreseeing that a difficulty might arise, and that it might be expected, that I should account for the whole of them, which I by no means thought it equitable to do, it became necessary that the matter should be adjusted, and the due proportion settled for which I ought to be responsible, before any thing further could be done on my part. Upon this ground stands also the detention of those, who have been since captured. Added to these considerations, the discrimination set up in the instance of General Lee is to be regarded as utterly irreconcilable with the tenor of our agreement, and an insurmountable ob- stacle to a compliance with your demands.

Thus, Sir, have I explained the motives of my conduct, and I trust vindicated myself in the eye of Impartiality from the improper and groundless charge, which you and the gentleman acting by your authority have been pleased to allege against me. If, in doing this, I have departed in the smallest degree from that delicacy, which I always wished should form a part of my character, you will remem- ber, I have been forced into recrimination, and that it has become an act of necessary justice. I shall now declare it to be my ardent wish, that a general exchange may take place, on generous and liberal principles, so far as it can be effected, and that the agreement, subsisting between us for that purpose, should be inviolably observed ; and I call upon you, by every obligation of good faith, to remove all im- pediments, on your part, to the accomplishment of it. If, however, you do not, I console myself with a hope.

3i8 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

that those unfortunate men, whose lot it is to be your prisoners, will bear their sufferings with becom- ing fortitude and magnanimity.

I am, Sir, with due respect, &c/

TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH.

MORRISTOWN, 10 April, 1777.

Dr. Sir,

I have within these few days received an applica- tion from the Honble. Messrs. Sever and Gushing for Arms and Blankets for the use of the Massachu- setts Regim. destined for Tyconderoga. — Surely these Troops are not at this day to begin their March for that Post ! — and sorry I am to observe that nothing now will content that Government but the New Arms lately arrived there (which will be greatly wanted for Troops that cannot otherwise be provided). When

^ " The design of Washington's letter, and its publication by the Congress, was to sanctify their breach of faith in not sending back our soldiers in ex- change, to represent General Howe as devoid of humanity, and to irritate the deluded Americans still more against the English nation, as a people totally lost to virtue. It was by such misrepresentations and falsehoods that the rebel leaders first fomented and brought on the present rebellion ; and they still con- continue to support it by the same infamous means. Men of malignant and ambitious dispositions of mind are always at the head of their affairs. It was such dispositions that made Lovell a delegate, and Washington a general." — Politicus in the London Chronicle, 14 August, 1777.

The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) (part 8)

John Adams wrote of this letter: "Washington is in the right, and has maintained his argument with a delicacy and dignity which do him much honor : He has hinted at the flagitious conduct of the two Howes towards their prisoners in so plain and clear a manner that he cannot be misunder- stood, but yet decency and delicacy are preserved, which is the more to be ap- plauded because the natural resentment of such atrocious cruelties renders it very difficult to avoid a more pointed language in describing them." — To his wife, 13 April, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 319

I have abundant reason to believe, that no State upon the Continent has it so much in her power to furnish these articles as that of Massachusetts bay ; Indeed I am informed, that arms, and other Military stores are hoarding up in that Government, which makes every thing of the kind exceedingly difficult to be had for Continental use, and has the appearance of a separate Provision.

That no delay however may happen, I have in- formed those Gentlemen that you would be Instructed to Issue orders for such a number of Arms as shall appear to you absolutely necessary — and this power I now give you, requesting at the same time, that it may be used with a regard to the general good — The means of procuring them through other Channels, should still be pursued. * * *

Let me have the names of the several Colonels commanding the 15 Regiments from the State of Massachusetts — mention them in their order of Sen- iority, & whether the Regiments are number'd from the Rank of the officers commanding them or not. * * *

The Brigade Majors for these New Corps, are not to be appointed till there is duty for them to perform ; then, if the Brigadiers will make choice of officers properly qualified I will confirm them in office, if they do not, I shall exert the powers given me by Congress " to appoint all officers under the Rank of Brigadier " to put in such as are ; as I will not have any Gentn. introduced from family connexions, or local attachments, to the prejudice of the Service. —

320 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Of this you will please, without loss of time to give each Brigadier in your State notice. — They will ex- cuse me for this Intimation, which may imply a reflection, when I add that some very Improper choices were made last year, and when it is evident to every Gentleman in the smallest degree acquainted with Service that nothing can contribute more to good order and regularity in an Army than having Brigade Majors of knowledge, activity, and diligence. * * * I am Sir, &c.

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL MIFFLIN.

Headquarters, Morris Town, 10 April, 1777.

Dear Sir,

From every piece of intelligence which we have lately reed, it appears that the Enemy are making hasty preparations to open the Campaign, and Phila- delphia seems generally agreed upon as their object. Whether the expedition will be by land or water is yet a matter of uncertainty, but it is more than probable that it will be by both. Wherever their Army lies, it will be of the greatest advantage to us to have Spies among them, on whom we may de- pend for Intelligence. I would therefore have you look out for proper persons for this purpose, who are to remain among them under the mask of friendship. I would have some of those in Bucks County some in Philad. and others below Philada. about Chester, for if any part of their force goes round by Water, they will probably land some where thereabouts. I

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 321

have directed Genl. Putnam to procure similar per- sons to wait upon them in their way thro' Jersey. I hope we may prevent them from crossing the Dela- ware, but if that Event should happen, we should be provided. I would therefore have you set about this work immediately and give the persons you pitch upon, proper lessons. Some in the Quaker line, who have never taken an active part, would be least liable to suspicion from either party. * * *

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Head-Quarters, Morris Town, 12 April, 1777.

Sir :

I am honored with yours of the loth accompanied with one from the Committee of Congress, to whom I have wrote very fully upon the subject of the Resolve for forming an Army upon the West Side of Delaware and to which I refer you. I wish I could see any prospect of an Army, fit to make proper opposition, formed any where. You will per- haps be surprized at this, after the public Reports of the great Success of recruiting in all the States, but to convince you that these have been but bare Re- ports, I will give you the best information I have been able to collect from actual Returns and other accounts.

New Hampshire. No returns, but a letter from Genl. Heath says they are tolerably forward all their Regiments go to the Northward.

Massachusetts. — About 400 Men raised to a Regt. many of those yet to undergo innoculation. Seven of their Regiments go

32 2 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

to the Northward, and Eight are to come to Peekskill for the present.

Rhode Island. — Only 360 men inlisted in both Regiments the ist April — 200 of those are yet to be innoculated. Genl. Var- num writes me that he despairs of filling up the Regiments.

Connecticut. — By a Return from Genl. Parsons of the 4th April — about 1800 men were recruited thro the whole State, they much dispersed, many to have the small pox and recruiting at a stand.

New York. — About 200 Men to a Regiment and from the peculiar Situation of that province, it will be almost impossible for them to fill up their Regiments, tho' they exert themselves very much.

New Jersey. Between 200 and 300 to a Regt. — they also lay under many difficulties on account of the disaffection of their State, but their Officers are active and diligent.

Pennsylvania. Most of the Regiments are very backward, those most so, who have been longest recruiting.

Delaware State. No Return of their Regiment.

Maryland. I have only the Return of one Regiment which consists of 200 Men, but 1 do not believe the others are in more forwardness. The disputes about the Rank of officers has pre- vailed so much, that the recruiting Service has been in a manner neglected.'

Virginia. The nine old Regiments will not exceed 1800 ef- fective Men, and Govr. Henry, in a letter which I received yes- terday, informs me, that he did not think, that more than four of the six new ones would be filled. He proposes the expediency of raising Volunteer Companies, to serve seven, or eight Months, to make up the deficiency. But this I shall object to on many

' " I have the disagreeable Information that disputes still prevail in your State about the rank of your officers, and that the recruiting service is exceed- ingly injured by them. Shall the general cause be injured by such illtimed and ineffectual Jarrings among them ? I have inclosed two Resolves of Congress warmly hoping that the knowledge of them may tend to an honorable and necessary accomodation — No Settlement which they can make and submit to, among themselves will affect the Army at large — I have long since determined to refer the adjusting of Rank to a Board of General officers, which will proceed upon the business so soon as the army collect and Circumstances will admit."—- Washington to Governor yoknson, 11 April, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 323

accounts, particularly, that it would be introducing a Body of Men, who would look upon themselves, at liberty to do what they pleased, and the moment their time expired, would leave us, tho' at the most critical Juncture.

If the Men that are raised, few as they are, could be got into the Field, it would be a matter of some Consolation, that every Method that I have been able to devise has proved ineffectual. If I send an Officer to collect the sick or scattered of his Regi- ment, it is ten to one that he neglects his duty — goes home on pleasure or Business, and the next that I hear of him, is, that he has resigned. Furloughs are no more attended to than if there was no limitation of time, and, in short. Sir, there is such a total de- pression of that military ardor, which I hoped would have inspired every Officer when he found his pay genteely augmented, and the Army put upon a re- spectable footing, that it seems to me as if all public Spirit was sunk into the means of making money by the Service, or quarrelling upon the most trivial points of Rank.'

I shall as soon as possible, transmit to the Board of War, a list of the appointments I have made in consequence of the powers vested in me.

' " For some days past there has been a pretty considerable movement among the Enemy in their shipping, &c., whilst it seems next to impossible to make our officers in any of the States exert themselves in bringing in their men to the field, as if it were a matter of moonshine whether they come to-day, to-morrow, a week, or a month hence. The campaign will I expect be opened without men on our side, unless they come in much faster than I have reason to expect them.

" The unfortunate policy of short enlistments is daily and hourly exemplified. Thoroughly convinced I am, that, jf the Troops, who were enlisted last year had been engaged for the war, or even three years, I could with them, and such

324 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

If the appointments in the Hospitals are filled up before the Receipt of this I would take the liberty of mentioning a Gentleman, who I think highly deserv- ing of Notice, not only on account of his Abilities, but for the very great Assistance which he has af- forded in the course of this winter, merely in the nature of a Volunteer. The Gentleman is Doctr. John Cochran, well known to all the Faculty and particularly to Doctor Shippen, who I suppose has mentioned him among the Candidates. The place for which the Doctor is well fitted, and which would be most agreeable to him, is Surgeon General to the Middle Department. In this line he served all the last War, in the British Service, and has distinguished himself this Winter particularly in his attention to the small pox patients and the wounded which but for him and Doctr. Bond must have suffered much, if not been totally neglected, as there were no other Medical Gentlemen to be found.

If the appointment of Surgeon General is filled up, that of deputy Director of the middle department would be acceptable ; I have been thus full in my recommendation, because Doctr. Cochran in a man- ner had my promise of one of the Capital appoint-

aids as might have been drawn to our assistance, have drove the British army and their Auxiliary Troops out of the Jerseys in the course of last vi^inter. I do not know but they might also have been driven from New York. Instead of that, we have at this late day an army to assemble for self-defence. But past errors cannot be rectified. We must guard as much as possible against future evils. The ridiculous and inconsistent orders given by the executive powers, in some of the States, and even by the officers therein, for the rendez- vous of their men, is scarcely to be thought of with patience. It would seem as if to harass the Troops and delay their junction were the ends in view." — Washington to John Augustine Washington, 12 April, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 325

ments in the Hospital, upon a presumption that I should have had some hand in the nomination, by the Resolution of Congress empowering me to fill all Commissions under the Rank of Brigadiers General. 13M. — I have this moment received a line from Genl. Lincoln informing me that the Enemy at- tempted to surprize him, early this morning, at his post at Bound Brook, but he made good his Retreat to the pass of the Mountains just in his Rear with trifling Loss. I have, &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Morris Town, 12 April, 1777.

Sir,

As Mr. Fornandez, an officer just released from captivity by an exchange, informs me that large and weekly supplies of fresh provisions are brought into York, — which, he was informed by a friend of ours, came from Connecticut, but whether by water or by land he does not know, — this information I have thought proper to transmit to your Honor by the earliest opportunity, that you may adopt such meas- ures as its importance demands, and which shall seem most likely to prevent a practice so wicked and so injurious in its consequences. It is probable the most common mode of conveyance is by water, and that the supplies are from those who live on the Sound. However, it will be well to have the disaf- fected bordering on the State of York watched with a scrupulous care as well as those contiguous to the Sound.

326 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Mr. Fernandez adds that Colonel Rogers and other officers whose names he does not recollect, have left York on the recruiting service, and gone into Connecticut, as he was advised. It is also said by a Mr. Deputy Commissary Frink, who has been just exchanged too, that Selleck, of Stamford, is fre- quently in the City of York, and that one John Hart is gone to Rhode Island to pass counterfeit money. It highly imports us to detect and apprehend these villains, whose crimes are of great enormity ; and I should hope if this intelligence is communicated to som.e of our prudent, trusty friends in different parts of the State, in those most favorable to their views, that it might be effected. Rogers is an active in- strument in the enemy's hands, and his conduct has a peculiar claim to our notice.'

I have nothing special to mention respecting the enemy. As yet they have made no movement ; but from our advices of their preparations, there are strong reasons to believe that they are upon the eve of doing it, and from a variety of combining circum- stances, it appears that Philadelphia will be the first object of their attention. I only regret that I have

' " I heard of Mr. Franklin's practices some time ago, and advised Governor Trumbull of the same that his conduct might be properly attended to. It is very unhappy for us, that thro the intrigues of such men the Enemy have found means to raise a spirit of disaffection but too general in many of the States. In this, I have strong assurances, that it has arisen to a great height, and I shall not be disappointed if a large number of the Inhabitants in some of the Counties, should openly appear in arms as soon as the Enemy begin their operations. I have taken every measure in my power to suppress it, but nevertheless several from Sussex and Bergen, have joined their Army, and the spirit becomes more and more daring every day." — Washington to the President of Congress, 26 April, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 327

not the means the exigency of our affairs requires, and that a strange, unaccountable languor seems but too generally to prevail at a time when the preserva- tion of our rights and of all that is dear calls loudly for the most vigorous and active exertions. I have the honor, &c.

TO PATRICK HENRY, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.

MORRISTOWN, 13 April, 1777.

Sir,

It gives me much concern to hear that the recruit- ing service proceeds so slowly in most of the States. That it is the case in Virginia affects me in a peculiar manner. I feel myself much obliged by the polite respect your honorable Board of Council are pleased to show to my opinion ; and am under the necessity of observing, that the volunteer plan, which you men- tion, will never answer any valuable purposes, and that I cannot but disapprove the measure. To the short engagements of our troops may be fairly and justly ascribed almost every misfortune, that we have experienced. To that cause, and that alone, have the liberties of our country been put in question, and the most obvious advantages lost. This I speak from painful experience, and, assured of the Facts, I can- not countenance in the smallest deofree what I know to be pernicious in the extreme. Short enlistments, when founded on the best plan, are repugnant to order, and subversive of discipline ; and men, held upon such terms, will never be equal to the important

328 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

ends of war ; but, when they are of the volu7iteer kind, they are still more destructive.

Those who engage in arms, under that denomina- tion, let them agree upon what conditions they may, are uneasy, impatient of command, ungovernable ; and, claiming to themselves a sort of superior merit, generally assume not only the privilege of thinking but to do as they please ; added to these considera- tions, such corps are long in forming, and half of their time is taken up in marching to and from camp at a most amazing expense ; nor are the injuries, to which a country is exposed, by the frequent marchmg and countermarching of men, to be disregarded. Further, whilst they are in service, the States to which they belong have but little if any chance to engage them for a longer term. When that is out, they will re- turn, though the Exigency of affairs should be ever so pressing, and though you should be on the point of action, or perhaps of Grasping a Victory. Their departure has a most baneful and unhappy influence on those who remain, who consider themselves, not- withstanding their Engagements, as subjected to peculiar hardships, become uneasy and discontented, and many desert. Their return, too, having seen only service sufficient to create disgust, and expe- rienced in the course of it a few difficulties, produces the same disposition through the circle of their con- nexions. In a word, Sir, I cannot advise the volun- teer plan, as I conceive the adoption of it would have the most fatal and pernicious tendency ; and in m}'- opinion the Interest of the States would be more ad-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 329

vanced by regular enlistments during the war, though it should take a considerable time to complete them.' The apologies you offer for your deficiency of troops are not without some weight. I am induced to believe, that the apprehension of the smallpox and its calamitous consequences have greatly retarded the Enlistments. But may not those objections be easily done away, by introducing Inoculation into the State ? Or shall we adhere to a regulation preventing it, reprobated at this time, not only by the consent and usage of the greater part of the civilized world, but by our interest and own experience of its utility? You will pardon my observations upon the smallpox, because I know it is more destructive to an army in the natural way, than the Enemy's Sword, and be- cause I shudder whenever I reflect upon the difficul- ties of keeping it out, and that in the vicissitudes of

' At the request of the Virginia Council, Governor Henry had written, la- menting the tardiness with which the Continental enlistments proceeded in that State, and proposing a volunteer corps, which he thought could be raised with- out much difficulty. He said it would consist of men from the upper country, who would make excellent soldiers, and continue long enough in service to be- come regularly disciplined. It was a part of the plan, that they should find their own arms, clothes, and blankets, and choose their captains and subalterns, who should in their turn elect the field-officers. They were to be subject to the Continental articles of war.

Governor Henry stated, as an apology for the deficiency in the enlistments of the Virginia regulars, that many obstacles had been thrown in the way. The Georgians and Carolinians had enlisted there two battalions at least ; a regi- ment of artillery was in great forwardness ; Colonel Baylor was collecting a regiment of horse, and Colonel Grayson one of the sixteen Additional Regi- ments. Adding to these the Indian wars and marine service, the want of necessaries, the false reports of deserters, and the terrors of the smallpox, Governor Henry believed it not to be difficult to account for the deficient en- listments in a satisfactory manner. Governor Henry s MS. Letter, March 29th.

330 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

war the scene may be transferred to some southern State. Should it not be the case, their quota of men must come to the Field.' * * *

I have the honor to be, &c.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

HeadQrs., Morristown, 18 April, 1777.

Sir :

I have nothing of importance to transmit Congress, no Event in the Military line having happened since my last, except the surprizing a small picquet guard of

' General Howe, having received information from the minister, that a small number only of the solicited reinforcements would be sent to America, was obliged to change his plan of operations for the campaign, which has been stated above (p. 57, note), and to curtail very considerably his proposed sphere of action. He wrote to Lord George Germaine in a secret despatch, on the 2d of April, that the idea of an attempt against New England must be given up, as also that of any important movement up the North River. His main purpose now was to invade Pennsylvania by sea, not deeming a march through the Jerseys expedient, on account of the difficulties and delays that must attend it. Three thousand provincial troops, under Governor Tryon, were to be left at New York, to act on the Hudson, or against Connecticut, as circumstances might point out. At the same time he wrote to Sir Guy Carle- ton, stating his inability to co-operate with the northern army, particularly in the first part of the campaign. He gave encouragement, however, that a sufficient force might be spared to open the communication for shipping through the Highlands, and that this corps might afterwards act in favor of the northern army. The constructing of the bridge was probably a finesse to conceal his real designs.

" Your friendly and affectionate wishes for my health and success have a claim to my most grateful acknowledgments. That the God of armies may in- cline the hearts of my American brethren to support the present contest, and bestow sufficient abilities on me to bring it to a speedy and happy conclusion, thereby enabling me to sink into sweet retirement, and the full enjoyment of that peace and happiness, which will accompany a domestic life, is the first wish and most fervent prayer of my soul. My best respects await your good family and neighbors at Mount Airy ; as also any other inquiring friends. With every wish for your health and happiness, I remain, dear Sir." — Wash- ington to Landon Carter, 15 April, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 331

the Enemy on Monday night at Bonam Town and bringing off Thirteen prisoners by one of our parties. An Enterprize of a similar nature was formed against that at Amboy in which the party sent to effect it did not succeed so well, tho' the most advanced of them seized and secured three of their out sentries without giving an alarm.

By a letter from Genl. McDougall of yesterday, I am informed that he had received accounts of Thirty- six Sail of Transports having left Newport on Friday last with Troops on board — Other reports he had, were, that a number of Ships were coming up the Sound, so that we may reasonably conclude Genl. Howe is drawing his forces from the Eastward. Genl. Arnold in a Letter of the 5th mentioned, that from the preparation of Transports & other circum- stances he thought it probable an embarkation was about to take place.

There are grounds to suspect from information received, That some unfair practices have been and are meant to be used in certain Exports from Phila- delphia. It is said that a Vessel navigated by Frenchmen loaded there, belonging to the Murrays of New York which carried her cargo to Genl. Howe ; Also that Hartshorne & Bowne of Monmouth County intend to load one or more for the same purpose under the Idea of sending them to Foreign Markets. I have written to the Board of War for Pennsylvania upon the subject, and doubt not but these Hints will be properly improved and such frauds guarded against as well as circumstances will admit.

332 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I have Inclosed a copy of an advertisement pub- lished in Gaines' paper of the 14th which shews that no artifices are left untried by the Enemy to injure us. Before the appearance of this unparallelled piece, I had heard, that a person was gone from York to Rhode Island, with a quantity of Counterfeit money.

There is one thing which I beg leave to mention to Congress, and which I think highly deserving their attention, that is, that supplies of Hard money or Bills of Exchange to procure it, should if possible be sent to our prisoners in the hands of the Enemy, at least to the officers, to relieve their wants — By Let- ters, which I have received from them of late, I find they are in great distress and such as ought to be removed if it can be done. No inconvenience will result to the public from such supplies if they can be furnished, as proper stoppages and deductions can be made from their pay.

I was honored with your letter of the 1 6th between twelve and one o'clock yesterday, accompanied by sundry resolutions. I hope the measures Congress have adopted will produce the salutary consequences they had in view ; but I fear that the States, unless they are delicate in exercising powers they are in- vested with for filling vacancies in instances of removal from office, and pay strict attention to a proper line of succession, where there are no capital objections, will renew much of that confusion and disorder we have been endeavoring- to extricate our- selves from. Nor will this be of small difficulty if they displace many officers ; for, supposing them to

t777]

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

ZZl

have kept the most accurate lists of their original appointments, changes have taken place in several instances from various causes unknown to them, and of which they cannot be apprized.

I can assure Congress the appellation given to the regiments officered by me was without my consent or privity. As soon as I heard it, I wrote to several of the officers in terms of severe reprehension, and ex- pressly charged them to suppress the distinction, adding that all the battalions were on the same footing, and all under the general name of Continen- tal.' An attack upon the King's troops at Rhode Island was certainly a desirable event, could it have been conducted with success, or upon equal terms. It being an object of great moment, and involving in its issue many important consequences, I am led to believe the practicability of it has had much consid- eration, and the measure found to be unadvisable under the circumstances of the troops collected for the purpose. If the enemy have not evacuated the Island, I suppose the matter will be further weighed.

I do not find in the medical arrangement any men- tion of Regimental Surgeons Mates or provision made for their payment. Whether Congress mean to dispense with such Officers or not, I cannot tell. I have heard that they do. But they appear to me to be absolutely necessary. We are often obliged to divide Regiments and to send a part to a distant

^ This was in reply to a resolve of Congress, that the appellations " Congress's Own Regiment" and " General Washington' s Life Guards," were improper, and ought not to be kept in use. — Journals, April 15th.

334 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

post — When this is the case, it is essential, that there should be some person with them to take charge of the sick or wounded, if such there should be. I have only mentioned this for many reasons that might be urged to shew the expediency of such appointments.

Notwithstanding the many circumstances inducing a belief, that Philadelphia will be the first object of the enemy's attention, yet, as the stratagems of war are various, and may be easily changed, especially when they have the entire command of the water, I cannot but consider the detention of the troops at Philadelphia farther than mentioned in my letter in answer to that from the Board of War, as inexpedient, and subject to great inconvenience and injury. In the present divided, separated state of the army, we are weak at all points, and not able to make the least opposition promising success. Supposing they were collected here, they would be ready to act as neces- sity and circumstances might require. If the enemy pushed for Philadelphia, we should have notice of it, and could hang upon their flank and rear ; nor is it likely they would undertake such an expedition, with- out attempting the destruction or dispersion of the army first. If they embarked and should go by sea, we should have information of it, and could be there in time. On the other hand, should all they have done prove a feint, and they should turn their views to the North River, we should be in a much better situation to counteract their designs, and to check the progress of their arms in that quarter. Added

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 335

to this, several of the regiments, especially those which came first from Virginia and Pennsylvania, are so broken, that It Is impossible to do any thing with the parts that are here ; and that spirit, which is always derived from a corps being full, or as much so as circumstances of number will admit of, is entirely done away. I have the honor to be, &c/

TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.

MoRRiSTOWN, 24 April, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have been favored with two or three letters from you lately. The last that came to hand was v/ithout date, but contained an extract from Doctor Lee's letter to the Secret Committee, and the French gen- eral's ideas of the measures necessary for us to pursue

1 Read April 2ist. Referred to Board of War.

" Complaints have been made by a number of Farmers, and others in differ- ent parts of the country, but especially on the roads between this place and Philadelphia, that the waggons, Light Horse, and others belonging to the Continental Army, have, and do continue to take down the fences of their fields of grain, and grass lanes, which at this season must be attended with consequences very prejudicial to the Community in general. It is therefore His Excellency the General's Orders, that no person belonging to the said Army does on any pretence whatever take down any such fences or leave open any bars, or gates, or ride, or travel thro' any such inclosures, unless a danger of falling into the hands of the enemy, renders it absolutely necessary, in all other cases they are to keep the high roads ; as they will answer the contrary by being punished for a breach of orders." — Orderly Book, ig April, 1777.

" I lament Captain Conway's loss ; but tho' my Indignation at such ungen- erous Conduct of the Enemy might at first prompt me to Retaliation, yet Humanity & Policy forbid the measure — Experience proves that their wanton Cruelty injures rather than benefits their Cause ; That, with our Forbearance, justly secures to us, the attachment of all good men. I cannot therefore con- sent to your proposition being carried any farther." — Washington to General Stephen, 20 April, 1777.

336 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

in prosecuting the war with Great Britain ; for both of which I sincerely thank you, as the communi- cation of such matters cannot fail of having a proper tendency.'

The complexion of affairs in Europe seems to in- dicate an approaching storm ; but where, when, or on whom it may break, is not quite so clear, and ought not, in my judgment, to occasion the smallest relaxa- tion in our preparations ; for I profess myself to be of that class, who never built sanguinely upon the assist- ance of France, further than her winking at our sup- plies from thence for the benefits derived from our trade ; and how far the measures and offers of Great Britain may contravene this, time only can discover, and is somewhat to be feared. The plan drawn by the French general is of such a nature, that it is im- practicable to carry it into execution this campaign. It may, however, be kept in view, and the whole or such parts of it adopted, as our circumstances, upon a full consideration of the matter, may hereafter admit. The great delay in appointing the general

' The following statement will show how much influence a small circumstance will sometimes have in war. Arthur Lee was in Bordeaux on the 20th of Feb- ruary, where he received a letter from a confidential correspondent, who assured him, that " Boston was certainly to be attacked in the spring, and that Burgoyne was to command." This intelligence was sent by Arthur Lee to the Secret Committee of Congress, and by them transmitted to General Washington and the Legislature of Massachusetts ; thus embarrassing the Commander-in-chief as to the designs of the enemy, and alarming the people of Massachusetts, and turning their thoughts to the raising of forces for their own protection, when the best interests of the cause required them to contribute all the strengtli in their power to the main army. The intelligence was false, and was probably communicated by a finesse of the British government, with the view of distracting the attention of the Americans, in regard to the real objects of the approaching campaign. — Sparks.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 337

officers, the resignation of some of them, the non- acceptance of others, and I might add the unfitness of a few, joined to the amazing delay in assembHng the troops, and the abuses which I am satisfied have been committed by the recruiting officers, (both of which being consequences of the want of officers in that line to superintend those duties in the respective States) have distressed me and the service exceed- ingly ; and they will amply prove, what I foretold to Congress, that the pay of these officers (for I could account for the delay of appointing them on no other principle) would be an ill-timed saving. Convinced I am, that thousands of pounds would have been saved to the public, if the measure had been adopted upon my first recommendation of it. But the extra expense is the smallest part of the evil. The back- wardness in assembling the troops is truly alarming ; this, however, is not a singular instance of our suffer- ing by delay in the adoption of measures, which were early recommended.

You are not aware of the evil consequences, that would follow a general exemption of all persons con- cerned in iron-works from military duty ; they are very numerous, and in this part of the country form a great majority of the people. Besides, why should the ironmaster carry on his trade without restriction, when the farmer, equally useful for the support of the war, the shoemaker, and other manufacturers, absolutely necessary to the equipment of an army, may have their servants and apprentices taken from them at pleasure? One thing I have ever done, and

33 S THE WRITINGS OF [1777

it has, I believe, answered the end proposed by you ; whenever an iron-work has been employed for the public, I have desired the owner to give me a return of the number of men, and the names of those neces- sarily employed therein, and have exempted them from the duties of militia-men in this State. This I have found necessary on two accounts ; first, to secure such articles of manufacture as the army wanted ; and, next, to prevent numbers under this pretext from withholding their services in the military line, there being, in this county (Morris) alone, be- tween eighty and a hundred iron-works, large and small. Doctor Lee's opinion on the propriety of attacking the enemy upon their first arrival, under a supposition of their being raw and undisciplined, is certainly well founded, if our own circumstances will admit of it; but the Doctor little apprehended, I be- lieve, that we ourselves should have an army to raise, at this late hour, of men equally raw, and officers probably much more so. Please to make a tender of my compliments to your brother and other delegates from Virginia. I have the honor to be, &c.^

' " I wrote you on the 23d instant, communicating intelligence lately received respecting the enemy's designs up the No. River. A letter from General McDougall, this moment received, places their Intentions beyond the pow^er of misconception. Several Transports have anchored at Dobb's Ferry, and in my opinion they intend to divert our attention (if possible) from their Move- ments towards the Delaware. At any rate they may attempt to make some incursions into the country back of this place, and, if they can, seize the passes through the mountains, thereby aiming to cut off the Communication between the army here and the No. River. To frustrate such a design effectually I must repeat my desire, that you would post as good a body of troops in the mountains west of the river, as you can collect and spare from the garrison. This will serve not only to retain our possession of the passes, but will awe the disaffected, and protect our friends," — Washington to Brigadier-General George Clinton, 26 April, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 339

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL GLOVER.

MoRRiSTOWN, 26 April, 1777.

Sir,

After the conversations I had with you, before you left the army last winter, I was not a little surprised at the contents of yours of the ist instant. As I had not the least doubt but you would accept of the com- mission of brigadier, if conferred upon you by Con- gress, I put your name down in the list of those, whom I thought proper for the command, and whom I wished to see preferred. Diffidence in an officer is a good mark, because he will always endeavor to bring himself up to what he conceives to be the full line of his duty ; but I think I may tell you without fliattery, that I know of no Man better qualified than yourself to conduct a brigade. You have activity and industry ; and as you very well know the duty of a colonel, you know how to exact that duty from others.

I have with great Concern observed the almost universal listlessness, that prevails throughout the continent ; and I believe that nothing has contributed to it more than the Resignation of officers, who stepped early forward and led the people into the great Cause, in which we are too deeply embarked to look back, or to hope for any other terms, than those we can gain by the Sword. Can any Resist- ance be expected from the People, when deserted by their leaders ? Our enemies count upon the Resig- nation of every Officer of Rank at this time, as a dis- trust of and desertion from the Cause, and rejoice

340 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

accordingly. When you consider these Matters, I hope you will think no more of private incon- veniences, but that you will, with all expedition, come forward and take that command, which has been assigned to you. As I fully depend upon seeing you, I shall not mention any thing that has passed between us upon this subject to the Congress. I am, Sir, &c.'

TO DOCTOR JAMES CRAIK.^

MoRRiSTOWN, 26 April, 1777.

Dear Doctor,

I am going to address you on a subject, which may lay some claim to your attention, as I do to your candor in deciding on the proposition. In the hos- pital department for the middle district, which dis- trict includes the States between the North or Hud-

^ General Glover changed his mind after receiving this letter. He accepted the appointment, and in a few days joined the army. In the letter, to which the above was an answer, he gave as a reason for declining the commission, that he did not think himself qualified to fill an office of that rank. This ob- jection was so novel, that it is fair to presume there were other motives acting on the mind of General Glover, though not explained in his letter.

° Dr. Craik was a most intimate personal friend of Washington, from the very beginning of his public career till the end of his life. On the yth of March, 1754, Dr. Craik was commissioned a surgeon in the regiment com- manded by Colonel Fry, and shortly afterwards by Colonel Washington. He was in the army during that camgaign, and present at the battle of the Great Meadows. The year following he was a surgeon in Braddock's army, and took part in the memorable action of the Monongahela. He was often heard to say, in relating the particulars of that eventful conflict, that he expected every mo- ment to see Colonel Washington fall, while riding in the most exposed manner, after nearly all the officers had been either killed or disabled by wounds. Dr. Craik served almost the whole of the French war in the Virginia regiment, and then settled as a physician in the neighborhood of Mount Vernon, and finally at Alexandria. From that time he was the physician to Washington's family and ever associated with him on terms of the closest friendship.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 341

son's River and the Potomac, there are at present two places vacant, either of which I can obtain for you. The one is Senior Physician and Surgeon of the Hospital, with the pay of four dollars and six rations per day, and forage for one horse ; the other is Assistant Director-General, with the pay of three dollars and six rations per day, and two horses and travelling expenses found, according to Doctor Ship- pen, the director-general's account, who also adds, that he thinks this latter the more honorable and desirable of the two. Had I expected that Congress would proceed to the appointments in this depart- ment, at the time they did, I have no doubt but that it might have been in my power to get you any other place, except that of director-general ; but that is now over ; and the matter in which I claim your candor is, that you will not let my introducing the present proposition to you have any undue influence.

You know the extent and profit of your present practice ; you know what prospects are before you ; you know how far you may be benefited or injured by such an appointment ; and you must know whether it is advisable or practicable for you to quit your family and practice at this time. All these matters I am ignorant of ; and request, as a friend, that my proposing this matter to you may have no influence upon your acceptance of it. I have no other end in view, than to serve you ; consequently, if you are not benefited by the appointment, my end is not an- swered. I have only to add, therefore, a request, that you will let me know the result of your deter-

342 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

mination by the return of the post, or as soon as possible, as the places will be kept vacant till I hear from you. My best respects to Mrs. Craik and your family, and believe me to be, with the sincerest regard and esteem, dear Doctor, your affectionate and obe- dient servant.'

TO MAJOR-GENERAL LINCOLN.

MoRRiSTOWN, 27 April, 1777.

Sir,

I am well convinced, that the amazing desertions, which have of late prevailed among our troops, pro- ceed entirely from their not being regularly paid. For it is not to be supposed, that the bare encourage- ment of receiving a few dollars from the enemy for their arms could operate so forcibly upon them. I have in vain endeavored to make the officers brinsf in their pay-Rolls and draw their money ; they plead in excuse, that, as they are so detached, they cannot possibly make up regular rolls, and there may be something in this. But there is a Cause, which, I fear, will be found upon examination too true, and that is, that the officers have drawn large Sums, under pretence of paying their Men ; but have been obliged, from extravagance and for other purposes, to appropriate this money to their own use. There is a necessity, at this time, for the men's being paid up as nearly as possible. I therefore desire, that you will have the different corps under your command

' Dr. Craik accepted the appointment of Assistant Director-General of the Middle Department.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 343

paraded, inquire of them what pay is due to them, order the pay-master or commanding officer to draw- as much as will be necessary, and when it is drawn, see that the soldiers have their proportion.

It would be well to let the soldiers know, that this irregularity of Pay has been owing to the hurry in which they have been detached into the field, but that their wants shall be fully supplied. I also desire, that you will inform the officers, that, as soon as the regiments are drawn together, I shall cause an exact scrutiny to be made into their accounts, and inquire how these complaints of the soldiers arise for want of pay, when large sums have been advanced for that purpose. I am, &c.'

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL McDOUGALL.

MoRRiSTOWN, 28 April, 1777.

Dear Sir,

At three o'clock this morning I received your favor of the 27th. The intelligence it contains is interest- ing and truly distressing. By this time I fear the

* " The desertions from our army of late have been very considerable. Genl. Howe's proclamation and the bounty allowed to those who carry their Arms, have had an unhappy influence on too many of the soldiery, in a particular manner, on those who are not natives. Nor have the base frauds practised by Several of our officers, contributed a little to this, in my opinion. Many of the privates complain loudly, declaring they have not received either pay or bounty — Others not a farthing of the latter, and they have become so mutin- ous and uneasy in many cases, that I have been obliged to draw Warrants for money on account, to distribute among the men, not having it in my power to obtain Regular Abstracts notwithstanding the most pointed and repeated Orders.

"On the other hand, some of the officers aver, they have not been able to col- lect and adjust yet all their Recruiting accounts. I could wish some measures could be devised, to cause more frequent desertions of their Troops. — Congress

344 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

enemy have effected their purpose, and destroyed all the stores at Danbury. I wish those at Fredericks- burg may not have shared the same fate. After ac- complishing this enterprise, it is probable they will return to their ships with expedition. If they have not done it, it is most devoutly to be wished, that their retreat could be cut off. You I am certain will act for the best, and as circumstances shall point out. However, I am induced to believe, that the ships sent up the North River have but few troops on board, and the design of their being there was to amuse and call your attention with the troops to Peekskill and the other posts, till the detachment from the Sound executed their plans, or they would have disembarked at the same time, and made some other different attempt. Under this persuasion, I could wish you, unless some facts within your own knowledge, or which appear to be tolerably well founded, from the information you have received, contradict the measure, to try to cut off their retreat, by detaching all the force you can spare, and which shall not be absolutely necessary to guard the passes in the mountains, and to maintain the forts. I can- not, nor do I mean, to prescribe any line of duty. I have only mentioned my Ideas of the North River shipping, and the view with which they were sent, and

may think of some expedient. — A larger bounty might have some effect and money to the Foreigners in lieu of Land. The Bounty given by Genl. Howe to those who carry in Arms, is Sixteen Dollars, as we are told, tho' his proclamation only expresses, they shall have the full value. To the Inhabitants who will take up Arms and join him, he promises Land." — Washington to the President of Congress, 3 May, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 345

my wishes to make the detachments from the Sound pay for the enterprise, if circumstances will allow it. I am, &c.'

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 28 April, 1777. •

Sir,

I last night received the favor of your Letter of the 26th, with the Resolves to which it alludes.

The views of Congress in sending General Officers to the Eastward, to hasten on the Troops, have been long anticipated. General Poor is in New Hamp- shire for the purpose ; General Heath in Massachu- sets Bay, with Brigadiers Nixon, Glover and Patter- son ; General Varnum in Rhode Island, and General Parsons in Connecticut — Generals Spencer and Ar- nold too, have been desired to attend to the business. To those Gentlemen I have wrote repeatedly in the most pressing terms upon the Subject, and I have no reason to doubt, but every exertion on their part, has been employed to promote the end. The delay of those, who have enlisted, has arisen from the late period when they engaged, and from their being in- oculated since, which could not be dispensed with, without subjecting them to the calamities & ravages of the Smallpox in the natural way.

' The British shipping was probably sent up the North River for two objects « the first to menace Peekskill, and thus prevent General McDougall from detach- ing any forces towards Danbury ; and the second to receive the troops, who were sent against that place, should circumstances render the route in the North River more expedient, than a return to their landing-place on the Sound. Gen- eral McDougall, however, had anticipated General Washington's advice, and marched with twelve hundred men and one field-piece as far as Bedford, where he heard that the enemy had retreated towards Norwalk, and were beyond his reach.

346 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

At three o'clock this morning I received a letter from General McDougall, enclosing three from Colo- nel Huntington, copies of the whole of which I have transmitted. By these you will perceive the impres- sion, which a part of General Howe's army has made into Connecticut, and the prospect they had of de- stroying such of our stores as were deposited in Dan- bury, which unfortunately were but too large and considerable, if the event has taken place. A circum- stance, perhaps more to be regretted, is, that the enemy marched through a strong and rough country, and were near that place, without the smallest oppo- sition. I have no other information upon the sub- ject, than what these papers contain ; but we have little ground to expect, that they have not accom- plished their purpose. Further intelligence will be probably received to-day or to-morrow, when I shall be happy to hear that they have paid for their enter- prise. Of this, I confess, however, I am not very sanguine in my expectations.'

' On the 25th of April, about five o'clock in the afternoon, two thousand British troops landed at Compo, near Fairfield, under the command of Governor Tryon, with the design of proceeding into the country to Danbury, twenty-three miles from the place of landing, and of destroying the public stores collected in that town. They reached Danbury the next day at four o'clock in the afternoon, having met with no opposition in their march. They immediately set fire to the public stores, and several private dwelling-houses. Colonel Hun- tington was at Danbury with fifty Continental soldiers and one hundred militia, a force too feeble to attempt any resistance, and he retreated to the heights near the town.

Meantime General Silliman, an officer of the Continental militia, who was at Fairfield and saw the landing of the enemy, called together as many militia as possible, and sent off a small party that evening, who came upon the enemy and had a skirmish with their advance guard. The next morning General Silliman marched in pursuit, with all the men he could muster. About four miles from

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 347

This post had been considered as a proper deposi- tory for stores, by gentlemen acquainted with it ; and its security not thought questionable whilst troops were passing through it. I had also directed that as many of the drafts in Connecticut, as the place was capable of accommodating, should be collected there and inoculated, to answer the purpose of a guard,

Redding he was joined by General Arnold, and at Redding they met General Wooster. Their whole force was now six hundred men, of whom one hundred were Continental. Here they stopped to refresh their troops, and they reached Bethel, on the road to Danbury, about twelve o'clock at night, where they heard that the town was destroyed. At daylight the next morning Arnold and Silli- man proceeded with four hundred men to Ridgefield, with the design of inter- cepting the enemy on their return ; and Wooster with two hundred men took another route to harass their rear. He soon fell in with the enemy's retreating column, and in a skirmish received a mortal wound. When Arnold arrived at Ridgefield his numbers had increased to five hundred. He took a position across the road, threw up a breastwork, and waited the approach of the enemy, which happened at three o'clock in the afternoon, when a sharp conflict ensued and continued for nearly an hour. The Americans gave way, but rallied and pursued the enemy to their ships, having several sharp skirmishes with them that evening and the next day, till they all left the beach in their boats. Colonel Huntington had also assailed the enemy's rear, and joined the main body under Arnold.

The conduct of General Wooster was recommended in the highest terms. Colonel Huntington wrote, the day after the action, that " till he received his wound he commanded the unconnected and undisciplined troops with great spirit, zeal, and bravery." He died on the 2d of May. Arnold behaved with his usual coolness and intrepidity. At Ridgefield his horse was killed under him, and he saved himself by drawing his pistol and shooting a soldier, who, after having discharged his musket, was rushing upon Arnold with his bayonet. The next day another horse, on which he rode, was shot through the neck. The enemy embarked on the 28th at night, having been engaged in the expe- dition three days. Of the Americans twenty were killed, and between seventy and eighty wounded. Forty of the enemy were known to have been killed, and it was presumed the number was considerably larger. Several prisoners were taken. The loss in public stores was severely felt, particularly that of sixteen hundred and ninety tents, which had been removed from Peekskill to Danbury for safe-keeping, and were very much wanted in the army. — MS. Letters of Generals Arnold and Silliman, and Colonel Huntington, dated April 27th and 28th.

348 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

hoping-, by the time of their recovery, that the situa- tion of the army would be such as to admit a strong one to be stationed there and continued ; but, unhap- pily for us, such languor and supineness prevails everywhere, that we seem unable to effect any point we wish, though never so important and interest- ing. So early as the 6th of March, I wrote Gov- ernor Trumbull, earnestly requesting two thousand militia to be sent to General McDougall, to be em- ployed at Peekskill and on the communication in Westchester county for six weeks. With this requi- sition he most readily complied, so far as his orders were necessary, and, I am certain, his influence would extend. This I have repeated, and this supply he has exerted himself to furnish ; yet so ineffectual have his endeavors been, that not more than eight hundred had come out, by General McDougall's return on the 17th instant: nor did he expect more, from the ac- counts he had. In a word. Sir, no expedient or pains have been unattempted by me to bring on troops, and to keep our affairs on a favorable footing. I would again mention the case of our prisoners with the enemy, and pray that the Secret Committee would send to Mr. Boudinot supplies of money for them as early as possible. They are in great distress, and many officers have lately escaped, contrary to the tenor of their parole ; some of whom are now here, urging that necessity compelled them to the measure. I have the honor to be, &c.'

' Read in Congress April 30th,

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 349

TO COLONEL ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD.

MORRISTOWN, 30 April, 1777.

Sir,

I want to form a company for my guard. In doing this I wish to be extremely cautious, because it is more than probable, that, in the course of the cam- paign, my baggage, papers, and other matters of great public import, may be committed to the sole care of these men. This being premised, in order to impress you with proper attention in the choice, I have to re- quest, that you will immediately furnish me with four men of your regiment ; and, as it is my farther wish that this company should look well and be nearly of a size, I desire that none of the men may exceed in stature five feet ten inches, nor fall short of five feet nine inches, sober, young, active, and well made. When I recommend care in yr. choice, I would be un- derstood to mean men of good character in the regi- ment, that possess the pride of appearing clean and soldierlike. I am satisfied, there can be no absolute security for the fidelity of this class of people, but yet I think it most likely to be found in those, who have family connexions in the country. You will therefore send me none but natives, and men of some property, if you have them. I must insist, that, in making this choice, you give no intimation of my preference of natives, as I do not want to create any invidious dis- tinction between them and the foreigners. I am, yours, &c.^

' The same letter was sent as a circular to Colonels McClanahan, Bowman, and Febiger, commanding Virginia regiments.

350 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MoRRiSTOWN, 5 May, 1777.

Sir,

I was this morning honored with your letter of the 3d instant, with its enclosures. General Arnold's promotion gives me much pleasure. He has cer- tainly discovered, in every instance where he has had an opportunity, much bravery, activity, and enter- prise. But what will be done about his rank ? He will not act most probably under those he com- manded but a few weeks ago.' By Major Troup, one of General Gates's aids, and who left Albany on Tuesday last, I am informed the accounts of General Carleton's approach towards Ticonderoga were prem- ature. He says General Gates received a letter before he came away, from Brigadier-General Wayne, of the 24th ultimo, in which he mentioned nothing of it ; that three thousand troops had arrived there, all in high spirits and health, except nine ; and that that post could never be carried without the loss of much blood. The proceedings of Congress and your let- ter of the 29th ultimo were the first and only infor- mation I had of Mr. Carleton's being on the Lake,

' Immediately after receiving the intelligence of Arnold's brave conduct at Danbury, Congress promoted him to the appointment of major-general, al- though, owing to his having been superseded on the 19th of February, he now ranked below several officers, whom he had commanded. A few days after- w^ards, Congress likewise resolved: "That the quartermaster-general be di- rected to procure a horse and present the same properly caparisoned to Major- General Arnold, in the name of this Congress, as a token of their approbation of his gallant conduct in the action against the enemy in their late enterprise to Danbury, in which General Arnold had one horse shot under him, and another wounded." — Journals, May 20th.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 351

having heard nothing upon the subject from General Gates or any other person.

In my last I mentioned that sixteen dollars' boun- ty was given by General Howe to deserters with arms.

I have reason to believe from information received since, and which seems to be generally credited, that he has advanced the bounty to twenty-four dollars. It is much to be wished, that our printers were more discreet in many of their publications. We see, almost in every paper, proclamations or accounts transmitted by the enemy, of an injurious nature. If some hint or caution could be given to them on the subject, it might be of material service. By a person, who has just arrived here, it is reported that General Woos- ter is dead of his wounds. I would mention to Con- gress, that in a day or two our military chest will be exhausted. I beg that a supply may be forwarded as soon as possible ; if there should be a failure, we shall have many things to apprehend. I have the honor to be, &c.

P. S. I have inclosed a List of Stores lost at Dan- bury. You will also receive a New York paper, by which you will see the Enemy's Account of that Affair & how little they have regarded a True State. We are told certainly they had 47 men killed &: from the accounts, that have been received, I think it may be fairly concluded, that their Loss was much more considerable than they make it.'

' Read in Congress May 6th.

352 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL McDOUGALL.

MORRISTOWN, 7 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

The imperfect state of the fortifications of Fort Montgomery gives me great uneasiness, because I think from a concurrence of circumstances, that it begins to look as if the enemy intended to turn their view towards the North River, instead of the Dela- ware. I therefore desire, that General George Clin- ton and yourself will fall upon every measure to put the fortifications in such a state, that they may at least resist a sudden attack, and keep the enemy em- ployed, till reinforcements may arrive. If the North River is their object, they cannot accomplish it unless they withdraw their forces from Jersey, and that they cannot do unknown to us. Your present force is fully sufficient to oppose any body of men, that can be sent against you, previous to the calling the detach- ments from Jersey and Rhode Island.

As Congress have lately appointed General Arnold to the rank of major-general, I have written to him, and desired him to come immediately forward to Peekskill. Not but that I place entire confidence in you, and should not have thought of superseding you, but upon your own request. I think you will find him a man of judgment, and particularly service- able in giving directions for the armament of the galleys or making any kind of water opposition. By what rule, or by what right, the State of Massachu- setts undertook to make their soldiers pay for the public arms I cannot conceive. To give the soldier

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 353

the least pretence to a property in his arms, except so far as to pay for them if he lost or destroyed them, was what I had been laboring to put a stop to ; and to admit this, would be to put things upon the same bad footing, on which they had been. I therefore desire, that all the arms and accoutrements without exception may be branded ; and if any thing has been stopped from the soldiers for their arms, I will order it to be returned. I look upon the several pieces of intelligence communicated by General Arnold, of the intentions of the enemy, as mere report, or only thrown out to amuse ; for you may be assured, that when they mean to move in earnest, it will not be in detachments. As Generals Arnold and Parsons may not be at New Haven, for which place their letters are directed, I beg you will send them on by a person, who will see to the delivery of them, as they are of consequence. I am, &c.'

* " This will be delivered to you by Colonel Conway, an Irish gentleman in service of France, who came passenger in the Amphitrite, and was introduced to me yesterday by a letter from Mr. Deane, and one from General Heath, copies of which are transmitted. This gentleman waits on Congress to obtain an appointment in the army of the States, and, from Mr. Deane's recommenda- tion, is an officer of merit. He says no particular command was agreed on between him and Mr. Deane ; nor does he wish otherwise than that Congress should exercise their own discretion ; at the same time he observes, that it will be mortifying to him to hold a rank under that of Messieurs de Fermoy and Deborre, who were inferior officers in their own service, and subject to his command. He can give the character of several of the officers, who were passengers with him.

" I cannot pretend to speak of Colonel Conway's merits or abilities, of my own knowledge, having had but little opportunity to be acquainted with him. From what I can discover, he appears to be a man of candor ; and, if he has been in service as long as he says he has, I should suppose him infinitely better quali- fied to serve us, than many who have been promoted, as he speaks our language. He seems extremely anxious to return to camp, as the campaign may be ex-

354 THE WRITINGS OF [ittj

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

MORRISTOWN, II May, 1777.

Sir,

I was yesterday Evening honored with your Letter of the 4th Inst. I regret our loss of stores at Dan- bury, and the misfortunes of our brave men who fell, and of those who were wounded. However, from these latter events we derive this consolation, that the sentiments of the people are still powerfully directed

pected to become active every day ; and wishes Congress to determine what- ever command they may think proper to honor him with, as soon as they shall think it expedient." — Washington to the President of Congress, 9 May, 1777.

In Mr. Deane's letter to Congress respecting Colonel Conway, he stated it to be the design of t^at officer to establish himself in America, and become a citizen. Deane moreover added, that Colonel Conway was well qualified to fill the office of adjutant- or brigadier-general, and that he had promised that Congress should grant him one of these ranks. He likewise advanced a part of his pay. — Diplomatic Correspondence, vol. i. p. 76. It would seem, that Con- way arrived with small means at his command, as General Heath furnished him with one hundred and fifty dollars to bear his expenses from Boston to Phila- delphia. Conway was appointed a brigadier-general by Congress on the 13th of May. In the record of his appointment he is styled a knight of the order of St. Louis. The Chevalier Deborre had already been appointed a brigadier- general (April nth), with a commission dated the 1st of December past, accord- ing to the compact made in France between him and Mr. Deane. Four Penn- sylvania regiments in Lord Stirling's division constituted Conway's brigade ; and the German battalion and three Maryland regiments, in the division of Major-General Sullivan, were assigned to Deborre.

" Thro' the Board of War I have been favored with a copy of Genl. Gates's Letter, of the 29th ulto. Hudson's River and the passes in the Highlands, I always considered, as objects of great importance and, accordingly, have provided for their Security in the best manner my Judgment would direct and the circumstances of the Army admit. If they are less secure than we wish them to be, it is owing to our inability and not to inattention.

" I have written to Genl. McDougall and will do it again to employ much of his care upon this subject. War, in Theoiy and the modes of Defence, are obvious and easy — but in practice, they are more difficult. Unhappily for us, the means in our power, do not always accord with our wishes or what would be our interest to pursue." — Washington to the President of Congress, 10 May 1777-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 355

to liberty, and that no impression of the Enemy, be it ever so sudden and unexpected, will pass with im- punity. We cannot ascertain what the enemy's loss was ; but, from our own, when our men fought in parties, and theirs in a compact body, and other cir- cumstances of information from New York, I think it must have been pretty considerable. Another happy consequence, which must necessarily result from this affair, is, that the enemy will engage in such Enter- prises in future with much caution and circumspec- tion ; for, though they should be able to accomplish their end in destroying stores, yet the means attend- ing it will be disagreeable.

That the enemy will harass our coasts and injure the maritime Towns, with their shipping and by sudden debarkations of small parties of men, is not improba- ble, and what we cannot prevent, whilst they have the entire command of the water. This we laid our ac- count in, when we first engaged in the contest ; but I have no Idea that they will penetrate into your State to form the junction you mention ; nor is it likely that those, who have escaped from them, know the General's design. It is much to be wished, that they would make that their plan of war. I should then expect most sanguinely, that we should bring the matter to a speedy and glorious conclusion.

I should be happy, were it in my power, to station Guards of Continental Troops at every place subject to the depredations of the enemy ; but this cannot be done. If we divide and detach our Forces to every part, where the Enemy may possibly attempt

356 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

an impression, we shall effect no one good purpose, in the end, destroy ourselves and subjugate our coun- try. The enemy have certainly some Capital Object in view ; either Philadelphia or Hudson's River. Till their designs are unfolded, All the Troops from this and the more Southern States must assemble in this Quarter, to prevent their possessing the Former. Those raised in the eastern States, except such as were ordered immediately to Ticonderoga, must march to Peekskill, to prevent them from possessing the latter and the Important passes through the Highlands. Should they be able to carry those and the Fortifications for the defence of the river, we all know the important and fatal consequences that would follow. I confess myself, and so do all who have rea- soned about their operations, that the latter, from its importance and a variety of circumstances, which have occurred of late, seems to be the object of their attention. For these reasons and because the Bat- talions, which are in service, from inoculation, that languor which has but too generally prevailed in en- listing, and from other causes, are extremely weak and deficient, and totally inadequate to check the progress of the Enemy, I cannot comply with your request for Two Regiments to remain in the State at this time. I heartily wish. Congress would inform me of the dispositions they make of the troops. Their not doing it disconcerts my arrangements and involves me indif^culties. Till the favor of your let- ter, I never had the least intimation, that I recollect, that any of the regiments, exacted from the States,

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 357

were to remain in them. Nor do I know an instance, whose Continental troops are stationed in any State where the enemy have not a post. I have the honor to be, &c.'

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GREENE.

INSTRUCTIONS.

MoRRiSTOWN, la May, 1777. In your ride to and from Peekskill, I would have you make the best observations, that time and circumstances will admit, upon the country, and point out at your return such places for posts of communication, as you shall conceive necessary. Deter- mine upon the propriety of having a post at Pompton, examine the works throwing up at that place, and give such directions to General Heard, or the officer commanding the militia there, re- specting them, as shall appear to you proper.

' " As few vices are attended with more pernicious consequences, in civil life ; so there are none more fatal in a military one, than that of GAMING; which often brings disgrace and ruin upon officers, and injury and punish- ment upon the soldiery ; And reports prevailing, which it is to be feared are too well founded, that this destructive vice has spread its baneful influence in the army, and, in peculiar manner, to the prejudice of the recruiting service, — The Commander in chief, in the most pointed and explicit terms forbids ALL Officers and Soldiers, playing at cards, dice, or at any games, except those of E X E R C I S E, for diversion ; it being impossible if the practice be allowed, at all, to discriminate between innocent play, for amusement, and criminal gaming, for pecuniary and sordid purposes.

" Officers attentive to their duty, will find abundant employment in training and disciplining their men, providing for them, and seeing that they appear neat, clean and soldier-like. Nor will any thing redound more to their honor — afford them more solid amusement, or better answer the end of their appoint- ment, than to devote the vacant moments, they may have, to the study of military authors.

" The Commanding Officer of every Corps is strictly enjoined to have this order frequently read, and strongly impressed upon the minds of those under his Command. Any Officer, or Soldier, or other person belonging to, or fol- lowing the army, either in camp, in quarters or the recruiting service, or else- where, presuming, under any pretence, to disobey this order, shall be tried by a General Court ^2,xM\2X." —Orderly Book, 8 May, 1777.

358 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

After examining the state and condition of the forts in the Highlands, especially Fort Montgomery, the probability of an attack by water, and the practicability of approaching them by land, after seeing where, and how this is to be effected, viewing the eminences from whence these forts can be annoyed, and hear- ing the sentiments of the general officers present, you will give such orders for further defence, as shall appear to you necessary for the greater security of the passes, by land and water, through the Highlands ; and, moreover, dispose of the troops in such a manner, as you shall judge most likely to answer the end in view. The pass through the Highlands on the west side of the North River should also be attended to, lest the enemy by a coup de main should possess themselves of it, before a sufficient force can be assembled to oppose them. This, however, may be the work of militia, if to be had ; if not, the detachments of eastern troops, under Colonels Butler and Olney, upon giving me notice, shall be sent thither.

Turn your attention also to the boats, and direct them to be re- moved to the place or places of greatest safety, and where they can be had for the transportation of our troops over the North River, if occasion should require it. Examine into the state of the military stores and stock of provisions at the forts, and direct a sufficiency, having an eye to circumstances ; for if the works are not tenable, or the passage of the river defensible, a large stock of either would only add to our losses ; if they are, sup- plies can easily be brought to them, if the enemy can be kept below the Highlands, and Carleton from our backs. Inquire what has been or can be done towards removing the stores from Derby and other places to the west side of the North River, and learn if possible how the country on this side is stored with provisions and forage for the support of troops, if any should be marched thither. Keep the precise time of your return secret, lest the disaffected should avail themselves of the knowledge to offer you an insult. I am, dear Sir, &c.'

' General Knox was associated with General Greene in carrying these instruc- tions into effect. They proceeded to the Highlands, and examined the river and the passes in company with Generals McDougall, George Clinton, and Wayne, the last of whom had just returned from Ticonderoga. These five offi-

777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 359

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 12 May, 1777.

Sir,

I was this morning honored by your letter of the loth Inst., accompanied by the proceedings of Con- gress of the day before.

The conduct of too many officers, in with-holding the pay of their soldiers, I am persuaded, is reprehen- sible, and has been the cause of uneasiness & of many desertions. Every measure in my power will be ex- erted to prevent such abuses in future, and every aid given to punish the offenders in an Exemplary manner ; But Congress will excuse me, when I tell them, it will be impossible to comply with their rec- ommendation upon this subject ; unless the Genl. officers withdraw their attention from matters of the

cers wrote a joint report to General Washington, on the 17th of May, in which they recommended, that the obstruction across the river at Fort Montgomery should be completed in the following manner ; namely, that a boom or chain should be stretched across, in front of which should be one or two cables to break the force of a vessel before it should strike the chain ; that two Continen- tal ships then on the spot, and two row-galleys, should be manned and stationed just above the obstruction, in such a position as to fire upon the enemy's ships in front when they approached. This force, with the land batteries on the margins of the river, the Generals believed would be sufficient to defeat any ef- forts of the enemy to ascend by water. They also added : " We are very con- fident, if the obstructions of the river can be rendered effectual, the enemy will not attempt to operate by land, the passes through the Highlands are so exceed- ingly difficult." This opinion proved, nevertheless, not to be well founded, as Fort Montgomery was afterwards assaulted and taken by a party, which pene- trated the defiles of the Highlands on the west side of the river.

The boom was constructed with difficulty. To support the weight of the chain, it was necessary to place under it large rafts of timiber at small distances from each other, which, together with the chain itself, presented such obstruc- tions to the descending current, as to raise the water several feet, by which its force was increased, and the chain broken. This was in part remedied by the cables passing on the lower side of the chain. — Sparks.

36o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Utmost importance and such as require their constant use. Were this not the case, the dispersed situation of the Officers at this tinie, thro the different States on the recruiting service, would prohibit the Enquiry. Nor do I apprehend the Regulations empowering & enjoining the Regimental Paymasters to bring them to an Account will be found competent to the End. Such Officers will be proper to state the accounts in the first instance & to receive Vouchers, &c., but will not do to settle them finally, as their connections with the Regiment will subject them much to the influence of the Officers. I should suppose, if Two or three Gen- tlemen of integrity and of ability in accounts, were appointed Auditors, to attend the Army, till the Busi- ness is finished, it would be the best expedient that could be fallen on. They would be a check on the Paymasters, and, I am persuaded, will be the means of the Accounts being fairly and justly liquidated. If a settlement can be once obtained, I trust the same confusion will never take place again, as the Paymas- ters will receive and pay all money due to the Regi- ments and account for it and as the army is on a more permanent footing than it ever was before ; For this, like most other inconveniences and difficul- ties which we have experienced, is to be imputed in a great measure to short Inlistments and the frequent dissolution of our Troops.

A return of the Army in Jersey, as late as the 6th Instant — I transmitted yesterday morning in a Letter by Mr. Randolph of Chestnut Street, which you will

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 361

probably receive today, and from which Congress will be able to determine the expediency of calling out the Militia from Delaware and Pennsylvania. Tho' it gives me pain, that we should be under the necessity of recurring to such a measure, yet I should suppose it to be adviseable. Our Army is weak and by no means equal to that of the Enemy, and till their desiens are known and we are more reinforced with Regular Troops, we should be prepared in the best manner we can. I would observe, if the Militia are called out, it should be for a fixed determinate time ? For tho' they will certainly return when that expired, yet that is more tolerable than for them to go off in parties every day, as their Whim and caprice suggest, which has always been the case, when the time was not stated. I would also observe, if it is possible, they should be engaged to march out of their State, if they are ordered. If their service is located, they will move with great reluctance if they do at all.

On Saturday, a smart skirmish happened with a Detachment of our Troops, who attacked a number of the Enemy near Piscataway, in which our men be- haved well and obliged the Enemy to give way twice, as reported to me with loss. The Enemy receiving a strong reinforcement, our People retreated to their post. I cannot give the particulars as they have not been sufficiently ascertained. Their pickets, were also attacked yesterday by some of our parties, from Bound Brook, and forced within their lines.

362 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, gjj^ MoRRiSTOWN, 12 May, 1777.

This will be delivered you by General Arnold, who arrived here to-day on his way to Philadelphia. He seems to be anxious to settle his public accounts, which are of considerable amount, and waits on Con- gress, hoping they will appoint a committee of their body, or of such gentlemen as they shall judge proper, to take the matter into consideration. This he con- siders the more necessary, as he has heard some re- ports have been propagated, injurious to his charac- ter as a man of integrity. If any such aspersions lie asfainst him, it is but reasonable that he should have an opportunity of vindicating himself and evincing his innocence.

I find he does not consider the promotion Con- gress have been pleased to confer upon him sufficient to obviate the neglect, arising from their having omitted him in their late appointments of major-gen- erals. He observes it does not gfive him the rank he had a claim to from seniority in the line of brigadiers, and that he is subject to be commanded by those, who had been inferior to him. He further adds, that Congress, in their last resolve respecting him, have acknowledged him competent to the station of major- general, and therefore have done away every ob- jection implied by their former omission. These considerations are not without their weight, though I pretend not to judge what motives may have influ- enced the conduct of Congress upon this occasion. It is needless to say any thing of this gentleman's

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 363

military character ; it is universally known, that he has always distinguished himself as a judicious, brave officer, of great activity, enterprise, and perseverance. I have the honor to be, &c.'

TO MONSIEUR MALMEDY."

Head-Quarters, 16 May, 1777.

Sir,

In answer to your letter of the 14th I must freely confess, that I do not fully comprehend your mean-

' As soon as General Washington heard of Arnold's promotion to the rank of major-general, he appointed him to the command at Peekskill, with orders, on the 8th of May, to repair to that post. When Arnold came to head-quarters, how- ever, General Washington granted him permission to proceed to Philadelphia, according to his request, and ordered General Putnam to Peekskill, the present arrangement of the army requiring a major-general in that station. The Com- mander-in-chief wrote to General McDougall : " As some matters are to be settled to the satisfaction of General Arnold, previous to his accepting the rank lately conferred upon him, he is gone to Philadelphia. I have therefore ordered General Putnam to Peekskill. You are well acquainted with the old gentle- man's temper ; he is active, disinterested, and open to conviction, and 1 there- fore hope, that, by affording him the advice and assistance, which your knowl- edge of the post enables you to do, you will be very happy in your command under him." — Letter, May i6th.

Arnold was unsuccessful in applying to Congress for the restoration of his rank. His enemies in that assembly seem to have been more numerous than his friends, though they were compelled by the public voice to render at least a show of justice to his acts of extraordinary bravery and military conduct. Richard Henry Lee wrote in Congress to Mr. Jefferson, May 20th, as follows: " One plan, now in frequent use, is to assassinate the characters of the friends of America, in every place, and by every means. At this moment they are now reading in Congress an audacious attempt of this kind against the brave General Arnold." — Life of R. H. Lee, vol. ii., p. 38. " I spent last evening at the war office with General Arnold. He has been basely slandered and libelled. The regulars say 'he fought like Julius Caesar.' I am wearied to death with the wrangles between military officers, high and low. They quarrel like cats and dogs. They worry one another like mastiffs, scrambling for rank and pay like apes for nuts." — John Adams to his wife, 22 May, 1777.

"Monsieur Malmedy was a French officer, who had served in Rhode Island, and received from that State the commission of brigadier-general. On the

364 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

ing ; nor can I forbear expressing my surprise, that you still hold out the idea of difficulties in your situa- tion, notwithstanding the mark of attention you men- tion, which has been lately conferred upon you by Congress. It astonishes me, that a gentleman of your discernment should find it impossible to make a right distinction between Continental and State appointments, after all the pains that have been taken to explain it. Certainly there is nothing easier to conceive than that an appointment made by the legislature of a particular State, unauthorized by Congress, can have no effect out of that State. The reason is plain. Such legislature has only a local jurisdiction, and can do no act binding on any other State, much less on the whole continent. Your rank of brieadier in Rhode Island, on a Continental scale, is, and always has been, entirely nugatory. You might request a ratification of it from Congress, as a matter of favor, but you could not demand it as a

loth of May, Congress appointed him a colonel in the Continental service, which he thought was below his merit, and not consistent with his previous rank. He made known his disappointment and dissatisfaction in a letter to General Washington. He had been advanced in Rhode Island in consequence of the recommendation of General Lee.

" I am afraid we shall never be able to find places vacant, equal to the expec- tations of the French Gentlemen who are now here, much less for those that will follow. The high Rank conferred upon those who first came over, many of whom had no pretensions either from their Services or Merit, has naturally raised the expectations of those who come properly recommended, to such a pitch, that I know not what will satisfy them. Indeed it is not to be imagined that a Gentleman and an old Soldier can submit to be commanded by a person in this country, who he remembers to have been his inferior in France.

" I know not how we can remedy this evil, or put a stop to the growth of it, but by being very circumspect for the future, on whom we confer Rank above that of a Subaltern." — Washington to the President of Congress, 9 May, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 365

matter of right ; and you must be sensible, that many- substantial reasons, independent of any personal ob- jections to you, oppose your wish. A perseverance in your mistaken pretensions, after you had seen they could not be complied with, is what I did not expect. To request to be employed in a manner not deroga- tory to the rank you held in Rhode Island, according to your ideas of that rank, is to request not to be em- ployed at all. I must repeat what I have before told you, that I cannot consider you in any other light, than that in which Congress has placed you ; and whatever employment I may at any time have it in power to give you, must be in conformity to that pre- cise rank you actually possess in the Continental army. If you expect any other, you deceive your- self. Such an employment, though it may appear to you a degradation, would not in fact be so ; because your appointment of brigadier is a perfect nonentity in a Continental view.

If you formed erroneous notions of your State ap- pointment, and in consequence of them made repre- sentations to your friends in Europe, which now involve you in perplexities, you ought to consider it as your misfortune, and should not build any claims upon it that cannot be admitted. But though the distinctions existing among us may not be well understood in France, as you have hinted in a former letter, is it impossible to give a satisfactory explana- tion of them to your friends ? Or will it be any in- delible disgrace to you, to confess to them that you have been in an error in your first conceptions, aris-

366 THE WRITINGS OF {xiii

The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) (part 9)

ing from your being a stranger, and unacquainted with the nature of our different miHtary estabhsh- ments ? We ought not to convert trifling difficulties into insuperable obstacles.

Let me propose a few more questions. Appeal to your own understanding and conscience, and then an- swer. Is not the Continental rank, which you now hold, fully adequate to any expectations you can rea- sonably deduce from the rank you held in the French army, and for the short term of seven months' service in ours ? Would not the American officers, who have been in the service from the beginning of the war, have a just cause to complain of your too rapid pro- motion, were your wishes indulged ? And would it not justify those, who have been your superior offi- cers in your own country, in raising their hopes to a height, which it would be impossible to gratify ? In short, Sir, I cannot bring myself to think, that the extraordinary mark of distinction, bestowed upon you by the State of Rhode Island, is any sufficient foun- dation for expecting the continent to waive every consideration of policy or propriety in your behalf. Though I wish not to offend or wound, yet justice both to you and myself requires, that I should plainly inform you, that your scruples and difficulties, so often reit- erated, and under a variety of shapes, are exceedingly perplexing to me, and that I wish them to cease. I am. Sir, &c.'

^ " I received your letter by Monsieur Malmedy. I am sorry that some of the gentlemen promoted by Congress render themselves unhappy, either by form- ing in their minds the most groundless suspicions of neglect, or torturing them- selves by an unwarrantable degree of jealousy at the promotion of others. It

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 367

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 16 May, 1777.

Sir,

Your letter of the 15th I had the honor to receive last night at eleven o'clock. The commission en- closed for Monsieur Armand I shall deliver to him as soon as I see him.' Agreeable to your request, I will give commissions to the brigadiers, and will ascertain their rank by their original commissions when I ob-

has always been my wish and design, that you should be provided for, as soon as you acquired a competent knowledge of our language to make you fit for command, and as circumstances would admit. When you were here last, I told you that I should try to place you in some corps, as you seemed uneasy at your situation, and expressed a desire of being immediately in service. This was all I meant or promised, nor could you infer more from what I said. There is now a vacant majority in Colonel Hazen's regiment at Princeton, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Antill, which you may have immediately by repairing thither, and which you will do.

" Should this appointment not be equal to your views, I have no other in my power ; and I would further observe, that, if you will take a calm and dispas- sionate view of things, you cannot expect more, upon any principle of reason or justice. I might add, without any disparagement to your merit, that there are many good officers in the service, who have been in it from the commencement of the war, that have not received such honorable marks of favor and distinc- tion. If there are foreigners, who came to America when you did, or since, who have been promoted to higher rank without having better pretensions, it has not been through my interest. Though I wish to see every man rewarded according to his deserts, and esteem emulation in officers a laudable quality, yet I cannot but condemn the over sanguine, unjust, ambitious expectations of those, who think every thing should be made to yield to gratify their views." — Wash- ington to Major Colerns, ig May, 1777.

' Monsieur Armand, Marquis de la Rouerie, was a French officer, who had been ten years in service, and received the rank of colonel from Congress on the loth of May. At his own request he was commissioned to raise a partisan corps of Frenchmen, not exceeding two hundred men. It was thought, that some advantage would result from such a corps, by bringing together into a body such soldiers, as did not understand the English language. Colonel Armand was a zealous and spirited officer during the whole Revolution, and continued on terms of friendly correspondence with Washington for several years after the war ended. — Sparks.

368 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

tain them. The inquiry directed, respecting Major Campbell, shall be made, and that be done which shall appear right.

I fear it will be hardly possible to satisfy the views and claims of some of the French gentlemen. The late promotion of Monsieur Malmedy, though highly honorable, and such as should be considered fully if not more than adequate to his pretensions, taken upon any principle, does not come up to his demands. He arrived here yesterday morning, and has been writing to me upon the subject. From the high marks of distinction but too readily conferred upon these men in many instances, they seem to have lost sight of what is just and reasonable. It would have been happy for us, particularly for me and for the gentle- men themselves, if a too easy grant of favors had not induced them to contemn all rank in our army under that of field-officers ; nor is it in my power to give commands to every appointment. I shall inform Monsieur Armand, and reconcile him to it in the best manner I can, that there is no vacancy for him at present ; and I would beg leave to suggest, that, where promotions are made in future from political and honorary motives, it would be well for Congress to explain to the gentlemen, that it may be some time before they can be put in actual command. This might prevent their entertaining suspicions of neglect on my part, which the situation of the army will not allow me to obviate. There is no vacancy for Monsieur Malmedy, of the rank he now holds, unless the merits of many other officers, who have

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 369

served with reputation and much longer here, are to be overlooked to make way for him. Such a measure will neither be practicable, nor prudent to attempt.

By a letter from General Heard, who is at Pomp- ton, I am informed that Colonels Barton and Bus- kirk, with three hundred Tory levies from Bergen, on the morning of the 13th, attempted to surprise and cut off about seventy of his militia stationed at Paramus. The officer happily had notice of their design, and eluded it by moving his post. It hap- pened that the morning was foggy ; and, the enemy en- tering at different places, their parties engaged. Gen- eral Heard says their loss could not be ascertained ; but, from reports of the inhabitants, ten of their men were killed and carried away at one time, and sev- eral wounded. I have the honor, &c.'

TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.

MoRRiSTOWN, 17 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Under the privilege of friendship, I take the liberty to ask you, what Congress expect I am to do with the many foreigners they have at different times pro- moted to the rank of field-officers, and, by the last resolve, two to that of colonels? In making these appointments, it is much to be feared, that all the at- tendinof circumstances are not taken into considera- tion. To oblige the adventurers of a nation, which we want to interest in our cause, may be one induce-

' Read in Congress May 19th.

370 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

ment ; and to get rid of their importunity, another ; but this is viewing the matter by halves, or on one side only. These men have no attachment nor ties to the country, further than interest binds them ; they have no influence, and are ignorant of the language they are to receive and give orders in ; consequently great trouble or much confusion must follow. But this is not the worst ; they have not the smallest chance to recruit others ; and our officers think it exceedingly hard, after they have toiled in this service, and proba- bly have sustained many losses, to have strangers put over them, whose merit perhaps is not equal to their own, but whose effrontery will take no denial.

The management of this matter, give me leave to add. Sir, is a delicate point ; for although no one will dispute the right of Congress to make appoint- ments, every person will assume the privilege of judging of the propriety of them ; and good policy, in my opinion, forbids the disgusting of a whole corps to gratify the pride of an individual ; for it is by the zeal and activity of our own people, that the cause must be supported, and not by a few hungry adven- turers. Besides, the error of these appointments is now clear and manifest, and the views of Congress evidently defeated ; for by giving high rank to peo- ple of no reputation or service, you have disgusted their own countrymen ; or, in other words, raised their expectations to an insatiable pitch. For the man, who was a captain in France, finding another who was only a subaltern there, or perhaps nothing, appointed to a majority with us, extends his views instantly to a regiment ; in like manner, the field-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 371

officer can accept of nothing less than a brigade, and so on, by which means the man of real rank and merit must be excluded, or perhaps your whole mili- tary system disordered. In the mean while I am haunted and teased to death by the importunity of some, and dissatisfaction of others.

My ideas, in this representation, do not extend to artillery officers and engineers. The first of these will be useful, if they do not break in upon the arrange- ment of that corps already established by order of Congress ; the second are absolutely necessary and not to be had here. But proper precaution should be observed in the choice of them ; for we have at present in pay and high rank two Frenchmen, who, in my judgment, know nothing of the duty of engi- neers. Gentlemen of this profession ought to pro- duce sufficient and authentic testimonials of their skill and knowledge, and not expect that a pompous narrative of services, and loss of papers, the usual excuse, can be a proper introduction into our army. The freedom, with which I have delivered my senti- ments on this subject, will, I am persuaded, meet your excuse, when I assure you, that I have nothing else in view, than the good of the service.

I am, dear Sir, &c.

TO GOVERNOR HENRY.

17 May, 1777.

Sir,

When I had the honor of addressing you on the 13th Ulto. I flattered myself that, tho' the recruiting business did not succeed to our wishes, a sufficient rein-

372 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

forcement would ere this have enabled me to open the campaign in such a manner as to have recommended the service to the lower class of people, and thereby to have removed the necessity of compelling them to inlist. But that Hope has been unfortunately blasted so that we have only to decide whether the States shall be loaded with the enormous expence of Mili- tia with difficulty drawn out capable only of making a feeble defence, and the war protracted, or the army completed by coercive Methods. For altho' the im- portant season is almost past, that afforded the oppor- tunity of crushing the Enemy's power at present here had I been sufficiently enabled, yet it greatly be- hoves us, by an instant and vigorous Exertion of our strength to put ourselves into such a situation as to have a good prospect of never being obliged so greatly to hazard our liberties as we have been. The warm- est advocates for Militia and short inlistments must, from the experience of two Campaigns, confess that the important purposes of war cannot be answered but by men engaged for a length of time. No sub- stitute can be admitted.

What then remains for us to do ? Nothing less than furnishing our full quota of Continental Troops by any means that will ensure success. Our situation [is] perhaps more critical now than ever, Policy di- rects that caution should be used in the choice. But whether it should be by an indiscriminate Draft, or by making it the interest of the Timid, the Rich and the Tory to furnish soldiers at their own expence, in Ease of themselves and in conformity to the Resolve

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 373

of Congress of the 14th day of April last, is a subject well worthy the most dispassionate and mature delib- eration of your assembly.

Both of these methods have been tried and are still practiced by some of the States with better suc- cess than simple recruiting. They are however capa- ble of abuse. The former may produce convulsions in the people and their opposition by the manner in which it is conducted. The latter affords the bad officer too tempting an opportunity of defrauding the Public by receiving the Reward for Men already in the service, or, for some private Emolument giv- ing certificates when no Soldier is furnished ; and of greatly injuring the service by introducing into it Foreigners of no principle, who seize the first oppor- tunity of deserting to the Enemy with their arms. If the former should be adopted, the men drafted should serve for a fixed time, 3 years at least, and every possible precaution taken against their substi- tuting convicts or foreign servants in their room. If the latter, the men procured should serve during the war. Here the evils maybe effectually guarded. The substitute or exemption from militia duty being evidently an Indulgence, may be granted on no other terms than furnishing a native, or a person of some property or connections in the country — The annexed return of your Battalions now here, will enable the assembly to form a good Judgment of the number of men necessary to complete them to the full establish- ment. A well executed Law to encourage the taking up of deserters will greatly lessen the Deficiency that

374 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

appears upon the returns, which is not occasioned al- together by Deaths, because I am well assured that a number of the men, (taking advantage of their ab- sence from their companies, occasioned by their being left in Hospitals) have upon recovering gone home without leave. Nor can my most unceasing efforts bring them back ; the officers sent upon that duty shamefully spending their time in Dissipation and Idleness.

I hope the Freedom of this letter will find an ex- cuse in the importance of the subject, and its length have an apology when 'tis considered that con- sequences of the greatest magnitude are involved in the Issue of the present Contest, the management of which demands our utmost wisdom and activity.

I have, &c.

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL PARSONS.

MoRRiSTOWN, 17 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I was favored yesterday with your letter of the nth instant. I wrote to Governor Trumbull fully, and informed him, that no part of the troops exacted from the State could remain there. This letter I presume has reached the Governor, and I trust the observations contained in it would satisfy him of the necessity of drawing the whole troops together. I think with you, that the enemy will make no impres- sions into Connecticut. If they attempt any thing of the sort, it will be to call our attention from more

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 375

important objects. It is much to be wished, that they would prosecute the war on a partisan or detached plan. Nothing could more certainly ensure their de- struction. The troops, as fast as they are raised, and their recovery from the smallpox will admit, must come on to Peekskill.

I am sorry the expedient, adopted by the Governor and Council for filling their quota of men, has not been attended with all the advantages expected from it." I wish their next attempt may have more happy consequences. I am persuaded your remaining in the State some time longer would be of service ; yet, as I consider the defence of the fortifications and passes through the Highlands an object of the last importance, and possessing them most probably to form the chief end of the enemy's counsels and im- mediate operations, I wish you to come to Peekskill, and there continue with the troops, till some further disposition shall become necessary or may be or- dered. At the same time, I would wish you to fix upon and leave behind a sufficient number of proper officers, to collect and hasten on the recruits as fast as they are raised and gone through inoculation. Perhaps more than one may be necessary ; and I have no doubt you will choose for this purpose such as will be of great activity and industry, and in whose conduct the most implicit confidence may be reposed.

' This expedient was by drafting a certain proportion of the militia, for the purpose of filling up the Continental battalions. The same plan was adopted by Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The drafts were to be considered in all respects as Continental soldiers, but were to serve only till the first of Janu- ary ; and in the meantime enlistments for completing the several battalions according to the plan of Congress were to be prosecuted.

376 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

How far the expedition to Long Island would be practicable, supposing our army was full, I cannot de- termine. In our present situation, we have no men to spare for the purpose. Further, I am by no means satisfied, that the rules of war would justify our de- taching a force to recover our prisoners under the pres- ent circumstances. I rather think they would not ; but without going into a full discussion of the measure, either upon the principles of war or justice, I am cer- tain that policy strongly forbids the attempt. Success in such case would lead to unhappy consequences. No future prisoners in the hands of the enemy would receive the same favorable indulgence, so essential to their health and comfort, and it would authorize their imposing on them a more close and severe confine- ment. You are not to infer from hence, that I esteem the recovery of prisoners unjustifiable in all cases, or have any doubts respecting the propriety of it' I am, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GATES.

MORRISTOWN, 19 May, 1777.

Sir,

I cannot help taking notice of some expressions in your letters, which appear to me like an imputation of partiality in favor of this army, to the disadvantage and inconvenience of the northern army. Can you

' General Parsons had suggested, that an enterprise against Long Island might be effected from Connecticut, and asked the opinion of General Washington respecting the propriety of attempting to rescue the American prisoners, who were at Flatbush, and in the vicinity of that place. Spies had lately returned, who had made known where the prisoners were stationed, and in what manner the British troops were distributed in different parts of the Island.

777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 377

suppose, if there had been an ample supply of tents for the whole army, that I would have hesitated one moment in complying with your demand ? I told Major Troup exactly what I repeated in mine of the 15th: "that on account of our loss at Danbury, there would be a scarcity of tents ; that our army would be a moving one, and that consequently noth- ing but tents could serve our turn ; and that, there- fore, as there was the greatest probability of your being stationary, you should endeavor to cover your troops with barracks and huts." Certainly this was not a refusal of tents, but a request that you should, in our contracted situation, make every shift in your power to do without them, or at least with as few as possible.

The northern army is, and ever has been, as much the object of my care and attention, as the one imme- diately under my command ; and I cannot recollect, that I ever omitted complying with the requests or supplying the wants of the commander in that depart- ment, when it lay in my power. As the returns of military stores of all kinds come before me, and as the direction and distribution of them are entrusted to me by Congress, I have endeavored to apply them in such manner, as would render most effectual service to the public cause, without suffering partiality for either department to have the least influence upon me. I will make particular inquiry of the quarter- master-general concerning his prospect and expecta- tions, as to the article of tents, and if, as I said before, there appears a sufficiency for the whole

378 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

army, you shall most willingly have your share. But if there is not, surely that army, whose movement is uncertain, must give up its claims for the present to that, which must inevitably take the field the moment the weather will admit, and must continue in it the whole campaign. I am. Sir, &c.

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL McDOUGALL.

MORRISTOWN, 23 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I had yesterday the pleasure of yours of the 21st instant. I wish every officer in the army could appeal to his own heart and find the same principles of con- duct, that I am persuaded actuate you ; we should experience more consistency, zeal, and steadiness than we now do in but too many instances. A disin- terested attachment to the cause, which we are en- gaged in, can alone produce a line of behavior in every circumstance, equal to the importance of it. I perfectly agree with you in the impropriety of that diversity in the modes of training our regiments, which has prevailed hitherto. I have it in contem- plation very soon to digest and establish a regular system of discipline, manoeuvres, evolutions, and regulations for guards, to be observed throughout the army. In the mean time, I should be glad if you would introduce uniformity among those under your command ; and I would recommend to you to be particularly attentive to having them in- structed in the proper use of their feet, so as to

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 379

enable them to perform the necessary movements in marching and forming, with ease, order, agility, and expedition. Good consequences would undoubtedly result from accustoming the men to the noise of fir- ing, and to the habit of taking aim at an object. You may therefore bestow a little ammunition on this purpose, having regard to the quantity of this article among us.

Of late several of our officers have broken their paroles and stolen away. This practice, ignominious to themselves, dishonorable to the service, and injuri- ous to the officers of sentiment and delicacy, who re- main behind to experience the rigors of resentment and distrust on their account, cannot be tolerated, what- ever be the pretence. I have made a point of send- ing those back, that have come under my observa- tion ; and I must desire you will do the same towards those, who fall under yours. The reason commonly assigned for this breach of faith is the want of money and necessaries. I regret that this plea is too well founded ; but I hope it will not continue to be so, as effectual measures are taking to provide for the wants of our prisoners. I am, with esteem, dear Sir, &c.

TO JAMES WARREN. Headquarters, Morris Town, 23 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 4th instant was duly handed me. — I am fully sensible of the zeal your state has de- monstrated in the instances you recite, and in many

J

80 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

more. With you, I consider them as great exertions ; and as decisive evidence of your inclination to do every thing in your power, to advance the common cause. At the same time, whatever efforts have been or can be made are not more than adequate to the exigency of the situation. Though over sanguine and uninformed people may think differently, — this is a most interesting and critical period, and will not countenance the least want of activity or attention in any quarter. I have the highest confidence that your State will not let the great object we are contending for, be lost, or endangered more than is unavoidable, by any such deficiency on their part.

Your repealing the offensive part of the act you mention, is a proof of your justice and regard to the sense of your sister-States. It certainly bore the features of a monopoly, and was liable to the inter- pretation put upon it, and though I am ready to believe, it proceeded from impolitic, rather than selfish motives, — I am happy the cause of complaint is removed and the matter placed upon a more lib- eral footing.

I observe your State is not a little alarmed at the prospect of an immediate invasion. Notwithstanding the intelligence from Europe, in some measure, war- rants the supposition of such an event, and makes it proper not intirely to disregard it ; — yet I am clearly of opinion it is not much to be apprehended. It is by no means an eligible way to the conquest of this country ; — your state from its union, numbers and sit- uation being capable of a much better defence, than

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 381

perhaps any other ; and It is presumable that the enemy will make their attacks, where circumstances promise the greatest likelihood of success. But, be this as it may, I cannot help disapproving the project of raising colonial regiments for your defence, at least 'till the continental troops are raised. It is easy to percieve, as you have yourself hinted, that it will have a direct tendency to defeat your endeavors for completing your quota of the united army ; — and it would be the most wretched policy to weaken the hands of the continent, under the mistaken idea of strengthening your own. It would also be well to consider how far it might be consistent with propriety, in the pursuit of partial schemes, to put it out of your own power to fulfil what is required of you by the Continent.

If the several states, by levying troops on the par- ticular establishment of each, leave but a small conti- nental army in the field, it will be impossible to effec- tually watch the motions of the enemy, and oppose them where they may in reality direct their opera- tions— the consequences of which must undoubtedly be fatal. — But if we have a sufficient Continental force on foot, we shall be able to watch them narrowly and counteract them wherever they may attempt to move. — Every state will find its security in such an army, whose sole business it will be to oppose the enemy, where it is most requisite. — It cannot be imagined, that, if your State were seriously attacked, a proportionate part of the Continental force would not be detailed to succor and protect it. — My duty,

382 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

inclination, and a regard for the safety of the whole would equally compel me to it. What valuable end can then be answered to you, from the step you pro- pose to take, which can compensate for the irretriev- able injury the common cause might sustain, from our not having a sufficient army in the field for the purposes of general opposition. — The measure, inju- rious in every way, can only serve to burthen the state with an unnecessary expence, which will be in- tirely its own ; as the troops intended to be raised will be for local and colonial ends, and no diminution of the common force.

I see no advantage you can derive from such an impolitic step, which would not be fully produced, by what I assured the assembly, on a former occasion, should be done ; which is, — that the supernume- rary regiments adopted by you, should remain in your state 'till the designs of the enemy became so evident, as to convince us their continuance would be no longer expedient, or useful. This assurance I repeat ; and I beg you will communicate it in my name to them ; — earnestly recommending it to them to relinquish the scheme. — Indeed, Sir, on a cool, dispassionate survey of all circumstances, it will be found replete with impolicy and danger ; and I am persuaded, that, either they have already on mature deliberation, laid it aside, or, on a reconsideration of the matter, will coincide with me, in opinion, and correct the mistake.

With great regard, and respect, I am, &c.'

' From the collection of Mr. Winslow Warren, of Boston.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 383

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Headquarters, Morris Town, 23 May, 1777.

Sir, —

I was yesterday honored with your letter of the 1 8th instant. As I could only repeat the observa- tions contained in my letter of the iith, upon your request for two regiments to remain in Connecticut, I must beg leave to refer your attention to them, and to a few more which I shall now subjoin. If the several battalions designed to compose the army were complete, I should then hope a few troops might be spared to guard those places most accessible to parties of the enemy and their cruisers ; but as their state is very different, it cannot be done, unless we endanger objects of the last importance to us.' I shall not trouble you with a minute detail of the forces assem- bled at this time from the different States. By the last return from Peekskill on the loth, not more than

' " No pleasure could exceed what I should feel, if it was in my power to protect every town and every individual on this wide-extended continent. This, however, is a pleasure that never can be realized ; and as our dispersed situation is neither formidable for defence nor offence, it becomes me to place the Continental troops in such a manner as to answer a more valuable pvirpose, than to give the shadow (for it is no more) of security to particular neighbor- hoods. Your apprehension of the enemy taking possession of Newark and Elizabethtown, with a view of holding them, does not strike me at all. If any such ideas possessed them, the few men we have there would rather be an inducement. They already have experienced the evil of multiplied posts, as we shall do, if they should be seized with a spirit of enterprise. Such guards as we have from Boundbrook to Newark, inclusively, could give no effectual opposition to the enemy, if they were disposed to move ; and the country is too much drained by both armies to afford much support. The other consideration of opening the intercourse, or rather making it more open with New York, has weight, but is overbalanced by others of a more powerful nature. In a word, if a man cannot act in all respects as he could wish, he must do what appears best, under the circumstances he is in. This I aim at, however short I may fall of the end." — Washington to Alajor-General Stephen, 24 May, 1777.

384 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

three hundred and thirty Continental troops were there then. In addition to these, there is a detach- ment here, under Lieutenant Colonel Butler, consist- ing of about men. I will not comment upon this

subject, because I know it will not give you less pain than it does myself ; and my only design in mention- ing it, is to show I have but too just grounds for my anxiety and desire that troops should come on. I wish those assembled as yet, from some other States, did not bear a proportion too analogous to this. When those from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island do arrive, my present intention is to post a respectable number about the White Plains, to act as an army or detachment of observation, etc. ; and from which your State, as far as I am able to judge, will be more likely to be protected against any capital attempts of the enemy, than any other. It will be impossible to secure every place against their small marauding, plundering parties, but nothing will be so probable to effect it as our drawing our strength to a point, which will oblige them to do the same. If we divide and act in detachments, so will they.

I am extremely sorry you should have been at so much trouble and expense in sending to Colonel Lang- don for part of the military stores in his hands. His refusal, and that of General Heath, I am pursuaded, you will consider right, and founded in necessity upon mature reflection. All the stores are coming to Springfield, where they will be deposited in the pub- lic magazine, except such as will be immediately wanted for the army ; and I feel myself extremely unhappy in not having it in my power to consent

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 385

that a part should be appropriated as you request. Our stores will by no means authorize me to do otherwise, than to keep them for the forming army. Were they once let out, how could I collect them, or how could I be answerable for them to the States at large ? They are not more than equal to our certain demands ; and in respect to artillery, the quantity imported and fit for the field is far inferior to that we are to oppose and what we want. I have, with pain, been obliged to refuse other requisitions of the same nature, and am concerned I should have been laid under the necessity, when the expediency of prevent- ing the stores being scattered throughout the States required it.

I am much obliged by the copy of the Act you were pleased to transmit me, and I only hope its effects may be equal to your wishes.

I have nothing of importance to communicate in the military line here. I am told, from the last ad- vices from France, things seem to be in a favorable train, and that Spain appears to be equally disposed to render us every assistance.

Governor Tryon, it is reported, is dead of the wound he received in the Danbury expedition. How far it is true, I know not. It is also said seventeen ships came in at Sandy Hook on the 2 2d, and more were in the offing.

I have the honor to be, with great esteem and respect, &c.'

' " I need not suggest to Congress the necessity of keeping our numbers con- cealed from the knowledge of the public. Nothing but a good face & false appearances have enabled us hitherto to deceive the enemy respecting our strength." — Washington to the President of Congress, 2i May, 1777.

386 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MORRISTOWN, 24 May, 1777.

Sir,

I beg leave to inform Congress, that, immediately after the receipt of their resolve of the 26th of March, recommending the office of adjutant-general to be filled by the appointment of a person of abilities and unsuspected attachment to our cause, I wrote to Colonel Timothy Pickering of Salem, offering him the post in the first instance, and transmitting at the same time a letter for Colonel William Lee, whom Congress had been pleased to mention, to be deliv- ered to him in case my offer could not be accepted. This conduct, in preference of Colonel Pickering, I was induced to adopt from the high character I had of him, both as a great military genius cultivated by an industrious attention to the study of war, and as a gentleman of liberal education, distinguished zeal, and great method and activity in business. This char- acter of him I had from gentlemen of distinction and merit, and on whose judgment I could rely. When my letter reached Colonel Pickering, at first view he thought his situation in respect to public affairs would not permit him to accept the post. That for Colo- nel Lee he sent immediately to him, who, in conse- quence of it, repaired to head-quarters. By Colonel Lee I received a letter from Colonel Pickering, stat- ing more particularly the causes, which prevented his accepting the office when it was offered, and assuring me that he would in a little time accommodate his affairs in such a manner as to come into any mili-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 387

tary post, in which he might be serviceable, and thought equal to.

Here I am to mark with peculiar satisfaction, in justice to Colonel Lee, who has deservedly acquired the reputation of a good officer, that he expressed a distrust of his abilities to fill the appointment in- tended for him ; and, on hearing that Colonel Picker- ing would accept it, he not only offered but wished to relinquish his claim to it in favor of him, whom he declared he considered, from a very intimate and friendly acquaintance, as a first-[rate] military char- acter ; and that he knew no gentleman better or so well qualified for the post among us. Matters being thus circumstanced, and Colonel Lee pleased with the command he was in, I wrote to Colonel Pickering on his return, who accepted the office and is daily expected. In this business I beg Congress to be as- sured, though Colonel Lee was postponed in the first instance, their recommendation had its due weight ; and that no motive, other than a regard to the service, induced me to prefer Colonel Pickering. His ac- knowledged abilities and equal zeal, without derogat- ing from the merits of Colonel Lee, who holds a high place in my esteem, gave him a preference ; and I flatter myself the cause will be promoted in his ap- pointment, especially as we shall have two good offi- cers in lieu of one, who, I am persuaded, will do honor to themselves in the line in which they move.

Considering the passes through the Highlands of the utmost importance to secure, I sent Generals Greene and Knox about a fortnight ago to see what

388 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

had been done for their defence, and to consult with the general officers they should meet, upon such further measures as might be deemed necessary for their greater safety. The enclosed copy of their report will fully convey their sentiments upon the subject ; to which I beg leave to refer Congress. I have sent General Putnam to command in that quar- ter, and have instructed him to use every possible means in his power for expediting and effecting the works and obstructions mentioned in the report. Fearing that the cables might not be procured in time, I have directed his particular and immediate attention to fixing the boom. However, as the cables would ren- der that more secure, and will be extremely serviceable in the opinion of the officers, if they are to be had in Philadelphia, I would advise Congress to order them to be purchased and forwarded without loss of time ; they cannot be got elsewhere. They must be pro- portioned to the width of the river, which is about five hundred and forty yards ; and, as they will be of most use if diagonally laid, the gentlemen think they should not be less than four hundred and fifty fathoms long, and the largest size that can be had. Unless they are large and substantial, they will an- swer no purpose, and will not sustain their weight when stretched.

I should be orlad to know whether it be the inten- tion of Congress, that one of the already appointed General Officers may be assigned to the Command of the light Horse, or whether they have in contempla- tion the appointing of one for this purpose — If the

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 389

first, I shall immediately name one to that duty. If the second, they will be pleased to choose one, as it is time we should have our arrangements compleat.^

I have nothing of importance to communicate, un- less it is, that Seventeen Ships are said to have ar- rived at New York on the 2 2d, and that others were in the offing. A Report has also prevailed, and has come thro two or three channels, that Govr. Tryon, that was, is dead of the wound he received in the Danbury expedition & one account is, that Lieut. Colo. Walcot fell in the engagement at Ridgefield. I don't know how far the facts are to be depended on ; It seems certain that Mr. Tryon was wounded.

I have the honor, &c.

P. S. As I dont know what particular purposes, Congress had in view, when they ordered Col. Harri- son's Regiment of Artillery to be raised, I don't think myself at liberty to give any directions about It. But if they have no certain employment for it in view, I could wish them to order the whole or such part of It as they shall judge proper to join this Army, as we

' " If Congress have it not in contemplation to appoint a General of Horse, but leave it to me to assign one of the Brigadiers already appointed to that com- mand, I shall assuredly place General Reed there, as it is agreeable to my own recommendation and original design ; of this please in my name inform him, but add, as it would not be agreeable to me, and I am sure could not be so to him, to be placed in a situation that might be the standing of a day only, I could wish to know what the views of Congress are on this head, which Mr. Thomson or any of the members I suppose could inform. I would have written to Gen- eral Reed myself on this subject, and other matters, but my extreme hurry will not permit me to do it, and therefore I decline it altogether ; be so obliging as to offer my best regards to him, and assure him that I read his name in the ap- pointment of Brigadiers with great pleasure," — Washington to Moylan, 24 May, 1777.

390 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

are in great want of more Artillerymen than we have — It will not be necessary that the Artillery should come.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM.

MoRRlSTOWN, 25 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Would it be practicable, do you think, under the present circumstances and situation of the troops at Peekskill, to surprise the enemy at Kingsbridge ? It must be effected by surprise, or not at all, and must be undertaken by water, which would also prove abortive, if the enemy have vessels of any kind above Fort Washington. The undigested ideas, which I have entertained of the matter, are these : to embark a number of troops, supposed adequate to the enter- prise, in boats, under pretence of transporting them and their baggage to Tappan, as a more easy and expeditious method of joining the army under my immediate command ; to cover this the better, a number of wagons might be ordered to assemble at the landing on this side, in order to receive your baggage. Or, if it should be thought, that moving a body of men so near the enemy would put them too much upon their guard, could not the troops be em- barked at Peekskill, under pretence of reinforcing the garrison on the river, in order to expedite the works, and actually set off as if bound thither ; but, under cover of darkness, turn and push down the river ? But here, possibly, a difficulty will arise on account of the impracticability of getting down in the night, and the difficulty of being concealed in any creek or

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 391

inlet on the western shore in the day. These are all matters worthy of consideration, and I have nothing more in view, than to lead you into a train of thinking upon the subject. Let the matter be communicated to Generals McDougall and George Clinton, for their sentiments, but under strong injunctions of secrecy, for it always happens, that where more than two or three are apprized of an undertaking of this kind, the knowledge of it always gets abroad, which must inevi- tably defeat any measure that depends upon secrecy. The place at which I should propose your landing would be in the hollow between Fort Washington and Spiten Devil. It is a good landing-place, and affords a good passage into the road leading from Fort Washington to the bridge. It is very obscure, and would enable you to fall in upon the back of the troops at Fort Independence, by which the surprise would be greater and their retreat cut off. Thence your troops might, or might not, march up by land, and sweep the country before them of the enemy and provisions, as circumstances would justify. After consulting the gentlemen before mentioned on the propriety of this measure, let me know the result by a careful person, and when the plan could conveniently be carried into execution.'

I am, dear Sir, your most affectionate, &c.

' In a circular from the Commander-in-chief to the brigadier-generals, dated the 26th of May, are the following instructions : — " Let vice and immorality of every kind be discouraged as much as possible in your brigade ; and, as a chaplain is allowed to each regiment, see that the men regularly attend divine worship. Gaming of every kind is expressly forbidden, as being the foundation of evil, and the cause of many a brave and gallant officer's ruin. Games of exercise for amusement may not only be permitted but encouraged."

392

THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Morris Town, 26 May, 1777.

Sir,

I was yesterday evening honored with your letter of the 22d instant. It is certainly of importance that I should have the earliest intelligence of the enemy's movements, and I beg leave to thank you for the information you have been pleased to transmit on that head.

Your anxiety for troops to remain in Connecticut, and my inability to grant them, when I examine matters upon a large, and I believe just, scale, distress me much. I assure you, sir, no requisition has more weight with me than yours, nor will ever be more readily granted when circumstances will admit, and when I think it will not, in its conse- quences, be injurious to the general good. I must take the liberty of referring you to my letters of the I ith and 23d for my reasons why we should draw our forces to a point, and which, I trust, upon considera- tion will appear good and satisfactory. A capital object in the enemy's plan is to divide and distract our attention. For this purpose has the division under Lord Percy been kept so long at Rhode Island, expecting from thence, that the apprehension of an invasion, or their penetrating the country, would prevent any troops coming from the eastward. Could I but assemble all our forces, our situation would be respectable, and such I should hope, as would compel General Howe to employ his together, or to hazard their destruction. On the other hand,

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 393

whilst the quotas from the several States are so extremely deficient, should they be divided, and act in detachments, there will be just grounds to appre- hend our ruin. I have the honor to be, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GREENE.

MORRISTOWN, 27 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have ordered the assistant-commissary at this place to repair immediately to camp. It is the peculiar mis- fortune of this army to have, generally speaking, the heads of the different departments always absent, when they are most wanted. Two months was I laboring, as hard as a man could, to get the commissary-general to this place, and had scarcely accomplished it, before the Congress ordered him to Philadelphia ; from whence I have used my utmost endeavors to bring him back, but am answered that he is detained by order. In the mean while, the army may starve. I will again send to him by express, and for present supplies advise the adoption of the mode you pointed out, by your taking the provision out of the country about Elizabethtown, Newark, and Millstone, because two ends will be answered by it.

On the road to-day I met a person, who told me that he left New York on Saturday noon ; that he was desired to let me know, that a successful attack might be made upon Brunsvvic ; that there were at this time a captain, lieutenant, and two sergeants from New York, among us as spies, in the habit of countrymen ; that

394 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

seventy sail of transports are ready, as he supposes, by this time for sailing ; that seven of them were fitted for stores, and had got forage on board ; the rest de- signed for troops, stores, and provisions ; Philadelphia the destination talked of ; that he understood some transports arrived on Sunday last, with troops from Newport, but that no other reinforcements had got in, nor any vessels from Europe, except the seventeen pro- vision ships we have already heard of. I hope Colo- nel Dayton reported to you the suspicious person met with at Bullion's tavern, and that you have had him under examination before this. I am, dear Sir, &c.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MoRRiSTOWN, 28 May, 1777.

Sir,

The enclosed is a copy of a letter received yester- day from General Howe. Congress will perceive, by referring to the copy of his letter of the 21st of April transmitted in mine of the 26th, that he persevered in his demand for an equal number of prisoners to be returned for those sent out by him ; which has been the subject of controversy between us. As General Howe has called upon me again for my final decision upon the subject, and Congress are fully possessed of it, having received transcripts of every paper respecting it, I wish them to take the matter under their earliest consideration, and to inform me as soon as they can, whether the grounds on which it has been conducted by me are agreeable to their ideas, and whether my

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 395

objections are or are not to be departed from. The affair is particularly stated in my letter of the 9th ultimo to General Howe, in answer to the paper addressed to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Walcott ; copies of which were enclosed in my letter to the President on the loth of the same month. The dispute, so far as Gen- eral Lee is concerned, rests at present on their declar- ing him exchangeable, as other prisoners are, on the principle of equality of rank ; to ensure which, or his safety, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell and the Hessian field-officers are detained. The other objection to returning their prisoners is, that a great proportion of those sent out by them were not fit subjects of exchange when released, and were made so by the severity of their treatment and confinement, and therefore a deduction should be made from the list.

Good faith seems to require, that we should return as many of theirs at least as we received effectives from them ; I mean such as could be considered capable of being exchanged ; and perhaps sound policy, that the agreement subsisting for exchanges should continue. On the other hand it may be said, that our prisoners in general, in the enemy's hands at present, will have greater security by our retaining them, and that General Howe will be less apt to relinquish any part of his claim, the more the num- ber in our hands is diminished by an exchange.

I confess I am under great difficulty in this busi- ness. But what is more particularly the cause of this application, is the latter part of the first para- graph of the enclosed copy, — '' and for your determi-

396 THE WRITINGS OF {y-^^ii

nation respecting the prisoners now here, that I may 7nake my arrangements accordingly!' This is couched in terms of great ambiguity ; and I am really at a loss what interpretation to give it ; whether he in- tends that his conduct respecting them shall be as I advise (this appears more favorable than can well be expected), or that, if the previous demand is not an- swered in a satisfactory manner, he shall consider them on a different footing from that on which our former prisoners were, and the agreement totally dissolved. We are told government offered the prisoners they took to the India Company, and they have procured an act dispensing with that of the habeas corpus in particular cases of persons supposed inimical to them. How far they or their commanders may adopt these measures, remains to be known. I have only men- tioned them as they respect the general subject of my letter.'

Notwithstanding my recommendation, agreeably to what I conceived to be the sense of Congress, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell's treatment continues to be such as cannot be justified either on the princi- ples of generosity or strict retaliation ; as I have authentic information, and I doubt not you will have the same, that General Lee's situation is far from

' A bill was introduced into Parliament in Febniary by the British ministry, enabling the king to " detain and secure persons charged with, or suspected of, high treason, committed in North America, or on the high seas, or of piracy." The purpose of the measure was practically to suspend the habeas corpus privi- lege to all suspected persons to be apprehended, and to confine as prisoners of war prisoners taken from the " rebels," and in the act of piracy. After a long debate the bill was passed with some amendments in the House, and met with no opposition in the Lords, the Earl of Abingdon alone entering a protest.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 397

being rigorous or uncomfortable. Except his not being permitted to go at large on parole, he has rea- son to be content with every other circumstance of his treatment.

I am just moving to Boundbrook, from whence I returned yesterday morning. On Monday morning a body of the enemy advanced near that post. They retreated, on seeing a detachment march to meet them. There was some firing at long shot, but without any great damage. We had only three men slightly wounded. What their loss was, I know not ; three of their light-horse were killed. By advices from the eastward, the troops are coming from Rhode Island.

I have the honor to be, &c.'

TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL PARSONS.

Head-Quarters, Middlebrook, 29 May, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I was just now favored with your letter of the 25th by Major Humphreys. The intelligence communi- cated by it is truly interesting and agreeable, and now I shall take occasion, not only to give you my hearty approbation of your conduct in planning the expedition to Long Island, but to return my sincere thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs and to all offi- cers and men engaged in it. This enterprise, so for- tunate in the execution, will greatly distress the enemy in the important and essential article of forage, and reflects much honor on those, who performed it.

' Read in Congress May 29th, and referred to the Board of War.

398 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I shall ever be happy to reward merit when in my power, and therefore wish you to inquire for a vacant ensigncy in some of the regiments for Sergeant Gin- nings, to which you will promote him, advising me of the same and the time.'

As I could only repeat what I have said in my former letters to you and to Governor Trumbull, on the sub-

' This enterprise was one of the most spirited and successful of the Revolu- tion. Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs embarked from New Haven on the 2ist of May, with two hundred and thirty-four men in thirteen whale-boats. He pro- ceeded to Guilford, but on account of the sea he could not pass the Sound till the 23d. On that day, about one o'clock in the afternoon, he left Guilford with one hundred and seventy men, under convoy of two armed sloops, and crossed the sound to Southhold, where he arrived at six o'clock. The enemy's troops on this part of the Island had marched for New York two days before ; but it was reported, that there was a party at Sag Harbor, on the south branch of the Island, and about fifteen miles distant. Colonel Meigs ordered the whale-boats to be transported over land to the bay, between the north and south branches of the Island, where one hundred and thirty men embarked, and at twelve o'clock at night they arrived safely on the other side of the bay, within four miles of Sag Harbor.

Here the boats were secured in a wood under a guard, and the remainder of the detachment marched quickly to the Harbor, where they arrived at two o'clock, in the greatest order, attacking the outposts with fixed bayonets, and proceeding directly to the shipping at the wharf. The alarm was given, and an armed schooner with twelve guns and seventy men began to fire upon them at the distance of one hundred and fifty yards, which continued for three quarters of an hour ; but it did not prevent the troops from executing their design with the greatest intrepidity and effect. Twelve brigs and sloops, one of which was an armed vessel with twelve guns, one hundred and twenty tons of hay, corn, oats, ten hogsheads of rum, and a large quantity of merchandise were entirely destroyed. Six of the enemy were killed and ninety taken pris- oners. Not one of Col. Meigs's men was either killed or wounded. He re- turned to Guilford at two o'clock in the afternoon of the 24th, having been absent only twenty-five hours, and in that time transported his troops full ninety miles by land and water, and completed his undertaking with the most entire success. — General Parson's MS. Letter, May 25th. Congress voted that a sword should be presented to Lieutenant-Colonel Meigs, as a token of their sense of the " prudence, activity, enterprise, and valor," with which this expe- dition had been conducted. — Journals, June 25th. The Commander-in- chief also published the event with applause in general orders. — Sparks.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 399

ject of his and the Assembly's request for part of the troops to remain in Connecticut, it is unnecessary for me to say more respecting it, than that I cannot possibly comply with it at this time. The passes and fortifications in the Highlands are of the last im- portance, and every means in our power must be employed to secure them. If the enemy's movements, which most probably will be understood in a little time, should be such as to show that Hudson's River is not their object, and the state of the troops will admit, I shall with great pleasure post a part of them about White Plains and Stamford, and give every protec- tion I can to Connecticut, consistent with the gfeneral interest ; but till these events take place, neither pru- dence nor policy will justify me in sparing men. You will, agreeably to my request, repair to Peekskill after making the necessary orders about the troops. I am, with great esteem, <fec.

TO GOVERNOR HENRY.

Head-Quarters, Middlebrook, 31 May, 1777.

Sir,

I this morning received information, which I be- lieve is not to be doubted, that on Saturday last a large fleet, consisting of a hundred sail, left New York and stood out to sea. Whither they are des- tined, or what they had on board, remains to be known. If possessing Hudson's River should not be General Howe's first object, I should suppose his operations will be against Philadelphia, and that this

400 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Fleet, if they have troops on board, are bound into the Delaware Bay. Though my opinion is as above, yet I would take the liberty of suggesting, that it may be expedient to put your militia upon the most respectable footing, that circumstances will admit, lest their destination should be more southern. At the same time that I mention this, I would advise, that they should be immediately supplied with am- munition, or that it be so deposited in the hands of the several committees, or other proper persons, that it may be had upon the most sudden emergency. The former would be by far the most eligible mode, if they would keep it for the purposes for which it was given.

Should this fleet arrive on your coast, and the enemy attempt to penetrate the country, or to make incursions, I would recommend, that the earliest opposition be made by parties and Detachments of Militia, without waiting to collect a large Body. I am convinced this would be attended with the most salutary consequences, and that greater advantages would be derived from it than by deferring the oppo- sition, till you assemble a number equal to that of the enemy. By pursuing this mode, they will be much annoyed, and will receive an early impression of the unfavorable disposition of the people towards them. Besides, they will not have the same oppor- tunity of establishing themselves, as they otherwise would ; and it may be added, that militia, acting in large bodies, for want of discipline are unwieldly, difficult to conduct, and less apt to render propor-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 401

tionate services. These hints I take the Hberty to suggest and submit to you as worthy of attention. In the course of this week, eighteen transports have arrived at York with troops, supposed to be foreign, from their uniform. Whether they are immediately from Germany, or those who were in Canada, is a matter of conjecture. Some have imagined the Lat- ter would be called to reinforce General Howe.

I have the honor to be, &c. P. S. I must beg your attention to my Letter on the Subject of filling your Regiments. It is a matter of the last importance & their present weak state does not furnish by any means the Quota assigned you. I trust and am persuaded no exertions will be omitted to efifect this Salutary and desirable event.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Head-Quartkrs, Middlebrook, 31 May, 1777.

Sir,

Monsieur Ducoudray is just arrived at camp, and proposes to set out to-morrow for Philadelphia. What his views are, I am uncertain, having had no conver- sation with him upon the subject ; but I find an idea prevails, that there is an agreement between Mr. Deane and him, that he shall have the chief command of the artillery. How well founded this opinion may be, I cannot determine ; but, if it be true, it may involve the most injurious consequences. General Knox, who has deservedly acquired the character of one of the most valuable officers in the service, and who.

402 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

combating almost innumerable difficulties in the department he fills, has placed the artillery upon a footing that does him the greatest honor, he, I am persuaded, would consider himself injured by an appointment superseding his command, and would not think himself at liberty to continue in the service. Should such an event take place in the present state of things, there would be too much reason to appre- hend a train of ills, such as might convulse and unhinge this important department.

Supposing Monsieur Ducoudray to have made such an agreement, the case is of great difficulty, and in my opinion is worthy of the consideration of Con- gress. Yet may not means be still devised to satisfy this gentleman by appointing him to some command not derogatory to his promised rank, and which will be agreeable to him ? From the recommendations we have had of him, I am obliged to esteem him of high character, and of great knowledge in what he professes ; and, from this consideration and the man- ner in which he is mentioned to us, it appears that much address and delicacy must be used to conciliate matters. Many reasons, besides those I have noted, might be assigned for continuing General Knox first in command in this department, which, on reflection, will readily occur. I would only observe, without insinuating the most distant shadow of distrust of Monsieur Ducoudray's honor, candor, or integrity, that, on the general maxims of prudence and policy, it may be questioned with much propriety, whether so important a command as that of the artillery should

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 403

be vested in any but a native, or one attached by the ties of interest to these States. Congress will be pleased to excuse the freedom I have used upon this occasion, and, I trust, will impute it to the import- ance of the subject which gave rise to it.' I have the honor, &c.'

TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.

MiDDLEBROOK, I June, 1777.

Dear Sir,

By your favor of the 22d ultimo, I perceive my let- ter of the 17th has been expressed in too -strong terms. I did not mean by the words, " to get rid of importunity," to cast the smallest reflection ; indeed the hurry with which I am obliged to write the few private letters I attempt, will not allow me to consider the force and tendency of my words ; nor should I

' Read in Congress June 2d. Referred to the Board of War.

*Soon after Mr. Deane's arrival in France, he was visited by Monsieur Du- coudray, then an officer in the French service, who offered his aid to Mr. Deane in enabling him to procure military supplies, proposing himself to join the American army on certain conditions. It was known that the French govern- ment approved these advances on the part of Monsieur Ducoudray, and his proposals were accepted by Mr. Deane. According to the arrangement, Du- coudray was to proceed to America in a vessel freighted with firearms, cannon, and other military supplies ; and Mr. Deane agreed, that he should have the command of the artillery, and the rank of major-general, with the pay of that rank. Before he left France, however, Mr. Deane became dissatisfied with his conduct, and wrote on the subject to Congress. — See Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, yo\. i., pp. 34, 102. When Ducoudray arrived in Philadelphia, and presented his agreement with Deane and other papers to Congress, they were referred to the Committee on Foreign Applications. It appeared that he had so constructed his plan, that he was to command the engmeers as well as the artillery. The affair was suspended, and, in its prog- ress, occasioned a good deal of uneasiness and difficulty, among both the foreign and the native officers. — Sparks.

404 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

have been surprised, if the fact had really been so, if I am to judge of their, I mean foreigners' applications to Congress, by those to myself ; for it is not one, nor twenty explanations, that will satisfy the cravings of these people's demands.

You will, before this can reach you, have seen Mon- sieur Ducoudray. What his real expectations are, and what his agreements with Mr. Deane, I know not ; but I fear, if his appointment is equal to what I have been told is his expectation, it will be at- tended with unhappy consequences. To say nothing of the policy of entrusting a department, on the due execution of which the salvation of the army depends, to a foreigner, who has no other tie to bind him to the interests of this country than honor, I would beg leave to observe, that, by putting Mon- sieur Ducoudray at the head of the artillery, you will lose a very valuable officer in General Knox, who is a man of great military reading, sound judgment, and clear conceptions. He has conducted the affairs of that department with honor to himself, and advantage to the public, and will resign if any one is put over him.' My last return of the army will give you our

' A month later a report reached the camp, that Congress had appointed Ducoudray a major-general in the American army, and that he was to take command of the artillery. Without waiting to have this rumor confirmed from any official source, Generals Greene, Sullivan, and Knox wrote each to Congress a laconic epistle, dated on the same day, and requested, that, should the fact be so, they might have permission to retire from the army. The following is a copy of General Greene's letter to the President of

Congress :

"Camp at Middlebrook, i July, 1777. "Sir,

"A report is circulating here at camp, that Monsieur Ducoudray, a French gentleman, is appointed a major-general in the serv-ice of the United

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 405

strength, and show the state of the recruiting service, which seems to be at an end. The reofiments of Pennsylvania, indeed, appear to be growing worse ; and, unless some coercive method can be hit upon to complete battalions, I see no chance of doing it. General Howe's encouragement, by proclamation, has occasioned great desertions from our army to his, with the loss of arms ; this I have represented to Congress, and submitted to them the propriety of offering something back by way of counteraction, but have received no answer ; and this, being frequently the case, leaves me often in a very disagreeable state of suspense, from which a simple yea or nay would relieve me.

If some effectual mode is not devised to fill the regiments, it is impossible, at least very unlikely, that any effectual opposition can be given to the British army with the troops we have, whose numbers diminish more by desertion, than they increase by enlistments.

States, his rank to commence from the ist of last August. If the report be true, it will lay me under the necessity of resigning my commission, as his appointment supersedes me in command. I beg you will ac- quaint me with respect to the truth of the report, and, if true, enclose me a permit to retire. I am, with great respect, your most obedient humble servant. N. Greene."

The letters of General Sullivan and General Knox were of the same purport, and clothed in nearly the same language. After taking the subject into con- sideration. Congress, on the report from John Adams, resolved, "That the President transmit to General Washington copies of the several letters from Generals Sullivan, Greene, and Knox to Congress, dated July 1st, 1777, with directions to him to let these officers know, that Congress consider the said letters as an attempt to influence their decisions, an invasion of the liberties of the people, and as indicating a want of confidence in the justice of Congress ; that it is expected by Congress, the said officers will make proper acknowledg- ments for an interference of so dangerous a tendency ; but, if any of those officers are unwilling to serve their country under the authority of Congress,

4o6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I have requested the director-general of the hospital here, as it is properly within his line, to take notice of the report, which you say prevails to the southward concerning the sick, and to remark upon it in the gazettes. I am, &c.

they shall be at liberty to resign their commissions and retire." — yournals July 7th. The report was unfounded, Congress having made no such appoint- ment ; nor, when the letters were written, had the case of Ducoudray been brought in a formal manner before them. It was called up, however, about the same time, and after three or four days' debate, Congress determined not to ratify the treaty entered into between Mr. Deane and Monsieur Ducoudray.

The Commissioners in France had been instructed by Congress to procure a few good engineers for the American service. They engaged four officers of this description, who held commissions in the French army, namely, Duportail, Laumoy, Radiere, and Gouvion. — See Diplomatic Con-espondcnce, vol. i., p. 265. These officers came to the United States with the knowledge and ap- probation of the French government, and were the only ones engaged by the express authority of Congress. The contract made between them and the Com- missioners, Franklin and Deane, was confirmed ; and Duportail was appointed colonel of engineers, Laumoy and Radiere lieutenant-colonels, and Gouvion major. They proved to be valuable officers, and their services in the engineer department were of essential importance during the war. — younials, July 8th, October 2d.

" I have no wish to see such a large proportion of important offices in the military department in the hands of foreigners. I cannot help considering them as so many spies in our camp, ready to take their measures as their interest may direct. If foreigners are introduced, tlieir command should not be very extensive, then the injury cannot be great ; but even in this case it is an injury to America, for the multiplying foreign officers gives us no internal strength. A good nursery of officers, nursed by experience, firmly attached to the interest of the country, is a great security against foreign invaders. The only tie that we have upon foreigners, is the sentiment of honor, too slender for the happiness of a country to depend upon, — while officers created from among the people are bound, not only by the ties of honor, but by that of interest and family connec- tion. We, in many instances, see the power of British gold ; let us not neglect to guard against its influence. I have no narrow prejudices upon this subject, neither have I any private differences with any of those gentlemen. My opinion is founded upon the general conduct of mankind." — General Greene, 28 May, 1777.

" I must again repeat the impropriety of creating so many foreign officers. A very considerable part of our force will get into their hands. What method can Great Britain take to defeat us more effectually than to introduce a great

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 407

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Head-Quarters, Middlebrook, 3 June, 1777.

Sir,

I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Congress on a matter, which appears to me of im-

number of foreigners into the army, and bind them to their interest by some very interesting considerations ? That this is practicable, nobody will doubt. That we ought to guard against it, everybody must allow. British gold may reason forcibly with those whose hopes and future expectations are not con- nected with the people they betray." — Greene to Johtt Adams, 28 May, 1778.

" Congress in the beginning, went upon a very injudicious plan with respect to Frenchmen. To every adventurer that came, without even the shadow of credentials, they gave the rank of field officers. This circumstance, seconding the aspiring disposition natural to those people, carried the expectations of those who had really any pretensions to the character of officers to a length that exceeds all the bounds of moderation. As it was impossible to pursue this impolitic plan, the Congress have begun to retrench their excessive liberality ; and the consequence has been, universal disgust and discontent.

" It would, perhaps, be injurious, as the French are much addicted to national punctilio, to run into the opposite extreme to that first embraced, and, by that mean, create a general clamor and dissatisfaction. Policy suggests the propriety of discriminating a few of the most deserving, and endeavoring to keep them in temper, even by gratifying them beyond what they can reasonably pretend to. This will enable us to shake off the despicable part with safety, and to turn a deaf ear to the exorbitant demands of the many. It will easily be believed in France that their want of merit occasioned their want of success, from the extraordinary marks of favor that have been con- ferred on others : whereas, the united voice of complaint from the whole, might make ill impressions in their own country, which it is not our interest should exist.

" We are already greatly embarrassed with the Frenchmen among us ; and, from the genius of the people, shall continue to be so. It were to be wished, that our agents in France, instead of courting them to come out, were instructed to give no encouragement, but where they could not help it ; that is, where applications were made to them by persons countenanced and supported by great men, whom it would be impolitic to disoblige. Be assured, Sir, we shall never be able to satisfy them ; and they can be of no use to us, at least for some time. Their ignorance of our language ; of the disposition of the people ; the resources and deficiencies of the country ; their own habits and tempers : all these are disqualifications that put it out of their power to be of any real service to us. You will consider what I have said entirely as my own senti- ments."— Hamilton to Duer, 6 May, 1777.

4o8 THE WRITIXGS OF [1777

portance, and which is considered in the same light by many of our otticers, and others not in the military- line. The subject I allude to is the condition of man\' persons now with the enemy, who, deluded by their arts and a misguided attachment to their measures, fled from the protection of the States, to find security' w^ith them, and who in many instances are in arms against us. It has been suggested through various channels. and the suggestion seems to be credited, especially as some have already escaped, that many of these un- happy people, convinced of their error and the wicked part they have taken, would embrace the earliest op- portunity of leaving the enemy and returning among us, were they sure of being received into our friend- ship again, and of enjoying their property- and the risfhts of citizens.

This subject, in the consideration of it, strikes me as important, interesting, and delicate, involving many consequences worthy of mature deliberation and attention. As such, and deeminof myself in- competent to it, I think it my dut}- to submit it to Congress for their discussion, to take such measures therein as thev shall esteem necessar\' and rio-ht. If these people, particularly those in arms, are ingen- uous in what has been hinted, and it is their wish, or that of any considerable part of them, to return, I should suppose it would be expedient, and founded in sound policy, to give ever}' suitable assurance to induce them to come. Such an event would be at- tended with salutajy- effects, would weaken the enemy, distress them greatly, and would probably have a

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 409

most happy influence in preventing others from join- ing their arms. On the other hand, the indulgence may be liable to great abuse, supposing it not to be duly guarded ; or, if the effects produced by it should be partial, they will not be adequate to the ends in view. Yet, as the enemy on their part are using ever}' device they are capable of, to seduce both sol- diers and citizens from our serA^ce into theirs, and have succeeded but too well, it is generally thought in the militar}- line, that something should be at- tempted to counteract them. Whether Congress will be of the same sentiment, and, if they should, what and how extensive the mode and indulcrence

o

ought to be, is entirely with them.

There is one difficulty that occurs to me, supposing the measure to be adopted. What line of discrimi- nation can be drawn upon such an occasion, though circumstances should differ and seem to require it ? While the poor, deluded, ignorant, duped by artifices and a thousand causes to lead them wrong, have a claim to their country's pardon and indulgence, there are many of well-informed understanding, who, from their early-avowed hostile dispositions and inveterate disregard of her rights, and those who have taken a double and triple part, cannot have the same preten- sions ; whose only view in returning may be to serve their own sordid purposes, and the better to promote those plans they have steadily pursued.

One thing more I would obser\-e, which is, that if Congress judge an adoption of measures eligible on the subject of my letter, the sooner it is come into

41 o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

the better, for the most obvious reasons ; and the time allowed for those to return, who wish the indul- gence, should be fixed at a short period not longer in my opinion that till the — day of next; other- wise they may avail themselves of the circumstance, and wait events to decide their choice. If any good consequences are produced, the means can be renewed and further extended. Congress will be pleased to excuse me for thus freely communicating my senti- ments, especially when I assure them that they are dictated by what I esteem my duty. I have the honor to be, &c.

P. S. The more I consider the Subject of my Let- ter, the more important and interesting it appears, I am inclined to think, if the measure proposed should be deemed expedient, that it will be better, that the indulgencies and assurances for their return, should be communicated thro' the medium of some Second, secret Hand, qualified to offer them, and negotiate the business, rather than by an Act of public Author- ity. Opportunities, I should suppose, may be found, by which they may obtain due information, in that way, and which will not hold out to the Enemy the same cause of Suspicion and of vigilance pre- vent their escaping. Whatever more shall be con- sidered most advisable, should be immediately adopted. What time should be allowed in the first instance, I am at a loss to determine. If the contin- uance is too short, there may be danger of their not being apprized so as to get off. If 't is too long,

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 411

they '11 defer matters to the last and act then as cir- cumstances of Interest dictate; to err in the form will be least injurious.'

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MiDDLEBROOK, 5 June, 1777.

Sir,

I this morning had the honor of your letter of the 5th with its enclosures. The resolution of the 30th of May, respecting the French gentlemen, who came passengers in the Amphitrite, reached camp before

' Read in Congress June 6th. Referred to the Board of War.

" Whereas General Howe has by offers of reward endeavored to induce the soldiers of the United States to desert and go over to him ; Resolved, That Gen- eral Washington be empowered to offer such rewards as he shall judge proper to deserters from the enemy, whether horse or foot, encouraging them by suita- ble offers to bring with them their arms and horses." — yournals, 4 June, 1777.

" I have received Information that the Regiment under your command have refused to do duty, or come to camp for that purpose, and giving as their reason that they were set at Liberty on Parole and are therefore afraid of falling a sec- ond time into the Enemy's hands — This I would willingly disbelieve — as I cannot be of opinion that any officer would suffer men to act or speak in th.Tt manner — as they must be sensible that men were not Enlisted merely to make use of the Public Money and provision and when called to real service, pretend to give any excuse for not complying with Orders — I should suppose there can- not be a great many of them under these circumstances, and if there are they must have known the conditions at the time of Enlistment. " — Washington to the Commanding Officer of Pennsylvania Regimental New Town, 2 June, 1777.

" It is with infinite regret, I am again compelled to remonstrate against that spirit of wanton cruelty, that has in several instances influenced the conduct of your soldiery. A recent exercise of it towards an unhappy ofiicer of ours Lieuten- ant Martin convinces me, that my former representations on this subject have been unavailing. That Gentleman by the fortune of war, on Saturday last was thrown into the hands of a party of your horse, and unnecessarily murdered with the most aggravated circumstances of barbarity. I wish not to wound your Lordship's feelings, by commenting on this event ; but I think it my duty to send his mangled body, to your lines as an undeniable testimony of the fact should it be doubted, and as the best appeal to your humanity for the justice of our complaint." — Washington to Lord Cornwallis, 2 June, 1777.

412 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

your letter, and has excited much uneasiness in the artillery corps.' The enclosed copy of a letter from General Knox will convey their anxiety upon the subject ; which I think it necessary to transmit, as well from duty as on account of his request. The difficulties upon this occasion arise from the peculiar circumstances of most of the officers composing the artillery regiments at this time. I do not know, for my own part, what operation Congress precisely meant the resolution should have ; but if the commis- sions, which these gentlemen are to receive, should give them rank from the date of those they had from the King of France, or from their compact with Mr. Deane, there are but few officers now in the artillery, who will not be superseded in their command, unless some method is adopted to prevent it. This, I am persuaded, Congress had not in contemplation, be- cause it is opposed to policy and to justice ; and I am led to believe the resolution was come into for want of due information how matters were circumstanced in this instance.^

' Blank commissions were sent to Washington, the rank of the officers to be settled by the date of their brevet commissions from the King of France — No- vember and December, 1776.

The obvious construction of these words led to the inference, that the Ameri- can officers were all to rank below these appointments. But Congress removed the obscurity, and set the matter in a proper light, by a subsequent resolve, that the relative rank of the French officers among themselves only was intended, and that their commissions were to bear date on the day when they should be filled by General Washington. — yournah, June loth. Ducoudray's list of officers consisted of six captains and twelve lieutenants, besides his aid, who was an American.

- There was trouble brewing in other directions through the liberality of Deane in giving appointments.

" With much surprize I have been informed, that objections have been made

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 413

The officers now in the artillery I am obliged to consider of great merit. Experience has proved them to be most warmly attached to the rights of their country ; and their conduct in the line of their profes- sion has been such, as does the highest honor to themselves and the gentleman who immediately com- mands them. Without derogating in the least from the character of the French officers, who are to be commissioned, and whom I wish to receive every countenance they merit, there is strong reason to doubt, laying aside every consideration of policy, whether they have seen as much real service as our own in the course of two campaigns. It would be hard, not to say unjust, that the latter should lose their command when they have a claim to every mark of favor, and after they have taken great pains to form their companies. The service requires that they should not ; and I am convinced the event would be attended with the most fatal consequences.

to receiving Monsr. Colerus into a Majority in the Regiment under your com- mand, and that he was treated with indifference and disrespect on his arrival at Princetown with my Letter.

" This Gentleman was appointed to the rank of Major, and commissioned in the Army of the States last fall by the Congress, and I have strong hopes, that he will render essential services and such as will do him honor ; But, be this as it may, as he holds a Commission under the same authority, that others do in the Army, and was appointed by me to fill one of the vacant Majority's in your Regiment, no officer of inferior or the same rank, whose appointment was subsequent to his, has a right to complain, nor will such conduct be counte- nanced or the like in future pass without being properly noticed.

"You were not at Princetown, when Monsr. Colerus came to take his post, and therefore are not acquainted with the circumstances that then happened ; but I shall expect to hear no further objections upon the subject, and that he will immediately take a Majority in the Regiment and rank according to the date of his commission and such Rules as are adopted for adjusting matters of the like nature in the Army." — Washington to Colonel Hazen, 4 June, 1777.

414 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

But what is to be done ? This is a case of diffi- culty, view it as you will. I am not for rejecting the French gentlemen ; far otherwise ; I am for employ- ing them ; and public faith, and the encouragements given to bring them over, demand that it should be done. After much thought and consideration upon the subject, two modes occur to me, as the only possible ones by which it can be effected, and by which the inconveniences I have mentioned can be remedied. One is, that the new corps of artillery should be formed, and these gentlemen attached to it. This, we have reason to fear, cannot be done, from the difficulties we have experienced in raising men, and from their having no interest or connexions with the people. Their situation in such case, if they are men of sentiment and active dispositions, would be irksome and distressing. The other is, that our present officers now under consideration should have their commissions antedated, to give them precedency of rank ; and this may be done with the greater pro- priety, as most of them were intended to hold the posts they now sustain, before the French gentlemen had any claim upon us. It is true they were not commissioned, because the old corps existed under the first arrangement. Further it is said, and there is no doubt of the fact, that these gentlemen were promoted by brevet just before their departure from France, merely to give them rank here ; antecedent to which, our officers were superior to them in this point ; and these brevets only confer local rank, con- fined to the French-American colonies. This latter

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 415

mode appears the most eligible. If it is adopted, they will be distributed through the corps as assistant officers. Their want of a knowledge in our language incapacitates them for command in the first instance ; and not only so, but to place them at the head of companies, over officers that have been at great trouble, pains, and expense in raising the men, would be both unmilitary and unjust.

I shall now quit the subject, wishing that whatever will best conciliate matters, and advance the public good, may be done ; suggesting at the same time with all deference, that, as it is much easier to pre- vent evils, than to remedy them after they have happened, it will be well, in all cases of foreign and indeed other applications, that the consequences, which granting them will involve, should be maturely weighed and taken in every point of view. In the present case of difficulty, things, I am persuaded, might have been adjusted with the greatest facility, had the Committee of Foreign Applications been fully possessed of all the circumstances respecting the artillery regiments. * * * I have the honor, &c.'

The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) (part 10)

TO APPOLOS MORRIS.

Headquarters, Middle Brook, 6 June, 1777.

Sir,

I am favd. with yours of the 26 and 29 May from both of which it is evident to me that you have at length determined upon the part which you are to

' Read in Congress June gth. Referred to Board of War.

41 6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

take in this great dispute. I will not argue with you upon the propriety of your Conduct, but I cannot help saying, that I think it very odd, that after being denied an answer to your political Queries, which appears from Mr. Allen's letter to you of the 2d April, you should upon the bare assertion or rather opinion of that Gentleman, expressed in his letter of the 8th of May, conclude that matters between this Country and Great Britain might have been adjusted, had any terms short of Independence been insisted upon. I must tell you in plain terms, that at this time a neutral character is looked upon as a sus- picious one ; and I would therefore advise you to leave a Country with a Majority of whom you can- not agree in Sentiment, and who are determined to Assert their liberties by the ways and means which necessity and not the love of War has obliged them to adopt.

I thank you for your expressions of personal Regard and am, Sir, &c.'

TO COLONEL SAMUEL B. WEBB.

Camp at Middlebrook, 7 June, 1777.

Dr. Sir,

By Mr. Turnbull who is just past this for Phila- delphia I am informed that you have lately drawn 500 Hunting Shirts — 500 Waistcoats — & 500 over-

' " A letter of the 6th from General Washington to R. Morris, esq ; inclosing one to Appolos Morris, was read ; whereupon, Resolved, that General Arnold be directed to put Major Appolos Morris under immediate arrest and confine. ment, until the further order of Congress." — yournah of Congress, 9 June. 1777. The Major was soon after admitted to parole, with permission to go to Europe or the West Indies.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 417

alls, in addri. to the Cloathing you obtained some time ago — By a late return from Genl. Putnam who comds. at Peekskill, dated the 31st Ulto. it appears that of your Regiment, he has only 2 1 men at that Post — and, by a Return from Genl. Parsons of the 13th of ye same M. it further appears that the whole strength of your Regiment was only 205 Rank & file. — What is the meaning of all this ? & in what point of view am I to consider such proceedings ? — Can you conceive it necessary that your Regiment, is to have one Suit for parade, and another to march to New Haven. Present appearances render it doubtful whether they will ever get further or intend to leave the State of Connecticut — and more than all this can you think it justifiable to Keep 200 and odd spare suits by them when a numbr. of poor fellows who have been doing hard duty in the Field have scarcely cloathing to cover their nakedness and many of them rendered unfit for duty for want thereof whilst the clothier Genl. knows not where to provide them.

I am sorry you oblige me to tell you in plain terms that this conduct is highly offensive to me and you are hereby injoined to proceed with every man of your Regiment fit for duty immediately to Peekskill leaving the necessary officers with proper Instructions to Recruit to your Establishmt.

You are to carry all the cloathing into Peekskill that the Troops there may be benefitted by the super- fluity of your Regimt.

I well remember that you, to obviate my objections to cloathing your men in red propos'd Hunting shirts

4i8 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

as a covering ; but I then observed that this could not be expected at the PubHc expence, nor had I any conception that you could have entertained the most distant thought of drawing these things from the Public Stores, when you must have known how diffi- cult a matter it is to provide for the large demands of the Army.

It is with pain, I have been induced to express myself in a language so pointed ; but your own re- flection will convince you that I have but too much reason. I am &c.

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Head Quarters, Middle Brook, 8 June, 1777.

Sir,

I was this morning honored with your favor of the 6th Instant with its Inclosures.

I am extremely happy in the approbation. Con- gress have been pleased to express of my conduct, respecting the proposed Cartel for the Exchange of prisoners, and shall govern myself by the principle which influenced me on that occasion and such other as shall appear right and just, should there be any further negociation on the subject.'

I shall order a return to be made of the Chaplains in service, which shall be transmitted, as soon as it is obtained. At present, as the Regiments are greatly

' Congress had approved the General's conduct, and the reasoning contained in his letter of the gth of May, " making no doubt of the facts upon which his arguments are founded being duly ascertained ; and that the General be in- formed it is the opinion of Congress that he strictly adhere to the principles contained in the said letter." — jfournals, 6 June, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 419

dispersed, part in one place and part in another, and accurate States of them have not been made, it will not be in my power to forward it immediately. I shall here take occasion to mention, that I communi- cated the Resolution appointing a Brigade Chaplain in the place of all others, to the several Brigadiers : They are all of opinion, that it will be impossible for 'em to discharge the duty — that many inconveniences and much dissatisfaction will be the result, and that no Establishment appears so good in this in- stance as the Old one. Among many other weighty objections to the measure, it has been suggested, that it has a tendency to introduce religious dis* putes into the Army, which above all things should be avoided ; and in many instances would compel men to a mode of Worship, which they do not pro- fess. The old Establishment gives every Regiment an opportunity of having their own religious senti- ments— is founded on a plan of a more generous toleration, — and the choice of Chaplains to officiate has been generally in the Regiments. — Supposing one Chaplain could do the duties of a Brigade (which supposition, however, is inadmissible, when we view things in practice), that being composed of Four or five — perhaps in some instances six Regiments, there might be so many different modes of Worship. I have mentioned the opinion of the Officers and these hints to Congress upon this subject, from a principle of duty, and because, I am well assured, it is most foreign to their wishes or intention to excite by any act, the smallest uneasiness & jealousy among the Troops.

420 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

There remains no room to believe otherwise, than that the Enemy are on the point of moving. This is confirmed by Intelligence from all Quarters and thro so many different channels, that we must con- sider it certain. Whether they will move of Land or Water or by both, cannot be ascertained, nor is their destination precisely known : — but every circumstance points out Philadelphia as their Object. Being of this opinion, I have directed the Return of Genl. Mifflin. Before he left Philadelphia, I wrote counter- manding the Order for his coming here, but he did not receive my Letter. I would also mention to Con- gress that I think the Military Stores lately arrived at or coming to Philadelphia should be removed to a place of perfect security.

Tho I would not excite — needless — uneasy appre- hensions prudence requires, that those so essential, should not be exposed to risk. I have, &c.

TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.

MiDDLEBROOK, — June, 1777.

Dear Brother,

I think I stand Debtor to you for your Letters of the 2 2d of April and i ith of May, which are all that have come to hand since my last to you from Morris- town.

I am now assembling the Troops of this State and those Southward of it, at this place, which lays about Seven Miles from the Enemy's principal post at Brunswick and convenient for following them either

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 421

to Philadelphia or to the Eastward. — There has been no considerable movement among them of late — from every appearance Philadelphia is their object, and to facilitate their passage across the Delaware a number of flat-bottom'd Boats are provided and now ready upon Carriages to form a Bridge with — But appearances are deceiving — false colors are often thrown out to mislead or bewilder ; this may be the case now.

I cannot learn that the Enemy have, as yet re- ceived more than a few Recruits as a reinforcement, but I fancy they hourly expect transports with their foreign mercenarys. I can no otherwise account for Genl. Howe's inactivity, as his numbers all along have greatly exceeded mine, and at times doubled and tripled them. At present I could say things that would rather surprize you, but the uncertain conveyance of Letters makes it imprudent to entrust things to them that you would wish to conceal from the Enemy. — The different States must fall upon some decisive measures to compleat their Regiments, or no one can say what the consequences will be.

I hope I may congratulate you and my Sister on her happy recovery from the Small-pox, together with your Children. — the loss my Brother Sam has sustained will I fear, be very sensibly felt by him. Some mismanagement must surely have been in the way, for the Small Pox by Inoculation appears to me to be nothing ; my whole Family, I understand, are likely to get well through the disorder, with no other assistance than that of Doctor Lund — In short, one of

422 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

the best Physicians in this Army has assur'd me, that the great skill which many of the faculty pretend to have in the management of this disorder, and the great Art necessary to treat the patient well, is nei- ther more nor less than a cheat upon the world, that in general an old woman may Inoculate with as much success as the best Physician. The whole art lying in keeping the Patient rather low in diet, and cool, especially at the period of the eruptive fever. This he says is the only Art requisite. — To this, and the means by which the disorder is communicated (in- stead of receiving the Infection in ye natural way) the ease with which Patients get through, is to be attributed. There are particular cases, he adds, where some other disorder, or some uncommon cir- cumstances cast up, that may require the aid of Phy- sicians, but in general neither Physicians nor Physic is necessary except a few purgatives, which the white walnut bark, and many other things, the natural pro- duct of the country affords. That this is truely the case, I firmly believe, and my own People (not less I suppose than between two and three hundred), get- ting happily through it by following these directions, is no Inconsiderable proof of it — Surely that Impoli- tic Act, restraining Inoculation in Virginia, can never be continued — If I was a Member of that Assembly, I would rather move for a Law to compel the Mas- ters of Families to inoculate every child born within a certain limitted time under Severe Penalties. —

The account as you have no doubt seen by the Gazettes, and by my last Letter, of the Destruction

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 423

of some of our Stores at Danbury is true in part. — but trifling in comparison of what you have heard. — We lost no Powder at all ; about 1500 Barrels of Porke, and about the same number of (last years) Tents, was the chief loss we sustained, — Since that we have burnt 12 sail of the Enemy's Vessels at the East Ward of Long Island laden with 120 Tons of Pressed Hay, Rum &c. — one of which Vessels was armed with 12 Guns. The Party also bro't off 90 Prisoners, besides a few killed, on the side of the Enemy ; on our part not a man was hurt — In the Danbury affair I am well convinced from a number of concurring accounts the Enemy in killed, wounded, and missing, could not have lost less than 500 men.

My Love, and sincere good wishes attend, my Sis- ter and the rest of the Family, and with the most affect, regard I am, &c.

TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL HOWE.

MiDDLEBROOK, lo June, 1777.

Sir,

Your several letters of the 21st of April, 2 2d of May, and 5th instant, have been received. Having stated my sentiments in an explicit manner in my letter of the 9th of April, upon the subject of your demand and the disagreement between us, I thought it unnecessary to trouble you with a repetition of them. From the complexion of yours of the 21st of April, we appeared to differ so widely, that I could entertain no hopes of a compromise being effected, or that an answer would produce any good end. But,

424 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

as you have called upon me again for my final deter- mination upon the matter, I shall freely give it, after making some observations upon what you have said, with the intention to obviate the objections on my part to a compliance with your demand through Lieutenant-Colonel Walcott.

You admit the principle, upon which my objection to account for the whole number of prisoners sent out by you is founded, but deny the application, by delicately insinuating, in the first instance, that the ill treatment complained of, was " an expedient to cherish popular delusion," and by asserting, in the second, that, supposing their sufferings to have been real, they were to be ascribed to other causes, than those assigned by me. I shall not undertake to de- termine, on whom the charge of endeavoring to excite popular delusion falls with most propriety ; but I cannot forbear intimating, that, however successful ingenious miscolorings may be, in some instances, to perplex the understanding in matters of Speculation, yet it is difificult to persuade Mankind to doubt the Evidence of their Senses, and the reality of those facts, for which they can appeal to them. Unless this can be done, permit me to assure you, it will always be believed, whatever may be suggested to the contrary, that men could not be in a more deplora- ble situation, than those unhappy sufferers were, who are the subject of our difference. Did I imagine that you, Sir, had any serious scruples on the occasion, I might produce, in support of what I have alleged, the strongest proofs that Human testimony can afford.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 425

To prove that the prisoners did not suffer from any ill treatment or neglect of yours, you say, " they were confined in the most airy buildings and on board the largest transports in the fleet ; that they were sup- plied with the same provisions, both in quantity and quality, as were allowed to your Troops not on ser- vice ; that the sick, such of them as required peculiar care, were received into the British hospitals, and the rest attended by their own surgeons, who were sup- plied with medicines without restriction, till it was discovered, that they disposed of large quantities by private sale." That airy buildings were chosen to confine our men in, is a fact I shall not dispute. But, whether this was an advantage or not, in the Winter Season, I leave it to you to^decide. I am inclined to think it was not, especially as there was a General complaint, that they were destitute of fire the greater part of the time, and were only prevented from feel- ing the inclemency of the weather, in its extremest rigor, by their crowded situation. This, I must be- lieve, was not very conducive to their health ; and, if we may judge by comparison, we must conclude that they endured similar inconveniences on board the transports.

As to the supplies of provisions, I know not what they were. My ideas of the matter were drawn from their united testimony, confirmed by their appear- ance, which represented the allowance as insufificient in quantity, bad in quality, and irregularly served. You yourself mention some " accidental instances of omission." I apprehend they were much more fre-

426 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

quent, than you were apprized of. It may not be improper to observe, that there is a material differ- ence between persons confined and deprived of every means of subsistence, in aid of their allowance, and those who are at large and have other resources, as is the case with your Troops when not on service, who have the benefit of their pay, and what they can oc- casionally gain by their labor. You might also find from inquiry, that we made no distinction in our sup- plies, between your soldiers, prisoners with us, and our own in the field. They were not stinted to a scanty pittance, but had full as much as they could use, and of the best kind. In respect to the atten- tion paid to the sick, I am sorry their accommodation was injured, in any degree, by the misconduct of the surgeons. I heartily join with you in reprobating their proceedings, and shall esteem it a favor, if you will point out the persons, and furnish me with such proofs of their guilt as you maybe possessed of. The more effectually to exonerate yourself from the consequences imputed to the neglect or ill treat- ment of the prisoners, you assert they had every comfort and assistance from you, that your situation would admit ; and that they wanted nothing but money and cloathing, which ought to have been fur- nished by me. Had we left your prisoners with us to depend entirely upon the supplies they drew imme- diately from you, their condition would have been little better than ours in your hands. Your officers and soldiers can both inform you, that they experi- enced every mark of public and private generosity, that

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 427

could be shown them. Frequent instances might be adduced, that, on notice of your men being in want, orders were immediately given, that necessaries should be procured for them. Every thing was done, on our part, to facilitate any steps you took for the same end.

You were permitted to have an agent amongst us, countenanced by public authority, and allowed every latitude he could wish to enable him to execute his office. I am sorry to say, the same conduct has not been observed towards us ; and that there are in- stances to show, that, far from endeavoring to re- move the difficulties, which necessarily lay in our way, to making such ample supplies as we could wish, obstacles have been made, that might very well have been waved. A late instance of this is to be found in your refusing to let us have a procuring agent with you, who might purchase what was necessary to sup- ply the wants of our men. You must be sensible, that, for want of a regular mode being adjusted for mutually conveying supplies, there was a necessity for an exercise of generosity on both sides. This was done by us, and we supposed would have been done by you, which made us less anxious in provid- ing, than we should have been, had we foreseen what has really happened. We ascribed every deficiency on your part to the indeterminate situation of affairs in this respect ; and, looking forward to a more prov- ident arrangement of the matter, we thought it our duty not to let the prisoners with us be destitute of any thing requisite for their preservation, and ima-

428 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

gined that your reasonings and feelings would have been the same.

Your saying that we were frequently advised of their distress Is of little avail. It was not done, till it was too late to remedy the ill consequences of the past neglect, and till our prisoners were already re- duced to a miserable extremity. I wish their suffer- ings may not have been increased in the article of cloathing, by their being deprived of what they had, through the rapacity of too many of their captors. Reports of this kind have not been wanting.

You further observe, that my own experience would suggest whether our army, in the course of the last campaign, was not subject to the same calamitous mortality with the prisoners in your possession. I cannot but confess, that there was a great degree of sickness among us ; but I can assure you, that the mortality bore no kind of resemblance to that, which was experienced by the prisoners with you ; and that the disorders in the camp had nearly ceased before the captivity of a large proportion of them. The garrison, that fell into your hands on the i6th of November, was found, I am convinced, in perfect health.

In reply to my intimation, that it would have been happy, if the Expedient of sending out our men had been earlier thought of, you are pleased to say, that the Event has proved the caution with which you ought to have adopted the measure. What inference can be drawn from my refusing to account for pris- oners, scarcely alive, and by no means in an ex-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 429

changeable condition, to warrant an insinuation, that I should have done the same, had they been released under different circumstances, let your own candor determine. But then you ask, " How is the cause of debility in prisoners to be ascertained ? " This seems to be considered as a perplexing Question. For my part, I cannot view it as involving any great difficulty. There is no more familiar mode of reasoning, than from effects to causes, even in matters of the most interesting importance. In the subject before us, the appearance of the prisoners, and what eventually happened, proved that they had been hardly dealt with ; but their joint asseverations, aided by the in- formation of others not interested in the distress, more than as they regarded the rights of humanity, established the fact too firmly for Incredulity itself to doubt it.

I should hardly believe you to be serious in your application of the exception, to which you allude, to the case of Major-General Lee, if you had not per- sisted in a discrimination respecting him. I did not entertain the most distant Idea, that he could have been supposed to come under the description con- tained in it ; and to force such a construction upon that gentleman's circumstances, however it may be an Evidence of ingenuity, is but an indifferent speci- men of candor. I still adhere to what I have already advanced on this Head. I can by no means think of departing from it.

I am now to give you my final decision on the sub- ject of your demands. In doing this, I can do little

430 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

more than repeat what I have already said. I am extremely desirous of a general exchange, on liberal and impartial principles ; and it is with great concern I find, that a matter, so mutually interesting, is im- peded by unnecessary obstacles. But I cannot con- sent to its taking place, on terms so disadvantageous as those you propose, and which appear to me so con- trary to justice and the spirit of our agreement. I think it proper to declare, that I wish the difference between us to be adjusted on a generous and equita- ble plan, and mean not to avail myself of the release- ment of the prisoners to extort any thing from you not compatible with the strictest justice. Let a rea- sonable proportion of prisoners to be accounted for be settled, and General Lee declared exchangeable, when we shall have an officer of yours of equal rank in our possession. I ask no more. These being done, I shall be happy to proceed to a General Ex- change. But, in the mean time, I am willing that a partial one should take place for the prisoners now in your hands, as far as those in ours will extend, except with respect to Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell and the Hessian field-officers, who will be detained till you recognise General Lee as a prisoner of war, and place him on the footing I claim. This latter proposition I am induced to make, from the distinc- tion which your Letter of the 2 2d of May seems to hold forth ; and I think it necessary to add, that your conduct towards prisoners will govern mine.

The situation of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, as represented by you, is such as I neither wished nor

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 431

approve. Upon the first intimation of his complaints, I wrote upon the subject, and hoped there would have been no further cause of uneasiness. That gen- tleman, I am persuaded, will do me the justice to say, he has received no ill treatment at my instance. Unnecessary severity and every species of insult I despise, and, I trust, none will ever have just reason to censure me in this respect. I have written again on your remonstrance, and have no doubt such a line of conduct will be adopted, as will be consistent with the dictates of humanity and agreeable to both his and your wishes. I am. Sir, &c.'

' *^ Resolved, That general Washington be directed to inform general Howe, that this Congress most sincerely lament the necessity to which they are driven by the cruel policy of their enemies, of entering into any resolutions which have any appearance of severity towards those prisoners of war who have fallen or may fall into our hands ; but that there are no other means in our power of in- ducing our enemies to respect the rights of humanity ; that with this view only it is their determined resolution to carry into execution the law of retaliation : that if any persons belonging to or employed in the service of the United States, or any of them, who now are, or hereafter may be, prisoners to lord or general Howe, or any other commander of his Britannic majesty's forces by sea or land, shall be sent to the realm of Great Britain, or any part of the dominions of the said king, to be there confined in common gaols of Great Britain, or any other place or places of confinement, in pursuance of any act or acts of the British par- liament, or any other pretence whatever ; it is the resolution of this Congress, to treat the prisoners now in our power, and such as hereafter may fall into our hands, in a manner as nearly similar as circumstances will admit." — yournals of Congress, lo June, 1777.

Mr. Robert Morris had been an agent for transmitting money to General Lee. He received a letter from that officer, dated May 19th, in which he wrote : " The two small bills remain as yet unpaid, but I have no occasion for money at present, as my table is very handsomely kept by the General, who has indeed treated me in all respects with kindness, generosity, and tenderness." Mr. Morris read this letter to Congress, whereupon it was resolved, that the Coun- cil of Massachusetts and the Governor of Virginia should be informed of the condition of General Lee, and the former be requested to treat Colonel Camp- bell, and the latter the five Hessian officers, with kindness, generosity, and tend- erness, consistent with the safe custody of their persons. — yournals, 2 June.

432 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO JOSEPH REED.

MiDDLEBROOK, 14 June, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 4th was given me by Joseph Arrowsmith, just as Mr. Peters informed me that he was about to set out for Philadelphia. I could not resist the inclination, however, of detaining him long enough to write you a short letter, to thank you as I do most sincerely, for the friendly and affectionate sentiments contained in yours of the above date towards me, and to assure you that I am perfectly convinced of the sincerity of them.

True it is, I felt myself hurt by a certain letter, which appeared at that time to be the echo of one from you. I was hurt, not because I thought my judgment wronged by the expressions contained in it, but because the same sentiments were not communi- cated immediately to myself. The favorable manner in which your opinions, upon all occasions, had been received, the impression they made, and the un- reserved manner in which I wished and required them to be given, entitled me, I thought, to your advice upon any point in which I appeared to be wanting. To meet with any thing, then that carried with it a complexion of withholding that advice from me, and censuring my conduct to another, was such an argument of disingenuity, that I was not a little mortified at it. However, I am perfectly satisfied that matters were not as they appeared from the letter alluded to.'

' Referring to Lee's letter. See vol. v., p. 45, note.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 433

I sincerely wish that you may accept the appoint- ment of Congress, and the post I am desirous of placing you in, and must beg to be favored with an answer immediately upon the subject, as the service will not admit of delay. A general officer in that department would not only take off a great deal of trouble from me, but be a means of bringing those regiments into order and service with much more facility than it is in my power, divided as my atten- tion is, possibly to do. Mr. Peter's waiting obliges me to conclude.'

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Head-Quarters, Middlebrook, 16 June, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have your favr. of the 9th & 10th instant.

The account brought by the officers from Canada may not be entirely true, but that part which speaks of a removal of some regiments down the river favors an opinion, that I have for some time entertained ; which is, that, if Genl. Howe had not a certainty of a full reinforcement from England, part of the Troops from Canada would be ordered round for that pur- pose. That the European reinforcement will be short, or be very late, is beyond a doubt, and there- fore the move from Canada more probable.

On the night of the 13th Genl. Howe began his march from Brunswic, seemingly with an intention to

' " It occurs to me, that, if you were to dress a company or two of true woods- men in the right Indian style, and let them make an attack accompanied with screaming and yelling, as the Indians do, it would have very good consequences, especially if as little as possible were said or known of the matter beforehand." — Instructions to Col. Daniel Morgan, 13 June, 1777.

434 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

push directly for Delaware. In the Course of the Night, his Front reached Somerset Court-House, eight or nine miles from Brunswic, where he halted, and has remained ever since. His Rear is still at Brunswic. I do not know whether this was intended as a real move towards Philadelphia, or whether it is to endeavor to draw us down from the Heights we occupy along his whole Front' The Militia turn out in a very spirited manner, and seem determined, in conjunction with the Continental Troops, to harass and oppose the Enemy upon their march through the Country. His principal difficulty will be in crossing the Delaware. We shall hang heavy upon his rear, and I expect that Genl Arnold and Mifflin will meet him with a considerable force, (made up of Conti- nental troops and militia,) upon the western Side of the Delaware. As soon as I found that the Enemy had drawn their force into Jersey, from whence they could not remove it, without a good deal of previous notice, I ordered down all the troops from Peekskill except one thousand effective Continentals and the militia, which is a force superior to any that the Enemy now have in New York or its dependencies, and therefore fully sufficient to prevent any surprise. When these troops come down, our army will be respectable, and I hope not only able to check, but to make an impression upon some part of the enemy's line. * * * I am, &c.

' Sir William Howe, in describing this movement, says that his only object was to bring the American army to a general action. — Letter to Lord G. Ger- maine, July 5th. His plan had for some time been settled to proceed to Pennsylvania by water.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 435

TO MAJOR-GENERAL ARNOLD/

Head Quarters Camp at Middlebrook, 17 June, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have received your favor of the i6th Inst.

You mention a want of intelHgence respecting my situation, and that of the enemy. As to mine, the main body of our army are encamped at Middlebrook, and a considerable body under General Sullivan at Sourland Hills. The position here is very strong, and with a little labor, which will be bestowed upon it, will be rendered a great deal more so. The passes in the mountains are for the most part extremely diffi- cult, and cannot be attempted with any degree of propriety. Our right is our most accessible and weakest part, but two or three redoubts will render it as secure as could be wished. The enemy are strongly posted, having their right at Brunswic and their left at Somerset. Besides being well fortified on their right, they have the Raritan all along their front, and the Millstone on their left. In this situa- tion an attack upon them would not be warranted by a sufficient prospect of success, and might be attend- ed with the most ruinous consequences. My design therefore is to collect all the force, that can properly be drawn from other quarters, to this post, so as

' As soon as the news reached Philadelphia, that General Howe was moving to Brunswic, Congress ordered General Arnold to Trenton ; and by a subsequent resolution, subject to the concurrence of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, was directed to take command of all the militia at Bristol, and on every other part of the river to the eastward of Philadelphia. — Journals, 14 June, 1777. He was now at Coryell's Ferry, taking measures to prevent the enemy from crossing the Delaware, should such an attempt be in view.

436 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

to reduce the security of this army to the greatest possible certainty, and to be in a condition of embra- cing any fair opportunity that may offer to make an advantageous attack upon them. In the mean time, I intend by hght bodies of mihtia, countenanced by a few Continental troops, to harass them, and weaken their numbers by continual skirmishes.

I have ordered all the Continental troops at Peeks- kill, except the number requisite for the security of the post, to hasten on to this army,' and shall draw a part of General Sullivan's troops to reinforce our right ; leaving the rest at and about Sourland Hills to gall the flank and rear of the enemy ; with orders, in case of any movement towards us, to endeavor to form a junction, or, if this should not be practicable, to fall briskly upon their rear or flank. The views of the enemy must be to destroy this army, and get pos- session of Philadelphia. I am, however, clearly of opinion, that they will not move that way, till they have endeavored to give a severe blow to this army. The risk would be too great to attempt to cross a river, where they must expect to meet a formidable opposition in front, and would have such a force as ours in their rear. They might possibly be success- ful, but the probability would be infinitely against them. Should they be imprudent enough to do it, I

' General Putnam was ordered, June 12th, to send forward Generals Parsons, McDougall, and Glover, with all the Continental troops at Peekskill, except one thousand effective men ; which number, in conjunction with the militia and convalescents at that post, was deemed equal to the number of the enemy on the east side of the Hudson. The above detachments were ordered to march in three divisions, each to follow one day's march behind the other, and each of the first two divisions to be attended liy two pieces of artillery.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 437

shall keep close upon their heels, and do every thing in my power to make the project fatal to them. But besides the argument for their intending, in the first place, a stroke at this army, drawn from the policy of the measure, every appearance coincides to confirm the opinion. Had they designed for the Delaware in the first instance, they would probably have made a secret, rapid march for it, and not halted, as they have done, to awaken our attention, and give us time to prepare for obstructing them. Instead of that, they have only advanced to a position necessary to facilitate an attack upon our right, which is the part they have the greatest likelihood of injuring us in ; and, added to this consideration, they have come out as light as possible, leaving all their baggage, pro- visions, boats, and bridges at Brunswic ; which plainly contradicts the idea of pushing for the Delaware.

It is an happy circumstance, that such an animation prevails among the people. I would wish to let it operate and draw as many as possible together, which will be a great discouragement to the enemy, by show- ing that the popular spirit is at such a height ; and at the same time will inspire the people themselves with confidence in their own strength, by discovering to every individual the zeal and spirit of his neighbors. But after they had been collected a few days, I would have the greater part of them dismissed, as not being immediately wanted, desiring them to hold themselves in readiness for any sudden call, and concerting sig- nals with them, at the appearance of which they are to fly to arms. I would have every means taken to

438 THE WRITINGS OF • [1777

eno-aee a couple thousand of them for a month, or as much more as they can be induced to consent to. In this case they will be able to render essential service, both by an addition of strength for the present, and by lessening the fatigue and duty of the Continental army, which will tend to preserve them both in health and spirits. You will forward on all the Continental troops by a safe route, as fast as they arrive. But you need send over no more of the militia till further orders. I approve of your fortifying such places, as you judge most likely to frustrate any attempt of the enemy to pass the river. I am, with great regard, dear Sir, your most obedient servant.

P. S. I have been so crowded with business at Head Quarters, that I have not been able to write fully to Congress — I should therefore be glad you would communicate the purport of this letter to them.

TO M. DANMOURS.

Headquarters, Camp at Middlebrook, 19 June, 1777.

Sir,

I have received your favour of the 6th instant, transmitting me your observations on the state of American affairs, and the part that France is inter- ested by the motives of good Policy to act in conse- quence of it. Your reflections appear to me ex- tremely judicious and well founded, and prove that you have made a good use of your time, in collecting the information necessary to regulate your judgment,.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 439

in a matter that so intimately concerns all Europe as well as America. It were to be wished that senti- ments similar to yours were impressed upon the French Court ; and that they could be induc'd, not to delay an event so desirable both to them, and to us, as the one you are anxious^should take place. — An immediate declaration of war against Britain, in all probability, cou'd not fail to extricate us from all our difificulty's, and to cement the Bond of Friendship so firmly between France and America, as to produce the most permanent advantages to both — certainly nothing can be more the true Interests of France than to have a weight of such magnitude as America taken out of the Scale of British Power and opulence and thrown into that of her own and, if so, it cannot be adviseable to trust any thing to contingencies, when by a conduct decisively in our favor, the object in view, might be put upon a sure footing.

Permit me. Sir, to correct a mistake you have made, in narrating a fact, with respect to the Dan- bury expedition, in which some Magazines of ours were destroyed. — You mention only an hundred men, being lost to the Enemy, but from various accounts and circumstances, there is little reason to doubt, there must have been at least four hundred kill'd, wounded & taken — I have taken notice of this error ; because it is of some little importance, the affair shou'd be rightly stated, as it serves to show in a striking point of view the spirit of opposition pre- vailing among the People, which animated them to assemble on so sudden an occasion, and to attack a

440 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

regular Body of two thousand men, with so much vigor, as to force them to a precipitate return, Httle differing from a rout.

Genl. Howe has lately made a very extraordinary movement. He sallied out from Brunswick on the night of the 13th instant and marched towards Som- merset about nine miles distant, when he halted and began to fortify. — By this operation he had drawn much nearer to us, and was in a tolerably commo- dious posture for attacking our right, which led us to conjecture this might have been his design. — But all of a sudden He last night began to decamp, and with a good deal of expedition if not precipitation, has returned to his former position with his right at Amboy and his left at Brunswick. This was cer- tainly a hasty resolution, but from what motive it is not easy to determine. He had begun a chain of re- doubts from right to left, which together with other appearances indicated a design of remaining there some little time at least. His abandoning the ground he had taken and leaving the redoubts half finished is an argument that he had been disappointed in his views and found it necessary to alter them. Perhaps he was discouraged by the spirit that appeared among the inhabitants, who flocked together to join our Army, even beyond my expectations. As he began to retire in the night, had but a little way to go, was protected on his flank next to us by the Rariton and on his rear by the Millstone, I had little or no oppor- tunity of annoying him in his return. His Soldiery plundered the People as usual and burnt many valu- able houses in their rout.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 441

I am sorry it is not in my Power to avail myself of your services in the way you propose : — at the same time I assure you, I entertain as high an opinion of your zeal, and abilities as the opportunities I have had of knowing you will admit. I am, &c/

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Head Quarters, Middle Brook, 20 June, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I am favd. with yours of the i6th Instant from Fort Edward but that of the 14th from Saratoga to wh. you refer has not come to hand.

Supposing the plan mentioned in Amsbury's evi- dence to be true, I cannot conceive that it will be in the power of the Enemy to carry it into Execution ; but, to provide against all Events, I have ordered Genl. Putnam to hold four Massachusetts Reofiments in readiness at Peekskill, to go up the River at a moment's warning, and to order Sloops from Albany, which are to be kept for that purpose.^ It does not

' "You should be extremely cautious in your enquiries into the character of those who are not natives, who offer to enlist. Desertions among men of that class have been so frequent that unless you find 'em on examination to be of good & unsuspicious conduct, they should not be taken by any means. Otherwise, most probably, they will deceive you — add no strength to our arms, but much expence to the Public account and upon the first opportunity will join the Enemy. If those you have enlisted, are to be suspected, will exchange places with men in the marching regts. I have no objection ; I think it will be prudent they shou'd, but you cannot compell them without violating the conditions of their enlistment and doing an act of injustice." — Washington to Colonel Baylor, 19 June, 1777.

''■ A person by the name of Amsbury had been taken up by General St. Clair as a spy from Canada, brought before General Schuyler at Saratoga, and exam- ined. He stated, that the British forces were approaching St. John's, and were

442 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

appear that Burgoyne has brought any Reinforce- ments from Europe. If so, he cannot move with a greater force than five thousand men. He certainly will never leave the Garrison of Ticonderog-a in his rear ; and, if he invests it to any purpose, he will not have a sufficient Number left to send one Body from Oswego and another to cut off the communication between Fort Edward and Fort George. As the Garrison at Ticonderoga is sufficient to hold it against any attack, I do not think it politic, under your representation of the scarcity of provisions, to send up Troops to consume what ought to be thrown into the fort. Those Troops held ready by Genl. Putnam can always, upon a certainty of the Enemy's intention to pass by Ticonderoga with the whole or part of their force, be up time enough with the assistance of the militia to give them a check, as their march cannot be a very rapid one. * * *

I draw a very favorable omen from the intercepted letter to Genl. Sullivan. It shows that they despair of carrying their Schemes by force, and are reduced to the necessity of having recourse to the arts of Flat- tery, Bribery, and intimidation. The General is not at

to advance under General Burgoyne ; and also that a detachment of British troops, Canadians, and Indians was to penetrate the country by way of the Mohawk River. He added other particulars, respecting the strength and arrangements of the British army, which turned out to be nearly accurate, but of which no intelligence had before been obtained or anticipated ; for it had been a favorite idea with Congress and the Commander-in-chief, that the British would not operate in force from Canada during the present campaign, but that the troops would be chiefly brought round by water to reinforce Gen- eral Howe. Hence the small preparations for the defence of Ticonderoga, and for forming a northern army.

1

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 443,

this post ; I therefore cannot say how far it may be agreeable to him, for you to carry on the Corre- spondence in his name. If your letter has not gone, you had better wait for his concurrence, for it is a delicate matter.'

******

Since I began this letter, yours of the 14th came to* hand, the Contents of which are fully answered by what I have before written. I shall immediately forward the letter to Congress. It is evident from Genl St. Clair's letter, that it will not be proper to order up the reinforcement before it is really wanted ; for he very judiciously observes, that they will consume the Stores. I shall desire Genl. Sullivan to inform me whether he knows such a man as Robt. Shannon and what is his character. I cannot con- ceive what occasions the delay of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Continental Troops ; I have repeatedly wrote to them, in the most pressing manner, to have them sent on, but in vain. I how- ever hope that your Representations, as you are on the Spot, will have a better effect. * * *

' Amsbury the spy told General Schuyler, in the course of his examination, that, before he left Montreal, a certain Judge Levius gave to him a canteen, with directions to put it into the hands of General Sullivan, whom he supposed to command at Ticonderoga, and to request General Sullivan to remove a false bottom in the canteen, under which he would find a letter. The canteen had been accidentally left by Amsbury at Fort George ; but it was sent for, and brought to General Schuyler, who found the letter concealed in the manner de- scribed, and written, Amsbury said, by one Michael Shannon. He enclosed it to General Washington, by whom it was forwarded to General Sullivan. The letter was a shallow contrivance to try the fidelity and patriotism of an American general.

444 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MiDDLEBROOK, 20 June, 1777.

Sir,

When I had the honor of addressing you last, I in- formed you that the main body of the enemy had marched from Brunswic, and extended their van as far as Somerset Court-House. I am now to acquaint you, that, after encamping between these two posts and beginning a Hne of redoubts, they changed their ground yesterday morning and in the course of the preceding night, and returned to Brunswic again, burning, as they went, several valuable dwelling- houses. We had constantly light troops hovering round them as far as circumstances would permit ; but, being secured on their flanks by the Rariton and Millstone, they were difficult to approach ; and, without loss, they effected their return to their for- mer posts. This sudden and precipitate change in their operations has afforded matter for much specu- lation. We suppose their original design was to attempt an impression on our right, or to manoeuver us out of our ground, or to advance towards the Del- aware. Whether these conjectures were well founded, cannot be ascertained ; but it is probable, if they had an impression in view, they found it could not be attempted without great loss (as to bringing on an attack, they effectually secured themselves against one by the post they took); or, as passing the Dela- ware was their object, that, from the temper of the people, the prosecution of it, if not impracticable, would meet with much greater opposition than they

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 445

expected ; for I must observe, and with peculiar sat- isfaction I do it, that, on the first notice of the enemy's movements, the militia assembled in the most spirited manner, firmly determined to give them every annoyance in their power, and to afford us every possible aid.' This I thought it my duty to mention in justice to their conduct ; and I am in- clined to believe that General Howe's return, thus suddenly made, must have been in consequence of the information he received, that the people were flying to arms in every quarter to oppose him. I shall not reason upon this event ; but I cannot but consider it as a most fortunate and happy one to us, and the most distressing Mr. Howe has yet expe- rienced, unless he has schemes in contemplation be- yond the reach of my conjecture.

I should have written to Congress more frequently respecting the enemy after they came from Brunswic, had I not been almost constantly on horse-back, and had their designs been clear ; but as they were not, I did not wish to puzzle them with conjectures, more especially as I wrote to General Arnold (with whom

' " General Howe has suddenly quitted his new post between Somerest and Brunswick, and has returned to his old situation. The whole design of his making his late movement this way may possibly have been to induce us to draw off our troops from Peekskill ; though I think it most probable that he was disappointed in his expectations of the mannerin which we should act, and that finding the people turned out with great spirit to strengthen our opposition, he concluded it most prudent to relinquish his intentions and resume his former position. But lest the first supposition should be true, I have ordered Generals McDougal and Glover not to proceed. If they are at a distance from Peekskill they are to halt where they are ; and if they are near it, they are to go back. You will cease sending any more on." — Washington to Governor Trumbull, 2 June, 1777.

446 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I was obliged to correspond, that he might cooperate with me as circumstances should require) to transmit them copies of my letters;

^ W W W TT W

I omitted to mention in my Last, that in consulta- tion with my Genl. Officers, it was agreed, that pro- motions should be Regimental in the Army, for all officers under the rank of Field Officers, and for all of that rank, in the line of their State. This is now settled as a General Rule, a right being reserved However, that it may be made for particular merit out of this line or refused for demerit or any substan- tial objection.' I have, &c.

' The Board of War submitted the following propositions 4 June, 1776 : —

" Whereas Congress did on the i6th day of September in the year 1776 re- solve that the Legislative powers of each of the thirteen United States should appoint all the officers in the Regiments to be raised in their respective States ; and whereas some States proceeded to the appointment of their officers at an earlier day than others, by which means many of those who were Junior officers before the said 16 September would take rank of Senior ones, altho' they should both be promoted to the same rank in the new army, to prevent which and that no Controversies may hereafter arise on the Subject of Rank it is resolved.

" I. That every officer in the army of the United States under the Rank of a Brigadier General, who has been promoted or appointed by Congress, by the Commander in chief, or by the Legislative or Executive authority of any of the States, having authority so to do, by virtue of the above mentioned or any reso- lution of Congress since the said i6th day of September ; and who are not yet commissioned, shall have their commissions dated as on the 17th September, 1776, and such who are already commissioned, the Commander in chief or com- mander in any Department, shall alter to that date ; the date of said Commis- sions respecting only the rank of the officers, their pay shall commence from the respective times of their appointments.

" 2. That all persons who were officers before the said 17th day of September and continue so to be, shall have their rank in the army determined from the dates of their commissions previous to that day, and if the commissions of any two or more were of equal date, the rank of such, with respect to each other, shall be determined by their future rank in the army of the United States, and where

I

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 447

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MiDDLEBROOK, II o'clock P.M., 22 June, 1777.

Sir,

I have the honor and pleasure to inform you, that the enemy evacuated Brunswic this morning and retired to Amboy, burning many houses as they went along. Some of them, from the appearance of the flames, were considerable buildings. From several pieces of information, and from a variety of circum- stances, it was evident that a movement was in agita- tion, and it was the general opinion that it was

that has always been equal, then by ballot to be taken in such manner as the Commander in chief shall direct.

"3. That all Persons having heretofore served as officers in the army of the United States, and promoted on or since the 17 September, 1776, shall have their rank with respect to each other determined from their former rank and date of former commissions, and if two or more were of equal rank before such promotion, and all of whose former commissions bore the same date, their rank with respect to each other, shall be determined by ballot, to be taken in such manner, as the Commander in chief shall direct.

" 4. That all persons who have not heretofore been officers in the army of the United States and who have on or since the 17th September last been made so, shall have their rank with respect to each other determined by ballot, to be taken in such manner as the Commander in chief shall direct.

"5. That the commander in chief and commander of each Department re- spectively, shall order return to be made to them by the colonels or command- ing officers of corps, specifying the different ranks in which every officer of such Corps hath or doth serve, with the date of the Commissions he hath held, and the date of the Commission he doth now hold, and where no commissions have been issued to them, the date of the appointments noting by whom such appointment was made, and every officer what so ever that shall presume to make a false return of the date of his commission, or of the rank he holds, or did hold, shall upon conviction be ipso facto cashiered.

' ' 6. That the Board of War immediately write to the Governors, Presidents or Councils of Safety of each of the United States to send a return, specifying the names of the different officers, times of their appointment, & rank they hold in the new established regiments."

In Jno. Hancock's MS. "Agreed to send a copy to Genl. Washington, he to point out the objections, if he has any."

448 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

intended this morning. I therefore detached three brigades under the command of Major-General Greene to fall upon their rear, and kept the main body of the army paraded upon the heights, to sup- port them if there should be occasion. A party of Colonel Morgan's regiment of light-infantry attacked and drove the Hessian picket about sunrise; and, upon the appearance of General Wayne's brigade and Morgan's regiment (who got first to the ground) opposite Brunswic, the enemy immediately crossed the bridge to the east side of the river, and threw themselves into redoubts, which they had before con- structed. Our troops advanced briskly upon them ; upon which they quitted the redoubts without making any opposition, and retired by the Amboy road.

As all our troops, from the difference of their stations in camp, had not come up when the enemy began to move off, it was impossible to check them ; as their numbers were far greater than we had any rea- son to expect, being, as we were informed afterwards, between four and five thousand men. Our people pursued them as far as Piscataway ; but finding it impossible to overtake them, and fearing they might be led on too far from the main body, they returned to Brunswic. By information of the inhabitants. General Howe, Lord Cornwallis, and General Grant, were in the town when the alarm was first given ; but they quitted it very soon after.

In the pursuit. Colonel Morgan's riflemen exchanged several sharp fires with the enemy, which, it is im- magined, did considerable execution. I am in hopes that they afterwards fell in with General Maxwell,

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON.

449

who was detached last night with a strong party, to lie between Brunswic and Amboy to intercept any convoys or parties that might be passing ; but I have yet heard nothing from him. General Greene desires me to make mention of the conduct and bravery of General Wavne and Colonel Morgan, and of their officers and men, upon this occasion, as they con- stantly advanced upon an enemy far superior to them in numbers, and well secured behind strong redoubts. General Sullivan advanced from Rocky Hill to Brunswic with his division ; but, as he did not receive his order of march till very late at night, he did not arrive till the enemy had been gone some time. I have sent down Lord Stirling's division to reinforce General Maxwell ; in the morning I shall move the main body of the army to some secure post nearer Amboy, from whence we can with more ease annoy the enemy, than from this distance. I am inclined to think they mean to cross to Staten Island ; if they do, we may perhaps find an opportunity of making a stroke upon their rear ; at any rate we shall have a chance of obliging them to make a total evacuation of the State of Jersey. I have the honor to be, &c.'

TO JOSEPH REED.

MiDDLEEROOK, 23 June, 1777.'

' Read in Congress the 24th.

' By an oversight this letter was printed on page 195 of the present volume, under date of January 23d, as it was printed in the Life of Esther de Berdt. The letter is printed with the proper date in the Proceedings of the Massachu- setts Historical Society, vii., 137, but the name of the person to whom it was written is omitted.

45 o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Camp at Quibbletown, 25 June, 1777.

Sir,

When I had the honor to address you last, it was on the subject of the Enemy's retreat from Brunswick to Amboy and of the measure pursued to annoy them. At the time of writing, the information I had received respecting their loss was rather vague and uncertain ; But we have reason to believe from intellicrence thro' various channels since, that it was pretty considerable and fell chiefly on the Grenadiers and Light Infantry, who formed their covering party. The inclosed copy of a Letter, containing the information of a person just from New York, corresponds with other accounts on this Head and with the Declarations of some Deserters. Some of the accounts are that officers were heard to say, they had not suffered so severely since the affair at Princetown.

After the evacuation of Brunswic, I determined, with the advice of my general officers, to move the whole army the next morning to this post, where they would be nearer the enemy, and might act according to circumstances. In this I was prevented by rain, and they only moved yesterday morning. I have advanced Lord Stirling's division and some other troops lower down in the neighborhood of Matuchin meeting-house, and intended to have posted more there ; but found, on reconnoitring the ground, that it was low and disadvantageous, and still more unfavorable through a scarcity of water. These reasons, added to that of there not being the

:777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 451

smallest prospect of attacking the enemy in Amboy with a probability of success, secured on their flanks by water and in their front by strong redoubts across the neck, would not permit me, either in my own opinion or that of my general officers, to keep any greater body of men in that quarter, where they would have been dispersed, and of consequence ex- tremely insecure.

I have light parties lying close on the enemy's lines, to watch their motions, and who will be ready to act in conjunction with Lord Stirling's division and such other troops as it may be necessary to detach ; though I think, and so do the rest of the officers, that no event is likely to take place that will require more, since the idea of forcing their lines, or bringing on a general engagement on their own ground, is universally held incompatible with our in- terest, and that that number is sufficient to avail us of any advantages we can expect to arise from their retreating from Amboy, supposing notice of the fact should be obtained. Their contiguity to the Sound, and the small distance across it, having boats pre- pared to pass in, will enable them to get off, should they so incline, against every prudent and justifiable exertion on our part. Whether such is their design, is more than I can positively determine ; but there is every reason to believe, that they have been and are transporting their baggage to Staten Island, and making every preparation to embark on board their transports for some new expedition.

Your favor of the 24th I just now received, and am

452 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

extremely obliged by your cordial congratulations on the enemy's retreat from Brunswic, and favorable interpretation of the event of my conduct. The resolution you did me the honor to transmit shall have my attention. It is much to be regretted, that an express sent off to General Maxwell on Saturday night, to inform him of General Greene's movement towards Brunswic, that he might conduct himself accordingly, did not reach him. Whether the express went designedly to the enemy, or was taken, is not known ; but there is reason to believe he fell into their hands. If General Maxwell had received the order, there is no doubt but their whole rear-guard would have been cut off. This the enemy confessed themselves, as we are well informed by persons in Bonhamtown. By a reconnoitring party just re- turned, it is reported as a matter of doubt whether any of the enemy have removed from Amboy ; though' it is almost certain they have transported a great deal of their baggage. I have the honor to be, &c.'

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Camp at Middlebrook, 28 June, 1777.

Sir,

On Thursday morning General Howe advanced with his whole army in several columns from Amboy, as far as Westfield. We are certainly informed, that the troops sent to Staten Island returned the preced- ing evening, and, it is said, with an augmentation of marines, so that carrvingf them there was a feint with

' Read in Congress June 26th, and referred to the Committee of Intelligence.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 453

intention to deceive us. His design in this sudden movement was either to bring on a general engage- ment upon disadvantageous terms, considering mat- ters in any point of view, or to cut off our light parties, and Lord Stirling's division, which was sent down to support them, or to possess himself of the heights and passes in the mountains on our left. The two last seemed to be the first objects of his attention, as his march was rapid against these parties, and indicated a strong disposition to gain those passes.

In this situation of affairs it was thought absolutely necessary that we should move our force from the low grounds, to occupy the heights before them ; which was effected. As they advanced, they fell in with some of our light parties and part of Lord Stir- ling's division, with which they had some pretty smart skirmishing, with but very little loss I believe on our side, except in three field-pieces, which unfortunately fell into the enemy's hands ; but, not having obtained returns yet, I cannot determine it with certainty ; nor ■can we ascertain what the enemy's loss was. As soon as we had gained the passes, I detached a body of light troops under Brigadier-General Scott, to hang on their flank, and to watch their motions ; and have ordered Morgan's corps of riflemen to join him since. The enemy remained at Westfield till yesterday after- noon, when, about three o'clock, they moved towards Samptown, with our light troops in their rear and pursuing. The enemy have plundered all before them, and, it is said, burned some houses.

I have the honor to be, &c.'

' Read in Congress June 30th.

454 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.

Camp at Middlebrook, 29 June, 1777.

Dear Brother,

Whether it is owing to your not writing to me, or to the miscarriage of Letters, I cannot undertake to say ; but certain it is, I have not received a Letter from you for some considerable time. —

Finding Genl. Howe was assembling his whole Force (excepting the necessary Garrisons for New York &c.) at Brunswic, in this State, I began to col- lect mine at this place ; (a strong piece of ground) ten miles distant from him, where I have now been (in my Tent) about 5 Weeks. — On the night of the 13th He march'd out of Brunswick, and advanced the head of his column to Somerset Court House, nine miles, whilst the Rear Remained at Middlebrook about 4 — In this Situation he lay till the 19th ; his left wing covered by Brunswick — his Right by the River Mill- stone and his Front by the Rariton, perfectly secure from any attempt of ours, if we had been in other respects, ripe for an attack.

Our conjectures of this move were two, either that it was designed immediately to Philadelphia, or, which was much the most probable, against this army ; as it was not to be conceived that Genl. Howe would be rash enough to proceed across the country with one Army in Front, while this under my command was so situated as to fall, at any time upon his Flank and rear, without making an attempt to defeat and disperse it.

Be the real design which it would, certain it is a

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 455

disappointment, and much chagreen followed ; for on the night of the 19th a sudden retreat was made back to Brunswick, burning and destroying Houses &c. as they went.

This Retreat I am persuaded was the effect of dis- pair at finding the militia of this, and the State of Pennsylvania turning out to oppose them, whilst they would have part of my force (if they had attempted to cross the Delar.) to oppose them in Front, at the passage of the river, whilst I should be laying at them behind — and to attack my Troops situated as I am, they found impracticable without great loss, and a probable defeat.

On Sunday the 2 2d they retired from Brunswick to Amboy, but having intimation of the design the evening before, I detached three Brigades to fall upon their Rear from whom I believe, they received a pretty good peppering, — some accounts make their loss in killed and wounded near 500, but the truth of this I do not undertake to vouch for, as they are equal to Indians in concealing their loss, by a removal of their dead, and were they to take up the business of scalping they would much resemble savages, in every respect ! — so much is the boasted generosity, and Glory of Britains fallen !

So soon as they got to Amboy they began to Transport their Baggage and Stores as fast as possi- ble to Staten Island, and having divested themselves of all Incumbrance of this kind, they moved out their whole force on Thursday last, and advanced rapidly, towards us — what was the designe of this new ma-

456 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

noeuvre I know not — whether to attempt our strength on the left as they had before done on our Right — whether to cut of the Hght Troops which I had advanced towards their Lines — whether, finding them- selves a little disgraced by their former move, they wanted to flourish off a little at quitting the Jerseys — or, whether by this sudden eruption they meant to possess themselves of as much fresh provision as they could plunder the Inhabitants ; and spread desola- tion ; as I have said before, I know not ; but certain it is they have left nothing which they could carry off, Robbing, Plundering, and burning Houses as they went — We followed them with light Troops back to their works at Amboy, but could not prevent the Desolation they committed.

I expect from appearances and my Intelligence, they will be Imbarked in a few hours for Staten Isl- and, or New York ; for what other expedition time, not I, can discover — By means of their shipping and the easy transportation that shipping affords, they have it much in their power to lead us a very disa- greeable dance — My best wishes attends my Sister and all the rest of the family & with every sentimt. &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Camp, at Middlebrook, 2 July, 1777.

Sir,

I had last night the honor of your letter of the 27th of June. The proposition, which relates to the ex- change of the gentlemen you mention, is entirely

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 457

agreeable to me, as they are now entitled to a re- leasement, from the time of their captivity, and fall within the rule of Exchange I have prescribed to myself, which is that of liberating those first, who were first taken. I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your request for arms. Notwith- standing the many arrivals, there is scarcely a sufS- ciency to supply the demands for the Continental troops. What has become of them I am unable to conceive. Every State complains of a deficiency ; and great part of their several quotas comes into the field very indifferently furnished, and yet the public magazines are nearly exhausted. The importations, from time to time, far exceed the number of Con- tinental troops raised to make use of them. These have not and could not have been all put into their hands ; and yet there are very few of them now to be found undisposed of. If they are not many of them in possession of the militia, it is impossible to imagine where they are, as a very inconsiderable part of them has fallen into the hands of the enemy. The fluctu- ating state of the army, and the irregular manner in which the militia usually left the camp, rendered it impracticable to withdraw the arms entrusted to them at their coming out ; and gave them a fair opportu- nity of appropriating them to themselves, which, every reason obliges me to believe, they did not fail to improve. It appears to me highly probable, that, upon a careful scrutiny, many individuals will be found in possession of more than their own use re- quires, and the surplus will fully answer the purpose

458 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

you have in view. It is painful to me to refuse any request of yours ; but when from the want of being- fully acquainted with all circumstances it happens to interfere with the general good, I am convinced it is your wish I should give the preference to that. You will easily be sensible Sir, that it would be improper, entirely to drain the public arsenals, or to straighten the Continental army in order to accommodate the militia. In case of emergency it will be much more easy to draw them thence and put them into the hands of the inhabitants, than, if they were once dis- tributed to them, and should be wanted for the Con- tinental troops, they could be recovered from them to answer the call. Should your State be seriously invaded, and your militia unarmed, you cannot doubt they would be supplied with every means of defence in the power of the public ; that any arms in store not immediately wanted for the army would be given to those who were disposed to make use of them. But when Continental arms are wanted for Continental troops, it cannot be expected that those should remain unsupplied, and those arms be dedicated to another purpose. They cannot in any case, or at any time be so useful as in their hands. —

Since my last, the enemy, disappointed in their attempt upon our right, have made an experiment upon our left ; and, frustrated in that also, have now abandoned the Jerseys, and encamped upon Staten Island. There is a great stir among their shipping ; and, in all probability, their next movement will be by water ; though it is impossible to decide, with

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 459

certainty, to what place. But I last night received intelligence from General Schuyler, that General Burgoyne is beginning to operate against Ticon- deroga and its dependencies. If it is not merely a diversion, but a serious attack, of which it bears strongly the appearance, it is a certain proof, that the next step of General Howe's army will be tow- ards Peekskill, and very suddenly, if possible, to get possession of the passes in the Highlands, before this army can have time to form a junction with the troops already there.' To guard against contingencies, I have ordered General Parsons's and General Var- num's brigades to march off with all despatch towards Peekskill, and, when they are arrived at or near that

* " The ships that were at Amboy moved down round Staten Island this morn- ing, and all the troops that were encamped opposite to the town struck their tents and marched off. Upon the whole, there is the strongest reason to con- clude that General Howe will push up the river immediately to cooperate with the army from Canada, which, it appears from the accounts transmitted by General St. Clair, has certainly in view an attack on Ticonderoga and the several dependent posts. In this views of things, it seems absolutely necessary for you to pursue the most speedy and effectual measures to obtain a respect- able reinforcement of the neighboring militia. No time is to be lost. Much may be at stake ; and I am persuaded, if General Howe is going up the river, he will make a rapid and vigorous push to gain the Highland passes." — Wash- ington to Putnam, i July, 1777.

" General Howe, as you have been informed, made a show of marching for the Delaware, but suddenly turned back to Brunswic, and from thence to Amboy. He came out again with his whole force a few days ago, with a seeming intention to make a general attack upon us, but after marching seven or eight miles, parallel with the Sound, he returned again into Amboy, content- ing himself with burning many Houses and plundering all that fell in his way. The day before yesterday he threw the whole of his army over to Staten Island, and totally evacuated the State of New Jersey. Before the accounts from the northward we were much at a loss to account for these strange Manoeuvers ; but it now looks very like a plan to amuse us, till accounts could be reed, by them of the movements of Burgoyne. If a cooperation is intended. General Howe must speedily throw off the Mask, and make his preparations for going up the North River ; if he does not, I shall think that the Fleet and a small

46o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

post, a reinforcement of four of the strongest Massa- chusetts regiments will proceed thence immediately to Albany, on their way to Ticonderoga. I have also urged General Clinton, without loss of time, to call out a respectable body of the New York militia, to join General Putnam. I have the fullest confidence, that you will do every thing you can, to second my endeavors, by forwarding, as fast as possible, the re- maining troops of your State, or whatever else may be in your power. Our greatest exertions will be requisite, to counteract the enemy in their first at- tempts, on which their success chiefly depends. I

have the honor to be, with great respect. Sir, &c. ******

force of Indians and light Troops are amusing you upon the Lake, while the main body comes round and forms a junction by Water. One Reason operates strongly against this, in my opinion, and that is, that a Man of General Bur- goyne's spirit and Enterprise would never have returned from England, merely to execute a plan from which no great Credit or Honor was to be derived. I shall, therefore, till I see the contrary, believe, that he will make a strenuous effort to break through by the Way of Ticonderoga. I shall hold this Army in readiness to move, and have desired General Clinton to call in the militia of Orange and Ulster, and General Putnam that of Connecticut, which is most contiguous. If we can keep General Howe below the Highlands, I think their schemes will be entirely baffled." — Washington to Major-General Schuyler, 2 July, 1777.

" Morris Town — The army marched yesterday for this place, where it will be more conveniently situated for succoring Peeks Kill, or the Eastern States, & will be near enough to oppose any design upon Philadelphia. General Sullivan is further advanced towards Peeks Kill." — Washington to Governor Trumbull,

4 July, 1777-

" The evacuation of Jersey at this time seems to be a peculiar mark of Provi- dence, as the Inhabitants have an opportunity of securing their Harvests of Hay and Grain, the latter of which would in all probability have undergone the same fate with many farm-Houses, had jit been ripe enough to take Fire. The distress of many of the Inhabitants, who were plundered not only of their Effects, but of their provision of every kind, was such that I sent down several wagon loads of meat and flour to supply their present wants." — Washington to Major-General Armstrong, 4 July, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 461

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Camp, at Middlebrook, 2 July, 1777.

Sir,

The enclosed copies of General St. Clair's letters, transmitted yesterday afternoon and last night by General Schuyler, I have thought it my duty to send to you. The intelligence they contain is important and interestino- • nor are there circumstances wanting- besides these, to induce a belief, or at least to raise a strong presumption, that the enemy have in contem- plation a junction of their two armies by way of the Lakes and the North River. If they have their whole Canada force on the former, it is certainly their object. On receiving these accounts, I wrote immediately to General Putnam to embark Nixon's brigade for reinforcing the northern army ; to wait, however, the arrival or near approach of General Parsons's and General Varnum's brio-ades from this place, who march this morning, or the coming in of an equal number of militia to supply their place before they sail. This I have done by the advice of my general officers, and it is all that is thought prac- ticable in the present uncertain, indeterminate situa- tion of things. The rest of the army will be held in readiness to move according to information and circumstances.

As I have observed, if we were certain General Burgoyne was approaching Ticonderoga with his whole army, I should not hesitate a moment in con- cluding, that it is in consequence of a preconcerted plan with General Howe, and that the latter is to co-

462 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

operate with him, by pushing his whole force up the North River, and aiming a stroke in the first instance and immediately against the Highland passes. But as the appearance of the enemy on the Lake may be a feint, calculated to amuse and distract, though it may seem like a real attack, to draw this army to Peekskill and more to the northward, that General Howe may with more facility turn his arms against Philadelphia, it has been determined unadvisable for us to move, till we have further proofs of his inten- tions, and that our conduct must be governed by his. Our situation is truly delicate and embarrassing. Should we march to Peekskill, leaving General Howe on Staten Island, there will be nothing to prevent his passing to South Amboy, and pushing from thence to Philadelphia, or in short by any other route ; though the marching such of his troops from the point opposite Amboy, as were encamped there, and the sailing of the ships from Princess Bay yesterday morning, are circumstances indicating that an em- barkation has or will take place. On the other hand, if the North River and the possession of the High- lands are his objects, our remaining here till his views are certainly known may subject 'em to a risk that we wish to avoid. Thus, let us examine matters as we will, difficulties stare us in the face. We shall attempt to consult, and do the best we can. I have written to Generals Putnam and George Clinton fully upon the subject, urging them to put forth every exertion in their power, and instantly to call in a respectable body of militia to aid in the defence of those import-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 463

ant posts at this critical conjuncture. I trust they will come out ; their services in all probability will be wanted but for a very short time.

I must earnestly request, that you will send Mr. Stewart, the Issuing Commissary Genl to Camp immediately. — There is reason to apprehend, the Army will be in great distress and confusion for want of Issuing Commissaries in three or four days. — On Saturday, those with Mr. Trumbull declare they will leave him, without they are put on a different footing from what they now are. I need not mention the consequences that will result from such an Event if there are not others here to supply their places. —

There is one thing more I would add, which is, that there are not more than Forty thousand Dollars in the Military Chest and Two Months pay due to all the Army except two or three Regiments which have just obtained Warrants. One Hundred and fifty Six thousand out of the last Supply sent the paymaster, I was obliged to order to Peekskill, for the Troops in that quarter, whose demands are great and pressing also. — I must earnestly entreat that you will forward a Supply direct to the paymaster. Should we be obliged to move before the Troops are paid, much uneasiness & murmuring will be the cer- tain attendants & I fear some thing worse.

As the Enemy will adopt every Stratagem and de- vice to deceive & distress us, notwithstanding the present appearances in favor of making an Expedition up the North River, I doubt not but you will have the most vigilant look outs kept along Delaware Bay

464 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

and proper Express & Signals for communicating the earliest intelligence. I think it would be highly expedient that some sensible — judicious men should be employed in that business at this time, who would view things as they ought to be and from whose accounts certain inferences and conclusions may be drawn so as to form a proper line for our conduct. — The most fatal consequences may flow from false in- formation at this period — Things should be examined with all possible certainty — I shall not be surprized, to hear of several Ships appearing in or off Delaware, tho Genl. Howe's destination should be elsewhere. — Their fleet give them the most signal advantages and an opportunity of practising a thousand feints. I have, &c.'

TO GENERAL LEE.^

Headquarters, Morris Town, 4 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I received your favor of the 7th June, in which you enter into consideration of the breach of parole imputed to Lord Drummond ; and give it as your opinion, that his conduct has not been such as to justify the imputation.

It can answer no valuable purpose to enter into a discussion of the particulars of this affair, which would

' Read in Congress July 3d.

^ Lee had written to Washington that he could not see how any one thing in Lord Drummond's conduct merited "even the shadow of censure " ; that he was compelled to go on board a British vessel and did not do it voluntarily ; and that the intention in prohibiting him from going on board a king's vessel was to prevent the carriage of intelligence, something that his Lordship could not do, having nothing to communicate.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 465

probably end as it began and leave his Lordship and myself in the same way of thinking respecting it, which we now entertain. I shall only observe, that at the time the matter happened it was clearly my sentiment and that of every gentleman with whom I conversed on the subject that his lordship had acted in an exceptionable manner, irreconcileable to the true spirit of his parole. No circumstance that has since come to my knowledge, appears to me to be of sufficient weight to remove the suspicion and from any thing I know I must still retain the same idea of his conduct that I had at first.'

You cannot but be sensible, my dear Sir, that the omission of trifling circumstances, or a small differ- ence in representing the same is capable of altering the complexion of a fact and make it appear in alight very opposite to that in which it ought really to stand : and this will suggest the propriety of not being hasty in fixing your judgment as to the true nature of his Lordship's proceeding in this affair.

TO GOVERNOR RUTLEDGE.

Headquarters, Morris Town, 5 July, 1777.

Sir,

A few days since, I had the honor of your letter of May 5th, in which you refer me to General Howe for an explanation of the reasons, for declining the attempt upon St. Augustine, recommended by me.

1 I should be sorry to injure his lordship or any other gentleman, in so deli- cate a point, but I do not think justice requires me either to retract or extenuate what I have said. He may perhaps have acted as he did through misconcep- tion ; but whatever v^^as the cause, the conclusion I drew was fully authorized by appearances. — Note by Washington.

466 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

I meant nothing more than to propose it for con- sideration, and that you and the General who would be fully acquainted with all circumstances, should judge of the propriety, and adopt or reject it as you thought most expedient. The reasons for not under- taking it appear to me intirely solid and satisfactory ; and I am satisfied, that had it been practicable, your best endeavors would not have been wanting to forward and give it success.

The Enemy after manoeuvring awhile in the Jerseys have at last abandoned it and are now incamped upon Staten Island. Their preparations during the winter indicated a design upon Philadel- phia ; but it would have been too hazardous to have attempted passing the Delaware, unless they could first have given a blow to this army. They could not but expect some opposition in front, and so formida- ble a force hanging upon their rear unchecked and in full spirits, would probably have made them repent the enterprize. — They were sensible of this and all their movements were apparently calculated to draw us to an engagement with them, on terms that would give them a prospect of defeating us, which if they could have effected even in part, would have facili- tated their project against Philadelphia. But finding w^e kept ourselves advantageously posted, and that they would be obliged to fight us, if they did it at all, on a very unequal footing, they seem to have relin- quished their purpose and to be on some different plan. We took every opportunity of skirmishing with them, and from various accounts, we have

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 467

reason to believe, to very good effect and with little loss to ourselves.

By the motions among their shipping, they ap- pear to be preparing for some expedition by water — • it is impossible to determine with precision where. We have lately received intelligence, from General Schuyler that the enemy are beginning to operate against Ticonderoga. — If this proves to be any thing more than a diversion, there is no doubt General Howe will proceed up Hudsons River ; for if they have any rational end in view, it must be a junction of the two armies to intercept the communication between the Eastern and Southern States, and will make it necessary for Howe and Carleton to co- operate.— But this may be nothing more than a diversion, to keep a large body of our forces in that quarter, while, their troops, except a sufficient num- ber to garrison the place, are coming round by water to join their main army under General Howe. — Our situation is truly delicate and perplexing, and makes us sensibly feel now, as we have often done before, the great advantage they derive from their navy. But we are doing the best we can in our cir- cumstances, and keep in sight the different objects to which they may direct their attention. As the in- formation from the Northward was such as merited notice, I have sent a reinforcement thither from Peeks Kill, and have dispatched a couple of Brigades hence to that post — We have also moved the whole army to a position more convenient for throwing speedy succors over the North River, than the one

The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) (part 11)

468 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

we lately occupied, and at the same time sufficiently near to Philadelphia, to oppose any attempt of the enemy to possess themselves of that city.

I have, &c.

TO GENERAL SULLIVAN.

Morris Town, 6 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Since I had the pleasure of seeing you some of^ the officers have been suggesting a plan for cutting off the Enemy's Post at Bergen, which they seem to think could be easily effected — As it may be in your power to collect certain information of the strength &c. of that Guard which I understand consists of new Levies, I would refer the matter intirely to your con- sideration & Discretion, wishing that if your accounts are such as would promise a tolerable certainty of success you would make the attempt. I need not mention to you that the most profound secresy is necessary upon every occasion of this nature & very particularly on this, as two Minutes notice would give them an opportunity of withdrawing across the Causeway, where it would be impossible for you to get at them — To prevent this a small party should be dispatch'd before the rest by some different Rout which should occupy the post near Bergen, by which means every Intelligence might be kept from them, no soul being allow'd to go in. Should this Enter- prize appear so feasible as to risque it, I shall expect soon to hear from you. You will observe to March

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 469

your Troops at such Hours as will prevent their being Hurt by the Excessive Heat of the Weather.

It will be prudent at all events to send a party of 2 or 300 Men somewhere beyond Hackensac under a cautious active officer, from which small parties may be sent up to fort Lee and along the North River to observe every Motion of the Enemy about New York by Land or Water — two or three light Dragoons should be with them to convey every necessary Intelligence to you in order that I may be apprized as early as possible. I am, &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Headquarters, Morristown,

Sir, 7 July, 1777.

I had the honor of writing to you the 2d instant, with a postscript the 4th. I there informed you of the enemy having evacuated the Jerseys and of the intelligence received from Ticonderoga, which in- duced me to suppose it highly probable the next operation of General Howe would be up the North River. But as I have received no information since the first, of the 26th ult, to confirm the expectation of a serious attempt in that quarter, I am led very much to suspect that the hostile appearances that way may be only a diversion to keep awake our apprehensions for the security of the posts there, prevent our drawing away any part of our forces from thence, and even tempt us to weaken ourselves

47 o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

here by sending reinforcements to them, while the real design may be to attack elsewhere.

This supposition Is also agreeable to the accounts we daily receive from deserters and others who come from the enemy. We are told by these, that accommo- dations for horses are filling up In the transports, that they are taking in large supplies of provisions, water, and provender, and that officers' baggage is continually transporting on board of them from New- York, marked with their names and the corps they belong to.

These representations, if true, seem to denote an expedition that would take longer time than would be necessary for one up the North River ; but where, is all matter of conjecture, and cannot be determined with any degree of certainty. Prudence dictates that we should be as much upon our guard as possible every where ; and on this account I have thought it my duty to communicate to you the information I have received, that in case anything should be medi- tated against the Eastern States, you may not be taken by surprise, but may have warning to put matters in the best situation you can to give them a proper re- ception. On my part no vigilance nor exertion shall be wanting to ascertain their intentions, and give effectual assistance wherever they may direct their efforts.

Since my last, I have had advices from the south- ward that the public magazines there are entirely emptied of arms, and that the troops now coming on will be destitute, unless they can be supplied out of

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 471

those imported to the eastward. This will oblige me to order most of the arms at Springfield to be sent forward to furnish those troops. It is matter of equal concern and surprise to hear such loud complaints in the Eastern States for want of arms, when we con- sider the quantities brought into them both on public as well as private account, which their situation enabled them to receive in much greater proportion than the other States, and the arrivals of which have been announced in all the public papers as well as in private and official letters. How they have been applied it is impossible for me to conceive.

In case of an actual invasion of your State, should such an event take place, and should there be a necessity for it, towards furnishing your militia, you may draw out of the store at Springfield a thousand arms for that purpose, if there be any remaining after the number I shall be obliged to call for is supplied. This you will be pleased to consider as a loan, not a sale, and to be replaced as soon as circumstances will permit.

By the enclosed I have instructed the Commissary of Stores to deliver them.

I have the honor to be, &c.

P. S. The enclosed information came to hand since writing the above. The other letters you will be pleased to forward, as directed, with all despatch. They are inclined to put the other Eastern States upon their guard also.'

1 " I make no doubt, but before this you will have heard that the enemy have evacuated Jersey. This information I should have done myself the

472 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

MoRRiSTOWN, 10 July, 1777.

Sir,

I this morning received a letter of the 7th instant from General Schuyler, a copy of which, and of its enclosure, I herewith send you. The intelligence

pleasure of transmitting to you, by the first opportunity after the event, had not my attention been employed in making a new disposition of the army, and had I apprehended it materially interesting, that it should have come immediately from myself. When General Howe withdrew his forces from this State and went to Staten Island, from the intelligence received at that time from General St. Clair at Ticonderoga, that the Canada army were on the Lake, and approaching that post, and from every other circumstance, it appeared extremely probable, nay almost certain, to me and to all the general and other officers possessed of the facts, that General Howe's first and im- mediate movement would be up the North River, and that the two armies meant to cooperate and favor each other's attack. This, I say, was my opinion and that of my officers at that time, from a full consideration of the intelligence we then had. But, I confess, however satisfied I was then upon this subject, I am now in extreme doubt respecting his intended operations. Having heard nothing from Ticonderoga since the 26th ultimo, nor any further accounts of the enemy's approach, we are left to conjecture, whether their appearance on the Lake was with a view to a real and 'serious attack, or whether to amuse and draw our attention that way, while a stroke is meditating against some other place. This uncertainty is rendered considerably greater, by the concurrent accounts of deserters, who have escaped from New York and Staten Island in the course of a few days past. From their information and a variety of circumstances, — such as, that berths are fitting up for the light-horse on board the transports, provender taken in and providing for three or four weeks, the embarkation of the officers' baggage, with their names and corps endorsed thereon, and the ships' watering, — it would seem more probable, that General Howe has in contemplation some other object, than the North River. " Whether he has, or what it is, however, is unknown to us. I have thought it my duty, nevertheless, to give you this information ; that, if he should once more turn his arms against the eastern States, you may not be taken by surprise, but that matters may be put in the best train to receive him, which circum- stances will admit. On my part, no exertions in my power shall be wanting to counteract his plans, wheresoever they may be directed, and to render every service, compatible with our general line of defence and the interest of the States at large." — Washington to the Governors of the Eastern States, 7 July, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 473

which they contain is truly interesting, supposing it just ; but it differs so widely from what we had reason to expect from the accounts mentioned in General St. Clair's letters to General Schuyler, copies of which you would receive in his letter transmitted from hence last night by Major Hoops, that I would fain flatter myself it is not true. I am the more encouraged to hope this, as Captain Farn- ham's letter from Fort Anne to Brigadier Learned seems to be the foundation of the whole, and does not authorize the unfavorable and unhappy conclu- sions built upon it. I should rather suppose, if any accident has befallen us, it must have happened to the detachment of men from the Grants, under Colonel Warner ; for we find from General St. Clair's letters, he expected something from him. The whole account is so confused, that we cannot estab- lish any certain deduction from it ; and I shall be happy if it proves premature and groundless.'

I am told by a gentleman, who came to camp yesterday evening, that Nixon's brigade would cer- tainly arrive at Albany on Tuesday morning, as he saw the vessels, in which it was embarked, standing

' The letter and enclosures conveyed the news of the evacuation of Ticon- deroga. On June 20th a council of officers at Ticonderoga decided that that place should be abandoned and the full Continental force take post at Mount Independence, where a scantiness of provisions exposed them to the dangers of an easy reduction by siege. On July 5th a second council was held, and a determination reached to retreat as soon as possible. The march began early on Sunday morning, the intention being to come by way of Skenesborough ; but finding the enemy in possession of that place, St. Clair turned away to Bennington, intending to go from thence to the North River and prevent, if possible, Burgoyne from penetrating into the country. — The St. Clair Papers, i., 404,

474 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

up the evening before with a fair wind. If the event mentioned by General Schuyler should not have happened, we cannot doubt but General Burgoyne has come up the Lake, determined, if possible, to carry his point, I mean, to possess himself of our posts in that quarter, and to push his arms further. Supposing this not to have happened, as our Con- tinental levies are so deficient in their number, our security and safety will require that aids from the militia should be called forth in cases of emergency ; if it has, there is now an absolute necessity for their turning out to check General Burgoyne's progress ; or the most disagreeable consequences may be ap- prehended. Upon this occasion I would take the liberty to suggest to Congress the propriety of send- ing an active, spirited officer to conduct and lead them on. If General Arnold has settled his affairs, and can be spared from Philadelphia, I would recom- mend him for this business, and that he should im- mediately set out for the northern department ; he is active, judicious, and brave, and an officer in whom the militia will repose great confidence. Besides this, he is well acquainted with that country, and with the routes and most important passes and defiles in it. I do not think he can render more signal service, or be more usefully employed at this time, than in this way. I am persuaded his presence and activity will animate the militia greatly, and spur them on to a becoming conduct. I could wish him to be engaged in a more agreeable service, to be with better troops, but circumstances call for his

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 475

exertions in this way, and I have no doubt of his adding much to the honors he has already acquired. In consequence of the advices from General St. Clair, and the strong probability there is that General Howe will push against the Highland passes to co-operate with General Burgoyne, I shall, by the advice of my officers, move the army from hence to-morrow morning towards the North River. If such should be his intention, we shall not be too early, as a favorable wind and tide will carry him up in a few hours. On the other hand, if Philadelphia is his object, he cannot get round before we can arrive there ; nor can he well debark his troops, and proceed across the land, before we can oppose him. I have the honor to be, &c.'

' Read in Congress July nth,

Greene thought he might receive orders to go to the north. — Greene, Life of Greene, i., 398.

Congress directed that so much of this letter as related to Arnold be sent to him, and that he be directed to repair immediately to head-quarters, and follow the orders of General Washington. — Journals, 11 July, 1777.

" This event, the evacuation of our posts on the Lake, among the most un- fortunate that could have befallen us, is rendered more interesting by the manner in which it took place. I have no further information upon the subject, than what the copy contains, and shall be happy to hear by my next advices, that the main body of the army, of whose situation General Schuyler knew nothing with certainty, have not become prisoners ; for I fear, from the disposition they discovered on this distressing occasion, they will have sur- rendered to the enemy, in case they fell in with them, though inferior in number.

" I should be extremly happy if our situation would allow me to afford him a large reinforcement of men ; but I cannot with any degree of propriety, in the opinion of my general officers, send more to his aid at this time than a number of recruits on their march from Massachusetts, belonging to some of the regi- ments under his command, who amount to six hundred at least, and are now, I suspect, pretty well advanced towards Peekskill. With this augmentation of what he already has, supposing General St. Clair and his force to have come in, and any number of militia to have turned out, he will have an army

476 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM.

Headquarters, Pumpton Plains, 12 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

In consequence of the disagreeable event which has taken place in the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence — though our situation does not make it prudent to send on any very considerable re- inforcements immediately besides those already gone, yet it is necessary we should be preparing to throw them in, when it can be more safely done, and the true state of affairs in that quarter is more clearly unfolded. I have there fore to desire, you will order General Glover to hold his Bricjade in constant readi- ness to embark at a moment's warning ; and, at the same time, that you will collect at your post, as fast as possible, a sufficient number of vessels to trans- port them with their baggage, tents, &c. to Albany.

You will also send forward immediately some active trusty officer, to meet such detachments as may be coming on belonging to the regiments that compose General Nixon's brigade, with orders, if he meets them where they can be sent by a short rout

equal, if not superior, to General Burgoyne's, from the only accounts we have obtained. Besides this consideration, it is most probable that General Bur- goyne, will suspend his operations till General Howe makes a movement and an effort on his part. His designs, I think, are most unquestionably against the Highlands, and that he will attempt the execution as soon as possible.

" We have been prevented marching to-day by the rain ; but as soon as the weather permits, we shall proceed as expeditiously as we can towards the North River, and cross, or not, as shall appear necessary from circumstances.

"P. S. Half after 8 p. m. I this minute received a Letter of the 9th from Genl. Schuyler, a copy of which & of the proclamation alluded to, you have inclosed. — I fear more and more, that Genl. St. Clair and his army are prisoners." — Washington to the President of Congress, 12 July, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 477

and in an expeditious manner to join their corps, to hasten them on accordingly, without letting them come to Peeks Kill ; but such as he may find so far advanced towards it, as to render it more conducive to dispatch, to come on and go thence by water, he is to make them continue their march with all speed, and on their arrival with you, — you are without the least loss of time to forward them, to their regi- ments. I mean that you should act in this, in the manner best calculated according to circumstances, — to answer the end of their joining the corps they be- long to with the greatest expedition possible.

I have determined that ten field pieces, with the necessary apparatus, shall be sent on from your post to General Schuyler — General Knox will send up an ofTficer with particular directions about them. — You will be pleased to give every assistance requisite to the forwarding them with dispatch.

I have just received intelligence that General Howe's army is nearly all embarked — They will cer- tainly proceed very soon to the place of their desti- nation.— Our misfortune to the Northward, makes it of the last importance you should take every precau- tion to avoid one at your post, which could not fail to involve consequences almost, if not intirely irre- mediable.— As a very material step towards this, I would recommend to you to contract the points of defence, and secure your flanks and rear as much as possible, by stopping up all roads by which you are accessible in any part, that are not absolutely neces- sary to keep open your communication with the

478 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

country from whence you draw your Supplies. — At- tend particularly to the cross roads leading from the valley on the right of the great road from Peekskill to Fish Kills, into that road, and do not content your- self with slight impediment easily removed ; but en- deavor to made them effectual. Be attentive also to the roads that lead from Croton by the way of Dan- bury or elsewhere, towards Fishkills. — The fewer the Avenues of approach to you, the more certain the judgment you can form of the enemy's intentions and operations, the more easily you can adapt your meas- ures to them and the greater will be your force at the point of attack. I am, &c.

P. S. I have had an intimation of some vessels moving up the Sound. This is a circumstance well worth attending to. Keep trusty persons at Nor- walk, Fairfield, and any other places convenient for observation, to give you instant intelligence of any movements that way.

TO DE COUDRAY.

Headquarters, Pompton Plains, Sir, ^3 July, 1777-

Your favor of the 4th Instant by Capt. De Goy was handed me the iith. I was then on my march for this place, which, together with other intervening circumstances, has put it out of my power before to consider your observations, and form a determination concerning them.

You seem to have misunderstood the purport of what I said in my last with respect to the heavy

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 479

pieces that came in the Amphitrite, and to suppose, that I considered them as intirely unfit for service and incapable of transportation. — I meant only to point out the inconveniency of them in comparison with others of a much lighter construction, and the advantage that would be derived from casting them over, and producing three pieces of a larger calibre instead of one ; — and informed you that with a view to these, I had given directions for them to remain at Springfield and be cast anew upon the model on which the pieces generally in use in our Army are constructed. I am sensible that they might be made use of ; but I am convinced from my own experience and that of others, that their weight is a very great disadvantage — that they are not transportable but with great difificulty through the mountainous and woody country in which our operations most com- monly are ; and that they are extremely liable to be lost when any accident or misfortune happens. — This must be obvious on the slightest reflection, and it is also self evident, that they require a greater force in horses and men to transport and manage them than pieces two thirds lighter, unless the superior weight of metal, in the former was counterbalanced by their carriages being framed on better principles, than those of the latter ; which I have no reason to believe is the case from any description I have had of them. — And as it is not the case, the necessity that their carriages should be proportionably substantial to support them, adds to the inconvenience of weight, and the difificulty of transportation.

48o THE WRITINGS OF [1777

To compensate for this disadvantage, I know of only two considerations that can be offered : that their length is conducive to exactness, and the other, that it increases the distance of the ball's flight. The difference in these respects is not very great nor are these advantages by any means equivalent to that of a piece being light and easily portable : — For field artillery being designed to act against numbers, to do execution the object ought to be near, and within reach of grape shot. If it is, the distance to which the piece will carry is nearly out of the question ; and the difference in the exactness of which two pieces are capable, will make little difference if any in the effect of their fire.'

The length of a piece may be useful in barbette- firing ; but this is of little moment compared with the inconveniences that attend it ; and we have found by experience that those in use with us have answered every valuable end in this way.

The British Army sensible of the necessity of light pieces in a country like this seldom or never make use of any other ; They even exceed us in their at-

' The original draft of this letter contained the following paragraph, after- wards struck out :

" For the most part all that is to be done in that case is to lay the piece hori- zontally and discharge her as briskly as possible. And that piece which is the most manageable and capable of being fired the oftenest — has the largest calibre and will contain the greatest number of grape shot will always do most execution upon a body of men. Out of the reach of grape shot it is hardly worth consuming your Ammunition upon a column of men ; for after labor- ing hours in vain you will find you have done them very little injury : — And certainly no material benefit can arise in having pieces that will go a few yards nearer their object than others. I should never wish to have any piece discharged at a body who were at such a distance as to be out of the reach of the pieces we commonly make use of."

777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 481

tention to this particular and bring into the field very few pieces heavier than three or four pounders weigh- ing from 220 to 300 weight.

The alteration I propose is not a new experiment. I mean only to reduce them to the same standard with the general run of the Artillery in this Army ; which we have the fullest evidence will be far more con- venient ; and which have been from repeated trial found sufficient for every desirable purpose.

You suggest the impropriety of letting the twenty one pieces remain unemployed, during the time they undergo a new manufacture, while the present mo- ment calls for them in the field. This observation is not without force, but it has been fully weighed, and considering all things, is not of importance enough to make it expedient to forego the advantages of reducing them to a more portable size, and increasing the number by casting them over. —

You also misconceived, what I said with respect to the light cannon, waiting at Springfield, till ammuni- tion, waeeons and men sufficient for them, could be prepared to accompany them. I did not intend that they should wait till the waggons could be made, and till a proper number of men to manceuver them could be instructed in their duty ; but only till ammunition could be fitted up, waggons procured in the most expeditious manner, and men come on from the East- ward which they will do as fast as possible. — You cannot but suppose, Sir that I am fully desirous of having all the artillery that I deem proper for the service, with the army ; and that I shall take every

482 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Step our circumstances will permit, to hasten them forward. Twenty light pieces and two heavy are by this time at or very near Peekskill, and the remainder of the light will come on as soon as they can be accommodated with horses and other necessaries.

I am at a loss to conceive how you could imagine that I had been governed in my determinations on this matter by the advice of Monsieur Du Plessis. Though that gentleman's conduct since he has been in this country, has been such as to acquire him every proper mark of attention ; yet it can hardly be sup- posed, that either General Knox or myself would repose so implicit a confidence in his representations and counsels as to regulate our measures intirely by them in an affair of so much consequence. I had a description of the pieces from several others who had an opportunity of seeing them, and whose accounts perfectly agree with your own ; and from this I de- termined what should be done with them. Monsieur Du Plessis never hinted an idea of casting them over before it was resolved to do it.

You are even mistaken as to the fact of Monsieur Du Plessis being an Aid de Camp to General Knox. With a commission of Captain of Artillery in the American service, he only acts as volunteer in Gen- eral Knox's family.

I shall be at all times obliged to you for any infor- mation respecting the state of the Artillery, and your opinion as to any thing you may think eligible ; but I am not as yet authorized to consider you as giving advice or direction in an official capacity ; since Con-

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 483

<rress have not instructed me in what H^ht I am to view you ; and I am not at liberty to anticipate events that may hereafter take place, or to suppose you in- vested with any character, that they have not delinea- ted you in to me. For this reason, it would be irregular to interfere with any arrangements General Knox has made with my approbation, in compliance with those you propose. Therefore and as every thing seems to me to be already in a very good train, I do not think it necessary that Capt. De Goy should proceed to take the direction of the pieces coming on as you recommend.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Head-Quarters, Pompton Plains, 13 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I wrote to you yesterday by express, informing you of what I had done towards furnishing you with such supplies as are in my power to give, and the obstacles that at present lie in the way of granting you others that your situation demands. Since that I have re- ceived yours of the 9th.' I have sent by express to

> This letter was dated at Fort Edward, and contained the following particu- lars. " I have not been able to learn what is beconae of General St. Clair and the army. The enemy followed the troops, that came to Skenesborough, as far as Fort Anne, where they were yesterday repulsed ; notwithstanding which Colonel Long, contrary to my express orders, evacuated that post. I am here at the head of a handful of men, not above fifteen hundred, without provision, with little ammunition, not above five rounds to a man, having neither balls, nor lead to make any ; the country in the deepest consternation ; no carriages to remove the stores from Fort George, which I expect every moment to learn is attacked ; and what adds to my distress is, that a report prevails, that I had given orders for the evacuation of Ticonderoga, whereas not the most distant hint of such an intention can be drawn from any of my letters to General St. Clair, or any other person whatever."

484 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Peekskill, to order on from thence to you, as speedily as possible, forty barrels of powder and an equivalent quantity of lead.

It is astonishing beyond expression, that you have heard nothing of St. Clair and the army under him. I am totally at a loss to conceive what has become of them. The whole affair is so mysterious, that it even baffles conjecture. I know not how to suppose it pos- sible, that they can be on any route towards us, without our hearing something of them, and even if they have been all taken prisoners, one would imagine, that the account of it, by some channel or other, would have come to your knowledge. Sometimes I am led to doubt whether it may not be possible, that they had recalled their design of retreating from the forts, and returned to them ; but here again it occurs, that they could have found some means to communicate intelli- gence of it to you. I impatiently wait more certain accounts of their fate.' Meantime, I hope you will leave nothing in your power undone to check the career of the enemy. This is the second day I have been detained here by the badness of the weather. As soon as it will permit, I shall prosecute my march through the Clove. I am, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Clove, 15 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I last night received your favor of the loth instant. Amidst the unfortunate reverse, that has taken place

* St. Clair's letters to Schuyler, the one dated the day before he left Ticonde- roga, and the other, on the march, had miscarried.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 485

in our affairs, I am happy to hear that General St. Clair and his army are not in the hands of the enemy. I really feared they had become prisoners. The evac- uation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence is an Event of Chagrin and surprise, not apprehended nor within the compass of my reasoning. I know- not upon what principle it was founded, and I should suppose it still more difficult to reconcile it, if the garrison amounted to Five Thousand men, in high spirits, healthy, well supplied with provision and ammunition, and the eastern militia marching to their succor, as you mention in your letter of the 9th, to the Council of Safety of New York.' This stroke is severe indeed, and has distressed us much.

Notwithstanding things at present have a dark & gloomy aspect, I hope a spirited opposition will check the progress of General Burgoyne's Arms and that the confidence derived from his success, will hurry him into measures, that will in their consequences, be favourable to us — We should never despair. Our situation before has been unpromising and has changed for the better — so, I trust, it will again — If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions and proportion our Efforts to the exigency of the times. As the operations of this army are un- certain, depending much upon General Howe's, which

^ St. Clair's force consisted of two thousand and eighty nine effectives, rank and file, including one hundred and twenty four artificers (unarmed), besides the corps of artillery, and about nine hundred militia, who had joined him to stay only a few days. " Many of these were mere boys, altogether incapable of sus- taining the fatigues of a soldier, naked and ill-armed, not above one bayonet to every tenth man." — St. Clair to Governor Bowdoin, 9 July, 1777. He did not join Schuyler until the 12th.

486 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Still remain to be known, I think it will be expedient that you should send down to New Windsor and Fishkill all the vessels and craft you may not have occasion for at Albany, to be in readiness for trans- porting a part of our force up the river, in case the situation of affairs should require it, and circum- stances will admit. I should suppose his movement will be up the river, to cooperate with Mr. Burgoyne, and with a view, if possible, of concentrating their forces. This Idea prompted me to advise what I have respecting the vessels, and more particularly, as carrying our troops by water will not only facilitate their arrival, but fit 'em for more immediate service, than marching by land in cases of emergency.

I observe you mention the evacuation of Fort George, as a necessary act. For my own part, I can- not determine upon the propriety of such a measure, being totally unacquainted with its strength and situation, and of the grounds adjoining. But there are gentlemen here, who seem to consider it extreme- ly defensible and of great importance. They say, that a spirited, brave, judicious officer with two or three hundred good men, together with the armed vessels you have built, would retard General Bur- goyne's passage across the Lake for a considerable time, if not render it impracticable and oblige him to take a much more difiicult and circuitous route. I only mean to submit it to your consideration, hoping that whatever is best will be pursued, in this and every other instance.' I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.

' To this paragraph General Schuyler replied: "The fort was part of an unfinished bastion of an intended fortification. The bastion was closed at the

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 487

TO LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR WILLIAM HOWE.

New Jersey, 16 July, 1777.

Sir,

The fortune of war having thrown Major-General Prescott into our hands,' I beg leave to propose his exchange for that of Major-General Lee. This propo- sition, being agreeable to the letter and spirit of the agreement subsisting between us, will, I hope, have your approbation. I am the more induced to expect it, as it will not only remove one ground of contro- versy between us, but in its consequences effect the exchange of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell and the Hessian field-officers, for a like number of ours of equal rank in your possession. I shall be obliged by

gorge. In it was a barrack capable of containing between thirty and fifty men ; without ditch, without wall, without cistern ; without any picket to pre- vent an enemy from running over the wall ; so small as not to contain above one hundred and fifty men ; commanded by a ground greatly overlooking it, and within point-blank shot ; and so situated that five hundred men may lie between the bastion and the Lake, without being seen from this extremely defensible fortress. Of the vessels built there, one was afloat and tolerably fitted, the other still upon the stocks ; but, if the two had been upon the water, they would have been of little use without rigging or guns." — MS. Letter, July 1 8th.

'Lieutenant-Colonel Barton, of the Rhode Island militia, had received in- telligence, that General Prescott was at a house about five miles from Newport, and a mile from the west shore of the Island. With about forty volunteers, in- cluding Captains Adams and Phillips, he crossed the bay from Warwic Neck in the night, eluding the enemy's guard-boats, and reached the house unper- ceived. General Prescott was taken from his bed, and hurried off instantly to the boat, and also Major Barrington his aid-de-camp, and a sentinel who stood at the door. With such silence and celerity was the enterprise conducted, that the general's guard, stationed two hundred yards from the house in which he slept, was not alarmed. Colonel Barton and his party immediately recrossed the bay, and arrived safely in Warwic with their prize. Congress testified their "just sense of the gallant behavior" of Colonel Barton, and the officers and men of his party, and voted that an elegant sword should be presented to him. He was likewise promoted to the rank and pay of a colonel in the service of the United States. — Journals, July 25th, December 24th.

488 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

your answer upon the subject, assuring you, that Major-General Prescott shall be sent in, if the pro- posed exchange is acceded to, either on the previous releasement of General Lee, or your promise that the same shall immediately take place on General Pres- cott's return. I have the honor, &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Head-Quarters, at the Clove, 17 July, 1777.

Sir,

I have the honor of yours of the 14th, with its en- closures. I had some time before received the account of the evacuation of Ticonderoga ; but upon what Grounds or for what Reasons this sudden Resolution was taken, I have not yet learn c. I have not heard from General Schuyler since the loth. He was then at Fort Edward, and expected that General St. Clair, who was at Bedford with the troops that he brought off, would join him in a few days. I am in hopes, by my not hearing from Genl. Schuyler since the loth, that General Burgoyne has not followed his success with much rapidity. I have sent up such a Reinforce- ment of Men and Artillery as I could spare ; and I am not without hopes, that when the army in that quarter collect again, and have taken Breath, after their late confusion, they will be able, with the assist- ance of the militia, to check Burgoyne in a country, which I am informed is very strong by nature.

The capture of General Prescott was a bold enter- prise, and will give us an opportunity of making a demand of the Releasement of General Lee in such

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 489

a manner, that I think General Howe cannot with honor refuse to comply. Until I know General Howe's determination upon this matter, I would not have General Prescott sent forward. I would have him genteelly accommodated, but strongly guarded. I would not admit him to parole, as General Howe has not thought proper to grant General Lee that indul- gence. I have just received a letter from General Par- sons, in which he informs me, that he understands General Prescott is to be sent to Windham, which he says is by no means a place of safety, as it would be easy for him to effect an escape to Long Island by means of the disaffected. I therefore beg he may be removed further from the Sound, and into some place where the people are generally well affected. A Vigilant officer should be sent with him, whose constant care he should remain under ; for, by shift- ing of Guards, it is more than probable, that some inattentive person might give him an opportunity of making his escape. I am in hopes if General Lee's exchange is acceded to, that a general exchange of prisoners may be brought about, as the former treatment of that Gentleman was one principal bar to its being carried into execution before. I am, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Head-Quarters, at the Clove, 18 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

As I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you since the loth instant, I am induced to hope that the enemy have not pursued their success with the rapid-

490 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

ity that was to be apprehended, and that General St. Clair will have formed a junction with you before they advance upon you. Immediately upon the re- ceipt of your first letter, concerning the distress you would labor under for want of the Assistance of an active officer, well acquainted with the Country, I wrote to Congress and desired them to send up Gen- eral Arnold, provided the matter before them re- specting his Rank was settled in such a manner, that determined him to continue in Service. Upon my Requisition, General Arnold, waiving for the present all dispute about rank, left Philadelphia and arrived here last Evening, and this day proceeds on his jour- ney to join you. Although he conceives himself, had his promotion been regular, superior in command to General St. Clair, yet he generously upon this occa- sion lays aside his claim, and will create no dispute, should the good of the service require them to act in concert. I need not enlarge upon the well known Activity, Conduct, and Bravery of General Arnold. The proofs he has given of all three have gained him the confidence of the public and of the Army, the Eastern Troops in particular.

I will not condemn or even pass a Censure upon any officer unheard ; but I think it a duty, which General St. Clair owes to his own Character, to insist upon an opportunity of giving the Reasons for his sudden evacuation of a post, which, but a few days before, he by his own letters thought tenable at least for a while. People at a distance are apt to form wrong conjectures ; and if General St. Clair has

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 491

good reasons for the step he has taken, I think the sooner he justifies himself the better. I have men- tioned these matters, because he may not know that his conduct is looked upon as very unaccountable, by all Ranks of people in this part of the Country. If he is reprehensible, the public have an undoubted right to call for that Justice, which is due from an officer, who betrays or gives up his post in an unwar- rantable Manner.

When I had proceeded thus far, yours of the 14th came to hand enclosing a Copy of the Council of War, held at Ticonderoga before the evacuation. I shall, as you desire, transmit a copy of it to Congress. By that account the Strength of the Garrison falls very short of the Returns made to me a little while before, but much more so of your estimate, in yours of the — in which you say the garrison consisted of five thousand men.

I have already sent you off the ten pieces of Artil- lery compleatly fixed, a quantity of Cartridges ready made are ordered on, and six tons of Ball, with Cart- ridge paper sufficient to make them up. All the Camp kettles that were to be spared from this place and Peekskill are gone on, and I most heartily wish I could send you tents. Genl. Mifflin is making an ex- act scrutiny into the number of Tents here, and if any can be drawn from the Regiments, the)^ shall be sent to you, tho' they be but few. The remainder of Nixon's Brigade will follow the moment they arrive at Peekskill, they are all that I can possibly spare in my present Situation. To weaken this army more

492 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

than is prudent, would perhaps bring destruction upon it ; and I look upon the keeping it upon a re- spectable footing, as the only measure that will pre- vent a junction of Howes and Burgoines Armies, which if effected may have the most fatal Conse- quences. The thirty pieces of light Artillery which want Carriages should be sent immediately away. If you can get them transported into New England or any place of Safety let it be done. I can give you no particular directions for your Conduct, but I trust that every proper step will be taken to make a vigor- ous defence. I am, &c.

TO THE BRIGADIER-GENERALS OF MILITIA IN THE WEST- ERN PARTS OF MASSACHUSETTS AND CONNECTICUT.

Head-Quarters, at the Clove, 18 July, 1777.

Gentlemen,

The evacuation of Ticonderoga has opened a door for the Enemy, unless speedily and vigorously op- posed, to penetrate the Northern parts of the State of New York, and the Western parts of New Hamp- shire and Massachusetts Bay. It is also to be feared, that they will form a junction by the way of the North River with General Howe, and thereby cut off the communication between the eastern and southern States. I need not represent to you how fatal such a measure would prove to the interests and liberties of the United States. It cannot be supposed, that the small number of Continental troops assembled at Fort Edward are alone sufficient to check the prog- ress of the enemy. To the militia, therefore, must

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON.

493

we look for support in this time of Tryal ; and I trust, that you will immediately upon receipt of this, if you have not done it already, march with at least one third part of the militia under your command, and rendezvous at Saratoga, unless directed to some other place by General Schuyler or Arnold. I would recommend it to you to engage your men to remain in service for a limited time, to be regularly relieved by others at the expiration of that time. We shall then know what force we have to depend upon, and it will also be more convenient for the Men, part of whom may be gathering their Harvests while the others are bravely defending their country. General Arnold, who is so well known to you all, goes up at my request to take the command of the militia in particular, and I have no doubt but you will, under his Conduct and direction, repel an Enemy from your Borders, who, not content with hiring Mercena- ries to lay waste your Country, have now brought Savages, with the avowed and express intent of add- ing murder to desolation. I am, &c.

P. S. This to be forwarded by express from one Brigadier to the other.'

TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS.^

Camp at the Clove, 19 July, 1777.

Gentlemen,

The little notice I had of your coming to the Army, and the shortness of your stay in camp, will,

* This letter was written at the suggestion of Robert R. Livingston.

* The complaints of inefficiency in the commissary department were so strong that Congress directed a committee of three of its members — Ph.

494 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

more than probably occasion the omission of many- matters which of right, ought to be laid before you — and the interruption which my thoughts constantly meet by a variety of occurrences must apologize for the crude and indigested manner in which they are offered.

The completion of the Continental Regiments is a matter of such Infinite importance, that I think no means should be left unessayed, to accomplish it — Drafting, where the powers of Government are ade- quate, would be the speediest and most effectual, but if it should be thought unadvisable to attempt this mode, next to it, I would recommend, that the busi- ness of recruiting should be taken entirely out of the hands of the officers of the Army, and, that each State should appoint some person of known activity (one for instance who has been a good under Sheriff) in each County or Township not only to recruit but to apprehend Deserters — these persons to be liberally rewarded for each recruit and Deserter whom they shall deliver at stated Periods, and places, to officer's appointed to receive, — discipline and march them to the Army — none of these recruiters to have the smallest power to act out of their own districts but

Livingston, Gerry, and Clymer — to proceed to camp to make a " diligent en- quiry into the state of the army, particularly into the causes of the complaints in the commissary's department, and to make such provision as the exigency and importance of the case demands." — yournals, ir July, 1777. Congress had only recently reorganized this department {^Journals, 10 June, ^Tji), and elected Joseph Trumbull, Commissary General of Purchases, with William Aylett, William Buchanan, Jacob Cuyler, and Jeremiah Wadsworth, as depu- ties. Charles Stewart was made Commissary General of Issues, with William Green Mumford, Matthew Irwine, and Elisha Avery, as deputies. — Journals, 18 (une 1777.

[777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 495

to be absolutely fixed to them. — A mode of this kind would in my humble opinion, be less burthensome to the public than the present, prevent the Idle habits which recruiting officers contract, not only injurious to themselves but others ; the most effectual means, which can be devised, for the recovery of Deserters the surest way of keeping your regiments of equal strength and of making the duty more equal in the detail of it. In a word, many valuable advantages would result from it whilst I can suggest but one reason against it (and that, fully satisfied I am, when weighed in the scale of Interest will not operate) I mean the keeping so many officers in Camp who might be spared from the duties of the Field till the regiments are stronger than at present. — The Sixteen additional regiments labor under such disadvantages in some states as to render the interposition of Con- gress (in some shape or other) indispensably neces- sary.

With respect to Food, considering we are in such an extensive and abundant Country, no army was ever worse supplied than ours with many essen- tial articles of it — our Soldiers, the greatest part of last Campaign, and the whole of this, have scarcely tasted any kind of Vegetables ; had but little salt and Vineear, which would have been a tolerable sub- stitute for Vegetables ; have been in a great measure strangers to, neither have they been provided with proper drink. — Beer or Cyder seldom comes within the verge of the Camp, and Rum in much too small quantities — Thus, to devouring large quantities of

496 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

animal food, untemper'd by vegetables or vinegar, or by any kind of Drink but water, and eating indiffer- ent Bread (but, for this last a remedy is providing) are to be ascribed the many putrid diseases incident to the Army, and the lamentable mortality that at- tended us last Campaign. — If these evils can be remedied the expence and trouble ought not to be obstacles. — Though some kind of Vegetables are not to be had, others are ; which, together with sour Crout and vinegar might easily be had, if proper persons acquainted with the business, were employed therein.

Soap is another article in great demand, the Conti- nental allowance is too small, and dear, as every necessary of life is now got, a soldier's pay will not enable him to purchase, by which means his conse- quent dirtiness adds not a little to the disease of the Army. —

I have no reason to accuse the Clothier Genl. of Inattention to his department, and therefore, as his supplies are incompetent to the wants of the Army, I am to suppose his resources are unequal. Ought not each State to be called upon to draw such sup- plies from the Country Manufactories as can be afforded ? particularly of shoes, stockings, shirts, and Blankets ; articles indispensably necessary and of which scarce too many can be provided — In the meanwhile every provision to be making for Clothing the Troops uniformly, and warm in the Winter. It is a maxim, which needs no illustration, that nothing can be of more importance in an Army than the

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 497

Clothing and feeding it well, — on these the health, comfort, and spirits of the Soldiers, essentially de- pend ; and it is a melancholy fact, that the American Army are miserably defective in both these respects — the distress most of them are in, for want of Clothing is painful to humanity, dispiriting to them- selves, and discouraging to every Officer. — It makes every pretention to the preservation of cleanliness impossible, exposes them to a variety of disorders — and abates, or destroys that military pride without which nothing can be expected from any Army.

The consequence of giving rank indiscriminately, is much to be dreaded — great dissatisfaction has already arisen on account of bestowing this on offi- cers in the Civil departments of the Army, on the inferior staffs. Waggon Masters, &c., who by custom, propriety, and every other motive are excluded from it in all well regulated Armies. The too great liber- ality practised in this respect, will destroy the pride of rank where it ought to exist, and will not only render it cheap — but contemptible. It is the policy of all Armies to make it valued and respected as a stimulus to emulation and an incitement to bold and gallant undertaking — it must be very unadviseable therefore, in our infant State of War, to adopt novel customs to bring it into discredit, which must and will be the consequence of making it too common, besides the disgust it creates in others.

An Auditor of Accounts to be constantly with the Army is absolutely requisite — It is impossible for me, crowded as I am, with other business, to examine

498 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

and adjust the numerous complex accounts of the Army with that correctness the Public have a right to expect before warrants pass for payment and with- out doing it, great impositions may follow — The provision for making regimental paymasters regulate all regimental accounts is altogether incompetent to the end proposed from it ; for these Men being ap- pointed generally, agreeable to the recommendation of the Field officers of the regiments they belong to, associating constantly with the Officers of their Corps — and in a great measure under their controul, can- not be considered as sufficiently uninfluenced. Nor are Auditors at a distance from the Army of much use, as it would require a delay not admissible to send accounts to them to audit before they were passed and paid in consequence of warrants from the Commander in Chief of the Army.

A good Geographer to survey the Roads and take sketches of the Country where the Army is to act, would be extremely useful and might be attended with exceeding valuable consequences — He might with propriety have the chief direction of the Guides who must have a head to procure, govern, and pay them. — If such a person should be approved of, I would beg leave to recommend Mr. Robt. Erskine, who is thoroughly skilled in this business — has al- ready assisted us in making maps of the Country, and has, (as I am informed) uniformly supported the character of a fast friend to America.

A small travelling Press to follow Head Quarters would be productive of many eminent advantages — ■

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 499

It would enable us to give speedy and exact informa- tion of any military transactions that take place with proper comments upon them and thereby frustrate the pernicious tendency of falsehood and misrepre- sentation, which, in my opinion of whatever com- plexion they may be, are in the main detrimental to our cause — ^If the People had a channel of intelli- gence that from its usual authenticity they could look up to with confidence, they might often be preserved from that despondency, which they are apt to fall into from the exaggerated pictures our Enemies and their Emissaries among us commonly draw of any misfortunes we meet with and from that diffidence of truths favorable to us which they must naturally feel from the frequent deception they are exposed to, by the extravagant colorings our friends often give to our successes. — It would also be very useful to dis- patch business in Camp ; being the most expeditious means of taking copies of any orders or other matters that require to be dispersed and would save a good deal in returns and other Papers we are often obliged to get Printed in Philadelphia. An ingenious man to accompany this Press and be employed wholly in writing for it might render it singularly beneficial.

I am exceedingly embarrassed how to dispose of the French officers in General, but more especially the artillery officers, who are come out under the sanction of a compact. I can think of no other way than that of forming a separate corps of them and draughting men from the whole line to compose that Corps ; — but even this will be attended with many

500 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

disagreable effects, — among others this is not the least, that officers will think themselves much injured to have the men they have had the trouble of raising taken from them and given to others — There is some- thing in this which is discouraging and breaks the spirit of a good officer who prides himself in having a full and compleat Corps.

A doubt has arisen whether a Person who belongs to any of the United States of America and who owed allegiance to any of the said States, that went to the Enemy, some time past, and since that time has been lurking about any of the Fortifications or about any of the Encampments of the Armies of the United States, plundering and driving off Cattle to the Enemy, recruiting for them or committing any other attrocious Crime, or who is appointed an officer in the Enemies Army, can be tried by a General Court Martial under the resolution of Congress of the 2ist of August 1776 and punished as a Spye. I have &c '

TO MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH.

Headquarters at the Clove, 19 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I have your favs. of the 7th and loth instants. I am pleased to find from the Copy of the letter from

' On July 24th, Livingston returned to Congress with a letter from Washing- ton (undoubtedly this letter of the 19th), which was at once referred to the Board of War, and led to the resolutions empowering the Board to contract for beer, cider, vegetables, soap, vinegar, and sour crout ; to allow Washington to increase the ration of soap, and to appoint Erskine geographer and surveyor of the roads. The question of clothing was recommitted.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 501

Bordeaux that Matters wore so good a face in France, it is more than probable that they will push an ad- vantageous trade with us before a formal declaration of War, indeed if they were to Strike a Blow before the declaration, they would only repay England for playing a Game of the same kind in the year

1755-

There is a very material difference between the

Returns you transmit me, and Genl. St. Clairs ac- count of the Garrison of Ticonderoga. By a Copy of the Council of War, before the evacuation, it Appears that they had only 2089 effectives and 900 Militia. Your return of Massachusetts Troops that has marched, amounts to 2830. There were besides these four Regiments of New Hampshire Troops. These are mysteries which a proper enquiry must clear up. I have sent Genl. Arnold up to join Genl. Schuyler, who is collecting a force near Fort Edward, by the latest accounts, the Enemy had not advanced in Force from Skeensborough. I there- fore hope that with Genl. Arnold assistance (in whom the Army and Militia in particular place great confidence) matters will be put in a more favorable train. * * *

Genl. Howe still lays intirely quiet on board the Fleet at Staten Island, very few troops remain on shore, and the destination a profound secret. What- ever were his intentions before this unlucky Blow to the Northward, he certainly ought in good policy to endeavor to cooperate with Genl. Burgoine. I am so fully of opinion that this will be his plan that I

502 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

have advanced the Army thus far to support our party at Peeks Kill should the Enemy move up the River. "^ * *'

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Camp, Eleven Miles in the Clove, 22 July, 1777.

Sir,

We have been under great embarrassments respect- ing, the intended operations of General Howe, and still are, notwithstanding the utmost pains to obtain intelligence of the same.^ At present it would appear that he is going out to sea. By authentic information, there are only forty ships at New York ; the rest are gone elsewhere, and have fallen down between the Narrows and the Hook. Between these Two places, the number, from the most accurate observation, was about one hundred and twenty yesterday. As I ob- served before, their destination is uncertain and un- known ; But I have thought it my duty to inform Congress of these Facts, that they may give orders

' *' Headquarters at Galloway's, an old log-house. The General lodged in a bed, and his family on the floor about him. We had plenty of sepawn and milk, and all were contented." — Pickering'' s yournal, Sunday, 20 July, 1777-

' " The Intelligence which occasioned us to advance from the Entrance of the Clove yesterday morning, I find to have been premature, and mean to remain here till I have your answer. What I wish to be particularly and certainly in- formed of is, whether you have received any further accounts from General Sul- livan, or other persons contiguous to the water, respecting the ships that were seen going up the Sound ; whether they have come to anchor, and where ; whether they have troops on board, or have landed any, and what Number of Ships in the whole has appeared. You will, I say, give me the most particular information you have obtained in these several instances immediately by Express. I shall anx- iously wait for your answer, and have no doubt of receiving it to-night. Our situation here is distressing, and the conduct of General Howe extremely em- barrassing."— Washington to Alajor-General Putnam, 2i July, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 503

to the militia to hold themselves in readiness to march at the shortest notice, in case Philadelphia should be their object. At the same time I am to request, that they will have a sufficient number of proper Look- outs fixed at the Capes of Delaware, to whose ac- counts implicit confidence may be given, to make the earliest reports of the arrival of any fleet, which Congress will transmit by the speediest conveyance.

As the enemy will probably make many Feints, and have it unhappily but too much in their power from their shipping, I would advise that the Look-outs should be cautioned to be extremely accurate in their observations and reports, mentioning, with as much precision as possible, the number of ships that may appear. Our situation is already critical, and may be rendered still more so by inaccurate and ill- grounded intelligence. From the advices, received on Saturday, of the movements of part of the enemy's ships, and the strong reasons there were to suppose General Howe would push up the North River to cooperate with General Burgoyne, I de- tached Lord Stirlinor with his division to Peekskill on Sunday morning. They crossed the river that evenine and the next morningf. This movement will prove unnecessary, should his destination be to the southward. I have also ordered General Glover's brigade from Peekskill to reinforce General Schuy- ler, from his representations of the inadequacy of his force to oppose General Burgoyne, and of the seem- ing backwardness of the people in that quarter to afford him aid. I have the honor to be, &c.

504 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

P. S. I think the Works at Billing's-port well worthy of attention and it [is] expedient to effect their completion as soon as possible.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Eleven Miles in the Clove, 22 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

I yesterday evening received the favor of your Letters of the 17th & i8th Inst, with their Inclosures. I am heartily glad you have found two such advan- tageous spots to take post at, and I hope the progress of the enemy will not be so rapid, as to prevent your throwing up such lines, as you may esteem necessary for their defence.' Though our affairs, for some days past, have worn a dark and gloomy aspect, I yet look forward to a fortunate and happy change. I trust General Burgoyne's army will meet sooner or later an effectual check, and, as I suggested before, that the success he has had will precipitate his Ruin. From your accounts he appears to be pursuing that line of conduct, which of all others is most favorable to us ; I mean acting in Detachment. This conduct will certainly give room for Enterprise on our part, and expose his parties to great hazard. Could we be so happy, as to cut one of them off, supposing it should not exceed four, five, or six hundred men, it would inspirit the people and do away much of their present anxiety. In such an Event, they would lose

' Kosciuszko, the principal engineer in the Northern Department, had selected a position on Moses Creek, four miles below Fort Edward, to which the army- removed on the 22d of July.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 505

sight of past misfortunes, and, urged at the same time by a regard for their own security, they would fly to arms and afford every aid in their power.

Your exertions to bring the people to view things in their proper light, to impress them with a just sense of the fatal consequences, that will result to them- selves, their wives, their children, and their country from their taking a wrong part, and for preventing Toryism, cannot be too great. General Burgoyne, I have no doubt, will practise every art, which his Invention shall point out, to turn their minds and seduce them from their allegiance. He should be counteracted as much as possible, as it is of the last importance to keep them firm and steady in their attachments. You have already given your attention to this matter, and I am persuaded you will omit nothing in your power to effect these great and essential points. Stopping the roads and ordering the cattle to be removed were certainly right and judicious. If they are well accomplished, the enemy must be greatly retarded and distressed. I hope before this you have received the supplies of Ammu- nition mentioned in my late Letters. I fully expected too that the Camp Kettles which I ordered from hence on your first application had reached you, till yesterday, when I found on enquiry that the Qr. Master by some accident did not send 'em before three or four days ago.

There will be no occasion to transmit to Congress a copy of your observations, suggesting the necessity of evacuating Fort George. The gentlemen, who

5o6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

mentioned the holding of that post, had taken up an idea, that it was defensible with the assistance of the vessels on the Lake, which were supposed to be better equipped ; and what gave countenance to the idea was, that the Bastion was erected under the direction and superintendence of British engineers, and was intended as part of a very large, strong, and extensive work. I thought it expedient to submit the- matter to your further consideration, wishing you at the same time to pursue such measures respecting it, as your own judgment should advise and direct.

I could heartily wish Harmony and a good under- standing to prevail through the whole army, and be- tween the army and the people. The times are critical, big with important events ; they demand our most vigorous efferts, and, unless a happy agreement subsists, they will be feeble and ineffectual. The Enemies of America have cultivated nothino- with greater or with so much industry, as to sow division and jealousy amongst us. I cannot give you any certain account of General Howe's intended Opera- tions. His conduct is puzzling and embarasssing be- yond measure ; so are the informations which I got. At one time the ships are standing up towards the North River; in a little while they are going up the Sound ; and in an Hour after they are going out of the Hook. I think in a day or two we must know something of his Intentions. I am, &c.

P. S. It will not be advisable to repose too much confidence in the works you are about to erect, and from thence to collect a large Quantity of Stores. I

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 507

begin to consider lines as a kind of Trap, and as not answering the valuable purposes expected from 'em, unless they are on passes that cannot be avoided by an enemy.

TO LORD STIRLING.

Camp near Clove,24 July, 1777.

My Lord,

Since my last to you ; dated at Galloways in the Clove, I have march'd one division of the Army to this place whilst two others proceeded to Chester, to be ready to march by a back road to Philada. (if need be) or to cross at New Windsor, if the Enemy, contrary to our present expectation should attempt to operate up the North, or East Rivers.

I have to request, that your Lordship would ap- ply to Genl. Putnam to have Boats ready to throw your division (and such other Troops, as occasion shall require) across the North River with the ut- most expedition, upon notice given, which if at all, will be sudden, — or, how would it answer if your Lordships division was to come over to this side, and wait orders ? Could you recross being on the spot, and Boats ready, before the communication could be stopped ? — and which is of consequence, could your men ,get comfortably covered in the Neighborhood of King's Ferry?

My last advices, which can be depended upon, are that the Enemy's Fleet except 40 Sail (which are at New York) have fallen down to the Hook, that it consists of 170 Sail of Topsail vessels, and about

5o8 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

50 or 60 smaller ones — this, with the Report of the Pilots being Southern ones, and some other Circum- stances have led to a belief that Phila. is the object — Was this certain no time shd. be lost in drawing both yours and Genl. Sullivan's divisions (with other Troops) over. Under the probability of it, however, it is I have suggested the idea of your recrossing, and do further suggest the propriety of Genl. Sulli- van's taking your ground at Peeks Kill ; for if there is no appearance of the Enemy in the Sound his moving Easterly towards Crum pond is altogether useless.

I do not give these as orders, but wish you to con- sult Genl. Putnam, and the other General officers on that side, and see how my ideas correspond with theirs, and such certain Intelligence as you may have and act accordingly. If the Enemy are destined for Philadelphia these moves will facilitate the March of the Troops thither — if to the Eastward, they will be retrogade — but such is the disadvantage we do, and such we must labor under, if the Enemy have cunning enough to keep their own Councils, whilst they have shipping to move in, and the absolute Command of the Water.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER.

Head-Quarters, Ramapo, 24 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

Your two favors of the 21st and 22d instant with their enclosures are come to hand. I am sorry to find, that you have not yet been joined by a larger

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 509

number of Militia, and that it has been found neces- sary to dismiss a part even of those, that have come to your assistance, though their presence is at this time so urgently wanted. I am in hopes, however, that your situation will soon be far more respectable ; as I cannot but think the Eastern States, who are so intimately concerned in the matter, will exert them- selves to throw in effectual succors to enable you to check the progress of the enemy, and repel a dan- ger, with which they are so immediately threatened.

I informed you in a letter of the 23d that I had ordered a further reinforcement in General Glover's Brigade to be dispatched to you. This is all the aid in Continental troops that I can possibly afford you in the present state of affairs, which you will be sen- sible is the case, if you will endeavor to form an idea of my strength from a consideration of that of the two Brigades which have been sent to re-inforce you. — You may make a tolerably exact estimate from them of the force I have to oppose the enemy's main army, and you will plainly perceive that I cannot with the least propriety render it less, however strong my inclination to put you upon the footing you desire.

You seem to apprehend that the Artillery sent up to you will be useless, for the want of a sufficient number of hands to manage them ; but I see no reason to imagine this will be the case, as by your last return, including non-commissioned officers you will have nearly twelve men to each piece, which are as many as we make use of here, and are sufficient for the purpose. —

5IO THE WRITINGS OF [1777

Not more than six Artillerists are required to load and fire a piece In action and you will have six others to each to make good any loss that may happen. — For the dragg-ropes and for any thing else, besides loadine and firlnor active men drafted from the batalions will answer extremely well ; — and a very few days are necessary if diligence is used, to make men, tolerably intelligent, capable of performing ever}' part of the duty of a private Artillerist. —

The information of the prisoners and others, trans- mitted by you, does not make the numbers of the enemy to exceed the idea first entertained of them, nor do I see any thing in It to induce a belief, that their progress will be so rapid, as not to give you time to make proper preparations and receive sufficient acces- sions of force to enable you to give them a vigorous and successful opposition. They do not appear to be much more than five thousand strono- and seem to be unprovided with wagons to transport the Immense quantity of baggage and warlike apparatus, without which they cannot pretend to penetrate the country. You mention their having a great number of horses ; but they will nevertheless require a considerable number of wagons, for there are a great many things that cannot be transported on horses. As they can never think of advancing, without securing their rear by leaving garrisons In the fortresses be- hind, the force with which they can come against you will be greatly reduced by the detachments necessary for the purpose.' And as they have to cut

' The truth of this position is demonstrated by the letters of Burgoyne to Carleton. Burgoyne asked for a garrison for Ticonderoga from Canada, that

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 511

out their road, and remove the impediments you have put in the way, this circumstance, with the incumbrance they must feel in their baggage, stores, etc., will inevitably retard their march a considerable time, and give you leisure and opportunity to pre- pare a good reception for them. If they continue to act in detachments, you will have it in your power to improve it to very great advantage, by falling vigor- ously upon some one of them with your whole force, which, if you are fortunate enough to succeed in, will be fatal to them.

I have directed General Lincoln to repair to you as speedily as the state of his health, which is not very perfect, will permit him. This gentleman has always supported the character of a judicious, brave, active officer, and as he is exceedingly popular and much respected in the State of Massachusetts, to which he belongs, he will have a degree of influence over the militia, which cannot fail being very advan- tageous. I have destined him more particularly to the command of them, and I promise myself it will have a powerful tendency to make them turn out with more cheerfulness, and to inspire them with perseverance to remain in the field, and fortitude and spirit to do their duty while in it. The confidence

the troops he had left there might be available for the campaign. " My com- munications will widen so much as I proceed, the drain upon the army for posts will be so considerable, not to speak of detachments and safeguards to protect and to awe the country, that if that first diminution is not replaced, my effective strength may become inadequate to the service intended." ii July, 1777. Carleton, being confined to Canada by positive instructions, declined to accede to this request, though admitting its force ; and Burgoyne, while de- ploring from a military view this strict construction of orders, confessed that Carleton was justified in his decision. 29 July, 1777.

512 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

they have in him will certainly go a great way tow- ards producing these desirable ends. You intimate the propriety of having a body of men stationed somewhere about the Grants. The expediency of such a measure appears to me evident ; for it would certainly make General Burgoyne very circumspect in his advances, if it did not totally prevent them. It would keep him in continual anxiety for his rear, and oblige him to leave the posts behind him much stronger than he would otherwise do, and would answer many other valuable purposes. General Lincoln could not be more serviceable, than in the command of this body, and no person could be more proper for it than him.

From the view I have of the matter, I should also think it necessary to send General Arnold, or some other sensible, spirited officer to Fort Schuyler, to take care of that post, keep up the spirits of the inhabitants, and cultivate and improve the favorable disposition of the Indians. This is recommended on the supposition, that any thing formidable should appear on that quarter. I am, dear Sir, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM.

Ramapo, 25 July, 1777.

Dear Sir,

My Letter of yesterday would inform you of the reasons, which occasions the remove of this part of the army towards Philadelphia, and the recall of the

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 513

divisions under Genls Sullivan and Lord Stirling/ I have now to add, that it is my desire that you should keep as many of the remaining Troops, (as can possi- bly be spared from the defence of the Forts and passes of the Highlands,) in the most perfect readi- ness to move, either this way or to the Eastward as occasion shall require. I do not pretend to fix upon or ascertain the number, which may be necessary for those defences. Yourself & officers must determine this point, proportioning your defence to the Troops left by Genl Howe on York Island. If you have not already done it, let the Eastern States be immediately advised of the Fleet's Sailing from the Hook, that they may be in a posture of defence, as no person can with certainty say where the blow will be struck. I am, dear Sir, &c.

P. S. Since writing the above, I have reed yours of Yesterday's date, Enclosing the Intercepted Letter from Genl Howe to Burgoyne, &c. To me a stronger proof could not be given, that the former is not going to the Eastward, than this Letter adduces. It was evidently intended to fall into our hands. The

* " I have just received advice of the Enemy's fleet having sailed from the Hook ; in consequence of which I have to desire, that you immediately make Genl. Sullivan's & Lord Stirling's Divisions to cross the river, and proceed to- wards Philadelphia. They will have more particular orders on their Rout. You are to reserve two field-pieces for each Brigade that remains behind, except that which is to garrison the forts, and all the rest of the field-artillery is to come on with the forementioned divisions. Colo. Crane's battalion is to accompany them, and Colo. Lamb's to supply their place. Lord Stirling's Baggage will meet him at Sufferan's — The enclosed order is to be communicated both to him & General Sullivan, who are to observe the same as they cannot be too unencumbered & expeditious." — Washington to Major-General Putnam, 24 July, 1777.

514 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

complexion of it, the circumstances attending it, &c., evinces this beyond a doubt in my mind.' I there- fore desire, that no time be lost in sending on Genls Sullivan and Lord Stirling with their divisions. If it was not too dangerous to hazard their shipping to sea, merely to perform a manoeuver to deceive, I should think it not unlikely, that the North River might yet be the object, & that they had run out with a view of returning when our Troops should be drawn of ; but the possibility of a dispersion of their Fleet makes so much against this, that I am persuaded more than ever, that Philadelphia is the place of destination, & therefore hope that no time will be lost in marching the Troops already ordered, & preparing as many of the others as can be spared to follow, if my conjec- tures are right.

' This intercepted letter was in the handwriting of General Howe, and signed by him. It was directed to General Burgoyne. The following is an exact transcript : " Dear Sir, " New York, 20 July, 1777.

" I have received your letter of the 14th of May from Quebec, and shall

fully observe the contents. The expedition to B n [Boston] will take place

of that up the North River. If, according to my expectations, we may succeed rapidly in the possession of B., the enemy having no force of consequence there, I shall, without loss of time, proceed to cooperate with you in the defeat of the rebel army opposed to you. Clinton is sufficiently strong to amuse Washington and Putnam. I am now making demonstration to the southward, which I think will have the full effect in carrying our plan into execution. Success attend you. W.Howe."

The young man, who brought out the letter from New York, voluntarily sought the American guard, and gave it up. He had been a prisoner in the city, and said he was offered a high reward for carrying this letter to General Burgoyne; that he at first declined taking charge of it, but at last he acceded to the proposal, with the intention to recover his liberty, and then take the letter to the American camp. Whether this was a true account of the matter, or not, must rest on the testimony of the young man. There can be no ques- tion, however, that the letter reached the destination for which it was intended by General Howe.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 515

TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.

Camp at Ramapaugh, 3 Miles from the Clove,

C-^ . 25 July, 1777.

oIR '.

I do myself the Honor to transmit you a Copy of my Letter to Genl. Howe of the i6th Inst, proposing an Exchange between Genls. Lee and Prescot — I dis- patched it early the next morning and presume it got to hand on the i8th. As yet, I have not received his answer.

The amazing advantage the Enemy derive from their ships and the command of the Water, keeps us in a state of constant perplexity and the most anxious conjecture. We are not yet informed of their desti- nation, nor can any plausible conclusions be drawn respecting it — at least, not such as appear satisfactory. — What renders the matter still more difficult and confused, is their extreme inactivity and delay — For it is certain they began to embark immediately after the evacuation of Amboy and now remain between the Narrows and the Hook, or were there when I was last advised upon the Subject. — I have two Active officers with an Escort now out, for the pur- pose of Intelligence and for reconnoitring their situa- tion from Fort Lee and along the River in that neighborhood. Things being thus circumstanced and various opinions, as to their real object, prevailing among us, some supposing it to be Philadelphia — others the North River and others an Expedition more Easterly, I would submit it to Congress, whether the Militia of the Neighboring Counties should not be immediately called to the First or at Chester — the Lower Counties at Wilmino-ton. This measure

5i6 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

appears to me highly expedient and no objection can lie against it of sufficient validity to prevent it, as a few days must certainly determine their real designs. Should they be against Philadelphia and they have favorable Winds, their voyage will be made in a short time, when it may be too late to obtain their aid, and to arrange them properly for defence, supposing 'em to come in. — I am the more induced to recommend this measure, as the several objects we have to attend to, necessarily oblige this Army to continue at a con- siderable distance from that place, till their Intentions are better understood ; and as they might by a sudden and rapid push, attempt to effect some material — capital stroke, before we could get there, unless there is a respectable force to oppose 'em. For tho' no great dependence can be put in a Militia acting alone — nor a vigorous opposition expected from 'em, from the nature of things, to a disciplined, well appointed Army, yet their Operations may be greatly retarded by 'em and may be checked till other succors can arrive. The report of a Force, especially if it is any wise respectable, let it be of what sort it may, will have some influence on their conduct and may prevent enterprizes that would otherwise be undertaken.

From the Intelligence received on Saturday Even- ing, that a number of the Enemy's ships were stand- ing up the North River and in the course of that and the preceding day, that Forty sail were in the Sound going into Fairfield Harbor, I had not the least doubt, in my mind, that Genl. Howe had in view a

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 517

stroke against the Highlands and the Fortifications there, and to cooperate with Genl. Burgoyne. — In consequence of these advices, I judged it expedient to move the Army, the next morning from our then Encampment towards those posts. Lord StirHng's division was ordered to take the Rout to Kings Ferry and to pass the River to Peeks Kill and I pro- ceeded myself with the remainder which composed the main body, by the Rout leading thro' the Clove towards New Windsor. We marched over a very difficult and rugged road till Night, when we halted, the First Division having advanced about Eighteen miles. In this situation we lay till yesterday morning, when from the Information received before respect- ing the Enemy's Fleet being at and near the Hook and no further accounts of the Ships in the Sound, a change in our measures took place. Stephen's and Lincoln's Divisions were ordered to proceed to Chester, there to wait further directions, as a place from whence they may move with more ease either to Philadelphia or Hudson's River, being seven miles nearer the former and equally convenient to the Lat- ter, and General Greene's Division to this Ground. By dividing, and this arrangement, I am in hopes our Movements will be more expeditious whereso- ever, they may be necessary. I have, &c.

P. S. * * * After sealing my Letter, I received by Express from CoK Moylan a Letter advising that the Fleet sailed from the Hook ; yesterday Morning out to Sea.'

1 " I imagine you must by this time have a considerable parcel of hard Bread baked. I am moving towards Philadelphia with the Army, and should be glad

5i8 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

TO MAJOR-GENERAL GATES.

Coryell's Ferry, 30 July, 1777.

Sir,

As we are yet uncertain as to the real destination of the enemy, tho the Delaware seems most probable, I have thought it prudent to halt the army at this place, Howell's Ferry, and Trenton, at least till the Fleet actually enters the Bay, and put the matter beyond a doubt. From hence w^e can be upon the proper Grounds to oppose them, before they can possibly make their arrangements and dispositions

to have it sent forward. You will therefore immediately upon the Receipt of this send all that is ready down to Coryell's ferry except about two thousand Weight which is to be sent to the place called the White House, and there wait for the division of the Army which is with me. I expect to be in that Neighbor- hood the night after tomorrow if the weather is fair — You will continue baking as fast as you can because two other divisions will pass thro' Pitts Town and want Bread." — Washington to Christian Ludowick, 25 July, 1777.

" By a letter received this morning from Lord Stirling of the 22d Inst. I find he intends to pursue his Rout from Kakigate thro Pyramus to the Great Falls — thence to Walsessing & thro Springfield to Brunswick or Bound Brook. The reason of my being thus particular in describing Lord Stirlings Rout is, because I wish you to take every possible pains in your power, by sending trusty persons to Staten Island, to obtain Intelligence of the Enemy's situation and numbers — what kind of Troops, they are, and how many & what Guards they have, their strength & where posted.

" My view in this is, that his Lordship, when he arrives may make an at- tempt upon the Enemy there, with his division. If it should appear from a full consideration of all circumstances and the information you obtain, that it can be done with a strong prospect of success." — IVashington to Col. Dayton, 26 July, 1777.

" It is out of my power to displace Genl. Fermoy or to get rid of him in any way, his appointment was by Congress, who assigned him to the Northern Army. You must endeavor to place some person about him who is master of the French, & English languages and by that means he will be better enabled to receive and give orders to his Brigade.

" But if you and the other General Officers find him incapable of executing his office, rather than the service should suffer, he must be plainly told of his inability and advised to give up the command at least till he has made himself

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 519

for an attack. I take it for granted, that the prepara- tions by water are ready to resist the sudden attack of any ships, that may run up previous to the landing of troops/ That the posts in the Highlands may not be left too much exposed, I have ordered Genl Sulli- van's division to halt at Morris Town, whence it will march southward, if there should be occasion, or

sufficient master of our language to convey his orders to the officers of his Brigade." — Washington to General Schuyler, 27 July, 1777.

On the 28th Washington learned that seventy sail of the enemy were " beating off Little Egg harbor with a southerly wind on Saturday morning," intelligence that left little doubt in his mind that their intentions were toward Delaware Bay and against Philadelphia. He ordered Putnam to send across the river two of his best brigades, ready to march down through Morristown on short notice. Greene's division, with Washington himself, was expected at Coryell's ferry by the night of the 28th, but was detained by bad weather ; and the troops of Stephen and Lincoln were to be at Howell's ferry four miles above, on the 29th. Lord Sterling was marching by way of Trenton, and Sullivan "is coming on expeditiously in the track we have marched." To Mifflin, Washing- ton wrote on the 28th : —

The Writings of George Washington, vol. 5: 1776-1777 (Worthington C. Ford, ed., 1890) (part 12)

" There are several matters upon which I wish you to bestow your particular attention, and that immediately. — Reconnoitring well that part of the country in which is likely to be the scene of action, all the probable places of landing and all the grounds convenient for incamping that are well situated with respect to those places, and for covering and securing the forts, gaining an accurate knowledge of all the roads and by-paths, on both sides of the Delaware, (par- ticularly from Wilmington and Chester to Philadelphia) and on the Jersey side, where there is a likelihood of the Enemy's operating ; and procuring good trusty guides well acquainted with all those roads and paths.

" I wish you also to obtain drafts as exact as possible of the country that I may the more readily have a good insight into its situation and circumstances. From the idea I at this time have of it, I should imagine the main body of our army ought to be incamped on the West-side of Schuylkel for the benefit of good water, good ground and because it has a free and open communication. I would not by any means have the troops enter Philadelphia, not only on account of its being pent up between two rivers but as it would serve to debauch them and introduce diseases, and would be detrimental to the city and disagreeable to the inhabitants."

' General Gates was now in Philadelphia, to which place he returned when General Schuyler resumed the command in the Northern Department.

520 THE WRITINGS OF [1777

northward upon the first advice that the enemy should be throwing any force up the North River. Genl Howe's in a manner abandoning General Burgoyne is so unaccountable a matter, that, till I am fully assured it is so, I cannot help casting my Eyes con- tinually behind me/

As I shall pay no regard to any flying reports of the appearance of the fleet, I shall expect an account of it from you the moment you have it ascertained to your Satisfaction ; and I desire that, at the same time that you advise me of this, you will send an express to Lord Stirling, or commanding officer at Trenton, to move on with the troops from thence. I am, &c.

TO GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.

Coryell's Ferry, 31 July, 1777.

Sir,

I was just now honored with your letter of the 25th instant. The evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mount Independence is an event so interesting and so unexpected, that I do not wonder it should pro- duce in the minds of the people, at least the well attached, the effects you mention. I am fully in sentiment with you, that the cause, leading to this unhappy measure, should be fully and minutely examined. Public justice, on the one hand, demands

* " I have spared no pains to open a correspondence with Sir William Howe. I have employed the most enterprizing characters and offered very promising rewards, but of ten messengers sent at different times and by different routes not one is returned to me, and / atn in total ignorance of the situation or intentions of that generate — Burgoytte to Lord George Germaine, 30 July, 1777.

1777] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 521

it, if it was not the result of prudence and necessity ; and, on the other, the reputation of the officers con- cerned, if they are not blameworthy. Had not Con- gress considered that as a separate department, appointed the officers in some instances to that com- mand themselves, and been fully possessed of all the facts respecting the event that I am, I should not have doubted a single moment about directing an inquiry. These matters, I say, have laid me under some doubts as to the line I should pursue ; but I am persuaded, an examination will be ordered in a few days, either by the Congress or myself, when I hope the subject will be properly discussed, and that done which is right.'

As to sending Continental troops from Peekskill, no more can be detached from thence to the northern army, than what are already gone. Two brigades, (Nixon's and Glover's,) have been ordered from thence to their aid ; more than were ever intended in the arrangement of our forces. Not a man more can go, as all the troops (I mean Continental) at that post, except two thousand, are called to join this army. For I have to inform you, that General Howe's object and operations no longer remain a secret. At half after nine o'clock this morning, I received an express from Congress, advising that the enemy's fleet, consisting of two hundred and twenty-

' " I am sorry to say that had the Eastern States all of them taken effective measures to fill and send on expeditiously their several quotas, the misfortune at Ticonderoga could not have happened — But I have the consolation to reflect, that I have used the most pressing and repeated instances to induce them to do it." — Washington to Majo7--General Heath, 27 July, 1777.

522 THE WRITINGS OF [i^yj

eight sail, were at the Capes of Delaware yesterday in the forenoon. This being the case there can be no doubt but he will make a vigorous push to possess Philadelphia, and that we should collect all the force we can to oppose him.

Fearing from report and from the event itself (the abandonment of the northern posts), that distrust, jealousy, and suspicion of the conduct of the officers might arise in the militia, and that degree of confi- dence in them wanted, which would be necessary to success, and to give a more promising aspect to our affairs in that quarter, I sent Generals Lincoln and Arnold to assist in that command. These two gen- tlemen are esteemed good officers, and I think very deservedly. I am persuaded, that nothing that their judgments shall direct will be omitted to stop the progress of General Burgoyne's arms, as far as in them lies ; and I am equally sure, their personal ex- ertions and bravery will not be wanting in any in- stance. Their presence I trust will remove every ground of diffidence and backwardness in the militia, and that they will go on, when and where their services are demanded, with a spirit and resolution becoming freemen and the sacred cause in which they are engaged. As the troops are on their march from hence, I shall not add more, than that I have the most entire confidence in your exertions upon every occasion to advance the common interest ; and that I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c.'

1 <<

yulv 3isi. We inarched for Philadelphia, where the General, his aids, &c., arrived about ten in the evening, leaving the army behind." — Pickering's jfournal.

Letters and Recollections of George Washington, with Tobias Lear's Diary of His Last Days (1906)

Letters and Recollections of George Washington

Being letters to Tobias Lear and others be- tween 1790 and I799» showing the First American in the management of his estate and domettic a^rs.

With a diary of Washington^* last days, kept by Mr. Lear.

New York

DoubWif, Page & Company

1906

I

I

; /

/^■' %

{^ AUG 6 1906 ,

Copjrri^l, 190J, hj W. K. Bbiby

Copjrriglit, t^ai, bjr

D<nible<Uy, Page b Compujr

PublUhcd, July, 1906

AH r^fl rumvrf.

ir flu/ 1/ transMhn into /wy^ f

kciuOlt llu Staiidbuiiian

The letters to Mr. Tobias Lear contained in this volume were copied from the originals writ- ten by Washington. The volume was furnished to me, while I was preparing Washington's Writ- ings for the press, by Mr. Lincoln Lear, and I now present it to his daughter. Miss Louisa Lear. Jared Sparks

Cambridge, .

October, 1852.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Tbc publiihers acknowledge gratefully the pennis- sion given by Mr. W. K. Bixby to use in this collection those letters to Tobias Lear included in a privately printed volume of Washington letters already issued by him.

But for the courteous assistance received at ihe L<enox Library, much that it was our privilege to include in this collection, must have been omitted.

The volume of " Letters to William Pearce from George Washington," brought out by the Long Island Historical Society, is the authority for several interesting letten to Mr. Pearce herein reproduced.

INTRODUCTION.

The letters from George Wasbington to my grand- iather, Tobias Lear, included in this volume, are inter- esting as showing a side of that great man's character new to the public. His mastery of detail in domestic life appears to have been as remarkable as his power to conduct the affairs of a great nation.

His confidence in my grandfather is proved by these letters to him — if proof is needed. He entrusted him with the management of those household details so interesting and important in his eyes. Tobias I/ear was bom in 1760 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; he graduated from Harvard in 1783, entering at once upon the duties of tutm' to Washington's adopted children, afterwards becoming his private secretary, in which capacity he remained for sixteen years, or until Wash- ington's death. He was also his military aide, with rank of Colonel, when such services were needed. Be- sides his professional position, he had a higher standii^ in the family through marriage. After the death of bis first wife — Mary Long, of Portsmouth, N. H., my own grandmother — he married Fanny Washington; and again, after her death, Frances Dandridge Henley, a niece of Martha Washington. Throt^h this last

marriage, I became the possessor of a very valuable and unique quilt, made by Mrs. Washington's wn hands, which was used on George Washington's bed. The min- iature of Washington here reproduced was presented to Tobias Lear by Martha Washington, after her husband's death. It has a large lock of his hair at the back of it. The miniature of Tobias Lear is a remarkably fineone, painted by Cottoni, an Italian. The setting is of gold, bordered by a narrow band of blue enamel, edged on each side by seed pearls.

Tobias Lear's only child — my father— was christened Benjamin Lincoln, after General Lincoln. My grand- father writes, in a letter to William Atkinson: "Our boy has the name of Benjamin Lincoln in memory of my true friend and one of the best of men. Many express their surprise that a son of mine, bom too in this family, should receive any other name than that of George Washington. But altho' I love & respect the great man who bears that name, yet I woitld not for the world do a thing that could savour of adulation toward him — and if I would not adulate him I am sure I would adulate no human being."

Washington was this child's godfather, presenting him with a silver pap-cup and spoon. Unfortunately, the cup was stolen.

The locket here shown, containing a lock of my grandmother's hair, is of glass, set in gold, upon which is engraved the date of her death, and "To B. L. L. from his friend M. Washington. "

Tobias Lear evidently had, in a quiet way, consider- able influence over Washington. The diary mentions the fact of his moderating Washington's excitement over something he was reading in the paper. It was also through his persuasions that his New England trip was taken.

I have written this short introduction to show in what high esteem Washington held Lear. As to my grandfather's affection for Washington, the diary shows.

I was defrauded of the originals of these letters.

Louisa Leak Eyre.

Letters from George Washington to his Secre- tary, Tobias Lear

The last days of George Washington from a diary kept by Mr. Lear ....

Miscellaneous letters revealing the great States- man's mode of life at Mt. Vemoa . .

LIST OP ILLUSTRATIONS

Miniature of George Washington

Frontispiece

Miniature of Tobias Lear Washingbm's bedroom in which he died . Conunemoration of the death of Washington Quilt given to Mr. Lear by the Washingtons The Stuart portoait of Martha Washington Third Wife of Tobias Lear

(Atoo • b1«> ot Ifortba Waihiagton)

The homes of Washington and Robert Morris, Philadelphia

68 134 140 163

184

aa6

LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS OP GEORGE WASHINGTON

LETTERS AND RECOLLEGTIONS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON

No. I

Philadelphia, Septr. 5th. 1790. Dear Sir,

After a pleasant journey we arrived in this City about 3 o'clock on Thursday last. To morrow we proceed (if Mrs* Washington's health will permit, for she has been much indisposed since she came here) towards Mount Vernon.

The house ctf Ifr. R. Morris had, previous to my ar- rival, been taken by the Corporation for my residence. It is the best they could get. It is, I believe, the best Single home in the City ; yet without additions, it is in- adequate to the commodious accommodations of my family. These, I believe will be made.

The first floor contains only two public Rooms (ex- cept one for the upper Servants). The second floor will have two public (drawing) Rooms & with tiie aid of one Room with the partition in it, in the back build- ing will be sufficient for the accommodation of Mrs. Washington & the children & their maids — ^besides aSordii^ me a small place for a private study and dress- ii^ room. The third story will furnish you and Mrs. Lear with a good lodging Room, — a public office (for there is no place below for one) and two Rooms for the Gentlemen of the family. The Garret has four good Rooms which must serve Mr. and Mrs. Hyde (unless they should prefer the Room over the Wash house),

4 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

William — and such servants as it may not be better to place in the addition (as i^oposed) to the back building. There is a room over the Stable (without a fireplace, but t^ means of a Stove) may serve the Coachman & Postillions; and there is a smoke house, which possi- bly may be more useful to me for the accommot^tion of Servants, than for smokii^of meat. The intention of the addition to the back Building is to provide a Ser- vants' Hall, and one or two (as it will ^ord) lodging Rooms for the Servants, especially those who are coupled. Thnc is a very good Wa^ house adjoinit^ the Kitchen (tmder one of the Rooms already men- tioned). There are good Stables, but for la horses only, and a Coach house which will hold all my Caniages.

Speaking of Carriages, — I have left my Coach to re- ceive a thorough repair against I return (which I expect will happen before the first of De«mber) and I request you will visit Mr. Clark (into whose hands it is com- mitted) often, to see it well done ; and that I may not be disappointed in the time allowed him for the com- pletion, which is by the asth. of November. The har- ness is also left with him, and he has my Ideas on this subject: — generally they are, if the wheel harness (which I understand was left at New York) can be made complete, and look as well as if they were new, then & in that case, he is to make a set of pole-end Har- ness to suit them, both to be plated — but if this can- not be accomplished, the set is to be made entirely new, — and in the best style.

I have requested Colo. Biddle to take measure for laying in wood for me, this being, he thinks, tiie proper time for doing it, & to draw upon you for the amount

_^of Cost.

The pressure of business under which I laboured for

, several days before I left New York, allowed me no

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 5

time to enquire who of the female servants it was pro- posed or diought advisable to remove here, besides the wives of the footmen, — namely, James and Pidas. The Washerwomen, I believe, are good, but as they, or one of them at least, has a family of children — quere, whether it is necessary to incimiber the march, — and the family afterwards with them? I neitiier contradict or advise the measure — ^your own judgment, and the circumstances of the case mast decide the point: — ^but tinless tiiere is better reason than I am acquainted with for bringing Mrs. Lewis, her daughter and their fami- lies along, they had better, I shoiild conceive, be left: — but as I never investigated the subject, I will give no— decisive opinion thereon. J

As Mr. Hyde some little time before I left New York expressed <^ssatisfaction, ngnifying he could neither enjoy under the conduct of the servants the happiness he wished, or render those services he thought might be expected from him, it might be well for you b^ore I am at the expense of his removal, to know decidedly what his determination is, and his views with respect to a continuance. There can be no propriety in sad- ling me with the cost of his transportation, & that of bis b^gage, if he has it in contemplation to leave me at, or soon after his arrival. And I am the ratiier in- clined to make this suggestion now as time will allow you to scrutinize his accotmts, and to form a good com- parative view of them with Francis's. As a steward, I am satisfyed William (independent of the woman, & what her excellence is I really know not) would be ftiU his equal — and I think the dinners, if the Cook had more agency in the planing of them, would be better ; — at least more tas^, but this Ifr. and Mrs. Hyde's pride will not submit to. As I have got to the end of the paper and am tired, I shall only add that your let- ter of the 3d. with its enclosures came safe — and that

6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Ifrs. Washington joins me in best wishes for Mrs. Lear and yourself. I am sincerely & affectionately —

Yrs. P.S.

In a fortnight or 20 days from this time, it is ex- pected Mr. Morris will have removed out of the house. It is proposed to add bow windows to the two public Rooms in tiie South front of the house, but as Edl the other apartments will be close and secure the sooner after that time you can be in the house, with the ftir- niture, the better, that you may be well fixed and see how matters go on during my absence. Mr. Lear.

No. 3.

Baltiuorb, Septr. glii. 1790. Dear Sir,

Agreeably to the information given in my last, I left Philadelphia on Monday and arrived here yesterday afternoon. To day I rest. To morrow I proceed, and hope to arrive safe at Moimt Vernon on Saturday, after taking dinner at Abingdon, on our way.

In order that you may not be too fast or too slow in your removal to Philadelphia, it might be well to open a correspondence with Mr. Morris, requesting him to inform you at what time the house will be ready to re- ceive the furniture, because it is proposed as I was in- formed after writing to you on Sunday last, to have the Rooms painted after Mr. Morris should have left it. I would not let the bow windows, or any other addi- tion to the house, or any of the out buildings be any impediment to your removal, for you will have suffi- cient Room to stow the furniture (intended for the two large Rooms) in some other parts of the house ; and for all those who will accompany you ; and by being on the spot you will have it more in your power to provide

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON" 7

wood, and make such otiier arrangements as shall be found necessary, than you can do at a distance, besides accomplishing the main point (that is, the removal) before the weather becomes cold and intem- perate.

In my last I left it with you to decide on the pro- priety of hringii^ the Washer women. I do so still. But with respect to Mrs. Lewis and her daughter, I wish it may not be done, especially as it is in contem- plation to transplant Hercules or Nathan from the Kitchen at Mount Vernon to that in Philadelphia ; and because the dirty figiu^ of Mrs. Lewis and her daughter will not be a pleasant sight in view (as the Kitchen always will be) of the principal entertaining rocms in our new habitation^]

Upon a second conversation with Mr. Clark, the Coach maker, it was concluded to have the Harness for the Coach qtiite new and plated ; and I should be glad if you would see that they are handsomely executed. He is to make harness for the pole-end as well as for the wheel horses, & promises that every thing shall be completed by the middle of November.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris have insisted upon leavii^ the two lai^ lookii^ Glasses which are in their best Rooms, because they have no place (they say) proper to re- move them to, and because they are tmwilling to hazzard the takii^ of them down. You will therefore let them have, in place of them, the choice of mine. The large ones which I purchased from the French Minister they do not incline to take ; but will be glad of some of the others. They also will leave a large Glass lamp in the entry or Hall, and will take one or more of my Glass lamps in lieu of it. In disposing of tiie Yards Mr Morris will take in (to the House he removes to) the part which formerly belonged to it. I mention this that you may not be surprised at the attempt.

8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Nothii^ furtiier occurs at present. Mrs. Washington unites with me in good wishes for Mrs. Lear and yourself and I am.

Sincerely & affectionately Yrs.

No. 3.

Mount Vernon, Septr. 17th. 1790. Dear Sir,

Having received no letter from you since the one dated the 3d Instant, I have nothing to reply to. The motive for writing to you at this time is, that upon un- packing the china ornaments which accompanied the mirrors for the Tables, it was found (notwithstanding they were in Bran) that many of the delicate and tender parts were broken; occasioned, I believe, by the Bran not being put in and settled down by a little at a time. To press the Bran aroimd the Images (you have to re- move with the platteaux) will not answer ; still it must be so compact as to prevent friction, in moving; and this can only be done by putting each Image or figure in a separate box, witb Bran, by little and little, shakily and setlltng it by d^;rees as it is added.

By a letter which Major Jackson has received from General Steward, he has completed his removal, & Mr. M(»Tis had begun to take thii^ out of the house I am to have, to make room for niy furniture, but as Mr. Morris was desired, so I am persuaded he will inform you when it will be safe and proper fOT you to remove. The sooner I think it can be done the better; as you will be able to make such arrangements, and provide such conveniences as you will know we shall want, and which (I suppose) through the channels they are now making, may be accomplished-

We have resolved to take one of my Cooks with us, and if upon examining into the matter it shall be found

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 9

convenient, I may also take on a boy; — at any rate, there will be no occasion for Mrs. Lewis or her dau^ter; for a Scullion may always be had in Philadelphia.

In one of my former letters I su^ested to you the imjpriety of knowing decidedly what Mr. Hyde's views are before he is removed from New York at my expence, and I now repeat it: — first, because it is necessary for me to be placed upon a certainty; — and secondly, be- cause if he has any difficulties or doubts — or has it in contemplati(m to talk in a short time (which is but too common a case) of increased wages, it would be best to separate at once, as well for these reasons as the one I communicated in a former letter and because I fear his Table is a much more expensive one than it ought to be. But as this is conjecture only, I will not charge hun with it — tho' I think the short duration of the first Pipe of Pintard wine, is a fnetty evident proof that that article was expended more expeditiously than it ever was in Francis's time. How it has been with other things if you have been able to compare the accts. of the one with the other, you mtist be the best

We arrived safe at tius place on Saturday last, but not without one upset of the Charriot and Waggon- fortunately neither was hurt. We all imite in best wishes for you and Mrs. Lear, and I am your sincere friend and affectionate Servant,

Take measitfe either by yourself or through G3I0. Biddle to engage Wood in season & whilst it is to be obtained on good terms.

No. 4.

Mount Vbrnon, Septr. soth. 1790. . Dear Sir,

The Servant who carried my letter of the 1 7th. to the

lo LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Post office in Alexandria, returned with yours of the i2th. which shall be the Subject for this reply.

What ever Ideas or remarks may have been excited by my going into Mr. Morris's house I know not, but this I am sure of, that to do it was farthest from my ex- pectations. The Corporation of the City (by whom it was engaged) made attempts it seems to get other places, but none being to be obtained to their lUdng, Mr. Morris's was offered, and accepted, subject to my dedsion. To the Academy there were exceptions which it was said could not be overcome. To Hunter's Houses there vtxe impediments. The Houses of Mrs. Allan and Mr. Guimey could not be had becatise Mrs. Pollock (tenant in the latter) would not relinquish it, and Mr. or Mrs. Kepley's was fotmd not to answer. This, I was told, was the history of the business.

I have not the least objection to Fida's wife's coming to Philadelphia in the vessel with the other servants ; nor to her ccmtiniiing in the family afterwards, if she chuses it and can do the duties of her station tolerably, because I think he merits indulgence on James' account (who I also think is a very good servant) Iconsentread- Uy, if it was his expectation & wish that his wife may accompany the servants in the manner suggested by you, or as a house maid if she is thought fit for it; — but not being acquainted with the views of the parties (James and Wife I mean) I can only say that I dball be perfectly satisfied with whatever you do respecting the matter. As I do not believe the House can be better suppUed with Washer women, I think it best to bring those you have; on condition that I shall not be bur- thened with Fanny's children after they arrive. Thus much for the lower Servants and their connections^

With respect to Mr. Hyde and his wife, if the duties of the family are too much for both, will Mr. Hyde ahne be able to discharge them? If she quits, will not

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON ii

a substitute be necessary? In that case or in case Mr. Hyde acts atone, does he expect the same wages as are now given to both? If it is not stated on some paper handed in by Mr. Hyde, it is nevertheless strong in my recollection, that his wife's services were stated at one, and his own at 300 dollars per Annum. I have no wish to part with Mr. or Mrs. Hyde, first because I do not hke to be changing; — and secondly because I do not know where or with whom to supply their places. On the score of the accts. I can say nothing never having taken a comparative view of his and Prauncis's, but I am exceedingly mistaken if the expences of the second Table at which Mr. Hyde presides, has not greatly ex- ceeded tiiat kept by Pratmcis ; for (but in this I may be mistaken) I strongly suspect that nothittg is brought to my Table of liquors, fruits or other things that is not used as profusely at his. If my suspicions are un- founded, I shall be sorry for having entertained them, and if they are not, it is at least questionable, whether his successor might not do the same thing; — in which case (if Hyde is honest and careful, of which you are better able to judge than I am) a change without a benefit might take place, and is not de^rable, if they are to be retained on proper terms. I say they, for if Mrs. Hyde is necessary for the purposes inntmierated in your letter, and the Cook is not competent to the desert, making Cake, &c. I do not see what ^3se Hyde, more than William, would be without her — nor do I see why ^ should execute part of his duties and there- by make her own too burthensome. Francis, besides being an excellent Cook, knowing how to provide gen- teel Dinners, and giving aid in dressing them, pre- pared the desert, made the Cake, and did every thing that Hyde and Wife conjointly do; consequently, the services of Hyde alone, are not to be compared with those of Prancis, and if his accts. exceed (in the same

13 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

seasons) those of Fraunds 4 or £5 a week and at the same time appear fair, I shall have no scruple to ac- knowledge that I have entertained much harder tiioughts of the latter than I oi^t to have done, altho* it is inconceivable to me how other families on 25 hd. or 3000 dollars should be enabled to entertain more company, at least more frequently, than I could do for twenty five thousand dollars annually.

I am glad to hear that the furniture of the large drawing Room, especially the Glasses, are packed in a manner which you think secure. With respect to the Table ornaments, my opinion has been so fully given on the mode of putting them up, that I shall say nothing further on the subject in this letter, and as I presume a correspondence has been opened between Mr. Morris and you, I have no doubt of your embracing the proper moment for their removal, & the best mode of accom- plishing it.

Mr. Macomb may in reality be indifferent as to the taking the House off your hands — ^but it is highly prob- able he will assimie tiie appearance of it, in order to derive an ad^^utage in the terms, therefore as I shall have to pay rent for it until May, if he or some other does not tal^ it, it would be well to bring him to some decision at once or advertise the renting of it, and the sale of the buildii^ I have put up at the same time. You will make better terms for these than any Agent that will be left behind & besides, it may hasten Mr. Macomb (who &om what I have heard I'm sure wants the house) by alarming his fears, tiiat others may step in. To receive scnne compensation would be better than to sink the v^le rent & to lose the buildings which I have erected on the lots. If there is no like- lihood of my getting a tenant for the house you are in, would not Mr. Macomb be glad to take it at the dif- ference which disinterested and impartial men would

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 13

fix between it and the house he is in and for me to pay the rent of the latter iintil a Tenant ior it could be ob- tained? This would be a Etep gained and is perhaps what he is driving at.

With respect to Dingwell I join Colo. Hamilton & Mr. JeSerson in opinion, tliat it is no more than a catchpenny plan, — yet, for the reason assigned by Genl. Knox, I think twenty or thirty dollars may be given him, professedly tor his trouble; withan asstn*-

ance that it is believed B has meant an imposition

on him, in as much as part of his information tue know is unfounded, & am sure from the complexion & ex- pression of some of the letters, pretended to be re- ceived from some of the King of G. B.'s Ministers, that they are spurious. Yet, nevertheless, as it is supposed that he, Dingwell, meant well, and has been at some trouble in his report, this sum is given expressly on those accts.

We have all of us been very well since we came to this place and all join in best wishes for you and K&s. Lear.

With sincere regard & aSecn. I am, Yrs. &ca.

No. 5.

Mount Vbrnon, Septr. 27th. 1790. Dear Sir,

Since my last to you (the date I do not recollect, keepii^ no copies of my letters to you) I have reed, yours ot Uie i7th.&3oUi. Inst, and shall answer such parts of them as require it.

I am glad to find that the house according to Mr. Morris's notification to you will be ready about the time you had made arrat^ements for the removal of my furniture, the mode of doii^ which, is, I ampersuadedt

14 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

the cheapest and best* How have you disposed ({(H' safety) of the Pagoda? It is a delicate piece of stuff and will require to be tenderly handled.

I expected that Mr. Macomb, if he found that no other person was disposed to take the house off my hands, would endeav6r to impose his own terms: and allowing me only ;gioo for seven months use of it, when the rent (independent of the houses I put on the lots) is ;C4oo> is 3, pretty strong evidence of it. And if you do not take some measures to see what can be had for the Wash house and Stable, he will impose his own tenns there also. But after all, we are in his power, and he must do as he pleases with us.

As the Lustre is paid for & sectirely packed up and may suit the largest drawing Room at Mr. Morris's, I do not incline to part wiUi it; the Franklin Stoves and other fixtiu'es, if they cannot be disposed of without loss, must be brot^ht round with the other furniture: we may find use for them. Such thii^ as are fre^hted in the common way (if the vessel you desired Colo. Biddle to procure is imable to carry the whole) had better be of the kinds which require least care.

The sale of the old Charriot was proper, for althot^h the price is small it will be so much saved for the public. If much worn or lumbering articles could be disposed of to any tolerable account, might it not be better to sell them at New York & buy (if necessary) new ones at Philadelphia, than to pay freight for liiem round?

Mrs. Morris has a mangle (I think they are called) for Ironing of Clothes, which, as it is fixed in the place where it is commonly used, she proposed to leave and take mine. To this I have no objection provided mine is equally good and convenient; but if I should obtain any advantage, besides that of its beingup, and ready for use. I am not inclined to receive it.

Mrs. Washington and all of this family tmite in best

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 15

wishes for you and Mrs- Lear, and I am your sincere friend and

Affectionate Servant,

Mount Vbrnon, Octr. 3d. 1790.

Dear Sir,

Your letters of the 33d. Ulto. came safe. I wish the information given by Mr. Danl. Parker to Doctr. Crai- gee may prove true. No mention of such event is in Morris's letter to me, but the date is prior to that of Mr. Parker's by sis days. The declaration and counter- declaration of the Minister of Britain and Spain are published with tiie Communication thereof to the Lord Mayor of London ; and yet it seems to be the opinion of some of the Paragraphists, that the matter remains un- settled- Further information (not contained in the News papers) of these or any other interesting matters, you would do well to give me the earliest intelligence of- Mr. Jefferson being from New York will more than prob- able delay ofl&dal advices through the Office of Foreign Affairs longer than it otherwise would be in coming to me.

I request after you get to Philadelphia and previous to our arrival there, that you would use your best en- deavours to ascertain the characters or reputation of such schools as it may be proper to place Washington at. so soon as we shall be fixed in our new habitation ; — particularly if there be any fit school in the College for him, under good and able Tutors, & well attend^. His trip to Mount Vernon will be of no service to him, but will render restraint more necessary than ever. If the College is under good regulations, and have proper tutors there for boys of his standit^ to prepare them

for the higher tranches of education, quere, whether it

i6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

wotild not be better to place him in it at once? the pre- sumption being that a System prevails, by which the gradations are better connected than they are in Schools which have no correspondence with each other. Mr. S — is a man o£ acknowledged abilities but — it may not be well perhaps to say more in a letter, especially as his re-instatement may have given rise to a reform of that conduct which did not escape censure formerly.

The enclosed letters having been put under cover to me, will of course occaaon delay in the receipt of them by you & Fidas. In all your communications respecting the Servants no mention has been made of John's wife. What do you understand to be her plan ? Enclosed is a letter from him to her, or some friend I suppose of hers — and another from James to his deltoboso.

If I have not already advised you of it, it is necessary now to do so, that Mrs. Stuart has paid for the tickets you purchased for her and Mrs. Alexander that was.

When you can get at the last letter or letters of the Count de Estaing to me, I wish you would send me a transcript of what he says, or whether any thing of a Bust he has sent me, <^ Mr. Necker, together with a number of Prints of that Gentleman and the Marquis de la Fayette, which are come to my bands in a pack- age from Baltimore.

We all join in best wishes for you and Mrs. Lear and I am

Your sincere friend

And affectionate servt.

No. 7.

Mount Vbrnon, Octr. loth. 1790. Dear Sir,

Your Jettera of the 26th. & soth.of the last & 3d. of the pres^it month have come duly to hand.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 17

Wthout entering into the details, I can asstire you tiiat I am perfectly satisfied with the steps you have tak^i respecting the vessel which is to brii^ the furni- ture and servants to Philadelphia — ^with your ^ree- ment with Mr. Macomb & whatever you shall do with the houses I was compelled to build on his Lots — ^with your conduct towards and agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Hyde — and with your taking the carpeting from Barry and Rogers, although it arrived much after the time it ought, by agreement, to, have been delivered. As Mr. Macomb will, more than probable, get the houses for little or nothii^, you acted very properly, I think, in taking down the closets, partitions and fixtures, which I purchased of the French Minister, and which would have been equally convenient to him, rather than increase his gains at my loss. If the vessel can bring them, they can imqueslionably be made useful in our intended habitation — if not, Giey will jaobably fetch something.

The easy and quiet temper of Fanny is little fitted I find for the care of my niece Harriot Washington who is grown almost, if not quite a woman, & what to do witii her at the advanced site she is arrived at, I am really at a loss. Her age (just turned of 14) is not too great for a boarding school, but to enter now with any tolerable prospect, the Mistress of it must not only be respectable, but one who establishes and will enforce good rules. She is prone to idleness, and having been undernocDntroul,wou]dcreateall thedifficulty. I have formed no resolution respecting what will be proper for me to do with her, but that I may the better judge, I request that you will enquire whether there be a prop- er School (for her to board at) in Philadelphia. If so, whether there are at it genteel girls of her size & age — who the mistress of it is. — ^what her character — terms, Scca, ar&— the numbersof it— who of the principal ^uni-

i8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

lies, and how they are entertained and accommodated? I have not intimated any thing of this matter to Har- riot yet, who if it should be, would I dare say be a good deal alarmed, as she had I dare say rather mix witb other company than be in a boarding school. Amone other thii^ enquire what is taught at these schools[y I must further desire, that in pursuing your enquiries after a School for Washington, particularly if one is to be found in the College at Philadelphia fit for him, that you would extend them to the reputation of the higher branches in that Seminary, & whether much good could be expected &om my fixing my Nephews George & Lawrence in it. From what I can find, they are doing but little in Alexandria, having left the study of the lai^uages, & indeed Mr. McWhir, & are learning French & the Mathematics under a Mr. Harron. Geoi^e & indeed Lawrence, I am told, are well disposed youths, — neither of them wanting capacity; and both, es- pecially the first, very desirous of improvement. I would wish to know what their studies aivi board would stand them annually — ^in a word, the best estimate (exclusive of clothes) of the expense of fixity them at that place- As I have had no account yet of what has been done, or is doing to otu* new habitation, or what ideas to an- nex to Mr. Morris's information to you that the House would not be ready for your reception before the loth- of the present month, I should be glad to receive a full statement of these matters as soon as you arrive at Philadelphia & have time to look into things.

We all join in best wishes {or you & Mrs. Lear — and for your— -and the safe arrival of everything in Philadelphia.

With sincere r^;ard and a£Eection I am Yrs.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 19

No. S

IfouNT Vbrnon, Octr. a7th. 1790.

Dear Sir,

On Sunday last I returned from a twelve da^ ex- cursion up tiie Potomack, and found yoiw letters of the 6th.& 10th. from New York and 14th. & 17th. from Philadelphia. I am very glad to hear that you are all arrived at the latter place safe, and the fwniture, as you conceive, in good order. It was very right to give John's wife the same privilege that was allowed to others, and Mr. and Mrs. Hyde's coming in the stage is equally agreeable to me.

I have no particular directions to give respecting the appropriation of the furniture. By means of the Bow windows, the back rooms will become the largest, and of course will receive the furniture of the largest dinii^ and drawing Rooms, and in that case, althot^h there is no closet within the former, there are some in the Steward's room directly opposite, which are not inconvenient; or (but here I am speaking somewhat at random, not knowing to what use it has hitherto been applied) there is a small room adjoining the Kitch- en (by the Pump) tba.t might, if it is not essential for other purposes, be appropriated for the Images, save china, and other things of this sort, which are not in common use. Mrs. Morris, who is a notable lady in family arrangements, can give you much information in all the conveniences about the house and btiildings ; and I dare say would rather consider it as a Compli- ment to be consulted in these matters (as she is so near) than a trouble to give her opinion of them, or in put- ing up any of the fixtrues, as the house is theirs, and will revert to them, with the advantages or disadvan- t^es whidi will result from the present establishment of tbingSi I am very glad you pressed them not to

30 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

inconunode themselves by an mconvenient remove — we are very happy to hear of her recovery and request you to present our Compliments of congratulation to her & Mr. Morris on the occasion.

I am very anxious to have the rent which I am to pay for my new residence ascertained before I take up my quarters in it— you will perceive by the enclosed answer to a letter I wrote to Mr. Morris on the subject that this point is yet imsettled. Previous to my ap- plication to Mr. Morris, I was informed by the Com- mittee, with whom I had conversed on the subject, that it was well understood I was to pay rent. I have therefore to request that you will get the matter fixed in some way or other with them. A just value I am willing to pay — more I have no idea will be asked, but my fears rather are that they want to make it the expence of some public body (which I shall not consent to) and that they do not care to avow it.

If the servants can be conveniently accommodated without using the Stable loft, it will certainly be much the best & safest; for I am certain no orders given to my people wd. restrain them from canyiag lights if they were to be in it as lodgers.

I send you a letter with the Bill of loading for wines shipped by Fenwick Mason &c., which if arrived you will give tiie necessary orders about. By return of the person who carries this and other lett^ to the Post office in Alexandria, I expect to receive accounts of later date than the 17 th. from you, and possibly some- thing more indicative of Peace or War between Spain & England which has hung long in suspence.

Our best wishes attend you and Mrs. Lear, and I am Dear Sir

Your affectionate friend

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ai

No. 9.

MouiiT Vbrnon, Octr. 31st. 1790.

Dear Sir,

I have reed, your letter of the 34th. since the date of my last to you, and am very glad to hear that the most valuable parts of the furniture have borne their transportation without receivii^ damage, and that your expectation of equal success respecting the re- mainder is sanguine. I am pained, however, to find there is a doubt that the house will not be completely finished and ready for our reception towards the lattca* end of next month. At all times this would be at- tended with inconvenience, but at that season and while Coi^ress are in session, it would be exceeding so. As the Pagoda can be put up in half an hour, at any time, it may (if not already disposed of) remain tm- fixed, until we arrive, and that I may be in Philadel- phia in time, it is my present intention to leave this place on Moiulay, the 33d. of next month. I could not clearly underst^id Colo. Van Home when I applied to him (as I came through Baltimore) for a proper and convenient Stage Coach for part of the family to return in. He said he could provide and would provide and so on, but although he wanted to convey the idea of a cer- tain reliance on him it did not appear clear to me, that I could rely on him for more thaa the common StJ^ Coach or Waggon ; — this being the case, and the Driver who brought us hither being desirous of coming for us again, addii^ that he could always get a freight to Alexandria, induces me to request that you would, as his was a large and roomy close coach, his horses good & himself a careful driver, malre enquiry (without en- tering into an engagement with the proprietor) wheth- er tiie same Coach, horses & man could be had, and whether be would positively engage to be here on the

^

aa LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

soth. or aist. of Novr. if after hearing from you, I should request it. The tenns on which he would come must be explicity defined, that I may, without delay, letum a precise answer. You will readily perceive that I do not mean to place my sole dependence upon this St£^. No: I shall by this conveyance also write to Colo. Van Home to know what absolute dependence may be placed on him. Thus having two Strings to my bow I may chuse the one which promises best. You will readily perceive also that there is no time to spare in my hiring from yon — you from me — and for tiie Coach to be here in time. Colo. Biddle can point you to the man, who ought to know that his terms should be moderate, because Colo. Van Home's (as Horses will go from Stage to Stage only) must be lower than the last Trip cost me.

I should conceive that a wreath rotmd the crests that will be on the pannels of the Coach would be more correspondent with the Seasons which will remain thereon, than the motto. And that the motto on such of the Plates as require it, upon the Harness, would be .best; — but as this is mere matter of opinion, unac- companied with a view of the wotIc, I am so far from h^ng tenacious of it, that I shall leave it to you and him (Clarke) to adopt which of the two shaU appear best, when the whole is taken into one view. What ai^iearance does the Coach a.ssume at present? — and lu)w will it look when finished?

Are Mrs. Brodeau's terms, such as do actually exist, or does she mean to avail herself of the occasion to com- mence a new era in them ? They (especially the Board) appear to be hi^. Pray without giving any expec- tation of Harriot to either, for I have decided nothing respecting her, — ^know what are Mrs. Pine's terms. Bin. Brodeau was I tmderstand once of Mr. Morris's {unily; *Tii)j may pcfasi o n a predtlectioQ in tbat (juar-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 13

ter. Mrs. Pine's standing in that way not beti^ long, little may be said of her on that account, but she may be equally capable & possibly tacae respectable than theotherlv

Let me know what answer was given to, or notice taken of, the Extract you have sent me, from the letter of Count de Estaii^ when he was written to on the sub- ject. I fear I might not have been sufficiently polite & thankfid for his present, — as the thing itself has en- tirely escaped me,—-& the box with the prints scarcely brot^ht any recollectioa of the circumstanoe to my mind.

I have heard nothing yet of Capt. Vance, but am glad you sent the sugar. By mistake a letter from James Ti^hman, Esqr. respecting a legacy to Miss Anderson from Colo. Colvill, was enclosed to you in my last, which I desire may be returned in your next, after the receipt of this, as I ^lall want to answer, even if I cannot comply witii it.

As we shall have new connections to form with dif- ferent Tradesmen, find out those in each branch who stand highest for skill and fair dealing. "Tis better to be slow in chtising than to be under the necessity of diangii^ — and that it may be done upon sure grounds, compare one aoct. with another (for partialities, per- haps less laudable motives, mix very much in all these thii^), and see where the preponderancy is.

We all join in best wishes for you and Mrs. Lear & with affectionate regard I am

Your sincere friend

No. 10.

Mount VBaNON, Novr. 7th. 1790. Dear S^, Your letters of the 38th. and jist. ulto* are now be-

34 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

fore me, and the parts of tiiem wch. require it shall be answered.

If the Schools in the College are under good masters, and as fit for boys of Washli^ton's standing as a private School, I am still of opinion (for the reasons mentioned in a fonner letter) that he had better be placed there in the first instance. The propriety however of this will depend, ist. upon the character & abihty of the master, under whose tuition he will be — 2d., upon the police & discipline of the School — and 3dly., upon the num- ber of boys, — ^for I lay it down as a maxim, that if the number of the pupils is too great for the tutors, justice cannot be done, be the abilities of the latter what they will. What the due proportion beyond which it ought not to go, is in some measure matter of opinion, but an extreme must be obvious to all, and you will easily de- cide upon it, in your own mind, if nothing should be finally resolved upon by me previous to my arrival.

Enclosed I send you a letter from Mr. Gouvr. Morris with the Bill of Cost of the articles he was to send me. The prices of the plated ware exceed — far exceed the utmost bounds of my calculations; but as I am per- suaded he has done what he conceives right, I am sat- isfied and request you to make immediate payment to Mr. Constable if you can raise the means, — the duties are also to be paid. You will see by the enclosed (left open for your perusal) that I have promised this. Ought not the sum remitted by Ck)lo. Humphreys to Mr. Morris to be deducted? Make this without creat- ing any difficulty, the subject of arrangement with Mr. Constable. As these coolers are designed for warm weather, & will be, I presume, useless in cold, or in that which the Uquors do not require coolii^, — quere, would not a stand like that for Castors, with four aper- tures for as many different kinds of liquors, just suffi- cient (each aperture) to hold one of the cut decanters

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 35

sent by Mr. Morris, be more convenient for passing the bottles from one to another, than hanHing each bottle separately, by which it often happens that one bottle moves, another stops, & all are inconfusion? Two of these, one for each end of the table, with a flat bottom, with or without feet (to prevent tilting), open at the sides but with a raised rim as Castors have and an up right, by way of handle in the middle, could not cost a great deal were they made wholy of Silver. Talk to a Silver Smith and know the cost— and whether they could be fmmef^toleJy made — ^if required in a handsome fashion. Perhaps the Coolers sent by Mr. Morris may afford Ideas of taste; perhaps too (if they are not too heavy when examined) they may supercede the ne- ces^ty of such as I have described, by answering the purpose themselves. Four double flint glasses (such as I expect Mr.Morrishassent)willweighIconjecturefour pounds ; the wine in them when full will be 8 lbs. more. These added to the wei^t of the Coolers will, I fear, make these latter too imwieldy to pass, espedally by ladies, which induced me to think of a frame in the form of Castors — ^which, by being open at bottom, would save silver.

I approve, at least till inconvenience or danger shall appear, of the large Table ornaments (images) remain- ii^ on the side boards, and of the Pagoda's standing in the smallest drawing Room, as you may have fixed it- Had I delivered any sentiment from here respect- i:^ tiie fixture, that is the apartment I should have named for it. Whether the green which you have, — or a new yellow Curtain, should be appropriated to the Stair Case above the Hall, may depend upon your getting an exact match in colour &c. of the latter. For the salffi of appearances one would not, in instances of this sort, regaid a small additional expense.

If l^e servants can be accommodated without the

26 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Tooms, which were intended for them at the end of the Hall, the use you propose to put them to. is certainly a good one But what is to become of Fidas and James's Wives ? Is it not thdr wishes to have their wives {if they incline to act as house maids) with them? And will not the contrary be a foundation for the loss of their husbands?

I hope my Study (that is to be) will be in readiness against I arrive. And if tiie. rubbish and other litter occa^ned by tiie People of Mortar &the Carpenters is at a Stand, — ^I wish that every thing of the sort may be removed, and the yard made and kept as clean as the Parlour. That was always the case in Mr. Morris's time, and has become more essential now as the best Rooms are now back, and an uninterrupted view from them into the yard and kitchen which is nearly upon a level with the dining Room.

I am really sorry on pubUc as well as private accounts — ^to hear of Mr. Hare's loss. You would do well to lay in a pretty good stock of his,— or some other Porter. As Mrs. Washington writes to Mrs. Lear, I shall add my best wishes to her only & affectionate regards to you — being

Your sincere friend

No. II.

Mount Vernon, Novt. loth. 1790.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 4th.witli a Postscript <rf Ihe 5th., came to my hands this moment that is on 9 o'clock on Wednesday night, — and this ansr., if the bearer of it obeys my orders will go oS for Alexandria before day in the morning. Theintentionofit is to desire that Page's Coach, Horses & driver, may be at this place in time for me to commence my journey for Philadelphia on Mon-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON aj

day the sad. of this month. He will be allowed six days (which is one more tbaa it will take him to come) pre- vious to that day — and as many days after (the sad- included) as I shall be on the road. I now depend upon the conveyance — & shall only add in this letter that I am your friend and —

Affectionate Servt*

No. I a.

Mount Vbrnoh, Novt. lath. 1790-

Dear Sir,

I am about to write you another short letter for to- morrow's post, — although, in the cxmrse of the Mail, it cannot reach you before Tuesday night. The in- tention of it is, to inform you again that I depend upon Page's Coach, Horses and driver, — for the removal of the children &ca., to Philadelphia, and that I shall not, unless I hear somethii^ to the contrary, ham you, malce any other provision for the journey. The reason for my again writing on this subject is that Giles who was sent firom this on Wednesday, and directed if the st^e had left Alexandria, to pursue it to George Town, and to have my letter to jrou deposited in the mail, m- stead of doii^ it gave the letter to one of the passengers a man he did not know— one who had so comical a name that he does not recollect it, tho' told — ^but who knew me — ^knew you — ^knew Major Jackson — and who was so anxious to oblige that he allbttt demanded the letter from him. The case being thus and knowing how little dependence there is upon conveyances by private hands is the inducement of this second Epistle — and for my desiring you to inform me by the first Post — what I have to depend upon — ^for the mail re- tumii^ will (if it leaves Philadelphia on Wednesday) be in Alexandria before Page's Coach, admitting my

28 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

first letter met with no delay. I shall add no more at this time — the house being full of Company — than our best wishes to you & Mrs. Lear — and that I am Yr. AfEecte.

No. 13.

Mount Vbrnon, Novt. 14th. 1790. (Private)

Dear Sir,

Having wrote two letters to you on the subject of Page's stage coach (one or the other of which if not both, it is presumable will certainly have got to hand before this can) I shall add no more thereto, than that tiie Coach of P^e is now my dependence.

I am, I must confess, exceedingly unwilling to go into a house without first knowing on what terms I do it, and wish that tiiis sentiment could, in a delicate way, be again hinted to the parties concerned with me. I cannot, if there are no latent motives which govern in the case, see any difficulty in the business. Mr. Morris has most assuredly formed an idea of what ought — ^in equity — to be tJie rent, of the tenement in the condition he left it; and witii this aid the Comee., I conceive, ought to be as little at a loss in determining on the terms it should rent for, with the additions and alterations which are about to be made,— presumably in a plain and neat manner, — not by any means in an extrav^ant style; because the latter is not only con- trary to my wishes, but would, in reality, be repug- nant to my interest and convenience; — principally, because it would be the means of keeping me from the use and comforts of the house to a later day; and be- cause the ftmiiture & every thii^ else would require to be acccnxlant th^ewith, — ^besides its maJdng me pay

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 39

an extravagant price perhaps to suit the taste of others — to comply with unreasonable charges of the work- men-— or to be taxed with the blended expences of the two hotises (if they some times work at one and some times at the other). I do not know, nor do I believe that any tiui^ unfair is intended by either Mi. Morris or the Committee; — but let us for a moment suppose that the Rooms (the new ones I mean) should be himg with tapestry— or a very rich & costly paper (neither of wch- would suit my present furniture — that costly ornaments for the bow windows — extravagant chim- ney pieces, &c. &c. — ^were to be provided — that work- men were to chai^ a pound for that which ot^ht not to cost ten Shillii^; — and that advantage would be taken of the occasion to new paint every part of the iioase — ^buildii^ &c., would there be any projniety in addii% ten or 12} P Cent for all these to the Rent of the House in its original state, for the two years that I am to hold it? If the solution of these qtiestions are in the negative, wherein lyes the difficulty of determin- ing that the Houses and lots, when completed agree- ably to ihe plan proposed, ought to Rent for so much? After all is done that can be done the residence will not be so commodious as the house I left in NewYork(with the buildings I added) for there (and the want of it at Mr Morris's will found a serious inconvenience) my ofBce was in a front Room below, where persons on business immediately entered; whereas in the present case they will have to ascend two pair of Stairs, and to pass by the public rooms, as well as private Chambers, to get to it; — ^notwithstanding whidi I am willing to allow as much as was paid by Mr. Macomb, & shall say nothing if more is demanded — ^unless there is apparent extortion: and that the policy of delay is to see to what height Rents will lun before mine is fixed. In either of these cases I should not be pleased;— and to

30 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

occupy the premisesat theexpenceof any public body— / wiU not. There is one expression in your letter of the 4th. the meaning of whidi is somewhat doubtful, — viz. — "The additions repairs &c. of the house in "which Mr. Morris now lives are likewise to be com- "prehended in the expenditures, to be refunded by the "rent in this house." Is it meant by this that the rent of the House I am to go into is to be increased by the expenditures on the one Mr. Morris has Temaved to, or. that the rent of the first is to be considered as se- curity only for payment of the latter? If this is all I have nai^ht to say against it, — ^but dire necessity only would indtice me to submit to the other. We all unite in best wishes for you & Mrs. Lear — and

I am Your ^cere and AfEecte. friend

No. 14.

Mount Vbrnon, Novr. 17th. 1790. Deaf Sir,

I am just setting oS for Alexandria— bad as tbe day is — ^to a dinner given by the Citizens of that place to me ; — and hope by the mail of this evening to be placed upon some certainty with respect to Page's Stage Coach, and that my Journey to Philadelphia may, as was intended, commence on Monday next the 33d.

Upon examining the Caps of Giles and Paris I find they (especially Paris's) are much worn, and will be im- fit to appear in with decency, after the journey from hence is performed, I therefore request that you will have two handsome ones made, with fuller and richer tassels at top than the old ones have. That the maker of them may have some government in the size Oxe en- closed dimentions of their heads, will I prestune be sufficient. As the addition of a pair of leading Harness to the Coach will not greatly enlumce the a^regate cost I wish, in order that the whole may be of a piece, that

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 31

yoa would order Clarke to make a set^ for the two lead- ers (with a PostUUon Saddle, the Saddle cloth of which to be the same as the Hammel Cloth with the same lace) tiiat I may have Harness alilra for Six Horses when the Coach is used — with that number. I am Yr. Affecte.

No. 15.

Mount Vbrnon, Novt. sand. 1790. Dear Sir,

The day is come, and the hour at hand, or very nearly — ^when our journey will Commence for PhUa- delplua. Prom the St£^ drivers account, the Roads in places, especially between Geoi^e Town and Balti- more, are almost unpassible. This circumstance, and the desire of not injurii^ my horses, will make my movements very slow, — axA they may be precarious as Giles is very tmwell, — and my bungling Smith, has lamed one of the Horses tihat draw the Waggon in shoeing him,

I think Mr. Page judged very wisely in not sending his new Coach for me. I th^mk htm for offering to send it to meet me, at Chester, but as it is my wish & intention to enter the City witiiout any Parade or no- tice, tbe old Coach will answer the purposes of the New One.

Austin and Hercules go on in this day's Stage, and will unquestionably arrive several days before us. Richmond and Christopher embarked Yesterday by Water, — ^the former (not from his appearance or merits I fear, — ^but because he was the son of Hercules and his desire to have bim as an assistant) comes as a scullion for the Idtchen.

Your mare shall receive the same tisage, care, & at- tention, tiiat my Brood Mares do; and you are very

33 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

wdcome to the Jack- She may remain yours or be mine at your own price, as is most agreeable to your- self.

I fear from the accts. you have transmitted of the state of the buildings & repairs of the House I am to occupy, that I shall be exceedingly incommoded. I shall have twelve horses with me, if nothing therefore is done to the Stables, Hiltzimer's must be engaged for such as cannot stand in my own. I have only time to adjoin best wishes — and that I am Yr. AflEecte.

No. i6.

Spurrier's, Novr. 23d. 1790.

Dear Sir,

"Wiih some difficulty (from the most infamous Roads that ever were seen) we have got to this place, and are waitii^ dinner; but have no expectation of reachir^ Baltimore to night.

Dunn has given sudi proofs of his want of skill in driving that I find myself under a necessity of lookii^ out for another Coachman. Before we got to Eliza- beth Town we were obliged to take him from the Coach and put him to the Waggon. This he turned over twice; — and this morning was found much intoxicated. He has also got the horses into a habit of stoping.

Mrs. Washington's predilection for Jacob is as strong as my prejudice and fears are great. Yet in your en- quiries after a Coachman, ask something concerning Jacob. He wanted much it seems to return to us whilst we were in Philadelphia.

The stage is this instant starting & I can only add — that I am Yrs.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 33

No. 17.

Bladensburg, March 37th. 1791, Dear Sir,

My attention was so much occupied the days pre- ceedii^ my departure firom Philadelphia, with matters of a public nature, that I could scarcely think of those which more immediately related to my own.

Who the Steward and house keeper shall be, must be left to Mrs. Washington and yourself to determine from cJrcumstances, & tiie offers that are made. Fran- cis, unless Holker's man could be lanexcepttonably obtained, I should prefer for reasons I have already mentioned to you; — but be him or lAem whom they may, it must be expressly understood, that wine is not admissable at their Table. If it is so imder any pre- tence whatever, it will terminate as the permission given Hyde has done. It would be well in all other respects to have a clear definition of the expectations and obligations of the Parties, that mistakes may not happen. If Frauncis should be employed, it ought to be made known to him that his services in the kitchen as usual, will be expected,& that in case of the present Cook's leavit^ me, or attempting to raise his wages; — that he is to do with Hercules & such under aids as shall be fotmd indispensably necessary, nay, further, that if upon trial he finds, as I am sure is the case, that we can do without Vicars, he may be discharged. How far, under present circumstances, the dutch Girl in the Kitchen, is necessary, you must Judge of, and act ac- cordingly. As Jacob's wife is brotight into the family, the new Landry women will go out of Course.

I wish you would have all the packages moved out of the Garden and have it l^t in complete order, at my expence and the paved yard, also: — Rhemer and Jacob are certainly competent to this business. The top of One of the Urns in the Garden was brokeofE by its fall-

34 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

ing. I made John Mauls cany it to Mr. Hyde, let it be cemented on again.

Furnish Mrs. Washington with what money she may want — and from time — ^to time — ask her if she does want, as she is not fond of applying As I write in haste, I shall no mcn:e at this time but my best wishes for Mrs. Lear &c. For the history of our travels and adventures so far I refer to a letter I wrote to Mrs. Washii^ton, — from Anapolis Yesterday. I am Your Sincere and Affectionate friend

No. i8.

Gborgb Town, March 38th. 1791. Dear Sir,

Late this afternoon your letters of the 33d. & 34ih. instant came to hand, and as the Mall is about to be closed (leaving this before Stm-rise in the morning) I shall, as I mast, be short.

I return some letters to be filed: — one from Colo. Blaine to be given to Genl. Knox, to be acted upon as he pleases ; — ^he is as well acquainted with the man as I am, and ^ovra the want of such a character better than I do;-^another letta: from Colo. Cannon which I may venture to say proves him to be, what I will not call him, and that I need never look for any Rent from himi I pray you to say to him, if he does come to Phil- adelphia durit^ my absence — that his own statement given at New York — does not justify his prest. report — and that I am too weU acquainted with the prices of grain & the demand for it last year in his own neigh- bourhood, to be imposed upon by such a tale as his let- ter exhibits. In a word that I am by no means satis- fied with his treatment of me; — for sure I am I shall get nothii^ from him but assurances of improvements, whilst be is either applying my rents to his owa use, or

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 35

Buffering the Servants to go free from the payment of them.

One of the Pads of the Wa^on harness, it seems, was left at Mr. Clark's ; send it by the Stage to Alexan- dria; — if it comes too late the matter will not be great. I am not able to say yet how long I shall be detained at Has place where I arrived before breakfast this morning.

I am Yr. AfEecte.

P.S.

I send ^th my best remembrance, a Sermcm for Mrs. Wn. I presume it is good coming all the way from New Hampshire, but do not vouch for it — not having read a word of it. It was one of yotu* enclosures.

No. 19.

Mount Vbrnon, April 3d. 1791. Dear Sir,

Since my last to you from George Town, I have I belitve reed, your letters of the 33d. 34th. and ijHi- Ult.

Whether a certain Gentleman is the man I con- ceived him to be, or such a. one as is hinted at in the letter you enclosed me, is not yet certain, but admit* ting the latter it is too late to look back. I cannot be in a less productive situation by the ei^gement than I was ; the principal disadvantage resulting from it will be, that I can never count upon the payments until they are actually made, — ^xjnsequently can never speculate upon the money which I wished to have done. If I recollect rightly there is somethii^ in Colo. Cannon's letter (transmitted to you) concemii^ the Kanhtwa Lands ; it it is indicative ot an intention to let them, or that he conceives himself empowered to do It — I desire you will inform him of the sale ot them.

36 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

You did well in forwarding ihe letters from the West- em Territory, although they were upon opening of them fotmd to be laws only.

Until we can restrain the turbulence and disorderly conduct of our borderers it will be in vain I fear to ex- pect peace with the Indians — or that they will govern their own people better than we do ours.

Mr. JefEerson's idea with respect to the dispatches for me, is a very good one, and I desire it may be put into Execution. Isend you some letters tofile,notfind- ing it convenient to be incumbered with them on my journey. My best wishes attend Mrs. Lear — and I am Yr. Sincere friend & Affecte. Servt.

No. so.

MooNT Vernon, April 6th. ijgi

Dear S^,

Your letters of the 31st Ult. and 1st. Inst, have been received. To morrow I continue my journey. A re- quest of GenL Knox's (consequent of Colo. Lee's de- clinii^ his appointment) to name Officers for the CoUn. of levies to be raised in Berkley &c. has prevented its being done Sooner.

I am perfectly satisfied that every necessary and proper step will be taken to procure a good Steward, — & a good house keeper — & therefore, shall add nothing further on this bead. Let the man who is at work in ye Garden or has been tiiere, be paid — I mean to be under no obligations to any one.

The pad arrived in good time and I expect my brasses (as they seem well recruited) will go on better than they have come. I send more letters to be filed. My best wishes attend Mrs. Lear & the child — and I am Sincerely & Affectionately Yra.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 37

No. ai.

RiCHUOND, April 13th. 179Z.

Dear Sir,

Since my last to you from Mount Vemon, your let- ters of the 3d. and 5th. Instant have been reed., the last at this place where I arrived yesterday to dinner.

If the case is as you suspect, it is expedient and prop- er to remove Wa^liington to a School in which he will make some progress in his learning; and that it is so. I have had suspicions for some time, principally on ac- count of his fondness of going to the College. Boys of his age are better pleased witb rdaxed discipline — and the inattention of their tutors, than with conduct that hnxi%^ them forward. It would have been highly pleasii^ to me ( for the reasons, which I have often ex- pressed) to have continued Washington at the College, but, if after the enquiries you have made, it should ap- pear, that there is either incompetency in the mast^ from the number of boys in the School, or from other causes, I will not waste his time in compliment to that Seminary, — ^but before you finally decide on this matter, it is my wish as Colo. Hamilton, Genl. Knox and the Attorney-General have sons in the same predicament (if they are not removed) that you would consult and act in Concert with them; & I shall be satisfied in whatever is done in consequence of it. And should like to have him at the same School that Hamilton's son goes to.

The Attorney-General's case and mine I conceive, from a conversation I had with him respecting our Slaves, is some what different. He in order to qualify himself for practice in the Courts of Pennsylvania, was obliged to take the Oaths of Citizenship to that State; whilst my resident* is incidental as an OfScer of Gov- ernment only, butFwhether amoi^ people who are in

38 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

the practice of enticing slaves even where there is no colour of law for it, this distinctioii will avail, I know not, and therefore beg you will take the best advise you can on the subject, and in case it shall be found that any trf my Slaves may, or any for them shall attempt their freedom at the expiration of rax months, it is my wish and deare tiiat you would send the whole, or such part of them as Mrs. Washington may not chuse to keep, home — ^for although I do not think they would be bene- fitted by the chaise, yet the idea of freedom might be too great a temptation for them to resist. At any rate it might, if they conceived they had a right to it, make them insolent in a State of Slav- ery) ^ ail except Hercules and Paris are dower n^roes, it behoves me to prevent the emancipation of tiiem, otherwise I shail not only loose the use of ihsm, but may have tliem to pay for. If upon taking good advise it is found expedient to send them back to Vir- ginia, I wish to have it accomplished under pretext that may deceive both them and the Public: — and none I tMnk would so effectually do this, as Mrs- Wash- ington comity to Virginia next month (towards the middle or latter end of it, as she seemed to have a wish to do) if she can accomplish it by any convenient and ^reeable means, with the assistance of the Stage Horses &c. This would naturally bring her maid and Austin— and Hercules tmder the idea of coming home to Cook whilst we remained there, might be sent on in the Stage. Whether there is occasion for this or not accordii^ to the result of your enquiries, or issue tiie thing as it may, I request that these Sentiments and this advise may be known to none but yourself & Mrs. Washington. From the following expression in your letter " that those who were <rf age might follow the ex- "ample of his (the Attorney's people) after a residence "of six months "—it would seem tiiatnoM could apply

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 39

before the end of May — &that the non age of Christo- pher, Richmond & Oney is a bar to tbem^

I oSer Mrs. Lear the child and yourself nfy best wish- es — and with Sincere Esteem I am Your Afiecte. Mend

No. 33.

Nbwburn, No. Cara Aprl. aist. 1791. Dear Sir,

Not having heard from you since I wrote to you from Richmond, the purpose of this is only to let you know where we are, and to cover the enclosed for Mrs. Wash- ington.

We have, all things considered, come on tolerably well, yet, some of the horses, especially the two last bought — are not a Uttle worsted by their journey, & the whole if brought back, will not cut Capers as they did at settii^ out.

I came to this place yesterday and shall proceed on tomorrow. Wilndngton 100 Miles from hence will be my next halting place, from whence if the Post of this evening brings letters to me, they will be answered, for there will be no time to do it here, as not more than an hour is allowed him to stay. My best wishes to Mrs. Lear.

I am Yr Sincere & Afiecte. friend P. S.

The Post is just arrived without any letters for me.

No 33.

Savannah, May 13!^. i79i> Dear Sir,

1 have not I believe written to you since I left Rich- mond. At Charles Town— towards the last of my stay there — I reed, your letters of the loth. & 15!^. of April, but the ccmtinual hurry mto which I was thrown— by

40 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

entertainments — visits — and ceremonies of one kind or another, scarcely allowed me a moment that I coud call my own — nor is the case much otherwise here.

No letters, Nortii of Virginia will now reach me until I arrive at Fredericksburg in that State, which is the first place at which I shall stril^ the line of the Post. There are no cross Posts on this side Alexandria, and the chances of letters gettii^ to me by private hands, as my rout back will be very wide of tie Post Road, is so unfavorable that I have ordered all letters to be stopped at Charleston and sent back to the Post Office in Fredericksburg to await my arrival there.

The silence of Praunds is evidence sufficient, tliat nothing is to be expected &om him and if your prospects with the other person (mentioned in your letter) are no better, the plan suggested in your letter of the 14th. may be tried, as the best expedient that c^ers. A litUe experience (and there is time for it before the meeting of Congress) will prove the Utility a inutility of the Measure.

I came to this place on Thursday afternoon and ^hall leave it to morrow, after attending the first church. The Roads are abominably sandy and heavy — my Horses (especially the two I bought just before I left Philadelphia, and my old White Horse) are much wcnn down, and I have yet 150 or 300 miles of heavy sand to pass before I fairly get into the upper and firmer Roads.

Offer my best wishes to BJrs. Lear. I hope the child and yourself are in good health— I remain Your Sincere & Affectionate Mend

No. 34.

Frbdbricesburg, June i3th. 1791. Dear Sir, Yesterday we arrived at this place in good health,

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 41

but with horses much worn down- To morrow I expect to reach Mount Vernon — ^where even if my horses were able to proceed I am obliged to remain till the 37th> Instant — the day appointed by me at the last meeting, to meet the Commissioners at Geoi^ Town, m order to fix on the Spot for the Public buildings, and for other purposes arisii^ from the residence act.

I have at this place reed, your letter of the 30th. Ulto. but none of an intermediate date between that of the 15th. and it- Your directions to have them sent cross wise the Country, was unlucky — first because there are no cross Posts. — and. because my rout back was not irrevocably fixed — and 3d. because I had, knowing these circumstances, directed from Charleston all letters which might be following me, to be retiuned to this place to await my call. The slow movement of the mail in the three Southern States prevented (I presume) these directions getting to Richmond before the letters were forwarded to Taylor's Ferry, and my crossing at Carter's (a ferry much higher up James River) has been the cause or causes, I imagine of missing them.

Being interrupted by visittors I shall postpone until I arrive at Mount Vernon further commimications, the principal, indeed the only purpose of this letter beii^ to advise you of my arrival at this place, and of my intended stay at Mount Vernon for the reasons which I have assigned. My best wishes attend yo\i, Mrs. Lear, and the child & I am Sincerely and Affection- ately

Yours

No. 35.

Mount Vbrmon, June 15th. 1791, De(w^ Sir, Your letter of the a9th. Ulto. I acknowledged the

42 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

receipt of from Fredericksburg, since which another of the 5th. Inst, has been received.

The Commissions for Whitaker and Mc. DoweU,were properly issued, as those also are mentioned in your letter of the 5th. and it was on my mind, that blank commissions signed by me were left with you, for the officers of theRevenue cutters. This not being tiie case, quere — if there is not a necessity of sending some to me for my signature, as I shall not leave this before the 27th., maybe detained atGeoigeTown two co" three days, and must afterwards proceed slowly, on account of ^e low condition of my horses. The Secretary of the Treasury will be able to decide on this point, and I wish you to act in the matter accordingly as he shall advise you. I find another of the federal Judges (Hopkinson)i has by his death occa^oned a vacancy in the District of Pennsylvania. As some have and others will un- questionably apply for the appointment, I wish you would use every indirect means in your power to ascer- tain the public opinion, with respect to the fittest char- acter as a successor to Hopkinson. Pursue the same mode to learn who it is thought would fill the present Auditor's office (as he will be appointed Comptroller) with tiie greatest ability and integrity. Several have been brought to my view for the Comptroller's place (who I suppose would accept of the Auditor's) as able & meritorious Characters; among these are the names of Mr .Richmond, the present Comptroller or Auditor of Maryland, — Colo. Pickering — ^Mr. Kean — Ojlo. Dray- ton, a Gentleman of So. (Carolina, — Colo. Forest & others.

It is hardly to be expected by the Trustees of any College that complaints will not be made by the parents or friends of the boys who go to it, if they conceive tiiey are n^lected ; — and if Trustees mean to do their duty, & Support the Reputation of the Seminary, they ought

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 43

I am sure to be thankftd, for well founded Representa- tions of neglect in the economy— police— or inattention of the professors & teachers.

I am glad to hear that the affairs of our own family are going on well — and it might not be improper to hint to the Sra^rants who are with you, (before they are joined by those with me) that it will be very idle & fool- i^ in them to enter into any combination for the pur- pose of supplanting those who are now in authority; for the attempt in the first place will be futile & must recoil upon themselves; and because admitting they were to make the lives of the present Steward & house- keeper, so uneasy as to induce them to quit, others woiild be got to supply their places; and such too, as would be equally, if not more r^d in the exaction of the duties required of servants. In a word, that these Characters are indispensibly necessary to take trouble off the hands of Mrs. Washington and myself & will be supported ; any attempts therefore to Counteract them in liie line of their duty, whilst they act agreeably to established rules, and tiietr conduct is marked with propriety, will be considered as the strongest evidence tiiey can give of their own unworthiness, & dispositions to be lazy, if not dishonest. A good & faithful Servant is never aSraid or unwilling to have his conduct looked into, but the reverse, becatise the more it is inspected the br^hter it shines. With respect to the other mat- ters of a domestic nature mentioned in your letter ctf the 5th. I shall postpone touching upon them until I see you. We are suffering in these parts by a severe drought. Grass is scarcely worth cuttii^— and Oats if rain iKeps (^ two or three days loiter must be ruined. Com is bad, but it is too early in the year, to form an opinion of the yield of it. Remember me to Mrs- Lear, — and be assured of the Sincere esteem and friendship <rf Yr AfEecte.

44 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

No. 36.

Mount Vbbnon, June 19th. 1791.

Dear Sir,

Since my last to you (&om this place) I have reed. your letters of the 13th. immediately from Philadel- phia, and those of the 17th. and 34Ui.of April, after retr having taken a trip to the Souliiward. I find by Mrs. Washington's letters that Mr. Praun- cis is very desirous of introducing Mrs. Read, into the family again; this idea it would be well for him to relinquish at once and forever; for unless there are rea- sons inducing it, which my imagination cannot furnish, it never will happen. Hercules can ansr. every pur- pose that Mrs. Read would do, and others wbidi she will not, and sure I am that the difference in the ex- pence between the two will bear no comparison; — besides supposing Mrs. Read to act fairly & honestly (which by the by I do not suppose she is disposed to do if she is not to be the absolute mistress of her own con- duct — in a word unco^oulable she would not remain in the family a montli^ She would also encrease the number, and of course, the expence of the second Table, which under the administration of Mr. Hyde, I believe was equal to the first (public days excepted). But I hope it is a matter clearly imderstood t^ Mr. Fraunds that wine is not to be used at it again, imder any pretence whatsoever, for there can be no line drawn if it be once admitted, either as to the qiiantity or quality, that will be drank at it.

By tiie last Post the letter of Messrs. Fenwick & Mason, explanatory of the Wine from Charleston, was fcnwarded to you and I should be glad to hear that the wine was reed, in good order; for no attempts of that house hitherto, seem to have succeded well so far as I am concerned in them. The other Wine to Mr. Jef-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 45

fersoQ will I presume be divided, and settled for as socm as he shall have returned from his Northern Tour.

Without going into the detail on the several points of your letters I can assure you, that the measures, that you have adopted with respect to Washington — George and Lawrence — my black people & the employment of Mr. Frauncis & Mr. Emmerson as far as they have been communicated, meet my entire approbation, — and I wish you to inculcate strongly upon the white servants of the family (as mentioned in my last) that it wUl be vain and idle in them to suppose, that by a cconbination they will avoid their own duties — or can eSect the discharge of those, to whom the management of the household business is committed. They must be sensible that they have as high wages as are given to any servants in their respective stations, — ^that they are as well provided — & perhaps, betterpaid than most — and no extra duties imposed upon them; consequently that if an attempt of this sort is made it will recoil upon themselves. I shall commxmicate the same sentiments to those who are with me that if they do sin it shall be with their eyes open, and under a knowledge of the Consequences.

As I shall have occasion for a number of Blankets for my people this fall; and as the best time to pur- chase them I am told is after the Wint^'s demand is over, I should be glad if you would malrc a pretty dili- gent enqtury after them, befcnc I arrive; ijiat I may know whether and upon whai terms I can get suppUed. It is probable I may want near two hundred.

The Major desires me to write for half a bushel of Turnip seed of the best kind— viz. a peck of the white Summer and other peck of the red Winter ;— but a good Winter and a good Summer Turnip c^ any other kind, I suppose, will do. It must be sent socm or both will bet ■

46 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

I should like to see Mr. Payne's answer to Mr. Btirke's Pamphlet; if it is to be had and could be sent off by the Post on Friday it would meet me at George Tovm on Monday the 37th. where I shall be & from whence I shall proceed ;— -but on what day is more than I am able to determine until I go there, and shall see what is necessary to be done at that place, towards carrying the law respecting the permanent residence into effect. To do this there are many matters to de- cide upon; and some of them not a little difficult. It is not very probable therefore that I shall leave George Town before Thursday, but I would not have such de- pendence placed on tiits, as to expect letters will meet me there on Wednesday evening, especially as it is in distant contemplation (if upon enquiry at GeOT:ge Town it shall be found that the difference in the length of the two roads is not great) to return by the way of Frederick Town, York & Lancaster, to Philadelphia.

Paris has became so lazy, self willed, — and impudent that John (the Coachman) has no sort of Government of him; on the contrary, John says it was a maxim with Paris, to do nothing he was ordered, and every thing he was forbid. TTiis conduct, added to the in- capacity of Giles for a Postillion, who I believe will never be able to mount a horse again for that purpose — has induced me to find Paris some other employment than in the Stables. Of course, I shall leave him at home. A boy or two may be necessary — there to assist about the horses, Carriages & Harness — ^but these (dutch ones) it is possible may be had for their victuals & clothes, — especially if there are large im- portations from Germany (as some articles in the papers say there will be). I mention the matter now that in case arrivals should happen before I get back, of these kind of people, you may be apprised of my wishes : — low & squat (well made) boys would suit best.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 47

If emigrants are not to be had, there can be no doubt but .that some of the dutch servants in the family could easily procure such as are wanted from among the citizens — & perhaps none readier or better than by John himself when he arrives. Remember me to Mrs. Lear — & be assured of the Esteem & Regard

Of Yr. Affecte.

No. 37.

Mount Vernon, June 36th. 1791.

Deaf Sir,

This is the eve of my departure for George Town, and being Sunday oi^ht to have been a day of rest;— but it is not so with me either from Company or btisiness, — the latter occasioned by a constant succession of Com- pany during the whole of last week: — wch. obliged me to postpone many matters until this day, which ot^ht, and but for that reason, would have been done in the course of it. Such time as I have been able to spend in my study to day has been employed in sort- ing of the letters & papers which have been received since I left Charleston, part of whidb I enclose, because my traveling writing desk will not contain them.

I have but little leisure to say much in this letter, if much (as I expect soon to be in Philadelphia) was nec- essary. I presume all the letters which had been sent to Taylor's Ferry & other places, have got to me — ^but that you may judge, the followii^ is a list of them —

April 3d. 5th. loth. 15th. 17th. 34th.

May ist. 8tii. igth. sand. 39th.

June sth. 12th. 19th. What my stay at George Town may be, is at present beyond my ken, I go there prepared to proceed, and shall make Hercules tal^ the Waggon box in place of Paris. I^rom that place, so socm as I shall be able to

48 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

decide, on the day of my departure from it, & the rout, t will inform you, or Sirs. Washii^ton thereof.

I think it was a duty you owed Mrs. Lear your Moth- er to meet her at New York for the purpose of accom* panying her to Philadelphia. If she is still in that City I request my respects may be presented to her. The last Post came without the Commissions promised in the P. S. to your letter of the igtii. or any letter from you. My b^t wishes attend Mrs. Lear &c. and I &m Yr. Affecte. Servt.

No. a8.

Mount Vbrnon, Septr. 93d. 1791. Dear Sir,

Your letter of the i8th. with the Gazettes came duly to hand, and I wish you to forward the latter (such as were sent last) by Wednesday's and Friday's Post; in which case they will arrive in Alexandria, on Mondays and Fridays when I shall have a messenger at the Post- Office in readiness to receive them. Accompany the papers with occurrendes worthy of communication, if any there be uncontained in them.

Let Mr. P^e know that it shall depend upon his carriage's being at Geoi^ Town by Noon, on Tuesday the i8th. of Octr. that I may be able to proceed Phila- delphia-wards the same day. Mrs. Washington, the children and the servants, irill be there in readiness for that purpose.

Favored with fine weather we had a pleasant Jour- ney home, and arrived safe on Tuesday last. Mrs Stu- art and her family were all here and well, and jcon us in best wishes to you Mrs. Lear& Major Jackson. Sinoererely & aCEectdonately,

I am Yrs. P. S.

Christopher and the Black Smith got home before

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 49

us. The lattar is tryii^ his hand at some Mill work for Evans, but I have had no apportunity yet of dedding upon his skill.

Pray measure the heigjit of the walls of the house you are in, iiom the Cornice at the i^hin^]in£ of the roof to the pavement, and give it to me in the first letter you may write to me after the rect. of this.

No. 39.

Mount Vbrhon, Septr. a6th. 1791.

Dear S^,

Since my last to you I have reed, your two letters of the 3 ist. Inst. — one dated in the morning, and the other in the evening of that day.

What appeared to you to be the object of the formal enquiries of Mr. Powell and the Mayor of the City — ^in their late interrogations? Did they mean to convict Mr. Gallatine of mis-representation — or me of an improper interference in tiie building of a House for the Presi- dentof the United States? If the first Mr. Gallatine may speak for himself; — ^if the latter I have no scruple in declaring to those Gentlemen or to any others, that no one has a right to publish sentiments as mine that were never uttered, or conceived by me; especially too after the reverse had been expUcitly declared — to Mr. Fisher, at his own request which was made as he professed to answer a particular purpose. Previous to the above communication to Mr. Fisher, I do not recollect that I ever expressed a sentiment respecting the Public build- ing. To a Pennsylvanian or one wishing to promote the measure, I am certain I never did; — ^but afterwards when I found my want of recommendation & conse- quent dissatisfaction, was adduced as argument to sup- port the measure, I was inclined that the following truth should be known, first that I never had, since I

so LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

got rid of the workmen expressed my dissatis^ction with my accomodations. Secondly, that as I have already made Uao expensive removals, and had not loi^ to remain in Office, I would not malffi a third, tm- less I was compelled to do it. And thirdly, under these circumstances, and a thorough conviction that the proposed building might be delayed and still erect- ed in time for my smicessor. It was candid and fair to make these sentiments known — especially as they were accompanied with a pointed declaration that it was only as the building regarded myself personaUy that they were communicated, havii^ no desire to inter- meddle in the politics of the State.

I am glad you stated the matter in writing to Mr. Powell. Sentiments and communications expressed in that manner, cannot be misconceived, or misrep- resented, from the want of recollecticm. I hope there is no intention of adding near 50 Pr. Cent to the rent of the house I occupy; for I well remember my desiring you to inform the Committee that I must ^id would know upon what terms I was to Inhabit the House and yt. you told me they had fixed the Rent at 500^ Pr. Annum.

If you have not alreadymade a purchaseof Blankets, I wish you to suspend doi:^ it iintill you hear from me ^;ain. I am about to send this day to Alexandria, where it is said lai^ importations of this article have been made, — ^to learn the qualities & price of the dutch Blanketing. Sit^eaves' memo, is not explicit enot^h to enable me to judge of the size or quality of his — the only sort of tiiem which are applicable to my use, are inserted ttius,—" Strips! DufEells 115/. to 180/. Pr. "Piece of 15 Blankets." — ^This brings the lowest of these to 9/.& the highest to 12/. each — which is high, supposit^ tiiem of the largest size, & of the first quality. If you will mention in your next the lengtii & breadth

Letters and Recollections of George Washington, with Tobias Lear's Diary of His Last Days (1906) (part 2)

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 51

<tf the different sizes & whether they are of the best quality, I shall be bett^ able to decide-

I do not recollect whether I mentioned to you in my last, that the Major got home a day or two before us> He is much better than he was, but not yet free from the pain in his breast & Coftgh.

Mrs. Washington and all the family (which at present is pretty numerous) join me in best wishes for yourself Mn. Lear, Majr. Jackson & the child. I am, Dear Sir

Your sincere friend &

Affece. Servt.

No. 30.

Mount Vbrnon, Octr. ad. 1791.

Dear Sir,

Since my last to you which I think was written on this day week, I have reed, your letters of the 35th. & a 7th. XJlto.

I am not yet able to speak decisively with respect to the Blankets. Many have arrived, but not yet opened in Alexandria. Mr. Wilson who has imported ot them Iargely,at from 56/.to 75/. Sterlg Pr Piece of 15 Blankets, has offered them to me at 70 P. Ct. but as he cannot before they are opened, give the size, or quality, it is impossible to say whether they will come dieap or dear. I shall ascertain this matter before Friday next, and will then write to you on the subject again.

Letters and Papers from you by the Posts on Wed- nesdays & Fridays will come to me as soon those which may be forwarded on Mondays, as I do not send to the office on Wednesdays, which is the day the mail arrives there that leaves Philadelphia on Monday. Those

Sa LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

which leave that place mi Wednesday come in on Friday, & the Friday's mail arrives on Monday and these are the days I shall send up for letters &c.

I send two French letters to be translated, and forwarded to me.

It is a little singular when considered on the score of candOT, that tSi. P — should suffer Mr. S— to as- sert what he did in theS — ^without contradicting him; — but the views and conduct of the City influeiice stands in need of no developement in my mind. Nor have I a much higher opinion of the candor of Mr- F — . He is very welcome however, to the copy of the letter you wrote Mr. P — and with which you furnished him, as I wish the sentiments therein expressed to be generally known, since the matter has been introduced into the L^islature of the State, and so unfairiy stated as it appears to have been done by both parties. The details you have given me of this matter was very proper, and I am glad you furnished me with them. It is quite right that I should be made acquainted with these thii^.

I am very well satisfied with the determinations of the Comee. respecting the Rent, and the time of its com- mencing, and am glad of your expression to that efEect.

How does the engraving of the Federal City advance ? Send me some of the first that are struck o& and let the others be disposed of as was agreed on. If you should learn with certainty that the Minister of Prance is comii^ to this place advise me of it, and when he sets out.

M the family here are well except the Majr. who seems to be in a poor way, and join me in best wishes for you & yours & for Majr. Jackson. I am sincerely and afiectionately

Yrs.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 53

No. 31.

Mount Vbrnon, Octr. 7th. 1791.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 30th. Ulto. came duly to hand with the enclosures.

I have had samples of the Alexandria Blankets sent me — the quahty of them is not good, inferior to those I had from Watson, & far very far indeed inferior to those I used to impc»*t myself. The prices, length, & breadth of three kinds are enclosed.

Messrs. Sitgreaves' give no length to their Blankets and if Colo. Biddle has been accurate in his accotmts, & I imderstand him, the Blankets he has had offered to him, however good in other respects, are intolerably narrow. Under this view of the matter I am perplexed. I by no means like the prices or quahty of those Blan- kets in Alexandria, and scarcely know what judgment to form of those in Philadelphia, but if whilst hesita- ting between the two I should miss both, it would be bad indeed, as my people would in that case be in great dis- tress the ensuing Winter. Upon the whole I have re- solved to refer the matter once more to you with the Alexandria prices & sizes (the quality you can only form anopinion of from the description! have already given) of the Blankets in that place, and to request that you & Colo. Biddle will endeavour to procure me the quan- tity wanting — viz— aoo ; if upon comjiarxson you shall conceive I may be benefitted thereby. One hundred of the largest size &best qtmUty is required; — the other hundred may be of the middle size but good in quality. But in truth if I am to form an opinion of the sizes by the accts. sent, the largest of them scarcely comes up to my ideas of a middle sized Blanket. At all events let me know by the Wednesday's Post after you re-

54 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

ceive this (and which will reach me only the day hdon I leave home) what I have to trust to, as I should re- gret a disappointment exceedingly.

I recollect asking you if among my Pamphlets you had seen the joiunal of my tour to the French on La- beauf in the Yeari753F I understood you Ho; butMrs. Washii^tcm thinks you said yes. I have searched in vain for it here. Ftay decide this point between us.

As I shall have but little time between my return to Philadelphia and the meeting of Congress, to arrat^ matters for the Commtmications I shall have to make at the opening of the Sessions — ^I desire that you will (for my time is so much occupied here by Company & the necessary attenticm to my domestic concerns, as not to allow me time to do it) examine my speeches at the opening of the three last Sessions of Congress and compare the several matters recommended in them with the Laws that have passed, noting the things rec- ommended and not acted upon at all — as also the mea- sures recommended and taken up by Congress but not finished; — such as the Militia Law &ca. that I may, by seeing the state of the business, decide on the pro- priety (as I am about to meet a new House of Repre- sentatives) of bringing the same matters before Con- gress again. It will do if this enquiry is completed against my arrival, — and I pray you to be correct in it. The Journals, or Mr. Becldey can inform you of these cases which have been tal^n up, but never fin- i^ed; & I wish you to ask at the Secretary of State's office what has been the result of the enqtiries which have issued from thence, in consequence of the resolve of Coi^p^ss, to ascertain the quantity & state of the Lands ceded by No. Carolina.

I ought, when speaking of the Blankets, to have de- sired if you make the purchase in Philadelphia to for- ward them by the first vessel which is bound to Alexan-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 55

dria, as my negroes are all teazing me for them, & the season will soon make them necessary

What progress does Mr. West make? and has he learnt to write with more faciUty and ease than when I left him?

Mrs. Washington requests you to get her six ineces

of Ginghams according to the enck^ed memam. and

to send diem along with the Blankets. She andall here

join in best wishes for you &ca. — ^And I am ever Yr>

Afite. frd. &c.

No. 33.

Mount Vbrnon, Octx. loth. i79i<

Dear Sir,

Your ktters of the ad. & 5th. came to my hands on Saturday morning. Yesterday I allotted to acknowl- edge the receipt of them, — and to write several letters, but Company coming in before breakfast, & from thence till dinner, and early succession again to day — I can do no more than say ^ey came duly to hand, and approve of yova gettii^ the Rooms (mentioned in your letter of the 2d.) Fainted. The passage above wants it exceedingly; especially in & about the cross-pas- sages, & I hope will receive a Coat.

I am Yrs. Afiecticmately

No. 33

Mount Vernon, Octr, 14th. 1791. Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 9th. was forwarded to me, yester- day momii^ by the Post master in.Alexandria (having sent no person to that place the evenii^ before).

I am glad of the intimations given of the intentions of the Minister of Prance — and pleased tho' distressed

56 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

at the same time at the information, that the 34th. Inst, is the day fixed on for the meeting of Congress. I had no more Idea of this than I had of its beii^ dooms day. Supposing the 31st. to be the day, I meant to have spent Monday and possibly Tuesday at George Town, & then to have proceeded leisurely cm; but as the case is I shall endeavotir to reach Bladensbui^ at least the first night (that is Monday) and delay no time on the Road afterwards that can be avoided, as I shall have scarce any time to prepare my Communications for the openg. of the Session on the 24th. if there should be punctuality in the Members.

This tmexpected event makes it more essentially necessary, to look without delay and with accuracy into the Speeches & Laws (at the past Sessions) agree- ably to my former directions, that among other mat- ters they may be considered of when I arrive. If any thing else should have occurred to you, fit for recom- mendation or communication in the Speech, note it, that in case it should not be amoi^ my memorandams it may be ready for consideration.

There is a mystery attending the engravg. of the Federal City which I do not comprehend. It appears some-what singular that the incorrectness of the plan should not have been discovered till now, when Major L'Enfant was detained many days in Philadelphia to prepare & fit it for the purpose.

If the memorial of Messrs. Priol Roux & Co. has not already been sent it may await my arrival in Phil- adelphia, as I shall have no leisure to give it a consid- eration, imtil after my communications have been pre- pared for Congress. Being much hurried I have only time to wish you and Mrs. Lear well, & to assure you of the sincere esteem and regard of

Yrs. AflEectly

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 57

No. 34.

Mount Vbrnon, July 30th. 179a. Dear Sir,

Your tetter from New York came duly to hand, and I was glad to find you had got that far in safety. I wish the remainder of yotir journey may prove equally pleasant & prosperous. My journey was not of this sort, for after I had parted with the Coach Horses I was plagued with diose that succeeded them, the followii^ day ;-'and the sick mare by a dose of Physic which had been administered the night I reached Chester, was so weakened, and failed so much that she was imable to carry Austin any farther than Susquehanna, — from thence she was led to Hartford and l^t, and two days afterwards gave up the ghost.

I foimd the face of the Country here and on the road this side of Baltimore, much very much indeed parched by a severe drought and the com in miserable . plight; — ^but the day & night we reached home, there . fell a most delightful & refreshing rain, and the weather since has been as seasonable as the most sanguine farmer could wish, and if continued to tis may make our Indian Com crop midling — great it is hardly possible to be — so much was it in arrears when the rains set in.

Great complaints were heard of the Hessian fly, and of the rust or mildew, as I traveled on, and in some places I believe the dam^e has been great, but I con- ceive more is said than ought to be on this subject; — and that the Crop, upon the whole, will be ainmdant of Wheat: — mine in quantity (and the quality is good) will I expect greatiy exceed any I have made these several Years past.

I found at George Town many well conceived, & ingenious plans for the Public buildings in the New City: — It was a pleasure indeed to find in an infant Countiy, such a display of architectural abilities. The

S8 LETTERS AND RECX)LLECTIONS

plan of Mr. Hoben who was introduced to me by Doctr. Tucker, from Charleston, and who appears to be a very judicious man, was made choice of for the President's House, and the commissioners have agreed with him to superintend the building of it, and that of the Capitol also, if they should hereafter be disposed to put both under one man^ement. He has been engaged in some of the first buildings in Dublin — appears a master workman and has a great many Lands of his own. He has laid out the foundation wch. is now digging, and will be back in a month to enter heartily upon the work. Hie plan for the Capitol was not fixed on when I left George Town — ^two or three very elegant ones (among a great many others of less merit) had been presented but the draughts-men not being there, a postponement became necessary to receive explanation, "nie bridge will be accomplished (it is said) by the time specified in the contract, and everything that could be put in motion before the plans for the public Buildings were fixed on, is in as much forwardness as could be ex- pected— & will now I have no doubt advance rapidly. As you did not mention having spoken to Mr. Morris about the house, I am tmder some apprehension that you omitted doii^ it, which will be imlucky. Give me an acct. of what I suggested to you, as a matter for in- direct inquiry. All here are well, except the Majr. whose situation I think unpromising & precarious, growing worse — they all join me in best wishes for Mrs. Lear Yourself & the child. I am Dear Sir

Yr. Affece. friend

No. 35-

Mount Vernon, Septr. aist. 1793- Dear Sir, I have written but oneletter toyou since I cameto

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 59

this place — I was on the point of writing a second, — when yours of the 5th. of August came to my hands, infonnii^ me of your intention of leaving Pcrtsmoutii about the first of this month and expectation of reach- ing Philadelphia (if no unforseen delays happened) the 30th. — this information arrestedmy intention, as it was uncertain at what place to direct to you — or, that the letter would reach your hands, before it reverbemted back to that City.

I feel myself much obliged by the infonnation con- tained in your letters of the 21st. of July and 5th. of August, but as I expect soon to see you shall only take notice of that part of it which respects a tutor for a few boys, and my ardent wish that you may have been able to succeed in your expectation of getting one; I am more and more persuaded of the utility of the measure, and that without it the loss to Washington will be irreparable.

I have nothing agreeable of a domestic nature to re- late, and I go not abroad to collect infonnation of any other kind. Poor George! He is, I believenot far from tiiat place from whence no traveller returns. He is but the shadow of what he was ; he has not been out of his room and scarcdy from h^ bed these ax weeks. At times he has intervals of ease which flatter a little, but I have little hope of his survivir^ the winter. This adds not a Bttle to my distress and perplexity on a sub- ject you are already acquainted with — but no more of this at least for the present.

My family and tiiis part of the Country are more sickly than they have been since the recollection of the oldest of us, — ^first with the flux (but that did not prevail in my family) and next with intermittant & remittant fevers. All the whites of it however have kept up except William whose fever is by an act of his own imprudence.

6o LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Not knowing what delays you may have met with upon the Road, I have directed Mr. Francis in a letter of this date to engage Mr. Page's Coach to be here to ac- commodate our journey to Philadelphia, tear which place I expect to set out about the 8th. though I may not arrive in that city before the 13th. or 14th. of Octr. The stage however is to be at this place on the 7th. at n^ht. If you should be in Philadelphia by the time this letter reaches it, I shall rely on your usual punc- tuality and expedition to eSect this. If the Carriage should not be here before the 8th. the case will not be altered, as I do not expect Mrs. Washii^ton will leave this place before the 9th. The sale may require my remaining in George Town one day.

If this letter should find you in Philadelphia, let me know the result of your application to Mr. Page, by the first Post after it is received. Our imited & best wishes are offered for yourself Mrs. Lear & the child, and with sincere & afEectioiiate regard — ^I am Always Yr. friend

P.S.

If Mr. Page cannot send his Canine some other equally convenient if to be had must be sent for our accommodation, as it is thereon we depend.

No. 36. Mount Vernon, Octr. ist. 1792.

Dear Sir,

Expectii^ this letter will find you in Philadelphia, I wish you would begin in time to compare alt my speeches in Coi^ress with the subsequent Acts of that body, that I may see what parts of them have passed altogether un n oticed, or which have been only parti- ally noticed; thereby enabling me to judge whether any & what parts of them should be broi^ht forward ^ain. It is my reqtiest also that you would note every thing, tiiat may occur to you as fit subjects of infor-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 6i

mation, or for reconunendation at the opening of the Session, — and such other matters as result from the laws, with wch. it is proper to make the Legislature or the Senate acquainted. I want to have all tlie materials collected for my communications previous to my arrival , that when the whole are before me I may sdect and ^^^ digest into order, such as will be proper for my Speech. ^ .

It is my present intention to commence my journey to Philadelphia on this day week, & to spend that and part of the followii^ day in George Town, but whether I shall be able to do it, is not absolutely certain, as yet- William & Richard have both been confined to their rooms and mostly to their beds, for ten or 13 days, with intermittant fever, which never before yesterday was moderate enough to admit the Bark, which makes it doubtful at this moment whether they will be in con- dition to imdertake the jotimey, if they keep well, and a return of the fever I am sure will prevent it. As to poor George, I shall say notiiii^, his fate is unquestion- ably fixed and Fanny's from present appearances, is very unpromising, probably in terminating in the same disorder. These occuirencies tiirow my private affairs into considerable embarrassment; — But as they es- pecially the Major is not likely to get better, & if they do will spend the winter at her father's, I mtist leave them in it as there is no remedy at present.

The light house at Cape Henry in this State will soon want a Irceper, & if my memory serves me many have offered. Pray examine their characters & have them ready to be decided on by the time I arrive.

Mrs. Washir^ton went up this morning to bid Mrs. Stuart (who has lately added a son to the family) fare- well. My best wishes attend Mrs. Lear yourself & the child. — ^And I am dear Sir

Your Sincere friend and Affecte. Servt.

63 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

I do hereby certify, that I have examined the Ac- cotints kept by Mr. Tobias Lear, on my behalf from the Commencement of my Administration of the Govern- ment of the United States down to the 31st. day of De- cember, One Thoiisand Seven hundred & ninety two — as will appear by the Joiu'nal & Lec^;er which contain them — and that I am perfectly well satisfied with the clearness & justness of them.

Given under my hand in the City of Philadelphia this 35th. day of Mardi, 1793.

No. 37-

Baltimore, March 30th. 1793. Dear Sir,

Late this afternoon and in Company I reed, your letter of yesterday's date. Proposing to set out early in the morning & the trifling incidents which happened to occur on the road being related in the enclosed letter I shall conclttde with best wishes for yourself Mrs. Lear and the Child — and assurances of being your sincere friend and

Affectionate Servant

No. 38.

Mount Vernon, April 5th. 1793. Dear Sir,

From Baltimore I acknowledged the receipt of yotu* letter of the 39th. Utto-, — as I am now about to do that of Uie ist. Inst, from hence.

I had no idea of your obtaining money from Mr. De Barth, if it was ever more abimdant than you represent- ed it to be — nor do I believe he had any expectatitm at the time, we bargained to make the payment stipu- lated. It was I am satisfied a speculation on his part —

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 63

depending upon the Chapter of accidents to comply with. Such was the opinion of others at the time — and such has his conduct evinced since. The dis- appointmt. to me is great as I wanted to apply the money to particular uses. Public securities (but of these I dare sayheisasscarse as he isofCash)would do.

Let me know in your next, after the rect. of this what are the real selling prices of flour in Philadelphia, and Uie opinion of the knowing ones whether the prob- ability is that it will rise — ^fall — or remain where it is for any time. In this State it has fallen, but the scar- city, of Cash;& War, or the probability of one between France &G> Britain are assig^ied as the Causes, together with the want of Vessels to export the produce of the Country.

Ofier my best wishes to Mrs. Lear and our little Mend lincoln, and believe me to be — as I really am Your Sincere friend &

AfEecte. Servt.

No. 39.

Mount Vbrnon, April 8th. 1793.

Dear Sir,

Since my last to you from this place your letter of the 3d. Inst, has been reed. — transmitting Colo- Cannon's Rental, ^^nd Mr. De Earth's profession of inability to discharge his Bond. The latter seems to be a more can- did account, than the former, but with both I must be satisfied — presuming I shall never obtain better from either.

Before you say anything to Mr. C — with respect to the lands which Mr. De Barth had of me, & is willit^ to relinquish, I beg you to have some conversation with the Attorney General, on the subject he mentioned to me respecting Mr. C — which I did not very clearly tm-

64 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

derstand at the time, &know less of it now. It seemed to squint (if I recollect rightly) at a sort of Speculation whidi might implicate the seller; but in what mamier I know not. As I do not however mean to place it in the power of malice itself to chaise me with any agency in measures that can even be tortured into impropriety on this head, I wish the above enquiry to be previously made.

If it is not too late, I mean if the Assembly of Penn- sylvania has not risen, and the opportunity lost — I wish you would enquire of Mr. GalUtan, and others from the Western Coimtry, into whose hands I could, to advantage, entrust the management of my business in the Counties of Fayette & Washington : — ^tor I am . sure it will not do to leave it in the hands of Colo. Cannon; who if nothing else is against him, is too de- i^ pendent for his election as representative of the latter \ Cotmty to fix my rents at a just medium, or to collect them in a manner he ought to do, least his popularity should be aSected by it. And if the Rents are liable to be applied (when under leases for 5 years, and after farms have been settled 13 or 15 years) towards re- pairs and improvements, I may bid adieu to anypros- pect of profit from them; as nothing can be easier than to balance theacct.byfencerails& such other like improvements ; which every man who ever had a farm and expected to malt» any thing on it, always did, & for their own sal^s ever will be obliged to provide for the security of their Crops at their own expence. It is usual when a Tenant goes on a new place and has every thing to provide, to allow him one, two & sometimes (according to situation & drctmistances) three years Rent free; — ^but I never heard before of a continuance of it on farms, so long settled as I have mentioned, & which have always been inoccupation. Nor is it to be supposed that a tenant will ever do anything at his

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 65

own expence, if by agreement he can cbai^it, to the account of the Land Lord.

As the will ofmydeceasedNephewwill not be proved at next Court for this County. I shall not (tmless ob- liged to wait for Mr. Robert Lewis, who has written me that he shall be here with some Rents & to settle some other business with me) remain here till Monday the 15th. — ^but as I shall (unless advices from Piladel- phia. or other occurrencies unknown to me at present render it inconvenient) go by the way I had contem- plated to come, if the Roads would have permitted it — that is — by Frederick Town in Maryland — Carlisle — Harrisburgh, the upper Canal — ^Reading & the lower Canal, it is not in my power at this time to name the day when it is probable I shall be in Philadelphia, — but at any rate if no accident happens; nor my horses fail me — it will be by the 35th. of the month at farthest.

Fanny Washii^ton thanks you for yoiu* friendly re- membrance of her, and joins me in best wishes for your- self—Mrs. Lear & Lincoln — I am always & Sincerely Yr. Afiectionate friend

No. 40.

Mount Vernon, April lath. 1793.

Dear Sir,

I have received your letter of the 8th., but as I am on the eve of my return to PhiladelpUa, and have many letters to write, I shall do little more than ac- knowledge the receipt of it. The advices which I may receive by the Post to-n^ht, will decide whether I shall proceed by the direct rout— or by the onelintend- ed to have come.

The endosed from the Attorney General I return to lum through your hands, that an account and Copy<^

66 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

it may be taken before you give it to him, wch. should be as soon as convenient.

I always receive the information you convey, and your sentiments upon political or otho* subjects with pleasure — ^no apcdogy therefore was necessary for these oSered in your letter of the abovedate. Iwassorryto learn by a letter from Mrs. Washingn. that little Lin- coln has been unwell. I hope he is quite recovered. My best wishes attend him, — Mrs. Lear — & yourself and I am always — ^Your sincere friend & Affecte. Servant

No. 41.

Philadbli>hia, June 31st. 1793.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 17th. came by the Post of yester- day — and as by the puiport of it, liiere is a probability, that this letter may find you either at George Town, or Motmt Vernon, I write it for the purpose of declaring, that your going to the latter place is viewed by me as a very kind & friendly act. The accotmt given of Mr. Whiting by Doctr. Craik, is a very distressing one, not only as it respects the poor fellow himself, — ^but on acct. of the effect it must Imve on my business, present and to come; during this Year at least.

Getting an acct. from him (if his situation will en- able him to give it) of the monies received and payed, and such as may be due, to and from me, is of impor- tance, — a general view given by him of othermatters is more to be wished than expected. I shall brii^ with me the accts. he rendered to Mr, Dandridge when I was last at Mount Vernon.

If Mr. Clarke fulfills his engagement (and he says he will tho* I think it questionable) I shall, if no bu^ness more than I am aj^^rised of at present intervenes to

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 67

prevent it, set out cm my journey on Monday ; and ex- pect to be at George Town, if not at Mount Vernon, on Thursday evening. This being the case & as I shall see you at one or the other of those places, or must meet you on the road, I shall only add that with much truth and friendship I am Dr. Sir Yr. Afiecte.

P. S. Mrs. Lear & Lincohi are perfectly well.

No. 42.

Mount Vernon, Septr. ajth, 1793. My dear Sir,

I have not written to you since we parted, but had just sat down to do it when your letter of the 13th. inst.

p was brot^ht to me from tiie Post Office Alexandria.

[^ It gave Mrs. Washington, myself, and aU who knew him sincere pleasure to hear ^t our little &.vourite had arrived safe and was in good health at Portsmouth — we sincerely wish him a long continuance of the lat- ter — ^that he may be always as charming and promis- ing as he now is — ^that he may live to be a comfort and U^sing to you — and an ornament to his Country. As a token of my affection for him, I send him a ticket in the lottery that's now drawii^ in the Federal City; & if it should be his fortune to draw the Hotel, it will add to the pleasure I feel in giving it.)

We remained in Philadelphia tmtil tiie lotii. inst- It was my wish to have stayed there longer, but as Mrs- Washington was tmwilling to leave me amidst the ma- lignant fever which prevailed, I could not think of haz- arding her and the children any longer by my remain- ing in the City. The house in which we lived, being in a manner blockaded by the disorder, which was becoming every day more and more fatal. I therefore came oS with them on tlie above day, and arrived at

68 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

this place tiie 14th. without encountering the least accident on the Road>

You will learn from Mr. Greenleaf that he has dipped deeply in the concerns of the Federal City; ad- vante^eously I thinkfor himself — andl am pleased with it, on public ground also, as it may give facility to the operations at that place, at the same time that it is em- bar]^, him in a measure whidi, although it cannot well fail under any circumstances that are likdy to happen, may be considerably promoted by men of spirit with large Capitals- He can so much better than I detail his ei^agements & the situation of thii^ in and about the City, that I shall not attempt to do it at present.

Mrs. Washington having decided to let NeUy Cus- tis have her Watch and Chain, is disposed to receive substitutes in lieu thereof at about Twenty five guineas price, and leaves the choice of them to you. The plain- ness of the Watch &c. will be no objection. One bim- dred and twenty Dollars, in Bank Notes are enclosed for the purchase of them.

If it should be convenient, and perfectly safe for you to engage for me, on reasonable terms a complete Black Smith, you would obl^ me by doing so. As there are laws in England prohibiting such engagements under severe penalties, and such may exist in oth^ Coimtries, you will xmderstand me clearly that for no consideration whatsoever would I have you run the smallest risk of encountering them — you know full well what kind of a smith would suit my purposes, it is im- necessary therefore for me to be particular on this head. He must however have a character on which you can rely, not only as a complete workman for a farm, but as an honest, sober and industrious man. If he comes on wf^es they must be moderate ; & with or without wages, he must be bound to serve me three years — four would be better

TOBIAS LEAR From a miniaiure owned by Mrs. Eyre.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 69

Mrs. Washington thanks you for your kind recol- lection of her reqtiest respecting Lincoln, and desires me to assure you of her sincere love for him — in which I join, & of her friendship & regard for you. In what ever place you may be, or in whatever walk of life you may move, my best wishes will attend you, — ^for I am & always shall be — ^Yr. Sincere friend & Affectr. Servt.

P. S.

I have just reed, a letter from the Earl of Buchan in which he says my letter intended to accompany the Portrait had got safe to his hands, but that he had seen nor heard nothing of l^e Picture. If you should while in New York see the painter of it, be so good as to men- tion this circumstance to him, and inquire into the cause of the failure.

The District Attorney of New Hampshire, hassenthis resignation. I am entirely unacquainted with the Characters in that line, in that State, and would thank 3^ou to name the person whom you think best qtialified to succeed Hr. Sherburne & most likely to give general satisfaction.

No. 43.

Philadelphia, 6th. May 1794.

My dear Sir,

Your letter of the 36tii. of Jany. with a Post Script of the 30th. of the same month, by Capt. Truxton and another of the 12th. of Feby. by a vessel to New York I have safely reed. But neither the one from Glasgow (with the box) nor the other by the Peggy, refered to in the above ktters, are yet come to hand.

The Watch and Portrait of the Earl of Buchan, were reed- in very good order. The first pleases, and for your attention to it, Mrs. Washington prays you to ac-

3,

70 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

cept her thanlcs. The extra Cost, together with the prices of the other articles from Glasgow and London, shall be paid so soon as I can find a x>erson disposed to receive the amount, & this I shall know probably, when I converse, with Mr. Dalton ; who, I believe, is on a visit to the Federal City; as he proposed to set out for it on Monday last.

The reception you met with from the Earl of Buchan and Sir John Sinclair, gives me sincere pleasure, and I am glad to find they have introduced you to char- acters, which may not only contribute to your present gratifications, but which in the Revolution of events, may be of service in a future walk of life,, without a possible disservice, that results not from imprudence; against which your own good sence will always secure you.

I am much obliged to you for the several commtmi- cations in your letters which have come to hand. I place great reliance on them. The opportunities you derive from mixing with people in different walks — high and low — of different descriptions, and of differ- ent political Sentiments, must have afforded you, an extensive rai^ for observation and Comparison, — more so by far than could fall to the lot of a stationary Character, who is always revolving in a particular Circle.

I am equally well pleased to hear that the concerns, in which you are more immediately interested are in as promising a train as the peculiarly distixrbed state of matters in Europe would allow you to expect. I hope they will continue, and that your plans may be accom- fdished to the fullest extent of your wishes.

Mr. Pearce my present manner at Mount Vernon, has been directed to send for your fruit Trees the mo- ment he hears of the P^gy's arrival at George Town; and my Gardner is instructed to take particular care

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 71

of them until they are otherwise disposed <A by you; but as the Vessd had not arrived l^e agth. Ulto. (when I heard from Mr. Pearce) there is mudh reason to fear they will come too late, as a mild and placid March and pleasant April (except the first days of it) have caused a most luxuriant vegetation this Spring with us from Nortti-to-South.

Not knowing where you may be, when this letter shall have reached London, — nor the hazzard it may run in following you, if you should have left that Metropolis, I sh^ do little more tiian touch political subjects. To telt you that the order of his Britanic Majesty in Council of the 8th. of June last, respecting neutral Vessels had given much discontent to the United States — and that, tiiat of the 6th. of Novem- ber, and its results, had thrown them into a flame, will hardly be news to you when you shall have recd> this letter* The subsequent order of the 8th. of Jany. has in a degree allayed the violence of the heat, but will by no means satisfy them, without reparation for the Spoilations of our Trade & the injuries we sustain for the non-performance of the Treaty of Peace.

To effect these, if possibly by temperate means, by fair & firm negodation, an Envoy extraordinary is ap- pointed, & will, I expect sail in a few days. Mr. Jay is chosen for this mission — ^Mr. John TnunbuU goes as his private Secretary.

Many measures have beexi moved in Congress in con- sequence of the above mentioned orders of the British Cabinet. Some have passed into Acts and others are yet pendii^. Those which have become Laws are, one for fortif yii^ our prindpal Sea Ports (which is now in vigorous execution) and another for raising an additional corps of 800 artillery men, for the de- fence of them, & for other purposes. The Bills which are pending are to complete our present Military

72 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

establishment, — ^to raise an anny o£ 25,000 men in ad- dition thereto, — and to oi^anize — put in training — and to hold ta readiness at a minute's warning, a Select Corps of 80,000 militia. Of the passing of the first & last of these no doubt seems to be entertained on either side of the House, — ^but those who are fearful of what they call a standing anny, will give all the opposition they can to the other. The result therefore none will predict, in the present stage of the business-

Besides these a Bill passed the house of Represent- atives, by a large majority, founded on the followii^ preamble & resolution "whereas the injuries which "have been suffered, and may be su£Eered by the "United States from violations committed by Great " Britain, on their neutralTights& Commercial interests, " as well as from her failure to execute the 7th. article " of the treaty of Peace renderit expedient forthe inter- " est of the tlnited States, that the Commercial inter- " course between the two Countries should not continue "to be carried on in the extent at present allowed" —

"Resolved, that from and after the first day of "November next all commercial intercourse between "the Citizens of the United States, and the Subjects of "the King of Great Britain, or the Citizens or Subjects " of any other nation, so far as the same respects articles " of the growth or manufacture of G. Britain or Ireland "shall be jffohibited."

This measure was arrested in the Senate at the third reading, by the Casting vote of the Vice President — not, as it is said andgenerallybelieved, from a disinclina- tion, to the ulterior expediency of the measure, but from a desire to try the effect of negociation previous thereto.

Sequestration of British property (not including that in the funds) and other expoUents of a similar kind have been agitated in the bouse of Representatives, but seem I think to be tallred off the St^e.

, OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 73

The Packet firom Mr. Bartrand to Mr. Jefferson was forwaixied by the first post after it reached my hands. Mr. Jefferson resigned the Ofl&ce of Secretary of State the first of Jany. — and was succeeded by the late Attorney General Mr. Randolph, whose place of At- torney General is filled by Judge Bradford, of this State (Pennsylva.)

Enclosed I give you the trouble of receivii^ the Copy of a letter which I wrote to Mr. Arthur Yoimg, by Mr. William Morris on the izth, of December last. At the time that letter was written I had no knowledge of Mr. Young's late appointment, as Secretary of the National board of Agriculture, nor of the change of bis political sentiments. It is not improbable but that lie has al- ready, or will, make you acquainted, with the purport of the above letter. Be this however as it may, my inducement to send you a Copy of it is, that if the case shotild be otherwise — if there appears to be any repug- nance on his part to Comply with my wishes, ^and a fair occasion shotdd occur of mentioning the matter in the course of your peregrinations, throtigh England — Scotland— or elsewhere, & you see no impropriety from Circumstances or your view of the subject at the mo- ment I should be glad if you were to 60 it; — my wish further is to dispose of the Lands, I have had restored to me, by Mr. de Barth ; — and in short my settled lands in the Western Part of this State, in the Comities of Fajrette & Washington. I have raised the price of my lands on the Ohio and great Kanhawa to twenty Shillings Virga. Currency P. Acre, — the Tract in Fayette (about 1700 acres) to 40, — and that in Wash- ington to 30 Shillings Pr. Acre, Pennsylvania Currency, 3,000 Acs.

I have no scruple to disclose to you, that my motives to these sales (as hath been in part expressed to Mr. Young) are to reduce my income be it more or less to

74 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

specialties ; that the remainder of my days, may there- by, be more tranquil and free from cares ; — and that I may be enabled (knowii^ precisely what my depend- ence is) to do as much good with it as the resource will admit---for altho' in the estimation of the world, I possess a good and dear estate, yet so unproductive is it, that I am oftentimes ashamed to refuse aids which I cannot afford, unless I was to sell part of it, to answer the purpose. Besides these I have another motive whidi makes me earnestly wish for these things — it is indeed more powerful than all the rest — namely to liberate a certain species of property which I possess very repugnantly to my own feelings; but which im- perious necessity compels, and until I can substitute some other expedient, by which expences, not in my power to avoid (however well disposed I may be to do

( it) can be defrayed.

You are so well acquainted with the situation and quality of the Lands which are here mentioned for sale, that is almost tmnecessary for me to go more into de- tail respecting them with you — ^those however on the Ohio, between the mouths of the little and great ICan- hawa are in three tracts, the first containii^ 3314 Acres, — ^laying on the Banks of the River, about la miles below Mariatte — ^the 2d. — 2448 acres still lower down (being Uie 4th. lai^ bottom on the East side of the River) — and the 3d. on the same side, opposite the great bend in the River, containg. 4395 acres, all of which are of the first quality. The lands on the great Kanhawa are in no respect inferior. They are con- tained in four Patents ; — the first b^^niung within two miles of the mouth of that River & contains 10,990 Acres of the richest bottom, stretching 17 or 18 miles along the River. The next of 7276 Acres, is a little above the last on the opposite side of the River, & the other two are still higher up at the mouth of, and on

c

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 75

Coal River; both are of the first quality & cootaining together abt. 5,000 Acres.

Althotigh it is my wish to convert these Lands into cash on the terms and for the purposes mentioned, yet for reasons which will readily occur to you, I would not hawk them about as some do, if they were never to be sold.

I wish most sincerely that some inducement could be offered Professor Anderson which would bring him to this Country. His labours are certainly ingeniotis, and worthy encouragement, but I fear it will not be in my power to avail these States of them. His commu- licatioDS however are under consideration.

Often, throi^h the meditmi of Ur. Langdon, we hear of your son Lincoln, and with pleasure, that he continues to be the healthy and sprightly child he for- merly was. He declared if his tidcet should turn up a prize, he would go and live in the Federal City. He did not consider, poor little fellow, that some of the prizes woiild hardly build him a baby house nor f or- see that one of these small tickets would be his lot, having drawn no more than ten dollar§J

Mr. Bl t's Agency in this lottery will it is feared

be more productive of thorns than roses; — the matter is not yet wotmd up, — and the Commissioners appear to be uneasy. In aU other respects matters as fax as the accts. of them have come to my knowledge, are going on well.

My public avocations, will not at any rate admit of more timn a fiying trip to Mount Vernon for a few days, this summer: — l^iis not suiting Mrs. Washington, I have taken a house in Germantown, to avoid the heat of this City, in the months of July and August — she, Nelly — and the rest of the family, imite with me in every good wish for your health prosperity and safe

76 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

return; than whom none you may be assured oflEers them with more sincerity.

With Affection & regard I am &

Always shall be ^Yours.

No. 44-

German Town, At^^t aSth. 1794.

My dear Sir,

It gave me very sincere pleasure to find by your letter of the 2 2d. inst. (which by the by — did not come to my hands 'till the evening of tiie 36tli. not time enough to acknowle(^ the receipt of it by the Post of next day) that you had arrived in good health at George Town, with a valuable Cargo, of Goods, and that you had arranged your business to your satis- faction in England, Scot^nd, & Holland. When you shaJl have arrar^ed your business at Geoige Town, and business or inclination may turn your face towards the Eastwards, it will be imnecessary to add that to see you woidd malre this family happy; and with a little roughing on your jiart, you could be accommodated therein.

If you have no accts. later I have the pleasure to tell you, that by a letter from your good mother to Mrs. Washington, that she and little Lincoln were perfectly well on the nth. of this month, — and by her acct. he continued to be the fine sprightly child you left him.

The enclosed though out of season now will serve to show that your letters did not sleep with me in silence. It went by Mr. Jay, and was retiuiied by him with tiie following papagraph, or letter, dated — London, 33d. June.

" On Sunday the 15th. of this month I arrived here. "The next day I made enquiries for Mr. Lear, and was " informed that he had gone to Liverpool to embark for

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 77

"America. I asked whether it was probable, that "letters sent by the Post wotild find him still there — " the answer was that it was highly mprobable. Under "these circumstances, and well knowing the jealous "attention now paid to letters passing thro' the Post "Office, I thought it most advisable to forbear making " the experiment, and to return that letter to you. "

The Copy of my letter to Mr. Young from whom I have reed, no ackriowledgment, will be of no other tise to yoo now, than to show what were and still are my wishes ; that if any inquiries after, for back lands should be made in your presence, you m^ht be enabled to bring mine into view. The plan with respect to my Moimt Vernon Estate I have no idea could be carried into effect in this Cotmtry.

I had it in contemplation to visit that place about the last of September or beginnii^ of Octr. but the re- bellious conduct of the people in the Western Counties of this state renders the journey uncertain, and may defeat it altogether.

With very great Sincerity & AflEection I am always Yours

No. 45-

Gbruan Town 38th. At^. 1794.

Dear Sir,

Mr. Johnson & Doctr. Stuart having resolved to with- draw themselves as Commissioners of the Federal City — and not to act after the, meeting which is proposed to be held on the 15th. of next month, it has become necessary to appoint two others in their places, one of whom it is said ought to possess a considerable stock of legal abilities, as cases are frequently occurii^ to render law knowledge necessary for tiie purposes of de- cidiag as well on points depetuiing tiiereon, as for the

78 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

draughtii^ of Agreements & other instruments which are requisite in the progress of the business.

Mr. Scott (at present of Baltimore) a gentleman eminent in the profession of the law, a man of Charac- ter & fortune, and one who has the weUare of the New City much at heart — ^has been applied to, and accepted the appointed trust. And if it is convenient & agree- able to you, to accept also, the commission will be again compleated; & the bu^ess go on without inter- ruption, from and after the ensuing meeting as before.

It has been found from experience, indispensibly necessary that the Commissioaers shoiild reside in the City (in George Town woidd be tantamoimt) and devote by some arrangements amoi^ themselves, much of their time to the multitudinous concerns of the same ; — thereby supercedii^ the necessity of employing a Superintendant. As the rendering of such duties are not to be expected on the terms the late Commissioners served (and two of them decline it on any terms) I have now fixed the Salary for each at sixteen hundred dollars P. Annum, and am obUged to provide successors.

Were it not that I am unwilling to add any thing that might carry with it, the appearance of influencing your judgment, in the decision you are called upon to make in tJiis case, I should have expressed a wish that it might be found convenient for you to accept the ap- pointment. If however you should find it incompat- ible with your other plans & views, & should decline the acceptance — I pray you to let me know, as far as you may be able to discover, in how respectable a l^t Doctr. Thornton stands, or would be considered by the pro- prietors of the Federal City (among whom he spent some time in the month of Jvly last). The Doctr. is sensible and iijidef atigabie I am told in the execution of whatever he engages; — to which may be added, his taste for architecture; but being little known, doubts

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 79

arise on that head. If (in case of your non-accept- ance) any oth^ person or persons f^d. occur to you, as fit for this business, be so good as to mention (under the rose) their names to me. The appoint- ment is necessary & can be delayed no longer. With very great esteem & r^ard I am dear Sir

Your Afiecte. Servt.

No. 46.

German Town, 31st. Augt. 1794.

My dear Sir,

On the 38th. I wrote you two letters. In one of them I intended (but forgot it) to have made a request that you woidd enquire after the lad that used to wait at Suter's (William I think his name was) whose servitude had expired, and if disengaged and his character good, as well as handy, to et^age him for me at eight Dollars P. Month, (wilji the other allowances known to you) beti% what I am now obliged to give, to the most in- different set of servants I ever had. When Z mention William I do not mean to confine mysdf to him, al- thou^ his qualifications as a waiter (the only light in which be has appeared to me) to be very good ; — any other genteel looking and well made man (not a giant or dwarf) might answer equally well perhaps, if sober, honest, good tempered, and acquainted with the duties of a house Servant, & footman.

Sincerdy & affectionately I remain Yours

No. 47.

Philadelphia, Deer. lath. 1794. My dear Sir, Your letter of the 5th. Inst, and the receipt for tha

8o LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

second payment for the lots I purchased on the Eastern Branch, in the Federal City came dtily to hand.

You are perfectly at liber^ to examine my presses and Tnrnks at Motmt Vernon, for any papers I may have respecting the transactions of the Directors of the Potomadc Compa., or any matters and things which may concern the navigation of that River.

Mrs< Fanny Washington has the master key of all the others, from whom you can get it; — ^but whether the papers you are in pursuit of are to be found in the press, or in any Trunks I am unable to inform you; — tiie keys of the locked trunks are, if I remember rightly, in my writing Table ; the key of which remains in it<

For many very important reasons (unnecessary to enumerate to you) the navigation of that River oi^ht to be pushed forward with all the celerity, which the nature of the work will admit. Veiwing the matter as I do, I shall not neglect any fair opportunity of facili- tating a visit from Mr. Weston to that quarter — ^but (under the rose I must say it) however fair the asstu*- ances of his going thither may be, you may take it for granted that from motives of jealousy thereis aCounter- tide to that measure ; — and I wish you may not find something similar to it in another quarter, if the oper- ations on the Shannondoah are postponed — much longer. Do not forget how the Trade of Fredericksburg Falmouth, Hanover Town on York River, & indeed Richmond itself, will be effected by the opening of this Navigation — I diould not be at all siuprised therefore if future applications to the Assembly of Vii^. — (if there be occasion to make any) respecting it should meet with much coldness and difficulty.

I should not any more than you, be disposed to con- fide in the o^nnion of Mr. Claiborne's Engineer; nor (in confidence to you) to Mr. Claiborne himself, — ^but as he spealcs in exalted terms ci this man (for you must

. OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 8i

know Claiborne is now in this City and has mentioned the matter also to me) a little money might not be mis- appUed in obtaining the opinion c^ this Engineer; to see how far it would accord with Mr. Weston's — if he can be got there; — ^without, if he should follow after, letting him know what that opinion is. Tis possible this person may unite (as Claiborne says he does) both Science & practice. If so, and he should possess other requisites, he might be useful. Tryal of, without a relyance upon him, cannot be injurious.

Mr. Jonathan Trumbull has once or twice asked me what reply the Commissioners of the Federal have made to the letter of his brother John whidi I sent to them — be so good as to remind them, or either of them wch. you may first see of this matter.

I am Yours AffecUy*

No. 48.

Philadelphia, Deer. 14^1. 1794.

My dear Sir,

The day following the one on which I wrote to you last your letter of the loth. inst. was received.

It is to be regretted exceedii^ly that del^ated pow- ras are, often-times so little regarded ; and that trusts of an important nature, the neglect of which, may be attended with serious consequences, should be suffered to sleep in the hands of those who ought to carry them into activity. Such from your representation appears to be the case of the Petition which ot^ht in behsdf of the Potomac Compy. to have been laid before the Assembly of Vir^nia in due Season.

The notice of the iatended presentment of such Petitions (which is required by law) cannot I presume be dispensed with; — and if there be any derilection to the measures jnayed for, the limitation to & expira-

82 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

tion of the time for the reception of them will be urged as a. plea for Postponement.

The propriety of my writii^ to individual members, or even to the Assembly itself, on this subject is, in my mind, a matter tliat may be questioned ; — but suppos- ing the case to be otherwise, I do not know who the members are; and such indeed has been the change of things, since I mixed in the politics; or much with the people of that State, (and of the neighbourhood of Alexandria) that an entire new set tmknown to me personally, are in the exercise of the powers of Govern- ment' To morrow however I will communicate this matter to Mr. Randolph, and know if he has any ac- quaintances, in that Assembly, to whom hecouldintro- duce the subject, — and thereby aid your personal ex- ertions- 'Tis to be lamented however that in plain matters — a little ticklishly circumstanced — such haz- zards (at least of delay) should be unnecessarily en- coimtered. We are all well, and join in best wishes for you — and I am

Affectionately Yours

No. 49.

Philadelphia, Deer. sist. 1794. Afy dear Sir,

Your letter of the i-jHi. Inst, was received Yesterday, — and I am glad to find that an act of the Virginis As- sembly has been obtained for {n-olonging the term for the completion of the inland navigation of the Poto- mac. The like I hope has been, or will be obtained, this Season, in the assembly of Maryland.

A good opportimity presenting itself on Thursday last, I embraced it to inquire of Mr. Morris if the Di- rectors of that Company might entertain any hope of deriving aid from Mr. Weston's opinion, respecting the lock Seats at the great fall of that River; — his

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 83'

answer was, " Mr, Weston, firom some peculiar drcum- "stances attending their own concerns, had been pre- " vented from visiting that spot as was intended, but "that he was now expected to be in this City in a few "days (as I understood) when he would propose and "urge his goir^ thither. "

TTie plan of Mr. Claiborne's Engineer, as far as 1 understand it is to avoid locks altogether. The vessels are received into a Basket or Cradle, and let down by means of a laver and puUies; and raised again by We^hts at the hinder extremity of the laver, which works on an axis at the head of a substantial Post, fixed about the Center of the laver. On this principle but differently constructed, Mr. Greenleaf afew months ago shewed me a model, the efficacy of which he seemed to entertain the most exalted opinion. My doubts of the utility of both arise, first from the insufficiency of any machinery of this sort to bear the we^ht of the Cradle when charged with Water & a loaded Boat therein; and its aptness to get out of order by means thereof; — Secondly I do not find they are in general use; — and thirdly — ^because if 1 recollect rightly — Mr. Weston has told me (but of this I am not certain) that no method of raisii^ and lowering boats had been found equal to that of locks — still, as I observed in my last, I should be for hearing the opinions & explanations of any and every scientific and practical character that coidd be easily got at, on the subject: — & therefore would hear Claiborne's Engineer as well as Mr. Weston; — especially as he professes to be particularly well skilled in the application of steam, in propelling Boats (in an easy and cheap manner) against the Stream; — and in conducting of Water to Cities, or for , any other purpose whatsoever.

The Bill you allude to has not passed nor do I know what shape it will talffi if it does ;■— & therefore can say

84 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

nothing more on tiie subject at this time, than that, there will be no precipitancy, in en^L^ng either the Agent en* the means of carrying the law into effect, if the measure which I have recommended should be adopted; with the importance of it I am slrot^ly im- pre^ed; consequently if any thing should be required of the president towards carrying of it into execution, I shall feel it in a pariicular manner, my duty to set it a going under the most favorable auspices.

I now have and for some ccmsiderable time have had twenty five Hhds. Tobo. in the Ware houses in Al- exandria, which at some times I have forgot, and at other times have been indisposed to take the prices which were given for Potomac Tobo. on the Virginia side. Or^inally this Tobacco was of the best sort — put up dry — & the quality of it reported to be exceedingly good. If the latter is the case still, it will in some re- pects, and for some purposes, have the advantage of New Tabacco ; but what to do witii it I know not. In Alexandria it might not bring me 18/ P. Htmdred Wt. — ^when in Geoi^e Town (I mean in Uie ware houses in these places) it might bring a guinea. I have thoi^ht, but whether it will be practicable to accom- plish it without difficulty I am unable to decide, that if the Tobo. could be removed from the Ware houses in which it now is, to those in George Town & be rein- spected at the latter, that I might be a considerable gainer by it. But admittii^ that this can be done without encounterii^ impediments which might in- volve inconveniencies; or that would excite notice or remark, neither of which I should incline to subject myself to, it would be previously necessary to know whether the Tobacco would pass at the latter place, for if it should be brought there and be condemned, I should lose the whole and sustain an expence besides, — whereas in its present situation, it will I presume com-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 85

mand the price current in Alexandria. If the sug- gestion here mentioned can be accomph'shed (without involving the consequencies expressed above) the best expedient that occurs to me to effect it, is tmder the idea of its being purchased by, or rather offered for sale to a Maryls^ Merchant, to have it re-examined where it is in presence of the George Town Inspectors who would be paid for their attendance, & who should declare to tbs supposed purchaser whether they would pass it were it brought to the Ware houses in George Town. If in the affirmative, and there is no other im- pediment to the measure, the whole biisiness might be easily accomplished by the removal, reinspection, & issuing new notes, eiliier in my name or that of the supposed purchaser; — the last of which for several reasons I think would have the best appearance. Whether this project can be carried into execution or not is to me uncertain but to avoid delay and in order to enable you to do it if it shall be thought eligable, I send you the Notes for this purpose, and to know what the Tobacco would sell for where it is, if it be not eligable to remove it — they may be kept or returned according to circumstances. In the Ware houses at George Town I have or ojight to have by this time, 9000 lbs. of Crop Tobo. — as you will perceive by the enclosed letter to me from Colo. Deakins, the price of this also.

I return Doctr. Currie's letter with thanks for the perusal of it. The picture drawn in it of the state of things in his own Counry, and the details wch. he gives of those of the Belligerient powers are gloomy for ihem indeed. All here are well, and all join in best regards for you, with — ^Dear Sir, Your Affectionate

P. S. I have sought in vain for the Tobacco notes mea>

86 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

tioned in the body of this letter. Presuming I must have sent them to Mr. Pearce — ^but of the doing it I have no recollection — I have directed him by this Post if he has them to forward them to you.

No. 50.

Philadelphia, Deer. aand. i794>

My dear Sir,

Looking into an old porte folio which I had not seen this many a day, I found ihe papers which accompany this note, relative to the River Potomack. I do not know that any of them will be useful to you ; but as well for the purpose of l^eping them together, as to af- fcml you an opportunity of deciding for yoiwself , tiiey are now forwarded to you.

I also send you the ^tch which has been presented to me by Mr. Claiborne, of the New Method of low- ering and raisii^ boats, without locks. It will convey a better Idea than my description of it in the letter of Yesterday was capable of doing, & for that reason it is forwarded.

I am Your Afiecte. Servt.

No. 51.

Philadelphia, Jany. 9th. 1795.

My dear Sir,

Your letter of the ist. Inst- has been received, but not soon after the date of it as mi^t have been ex- pected, & not recollecting in time that this was Post day for the Southward, I shall confine myself to a angle point; namely, to inform you as I have been informed myself, that in a late meeting of the Canal Company of this State permission was given to Mr. Weston to visit the lock seats at the great falls of Poto-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 87

mac, and that he might be expected there about the first of next month.

I am Your ASecte

No. 53.

Philadelphia, Jany fath. 1795. My dear Sir,

On Friday last I wrote you a few lines and assigned reasons for not writii^ more fully*

In addition to what I then said, which was only to inform you, that permission had been given by the Canal Compy. of 1^ state for Mr. Weston to visit the falls of Potomac, and that be might be expected at the Federal City about the first of next month, I shall no- tice with concern — it being contrary to the heretofore entertained opinion — ^that the ftmds for carrying on navigation are from yo\xr view of them lil^y to fall short ;^io,ooo Stg. of the object.

What expedient had best be adopted for suppyling the deficiency will merit serious consideration under existing Circumstances. On an abstract of the Case, I shotild give it as my opinion, without hesitation, that the present sharers ought to continue their advances till the final completion ; — & for this plain & interesting reason, (with me) that no speculation to which money can be applied will be more productive, with so much honour, and so little risque. But how far the majority of the Company (many of whom probably never be- stowed a thoi^ht on the Subject) may be of this senti- ment; or how far their inclinations and abilities might induce the adoption of the measure if they were is not for me to decide — and as individuals of tihe Company will be as free as others to become purchasers if the shares are increased, it does not appear to be a matter of much moment which of these modes is prefered, or whether by loan if the money is to be obtained-

88 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

No doubt remains in my mind of what will be the productiveness of the tolls when the navigation is in full operation. To the best of my recollection they were calculated to amotmt (at the time of passing the acts of incorporation) to ij P. Cent on the Capital, by an estimate that was then made of the several articles which from their cont^ty to the River it was known would be Water borne. Since that period the pop- ulation of the Counties bordering on the Potomac & of course the produce arising therefrom has encreased greatly, and when the Shenendoah is added thereto (which formed no part of the Original estimate) it must equal the most sat^^iiine expectation.

Mr. Claiborne's Engineers (for it seems he has two for different purposes) are fixed in this City, either of which according to iJie use for which you want one, m^ht be had at any time, but as I am not strongly im- pr^sed with a beUef that men of eminence would come to this Country in the manner, and under the circum- stances, they have done (but this I say without having knowledge of the real characters of ^e gentlemen, & without design to injure them) might it not be poUtic to obtain the opinion of the most competent of them, before Mr. Weston (who is known to be a Scientific & experienced Engineer) gives his? He will not adopt their opinion contrary to his experience & judgment; but if his opinion is first taken ^id transpires, it may be given into by Ihem from the want of these in them- selves, endeavoring thereby to erect a character on his fotmdation.

I am much obliged by the trouble of your enquiries respecting my Tobacco in the Ware houses at Alexan- dria & Geoi^ Town, and as the disposal of it is some what out of my way at present and in truth is a mat- ter that rarely occurs to me, except when I am reminded of it by Mrs. Washi^:ton, you would add

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 89

to the favor by tnalring sale of it, oa such terms and whensoever in your judgmt. the moment is favorable. I am in no htury nor under any necessity to pre- cipitate the Sale, & to your jtu^ment also it is lef^ to continue where it is or to remove the Tobacco from Alexandria to Geor:ge Town. We are all tolerable well & join in good wishes & the Compliments of the Season to you. With T^;ard & affection

I am always Yours

No. S3-

Philaoblphia, i8th. Feby. 1795. Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 13^1. Inst, came to me yesterday — previous to which your other letters of the 24th.& 30th. Ulto. had been duly received.

About a fortnight ^o I saw & spoke to Mr. Weston myself respecting his visit to the falls of Potomac, and wished if he was able that he would name the time he would, or expected, to be there. He answered about the last of the month. That he had to return first to Lebanon (near to which they are d^^;ing the Canal be- tween the Waters of Susquehanna & Schuylkill) and should proceed from thence. As it is more than pffob- able than his rout will be by the way of Carlisle — Shippensburgh, — Chambersbur^, and Hagerstown, above the moimtain, — or if not by that course, it will be throi^h York & Frederick Town below it;— and in either case that he will return by Baltimore, it is to be regretted (as in a former letter you expressed a wish that he should see the Shannondoah near its conilyence with the Potomack) that some previous arrangement could not have been made for the purpose of meeting him at or near the spot you wished him to view above. This for many reasons I could not propose nor had I an opportimity of doing it admitting the propriety of the

90 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

measure, as it was on a public day (in what is called the Levee Room) and just as he was leaving the City that I saw him. Some embarrassments respecting the busi- ness of the Canal Companies in this State brought and detained him here longer than was expected; — ^but this circimistance was unknown to me until the mconent of his departure, otherwise I shoxild have seen him sooner, and would have conversed more fully with him on his proposed visit. To his detention here may be ascribed his not being with you at an earlier day than is now thot^ht of.

Much has be6n said of late of the inclined plain in Connecticut River, of the utility of it I mean; — It would be well, I think, to question Mr. Weston pretty fully on this mode of raising and lowerii^ Boats, as the simpUcity, cheapness, and effect is the subject of Eulogium — deservedly or not, I shall not imdertal^ to pronounce.

The ^rnily are all well. Betcy & Mr. & Mrs. Peter, left this on Monday morning for New York to return on Saturday. Mrs. Washington & the other two join me in every good wish for you and

I am sincerely & affectionately

Yours

No. 54.

Philadelphia, March 4th. 1795.

My dear 5tf ,

Your favor of the 23d. Ulto-came duly to hand- The letters which I write to acquaintances, or friends, are done at no great expence of time or thoi^ht They are off hand productions, with little attention to compo- sition or correctness; and even under these circum- stances are rarely attempted when Oiey interfere with my public duties.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 91

Prom what you have written and from what I have heard from others, I hope Mr. Weston is on the Poto- mack 'ere this ; and that much benefit may be expected from the visit. He is certainly a judicious man ; — with both theory and Practice united. I am pleased to hear that the Locks which have been erected at the little falls have stood the test of a first trial so well; — and this pleasure will be increased if Mr. Weston shotdd make a favorable report of them.

An unlucky dispute has happened, or is likely to hap- pen, I find between the present Commissioners — and Mr. Johnson (one of tiie old set). These things under any view in which they can be placed, are «ttremely unpleasant, & are rendered more so, wh^i they are brought before me. The points in dispute have not come before me in detail — the main one I am told is, whether the lots adjoining Rock Creek above the Stone Brid^, come under the description of Water lotts; and would be so construed in the contract between the for- mer Commissioners & Mr. Greenleaf. From what I have learnt it is a question of some magnitude, in as much as establishing a principle applicable to that case, will have an extensive e£Eect in favour of or adverse to tite public property in the City. This being the case let me ask you to collect the Sentiments of the judicious about you in the City & in George Town, as far as it is to be drawn from casual (at least not from forced) con- versaticm respecting the dispute, and to inform me thereof. You will readily perceive that it is for my ovm and private information my request to you pro- ceeds: — ^both the request and answer to it, will then of course be confined to ourselves. With affectionate regard

I am Your Sincere friend

92 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

No. 55-

Philadelphia, 17th. May 1795. Dear Sir,

About the sum which is due to me from your House, I owe the Commissioners of the Federal City; — ^let me request you therefore to ascertain — ^pay — and transmit the acct. thereof to me. If in doing Uiis the balance shall be against me, it shall be paid to yoitr order— if in my favor, let it remain there till called for. I am Your Affecte. Servt.

No. 56.

Philadelphia, a 5th. May, 1795. My dear Sir,

In due course of the Post I have been favored with your letters of the 17th. Inst, from Baltimore and 20th. from Geoi^e Town; — and thank you for the informa- tion contained in both.

Enclosed I send you what money I had by me of my private funds; — and an order on the Bank of Al- exandria for all I have there. Both of which sums I pray you to lay out in the purchase of Stock in that Bank — or the Bank of Columbia— or in both, as from circumstances, and the information you may possess at the moment, you shall deem most advisable and ' advantageous.

The sum enclosed is nine hundred and sixty dollars, in notes of the United States Bank. The sum in the Bank of Alexandria amounts, according to the infor- mation given me by Mr. Pearce, to three thousand four hundred and thirty Dollars & sixty seven Cents. But be it more or less, the order embraces it. With my sincere esteem & regard I am Dear Sir

Yr. Afiecte. friend

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 93

Bank Notes Dolls.

5 of 100 dollars each 500

3 of 50 100

18 of 10 180

36 of 5 180

960

No. 57.

Philadelphia, 4tli. June, 1795.

My dear Sir,

Your letters of the 36th. and 39th. TJlto. have been duly received, but not adverting in time that the Post returned on Wednesday I could not answer the latter until this day.

I pray you to continue your purchases in either of the Bai^ of Alexandria or Columbia; or.both; as you shall deem best; — so far as tiie appropriated sums ia your hands belonging to me (to which add the three thousand dollars received from Doctr. Stuart) will go. In doing this, let the call for ten dollars on each share purchased in the Bank of Columbia be included ; — ^be- cause until I receive payment for some land which I have sold, or the Cash for my flour, &c. — which is not yet due, I shall not have it in my power to apply a further sum to this use.

It gives me great pleasure to hear that the public buildings are goii^ on briskly — and that persons from the Southward (for I believe it is the first instance be- yond a single lot or so) are becoming adventures in the Federal City — with a view to improvements.

I am clearly in sentiment with you (and the Com- missioners know it) that if the business can proceed without limping that the tots which belong to the public ought to be held up, except single ones or a

94 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Square at most and those only to be disposed of on the express condition of improvement.

The Senators are beginning to assemble. By Mon- day (the day appointed for their meeting) it is pre- sumed they will a3l be here, as some of the most distant are already on the ground. The members of this family are all well & join in best wishes fen* you with Dear Sir

Your Affecte.

No. 58.

Philadblphia, ijtii. Jtme, 1795. My dear Sir,

Your letters of the 3d. & 4th. Inst, (in the date of the latter I presume there is a mistake) with several Ac- counts enclosed in the first, have been diUy received ; as was the certificate of the Shares, which was bought in the Banl^ of Alexandria & Columbia on my behalf.

Your preference of the former for the appropriation of the balance which remain in your hands, is accord- ant with my ideas; and unless you have very good reasons to believe that the shares may be had at par by delaying the purchase of them, it might be as well per- haps to buy at the prices now going (espedally if the overplus will meet compensation in the dividends) as to await for a fall.

Being hurried I shall only add the good wishes of this family to my own, and assure you of the sincere esteem & r^ard with which I am Dear Sir,

Your Affecte. friend

No. 59.

Mount Vernon, 5th. Augt. 1795. My dear Sir, It is my intention at present to be in George Town

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 9s

to morrow, but as I have been sending to the Post Office in Alexandria, every day since Friday last for letters, without having reed, any from the officers of Government; and may by this day's mail find such an acctunulation of them, as to make it impracticable for me to give them proper attention, prepare answers against Saturday morning — and be on business in George Town at tlie same time; I now send you a power of Attorney to act for me (if I should not be there) in the tatter case. In haste I am Your Affecte. Servt.

No. 60.

Philadelphia, ad. Novr. 1795.

My dear Sir,

Your letters of the igth-ft — Ulto. came duly to hand, and I expected 'ere th^ to have been decisive upon the contents of them; — but the case being otherwise, I shall postpone writing fully to you until the next or another Post.

It may not be amiss however briefly to observe that Colo. Rochfontain (being in this City) was asked how it came to pass, as he had seen the site at the conflu- ence of the two Rivers Potomac & Shanandoah, he had made no mention of it in his general Report? His answer was, there was no ground on which convenient buildings could be placed, and assigned other reasons in a written report, which he made* But since the re- ceipt of your last, with a letter from Genl. Darke to the Secretary of War — I have suggested his going there again in order to view the ground more acctuately. This, if nothing more pressing shall require his attend- ance in another quarter, will be the case. I shall de- fer therefore saying any thing further on the subject • till the matter is decided. If the Colo, goes at all, he

96 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

will probably pass throtigh George Town, and if it could be made convenient for Col. Gilpin (who understands the nature and application of water well) and yourself to accompany him — advantages, I am persuaded, would result from the journey. One of tiie Colo's, ob- jections to this site is that no water work (on acct. of freshets) would be safe there. These lands, however considerii^ the reservations of the Perries, buildii^ &c. will come much higher than I had any idea of.

If you have not already agreed for the rent of my house in Alexandria @ Sixty pounds Pr. Annum, I wish this sum might be compared with other rents, be- fore it is fixed on. I was tcM by several as I passed through Alexandria, that I m^ht readily dispose of the lot, if I was so inclined, for £1300: — Sixty pounds rent would only be an interest <rf 5 P. Cent — which is inadequate for house rent.

Give my love to Fanny & the children, in which Mrs. Washington joins, and be assured of the sincere esteem & r^prd (rf — ^Dear Sir

Yr. Aflfecte.

No. 61.

Philadelphia, 3otb. Novr. 1795-

My dear Sir,

Your letter of the 17th. Inst, came safe to hand, but not before the 36th.

I intended to have written to you by Colo. Roch- fontaine — ^but he went off imfcnown to me. Upon a second view of the site, at the Conflux of the Rivers Potomac & Shenandoah, with the explanations he will receive from Colo. Gilpin & yottrself, I hope and expect the advantages of that spot, will strike him more favor- able than was indicated in his reports — and that some- thing will be decided upon with precision.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 97

It is with great pleasure that I learn from ycnir letters, that the River between the Great and Little falls has been so much improved this fall, and that the prospect of getting some c^ the new Shares subscribed for by the Maryland assembly is so good ; — ^I wish as good a dis- position may be found in the other assembly: — ^but above all that your means would enable you to pro- ceed vigorously to the improv^nent of the Navigation of the Shenandoah River; — ^for that is the Source from whence the wealth of the City is to be derived.

If the Directors are in want of such a character, as the enclosed letter describes, it may be well to intimate it as soon as possible ; as it is not likely that Mr. Myers will remain long unemployed, as lock navigation is contemplated in many parts of Has Country. I have not seen the Gentleman myself, but understand from others that his testimonials are full & ample, & that he is a stout & healthy man.

Your opening Mr. Maury's letter to me was a thii^ of necessity, and I am obhged to you for having done so ; and for the steps you took consequent thereupon — & for sending the goods to Mount Vernon.

If I cannot get a full rent for my house in Alexan- dria, I must be content with what it will fetch, and that without delay; otherwise (the cold weather approachii^) the inclosiu«s will be torn down for firing, if no other damage is sustained from its beii^ left unoccupied. My love to Fanny & children. I am always, & Sincerely Your affectionate

P. S.

I will send to and have a little conversation with Mr. Myers and give you the result in my next.

98 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

No. 62.

Philadelphia, ad. Deer. 1795*

My dear Sir,

Since writing to you on Monday I have seen & con- versed witli Mr. Myers; who isdeshrtus of employment, and of removing from this place, — ^wfaich (having a pretty large family) he finds very ^cpenstve. He pro- fesses to \inderstaiid perfectly the various matters set forth in the card I enclosed you in my last; — and was employed accordii^ to his own acct. in the Lancashire navigation in England, until the call for Soldiers took away most of the hands- This circumstance, added to a desire to fix his fortunes in America, where he has some property in Land, and his wife is a native, induced him to embark for this Country.

He disapproves of Locks, made of wood but tmder- stands them in all their parts. He is healthy in ap- pearance, stout & Robust, and of a good htunored counte- nance. He professes to be moderate in his expecta- tions; and willing toput himself upon trial a Year; the Wages to be fixed at the end of it. He gave me to understand however that at the Lancashire Works he reed, three hundred guineas a year and some small per- quisites; — and added that compensations were very much governed, by the prices of necessaries, & the expenoe of living.

I told him that I would write by this day's post, and by that of Thursday of next week, such an answer might be received, as to enable him to decide upon the eligibility of his waitii^ upon the Directors for further explanations.

I do not write formally otherwise I should have di- rected this letter to the board; but as you can easily consult the members of it, — it would be well to express tiieir sence on the contents of it. Nor do I mean to

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 99

give any opinion of my own on the subject ; as the Di- rectors know better than I do, in what train the affairs of the Company is, — & what their wants are. All that I shall say is, that if Mr. Myers really understands all he professes, particularly that of Lock navigation, he will not be long without applications in abundance, espe- cially as the members of Coi^ress are now assemblii^ from all parts of the U. States.

Whatever you chuse should be said to Mr. Myers, let it be comprised in a letter to me, or him, as you please, if to me I shall put it into his h^ids, that there may be no misunderstanding of the sentiments. Give my love to Fanny & the children & believe me to be

Your affecte. No. 63.

Philadelphia, asth. Deer. 1795.

My dear Sir,

Your several letters relative to the state of the ap- plications to the assemblies of Maryland & Virginia on the business of the Potomac Company, and the result thereof, have been duly received.

The last dated the 21st. I directed Mr. Dandridge to show to Mr. Myers (knowing the suspence in which he was held) and to add, that if upon the strci^rth of the information therein, he inclined to visit the Direct- ors, I would give him a line of introduction. This com- munication produced the enclosed letter from him: — but Mr. Dandridge havii^ expressed no more, than he was directed to do, there is no commitment.

I mention this because tiie letter of Mr. Myers seems to imply mcHe; and as much depends upon the skill, industry & other qualifications of an Engineer, or per- son employed in such a work, that you may examine him critically yourselves; for it is proper I should ob- serve, that I have no other knowledge of Mr. Myer's

lOO LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

fitness, than what is derived from his own acct — & some papers which he has shown, but which I had not leisure to examine correctly.

The post hour havii^ arrived, I have only time to add, that we are all well — & join in affectionate regards to you & yours.

Yours always

No. 64.

Philadelphia, 36th. Deer. 1795. Dear Sir,

This letter will be handed to you by Capt. Myers, of whom I have made mention in a former letter.

Beii^ desirous of knowing whether the directors of the Potomac Company are disposed to employ him as an engineer & Superintendant of their lock navigation, and on what terms, he has resolved to wait on them for those purposes.

The tes iraonials of his skill as an Architect, and of his knowledge relative to Locks, &c. will I presume be presented to you. These with such further inquiries as prudence may induce you to make, will enable you to decide on yotur measiures, and thereby place Capt. Myers on the ground of Certainty. With great esteem & regard I am dear sir

Your Affecte. Servt.

P. S.

Since this letter has been written, yours of the a3d. has been reed. & shown to Capt. Myers-

Philadelphia. 1 5th Feby 1796. Mr. Tobias Lear My dear Sir,

On thursday last I reed your letter of (now in

the hands of Colo Piclmring & date not remembered.)

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON loi

The business relative to the arsenal at the mouth of Shenandoah, has been shamefully neglected: — and (but under the rose I make the Observation) I fear with design;— 'for I was continually remindii^ the officer whose duty it was to carry the measure into effect, of the improvident delay; and about a fortnight after findii^ the matter remained in Statu quo-, I gave a peremptory order for the execution : And was informed sinc» by the Gentleman, that he had written to you on the subject. — How it comes to pass that you should be ignorant of this at the date of your letter, — there being sufficient time for the receipt of the former, is somewhat mysterious. Allowances ot^ht unques- tionably to be made for the multiplied duties cd two offices, which were discharged by one person, — ^but the footing of which this business stood, and my frequent enquiries into it~ought to have produced more prompt- ness in the Execution. I hope no change in Pri(% will force a Change of Place ; — ^And that the thing will go on as if no delay had hapned.

I am very glad to find that the affairs of the poto- mack Company, are in so promi^g a train, and wish Capt Myres' may prove an acquisition in the superin- tendance of them.

I pray you to let me have a statement of my aaxmnt with you ; — and for informing me precisely what Shares I hold in the Banks of Alexandria & Coltunbia. My love to Fanny & the Children And with very great esteem & regard I remain

Your affect^ firiend & Servt

Go Washington

P. S. Mr White seems to entertain no doubt of a favorable issue to his Mission — but it goes (as every thing else does) slowly on.

109 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

No, 65.

Philadelphia, 13th. Mar. 1796.

My dear Sir,

Your letters of the 36th. Ulto. and ad. Instant, came safe to hand, after some delay. The first, with the Will of Harper, has been put into the hands of the attorney Genl. to aid him in the conveyances. To such parts of the second as require it, I am about to reply; first ex- pressing my satisfaction at the happy termination of the business which you undertook in behalf of the public.

Having no doubt of the correctness of the account, which was transmited in the last mentioned letters; I have only to beg that you would favor me with the numbers — or other designation or description, of all the shares I now hold, in the Banks of Alexandria & Columbia, by your purchases, — and to request if you wish to part with any of the twenty shares you pur- chased in the Potomac Navigation, that you would ap- propriate the balance due me, by your accotmt, in as many as it will command ; — ^first paying up the Install- ment on the old ; called for I perceive to be paid on the first of the present month. If my present purposes and gratifications could be answered by prospects of future emolument, I would devote all the money I could command, to this Investiture; — ^but for the few Years I have to remain here, the enjoyment of less, with ease & certainty, will be more convenient and desirable.

If my resources were adequate to the purchase of the lots and houses which are offered for sale in Alexandria, I would gladly have been the purchaser of them on the terms mentioned in your letter of the 3d. Inst, but as these depend upon contingencies which may bafBe cal- culation, I chuse to tread on sure ground in all my en-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 103

gagements, being as unwilling to embarrass others by uncertain contracts, as I am to be deceived myself in my expectations from the assurances which I receive of promised paymt.

Prom the enquiries which have akeady been made of you, relatively to my Farms at Mount Vemon, I take the liberty of enclosing you the terms, on which I mean to lease them. My expectation of disposii^ of them at the Rents therein mentioned, to such tenants as I shotild chuse, is not very sanguine ; — nor woidd I in- cline to do it to the slovenly farmers of this Country ; if I had a tolerably well founded hope of getting them from any other, where husbandry is better understood, and more rationally practiced, the mentioning of which to some of yotu* acquaintance, as you may chance to fall in with them (particularly the English & Scotch, the latter more especially) might be a means perhaps, of their suggesting it to others in the land they came from.

Letters and Recollections of George Washington, with Tobias Lear's Diary of His Last Days (1906) (part 3)

It is not my intention, at least at the present mo- ment, to let Uie negroes go with the land. — but if en- quiries on this head should be repeated, it might be useful tq me to learn on what terms, ^ese and the Lands conjointly, could be disposed of. Remember me kindly to Patmy & the children, and be assured ci the Sincere friendship of Yr. Afiecte. Servt.

No. 66.

Philadblphia, 3ist. Mar. 1796. My dear Sir,

Your letter of the 14th. Inst, did not get to my hands until Saturday. Mine dated the 13th. acknowledging the receipt of your favors of the 26th. Ulto. & 2d. inst. must I prestune have been received in duecourseof the Post, ami therefore to repeat the contents of it is

I04 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

A Mr. Summers of Alexandria is veiy desirous oi purchasing my vacant lot in that Town ; — and having been told that nothii^ short of a h^ price would in- duce me to sell it, makes the offer contained in the en- closed letters. Whether this c^er is high or otherwise, depends upon compEirison, the means of doing which is not within my reach, but thro' the medium of anotiier, & therefore I give you the trouble trf making some inquiry in the matter at any time when you are in Alexandria. I have no wish to part with the lot, im- less I can do it upon advantageous terms; and can dispose of the money in a more productive manner. I had thoughts of building on it, but this woidd be attended with trouble and perhaps a good deal of impo- sition, as it could not be properly attended to in the ex- ecution of the work. And besides workman's wages, and materials are very high at this time.

A thought has run through my mind (since I began this letter) whether, as I have a prospect from the high price of flotu-, of raising five or six thousand dollars ^ from the same of it; it might not be eligable with that

sum & the sale of the vacant lot (to Summers) to make the purchase suggested in one of yoiu- former letters to me? If that property is in an eligable place (and I wish to know where it lies) or whether or not if it would bring ten P. Cent on the purchase money, it would cer- tainly be more immediately advantageous to me than to let a part of the stun, necessary to command it, lay dead in a vacant lot, which when built on, would only be to let. Mr. Dandridge's ansr. to Mr. Summer's enclosed, is left open for your perusal and may be delivered to him or not, at any time you may find it convenient.

As the Post hour is at hand and I have many letters to close, & prepare for the mail, I hardly know what I have written, or whether you will be able fully to

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 105

comprehend my meanii^. My love in which Mrs- Washii^tott unites is presented to Fanny & the children, and I am Dear Sir

Your AfEecte. Servt-

Philadelphia a7th March 1796

Mr Tobias Leas,

My Dear Sir, Your letters of the 31st & 33d Inst have filled us with pain and anxiety; from which probably, we shall not be relieved before tuesday; tho' we shall hope on that day to hear that both Fanny, and Maria are much better, if not entirely recovered.

Upon receipt of the first of the letters above men- tioned, I made immediate enquiry in what train the business respecting the Arsenal on Potomack was in, and have since been informed by the (present ) secre- tary of War, that he has written to you on the subject. I wish sincerely that the sickness in your family, had not prevented your journey to this City, & that it may not retard it much longer as the Departments at this juncture are so full of business as to require more attention, and mging in particular matters than the pressure cA my own allows me to bestow.

When you come we will make room for you to lodge in some manner or other, as the only spare room we have will I expect be occuiried by Young Fayette & his Tutor.

I wish devoutly, in which Mrs. Washii^ton cor- dially unites, that this letter may find Fanny & Maria perfectly restored. My best regards to them & with affection

I am always Yours

Go Washington

io6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

No. 67.

Phiiju>bi.pbia, 30th- March 1796. My dear Sir,

Your former letters prepared us for the stroke, which that of the 2Sth. Inst, announced, but it has fallen heavily notwithstanding.

It is the nature of humanity to mourn for the loss of our friends, and the more we loved them the more poignant is our grief. It is part of the precepts of reli- gion & Philosophy, to consider the dispensations of Providence as wise, immutable, uncontroulable; of course that it is our duty to submit with as little repining as the sensibility of our natures is capable, to all its decrees. But nature will, notwithstandii^, endulge for a while its sorrows.

To say how much we loved & esteemed our departed friend is unnecessary. She is now no morel — ^but she must be happy, because her virtue has a claim to it.

As you talked of coming to this place on business let us press you to do so. The same Room that serves Mr. Dandridge & Washington is la:^ enoi^h to receive a bed also for you; — and it is needless to add we shall be glad of yoiu: Company. The change may be service- able to you, and if our wishes were of any avail, they would induce you to make your stay here, as loi^ as your convenience would permit.

At all times, and imder all circumstances, we are and ever shall remain, Your Sincere and

Affecte. friends Go. Washington M. Washington

No. 68.

PBILAOB1.PHIA, 4th. April, 1796.

My dear Sir, As your letter of the sotii-TJlto. gives me room to ex-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 107

pect you here in a few days. I shall do no mcH« than acknowledge the receipt of it, repeat the request con- tained in a joint letter (written by Mrs. Washington and myself to you) of the 30th. Ulto. — and request, if a vessel from Liverpool called the Commeroe, com- manded by Capt. Tuttle should have arrived at George Town, that Mr. Pearoe may have immediate notice of it, as there will be in it two Sacks of field Peas & some other seeds for me in her, which ought now to be in the ground.

With sincerity & affection

I am— Yrs.

No. 69.

Philadelphia, 39th. April, 1796. My dear Sir,

Yesterday's Post brought me the letters which had arrived in the Commerce, Capt. Tuttell; endosii^ In- voice and Bill of ladii^ for the long expected Seeds (which by the by have cost me at least four times as much as I expected.

The Invoice and Bill of lading are now sent to you lest from the want of them, any difficulty or delay shoiild arise on the account of the duties, and Uiey are accompanied with an earnest request that the packages may be forwarded to Mr. Pearce with as little delay as possible, the season for sowing the Peas & Succory be- ii^ already far advanced. The winter vetch cannot be sown befcne autumn.

If you incline to try some of these seeds at your farm, you are very welcome to part of each sort. When the purposes for which Mr. Murray's letter. Invoice & Bill of lading are sent, aie answered be so good as to return them to

Dear Sir

Your A£Eecte. Servt

io8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

P. S.

If the seeds should before the arrival of this letter, have been sent to Mount Vernon, I pray you to con- trive the one, by some safe conveyance to Mr. Pearce. And Washii^^n requests you ^rill send the letter he has written to his sister Peter. It relates to their Car- riages & some other matters entrusted to his enquiries.

No. 70.

Philadelphia, 6th. May 1796.

Dear Sir,

This letter will be put into yotir hands by Mr. Vol- ney, who proposes to visit the Federal City. If you are not acquainted with him personally, I am sure you must have a knowledge of his character, his travels, & works, — I therefore recommend him to your civilities; while he remains in the Federal City. I am always & Sincerely Yours •

No. 71.

Philadelphia, 3d. of Jtme, i'jg6.

My dear Sir,

Your letter of the 30th. Ulto. was received yesterday. As I expect (nothing new and unforeseen happening to prevent it) to commence my journey, for Mount Ver- non in teu'W twelve days, I shall enter into no details respecting the matters toudied upon in your letter of the above date.

The chief design of my writing to you by this post is to inform you that your good mother and lovely son arrived in this City on Tuesday morning; and left it yesterday about ten o'clock, on their way to the Federal City. Mrs. Lear is very well and Lincoln as sprightly as ever; but both disappointed at not meet-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 109

ing you here. It was with great difficulty a carriage could be procured to take her on ; for it so happened that Congress closed their Session yesterday — that the members were strugling for, & bidding on each other for conveyances — and your mother's anxious desire to get to you, would not permit her to wait. At length after some unavailing attempts, Mr. Craik succeeded in gettii^ a carnage & pair of horses, which I hope will take her safely down.

I will send sugar & some other things from hence. We are all well as usual & join in best wishes for you. With sincere Esteem, & r^ard

I am Your Affectionate

P. S.

A Mr< Prescott attends Mrs. Lear & Lincoln — and it is not uulilffily as the weather is cool, but that they may be with you as soon as this letter, as the Post does not travel on Sunday. I did not know untill after the Post had left the City on Wednesday, that Mrs. Lear was in it, or expected, or you should have been advised of the dicumstances by the mail of that day.

No. 73.

Philadelphia. i6th. Novr. 1796.

My deea" Sir,

I hardly know what apology to make for the positive manner in which I declared the Certificate for the hun- dred Shares in the Bank of Columbia, had never been in my hands. The fact is otherwise, and I delay no time to correct any error.

I found it last night and account for it thtis. Given to me, I suppose, (for I have not the most obscure rec- ollection of the circumstance) at a time when my mind was occuped on, or inmudiately called to, some

no LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

otiier subject, I put it loose in my travelii^ Chaise-box, where papers (frequently wanted at Mount Vernon) always remained, intending I presume to file it with the other Certificates, in the same box; but not doing it fhen, and f o]::getting to do it afterwards, as also of every recollection of having seen it, it might have remained there till dooms-day undiscovered, if I had not, for an- other purpose, examined every pajier therein, separately and by that means found the Certificate which has puz- zled both you and me to know what had become of it.

Mr. Dandiidge (as I presume he has informed you) applied without encouragement to the Revd. Mr-Medor of this City (one of the Moravian clergy) for the speedy admission of Maria into the School for Young ladies at Bethlehem. Since then I have written to the principal of that School, the Revd. Mr. Van Vleck, but have not received his answer. When it comes I will forward it to you.

Mr. Smith of Alexandria to whom my flour was sold, is craving earnestly a prolongation of payment, ninety days. This I do not like for two reasons — i — ^because it carries along with it distrust of his circumstances; — and 2 — because the doing of it would be inconvenient, and a derangement of my own measures. I have how- ever not wanting to distress him, placed the matter upon the folbwing ground. Pay Mr. Pearce the abne- gate of his estimate of the sums necessary to pay lus own wages; — ^the overseers; — & other incidental ex- pences of tiie estate on or before the 34th, <A next month, & I will wait until the first day of March next for the balance — provided he can and wiU give indubitable surety that both these shall be done.

As Mr. Pearce may not be well acquainted with business of this sort, or indeed with the adequacy of the security which may be c^ered personal or real — I have taken the Uberty c^ mentioning the matter to

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON m

you-^irayii^[, if you should go down to your farm, that you would aid him with your advice.

Washii^^n Custis has got settled at Princeton Col- lege, and I think tmder favorable auspices; but the Ovlxt cha^e from bis former habits is so great & sudden, and his hours for study so much encreased, beyond what he has been accustomed to, that though he promises to be attentive, it is easy to be perceived, he is not at all reconciled to it yet. lliat of gettii^ up an hour before , day to commence them, is, I will venture to pranounce, , not the least irksome to him at present. '

Offer my respects to Mrs. Lear & love to the children, in which Mrs. Washiogton unites. — ^And be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of

Dear Sir Your AfEecte. friend

No. 73.

Philadelphia, asth. Novr. 1796.

My dear Sir,

Your letter of tiie 20th. Inst, was reed, yesterday, and the principal design of this is to cover the Copy of a letter from Mr. Van Vleck to me, respecting the re- ception of Maria at the School for young ladies in Bethlehem. It will be necessary for you to fix (for I presume it will be necessary tiiat Mr. Van Vleck shoidd know) precisely when ^e will enter ; for as he is pressed by others, and receiving Maria may be con- sidered as a favour (at this time) I would wish the matter to be r^ulated with punctuality.

As you and Mr. Pearce both seem to think that the security offered by Alexander Smifli is, under present appearances good, I will not now ask for any other, but as it may be in your way to discover, without much inquiry or trouble, how matters work in Alexandria be- fore March, I would thank you for advice if in your

r-^

iia LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

judgment it should become expedient for me to resort to further means for the security of the sum which will be due me at that time from him.

I am sorry to hear your Crop of Wheat turned out so indifferently — ^mine I expect will be, proportion- tely no better. But all these things only serve as evidences to convince me, that if we were to reduce our cultivation, or ratJier grounds, to half the present quantity, and manure and till that half well, that our profits would be greater; while the other half would be improvii^. But this is a subject too copious for my present occupations, to allow time to enter upon. And therefore I will add nothing further at this time, than that the family are all (except Mr. Frestal) well and unite in best wishes for you & Yours, with Dear Sir

Your sincere friend & Affecte. Servt.

No. 74.

Philadelphia, 14th. Deer. 1796. My dear Sir,

Immediately upon the receipt of your letter of the ad. Inst. I sent a transcript of so much of it as related to Maria, and the dai^hter of Colo. Ball, to Mr. Van Vleck; with a request t^t he would answer the queries which were propounded therdn under a cover to me. Enclosed is his answer and of course you will inform Colo. Ball thereof.

As I know that many unsuccessful applications had been made for admission into the young ladies' school at Bethlehem about the time I wrote to Mr. Van Vleck, the reception of Maria & her cousin mttst be considered as a particular favor, and Col. Ball should make a point of it, to be exact in complying with the requisi- tions, that are enumerated in the Director's letter.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 113

A treatise on the improvement of Canal Navigation, came to my hands by Doctr. Edwards, as a present from the author a few days ago. As I shall have no time to look into it while I remain in this City, I make a deposit of it with you until I return to Mount Vernon. According to Doctr. Edwards' acct. Fulton's system is putii^ Lock navigation out of vogue. I have not read a page in the Book, but if the Potomac Company can ex- tract any thing useful from it, I shall feel happy in hav- ir^ sent it to you. We are all well except having bad Colds; and join in best wishes for yourself and family. I am Your ASecte.

P. S.

As you communicate much with the upper Country, Mrs. Washington requests the favor of you to procure for our use, about 300 weight of good butter against the first of March by the middle of which I trust I shall be a resident at Mount Vernon.

No. 74A

Philadelphia 13th Jany 1797 Mr Tobias Lear,

My dear Sir, It is nearlyif notquiteamonth since I enclosed you a letter from the Revd Mr Van Vleck, freeing to take Colo Balls dai^hter along with M^ia.

In that letter he motioned his terms; — ^his wishes to know their exact ages; — and informed you what necessaries they oi^ht to come provided with. To these I added that knowing many unsuccessful attempts had been made, to get girls admitted to that School the reception of Maria & her cousin, ought to be considered as a favor; and hoped that Colo Ball would be pointed in complying with tiie terms & requisitions. I requested too that you would write Mr Van Vleck (I think I added under cover to me) the precise time the Girls

H4 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

were to enter. Since then I have heard nothii^ firom you on this subject.

That letter was acoconpanied wth Ftiltons Treatise (quarto) on the improvement of Canal navigation, which I meant to deposit in your hands until my re- turn to Mount Vernon. No acknowledgement of this neither, leads me to apprehend a miscarriage of them & is the cause of these details.

Another subject indeed has stimulated the present address. I have been asked with a d^ree of solici- tude from the War o£Sce to what catise is to be ascribed the non execution, or not coming forward of the Deed for the Land on which the arsenal on Shanandoah is to be erected, as these were promised in a letter from you dated early in August; since which noth- ing has been communicated; and is embarrassing to that Department ; as the necessary Items & infcnmation cannot accompany the Accotmts of it in the manner that is expected; — On many accounts I hope this mat- ter will come forward without delay and particularly for the reasons I have mentioned.

With sincere esteem & regard

I am your afiectionate

Go Washington

No. 75.

Chester 9th. March, 1797.

My dear Sfr,

Thus far we have arrived safe, but found it disagree* ably cold.

To give the greater surety to the large looking Glasses, and such other articles as are liable to be in- jured by the jolting of a dray; be so good as to have taken down by hand, and stowed where they will not be trod on; <x tossed about in the Vessel's hold.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 115

The grate (£rom Mr. Morris's) pray have packed first ia some of the old Carpeting to keep it fromscratch- ing. The bedstead which Nelly Custis slept on belongs (Mrs. Washington sa^) to me. Let this and the trundle imder it be sent in the Vessel.

I question whether enough of the small hooks were got; — desire Mr. Dandridge to get a couple of dozen more, like the two he took out of my Room yesterday, — and he was to have got me small awls, but I believe did not do it. I wish it to be done.

Mr. Hill told me he had done something (but what I do not recollect) with the livery clothes ; I pray you to enquire and know they are sent around.

Mr. Slough of Lancaster had 600 dollars sent him to buy Horses: ;Ci<^ of which was expended. The bal- ance after deducting incidental expences I expected to have reed, before I left Philadelphia; but did not, and forgot to mention it.

The newly published Pamphlets, pray purchase, and bring with you for me; Mr. Dandridge knows what I already have. Desire Peter Porcupine's Gazette to be sent to me (as a Subscriber).

If thefe be means left after I have fairly and honor- able discharged all the claims upon myself let Mr. Dan- dridge (if he should have occasion for it) have to the a- mormt of 200 or two himdred & fifty Dollars, to provide such necessaries as he may require for his voyage to be returned when convenient to him.

When the point at which the Vessel can sail is ascer- tained; advise me of it by letter. I wish you & all with you, every thing you wish yoiu^lves — and am Sincerely & Affectionately

YlB.

P. S.

On one side I am called upon to remember the Parrot,

ii6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

on the other to remember the dog. For my own part ^~4" I should not jttne much if both were forgot.

No. 76.

Head OP Elk loth. of March 1797

My dear Sir,

We arrived at this place to dinner and shall remain all night. To morrow we shall proceed but slowly.

As I have missed the Post of this afternoon, and an- other does not happen until Monday it is probable this letter will not reach your hands in time. If the case however should be otherwise, and you have means to accomplish itijet me request you to provide for me as usual new Carpeting as will cover the floor of my blue Parlour. That it may accord with the furniture it ought to have a good deal cd blue in it ; — and if Wilton is not much dearer than Scotch Carpeting — I would prefer the former. All the old Carpetii^ Cbelonging to me) I would have sent; — and Mrs. Washington re- quests that you would add the Bellows and the Vessels ^ron & Tin) in which the ashes are carried out. If two pair of new Bellows were added to the old, (and of a better kind) it would be desirablej

I pray you to desire Mr. Kitt to make all the en- quiry he can after Hercules, and send him round in the Vessel if he can be discovered & apprehended.

I am always & Affectionately Yrs.

P. S.

The parlour is about 18 foot Square — a suitable border if to be had, should accompany the Carpeting, Pray get me of those Thermometers that tells the state of liie Merciuy within the 24 hours — ^Doctor Priestly 01 Mr. Madison can tell where it is to be had. Per- haps the old one if no thing better, may do to present to

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 117

"Mi. Snowden, accordit^ to his letter to me left wit^

you.

No. 77.

Baltdiorb, i3th. Mar. 1797.

My dear Sir,

As I ride on matters occur to me and I shaJI take the chance of mentioning them to you before you may have left Philadelphia. A boat was bespoke, but no direc- tion given either for the payment or mode of gettii^ it round. My credit is at stake as it respects the first, and my interest as it regards the second, and I shall be obliged to you for seeii^ how both can be promoted.

It is incumbent on me also to pay rent up to the time the house is surrendered, and to see that it is made dean and delivered up in good order. I have several times mentioned this to Mr. Dandridge and pressed it upon Mr. Kitt; — & trust it will be done. The furniture belonging to the public ought to have been well cleaned, as well as the Rooms before they were turned over to the President's order, with the Papers.

Let me request the favour of you to purchase for me half a dozen pair of the best kind of White Silk stock- ings (not those with gores but) to be large, and witii small clocks (I tiiink they are called) I want the same number of raw silk, for boot stockings; large and strong.

^In my last from Elkton I mentioned the want of a Carpet for my parlour at Mount Vernon; — and ob- served that as ttie furniture was blue, the groimd or principal flowers in it ought to be blue also ; — & that if Wilton Carpetii^ was not much dearer than Scotch I should prefer it. Mrs. Washington says there is a kind different from both much in use (Russia) if not dearer or but little more so than the former I would

ii8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

have it got. The Room is about i8 feet Square, and. the Carpet should have a suitable border if to be had J) This letter may get to your hands on Tuesday rpnming and on the Post of Wednesday a line or two inform- ing when the goods will be on board, & the Vessel will sail, will be very i^;reeable to My d^ Sir

Your Affectionate Mend & Servt.

No. 78.

Mount Vbrnon 2Sth. Mar. 1797.

My dear Sir,

Your letter of the 20th. Inst, with the Bill of lading for the Goods ia the Sloop Salem, — and another letter of the 15th. are both received; and I hope this will find you safely arrived in the Federal City.

I have got painters at work in order to prepare my rooms for the furniture which is expected but I find I have begun at the wrong end, for some joiner's work (of the deficiency of which I was ^orant before it was examined) ought to have preceded theirs as the fixing of the chimney pieces ought also to do. The first I have engaged, but cannot on enquiry find that a Skilful hand is to be had in Alexandria to execute the latter. I would thank you therefore for engaging one, if to be had, in the Federal City or Geoi^ Town, to be here on Monday or Tuesday at farthest, as my work will be at a stand without. To prevent imposition & to avoid dis- putes, I would prefer employing the artisan by the day. The work immediately foreseen and which must be done without delay, is to refix the marble Chimney piece in the parlour, which is almost falling out, to fix the new one (expected from Philadelphia) in the small dining Room ; to remove the one now there, into what is called the Sdiool room, — to fix the grate which is comii^

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 119

round in the large dining room ; — and to give some re- pairs to the steps; which (like most things else I have looked into since I have been at home) are sadly out of repair.

Tis possible either of the Commissioners or Capt- Hoben could point out a proper Character, as they have had to do with the best workmen ; and 'tis possible, but I do not think it very probable, that Cornelius (my old servant) might be competent to do it. Two thii^ however are necessary — ^viz — skill & dispatch. Our best regards are presented to all with you, — and I am your Sincere friend & Affecte. Servant P. S.

If Cornelius had knowlec^ in practice or theory sufficient for the job, — I should be disposed to give him a preference ; — first, because I am acquainted with his temper and industry; — and adly. because I foresee many other things, in his line, that must be done as fast as I can accomplish them ; by engaging a workman upon moderate terms, make Bricks— or raise stone & procure lime.

The Winds have been favorable for Capt. Elkins but we see no thing of his Sloop yet. As soon as it arrives I will let you ^ow, as it would be very pleasing to me to have you here at that time. Yrs. &c.

No. 79.

Mount Vernon loth. July 1797. My dear Sir,

If nothing happens more than I foresee to prevent it, — I propose to be in the Federal City on Monday or Tuesday in next week; but it will depend on your being tjiere. I request therefore to be informed by thePostif this will be the case; or whether business at that time will call you from it-

I20 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

When that far I shall extend my ride to the little and great falls of the River, — at the last of which I have not been these eight or nine Years.

I am Your Affectionate

31st. July 1797.

Dear Sir,

I am alone at present, and shall be glad to see you this evening.

Unless some one pops in, imexpectedly — Mrs. Wash- ington & myself wfll do what I believe has not been done within the last twenty Years by us, — ^tbat is to set down to dinner by ourselves. I am Your affectionate

No. 81.

Mount Vernon, loth. Septr. 1797.

Dear Sir,

I have almost determined to build the Walls of the house intended for a Distillery (at my Mill) of Stone, for the sake of expedition, as the Carpenters' work can be carried on at the same time. Havii^ this in con* templation I would thank you for informing at what price foundation stone from the falls could be delivered to a Boat as near to my Mill as the Vessel could get & whether any person would imdertake the deUvery there accordingly.*

When I was last at your house Capt. Prescott was landing a number of Shingles. Pray inform me if he has any now for sale? the length & average breadth, and the price? Is Cornelius disengaged? Could he be bad to assist in my buildi:^? li^tM any other be

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON lai

obtained and on what terms? In much haste dinner waiting

I am Yrs.

* I shall use free stone from my own Quarry for the building above the foundation.

Mount Vernon nth. Septr. 1797.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 8th. inst. was given to me yes- terday by Mr. John Bassett.

If you had intimated a wish to Lease my River farm, a month or two ago, all matters might have been with ease arranged before this; but as I had heard nothing in that time from the English farmer who had been in Treaty for it, I had relinquished the idea of letting it next year; & in consequence have ei^^ed Stuart, — Sown the priftdpal part of my winter grain, — and made all the necessary dispositions for the ensuing Season. I do not therefore, at this moment, see how they can be dispenoed with. If upon further reflection on the sub- ject, and a consultation with Mr. Anderson, the meas- ure can be gone into, without involvii^ difficulties, which cannot be easily surmounted, you shall hear fur- ther from me on this subject — and learn more minutely the details of my Plan, and the conditions on which the farm will be let; — ^for tbese will be specific, and exacted from the Tenant whomsoever he may be.

If tiiat Farm is not rented next year, there is nearly a moral certainty (if I am alive) it will be so the Year after ;-^ny object being to reduce my income to a cer- tainty; and to get relieved in my latter years {if I have any to pass) of the trouble and perplexities incident to such an estate as mine is, from the constitution of it.

123 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Although notiiing (except the Rent P. Acre) is def- initely fixed in my own mind relative to the precise terms on which I i^opose to lease my Farms, — yet, to give jrou a more comprehensive view of my ideas in these respects, I enclose you a printed advertisement of them; published near two years since; my thoi^hts upon the subject at that period; and Mr. Anderson's sketch of a lease, when application was made for River farm, by the person before alluded to; that you may gather, from thence the outlines of my views and in- tention; and more particularly, tiiat you might not be under a mistake with regard to the Fisheries (which has always been considered as distinct objects al- thot^h they might be imited in the same lease) the Stipes of old field without the present fences ; — and the wood land; — not an acre of which will be suffered to be cleared, for the purpose of cultivation (the swamps and Pocosons on the Creek and River excepted) nor a stick carried o£E the premises for any purpose whatso- ever; — nor used thereon except in the manner, — and for the purposes which are mentioned in one or more of the enclosed papers.

After perusing the manuscript ones I beg they may be returned by tiie Post, as I have no Copy of either. With great esteem & regard, I am dear Sir Your Afiecte.

No. 83.

♦Mount Vernon 24th. Oct. 1797.

Dear Sir,

You ask what is absolutely out of my power to com- ply with, unless I was to place myself exactly in the situation you represent yourself to be in (without con- vertii^ Bank stock into Cash, which I am not inclined to do) — ^that is, xmprepared to face my own engage-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 123

ments, — ^which for Wheat, Rye, Worfcmens wages &ca. &ca. are hourly coming upon me, & expected. Three thousaod doll^ (without going into a correct exami- nation of the acct.) is more than I have in the Bank of Alexandria and (for running calls) in my Desk.

Had you aslffid for a thousand dollars of these, or if that sum would answer any valuable purpose I would, inconvenient as it might prove to me, give a check on the Bank. Your letter being just presented, com- pany here, & dinner ready, I can only add that I am Yr. Obed. & Affecte.

* Prom Washington's letter-press copy in The New York Public Library.

No' 84.

Mount Vbrnon, loth. Novr. 1797. Dear Sir,

I have received both of your letters dated Yesterday, & thank you for the information given in them. If Mr. Liston's arrangement to proceed from Alexandria to this place by Water appeared to you to proceed from the want of Carriages (for I do not know in what man- ner he got to the City) say to him that you are sure mine would attend upon him at any hour he would name at that plac» to bring as many of them as it would contain to Mount Vernon. This however, as the {H'esumption is that I am unacquainted with his in- tentions and movements, must go as from yourself. Yours always & ASecte.

No. 85.

Mount Vernon 26th. April 1798. Dear Sir,

If Stuart can spare a Stear, you may keep the one you got from thence, and pay for him in kind.

134 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Fishing hitherto has been very unsuccessful at my landing — ^more were caught last night and this morn- ing (since I have not heard from thence) than in the same space at any time before since it Commenced, & unless it continues for some days my expences will not be reimbursed.

Have you written to Cornelius? What answer? It is necessary for me to know whether I am to depend upon him or not. I am glad to hear the boys are well. My love to them. I am

Your Affectionate

No. 86.

Mount Vernon 23d. July, 1798.

Dear Sir,

I am very sorry to leam by Mr. Dalton's family (now here) that your ague and fever stick by you. If not such as to confine you, your Coming & remaining here while his visit lasts wd. be a kindness to me and company for him; many matters pressing upon me at this Ume, that cannot, without much inconvenience be postponed, will not suffer me to pay him those attentions I could wish.

I am Your friend & Affecte. Servt.

No. 87.

Mount Vernon 2d. Ai^. 1798.

Dear Sir,

I was glad to hear by Charles tliat you were much better, than when we saw you last. If you have missed the ague care, and Bark, is necessary to pre- vent a relapse; & this prudence requires.

Mottday next being the day fixed on by the Con-

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON las

stitution of the Potomac Company for their Annual meeting, and as you seem resolved to relinquish your present ofBce as President, — I wish you would turn your thoughts attentively to the situation of it, and revolve seriously on characters fit, and proper to sup[dy the places, of those who perhaps ought to, as well as those who will quit the EHrectorship; thatourstruggles in that interesting and expencive concern — the labour of years, may not end in disgrace & loss.

The little leisure I had before my late appointment (from visits, — my necessary rides— & other occurren- cies) to overhaul, arrange & separate papers of real, from those of little or no value, is now, by that event, so much encroached upon by personal & written ap- plications fen* Offices, & other matters incidental to the situation of the Commander in Chief, that without as- sistance I must abandon all idea of accomplishing this necessary work before I embark in new scenes, which will render them more voluminous, & of cotu^e more difi&cult, — a measure which would be extremely irk- some to me to submit to, especially as it respects my accts. — ^which are yet in a jimable— my earnest wish and desire being when I quit the stage of human action, to leave ail matters in such a sitiiation, as to g^ve as little trouble as possible to those who will have the man^ement of them thereafter.

Under this view of my situtation, — ^which is far from being an agreeable one; — and at times fills me with deep concern — ^when I perceive so little prospect ot complete extrication — I have written to the Secretary of War to be informed whether (as my taking the fidd is contingent, & no pay or emolument will accrue to myself untill then) I am at liberty to appoint my Sec- retary immediately; who shall be allowed his pay and Forage from the moment he joins me. If he answers in the affinnative on those terms, can you do this?

ia6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Have you heard from the master of the Academy at Charlestown f At any rate my opinion is you had bet- ter, with the least possible delay get the bo^ fixed permanently at some good School, — they will other- wise loose precious moments. Let me hear from you. I am in baste but always

Your Affecttionate

Thursday night

30th. Augt. 1798.

Dear Sir,

I have, at length, received the President's answer (through the ScCTetary of War) to my request to be allowed a Secretary, who gives it as his opinion that I have an undoubted right to one, or all of my military family, if I find it convenient, and that their pay &c. will be allowed.

And the Secretary havit^ thrown a mass of Papers upon me which I have not looked into (being this mo- ment arrived) I should be glad if you would now come & talffi your statirai.

Yrs. always & Affectly.

No. 89.

Mount Vbrnon, March iStb. 1799.

Dear Sir,

I recollect no Inmness of sufficient importance to re- quire your rettum hither, sooner tiian Doctr. Thom-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 127

ton conceives will allow him sufficient time to ^ect your cure. Were the case however otherwise, far would it be from me, to request this return before so desirable an object is accomplished. I do not therefore wish you to hurry it on accoimt of my

Charles takes a horse up for Washington, which I

Lpray may be sent to Mr. Laws — or wherever he is. Mrs. Washington & myself are as you left us, & join in best wishes for Doctor Thornton's success in your Case. With very great esteem, & compliments to enquiring friends I am

Your Affectionate

No. 90.

Mount Vernok a6th. March 1799.

Dear Sir,

Yoia letter of the. a4th. Inst, endosii^ one from Major Rivardi was delivered to me last night.

It gives me pleasure that you are recovering from your lameness, and repeat the wish contained in my last that you would use the means for perfect restora- tion, and remain as long with Doctr. Thornton as he may conceive advisable.

With respect to the letter from Major Rivardi, it would be proper to send it, by my direction, to Genl. Hamilton that he may issue such cmlers in consequence thereof as to him sh^ appear to suit the occasion; in- formii^ the Major thereof. Refering him to my for- mer letter for the mode of his communications in future.

Mrs. Washington has had (it is now better) a very bad Cold in other respects the family ar^ as weU as usu-

138 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

alt & unite with me in good wishes for you & Complts. to Doctr. Thornton's family.

I am Yr. Sincere friend & Affecte. Servt.

P.S.

If you should happen to see Mr. Bl^iden, pray ask him when he expects to be in mortar — ^in other words, when he expects to lay the foundation stone.

No. 9S.

■ Mount Vbrnon 31st. March 1799.

Dear Sir,

If perdiance you should happen to see Mr. Blagden before you leave the City, be so good as to get from him a statement of the preparations for my buildings there- in. I do not find by inquiry of Mr. Lewis, that there is much show of this on the ground 1 I advised strongly that the foundation stone and lime, should be laid in last Autimm, when the Roads were good ; — ^had this been done the Work might have commenced (without the the hazard of disappointment) with the opening of Spring. Now,' bad Roads, & multiplied excuses may be a plea for the backwardness of the Work.

I pray you also to enquire if there be any advice of the arrival of the Ship Hamilton (on board of which I had six Hhds. of Tobo.) at London. We all unite in best wishes for you — and I am Your Affecte friend

Do not forget my Gardener's Dictionary at Mr. Lawg.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 129

A TRUE COPY, MADE AT MRS. LEAR'S REQUEST^ FROM THE DIARY OF COL. LEAR:

Saturday, Deer. i4th> i799<

This day being marl^ by an event which will be memorable in the History of America, and perhaps of the World, I shall give a particular statement of it, to which I was an eye witness —

The last illness and death of General Washington

On Thursday Deer. latii. the General rode out to his farms about ten o'clock, and did not return home till past three. Soon after he went out the weather be- came very bad, rain, hail, and snow falling alternately with a cold wind: When he came in, I carried some letters to him to firank, intending to send them to the Post-Of&ce in the evening. He franked the letters; but said the Weather was too bad to send a servant to the Office that evening. I observed to him that I was afraid he had got wet; he said no, his great Coat had kept him dry; but his neck appeared to be wet, and the snow was ti^nging upon his hair. He came to dinner (which had been Waiting for him) without changing his dress. In the evening he appeared as well as usual.

A heavy fall of snow took place on Friday (which prevented the (General from riding out as tisual. He had taken cold (undoubtedly from being so much ex- posed the day before) and complained of a sore throat; he however went out in the afternoon into the ground between the House and the River to mark some trees

I30 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

which were to be cut down in the improvement of that spot. He had a Hoarseness which increased in the eve- ning ; but he made light of it. \^In the evening the Pa- perswere brought from the Post Office, and hesat in the Parlour, with Mrs. Washington & myself reading them till about nine o'clock — ^when Mrs. W. went up into Mrs. Lewis's room, who was confined in Child Bed, and left the General & myself reading the papers. He was very cheerful and when he met with anything interest- it^ or entertaining, he wd. read it alotui as well as his hoarseness would permit him? He requested me to read to him the debates of the Virginia Assembly on the election of a Senator and a Governor ; — and on hear- ing Mr. Madison's observations respecting Mr. Monroe, he appeared much affected and spoke with some de- gree of asperity on the subject, which I endeavoured to moderate, as I always did on such occasions. On his retirii^ I observed to him that he had better take some- thing to remove his cold. He answered no; " you "know I never take any thing for a cold. Let it "go as it came." [^ Between two & three o'clock on Saturday morning, he awoke Mrs. Washington, and told her he was very unwell, and had had an ague. She observed that he could scarcely speak and breathed with difficulty; and would have got up to call a Servant ; but he would not permit her lest she should take cold. As soon as the day appeared, the Woman (Caroline) went into the Room to make: a fire, and Mrs. Washington sent her im- mediately to call me. I got up, put on my clothes as quickly as possible, and went to his Chamber. Mrs. Washington was then up, and related to me hts being taken ill as before stated!) I found the General breath- ing with difficulty, and hardly able to utter a word in- telligibly. He desired that Mr. Rawlins (one of the overseers) might be sent for to bleed him before the

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 131

Dr. could arrive. I dispatched a servant instantly for Rawlins, and another for Dr. Craik, and returned again to the General's Chamber, where I found him in the same situation as I had left him. A mixture of Mo- lasses, Vinegar & butter was prepared to try its effects in the throat; but he could not swallow a drop. When- ever he attempted it he appeared to be distressed, con- vulsed and almost suSocated. Rawlins came in soon after sun rise, and prepared to bleed him. When the arm was ready the General observing that Rawlins appeared to be agitated, said, as well as he could speak "Don't be afraid." And after the incision was made, he observed, " The orifice is not lar^ enough." How- ever the blood ran pretty freely. iMrs. Washington not knowing whether bleeding was proper or not in the General's situation, be^ed that muci might not be taken from him, lest it should be injurious, and desired me to stop it ; but when I was about to untie the string the General put up his hand to prevent it, and as soon as he could speak, said — " More, mere. ' j Mrs. Wash- ington beir^ still very uneasy lest too much blood should be taten, it was stopped after taking about half a pint- Finding that no relief was obtained from bleed- ing, and that nothii^ would go down the throat, I pro- posed bathing it externally with salvolatila, which was done; and in the operation, which was with the hand, and in the gentlest manner, he observed " tis very sore. " A piece of flannel dip'd in salvolatila was put aroimd his neck, and his feet bathed in warm water; but without affording any relief.

In the mean time, before Dr. Craik arrived Mrs. Washington desired me to send for Dr. Brown of Post Tobacco, whom Dr. Craik had recommended to be called, if any case shotild ever occur that was seriously alarmii^. I dispatched a messei^er (Cyrus) immedi- ately for Dr. Brown (betweoi 8 & 9 o'clock). Dr.

132 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Craik came in soon after, and upon examining the Gen- eral, he put a blister of Cantharides on the throat, took some more blood from him, and had a gaigle of Vinegar & s^e tea, and ordered some Vin^ar and hot water for him to inhale the steam which he did; — but in at- tempting to use the gargle he was almost suffocated. When the gargle came from his throat some phl^m followed it, and he attempted to Cough, which the Doc- tor encouraged him to do as much as possible; but he could only attempt it. About eleven o'clock Dr. Craik requested that Dr. Dick might be sent for, as he feared Dr. Brown would not come in time. A messen- ger wEis accordingly dispatched for him. About this time the General was bled again. No effect however was produced by it, and he remained in the same state, unable to swallow anjrthii^. A blister was admiais- tered about la o'clock, which produced an evacuation; but caused no alteration in his complaint.

Dr. Dick came in about 3 o'clock, and Dr. Brown ar- rived soon after. Upon Dr. Dick's seeing the General and consulting a few minutes with Dr. Craik he was bled again; the blood came very slow, was thick, and did not produce any symptoms of fainting. Dr. Brown came into tbe chamber soon after; and upon feelii^ tiie General's pulse &c. the Ph^dans went out together. Dr. Craik returned soon after. The General could now swallow a little. Calomel & tarter em. were administered, but without any effect.

About half past 4 o'clock he desired me to call Mrs. Washington to his bed side, when he requested her to go down into his room, and take from his desk two Wills which she would find there, and bring them to him, which she did. Upon lookii^ at them he gave her one, which he observed was useless, as being superseded by the other, and desired her to bum it, which she did, and took the other and put it into her Ck>set.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 133

After this was done, I returned to his bed side, and took his hand. He said to me, "/ find I am going, my breaik can not last long, J believed from the first that the disorder wotUd prove fatal. Do you arrange and record all my late military letters and papers. Arrange my accounts and settle my books, as you know more tAout them than any one else, and let Mr. RawUns finish recording my other letters which he has begun." I told htm this shoiild be done. He then asli^d if I recollected any- thing which it was essential for him to do, as he had but a very short time to continue among us. I told him I could recollect nothing; but that I hoped he was not so near his end; he observed smilir^, that he certainly was, and that as it was the debt that all must pay, he looked to the event with perfect resigna- tion.

In the cotirse of the afternoon he appeared to be in great pain and distress, from the di£Bculty of breathing, and frequently changed his position in the bed. On these occasions I lay upon the bed, and endeavoured to raise him, and turn him with as much care as possible. He appeared penetrated with gratitude for my atten- tions, & often said, I am afraid I shall fat^^ you too much, and upon my assuring him that I could feel noth- ing but a wish to give him ease, he replied, " Well it is a debt we must pay to each other, and I hope when you want aid of this kind you will find it."

He asked when Mr. Lewis & Washington Custis would return, (they were in New Kent) I told him about the aoth- of the month.

About 5 o'clock Dr. Craik came i^ain into the room & upon gcnng to the bed side the Genl. said to him, Doctor, I die hard; but I am not afraid to go; I believed from my first attack that I shotild not survive it; my breath can not last long.

The Doctor pressed his hand, but could not utter a

134 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

word. He retired from the bed side, & sat by the fire absorbed in grief.

Between 5 & 6 o'clk Dr. Dick & Dr. Brown came into the room, and with Dr. Craik went to the bed; when Dr. Craik asked him if he could sit up in the bed? He held out his hand & I raised him up. He then said to the Physicians, *' I feel myself going, I thank you for "your attentions; but I pray you to take no more "trouble about me, let me go off quietly, I can not last "long." They found that all whichhad beendonewas without effect; he laid down again and all retired ex- cept Dr. Craik. He continued in the same situation, mieasy & restless, but without complaining; fre- quently asking what hour it was. When I helped him to move at this time he did not speak, but looked at me with stroi^ expressions of gratitude.

About 8 o'clock the Physicians came again into the room and applied blisters and cataplasms of wheat bran to his legs and feet; after whidi they went out (except Dr. Craik) without a ray of hope. I went out about this time and wrote a Ihie to Mr. Law & Mr. Peter, requesting them to come with their wives (Mrs. Washington's Granddaughters) as soon as possible to Mt. Vernon.

About ten o'clk he made several attempts to speak to me before he could effect it, at length he said, — "/ am just going. Have me decently buried; and do not let my body be put into the Vault in less than three days after I am dead. " I bowed assent, for I could not speak. He then looked at me again and said,"i?o you understand met I replied "Yes." "Tis well" said he.

About ten minutes before he exjHred (which was be- tween ten & eleven o 'elk) his breathing became easier ; he lay quietly ; — he withdrew his hand from mine, and felt his own pulse. I saw his countenance change. I spoke to Dr. Craik who sat by the fire;— he came to

il

U

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 135

the bed side. The General's hand fell from his wrist — I took it in mine and put it into my bosom. Dr.Craik put his hands over his eyes and he expired without a struggle or a sigh!

While we were fixed in silent grief, Mrs . Washii^ton (who was sitting at the foot of the bed) asl^ with a firm & collected voice, Is he gonet I could not spefik, but held up my hand as a signal that he was no more. 'Tis well, said she in the same voice, " Alt is now over I shall soon follow kimt I have no more trials to pass through!"

OCCURRENCES NOT NOTED IN THE PRECEDING NARRATIVE.

The General's servant Christopher was in the room through the day ; and in the afternoon the General di- rected him to sit down, as he had been standing almost the whole day; he did so.

About 8 o'clock in the morning he expressed a de- sire to get up. His clothes were put on and he was led to a chair by the fire. He found no relief &om this position, and lay down again about 10 o'clk. About 5 P. M, he was helped up again & after sitting about half an hour desired to be undressed & put in bed; which was done.

During his whole illness he spoke but seldom, and with great difgculty ; and in so, low & broken a voice as at times hardly to be tjnderstood. His patience, fortitude, & resignation never forsook him for a mo- Qwnt. In all his distress he uttered not a si^, nor a

136 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

complaint; always endeavouring (from a sense of duty as it appeared) to talra wliat was ofiered him, and to do as he was desired by the Physicians.

At the time of his decease Dr. Craik and myself were in the situation before menticmed; Mrs. Washii^ton was sitting near the foot of the bed. Christopher was standii^ by the bedside. Caroline Molly & Charlotte were in the room standing near the door. Mrs. Forbes the House Irceper, was frequently in the room durii^ the day and evening.

As soon as Dr. Craik could speak after the distress- ing scene was closed, he desired one of the servants to ask the Gentln. below to come upstairs. When they came to the bedside; I kissed the cold hand which I had held to my bosom; laid it down, & went to the other end of the room; where I was for some time lost in profound grief; until aroused by Christopher de- siring me to take care of the General's Ireys aJod other things which were taken out of his pockets ; and whidi Mrs. Washington directed him to ^ve to me: I wrapped them in the General's handkerchief, & took them with me to my room.

About 13 o'clk the Corpse was brought down stairs, and laid out in the lai^ room.

Sunday Deer. 15th. 1800.

The above statement so far as I can recollect is correct.

Jas. Craie.

Sunday Deer. 15th. 1799.

Fair Weather.

Mrs. Washington sent for me in the Moming and de- sired I would s^ up to Alxa. and have a Coffin made :

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 137

which I did. Doctor Dick measured the body, the di m ensions of which were as follows

In lei^tii 5 feet 3} inchs. exact.

Across the shoulders 1 " 9 " " Across the elbows 3 " " " "

After breakfast I gave Dr. Dick & Dr. Brown forty dollars each, which sum Dr. Craik advised as very proper; and they left us after breakfast.

I wrote letters to the following persons informing them of the late melancholy event.

The President of the United States General Hamilton Genl. Pinckney Bushrod Washington Col. W. A. Washington Lawrence Lewis G. W. P. Custis Geo. S. Washington Saml. Washii^ton Colo. Ball

Capt. Hammond — also to John Lewis, destring him to inform his Brothers, Ge<»:ge, Robert & Howells.

The letters were sent by the following conveyances —

To the President, Genl. Hamilton, & John Lewis by the Mail.

To Col. W. A. Washington, to & Bushrod Washii^- ton by express to Colo. Blackburn, requestii^ him to forward them by the same conveyance.

To L. Lewis, &G.W. P. Custis by express. To Gen- eral Pinckney, Col. Ball, Saml. Washington, G. S. Washington, & Capt. Hammond, by my own servant Charles, with my riding horse.

138 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mrs- Stuart was sent for in the Momii^. About lO o'clk, Mr. Thos. Peter came down; and about two, Mr. and Mrs. Law to whom I had written on Saturday Evei^. Dr. Thornton came down with Bfo. Law. Dr. Craik tarried all day & all night.

In the evening I consulted with Mr. Law, Mr. Peter & Dr. Craik on fixing a day fen* deporting the Body in the Vault. I wished the ceremony to be postponed until the last of the week, to give time to some of the General's relations to be here: But Dr. Craik & Dr. Thornton gave it decidedly as their opinion, that con- sidering the disorder of which the General died, beii^ of an inflamatory nature, it would not be proper, nor perhaps safe, to keep the body so long ; and there* fore Wednesday was fixed upon for the funeral, to allow a day (Thursday) in case the weather should be unfavorable on Wednesday.

Monday, Deer. i6th. 1799.

I directed the people to open the family Vault, clean away the rubbish from about it, and make everything decent. Ordered a door to be made to the Vault, in- stead of closing it again with brick, as had been the cus- tom. Ei^j^ed Mr. Inglis and Mr. McMunn to have a Mahogany Coffin made, lined with lead, in which the body was to be deported.

Dr. Craik, Mr. Peter, & Dr. Thornton left tis after breakfast. Mrs- Stuart & her daughters came in the afternoon. Mr. Anderson went to Alxa. to get a niun- ber of thii^ preparatory for the fimeral. Moumg. was ordered for the Family Domestics and Overseers.

Havii^ received information from Alexa. that the Militia, Freemasons &c. were determined to show their respect to the General's Memory by attending his body to the Grave, I directed provision to be prepared for a large number of people, as some refreshment wotUd be

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 139

expected by them. Mr. Robert Hamilton wrote me a letter informii^ that a Schooner of his wd- be c^ Mount Vernon to fire Minute guns when the body was canying to the grave. Gave notice of the time fixed for the funeral to the following persons by Mrs. Wash- ington's desire, viz— r-Mr. Mason & family — Mr. Peake & family — ^Mr. Nickols & family — -Mr. McCarty & fam- ily — ^Miss McCarty — Mr. & Mrs. McClanahan — Lord Fairfax & family — ^Mr. Triplet & family — Mr. Anderson & family — ^Mr. Diggs, Mr. Cockbum & family — Mr. Massey & family — ^Mr. R. West. I wrote also to the Revd. Mr. Davis, to read the service.

Tuesday — ^Decr. 17th. 1799.

Every preparation for ihe mournful ceremony was making. Mr. Diggs came here in the forenoon. Also Mr. Stewart, Adjutant to the Alexa. Regimt. to view the ground for the procession.

About one o'clock the Coffin was brought from Alexa. in a stage. Mr. Ingle & Mr. McMimn accompanied it. Also Mr. Grater with a shroud. The Body was laid in the Coffin — at which time I cut oS some of the hair.

The Mahogany Coffin was lined with lead, soddered at the joints — and a cover of lead to be soddered on after the body should be in liie Vatdt. The whole was put into a case lined & covered wit^ black Goth.

Wednesday Deer. 18th. 1799.

About eleven o'dk numbers of people began to as- semble to attend the funeral, which was intended to have been at twelve, but as a great part of the Troop e:q)ected could not get down in time, it did not take place till three.

Eleven pieces of Artillery were brot. from Alexa. and

I40 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

a Schooner belonging to Mr. R. Hamilton came down & lay ofi Mt. Vernon to fire Minute guns.

About 3 o'clock the procession began to move. The arrangements of the procession were made by Colonels Little, Simms & Deneale, and Dr. Dick. The Pall holders were Colonels Little, Simms, Payne, Gilpin, Ramsey and Marsteler. Coll. Blackburn preceded the Corpse. Coll. Deneale marched with the Military. The procession moved out of the Gate at the left Wii^ of the House, and proceeded round in front of the lawn, & down to the Vault on the right wing of the House. The Procession as follows

The Troops, Horse & foot Music playing a solemn Dirge The Clergy— viz. The Revd.

Mr. Davis

Mr. Muir

Mr. Moffatt

& Mr. Addison

The General's horse, with his saddle. Holster, Pistols &c. led by his two grooms, Cyrus & Wilson in black. The Body borne by the Free Masons & Officers. Principal Mourners — ^viz

Mrs. Stuart, & Mrs. Law

Misses Nancy & Sally Stuart

Miss Fairfax & Miss Dennison

Mr. Law, & Mr. Peter

Mr. Lear & Dr. Craik.

Lord Fairfax & Ferdd. Fairfax. Lo(^ No. 33.

Corporation of Alexandria- All other persons preceded by Mr. Anderson & the Overseers. When the Body arrived at the Vault the Revd. Mr.

■a

is I

n

= i

M S

"I

B i

If

H M

X g si

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 141

Davis read tiie service & pronounced a short extempore . speech.

The Masons perfonned their ceremonies, & the Body was deposited in the Vault. 1 1 I I

After the Ca%mony the Company returned to the house where they took some refreshment, & retired in good order. The remains of the provisions were distributed among the blacks- Mr. Peter, Dr. Craik & Dr. Thornton tarried here all night.

When the Ceremony was over I retired to my room (leaving to Mr. Law & Mr. Diggs the care (rf the Ccnn- pany) to give a loose to those feelings which I had been able to keep under control, while I found it necessary for me to give a personal attention to the preparations for interring the body of my deceased friend.

What those fedings were is not to be told, if it were even possible to describe 1

Monday Deer. 33d. 1799. Employed as yesterday.

Tuesday Deer. a4th. 1799.

Spent the day in looking over & arranging papers in the General's Study.

Wednesday Deer. 25th. 1799.

I this day sent to Alexa. for the Plumber to come down & close the leaden Coffin containing the General's Body, as Judge Washii^ton had arrived, and did not incline to see the remains. The Plumbers came- I went with them to the Tomb — I took a last look — a last farewell of that face, which still appeared unal- tered. I attended the Closii^ of the Coffin — and be- held for the last time that face wh. shall be seen no more here; but wh. I hope to meet in Heaven.

142 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS REVEALING

THE GREAT STATESMAN'S MODE OF

UFE AT MT. VERNON

Philadelphia, June 30th., 1793. Sir,

I little expected that I should have had occasion, at this time (after the pointed assurances you gave me more than three years £^0, of dischsirging what was due to me, fully) to remind you that I have received only Three hundred and e^hty pds. of the balance; and to ask what I am to expect from you in the future.-

I delayed from day to day while you were in this City (tmtil it was too late) to apply to you on this sub- ject, in hope, of an expectation that you would not have left town without mentionii^ it yourself.

Before I apply to the Executors of Colonels Tayloe & Thornton who were securities for the money loaned to your deceased father, John Mercer Esqr. I will await the receipt of your answer to tiie letter which I hope will be given as soon as you can make it convenient.—

It has been of httle avail hitherto, to inform you of the caxises of my want of this money, althoi^h in more instances than one, I have done it with the utmost truth and candour; should I say anything further to you on this head now, were I not in a manner compelled to declare that from an occurrence which did not exist before have a call upon me, for a considerable sum, in a few months; against which it is indispensably neces- sary that I should be provided. — I am — Sir

Your Most Obedt. Servant

G. Washington. To John Francis Mbrcbr.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 143

Philadblphia, Aagt. 36th, 1793. Sir,

I intended to have written to you somewhat sooner, but business of a public nature and pressing, prevented it until now. —

' Although I have conviction in my own mind, that a hundred guineas pr. anniun is more than my Mount Vernon Estate will enable me to give the Superintend- ent of it ; yet, the satisfaction (when one is at a consider- able distance from property they possess, under circum- stances which does not allow much thought thereon) of having a person in whc»n confidence can be placed as a manager, is such, as to dispose me to allow you that sum; provided other matters can be adjusted to the mutual convenience, and satisfaction of both parties.

As you were about to depart in the Stage when I saw you (and which I knew could not wait) 1 did not go so much into detail as was necessary to place an agreement upon a basis to avoid mis-oonception, and unpleasant disputes thereafter; and besides altho* you would be upon standing wages, which in the opinion of some would mal^ it immaterial (these being paid) what sort of an estate you overlooked ; yet my opinion of a sensi- ble and a discreet man is, that before he would finally engage he would view the estate himself, and decide from that view, whether it possessed such advantages as would enable him to acquire honoiu- as well as profit from the management thereof; — -whether he could make it profitable to bis Employer from its local situa- tion; — the plans proposed; or the condition in which it might appear to him. Whether the part of the Country, the accomodations, the water, &ct. were to his liking ; — with other considerations which will admit no evidence equal to that of one's own observation, to decide ultimately on what to resolve. —

Having stated a fact, and given my ideas of what I

144 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

suppose would be most agreeable for you to do, I shall add, tliat if nothing more than I foresee at present should happen, I e:q)ect to be at Mount Vernon about the aoth. of next month, for a stay of 8 or lo days. — If then you are disposed to undertalrc my business, and wish to see the nature of it, and the present state of it ; I should be glad to see you there about that time, when every necessary arrai^ement may be made if we should finally agree.

From Baltimore to Mount Vernon by the way of the Federal City, George Town, and Alexandria, is 59 measured Miles: — and firom Annapolis to the same place, crossing Potomac at Alexandria, is 45 Miles; but it might be reduced to less than 40 if there was a ferry opposite to my house. — From Baltimore to Alex- andria (through the above places) the regular Stages pass; and set out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from the former, reaching the latter the same day; from whence a horse could be hired without difficulty, I believe, to carry you to my house, distant 9 miles. I mention these things for your information, in case you should determine to go there.

If you resolve to meet me at Mount Vernon, give me notice thereof immediately; and if business or any other cause should render it impracticable for me to be tiiere, at Hie time, I will inform you, soas to jn^vent your setting out. —

I informed you at our meeting, that I had eight or ten Negro Carpenters under the care of a worthless White man, whom I had forbom to turn away on ac- count of the peculiar circumstances attending his family. — But I suffer so much from his negligence; — By his bad qualities; — and bad examples; that I find it indispensably necessary to get some other workman to supply his jdace. — If it should be your lot to superin- tend my affairs, your own ease, as well as my interest.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 145

would induce you to look out for a successor to him, against New Years day ; — if not, and you could recom- mend a proper character for this btisiness, it would be renderii^ me an acceptable service to do it. I am Sir — Your Hble. Servt.

Go. Washington. Mr. William Pbarcb.

Mount Vbrnon, Octr..6th. 1793 Mr. Pearce,

Enclosed is a copy of our agreement with my signa- ture to it. —

Since you were here, Mrs. Washington the Widow of my Nephew, who formerly lived at this place, has re- solved as soon as we leave it, to remove to her Brother's in the lower part of this State, and will not, I believe, return to reside at it again. — ^This will make it more convenient and agreeable, both for yourself and me, that you should Uve the Winter, at least, at my Mansion house; as it will allow more time for my carpenters to provide for Mr. Crow, and to put the place he Uves at in better repair than it now is for yourself, if there should be occasion for you to go there ;— and this too , under your own inspection. —

The right wing to my dwelling house as you possibly may have noticed, and heard called the Hall (being kept altogetiier for the use of Strangers) has two good rooms below (with tiled floors) and as many above, all with fire places. — ^This will accomodate your family (being a lai^^ house) better than Crow's ; and by being here, you mil have the use of my Kitchen, the Cook belonging tbereto, Frank the House Servant, a boy also in the House. — The Stable, Garden, 8aA., &ct., without any additional expense to me — at the same time that it will, by placing you in the centre of the business, ease you of much IJouble; for otherwise, the frequent

146 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

calls for Tools, Nails, Iron, &ct., from the Store — and the partictilar attention which matters abt. the Mansion house will require, would have occasioned you many an inconvenient ride here, the necessity for which wUl be entirely superceded, as your mornings and evenings will, of course, be spent where yoxir presence will be most wanting, —

As I am never sparing (with proper aeconomy) in furnishing my Farms with any, and every kind of Tool and Implement that is calculated to do good and neat work, I not only authorize you to bring the kind of ploughs you were speaking to me about, but any others, the utility of which you have proved from your own experience. — particularly a kind of hand taiks which iir. Stuart tells me are used on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in lieu of Hoes for Com at a certain state of its growth — and a Scythe and Cradle different from those used with us, and with which the grain is laid much better. — In short I shall begrudge no reasonable expense that will contribute to ^e improvement and neatness of my Farms ; — ^for nothing pleases me better than to see them in good order, and everything trim, handsome, and thriving about t^em; — nor nothing hurts me more than to find them otherwise, and the toots and implements laying wherever they were last used, exposed to injuries from Rain, sun, &ct. —

I hope you will endeavor to arrange your own con- cerns in such a manner as to be here as much before the time agreed on as you conveniently can. — Great ad- vantages to me will result from this, by putting the business in a good train before the Pall operations are closed by the frosts of Winter, and all improvements are thereby at an end for that season. On the other hand, inconveniences to yourself may arise from delay on account of the Weatiier — Navigation, &ct; there having been instances of this River's closing with Ice

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 147

several days before Christmas which might prevent the removal of jnr things in time. — That your living at the Mansion may be attended with no more expence to you than if you bad gone to the other place (at which ^row now lives) on account of Gentlemen, who now and then call here out of curiosity — as they are passing through the Country — I shall lay in such things as will be necessary for this purpose, and the occasions (which are but rare) may require.—

I expect to leave this place about the 28th. of the Month for Philadelphia, or the neighborhood of it ; any letter therefore which shall arrive before that time will find me here — afterwards it will go to Philadelphia where it had better be directed.

I am yottt friend and Servant

Go. Washington. Mr. William Pbarcb.

Mount Vernon 27th. Oct. 1793 Mr. Pearce,

Your letter of the 19th came duly to hand. — ^To- morrow I leave this for Philadelpa or the vicinity of it; where, when you have occasion to write to me, di- rect yotu- letters. —

As you seemed to be in doubt whether a proper character could be engaged in ye part of the Country you live in, to look ^ter my Negro Carpenters; and (having much work to do in their way, and not bdng willing to leave matters at an uncertainty ) I have en- gaged the person who superintends them at present to look after them another year. — He is a good work- man himself, and can be active ; but has little authority (I ought to have said command, for I have given him full authority) over those who are entrusted to him — and he is fond of drink, tho' somewhat reformed in this respect, I place no great confidence in him. — ^He

148 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

has, however, promised so to conduct himself, as that there shall be no cause for complaint — I thought it was better, therefore, to ei^ge him, than to run any hazard. — ^I have engaged no person to look after the house People, Ditchers &ct in place of the one now occupied in that business ; and unless a very active and spirited man could be had, it will scarcely be essential while you reside at the Mansion hotise yourself. — ^The old Man that is employed in this business is, I believe, honest, sober, well meaning, and in some things know- ing; but he wants activity and spirit; — and from not b^g accustomed to Negros, in addition thereto; they are tmder no sort of awe of him — of course do as they please.— His wages are low. Twenty pounds pr ann. only — ^under this statement of the case you may do as shall seem best to yourself. — If he is to go, he ought to know it seasonably; — his time is up at Christmas; and nothing betwn us has past either as to his going, or staying,

I shall, before you remove, or by the time you may arrive at Mount Vernon, pve you full directions, and my ideas upon the several points which may, between this and then, occur to me. — In all things else you must pursue yoio" own judgment — having tiie great outlines of my business laid before you.

After having lived the ensuing Winter at the Mansion house you will be better able to decide than at the present moment, how far your convenience, my interest, and indeed circumstances, may render your removal to the other place more eligable. — I shall readily agree to either. — Materials are now providing for building a house for Mr. Crow; whose house it was first proposed you should live in, for him to remove to.— There are a great number of N^ro children at the Quarters be- longing to the house people; but they have Always been fOTtnd (except two or 3 youi^ ones belonging to the

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 149

Cook, and the Mulatto fellow Prank in the house, her husband; both of whom live in the Kitchen) from coming within the Gates of the Inclosures of the Yards, Gardens &ct; that they may not be breaking the Shrubs, and doing other misdiief; but I believe that they are often there notwithstanding: — but if they coidd be broke of the practice it would be very agree- able to me, as they have no business within; having their wood, Water, &ct at their own doors without. —

The season has been remarkably sickly, generally, but my [family, except a few slight touches of the intennittant fever — chiefly among the blacks — have shared less of it, than I find from report, has been felt in most other places. —

I am Your friend &ct

Go. Washington. Mr. Williau Pbarcb

German Town, a^t Novr. 1793 Mr. Pearce,

On my way to this place (about the last of Octr.) I lodged a letter for you in the Post OfBceat Baltimore, which I hope got safe to your hands, although I have not heard from you since.

I shall begin, now, to throw upon Paper such general thoughts, and directions, as may be necessary for your government when you get to Mount Vernon ; and for fear of accidents, if transmitted to you thro' any other channel, will deposit them in the hands of my Nephew, Mr. Howell Lewis, who will remain (though inconvenient to me) at that place tmtil your arrival there; that he may put you in possession, and give you such information into matters as may be useful. —

As my farms stand much in need of manure, and it is difBcult to raise a sufficiency of it on them; and the Land besides requires something to loosen and

ISO LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

ameliorate it, I mean to go largely (as you will perceive V/ by what I shall hand to you through Mr. Lewis) upon

Buck Wheat as a Green manure (Plowed in, when full in blossom) — ^for this purpose I have requested a. Gentleman of my acquaintance, in the County of Loudoun, about Mount Vernon, to send to my place in time 450, or 500 bushels of this article for seed. — And as I do not wish to go largely upon Com, it is necessary I should sow a good many Oats; — my calculation (allowing two bushels to the Acre) is about 400 bushels wanting. — Not more than the half of which can I calculate I have of my own, for Seed next Spring, and (iierefore if you could cany round with you two himdred, or even 300 bushels to be certain; of those which are good in quality, and free from Onions, I will readily pay for them and the accustomed freight. — ^That I may kaow whether to depend upon yr doing this, or not, write me word; that in case of failure with you, I may try to obtain them through some other channel. —

I am your Friend and Servant

Go. Washington. Mr. Wiluau Pbarcb

Philadelphia i8t Decemr 1793. Mr. Pearce,

The paper enclosed with this letter will give you my ideas, generally, of the coiurse of Crops I wish to pursue. — ^I am sensible more might be made from the farms for a year or two— but my object is to recover the fields from the exhausted state into which they have ^en, by oppressive crops, and to restore them (if possible by any means in my power) to health and vigour. — But two ways will enable me to accomplish this. — ^The first is to cover tiiem with as much maniire as possible (winter and summer). — ^The ad a judiciotis succession of Crops.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 151

Manure can not be had in tiie abundance the fields require; for this reason, and to open the land which is hard bound by frequent cultivation and want of I»oper dressings, I have introduced Buck Wheat in the plentiful manner you will perceive by the Table, both as a manure, and as a sut»titute for Indian Com for horses &ct ; it being a great ameliorator of the soil. — How far the insufferable conduct of my Overseers, or the difficulty of getting Buck Wheat and Oats for seed, will enable me to cany my plan into effect, I am unable at this moment to decide. — ^You possibly, will be better able to inform me sometime hence. — Colo. Ball of Leesburgh has promised to use his endeavours to procure and send the first to Moimt Vernon; but where to get as much of the latter as will answer my purposes (unless I send them from this city) I know not; but before I can decide on the quantity it may be necessary for me to purchase, it is essential I should know the quantity grown on my own estate; and which after I went to Virginia in September last I directed should no longer be fed away. — ^The common Oats which are brought from the Eastern Shore to Alexandria for sale, I would not sow — first, because they are not of a good quality — and adly because they are rarely, if ever, free from Garlick and wild Onions: with which, unfortunately, many of my fields are already but too plentifully stodked from the source already mentioned; and that too before I was avrare of the evil,

I have already said that the insufferable conduct of my Overseers may be one mean of frustrating my plan for the next year. — I will now explain myself. — You will readily perceive by the rotation of Crops I have adopted, that a great deal of Pall plowing is indispensable. — Of this I informed every one of them, and pointed out the fields which were to be {dowed at

isa LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

this season. — So anxious was I, that this work shotild be set about early, that I made an attempt soon after you were at Mount Vernon in September, to begin it; and at several times afterwards repeated the operation in different fields at Dogue-run farm ; — ^but the ground being excessively hard and dry, I found that to per- severe would only destroy my horses without effecting the object in the manner it ought to be, and therefore I quit it; but left positive directions that it should recommence at every farm as soon as ever there should come rain to moysten the earth — and to stick con- stantly at it, except when the horses were employed in treading out Wheat (which was a work I also desired might be accomplished as soon as possible). — Instead of doing either of these, as I ordered, I find by the reports, ^t McKoy has, now and then, plowed a few days only as if it were for amusement. — ^That Stuart has but just begun to do it. — ^And that neither Crow nor Davy ad Muddy-hole had put a plow into the ground so late as the 7th. of this month. — Can it be expected then, that frosts. Snow and Rain will permit me to do much of this kind of work before March or April? When Com planting, Oats sowing, and Buck Wit for manure, ought to be going into the grd, in a well prepared state, instead of having it to flush up at that season — and when a good deal of Wheat is to be got out with t3ie same horses. — Crow having got out none of his that was stacked in the field, nor Stuart and McKoy much of theirs, which is in the same predicament; — the excuse being, as far as it is communicated to me, that their whole time and force since the month of October has been employed in securing their Com — When God knows how little enough of that article will be made.

I am the more particular on this head for two reasons — first to let you see how little dependence there is

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 153

on such men when left to themselves (for under Mr. Lewis it was very little better) — and adly to show you the necessity of keeping these Overseers strictly to their duty — ^that is — to Ireep them &om running about, and to oblige them to remain constantly with their people; — and moreover, to see at what time they turn out of a morning— for I have strong suspicions that this, with some of them, is at a late hour, the consequence of which to the Negroes is not difficult to foretdl. — ^AH these Overseers as you will perceive by their agreements, which I herewith send, are on standing wages; and this with men who are not actu- ated by the principles of honor or honesty, and not very regardful of their characters, leads nattirally to endulgences — as their profits, whatever may be mine, are the same whether they are at a horse race or on the form — whether they are entertaining company (which I believe is too much the case) in their own houses, or are in the field with the Negroes.

Having given you these ideas, I shall now add, that if you find any one of them inattentive to the duties which by the articles of agreement they are bound to perform, or such others as may be reasonably en- joined, — Admonish them in a calm, but firm manner of the consequences. — If this proves ineffectual, discharge them, at any season of the year without scruple or hesitation, and do not pay them a copper; — putting the non-com[diance witii their agreemt. in bar.

To treat them civilly is no more than what all men are entitled to, but, my advice to you is, to keep them at a proper distance; for they will grow upon famil- iarity, in proportion as you will sink in authority, if you do not. — ^Pass by no faults or neglects (especially at first) for overlookmg one only serves to generate another, and it is more than probable that some of

154 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

them (cme in particular) will try, at first, what lengths he may go. — A steady and firm conduct, with an inqtiisitive inspection into, and a proper arrangement of everything on your part, will Uiough it may give, trouble at first, save a great deal in the end' — and you may rest assured that in everything that is jtist, and proper to be done ib your part, (you) shall meet with the fullest support ib mine. — Nothing will contribute more to effect these desirable purposes than a good example — ^unhappily this was not set (from what I have learnt lately) by Mr. Whiting, who, it is said, drank freely — kept bad company in my house in Alexandria — and was a very debauched person — wherever this is the case it is not easy for a man to throw the first stone for fear of having it returned to him; — and this I take to be the true cause why Mr. Whiting did not look more scrupulously into the conduct of the Overseers, and more minutely into the smaller matters belonging to the Farms — which, though individually (they) may be trifling, are not found so in the agregate; for there is |no addage more true than an old Scotch one, that "many mickles make a muclde. "

I have had but Uttle opportunity of forming a correct opinion of my wUte Overseers, but such observations as I have made I will give.

Stuart appears to me to understand the business of a farm very well, and seems attentive to it. — He is I bdieve a sober man, and according to his own ac- count a very honest one. — ^As I never found him(at the hours I usually visited the farm) absent from some part or another of his people, I presume he is industrious and seldom from home. — He is talkative, has a high opinion of his own skill and management — and seems to live in peace and harmony with the N^ros who are confided to his care. — ^He speaks

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 155

eictremely well of them, and I have never heard any complaint of him. — His work however, has been behind Imnd all the year, owing he says, and as I believe, to his having too much plowing to do — and the last omission, of not plowing when he knew my motives for wishing it, has been extremely reproi- sible. — But upon the whole, if he stirs early, and works late, I have no other fault to find than the one I have just mentioned— His tallcitiveness and vanity may be humoured.

Crow is an active man, and not defident in judgment. — If kept strictly to his duty would, in many respects, make a good Overseer. — But I am much mistaken in his character, if he is not fond of visiting, and receiving visits. — ^This, of course, withdraws his attention from his business, and leaves his people too much to them- selves; whidi produces idleness, or slight work on one side, and flogging on the other — the last of which be- sides the dissati^action which it creates, has, in one or two instances been productive of serious conse- quences — I am not dear either, that he gives due attention to his Plow horses and other stodc which is necessary, althoi^h he is very fond of riding the former — not only to Alexandria &ct but about the farm, which I did not forbid as his house was very inconvenient to the scene of his business.

McKoy appears to me to be a sickly, slothful and stupid fellow. — He had many more h^ds than were necessary merdy for his Crop, and though not 70 acres of Cora to cultivate, did nothing else. — In short to level a little dirt that was taken out of the meadow ditch bdow his house seems to have composed the prindpal part of his Fall work; altho' no finer season could have happened for preparing the second lot of the Mill swamp for the purpose of laying it to grass. — If more exertion does not appear in him when he gets

156 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

into better health he will be found an unfit person to overlook so important a farm, especially as I have my doubts also of his care and attention to the horses &ct.

As to Butler, you will soon be a judge whether he will be of use to you or not. — He may mean well, and for oi^ht I know to the contrary may, in some things have judgment; but I am perstiaded he has no more authority over the Negros he is fdaced, than an old woman would have; and is as unable to get a proper day's Work done by them as she would, unless led to it by their own incliiiation wch I know is not the case;

Davy at Muddy-hole carries on his business as well as the White Overseers, and with more quietness than any of them. — ^With proper directions he will do very well ; and probably give you less trouble than any of ^em, except in attending to his care of the stock, of which I fear he is negligent; as there are deaths too frequent among them. —

"Hiomas Gr^n (Overlooker of the Carpenters) will, I am persuaded, require your closest attention, without which I believe it will be impossible to get any work done by my Negro Carpenters — in the first place, be- cause, it has not been in my power, when I am away from home, to keep either turn, or than in any settled work ; but they will be flying from one trifling thing to another, with no other design, I believe, than to have the better oportunity to be idle, or to be employ^ on their own business — and in the next place, because, — although authority is given to him — ^he is too much upon a level with the Negros to exert it; from which cause, if no other every one works, or not, as they please and carve out such jobs as they like. — I had no doubt when I left home the 38th of Oct. but that the house intended for Crow wd have been nearly finished by this time, as in order to facilitate the ex- ecution I bought Scantling, Plank and Singes for

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 157

the tndlding: instead of this I do not perceive by his weekly report that a tool has yet been employed in it — ^nor can I find out by the said report that the bam at Dogue-run is in much greater fonrardness than when I left it.

To correct the abuses which have crept into all parts of my business — to arrange it properly, and to reduce things to system; will require, I am sensible, a good deal of time and your utmost exertions;— of the last, from the character you bear, I entertain no doubt; the other, I am willing to allow, because I had rather you should probe things to the bottom, whatever time it may require to do it, than to decide hastily upon the first view of them; as to establish good ndes, and a regular system, is the life, and the soul of every kind of business.

These (rest of letter missing). Mr. William Fbarcb.

Pbiladblphia, Jany. a^th., 1794. Deca- Sir,

The enclosed came to my hands a few days ago — the means are also enclosed to discharge Colo. Simm's ac- count, and to receive his reqmttal.— I would thank you to get from and forward to me, Mr. Lee's charge also ; that my Administration of the Estate of Colo. Colvill may be finally closed, and the balance deposited some- where for the benefit of the residtiary legatees. —

That I may be better able to decide upon the latter point, I would tbshk you for an extract of that part of Colo. Thorns. Colvill's Will (or the Will itself, as I pre- sume it is no longer of any use to you) which makes this devise; and for ail the claims, proofe, &ca. which have been handed to his ExecutcoB in consequence thereof, and which were deposited (to the best of my

158 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

recollection) with you, along with the other papers. — I am Dear Sir

Your Obedt. Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. P. S. Are there not some parts of Colo. Simm's charge which otight to be paid, or at least repaid by the de- fendants? To Jaues Kbith.

Philadelphia, Feby. 3d., 1794. Dear Sir,

In due course of the Post I have received your letters of the 17th of December and 21st of the last month; and congratulate you on the birth of a son and the passage of your family throt^h the Small Pox.

As you had acknowledged the receipt of the needful for purchasing the Buck Wt, and had assured me that no disappointment should follow, I have not given you the trouble of a lettter imtil now, since I wrote from German Town; — and now, principally to beg that the Buck Wheat be down in time for early sowing; the present frost being favorable for transportation.

I have procured for you, and it shall be sent with my own by the first vessel to Alexandria, three bushels of Clover seed which appears to be clean, and warranted fresh. It will cost delivered at Alexandria about eight dollars a bushel. It shall be directed to the care of Col. Gilpin to whom my own thicks will be consigned ; as the Capt. is not at liberty to send any part of his cargo before he arrives at the port to which he is bound. No opportunity has offered since the first frost (in December) set in, or both jrours and mine would have gone e'er this. To say now where they will go is more than I am able as the Delaware is close, and navigation at an end until there comes a thaw.

With this letter is enclosed a box containing brace-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 159

lets etc. for Mrs. Ball wch I hope will get safe to and, as I have directed them to the particular care of the Postmaster in Alexandria — Mrs. Washington and the family join me in every good wish for you, Mrs. Ball and Miss Milly, if with you, and with affectionate re- gard

I am. Sir

Your obedient Servt.

Go. Washington.

As soon as you have ascert^ned the amount of cost and charges of the Buck Wheat delivered at Mt. Vem. let me know it and I will remit what may be due on the acct. — ^The freight of the Clover seed from hence to Alexandria as well as the first cost of it will be paid here.

G. W. To Col. Burgbss Ball.

Philadelphia, March loth., 1794. Sir,

In due course of Post I was favoured with jrour letter of the 2 5th of Jany, with the deed which it enclosed from Colo. MercCT & others, to me. — ^This deed refers to a Survey of the Manor of Woodstock (in the year 1783) and to a division thereof made by Hezekiah Veatch, assistant Surveyor of Montgomery Cotmty, on the ad. day of January 1793. —

The latter (is the body of the deed) is said to be re- corded. — It is essentially necessary indeed that it should be so. — But neitJier the original, nor a copy thereof was forwarded to me. — ^This induces me to J^ve you the trouble of informing me whether the above Survey of Mr, Veatch is admitted to record, — and, in that case, that you would be so good as to funuah me

i6o LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

with either the original, or an attested copy thereof from Your Ofi&ce. —

I am — Sir

Ymir Obedt. Servant

G. Washington.

To John Gwinn.

Philadelphia, Mar. loth, 1794. Dear Sir,

To Che best of my recollection when you paid me for my flour of last year you asl^ the refusal of it this year.

By the report from my men I perceive about 3,000 bushels of wheat has been manufactured; but how much flour it has made and of what sort, I am yet to learn. If you incline to purchase what there is, let me know the best price you will give ; or to malre the matter short, and to save time, you may have the Superfine (if any is made) and fiiie flour at what they sell for in this market with a deduction of the usual freight per barrel from Alexandria to the place. (*) Your answer, as soon as it is convenient to you, and oblige

Dear Sir

Your Obedient Servt.

G. Washington. P. S. I have more than what is meatd. above to grind. To Robert T. Hose.

(*) The cost prices in this City are

Superfine 50/

Common 47/6

Two or tiiree months credit I should not object to.

Philadelphia, loth. March, 1794. Dear Sir,

Your favor of the ist. inst. with its enclosures, I have dtdy received.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON i6i

I shall, by tiiis day's Post, write to the representative of Colo. Carlyle (agreeably to the st^estion in Mr. Chalmers letter) to know if be (Mr. Herbert) can throw any light upon the payment of £100 which Mr. Chalmers conceives he must have made on acct. of Mr. Sidney George's Bond. — When I receive the answer it shall be forwarded to you. — ^Till then the draught on Mr. Chalmers may be suspended. —

I have no other object in this business than to bring everything which relates to ijt to a speedy & equitable close as far as it respects the parties interested and to a justifiable one as it concerns myself. — On these princi- pals I should hope Mr. George would not require (having anattestedcopyof it)theoriginal bond in the possession of Mr. Chalmers especially as the receipt for tiie money might recite a statement of the fact, for his indemni- fication. —

It is of moment, however, to me, to have it ascer- tained whether the sum of £100 reed, by Mr. Chalmers- & the sum due from Mr. George for the payment of £90 ought not to be dischai^ed with interest. — The Ad- ininistration accts. which have been settled will show that interest has been paid by the estate of Colo. Collins (Miss Anderson is an instance of it) and judg- ments in behalf of the estate have been obtained, in Virginia, with interest. — ^To act safely is all I aim at, for I neither gain nor lose by the transaction. — I am — Dear Sir Your Most Obedt. & Very Hble. Servant

G. Washington.

To WiLLIAll TiLGHUAN.

Phii^., March 33d, 1794. Dear Sir,

By a letter I have just received from my Manager Ur. Peaice dated the i8th inst. I find he had received

i62 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

no more at that time, than 131 bushls. of the Buck Wheat you were to procure for me. — ^I hope there will be no disappointment of the remainder. — It would fall bard upon me, as I have not the quantity of seed oats necessary to carry my plan into effect this year; a failure of both wmdd leave my grounds tmoccupied. — My love in which Mrs. Wasl^i^ton & the family imite is tendered to Mrs. Ball and yours. — I am — Dear Sir

Your Affecte.

Go. Washington. To Colo. Burgbss Ball.

Philadelphia, April 6tb 1794. Mr. Pearce,

Your letter and Reports of the ist. instant I have received, and am glad to find by the first that you have got your family safe to Mount Vernon ; as, unquestion- ably, it will be a satis&ction to you to have them along witii you. — Change of air may, and I hope will, restore jrour eldest daughter to health again.

I bad no doubt but that the late capture of our Vessels by the British Cruisers, followed by the Em- bargo wUch has been laid on the Shipping in our Ports, wd naturally occasion a temporary fall in the article of provisions; — yet, asthereare the same mouliis to feed as before ; — as the demand, consequenlly , will be as great; — and as the Crops in other parts of the woild will not be increased by these means, I have no doubt at all, but that, as soon as the present impediments are removed tlie prices of flour will rise to what it has been (at least) for which reason hold mine up to the prices mentioned in my last; and if they are offered, mate a provisory agreement, to be ratified, or not, by me; — an answer to which can be obtained in a week. — ^With respect to the Wheat on hand, you must (if you hear nothing to the contrary from me) be governed by dr-

QUILT MADE BY MRS. WASHINGTON AND GIVEN BY HER TO MRS. LEAlQ

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 163

cumstances and your own judgment, in getting it out of the straw;— but, at any rate, remove it into the Bams for the purpose of threshing in weather when the people cannot work out, —

When salt, or any other article of which you are in want, gets to a high price, provide for the present oc- casion only unless there is a moral certainty of their rising still higher; in that case prudence would direct otherwise. —

It was not my expectation that either grass or grain could be rolled at the expence of stopping the Ploughs ; consequently , if the Oxen were not in a condition for the accomplishment of this work the execution of it was not to be expected:— but is not this an instance among a variety of others, of the impolicy of not brealiMig a great ntmiber of Steers at eadi of the Farms ? whidi would prevent the few that are broke from being reduced too low for the services thereof. — Twenty Oxen are not more expensive than ten broke, and ten tmbroke Steers, because you feed them as Oxen only when they are worlKd ; and unbroke Steers must be fed, as well as Oxen (though not in the same manner) at other times. — By this means there never wotUd be a want of draught Cattle for Cart, Harrow or Roller, —

How does the yotmg grass which was sown in tiie new meadows last fall, and the Clover come on? — ^Was the latter injured mtich by the Winter?

Besides the niunber of Stacks which are yet in Wheat, I wanted to know what those stacks are sup- posed to contain; — and this the Overseers, by com- paring the size of them with those which have been tread out, may certainly give a pretty near guess at. —

The three bushels and half of Oats, mentioned to you in my last, are not (^ such superior quality as I had been led to expect from the accoimt given o£ them ; —yet, notwithstanding, ground may hs kept some-

i64 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

time longer for them, or untfl you hear further from me, on this head. —

The imposition with respect to the Garden seeds, is very unjustifiable; — 'tis infinitely worse than simple robbery, for there you loose your money only, but when it is given for bad seed jrou lose your money, your labour in preparing tar the reception of them, — and a whole season. —

Goaths must be provided for tiie Young Gardener at Alexandria. — ^Those for work to be stong, and substantial. — Sunday, or Holliday Qoaths to be decent, and such as may please without going to more expence than is necessary:— but of the latter class I should conceive he can be in no want now, unless he has made an improper use of a whole suit (of very good Cloaths) which were given to him the latter end of October last.—

I am sorry to find tiiat my chance for Lambs this year, is so lad. — It does not appear to me by the Re- ports that I shall have more than a third of what I had last year : — ^what this can be ascribed to is beyond my comprehension, imless it be for want of Rams, or bad Ranu. — Let therefore, at Shearing time, a selection of the best formed, and otherwise promising ram lambs be set apart (in sufficient numbers) to breed from ; and when they are fit for it, cut the old ones and turn them aside, to be disposed of. —

At Shearing time also, let there be a thorough culling out, of all the old, and indifferent sheep from the flocks that they may be disposed of, and thereby save me the mortification of hearing every week of thetr death! — which is the more vexatious as I was taught to believe that every indifferent sheep was drawn for this pur- pose last Spring, notwithstanding the loss o£ them which has been sustained the past winter ; — and indeed unto the present moment. —

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 165

When you next go to Alexandria take the exact dimensions of the rooms in my house at that place, that I may send paper for them. — Give the lengUi and breadth of each — and height from the wash board to the Chair board (as they are commonly called) and thence to the Cornish, if any, with the doors and win- dows, and size of them, in each room or passage. — If there is occasion to malx good the plastering in any of the rooms, no white wash must be put thereon; be- caiise it is improper for paper. — ^Thomas Davis must paint the outsides of both houses there; the lower part of a stone colour, and the roofs red. — ^The Inside of the dwelling house is also to be painted. — The whole in short is to be put in very good, and decent condition. — If the planking between the two houses is plained, this also ^ould be painted.

I am Yotir friend &ct Go. Washington. Mr. WiLUAH Pearce

Philadelphia, 13th Aprl., 1794. Dear Sir,

I have been favored with your letter of the 4th inst. and thank you for the information respecting the dep- redations on my land, lying on four miles Run. — Mr. Bushrod Washi^ton a year or two ago was desired to commence a suit or suits against some of the Tres- passers but whether he did, or not, or what the residt was, I do not recollect ever to have heard. — ^Tbe growth of the land, is more valuable than the land itself, — to protect it therefore is important.

Not knowing the christian name of Mr. Minor, or whether there may not be more than one of that name, I am at a loss to direct to him; and indeed for a safe mode of conveying a letter to him, and therefore take the hberty of putting the enclosed under Cover to you,

i66 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

with a request (a£ter putting a wafer in it) t^t you would be so good as to have it safely conveyed to the right person.

The accotmts which I receive from Mount Vernon, respecting my Wheat, are very imfavorable. — ^They could not, indeed, he otherwise, after the effect, oc- casioned by drought in the fall had become apparent, which was the case before I left home in tiie latter part of October.

The appointment of a Marshall, for the District of Geotgia, had taken place before your letter came to my hands : — ^but if the case had been otherwise Mr. McCrea, however well known in Virginia was too new a settler, and too little known in Georgia to have become an ac- ceptable man for that ofGce, when half the State (in a manner) was in hot pursuit of it. & many of the ancient inhabitants & respectable characters were pressing forward by themselves, & friends, on this occasion. —

My best wishes attend Mrs. Stuart and the rest of the family, & with very great esteem & r^ard — I am — Dear Sir

Your Affecte. Servant

Go. Washington. To David Stuart Esqr.

Philadelphia May 4th 1794 Mr. Pearce,

Your letter of the 99th ulto, and the reports which were enclosed, came dtdy to hand.

I am sorry to find by the first that the Ship Peggy had not then arrived at George Town, from Ltmdon. — I fear the White thorn Plants (5,000 in niunber) which I have on board, together with Mr. Lears fruit Trees, will suffer very much, if they are not entirely destroyed ; by the advanced season. — ^Let the ground (wherever

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 167

the first are to go) be prepared for their reception, that no time which can he avoided, may be lost in getting them into it; — as to the latter, that is the fruit trees, there cannot be many of them, consequently no pre- viotts preparation is necessary, for their deposit. —

I wish you had discharged Green without any cere- mony, when you found him drinking, and idlujg his time away; — as to any reliance, on his promise to amend, there can be no sort of dependance : — ^for it has been fotmd that he is growing worse and worse : The consequence of which is, that he dare not find fault with those who are intrusted to bis care, lest they shd retort, and disclose his rascally conduct; by which means work that the same nimiber of hands would perform in a week, takes mine a month. — ^Notiung but compasion for his helpless &mily, has hitherto induced me to keep him a moment in my service (so bad is the example he sets) ; but if he has no regard for them himself, it is not to be expected that I am to be a continual st^erer on this acct, for his misconduct.

I never could get an accoimt of the Com made on my Estate last year, consequently can form no idea of thie quantity now on hand, nor of the prospect there is of its carrying me through the year. — At any rate, it should be used with great care, but if it is likely to run short, as much parsimony should be observed as can comport with the absolute calls for it, on the farms, as I know not where to get more; and should find it inconvenient to pay for it if I did.

Does the first sown Buck Wheat come up w^?— as iast as any field, or lot is planted with Potatoes, let the quantity wldch has been used therefor, be noted in the Farm Report of the place where they have been used. — ^To plant the Potatoes whc^e is the best, where there is enough of them; when there is not, cutting becomes necessary, and should then be adopted. —

1 68 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

In the Gardeners report is a query, if Apricots will be wanting to preserve. — I answer No. — for the sit- uation of public business now is, and likely to remain such, that my family will not be able to spend any time at Mount Vernon this Summer — that is — I can- not do it, and Mrs. Washington would not cbtise to be there without me. — My present intention is, if public business will perimt, to make a flying trip there soon after the rising of Congress; but when that will be is more than I am able to decide, at present.

It is not usual — nor is there any occasion — ^for Papering the ceiling, of the Room, or rocnns (if more than one should be papered) in ^e House, in Alex- andria. —

I am — Your friend &ct

Go. Washington. Mr. William Pbarcb

Philadelphia, May 9th, 1794. Sir.

Your letter of the 14th. ulto. and the first Vol. of an American Biography, came safe to my hands. For both I pray you to accept my thanks, — and to consider me as a subscriber for the latter.

I wish is was in my power to afford you any aid in the prosecution of so desirable a work. — But I do not see wherein I can,^ and if I did, my avocations are of such a nature as to allow me no time to profit by the means.- My good wishes therefore seem to be all that is left me, on this occasion. — ^These, with great sincerity I offer you, with assiirances of being, Sir

Yr. Most Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. To Revd. Mr. Jeremy Belknap

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 169

Philadelphia, May gih, 1794. Sir.

I have received, though really it has not been in my power yet to read, the Pamphlet {The Revolution in France, (?) A^. Y., 1794) you weresoobligingas to send me. Your motives to writing it are highly laudable, and I sincerely wish they may meet the reward which is due to them. — I pray you accept my thanks ica: the work, and to be assured that

I am — Sir Your most obed. Serv.

G. Washington. Mr. Noah Webster, Junr.

Philadelphia 17th May, 1795. Dear Sir:

(Private)

Your letter of the nth inst. came to hand by the Post o£ yesterday.

With pleasure I received your acceptance of the office of commissioner of the federal city. The com- mission will be handed to you from the Department of State, and the sooner you can enter upon the duties of that trust, the more convenient and agreeable it will be.

With the candor, which I am sure will be agreeable to you, I shall intimate (for reasons which I shall not at this time eniimerate, but which will appear evident after you have been there awhile) that a residence in the city, if a house is to be had, will be more pro- motive of its welfare than yotu- abode in George Town. — I shall add that the motives which induced a fixed salary (which the first commissioners did not receive) were that they should reside on the sort; — that they were not only to plan and regulate the affairs of the city — ^but to look to the execution of them also. — ^To

I70 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

accomplish which, with the greatest ease to themselves, and best advantage to the public, I presumed that after measures were decided on by the Board they would have been so arranged as that each member would have attended to the execution of a particular part; — or if found more convenient, that in rotation, each would have superintended the whole. — I could not perceive however, when I was in the city last (the only time since the change in the Board) that any such arrangement had been adopted. In short, the only difference I could perceive between the proceedings of the old and the new commission results from the following comparison. — ^The old met not oftener than once a month except on particular occasions; — the new meet once or twice a week. In the interval the old resided at their houses in the coimtry; — ^the new reside at their houses in George Town. The old had too much of the business done by daily wages, and were obliged to trust to overseers and superintendents to look to the execution; — the new have gotten more into the execution of it by contracts, and piece work, but rdy eqiially, I fear, on others to see to the performance. These changes (tho' for the better) by no means apply a radical cure to the evils that were complained of, nor will they justify the difference of compensation from six dollars per day for every day's attendance in the city and sixteen hundred per annum.

My time will not permit me to go more into detail on tiiis subject, nor is it necessary; — ^your own good judgment will supply you with more tl^t I could add. The year 1800 wfll be soon upon us;— The necessity therefore of hiirrying on the public buildings and other works of a pubUc nature and executing of them with economy. — ^The propriety of preventing idleness in those who have day or monthly wages, and im- position by others, who work by measure — ^by the

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 171

{nece — or by ccmtract — and seeing that all contracts are fulfilled with good faith, are too obvious to be dwelt on, and are not less important than to form plans, and establish rules for conducting, and bringing to a speedy & happy conclusion this great and arduous business. — With esteem and regard I am — Dear Sir Your obed. Sevt.

G. Washington. Alexander White, Esq.

Philadelphia, iStfa May, 1794. Dear Sir:

YotiT letter of the 7tli issl came duly to hand, with the Rental enclosed. —

As there are no houses, or any thing standing on my lots in the Town & Common of Winchester, it is of no great moment what is done witii them. I am not dis- posed to sell them, nor to part with them, or lease for a long term, but if you could obtain an annual Rent for either, or both, without running me to any expense, it wotdd, however small, be clear. With respect to my lots in Bath, some thing ought to be done with them. — The Buildii^ there on, together with the lots, stand me ia at least £300 : but whether common interest can be obtained in a Rent for them, you, who know the state of things in that quarter can judge better of than I am able to do. & therefore I leave it to you, to act for me as you would for yourself. — If they were even let to some one who would Ireep the buildings in Repair it wotdd be more desirable by far than, wil^out a tenant, or some person to take care of them, to suffer them to fall to ruin. —

I do not know whether I clearly tmderstand your proposition of an exchai^ of the Land in Potomac for a Lot in Berkeley Cotmty. — The first contains 140

172 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

acres instead of 140, as mentioned in yotir letter, 200 of which is rich River bottom, which must as the Naviga- tion of the River improves, become extremely valuable from the produce it is capable of, besides the fine black Walnuts which grow thereon, & would fetch a good sum at the Federal City; if others can be restrained from pilfering them. — On the other hand, Z know of no land I bold at the Mouth of Bullskin, nor any lease that was ever given to a person of the name of Dimmett. — No such name, I am pretty sure, is to be found in the original list of my Tenants, and equally sure I am no Leases have been given of late years (with my consent) for three Uves. — ^When you explain this matter more fully, it will be more in my power than it is at present to speak to you on this particular point. — Speaking of Leases for lives, Z am led to observe to you, that the lives will never decrease, nor the prooi of the existence of those who were originally inserted. — I do not recollect any instance of my changing names where the leases have been transferred, & but few of my consenting to transfers; which mal^s me more desirous of knowing how a Person of the name of Dimmett (which I do not recollect at all) should be possessed of a lease for three Uves. — I hope Muse has not abused my confidence in putting blank leases into his hands — signed — in order to be filled up thereafter, by doing it improperly.

Although I can very illy spare the money arising from the Rents you have collected ; yet, if the lots are susceptible of such augmentation in the amiual income ; by purchasing in the leases as you think of, I consent to your applying the money in your hands to this purpose, in cases where there is a moral certainty of a consider- able increase of Rent; and that the purchases are made by the first of next November. — ^You will ascer- tain precisely before you attempt these purchases — ist what Uves are certainly existing in them, & and

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 173

whether the Covenants in them have been complied with on the part of the Tenants, for in the first case I may be purchasing thcU which belongs to me of right, — and in the second case, that which they have forfeited by a non-compliance with the conditions on which the leases were granted. — You will recollect also, that by the terms of one, or most of tiie leases, the Tenant is not at liberty to sell to any one without my consent.

I am sorry you should meet with any difficidty about the land I gave you, near the Accoceek old Iron Works. — I am not possessed of any Papers beloi^ing to it, nor is it in my power to point you to any Office where they are to be fotmd ; but I should conceive that the tract is so well known that all the adjoining land holders are able to show you the bounds of it. — ^There was one John Henry timt knew it weU — and I believe Col: Charles Carter of Ludlow has some knowledge of it. I have been told, that some person in Falmouth (whose name I do not recollect) had pillaged the land of the most valuable Pines thereon; and that either he, or some other, tall^ of escheating it; but I never sup- posed injustice wotdd prompt any one to such a measure. — Perhaps this, or some such mode might be advisable for you; as the title Papers are not to be found ; nor the manner in which my Mother came by it to be traced with precision. — ^By Will (I have under- stood) it was left to her by her father (Ball) but what his Christian Name was I am unable to tell you, nor the County he lived in with certainty but presume it was Lancaster. — This Will seems to me to be the only clue by which the title can be traced ; the bequest, probably, may as usual contain some description of the Land.

Your aunt & the family joins me in best regards for Mrs. Lewis. — I am — Dear Sir

Your Sincere friend & Aflfe. uncle To Mr. Robt. Lewis. Ge. Washington.

174 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

PaiLADBLPHiA, 29th. May, 1794. Dear Sir,

I have duly received your letter of the 14th. instant.-

The enclosed to Mr. John Lewis, left open for yoiir perusal, will show what I require for myself, and am willing to do for others. — Do you & he therefore, after full enquiry into &cts, point out what this ot^ht to be — and no delay shall be experienced from me. —

The two hundred poimds, for which you endorsed an order upon a Merchant of this place, has been duly paid. The remainder of the money due me for the pur- chase of the lots (amounting to about two hundred pounds more) I give, as I desired Mr. Howell Lewis to inform you to my niece Mrs. Carter. — ^And by these presents I confirm the gift. — Give my love to her

With great esteem & regard I am — Dear Sir Your Obedient Servt. To Chas. Carter, Jr.. Esqe. ^- "Washington.

Philadelphia, 29th. May, 1794. Deca- Sir,

The letter of which the enclosed is a copy renders further explanation on my part in a manner unneces- sary — I must beg leave notwithstanding to add Hiat when mistakes happen the sooner they can be rectified the better.

All I recollect of this matter (and that but imper- fectly) is, that Colo. Lewis (your father), purchased from a t^chael Robinson for and on my account, the lots in Fredericksburg on which my mother Kved. — Robinson (I believe) boi]^ht them of him, & no Deed having becsa made for them he, to avoid trouble & the expense of double transfers, conveyed them to me. —

If this vfas done by wrong numbers it is incumbent on you as heir at law, to correct this error and it (may seem) necessary that I should, for that same reason,

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 175

convey the lots iii & 113 to the rightful owners of them. —

I wish thatyouandMr. Carter wd. examine into this matter thoroughly, & whatever is proper to be done on my part shall be executed without delay. — I am Dear Sir

Your Obed. Hble. Servt.

G. Washimgtoh. To John Lewis, Esq.

Philadelphia 27thof Jime 1795. Sir;

Please to deliver to Mr. Ross, or send them to him by a careful hand, the Stirveys of all my lands with which you have been furnished —

And let me entreat you to make, without further delay, a final settlement of the accounts between us ; — pay what is in your hands, and deposit the statement of all that is due me from the tenants, with the papers showing the several tenements, with Mr. Nugent, that he may, thereby, be enabled to go on with my busi- ness. —

I am Sir

Your Hble. Servant

G. Washington. Col. John Cannon.

Philadelphia 9th July 1795 Sir.

I have been favored with yova letter of the 99th. of April, accompanying your Memoir of a Map of Hin- doostan, with engravings, etc. — ^for youi kindness in sending which I entreat you to aa»pt my best thanks,

I have not had leBure yet to look over them, with attention: but I am persimded that there is a ftmd of interesting informa^m to be found in the work: for

176 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

the means of coming at which I am extremely thank- ful.

I am — Sir

Your Obed. & very Hble Serv. G. Washington. Jambs Rbnnbll, Esg.

Philadelphia loth. July 1795 R0vd. Sir,

It has so happened — ^but really I can hardly tell how — that I have been very deficient in not ac- Imowledging, at an earlier period the receipt of yoiu* obliging favor of the ist. of May last year, accom- panying a copy of the works of the venerable Bishop of Sodon & Man, which, agreeably to the Will of the late Doctor Thomas Wilson (h^ son) you had the goodness to send me. —

Accept now, I pray you Sir, my thanks for the part you have executed in this business ; and the assurances that my not having done it before did not proceed from want of respect to the memory of the author — ^his son — or yourself, but to mere accident. — ^With very great respect

I am — Sir Your most

Obed. Servt.

G. Washington. Thb Rbtd. Mr. C. Cruttwbll.

Philadelphia, July i8th, 1794. Dear Sir,

If in a letter, not long since written to you, you were authorized to rent the South tract of land I hold on Difi&cult Road, in Loudon County, — I now desire that jrou will not do it — I have had some overtures for the purchase of it; and have been offered five pounds an acre, giving credit, which I was willii^ to do, but the thing that parted us at that time, and may possibly do

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 177

so for ever, was interest; he wanted credit without paying this to which I would not consent — But as land thereabouts is rising tast in value, I have no doubts of obtaining the price & terms, & even more, by keeping it up, provided it is not incumbered with a Lease. —

I authorised you in my last, to lay out the money collected on my behalf for Rents due me, in purchas- ing in tiie Leases, but restricted this operation not to exceed (if I recollect rightly) the first of November. — I now prolong it until the first of January (which closes the present year) beyond which you are not at liberty to apply money to this purpose, without further in- structions from me. —

You must be very particular in examinii^ into the real State and con(Ution of the Leases; — for if the ac- counts of the Tenants (without this enquiry) is to govern, the lives will never expire. — It is essential also to know, if transfers have taken place, under what authority it has happened; as there is a clause, or covenant in the leases (if my memory serves me), re- straining this, without writt^ permission of the Land- lord. — ^And if it shall appear, by any of the leases, that an alteration of names, from the original instrument, has taken place, to learn, with precision, by what means it has taken place. — I shall expect writtra evidence of these facts. — A verbal explanation without, from the Tenants, will not satisfy me. —

My love to Mrs. Lewis in Wch. your Aunt joins With affect friendship

I am Yours To Mr. Robt. Lewis. G. Washington.

Philadblpbia, July aStii, 1794. Sir,

Yotir letter of the 39th. ulto. came to my hands a few days ago only.

178 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mr. Samuel Jackson (if that is the name of tiie per- son who asked me sometime in the course of last winter if I would dispose of my land in Fayette, & at what price) must very greatly have misimdeistood my an- sviet if he conceived thirty shillii^ an acre was the value I had set upon it. —

The truth is, that at no period since I dissolved my partnership with Simpson, & had any idea of parting with this, & my other land West of the All^siny Moun- tains, did I ever fix a less value than forty shillings pr. Acre on the tract you live. — It is not to be presumed then that I should lower my price when it was increas- ing twenty five, fifty, and even an hundred pt. Ct in almost every direction. —

Mr. Jackson must have mistaken the tract in Wash- ington County for that in Payette, from the price; for thirty shillii^ pr. Acre was liie value I put on that. — The conversation I had with that Gentleman was very short; for when I found he did not mean to be the pur- chaser himself, but was making enquiries merely to satisfy his own curiosity or to gratify that of others, I told him I had rated them at such & such prices, 40/. I think for that in Fayette & 30/, for the others, & be- ing asked if I would allow any credit, he was answered yes; provided a certain part of the pui^ chase was paid at tiie time of ens^iUng & delivery; and interest paid on tiie residue. But he was told at parting, that as nothii^ final had taken place between him & me, he was not to consider any timg that passed between us, as binding upon me at a future day. —

Mentioning this matter to a Gentieman well ac- qtiainted witii the value, & pices of land in that Country he told me he thought the Land on wch. you live (the whole tract I mean) would fetch Six dollars an acre; — accordingly Mr. Ross of Washington (one

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 179

of yotir Senators) has been authorized to'sell both tracts. Not knowing therefore what he may have done in this matter I can not be more precise with you, at this time. If the land is not already under eng^ement, and I do not beheve it is, as it is but lately the power to dispose ci is was given, it would give me plaesure that you shd. have the preference, if Mr. Ross and you can ^ree on the price. — ^And if jrau would pay a fourth of the pur- chase down, you might have credit for the residue four, five, or even six years, — giving the land, and your Bond bearing the rest, as Sectuity

With esteem & regard I am Sir Yr Very Hble Serv

G, Washington. To Colo. Israel Shrbvb.

Gbrmantown, Augt. loth., 1794. Dear Sir,

We removed to this place about twelve days ago to avoid the heat of Philadelphia, — & probably may re- main at it until the middle of next month. It was here I received your letter of the 5th. instant, which came to my hands yesterday.

The business of establishing Arsenals, and providing proper places for them, is within the Department of War ; the Secretary of which (General Knox) set out on Friday last for the Provence of Main, and will not be rettuned in less than six weeks. — But as I am persuaded he has no idea (nor are there indeed funds provided equal thereto) of giving 25,000 Dollars for the Site of one, only, I wotdd not have you, by any means, avoid sowing wheat, or doii^ any thing else which you m^ht have had in contemplation to do, on Account of what I mentioned to you in my last, on this subject. —

What (under the rose I ask it) is said or thought, as far as it has appeared to you, of the conduct of the

i8o LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

People in the Western Counties of tias State (Penn- sylvania) towards the excise Officers? — and does there seem to be a disposition among those with whom you converse, to bring them to a sense of their duty, & obe- dience to law by coercion, if, after they are fully notified by Proclamation & other expedients of the conse- quences of such outrageous proceedii^, they do not submit to the Laws of the United States, & suffer the Collection of the duties upon Spirituous Liquors, & Stills, to be made as in other places? — In a word — wotJd there be any diffictdty, as far as the matter has passed under your observation in drawing out a part of the Militia of Loudon, Berkeley, & Frederick to quell this rebellious spirit, & to support order & good government? — ^You will readily perceive that questions of this sort from me to jrau & your answers are for my private information, & to go no further than ourselves. I am sorry to hear that your bad state of health re- quires the Waters of Bath, but hope they will restore you — My love (in which Mrs. Washington unites) is offered to Mrs. Ball & the family —

I am — Yr. Affecte.

G. Washington. To CoL. Burgess Ball

Philadelphia, Novr. 33d., 1794. Dear Sir,

It has not been in my power to acknowledge, with convenience, tiiereceiptof your letter of the 14th, idto. until now;-first, because it did not get to my hands until my return from the Westward, and adly, because my attention, ever since to the present moment, has been occupied in examii^ the various papers on which my communications to Congress were to be founded. —

I do not see how any one can decide so well on the project you have in contemplation as yourself, who has

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON i8i

a view of all the circumstances of the case, before you ;- and who know how far so important a change in the scene, as that of transplanting yourself and family into a new country, is reconcilable to your feelings & dis- positions. — and because, from the enquiries you have tmdoubtedly made, you must better know than any other who has turned his tiioughts to the subject, what you can sell for here, and buy at there,—

It has always been my opinion that new countries (by this I mean the interior of our own) are the best to lay the foimdation of wealth, in as much as lands which comparatively speaking, are to be had there cheap, rise in a fourfold ratio to what they do on the Atlantic Sea. — and it is to this circumstance, and the opportun- ities of acquiring them (by being on the scene) that the advantages consist. — as, tmtil the navigation of the Mississippi can be obtained, or the communication between the Eastern & Western Waters be made more easy, than is the case at present, the principal demand for the product of the land is found in the emigrants who resort to it. — ^To this cause also, is to be ascribed the rapidly increasing prices of those lands. —

The last illness and death of General Washington (part 2)

In one part of yom: letter, you talk of removing to Kentucky ; and in another, of investing money in lands to West of the Ohio, which creates a doubt as to your principal view. You are not uninfonned, I presume, that there is no land office open at this time in the last mentioned District; and that there is no means by which land can be obtained there, at present, except by purchase of Army rights, or from some of those com- panies to whom Coi^ress have sold large tracts: — and in the present st^e of our disputes with the Indians, that no settlement is thought safe from the scalping knife, that is not under the protection of some fort. — The same indeed may be said of the frontiers of Ken- tucky, while the centoil lands in that state are, as I am

iSa LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

informed, selling very high. But of tiiese facts you must be better infonned than I am. —

I should think it perfectly expedient — as soon as you shall have resolved to sell your lands on Rappahanock to advertise it in all the principal Gazettes, from Richmond to New York inclusively ; and not to be too hasty in dispossing of it, except for a very good price ; as there are reasons to beheve that in the course of this winter and the ensuing spring and summer, many men of property from Europe will remove to this country, or send over their property, with a view to invest it, either in our funds, or in lands. —

With respect to the other species of property, con- cerning which you ask my opinion, I shall frankly de- clare to you that I do not like even to think, much less talk of it. — ^However, as you have put the question, I shall, in a few words, give you my ideas of it. — ^Were it not tiien, that I am principled a^. selling negroes, as you would do cattle at a market, I would not, in twelve months from this date, be possessed of one as a slave. — I shall be happily mistaken, if they are not foimd to be a very troublesome species of property ere many years pass over our heads (but this by the bye) — ^For this reason — and because tiiere is but little sale for what is raised in the western country, it remains for you to consider whether their value would not be more pro- ductive in lands, reserving enoi^h for necessary pur- poses, tiian to carry many of them, there. My love to Mrs. Spotswood and the family.

I am — Dear Sir Your Affecte Servant

Ge Washington. To Gbnl. Albxakdbr Spotswood.

Philadelphia, Jany. 15th.. 1795. Sir, 1 avail myself of your obliging offer to dispose of the

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 183

lands I hold in the counties of Fayette & Washington,- hereby empowering you to see tbss same on the terms which have been mentioned to you.

If one fourth of the money is paid at the time of con- veyance or within a short period thereafter, I would allow four, five or six years credit for the other three foiuths ; provided the payment thereof be well sectuwi agreeably to contract; and the interest in tbe mean- while assured with punctuality as it becomes due, in one of the Banks of this city— or in either of those of Baltimore, Geoi^etown or Alexandria. The r^ular payment of which, at stated periods being a primary consideration witii me. —

The tract in Fayette Cotmty contains 1,544! acres besides the usual allowance of P. C. — ^The other, by Patent, is 2,813 acres but by a resurvey was foimd to measure more than 3,000 acres. A description of them would be ni^atory, tiie presumption being that ihe purchaser whomsoever he may be, will examine the land and ju<^e for himself. — It may not be amiss, how- ever, that it should be generally known that botii tracts has improved, and that one of them has a mill there on, and a considerable of Iron Ore within less than 30 yards of the Mill house. —

Having from long experience found that landed property at a distance from the proprietor, who is not able to pay attention to it, is more productive of plague than profit, I fed strongly disposed to sell all the lands I hold on ^e Ohio and Great Kanhawa; (about 33,000 acres)* in Seven surveys, provided I can obtain, by giv- ing a pretty long credit, what I conceive it is worth. — For the reason already mentioned, a particular des- cription of these lands would in a manner be tiseless but it may not be amiss to add, that they are the crea m of the country in which they lye, — the fiist chosen of it ;- and are entirely free from disputes of every kind. —

i84 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

The whole is internal land, boarded by the rivers above mentioned, and margined by tiiem 59 miles. — ^They consist of three Surveys on liie Ohio, and four on the Great Kanhawa.^The first named are on the East side of the River, betwn. tiie little and great Kanhawa; — the frost of these tracts, is the first large bottom below the mouth of the little Kanhawa, and about 13 miles from Mariatte; containing 3,314 ac., boarded by the river 5^ miles. — The 2nd tract is the 4th large bottom (on the same side of the nver) about 16 miles lower down, containing 3,048 acres, boarded by the river 3I miles — ^the third tract, is the next large bottom, 3} miles lower down, opposite nearly to the great bend, containing 4,39s acres, with a margin of the River of five miles. — liie other four tracts are on the Great Kanhawa, as observed before. — ^The first of them, is on the West side; b^;inning about two miles from its confluence with the Ohio, and boarded by the former 17 miles; cnntaining 10,990 acres. — The seed, tract is on the east side of the river a little higher up and con- tains 7,976 acs. boarded t^ the river 13 miles. — ^The other two are at the mouth of Cole River, on both sides of the Kanhawa, and in the fork between ; contain- ing together 4,950 acres having a front on the river (both sides) of twelve miles. — Besides these have a small tract of 587 acres on the Ohio, called the round bottom ; lying opposite to the mouth of Pipe Creek, which is about 1 5 miles below Wheeling ; but nothing short of a large price would induce me to part with this teact — it is bordered by the river a) mites. — ^The soil is of the very richest quality, is in the shape of a horse shoe, with a beautiful situation for a house thereon.

Any services you can render me in the disposal of these lands on the terms I have conversed with you

THE STUART PORTRAIT OF MARTHA WASHINGTON

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 185

respecting them, would be gratefully acknowledged by Dear Sir, Your Obed. Hble. Serv

G. Washington. (*) The exact quantity in these 7 surveys is 33.373acres. To The HoNBLB. Jaubs Ross, Esq.

Philadblpria, Jan. tSth, 1795. Dear Sir,

Herewith, you will receive Plate, and description of two tracts of land which I bold in Kentucky, on the Waters of Eough Creek. — If you have any Imowledge of the land in the part of the country these are said to lye in; or, if yotar brother John or any other within your reach has, I shd. be obl^ed to you, for such in- formation respecting them as can be obtained. I wish also to Imow in what part of the state of Ken- tucky they lye; — and what the selling price of lands thereabouts is. — In a word, what you think mine are worth from the description given of them — and part they lye in.

The papers I send are copies, which you may keep; and when you go in to Kentucky, as I think you said it was your intention to do the coming Spring, I woidd thank you for investigating this subject fully, and for writing me a particular account of the Land, and what you suppose it is worth and would sell for, — ^whetiier they lye in or out of the settied part of the State — what the properties of the land are, — and whether the streams with which it is said to abound are fit for water works. — If they lye near your own lands I could wish to receive the details from your own view of them, and observation thereon. —

My love to Mrs. Lewis, in which your aunt and the family join, concludes me your sincere friend and

afiectionate uncle To Gborgb Lbwis. Go. Washington.

i86 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Philadelphia, 17th. May, 1795. Sir,

I have received your letter of the 8th. inst. — and if writings drawn strictly conformable to the spirit of the instructions contained in the enclosed letter to Charles Lee, Esqr. (left open for your perusal) will answer yoiu" views in the purchase of my land on DifiKcult run they may be prepared by him, and sent to me for the sig- nature on my part. — tor the other hand adhering as strictly as I do to the principle on which I set out, does not meet jraur approbation, be so good as to return the letter and deeds therein, & the receipt of them will not be less acceptable than the first named writings.

You will perceive by these instructions, that not a stick of timber, wood, coal or ore (if any should be on tiie land) is to be removed therefrom, until the purchase money is paid.— This may be interpreted (at first view a rigid clause; inasmuch as the ground which may be cleared, & the timber which may be cut for fencing & otiier purposes, might afford more firewood that tiie immediate demand of the farm m^ht require; — this may be true, but it does not follow that it will be lost if corded. — ^To husband it therefore (while I retain an interest in the land) ; to avoid all inducement to fell it, faster than the farm may require; — and to avoid all ground for dispute. — in a word, not to lessen the value of the property until it is actually gone from my use my motives to this precaution especially, as the removal from off the land of a timber tree or two or a few cords of wood might give rise to a magnified pale which might induce investigation; & be productive of tmpleasant sensations : — ^to avoid which is more desirable than to apply a remedy.

I am Sir, Your Obedient Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Mr, John Gill.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 187

Philadblpbia, 17th. May, 1795. Dear Sir,

Mr. Gill (of Alexandria) and I, have been in treaty some tiaie for a small tract of land which I hold in Loudotm County on DifBcult run, at the bridge on the Leesburgh road. — If be will ^ree to the following terms from the spirit of which there will be no departure — such writings as will subserve both of our purposes, I pray jrau to draw. —

ist. For him to hold the land by lease, for the term of ten years, to commence from the date of tiie instrument for the use and occupation of which he is to pay in coin of the United States, or other money current at the time, & equivalent thereto, four hundred and thirty three dollars and a third yearly, and every year during the contin- uance of the said lease, at the Bank of Alex- andria, for which a check is to be given. — snd. If any part of the said sum of 433^ shall be be- hind, or tmpaid in manner aforesd, thirty days after the same shall become due, it shall & may be lawful (and optional for me to re-enter and take possession of the premises as if no such lease had ever been granted, — and if property shouldn't be found th^-eon adequate to the rent, recourse in the ordinary mode may be resorted to for recovery of the same. — 3rd. That not a timber tree— stick of wood, coal made therefrom — or ore, if any be on tiie land, shall be removed therefrom under any pretense whatsoever ; or used otherwise than for the pur- poses of the premises. 4th. That for the support and benefit of the same, there shall be left standii^ on the said tract, at the expiration of the lease a fourth part, at least, of the wood.

i88 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

5th. It is understood and agreed, and the parties accordingly are to bind themselves as follow — viz.— John Gill, his heirs Scca. to pay to George Washington his heirs &ca. o« or at any time be- fore the expiration of the aforementioned tenn of ten years, the sum of Six thousand, six htm- dred and sixty six dollars, & two thirds of a dollar, in the manner aforementioned ; — and for surety thereof is to give his own bond if suffici- ent penalty. — In consideration of which pay- ment, well and truly performed George Wash- ington, or his heirs &c. is to convey, in fee simple, the aforesaid tract ; and tiie rent thence- forward is to cease, & determine. —

6th. Where by Deeds of lease & release from the Revd. Mr. Fairfax to me, the stream of Diffi- cult run is made the boundary between the land thus conveyed, and land conveyed by Deed from (space in original) to on the other, or lower side of the run whereas by the last mentioned deed, a straight line is called for as the boundary be- tween the two tracts, which may, accoidi^ to circumstances, occasion a diminution in the qtiantity of my land; now it is understood and agreed, (be tlus as it may) that no alteration, consequent thereof, is to take place in the rent, or in the purchase money of this tract: for by the tract and not by the acre, I sell it. — ^The Deed from Mr. Fairfax to me specifies two hundred & seventy five acres only: Just by a resurvey, if I recollect rightly, it measiues Three hundred & three acres, — ^but I mean to give no other war- rants than I have received of it; — and from this, to accept what might be involved in dispute by the different lines, & so I would have it

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 189

expressed, in order to avoid a controversy

yfiih great esteem and r^iard

I am— Dear Sir, Your Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. To Charles Lbb, Esqr.

Philadelphia, 35th. May 1795.

With much sensibility I received your polite letter of the 35th. of March from Kingston. —

I tliank you, Sir, for the plants which are mentioned in the list which accompanied it — ^Presumii^ they ar- rived at Norfolk with the letter, I have requested a gentleman of my acquaintance at that place to forward them to my Garden at Mount Vernon on the Potomack River, near Alexandria, Virginia, and I feel myself particularly obliged by the offer to supply me with other plants for the Botanical gardens in Jamaica.

When my situation will allow me to pay more at- tention than I am able to do at present, to situations of this kind, which combine utility, ornament and amuse- ment — I shall certainly avail myself of the liberty you have autliorized me to take, in requesting a small supply of such exotics, as, with a little aid may be re- conciled to the climate of my garden. — In the mean- time, I will cause inquiry to be made for the plants which are required for your gardeii at L^uanea £^ree- ably to the list of Mr. Wiles.—

I am, Sr Your Obedt. Hble. Servt.,

G. Washington. To Farlib Christie, Esqe.

Philadelphia, June a7th., 1795. Sir, Had the terms on which I offered you my land in

I90 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Payette county been complied with on your part, the ba^ain, as I informed you in my letters, would have been conclusive on mine. — But this not being done, and the end of June likely to be as reproductive as the first of it, of the payment which was tiien to have been made, I conceive myself under no obligation to fulfil the offer I made you on the 14th of January last, of the above- mentioned land. — Nevertheless, if by the first day of August next you shall pay One thousand pounds Pennsylvania curry, with interest thereon down the first day of Jtme — and interest on the remaining sum from that &st of June agreeably to the former pro- posals, in the letter above mentioned — and do, more- over pay up all arrearages of Rent (on account of which I learn from Colo. Cannon, to my very great surprise, much is due) the conveyance wUl be made to you in the same manner as if payment had, according to agreement, taken place on the first of this month. — If it is not, I do hereby declare, that the former agreement & the present offer, will be considered as null and void, to all interests and purposes, as much so, as if no ne- gotiation bad ever taken place between us for the said land. —

Witii esteem & regard I am — Sir

Your Very Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Colo. Israel Shreve.

Philadelphia, 28th June, 1795. Sir,

Business, and otiier circumstances, have prevented my acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 33d. of April until now, that I do it by Mr. Ross. —

I have seen Colo. Cannon, and in strong terms have represented to him the impropriety of his delay in fur- nishing you with a statement of tiie concerns between

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 191

(him in my behalf) and the tenants in the counties of Pajrette & Washington, & in not making a final settle- ment of all the accounts between us.— If any depen- dence can be placed in his assurances, he would as soon as he returned home be ready to render his accotmts, and give in this statement which has been reqtiired of him — ^but he is continually reducing the Rents tmder pretence of allowing for improvements. — This, to be sure, is singular enough, forfencing &ca. of plantations or farms which have been settled fifteen or tv/eaty years. — If the tenants on Dogue run have carried wheat to Colo. Cannon's mill, it behoves them to receive payment for it, and therewith to discharge their rents to you; for I shall look to them and not to him, from whom I can get nothii^ without more troutde than it is worth — and who ought not to have concerned himself with tiie business after it was put in your hands which are due after that period. — ■

lb would be well to ascertain what is due from Colo. Shreve on accoimt of Rent as soon as possible for he will receive no conveyance of the lands on which he Hves tmtil all the arrears due thereon (as well as the first payment of the purchase money) are paid up.

Havi:^ experienced more losses than profit in col- lecting the rents of the lands in the counties before mentioned. It is my intention to sell both tracts if I can obtain what I conceive to be my worth of them as leases therefore might impede the sale, I am not dis- posed at this time, under these cirounstances to give any. — ^Among the papers which were deposited in the hands of C^Io. C^aimon, were copies of the Surveys of my lands on the Ohio & great Kanhawa; — if these should have been received by you, I request that they may be given, or by some safe convejrance sent to Colo. Ross your Senator. — ^And I pray you to write me, as so(m as you can, what state my business is in with the

igj LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Tenants — ^what sum you have actually received on account of Rent — what you have a prospect of soon receiving — and what is due. — In short, I wish to know what the real situation of my afEairs, as they respect these tracts is. —

I do not know of any business which the United States have, at the time that requires Surveyors, nor likely to be until a land ofi&ce is opened, whether this will happen I know no more than you do. ZamSir

Your very Hble. Servt. To Hr. Cras. Mobgan. G. Washington.

Philadblphia, loth July, 1795. Sir,

Your letter of the 9th of March, and the works which accompanied it, I have had the pleasure to read — but not that of seeing Mr. Wilson ; who either from his own engagem e nts, or knowledge he obtained of mine, must have been prevented from calling. — ^For the books I thank you. —

You much over rate any civilities which chance may have enabled me to show you in thecourse of the War between Great Britain and this country. The view which you are to tal^ of the latter, is flattering to it. — I hope it will deceive none who may turn their atten- tion hitherward. —

I have the honor to be Sir Yr.Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. To Gbnl. Norman McLedd.

(Private) Philadelphia 7lii. Peby. 1796

Dear Sir

I am glad to find by the last letter which we have received from our friend in the Federal City that you

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 193

had recovered from the indispositioa ihe proceeding ones announced.

You will perceive by the enclosed advertisement, that I am making an essay to accomplish what I com- municated to you in confidence when I was last in Virginia. — I call it an essay because I have no sanguine expectation of ameliorating the plan so far as to carry it into complete effect in tiie course of next year.— If I can succeed so far as to be enabled to give up the Dower negros of all, and at terms below what impartial me, & shall say their hire is worth, it will amount to the full extent of my expectation, and this I would wish to accomplish before the other part of my plan is at- tempted: — and quite enough it will be, when it is con- sido^ how mudi the Dower Negros and my own are intermarried and the former with the neighboring Negros, to part whom will be an affecting and trying afEair, happen when it will. — For which, and other rea- sons, I wish no mention to be made thereof until the way is a little more open ; — ^until I see what eflEect the adver- tisement will have; — I shall soon tell frcrai these devel- opements. I shall be able to take more decisive measures;— or in other words, then I shall be able to support myself without these aids. — If I can accom- pli the first part of the plan, in any manner tolerably convenient & satisfactory to all that are interested in it, I certainly will do it. — ^The whole part must depend in some measmc on the succedaneum; & an elibable mode of carrying it into effect. — The current of my wishes is stronger to the second than to the first part of the plan, but reasons of a political — indeed of im- perious nature must make it a posterior operation.

Among other reasons for promulgating, as exten- sively as I mean to do, the renting of my farms, is the expectation that some of the Gazettes in which the advertisement is inserted, will find their way into

c

194 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Eo^and or Scotland, and may induce such associations as are therein alluded to, to fonn and come out, tor I have no idea of frittering up the farms, for the accomo- dation of our country farmers, whose knowledge — practice at least — centres in the destruction of the land, and very little beyond it. I neither expect nor desire that associations from either England or Scot- land would form and come out hap-hazaid ; but such associations might send a confidential person to espy the land. — and report to them: and if it should fah. in your way to su^^t anything of this sort to any of the British merchants* of your acquaintance as from yourself, I shoiild be obliged to you. — I shall in less than a week, or on this day week, commimicate the terms on which these forms (will be let to M. S. Faar- say (?) )

I find by .our last letters from the Federal dty that Betsey Custis has cast her lot — very much she says, to her own satisfaction — ^having given it due we^ht and consideraticm in every point of view she could place the matter so, of course disparity in age could not have escaped. — ^Mr. Law, so far as I have obtained any knowledge of his character, is a respectable man and much esteemed, — and is reputed to be wealthy: — but he is a stranger, and may, at least in a degree, be an Agent, for which reasons, I. think prudence requires, and as a man of honor he cannot refuse, to make a settlement upon her previous to marriage; — of her own fortime, if no mor^ C^ Speaking on this subjfct, it renuncb me of another, which has anology to it; — that is — ^in allotting to Mr. Thomas Peter the Negros who fell to the share of his wife had you adverted to the drcumstanoe, that Mrs. Washington's Dower Negros (which were hired to her father) were not to have been among those to a share of whom she has any datm? — If you did not.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 195

and they assisted to fonn the aggregate, of which the division was made, the proceeding was either wrong, or I am imder a misconception ^ the right of Washington Custis. — I surest the quest for informa- tion, ist as to the fact — next, if the case has happened, as to the right, then if a mistake has happened, the sooner it is rectified the bett^^ — With great esteem and regard, I am Dear Sir

Your affectionate G. Washington. David Stuart, Esq.

*In Alexandria or Dunfries only, I mean. To David Stuart, Esq., 7th. Feb. 1796. P

Philadblphia, 14th. NovT., 1796. Sir,

Your letter of the 9th, has been duly received. — When I authorized Mr. Pearce to sell my Soar, I limited him to the largest credit the circumstances of my own concert would enable me to give, consistently with my own wants & the arrangements I had contemplated. — To extend the credit ninety days longer, would not only damage my own plans — but, as the same causes will always produce the same effects, — at the end of ninety days, a further indulgence might be required. —

It is from the produce of this flour that Mr. Pearce himself; — all the Overseers, — and a variety of other incidental expences, are to be paid. — It is, and ever has been a rule with me, never to suffer a man to look for a just debt without receiving payment; — and before I left home (repeating it since) in very strong terms, I have directed Mr. Pearce to settle with every one, and pay to t^e last farthing I owe; that there may be no after claim when he is gone, either upon his successor or myself. I mention these facts and circumstances, to show you how inconvenient it will be for me to comply with your request.

196 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Nevertheless, being unwilling to distress anyone, if it be possible to avoid it, I shall direct Mr. Pearce in the letter. I am about to write to him, to say. to ascertain the aggr^ate sum reqtured, to pay the demands upon him, on my account, and if you wUl give him the most & equivocal surety of paying it on, or before the 34th of December (that he may have time between that and the first of January to clear himself out;) and will give xmquestionably security also that the residue shall be paid on or before the first day of March. — ^both sums carrying interest from the day they have become due until paid that he may fix the matter with you agree- ably thereto. I cannot forbear aiding, however, that the receipt of the whole sum, on the day it becomes due, would be infinitely more pleasing to me. but if this can- not be, you are to expect no favor from me in case of a second disappointment. —

lam — Sir,

Your Very Hble. Servt. To Mr. Albxr. Smith. G. Washington.

[Philadelphia] Tuesday, 27th. Deer., 1796. (Private) Dear Sir,

I am sorry to bear that your cold is obstinate, & your indisposition continues.

If it will permit you to give a little attention to the Virginia address, to day, that it may be dispatched by the Post of tomorrow, I would thank you. —

In the moment I received it, I sketched something by way of an anoner, but whether I have therein said too much, or too little for the circumstances attending the address, — or whether those circumstances ought to have the least influence in the reply (notwithstanding as you will perceive by the Gazette enclosed, & which I request may be returned, what the temper of the State

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 197

is relative to the Administration) is probtamatical : — Therefore, and because you are better acqtiainted with the L^islature of politics of Virginia than I am I would be guided by 3raur advice and accordingly, if your health will aUow it, I should be obliged to you for an entire new draught of an answer, on such unreserved corrections of the one sent as you may think is per- fectly applicable to the case — civil & unexceptionable. — I wish you better health and am your sincere friend and Affectionate Servant

G. Washington. P. S. If you are luiable to attend to this matter, pray send the papers back by the bearer. To Arnr. Genl. Charles Lee, Esqe.

[Philadelphia] January 13th., 1797. Dear Sir,

For want of a Memo, from the Overlooker of my Carpenters (which I thoi^ht I had brought with me from Mount Vernon) I am imable to furnish an accurate Bill of the Plank & Scantling my purposes require; — but as the former of these never comes amiss to me, I would enage 5000 feet <

2500 Do of I } & Vas fi%e as possible from 'sap. 1000 Do ( " ' and should be glad to know from the person in whom you cotild most confide, whether upon receiving a Bill of Scantling & an additional 9 ft. of Plank, after I re- turn home, I could be supplied therewith, — delivered at Mount Vernon, & in how short a tame after receiving tiie said Bill. — ^With very great esteem & r^ard I am— Dear Sir

Your Obedt. Servant

G. Washingtok. To The HoNBLB. John Hbnrt

t of Inchl of 1 1 & >a • of I } )

198 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Philadelphia, 5th. Feb., 1797. Mr. Anderson, ■

Your letter of the ist. instant, with the weekly re- ports are received. —

If all thaX part of the new road from l^e causay to the white gates is completed and fit for use, it has gone on better than I expected; and makes me wish more that the other part was done ; that the whole might be fit for use against my return, but I do not desire it to be attempted to the injury of more important work. —

When Davy is about the fencing at Muddy Hole, let that part on which the gate is (going into the farm) be continued in a straight line, as it now nms, until it strikes the new road, and then in a parallel line there- with, until it joins the fence again on the hill, before it reaches the causay after which, to run as it now does to- wards No. 6, when over that part of it shall be repaired.

The method you propose, to get the Peas, from Mr. Lawson Carter, is much better than sending all the distance by land, in the state the roads now are, & will be tmtil they are well settled after frosts are entirely over. — But notwithstanding these peas as promised by that gentleman, I would not have you be too san- guine of the receipt of them, tmless you should receive from him, positive assurance thereof — the quantity — and when, and how they are to be obtained. —Of course, it may not be amiss to devise, in time, what is to be done in case of failtue. —

I consent to your cultivating in com the field at Dc^ue run which is mentioned in yoiu: letter, and leave the whole arrangement, of the crops at Union farm to your own judgment, but you have not attended to the quantity in that part of Va. which lyes between the meadow, mill road lane going into the Bam therefrom, if you suppose it contains 80 acres.— it will amount to more than 50 at most. —

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 199

In clearing that piece of Mill swamp adjoinii^ the road (and I am glad you have undertaken it) do not think it too much of smgle trees th^^by stripping it of both shade & ornament. — I am perfectly satisfied of the great quantity of ground I have, capable of being ccm- verted into good meadow and have wished always to do it — ^but, these wishes (and being so much from home) have not met the means of accomplishment.

Grain harrowed in, certainly looks better in Autumn, than that which is planed ; — but in land which is apt to heave (or spew as it is called) the moulderings on the ridges when ploughed, gives, as is supposed, fresh earth and nourishment to the roots and therefore is pre- ferred by many farmers — experience only, in such soils, can alone decide the question. —

I shall be able to ascertain on good conjectural grotmds what may be expected for flour & will let you know when, and at what price to sell. — ^In the mean- time keep me advised of the prices of that article in Alexandria.

As spades, shovels, scythes, nails, nail rods — Iron plates for the mould boards of ploughs — Bar iron & most other things can be had upon better terms here than in Alexandria — & as I must engage a vassal to carry my furniture round — ^let me know the qiKintily, & sorts of each of these articles that will be wanted—^ any others and I will endeavour to provide them. — Do you not want Riddles for gleaning grain &ca. — How many and of what d^rees of fii^ss?

Send me the sizes of the four rooms on the lower floor (at Mount Vernon) which open into the passage.

Have you Buck Wheat for Seed? althot^h my at- | tempts, hitherto, to raise it as a crop, and for a green dreeing have never answered my expectations, yet I am very willing it should undergo further trials.

I think of nothing more, at present, necessary to

20O LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

add — ^but wishing you well in all ycmr plans I remain Your friend

G. Washington. To Mr. Jahbs Anderson.

Philadelphia, 6th. Feb., 1797. Dear Sir,

Tlie 3d of March which is fast approachii^, will put an end to my political career; and I shall have another to commence through mud & mire, to reach more tranquil scenes at Mount Vernon. — ^This I shall do without delay, or attempt it at least, be the roads in what condition, they may, at that time. —

To enable me to accomplish this jotuney, with such baggage as I do not incline to risk by water, I shall want a pair of stroi^ horses that axe true & steady to the draught fera waggon, lighter than a coachee, to carry some trunks (not heavy) at the rate we shall tauvel, which must be soon.

Would you oblige me so far as to male this purchase, and to have the horses in this City by the fi^t day of March? — I should prefer Mares, and wish tliem to match in (any) colour. — ^They ought not to exceed Six, or at any rate seven years old next spring — ^nor ought they to be under fifteen hands high. — ^As they will be put to the Ploi^h, or Waggon, after I get them home. I should prefer cheapness to appearance; & the reason why I mention Mares instead of Geldings, is, that Mules may be bred from them afterwards — but I must take either.

Be so good as to let me know, without delay, whether I can, or cannot, place certain dependence on you for the purchase, & having them here by the time before mentioned. — ^The money shall be paid on delivery; or if required, shall be sent to you before; for the purpose of instant payment. —

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 301

I will offer no apol(^y for giving you this trouble, be- cause I persuade myself you are disposed to serve me in it.

With esteem I am — Dear Sir

Your Obedt. Servt

G. Washington. P. S. Let me request the favor of you to have the steadiness of the horses to the draught proved, before they are sent here ; — for to be plagued with them on the road would be dreadful — To Mr. Matthias Slough.

PmLABBLPHiA, Feb. 7, 1797. Dear Sir,

The enclosed is the copy of a letter I wrote you agree- ably to the date; but as it was to take its chance from the stage office, and letters by private conveyances do not always get to their destination, I trouble you with a duplicate; as well on that account, as becatise I find my journey home requires the purchase of a third horse, or Mare, for the draught. —

This third one, must, in every respect, be confor- mable to the description of the last one except (as it is to go with three others which I have) that it ought to be a bay, and of somewhat better ^ure. — For tiie reason mentioned in my last, I should prefer, greatly. Mares; and if they were to be here befOTe tiie first of March (that they might be exercised togeUier, & with breast plates instead of collars) it would be desirable. —

At any rate let me hear from you as soon as con- venient that I may know what to depend upon. — Vfith esteem & regard,

I am — Dear Sir —

Yr. Obedt Servant

G. Washington. To Mr. Matthias Slough.

303 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Philadelphia, 27th Feb. 1797. Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 23d. inst. was delivered to me yesterday morning by Mr. Root, who also delivered the Mares & horse. — ^The latter being too clumsy about the head & l^s to suit my carri^^e horses, and too high in price for a common plough horse, I return him ; since, as you say, no inconvenience will attend it. — I must now, as I expect to leave this in ten days, depend upon purchasing a horse, or Mare in this Ci^ or ne^hbour- hood. — ^You will please therefore to talre the price of the Mares, and whatever incidental expenses have been in- curred in getting them and the horse here, out of the Six himdred Dollars sent you. — I have paid Mr. Root notbii^, as you did not mention, in your letter, on what terms he was to bring them down: — ^whatever you do in this case will be satisfactory to me. —

I am very sensible of tiie pohte attentions of the Inhabitants of Lancaster, as expressed by you ; but as I am anxious to get home, and shall have almost as far to it from that Borough as from hence, and the Road after quitting the Ttun pilK very little better, I shall pursue tiie most direct & usual rout to obtain the end. — ^For the good wishes you" have expressed for me, on the anniversary of my birth, I pray you to accept the best thanks of

Dear Sir

Your Obedt. Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Mr. Matthias Slough.

Mount Vernon, 12th June 1797 Dear Sir,

If you have had leisure to examine my unimproved lot in Alexa, more attentively, and have digested any plan in your own mind for an advantageous

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 303

division of it, I would thank you for the result, as I wish to fix on a Plan.

I was informed, when in Town last, that Mr. Voss (I think the name is) would give i8d. a sqr. yard for the earth to tasks bricks — & that he would not deface, or injure the lot in doing so. — ^What is your opinion on this point? —

Mr. Anderson has engaged me in a distillery, on a small scale, and is very desirous of increasing it: — 1 assuring me from his oum experience in this country, | & in Europe that I shall find my acct. in it; partic- | ularly in the benefits my stock would derive from it.— The third is new to me, in toto; but in a distillery of another kind (Molasses) you must have a good general knowledge of its profits, — & whether a ready sale / of the Spirit is to be calculated on from grain (prin- cipally to be raised on my own forms) and the o^ of my mill. I therefore have taken the liberty of asking : your opinion on the proposition of Mr. Anderson. — \ Such a house as he requires, except the Stiles, I could ' provide at a small expenditure. —

With very great esteem & regard I am — Dear Sir Your aflEecte.

G. Washington. Colo. John Fitzgerald.

MouHT Vbrnon, 14 June, 1797. Revd. Sir,

It is with r^ret I find myself voider the necessity of becoming an apologist for others.

Until lately I had no other expectation, or wish, tiian that the two misses (my nieces ^ cousin to each other) were preparing for their joxuney to & establishment at Bethlehem. — But I am informed that one of them (Maria Washington) on whose acct. the first applica-

304 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

tion was made, is in very declining health (in short that she is in a consumption) and the before adjudged by her Aunt, with whom she lives, is unfit for the charge which had been contemplated and as a principal inducement to the other's (daughter to Colo. Bab) going was that they might continue blether, I have been advised (both livii^ at a considerable distance from me) that, under the drctunstances I have related, it is not intended now, to send either.

I hope, as it always appeared to me that your con- sent to admit tiiese girls at the time you did — the School being full — ^was matter of favour, for which I felt the obltgatioa, that no inconvenience will result from the change which has taken place. With very great esteem & respect, I am Rev. Sir

Yr. Obedt & Obliged HWe. Servt. G. Washington. To Mr. Jacob Van Vleck.

Mount Vernon 35th Jime 1797 Dear Sir,

Your favor of the nth. of Feb: and a duplicate thereof, have been duly received, and I pray you to accept my best thanks for the trouble you have had in tracing to its origin, the history of the Sword which came to my hands last year in the manner communi- cated in a former letter, — ^As it is more than probable you will have left Holland before this letter can be received I shall give you no fiuther trouble in the a&ir than merely to inform you that I have never seen, or heard more of Alte than the accotmt given of him in your letter of the above mentioned date. —

I am now, as you supposed the case would be when you then wrote, seated under my Vine & Fig-tree; where, while I am permitted to enjoy the shade of it,

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 205

my vows will be continually offered for the welfare & prosperity of our country; and for the support, ease & honor of the Gentleman to whom the administration and its concerns are entrusted. — I have expressed to ham my sentiments, & wished that you may be induced to continue the Diplomatic line; and these sentiments and wishes, are the result of the general conviction of its utility, as it relates to the public interest. —

For the tdnd expression which yon have extended to me, for the approbation of those sentiments I have the honor of subscribing to my countrymen tmsought Valedictory, I have a grateful sense. I thank you for communicating then, the approbation of good & wishes, which is the most pleasing reason my mind is suscep- tible of, for any service it has been in my power to render my Country.

With great truth & sincerity, I have the honor to be Dear Sir

Your most Obed. & Affec. G. Washington, John Quinct Asaus, Esqr.

MotTMT Vbrhoh, 36th. June, 1797. Sir,

From the good report I have had of your improved threshing machine, I am desirous of getting one or two of them erected, and as expediously as possible. —

The Scanelii^ for two, upon the Plan of Mr. Jeffer- son & others, of the Scotch machine, had been got be- fore I received the account of yours; and may, I pre- sume, be appropriated to the latter. The purpose therefrom of this letter, is to know if you would under- take to erect mine, — so, if your otiier engagements should prevent your personal attendance, whether a person in whose knowledge & skill in tiie matter, you cd. place entire confidence, could be sent;— or, lastly

2o6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

whether you could spare time to make me a visit for the purpose of directing my own Carpenters (six or 7 in number, & some of them competent to follow any di- rection) to proceed to the execution, and for which die compensation would be made you.

I must beg the favour of a speedy answer (by Post to Alexandria) that I may know what I have to rely on; for if I cannot have them erected upon your plan in a short time, I shall proceed upon the one I had at first contemplated, so desirous am I of getting my Wheat out early. —

lam — Sir

Your Obedt. Hble. Servt. G. Washington. To Mr. William Booker.

Mount Vernon, 26th Jime,i797. Dear Sir,

When you informed me that Mr. Booker was erect- ing a threshii^ machine for one Gentleman in your neighbourhood, I expressed a wish tiiat he would come hither, but intended before we parted to have been more pointed in my request on this head, but your trip to the Federal City and early departure the morning after you returned, were the occasions of my forgetting to do so. —

Let me nowask thefavourof you, if Mr. Bookerisat the place you supposed he wotdd be, to endeavour to eng^:e him to proceed (and at as early a moment as he can make it convenient) to this place ; if it was only for the purpose of directing my people, if he could not him- self remain to see the execution, how to proceed; — The cantling for one of the Scotch machines being al- ready prepared, wants only a director to make the al- terations, " put it together. — ^Por his time, and trouble he shall be paid. — At any rate, if this letter should get

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ao?

to yoax hands, let me know what dependence I can have on Mr. Booker. —

I have disosvered many of the Hassian flies in my Wheat since you left this; but their attack of it was made too late to do it much injury ; but as they may be considered as the harbingers of those that are to come, I am imder considerable apprehensions from this threat- ened calamity. — I began my Wheat on Thursday last, and find the growth good, however short the crop may be. —

Present otir love to Mrs. Carter and be assured of the great esteem & affectionate regard of Dear Sir

Your Obedient Hble. Scrvt.

G. Washington. To Charles Carter, Esq.

Mount Vbrhon, 26th Junet 1797. Dear Sir,

Until last week, I had no suspicion that the Hassian fly was among my Wheat, but upon examination I found there were many. — They have come too late this year, however, to do me much damage; but as I view them as the harbingers of those who will visit me next year, I would guard, as far as it may be in my , power, against the threatened evil. — (

Permit me therefore to ask, if from your own ex- perience, or ftxrai that of others on what you can rely it is ascertained whether Rye or Barley (Winter or Summer) is liable to this calamity? — In the coimtry above me, the Wheat, I am informed, entirely de- stroyed (in places) by this fly and from the appearances of them among mine it is but too probable it would be the case with mine next year, if I do not substitute other grain in its place, — But what grain is the impor< tant question f Axe oats affected by these flies ?

ao8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Where this calamity has not visited the Wheat the grain is remarkably fine, and the quality not to be heard of. — ^Present me, if you will do it in respectful terms to Hrs. Peters thereto with the compliments of Mrs. Wash- ington. — ^With great esteem & r^ard I am— Sir Your Affectione. & Hble. Servant,

G. Washington. To RiCHO. Peters, Esq.

Mount Vernon, July 2, 1797. Dear Sir,

I have been in continual expectation of hearing that Colo. Shreve had deposited the amount of his second instalment in the BasOc of Pennsylvania, agreeably to contract; but as a month has elasped since it m^ht to have be^i done and no account of a payment there — and as it has been usual with him to offer these in driblets — ^by anybody — at any time — & in any manner — r^;ardless of his obligation thereby deprivii^ me of the advantage of counting upon the money at the period when it becomes due which was a principal in- ducement to the sale I have enclosed you his Bond with a request that would put it suit, or take such other measures to obtain payment at his cost as you shall deem expedient.— Below is the sums which have actually been reed. The Instalments. — ^My best re- spects are presented to Mrs. Ross, & with very great esteem & r^ard — I am always, Dr. Sir

Yr. Obedt. Hble. Servant. G. Washington. To the Hon. Jas. Ross, Esq.

Mount Vernon 3d July 1 797 Dear Sir

Not believing that Congress would adjourn so soon as scmie expected ;— and hoping that Colo. Sbrave would

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 209

not lay me under the necessity of putting bis Judgment Bond in suit, I have forborne tmtil now, to send it to Mr. Ross for that purpose. — But as I believe he is one of that description of men who have very little idea of punctuality;— and as my wants require all my re- sources, I have now forwarded it imder cover to you : — but request that you woidd be so good before the letter which encloses it is handed to Mr. Ross, to enquire at the Bank of Pennsylvania if Shreve, or anyone in his behalf, has deposited therein for my use the sum of about two thousand dollars. — In case this is done, I pray you to return to me my letter to Mr. Ross. — If there be no deposit, then to give, or send it to that Gentleman by a safe conveyance. —

By the public Gazettes, two things seem to be cer- tain : — ^Preliminaries between France & Austria of Peace, and a dangerous Crisis in England. — ^A third however is necessary to give tranquility to this country, and that is actual Peace between the latter & France. Whether that woiild produce harmony is at least problematical, for I am sure the views of some amcmg us would not be promoted by such an event.

The letter for Colo. Biddle I would thank you for sending to him — ^present me, & the family to Mrs. WcJcott, — and be assured always of the esteem & friendship of

Your affectionate

Go. Washington. Olitbr Wolcott, Jr. Esqr.

Mount Vbrnon 7th July 1797 Dear Sir,

Your letter of the ist, instant was tnxitight to me by the last post. —

The Journals of the ist. snd. & 3rd Sessions of the first Congress, I have, & no later. — These are in folio —

aio LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

one voltune of the Senate, and another of the House of Representatives. — If no complete set can be had, either in folio or octavo, it would be useless to obtain a copy of what I now possess ; but if they are to be con- tinued in the latter, and an entire set could be had of that size, it would be fa^erred on account of uni- formity. —

Please to accompany the copying press with the account of cost, & the amt. shall be transmitted in Banknotes. —

With great esteem & regard I remain — Dear Sir Your Obedient & AfEecte. Servt. G. Washington. Colo. Timothy Pickering. —

Mount Vernon, 7th July, 1797. Sir,

Your letter of the 3d instant from Richmond was reed, by the last Post, and I embrace tomorrow's mail, the first since its arrival, to thank you for your atten- tion to my request; — to inform you that I shall be much pleased to see you here between the 20th & 27th according to promise; — and that the scantling got for the old shall either be accommodated to the new thrash- ing machine, or other provided by the time above mentioned: — and will have the Iron, and everything else ready to avoid delay which cannot well happen as I have half a dozn. Carpenters, & blacksmiths of my own.^

Should anything happen (wch. I hope will not) to prevent you from being here at the appointed time, be so good as to inform. —

Yr. Most Obedt. Servant

G. Washington. To Mr. Willm. Booker.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON »ii

Mount Vernon, loth. July, 1797. De<^ Sir,

By the last Post I was honotiTed with your obser- vations "on the disputes between the United States and Prance" and for your polite attention in sending them to me I pray you to accept my best acknowledg- ments. —

Being cm the point of celebrating Harvest home, I I must be allowed, as a Farmer, to malce every other ^ matter yield to the accomplishment thereof, — that ' being over, the Pamphlet, I am persuaded, will be read with edification and pleasure by Dear Sir

Your Obedt. Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To RoBT. GooDLBB Harper, Esq.

Mount Vernon nth July 1797. Sir,

Inclosed you will receive a copy of the courses and distances of my tract of 7276 acres of Land on the Great Kanhawa, adjoining Poketallico Creek.

I am obliged to you for giving me the offer of 2000 acres of your land in that quarter, but my own want of money induced me to sell two tracts of near 5000 acres in the Coimties of Washington and Fayette in the State of Pennsylvania for much less than the real value of them. — ^but

If you are going to the Kanhawa, and it should fall readily in your \ra.y of do it, I would thank you for information, when you return, of the situation, or rather circumstances, tmder which my lands on that River are, for I am totally in the dark respecting them. I am-Sir-Yr. Obedt. Hble. Servt.

Go. Washington. Mr. Jno. W. Bronaugh.

313 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vbrnon, 15 July, 1797. Sir.

Since my last to you, dated in Philadelphia the 6th. of March, I have been hcmoured with yours and Lord Hawkes joint favour of the aStb. of March 1796 in- troductoiy of Doctr. Scandella; who gave me the pleasure of bis company in June last, and whom I found a very sensible, and well informed man. —

I have also received your separate favours of the 2d. / of February and 29th. of March, in the present year: \ The last accompanying your printed account of the I origin of the Board of Agriculture and its progress for ) the three years after its establishment. — For your )kindness in forwarding of them, I pray you to accept my best tiianks.—

I will keep one copy of this work myself, and shall read it, I am sure with pleasure, so soon as I have passed throi^h my harvest, which is now nearly fin- ished ; — the other copies shall be put into such hands as I conceive will turn them to the best account.

Your not having, in either of the letters acknow- ledged above, mentioned the receipt of two from me, dated the loth. & nth. of Deer. 1796, — ^the last a private and very long (me, fills my mind with appre- hension of a miscarriage, although I do not see how it should have happened, as they went with several other letters under cover to Mr. King (our Minister in Lon- don) who in a letter to me, dated the 6th. of February following after giving inf ormatitm of what he had done with my other letters, adds " and as soon as Sir John Sinclair returns to town I will also deliver the letter ad- dressed to him. " —

Was it not for this information I should, by this con- veyance, have forwarded a duplicate. —

The result of my enquiries of Members of Congress att^iding the December Sessicm, varied so little from

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 213

the details I had the honour to give you concerning the prices of land as in my private letter of the iitb. of December as to render a second edition unnecessary. — The reduction however, in the price of our produce since last year, (flour having fallen from fifteen to Seven or eight dollars a barrel, and other articles in that proportion) may occasion a fall in the price of Lands. — ^A stagnation it has already produced — and I have been told a reduction also, in some of the latter sales. —

Our crop of Wheat this year from the best infor- mation I have been able to obtain, will be found very short, owing to three causes ; — an uncommon drought last autumn, — a severe winter with but littie snow to protect it, — and, which is a little more to be r^retted, — to what with us is denominated the Hessian fly which has spread devastation, more or less in all quarters nor has the latter Wheat escaped the rust. — ^The grain, however, except where the Rust appeared before it was hard is extremely fine. — ^We are equally unlucky in otir Oats, occasioned by a severe drought since the month of April.

With sentiments of high esteem and regard, I have the honor to be Sir,

Yr. Most Obedt. Hble. Servant To Sir John Sinclair G. Washington.

Mount Vbrnon, 17th. July, 1797. Sir,

My Overseers at Union and Dogue run Farms are endeavouring to play the same game they did last year — ^thatis to raise their wages; but as I am fully re- solved that to do it (especially as the price of produce is reduced a hundred pr. ct.) I am induced to ask you — as Clark who engaged with Mr. Craik is dead, & ex- pectation from that quarter is at an end if you could

214 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

recommend a person whom you know would suit me, for Union farm?

It is not impossible but that I may reduce the hands at Union farm & place it and Dogue nm Farm under the same Over par, — -but since in this case, I will not give more than Sixty pounds wages, with the usual al- lowances of Provisions. —

I shall insist upon a Dairies being attended to by the Overseers wife and that Fowls shall be raised for my Table: — ^And that nothing sold from the Farms for their benefit, as the w^es with the allowances of Pro- visions is all the man & his wife have to expect.

I would thank you for acknowledging Ibe receipt of tliis letter by the Post as socm as it gets to hand, tiiat I may be certain of its safe arrival: — and as soon after as possible, let me know (without absolutely engagii^ any one) what dependence I could place on you getting agoodman; with, or without a wife, butnottoo large a family. — ^It is necessEiry I should hear from you soon on this subject, as some are offering, & the season ftu: engaging good overseers is at hand. — j

I hope to hear your health is restores to you, and that your crops have been, and are likely to be good. My crop of Wheat is as good as I had any reason toex- pect, but the Hassian fly b^an just before harvest to cut it down. — ^Next year I expect their attack will be formidable & severe. — Could we base dependence on purchasing three or 4 htmdred bushels of Rye in yoiu- neighbourhood and at what jaice? —

I wish you & family well and am your friend & Hble. Servant

G. Washington.

P. S. The drotight is, and has been extremely se- vere upon us. — Com not half 1^ high. What will be the outcome if cut? To Mr. William Pearce.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 215

Mount Vbrnon aist July 1797 Dear Sir,

I again take the liberty of requesting that the letters herewith sent may accompany your dispatches to Mr. King — ^who I also hope will have the goodness to excuse the trouble I give him in this business, to insure the safety of the dispatches.

I hope I shall not have occasion to give either of you much more trouble in this way, as correspondencies of this sort were not of my seeking, and I have no dis- position to keep them up, except with Sir John Sinclair (President of the National Board of Agriculture) on Agricultural subjects. —

One of the last productions of this Gentleman I ' transmit to you, with a request that if the Plan of establishing a similar Board in these United States should be re-entered upon at the next Session of Con- gress, you would be kind enough to lay it before the ' Committee which may be appointed for the purpose of preparing that bxasiness. — I am always your Obedt. & Affecte.

Servt.

G. Washington. Colo. Timothy Pickering.

Mount Vbrnon, 33d. July, 1797. Dear Sir,

Receive my thanks for the information given in your letter of the 3d. of July, and for the offer you have obligingly made, of procuring for me, seed of the Yellow bearded wheat. —

Influenced by the opinion which prevailed some years since that that kind of Wheat would resist tiie Hassian fly I then procured seed of it, & have Irept my- self in stock ever since, to make use of it upon a larger scale, if occasion shd. render it necessary. And so

2i6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

well persuaded as t am that the attack of this insect will be severe next year, I shall reduce considerately, my seeding of Wheat the coining Autumn; and fill the deficiency with Rye, principally. — Of Wheat, however, I shall sow three kinds : — ^the early, or May wheat, as it is called here, in a small proportion — and the residue of the Yellow bearded, and a very fine white (also Wheat which X obtained last Pall from the mountains.

Soon after I wrote you last the Rust seized my Wheat, straw and a good deal injured the latter grain. And a severe drought which we have laboured under since April, until this day week, has rendered our crop of Oats extremely short & rendered our meadows scarcely worth cutting and till now, by a second fine rain yesterday, left no little hope of making Indian Com. —

Present me & Mrs. Washington in affectionate terms to Mrs. Peters, and be assured of the sincere esteem &

Dear Sir

Your Obedient & Hble Servt G. Washington. To Richard Pbtbrs, Esqr.

Mount Vernon 31 Jtily 1797 Dear Sir,

I did not expect that I should have had occasion to trouble you again relative to my administration of the estate of Colo. Thomas Colvill. — But the Gentleman who instituted the suit in the Chancery Court of this State informs me that it is indispensable that an affidavit of the Decree's having b«n published two months successively in an English paper (as appears prima facia to be required) should be returned — and he wishes much to possess the same by the next term, in March, early. —

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 217

Taking it for granted that the Decree has been pub- lished two months successively, I presume and hope there can be no difficulty in having it testified by the Editor of the paper in which it was inserted, and for- warded to me by duplicate.

Excuse me, I pray you, for giving you this trouble, and be assured alvrays of the high esteem and great regard of

Dear Sir— Your obliged & Obed. Servt- G. Washington. RuFus King, Esq.

Mount Vbrnon 7th Ai^ust 1 797 Sir,

I know nothing of the Bond of which you speak in your letter of the 4th. instant. — If any such is in my possession unsettied (of which by the bye) I do not believe; it must, by frequent shiftily and removals, have got so out of place as to render it impracticable for me to find, as there is no such bond where it ought to be, if I had it. — By my books, I find the account of Mr. Kirk thus stated

Dr. To balanceof yracct. cmmyMill Book;£58.7.ioi Cr. Settled by the assignment of a Bond of

Magee's 58. 7. lol

So far as my memory serves me, the Bond was inade- quate to discharge tiie above bale, with interest due thereon, — ^but as it was with difikulty I could get any thing, and this was likely to be the whole, it was taken & reod. as discharge, & the Bond given up; — ^for the name of Magee is not to be found in my Book of %. — I am Sir

Yr. Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. Mr. AacHD McLban.

2i8 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vbrnon, nth. Aug. 1797. Dear Sir,

Your favours of the aoth. ult. and 7th instant have both been received — the last yesterday. — >

If nothing happens to prevent it, I will dispatch a light cart (not being disposed to lead the calf the whole distance this warm weather for Mr. Lloyds present, and two or three sheep from Mr. Gough if he has of the sort I want, to dispose of. — ^The cart will leave this on Monday, and probably be at Baltimore on Tuesday. —

In the meantime, U you should perchance see Mr. Gough you would do me a favotir to ask if he has of the cape sheep kind one of which he would recommend for trading not the tnoad tail sherp is the kind I want — if he has a ram, and one or two ewe Lambs of his best I wotdd take, at his own price — If he has none my cart , would have no occasion to proceed there.

For your kind attention to my late request I pray you to accept my thanks — and with great esteem & r^ard — ^I am Dr. Sir

Yr. Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. To Nathl. Ramsay, Esq.

Mount Vbrnon, 13th. Aug., 1797. Sir,

Having occasion to s^id a light carriage to Balti- more, I have directed the person (Mr. Jno. Anderson of my Manager) who has charge of it, to call upon you & ' get a ram, and two ewe lambs of the Cape (broad tail) sharp if you have any to dispose of, & such as you would recommend for breeding. —

I want them on account of the mutton, and if the ram was of the size & ^e to serve a score or more ewes this season, it would be desirable. — If Mr. Anderson

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON a 19

succeeds in his application for these sheep, the cost of them shall be paid to your order on demand. I am Sir

Yoiu: Most Obedient and Very Hble. Servant, G. Washington. To Henry D. Gough, Esq.

Mount Vbrnon, 13th Augt, 1797. Dear Sir:

The bearer, Mr. Jno. Anderson, son of my Manager, (with a light carriage) is sent for the calf from the Eastern Shore, and the sheep mentioned in my last, if Mr. Gough has them to spare. — If you have not seen that Gentleman, and learnt that Anderson's going to him would be fruitless, he is directed to proceed with the letter of which he is possessed for Mr. Gough. —

I would thank you for caiising the enclosed adver- tisement to be inserted three times with the interval of a week between each the expence of which I will pay the Printer as soon as it is made known to me. — Mrs. Washington is greatly distressed & fatigued from the want of such a character as I am inviting. —

Does the Baltimore Telegraph come tmder the de- scription of a Democratic or Repub. ?— or what is its -ch^^cter & reputn.

With great esteem — I remain

Dr. Sir— Yr. Obedt. Servt. To Colo. Nathaniel Ramsbt. G. Washington.

Mount Vbrnon, 14th, Augt., 1797. Sir,

Your favor of the 17th ulto. came safe, but a good while after date. — For the sermons you had the good- ness to send me 1 pray you to accept my thanks. — The doctrine in them is sound, and does credit to the author. —

320 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

It does, indeed, give me pleasure to have such sen- timents as Mr. Curtis has expressed to you, transmit- ted to me; and it woiild render him and all his friends an acceptable service if in your letters to h im you would endeavor to stimulate his pride — to impress upon his mind the advantages to be derived from education and the wishes of his friends that he may turn out a finished scholar — and finally that this is no otherwise to be accomplished than by close application and a contin- uation at collie. —

To overcome an indolent temper, — amusements at present innocent but unprofitable and to excite him to exert the talent which he possesses — constitute the difficulty at present. — By & by, perhaps, bad example, or the advice of dissipated yotmg men, may increase it considerably. — He has, I know, a friendship and re- gard for you, and I am persuaded your opinion on these topics would have a happy effect. — WtOi esteem & re- gard,

lam Sir Your Most Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. To The Rbvd. Mr. Zachariah Lewis.

Mount Vernon 14th. August 1797 Dear Sir,

Not having anything to commimicate of sufficient moment to give you the trouble o£ receiving a letter from me, I have delayed until now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the loth. & 35th. Ulto. —

When I left Philadelphia, Mr. Lear and Mr. Dan- dridge who remained, were directed to dispose of my Household furniture (such parts I mean as were not packed for a remo^^ to this place) but from some misapprehension the ornaments of my dining Table, & some Plated bottle Coolers, were not disposed of as

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 321

was expected, but left in the care of Mr. McHenry (Secretary of War) subject to future orders, when they came away. —

I have now to request that you will receive these from him, and if you can, to dispose of them (one of the Ox)lers excepted, concerning which I will write to you sometime hence) on the best terms you can. — It is not probable that any one, imless the Presidt. or any of the foreign Ministers should be so disposed, would take the wkol^ of coiu^e to retail them, would be the most likely means of getting them off.

The articles you will receive, if I mistake not, will consist of two four bottle coolers. — ^A Platteau in nine pieces. — ^three large groups with glasses over them, two vases, and twelve small single figures of Porcelain.

The Invoice of the Platteaux I am unable, at present, to come at, but that of the figures is enclosed, as is the one which contains the cost of the Coolers which were never used — there being four, originally, and two were quite sufficient to answer my purposes. — I do not expect, notwithstanding they are new, that the one offered for Sale will fetch the cost, and the other things, I am certain will fall much below it, as they have not only been used, but the Porcelain in some of its nicest parts, is injureid; — although I have not been able to find the cost of the Platteaux, I have a memorandum which informs me that they stand me in 486 Livres in Paris exclusive of all the subsequent charges of transportation from thence to Havre, original insur- ance, duty to the United States.

I send the Invoices for the satisfaction of yourself, and my wife may be inclined to purchase.— when this purpose is answa^ they may be returned to me. —

Will you be so good as to ask Mr. Dobson if there are no more Volimies of the American Edition of the Enc^rdopaedia out: — ^the i6th. is the last I have re<

333 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

ceived, — and inform him at the same time that it is my wish that my second sett (for I subscribed for two setts to encotuage his imdertaking the work) be neatly bound and sent to me, having given away the sett in boards.

With esteem & r^;ard — I am Yr. Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. ' Colo. (Clement) Biddlb.

Mount Vernon 14th, Augt. 1797 Dear Sir,

It is a little out of time, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th. ulto. ; — ^but better late than never: — and one object in doing it, is to pray you to thank Mr. Bordly in my name, for the w(n*k he had the goodness to send me, through the channel of your conveyance. —

I presimie the affair of Mr. Bloust will lye dormant until the Committee of Congress make r^xnt at the ensuing Session. — It will be to be regretted, much, if this bxwiness is not probed to the bottom. That Government may not sleep and be forgotten in the meantime. I perceive Mr. Morse has opened a Battery against it, but if his subsequent fire does no more in- jtuy than the first, his artillery will recoil upon him- self.

It had escaped me, until reminded by a re-perusal of your first letters, that my Table ornaments & Coolers were in yoiu* possession. Not for the value of the thing, but as a token of my friendship, and as a remem- brance of it, I ask you. Colonel Pickering & Mr. Wolcott to accept each one of the two* bottle coolers — ^the other articles I pray you to have carefully packed (the por- celain in fine sawdtist) and sent to Ckilo. Biddle, who

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 223

will be directed what to do with them— & will pay the cost of packing.

What is the character of Porcupine's Gazette? — I had thought when I left Philadelphia of ordering it to be sent to me ; — ^then again I thought it best not to do it, and altho' I should like to see both his & Bache's The Aurora, the latter may, under all circumstances, be the best dedsion, I mean not subscribing to either of them. —

Mrs. Washington & Miss Custis thanks you for your kind remembrance of them, and join with me in best regards for Mrs. McHeniy and yourself and family, — With much truth I am

Your sincere friend and

affectionate Servant G. Washington.

P. S. I shaU rely on you to present the Coolers in my name to the Gentlemen above named.

*I think there are three of them. James McHbnry, Esqr. .

Mount Vernon, 20 Augt., 1797. Sir.

I have received your letter of the 28d. of May last, from Belfast; and wish it was in my power to give you a more satisfactory statement of the deed. Mrs. Savage's affairs in this cotmtry than I am about to detail. —

True it is I was one of that unfortunate lady's trus- tees, — and as true, that while I was in a situation to render her any services I performed them (jointly with the other trustee) as far, and as fast as the tedious delays of our Qjurts would suffer justice to be admin- istered. —

But from the year 1774 until the b^inning of the year 1 784, it was not in my power to attend to hers, or

3a4 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

any private concern of my own being absent from this State (Virginia) e^ht years of the time; during the whole of which, and for sometime after, I believe there was a suspension of all law, and all justice, except such as proceeded from a sense of honotir, the last of which was no trait in the character of Doctr. Savage, husband of the Lady, for of all ingrates he was the most ungrate- ful.—

While alive, and the Courts were open, he had re- course to all the chicanery of Law, and all the subter- fuge of Lawyers to avoid payii^ her annuity, and since his death, h^ Estate, if any, for there are various opin- ions concerning it, and much contention arising there- from, would render it uncanded were I not to add, es- pecially as the heirs of his Security (also dead) have pleaded the want of associates that it is my opinion, strengthened by the Report of the Revd. Mr. Fairfax, the other Trustee (who I believe has done all that cir- cumstances would permit) that Uttle is to be expected from the prosecutaou of this business. —

The Suit is still going on, but without sufficient means to suppoH it from hence, and the circumstances already mentioned it has too much the appearance of throwing away good money after bad, to proceed. — So far as I have an individual interest in the matter the hope of a return of the money which I advanced Mrs. Savage in her distress, when it was not in the power of her Trustees to force payment of the annuity and other expenditures in common with Mr. Fairfax has van- ished long since. —

Having but lately returned home frota a second eight years absence, which with many interruptions for public purposes between which has prevented my taking any active share in this business for upwards of twenty years, I have given it as my opinion to Mr. Pair&x, that it would be best to offer a percentage, or

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 225

a good fee to the lawyers prosecuting the suit for the claimants under — ^Mrs. Sav^e's Will, for all they can recover on this account; and to receive nothing unless they do, by way of stimula to their executions : what effect this will have, or whether any, remains to be de- cided. —

I am, Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servt.

G. Washington.

To The Rbvd. Nbwburgh Burroughs.

Mount Vernon, 2otii. Ai^., 1797. Sir,

Your letter of the 2d. instt. came duly to hand, and I wish with all my heart you would meet with such em- ployment as your talents are suited to ; but if you can- not obtain this in Philadelphia where your chaiacter is best known, it is not likely you would succeed better where you are less acquainted, and in places less pop- ulous. —

There is none within my view, in this quarter, in any of the lines to which you allude; and if you look for anything in a public way you are already in tiie best situation to make the application with a prospect of success, as the President will, imquestionably, require the best testimonials that can be obtained of yoiu" fitness for Office and these can only be had from tiiose to whom you are known. — If you are pleased to send one of youi Poems to me Colo. Bidlad will conceive pay, & forward it — ^to

Sii^ Yr. Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. To Mr. Jno. Sbarson

336 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vernon, 33rd. Augt., 1797. Sir,

I feel, sensibly, yotir kind & polite attention to me, in the presentation of a bull calf of your improved breed. — ^A very fine one indeed, it is, and merits my partictilar thanks, which I pray you to accept. —

My stock of all sorts has been much n^lected dur- ing my e^ht years' residence from home, and will take more time than in the usual course of nature will be allowed me, to improve that mvch, but with the means you have been so good as to furnish me, and other aids, I shall, by proper attention put my black cattle into a way of improvement. —

I am sorry to hear of the disease & consequent de- generacy of your sheep. — Before I left home in the Spring of 1 789 I had improved that species of my stock so much as to get 5 1 lbs of Wool as the average of the fleeces of my whole flock, — and at the last shearing they did not yield me 3 } lbs.— By procuring (if I am able,) good rams and giving the necessary attention, I hope to get them up again for they are with me, as you have declared them to be with you, that part of my stock in which I most delight. — ^With esteem & r^:ard I have the honor to be

Your Most Obedt Servt.

G. Washington.' To Hbnry D. Gough, Esqr.

Mount Vernon, ist. Sept., 1797. Sir,

Your letter of the 30th of July has been received, but not until within the last three days. — ^Your ju^ment bond was long before sent to Mr. Ross to bring suit on. What he has done in the matter I know not. —

To sue, cannot be more unpleasant and disagreeable to you, than it is to me; but as the want of money, and

THIRD WIFE OF TOBIAS LEAR (Frances Dandridge lUnley) e of Marlha Washlnglon. and it was lo her ihat ihe quilt, shown in the other illustration, was given

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON aay

a punctual payment of it, were the only motives to sell my lands in the Counties of Fayette & Washington, so a disappointment in these must defeat the objects which I had in view; and has been because of the jno- secutdon to which I have resorted. —

You wotild not be unacquainted with the nature of your contract for the land in Fayette Coimty, nor with the tenor of your Judgment Bond, given to fulfil it : — of course, you must have known the amoimt of the sums as they became due and that they were to be paid at the Bank of Pennsylvania on a certain day, by In- stalments; — ^why then would you trust to others to do your business ; and by sending a little money by this, and a little by that man who knew not what to do with it when they got to Philadelphia, hazard the disappoint- ments which followed!' especially as that mode of pay- ment was purposely guarded against in the contract, as one ^m whence I could derive no substantial bene- fit; — 'Whereas regular payments in the manner Colo. Richie has made them wotild have given me (although the land sold low) all the advantages I expected to de- rive, from the sale of the lands.

Not knowing what Mr. Ross has done in the prem- ises, I know not what further to say in reply to your letter. — If the arrearages are paid up, with interest to the time they became due, and the instalments r^- ularly dischaj^ed afterwards, agreeably to the condi- tionsof your Bond, it is all I require and all I can wish; — for far is it, from my desire to embarrass, or injure your character by a Law suit: — ^but if punctualily is not observed on your part a suit for the reasons I have already assigned will be the inevitable consequence. — And I do now, in explicit terms declare that it may be of no avail to see that such an one is to pay so much, another so much, and so on — I shall have nothing to do with any of titsm; because I shall expect each years

228 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Instalment will, by the time it becomes due be depos- ited in the Bank of Pennsylvania, & made liable to my draught. — ^This is a very simple mode, and what I shall rightly exact. — I have no Agent in Philadelphia to whom I would give the trouble of receiving money, nor do I want partial sums kx^ed th^^.llie amount of the Instalmnt. must be known to you, and the times of there becoming due. — ^My appropriations will cor- respond therewith — ^but nothing short of the whole sums will answer my purposes. I am — Sir

Your Very Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Colo. Israel Shreve

Mount Vbrnon, snd. Sept., 1797. Sir,

Your letter of the 25th. ulto. came to hand by the last Post.™

The ground Rent of the lot I have offered to lease in Alexandria, is three dollars a foot, for what it measures on each street. — This I must obtain as an anntial Rent oft the lot will not be disposed of in that way. — I am Sir,

Your Very Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Mr. Jaubs Harrison

Mount Vbrnon, 4th. Septr., 1797. Sir,

I am going to take a liberty with you, for which I rely more on your goodness, than on any excuse I can nudce, for pardon.

A person of the name of Anthony Hen^er, a Ger- man (in the vicinity of Baltimore) has offered himself to me as a Gardener. — He professes to understand that

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 229

tmsiness in all its branclies, and well in each, represent- ing himself moreover as a person of some property, and very sober. — He adds that, his wife (about his own age) is a very decent woman, and capable of the duties of a Houselreeper.^

Such characters would be useful to me at this time ; but I told Mr. Hensler that I would not employ stran- gers, in either of those capacities, without ample tes- timonials of their qualifications; and with respect to himself that they must go to these points. — i. Skill in the line of his profession — 2. Honesty — ^3. Sobriety — 4. moral character, generally. — j. ordCTly deport- ment — and 6. industry, for althoi^h I usually employed two or three n^:roes under my hired Gardener it was not for the purpose of exempting the latter from mflTnial labour.

For information respecting these matters he has re- ferred me to you; (who he says has a knowledge of him from his having lived on some estate of yotu^. On this ground then it is, I am induced to ask the fav- our of you to give me the character of Mr. Hensler. — It is not easy to conceive that his wife, to whom accord- ing to his own account he has been married upward of 20 years can, from the station she has filled, without havii^ previously acquired it, be well qualified for keeping such a house as mine but if she is neat in her person, sensible, active, honest & spirited; and poss- esses any knowledge in cookery, she might be very use- ful to Mrs. Washington notwithstanding. —

I must again pray yoiu: exciise for the trouble this apphcation must give and request that I may as soon as is convenient, hear from you on this subject I am Sir,

Your Most Obedt Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Gbhl. O'Donald.

ajo LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vernon in Virginia

15th. Septr. 1797. Sir,

Your letter of the lath. of May has been received, but not until within these few days: — to which you will please to consider the following as a reply. —

Having been long in public life, and but little in this State for the last five and twenty years; — and more- over, having had but very little agency in the Admin- istration of the deceased Colo. Thomas Colvil's affairs, even antecedant thereto, no consideration short of being the surviving Executor of bis Will and the imperious necessity occasioned thereby of bringing matters to a close, could possibly have induced me to resume any agency therein. —

Under these circumstances however, I have at all times, of late, when it was in my power, used my best endeavors to have the accoimts closed, in order to ascertain the surplus which that Gentleman had bequeathed to the nearest relations of his mother, of the names of Stott, Wills, Richardson and Catherine Smith, of Durham; or their descendants: — and with much difficulty and the aid of a Gentleman (Mr. Keith) well acquainted with this sort of business, have ac- complished it, as you see by having recourse to a noliiication in the London Gazette of December last, consequent of a decree of the high Cotut of Chancery in this State.

The persons just named, or those claiming under them, may, perhaps be disappointed at the smallness of the sum — viz — ^nine hundred and thirty two pounds, seventeen shillings and seven pence three farthings, estimating dollars at Six shillings; which upon the final settlement was foimd to be tiie stupltisage of the Testators estate after his Debts and speofied legacies were discharged; but if they will advert to the clause

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON

331

of the Will under which they claim, & which was published in England many years ago, there ought not to be any surprise, as it there appears that the Testator himself was in doubt whether there would be any overplus estate.

The reason why that sum (now actually in the Bank of Alexandria) was submitted to the decisioa and disposition of the Chancellor was, because there had been so many claims exhibited ; — so i^gue a nature ; — and some of them accompanied by such tmjust and indecent insinuations, that I did not incline to inquire into the merits of the respective claims, or to become responsible for the distribution of the money. — ^AU those who have pretensions under the Will to a share in the beforementioned sum, will now know where I have sent their proofs; & to receive an order for their proportion of the Devise, having nothing more to do in the matter myself. I am — Sir

Your Obedient HMe Servt. Mr. Geo. Pbarson. G. Washington.

Mount Vernon, iSthSepr. 1797. Mr. Hensler,

I should have written to you at an earlier period, but for the following reasons. —

First, becaiise as I informed you, I had written to Scotland for a complete gardener under indentures ; and expected every day to learn the result of my appli- cation. — I could not therefore, enter into eng^ements with another without hazarding a disappointment toone of the parties ,or a surplusage of men in that line, which would have been useless, and inconvenient to myself — and secondly, because I requested you not to forego any other plan you might have in contemplation, while I re- mained in the state of incertitude I had expressed to you. —

232 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

I have now, within a day or two, received a letter from the Gentleman to whom I applied in Scotland, to engage me a Gardener, promising that he wd. endeavour to comply with my reqtiest, & hoped he should succeed; thus, the matter stands on uncertain gromid yet.

The prestunption however is, that a few weeks will decide whether I am to receive a Gardener from Scot- land, or not: — If the latter, I will delay no time in giving you notice thereof, and will accompany the commtmication with the specific terms on which I wotild employ you: — ^which, if you shd. be diseng^ed at the time, will require no other answer than yea or nay. —

I can only repeat now, what I said to you when you were here last, that from the circumstances I am tmder, & the imcertainty of the case, it is not my wish, or de- sire that you should avoid any employm^it worthy of your acceptance, in expectation of getting into my service. — I remain,

Your friend &ca.

G. Washington. To Mr. Anthony Heuslbr.

Mount Vhbnon, a4th Sept., 1797. Sir,

I have examined my land papers, but find I possess none which relate to my purchase from Mr. Simon Peason, all of them havii^ been turned over, witii my transfer, to Mr. Lund Washington. —

I can form no idea of what Graften Kirt &ca. are to exhibit in evidence on this' occasion. — I sincerely be- lieve that all the proceedings in, & dockii^ of, tlie en- tail of the land to which Mr. Thos. Pearson now sets up a claim, were strictly conformable to law, and of more validity than Grafton's testimony; whose character;

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 333

if I have not an erroneous impression of it, is not gmte immacvlate, but so much the reverse, as to be a ready witness upon all occasions. — Nothing suggests itself to my mind as ground on which a suit can be instituted, imless it be alledged, that some of the Jurors were not freeholders a thing I never have heard sumnised, and strange indeed to be proved, five & thirty years after their verdict was given and (as I presume) admitted to reoDrd. —

The Deeds, if well drawn, do, no doubt recite the case, & names of the Jtw^rs. — ^but admitting the fore- goii^ mistake in the Sheriff, would a Court of equity suffer an innocent purchaser to sustain an injury from the misconception or inattention of that Officer to his duty? — I think not. —

You told me on Saturday that Simon Pearson left no legitimate children, and that his Brother Thomas was the lawful heir, but to whom has descended or rather to whom bid Simon (if he left a will) bequeath bis Estate ? — For if there be any irr^^larity in the process of docking the Entail, and Thos. should, which I think not at all likely, recover the land for which he is con- tending, that estate must be resorted to: — I cannot surely be in possession of Thomas, for in that case the contest wd. be with himself, because he wd. have to pay for all he obtained. —

When you know the result of the evidence you are summoned to hear, I shd. be glad to be informed of it — & with esteem

I am Sir

Yr. Very Hble. Servant To Mr. William Twplett. G. Washington,

Mount Vernon, 3d. Oct., 1797- Sir, I have already erected a threshing machine on Mr.

334 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Booker's plan, and was on the point of putting up one or two more when I received a letter from a Gentleman of my acquaintace informing me that you had invented one which did more execution with less force. — ^This has induced me to suspraid the erection of those on Mr. Booker's plan, until I can receive better inform- ation relative to yotu^, and this is the cause of my giving you the trouble of receiving this letter and praying that you would be so obligi^ as to give it. —

The advantage which Mr. Booker has over the Scotch machine (which I never saw) lyes, it is said, in being less expensive, & less complex — ^particularly in the sub- stitution of a band in place of cogs & rotmds ; which, as I have understood, with the expense thereof, is the principal objection to the latter.

Not having heard whether you have obtained a Patent, for the invention of yours, or mean to apply for one, I would not have it understood that my application for information into Hie principle on which yours act — the power which works it — or the execution — is cal- culated to deprive you of any benefit which might re- sult in either case. —

TTie object of my enquiry is merely to know whether yours (nothing bang more interestuig to the farmer) is upon a simple plan & not easily put out of order in the hands of ignorant negroes & careless overseers, — whether cheap, & easily erected, what the execution, — and with what force it is worked; tt^ether with tiie manner of working it — and the house proper for its re- ception. —

If in these particulars, on a fair comparison with Mr. Booker's it obtains a prdereace, I shall certainly, as I am about to provide conveniencies of this sort for getting my erect yoturs instead of his; and

The last illness and death of General Washington (part 3)

whether built by my own people or others I am willing to allow the Patent fee if it exists, or to stand upon the

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 235

same footing that others do to avail myself of the best discovery in this or any other country to effect so val- uable an end. — ^Your answer to these queries woidd very much obhge me as ulterior measures depend upon them & my want of machines to get my grain out in a clean and expeditious mode I hope you will have the goodness to excuse the liberty I have ho^in taken and to beheve that I am Sir

Your Most Hble. Servt. To Mr. Thouas C. Martin. G. Washington.

Mount Vbrnon, 9 Oct., 1797. Dear & Revd. Sir,

I have duly received ytmr several letters of last month, — but as an expression of my r^;ret, in the con- duct & behaviour of young Curtis wotild avail nothing I shall not trouble you by the attempt.

I am persuaded that your conduct towards him has been such as friendship inspired, and the duties of your important truth required. — ^And as you have seen, in a d^ree, what my solicitude advice & admonition have been, he will have himself only to upbraid for any con- sequences which may follow — and this perhaps comes too late.

By Mr. La Fayette who is on his way to New York to embark for France, I send you bai^ notes to the amoimt of $100 in discharge of the balance of the acct. transmitted (65) — the twenty advanced Mr. Curtis when he left Princeton and any otho* tmpaid bills which may hereafter appear — ^And with thanks for your po- Ute attention to, & care of him while he was imder your superintendence, I remain with the highest esteem, re- gard & respect,

Your Obedt. Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To The Rbvs. Dqctr. Samuel Stanhope Smith.

336 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vernon, loth. Oct, 1797. Dear Sir,

In answering your favor of the 38th. ulto. which has been duly received I wish it was in my power to give you more satisfactory information than you will find, in this letter relative to the land near Suffolk.

Some years ^o (before, if my memory serves me, I was called to administer the Government of the U. States) Mr. John Iiewis, as Executor of his father, Colo. Fielding Lewis. Will, informed me that the circum- stances of that estate required that his father's interest in the lands wch. were boi^ht by him, your father & myself, lying as above, should be sold. — In reply, I told hun that any bargain for it that Doctr. Walker & himself wotild make, I woidd abide by. — Since which I have never heard a tittle from either on this subject — nor do I know in whose possession, or imder what cir- cumstances the lands now are. — That they are not sold I am inclined to believe, because the title papers are still in my care, & no application has ever been made for them. —

These from a cursory examination appear to be from

Acres

Josh. Jones to G. W. T. W. & P. for 2 tracts 873

Jas. Wright" Do Do Do 50

Stepn. Wright Do Do Do 100

Kings Patent Do Do Do 188

Total 1210

I thank you for offering to sell me yoxir interest in the above lands, but I have no disposition to become the purchaser, having lately sold my share of the Company property in the Dismal Swamp, and formerly a tract adjoining thereto, held by the deceased Colo. Lewis & myself; I shall be willing, however, at any time, to join

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 237

you & Mr. John Lewis in disposing of them to any other purchaser. —

With esteem & regard I am Sir,

Your Most Obedt. Hblc. Servt.

G. Washington. To Francis Walker, Esqr.

Mount Vbrnon, 15th. Octr. 1797. Dear Sir,

Your favour dated Elizabeth Town October — ^has been dtUy received. — I am sorry that the state of your health should deprive me of the pleasure of your com- pany at this place. — and I regret still more that the pain you feel from tiie wounds you have received though glorious for your reputation is the occasion of it- Whatever I can do as a private dlizen (and in no other capacity I can now act) consistently, with the plan I have laid down for my future government, you may freely command. — ^You will find, however, con- trary as it may be to yotu* expectation or wishes, that all pectmiary matters must flow from the Legislature and in a form which camiot be dispensed with — I may add I;am sure, that your claim upon the justice & feel- ings of this coimtry will meet with no delay — Nor do I suppose that the loss of your certificate will be any im- pediment. — ^Your rank and services in the American Army are too well known to require that testimony of your claim and the Books of tlie Treasury will show that you have received nothing in discharge of it — or if any part, to what amotmt. — ^With the highest esteem & r^ard and respect, lam, Dear Sir

Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To General Tadbusz Koscienszeo.

338 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vernon, isth. Oct, 1797. Dear Sir,

The Fish you had the goodness to send me arrived very safe ; and are excellent. — for your recollection o£ that request of mine, and the trouble you were at to obtain the best kind, I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. —

The money, as you desired, was paid to Captn. Silver, to the amount of your memorandum of their cost, — and they shall be stored, & dressed agreeably to the direc- tions contained in your letter, forgiving which I feel myself obliged.

No man wishes more devoutly than I that a stop was put to the further effusion of blood ; — that harmony was restored to all nations, — and that justice was done to ours ; — but I must confess that my hope of seeing these accomplished soon, exceed my expectation. — ^The af- fairs of Eiuope seem to me to be in so ptuturbed a state — and the views of the principal actors so discordant that it is not easy on rational principles and fair cal- cidation to predict events. —

Nothing is wanting in ourselves to steer clear of the vortex of misery, which has brought so many of the nations of Europe to the brink of ruin in tHs desol- ating war, but tmanimity; — and if a steady adherence to the principles which have hitherto directed our cotmcils is unable to effect this, it will nevertheless I hope avert the evils which, otherwise m^ht be expec- ted to flow from the persevering opposition which is levelled at our government; and all those who stand forward in support of it. — This is my creed, and I shall believe in it until the contrary is verified, which Heaven reverti Adieu, with very great esteem and r^ard I remain Dear Sir

Your Most Obedient and very Hble. Servant G. Washington. To The HoNBLB. Benjamin Goodhub.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 239

Mount Vbrnon, isth. Octr., 1797. Dear Sir,

Your letters of the aSth tilto. has been received and I sincerely r^iret the continuance of the malady which afflicts the city of Philadelphia and the Seaport Towns' but hope the frosts which we have lately had & tiie approaching cold, will eradicate the disorder. —

The season rendering the Room for which I wanted a in a maimer useless for the purpose it was designed I have procured one in Alexandria. — although it is not altogether such as I wanted, a very good shift can be made with it, and as it supercedes the necessity of those I had written to you for, I have now to request you will decline sending them, or either of them. — The other matters you will be so good as to send when an oppor- tunity offers. — ^With esteem & r^ard

G. Washington. To Colo. Clembnt Biddlb.

Mount Vernon 15 Octc, 1797. Revd. Sir.

Your fkvour of the 20th of Feb. has been received, and I am indebted to you for many other unacknowl- edged letters. — ^The trouUe is, I soon found after, entering upon the duties of my late public stations that private correspondencies did not accord with official duties: and as I determined to perform the latter to the best of my abihties, I early relinquished the former, when business was not the subject of them.—

It might be asked, why suffer the letter of the 20th. of February (which is of the latter description) to remain unacknowledged after I had, months past, bid advice in my public walks? — ^The answer is easy; — an eight years' absence from home (excepting short occasional visits) had so deranged my private afeirs; — had so despoiled my buildings; — and in a

340 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

word, had thrown my domestic concerns in to such disorder, as at no period of my life have I been more engaged than in the last six months, to recover & put them into some tolerable train again.

Workmen in most cotintries, I believe, are necessary plagues; — in this where entreaties as well as money must be used to obtain their work, and keep them to their duty, they baffle all calculation in the accom- plishment of any plan, or repairs they are engaged in ; — and require more attention to, & looking after, than can well be conceived. — Numbers of these, of all descriptions, having been employed by me ever since I came home (to render my situation comfortable the ensuing winter) has allowed me little leisure for other occupations.

Rural employments while I am spared (which in the natural course of things cannot be long) will now take place of toil — responsibility — and the soUid- tudes attending the walks of public life; — and with vows for the peace, the happiness & prosperity of a country in whose service the prime of my life hath been spent, — and with best wishes for the tranquility of all Nations, and all men, the scene will close ; gratef xil to that Providence which has directed my steps, & shielded me in the various changes & chances through which I have passed, from my youth to the present moment.

I scarcely know what you allude to in your letter of the 2oth of Feby. when you say " I obseaTed in the Philadelphia papers mention made of a volume of your epistles, d(^esttc, confidential & official" unliss it be tile spurious letters which issued from a certain Voss in New York during the War, with a view to destroy the confidence which the army and community might have had in my political principles; — and which have lately been republished with greater avidity &

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 241

perseverance than ever, by Mr. Vache, to answer tiie same nefarious purpose with the letters.

I supposed every attack that was made upon my Executive conduct (the one just mentioned among the sett) to pass imnoticed while I remained in public office; well knowing that if the general tenor of it would not stand the test of investigation, a newspaper vindication would be of little avail. — But as immense pains has been taken by this said Mr. Vache, who is no more than the agent or tool of those who are en- deavoring to destroy the confidence of tiie people in the officers of Government (chosen by themselves) to dessiminate those counterfeit letters, I conceived it a piece of justice due to my own character, and to Posterity, to disavow them in explicit terms; — and this I did in a letter directed to the Secretary of State to be filed in bis office the day on which I closed my administration. — ^This letter has since been published in the Gazette by the head of that Department: —

With respect to your own request, I can say nothing, so many things are continually given to the public of whidi I have no previous knowledge — ^nor time indeed to inspect them if I had been therewith in- formed — ^that I may mistake the meaning of it. — ^The late Secretary of State (now Vice-President) per- mitted a Mr. Levy — my consent being first obtained — to take copies under h^ inspection of the letters I had written to Congress; which letters have since been published and are I presume genuine, and must be those which you refer to. — But as they are the work of another, who is now in England on this business, I cannot suppose that you had it in contemplation to derive a benefit from his labours, — I shall only add therefore that discretion in matters of this sort must be your guide without a Yea or nay from me. —

For Politics I shall refer you to the Gazette of this

242 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

coiintry, with which I presume you are acquainted, & with respect to other matters, I have nothing web. wotild be entertaining, or worth narrating. — Mrs. Washington too unites with me in best wishes for the health & happiness of yourself and Mrs. Gordon — and I am with esteem & respect — ^Revd. Sir

Your Most Obedt. & very Hble. Servt. G. Washington. Thb Revd. Doctr. (William) Gordon.

Mount Vbrnon, i6th. Oct., 1797, Dear Sir,

Your favoiw of the ad. instt. came duly to hand. — For the persual of the enclosure I thank you. It is returned.

We heard with mtich concern, but long after the th'"g had happened, of the accident which befel your son. — ^We hope he is perfectly recovered from the fall, and you from your biUious attack. —

Having no news to entertain you with, and could only fill a letter with the perplexities I experience daily from workmen, and other occurrences of little moment to any besides myself, I shall conclude this letter with best respects in which Mrs. Washington and Milly Custis tuiite to Mrs. McHenry and yourself and witli assurances of being

Dear Sir

Your Affecte. friend

G. Washington. To Jaubs McHenrt, Esq.

Mount Vbrnon, 26th Oct., 1797. Sir,

Since you left this, yesterday I have conversed with my Mam^:er on the subject of flour, according to your draiie. —

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 243

The result is, that on Tuesday next, provided im- mediate notice is given, he could have fifty barrels of Superfine at Alexandria. — It would, however, em- ployed as my Boats are in getting materials together for my Distillery, be vastly more convenient for me to deliver it to a vassal at my mill. —

If you to be the above mentioned Qoxa I shall expect eight dollars and a half per barrel for it. I am — Sir

Your Obedt. Hble. Servt. To Mr. Barrt. G. Washington.

Mount Vbrnon, 27th Octr., 1797. Sir.

The enclosed letter from Mr. Brooks your brother, to Mr. Anderson my Manager (who were acqtiainted) is the best apology I can offer for giving you the trouble of re- ceiving one from me. —

It is the wish of Mrs. Washington that Mrs. Forbes, would without delay, repair to this place with her clothes &ca. where (if she has been an acceptable and competent housekeeper to you, while you filled the chair of Government of this State) there can be little doubt of her answering our purposes and will be re- tained on the terms mentioned in my advertisement which was inserted in a Richmond Paper. —

IE Mrs. Forbes comes in the stage, which I presimie will be the case, she might stop at the Widon Lund Washington's (close on the Road between Colchester & Alexandria) who will either send her hither, or let us know that she is there.—

A previous knowledge of the characters, one has to do with, being of some importance, you would do me a favour in giving (and it might be confidentially if you prefer it) that of Mrs. Forbes. — Besides care ; & a know- le(^e of the duties of the station — one who will see to

344 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

the execution, answer as direct the measures of the Servants is indispensable in my family One too who has spirit to enforce her orders — on doing which she will have every proper support.

I pray you to excuse the liberty I have taken in making tlus request.

I am Sir, Yoiir Most Obedt. and Very Hble. Servant,

G. Washington. To RoBT. Brooke, Esqr.

Mount Vernon, 30th Oct., 1797. Decor Sir,

Your favors of the 30th of August and 8th. of Septem- ber have remained unacknowledged, because I had nothing to commtmicate that could compensate for the loss of a moment of your time, which I know is too much occupied in matters of business to be interrupted by unimportant letters.

Having received the enclosed letter by the Ganges, in tiie twilight, and attending to the first part of the su- perscription only, I broke the seal before I discovered that it was of a public nature. And the direction of the Spanish letter being somewhat equivocal, I send it also ; as well, for that reason as because I could not read it after it was opened, — both to be disposed as you shall see fit. —

I thank you for sending me your answer to the very improper letter of Mr. de Grujo, who merited less re- spectful treatment, ^The copyii^ press came safe, but does not work well; whether for want of more springs I am unable to det^mine. — Having a small one (which used to be getting out of order frequently, but at pres- ent does tolerably well) I do not use it at all. — Should the smaller one fail, I will send the other, and ask you to have its defects rectified.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 245

Prom the last Philadelphia Reports respecting the Yellow fever, it is to be hoped that that dreadful ma- lady has ceased, and the distressed Inhabitant are re- tumii^ to their Jong, forsaken homes. — I wish it de- voutly, on public as well as private considerations, for an equivocal state of that disorder wotild place the President in an embarrassing situation.

With very great esteem & r^;ard I remain — Dear Sir,

Yr. Obedt. & Affect.

G. Washii^ton. To Colo. Timothy Pickering.

Mount Vbrnon 30th Oct 1797 Sir,

Your letter of the 2 ist Instt. has been duly received, but ignorant as I am of the motive which has induced you to send me an extract of the Law of 1780 relative to recruits, for the army, I know not what reply to make.

Matters of that sort, I never had anything to do with, as Commander in Chief of the American Army ; — and never having speculated in any Soldiers certificate, or Rights of any kind or nature whatsoever, I am, perhaps, as little competent to give an opinion thereon (if I tmderstood your meaning) as any man in the United States.—

I am Sir

Your very Hble Servant

G. Washington. Mr. Jacob Valentinb.

Mount Vernon, 3 Nov., 1797. Sir,

I shall preface this letter in answer to yours of yes- terday, with a declaration as sincere as it is solemn, —

346 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

and that is, that if it was in my power, I would talm no advant^e of you in the proposed exchange of Lands ; — nor would I wish you to make a bargain with me that either you yourself or your friends (such I mean as are competent judges) shcmld hereafter say was disadvEin- tageous on your part: — ^for be assured I should derive no pleasure from a contract of which jrou might have just cause to complain.

Having made this declaration, it remains to be added, that both of us may en* in the comparative value of our respective lands. — You, perhaps, proceed upon what you conceive to be the present selling price of such lands as yours are, in this country, — ^which, abstractedly is fair; but if I mistake not, lands here are not only at a stand, but on tiie decline ; while on the other hand, I go on a thorot^h conviction in my own mind, that such as I offer in exchange and which in some instances / know, and in all believe are of the first rate, will increase. — I form this opinion from analogous circumstances; — for since I have been an actor for myself, Frederick and Berl^ey courtier were deemed much more remote & in fact out of the inhabited world — that the Kanhawa is now; — and land, which I then bought in the former at five pounds per hundred acres, and the highest (on account of small improvements) at twenty five pound, per himdd. I could now sell, very readily at five pounds an acre. — ^But this is digressing from tlie point, and I will return to it again, after making one more obser- vation which in my opinion is literally true & impor- tant — namely — that it is not the mmiber of acres you receive in exchange for your land, that is to render that exchai^e valuable, — ^there are a great many local con- siderations which must contribute to th^. — I aver, most seriously, that I wd. not give my tract of 10990 acres on the Kanhawa for 50,000 acres back of it, & adjoining thereto, nor for any 50,000 acres of the

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 247

common land of the country, which I have seen, back from the water, & in one body.— And I have no doubt but that the land immediately back of mine m^ht now be bought for half a dollar or less pr. which and on acct. of the extensive range that cannot for series of years be interrupted, renders these bottoms so extremely val- uable. —

In offering you three of my tracts on the Kanhawa, containing together 12,376 acres for yoir sugar land tracts entire, I conceived I was by no means deficient in proposing an equivalent, especially as these three tracts would have given you a boundary on the Rivers of near 25 miles, of the richest low ground in timt ctry.

It is true and so I informed you that I had never been on either of tiiese tracts and have only the Surveyors report and other information on which to form my opinion of the quality of the land. — ^They may be less, or they may be more valuable than the lower tract for oi^ht I know to the contrary. Two reasons however, induced me to reserve the latter. — ist a knowledge of the tract from my cmn inspection of it — ^becatise it was the lowest on that River and not more than 3 miles from Mount Pleasant. — A place which mtist, as soon as tranqtiillity is perfectly restored be of considerable im- portance from its situation at the junction of two im- portant Rivers running in different directions through so large and fertile a tract of country. —

This letter is written not with a view to exculpate myself from any suspicion which might arise of my not meaning to offer you an equivalent for your land, that from any expectation I entertain of our coming to a bargain, for it can hardly be supposed that I would al- low the whole of my lands to be picked, whilst the most valuable part of yours (or your sons) is reserved. — If however, upon reconsiderii^ the matter you should be disposed to let the island go with, and become part of

248 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

. the exchanged lands, I will, on my part (as you have expressed a wish to make an exchaiige) consent to part with my lower tract on the Kanhawa also ; and if there is any likelihood of our agreei:^ on a just proposition of quantity and value of my land for yours, I wotild on some early day which you may name (before the weath- er gets cold) ride up with you and your son (for I shd. like that he should be p^ectly satisfied before hand with whatever is done) and look at your Londoun lands having at present not the least knowledge of the quality of them, neither from investigation or infor- mation, and because — ^which I frankly declare to you previously that it is not a trifling consideration that wd. induce me to part witii my lower tract on the Kanhawa with the situation, local advantages, quality and value of which I have formed an opinion — not from information but from my own accurate view — not from information — ^but from my own accurate view, having been on it three or four days and htmted from one end to the other of the bottom.

Your answer to this letter will at once decide whether there be any prospect of our bargainii^, or not and I should thaiUc you for giving it to me as soon as it is convenient.

I am Sir

Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servt. G. Washington. To Danl. McCarty.

Mount Vernon, 6th. Novr., 1797. Dear Sir,

Since writing to you a few days ^o I have been favoured with yoiu" letters of the 26th. and 30th. Ulto, —

If you should have occasion to write to Mr. Parish of Hambui^, you would oblige me by thanking him in my behalf, for his very polite & friendly oSer of si

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 349

anything I might have occasion for from that place. — It woTild be more formal than necessary, to introduce Mr. Bucknall Orchardist to the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia otherwise than through you. — If then you will be so good as to relate the manner in which it came, & present it with my best respects to that body, I will thauik you. — ^With very great esteem & regard, I am — ^Dear Sir

Your Obedt Hble. Servant

G. Washington. Colo. Timothy Pickering.

Mount Vernon, 6th. Nov., 1797. Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 2d. ulto. with its enclosure came duly to hand, and I feel myself very much obl^ed by the favorable footing on which you have placed mat- ters with Colo. Shreve. — ^These are perfectly satis- factory to me and of which I should have informed you sooner had I not supposed that the most certain though perhaps not the quickest way of making it known to you would be to lodge my letter in Philadelphia against your arrival there. — ^This I am about to do in the hands of Colo. Pickerii^. — ^Whatever mode, under the de- rangements occasioned by the sore calamity which has afflicted that City, you shall find most convenient to yourself, will be agreeable to me, for depositing the same in the Bank of Pennsylvania which has been paid you by Colo. Shreve on my acct. but it might not be amiss to add that the $500 have been paid into that Bank for my use, no advice of it has been given to me.

I am perfectly convinced that your observations and opinion wiUi respect to the most advantageous mode — to wit — laying off my lands on the Ohio into lots of about 200 acres is correct, and the best way to make the most of them. — The reasons which have weighed against

ago LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

it hitherto with me, are first it is troublesome, sd, may be tedious in its operation and jd. my object being to convert the Land aggregately into money, on some kind of stock that I might derive a convenience & bene- fit from the interest during the short stay which from the natural course of thii^ I have to remain here, the end would not be answered in a retail way without, in a manner, sinking the capital, — But as you have been so good as to mention this mode will you permit me to ask what you think what the land would s^ for by the acre divided in the manner you surest — and whatever there is within your view, any person in whom con- fidence could be placed as an Agent to manage this business, who has sense and inclination to imdertake it for an adequate comp^isation?

I wish you an ^reeable Session and perfect tman- imity in all great questions which involve the dignity, honor and interest of our Coimtry. — With very sincere esteem & r^ard,

I am — Dear Sir Your Obedient and Very Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To the HoNBLB. Jambs ross.

Mount Vernon, 13th. Nov., 1797. Dear Sir,

The running off of my cook, has been a most incon- venient thing to this family; and what renders it more disagreeable, is, that I had resolved never to become the master of another slave by purchase, but this resol- ution I fear I must break. —

I have endeavoured to hire, black or white, but am not yet suppUed. — A few days ^o having occasion to write to l/b^. Bushrod Washington on other matters, I asked if one could be had in Richmond, — ^the following

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 351

Mr. Brooke (late Governor) informs me that he had a very excellent cook, with no other fault than a fondness for Uquor (which often afforded him too many oppor- tunities of indulging) who is now in Fredericksburg, and is to be sold. — I shall write to the Gentleman who has him not to sell him till he hears ixom you. Should you under this character wish to buy, or hire him, please address a letter to Mr. George Murray of that place. — He coolred for Mr. Brooks " while he was in the Govern- ment. "

Let me ask you now, to see both Mr. Murray & the man himself and if upon conversing fully with the latter you shotdd be of opinion (from the account he gives of himself) that he is a good cook, and wo\ild answer my purposes then discover the lowest terms on which he could be had by purchase or on hire ; & inform me of the result by the first Post so that an answer shall be

r- immediately given. —

k I shotild hke to know the age and as far as you are enabled to ascertain it, the temper & looks of the man described. — ^whether he has a wife, and expects to have her along with him — and in that case, what children they have with her age & occupation.^By the time I can receive an answer from you I expect Mrs. Forbes who was (jenl. Brooks housekeeper will be here as my housekeeper; and from her own knowledge of the person, and yoiu" account I shall be enabled to determine what answer to give. — Our loves to Mrs. Lewis &ca. I am — ^Your affecte. Uncle

G. Washington. To Majr. George Lewis.

Mount Vernon, 38th. Nov., 1797. Dear Sir,

I have lately received a letter from a Mr. Small of Philadelphia, informing me that the coach I used in the

352 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

city was yet unsold, — that it was accumtdating ex- pence, — and not more than two hundred dollars had been oflEered for it, when, according to his acct. $300 was the value fixed thereon.

I intended to have sent his letter to you, but it has been mislaid, or lost — I shall b^ the favour of you, however, to sell, or cause it to be sold, for whatever it win fetch. — ^Who limited the price to $300 I know not, but took it for granted that it had been disposed of many a day ^o. — Receive, and place the proceeds to the credit of

Dear Sir

Your Obedient Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To Colo. Clement Biddle.

Mount Vernon, 36th Feby., 1798. Dear Sir,

When you were here last, I informed you that from the reputation which the College at Annapolis had, I was most inclined under every view I could take of the case, to send Washington to that Seminary ; and, ac- cordingly, had requested Mr. George Carteret (who informed me that he was going to that city) to converse with the President of the College on the subject & malffi other enquiries and to acquaint me with the result. —

Enclosed I transmit his letter. — It wd. have been more pleasing, and much to have been desired to have got Washington "fixed in the house with Mr. McDow- ell ; but this it seems cannot be, for reasons ass^ed by that Gentleman. — I think, notwithstanding, that he had best go there, as, from all accounts there is less of that class of people which are baneful to youth, in that City, than in any other, from the nature of its com- position, and strictness of its Police— according to Mr.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 353

Calvert's account, — and for another reason also seeing (as he confesses he has) what effect his miscondxict has had upon his friends Pride, when classed with other students will operate in addition thereto, a more pow- erful stimulus, than it would in lonely, solitary reading & studies, by himself.

If he was to get to Alexandria, his studies must be conducted at the Academy, — or in his own chamber. — The first, after coming from a lai^e & celebrated collie he would consider as d^rsiding & in the ether case {be- ing left alone) he would attend very Uttle to them while Mr. MoflEat was discharging the trust reposed in him at the Academy. — ^To expect after devoting the appro- priate hours to his school boys that he wd. apply much of the residue to Washington is what he would not per- form, strictly, was he to promise it. — ^And besides, from the information I have been enabled to obtain, Uie youi^ People (those keeper clerks chiefly) are idle, dis- sipated and extravagant. — ^Acquaintances with some of these would be soon formed, and the consequences not difficult to predict. — ^From good authority I am in- formed that many of them spend in Taverns more than their wages amount to. — ^The deficiency must be sup- plied in some way or another. —

With respect to his (Washington's) remaining at this place, I am perfectly satisfied from the experience of the last few months that he has been here, that even tmder the constant care of a more illtunined Preceptor than I am sure there is the least chance of obtaining, he would progress very little, and as the case now is, that he will forget what he does know, so inert is his mind. —

He talres Alexandria in his way to Hope Park to pro- vide himself with such clothes as would be necessary. — At what time they must be ready otherwise than by ptotmse. The su^estion of yoia* accompanyii^ Wash-

254 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

ington to Annapolis is contained in Mr. Calvert's letter & coincides perfectly with my ideas of the utility of the measure. — If it be convenient & agreeable to you to undertalrc t^e jotumey, you shall be informed when he is ready to commence it, or, if there could be any depen- dence upon the Tayler he could inform you hunself . — If you cannot go, I will ask Mr. Lear to do it, but this will not answer as well — in either case the expense will be mine. —

Mrs. Washington has a very bad cold, the rest of the family at home as as usual. — Best wishes to Mrs. Sttiart and all with you.

I am Dr. Sir

Your Obedt. & Affecte. To David Stuart, Esqr. G. Washington.

Mount Vernon, 17th. Mar., 1798. Sir,

Yoiu: letter of the 28th. XJlto. came safe but was some time longer than might have been expected, on its way. —

As I think your charge for the prescription & applica- tion to Christopher (my servant) who was supposed to be bitten by a mad dog, is a very reasonable one, I send you enclosed a five dollar bank note of Alexandria (having no other paper money by me) without enquir- ing whether your not having received four dollars be- fore, proceeded from the neglect of tiie Servant, or any other person.—

Christopher continues to do well, & I believe is now free from apprehension of any bad consequences from the bite. — I shall b^ to be informed of your receipt of this letter, being unwilling that you should go unpaid. — I am Sir'

Your Very Hble. Servant, To Doctr. Story. G. Washington.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 255

Mount Vbrnon, 33d. June, 1798. Dear Sir,

I am not disposed to withdraw your attention from more important matters ; — or to be troublesome in any degree;— or to press my correspondence upon you. — But not having even heard whether my letter of which the enclosed is taken, from a press copy ever reached yoiu" hands, am induced to make the enquiry. —

I wish also to know what has been done with a letter of mine, put under cover to you (early in March last) to be forwarded, or suppressed at your discretion, to a Mr. John Parltes who exhibited Proposals to the Pub- lic, for compiling a complete edition of all the Journals of Congress, from the earhest period of them down to the present day? — With respect — I am — Dear Sir Your Obedient Servant

G. Washikgton. To James McHbnrt.

Mount Vernon i6th July 1798 Sir,

I have received your letter of the 13th. Instant, and thank you for your offer of becoming one of my Aids-de-Camp.

I have consented to accept the appointment to which my country has been [leased to call me, with the reservation not to quit my private walks imtil the army is in a situation to require my presence, or it becomes indispensable by the urgency of circum- stances. —

Until one, or the other of these periods shall have arrived, I shall make no actual appointment of my Aids; — and as circumstances and a variety of con- siderations are required in regulating my choice, I must remain perfcxitly free and unengaged till then unless it should otherwise happen in a public interest.

2s6 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Intoxicated and lost as the French seem to our principle of Justice, I yet hope that they will pause before Uiey proceed further. — ^That they have been misled — and have made calculations on false groimd, that equivocal decorating of the People on whose support their plan has been formed) to support Independance of the Government of their having at every hazard sufficiently evinced. — When to this happy circumstance, the issue then is added, & fully made known to tiiem I can hardly conceive (althoi^h I think them capable of any thing that is unjust and dishonourable) that they will attempt a serious In- ■v^sion of this Country. — At the same time the highest possible oblation rests upon the Country to be prepared for the events as they may affect our means to avert the evil. — With esteem

I am Sir— Your most Obedt. Servt. G. Washington. Mr. Jas. Marshall.

Mount Vbrnon, 5th Ai^., 1798. My dear Sir,

My present want of a riding horse is great, — ^but if I should be called to the field it will be much greater.

As I am much out of the way of seeing, or hearit^ of such as would answer my purposes — esi)ecially in the latter case — and know that you are a good ju<^e of the parts, and general symmetry of a horse of figure. You would do me a favour if such a one as hits your own taste should fall in your way to buy him for me. — The cost to be paid on deUvery. —

In age, I should not be wiUii^ to exceed Seven years — eight at most — younger, but not under four last Sprii^ would be better. — ^For colour, I will not contend, but would prefCT a perfect white, — a dapple grey — a deep bay— a chestnut — a black in the order they are men-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 257

tioned. — ^The size & strength must be equal to my weight, which without the saddle may be estimated at 210 lbs. — Being long l^ed, or tall would be no re- commendation, as it adds nothing to strength, but a good deal to the convenience in moimting. —

Under my circumstances, I cannot limit you in sum ; but shall add ih&t I never expected to be Master of a riding horse that was almost more than fotir hundred dollars. —

As I have no idea that Mr. David Randolph (being on a joiimey) would would have parted with the horse he thought might have suited me, I took but little notice of him ; which I have been sorry for since and he is not within reach now. I asked him however what such a horse would cost, he answered four himdred dollars — that fine horses were scarce & dear. — ^Remember us in affectionate terms to Mrs. Fitzhugh & the rest of your family, and believe me to be as I sincerely am — always

Yours

G. Washington. To WiLLM. Fitzhugh. Esq.

Mount Vernon asth Jany. 1799 Dear Sir,

Your letters of the i ith. of May, 16th. of July, 20th. of August, and loUi. of October are all before me. — The receipt of the two first I have acknowledged; — but as my letters wch bavel across the Atlantic have not been fortunate in getting to their address, these may have shared the ustml fa.te. — Being of litUe importance, however, no duplicate was sent nor copy taken: — Nor is it at all material mow, whether they got to hand or not. —

Your letter of the 20th. of August found me in Phila- delphia, whither I had gone at the request of the Secre-

258 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

tary of War, to aid in the formation of the New Corps, about to be raised ; and in some other Military arrange- ments which were necessary, at that time, to be ad- justed : — and coming in the nick of time, your then wish to engage in a Military career was attended to, and you were accordingly, appointed to the Command of an Infantry Company, in the first Regiment of Vii^inia, to be Commanded by Colo. Thomas Parker of Freder- ick, which has been rendered valid by the President and Senate since. —

The business which carried me to Philadelphia, detained me in that City from the loth. of Novr. until the 14th. of Deer., and occasioned an absence from home of near Seven weeks, during which time I was so much occupied as not to be able to give you advice of this occurrence; and soon after my retirni, your letter of the loth. of October came to hand informing me of your having been received into the family of Mr. King, as his Secretary. —

You have now, I presume the option of remaining there, or of accepting the Commission before mentioned. — In the choice of which you have your own inclination, & some other considerations to consult. — Both are at- tended with tmcertainties, but which most so, is not easy to decide. — ^The alimented Corps, in which you are appointed, are by law, to exist no longer than the dis- pute with France shall continue; but how long this will be, will require more wisdom than I possess to fore- tell; — and you know, without information from me, what a bugbear a standing army (as a few Regiments with us are called, though liable to be disbanded at any moment, by withholding the appropriation for yr. support) is, in the eyes of all those who are continually raising Spectres & Hobgoblins to affrighten themselves, and alarm the People : — and how certain it is that ours (with their consent) will not exist a momt. longer than

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON a59

it can be avoided by their endeavors; whether tiie caiise which gave rise to it ceases, or not. Of the pros- pect before you in the Diplomatic line, you are as com- petent to jivlge of it as I am; — But, as it is probable the G^mmission will be held for you, imtil your determi- nation is known, no time should be lost in announcing it to me, or at the War crffice.

Lawrence Lewis is appointed a Capt. in the Corps of light Dragoons; but before he enters the Camp of Mars, he is to engage in that of Venus with Nellie Custis on 23nd. of next month; they having, while I was in Philadelphia, without my having the smallest sus- picion tlmt such an afEair was in agitation, formed their Contract for this purpose — Washington Craik is ap- pointed a Lieutenant in the said Corps, & Washington Ctistis is made Comet in Lewis's Troop; for it was found impracticable to keep him loi^r at College with any prospect of advantage ; so great was his aversion to study; tho' adicted to no extravagent or vicious habits, — but from mere indolence, & a deriliction to exercise the powers of his mind, and those talents with which nature had blessed him:— The Army generally will be very respectably officered : —

The General Assembly of this State is Jn Command, by the account of its proceedings scanning into every kmd of opposition to the measiu^s of the General government, and cm the extrav^pnt Resolutions which folly can devise; — in what they will issue, it is difficult to say. —

I am sorry to inform you that your brother John Dandridge is no more. He paid the debt of Nature a few da>^ since; after having (as we have been informed) been in bad health for some time.

Your Aunt, who is as wdl as usiial, and Nelly Custis (Washington, however, ts from home) unite with me in every good wish for you; and with thanks for your

a6o LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

offer of rendering me any services in your power, I remain

Dr Sir^— Your AfEece. friend & Servt.

G. Washington. Present me respectfully to Mr. and Mrs. King. Barthw. Dandridgb, Esqr.

Mount Vernon, 6 Feby., 1799. My dear Sir,

By the ship Nancy from London, just arrived at Al- exandria I have received four copies of the Prints of the deaths of Montgomery & Warren (the number of sets I presume I subscribed for) sent me by your toother. —

It is my wishes to make him a remittance agreeable to the terms of the subscription but havii^ taken no copy of it not being able to recollect what is to pay, must be my apolc^y for troubling you with this letter- presuming that the original Paper or a copy thereof might have been left with you, and moreover, that you may be empowered .to receive from the subscribers in the United States the amount of their subscriptions, in which case, upon receiving the advice, I shall, instead of making the remittance of mine to London, transmit it to you. —

Whether anything was to have been paid in advance, & whether in that case I paid mine is more than I can decide without a resort for the letter to my Papers from Philadelphia which are ^ to be tmpacked, and ar- ranged.

By a paper accompanying the Prints of Montgom- ery & Warren the other part of the ori^nal design is suspended, on account of the peculiarity of the times.

As I shall not write Brothr. TrumbEdl until I hear from you, the sooner you can malra it convenient to pve

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON a6i

me ^e information herein required, the more ^ireeable it will be.—

I enquire frequently after you, & with pleasure hear always that you enjoy good health. — Mrs. Washing- ton who is as well as usual, & Molly Custis who on my birthday (the sad instant) will change her name to that of Lewis) a nephew of mine, and brotiier to those who lived with me in New York & Philadelphia unite in best wishes & respectful compliments to Mrs. Trum- ball & yourself with

My dear Sir

Yr. Most Obedt. & Affecte. Servt.

G. Washington. To His Excbllt. Jonathan Tbuhball.

Mount Vernon 26th Peby. 1799 Sir,

The Colximbian Alphabet which you were so polite as to send me, came safe, and for which I pray you to accept my thanks. — It is curious, and if it oould be introduced, might be useful for the purposes proposed ; but it will be a work of time, it is to be feared, before it will be adopted generally. I am Sir Your most Obedt. Hble Servant G. Washington. Mr. Jaubs Ewing. .

Mount Vbrnon, 38th. Feb., 1799. Der. Sir,

The letter with which you were pleased to favour me, dated the first instant accompanjring in your thanks- givii% Sermon came duly to hand. —

For the latter I pray you to accept my thanks. — I have read it, and, the Appendix with pleasure; and, with the latter at least, could meet a more general dr-

963 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

culation than it probably will have, for it contains im- portant information, as Uttle known out of a small circle as the detrimentation of it would be useful, if spread throi^h the Community. — With great respect,

I am — Revd. Sir,

Your Most Obedt. Servant,

G. WASHmCTON.

To Revd. Mr. Jedidiah Morse.

Mount Vbrnon, Mar. i, 1799. Dear Sir,

I have been duly favoured with your letter of the nth ulto. from Roxbury, accompanying your Memoirs of the American War; which I accept, and dare say beforehand shall read, with pleasure, as soon as the bustle in which we now are engaged at the Wedding of our Granddaughter Miss Custis is over. —

If in doing it, occasion should be found to make any observations thereon, I shall avail myself of the lib- erty you allow me, to express my sentiments with the utmost candour and, freedom. — In the meanwhile, I pray you to accept my best thanks for the testimony of yoiu" friendship and politeness in sendit^ me the work so el^antly bound — Mrs. Washir^ton is thankful for your kind remembrance of her. — and with great esteem & regard — I am,

Dr. Sir,

Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servt.,

G. Washington. To Majr. Gbnl. William Heath.

Mount Vernon, 3d. Mar., 1799. Sir,

Mr. Anderson has shown me your letter of the 23d. ultimo, to him, with an estimate of the expence of build-

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 363

ing horse mills, differentiy constructed. — For the trouble you have taken in ibis business, I feel mysdf very much obliged.

A Mill grinding from 15 to 30 bushl. a day, with two horses, would nearly, if not entirely answer all my pur- poses; with the occasional aid of the water mill which in the driest seasons, grinds a little.

For this reason I prefer greatly your last plan — namely— fixing a mill to one of iixe tiireshing machines now erected ; if you are perfectly satisfied in yotir own mind that it will grind accordii^ to your estimate — even Hie smallest quantity t^t is 15 bushl. a day — and I prefer moreov^ annexing it to the machine at Union, as most central to the Farms, & more conven- ient on oliier accoimts. —

Havii^ thus determined, I am now to request, that you will purchase Mxe best pair of Cologn stones (men- tioned in your letter) and, if anythii^ else can be much better prepared at Richmond than here, to provide & send the whole round by the first conveyance: and be ready to come up yourself to put the whole together, so soon as you shall be advised of their arrival. —

Beii^ acquainted with the abilities of my tradesmen in their different lines, you know, of course, what they are capable of executing ; — and as materials of all sorts (witii a little previous notice) can be provided, and in the forwardness you may direct, on the spot, I am per- suaded you will run me to no other expence to obtain tiiem from Richmond than shall in your juc^ment, be essential. — ^You will please to advise me of the time I may expect you, & them.

With esteem — I am Sir —

Your Very Hble. Servt.,

G. Washington. To Mr. Williau Bookbr.

264 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vernon, 17th, Mar., 1799. Dear Sir,

In April, after you quit the Walks of Public life (1797.) I agreed with one George Ball for the Land I held in Gloucester County; on account of which, he made me a small payment of £200, or thereabouts ; — was to have paid about three hundred more the April following; and the bale, in two annual instalments thereafter. — Since which I have never seen Mr. Ball, nor have heard from him on this subject. — ^And what is still more extraordinary, I do not know whether he removed to the Land, or where he now lives ; conse- quently, do not know with certainty at what place to direct to him. —

This, my good Sir, must be my apology for givii^ you the trouble of the enclosed; in order, if he lives in Gloucester (on the land) that it may be forwarded to him; — if not, to be returned to — Dr. Sir

Yr. Most Obedt. Hble. Servant,

G. Washington. To John Page, Esq.

Mount Vbrnon, i8th. Mar., 1799. Dear Sir,

Colo. Thos Lee (of Londoun) is possessed, I am in- formed, of a tract of about 400 acres of Land within a mile of Colchester, which he is disposed to sell. —

Let me request the favour of you to describe it to me as acctuately as you can from your oam knowledge, or from the information of others on whose juc^^ment you can rely. —

In doii^ this, say what the kind & quality of the doil is; — ^whether level or brolon, — ^what the nature of the growth is; — ^what proportion is in wood; — ^how timbered; — ^what tenements are on it; — the condition of them; — ^whether much worn & gullied, or in good

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 265

heart; — and whether they are tenants at Will or on leases, & what kind of leases ; — with the kindof improve- ments. — How watered also. —

To this catalogue of enqttiries, permit me to ask, what, in your opinion, and the opinion of such as are acquianted witb the value & prices of land in that ne^bourhood, & situated as it is, it is worth in cash — also on credit, and what credit —

I will offer no apology for giving you the trouble to make these enquiries, but shall thank you for answering them; as I have an object in requestii^ this kindness from you — with esteem

I am — Dear Sir

Your Obedient Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Captn. Wm. Thompson.

Mount Vbrnon i8th Mar. 1799

Sir,

Yotir letter of the 1 5th. Ulto. came duly to hand, and I feel obliged by the pains you were at to obtain gold thread for the uniform suit you were requested to make and forward to me. — I am perfectly satisfied that nothing was left unattempted on your part to comply with my order.

This article (gold thread) being expected in the Spring Importations, you will provide what is good, and have the suit compleated (by skilful workmen) agreeably to former directions, and sent in the manner required in my last letter. — I am Sir Your Very Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. Mr. Jahbs McAlpin

366 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

MoDNT Vernon 35 Mar. 1799 Dear Sir,

The endosed came under cover to me a few days ago, and not knowing into whose hands better to {dace it than yours, I forward it to you accordingly. —

The doing so, furnishes an opportunity of condoling with you and the other friends of Mr. John Dandridge, on his death; an event I sincerely regretted. —

From the superscription, I know the enclosed letter is from your brother Bartholomew ; who, no doubt, has therein informed of his present situation; should I be mistaken however, in this conjecture, — ^he is now Secre- tary to our Minister (Mr. King) in London; — ^aPost as honourable, as it may ultimately prove advantageous to him in Us passage through life. — The family at this place are all well, and offer you there best wishes — With esteem I am — Dear Sir

Your Obedient & Hble. Servant. G. Washington. Mr. Julius Dandridge.

Mount Vernon ist. July 1799 GentUmen,

Prom my correspondent in Boston, I have (within these two days) received the bill of cost of Glass shipped from thence for my use — viz — $250.13 — and am advised that the amount is to be paid to your house.

Be so good therefore to advise me whether you have any acct. in Aleicandria to whom I shall pay the money? — or whether you would prefer having it re- mitted in a letter, in Bank Notes ? as there is no person in Baltimore City whom I give the trouble of doing business for Gentlemen

Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servt. G. Washington. Messrs. Solomon Cotton & Co. Mercht. Baltihobe.

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 367

Mount Vbrnon, 3d. July, 1799. Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 35th has been received; — ^but you have mistaken the case entirely with respect to the Asses who were sent to my Jacks ;--chaipng you nothing for the services of the latter, and not designed to lay you under obligation, but a feeble eflEOTt to repay the kindnesses you have heaped upon me.

Colo. Gilpin has forwarded the wrong box of glass to Baltimore, and soon will, I hope, receive the proper one in return. —

Enclosed is a check on the Bank of Alexandria for one thousand dollars agreeably to tiie demand of Mr. Blagden. — ^for the purpose of defraying the expenses in- ctured on my buildings in the Pedl. City.

With very great esteen & regard. I am — Dear, Your Obedt. & Hble. Servt.

G. Washington.

P. S. In the letter accompanying the glass from Boston-— the makers say "the Glass must be set con- vex out. " To WiLLM. Thornton. Esqr.

Mount Vbrnon, 31st. July 1799

Gentlemen,

Enclosed are the other half parts of the two htmdred and fifty dollars remitted in my letter of the loth. instant, together with half a dollar to make the siun charged for the glass from the manufactury at Boston.-

If yotir letter of tiie 13th. acknowledging the receipt of that from me dated lie ist. instant which had been written instead on the loth. which contained the parts of Bill, had taken the least notice of the contents of the letter, all doubt of their having reached you would have ceased, the mistake of dates notwithstanding. —

368 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

You will please to acknowledge the ^receipt of this money and the purpose for which it has been remitted by Gentlemen

Yotir most obedient servant

G. Washington. Solomon Cotton & Co.

Mount Vbrnon 7th Augt. 1799 Sir,

Your letter of the 5th instant was presented to me yesterday on my way home, and not read until I reached here.

As I have no concern in publishli^ my letters tmcon- nected with military a£fairs, so it it neither my wish or intention to interfere with them, if they do not relate to myself personally. — I have neither Doctor Thornton's letter nor my answer to it before me. I mean to ex- press no sentiments on either ; — or on the subject to which they aluded, further than that, a question was asked me to which I gave an answer from the best rec- ollection I had of the case.

Because you have requested, and inasmuch as I had no opportimity of dealing therewith while I was in the City, I now enclose yoiu letter to me of the above date to the Commissioners. The list transmitted us you will receive under this (»ver.

I am — Sir — Your most obedt. servt.

G. Washington. Hr. Geo. Walkbr.

Mount Vernon, 14th. Aug., 1799. Sir,

It is reported & generally believed that the Houses I am building in the Federal City are et^^ed to you. —

To your havii^ the houses I have no objection, nor should I have any to the prevalance of the report, if a

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 369

specific agreement had ever taken place. — But as this is not the case, and until it happens may, & doubtless will be injurious to me ; Inasmudi as they may prevent applications from others, it has become necessary that Utis matter should be clearly imderstood.

It is not my intention, nor is it my wish, on the one hand, to ask an unreasonable rent : — on the other hand, I am not disposed to be a loser by these buildings. — I have made the best enquiries my opportunities have aSoided, into the expectations of others with respect to Rents, & find none who are inclined to let their pro- perty in the Federal City or anywhere else indeed, for less than sev^i & an half pr. cent on the whole expend- iture: — to which they add the taxes thereof to that of Insurance against Fire. — Some, I am told, will not ac- cept of this as an equivalent Rent, because it will give them littie (if any more they say) than common interest for their money ; when it is well known tiiat the wear & tare if houses require much more. —

Upon the terms, however, herementioned (having no pecuniary inducement to build) you may become the occupant of my lots and the improvement thereon in the Federal City; — keeping them in repair as is cus- tomary ; and rests with you to say yea, or nay, to make it a bargain or otherwise. — ^The whole amount of the cost can, & shall be shown to the minutest fraction, to whomsoever is disposed to acceded to these terms ; — because the prices of the lots are known, & everything being new, the business ready, & can easily be shown to any one. —

ifou may reasonably, & justiy suppose that the lots were obtained upon the best terms, because building houses where the condition thereof ;— and because the materials were procured without credit, for I pay or demd. for them & theWorksmen's w^es. — ^All jarts of the work will I persuade myself, from the character of

270 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

the undertaker, be well executed, and in a neat & handsome but not a costly style. —

With this explanation & information you will be en- abled to give a definitive answer; — ^which I shall shortly expect, tiiat I may know whether to osnsider you as a Tenant or not.— -One of the Houses, by con- tract is to be finished in November next. — ^The other in March, following. —

I am — Sir

Yr. Very Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To Mr. John Francis

Mount Vernon, lytii Aug., 1799.

Dear Sir,

Yoiu" favor of the loth jnst. enclosii^ a letter from Mr. Veatch of the 7th. instant, came duly to hand. — The receipt of which ot^ht to have been socmer acknow- ledged as he appears to be waitii^ directions.

I am very well satisfied with the Rents of my part of Woodstock as they now stand ;— but if you, on consult- ing Mr. Veatch should be of opinion that they could be placed on a better footii^ now, or at any time hence, it would be equally agreeable to me that you should make the attention and shall be confirmed by. Dear Sir Your Most Obedient & Obligd. Servt

G. Washington. To Colo. Francis Dbakins.

Mount Vernon, 37th. Aug., 1799. Sir,

By my Servant Tom, I was favoured with your letter of the aist. instant.

I am persuaded that in the benefit which the nature of his case would advise he has, or will receive ixom

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 271

your treatment of the affliction under which he has been and if it is incurable he must be satisfied that I have neglected nothing to restore his spirit to him. —

It was an imposition to ask you for money, for I gave him more than stifficient to bear his expences down & up? — and impudent to say I had directed it. — ^A liberty I never should have thought of.

Your charge is extraordinarily moderate — and the amoimt is herein enclosed by, Sir

Your Most Obedient & Htmible Servant

G. Washington. To DocTR. William Batnhah.

Mount Vernon aSth. Augt. 1799 Gentlemen,

Monday's mail brought me the enclosed letter of the aand. Instant from Colo. Pickering. —

As it is more in your line than in mine, to give it the consideration which so interesting a subject merits ;- and as the field (hitherto so little cultivated) refers to the adoption of any plan which wisdom, sound policy & foresight may dictate, I take the liberty of transmit- ting it for your persual, being persuaded that the thought of any intelligent and well disposed person on a point of sudi importance to the wellbeing of a City which is designated to be the seat of Empire, cannot be aiy recMved by you.

With great esteem and regard I am Gentlemen

Your Most Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. The CoHMissroNBRs of the PBDERAL City.

Mount Vernon, 39th. Aug., 1799. Mr. Roberts, I have been much disappointed in not seeii^ you

272 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

according to promise — and more so from your silence.

My Miller's time as I informed you wotdd be the case, expired the lath. of this month; but rather than leave my mill to the care of n^ros, he has consented to re- main imtil this time; & will do so until the day after tomorrow, when he has ei^ged a waggon to remove him & his things to the place to which he is going — many miles from hence. —

I request to hear from you immediately, for it is better to know the worst of a thing, than to be held in suspence. I remain

Your friend

G. Washington. To Mr. Willh. Roberts.

Mount Vernon, 39th Augt 1799. Revd. Sir,

I have been duly favored with your letter of the 30th instant accompanying "The Philanthropist"

For your politeness in sending the latter, I pray you to receive my best thanks. — ^Much indeed is it to be wished that the sentiments contained in the Pamphlet, and the doctrine it endeavors to inculcate, were more prevalent. — Happy would it be for this country at least, if they were so. — But while the passions of mankind are under so little restraint as they are among us. — and while there are so many motives & views, to bring them into action we may wish for, but will never see the accomplishment of it. — With respect — I am-Revd. Sir Your Most Obedt. & Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To Rbvd. Mr. Mason Loceb Weems

Mount Vernon, 30th. Aug., 1799. Dear Sir, Althou£^ I have more than a sufi&cient deposit in the

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 273

Bank of Alexandria take up my note, yet, as I know also that there will be^calls upon me that may not con- veniently answered without tiiataid; — I have thought it advisable (as the 60 days has, or is about to expire) to renew it : — and will thank you for taking the neces- sary steps, to effect it accordingly. — ^With very great esteem and r^ard — I am Dear Sir —

Your Most Obedt. & AflEecte. Servt. To WiLLM. Hbrbbet, Esq. G. Washington.

Mount Vernon, ist. Septr., 1799. Dear Sir,

Your letter with its enclosure, was not received until after candlelight last night; — owing, I presume, to my not having sent to the Post Office on Friday: — rarely sendii^ oftener than every other day, for my letters & Papers. —

I have put my name to the enclosed note, although it ought to have been at the Bank yesterday; to be returned, or destroyed, as circumstances require. —

Tliis business of borrowing and disoiunt (as you will perceive) I am quite a novice in. — What I meant by renewing my note, was no more than, instead of taking it up, by applying so mtich of my deposit in Bank to this purpose in payment thereof to let it remain — so as that, this sum m^t be at my command, whether I adopted proper means to effect this end, you are the best judge. —

It is quite immaterial to me, whetiier the discount was made last week — ^this week or the nest — ^provided all thit^ are right with respect to the old note; which being for Sixty days I know ought to be paid at the end thereof, or renewed. — ^With this explanation of my in- tentions you will please to have, or cause to be done, what is proper on my part that I may not be brought into any unpleasant predicament at the Bank —

274 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

It is far from my intention, or wish, to saddle you with the expence of st^ps, and therefore pray to be charged with their cost, and to be told where, & in what manner I can be provided with others. — ^With very great esteem— I am — Dear Sir

Yr. Most Obedt. & Affecte. Servt.

G. Washington* To WiLLU. Herbert, Esq.

Mount Vernon, ist. Septr. 1799 Sir.

I have been duly honoiued with your favcn* of the 13th. of April from Falmouth accompanying what I presuade myself will (when opened) be found to be, a very fine Qieese; as all whidi I have had from you have proved.

For this additional evidence of your kind, and pohte attention to me, I pray you to accept my gratitude and thanks. —

Unsuccessful in my first attempt to get a few (Vir- ginia) Hams to you I am making another trial — through the medium of Messrs. Thompson & Veitch — and hope they will meet with a better fate than the last. —

For your obliging wishes respecting me I feel very sensible. — I reciprocate them cOTdially — and am Sir

Your obliged and

Most Obed. Hble. Servt.

Go. Washington. Mr. Wm. Haublt.

Mount Vernok Septr. tst. 1799 Sir,

I have duly received yotu" letter of the 12th. of August, together with the Oration delivered by you in Boston on the 17th. of July. —

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 275

I thank you for the very flatterii^ sentiments which you have expressed in your letter respecting myself, and I consider your sending me your Oration as a mark of polite attention which demands my best adcnowledgment; — and I pray you will be assured, that I am never more gratified than when I see the effusions of genius from some of the rising generation, which promises to secure our National ra^ in the literary world, and trust their firm, manly and patriotic conduct will ever maintain it with dignity in the Political.

I am Sir

Very respectfully

Your Most Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. Mr. Thomas {aftenuard Robert Treat) Paine

Mount Vbrnon nth. Sep. 1799 Dear Sir,

The 3oth. of this month — ^when Mr. Blagden would require an advance of a thousand dollars — being near at hand — and Mr. (Thomas) Peter affording a good and safe opportunity to remit it — I enclose for this purpose a chedc cm the Bank of Alexandria, to that amount.

Mr. Peter informs me that his brother has

Ironmongery of a good quality, which he wants to dispose of, ^id would sell cheap. — I pray you therefore to inform Mr. Blagden of this circumstance, — request him to examine it, — and if of the kind & quality he requires & to be had on good terms to supply himself therefrom, and at the foot of the Invoice to draw upon me for the amount; which shall be immediately paid. With great esteem & regard

I am Dear Sir

Your Most Obedt. Servt. WiLLH. Thornton Esqr, G. Washington, "

376 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vbrnon sad. Sepr. 1799 Dear Sir,

Your letter of the i6th. instt. has been received, mfonnii^ me of the death of my brother.

The death of near relatives always produce awful, and affectum emotions, tmder whatsoever circum- stances it may happen. — That of my brother's has been so long expected, — and his later da;rs so tmcom- fortable to himself, must have prepared all around him for the stroke, though painful in the effect.

X was the first and now the last of my Cither's Children by the second marriage who remain. — ^When I will be c^ed upon to follow is known only to the giver of life. — ^When the summcms comes I shall en- deavor to obey with a good grace. — ^Mrs. Washii^ton has been and still is very much indisposed — ^but joins with me in best wishes for you & Mrs. Ball and fomily. — With great esteem & regard

I am — Dear Sir — ^Your affect. Servt. G. Washington. Coix). Burgess Ball.

Mount Vbrnon aand. Septr. 1799 Dear Sir,

Your letter of the i6th. Instant came to my hands by the last post. I learn with regret the cause of General [Charles Cotesworth] Pinckney's visit to Rhode Island. Prom the accounts of his Lady's health by Brigr. Genl. Washington, it is to be feared her case is dangerous.

I am sorry to hear that the Recruiting Service, in the district to which you were assigned, progresses so slowly. — It was conjectured beforehand that you would have many difficulties to encounter there. — ^The result therefore, is not a matter of surprise.

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 377

Until you are requested to join the General Officer to whose person you are attached, — or directed by him to remain Stationary for the purpose of receiving, & executing his orders, I conceive it will be best on you to obey the orders of yoiu" Colonel.

Mr. Lear left this a few da^ ago for the air of the Mountains. — Mrs. Washington has been much in- disposed but joins in greeting you with

Dr. Sir— Yr. Obedt. Servt. G. Washington. Capt. Prbsly Thornton.

Mount Vbrnon, 25th Sept., 1799. Sir,

Yotu" letter of the and. instt. came duly to hand ; — but previous thereto, I had written to t/ir. Francis of Philadelphia, (who report had ei^^ed the houses to, X was building in the Federal City) to have in explicit terms whether he meant to take them, or not, on the conditions lofiered them, — 'namely — Seven and an half per sent on the whole cost; — to which, taxes, if any and Insurance gainst fire, were to be added. — On lower terms, no person in the Pedl. City, or elsewhere that I could hear of woidd let — ; a but few who would sell on tiiese, as it was but little more than l^:al and common interest of money when it is well known that the wear & of houses required much more. —

I have waited imtil now, to name Mr. Francis's an- swer, without hearing from him; which has been the cause of my not replying to your letter sooner. — If his answer is detained much longer, I shall feel myself under no obligation to prefer him, because he was the first applicant, for them. —

Although my house, or houses(for they may be one or two as occasion requires) are X believe, upon a large scale than any in the vicinity of the Capital, yet they.

»78 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

£aU far short of your wishes.— The largest room, and that occasionally made so, is not more than a foot in let^th.^The houses are three fltish stories of Brick, besides Garret rooms: — and in the judgment of those better acquainted in these matters than I am, capable of accommodatii^ between twenty & thirty boarders. — The buildings are not costly, but elegantly plain. — and the whole cost — at a pretty neat guess — ^may be be- tween fifteen and sixteen thousand dollars. — I am Sir Your very Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To Mr. John Avbrt.

Mount Vernon 3otb. Septr. 1799 Sir,

I ought to b^in this letter with an apology for having neglected to do, what should have been done long ago, that is — ^to remit the balance due on my subsciipticm for Mr. Trumbull's Prints. —

The truth is — ^that by waiting awhile for the im- packing of my papers to see if any thing would be found elucidative of my payment on this .occasion, the thing had escaped me altogether, and occured again by accident.

I now find that on the 5th of April 1790, I paid to John TrumbtiU, Esqr. twelve guineas, which is entered in my Books as being one half of the subscription for ■ four copies of two prints to be published by him. — This, I presume, was paid at the time of my subscribing ; and as you observe in yoiu- letter of the 26tix. of March, ttiat the other half of the subscription money was to be paid on delivery of the prints, I enclose you a check on the Bank of Pennsylvania for twelve guineas more — say fifty six dollars — ^for which sum, when you shall

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 379

have received it, I pray you to advise me, specifying in the receipt, the purpose for which it was paid. I am Sir

Your Obedt. Hble. Servant

Go. Washington. Me. J08BPH Anthony

Mount Vernon, i8th. Nov., 1799. Gentlemen,

Your letter of the 13th. instt. and its enclosure, did not reach my hands until Saturday momii^. —

Enclosed you will find a check on the Bank of Col- umbia, for my dividend on stock in that Bank, for the last half year. — Not knowing precisely, what percent- age it drew, I am tmcertain whether it will exceed, or fall short of your demand on me, for ihe ad. Instalment on lot. No. 16, in the City. — If the latter, please to in- fonnone of the deficiency and the amount shall be trans- mitted in Bank notes. — With great esteem & r^ard, I am Gentlemen,

Your Most Obedt. Hble. Servt.,

G. Washington. To The Coumissionbrs op Thb Pbdbral Citt.

Mount Vbrnon, i8th Novr., 1799. Dear Sir,

Your favour of the isthinstt. came duly to hand. — I am now making arrat^ements at the Bank of Alex- andria for obtaining money. — When this is accom- plished I will forward a check on that Ba n k for the $1000 required by Mr. Blagden, & hope it will be in time to answer his purposes. —

I have no objection for Mr. Blagden's frequent calls for money but Z fear the work which is not enumerated in the Contract wiUi him, is pretty smartly whipped up in the price of it. — I had no expectation (for instance)

38o LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

that a well little more than 30 feet deep, was to cost me upwards of £70. — I may, however, have misconceived the matter from ignorance of the usual rates. — With great esteem & r^ard — I am — Dr. Sir

Yr. Obedt. Hble. Servt.-

G. Washington. To WiLLM. Thornton, Esq.

Mount Vernon, 20th. Novr., 1799. Sir,

Your favotir of the 15th. instant, in answer to my letters of the 9th & 8th & addressed to the Surveyor General of the Land Office (wch. proves the necessity there was for my plea of ignorance) came duly to hand, with the Land Office Treasury warrants for yotir obl^- ing attention to which, I pray you to accept my thanls.

Perceiving by yoiu- letter that Willm. Shepherd has made a Survey, & returned it to your Office, similar in some respects to my proposed Entry; and believing that it must have b^n done unknowingly to those who have lands adjoirm^, — and comprehends land always reputed to be mine; and so understood by all the neighbourhood thereabts. X request the favour of you to furnish me witii a copy of the Survey & Plat, that I maybe enabled thereby to investigate the matter more fully. — ^Until which, I must b^ that this letter may be considered as a covent ^;ainst a Grant thereof to Wm. Shepherd.

If the rules & Proceedings in your Office require a more formal protest against such issue, I must rely on ycmr goodness to advice me, for having had very KtUe to do with the local Laws of the State since the Revo- lution, & not having those passed since that period by me, I may be mistaken in tiiis, as in my former appli- cation. —

Enclosed is a five dollar Bill: — ^if it be insufficient to

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 381

cover the expense of the Land Warrant, — Copy of Shepherd's Survey, — and tiie Protest gainst a C^ant issuing thereon you will please to advice.

As another proof of my unacquaintedness in this business my expectation was, that the Entry Z pro- posed to malffi would have covered a/Z the land within the described location, — ^but the warrant fix it, I per- ceive, to 100 acres only. — It may be more or it may be kess; and cannot be ascertained until, the Survey is made. — I should not like to be fixed to the above quantity, if the vacant land exceeds it. — I am Sir — Your Most Obedient and Very Hble. Servant

G. Washington. To WiLLM. Price, Esq.

Mount Vbrnon, 30th. Nov., 1799. Dear Sir,

When I wrote to you the other day, I expected to have settled matters with the Bk. of Alexandria so as to have been enabled to have sent you, for Mr. Blagden's use, a check thereon for $1000. — But not being well enough acquainted with the rules of the Bank, I suf- fered what are called discount days, to pass over be- fore I applied ; for which reason the business there must remain over tmtil after Tuesday of next week.

But, if to do this will be attended with any incon- venience to Mr. Blagden, and he will be at the trouble of riding, or sending any person down here, competent to receive the money — ^Mr. Lewis, who has it by him, will lend me that sum, and it shall be paid of this I would thank you for informing Mr. Bk^den. With esteem &ca.,

I remain Yr. Obedt. Servt.

G. Washington. To WiLLU. Thornton, Esq.

28a LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

Mount Vernon 23rd. Novr. 1799. Gentlemen,

Your letter of the 19th. was reed, yesterday. — If my attendance at Mr. Heiskell's in Alexandria on the 26th. could render 3rou any real service, I would do it with pleasure. —

But all that I could relate would be hearsay whilst means exist, to obtain (I presume) positive proofs of the facts you wish to establuh.

With respect to the division of the tract of (What you call) 51,30a acres, I am as ignorant as any man whom you might pick up, by chance in the Streets of Alex- andria. —

I believe Mr. Jno. West, deceased, was one of the Patentee' in the large Survey of the Mo. of the Great Kanhawa ; — ^but to this fact I would give no positive evidence: — ^for after being at the whole trouble, and the greater part of the expence to obtain a recognition of the original grant of 200,000 Acres; — and being compelled, very improperly I did think, and always have thought, to take it in twenty Surveys, the Govenunent and Council found themselves, by this act (which was protested against) under the necessity of jumbling a number of names into the same Patent, in order to give each claimant according to his grade, & the ratio they had alloted him the gth (?) allowed, — whereas if the privilege of locating that quality, within the District which they had assigned for this purpose had been given to each Claimant, it would have prevented all the difficulties, and perplexities which have ensued, to the inconvenience of all, and entire loss of the land to some. —

But thtis the matter was ordered, by that body, — after which, and the issuing of the Patents consequent thereof, my Agency ceased; and I concerned myself

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 283

with no other part of the land than was assigned me, & such as I purchased thereafter of others. —

With respect to the decision of the tract you allude to, — so far am I from knowing that it was made according to law, that I do not know it was ever made ; — and as to the issue of Mr. Jno. West, I am entirely imaoiuainted, otherwise than by report; — ^never having been in his house, that I recollect, more than once — and that over 30 years ago— and 25 of which but little in this state. — I am Gentn.

Your very Hble. Servant

G. Washington. Messrs. Hbpburn & Dundas.

Mount Vbrnon, ist. Deer., 1799. Sir,

In answer to yoiu: letter of the 37th ulto. — If you have no vessel passing below this (from whence the Sugar could be I^ided with very little trouble or delay) I request that it may be deposited at Colo. Gilpin's, in Alexandria.^

Let the cask in which it is packed, be well secured, — the sugars hitherto had from you, has, sometimes, fallen short in we^ht. — I am Sir

Your Very Hble. Servant

G. Washington.

^,<&<K>./^L<«^ / ,0^.^^

■52*^.

•^ .&■&■!■. »^ / ^ i t ' X my

GEORGE WASHINGTON 285

Mount Vernon, ad. Deer., 1799. Sir,

I have been duly favoured with your letter of the 2 5th ulto. enclosing a copy of the Survey made for William Shepherd, for four & three quarter acres, and the form of 3 Carrate against the issuing a Patent therefor.

I cannot from the Survey, discover with presision where this land lyes, and tbn^ore shall give no further opposition to the Grant of it. — If it be, where I suspect it is within the bounds of a Patent under which I hold, of more than sixty years' standing — of course, cannot effect it. —

I am sorry that I have given you so much trouble in this business, at the same time that I feel obliged by the promprt and ready advice you have been so kind as to give me for the prosecution of it. From what I had heard of Shepherd's Survey, I conceived diflEerently of its object. —

I am Sir —

Your Obedt Hble. Servt.

G. Washington. To WiLLM. Pmcb, Esq.

Mount Vbrnon, ad. Deer. 1799 Dear Sir,

Since you mentioned the Plaster of Paris which was for sale in Richmond, (but after you left this) it oc- curred to me that as it was not a saleable article with you it might be my cheapest mode to purchase there to supply my wants of this article next jrear on my Farms around me. —

Permit me, for this reason, to ask the favour of you to team from the Gentleman who has it for sale, — what quantity he has ? — the lowest price he would take for it by the ton (the whole being purchased) there? — and what delivered at my landing? — As a Merchant, ac-

286 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

quainted with Navigation, he will be at no loss to know at what freight it could be delivered here.

A Gentleman now in Alexandria is endeavouring to obtain Subscribers for a vessel load from Nova Scotia; the terms I have not learned ; — but if that in Richmond be good, and had as low, I should prefer because it is al- ready in the Country, and the risques of the Sea avoided. —

All, however, depends upon its being of the true sort for withotit this, it would be as useless for the purpose intended, as pebble stcmes.— There are two colours of it — one has a greyish — ^the other a btewish cast; — ^the latter I think is prefered; but both are good when perfectly free from grit, or sand; — having any of the latter is a proof of its baseness. — ^The best criterion for ascertaining its property, is, by putting the fine powder of the plaster, into a sldllet or Pot without moisture, — the good will swell, or rise up; the bad will remain dead, & motionless. —

I would thank you for sending me (if to be had) two Raized leather hats such as your Postilions wore, and of that size. — Accompany them with the cost, and the money shall be rranitted in a bank note. — I am in no immolate want of them ; an occasional, or water trans- portation (directed to the home of Colo. Gilpin in Alexa.) will do. —

I hope you got down safe. — Our Comps. to Mrs. Carrington. — I am always — Dear Sr

Your A£recte. and Obedt.

G. Washington. To Colo. (Edward) Carrington.

Mount Vernon, 35th June. 1798. Dear Sir,

You will perx^ve by the enclosed in what manner I am disapptnnted in receivit^ the Rent for my house in

OF GEORGE WASHINGTON 387

Alexandria. These things put you, the payer & my- self in an awkward situation, for it must seem strange to demand what has been paid. I must therefore re- quest, in explicit terms, that you will receive no more monies due to me, and I should be glad to have a state- ment of the % as it stands between us, since the last was rendered, — ^it appearing by information, from my Collector in Montgomery County, Maryland, that some parts of my Rents there, had been paid to you since the period above mentioned.

I have not the smallest doubt of my being credited for every farthing you receive — on my % — ^but that does not remedy the evil. With sincere esteem and retard — I am Yr Affe

Go Washington Mr. Lear. [Washington Papers, Library of Congress]

Mount Vernon, 36th June, 1798. Dear Sir,

Mr. Anderson requesting that the boy who was going to the Post Office yesterday, might call & deliver a letter to yon, from him, concemii^ flour. — ^Availing myself of that conveyance, I sat down, and was in the act of writing the hasty lines you received from me by him, when I was stunmoned to dinner. In my hurry to dose and Seal it, I omitted the enclosure then re- fered to, and which is now forwarded.

I can only repeat, what I mentioned yesterday, that I never had the most distant suspicion that every far- thing that you had received, or might receive on my %, would be jtistly credited, but this wiU not supply my wants, and it would be imcandid and inconsistent wiUi the frankness of friendship, not to declare that I have not approved nor cannot approve, of havit^ my money received and applied to uses notmyown,witiioutmy

388 LETTERS AND RECOLLECTIONS

consent, and even without advice of it; which, among other improprieties of the measure, involves the awk- ward, and unpleasant consequences mentioned in my letter of yesterday.

You must be too well acquainted with the product of my Farms, & the expence I live at, to need information that my income, arising from tiiem, would not meet my expenditures, and that, bad it not been for monies arising firom the Sale of Lands, my business must have stopped, or my embarrassments at this moment would have been great and in this last resourse, I have met with disappointments, for of three — nay four — Instal- ments for different tracts of land, now & sometime since due, I see no likelihood of receiving a shilling.

I do not bring these facts to your view with inten- tion of reminding you of your Debt to me. On the contrary, take your own time, & convenience, to pay it, — but let the whole % be settled, that I may see, and know the precise statement of the Balance between us. With the greatest esteem & friendship, I remain Your Aflectionate

G. Washington Mr. Lbar [Washington Papers, Library of Congress.]

MouKT Vernon, 4th July 1798 Dear Sir,

I have received your letter and % of the 2d Inst, and presume it is all right. I wish however you had chained the Scow, & given credit, for the articles had from Mr. Anderson, as it was my wish to have seen a complete state of it.

The thousand dollars lent, was not on usury; and therefore I desire it may be struck out of your ^, as I shall do it out of mine, when it comes to be entered in my Ledger. — I mean the Interest, which you have

OP GEORGE WASHINGTON 289

given me credit for — $60 — And it is not my desire, as I mentioned in my former letter, that you shotdd put yourself to any inconvenience in paying the principal.

I have been so much et^aged for the few days, past, tiiat I have been tmable to look into any accoimts whatever, of coiuse, I cannot now say what has been chaiged to me, as paid to you. I reosUected however, that this was plead, when my Collector in Maryland was called upon for my Rents.

My Papers are yet in such a jumble, that I know not where, readily to look for your former % ; but it dwells upcr.! my Memory that in that, I was charged with £$0 paid the Trusted of the Academy in Alexandria — ^if I am r^ht in this, the Treasurer thereof has received a year's annuity more than the School is entitled to. Reference to your Books, if you have them by you, or to the % rendered to me when I come across it, will decide the matter at once.

With very great esteem and respect I am Dear Sir

Your affectionate

G. Washington Mr Lear [From the Washington Papers, Library of Congress.]